cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Free-standing porous carbon electrodes derived from wood for high-performance Li-O2 battery applications

Porous carbon materials are widely used in particulate forms for energy applications such as fuel cells, batteries, and (super) capacitors. To better hold the particles together, polymeric additives are utilized as binders, which not only increase the weight and volume of the devices, but also cause adverse side effects. We developed a wood-derived, free-standing porous carbon electrode and successfully applied it as a cathode in Li-O2 batteries. The spontaneously formed hierarchical porous structure exhibits good performance in facilitating the mass transport and hosting the discharge products of Li2O2. Heteroatom (N) doping further improves the catalytic activity of the carbon cathode with lower overpotential and higher capacity. Overall, the Li-O2 battery based on the new carbon cathode affords a stable energy efficiency of 65% and can be operated for 20 cycles at a discharge depth of 70%. The wood-derived free-standing carbon represents a new, unique structure for energy applications.
E-094 Urgent transverse sinus stenting for refractory vision loss in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a case report

Transverse sinus stenosis is common in patients with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) and transverse sinus (TS) stenting is an emerging treatment option for certain patients. We present a case of refractory vision loss in a patient with IIH treated by urgent TS stenting. The patient is a 31 year old African American female with type II diabetes mellitus, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, and morbid obesity who presented with rapidly deteriorating visual acuity after a more gradual decline over three to four months associated with intermittent and progressively worsening headaches, exacerbated by supine positioning. Initial ophthalmologic examination revealed marked bilateral optic nerve head swelling. Routine CT and MR examinations of the brain were unremarkable. Intracranial MR venography revealed a high grade stenosis of the dominant right transverse sinus. A diagnostic and therapeutic lumbar puncture was performed, revealing a markedly elevated opening pressure of 53 cm H2O, with closing pressure of 28 cm H2O after removal of 32 mL CSF. Laboratory CSF analysis was unremarkable. The patient experienced a transient improvement in symptoms, but the vision loss rapidly recurred over the next day. Subsequently, intracranial catheter venography was performed, redemonstrating the aforementioned high grade stenosis of the dominant right TS with a less severe stenosis of the nondominant left TS. Prestenotic TS pressure measured 70 mmHg; poststenotic sigmoid sinus pressure measured 20 mmHg for a gradient of 50 mmHg across the stenosis. After balloon angioplasty and placement of a self-expanding stent, the gradient was reduced to 1 mmHg with pre- and poststenotic pressures of 21 and 20 mmHg, respectively. After the procedure, the patient reported significant improvement in visual acuity and she was discharged the next day on daily aspirin (indefinitely) and plavix (3 months). The case demonstrates an example of the viability of urgent TS stenting in select patients with IIH and refractory symptoms. While this case is unique in that our patient suffered rapid vision changes necessitating urgent intervention, her clinical course also reiterates the potential utility of TS stenting in patients with less acute presentations. Disclosures: J. McCaslin: None. C. Khoury: None. K. Layton: None.
PCB dechlorination hotspots and reductive dehalogenase genes in sediments from a contaminated wastewater lagoon

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of persistent organic pollutants that are distributed worldwide. Although industrial PCB production has stopped, legacy contamination can be traced to several different commercial mixtures (e.g., Aroclors in the USA). Despite their persistence, PCBs are subject to naturally occurring biodegradation processes, although the microbes and enzymes involved are poorly understood. The biodegradation potential of PCB-contaminated sediments in a wastewater lagoon located in Virginia (USA) was studied. Total PCB concentrations in sediments ranged from 6.34 to 12,700 mg/kg. PCB congener profiles in sediment sample were similar to Aroclor 1248; however, PCB congener profiles at several locations showed evidence of dechlorination. The sediment microbial community structure varied among samples but was dominated by Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. The relative abundance of putative dechlorinating Chloroflexi (including Dehalococcoides sp.) was 0.01–0.19% among the sediment samples, with Dehalococcoides sp. representing 0.6–14.8% of this group. Other possible PCB dechlorinators present included the Clostridia and the Geobacteraceae. A PCR survey for potential PCB reductive dehalogenase genes (RDases) yielded 11 sequences related to RDase genes in PCB-respiring Dehalococcoides mccartyi strain CG5 and PCB-dechlorinating D. mccartyi strain CBDB1. This is the first study to retrieve potential PCB RDase genes from unenriched PCB-contaminated sediments.
High-Fidelity Modeling and Numerical Simulation of Cratering Induced by the Interaction of a Supersonic Jet with a Granular Bed of Solid Particles

