cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calcium-doped ceria materials for anode of solid oxide fuel cells running on methane fuel

Abstract A calcium-doped ceria with nominal compositions of Ce 1-x Ca x O 2-δ (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.30) has been developed as an anode component for solid oxide fuel cells running on methane fuel. Crystal phases of Ce 1-x Ca x O 2-δ are investigated with respect to the amount of calcium dopant. The Ce 1-x Ca x O 2-δ shows single fluorite phase when the calcium is within 15 mol.%, and higher calcium doping levels lead to the appearance of a secondary phase (CaO). Conductivities of Ce 1-x Ca x O 2-δ ceramics are studied by a four-probe method in air and the composition of Ce 0.9 Ca 0.1 O 2-δ (x = 0.10) is found exhibiting the highest conductivity among the samples investigated in this work. Electrocatalytic properties of Ce 0.9 Ca 0.1 O 2-δ are evaluated based on Ni-Ce 1-x Ca x O 2-δ anode supported single cell running on methane fuel. At 800 °C, the single cell with Ni-Ce 0.9 Ca 0.1 O 2-δ (x = 0.10) anode exhibits an optimum maximum powder density (618 mW cm −2 ) and good performance stability during 30 h operation in methane fuel. The promising findings substantiate the good performance of Ni-Ce 0.9 Ca 0.1 O 2-δ anode for electrochemical oxidation of methane fuel.
Indoor tanning bed use and risk of food addiction based on the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale.

The popularity of indoor tanning may be partly attributed to the addictive characteristics of tanning for some individuals. We aimed to determine the association between frequent indoor tanning, which we view as a surrogate for tanning addiction, and food addiction. A total of 67,910 women were included from the Nurses’ Health Study II. In 2005, we collected information on indoor tanning during high school/college and age 25-35 years, and calculated the average use of indoor tanning during these periods. Food addiction was defined as ≥3 clinically significant symptoms plus clinically significant impairment or distress, assessed in 2009 using a modified version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale. Totally 23.3% (15,822) of the participants reported indoor tanning at high school/college or age 25-35 years. A total of 5,557 (8.2%) women met the criteria for food addiction. We observed a dose–response relationship between frequency of indoor tanning and the likelihood of food addiction (Ptrend < 0.0001), independent of depression, BMI, and other confounders. Compared with never indoor tanners, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of food addiction was 1.07 (0.99-1.17) for average indoor tanning 1-2 times/year, 1.25 (1.09-1.43) for 3-5 times/year, 1.34 (1.14-1.56) for 6-11 times/year, 1.61 (1.35-1.91) for 12-23 times/year, and 2.98 (1.95-4.57) for 24 or more times/year. Frequent indoor tanning before or at early adulthood is associated with prevalence of food addiction at middle age. Our data support the addictive property of frequent indoor tanning, which may guide intervention strategies to curb indoor tanning and prevent skin cancer.
An investigation of feeding high-moisture corn grain with slow-release urea supplementation on lactational performance, energy partitioning, and ruminal fermentation of dairy cows

The objective of this experiment was to determine if lactational performance and energy partitioning by dairy cows would differ in response to dietary corn grain (CG) types [steam-flaked corn (SFC) vs. high-moisture corn (HMC)] and slow-release urea (SRU) supplementation. Eight multiparous Holstein cows (32 ± 8.2 d in milk) were used in a duplicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to test four dietary treatments: SFC without SRU, SFC with SRU, HMC without SRU, and HMC with SRU. Supplementation of SRU tended to increase intakes of dry matter (DM) or increased crude protein (CP) intake under SFC, but no effect under HMC, leading to CG × SRU interactions on DM and CP intakes. Neither type of CG nor SRU supplementation affected milk production. The HMC fed at 14.3% DM allowed cows to partition more net energy into body weight (BW) compared with those fed SFC diets, whereas supplementing SRU tended to decrease the portion of net energy partitioned into BW gain under both SFC and HMC diets. These collective results demonstrate that feeding HMC with SRU can be a practical option in high-forage lactation diets to maintain or improve nutrient and energy utilization efficiency.
Reseña de: Neil MacCormick, Retórica y Estado de Derecho. Una teoría del razonamiento jurídico

Neil MacCormick, Retorica y Estado de Derecho. Una teoria del razonamiento juridico. Lima: Ed. Palestra, 2016. 466 pp. ISBN. 978-612-4218-56-9. Traduccion de Jose Angel Gascon de: Rhetoric and the Rule of Law: A Theory of Legal Reasoning (2005).
Synergistic effects of hydrogen and halogen bonding in co-crystals of dipyridylureas and diiodotetrafluorobenzenes

AbstractHerein, we investigate co-crystallization of three linear co-formers that contain urea and pyridyl groups with three regioisomers of diiodotetrafluorobenzene (DITFB) to afford eleven co-crystals. The linear o-, m-, and p- dipyridylureas vary distance and geometry between the urea carbonyl oxygen and two pyridyl nitrogen acceptors, while the donors consist of urea NH groups and the activated halides in DITFB. Electrostatic potential calculations suggest that the o-dipyridylurea co-former presents two significantly different acceptors. In comparison, the acceptors in the m- and p-dipyridylurea co-formers display electrostatic potentials within 5–6 kJ/mol and should be competitive, potentially leading to altered assembly motifs. Overall, ten of the co-crystals consistently display the urea assembly motif as the best acceptor/donor pair. Seven structures were obtained as the predicted 1:1 ratio with halogen bonding interactions linking ditopic halogen bond donors and the pyridyl units through N···I in...
Effect of Berm of Wave Run-Up on Composite Beaches

