cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of structural building blocks in heavy petroleum systems by collision-induced dissociation Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.

Collision-induced dissociation Fourier Transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (CID-FTICR MS) was developed to determine structural building blocks in heavy petroleum systems. Model compounds with both single core and multicore configurations were synthesized to study the fragmentation pattern and response factors in the CID reactions. Dealkylation is found to be the most prevalent reaction pathway in the CID. Single core molecules exhibit primarily molecular weight reduction with no change in the total unsaturation of the molecule (or Z-number as in chemical formula CcH2c+ZNnSsOoVNi). On the other hand, molecules containing more than one aromatic core will decompose into the constituting single cores and consequently exhibit both molecular weight reduction and change in Z-numbers. Biaryl linkage, C1 linkage, and aromatic sulfide linkage cannot be broken down by CID with lab collision energy up to 50 eV while C2+ alkyl linkages can be easily broken. Naphthenic ring-openings were observed in CI...
Physical Characterization and Innate Immunogenicity of Aggregated Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IGIV) in an In Vitro Cell-Based Model

Purpose To investigate in vitro the innate immune response to accelerated stress-induced aggregates of intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV) using a well-defined human cell-line model, and to correlate the innate response to physical properties of the aggregates. Methods IGIV aggregates were prepared by applying various accelerated stress methods, and particle size, count and structure were characterized. Immune cell activation as tracked by inflammatory cytokines released in response to aggregates was evaluated in vitro using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), primary monocytes and immortalized human monocyte-like cell lines. Results IGIV aggregates produced by mechanical stress induced higher cytokine release by PBMC and primary monocytes than aggregates formed by other stresses. Results with the monocytic cell line THP-1 paralleled trends in PBMC and primary monocytes. Effects were dose-dependent, enhanced by complement opsonization, and partially inhibited by blocking toll-like receptors (TLR2 and TLR4) and to a lesser extent by blocking Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs). Conclusions Stress-induced IGIV aggregates stimulate a dose-dependent cytokine response in human monocytes and THP-1 cells, mediated in part by TLRs, FcγRs and complement opsonization. THP-1 cells resemble primary monocytes in many respects with regard to tracking the innate response to IgG aggregates. Accordingly, the measurement of inflammatory cytokines released by THP-1 cells provides a readily accessible assay system to screen for the potential innate immunogenicity of IgG aggregates. The results also highlight the role of aggregate structure in interacting with the different receptors mediating innate immunity.
Surprise, Scholasticism, and Strategy: A Review of Ariel Levite's Intelligence and Strategic Surprises (New York: Columbia University Press, 1987)

Levite's attack on dominant theories of strategic surprise raises significant questions and deserves attention as the first serious revisionist attempt. It fails because his methodology narrows the issue artificially, excludes essential political variables, relies on faulty definitions and standards of comparison, and does not support the assumption that the analysis of success in wartime intelligence would apply to decisions in pre-war crises. The apparent academic rigor of the book, however, abets optimism in wider analytical debates about NATO's vulnerability to surprise, and whether the main problems for strategic stability are aggression and deterrence or accidental war and provocative mobilization. Different decisions in August 1914 and October 1962 illustrate why the fundamental dilemma between choices of avoiding surprise and avoiding war, which Levite ignores, cannot be resolved.
Serial assessment of exercise capacity after heart transplantation