The dynamics of cratering caused by a supersonic jet on a granular bed of solid particles is investigated using a high fidelity, two-phase model and numerical simulations. To model the gas phase, the Large Eddy Simulation (LES) approach is used and a kinetic theory-based model is employed for the solid phase. Three-dimensional time-dependent simulations are conducted for the purpose of elucidating the morphological features of the crater and their evolution with time. Parametric variations of the initial conditions are performed to understand the effect of the initial solid volume fraction in the bed, of the coefficient of restitution, of the jet Mach number, of the particle diameter, and of the particle material density. The simulation snapshots of the cratering are in qualitative agreement with the images from the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission and from Earth-based experiments. Analysis of the results shows that solid particle compaction at the crater base and side walls increases with increasing volume fraction of the undisturbed particle bed and reaches solid volume fractions close to 0.65. The coefficient of restitution is shown to have no effect on the large scale dynamics of the crater but affects the small scale features, particularly the shape of elongated bursts of solid particle clouds as well as radially aligned structures on the outer crater walls. A smaller jet Mach number results in a smaller crater characterized by ridge-like structures and walls at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the undisturbed bed whereas larger Mach number jets create craters with walls approximately perpendicular to the undisturbed bed. A smaller particle size and a lighter particle material density also result in wider and deeper craters. The formation of all morphological structures is explained in detail and is related to the physical phenomena from which they originate. Power law curve fits are also presented for the crater outer diameter as well as for the depth. The mean and rms profiles of the solid volume fraction are computed, and it is found that the peak rms in the solid volume fraction does not occur at the surface but rather in the depth of the crater. In addition, the mean and rms of the particle momentum flux are also computed and discussed. Furthermore, the sources of particle momentum are evaluated, and the viscous drag as well as the gas pressure gradient are observed to be the prominent terms. The results show that the model developed is robust and is able to simulate craters due to a range of external conditions operating over particle beds having different characteristics.
Life and Demise of Intrathermocline Mesoscale Vortices

AbstractThis study is focused on finescale dissipation mechanisms of intra-thermocline mesoscale vortices exemplified by Meddies – large anticyclonic salt lenses of Mediterranean origin commonly observed in the lower North Atlantic thermocline. High-resolution numerical experiments are diagnosed to quantify the rates of temperature (T) and salinity (S) dispersion in salt lenses and to determine the relative contribution of various mixing processes in the decay of their thermohaline signatures. We find, in agreement with observations, that Meddies dissipate on the characteristic timescale of several years and that their ultimate disintegration can be attributed to thermohaline interleaving driven by double-diffusive mixing. Mechanically generated turbulence, on the other hand, tends to suppress the interleaving and therefore has an adverse net effect on eddy dispersion. It is found that the dispersion properties of static lenses, characterized by density-compensated T-S patterns, and their rapidly rotating...
The Role of Sponge Collagens in the Diet of the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata)

Sponges are an important component of many hard-substrate marine communities. This is particularly true on coral reefs, where the contribution of sponges to the reef biomass frequently exceeds that of hermatypic corals1. Despite their widespread distribution and abundance, however, sponges have few significant predators2. Certain species of dorid nudibranch mollusks, echinoid and asteroid echinoderms, and fish are notable exceptions. This relative immunity to predation has been variously attributed to the mechanical protection provided by skeletal components such as siliceous spicules and tough, organic fibers, and to the chemical protection provided by toxic or noxious secondary compounds3,4 The defensive utility of these attributes of sponges against potential predators, however, remains largely inferential.
Impact of processing on formation of trans fatty acids.

Trans fatty acids are formed during hydrogenation which is done to improve the functionality and oxidative stability of oils. Several process conditions affect the content of trans fatty acids in hydrogenated oil. There is conflicting evidence as to whether intake of trans fatty acids, in foods such as margarine, affects the types and levels of cholesterol produced in the blood. Epidemiological studies have shown associated increases in total cholesterol and low density lipoproteins, as well as decreased levels of high density liporoteins in the blood. It is unknown whether these effects are related directly to trans fatty acids or to the decrease of unsaturated fatty acids in the diet. This chapter will cover the recent nutritional status of trans fatty acids and the effect of processing on the levels of trans fatty acids in foods.
A Path Through the Current Confusion: Re-Establishing an Open Framework for Project Delivery and Finance in the United States

The re-emergence of alternative project delivery and project finance methods in the United States has generated a great deal of activity that can best be described as “self-promotion.” The Design Build Institute of America pushes design-build. The American Society of Civil Engineers pushes DesignBid-Build. The National Council of Public Private Partnerships pushes “Public Private Partnerships” or “PPP,” an undefined “delivery method” that often means restructuring public entities into public “corporations” or publicly controlled monopolies. The Reason Foundation advocates “privatization” often as a synonym for Design-Build-Operate and DesignBuild-Finance-Operate. Each organization and each approach to project delivery and finance has great merit. But, not one of these delivery methods offers a durable or a complete solution to long term infrastructure delivery and finance problems. At no time has America relied on a single project delivery method to produce the entire portfolio of infrastructure. (Chapter 3) The “competition” among groups to establish just one delivery method as “best” is just as futile and wasteful as the competition among Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York to be the “first”, “best”, and “only” productive route across the Appalachian Mountains. In fact, any infrastructure strategy that relies solely on a single project delivery method is sure to be inadequate in the long term.
Dural defects of the temporal bone