Accurate information concerning the height of wave run-up on composite beaches is needed for the determination of crest elevation for various engineering structures. The validity of Saville's method for determining wave run-up on composite beaches was experimentally tested in the laboratory for the case of long horizontal berm. The results indicate that there is little agreement between the method and the actual run-up when the ratio of length of berm to wave length is greater than 0.15. Visual observations indicate that in case of long horizontal berms, the run-up greatly depends on whether or not a slug of water had set-up on the berm.
Induction of fibroblast growth factor 21 does not require activation of the hepatic X-box binding protein 1 in mice.

Abstract Objective Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a key regulator of the metabolic response to fasting, is highly induced by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The X-box binding protein 1 ( Xbp1 ) is one of several ER stress proteins that has been shown to directly activate the FGF21 promoter. We aimed to determine whether hepatic Xbp1 is required for induction of hepatic FGF21 in vivo . Methods Mice bearing a hepatocyte-specific deletion of Xbp1 ( Xbp1 LKO ) were subjected to fasting, pharmacologic ER stress, or a ketogenic diet, all potent stimuli of Fgf21 expression. Results Hepatocyte-specific Xbp1 knockout mice demonstrated normal induction of FGF21 in response to fasting or pharmacologic ER stress and enhanced induction of FGF21 in response to a ketogenic diet. Consistent with preserved induction of FGF21, Xbp1 LKO mice exhibited normal induction of FGF21 target genes and normal ketogenesis in response to fasting or a ketogenic diet. Conclusion Hepatic Xbp1 is not required for induction of FGF21 under physiologic or pathophysiologic conditions in vivo .
Thermo-Acoustic Ultrasound for Detection of RF-Induced Device Lead Heating in MRI

Patients who have implanted medical devices with long conductive leads are often restricted from receiving MRI scans due to the danger of RF-induced heating near the lead tips. Phantom studies have shown that this heating varies significantly on a case-by-case basis, indicating that many patients with implanted devices can receive clinically useful MRI scans without harm. However, the difficulty of predicting RF-induced lead tip heating prior to scanning prevents numerous implant recipients from being scanned. Here, we demonstrate that thermo-acoustic ultrasound (TAUS) has the potential to be utilized for a pre-scan procedure assessing the risk of RF-induced lead tip heating in MRI. A system was developed to detect TAUS signals by four different TAUS acquisition methods. We then integrated this system with an MRI scanner and detected a peak in RF power absorption near the tip of a model lead when transmitting from the scanner’s body coil. We also developed and experimentally validated simulations to characterize the thermo-acoustic signal generated near lead tips. These results indicate that TAUS is a promising method for assessing RF implant safety, and with further development, a TAUS pre-scan could allow many more patients to have access to MRI scans of significant clinical value.
Outflow Facility in Tube Shunt Fenestration.

Aim Determination of the effect of varying fenestration technique, and simulated patch graft on outflow facility for Baerveldt tube. Materials and methods Silicone tubing similar to Baerveldt implant (AMO, Santa Ana, CA) with different fenestrations techniques was connected to a digital manometer in a closed system with a fluid-filled syringe on a stand to adjust pressure. The venting slits included: (A) 4 piercings with 7-0 TG140-8 needle; (B) a 2-mm slit with a 15° blade; (C) 4 piercings with a 15° blade; (D) 9-0 Nylon on CS140-6 needle with suture stenting the fenestration. Results For pressures of 10, 20, 30, 40 mm Hg in groups A to D, the average outflow facility (mL/min/mm Hg) were group A: 0.11, 0.20, 0.28, 0.40; group B: 0.30, 0.69, 0.98, 0.93; group C: 0.73, 0.80, 0.81, 0.88; group D: 0.58, 0.65, 0.80, 0.87. For external compression with 10 gram weights at pressures of 10, 20, 30, 40 mm Hg, outflow were group A: 0.0, 0.18, 0.20, 0.53; group B: 0.75, 0.70, 0.97, 1.21. Group C: 0.18, 0.03, 0.57, 0.04. Group D: 0.73, 0.90, 1.13, 0.91. Conclusion Effectivity of venting slits in maintaining adequate IOP in the early postoperative period for non-valved glaucoma implant is variable, multifactorial and largely intraocular pressure (IOP) dependent. Clinical significance This study explores methods of producing fenestration and the effects on outflow at different pressures in an attempt to determine which fenestration technique has more reproducible results that can be made applicable in clinical practice. This is also the first study to evaluate the effect of external pressures similar to scleral patch graft on the tube fenestrations. How to cite this article Olayanju J, Borras T, Qaqish B, Fleischman D. Outflow Facility in Tube Shunt Fenestration. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2018;12(3):113-118.
Molecular Imaging of Aminopeptidase N in Cancer and Angiogenesis