Background : Exercise capacity after heart transplantation is abnormal. This reduced exercise performance may in part be due to treatment with high-dose immunosuppressive therapy, deconditioning, graft rejection, or cardiac denervation. Methods : To investigate whether exercise capacity significantly improves over time as immunosuppression is lessened or whether reinnervation occurs, we measured peak exercise oxygen consumption in 60 patients 0.5 to 60 months after transplantation (age : 52 ± 11 years ; left ventricular ejection fraction : 56% + 10%) and in 14 healthy subjects (age : 44 ± 8 years ; p = Not significant). Resting hemodynamic measurements, left ventricular ejection fraction, and immunosuppressive therapy were recorded at the time of each of the patients' 116 exercise tests. Exercise test results were stratified into groups according to time after transplantation. Results : Exercise capacity significantly improved after transplantation (pretransplantation peak exercise oxygen consumption : 9.9 ± 4.3 ; posttransplantation : 16.6 ± 4.0 ml/kg/min ; p < 0.001). Patient groups after transplantation were without significance differences with regard to age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction, resting hemodynamic measurements, antihypertensive regimen, and number of rejection episodes. For those patients exercising at 2 months compared with the patients exercising at 12 months, a significant increase was observed in peak exercise oxygen consumption (14.0 ± 3.8 ml/kg/min at 2 ± 2 months to 16.2 ± 3.8 ml/kg/min at 12 ± 2 months) and maximum heart rate (124 ± 24 to 137 ± 24 beats/min). No significant changes were found in peak exercise oxygen consumption or maximum heart rate after the first year after transplantation. Patients' exercise capacities as measured by peak exercise oxygen consumption remained abnormal (N1 peak exercise oxygen consumption : 35 ± 11 ml/kg/min) despite significant reductions in steroid, azathioprine, and cyclosporine therapy. Peak exercise oxygen consumption was significantly correlated with maximal heart rate (r = 0.42) (p < 0.0001) but not with maximal blood pressure response, change in heart rate, left ventricular ejection fraction, or resting cardiac index (all p = Not significant). Conclusions : Exercise capacity is markedly improved after heart transplantation although it remains impaired compared with healthy individuals. Patients achieve their maximal exercise capacity by 1 year after transplantation. Subsequently, exercise capacity does not improve despite significant reductions in immunosuppressive agents. The lack of alteration in the heart rate response to exercise over time suggests that no significant functional reinnervation occurs. J HEART LUNG TRANSPLANT 1995 ;14 :468-78.
Buoyancy of college women as predicted by certain anthropometric measures.

A discriminant analysis equation was computed to predict buoyancy from 17 anthropometric variables. The subjects for the study were 74 Caucasian women and 81 Negro women university students. The Ne...
Continuing search for the test to measure liver function capacity.

Objective: To validate the LiMAx test, a new bedside test for the determination of maximal liver function capacity based on 13 C-methacetin kinetics. To investigate the diagnostic performance of different liver function tests and scores including the LiMAx test for the prediction of postoperative outcome after hepatectomy. Summary Background Data: Liver failure is a major cause of mortality after hepatectomy. Preoperative prediction of residual liver function has been limited so far. Methods: Sixty-four patients undergoing hepatectomy were analyzed in a prospective observational study. Volumetric analysis of the liver was carried out using preoperative computed tomography and intraoperative measurements. Perioperative factors associated with morbidity and mortality were analyzed. Cutoff values of the LiMAx test were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic. Results: Residual LiMAx demonstrated an excellent linear correlation with residual liver volume (r = 0.94, P < 0.001) after hepatectomy. The multivariate analysis revealed LiMAx on postoperative day 1 as the only predictor of liver failure (P=0.003) and mortality (P = 0.004). AU-ROC for the prediction of liver failure and liver failure related death by the LiMAx test was both 0.99. Preoperative volume/function analysis combining CT volumetry and LiMAx allowed an accurate calculation of the remnant liver function capacity prior to surgery (r = 0.85, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Residual liver function is the major factor influencing the outcome of patients after hepatectomy and can be predicted preoperatively by a combination of LiMAx and CT volumetry.
Lectura Cuidadosa de Genesis

Resumo: o ensaio trata de exegese e interpretacao de Genesis 1, com base na palavra hebraica bresit. A narrativa mitica e entendida, assim, como a criacao nao do universo, mas de uma casa para toda a humanidade. Nisso reside tambem seu apelo ecologico para a atualidade. Palavras-chave: Genesis 1. Criacao. Ecologia. Interpretacao.
Solving General Linear Differential Equations with Constant Coefficients: An Application to Constrained Optimization

