cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An investigation into the intentions of purchasing executives to reciprocate vendor gifts

In this study, an experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of gift cost, gift type, and buyer-vendor relationship status on purchasing executives’ feelings of indebtedness, perceived manipulation, and intentions to reciprocate vendor gifts. The findings indicate that the likelihood of a business gift being reciprocated depends on the type of vendor gift received, the extent to which the buyer experiences a sense of indebtedness, and buyer perceptions of the level of manipulation associated with the gift. Evidence also indicates that the level of perceived manipulation associated with a gift is based on considerations of gift cost and type with respect to the buyer-vendor relationship status.
The Effects of Fear Arousal through Threat/Coercion vs. Promise of Reward/Gain Types of Appeals in Advertising

Marketing and advertising practitioners are constantly looking for more effective ways to persuade consumers to buy their product or service. Besides humor, fear is one of the more commonly used bases for persuasion. Considerable social psychology and communications research show that intelligent use of fear messages can have favor-able effects on attitude change and action. Advertisers use positive (promise of reward) and negative (threat fear arousal) types of appeals, but little research exists that compares the effectiveness of these appeals. This study will first review the theory and research on the effect of Fear Arousal vs. Promise of Gain/Reward type of Appeals in advertising. Next it will suggest a guideline to the advertising/marketing practitioners for better utilization of the above two opposite type appeals.
Limited variation in proportional contributions of auto- and heterotrophic soil respiration, despite large differences in vegetation structure and function in the Low Arctic

Arctic ecosystems contain vast stores of soil carbon (C), yet our understanding of the factors controlling CO2 efflux from tundra soils remains poor. Partitioning soil respiration (R S) into heterotrophic (R H) and autotrophic (R A) sources can help elucidate the relative contributions from microbial breakdown of soil organic matter (SOM) and root and rhizospheric activities—two processes that can have contrasting effects on long-term soil C stocks. Using two techniques, we quantified the magnitudes, relative proportions and environmental drivers of R H and R A in four common arctic vegetation types in West Greenland. We employed a trenching method in large patches of Betula nana, Salix glauca, mixed-shrub (equal mix of Betula and Salix) and graminoids dominated by Poa spp. At a nearby location, we introduced 13CO2 to Betula- and graminoid-dominated plots. The difference in the autotrophic proportion (R A/R S) between methods was minimal, providing confidence that our more extensive trenching approach provided accurate estimates of R A and R H. Despite contrasting microclimate conditions, large differences in vegetation structure and wide variation in R S, there were minimal differences in mean R A/R S (0.40–0.48 across all vegetation types). Our results suggest that R A/R S may be more conservative than previously thought for low-productivity ecosystems. We suggest that partitioning R S into R A and R H may be a useful tool to identify ecosystems that have fallen out of equilibrium and may be poised to either gain or lose soil C.
Sexual Assault in Bisexual and Heterosexual Women Survivors

ABSTRACTIn cross-sectional studies, social support is related to sexual minority status and negative psychological impact among sexual assault survivors. However, longitudinal studies of this relationship are few or non-existent. Using a prospective design, the authors compared bisexual and heterosexual survivors on how different types of social support are connected to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. A community sample of bisexual and heterosexual (N = 905) women sexual assault survivors completed three annual surveys. Heterosexual women reported greater perceived social support and fewer negative reactions to disclosure of sexual assault than bisexual women, but there were no differences in frequency of social contact. Perceived social support and frequency of social contact were related to fewer psychological symptoms of PTSD and depression for all women. Heterosexual women had fewer psychological symptoms than bisexual women. Finally, perceived social support mediated...
Solving the Interoperability Challenge: Safe and reliable information exchange requires more from product designers.

If you?ve been a patient or visited a loved one in the hospital, it is likely that you have experienced one or more of the following scenarios:
Abstract B53: Dynamic evolution of resistance to EGFR blockade from drug tolerant cancer cells

Despite the success of targeted cancer therapies, acquired drug resistance remains a significant clinical challenge, as in the case of EGFR mutant non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) treated with EGFR inhibitor therapy. Although molecular mechanisms of acquired resistance to EGFR inhibitors have been identified, little is known about how resistant clones evolve during drug therapy. In some cases, clones with clinically validated genetic resistance mechanisms may exist prior to drug exposure and are simply selected by treatment. Alternatively, it has been hypothesized that drug tolerant (or “persister”) cells without bona fide resistance mechanisms may survive initial drug treatment by epigenetic adaptations, and undergo further evolution over time to acquire validated genetic resistance mechanisms. Although this would have immediate implications for new therapeutic strategies to prevent resistance, there has not been any direct evidence that drug tolerant cells can undergo such evolution. Using EGFR mutant NSCLC models, we observe that acquired resistance caused by the T790M gatekeeper mutation, which is observed in 50% of patients with acquired resistance to EGFR inhibitor therapy, can occur by either selection of pre-existing T790M clones or via evolution of T790M-negative drug tolerant cells that develop the mutation during months of drug treatment. Additionally, the path to resistance impacts the biology of the resistant clone, as those that evolved from drug tolerant cells have a diminished apoptotic response to third generation EGFR inhibitors that target T790M EGFR and can be sensitized by BCL-XL inhibitors. In total, these findings provide evidence that clinically relevant drug resistant cancer cells can both pre-exist and evolve from drug tolerant cells, and point to new therapeutic opportunities to prevent or overcome resistance in the clinic. Citation Format: Aaron N. Hata, Matthew Niederst, Maria Gomez-Caraballo, Hannah Archibald, Faria Siddiqui, Hillary Mulvey, Haichuan Hu, Lecia Sequist, Jeffrey Engelman. Dynamic evolution of resistance to EGFR blockade from drug tolerant cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr B53.
Amylase secretion from the rat parotid: refractoriness to muscarinic and adrenergic agonists.