This review focuses on recent advances in the molecular imaging of aminopeptidase N (APN, also known as CD13), a zinc metalloenzyme that cleaves N-terminal neutral amino acids. It is overexpressed in multiple cancer types and also on the surface of vasculature undergoing angiogenesis, making it a promising target for molecular imaging and targeted therapy. Molecular imaging probes for APN are divided into two large subgroups: reactive and nonreactive. The structures of the reactive probes (substrates) contain a reporter group that is cleaved and released by the APN enzyme. The nonreactive probes are not cleaved by the enzyme and contain an antibody, peptide, or nonpeptide for targeting the enzyme exterior or active site. Multivalent homotopic probes utilize multiple copies of the same targeting unit, whereas multivalent heterotopic molecular probes are equipped with different targeting units for different receptors. Several recent preclinical cancer imaging studies have shown that multivalent APN probes exhibit enhanced tumor specificity and accumulation compared to monovalent analogues. The few studies that have evaluated APN-specific probes for imaging angiogenesis have focused on cardiac regeneration. These promising results suggest that APN imaging can be expanded to detect and monitor other diseases that are associated with angiogenesis.
Artificial liver support

Acute liver failure is a clinical syndrome resulting from severe hepatocellular injury (dysfunction) or necrosis. It may develop in the absence of preceding liver disease (fulminant hepatic failure, FHF) or as an acute exacerbation of a chronic underlying process. The majority of patients in the first group will rapidly deteriorate and die unless they urgently undergo liver transplantation; only a small percentage of these patients will recover and subsequently have normal liver function. The second group of patients will often respond to treatment of the precipitating cause of the acute exacerbation; if therapy is not effective or the extent of liver destruction irreparable, they will succumb due to sepsis, hemorrhage and the development of multiple organ failure.
Selenium metabolism and mechanisms of cancer prevention.

It has been 50 years since the surprising discovery in 1949 that selenium (Se) had cancer preventing properties in animals given a chemical carcinogen (1). Numerous studies have confirmed the anticarcinogenic effects of supranutritional levels of Se in animals and more recently in humans given supplemental Se, as described by Combs (2). Proposed mechanisms of action for Se, as reviewed elsewhere in more detail (3), are based on (i) the formation of selenoproteins and (ii) the generation of low molecular weight Se metabolites by intermediary metabolism of Se in animals. A collaborative project (4,5) to investigate mechanisms and develop improved forms of Se for cancer prevention has provided considerable evidence that methylated metabolites of Se are important for Se anticarcinogenic action in animal model systems. The objective of this article is to summarize the findings that led to this concept and describe applications using methylated selenoamino acids that occur naturally in plants as a practical delivery mechanism for chemoprevention.
The site and mechanism of dioxygen reduction in bovine heart cytochrome c oxidase

The site and mechanism of dioxygen reduction in cytochrome c oxidase from bovine heart muscle have been investigated. The rate of cytochrome c2+ oxidation by O2 is shown to be affected by several factors: 1) pH, with optima at 5.65 and 6.0, 2) temperature between 0 and 29 degrees C, with E alpha = 13 kcal mol-1, 3) D2O exchange, with a reduction in rate of 50% or more at the pH optima, and 4) the addition of ethylene glycol or glycerol, which significantly lowers the rate. The extremely narrow (delta vCO approximately 4 cm-1) infrared stretch bands at approximately 1964 and approximately 1959 cm-1 for liganded CO are only slightly affected by factors 1-4 or by changes in the oxidation state of metals other than the heme alpha 3 iron. These results indicate a stable, unusually immobile O2 reduction site well-isolated from the external medium, a characteristic expected to be important for oxidase function. Precise stereochemical positioning of hydrogen donors adjacent to O2 liganded to heme alpha 3 iron can be expected in order to achieve the optimization of the time/distance relationships required for enzyme catalysis. These findings support a novel mechanism of O2 reduction via a hydroperoxide intermediate within a reaction pocket that experiences little change in conformation during the hydrogen and electron transfer steps.
Dis-embedding Liberal Internationalism

The premise of the postwar global political economy under the Bretton Woods system was that economic integration was desirable, but risky. Embedded liberalism enabled governments to embrace global trade while minimizing the vulnerability and economic dislocation that might follow. The premise of the post-Bretton Woods global world order was also liberal, holding that further increasing economic integration would increase popular welfare. What unites these two eras of the postwar global economy is the common understanding that economic integration—if it generated material prosperity—would be politically self-sustaining. Voters would realize the gains of economic integration, and would reward politicians for making integration work. This essay asks what happens to a global liberal order if economic interests are not decisive in explaining economic policy. This may be the case if voters come to vote for identity-based reasons, or alternatively, if the winners from integration are less sensitive to the gains from integration than the losers are from the losses. In either of these worlds, economic integration is no longer politically self-sustaining. Assuming that popular sovereignty through democratic elections is to be preserved, re-embedding liberalism in the post-Bretton Woods global political economy requires either changing how voters understand their interests or balancing economic integration with national autonomy. There are few signs that either of these is possible, at least in the short term.
Modeling of the Creation of an Internal Cladding in Sapphire Optical Fiber Using the 6 Li(n,α) 3 H Reaction

