cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Information about Sexual Health on Crisis Pregnancy Center Web Sites: Accurate for Adolescents?

Abstract Study Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality and accuracy of sexual health information on crisis pregnancy center Web sites listed in state resource directories for pregnant women, and whether these Web sites specifically target adolescents. Design A survey of sexual health information presented on the Web sites of crisis pregnancy centers. Setting Internet. Participants Crisis pregnancy center Web sites. Interventions Evaluation of the sexual health information presented on crisis pregnancy center Web sites. Main Outcome Measures Themes included statements that condoms are not effective, promotion of abstinence-only education, availability of comprehensive sexual education, appeal to a young audience, provision of comprehensive sexual health information, and information about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Results and Conclusion Crisis pregnancy center Web sites provide inaccurate and misleading information about condoms, STIs, and methods to prevent STI transmission. This information might be particularly harmful to adolescents, who might be unable to discern the quality of sexual health information on crisis pregnancy center Web sites. Listing crisis pregnancy centers in state resource directories might lend legitimacy to the information on these Web sites. States should be discouraged from listing Web sites as an accurate source of information in their resource directories.
Perchlorate enhances transmission in skeletal muscle excitation-contraction coupling

The effects of the anion perchlorate (present extracellularly at 8 mM) were studied on functional skeletal muscle fibers from Rana pipiens, voltage-clamped in a Vaseline gap chamber. Established methods were used to monitor intramembranous charge movement and flux of Ca release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) during pulse depolarization. Saponin permeabilization of the end portions of the fiber segment (Irving, M., J. Maylie, N. L. Sizto, and W. K. Chandler. 1987. Journal of General Physiology. 89:1-41) substantially reduced the amount of charge moving during conventional control pulses, thus minimizing a technical error that plagued our previous studies. Perchlorate prolonged the ON time course of charge movement, especially at low and intermediate voltages. The OFFs were also made slower, the time constant increasing twofold. The hump kinetic component was exaggerated by ClO4- or was made to appear in fibers that did not have it in reference conditions. ClO4- had essentially no kinetic ON effects at high voltages (> or = 10 mV). ClO4- changed the voltage distribution of mobile charge. In single Boltzmann fits, the midpoint potential V was shifted -20 mV and the steepness parameter K was reduced by 4.7 mV (or 1.78-fold), but the maximum charge was unchanged (n = 9). Total Ca content in the SR, estimated using the method of Schneider et al. (Schneider, M. F., B. J. Simon, and G. Szucs. 1987. Journal of Physiology. 392:167-192) for correcting for depletion, stayed constant over tens of minutes in reference conditions but decayed in ClO4- at an average rate of 0.3 mumol/liter myoplasmic water per s. ClO4- changed the kinetics of release flux, reducing the fractional inactivation of release after the peak. ClO4- shifted the voltage dependence of Ca release flux. In particular, the threshold voltage for Ca release was shifted by about -20 mV, and the activation of the steady component of release flux was shifted by > 20 mV in the negative direction. The shift of release activation was greater than that of mobile charge. Thus the threshold charge, defined as the minimum charge moved for eliciting a detectable Ca transient, was reduced from 6 nC/microF (0.55, n = 7) to 3.4 (0.53). The average of the paired differences was 2.8 (0.33, P < 0.01). The effects of ClO4- were then studied in fibers in modified functional situations. Depletion of Ca in the SR, achieved by high frequency pulsing in the presence of intracellular BAPTA and EGTA, simplified but did not eliminate the effects of ClO4-.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Process variation tolerant low power DCT architecture

2D discrete cosine transform (DCT) is widely used as the core of digital image and video compression. In this paper, the authors present a novel DCT architecture that allows aggressive voltage scaling by exploiting the fact that not all intermediate computations are equally important in a DCT system to obtain "good" image quality with peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) > 30 dB. This observation has led us to propose a DCT architecture where the signal paths that are less contributive to PSNR improvement are designed to be longer than the paths that are more contributive to PSNR improvement It should also be noted that robustness with respect to parameter variations and low power operation typically impose contradictory requirements in terms of architecture design. However, the proposed architecture lends itself to aggressive voltage scaling for low-power dissipation even under process parameter variations. Under a scaled supply voltage and/or variations in process parameters, any possible delay errors would only appear from the long paths that are less contributive towards PSNR improvement, providing large improvement in power dissipation with small PSNR degradation. Results show that even under large process variation and supply voltage scaling (0.8V), there is a gradual degradation of image quality with considerable power savings (62.8%) for the proposed architecture when compared to existing implementations in 70 nm process technology
The bionic relationship between transpiration in vascular plants and heat pipe

Abstract The relationship between the transpiration system in vascular plants and the heat pipe viewed from the standpoint of bionics—the science of systems whose function is based on living systems. The fact that the two systems are identical is brought out by a mathematical model based on equilibrium and nonequilibrium thermodynamics. Both energy conversion devices are found to be thermal pumps operating in a special mode.
Preliminary observations of malignant melanoma therapy using radiolabeled alpha‐methyltyrosine

