cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Processes and Marital Satisfaction: Research, Theories and Clinical Implications

Cognitive models of marital distress have received increasing attention. There are four major goals of this paper: (1) to review the prominent cognitive theories of marital distress and corresponding empirical data; (2) to provide theoretical integration; (3) to discuss the adjunctive use of cognitive interventions with behavioural marital therapy and outcome studies assessing the efficacy of cognitive clinical applications with couples; (4) to suggest future clinical and research directions.
A Lifespan View on Modulation of Peripersonal and Extrapersonal Reach Space via Tool Use

Purpose: This study examined lifespan characteristics associated with tool use in the modulation of peripersonal and extrapersonal space. Methods: Three age groups: Children (7-12 years), Young Adults (19-23 years), and Older Adults (65-92 years) were presented with two experiments using an estimation of reach paradigm involving arm and tool conditions and a switch-block of the opposite condition. Results: Experiment 1 tested Arm and Tool (20 cm length) estimation and switch-block conditions (from Arm to Tool and Tool to Arm) and found a significant effect for Age and Condition ( ps < . 05). Post-hoc analysis for Age indicated that children were significantly less accurate than young and older adults. Analysis for condition revealed significant differences for the Arm Switch-Block condition (Retraction) when compared to Tool and Arm estimations. Experiment 2 was similar to Experiment 1 with the exception of using a 40 cm length tool. Results were analogous to those found in Experiment 1. Conclusion: Considered together, these results hint that: (1) the ability to be as accurate when estimating reach with a tool and arm is present across the lifespan, (2) development and decline of action representation follow distinct paths, and (3) retraction of space seems to be more difficult than extension.
Preliminary Simulation of the Flow in the Root Canal Using New Irrigation Needle

The main purpose of this paper is to explore the possibility of using a new irrigation device to achieve the goals of root canal preparation for endodontic procedures. A secondary goal is to introduce the never before used physical approach of two-phase, two-component irrigation flow in the root canal. Our simulation results show great efficiency of the irrigation procedure in terms of the irrigant volume fraction and wall shear stress at the wall of the root canal over entire working length.
Wet Chemical Synthesis of Germanium Nanocrystals

Supercritical CO2 (sc-CO2) was first time utilized to make germanium (Ge) nanocrystals by thermolysis of diphenylgermane (DPG) or tetraethylgermane (TEG) with octanol as capping ligand at 500°C and 27.6 MPa. A new approach to prepare Ge nanocrystals of high chemical yield by reduction of GeI2 with LiAlH4 in trioctylphosphine (TOP) at 300°C is also presented. In both cases, Ge nanoparticles with high crystallinity were observed with high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and the presence of Ge was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. Compared to the supercritical organic solvents investigated in the previous study to make Ge nanoparticles, the reaction in sc-CO2 produced much less organic contaminants and made the removal of by-products and cleaning of the nanocrystals much easier. While Ge nanoparticles were synthesized in sc-CO2 with DPG and octanol, bulk Ge instead of nanoparticles was obtained without the presence of CO2 at the same concentration of DPG and octanol. High chemical yield of up to 75% was achieved for the Ge nanoparticles made from GeI2 with TOP, and only minimal cleaning is required to obtain Ge nanocrystals with high purity.
Joint Wireless Charging and Sensor Activity Management in Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks

Recent studies show that the novel wireless charging technology can extend the lifetime of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) towards perpetual operations. Recharging Vehicles (RVs) can be applied in WSNs to recharge sensors conveniently via wireless charging devices. Most of existing work focused only on energy replenishment whereas ignored sensor activity management. In this paper, we propose a new framework that can jointly schedule sensor activity and recharging to save the traveling energy of RVs. First, we propose two schemes to manage sensor activity: balanced clustering and distributed sensor activation schemes. We further introduce a new metric so that the energy demand in each cluster can be managed. Then we formulate the recharging problem into a Traveling Salesman Problem with Profits, which is NP-hard. For the recharging route schedule, we first study the case of a single RV by coordinating sensor activity and energy replenishment, and then extend it to multiple RVs using two different schemes. The first scheme focuses on reducing traveling distance of RVs by confining their moving scopes and the second one improves the overall system performance by giving RVs a global view over the entire network. Finally, we validate the correctness and evaluate the performance of the sensor activity management schemes along with the recharging algorithms by extensive simulations. Our results indicate that significant reduction on system cost can be achieved. The sensor activity management schemes can save traveling energy of RVs by 16% while maintaining a reliable detection on targets. Compared with a simple greedy algorithm, the first and the second recharging schemes can save 41% and 13% traveling distance of RVs, and reduce nonfunctional nodes by 23% and 52%, respectively.
Increased renal pressor activity (renin) in sodium deficient rats and correlation with juxtaglomerular cell granulation.

