cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The global epidemiology of waterpipe smoking

Objectives In the past decade, waterpipe smoking (a.k.a. hookah, shisha, narghile) has become a global phenomenon. In this review, we provide an updated picture of the main epidemiological trends in waterpipe smoking globally. Data sources Peer-reviewed publications indexed in major biomedical databases between 2004 and 2014. Search keywords included a combination of: waterpipe, hookah, shisha along with epidemiology, patterns, prevalence and predictors. We also used different spellings of waterpipe terms commonly used. Study selection The focus was on studies with large representative samples, national data or high-quality reports that illuminated aspects of the epidemiology and trends in waterpipe smoking. Data extraction Multiple researchers extracted the data independently and collectively decided on the most important and pertinent studies to include in the review. Data synthesis Waterpipe smoking has become a global phenomenon among youth. The global waterpipe epidemic is likely driven by (1) the introduction of manufactured flavoured tobacco (Maassel); (2) the intersection between waterpipe9s social dimension and thriving cafe culture; (3) the evolution of mass communication media; (4) the lack of regulatory/policy framework specific to the waterpipe. Waterpipe smoking is becoming the most popular tobacco use method among youth in the Middle East, and is quickly gaining popularity elsewhere. Important patterns of waterpipe smoking include the predominance among younger, male, high socioeconomic, and urban groups. Intermittent and social use are also noted patterns. Conclusions Waterpipe smoking has become a global public health problem. Developing surveillance, intervention and regulatory/policy frameworks specific to the waterpipe has become a public health priority.
Stem Anatomy and Measurement of Osmotic Potential and Turgor Potential Using Pressure-Volume Curves

This chapter considers pressure–volume curves, which are used to determine osmotic potential and turgor potential. They are constructed from data obtained from the volume of sap exuded from the cut end of a stem protruding from a pressure chamber. Therefore, one needs to understand stem anatomy before turning to pressure–volume curves. The close association of the stem with the leaves makes the aerial part of the plant axis structurally more complex than the root. The term shoot , which refers to the stem and leaves as one system, serves to express this association. The stem, like the root, consists of three tissue systems: the dermal (epidermis), the fundamental or ground (pith and cortex), and the fascicular or vascular. The variations in the primary structure in stems of different species are based chiefly on differences in the relative distribution of the fundamental and vascular tissues. In dicotyledons, the vascular system of the internode commonly appears as a hollow cylinder delimiting an outer and an inner region of ground tissue, the cortex and the pith, respectively.
Adaptive precision methodology for flow optimization via discretization and iteration error control

An adaptive precision optimization methodology based on discretization and iteration error estimates is presented. Issues of efficient concurrent flow-adjoint solution and consistency between PDE and discrete adjoint for the Discontinious Galerkin (DG) discretization of the Euler compressible equations are developed. Optimization results for quasi-one dimensional channel flow are presented to demonstrate the methodology.
Outcomes of arteriovenous fistulas and grafts with or without intervention before successful use

Objective Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are considered superior to arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) because of longer secondary patency after successful cannulation for dialysis. We evaluated whether access interventions before successful cannulation affect the relative longevity of AVFs and AVGs after successful use. Methods This retrospective study of a prospective database identified patients who initiated dialysis with a catheter and subsequently had a permanent access (289 AVFs and 310 AVGs) placed between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2011, and were successfully cannulated for dialysis at a large medical center. Patients were monitored until June 30, 2014, and we evaluated the clinical outcomes (secondary patency and frequency of interventions) of the vascular accesses. Results An intervention before successful cannulation was required more frequently with AVFs than with AVGs (50.5% vs 17.7%; odds ratio, 4.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.26-6.86; P P P P P P = .01), but required fewer annual interventions after successful use (RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.49-0.66; P Conclusions The patency advantage of AVFs over AVGs is no longer evident in patients requiring an AVF intervention before successful cannulation, but the AVFs require fewer interventions after successful use.
α-Methylation follows condensation in the gephyronic acid modular polyketide synthase

C-methyltransferases (MTs) from modular polyketide synthase assembly lines are relatively rare and unexplored domains that are responsible for installing α-methyl groups into nascent polyketide backbones. The stage at which these synthase-embedded enzymes operate during polyketide biosynthesis has yet to be conclusively demonstrated. In this work we establish the activity and substrate preference for six MTs from the gephyronic acid polyketide synthase and demonstrate their ability to methylate both N-acetylcysteamine- and acyl carrier protein-linked β-ketoacylthioester substrates but not malonyl thioester equivalents. These data strongly indicate that MT-catalyzed methylation occurs immediately downstream of ketosynthase-mediated condensation during polyketide assembly. This work represents the first successful report of MT-catalyzed mono- and dimethylation of simple thioester substrates and provides the groundwork for future mechanistic and engineering studies on this important but poorly understood enzymatic domain.
Long Coherence Times in Nuclear Spin-Free Vanadyl Qubits.