The hormone-stimulated secretion of α-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) from superfused rat parotid tissue has been measured using an automated, continuous system. Stimulation of parotid slices with muscarinic or alpha adrenergic agonists produces a rapid initial elevation of the rate of secretion, though the amount of α-amylase secreted is less than with stimulation by the beta adrenergic agonist isoproterenol. Isoproterenol-stimulated secretion begins with a slower rate of initial output than does stimulation with either the alpha adrenergic agonist phenylephrine or the muscarinic agonist carbachol. If any of these three agonists is allowed to superfuse the tissue continually, α-amylase output reaches a peak rate, then declines over a period of time until it returns to basal rate. Thus continuous stimulation with phenylephrine rapidly produces refractoriness, which is absolute within 20 to 30 min. This refractoriness is specific, since carbachol and isoproterenol, agonists acting through receptors not originally involved, are still active. Continuous stimulation with carbachol or isoproterenol also leads to refractoriness, though the process takes longer than that seen with phenylephrine and needs one to two hours to be completed. Other experiments have shown that the simultaneous stimulation of α-amylase secretion with phenylephrine and carbachol is no more effective than either agonist alone for peak α-amylase secretion. However when α-amylase secretion is stimulated with carbachol plus isoproterenol, more enzyme is released with a greater initial secretion rate than when either agonist is used alone. Further, if isoproterenol stimulation pulses are superimposed upon the continuous superfusion of carbachol, nonspecific refractoriness is seen; carbachol diminishes the ability of isoproterenol to stimulate α-amylase secretion. These forms of secretion refractoriness correlate well with the pharmacology of cyclic nucleotide refractoriness that we have previously reported. However, the ability of cyclic nucleotides to mediate α-amylase secretion is not firmly established. Cyclic AMP may be a second messenger mediating α-amylase secretion. Cyclic GMP, on the other hand, may not play any role in muscarinically- or adrenergically-stimulated α-amylase secretion. Indeed, though sodium azide raises the cyclic GMP concentration in parotid slices, it has no effect on α-amylase secretion. This lack of effect is not due to a nonspecific inhibition of secretion. Azide produces little inhibition of carbachol-stimulated α-amylase secretion or cyclic nucleotide accumulation.
Habitat suitability models indicate the White-breasted Thrasher Ramphocinclus brachyurus occupies all suitable habitat in Saint Lucia

Habitat suitability models can guide species conservation by identifying correlates of occurrence and predicting where species are likely to occur. We created habitat suitability models for the White-breasted Thrasher Ramphocinclus brachyurus , a narrowly distributed endangered songbird that occupies dry forest in Saint Lucia and Martinique. Eighty-five percent of the global population inhabits two ranges in Saint Lucia, both of which are largely unprotected and threatened by development. We developed three habitat suitability models using Maxent techniques and published occupancy datasets collected from the species’ two Saint Lucian ranges, and used abiotic, land cover, and predator distribution predictors. We built one model with occupancy data from both ranges, and two others with occupancy data specific to each range. The best full-range model included 11 predictors; high suitability was associated with close proximity to Saint Lucia fer-de-lance Bothrops caribbeaus range, moderately low precipitation, and areas near streams. Our assessment of suitable sites island-wide was more restricted than results from a recent model that considered older land cover data and omitted predator distributions. All sites identified in our full-range model as highly suitable were in or adjacent to the species’ current designated range. The model trained on southern range occurrences predicted zero suitable habitat in the northern range, where the population is much smaller. In contrast, the model trained on northern range occurrences identified areas of moderate suitability within the southern range and patches of moderately suitable habitat in the western part of the island, where no White-breasted Thrashers currently occur. We interpret these results as suggesting that White-breasted Thrashers currently occupy virtually all suitable habitat on the island, that birds in the northern range occupy marginal habitat, or that an important correlate of suitability is missing from the model. Our results suggest that habitat management should focus on currently occupied areas.
Design of a Self-Contained 3D microvalve in PDMS