A strategy for cancer therapy using astatine-211-labeled alpha-methyltyrosine (211At-AMT) was studied in cultured B16 melanoma cells and compared to the radiotoxicity of iodine-125-labeled iododeoxyuridine (125IUdR), a thymidine analogue. Both 125I and 211 At deliver lethal doses of irradiation to melanoma cells when administered as 125IUdR and 211At-AMT. The alpha decay of astatine-211 is more effective however, needing only a fraction of the cellular radioactivity of 125IUdR to effect comparable clonogenic survival. Compared with 125IUdR, 125I-AMT is not cytotoxic because the range of the low energy electrons released does not interact with DNA. Uptake of radiolabeled AMT by melanotic cells is enhanced by theophylline. This preliminary evidence suggests that 211At-labeled melanin precursors may be exquisitely cytotoxic to B16 melanoma cells.
Design and DCVS implementation of a self-checking bus-monitor unit for highly reliable fault-tolerant system configurations

We present the design and implementation of a bus-monitor unit targeted for the design of highly reliable fault-tolerant systems. The bus-monitor is designed using differential cascode voltage switch (DCVS) logic, whose inherent characteristics result in self-checking circuits. It is implemented in an application specific integrated circuit that can be used to implement a variety of fault-tolerant architectures including triple modular redundant and hybrid configurations. The unit is capable of detecting and correcting failures in the redundant modules by monitoring their respective buses, and it delivers fault-free data to the destination modules. The unit is also capable of detecting faults occurring in the unit itself by utilizing the fault secure properties of DCVS logic. In this paper, we present the operation of the bus-monitor unit and we describe its DCVS design and implementation, as well as the performance characteristics of the prototype chips. Finally, we illustrate how the bus-monitor unit(s) can be used to implement highly reliable fault-tolerant architectures, and we demonstrate that architectures designed using the developed unit(s) exhibit higher reliability compared to the ones implemented with CMOS logic, using the same number of computational resources. >
Rate of Auditing Self and Coactor Performance Scores as a Supplementary Monitor of Reinforcer Effectiveness

The effectiveness of performance feedback and back-up reinforcers is ordinarily monitored by their combined effect on the target behavior. Supplementary monitors of reinforcer effectiveness can also be useful when, for example, the target behavior is slow to change. In this study, the supplementary monitor was the rate at which children from an institutional contingency management program pressed buttons that allowed them access to their own (self audit) or another person's (co-actor audit) performance scores. The feasibility of this supplementary monitor was indicated by the findings that children used the audit apparatus and that their scores, rather than the novelty of the procedure, were reinforcers. The procedure was useful to the treatment team because it showed which of the children's daily scores were most reinforcing and who checked their scores. Although children made both self and coactor checks, self scores were usually more reinforcing. The audit as a supplementary monitor offers the advantag...
Properties of Ultrafiltered Skim Milk Retentate Powders

Abstract Spray-dried and freeze-dried ultrafiltered skim milk retentate powders were obtained from mechanically separated whole milk ultrafiltered retentates previously concentrated to 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1 total protein. Resulting powders, analyzed for composition, quality, storage stability, and functionality, were compared with conventional spray-dried skim milk powder. Retentate powders containing from 50 to 65% protein showed lowest bacterial numbers and acidity and retained excellent flavor. After 4 wk of storage above 3°C, the powder showed changes in solubility and 5-hydroxymethyl furfuraldehyde. Both indices increased with rise in protein content and storage temperature. Functional properties such as foaming and heat stability were suitable.
Mcl-1-Bim complexes accommodate surprising point mutations via minor structural changes

Mcl-1 is an antiapoptotic Bcl-2-family protein that protects cells against death. Structures of Mcl-1, and of other anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, reveal a surface groove into which the alpha-helical BH3 regions of certain proapoptotic proteins can bind. Despite high overall structural conservation, differences in this groove afford binding specificity that is important for the mechanism of Bcl-2 family function. We report the crystal structure of human Mcl-1 bound to a BH3 peptide derived from human Bim and the structures for three complexes that accommodate large physicochemical changes at conserved Bim sites. The mutations had surprisingly modest effects on complex stability, and the structures show that Mcl-1 can undergo small changes to accommodate the mutant ligands. For example, a shift in a leucine side chain fills a hole left by an isoleucine-to-alanine mutation at the first hydrophobic buried position of Bim BH3. Larger changes are also observed, with shifting of helix alpha3 accommodating an isoleucine-to-tyrosine mutation at this same position. We surveyed the variation in available Mcl-1 and Bcl-x(L) structures and observed moderate flexibility that is likely critical for facilitating interactions of diverse BH3-only proteins with Mcl-1. With the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members attracting significant attention as therapeutic targets, these structures contribute to our growing understanding of how specificity is achieved and can help to guide the design of novel inhibitors that target Mcl-1.
Biogeochemical Gradients as a Framework for Understanding Waste Site Evolution