Quantum information processing (QIP) offers the potential to create new frontiers in fields ranging from quantum biology to cryptography. Two key figures of merit for electronic spin qubits, the smallest units of QIP, are the coherence time (T2), the lifetime of the qubit, and the spin–lattice relaxation time (T1), the thermally defined upper limit of T2. To achieve QIP, processable qubits with long coherence times are required. Recent studies on (Ph4P-d20)2[V(C8S8)3], a vanadium-based qubit, demonstrate that millisecond T2 times are achievable in transition metal complexes with nuclear spin-free environments. Applying these principles to vanadyl complexes offers a route to combine the previously established surface compatibility of the flatter vanadyl structures with a long T2. Toward those ends, we investigated a series of four qubits, (Ph4P)2[VO(C8S8)2] (1), (Ph4P)2[VO(β-C3S5)2] (2), (Ph4P)2[VO(α-C3S5)2] (3), and (Ph4P)2[VO(C3S4O)2] (4), by pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and ...
Generation of a Predictive Score for Ixazomib Response in Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second-most common hematopoietic malignancy in the United States accounting for 1% of all cancers and 10% of all hematologic malignancies. Despite recent improvements in treatment strategies including the emergence of proteasome inhibitors (PIs) as effective chemotherapeutic agents, MM still remains difficult to cure with median survival rate of around 7 years, primarily due to wide inter-individual variation in response to treatment. We believe such heterogeneity in response to PIs is governed by the underlying molecular characteristics of the tumor including alterations in gene expression profile (GEP). In the current study, we used a panel of Human Myeloma Cell Lines (HMCLs) representing the gamut of biological and genetic heterogeneity in MM to evaluate the gene expression signatures associated with response to the second-generation PI Ixazomib and produced a predictive score (PI score) for Ix response. HMCLs (n=45) were treated with increasing concentrations of Ixazomib used as single agent and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) values were determined using cell viability equation. Gene expression profiling data was obtained as publicly available data from the Keats lab website at TGen (http://www.keatslab.org/myeloma-cell-lines). Genes with high expression value and high standard deviation beyond the median values were pre-filtered and log expression values were normalized by subtracting mean expression of individual genes across all the samples and the housekeeping genes (GAPDH). Subsequently, analysis of correlation between Ix IC 50 data and GEP data and the False Discovery Rate (FDR) based on 1000 random permutations were performed to identify true patterns of genes that are highly predictive of Ix response and to look for the top genes that could discriminate between the top sensitive and top resistant cell lines. Gene clusters were identified that correlated with response and will be presented. Our results will demonstrate in vitro modeling of response using GEP approaches that may provide predictive scoring algorithms of a defined set of genes that will be useful in clinical evaluation of drug choice in treating individual patients. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
CXCL12 Promotes Stem Cell Recruitment and Uterine Repair after Injury in Asherman’s Syndrome

Asherman's syndrome is an acquired condition of uterine fibrosis and adhesions in response to injury that adversely affects fertility and pregnancy. We have previously demonstrated that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMDSCs) contribute to uterine repair after injury and that stem cells supplementation improves fertility. Here, we demonstrate that CXCL12 is the chemokine that mediates stem cell engraftment and functional improvement using a murine model of Asherman's syndrome. After uterine injury, we demonstrate that CXCL12 augmentation increased BMDSC engraftment and that the CXCL12 receptor (CXCR4) antagonist, ADM3100, blocked stem cell recruitment. CXCL12 reduced, whereas ADM3100 increased fibrosis. CXCL12 treatment led to improved fertility and litter size, whereas ADM3100 treatment reduced fertility and litter size. ADM3100 prevented optimal spontaneous uterine repair mediated by endogenous CXCL12 production, reducing pregnancies after injury in the absence of supplemental CXCL12 administration; however, ADM3100 treatment could be partially rescued by CXCL12 augmentation. CXCL12 or other CXCR4 receptor agonists may be useful in the treatment of infertility or adverse pregnancy outcomes in Asherman's syndrome and other related uterine disorders.
Snare Proteins Entropically Expand Membrane Fusion Pores

Neurotransmitters and hormones are released through fusion pores whose dynamics are a critical determinant of the release amount and rate. Fusion pores may flicker repeatedly, before resealing (“kiss & run” fusion) or dilating irreversibly (full fusion). These dynamics are physiologically regulated, but the mechanisms are not understood. Prior studies either monitored single exocytotic pores in live cells with uncontrolled biochemistry, or used in vitro reconstitutions lacking single pore sensitivity. The unavailability of key parameters has hampered development of meaningful models to describe pore dynamics.Here we combine mathematical modeling and single pore measurements to investigate regulation of pore dilation. Experimentally, we measured individual pore conductances with controlled SNARE copy number for the first time. Reconstituting v-SNAREs into ∼23 nm diameter nanolipoprotein particles (discs), we fused discs with patch-clamped cells expressing complementary t-SNAREs and measured currents.We found that SNARE numbers dramatically affected pore size. Just ∼2 SNAREs nucleated pores, but with increasing numbers of SNAREs pores became progressively more dilated. We determined pore size distributions and free energy versus pore size.We developed a coarse-grained mathematical model that reproduced the experimental free energy profiles. Free energies were averaged over fusion pore shapes and configurations of SNARE complexes which could zipper at the pore waist or roam unzippered. Protein-free pores resisted expansion with force ∼19 pN due to membrane tension and bending, close to the experimental value. With SNAREs, zippering drove SNARE assembly at the pore, where SNARE crowding generated entropic pore expansion forces, since bigger pores gave zippered SNAREs more entropy. With 15 SNAREs the entropic expansion force of 14 pN was close to the 19 pN resistance.Our results suggest that SNAREs critically regulate pores post-fusion by entropic expansion forces. Several SNAREs are required to fully dilate pores for efficient contents release.
Affine Lie algebras: the normalized invariant bilinear form, the root system and the Weyl group