In Lesson 5, we started to show how continuous mathematics can help in algorithm design. In particular, we showed that the problem of finding the best penalty function leads to a linear differential equation. Since other algorithm design problems lead to similar differential equations, we need a general method for solving such differential equations. Such a method is described in this lesson.
The Roles for Prior Visual Experience and Age on the Extraction of Egocentric Distance

OBJECTIVES In a well-lit room, observers can generate well-constrained estimates of the distance to an object on the floor even with just a fleeting glimpse. Performance under these conditions is typically characterized by some underestimation but improves when observers have previewed the room. Such evidence suggests that information extracted from longer durations may be stored to contribute to the perception of distance at limited time frames. Here, we examined the possibility that this stored information is used differentially across age. Specifically, we posited that older adults would rely more than younger adults on information gathered and stored at longer glimpses to judge the distance of briefly glimpsed objects. METHOD We collected distance judgments from younger and older adults after brief target glimpses. Half of the participants were provided 20-s previews of the testing room in advance; the other half received no preview. RESULTS Performance benefits were observed for all individuals with prior visual experience, and these were moderately more pronounced for the older adults. DISCUSSION The results suggest that observers store contextual information gained from longer viewing durations to aid in the perception of distance at brief glimpses, and that this memory becomes more important with age.
Self-Reported Questionnaire Detects Family History of Cancer in a Pancreatic Cancer Screening Program

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a leading cause of cancer death; approximately 5–10% of PDAC is hereditary. Self-administered health history questionnaires (HHQs) may provide a low-cost method to detail family history (FH) of malignancy. Pancreas Center patients were asked to enroll in a registry; 149 with PDAC completed a HHQ which included FH data. Patients with FH of PDAC, or concern for inherited PDAC syndrome, were separately evaluated in a Prevention Program and additionally met with a genetic counselor (GC) to assess PDAC risk (n = 61). FH obtained through GC and HHQ were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank sum and generalized linear mixed models with Poisson distribution. Agreement between GC and HHQ risk-assessment was assessed using kappa (κ) statistic. In the Prevention Program, HHQ was as precise in detecting FH of cancer as the GC (all p > 0.05). GC and HHQ demonstrated substantial agreement in risk-stratification of the Prevention Program cohort (κ = 0.73, 95% CI 0.59–0.87.) The sensitivity of the HHQ to detect a patient at elevated risk (i.e., moderate- or high-risk) of PDAC, compared to GC, was 82.9% (95% CI 67.3–92.3%) with a specificity of 95% (95% CI 73.1–99.7%). However, seven patients who were classified as average-risk by the HHQ were found to be at an elevated-risk of PDAC by the GC. In the PDAC cohort, 30/149 (20.1%) reported at least one first-degree relative (FDR) with PDAC. The limited sensitivity of the HHQ to detect patients at elevated risk of PDAC in the Prevention Program cohort suggests that a GC adds value in risk-assessment in this population. The HHQ may offer an opportunity to identify high-risk patients in a PDAC population.
Liraglutide causes large and rapid epicardial fat reduction.

Objective Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), the visceral fat depot of the heart, is a modifiable cardiovascular risk factor and emerging therapeutic target. Liraglutide, an analog of glucagon-like peptide-1, is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Liraglutide has recently been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk. Nevertheless, whether liraglutide could reduce EAT is unknown. Methods To test the hypothesis, a 6-month randomized, open-label, controlled study was performed in 95 type 2 diabetic subjects with body mass index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m2 and hemoglobinA1c ≤8% on metformin monotherapy. Individuals were randomized in two groups to receive additional liraglutide up to 1.8 mg s.c. once daily (n = 54) or to remain on metformin up to 1,000 mg twice daily (n = 41). Ultrasound-measured EAT thickness was measured at baseline and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Results In the liraglutide group, EAT decreased from 9.6 ± 2 to 6.8 ± 1.5 and 6.2 ± 1.5 mm (P < 0.001), accounting for a −29% and −36% of reduction at 3 and 6 months, respectively, whereas there was no EAT reduction in the metformin group; BMI and hemoglobinA1c improved only in the liraglutide group after 6 months. Conclusions Liraglutide causes a substantial and rapid EAT reduction. Liraglutide cardiometabolic effects may be EAT-mediated.
Reactive Oxygen Species Shielding Hydrogel for the Delivery of Adherent and Nonadherent Therapeutic Cell Types .