SummaryPressor activity (renin) and degree of granulation of juxtaglomerular cells (JGI) of kidneys from normal and sodium-deficient rats were measured. Pressor activity was increased in sodium-deficient animals and correlated (r = 0.80) with degree of granulation of JG cells.
The Capitalist Economy as a Credit Economy

Since excessive credit expansions have preceded many deep downturns, particularly important is an understanding of finance, the credit creation process and banking, which in a modern economy are markedly different from the way envisioned in more traditional models.
Coronary bypass surgery

It would be surprising indeed if the concept of improving the circulation of the heart muscle by surgical means were immediately accepted by the great majority of the medical profession. Acceptance has been won gradually because individual physicians have been able to see the good results in their patients who have undergone such a procedure and because physicians have been made aware of the low associated morbidity and mortality. Evidence is accumulating that lives can be prolonged as well as improved in quality by such factors as return to gainful employment.The papers in this symposium tell how and why myocardial revascularization works. They are well worth the careful attention of every physician, whether he or she believes in the efficacy of this technique or not, since many of us will inevitably have to deal with myocardial infarction and ischemia ourselves.
Detrimental Role of Excess Adenosine-Mediated 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate Induction in Erythrocyte Sickling and Novel Mechanism-Based Therapies.

Abstract 906 Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a devastating inherited hemolytic disorder due to a single missense mutation in the β-globin gene resulting in the production of hemoglobin S (HbS). Despite our knowledge of the molecular defect in HbS, we remain unable to control HbS polymerization and erythrocyte sickling under hypoxic conditions, which are central to the pathophysiology of the disease. Methods and Results: Here we report that adenosine, a cellular metabolite that is well known to be induced under hypoxic/ischemic conditions, is increased in the blood circulation of patients with SCD and in SCD transgenic (Tg) mice. To our surprise, we found that adenosine contributes to hypoxia-induced sickling of cultured erythrocytes from humans with SCD. Next, to evaluate the pathogenic role of increased adenosine in erythrocyte signaling in vivo , we took advantage of SCD transgenic (Tg) mice, a well accepted animal model of SCD. Intriguingly, treatment of SCD Tg mice with polyethylene glycol-modified adenosine deaminase (PEG-ADA) enzyme therapy to lower circulating adenosine levels reduced sickling and attenuated multiple tissue damage (including lung, kidney, liver and spleen) seen in SCD Tg mice. These findings revealed a previously unrecognized role for excess adenosine in sickling and the progression to multiple life-threatening complications. Next, by screening erythrocytes for small metabolites that are induced by adenosine and may contribute to sickling, we determined that 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), an erythroid specific metabolite known to promote O 2 release from Hb, is elevated in erythrocytes of both SCD Tg mice and humans. Using both pharmacological and genetic approaches, we demonstrated that adenosine-mediated 2,3-DPG induction is through A 2B receptor signaling and that this signaling pathway is a major contributor to hypoxia-induced erythrocyte sickling. Conclusion and Significance: Overall, we have identified for the first time that elevated adenosine induces 2,3-DPG via A 2B R signaling and contributes to sickling in both human and mouse with SCD. Thus, our studies provide strong support for the new concept that adenosine-mediated 2,3-DPG induction is beneficial for normal erythrocytes by promoting O 2 release from Hb to hypoxic tissues. However, for SCD patients, the beneficial effect of adenosine-mediated 2,3-DPG induction becomes detrimental by inducing erythrocyte sickling due to 2,3-DPG mediated increased O 2 release and increased deoxyHbS polymerization. Our findings reveal a novel therapeutic possibility to treat and prevent sickling and progression to multiple life-threatening complications by targeting on the adenosine signaling pathway. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Diagrams benefit symbolic problem-solving

Completed for the Honors Program in Psychological Sciences, this thesis investigates how presenting diagrams alongside algebra equations can improve students' equation-solving accuracy.
Current trends on 2D materials for photonics devices: an NSF perspective (Conference Presentation)

Recent advancements in two-dimensional (2D) materials have opened significant research opportunities in optics and photonics. While the initial focus on 2D materials was on Graphene, new generation of 2D materials such as hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), monolayer black phosphorous (BP) and other monolayer structures have shown unique electrical and optical properties. For example, h-BN is an insulator, while monolayers of some TMDCs such as MoS2 and WSe2 are direct band-gap semiconductors. Depending on the choice of material compositional and layer variations their optical properties can be engineered, making them particularly attractive as novel light sources, photodetectors, modulators and photovoltaic components, in particular for few photon applications. Plasmonic properties of 2D materials make them suitable for nanophotonics and monolithic integration with other conventional materials. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is a US federal agency dedicated to promote progress of science and engineering. NSF is the funding source for approximately 24 percent of all federally supported basic research conducted by America's colleges and universities. NSF has recently supported several initiatives related to novel 2D material and device research. In this talk, I will first give an overview of the NSF programs and funding opportunities. The second part of the talk will be focused on the programs related to 2D materials for photonic devices and program specific initiatives. Several highlights of the recent achievements and awards in the field of 2D materials for photonic devices will be presented.
Comparing glaucomatous disc change using stereo disc viewing and the MatchedFlicker programme in glaucoma experts and trainees