The results of Chapter 4 show that a Kac-Moody algebra g(A) is finite-dimensional if and only if all principal minors of A are positive. These Lie algebras are semisimple; moreover, by the classical structure theory, they exhaust all finite-dimensional semisimple Lie algebras. So, the classical Killing-Cartan theory of simple Lie algebras is, in our terminology, the theory of Kac-Moody algebras associated to a matrix of finite type.
Genetic defects in ciliary genes in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

AIM To evaluate the genetic defects of ciliary genes causing the loss of primary cilium in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). METHODS We analyzed 191 structural and functional genes of the primary cilium using next-generation sequencing analysis. We analyzed the kidney samples, which were obtained from 7 patients with ADPKD who underwent nephrectomy. Each sample contained polycystic kidney tissue and matched normal kidney tissue. RESULTS In our study, we identified genetic defects in the 5 to 15 genes in each ADPKD sample. The most frequently identified defects were found in genes encoding centrosomal proteins (PCM1, ODF2, HTT and CEP89) and kinesin family member 19 (KIF19), which are important for ciliogenesis. In addition, pathogenic mutations in the PCM1 and KIF19 genes were found in all ADPKD samples. Interestingly, mutations in the genes encoding the intraflagellar transport proteins, which are the basis of animal models of ADPKD, were only rarely detected. CONCLUSION The results of our study revealed the actual state of structural ciliary genes in human ADPKD tissues and provided valuable indications for further research.
Models of colour quality over a wide range of spectral power distributions

Twenty-four real spectra were strategically structured to have systematic variation in average fidelity (IES Rf = 65, 75, 85, 95), average gamut (IES Rg = 80, 90, 100, 110, 120) and gamut shape (no...
Towards Intelligent Tutoring Systems that Teach Knowledge Rather than Skills: Five Research Questions

This paper argues that five types of research are needed in order to develop a cognitive theory that can support the development of intelligent tutoring systems.
Bovine vaccines and herd vaccination programs.

This review provides a framework for the establishmentof rational bovine herd vaccination programs. Information is provided that can assist in the selection of specific vaccine products and the establishment of appropriate schedules for their administration. Advantages, disadvantages, indications, and contraindications of vaccine options are discussed.
The effect of preclotting on surface thrombogenicity and thromboembolic complications of Dacron grafts in the canine thoracic aorta

Previous reports have advocated preclotting and autoclaving of Dacron grafts to prevent graft hemorrhage, yet no data delineate possible changes in surface thrombogenicity or thromboembolic risks. To assess these factors, preclotted and preclotted-autoclaved woven Dacron prostheses were implanted in the thoracic aorta of 31 dogs. Grafts were harvested 1 week to 1 month following implantation, and the thrombus-free surface of each graft was calculated by computerized morphometry. Values for thrombus-free surface were lowest in autoclaved grafts preclotted in nonheparinized blood (72%) or in heparinized blood (78%). Grafts preclotted in platelet-rich plasma and autoclaved had a thrombus-free surface value of 85%. Regular preclotted grafts or grafts without preclotting had the greatest thrombus-free surface value (97% and 99%). Distal embolization to the kidneys was detected in seven of 31 animals (23%). No emboli were found in animals with grafts that were not preclotted or if grafts were preclotted with platelet-rich plasma and autoclaved. Thrombus-free surface values were lower (p
Caring without sharing: Meta-analysis 2.0 for massive genome-wide association studies

Genome-wide association studies have been effective at revealing the genetic architecture of simple traits. Extending this approach to more complex phenotypes has necessitated a massive increase in cohort size. To achieve sufficient power, participants are recruited across multiple collaborating institutions, leaving researchers with two choices: either collect all the raw data at a single institution or rely on meta-analyses to test for association. In this work, we present a third alternative. Here, we implement an entire GWAS workflow (quality control, population structure control, and association) in a fully decentralized setting. Our iterative approach (a) does not rely on consolidating the raw data at a single coordination center, and (b) does not hinge upon large sample size assumptions at each silo. As we show, our approach overcomes challenges faced by meta-studies when it comes to associating rare alleles and when case/control proportions are wildly imbalanced at each silo. We demonstrate the feasibility of our method in cohorts ranging in size from 2K (small) to 500K (large), and recruited across 2 to 10 collaborating institutions.
A positive deviance approach to improve familial authorization for organ donation.