Cerebrospinal fluid leakage (otorrhea or otorhinorrhea) from the temporal bone is the end result of rupture of the arachnoid membrane or herniation of the brain through a defect in the protective dura mater and calvarium. The rupture may be small, admitting only a herniation of arachnoid (meningocele), or be large enough to accommodate brain tissue (encephalocele). Flow of cerebrospinal fluid through either type of fistula may be a trickle or profuse, chronic or intermittent, and usually ceases temporarily for a few weeks following an attack of meningitis. The etiology, anatomy, signs and symptoms, and various methods of treatment for cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea and otorhinorrhea are discussed.
Effects of Meditation on Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in knee pain, function, and related indices in older adults with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, following an 8-week meditation program. Methods: Eleven community-dwelling adults with physician-confirmed knee OA were enrolled in the study. Core outcomes included recommended measures of knee pain (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC] and 11-point numeric rating scale [NRS]), function (WOMAC), and perceived global status (patient global assessment). Additional outcomes included: perceived stress; stress hardiness; mood; sleep; and sympathetic activation. Following baseline assessment, participants were trained briefly in mantra meditation and instructed to meditate for 15–20 minutes twice daily for 8 weeks, and to record each practice session on a daily log. Changes over time were analyzed using paired t -tests. Results: Nine participants (82%) completed the study. Participants had statistically significant improvements in all core outcomes: knee pain (WOMAC: 47.7% ± 25.1% reduction, P = 0.001; NRS: 42.6% ± 34.6% reduction, P < 0.01); function (44.8% ± 29.9, P = 0.001); and global status (45.7% ± 36.5, P = 0.01); as well as knee stiffness (P = 0.005), mood (P = 0.05), and a WOMAC proxy for sleep disturbance (P = 0.005). Conclusions: Findings from this pilot study suggest that a mantra meditation program may help reduce knee pain and dysfunction, as well as improving mood and related outcomes in adults with knee OA.
Philanthropy and Honours in the British Empire

One of the main ways in which the British Empire rewarded philanthropy among British and imperial subjects was the honours system, an elaborate, hierarchical collection of awards and orders of chivalry. In its symbolism and rhetoric this system supplied a trans-imperial, color-blind judgment of both service and rank. This article uses discourses about honours to examine the formal and informal ways in which class, culture and race factored into public and private judgments about the relative worthiness of different kinds of philanthropy. In practice, British officials and elites were often cynical about the motivations of people outside of Britain and outside of traditional social elites, while applying less rigorous standards of intention to philanthropists within traditional elites in Britain. Inconsistencies in public debates and private judgments about merit in the honours system undermined its authority in the empire/former empire.
Facial Expression Recognition Using Convolutional Neural Network

Facial expressions are part of human language and are often used to convey emotions. With the development of human-computer interaction technology, people pay more and more attention to facial expression recognition (FER) technology. Besides, in the domain of FER, human beings have made some progress. In this paper, we reviewed the development of FER: VGGNet, ResNet, GoogleNet, and AlexNet. Besides, we studied some ideas of CNN (Convolutional Neural Network), and we used FER2013, which is one of the most significant databases of human faces, as the dataset to be considered. Furthermore, we made some improvements based on the original methods of FER. By training the FER2013 dataset with different revised ways, the best result of accuracy we got is 0.6424. At last, we generated and summarized the progress and deficiencies in this study.
Abstract P213: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEi) Increase Antifibrotic Biomarkers in African American Patients With Hypertension and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

ACEi are first line treatment in hypertension; however, there is controversy regarding the benefit over other antihypertensive drugs. ACEi have pressure independent effects that may make them prefe...
Temporal pattern in levels of the neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid, in an urban stream.

Abstract Imidacloprid is a widely used insecticide with high runoff potential posing a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems. In order to determine the spatial and temporal concentrations of imidacloprid in Forester Creek, a tributary to the San Diego River, surface water samples were collected from two sites under wet-weather and dry-weather conditions. Solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry were utilized to quantify imidacloprid levels in all samples. Imidacloprid was detected with 100% frequency in surface water samples from Forester Creek with a median concentration of 16.9 ng/L (range: 3.8–96.8 ng/L). Over 60% of samples exceeded U.S. EPA's chronic exposure benchmark (10 ng/L). Temporal analysis displayed significantly higher levels in wet-weather than dry-weather (median 45.6 ng/L vs. 8.2 ng/L (p
The Power of Massage in Children with Cancer—How Can We Do Effective Research?