A self-contained, thermopneumatically actuated PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) microvalve was designed, fabricated and tested. The device consists of a 3D PDMS microchannel network constructed using multilayer soft lithography process. A working liquid “Vertrel” was employed as the actuator that facilitates low temperature operations (< 60° C), yields fast time response (∼ 2 s) and consumes low power (∼ 200 mW). The active area of the valve incorporates a 3D design of the valve seat and a flexible PDMS membrane that provides large displacements (∼ 200 µm). Complete sealing with zero leakage was achieved.
Journalism and Public Perception

Beginning in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the revival of investigative journalism and the advent of New Journalism, a literary movement stressing social activism, popularized journalism as a consumer product and as a prospective occupation. Counterculture and political flashpoints like the Vietnam War and the Watergate Scandal increased public interest in the news. The concurrent growth of television ownership and satellite broadcasting—alongside an already robust bank of national magazines and newspapers—expanded the audience. “Journalism was previously viewed as a ‘below-stairs’ profession,” one Marshall from the 1970s recalls. “Watergate changed that.” After 1972, the rate of Marshalls pursuing full-time journalism nearly tripled, with an additional surge in popularity in the 1990s. Anne Applebaum (’86), a Pulitzer Prize-winning foreign affairs columnist for The Washington Post, attributes the latter expansion to the transition toward Internet-based consumption.
Toward a Unified Theory of the I-R Model (Part 1): Parametric Scales and Their Analogically Isomorphic Structures

By extensively revising the I-R model of melody (Meyer, 1973; Narmour, 1984, 1989, 1990, 1991a, 1991b, 1992, 1996, 2000) we can explain the structural functions of many musical parameters. Here I will deal with melodic interval, registral direction, pitch height, scale-step (major and minor), duration (interval, length, rate, speed, and pace), tempo, dynamics (loudness), and texture (saving the other parameters for a later essay). By reconceptualizing the model’s core concept of functional directionality within parametric scales, only three isomorphic structural analogues become cognitively necessary, namely, process (and its variant duplication), reversal, and return. Attached signs (0, ∼, −, and +) augment the main symbols (P, D, and R) so as to track strength of implication, realization, and denial. A new theory of rhythmic structure is put forth. And with an aim toward theoretical unification, the reconfigured model confronts the combinatorial complexities of parametric interactions and offers convincing interpretations of congruence and noncongruence—the primary sources of musical affects. Works of Brahms, Debussy, Mussorgsky-Ravel, and Schoenberg are analyzed.
Capacities for Experiencing What Is Happening

We stated earlier that the nurse-patient relationship focuses primarily on sustaining the patient in his experience (Chapter 6). We defined experience as a sequential process consisting of: 1) a person’s perception of an inner or outer event or object; 2) his interpretation of this event in light of his perception, his past experiences and present state; and 3) his response to the interpreted perception, again in light of his past experiences and present capacities.
Implications of Malicious 3D Printer Firmware

A paper co-authored by William Glisson and published in the Proceedings of the 50th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences in 2017.
Characteristics and early clinical outcomes of patients undergoing totally subcutaneous vs. transvenous single chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement.

Aims In 2012, the first totally Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (S-ICD) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. A possible benefit of this device is that it does not involve placing leads 'in' or 'on' the heart, potentially reducing complications. Methods amd results Ninety-one S-ICD and 182 single chamber TV-ICD implants were performed between 10/22/2012 and 9/22/2015. During this period of time, 91 patients with S-ICD were matched to TV-ICD patients using single centre NCDR ICD Registry Data based on dialysis status, gender, and age. Intra- and post-operative complications and deaths were examined within the first 180 days following implantation. Patients with S-ICDs had higher creatinine (2.3 ± 2.5 vs. 1.1 ± 0.7, P < 0.001) and were more likely to be on chronic dialysis (20.9% vs. 5.5%, P < 0.001) than TV-ICD patients. Patients in the S-ICD group were more likely to have had prior device infections (14.3% vs. 3.3%, P = 0.021) as well as prior TIA/CVA (14.3% vs. 4.4%, P = 0.049) compared to patients in the TV-ICD group. Seven patients experienced 7 complications or death in TV-ICD group and 5 patients experienced 7 complications or death in SQ-ICD group, P = 0.774. Conclusion In this retrospective matched single centre cohort study, there was no significant difference in implantation complications or death in patients receiving single chamber TV-ICDs compared to S-ICDs within 6 months following implantation. This occurred despite more severe preexisting illness in the S-ICD group. Further investigation is needed to determine outcomes after longer-term follow-up.
Neoadjuvant chemoradiation is associated with improved overall survival in older patients with esophageal cancer.