Background/aims The objective of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and speed of trainees and experienced glaucoma specialists using the MatchedFlicker software against the manual examination of stereoscopic disc photographs for detecting glaucomatous optic disc change. Methods Three experienced glaucoma specialists, two resident ophthalmologists and one glaucoma fellow from multiple institutions independently evaluated the same 140 image pairs from 100 glaucomatous/ocular hypertensive eyes using a handheld stereo viewer and the MatchedFlicker programme. Fifty had progression to glaucoma as determined by the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) Optic Disc Reading Group and endpoint committee, and 50 more were negative controls for progression with photos taken a few minutes apart. Twenty photo pairs from each of the two groups were duplicated for reviewer variability analysis. The initial viewing method was randomised and then alternated for each group of 70 image pairs. Reviewer accuracy and evaluation time for each method were measured. Results Evaluators averaged 8.6 s faster per image pair (26%) with the MatchedFlicker programme than with the stereo viewer (p=0.0007). Evaluators correctly identified more image pairs when using the MatchedFlicker software over the stereo viewer (p=0.0003). There was no significant difference between the expert and trainee group in speed or overall accuracy for either method. Experts were significantly more consistent than trainees with the duplicate image pairs (p=0.029). Trainees appeared more reluctant to designate eyes as showing glaucoma progression than experts. Conclusions Both expert glaucoma specialists and ophthalmologists in various stages of training had greater accuracy and speed with the MatchedFlicker programme than with a handheld stereoscopic viewer.
Exploring the relationship between textual characteristics and rating quality in rater-mediated writing assessments: An illustration with L1 and L2 writing assessments

Abstract Numerous researchers have explored the degree to which specific textual characteristics of student compositions are associated with high and low ratings, as well as differences in these relationships across subgroups of students (e.g., English language learners). These studies provide insight into rater judgments and the development of writing proficiency. However, the degree to which textual characteristics are associated with the psychometric quality of ratings is relatively unexplored. This study illustrates a procedure for exploring the influence of textual characteristics of essays on rating quality in the context of rater-mediated writing performance assessments in order to gain a more-complete understanding of rating quality. Two illustrative datasets are used that reflect writing assessments for native English speakers and English language learners. The CohMetrix software program was used to obtain measures of textual characteristics, and the Partial Credit model was used to obtain indicators of rating quality. The relationship between essay features and rating quality was explored using correlation and profile analyses. Results suggested that rating quality varies across essays with different features, and the relationship between rating quality and essay features is unique to individual writing assessments. Implications are discussed as they relate to research and practice for rater-mediated writing assessments.
Ranges of Injury Risk Associated with Impact from Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

Regulations have allowed for increased unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations over the last decade, yet operations over people are still not permitted. The objective of this study was to estimate the range of injury risks to humans due to UAS impact. Three commercially-available UAS models that varied in mass (1.2–11 kg) were evaluated to estimate the range of risk associated with UAS-human interaction. Live flight and falling impact tests were conducted using an instrumented Hybrid III test dummy. On average, live flight tests were observed to be less severe than falling impact tests. The maximum risk of AIS 3+ injury associated with live flight tests was 11.6%, while several falling impact tests estimated risks exceeding 50%. Risk of injury was observed to increase with increasing UAS mass, and the larger models tested are not safe for operations over people in their current form. However, there is likely a subset of smaller UAS models that are safe to operate over people. Further, designs which redirect the UAS away from the head or deform upon impact transfer less energy and generate lower risk. These data represent a necessary impact testing foundation for future UAS regulations on operations over people.
Direct Measurement of S-Nitrosothiols with an Orbitrap Fusion Mass Spectrometer: S-Nitrosoglutathione Reductase as a Model Protein

Recent studies suggest cysteine S-nitrosation of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) could regulate protein redox homeostasis. "Switch" assays enable discovery of putatively S-nitrosated proteins. However, with few exceptions, researchers have not examined the kinetics and biophysical consequences of S-nitrosation. Methods to quantify protein S-nitrosothiol (SNO) abundance and formation kinetics would bridge this mechanistic gap and allow interpretation of the consequences of specific modifications, as well as facilitate development of specific S-nitrosation inhibitors. Here, we describe a rapid assay to estimate protein SNO abundance with intact protein electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Originally designed using recombinant GSNOR, these methods are applicable to any purified protein to test for or further study nitrosatable cysteines.
Neurovascular Dysfunction With BBB Hyperpermeability Related to the Pathophysiology of Major Depressive Disorder