Cell therapies suffer from poor survival post-transplant due to placement into hostile implant sites characterized by host immune response and innate production of high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We hypothesized that cellular encapsulation within an injectable, antioxidant hydrogel would improve viability of cells exposed to high oxidative stress. To test this hypothesis, we applied a dual thermo- and ROS-responsive hydrogel comprising the ABC triblock polymer poly[(propylene sulfide)-block-(N,N-dimethyl acrylamide)-block-(N-isopropylacrylamide)] (PPS135-b-PDMA152-b-PNIPAAM225, PDN). The PPS chemistry reacts irreversibly with ROS such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), imparting inherent antioxidant properties to the system. Here, PDN hydrogels were successfully integrated with type 1 collagen to form ROS-protective, composite hydrogels amenable to spreading and growth of adherent cell types such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). It was also shown that, using a control hydrogel substituting nonreactive polycaprolactone in place of PPS, the ROS-reactive PPS chemistry is directly responsible for PDN hydrogel cytoprotection of both MSCs and insulin-producing β-cell pseudo-islets against H2O2 toxicity. In sum, these results establish the potential of cytoprotective, thermogelling PDN biomaterials for injectable delivery of cell therapies.
Surface PEGylation of Mesoporous Silica Nanorods (MSNR): Effect on loading, release, and delivery of mitoxantrone in hypoxic cancer cells.

Mesoporous silica nanomaterials show great potential to deliver chemotherapeutics for cancer treatment. The key challenges in the development of injectable mesoporous silica formulations are colloidal instability, hemolysis and inefficient drug loading and release. In this study, we evaluated the effect of PEGylation of mesoporous silica nanorods (MSNR) on hemolysis, colloidal stability, mitoxantrone (MTX) loading, in vitro MTX release, and cellular MTX delivery under hypoxic conditions. We found that PEGylation prevented dose-dependent hemolysis in the concentrations studied (0–10 mg/ml) and improved colloidal stability of MSNR. A negative effect of PEGylation on MTX loading was observed but PEGylated MSNR (PMSNR) demonstrated increased MTX release compared to non-PEGylated particles. Under hypoxic conditions, a decrease in the IC50 of MTX and MTX-loaded MSNR was observed when compared to normoxic conditions. These results showed that MSNR could deliver the chemotherapeutic agent, MTX to tumor cells and induce effective cell killing. However, the effect of PEGylation needs to be carefully studied due to the observed adverse effect on drug loading.
31‐1: Invited Paper: Novel Technologies for Flexible Displays and Electronics

A novel edge sealing with solution coated gas barrier was successfully developed for the foldable AMOLED to improve reliability and reduce manufacturing cost. The foldable AMOLED with edge sealing passed reliability tests including 240 hours storage at 85°C /85% R.H. and outward folding at 3mm radius / 100k times. Besides, a mechanical debonding technology with low debonding stress was proposed and 18 inch OLEDs were successfully debonded.
A Repertoire of Marketers' Trust-Building Strategies Within The Sales-Marketing Interface

Examining how sales and marketing personnel interrelate is analogous to studying intergroup cooperation wherein two groups – sales and marketing – are required to work cooperatively to achieve specific firm-level objectives. While extensive literature in psychology and management has implied that trust is an important precursor of enhanced intergroup cooperation, no extant scholarly work has explicated the specific activities sales and marketing personnel may engage in to build trust within the sales-marketing interface (SMI). We use qualitative methodology and in-depth interview data collected from 29 sales and marketing executives in Saudi Arabia to investigate the specific activities that may help marketers build trust with their sales counterparts and signal to them that they are a dependable partner. Study findings suggest that when marketers (a) act as salespeople's ambassadors to senior leaders; (b) stay invested in salespeople's success; and (c) act as a semipermeable barrier between salespeople a...
ANCA Glomerulonephritis and Vasculitis