Children with cancer experience multiple troubling symptoms. Massage offers a safe, non-pharmacological approach to address these symptoms. Numerous studies of massage in children and adults with cancer have been performed, yet most are unable to demonstrate significant benefit. This review aims to summarize what we know about the role of massage and sets goals and challenges for future massage research. This paper descriptively reviews the existing literature available in PubMed (both prior reviews and select papers) and the holes in prior research studies. Prior research on massage has been limited by small sample size/insufficient power, inappropriate outcome measures or timing, heterogeneous patient populations, inconsistent intervention techniques, and other design flaws. Based on the findings and limitations of previous work, numerous suggestions are made for future studies to increase the potency of findings, including thoughts about appropriate dosing, control groups, type of intervention, outcome measures, patient selection, feasibility, and statistics.
Spanish Interpreter Services for the Hospitalized Pediatric Patient: Provider and Interpreter Perceptions.

Abstract Background Many Americans have limited English proficiency (LEP) and difficulty communicating with health care providers, creating inequitable health care delivery. Despite widespread interpreter availability in hospitals, perceptions of interpreter services in the pediatric inpatient setting are largely unknown. Objective To investigate staff perspectives regarding: 1) roles of the interpreter and provider (attending, resident, and nurse) during an encounter, 2) modalities of interpretation, and 3) barriers to services. Methods Focus groups were conducted with: 1) hospital-employed Spanish interpreters, 2) Pediatric Hospital Medicine attendings, 3) pediatric and internal medicine-pediatric residents, and 4) medical unit nurses. Sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed. Using Atlas.ti, 2 investigators created the coding scheme, independently coded the data, and achieved consensus. Qualitative methods were used for thematic analysis. Results Fourteen groups (n = 59 participants) were held: 3 interpreter groups (n = 10), 3 attending groups (n = 14), 2 resident groups (n = 17), and 6 nurse groups (n = 18). Most believed the interpreter's role was to serve as a conduit (provide word-for-word interpretation), act as a cultural broker, and maintain transparency (not withhold information). All groups felt providers should interact with families as they would with English-speaking families. In-person interpreters were preferred over telephone and video for being more accurate, efficient, and personable. Barriers to accessing services included time needed for interpretation, overconfidence in language skills, variable family dynamics, and identification of LEP families. Conclusions In-person interpreters are highly valued, fulfilling complex roles. However, operational and human factors limit access to services in the hospital. These findings, along with family perspectives, can be used to optimize interpretation experiences.
Short report: Perceptions of causes and common beliefs of autism spectrum disorder in the U.S

Abstract A preliminary assessment of public perceptions about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was conducted across the United States using Mechanical Turk, an online recruitment tool for collecting data anonymously. Participants completed a survey about their beliefs regarding causes, treatments, and general views of ASD. For example, when asked what causes ASD, most participants reported hereditary and neurological factors. Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFAs) revealed two separate two-factor subscales for causes and general views about ASD. Findings revealed ethnic differences in participants’ beliefs about Psychosocial Causes, Symptom Regulation Perceptions, and Common Beliefs. Participants that were diagnosed with or had a family member with ASD were more likely to attribute ASD to External Causes than those without those connections to ASD. Implications for policy and practice discuss how study findings might support the development of targeted ASD public awareness campaigns.
You Don’t Have to Know Where Your Kids Are, Just Where They Aren’t: Exploring Free-Range Parenting in the Bolivian Amazon

Parents in the West typically intervene more often to protect children from harm than is typical in small-scale, non-industrial societies, and this protection could have implications for constraining children’s independent spatial exploration. This study used both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods to assess these issues in a subsistence-based economy, the Tsimane of Bolivia. We find that though Tsimane “free-range” parenting is hands-off compared to that found in Western societies, parents nonetheless restrict children’s travel. Freedom to explore farther from home is dependent on children’s development and necessity (e.g., travel requirements for work and subsistence-based tasks) and, with few exceptions, is similar for girls and boys. Parents base those decisions on their experience with the child and the potential risks in the environment, rather than on age-specific standards. Finally, many parents and their children report concerns about environmental risks, but it does not significantly decrease children’s mobility, which is similar for girls and boys.
Achromatic holographic phase mask for broadband lasers beam conversion (Conference Presentation)

Ultrafast femtosecond and high power CW laser systems are extensively used in the fields of science and technology. However, due to the wide emission spectra in ultrashort pulse and high power CW lasers, it is quite difficult to manipulate their transverse mode structure with conventional monochromatic phase masks. Here we present transverse mode conversion from the fundamental order TEM00 broadband lasers beams to different TEM and Laguerre-Gauss orders with the use of a broadband phase mask based on Volume Bragg Grating recorded in Photo-Thermo-Refractive (PTR) glass. The overall diffraction efficiency of the achromatic phase mask was 94%.
Microscopic Object Classification through Passive Motion Observations with Holographic Microscopy

Digital holographic microscopy provides the ability to observe throughout a volume that is large compared to its resolution element without the need to refocus through the volume. This capability enables simultaneous observations of large numbers of small objects within such a volume. We have constructed a microscope that can observe a volume 0.4 x 0.4 x 1.0 μm with submicrometer resolution for observation of microorganisms and minerals in liquid environments in earth and on potential planetary missions. Because environmental samples are likely to contain mixtures of inorganics and microorganisms that are of comparable sizes near the resolution limit of the instrument, discrimination of living and non-living objects may be difficult. The motion of motile organisms can be used to readily distinguish them from non-motile objects (live or inorganic), but additional methods are required to distinguish non-motile organisms and inorganic objects that are of comparable size but different composition and structure. In this paper we evaluate the use of passive motion to make this discrimination by evaluating diffusion and buoyancy characteristics of objects in the field of view.
Imaging Spectrum of Duodenal Emergencies.