Abstract For decades, standard treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) has been antidepressants based on the monoaminergic dysregulation hypothesis . However, one-third of patients with MDD fail at least two antidepressants within the first year of treatment. Clinical and experimental evidence suggests a multifactorial etiology, emphasizing the need for important paradigm shifts in the neurobiology of depression extending beyond a “chemical imbalance.” The mechanistic link between neurovascular unit dysfunction with blood-brain barrier (BBB) hyperpermeability to neuroinflammation and oxidative stress is well documented in many neurological disorders associated with depression, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain injury, and epilepsy. Although neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are implicated in the neurobiology of MDD, evidence of associated neurovascular dysfunction with BBB hyperpermeability is less conclusive. We provide a theoretical integration of human and experimental data suggesting that neurovascular unit dysfunction with BBB hyperpermeability may occur in MDD and development of novel treatments aimed at reversing these abnormalities may prove to be effective.
Physics design of the next-generation spallation neutron target-moderator-reflector-shield assembly at LANSCE

Abstract We discuss the physics design of the next-generation spallation neutron target-moderator-reflector-shield (TMRS) assembly for the Manuel Lujan Jr. Neutron Scattering Center (Lujan Center) at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). We developed this TMRS to improve the neutronic performance of the Lujan Center in the intermediate energy range (keV–MeV) enabling a variety of new nuclear physics experiments, as well as increasing the quality of the ongoing experiments. The results of our Monte Carlo optimization study indicate that the new TMRS will generate keV–MeV neutrons with higher intensity and improved time resolution. At the same time, the new design largely maintains its current performance in the cold and thermal ranges supporting materials research. In this article we show that the new TMRS has the potential to enhance the Lujan Center’s experimental capability in a wider interval of energies – cold to intermediate – after its scheduled installation in 2020.
Evaluating Preparation Programs for Physical Education and Health Education Teachers

Preparation programs for physical education and health education teachers have been shaped and improved by what Bain (1990, p. 758) calls “generic research on teaching and teacher education.” Physical education teacher education (PETE) and health education teacher education (HETE) programs are based on different domains of knowledge, but they do share a common heritage, some similar goals and content, and are often located in the same administrative unit. In most states teachers of physical education and teachers of health education are licensed separately. A few states, however, continue to offer a dual physical and health education teaching credential (i.e., Pennsylvania and Tennessee). This issue will be discussed in greater detail later. One common aspect of the two programs is that, as with all teacher preparation programs, they must be evaluated at regular intervals.
Strontium Storage and Release During Deposition and Diagenesis of Marine Carbonates Related to Sea-Level Variations

By virtue of their high content of aragonite, that contains ∼5,000×10−6 g/g strontium, biogenic carbonates that accumulate as shallow-water reef and shelf limestones serve as a major sink and source of strontium in the ocean. In contrast, deep-sea pelagic carbonates are almost entirely calcite that contains ∼1400×10−6 g/g strontium. The strontium sink represented by present-day aragonitic shallow-water carbonate deposition sequesters ∼3.3×1012 g/yr whereas the deep-sea pelagic carbonate strontium sink accounts for ∼2.0×1012 g/yr; a total of 5.3×10−12 g/yr of strontium is being stored now in all marine carbonate sediments. The riverine input of strontium from the continents amounts to ∼2.2×1012 g/yr. This present-day annual deficit of ∼3.1×1012 g/yr of strontium in the continent-oceanic carbonate sediment system is a short-term one because reef and shelf limestones store strontium during periods of rising sea level, such as the modern interglacial episode. During periods of falling sea level, reef and shelf limestones are exposed to fresh-water diagenesis which results in the dissolution of strontium-rich aragonite and the consequent return of strontium to the sea; thus short-term strontium deficits that accumulate while sea level is rising are partially paid back during periods of falling sea level at the rate of ∼1.8×1012 g/yr from shallow-water carbonate sediments. Medium-term dissolution of pelagic carbonates at the sea floor returns strontium to the sea water at a rate of ∼1.0×1012 g/yr and long-term burial diagenesis of pelagic carbonates returns ∼0.5×1012 g/yr. Therefore, the long-term storage rate of strontium in reef, shelf and pelagic carbonates of ∼2.0×1012 g/yr derived in this analysis is roughly in balance with the present-day riverine strontium input of ∼2.2×1012 g/yr determined by Brass (1976) and by Martin and Meybeck (1979). Prolonged periods of reef and shelf carbonate accumulation during high sea-level stands result in significant changes in the Sr/Ca ratio in the oceanic reservoir which are detectable in the geological record as discussed by Graham et al. (1982).
Ultrasonic Spectroscopy of a Layer Between Dissimilar Substrates