The migration of biogeochemical gradients is a useful framework for understanding the evolution of biogeochemical conditions in groundwater at waste sites contaminated with metals and radionuclides. This understanding is critical to selecting sustainable remedies and evaluating sites for monitored natural attenuation, because most attenuation mechanisms are sensitive to geochemical conditions such as pH and redox potential. Knowledge of how gradients in these parameters evolve provides insights into the behavior of contaminants with time and guides characterization, remedy selection, and monitoring efforts. An example is a seepage basin site at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina where low-level acidic waste has seeped into groundwater. The remediation of this site relies, in part, on restoring the natural pH of the aquifer by injecting alkaline solutions. The remediation will continue until the pH up-flow of the treatment zone increases to an acceptable value. The time required to achieve this objective depends on the time it takes the trailing pH gradient, the gradient separating the plume from influxing natural groundwater, to reach the treatment zone. Predictions of this length of time will strongly influence long-term remedial decisions.
Obesity Adversely Affects Health Related Quality of Life Before and After Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy

Purpose: Obesity adversely affects surgical procedures and outcomes. We used a validated health related quality of life measure to examine the effects of obesity on disease specific health related quality of life before and following radical retropubic prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: From June 2000 to April 2003, 575 consecutive patients with prostate cancer were approached to participate in a prospective, health related quality of life study. Health related quality of life was assessed before surgery, and 1, 4, 12, 24 and 36 months postoperatively. Repeated measures mixed models were constructed to determine the independent effects of body mass index on health related quality of life.Results: Of 472 consenting subjects 376 (80%) completed a baseline and at least 1 followup survey. Higher body mass index was associated with worse preoperative hormonal/vitality function (p = 0.0009) and bother (p = 0.02), and delayed recovery of bowel function (p = 0.01) and bother (p = 0.01) health related quality of...
GASB 34's Information Relevance: Evidence from New Issue Local Government Debt

I examine the relevance to credit analysts and investors of information presented in the government-wide financial reports of municipalities. Government-wide, accrual-basis measures such as those required by GASB Statement 34 are potentially useful for assessing local government credit quality and pricing local government bonds because most local governments have capital-intensive infrastructure assets. I examine information relevance in the context of municipal bond credit analysis, primary market pricing, and secondary market pricing of new issue municipal bonds. I find that government-wide financial information does have incremental value relative to traditional fund-based measures. However, I also find that fund-based measures are far more relevant for assessing default risk and for pricing new issue municipal bonds. The clearest evidence of information relevance of the government-wide information for pricing efficiency in the secondary market. These results have implications for our understanding of the implications of accrual-basis accounting in US governments.
What do we learn by studying the temperature effect on isometric tension and tension transients in mammalian striated muscle fibres

The significance of transient analysis of isometric tension and its temperature dependence on the molecular mechanisms of contraction is reviewed. The kinetic analysis of tension transient is essential to establish the elementary steps of the cross-bridge cycle. The temperature study is essential to deduce thermodynamic parameters of the force generation step, from which surface area changes associated with hydrophobic interaction and ionic interaction can be calculated. Experimental evidence suggests that a large scale hydrophobic and stereospecific interaction takes place at the time of force generation. This interaction is promoted by regulatory proteins troponin and tropomyosin, which is the basis for endothermic force generation. The six state cross-bridge model with two apparent rate constants is capable of explaining the temperature dependence of isometric tension and tension transients induced by temperature jump experiments. This model was previously proposed to account for the tension transients induced by sinusoidal length changes [Kawai and Halvorson (1991) Biophys J 59: 329–342]. The series compliance model is suitable for explaining the temperature effect on the stiffness data as the function of temperature, leading to the conclusion that the series compliance accounts for 40 ± 5% of the total compliance in activated psoas fibres at 20°C. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that tension per cross-bridge remains the same at different temperatures, and that it is the population shift that gives rise to the characteristic temperature effect on isometric tension.
Solar Electric Propulsion Stage design

This paper summarizes the analyses and design studies performed for the Solar Electric Propulsion Stage (SEPS). Mission analysis results were used to establish general design requirements. A performance sensitivity analysis was then used to define an operational power level of 21 kW for accomplishing a broad range of interplanetary and earth-orbital missions. With this base, propulsion system and stage subsystem design analyses were performed to support concept and configuration studies. Design study areas include solar array, thrust subsystem, thermal control, structures, and astrionics. Results are presented primarily for areas not covered by more specific technical papers (i.e., thrust subsystem, solar array, design requirements and configuration studies).
Perspectives on Basis Sets Beautiful: Seasonal Plantings of Diffuse Basis Functions.