The current study evaluates the Positive Deviance Donation Collaborative, a communication training program designed to identify and disseminate behaviors of requesters with above-average rates of familial authorization to organ donation. The program initiated with a cohort of 99 requesters from 11 OPOs. Requesters' quarterly authorization rates were monitored for 33 months, and their pre-/post-intervention skills in active-empathic listening and self-efficacy to request donation were assessed. Overall, requesters' mean quarterly authorization rate was 53.69% (SD = 4.54). Multilevel models were used to examine change in authorization rates and communication skills, as well as associations between skills and authorization. Low intraclass correlation coefficients for authorization rates established that most variance was due to within-requester variation, rather than OPOs (ρ = 0.0129) or requesters within OPOs (ρ = 0.0221). Models indicated that authorization rates and communication skills failed to improve following intervention and did not identify an association between post-intervention communication skills and authorization. Results provide a framework to discuss programmatic challenges including extensive requester turnover (ie, ~60%), management of data collection across multi-site interventions, and program content.
The Role of Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF4) in the Physiological Response to Dietary Sulfur Amino Acid Restriction (OR27-01-19)

Dietary restriction of the sulfur amino acids (SAAs) improves metabolic health in part via hepatic production of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). Transcriptional control of Fgf21includes regulation by ATF4 during low protein feeding. Therefore, we aimed to determine the impact of Atf4 deletion on FGF21 levels and associated metabolic outcomes in mice fed a SAA restricted diet. Male and female mice lacking Atf4 globally or in hepatocytes only were fed either a SAA restricted diet (0.17% Met, 0% Cys) or a control diet (0.86% Met, 0% Cys) alongside littermate controls for up to 10 wk. Body mass and composition, energy expenditure and intake were measured. Blood and tissues were collected at specific time points. Transcript (RT-qPCR) and protein (ELISA and Western blot) abundances were analyzed by two factor ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis Test, with alpha = 0.05. Independent of genotype, SAA restriction attenuated weight gain and reduced adiposity despite increased food intake. Improvements in body weight and composition strongly associated with increased energy expenditure regardless of genotype. Deletion of Atf4 did not prevent hepatic Fgf21 nor circulating FGF21 from increasing during chronic SAA restriction (P < 0.05, effect of diet). However, loss of hepatic Atf4 prevented increased circulating FGF21 at 12 h. Overall, males fed the SAA restricted diet induced hepatic Fgf21and serum FGF21 to a greater degree than females. Other known ATF4 targets in liver such as asparagine synthetase, Asns, showed significant induction in the livers of only intact SAA restricted mice. Conversely, loss of Atf4 exacerbated induction of the pro-apoptotic transcription factor Chop (P < 0.05) by SAA restriction. Genetic loss of Atf4 delays but does not impede FGF21 production during dietary SAA restriction. Biological sex is a contributing factor to some of the physiological responses to dietary SAA restriction. DK109714 (TGA) and DK096311 (TWG).
Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality Headset Viewing on Young Children: Visuomotor Function, Postural Stability, and Motion Sickness.

Purpose To assess the safety of VR 3D headset (virtual reality 3-dimensional binocular-stereoscopic near-eye display) use in young children. Product safety warnings that accompany VR headsets ban their use in children under age 13 years. Design Prospective, interventional, before-and-after study. Methods Recordings were obtained in 50 children (29 boys) aged 4-10 years (mean 7.2 ± 1.8 years). Minimum binocular corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 20/50 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] 0.4) and stereoacuity 800 seconds of an arc or better. A Sony PlayStation VR headset was worn for 2 sequential play sessions (of 30 minutes each) of a first-person 3D flying game (Eagle Flight) requiring head movement to control flight direction (pitch, yaw, and roll axes). Baseline testing preceded VR exposure, and each VR session was followed by post-VR testing of binocular CDVA, refractive error, binocular eye alignment (strabismus), stereoacuity, and postural stability (imbalance). Visually induced motion sickness was probed using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire modified for pediatric use (Peds SSQ). Visual-vestibulo-ocular reflex (V-VOR) adaptation was also tested pre- vs post-trial in 5 of the children. Safety was gauged as a decline or change from baseline in any visuomotor measure. Results Forty-six of 50 children (94%) completed both VR play sessions with no significant change from baseline in measures of binocular CDVA (P = .89), refractive error (P = .36), binocular eye alignment (P = .90), or stereoacuity (P = .45). Postural stability degraded an average 9% from baseline after 60 minutes of VR exposure (P = .06). Peds SSQ scores increased a mean 4.7%—comparing pretrial to post-trial—for each of 4 symptom categories: eye discomfort (P = .02), head/neck discomfort (P = .03), fatigue (P = .03), and motion sickness (P = .01). None of the children who finished both trial sessions (94%) asked to end the play, and the majority were disappointed when play was halted. V-VOR gain remained unaltered in the 5 children tested. Three children (6% of participants) discontinued the trial during the first 10 minutes of the first session of VR play, 2 girls (aged 5 and 6 years) and 1 boy (aged 7 years). The girls reported discomfort consistent with mild motion sickness; the boy said he was bored and the headset was uncomfortable. No child manifested aftereffects (“flashbacks”) in the days following the VR exposure. Conclusion Young children tolerate fully immersive 3D virtual reality game play without noteworthy effects on visuomotor functions. VR play did not induce significant post-VR postural instability or maladaption of the vestibulo-ocular reflex. The prevalence of discomfort and aftereffects may be less than that reported for adults.
Magnetic telechemistry is elegant but nature is complex