Ultrasonic spectroscopy of a layer between two materials has been developed mostly for nondestructive testing of adhesive joints. For a thin layer separating two substrates signals reflected from front and back surfaces of the layer are overlapped in the time domain and interfere. The velocity of the ultrasonic wave and the attenuation in the layer can be obtained from analysis of the interference signal. Chang [1] and Flynn [2] used ultrasonic velocity and attenuation extracted from the ultrasonic reflected signal for correlation with the joint cohesive strength. The influence of different attenuation functions on amplitude and phase spectra of the signal reflected from the joint bondline was studied in [3]. Through-thickness resonance measurements were used in [4] to calculate both thickness and modulus of adhesive layer. An ultrasonic technique for evaluation of thin layers [5] and adhesive joints [6] was proposed by Kinra et al. A review of the field is given in [7]. In all the studies joints of similar substrates, predominantly Al/ Al or steel/steel, were given the most consideration since these are widely used in industry. Emphasis was given to joint cohesive strength testing by normally incident ultrasonic waves. For adhesive/adherend interface evaluation ultrasonic spectroscopy at oblique incidence was developed [8, 9, 10]. Joints of similar substrates (Al/Al) were used for experiments; the data obtained was correlated with the joint adhesive strength. For general theory on elastic wave propagation in attenuating layered media the reader is referred to [11].
Human Heart Failure: Determinants of Ventricular Dysfunction

Thin muscle strips were obtained from non-failing (NF) and failing (dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)) hearts, using a new harvesting and dissection technique. The strips were used to carry out a myothermal and mechanical analysis so that contractile and excitation coupling phenomena in the NF and failing (DCM-F) preparations can be compared. Peak isometric force and rate of relaxation in DCM-F were reduced 46% (p < 0.02) while time to peak tension was increased 14% (p < 0.03). Initial, tension dependent, tension independent and the rate of tension independent heat liberation were reduced 62–70% in DCM-F (p<0.03). The crossbridge force-time integral (FTIXBr) was calculated from these measurements and was shown to increase 40% while the amount and rate of calcium cycled per beat was reduced 70%. As a result of these changes in the contractile and excitation-contraction coupling systems in DCM-F, the force-frequency relationship was significantly blunted while the power output was markedly reduced. These fundamental alterations account for the substantial ventricular dysfunction found in the dilated cardiomyopathic failing heart.
Survival of five wheat curl mite, Aceria tosichilla Keifer (Acari:Eriophyidae), strains on mite resistant wheat

The survival of the wheat curl mite (WCM), Aceria tosichilla Keifer, on five sources of resistant wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was determined for collections of mites from Kansas (including a strain adapted to ‘TAM 107’), South Dakota and Texas, USA and Alberta, Canada. Sources of resistance to Aegilops squarrosa L. and Agropyron elongatum (Host) were resistant to WCMs from South Dakota and Alberta, but susceptible to WCMs from Kansas and Texas. Two wheats with resistance to rye (Secale cereale L.), PI 475772 and TAM 107, were resistant to all WCM collections except the strain from Kansas that was selected for adaptation to TAM 107. A common wheat (PI 222655) was resistant to all WCM collections except the one from Alberta, Canada. Because WCMs have overcome the resistance of TAM 107 in Kansas, the only resistance now available in commercial cultivars may be lost. Results indicate that PI222655 is the best source of resistance to replace TAM 107 in the USA but it may not be effective in Canada. Resistance to Ae. squarrosa and A. elongatum could be deployed against WCMs in Alberta and South Dakota but these sources may not be effective in Kansas and Texas. However, one WCM collection from each location may not represent the general mite population of an area. Therefore, any new sources of resistance should be evaluated fully against WCMs from areas where they are likely to be used in commercial cultivars.
Enzymatic anti-CRISPRs improve the bacteriophage arsenal.

Bacteriophage-encoded anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins were previously thought to inhibit CRISPR-mediated immunity by acting as physical barriers against the binding or cleavage of DNA. Two new studies report that recently discovered type V Acr proteins use enzymatic activities to shut down the Cas12a endonuclease, providing a multi-turnover ‘off switch’ for CRISPR-based immunity and technology.
A 4-channel, vector network analyzer microwave imaging prototype based on software defined radio technology

We have implemented a prototype 4-channel transmission-based, microwave measurement system built on innovative software defined radio (SDR) technology. The system utilizes the B210 USRP SDR developed by Ettus Research that operates over a 70 MHz-6 GHz bandwidth. While B210 units are capable of being synchronized with each other via coherent reference signals, they are somewhat unreliable in this configuration and the manufacturer recommends using N200 or N210 models instead. For our system, N-series SDRs were less suitable because they are not amenable to RF shielding required for the cross-channel isolation necessary for an integrated microwave imaging system. Consequently, we have configured an external reference that overcame these limitations in a compact and robust package. Our design exploits the rapidly evolving technology being developed for the telecommunications environment for test and measurement tasks with the higher performance specifications required in medical microwave imaging applications. In a larger channel configuration, the approach is expected to provide performance comparable to commercial vector network analyzers at a fraction of the cost and in a more compact footprint.
Left atrial size and volume in cats with primary cardiomyopathy with and without congestive heart failure.