We present a perspective on the use of diffuse basis functions for electronic structure calculations by density functional theory and wave function theory. We especially emphasize minimally augmented basis sets and calendar basis sets. We base our conclusions on our previous experience with commonly computed quantities, such as bond energies, barrier heights, electron affinities, noncovalent (van der Waals and hydrogen bond) interaction energies, and ionization potentials, on Stephens et al.’s results for optical rotation and on our own new calculations (presented here) of polarizabilities and of potential energy curves of van der Waals complexes. We emphasize the benefits of partial augmentation of the higher-zeta basis sets in preference to full augmentation at a lower ζ level. Benefits and limitations of the use of fully, partially, and minimally augmented basis sets are reviewed for different electronic structure methods and molecular properties. We have found that minimal augmentation is almost alway...
New Evidence for the Validity of Copromyxa Protea

(1978). New Evidence for the Validity of Copromyxa Protea. Mycologia: Vol. 70, No. 4, pp. 843-847.
Self-assembled Ln(III)4 (Ln = Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Yb) [2 × 2] square grids: a new class of lanthanide cluster.

Self-assembly of the Ln(III) ions (Ln = Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Yb) into square [2 × 2] grid-like arrays has been readily effected using simple, symmetric ditopic ligands based on a carbohydrazone core. Th...
Chitchat: Navigating tradeoffs in device-to-device context sharing

Acquiring local context information and sharing it among co-located devices is critical for emerging pervasive computing applications. The devices belonging to a group of co-located people may need to detect a shared activity (e.g., a meeting) to adapt their devices to support the activity. Today's devices are almost universally equipped with device-to-device communication that easily enables direct context sharing. While existing context sharing models tend not to consider devices' resource limitations or users' constraints, enabling devices to directly share context has significant benefits for efficiency, cost, and privacy. However, as we demonstrate quantitatively, when devices share context via device-to-device communication, it needs to be represented in a size-efficient way that does not sacrifice its expressiveness or accuracy. We present Chitchat, a suite of context representations that allows application developers to tune tradeoffs between the size of the representation, the flexibility of the application to update context information, the energy required to create and share context, and the quality of the information shared. We can substantially reduce the size of context representation (thereby reducing applications' overheads when they share their contexts with one another) with only a minimal reduction in the quality of shared contexts.
Why Peirce’s Anti-Intuitionism is not Anti-Cartesian: The Diagnosis of a Pragmatist Dogma

AbstractA close reading of Descartes’ works, particularly his Regulae ad Directionem Ingenii, calls into question the common interpretation of Peirce’s ‘Questions Concerning Certain Faculties Claimed for Man’ and ‘Some Consequences of Four Incapacities’ as being anti-Cartesian. In particular, Descartes’ conception of intuition differs from Peirce’s, and on one plausible reading of Descartes his intuitionism actually mirrors Peirce’s inferentialism in key respects. Given these similarities between Descartes and Peirce, the dogmatic status of the anti-Cartesian interpretation of Peirce becomes evident.
Increased Risk of Major Depression With Early Age of Exposure to Cigarettes.

Introduction This study examined the association between age of initiation of cigarette use and increased risk of lifetime major depressive episode. Methods This study utilized publicly available data from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health involving a nationally representative sample of interviews of 55,160 randomly selected people aged ≥12 years. Analysis was conducted in 2016. Age of initiation of cigarette use was divided into four groups (≤12 years, 13–14 years, 15–18 years, and >18 years). Eligible participants included adults aged ≥18 years who had ever smoked a cigarette and had non-missing data for all analytic variables ( n =23,906). Associations between lifetime major depressive episode and covariates were assessed using chi-square tests. Logistic regression was used to calculate crude ORs and AORs with 95% CIs. Results About half of participants reported starting cigarette use when they were aged 15–18 years. Compared with the group that initiated cigarette use at age ≤12 years, all other age groups were from 25% to almost 50% less likely to report a lifetime major depressive episode. Conclusions Early age of onset of cigarette use is associated with increased likelihood of experiencing a lifetime major depressive episode. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms driving this association.
Cseh, Tibor. 2014. Csernátontól a Reménység Taváig: Válogatott írások ('From Csernáton to Lake Hope - Collected Writings'). Compiled and edited by Andrew Ludanyi. Budapest: Fekete Sas Publishers. 520 pp.

Cseh, Tibor. 2014. Csernatontol a Remenyseg Tavaig: Valogatott irasok ('From Csernaton to Lake Hope - Collected Writings'). Compiled and edited by Andrew Ludanyi. Budapest: Fekete Sas Publishers. 520 pp.
Prognostication in Pediatrics

Continuous electroencephalographic (cEEG) monitoring has increasingly become a standardized strategy in the evaluation of critically ill pediatric patients. cEEG is essential for the identification of nonconvulsive seizures (NCS) and can provide information about background activity that may help in prognosis. Evoked potentials (EP), including somatosensory and auditory evoked potentials, have been shown to provide prognostic information, particularly in the setting of hypoxic injury. This chapter will review the utility of EEG and EPs in the prognosis of critically ill patients.
Antioxidant Reprogram Macrophages from Pro-Tumor M2 to Anti-Tumor M1