VOGT and Johnson1 have suggested that the bulk chemistry of in situ abyssal basalts may be diagnosed using sealevel magnetic anomalies. Their suggestion is based on two sets of assumptions and observations.
A knowledge editor for designing pattern-driven intelligent systems

A current problem is that standard software development environments are tailored to a different programming paradigm from those best suited for intelligent systems. Standard tools support linear and serial flow of control through modular sets of recursive procedures. In contrast, the most robust intelligent systems must avoid the notion of a "procedure", because they must be able to react appropriately to any interruptions or unexpected changes in the state of the environment or flow of control. In order to support large-scale development of pattern-driven intelligent systems, we are building a graphical user interface that aids in the design of the rich pattern sets that make up the knowledge base of an intelligent system.
Additional Surgeries after Bladder Augmentation in Patients with Spina Bifida in the 21st Century

Purpose:We determined the long-term risks of additional surgery after bladder augmentation in a modern spina bifida cohort accounting for differential followup.Materials and Methods:We retrospectiv...
A Blockchain-Based Solution to Control Power Losses in Pakistan

For the growth of an economy, the satisfactory and steady availability of energy supplies is necessary. A developing country (like Pakistan) encounters perpetual issues of power losses. This paper explores the challenges faced by the power economy in Pakistan. Furthermore, technologies to prevent power losses are studied and analyzed. Based on the blockchain technology, this paper proposes a power loss preventing solution by using Ethereum smart contracts. These contracts handle both sides of the power economy (the consumer and the grid) by ensuring the integrity and security of data. For the evaluation of our proposed solution, we implement the contracts and the results show that our solution is effective in reducing the line losses. The proposed solution is location independent and can be applied to economies facing similar issues.
Differential Transcript Usage Analysis Incorporating Quantification Uncertainty Via Compositional Measurement Error Regression Modeling

Differential transcript usage (DTU) occurs when the relative transcript abundance of a gene changes between different conditions. Existing approaches to analyze DTU often rely on computational procedures that can have speed and scalability issues as the number of samples increases. In this paper, we propose a new method, termed CompDTU, that utilizes compositional regression to model transcript-level relative abundance proportions that are of interest in DTU analyses. This procedure does not suffer from speed and scalability issues due to the relative computational simplicity, making it ideally suited for DTU analysis with large sample sizes. The method also allows for the testing of and controlling for multiple categorical or continuous covariates. Additionally, many existing approaches for DTU ignore quantification uncertainty present in RNA-Seq data, where prior work has shown that accounting for such uncertainty may improve testing performance. We extend our CompDTU method to incorporate quantification uncertainty using bootstrap replicates of abundance estimates from Salmon and term this method CompDTUme. Through several power analyses, we show that CompDTU improves sensitivity and reduces false positive results relative to existing methods. Additionally, CompDTUme results in further improvements in performance over CompDTU with sufficient sample size for genes with high levels of quantification uncertainty while maintaining favorable speed and scalability.
The importance of social factors in the association between physical activity and depression in children

Physical activity is associated with reduced depression in youth and adults. However, our understanding of how different aspects of youth activities—specifically, the degree to which they are social, team-oriented, and physical—relate to mental health in children is less clear. Here we use a data-driven approach to characterize the degree to which physical and non-physical youth activities are social and team-oriented. We then examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and participation in different clusters of youth activities using mixed effect models and causal mediation analyses in 11,875 children from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. We test our hypotheses in an original sample (n = 4520, NDA release 1.1) and replication sample of participants (n = 7355, NDA release 2.0.1). We show and replicate that social–physical activities are associated with lower depressive symptoms. Next, we demonstrate that social connections, measured by number of close friends, partially mediate the association between social–physical activities and lower depressive symptoms. Our results provide a rubric for using data-driven techniques to investigate different aspects of youth activities and highlight the social dynamics of physical activities as a possible protective factor against depression in childhood.
From people to Panthera: Natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in tigers and lions at the Bronx Zoo