The focus of this study is to model the creation of an internal waveguide in sapphire optical fiber. The model investigates ion implantation using the 6Li(n,α)3H reaction as a method for creating an internal waveguide in sapphire optical fiber. The method involves irradiating a sapphire fiber that is surrounded by an annulus of Li-6 enriched lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) powder, in a nuclear reactor. The 6 Li(n,α)3H reaction creates high-energy tritons and alpha particles that irradiate the fiber simultaneously to a depth of 24 μm, along the entire periphery of the sapphire fiber. The triton and alpha particle irradiation slightly reduces the index of refraction in the fiber's periphery, thus creating a refractive cladding within the fiber. Refractive index profiles are predicted by tracking tritons and alpha particles, using the Monte-Carlo radiation transport code MCNP. Measured transmitted light intensity profiles are compared with predicted light intensity profiles, by modeling the transport of 1550 nm light through modified sapphire fiber using FIMMWAVE software.
Abnormal Biodistribution on 99mTc-Red Blood Cell–Labeled Multigated Acquisition in the Presence of Suspected Cold Agglutinin Disease

A 99mTc-red blood cell (RBC)–labeled multigated acquisition is a procedure in which the patient’s RBCs are radiolabeled and imaged with electrocardiography-gated cardiac scintigraphy to assess the heart’s pumping efficiency. Cold agglutinin disease, or cold antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia, is a rare form of autoimmune hemolytic anemia in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys its own RBCs. This case addresses an altered biodistribution pattern of radiolabeled RBCs in the presence of suspected cold agglutinin disease observed during a multigated acquisition.
Ever tighter union? Brexit, Grexit, and frustrated differentiation in the single market and Eurozone

Many European political leaders and observers have argued that the European Union’s multiple recent challenges call for more “differentiated integration.” At first glance, the EU may seem to lend itself quite well to such an approach, with already variegated memberships in the Euro area or Schengen borderless travel zone. What proponents of differentiation tend to overlook, however, is that the Union’s core commitments are not set up to permit much internal variation at all. Indeed, in the EU’s two flagship policy areas—the Single Market and the Eurozone—the defining institutional principles rule out differentiation to a striking degree. To substantiate this claim, we show that the rules in these areas are considerably more constraining of EU member states than are analogous federal constraints within the USA. We then highlight how these tightly limiting principles of EU economic governance have shaped recent negotiations with Greece in the Eurozone and the UK in the Single Market. While the EU’s core constraining principles make calls for differentiation all the more comprehensible, they also underscore that differentiated options may require rather fundamental change to the current institutional status quo.
Deep CNN-based Multi-task Learning for Open-Set Recognition.

We propose a novel deep convolutional neural network (CNN) based multi-task learning approach for open-set visual recognition. We combine a classifier network and a decoder network with a shared feature extractor network within a multi-task learning framework. We show that this approach results in better open-set recognition accuracy. In our approach, reconstruction errors from the decoder network are utilized for open-set rejection. In addition, we model the tail of the reconstruction error distribution from the known classes using the statistical Extreme Value Theory to improve the overall performance. Experiments on multiple image classification datasets are performed and it is shown that this method can perform significantly better than many competitive open set recognition algorithms available in the literature. The code will be made available at: this http URL.
Predicting Protein Dimer Structures Using MELD × MD.

It is challenging to predict the docked conformations of two proteins. Current methods are susceptible to errors from treating proteins as rigid bodies and from an inability to compute relative Bol...
Traumatic and Burn Scars

The addition of a chapter on “Traumatic and Burn Scars” in the second edition of this text is an acknowledgment of the interval emergence of minimally invasive technologies and techniques in traumatic scar management (e.g., ablative fractional laser resurfacing) and perhaps even a nascent niche in “trauma dermatology.” Traumatic scars are inherently heterogeneous and derived from a wide variety of etiologies such as thermal burns, friction injuries, acid burns, lacerations, and blunt force. The final presentation also includes the sequelae of any related reconstructive procedures such as full- and partial-thickness skin grafting. These scars may occur in an unlimited number of locations and may have associated underlying injuries such as tissue loss and injury to bones, tendons, and nerves. Traumatic scars can cause profound disability, deformity, and chronic pain and itch, all of which may lead to significant psychosocial issues that can negatively impact treatment.
A Conceptual Model of the Entrepreneur's Decision to License University Technology

The commercialization of university owned technology has become an important area of entrepreneurship research. The most common method of commercialization is the transfer of technology via licensi...
Phylogeny, biogeography and systematics of Pacific vent, methane seep, and whale-fall Parougia (Dorvilleidae : Annelida), with eight new species