Abstract Introduction/objectives Myocardial diseases are the most common acquired cardiac diseases in cats and may result in left atrial enlargement and congestive heart failure (CHF). Volume calculations have replaced linear measurements for chamber quantification in humans but are not commonly measured in cats. The aims of this retrospective study were to compare the left atrial (LA) size by two-dimensional linear measurements to two-dimensional LA volumes (LAV). Animals One hundred sixty-two client-owned cats were included. Materials and methods Cats with complete echocardiographic examinations were included and categorized into one of the three groups: healthy, cardiomyopathy (CM), and CHF. Seven measurements of the LA size were performed including minimal and maximal LA-to-aortic ratio (LA:Ao) and LAV and also maximal left atrial diameter (LAD). Results Cats were classified as healthy (n = 56), CM (n = 62), and CHF (n = 44). The minimal LA:Ao (LA:Aomin) and minimal LAV from the left apical view (LAVmin-LAP) best differentiated the CM and CHF groups. The LA:Aomin value with the optimal sensitivity and specificity to distinguish CM and CHF cats was 1.64 (sensitivity 84% and specificity 75%). Conclusions Left atrial volumes were not superior to linear measurements of LA size in distinguishing CM and CHF cats in this study. Minimal LA size and volumes resulted in a larger area under the curve than each corresponding maximal value. Minimum LA size may be a better prognostic factor of CHF in cats with CM.
Who Will They Think We Were? Public Libraries and Records Retention Practices in Six Midwestern States

This research project investigates public records retention policies incorporated into practice in public libraries in the upper Midwest. The authors compared behaviors mandated by state legislatio...
The CHK1 Inhibitor Prexasertib Exhibits Monotherapy Activity in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Models and Sensitizes to PARP Inhibition.

Purpose: PARP inhibitors are approved for the treatment of high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOC). Therapeutic resistance, resulting from restoration of homologous recombination (HR) repair or replication fork stabilization, is a pressing clinical problem. We assessed the activity of prexasertib, a checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) inhibitor known to cause replication catastrophe, as monotherapy and in combination with the PARP inhibitor olaparib in preclinical models of HGSOC, including those with acquired PARP inhibitor resistance. Experimental Design: Prexasertib was tested as a single agent or in combination with olaparib in 14 clinically annotated and molecularly characterized luciferized HGSOC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and in a panel of ovarian cancer cell lines. The ability of prexasertib to impair HR repair and replication fork stability was also assessed. Results: Prexasertib monotherapy demonstrated antitumor activity across the 14 PDX models. Thirteen models were resistant to olaparib monotherapy, including 4 carrying BRCA1 mutation. The combination of olaparib with prexasertib was synergistic and produced significant tumor growth inhibition in an olaparib-resistant model and further augmented the degree and durability of response in the olaparib-sensitive model. HGSOC cell lines, including those with acquired PARP inhibitor resistance, were also sensitive to prexasertib, associated with induction of DNA damage and replication stress. Prexasertib also sensitized these cell lines to PARP inhibition and compromised both HR repair and replication fork stability. Conclusions: Prexasertib exhibits monotherapy activity in PARP inhibitor–resistant HGSOC PDX and cell line models, reverses restored HR and replication fork stability, and synergizes with PARP inhibition.
The Evolution and Refinement of Varicocele Treatment: A Historical Perspective

Varicoceles were identified in men since antiquity because these lesions were visible, palpable and painful. The earliest surgical repairs were reported in the first century AD because of pain, and the first to nineteenth centuries were referred to as the “Pain Era.” The initial surgeries were limited to the scrotum, and they included ligation of the enlarged veins within the scrotum plus cautery of the veins on the outer wall of the scrotum. In 1677, the microscope was invented, and one of the earliest discoveries with this instrument was the finding of sperm in the semen. However, it was not until the nineteenth century before investigators began to study the semen of infertile men with varicoceles. It became apparent that men with varicoceles often had lower sperm counts, but the cause of the decrease was unclear. Some early investigators suggested excess testicular heat, and new surgical procedures were introduced to reduce the length of the scrotum to aid testicular support and scrotal cooling. In the late nineteenth century, several surgeons introduced inguinal approaches for hernia repairs, and soon these approaches were adopted for the treatment of varicoceles. With these types of exposures, surgeons were able to study the spermatic cords and the distribution of the spermatic arteries and veins. Soon, inguinal/supra inguinal approaches were used for varicocele surgery, but there were still reports of post varicocelectomy failures, post-op hydroceles and cases of testicular atrophy. In 1957, a dramatic event occurred. The “Fertility Era” began when a patient with azoospermia and a varicocele had a varicocelectomy. Soon thereafter, he produced sperm and had a child. Subsequently, other studies revealed that many men with varicoceles had low sperm densities and more of these men began to have varicocele surgery for infertility. Venography became available, and it documented retrograde blood flow into the internal spermatic veins of men with varicoceles. In addition, the pathophysiology of varicoceles was studied in humans and animal models. Some important semen findings revealed sperm DNA damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the semen of infertile men with varicoceles, and changes in semen proteomics, etc. In addition, a variety of new procedures were developed to treat these lesions. They included venography and embolization of internal spermatic veins, microsurgical repairs, laparoscopy, robotic surgery, etc. The history of these advancements will be reported in Chap. 1, and more extensive scientific details will be covered in the other chapters of this book.
Fuzzy Multi-Attribute Decision Making Method of Energy Alternative Evaluation