ANCA vasculitis has an associated autoimmune response that produces ANCAs that induce distinct pathologic lesions. Pauci-immune necrotizing and crescentic GN is a frequent component of ANCA vasculitis. ANCA vasculitis is associated with ANCA specific for myeloperoxidase (MPO-ANCA) or proteinase 3 (PR3-ANCA). A diagnosis of ANCA vasculitis should always specify the serotype as MPO-ANCA positive, PR3-ANCA positive, or ANCA-negative. To fully characterize a patient, the serotype also should be accompanied by the clinicopathologic variant if this can be determined: microscopic polyangiitis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss), or renal-limited vasculitis. ANCA vasculitis is most prevalent in individuals >50 years old. There are racial/ethnic and geographic influences on the prevalence, serotype frequencies, and clinicopathologic phenotypes. There is clinical, in vitro, and animal model evidence that ANCAs cause disease by activating neutrophils to attack small vessels. Immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive therapies are used to induce remission, maintain remission, and treat relapses. Over recent years, there have been major advances in optimizing treatment by minimizing toxic therapy and utilizing more targeted therapy.
Miniature Ion Mobility Spectrometer Detector with a Pulsed Ionization Source

We demonstrate a miniature ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) detector that uses a pulsed corona ionization source. The gas phase detector shows high sensitivity and moderate resoltuion, essential for possible interfacing with other µTAS devices.
A Boundary Element Method for Plate-Bending Problems and Its Asymptotic Error Estimates

In this paper we present a boundary element method to solve plate-bending problems. A numerical scheme is developed. An optimal-order error estimate in energy norm and superconvergence results in L ∞ norm are obtained.
Preservice Teachers’ Beliefs About Knowledge and Effective Teaching in Economics

This study aimed to obtain an understanding of preservice teachers’ beliefs about economics, their beliefs about effective teaching, and the relationship between those beliefs. To this end, survey and interview methods were used. A total of 230 preservice social studies or middle school education teachers participated in the survey. Of these participants, nine were interviewed individually. The preservice teachers in this study believed that economics is a hard/soft-applied-life discipline based on Biglan’s classification. In teaching economics, the preservice teachers believed that traditional methods such as repetition, memorization, and modeling are effective for low-learning ability students, while instruction using tasks that require higher cognitive skills and self-regulation is more effective for high-learning ability students. This study found statistically significant correlations between one pedagogical belief factor and three epistemological belief factors. From the interviews, the preservice teachers demonstrated that the academic aspect of economics was mutually related to traditional/routine ways of teaching and using external resources. The practical aspect of economics was related to constructive ways of teaching, personal justification of knowledge, and using internal resources.
The Fetus and the Law

The present state of the law with respect to the fetus can best be characterized as amorphous. Legal principles relating to the fetus are for the most part fragmentary and are much more suggestive than definitive from the standpoint of the kinds of issues that are likely to arise in the context of human use of the genetic techniques that are the subject of this Symposium.
The Principle of Maximum Entropy and the Difference between Risk and Uncertainty

This paper makes endogenous the probability assignment of an economic agent in a familiar two-period finance model by basing the probability assignment upon available information. The Principle of Maximum Entropy (PME) reduces an economic decision made under uncertainty to a decision made under risk. The PME accomplishes this because the necessary conditions for a probability distribution to achieve maximum entropy, given certain information, are equivalent to the conditions characterizing a distribution for which the information forms a sufficient statistic of fixed dimension.
Interband Cascade (IC) Optical Frequency Combs

We demonstrate an electrically-driven frequency comb whose sub-picosecond pulses span more than 1 THz of spectral bandwidth centered near 3.6 μm. This is achieved by passively mode locking an interband cascade laser with gain and saturable absorber sections monolithically integrated on the same chip.
A quasi-analytical formulation for acoustic radiation modes of simple curved structures