Abstract We describe the first cases of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection detected in animals in the United States. In March 2020, four tigers and three lions at the Bronx Zoo developed mild respiratory signs. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected by rRT-PCR in respiratory secretions and/or feces from all seven affected animals; viral RNA and/or antibodies were detected in their keepers. SARS-CoV-2 was isolated from respiratory secretions or feces from three affected animals; in situ hybridization co-localized viral RNA with cellular damage. Whole genome sequence and haplotype network analyses showed tigers and lions were infected with two different SARS-CoV-2 strains, suggesting independent viral introductions. The source of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the lions is unknown. Epidemiological data and genetic similarities between keeper and tiger viruses indicate human to animal transmission.
Abstract 1394: Gene expression profile in BCBL-1 cell line following activation of KSHV

Patients with HIV/AIDS are at a 3,400 times higher risk of developing Kaposi9s sarcoma when compared to healthy populations. Our hypothesis is that the upregulation of viral associated proteins is causing an increase in DNA damage, allowing for the higher incidence rate of Kaposi9s sarcoma in infected populations. The direct mechanisms leading to this increased risk is unknown, but the viral infection with Kaposi9s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an apparent cause of this risk. The cell is under attack of endogenous threats including oxidative stress, causing DNA damage and leading to mutations, but the viral proteins may interfere with the repair mechanisms. In previous experiments we looked at DNA repair dynamics following X-ray exposure in the two different stages and determined there is an inefficiency in the DNA repair process in the cells during active production of viral particles. This project aimed to compare the transcriptomes of the BCBL-1 cell line during latent and acute phases of KSHV production. Our results are showing that genes involved in genome stability are differently expressed during the lytic stage. Comparison of these two transcriptomes allows for identification of which proteins are being upregulated during active viral production. This may be of importance for the HIV/AIDS cancer patients because it shows the mechanisms behind genome stability in KSHV-infected cells. 1) Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute Of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Numbers UL1GM118991, TL4GM118992, or RL5GM118990. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. 2) NASA EPSCoR, NNH15ZHA003C Citation Format: Samantha L. Haines, Sabrina R. Bishop, Viktorija Podlutskaya, Andrej Podlutsky. Gene expression profile in BCBL-1 cell line following activation of KSHV [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 1394.
Fission Reactors—What Can Go Wrong

There are numerous problems associated with fission reactors, and they are not trivial. We are talking about accidents on the order of magnitude of nuclear attacks in wartime; cancer in the later lives of many of us; genetic defects in future generations of mankind; accumulation of waste products that could be lethal; and even the possibility of terrorist threats that could make airplane hijacking look like simple street muggings. We will discuss all of these problems in this chapter, and then explain why, in light of all these dangers, fission reactors are still being used, constructed, and planned.
The Impact of Moral Injury and Disclosure of Military Experiences on Veterans

While many veterans face physical, psychological, and spiritual difficulties, research suggests that the reintegration process from military service to civilian life, is a complex one. Our study fo...
Negative affect moderates the effect of respiratory gated vagal nerve stimulation on pain severity in patients with chronic low back pain

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is the leading cause of disability in the United States. There is considerable interest in the development of safe, effective, nonpharmacological approaches to managing CLBP. Respiratory-gated electrical stimulation of the somatosensory vagal afferent receptors in the ear (RAVANS), has been shown to reduce chronic pelvic pain and migraine headache pain. Further, there is evidence to suggest that the benefits of RAVANS are enhanced when paired with mindful meditation. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of RAVANS on pain sensitivity and back pain severity among patients with CLBP. Nineteen adults (mean age =54) with CLBP who had previous mindfulness meditation training participated. Participants attended two laboratory sessions. During each session, they completed brief quantitative sensory testing (QST) including punctate pain ratings (PPR) and pressure pain thresholds (PPT) and rated their back pain severity. Participants then completed a 28-minute stimulation session paired with a mindfulness of breath meditation. During one visit, participants received RAVANS stimulation and during the other, they received sham stimulation. Session order was randomized. Following stimulation, participants repeated QST and provided pain ratings. Results of 2 (treatment: RAVANS vs Sham) X 2 (time: pre- vs. post-stimulation) RMANOVAS indicated that, regardless of treatment condition, PPT increased while PPR and back pain severity decreased post-stimulation. Greater negative affect (e.g., depression and anxiety) was associated with greater improvement in backpain in the RAVANS condition and less improvement in the sham condition. Greater mindfulness was associated with greater improvement in back pain in the sham condition, ut not the RAVANS condition. This suggests that the analgesic effects of mindfulness meditation may have overshadowed any effect of RAVANS stimulation, especially given the brief duration and single session design. Moreover, patients with more negative affect may be more likely to benefit from RAVANS.
Heterogeneity within molecular subtypes of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the quintessential example of how molecular characterization of tumor biology guides therapeutic decisions. From the discovery of the estrogen receptor to current clinical molecula...
A Study of the Influence of the New Careers in Nursing Program on the Culture of Participating Schools of Nursing