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to characterize outcomes associated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation prior to esophagectomy, compared to esophagectomy alone, in older patients with esophageal cancer. Materials and Methods We conducted an observational cohort study in patients ≥70years with locally-advanced esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy ± neoadjuvant chemoradiation between 2006 and 2012 using the National Cancer Database. A Cox proportional hazards model with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) using the propensity score was developed to assess the association between trimodality therapy and overall survival. Perioperative complications and pathologic outcomes associated with trimodality therapy were identified with multivariable logistic regression. Results 1364 patients were included; the mean age was 75 (range 70–90). 904 (66%) were treated with trimodality therapy and 460 (34%) were treated with esophagectomy alone. On IPTW Cox analysis, neoadjuvant chemoradiation was associated with improved overall survival (HR=0.76, 95%CI [0.70–0.82], p ≤0.001). Further, trimodality therapy was associated with lower rates of margin-positive resection (5% vs. 18%; OR=0.26, 95%CI [0.18–0.37], p p =0.22). Neoadjuvant chemoradiation was associated with lower 30-day readmission rates (5% vs. 8%; OR=0.48, 95%CI [0.31–0.73], p =0.004) and shorter surgical hospital stay (median 10 vs. 12days, p Conclusion In older patients with esophageal cancer, trimodality therapy, compared to esophagectomy alone, is associated with improved overall survival and favorable pathologic and perioperative outcomes. Further studies are needed to identify which older patients are most suitable for trimodality therapy.
Review: Women and Land in Africa: Culture, Religion and Realizing Women's Rights (2003)

Writing a Wider War: Rethinking Gender, Race, and Identity in the South African War, 1899-1902, edited by Greg Cuthbertson, Albert Grundlingh, and Mary-Lynn Suttie is a wide-ranging anthology that explores many understudied aspects of South Africa’s Anglo-Boer War one century later. As the editors state in their introduction their volume “cannot claim to have made a paradigmatic shift away from the discourses of social history or to have reconceptualized the war in dramatic new ways” (xvii). However, the inclusion of multiple new stories, some marginalized and some functioning as counternarratives, the uncovering of multiple layers previously obscured or omitted from earlier studies of the war does signify an important expansion of current understandings and interpretations of this conflict in South African early modern history.
Role of leuCAM integrins and complement in platelet-monocyte rosette formation induced by immune complexes of human immunodeficiency virus- type 1-immune thrombocytopenic purpura patients

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus-type 1-immune thrombocytopenic purpura (HIV-1-ITP) have elevated polyethylene glycol (PEG)-precipitable immune complexes (ICs) composed of IgG, IgM, and complement that are threefold to sevenfold higher than in healthy control subjects. These complexes contain anti-F (ab')2 as well as anti- idiotype antibodies versus anti-HIV-1gp120. Because anti-F (ab')2 and anti-idiotype antibodies correlate with thrombocytopenia (r = .83 [J Clin Invest 77:1756, 1986] and r = .90 [J Clin Invest 89:356, 1992], respectively) we studied the binding of ICs to platelets and monocytes as well as their role in platelet-monocyte rosette formation. ICs bind to platelets in a saturation-dependent manner (optimum at 10 micrograms/mL; 0.5% of serum conc). Binding to platelets could not be inhibited with platelet saturating concentrations of aggregated IgG or with monoclonal antibody (MoAb) IV.3 versus FcR gamma II. Platelet binding could be inhibited with Fab anti-C3, anti-Clq, or anti-C4 by 57%, 40%, and 46% respectively, not with control Fab (P < .001). Monocytes from HIV-1-ITP patients form rosettes with normal platelets 16.8 +/- 5.2 rosettes/100 monocytes compared with 4.8 +/- 0.8 control monocytes plus normal platelets (P = .009). Gel-washed HIV-1-ITP platelets formed 19 +/- 2.0 rosettes with U937 cells compared to 6.3 +/- 1.0 for normal platelets (P = 0.001). Arming of U937 cells with HIV-1- ITP ICs (5 micrograms/mL) formed 36.7 +/- 2.5 rosettes compared with 10.6 +/- 1.2 for control ICs (P < .01). Rosetting of armed U937 cells could be inhibited with MoAbs versus the alpha chains of CD11a (LFA-1), 11b (Mac-1), or 11c (p150,95) by 67%, 70%, and 61%, respectively (P < .007), whereas binding of ICs to U937 cells was unaffected. Isotype- matched control as well as MoAbs versus antigens on U937 cells (CD13, CD33) or the anti-FcR gamma II receptor had no effect. However, Fab fragments of polyclonal anti-C3 inhibited rosette formation by 78% (P < .01); control Fab had no effect. Thus, platelet-monocyte rosette formation is not Fc dependent. It is complement receptor dependent and requires the cooperation of all three leuCAM integrins.
National Study of Self-reported Pediatric Areas in United States General Emergency Departments.