Dorvilleidae is a diverse group of annelids found in many marine environments and also commonly associated with chemosynthetic habitats. One dorvilleid genus, Parougia, currently has 11 described species, of which two are found at vents or seeps: Parougia wolfi and Parougia oregonensis. Eight new Parougia species are recognised and described in this study from collections in the Pacific Ocean, all from whale-falls, hydrothermal vents, or methane seeps at ~600-m depth or greater. The specimens were studied using morphology and phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences from mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, 16S rRNA, and cytochrome b) and nuclear (18S rRNA and histone 3) genes. Six sympatric Parougia spp. were found at Hydrate Ridge, Oregon, while three of the Parougia species occurred at different types of chemosynthetic habitats. Two new species were found over wide geographical and bathymetric ranges. Another dorvilleid genus, Ophryotrocha, has previously been highlighted as diversifying in the deep-sea environment. Our results document the hitherto unknown diversity of another dorvilleid genus, Parougia, at various chemosynthetic environments. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:EC7EBBEA-2FB5-43D6-BE53-1A468B541A5C
Hyaline Globules and Intracellular Lumina in a Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The authors report ultrastructural findings on the morphogenesis of hyaline globular inclusions (HG) of a moderately well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma, with the features of a fibrolamellar variant. Pale blue cytoplasmic inclusions (pale bodies) of the tumor cells were shown to be intracellular lumina lined with numerous microvilli. Our findings suggest that HG were formed apparently by the successive deposition of fine granular materials in the lumina. Small accumulations were present in the intracellular lumina, which were seen on light microscopy as central hyaline cores of pale inclusions. Larger globular deposits, corresponding to HG and presumably mature ones, were lined closely with membranes devoid of microvilli that were probably shed intraluminally. Our observation was discussed with relation to the previous findings on the inclusions.
Understanding At-Risk Youths: Average PAI-A Scores and Their Associations with Impulsivity-Related Constructs.

The purpose of this study was to extend research on the Personality Assessment Inventory-Adolescent (PAI-A; Morey, 2007) to include an examination of mean PAI-A results and associations between the...
Virtual reality interfaces and population-specific models to mitigate public speaking anxiety

Public speaking is key to effectively exchanging ideas, persuading others, and making a tangible impact. Yet, public speaking anxiety (PSA) ranks as a top social phobia among many people. This paper leverages bio-behavioural indices captured from wearable devices and virtual reality (VR) interfaces to quantify PSA. The significance of individual-specific factors, such as general trait anxiety and personality, as well as contextual factors, such as age, gender, highest education, and native language, in moderating the association between bio-behavioral indices and PSA is further examined through group-based machine learning models. Results highlight the importance of including such factors for detecting PSA with the proposed group-based PSA models yielding Spearman's correlation of 0.55(p < 0.05) between the actual and predicted state-based anxiety scores. This work further analyzes whether systematic exposure to public speaking tasks in the VR environment can help alleviate PSA. Results indicate that systematic exposure to public speaking in VR can alleviate PSA in terms of both self-reported (p < 0.05) and physiological (p < 0.05) indices. Findings of this study will enable researchers to better understand antedecedents and causes of PSA contributing to behavioral interventions using VR.
Performance studies in communication

This study examines the near 40-year publishing history of Literature in Performance: A Journal of Literary and Performing Art (1980–1988) and Text and Performance Quarterly (1989-present) for evid...
Using a novel data linkage approach to investigate potential reductions in motor vehicle crash severity - An evaluation of strategic highway safety plan emphasis areas.

Abstract Introduction: With the significant number of motor-vehicle fatalities occurring on the nation’s roadways in recent years, there exists a need to integrate a more complete range of data sources, available at a regional or statewide level, to effectively evaluate existing safety concerns and quantify their impacts. Crash data alone does not provide ample crash-associated citation, injury, and roadway characteristics; therefore, a more cohesive dataset is required to accurately and completely analyze the true impacts of motor-vehicle crashes. Previously developed strategies linked crash data with citation and roadway inventory data to enhance the identification and optimization of highway safety strategies. Method: The main objective of this research focused on developing a new deterministic linkage between crash and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) data, by utilizing the Massachusetts Crash Data System (CDS) and the Massachusetts Ambulance Trip Record Information System (MATRIS). Results: After several iterations of match criterion, the validated linkage successfully matched 58.3% of MATRIS records (containing an Injury Cause of Motor Vehicle Crash) to a CDS person record (55011 linked pairs, between 2014 and 2016). The data linkage provided significant insight into injury trends in several highway safety emphasis areas such as roadway departure, speeding-related, and distraction-affected crashes. The findings from this research are twofold: (1) an established process for linking previously separate data sets, and (2) a mechanism for analysis that provides decision-makers and safety professionals with a better measure of crash outcomes.
Fluctuations in Macular Thickness in Patients with Retinal Vein Occlusion Treated with Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents.