In 2014, ETS conducted a study investigating how the New Careers in Nursing (NCIN) program may have influenced the culture of participating schools of nursing. Select schools of nursing received grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to provide scholarships and support services for students in accelerated nursing programs. Case studies involving multiple interviews and focus groups were conducted in 8 NCIN schools of nursing chosen to represent public and private schools from all US regions. Results suggested that, in addition to benefiting accelerated nursing program students through the financial support of scholarships, the NCIN program may have increased the enrollment of male and minority students in accelerated nursing programs. Furthermore, the orientation, mentoring, and leadership supports provided with NCIN resources may have contributed to positive program and career outcomes for participating students, and in many cases the supports will be extended to all nursing students after the NCIN program ends. Lessons learned for the field include the potential for schools of nursing to employ strategies used by NCIN grantees to increase the diversity of their incoming cohorts and the ongoing need for financial supports for accelerated nursing students.
AIRCRAFT OBSERVATIONS OF THE MEAN AND TURBULENT STRUCTURE OF A SHALLOW BOUNDARY LAYER OVER THE PERSIAN GULF

Stable internal boundary layers form when warm air isadvected over a cooler surface, a common occurrence incoastal areas. The internal boundary layer deepenswith distance along-wind, eventually reachingequilibrium with the surface and becoming a fullydeveloped marine boundary layer. We presentobservations of the late stages of internalboundary-layer evolution made bythe U.K. Meteorological Office'sC-130 Hercules research aircraft over the Persian Gulfin April 1996. Northwesterly winds brought warm dryair from the surrounding desert landmass across thecooler waters of the Gulf. Loss of heat to the surfaceresulted in the formation of a shallow, stableinternal boundary layer downwind of the coast. The aircraftmeasurements were made several hundred kilometresdownwind, by which point the original deep convectiveboundary layer had been eroded away and the internalboundary layer was well developed, effectively a newmarine atmospheric boundary layer. Throughout most ofits depth the boundary layer was statically stable anda downward heat flux of approximately 15 W m-2was observed; however, an exceptionally strong latentheat flux, in excess of 250 W m-2 near thesurface, was sufficient to overcome the downwards heatflux and maintain weak buoyant convection in the lower30–50% of the boundary layer.
The Gamers' Advancement of Learning

What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy . 2nd ed. By James Paul Gee . Palgrave Macmillan, New York, 2007. 253 pp. Paper, $16.95, C$19.75, £11.99. ISBN 9781403984531. Starting from the observation that video games captivate both players and programmers, Gee explores their implications for learning theory, motivation, and development of expertise.
Synthesis of the Enzymes of the Mandelate Pathway by Pseudomonas putida II. Isolation and Properties of Blocked Mutants

Hegeman, G. D. (University of California, Berkeley). Synthesis of the enzymes of the mandelate pathway by Pseudomonas putida. II. Isolation and properties of blocked mutants. J. Bacteriol. 91:1155–1160. 1966.—Mutants of Pseudomonas putida blocked in early reactions of the pathway for oxidation of d-mandelate were isolated and partially characterized. The specific genetic lesions in these mutants made normal inducer-metabolites of the pathway nonmetabolizable. Under the conditions of gratuitous enzyme synthesis so obtained, it could be shown that the d and l isomers of mandelate are equipotent inducers, and that the synthesis of the first five enzymes of the mandelate pathway is coordinate. Further experiments with the blocked mutants showed that benzoylformate, the third intermediate of the pathway, acts as an inducer without prior conversion to mandelate, and that there is no inducible, concentrating permease for mandelate.
Domain-specific application frameworks: framework experience by industry

COMPUTER-INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING FRAMEWORKS (M. Fayad) SEMATECH CIM Framework (D. Doscher & R. Hodges) A CIM Framework and Pattern Language (A. Aarsten, et al.) OSEFA: Framework for Manufacturing (H. Schmid) Framework Reuse over Different CIM Subdomains (H. Schmid) A Case Study for Flexible Manufacturing Systems (D. Brugali, et al.) MORE MANUFACTURING FRAMEWORKS (M. Fayad) CEF: A Concurrent Engineering Framework (D. Yang & U. Mehta) Distributed Manufacturing Execution Systems Framework (W. Boyle) Production Resource Manager (PRM) Framework (W. Dietrich, et al.) Developing Domain Frameworks (S. Chan & T. Lammers) Measurement Systems Framework (J. Bosch) DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS FRAMEWORKS (M. Fayad) Compound Active Documents (P. Wegner) Supervision and Control Systems Framework Architecture (R. Capobianchi, et al.) EPEE: A Framework for Supercomputing (J.-M. Jezequel & J.-L. Pacherie) The BAST Framework for Reliable Distributed Computing (B. Garbinato & R. Guerraoui) Object-Oriented Realtime System Framework (W.-B. See & S.-J. Chen) JAWS: A Framework for High-Performance Web Servers (J. Hu & D. Schmidt) NETWORK AND TELECOMMUNICATION FRAMEWORKS (M. Fayad) A Framework for Network Management Agents (H. Kocher & J. Schabernack) Telecommunication Network Planning Framework (B. Messmer, et al.) FIONA: A Framework for Integrating Distributed C3I Applications (P. Spilling, et al.) MultiTel: Multimedia Telecommunication Services Framework (L. Fuentes & J. Troya) Event Filter Framework and Applications (M. Fayad & J. Hu) ENVIRONMENTS (M. Fayad) Beyond-Sniff: A Framework-Based Component (W. Bischofberger & K.-U. Maetzel) Extensible Computational Chemistry Environment (ECCE) (D. Jones, et al.) The Amulet Prototype-Instance Framework (B. Myers, et al.) Jadve: Graph-Based Data Visualization Framework (W. Lee & N. Barghouti) Object Environments (J. Stafford) A Multimodeling Simulation Framework (R. Cubert & P. Fishwick) Application Frameworks: A Survey (A. Yassin & M. Fayad) Appendices Index.
Peripheral Blood CD14+ Cells From Healthy Subjects Carry a Circular Conformation of Latent Cytomegalovirus Genome