Acoustic radiation modes have become a useful and widespread analysis tool in situations involving sound radiation from vibrating structures. They have found use in applications such as active structural acoustic control, optimization of structures for minimal sound radiation, and acoustical holography. Analytical expressions for the radiation resistance matrix, from which the radiation modes are obtained, are available only for a small number of simple source geometries, while the obtaining of radiation modes for more complicated structures typically requires BEM or similar computational methods. This paper details the development of quasi-analytical expressions for the radiation resistance matrices of singly-curved structures such as curved plates, cylinders, and angularly truncated cylinders. It is shown that the radiation modes of these structures may be obtained with a relatively low computational load compared to conventional methods.
A Statistical Model for Positron Emission Tomography Scintillation Detectors with Double-Sided Readout

We describe a statistical model for scintillation detectors. The studied geometry is a tall, cuboidal scintillator, sandwiched by a top and a bottom sensor. We consider singlesided and double-sided readout under head-on as well as side irradiation. We fit our model to published results for 3mm x 3mm x 20mm LYSO:Ce crystals. Fitted parameters are used to predict the performance of double-sided readout under headon irradiation, which gives a better coincidence time resolution than single-sided configurations. When paired with low-mass top sensors to limit signal loss, and thin flex cables for a high packing density, double-sided readout under head-on irradiation may be more favorable than other configurations.
The Life of Maryam Mirzakhani.

Maryam Mirzakhani is the first and the only female winner of the Fields Medal since its establishment in 1936. She is arguably one of the greatest mathematicians of our generation. This biographical paper outlines her life and work. Her mathematical theorems and noteworthy accomplishments are just as impressive as her determination, imagination, and optimistic outlook on life. Mirzakhani’s success came from her passion, creativity, and playful approach to mathematics. She felt the most rewarding part of mathematics was the enjoyment of understanding or discovering something. Mirzakhani’s work was visual and focused on patterns and ideas rather than on numbers and algorithms. She constructed mathematics in an artistic way, and her goal was to always find truth and beauty in the world. Mirzakhani will forever be an inspiration to anyone who has studied her work and read her story.
A modulator of wild-type glucocerebrosidase improves pathogenic phenotypes in dopaminergic neuronal models of Parkinson's disease

Mutations in the GBA1 gene encoding the lysosomal enzyme β-glucocerebrosidase (GCase) represent the most common risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD). GCase has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for PD and current efforts are focused on chemical chaperones to translocate mutant GCase into lysosomes. However, for several GBA1-linked forms of PD and PD associated with mutations in LRRK2, DJ-1, and PARKIN, activating wild-type GCase represents an alternative approach. We developed a new small-molecule modulator of GCase called S-181 that increased wild-type GCase activity in iPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons from sporadic PD patients, as well as patients carrying the 84GG mutation in GBA1, or mutations in LRRK2, DJ-1, or PARKIN who had decreased GCase activity. S-181 treatment of these PD iPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons partially restored lysosomal function and lowered accumulation of oxidized dopamine, glucosylceramide and α-synuclein. Moreover, S-181 treatment of mice heterozygous for the D409V GBA1 mutation (Gba1D409V/+ ) resulted in activation of wild-type GCase and consequent reduction of GCase lipid substrates and α-synuclein in mouse brain tissue. Our findings point to activation of wild-type GCase by small-molecule modulators as a potential therapeutic approach for treating familial and sporadic forms of PD that exhibit decreased GCase activity.
I Dream of Gini: Measures of Population Concentration and Their Application to US Population Distribution

The unevenness of population across space may be captured with various measures of inequality; the Lorenz curve, the Gini coefficient, and the Hoover index constitute prime examples of such measures. In this chapter, I first review the history of these measures and then provide a selective review of their use in examining population concentration and deconcentration. Next, I show how the Gini coefficient may be disaggregated to show how population concentration varies within different ranges of population densities. The Gini coefficient is written as a weighted sum of the Hoover indexes for each population density category, where the weights are the proportion of total area in that density category. This disaggregation is applied to the US population for the period 2000–2015. Results show that population deconcentration is occurring among the subset of counties that have high population density and concentration is occurring among counties that have medium population density.
Psychological well-being and dual-use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes among high school students in Canada.