Objectives While many U.S. emergency departments (ED) have a "pediatric ED," there are, to our knowledge, no accepted criteria for this type of ED. We investigated the prevalence, distribution, staffing, and characteristics of self-reported pediatric areas in U.S. general EDs. Methods We conducted a survey of all 5,273 U.S. EDs to characterize emergency care in 2015. We then surveyed 130 of the 426 general EDs who reported having a pediatric area. Data collection for the second survey included confirmation of a pediatric area and information on that area's structure and staffing. Results The national survey (85% response) showed 10% of general EDs reported a pediatric area. Only 16% of all U.S. EDs had a pediatric emergency care coordinator (PECC). EDs with larger visit volumes, or in the Northeast or South, were more likely to have a pediatric area. Nine states had no general EDs with pediatric areas. Among general EDs with a pediatric area, 75% had a PECC and 74% had a board-certified or board-eligible pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physician on staff. Ninety-three percent had designated pediatric beds. Rarely (3%) was the pediatric area just a separate waiting area within a general ED, without any PECC or PEM physician present. Conclusions We found that 10% of U.S. general EDs had a pediatric area and that this prevalence varies nationwide. Moreover, only 16% of U.S. EDs had a PECC. Further studies on the impact of ED structure and staffing on pediatric care and patient outcomes are urgently needed. As a long-term objective, a standardized definition of a pediatric ED would not only help quality improvement efforts but also help families make more informed choices about where to bring their children to receive care.
Chapter 10 – Payout Policy*

This chapter provides a survey of payout policy—the return of capital by firms to their equity investors through dividends and share repurchases. The modern study of payout policy is rooted in the irrelevance propositions developed by Nobel Laureates Merton Miller and Franco Modigliani. Payout policy is irrelevant when capital markets are perfect, when there is no asymmetric information, and when the firm’s investment policy is fixed. Relaxing these assumptions leads to a role for payout policy to control agency problems and convey information to investors. Although changes in dividend policy are associated with changes in firm value, there is mixed evidence regarding tax effects and little evidence that payout decisions are driven by motives to signal true firm value to investors. The evidence does support a link between payout decisions and conflicts of interest between the firm’s various claimholders. This chapter also surveys the evidence relating to share repurchases as an alternative form of payout and describes recent behavioral theories of payout policy.
Synthesis of an Anti-hepatitis B Agent, 2'-Fluoro-6'-methylene-carbocyclic Adenosine (FMCA) and Its Phosphoramidate (FMCAP).

2′-Fluoro-6′-methylene-carbocyclic adenosine (FMCA, 12) and its phosphoramidate prodrug (FMCAP, 14) have been proven as a potential anti-HBV agent against both adefovir-resistant as well as lamivudine-resistant double (rtL180M/rtM204V) mutants. Furthermore, in vitro, these agents have demonstrated significant activity against lamivudine/entecavir triple mutants (L180M + S202G + M204V). These preliminary results encourage us for further biological evaluation of FMCA and FMCAP to develop as a potential clinical candidate as an anti-HBV agent, which may overcome the problem of drug resistance in HBV therapy. To support the preclinical exploration, a scalable synthesis of this molecule was needed. In this communication, a practical and scalable synthesis of FMCA, and its prodrug, is reported via ketone 1. The selective opening of the isopropylidene group of 2 led to compound 3. Protection of the allylic hydroxyl group of 3, followed by fluorination and deprotection, afforded the key intermediate 10, which was...
Architectural unification

Many software designs are produced by combining and elaborating existing architectural design fragments. These fragments may be design patterns, partially thought-out ideas, or portions of some previously-developed system design. To provide mechanized support for this activity it is necessary to have a precise characterization of when and how two or more architectural fragments can be combined. In this paper we describe extensions to notations for software architecture to represent incomplete design fragments, and algorithms for combining fragments in a process analogous to unification in logic.
Democratic Engagement and the Republic of Science

The election of Donald Trump, who has been characterized as “the first anti-science president,” provides a fruitful opportunity to revisit federal science policy. In the decades after World War II, federal policy prioritized significant research funding and scientific autonomy, contributing to what Michael Polanyi called a “Republic of Science.” In subsequent decades, science policy shifted and began to encourage applied research, commercialization, and greater interaction among the “triple helix” of academia, government, and industry. For some observers, the Trump administration portends a new chapter in federal science policy characterized by decreased funding and increased politicization. At this potential inflection point, this brief Article makes two claims. First, contrary to prevailing political trends, it argues for robust federal funding for science. In addition to long-term and unpredictable benefits, publicly funded research enhances human capital, drives private-sector innovation, and advances immediate policy objectives of job creation and economic growth. Second, this Article argues for both significant autonomy and greater democratic engagement on the part of the scientific community. While the federal government has legitimate claims on the research it funds, deference to efficient communal norms counsels that the scientific community should largely determine its own agenda according to its own norms and peer review processes. However, this Article rejects the notion of an insular Republic of Science, arguing that the scientific community should more actively communicate its value and seek input from the broader society in which it operates.
Studies on Aphantoxin from Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae in New Hampshire