Macrophages (Mφ) have high plasticity and can polarize to two extremes, pro-inflammatory M1 Mφ and immuno-suppressive M2 Mφ. In breast cancer, tumor associated Mφ (TAM) have a pro-tumor M2-like phenotype and are associated with decreased survival. Thus, it is vital to develop treatments to reprogram TAM away from pro-tumor M2 Mφ toward anti-tumor M1 Mφ. A recent study reported a lipid peroxide scavenger selectively inhibits M2 Mφ markers and cytokines. However, little is known about the differences in reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism between M1 Mφ and M2 Mφ. Our hypothesis is pro-tumorigenic M2 Mφ possess a distinct profile of pro- and anti-oxidant enzymes, as well as a different sensitivity to ROS modulation versus the anti-tumor M1 Mφ. Our results show M2 Mφ, derived from primary human monocytes, have a significant 20-30% reduction in intracellular ROS levels versus M1 Mφ by DCFH and DHE staining. Extracellular ROS synthesis was dramatically reduced by ~70% in M2 Mφ, in part due to reduced mRNA expression of Nox2 and its accessory protein CYBA in M2 Mφ. Another contributing factor to lower ROS levels is that M2 Mφ have significantly increased Cu/ZnSOD and Gpx1 protein and activity, as well as increased Catalase mRNA expression. These data suggest M2 Mφ have increased ROS metabolism versus M1 Mφ, which may provide an advantage in the oxidative tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, EcSOD re-expression in MB231, a triple negative breast cancer cell line, inhibited the MB231-mediated increase in M2 Mφ markers and decrease in M1 Mφ markers. We moved forward utilizing Mn(III) meso-tetrakis(N-ethylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin (MnTE), a small molecule SOD mimetic, shown to have anti-tumor effects. MnTE treatment increased M1 Mφ markers, IL-12b and CD86, while concurrently decreasing M2 Mφ markers, IL-10, CD163, and C206. MnTE also inhibited the ability of M2 Mφ to inhibit T cell activation suggesting ROS is required for M2 Mφ polarization and function. These studies provide rationale for antioxidant treatment of breast cancer to reprogram TAM from pro-tumorigenic M2-like TAM phenotype to a more tumoricidal M1-like phenotype.
Treatment sequencing of abiraterone and enzalutamide in patients with mCRPC.

233Background: Abiraterone (Abi) and Enzalutamide (Enza) are among the treatment modalities available for treating metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of Abi and Enza as direct sequential treatments for patients with mCRPC. Methods: A single institution retrospective review was performed on 66 patients, in which 52 (79%) of the patients received Enza following Abi. The primary outcome measure was PSA response (50% PSA decline). Patients treated with taxanes between Abi and Enza were excluded from these analyses. Results: In patients treated first with Abi and second with Enza (n = 52), 35/52 (67%) responded initially to Abi. Following PSA progression or lack of initial response, all 52 patients were then treated with Enza, and 15/52 (29%) responded. Of the 17 patients that did not initially respond to Abi, 9 (53%) patients had a PSA response to Enza, in which 5/9 had a PSA decline ≥ 50%. 14 patients had a PSA decline ≥ 50% on initial Abi only (no...
Mitigation of Surface Aggregation in Modified Phthalocyanines as Potential Photo Sensitizers

Important to the development of dye-sensitized solar cells is the longevity and photo-conversion efficiency of the dye. To improve cost effectiveness, dyes of superior thermal and chemical stability are desirable to extend device performance. In this study, we examine a series of peripherally fluorinated Zinc-Phthalocyanines (F x ZnPc). Introduction of chemically inert fluorine and isopropyl fluoroalkyl groups on the periphery of the Pc improve the dye stability and allow for tunable photo-physical properties. Additionally, introduction of the bulky isopropyl fluoroalkyl groups help mitigate molecular aggregation in thin films which is known to be detrimental to maintaining the desired photo-physical properties of the surface coating. Using molecular dynamics and first principles modeling, various substituent effects on surface adhesion and aggregation over TiO 2 surfaces are characterized for both symmetric and asymmetric substitution.
The Evolution of the Crumbling Quote Signal

In this paper, we illuminate the origins of the crumbling quote signal employed by IEX, provide detailed analyses of its performance, and discuss its continuing evolution.
HOST-GUEST COMPLEXATION CHEMISTRY

The principles of complementarity and of preorganization have been applied to the study of structural recognition in complexation. A chiral host has been synthesized which by design complexes enantiomers of a particular configuration of racemic amino acid or ester salts by selectivity factors as high as 31. The same host catalyzes (with turnover) the reaction with an electrophile of a complexed prochiral potassium-carbon acid salt to produce a chiral product that is ∼99% optically pure. A mimic for the acylation of a serine esterase has been synthesized which by collection and orientation of reactants accelerates a transacylation rate by a factor of 1011 over that observed for a noncomplexing model compound. A host containing an enforced cavity lined with electron pairs (a spherand) is reported which is the strongest known complexer of lithium and sodium ions. This ligand system rejects all other metal ions. Organization of this host during synthesis rather than during complexation is shown to enhance binding by factors as high as > 1012. Hosts with enforced concave surfaces of molecular dimensions (cavitands) have been prepared. Cell like hosts have been designed that are potentially capable of encapsulating organic molecules. The hosts and complexes were designed with the help of scale molecular models, and their structures confirmed with crystal structure and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral techniques.
Learning away from neoliberalism: Lines of connection towards other worlds