Understanding the anatomy of the duodenum, the imaging findings of duodenal emergencies, and which segments of the duodenum are most commonly involved in various conditions can help the radiologist...
A hybrid droplet vaporization-adaptive surrogate model using an optimized continuous thermodynamics distribution

Abstract Liquid transportation fuels are composed of hundreds of species, necessitating the use of surrogates in CFD simulations. Surrogates composed of a few species are often formulated to emulate the combustion properties targets (CPTs) of pre-vaporized fuels but fail to reproduce their vaporization behavior, implying that such surrogates cannot replicate the CPTs in the presence of preferential vaporization. The prevailing approach to this problem proposes a physical–chemical surrogate formulated to match the fuel’s distillation curve in addition to its CPTs. However, the physical–chemical surrogate approach requires more species, may not reproduce the instantaneous (distillation-resolved) CPTs, and is not well-suited to conditions in which non-surrogate species surround the droplets. A recent hybrid approach addresses these shortcomings by combining a continuous thermodynamic model (CTM) for droplet vaporization with an adaptive chemical surrogate formulated using functional group matching (FGM). Whereas the hybrid model previously required a delumping calculation to recover discrete fluxes prior to FGM, the approach is modified here to directly predict the fluxes of functional groups using the CTM, increasing its flexibility for high-pressure applications. To this end, a novel, purely mathematical distribution variable is proposed to correlate key functional groups, in addition to thermophysical and transport properties. The accuracy and flexibility of both hybrid approaches compare favorably with the physical–chemical surrogate method. While droplet vaporization rates are well-represented by both methods, functional group fluxes and instantaneous CPTs are predicted more accurately by the hybrid methods, illustrating their potential for improving the accuracy of Eulerian-phase solvers in the presence of preferential vaporization.
Long‐term forecasting with innovation diffusion models: The impact of replacement purchases

The model presented in this paper integrates two distinct components of the demand for durable goods: adoptions and replacements. The adoption of a new product is modeled as an innovation diffusion process, using price and population as exogenous variables. Adopters are expected to eventually replace their old units of the product, with a probability which depends on the age of the owned unit, and other random factors such as overload, style-changes etc. It is shovn that the integration of adoption and replacement demand components in our model yields quality sales forecasts, not only under conditions where detailed data on replacement sales is available, but also when the forecaster's access is limited to total sales data and educated guesses on certain elements of the replacement process.
The American Glaucoma Society 100: Articles with Significant Impact on Clinical Glaucoma Care

Purpose To identify 100 articles with significant impact on the clinical care of patients with glaucoma. Design Cross-sectional study. Participants A total of 108 members of the American Glaucoma Society (AGS) in the original survey and 63 in the follow-up survey. Methods The 100 most frequently cited English-language original articles relevant to glaucoma were identified via a Scopus search. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Preferred Practice Pattern Glaucoma Panel selected an additional 100 articles including newer and “classic” papers. An anonymous survey including the list of 200 articles was distributed to the AGS membership. Survey participants were asked to rate the impact of each article on the clinical care of glaucoma patients using a 4-point Likert scale. Survey respondents were able to provide “write-in” suggestions for the AGS 100. A subsequent anonymous follow-up survey was distributed asking participants to use the same Likert scale to rate 31 “write-in” articles suggested in the original survey. The AGS 100 was created by ranking the top 100 articles based on mean Likert scores from the original and follow-up surveys. Main Outcome Measures Original English-language articles that have influenced the clinical care of patients with glaucoma. Results The mean ± standard deviation Likert score of articles included in the AGS 100 was 2.9 ± 0.3 (range, 2.47–3.69). The median citation number was 345 (range, 11–2426). Publication year ranged from 1965 to 2020. Articles were published in 14 journals, the most common of which were Ophthalmology (42%), American Journal of Ophthalmology (21%), and Archives of Ophthalmology (20%). Forty-eight articles were derived from randomized clinical trials. Conclusions The AGS 100 is a collection of articles judged to have significant clinical impact on glaucoma care. The list will serve as an online educational resource for ophthalmologists in training and in practice.
Hopficity and duo rings