Toxic Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) bloom in eutrophic, freshwater lakes and ponds in New England and have caused environmental, health, legal and recreational problems over the past 15 years. Although several species have been implicated with animal kills and water fouling, a common offender was Aphanizomenon flos-aquae. Representative strains of A. flos-aquae bloom in New Hampshire intermittently, in both toxic (aphantoxins) and non-toxic forms. Research has focused on methods of: a) toxin accumulation from natural blooms and laboratory cultivation, b) toxin assay, using the mouse bioassay and a modified fluorometric technique developed for paralytic shellfish poisons, c) toxin characterization and purification, using solvent separation and molecular weight filters, and d) testing active extracts on nerve and muscle preparations to determine the specific sites and modes of action of aphantoxins.
Metal-oxide based, CMOS-compatible ECRAM for Deep Learning Accelerator

We demonstrate a CMOS-compatible, metal-oxide based Electro-Chemical Random-Access Memory (MO- ECRAM) for high-speed, low-power neuromorphic computing. The device demonstrates symmetric and linear conductance update, large on/off ratio and good retention while also withstanding high temperature treatments necessary for BEOL compatibility. Resistive switching in MO-ECRAM is observed with voltage pulses down to 10 ns and scales exponentially with voltage pulse amplitude, enabling parallel array operations without any selector/access devices. For the first time, we experimentally demonstrate fundamental techniques for fully- parallel array operations, stochastic update scheme and zero-shifting technique, and show a successful stochastic gradient descent algorithm demonstration in hardware using a MO- ECRAM array.
Detection of trace explosives on relevant substrates using a mobile platform for photothermal infrared imaging spectroscopy (PT-IRIS)

This manuscript describes the results of recent tests regarding standoff detection of trace explosives on relevant substrates using a mobile platform. We are developing a technology for detection based on photo-thermal infrared (IR) imaging spectroscopy (PT-IRIS). This approach leverages one or more microfabricated IR quantum cascade lasers, tuned to strong absorption bands in the analytes and directed to illuminate an area on a surface of interest. An IR focal plane array is used to image the surface thermal emission upon laser illumination. The PT-IRIS signal is processed as a hyperspectral image cube comprised of spatial, spectral and temporal dimensions as vectors within a detection algorithm. Increased sensitivity to explosives and selectivity between different analyte types is achieved by narrow bandpass IR filters in the collection path. We have previously demonstrated the technique at several meters of stand-off distance indoors and in field tests, while operating the lasers below the infrared eye-safe intensity limit (100 mW/cm 2 ). Sensitivity to explosive traces as small as a single 10 μm diameter particle (~1 ng) has been demonstrated. Analytes tested here include RDX, TNT, ammonium nitrate and sucrose. The substrates tested in this current work include metal, plastics, glass and painted car panels.
Past and Present Design Practices and Uncertainty in Climate Projections are Challenges for Designing Infrastructure to Future Conditions

AbstractDesigning infrastructure for a changing climate remains a major challenge for engineers. In popular discourse a narrative has emerged that infrastructures are likely underdesigned for the f...
Exploring the connection between imagination and creativity in academic learning

Abstract How might we think about the relationship between imagination and creativity in the context of classroom learning? This chapter addresses this question by discussing a model of classroom learning that combines both imaginative processes and creative outcomes. More specifically, this chapter will highlight key similarities and differences between imaginative processes and creativity outcomes and discuss the role that both play in academic learning. Implications for theory and research will also be discussed.
Does mode matter? Perception of student competence following an IPE communication experience

Abstract Background Previous research suggests many of the key competencies comprising effective interprofessional collaboration (IPC) can be improved through interprofessional experiences. However, the optimal design of such experiences remains unclear. Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a simulated IPC experience using videoconference versus audio only communication on self-rated interprofessional collaborative competence (ICC) in doctoral nursing and physical therapy students. Methods Students from each cohort were randomized into pairs, receiving either the videoconference or audio only experience during a simulated case. Students completed the Interprofessional Collaborative Competencies Attainment Survey-Revised (ICCAS-R) pre- and post-experience. Discussion Overall, students improved ICCAS-R scores from pre to post (p Conclusion Both methods were effective at enhancing self-reported ICC. Future research should continue to explore optimizing IPC experiences.
Respiratory depression following medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD)-approved buprenorphine product oral exposures; National Poison Database System 2003-2019.

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) including buprenorphine is recommended for patients with opioid use disorders. We sought to evaluate the frequencies of respiratory depression, intubation...
Fitness-for-service of open-top storage tanks subjected to differential settlement

Abstract A method for evaluating the mechanical integrity of open-top cylindrical storage tanks subjected to a differential settlement is given. The settlement profile underneath the bottom circumference of the tank shell can be transformed into different harmonic components using the Fourier transformation. The existing method in American Petroleum Institute’s standard API 653, which is currently used by the industry in North America, does not differentiate the effect of different harmonic components. Nevertheless, the proposed method evaluates a cumulative damage factor by considering the effects of first five harmonic components individually. The paper further discusses other limitations of the existing method in API 653 document. Numerous finite element analysis (FEA) simulations are conducted to formulate and validate the proposed method by employing geometric nonlinear algorithm with nonlinear plastic material properties (GMNA) in ABAQUS finite element software. The trend for limiting settlement values with respect to different harmonic components under consideration and different tank geometries are discussed. The proposed method is validated by performing FEA using four actual settlement data profiles on different tank geometries. Lastly, the comparison is drawn between the FEA results, the existing API 653 method and the proposed method. The results of the allowable settlement indicate that the existing method is not consistent with the FEA findings. For some of the actual settlement data, the existing method results in overly conservative values and for others it gives non-conservative values. Thus, the existing method may not capture the true behavior of tanks under settlement and needs modifications. The results of allowable settlement from the proposed method are found to be consistent with the FEA results for all different settlement data and tank geometries. Therefore, it is recommended that the new method is used instead of the existing method.
CORRELATES AND CONSTRAINTS OF EFFECTIVE AGRICULTURAL LOAN REPAYMENT IN CAMEROON