In this essay, I envision the university, not simply as a discreet institution with formal boundaries to attend to and defend from neoliberal and conservative assaults, but as a location of possibility from which to locate and advance projects that connect students and ourselves to the possibility of other economic worlds.
Small noncoding RNA expression during extreme anoxia tolerance of annual killifish (Austrofundulus limnaeus) embryos.

Small noncoding RNAs (sncRNA) have recently emerged as specific and rapid regulators of gene expression, involved in a myriad of cellular and organismal processes. MicroRNAs, a class of sncRNAs, ar...
Arenophile-Mediated Dearomative Functionalization Strategies

The dearomatization of arenes is a fundamental synthetic strategy, providing a direct connection between simple hydrocarbons and valuable, more complex intermediates. While several strategies exist, the functionalization with concurrent introduction of functionality (i.e., dearomative functionalization) is still a largely underdeveloped field. This Synpacts article provides an overview and insights from our recent work in this area using small molecules—arenophiles. 1 Introduction 2 Arenophiles 3 Olefin-Like Dearomative Functionalizations 4 Arenophiles and Transition-Metal Catalysis 5 Applications in Natural Product Synthesis 6 Conclusion
Effect of calendar ageing on SEI growth and its impact on electrical circuit model parameters in Lithium ion batteries

This paper discusses the effect of calendar aging on the growth rate of SEI. It discusses the reasons for the growth of SEI and the implementation of SEI growth in the 3D First Principle Based Degradation Model (3DM) of the battery. The growth of SEI is simulated over a period of 3 years and the impact it has over the terminal voltage and current generated by the battery are plotted and discussed. The results are then applied to the Equivalent Circuit Model (ECM) of the battery to study and identify the impacts that calendar aging and SEI growth has on the parameters of the circuit. The increase in the internal resistance and the decrease in the capacity are also discussed.
Carrier Balloon Windfinding Subsystem Evaluation

The Carrier Balloon System (CBS) uses Omega Navigation to derive vertical wind profiles. The windfinding subsystem tests of CBS were conducted at Wallops Island during 16–19 October 1973. This paper describes the encouraging results of the test.
The Impact of Telemedicine on Teamwork and Workload in Pediatric Resuscitation: A Simulation-Based, Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract Background: Telemedicine provides access to specialty care to critically ill patients from a geographic distance. The effects of using telemedicine on (1) teamwork and communication (TC), ...
Physical and Engineering Principles in Stem Cell Research

Biological research in general is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, and stem cell research in particular has strong potential to become progressively more so. In this field, there has for example been a growing recognition that, while biochemical signals play critical roles in regulating the behavior and fate decisions of stem cells, biology presents regulatory information to cells not only in the binary absence or presence of a given molecule, but also numerous biophysical aspects of these regulatory cues. These include mechanics, topographical features at multiple size scales, electrostatics, spatiotemporal variation in the presentation of biochemical cues, transport phenomena, and biochemical reaction kinetics. As a result, there are considerable opportunities for physical scientists and engineers to become increasingly involved in stem cell research, not only to gain basic insights into new mechanisms in stem cell biology but to create new technologies to advance this field. Within this report, chapter “High-throughput Screening, Microfluidics, Biosensors, and Real-time Phenotyping” discusses the development of technologies to discover novel signals that regulate stem cell behavior, and chapter “Computational Modeling and Stem Cell Engineering” reviews progress in the development of mathematical models that quantitatively investigate the underlying regulatory mechanisms. The present chapter will review research into now biophysical features of the microenvironment or niche regulate the behavior of a stem cell.
Piezoresistance Response of Manganin Foils: Experiments and Analysis

The objective of the present work was to understand the response of the manganin foil gauges,1 oriented parallel and perpendicular to the wave front, in shock wave experiments. We carried out experiments in which the gauges were subjected to well characterized stress waves up to 100 kbar to obtain the gauge response on impact loading and to determine the hysteresis effect on unloading. We then modeled the experimental results using the theoretical model developed earlier.2, 3 A brief summary of the experimental and theoretical results is presented in this paper.
“It’s Hard to Be Around Here”: Criminalization of Daily Routines for Youth in Baltimore:

The authors examine how youth in Baltimore experience criminalization in their everyday routines in two key social settings, schools and neighborhoods, and how this can affect their transition to a...
Incorporating Six Sigma Methodology Training into Chemical Engineering Education.