Purpose To evaluate macular thickness fluctuations in patients with retinal vein occlusions (RVOs) treated with anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents and to assess whether patients with larger fluctuations have poorer visual outcomes. Design Retrospective cohort study. Participants Treatment-naive patients with RVO. Methods Central subfield thickness (CST), cube volume (CV), and cube average thickness (CAT) were collected from OCT images obtained at baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, and standard deviations (SDs) across 12 months were calculated. Mixed-effects regression was performed to examine the relationship between macular thickness SD and 12-month visual acuity (VA). Standard multiple regression was performed to identify predictors of macular thickness SD. Main Outcome Measures Standard deviations across 12 months for CST, CV, and CAT and VA at 12 months. Results One hundred thirty-four eyes, including 71 with branch RVO (BRVO) and 63 with central RVO (CRVO), were evaluated. Mean baseline and 12-month CST were 488.6 ± 165.0 μm and 334.3 ± 131.9 μm (change, –154.3 ± 210.2 μm; P Conclusions Larger macular thickness fluctuations are associated with poorer visual outcomes in patients with RVO treated with anti-VEGF agents. Macular thickness fluctuations, in addition to absolute macular thickness, may be an important prognostic biomarker in these patients.
In Vitro Activities of Eravacycline and Other Antimicrobial Agents against Human Mycoplasmas and Ureaplasmas.

We performed in vitro susceptibility testing for eravacycline in comparison to 4 other antimicrobials against 10 Mycoplasma genitalium, 40 Mycoplasma hominis, 44 Mycoplasma pneumoniae, 20 Ureaplasma parvum, and 20 Ureaplasma urealyticum isolates. All eravacycline MICs were ≤0.25 μg/ml, except that for one isolate of M. genitalium, for which the MIC was 2 μg/ml. Eravacycline was markedly more potent than tetracycline, azithromycin, moxifloxacin, and clindamycin against all isolates tested, which included 37 macrolide, tetracycline, and/or fluoroquinolone-resistant organisms.
Modeling Community Health with Areal Data: Bayesian Inference with Survey Standard Errors and Spatial Structure.

Epidemiologists and health geographers routinely use small-area survey estimates as covariates to model areal and even individual health outcomes. American Community Survey (ACS) estimates are accompanied by standard errors (SEs), but it is not yet standard practice to use them for evaluating or modeling data reliability. ACS SEs vary systematically across regions, neighborhoods, socioeconomic characteristics, and variables. Failure to consider probable observational error may have substantial impact on the large bodies of literature relying on small-area estimates, including inferential biases and over-confidence in results. The issue is particularly salient for predictive models employed to prioritize communities for service provision or funding allocation. Leveraging the tenets of plausible reasoning and Bayes’ theorem, we propose a conceptual framework and workflow for spatial data analysis with areal survey data, including visual diagnostics and model specifications. To illustrate, we follow Krieger et al.’s (2018) call to routinely use the Index of Concentration at the Extremes (ICE) to monitor spatial inequalities in health and mortality. We construct and examine SEs for the ICE, use visual diagnostics to evaluate our observational error model for the ICE, and then estimate an ICE–mortality gradient by incorporating the latter model into our model of sex-specific, midlife (ages 55–64), all-cause United States county mortality rates. We urge researchers to consider data quality as a criterion for variable selection prior to modeling, and to incorporate data reliability information into their models whenever possible.
Rossby Wave Instability at Dead Zone Boundaries in Three-dimensional Resistive Magnetohydrodynamical Global Models of Protoplanetary Disks

It has been suggested that the transition between magnetorotationally active and dead zones in protoplanetary disks should be prone to the excitation of vortices via Rossby wave instability (RWI). However, the only numerical evidence for this has come from alpha disk models, where the magnetic field evolution is not followed, and the effect of turbulence is parameterized by Laplacian viscosity. We aim to establish the phenomenology of the flow in the transition in three-dimensional resistive-magnetohydrodynamical models. We model the transition by a sharp jump in resistivity, as expected in the inner dead zone boundary, using the PENCIL CODE to simulate the flow. We find that vortices are readily excited in the dead side of the transition. We measure the mass accretion rate finding similar levels of Reynolds stress at the dead and active zones, at the {alpha} Almost-Equal-To 10{sup -2} level. The vortex sits in a pressure maximum and does not migrate, surviving until the end of the simulation. A pressure maximum in the active zone also triggers the RWI. The magnetized vortex that results should be disrupted by parasitical magneto-elliptic instabilities, yet it subsists in high resolution. This suggests that either the parasitic modes are still numerically damped ormore » that the RWI supplies vorticity faster than they can destroy it. We conclude that the resistive transition between the active and dead zones in the inner regions of protoplanetary disks, if sharp enough, can indeed excite vortices via RWI. Our results lend credence to previous works that relied on the alpha-disk approximation, and caution against the use of overly reduced azimuthal coverage on modeling this transition.« less
Despite Positive Racial Attitudes, Racial Discrimination is Prevalent Among Millennials

Millennials are the most educated and the most racially and ethnically diverse adult generation in the U.S. This has led to ongoing hope and hype that Millennials are the turning-point generation in racial/ethnic relations. Many have long believed that Millennials will grow up, spread racial tolerance and pro-diversity views in workplaces, and begin work to fix a deeply broken system. Perhaps the post-racial revolution is upon us?
Reexamining COVID-19 Self-Reported Symptom Tracking Programs in the United States: An Updated Framework Synthesis.