This study has been carried out with the objective of examining the factors influencing effective agricultural loan repayment in MFIs and constraints associated with agricultural loan acquisition in West region, Cameroon. From primary surveyed data, a probit model was used to analyze the result. We observed that farm production, training, size of farmland; male household head, married head, interest rate and the loan duration are strongly correlating with agricultural loan repayment. Inadequate agricultural funds, much expenditure on farm competition and improper interference of the third party in the decision of loan approval are the constraints associated with agricultural loan. We suggest that, the decision makers should create more specialized structures in charge of agricultural loan as well as reduce the rate of interest. This is a wise step, towards food security and increase family welfare and improved job market.
Kawasaki disease following COVID-19 infection in a 5-year-old girl

Introduction: Kawasaki disease (KD), an acute syndromic systemic vasculitis of unknown cause, usually followsa viral infection However, the link between KD and COVID-19 is not well established Here, we report a 5-year-old girl who developed KD during convalescent phase of COVID-19 infection Case Description: A 5-year-old girlwith no past medical history presented with a 10-day-history fever (Tmx 104 3F) associated with abdominalpain, dry cracked lips, conjunctivitis, generalize erythematous macular rash involving palms and soles, andswelling of hands and feet On admission, patient's vital signs were stable except for fever (T 102) She fulfilledthe diagnostic criteria for KD Her laboratory screen showed WBC, 5,000/ul;platelet, 483,000/ul;ESR, 81 mm/h;CRP;22 mg/dl;Sars-Cov-2 RNA (RT-PCR) negative Echocardiogram revealed left coronary artery ectasia Patient received a single dose of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin with a good response Despitenegative history of sick contact, COVID-19 serology test was performed which showed a positive IgG and anegative IgM titer, suggestive of convalescent phase of the viral infection Discussion: Recent data showed thatmany children with KD were tested negative for COVID-19, suggesting no increased incidence or susceptibilityto COVID-19 infection for patient with KD With increasing utilization of COVID-19 serology testing, evidence of association between the virus and KD may start emerging Both COVID-19 infection and KD can exhibithyperinflammatory state involving multi-systems Our patient's positive serology, fever and gastrointestinalsymptoms indicated that her development of KD was preceded with COVID-19 infection, portending apotential role of systemic immune response triggered by the virus in KD pathogenesis Conclusion: Cliniciansshould be vigilant for this possible new association between COVID-19 and KD Clinical criteria for testing forCOVID-19 must not be restricted to those with respiratory symptoms We recommend both RT-PCR based andserology test for the virus be utilized in patient with KD
Safety Support by an Automotive Middleware

The amount of software integrated into today’s vehicles growths exponential and tends to be a patchwork of non interrelated applications. However the interrelationship gets more and more intensive as applications start to cooperate and therefore communicate with each other. By introducing a domain exceeding middleware concept we want applications to experience a high level of integration and enable outsourcing of features applications have in common.
Impact of Anticipatory Batching of Pharmacy Compounded Sterile Products on Time to Nurse Administration.

Background:Timely medication administration is integral to patient care, and operational delays can challenge timely administration. Within an inpatient pharmacy of an academic medical center, intr...
SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein S1-Mediated Endothelial Injury and Pro-Inflammatory State Is Amplified by Dihydrotestosterone and Prevented by Mineralocorticoid Antagonism

Men are disproportionately affected by the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), and face higher odds of severe illness and death compared to women. The vascular effects of androgen signaling and inflammatory cytokines in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-mediated endothelial injury are not defined. We determined the effects of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-mediated endothelial injury under conditions of exposure to androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α) and tested potentially therapeutic effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism by spironolactone. Circulating endothelial injury markers VCAM-1 and E-selectin were measured in men and women diagnosed with COVID-19. Exposure of endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro to DHT exacerbated spike protein S1-mediated endothelial injury transcripts for the cell adhesion molecules E-selectin, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 and anti-fibrinolytic PAI-1 (p < 0.05), and increased THP-1 monocyte adhesion to ECs (p = 0.032). Spironolactone dramatically reduced DHT+S1-induced endothelial activation. TNF-α exacerbated S1-induced EC activation, which was abrogated by pretreatment with spironolactone. Analysis from patients hospitalized with COVID-19 showed concordant higher circulating VCAM-1 and E-Selectin levels in men, compared to women. A beneficial effect of the FDA-approved drug spironolactone was observed on endothelial cells in vitro, supporting a rationale for further evaluation of mineralocorticoid antagonism as an adjunct treatment in COVID-19.
A Modified Genetic Algorithm for the Selection of Decoupling Capacitors in PDN Design