The aim of this paper is to study the Hopfian property in the context of chain and duo rings. For such rings, we characterize Hopfian free modules and show that a direct sum of cyclic R-modules is Hopfian if and only if the sum is finite. This allows us to show that finitely generated modules over a local right duo ring, which has the FGC-property, are Hopfian and cancel in direct sums. Moreover, being finitely, hopficity, and the cancellation property are equivalent for modules over Artinian rings.
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination in Lactation: Assessment of adverse events and vaccine related antibodies in mother-infant dyads

Abstract Background Data regarding adverse events observed in the lactating mother-infant dyad and their immune response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccination during lactation are needed to inform vaccination guidelines. Methods From a prospective cohort of 50 lactating individuals who received mRNA-based vaccines for COVID-19 (mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2), blood and milk samples were collected prior to first vaccination dose, immediately prior to 2nd dose, and 4-10 weeks after 2nd dose. Symptoms in mother and infant were assessed by detailed questionnaires. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in blood and milk were measured by Pylon 3D automated immunoassay and ELISA. In addition, vaccine-related PEGylated proteins in milk were measured by ELISA. Blood samples were collected from a subset of infants whose mothers received the vaccine during lactation (4-15 weeks after mothers’ 2nd dose). Results No severe maternal or infant adverse events were reported in this cohort. Two mothers and two infants were diagnosed with COVID-19 during the study period. PEGylated proteins, were not found at significant levels in milk after vaccination. After vaccination, levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM significantly increased in maternal plasma and there was significant transfer of anti-SARS-CoV-2-Receptor Binding Domain (anti-RBD) IgA and IgG antibodies to milk. Milk IgA levels after the 2nd dose were negatively associated with infant age. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were not detected in the plasma of infants whose mothers were vaccinated during lactation. Conclusions COVID-19 mRNA vaccines generate robust immune responses in plasma and milk of lactating individuals without severe adverse events reported.
Estimating Regions of Wireless Coexistence with Gaussian Process Surrogate Models

Simultaneous coexistence of multiple wireless communications systems sharing the same spectrum is critical for the success of modern and future communications. We develop a technique for estimating regions of wireless coexistence (RWC) – the transmission configurations of each of the wireless systems which permit coexistence – based on measurements of key performance indicators (KPIs) of those systems. In this article we focus on two-way coexistence tests, which aim to determine the impact each of the communications systems have on each other. The new technique is based on a Gaussian process surrogate model of the unknown transmission-configuration-to-KPI functions. We introduce a sequential design of experiments based on this surrogate model which is designed to reduce the number of measurements necessary to reach a highly-accurate estimate of a RWC. On an illustrative example, this technique reduces the average number of required measurements by over 40% compared to a baseline experimental design. Similar results are achieved for a measurement-informed simulation based on a coexistence test between an Bluetooth Low Energy device and an IEEE 802.11n Wi-Fi devices.
An Empirical Investigation of the Relationship Between Product Familiarity and Perceived Risk

The relationship between the concepts of "product familiarity" and "perceived risk" is empirically investigated. This relationship is tested across three product classes: pure goods (PG), good-service combinations (GS), and pure services (PS) using five measures of association. The findings indicate the two variables are positively related for all products tested. Additionally, the magnitude of the relationship is moderately higher for both PS and GS combinations than for PG.
Palliative & End-of-Life Care: Clinical Practice Guidelines, by K. K. Kuebler, D. E. Heidrich, and P. Esper

Palliative & End-of-Life Care provides an overview of the management and care of patients living and dying with advanced and chronic diseases. The text provides discussion of the technological adva...
Response of trypsin-treated brown and white fat cells to hormones. Preferential inhibition of insulin action.

Abstract Insulin did not stimulate glucose metabolism or inhibit lipolysis in brown fat cells isolated by digestion of rat interscapular brown adipose tissue with collagenase plus 1 mg of trypsin per ml. Trypsin-treated cells responded normally to catecholamines and to the antilipolytic agent, prostaglandin E1. The stimulation of respiration by lipolytic agents and free fatty acids was not affected by trypsin digestion, but the potentiation of octanoate-induced respiration by insulin was abolished. Incubation of white adipose tissue from rats with trypsin plus collagenase abolished the ability of insulin to inhibit lipolysis and stimulate glucose metabolism but did not affect the antilipolytic action of prostaglandin E1. Trypsin-treated white fat cells metabolized less glucose than cells isolated with collagenase alone but had a normal response to lipolytic agents such as theophylline, growth hormone plus dexamethasone, and catecholamines. The failure of trypsin-treated cells to respond to insulin was not due to destruction of insulin, because medium containing insulin which had been incubated with trypsin-treated fat cells stimulated the metabolism of glucose by cells isolated with collagenase only. Trypsin treatment abolished the stimulation of white fat cell glucose metabolism seen in the presence of "bound insulin" but not that due to oxytocin. These studies indicate that trypsin treatment selectively inactivates the response of fat cells to insulin and "bound insulin," but not to oxytocin, prostaglandin E1, or lipolytic agents.
External microflora of a marine wood-boring isopod.