BACKGROUND Early in the pandemic Koehlmoos et al (2020) completed a framework synthesis of currently available self-reported symptom tracking programs for COVID-19. This framework described the programs, partners/affiliates, funding, responses, platform, and intended audience, among other considerations. OBJECTIVE This current study seeks to update the existing framework with the aim of identifying developments in the landscape and highlighting how programs have adapted to changes in pandemic response. METHODS Our team developed a framework to collate information on current COVID-19 self-reported symptom tracking programs using the 'best-fit' framework synthesis approach. All programs from the previous article were included to document changes. New programs were discovered using a Google search for keywords. The time frame for the search for programs ranges from March 1, 2021, to May 6, 2021. RESULTS We screened 33 programs; 8 were included in our final framework synthesis. We identified multiple common data elements, including demographic information like race, age, gender, and affiliation (all were associated with universities, medical schools, or schools of public health). Dissimilarities included questions regarding vaccination status, vaccine hesitancy, social distancing adherence, testing, and mental health. CONCLUSIONS At this time, the future of self-reported symptom tracking for COVID-19 is unclear. Some sources have speculated that COVID-19 may become a yearly occurrence much like the flu, and if so, the data that these programs generate is still valuable. However, it is unclear if the public will maintain the same level of interest in reporting their symptoms on a regular basis if COVID-19 becomes more routine. CLINICALTRIAL
Thermoresponsive polymeric dexamethasone prodrug for arthritis pain.

Intra-articular (IA) glucocorticoids (GC) are commonly used for clinical management of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but their efficacy is limited by the relatively short duration of action and associated side effects. To provide sustained efficacy and to improve the safety of GCs, we previously developed a N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer-based dexamethasone (Dex) prodrug. Serendipitously, we discovered that, by increasing the Dex content of the prodrug to unusually high levels, the aqueous solution of the polymeric prodrug becomes thermoresponsive, transitioning from a free-flowing liquid at 4 °C to a hydrogel at 30 °C or greater. Upon IA injection, the prodrug solution forms a hydrogel (ProGel-Dex) that is retained in the joint for more than 1 month, where it undergoes gradual dissolution, releasing the water-soluble polymeric prodrug. The released prodrug is swiftly internalized and intracellularly processed by phagocytic synoviocytes to release free Dex, resulting in sustained amelioration of joint inflammation and pain in rodent models of inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis. The low molecular weight (6.8 kDa) of the ProGel-Dex ensures rapid renal clearance once it escapes the joint, limiting systemic GC exposure and risk of potential off-target side effects. The present study illustrates the translational potential of ProGel-Dex as a potent opioid-sparing, locally delivered adjuvant analgesic for sustained clinical management of arthritis pain and inflammation. Importantly, the observed thermoresponsive properties of the prodrug establishes ProGel as a platform technology for the local delivery of a broad spectrum of therapeutic agents to treat a diverse array of pathological conditions.
Chemotherapy for Good- Risk Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumors Current Concepts and Controversies

The rate of diagnosis of germ cell tumors has remained fairly constant. By the International Germ Cell Cancer Consensus Classification, roughly 60% of all metastatic germ cell tumors are classified as good risk. This group of patients has an excellent prognosis, with greater than 90% expectation of cure. Treatment standards have not changed much in recent years. This article focuses on key concepts in the development of the currently accepted first-line regimens and addresses some evolving areas of interest, if not controversy.
Deep-seated thrust faults bound the Mare Crisium lunar mascon

Abstract Mare Crisium is composed of a set of volcanic deposits situated in an impact basin on the Moon's near side. The topography of the mare is dominated by an annulus of elevated topography, the inner edge of which is delineated by basin-concentric wrinkle ridges. From a combination of remotely sensed image and topographic data and numerical modeling, we show that the thrust faults that underlie these ridges penetrate up to 20 km in depth, considerably below the base of the mare deposits themselves. Thrust faults of this scale have not heretofore been recognized on the Moon. Mare Crisium sits above a region of uplifted mantle, which contributes to a mass excess beneath the basin, and we demonstrate by comparison with free-air gravity anomaly and derived crustal thickness data for Crisium that the thrust faults structurally bound this elevated mantle material. By means of finite-element models of stresses induced by lithospheric loading within the basin, we argue that the deep-seated thrusts may have been localized by the boundary between the superisostatic mantle material and a sub-isostatic collar of thickened crust that resulted from basin formation and modification shortly after impact. Importantly, numerous other mare-filled mascon basins on the Moon share the same topographic and tectonic characteristics as Crisium, suggesting that they, too, are underlain by deep-seated thrust faults that formed in a similar manner.
Glutamatergic plasticity and alcohol dependence-induced alterations in reward, affect and cognition.