Abstract Background Cigarette and e-cigarette use are prevalent among Canadian adolescents. Evidence shows psychiatric comorbidity with adolescent cigarette smoking, but little is known about psychological well-being among dual users of e-cigarettes and cigarettes. This study examined the association between dual-use status and psychological well-being among high school students. Methods We used the 2016–2017 Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs Survey. Scales of psychological well-being (relatedness, autonomy, competency, prosocial behavior, and social responsiveness) were derived from self-reported data. Dual-use status was categorized into non-users, cigarette-only smokers, e-cigarette-only users, and four types of dual-users. Multivariable linear regression models examined the association between dual-use and psychological well-being. Results Among the participants, 6.3% were current dual-users, 4.1% were cigarette-only smokers, 12.6% were e-cigarette-only users, and 77.0% were non-users. Compared to non-users, relatedness and social responsiveness were lower for all users. When compared to e-cigarette users, most other users had lower relatedness (high-frequency dual-users [β=-6.05], high-frequency cigarette dual-users [β=-2.27], high-frequency e-cigarette dual-users: [β=-1.32], low-frequency dual-users [β=-1.91], and cigarette-only smokers [β=-1.66]) and social responsiveness. High-frequency dual-users had lower scores for relatedness and social responsiveness, while high-frequency cigarette dual-users had higher autonomy, compared to low-frequency dual-users. Conclusion Dual-users had poorer psychological well-being, which differed among dual-user sub-groups. This study highlights an opportunity for specialized programs to promote psychological well-being and reduce tobacco product use among adolescents. Limitations The study is based on respondent self-report, and the use of cross-sectional data precludes us from determining the temporal order between dual-use and psychological well-being.
Do Nutritional Interventions Improve the Outcomes of Patients with Cirrhosis and Ascites: a Systematic Review of Randomized Trials

Ascites is a common, morbid complication of cirrhosis. Nutritional interventions such as sodium restriction and high-protein diet are considered standard of care. However, their evidence base is limited. We performed a systematic review of randomized trials of nutritional interventions for ascites. Increasing consumption of calories and protein alone was ineffective. Studies reached contradictory conclusions regarding sodium restriction in patients taking combination diuretics. Intravenous amino acid infusion alone did not improve outcomes, and peripheral parenteral nutrition did not improve outcomes alone but reduced mortality in conjunction with branched chain amino acid evening snack. Patients may benefit from sodium restriction and a protein-rich evening snack. Future trials should prioritize standardizing nutritional targets and tailoring interventions to the specific needs of patients including the socioeconomic factors impacting adherence.
O28 Utilization of a Teaching Kitchen Within a Nutrition Course to Reduce Food Insecurity Among College Students

Background Food insecurity among college students in the United States is high. Inclusion of teaching kitchens at the college level may enhance food security, but evidence of its potential impact is limited. Objective To evaluate whether a college course utilizing a teaching kitchen to teach basic nutrition concepts and cooking skills affected students’ food security. Study Design, Setting, Participants We used a pre-post pilot study design to assess whether participation in a semester-long nutrition course for undergraduate students at a public university reduced food insecurity. Course content included basic nutrition and cooking concepts, meal planning, food safety, and food budgeting. Students attended a faculty-led weekly 50-minute lecture followed by a 2-hour cooking class in a 9-station teaching kitchen on campus. This pilot study was implemented for 5 semesters. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Students completed an online questionnaire before and after taking the class. Past-month food security was assessed using the USDA six-item module where higher scores indicate food insecurity. We also measured attitudes and perceived self-efficacy in cooking abilities and eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and self-reported intake of these food groups. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample and outcome variables. The McNemmar's test (categorical variables) and paired t-test (continuous variables) were used to compare pre- and post-test data. Results A total of 216 students enrolled in the course, and 161 completed the pre and post questionnaire. Before the class, 48% were food secure and 52% were food insecure. After the class, food security increased to 70%, while food insecurity decreased to 30% (P Conclusion Including a teaching kitchen within a nutrition college class may enhance food security among students. Future research including a comparison group could ascertain causality. Funding None.
Prediction of in vivo performance of oral extended release formulations prior to clinical evaluation: A case study for enteric coated polymeric beads formulation