Six Sigma is a buzz term in today’s technology and business world and there has been increasing interest to initiate Six Sigma training in college education. We have successfully incorporated Six Sigma methodology training into a traditional chemical engineering course, Engineering Experimentation, at Texas Tech University. The students have obtained hands-on experiences to learn the Six Sigma methodology and a unique and integrative experience to practice engineering and business concepts simultaneously.
Systematic Description of 3q29 Duplication Syndrome Reveals New Syndromic Phenotypes: Results from the 3q29 Registry

3q29 duplication syndrome (3q29Dup) is a rare genomic disorder caused by the reciprocal duplication of the 1.6 Mb 3q29 deletion syndrome region. Case reports indicate the 3q29Dup is likely to be pathogenic, but because no systematic study of the syndrome exists, the full range of manifestations is not well-understood. To develop a better understanding of 3q29 duplication syndrome, we used the 3q29 registry (https://3q29deletion.patientcrossroads.org/) to ascertain 31 individuals with 3q29Dup, the largest cohort ever surveyed in a systematic way. For comparison, we ascertained 117 individuals with the reciprocal 3q29 deletion syndrome (3q29Del) and 64 typically developing controls. We used a custom medical and demographic questionnaire to assess physical and developmental phenotypes, and two standardized instruments, the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and Achenbach Behavior Checklists (CBCL/ABCL), to assess social disability. We find that our 3q29Dup participants report a high rate of problems in the first year of life (80.6%), including feeding problems (58%), failure to gain weight (42%), hypotonia (39%), and respiratory distress (29%). In early childhood, learning problems (87.1%) and seizures (25.8%) are common. Additionally, we find a rate of self-reported ASD diagnoses (39%) similar to that previously identified in 3q29Del (29%), and the granular characteristics of social disability measured using the SRS and CBCL/ABCL are comparable between 3q29Dup and 3q29Del. This is the most comprehensive description of 3q29Dup to date. Our findings can be used to develop evidence-based strategies for early intervention and management of 3q29 duplication syndrome.
Efficient semiparametric regression for longitudinal data with regularised estimation of error covariance function

Improving estimation efficiency for regression coefficients is an important issue in the analysis of longitudinal data, which involves estimating the covariance matrix of errors. But challenges ari...
Urethral atrophy is now a rare cause for artificial urinary sphincter revision surgery in the contemporary 3.5 cm cuff era.

Background: Urethral atrophy has long been suggested as the leading cause of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) revision. Since the introduction of the 3.5 cm AUS cuff in 2010, precise cuff sizing primarily has been suggested to reduce revisions due to urethral atrophy. We evaluated a large contemporary series of reoperative AUS cases to determine reasons for revision surgery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our tertiary referral center database of male AUS procedures performed by a single surgeon from 2007–2019. AUS revision or replacement procedures were included for analysis. Cuff sizes and reasons for reoperation were recorded based on intraoperative findings and evaluated for temporal trends. Patients with cuff erosion or lacking follow-up were excluded. Results: Among 714 AUS cases, 177 revisions or replacements were identified. Of these, 137 met inclusion criteria [mean age 71.7 years, median follow-up 52.7 months (IQR 22.3–94.6 months)]. Urethral atrophy was cited as the cause of AUS failure in 8.0% (11/137) of cases overall, virtually never among those with a 3.5 cm cuff placement (1/51, 2.0%). In those with ≥4.0 cm cuffs, urethral atrophy was the reason for revision in 10/86 (11.6%). Pressure regulating balloon (PRB) failure was the most frequently cited cause of failure (47/137, 34.3%). Cuff-related failure (23/137, 16.8%) and mechanical failure of unspecified device component (16/137, 11.8%) were the next most frequent causes of failure. Conclusions: Urethral atrophy has become a rare cause of AUS revision surgery since the availability of smaller cuffs. PRB-related failure is now the leading cause of AUS reoperation.
Functional and phenotypic flow cytometry characterization of Picochlorum soloecismus

Abstract Multiple physiological traits essential for efficient cellular function are important when considering the selection and engineering of algal species for biofuel and bioproduct generation. Bioengineering methods have become more ubiquitous producing several novel algal lines with potentially enhanced traits. Complex metabolic interactions, however, require greater depth in characterizing cellular responses to delineate mechanistic understanding. We have developed fluorescence-based high-throughput flow cytometry protocols to facilitate characterization of cell morphology, membrane permeability, metabolic activity, cell viability, intracellular pH, and reactive oxygen species in isolates derived from the species Picochlorum soloecismus. Flow cytometry parameters were optimized for each assay. This suite of molecular flow cytometry probes and procedures can be utilized for rapid screening of optimal phenotypes in microalgae under various environmental conditions as new technical strategies for improving algae strain productivity are established.
Temporal self impacts on media exposure & effects: A test of the Selective Exposure Self- and Affect-Management (SESAM) model

Based on the selective exposure self- and affect-management (SESAM) model and social comparison theory, a 2 × 2 between-subject experiment was conducted in which participants were primed to think a...
Myocardial glucose and fatty acid metabolism is altered and associated with lower cardiac function in young adults with Barth syndrome.