Abstract Introduction Alcohol dependence is characterized by a reduction in reward threshold, development of a negative affective state, and significant cognitive impairments. Dependence-induced glutamatergic neuroadaptations in the neurocircuitry mediating reward, affect and cognitive function are thought to underlie the neural mechanism for these alterations. These changes serve to promote increased craving for alcohol and facilitate the development of maladaptive behaviors that promote relapse to alcohol drinking during periods of abstinence. Objective To review the extant literature on the effects of chronic alcohol exposure on glutamatergic neurotransmission and its impact on reward, affect and cognition. Results Evidence from a diverse set of studies demonstrates significant enhancement of glutamatergic activity following chronic alcohol exposure. In particular, up-regulation of GluN2B-containing NMDA receptor expression and function is a commonly observed phenomenon that likely reflects activity-dependent adaptive homeostatic plasticity. However, this observation as well as other glutamatergic neuroadaptations are often circuit and cell-type specific. Discussion Dependence-induced alterations in glutamate signaling contribute to many of the symptoms experienced in addicted individuals and can persist well into abstinence. This suggests that they play an important role in the development of behaviors that increase the probability for relapse. As our understanding of the complexity of the neurocircuitry involved in the addictive process has advanced, it has become increasingly clear that investigations of cell-type and circuit-specific effects are required to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the glutamatergic adaptations and their functional consequences in alcohol addiction. Conclusion While pharmacological treatments for alcohol dependence and relapse targeting the glutamatergic system have shown great promise in preclinical models, more research is needed to uncover novel, possibly circuit-specific, therapeutic targets that exhibit improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in patients undergoing tethered cord surgery after fetal myelomeningocele repair.

Object Fetal myelomeningocele closure has been shown to be advantageous in a number of areas. In this study, the authors report on neural function in patients who had previously undergone fetal myelomeningocele repair and returned to the authors' institution for further surgery that included intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed data obtained in 6 cases involving patients who underwent fetal myelomeningocele repair and later returned to their institution for spinal cord untethering. (In 4 of the 6 cases, the patients also underwent removal of a dermoid cyst [3 cases] or removal of an epidermoid cyst [1 case] during the untethering procedure.) Records and imaging studies were reviewed to identify the anatomical level of the myelomeningocele as well as the functional status of each patient. Stimulated electromyography (EMG) and transcranial motor evoked potential (tcMEP) recordings obtained during surgery were reviewed to assess the functional integrity o...
The true state of the planet

In the 25 years since the first Earth Day in 1970, the environmental movement has spawned a new generation of scientists asking vital questions about the true state and fate of the planet. But, surprisingly, some of their answers -- and even the questions themselves -- contradict the movement's deepest beliefs. Why are reserves of oil, precious metals, and other natural resources more plentiful than ever before? Why has the population growth of the twentieth century brought rising standards of living for nearly all? In The True State of the Planet ten premier scholars shatter the myths of overpopulation, food, global warming, and pesticides, while redirecting environmentalists' concerns to the far more urgent problems of fisheries, fresh water, and third-world pollution -- and the political causes behind them.
Ischemic injury in the cat small intestine: Role of superoxide radicals

Abstract Hemorrhagic lesions in the small intestinal mucosa have been demonstrated in humans and experimental animals following hemorrhagic shock and intestinal ischemia. In order to define the role of superoxide radicals and xanthine oxidase in the pathogenesis of the mucosal lesions, we compared the microscopic mucosal changes produced by 3 h of regional hypotension (intestinal arterial pressure=30 mmHg) in untreated cats and cats pretreated with either superoxide dismutase or allopurinol. In the untreated animals the mucosa was characterized by massive epithelial lifting down the sides of the villi, completely denuded villi, and most frequently by disintegration of the lamina propria, hemorrhage, and ulceration. Pretreatment with either Superoxide dismutase or allopurinol significantly attenuated the necrosis of villus and crypt epithelium produced by 3 h of ischemia. The results of this study suggest that superoxide radicals are involved in the pathogenesis of ischemic mucosal lesions and that the enzyme xanthine oxidase is the source of superoxide radicals in the ischemic small bowel.
The reactivity of natural organic matter to disinfection by-products formation and its relation to specific ultraviolet absorbance.

Five natural waters with a broad range of DOC concentrations were fractionated using various coal- and wood-based granular activated carbons (GAC) and alum coagulation. Adsorption and alum coagulation fractionated NOM solutions by preferentially removing components having high specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA). UV absorbing fractions of NOM were found to be the major contributors to DBP formation. SUVA appears to be an accurate predictor of reactivity with chlorine in terms of DBP yield; however, it was also found that low-SUVA components of NOM have higher bromine incorporation. SUVA has promise as a parameter for on-line monitoring and control of DBP formation in practical applications; however, the effects of bromide concentration may also need to be considered. Understanding how reactivity is correlated to SUVA may allow utilities to optimize the degree of treatment required to comply with DBP regulations. The reactive components that require removal, and the degree of treatment necessary to accomplish this removal, may be directly obtained from the relationship between SUVA removal and the degree of treatment (e.g., alum dose).
Handbook of Material Culture

Reviewed Medium: book Year: 2006 Pages: 576 Publisher: Sage Publications ISBN: 1-4129-0039-5 (hard cover). Prices: $125.00 USD(hard cover).
The CRMP family of proteins and their role in Sema3A signaling.

The CRMP proteins were originally identified as mediators of Sema3A signaling and neuronal differentiation. Much has been learned about the mechanism by which CRMPs regulate cellular responses to Sema3A. In this review, the evidence for CRMP as a component of the Sema3A signaling cascade and the modulation of CRMP by plexin and phosphorylation are considered. In addition, current knowledge of the function of CRMP in a variety of cellular processes, including regulation of the cytoskeleton and endocytosis, is discussed in relationship to the mechanisms of axonal growth cone Sema3A response