It’s important to make the suitable energy alternatives with the comprehensive technical and economic indicators for energy-saving, emissions reduction and energy comprehensive utilization under the condition of the optimal comprehensive technology and economy index. A new fuzzy multi-attribute decision making method based on expectation is proposed to construct optimal evaluation index system for electric energy alternatives in the case that the weight information is completely unknown or only partially available. The quantitative analysis of attribute value is carried out, and the weight of each layer in the index system is determined by weighting and comparing with each other. Then, the optimization of power alternatives is achieved. The simulation results prove that the proposed method can not only make full use of the objective fuzzy information, but also achieve the interests of all parties with the advantages of practicability, efficiency and easy operation.
Text Mining in Genomics and Proteomics

With the genome era, biological research has moved from the study of individual genes or proteins to entire biological systems. New high-throughput technologies in biology and medicine (DeRisi et al., 1997); (Lander et al., 2001); (Phizicky et al., 2003) have led to an explosion in the amount of data and a paradigm shift in biological investigation, such that the bottleneck in research is shifting from data generation to data analysis (Sherlock, 2000). Microarrays and high-throughput protein interaction screens, for instance, often come up with a considerable number of genes whose relevance, both in general and in the studied context, has to be confirmed through manual analysis by experts. These genome-scale experiments confront experimenters with genes or gene products that they might never have heard of.
Balloon expandable covered stents as primary therapy for hemodynamically stable traumatic aortic injuries in children.

Objectives To expand on the limited available literature regarding the use of balloon expandable covered stents for the treatment of traumatic aortic injuries (TAI) in the pediatric population. Background Although endovascular grafts have largely replaced surgery for TAI repair, there are significant limitations to the use of these grafts in pediatric patients. Methods Multicenter, retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with TAI following blunt chest wall trauma. Procedural characteristics, follow-up, and reinterventions are described. Results Six covered stents implanted in five patients. Median patient age was 12 years (11-13 years) and median weight 50 kg (44-54 kg). Procedural success was achieved in all cases. No procedural or postprocedural complications were noted. Median follow-up time was 24 months (11-36 months). Conclusions Balloon expandable covered stent treatment of pediatric patients with TAI is a feasible alternative to open surgical repair, and preferred over endovascular grafts due to graft size limitations and the large delivery systems.
An Analysis of Current Model Programmes for Adults with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Programmes which offer integrated services were analysed to identify model international and domestic programmes serving adults with neurodevelopmental disorders. Programmes were assessed according...
Myoglobin promotes nitrite-dependent mitochondrial S-nitrosation to mediate cytoprotection after hypoxia/reoxygenation

It is well established that myoglobin supports mitochondrial respiration through the storage and transport of oxygen as well as through the scavenging of nitric oxide. However, during ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), myoglobin and mitochondria both propagate myocardial injury through the production of oxidants. Nitrite, an endogenous signaling molecule and dietary constituent, mediates potent cardioprotection after I/R and this effect relies on its interaction with both myoglobin and mitochondria. While independent mechanistic studies have demonstrated that nitrite-mediated cardioprotection requires the presence of myoglobin and the post-translational S-nitrosation of critical cysteine residues on mitochondrial complex I, it is unclear whether myoglobin directly catalyzes the S-nitrosation of complex I or whether mitochondrial-dependent nitrite reductase activity contributes to S-nitrosation. Herein, using purified myoglobin and isolated mitochondria, we characterize and directly compare the nitrite reductase activities of mitochondria and myoglobin and assess their contribution to mitochondrial S-nitrosation. We demonstrate that myoglobin is a significantly more efficient nitrite reductase than isolated mitochondria. Further, deoxygenated myoglobin catalyzes the nitrite-dependent S-nitrosation of mitochondrial proteins. This reaction is enhanced in the presence of oxidized (Fe3+) myoglobin and not significantly affected by inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration. Using a Chinese Hamster Ovary cell model stably transfected with human myoglobin, we show that both myoglobin and mitochondrial complex I expression are required for nitrite-dependent attenuation of cell death after anoxia/reoxygenation. These data expand the understanding of myoglobin's role both as a nitrite reductase to a mediator of S-nitrosation and as a regulator of mitochondrial function, and have implications for nitrite-mediated cardioprotection after I/R.
Quantum entanglement between two magnon modes via Kerr nonlinearity driven far from equilibrium

This paper shows a mechanism to produce entanglement between magnons via Kerr nonlinearity. The authors sudty this in a system of two YIG spheres and propose that the scheme can be extended to other systems.
International Reference Pricing for Prescription Drugs in the United States: Administrative Limitations and Collateral Effects.