Abstract Bacteria associated with the marine wood-boring isopod Limnoria lignorum were enumerated by acridine orange epifluorescence microscopy and by plate counts on several media; the plate-viable bacteria were isolated and identified. Similar procedures were followed to enumerate and identify bacteria associated with the wood substrate from which the isopods were collected and with the surrounding water from the isopod habitat. Approximately 1.4 × 107 bacterial cells were associated with each individual L. lignorum. Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas, and Vibrio were the most common genera in the isopod microflora. Wood from L. lignorum burrows had an associated bacterial flora of 1.6 × 107 cells per mg (damp weight). A. hydrophila also predominated in the wood microflora. The water from which the isopod population was collected contained 2.3 × 106 bacteria per ml. Pseudomonas and Vibrio species were very common in the water microflora, but A. hydrophila was not detected. Interactions between the isopod, its associated microorganisms, and the microorganisms within the wood substrate are discussed in the light of the known absence of a resident digestive tract microflora in these animals.
A Bridge Between Cognitive Science and Neuroscience: The Functional Architecture of Mind

Discussion within philosophy on the relation of cognition to neural phenomena, or of mind to body, has focused on two views in recent decades. Both views accept that mental events themselves are brain events with physical descriptions. But whereas the Identity Theory holds out the hope of nomological connections between types of brain events and types of mental events, Functionalism denies any such relation. Identity theorists envision an ultimate reduction of cognitive psychology to neuroscience whereas most functionalists deny that possibility. (Australian Identity Theorists such as Smart, 1959, and Armstrong, 1968, present that Identity Theory as a version of Functionalism. Smart’s topic-neutral specification of psychological events, for example, specifies mental events in terms of their interactions with other mental events or with sensory stimuli or behaviors. When I speak of Functionalism, however, I shall be referring to the American variety which sees Functionalism as an alternative to the Identity Theory.) This paper proposes that we approach the relation of mental events to brain events in a quite different way, using Pylyshyn’s (1980) notion of a functional architecture. After an overview of the conflict between Identity Theory and Functionalism, I will turn to explicating the notion of a functional architecture and show how it provides a more useful ontological framework for understanding how neuroscience and the emerging discipline of cognitive science can relate to each other.
Shikimate Pathway: Aromatic Amino Acids and Beyond

The shikimate pathway proper is the common metabolic route to the three aromatic amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan. These amino acids serve as building blocks for all proteins and as precursors for a large number of secondary metabolites. Keywords: chorismate; phenylalanine; tyrosine; tryptophan; secondary metabolites
Integrated Testing of a 4-Bed Molecular Sieve and a Temperature-Swing Adsorption Compressor for Closed-Loop Air Revitalization

Accumulation and subsequent compression of carbon dioxide that is removed from space cabin are two important processes involved in a closed-loop air revitalization scheme of the International Space Station (ISS). The 4-Bed Molecular Sieve (4BMS) of ISS currently operates in an open loop mode without a compressor. This paper reports the integrated 4BMS and liquid-cooled TSAC testing conducted during the period of March 3 to April 18, 2003. The TSAC prototype was developed at NASA Ames Research Center (ARC). The 4BMS was modified to a functionally flight-like condition at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Testing was conducted at MSFC. The paper provides details of the TSAC operation at various CO2 loadings and corresponding performance of CDRA.
A Further Evaluation of the Triarchic Conceptualization of Psychopathy in College Students

The current study provides additional information about the nomological networks of the personality dimensions associated with the triarchic conceptualization of psychopathy – boldness, meanness, and disinhibition (Patrick et al. 2009). All analyses were based on a sample of college students (N = 633 to 637; 50 % women). We evaluated correlations between measures of the triarchic constructs and measures of the facets and domains of the Five-Factor Model (FFM). We also evaluated associations between triarchic constructs and measures of self-esteem, narcissism, aggression and antisocial behavior and tested whether the triarchic measures increment measures of the FFM for predicting these variables. We replicated and extended previous studies concerning the correlates of boldness, meanness, and disinhibition. We also found evidence that measures of the triarchic dimensions incremented measures of the FFM, especially when considering self-reported antisocial behavior.
Agents Which Promote and Stabilize Water-in-Oil Emulsions

Abstract A number of research groups have investigated the formation and stabilization of water-in-oil emulsions. A variety of compounds and mixtures have been shown to promote and stabilize these emulsions, including sea water particulates, as well as fractions or compounds found in crude oil. Asphaltenes, resins and waxes in crude oil contribute to the formation of stable oil-in-water emulsions. Within the asphaltene fraction, the nickel porphyrins appear to play an essential role in emulsion formation. The vanadium porphyrins, although more abundant than nickel porphyrins in most crude oils, do not play an important role in emulsion formation, possibly because of their higher polarity. It appears that compounds with higher solubility in the oil phase than in the aqueous phase are the emulsifying agents that can promote stable water-in-oil emulsions. Crude oils that form very unstable emulsions, e.g. Gullfaks crude oil from the North Sea, require weathering as well as the addition of nickel porphyrins before a stable emulsion will form. The weathering may cause the formation of colloidal asphaltene particles and highly polar compounds that contributes to emulsion stabilization. Essential to the formation of stable water-in-oil emulsions are sufficient amounts of certain polar compounds. If there are insufficient amounts of these compounds, then even the presence of particles and waxes will not lead to the formation of stable emulsions.
Differential regulation of brain protein phosphatase activities by nitric oxide and nitroxyl anion