Decoupling capacitors are used to provide adequate and stable power for integrated circuits in printed circuit boards (PCB). For complicated and large designs, it is difficult to select capacitors to meet voltage ripple limits while also minimizing cost because the search space is too large. In this work, a new genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed for the selection and placement of capacitors to meet a target impedance using as few capacitors as possible. The GA is centered around controlling the number of unused port locations in the GA population solutions, with the result of smoothing out the GA convergence and speeding up the convergence rate. A result comparison is made of the proposed GA against other algorithms and found the GA competitive if not better for the select test cases.
Ubiquitin carboxylterminal hydrolase-1: A biomarker of renal cell carcinoma and melanoma

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 3237 Using classical Proteomics and PROTEOMEX, the protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) also termed ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase (UCH)L1 was found to be differential expressed in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) lesions as well as in sera from RCC patients. Validation of proteome-based results demonstrated (i) a heterogeneous UCHL1 expression pattern in RCC and normal kidney epithelium; (ii) downregulation of UCHL1 in primary RCC lesions and in RCC cell lines when compared to normal kidney tissue; (iii) dependency of the frequency and the levels of UCHL1 expression were dependent on the RCC subtype as well as tumor grading. (iv) Furthermore, UCHL1 expression was more pronounced in metastases than in primary tumor lesions. In addition a heterogeneous UCHL1 expression pattern was found in melanoma. The distinct UCHL1 expression levels were associated with changes in the methylation pattern and could be partially reconstituted by 5’-aza-2’ deoxycytidine treatment. Gain of function transfectants exhibited a shorter doubling time and significant higher proliferation and migration rates than UCHL1-negative cells. Thus, UCHL1 expression appears to be involved in the metastatic phenotype of tumors and therefore might serve as potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of RCC and melanoma patients.
Security Issuance and Investor Information

Although the commoditisation of illiquid asset exposures through securitisation facilitates the disciplining effect of capital markets on the risk management, private information about securitised debt as well as complex transaction structures could possibly impair the fair market valuation. In a simple issue design model without intermediaries we maximise issuer proceeds over a positive measure of issue quality, where a direct revelation mechanism (DRM) by profitable informed investors engages endogenous price discovery through auction-style allocation preference as a continuous function of perceived issue quality. We derive an optimal allocation schedule for maximum issuer payoffs under different pricing regimes if asymmetric information requires underpricing. In particular, we study how the incidence of uninformed investors at varying levels of valuation uncertainty and their function of clearing the market effects profitable informed investment. We find that the issuer optimises own payoffs at each valuation irrespective of the applicable pricing mechanism by awarding informed investors the lowest possible allocation (and attendant underpricing) that still guarantees profitable informed investment. Under uniform pricing the composition of the investor pool ensures that informed investors appropriate higher profit than uninformed types. Any reservation utility by issuers lowers the probability of information disclosure by informed investors and the scope of issuers to curtail profitable informed investment.
Habitable zones around low mass stars and the search for extraterrestrial life.

Habitable planets are likely to exist around stars nottoo different from the Sun if current theories about terrestrialclimate evolution are correct. Some of these planets may have evolved life, and some of the inhabited planets may have evolved O2-rich atmospheres. Such atmospheres could be detectedspectroscopically on planets around nearby stars using a space-based interferometer to search for the 9.6μm band of O3.Planets with O2-rich atmospheres that lie within the habitable zone around their parent star are, in all probability, inhabited.
Leg Ulcers in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease

During the entry examination, leg ulcers were present in 2.5% of 2,075 patients 10 years of age and older with sickle cell disease who entered into the Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease (CSSCD) between 1979 and 1986. Prevalence rates were highest among patients with sickle cell anemia and sickle cell anemia with thalassemia genotypes. Among sickle cell anemia patients free of ulcers at entry, the overall incidence was 5.73 per 100 person years in those having associated alpha-thalassemia and 9.97 for those without. Among sickle cell anemia patients with two alpha genes, the estimated incidence of leg ulcers is 2.38 per 100 person years and 6.12 per 100 person years among sickle cell anemia patients with three alpha genes (P less than .05). In both groups, the incidence was highest among those patients over 20 years of age and considerably higher among males than females (P less than .001). Leg ulcers were nonexistent in patients with sickle beta plus thalassemia and sickle hemoglobin C disease. Low steady-state hemoglobin is associated with a higher incidence of ulcer formation (P less than .0001) in sickle cell anemia patients. The protective effect of hemoglobin F is apparent at all levels of total hemoglobin among sickle cell anemia patients and those with associated alpha-thalassemia.