Abstract Objectives Many countries use international (or external) reference pricing—benchmarking prices against those in other countries—to manage spending on prescription drugs. By contrast, the United States (US) allows manufacturers to set drug prices freely. In December 2019, a major bill passed the House of Representatives that would introduce international reference pricing to reduce US drug spending. In September 2020, President Trump issued an executive order to apply international reference pricing for drugs purchased under Medicare. As US policymakers consider adopting reference pricing, it is important to recognize four key administrative issues that have complicated other countries’ experiences. Methods We analyzed the US policy proposals and literature on international experience with international reference pricing to identify implementation challenges and potential effects of US adoption of international reference pricing. Results Four key administrative issues were identified: lack of price transparency, delays in market approvals, the frequency of price revisions, and the prevalence of cross-referencing. Conclusions Failure to account for the key issues in the emerging US approach will lead to overspending from overestimation of prices. Policymakers also need to recognize the collateral effects that the US adoption of international reference pricing may have on other countries’ prices. Given the size of the pharmaceutical market in the US and other market issues, US reference pricing will likely increase drug list and net prices in other countries. Because of limitations in implementation and collateral effects, US policymakers should consider international reference pricing as a supportive tool alongside other cost containment policies, such as value-based pricing or volume agreements. International reference pricing could limit drug spending in the US but faces implementation challenges and will negatively affect other countries.
Synergistic application of twin-screw granulation and selective laser sintering 3D printing for the development of pharmaceutical dosage forms with enhanced dissolution rates and physical properties

Abstract This study demonstrated the first case of combining a novel continuous granulation technique with powder-bed fusion-based selective laser sintering (SLS) process to enhance the dissolution rate and physical properties of a poorly water-soluble drug. Selective laser sintering and binder jetting 3D printing processes have gained much attention in pharmaceutical dosage form manufacturing in recent times. These powder bed-based 3D printing platforms have been known to face printing and uniformity problems due to the inherent poor flow properties of the pharmaceutical physical mixtures. To address this issue a hot-melt extrusion-based versatile granulation process equipped with a process analytical technology (PAT) tool for the in-line monitoring of critical quality attributes (i.e., solid-state) of indomethacin was developed. The collected granules with enhanced flow properties were mixed with Kollidon® VA64 and a conductive excipient for efficient sintering. These mixtures were further characterized for their bulk properties observing an excellent flow and later subjected to an SLS-3D printing process. The physical mixtures, processed granules, and printed tablets were characterized using conventional as well as advanced solid-state characterizations. These characterizations revealed the amorphous nature of the drug in the processed granules and printed tablets. Further, the in vitro release testing of the tablets with produced granules as a reference standard depicted a notable dissolution advantage (100% drug released in 5 min at >pH 6.8) over the pure drug and the physical mixture. Our developed system known as DosePlus combines innovative continuous granulation and SLS-3D printing process which can potentially improve the physical properties of the bulk drug and formulations in comparison to when used in isolation. This process can further find application in continuous manufacturing of granules and additive manufacturing of pharmaceuticals to produce dosage forms with excellent uniformity and solubility advantage.
Discovery Abuse as a Procedural Due Process Issue: How Advances in Information Technology are Creating Due Process Concerns in Civil Discovery

This Paper argues that the type of wasteful discovery prone to a producer pays system violates procedural due process. Applying the three part Mathews test to discovery reveals that the non-trivial interests of the producing party are often at considerable risk of an erroneous deprivation and that switching to a requestor pays system would have prejudicial effects on only a minor subset of requesting parties. Indeed, the greatest hindrance to switching to a requestor pays system is the positive externality conferred upon non-parties. Part II of this Paper gives a brief overview of the American civil discovery system and discusses why the American civil discovery system is prone to wasteful and abusive discovery requests and how the increase in electronically stored information will only exacerbate such problems. Part III of this paper explains current procedural due process jurisprudence and applies the Mathews three factor test to discovery. Part IV of this Paper argues that courts, in an effort to right e-discovery injustices, are creating case law that attempts to reduce the risk of erroneous deprivations. Part IV also claims that courts and scholars would create more intellectually honest jurisprudence if wasteful and abusive discovery was identified as a procedural due process issue as opposed to an “e-discovery” or “Federal Rules of Civil Procedure” issue.