While nitric oxide (NO) is a physiological messenger molecule, increasing evidence suggests that its one-electron reduction product, nitroxyl anion (NO–), may be particularly cytotoxic. We have examined the differential regulation of redox-sensitive protein phosphatase activities in a rat brain soluble fraction by the nitric oxide donor dethylamine NONOate and the nitroxyl anion donor Angeli's salt using p-nitrophenylphosphate (p-NPP) as a nonspecific substrate. We report that micromolar NONOate but not Angeli's salt produced a 2–3-fold increase in a calcineurin (CaN) phosphatase activity, defined as Ni2± dependent, calmidazolium-sensitive, p-NPPase activity. Activation of CaN by NONOate was (i) enhanced by carboxy-PTIO, which promotes formation of the S-nitrosylating agent N2O3 (ii) mimicked by S-nitrosoglutathione (iii) partially reversed by the sulfhydryl reductant DTT, and (iv) accompanied by protein S-nitrosylation. NONOate also produced a modest, largely DTT-reversible, inhibition of the vanadate-sensitive fraction of p-NPPase that was attributed to protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) activity. We propose that regulation of protein phosphatase activities by reversible sulfhydryl modulation may contribute to the physiological actions of nitric oxide. In contrast to NONOate, Angeli's salt produced a marked and irreversible inhibition of PTP activity consistent with a possible higher order oxidation of an active-site cysteine residue. Notably, Angeli's salt was at least a 10-fold more potent inhibitor of PTP activity than was hydrogen peroxide. We propose that PTP inactivation by nitroxyl anion may promote excessive and neurotoxic protein tyrosine phosphorylation.
Using Narrative Inquiry to Understand Persistently Disciplined Middle School Students.

Educators’ persistent disciplining of a small group of students positions them as “frequent flyers.” This identity prevents educators from developing an understanding that could enable them to reengage these students. Using the methodology of interpretive biography positioned within narrative inquiry and using a Gestalt-based analysis, this study presents the case narratives of three persistently disciplined students from one urban middle school in the southeast USA. Examining the central tensions of each case led to a richer and more comprehensive narrative of each student, reflecting his or her complex motivations and desires. Viewing students as the whole people reflected in these narratives rather than through the deficit-oriented lens that labels students as frequent flyers can shift educators’ practices to better support the learning of all students.
Use of ultrasound and cystoscopically guided pancreatic allograft biopsies and transabdominal renal allograft biopsies : safety and efficacy in kidney-pancreas transplant recipients

ABSTRACTThe use of allograft biopsies to guide treatment after solid organ transplantation is a valuable tool in the detection and treatment of rejection. Prior development and use of the cystoscopically guided pancreatic allograft biopsy have allowed for more accurate and timely diagnosis of pancreatic allograft dysfunction, possibly contributing to our 1-year pancreas graft, renal allograft and patient survival rates of 87.1%, 88.5% and 96.8%, respectively. We reviewed our experience, examining efficacy and complication rates of pancreas and kidney biopsies in 31 cadaveric pancreas or combined kidney and pancreas transplants performed between June 1990 and February 1992 with at least 1 year of followup. There were 94 pancreas, 54 kidney and 53 duodenal mucosal biopsies in 29 evaluable patients.This biopsy technique uses a 24.5F side-viewing nephroscope to view the cystoduodenostomy, with the duodenum acting as a portal for biopsy needles into the pancreas. Pancreatic tissue is obtained with either an 18...
Copyright Infringement and Protection in the Internet Age

In this age of increasingly complex, Internet-based technologies, it's very difficult to protect original works of authorship. This article examines the problem of copyright infringement and the copyright law's desire to balance the interests of creators with the interests of the public. The author also offers some insight in how to reduce the problem of copyright infringement.
A Research Note on Statistical Methods Used to Create Indices of Child Well-Being

Growing numbers of researchers are combining individual indicators of child well-being into overall indices. This research note examines five different methodologies that have been used to construct an overall index of child well-being. All five methods are applied to four datasets and the results are examined in terms of consistency of results across methods. The datasets reflect child well-being indicators at the country, state, county, and neighborhood levels. The results show that all five of the approaches to index construction examined here produce very similar results. This is reflected in very high correlation coefficients with index values and rankings across geographic units. The findings suggest that rankings of geographic units on child well-being indices are likely to be robust regardless of the particular index methodology used.