Abstract The majority of the human population harbors latent cytomegalovirus. Although CD14+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells have been implicated as sites of latency, the conformation of the latent viral genome in these cells is unknown. In this study, the conformation of viral genomic DNA was assessed in CD14+ cells from healthy virus seropositive carriers using an electrophoretic separation on native agarose gels in combination with polymerase chain reaction detection. Here we show that the viral genome migrates as a circular plasmid with a mobility equivalent to a circular 230-kb Shigella flexneri megaplasmid marker. Neither linear nor complex or integrated forms of the viral genome were detected. This report provides further evidence that the CD14+ cell population is an important site of viral latency in the naturally infected human host. Detection of the viral genome as a circular plasmid during latency suggests that this virus maintains its genome in a manner analogous to other herpesviruses where latent viral genome conformation has been studied.
The information matrix in control: computation and some applications

The Fisher information matrix plays a central role in estimation and input design for input-output systems. This matrix provides a summary of the amount of information in the data relative to the quantities of interest. Some of the specific applications of the information matrix include confidence region calculation for parameter estimates, the determination of optimal inputs for model building, the providing of a bound on the best possible performance in an adaptive system (such as a control system), and producing uncertainty bounds on predictions (such as with neural network). However, the analytical calculation of the information matrix is often a difficult or impossible task. This is especially the case with nonlinear models such as neural networks. This paper briefly reviews some of the applications of the information matrix in control and describes a resampling-based method for computing the information matrix. This method applies in problems of arbitrary difficulty and is relatively easy to implement.
Early growth response gene 1 (EGR1) is deleted in estrogen receptor-negative human breast carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and ER-negative breast carcinomas differ in terms of disease progression, treatment regimens, and prognosis. The mechanism underlying the biologic differences of the two groups is understood poorly. Array comparative genome hybridization (CGH) on breast carcinoma subtypes demonstrated a consistent association between loss in regions of chromosome 5q and ER-negative tumors. It was shown previously that early growth response gene 1 (EGR1) on 5q acts like a tumor-suppressor gene, with its expression repressed in breast carcinomas. METHODS To test the hypothesis that EGR1 is deleted differentially in ER-negative versus ER-positive breast carcinomas, fluorescence in situ hybridization was employed in this study to determine the EGR1 deletion status in 50 breast carcinoma specimens. Deletion status was measured by the signal ratio of EGR1/chromosome 5. Linear regression was used to assess the results. RESULTS The mean EGR1/chromosome 5 ratio for the ER-negative group was significantly lower compared with the same ratio for the ER-positive group (P < 0.001). Although grade alone was not significant for predicting the ratio, the interaction between ER status and grade was significant (P < 0.01): For ER-negative specimens, the higher the grade, the lower the EGR1/chromosome 5 ratio. CONCLUSIONS The EGR1 gene appeared to be deleted in ER-negative human breast carcinomas. Egr-1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of ER-negative breast carcinomas versus ER-positive breast carcinomas. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Experimental Verification of the Thermodynamics of Critical Aspects of the Carbothermic Reduction of Alumina. Part 1: Experimental Result of Reacting Al 2 O 3 -C Mixtures

The thermodynamics of several aspects of the carbothermic reduction of the alumina process were experimentally verified. The current thermodynamics are based on solution models for the Al2O3-Al4C3 system and the free energies of formation of a number of phases. In Part I of this paper, the results of reacting carbon and alumina mixtures at high temperatures 2173 K to 2323 K (1900 °C to 2050 °C) are presented. The amount of CO evolved was measured and slag samples analyzed. The initial slag or carbide formation at alumina saturation was measured to be 2220 K (1947 °C) and 1.76 pct C. The slag-making temperature and composition in the liquid region were determined and at carbide saturation were measured to be 2273 K (2000 °C) and 6.29 pct C, respectively. Considering the experimental challenges at the high temperature, with the exception of the initial slag composition, the agreement with the predicted thermodynamics is good.