Barth syndrome (BTHS) is a rare X-linked condition resulting in cardiomyopathy, however; the effects of BTHS on myocardial substrate metabolism and its relationships with cardiac high-energy phosphate metabolism and left ventricular (LV) function are unknown. We sought to characterize myocardial glucose, fatty acid (FA), and leucine metabolism in BTHS and unaffected controls and examine their relationships with cardiac high-energy phosphate metabolism and LV function. Young adults with BTHS (n = 14) and unaffected controls (n = 11, Control, total n = 25) underwent bolus injections of 15O-water and 1-11C-glucose, palmitate, and leucine and concurrent positron emission tomography imaging. LV function and cardiac high-energy phosphate metabolism were examined via echocardiography and 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy, respectively. Myocardial glucose extraction fraction (21 ± 14% vs 10 ± 8%, P = .03) and glucose utilization (828.0 ± 470.0 vs 393.2 ± 361.0 μmol·g−1·min−1, P = .02) were significantly higher in BTHS vs Control. Myocardial FA extraction fraction (31 ± 7% vs 41 ± 6%, P < .002) and uptake (0.25 ± 0.04 vs 0.29 ± 0.03 mL·g−1·min−1, P < .002) were significantly lower in BTHS vs Control. Altered myocardial metabolism was associated with lower cardiac function in BTHS. Myocardial substrate metabolism is altered and may contribute to LV dysfunction in BTHS. Clinical Trials #: NCT01625663.
The perils of recreational marijuana use: relationships with mental health among emergency department patients.

Introduction Marijuana is a commonly used drug in the United States. Many states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana. The effects of marijuana on mental health are unknown. Methods In this prospective survey study, eligible participants included ED patients age 18 and older, who had ever used recreational marijuana. A survey instrument was developed, piloted, and revised. Data collected included reasons for marijuana use, marijuana's perceived effectiveness, and history of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Results Among 303 participants (86% response rate), the median age of first marijuana use was 16 ([IQR 14, 19], range 6-65). The most commonly cited reasons for marijuana use included recreational use (70%; n = 211), to treat anxiety (30%; n = 89), to treat pain (25%; n = 74), and to treat depression (17%; n = 51). Mental health issues were common in the study population. A majority of patients reported anxiety in the last 30 days (59%; n = 176), and a significant minority of patients reported serious depression in the last 30 days (46%; n = 137). Some patients reported suicidal thoughts in the last 30 days (9%; n = 29). Participants who used marijuana more frequently reported more days of anxiety (median 15.5, compared to 1; P = 0.001). Among participants with mental health conditions, most began using marijuana before the onset of the mental health conditions (77%, n = 167). Earlier age of starting to use marijuana was correlated with higher number of years of anxiety or tension in lifetime (r = -0.11, P = 0.05, n = 301). Perceived effects of marijuana use on mental health were variable. Most participants stated that marijuana improved their mental health (62%; n = 163), and some reported that marijuana did not improve their mental health (37%; n = 98). Conclusions Many ED patients have used marijuana, either currently or in the past. Mental health conditions are also common, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Most participants reported marijuana use starting at an age under 18. Marijuana use preceded the onset of mental health conditions in the majority of participants.
ROLE OF BROMOCRIPTINE IN THE TREATMENT OF PARKINSONISM

Fifty-three patients with parkinsonism, either with intractable symptoms despite levodopa therapy or with adverse effects from levodopa limiting its usefulness, were placed on bromocriptine with gradual increasing doses until benefit or adverse effect was encountered. Improvement was seen in 26 patients, of which 19 (36% of the total 53 patients) had sustained improvement. Effective doses of bromocriptine ranged from 5 to 90 mg/day. Improvement occurred in all categories of clinical problems, including patients who lost some benefit from chronic levodopa therapy as well as those with adverse effects from levodopa. A high incidence (70%) of adverse effects with bromocriptine was observed, which limited the utilization of this drug. Nevertheless, bromocriptine is worth a trial in patients not doing well on levodopa.
Creating a Sea of Safety: An Initiative to Reduce Hospital Acquired Conditions in a Children’s Hospital

Background and Local context: Pediatric patients are particularly susceptible to hospital acquired conditions (HAC). Children’s Hospitals play an integral role in protecting their patients from preventable harm. The James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital (MCH) at Vidant Medical Center is a 198 bed tertiary care pediatric center in eastern North Carolina. While best practices had been implemented to decrease specific HAC it was recognized that an alignment of resources and teams into a cultural initiative would likely improve compliance and results. Goal: Our aim was to decrease …
Numerical Semigroups and the Game of Sylver Coinage

In Conway’s game, Sylver Coinage, the set of legal plays forms the complement of a numerical semigroup after a finite number of turns. Our goal is to show how the tools and techniques of numerical ...