To reduce cost and time for product development, an ideal strategy for the development of oral extended release (ER) product is to identify the desired formulation with minimum needsfor clinical evaluation. The aim of this work was to demonstrate the feasibility of adopting a "prediction-then-validation" strategy for the development of oral ER formulations. Instead of the traditional approach using multiple ER formulations for IVIVC development, an enteric-coated fast release formulation was successfully utilized for the development of a biopredictive tool to estimate the drug release from enteric coated polymeric ER formulations in the intestine. A TS1 (time scale factor between Tvitro and Tvivo equals to 1) system was designed and developed, based on which the in vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) performance of ER formulations in dog and in human were well predicted prior to in vivo evaluations. The model further passed a posteriori validation using the criteria for level A IVIVC and, as designed, provided a Tscale value of 1 for the IVIVC model.
Fostering food equity in an immigrant neighborhood of New York City during COVID-19

Food equity includes the right to food that is cul­turally appropriate. Immigrant neighborhoods can be sites of contestation over who participates in the production, distribution, and consumption of food. Manhattan’s Chinatown is a good example of a neighborhood where food is central to its com­merce, cultural heritage, and reputation as a tourist destination. The coronavirus’ origin in China caused imme­diate material impact on Chinese restaurants and food purveyors in New York City as well as in other cities with major populations of Chinese people. Chinatown suffered disproportionate closures of its grocery stores, restaurants, and produce vendors due to COVID-19 as compared to other neighbor­hoods in NYC. The grassroots response to this crisis is a reminder that people have the power to use food to assert the society that they desire, to shape a highly contested urban space, and to claim their right to the city.
Concurrent predictors of science core knowledge in preschool

Abstract There is little empirical evidence on cross-domain relations with science and other academic domains, which contributes to a limited understanding of the development of early science and how to best support it. The purpose of this study was to examine multiple concurrent predictors of science core knowledge, including executive functioning (EF), vocabulary, literacy, math, and math language in preschool. This study overcomes the limitations of previous work exploring relations between individual predictors, by addressing potentially spurious relations due to acting as proxies for other variables. Data were collected from 86 preschool-aged children (36 female) from families with low incomes. Findings revealed that when EF, vocabulary, literacy, math, and math language were included in the same model as concurrent predictors of science, only vocabulary significantly predicted children’s science core knowledge. Findings from this study have potential implications for the refinement of early science skills and intervention development.
The role of molecular biomarkers in outcomes and patient selection for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal metastases of colorectal origin.

Abstract Background Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) is effective in select patients with peritoneal metastases of colorectal (CRC) origin. The impact of different biomarkers in predicting recurrence after CRS/HIPEC is unclear. Methods Retrospective review of patients who underwent CRS/HIPEC for PC of CRC origin from 03/2007–08/2017. Molecular profile of the primary tumor was obtained from pathology reports, whenever available. Results Overall, 100 patients underwent CRS/HIPEC for peritoneal metastases of CRC origin. Most patients presented high grade tumor histology (G2/G3, n = 97, 97%), and a majority showed mucinous features (n = 61, 61%). At a median follow-up of 18 months, median DFS for the overall population was 13 months (95% CI 9.6, 16.4). Data reporting at least one mutational analysis was available in 64 patients. Microsatellite stability was detected in 42/50 (84%) patients, mKRAS in 25/51 (49%), and mBRAF in 5/35 (14.3%). On Kaplan–Meier analysis, BRAF was the only mutation associated with poor DFS (16 months, CI 95% 11.7–43.3 vs. 7 months, CI 95% 2.1–11.9, p = .008). On multivariate analysis, mBRAF independently predicted earlier recurrence (p = .032). Conclusions In this analysis, mBRAF was independently associated with earlier recurrence in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC for CRC, leading to dismal median DFS (7 months). Strict patient selection is advisable in these patients.
Measuring the K D of Protein–Ligand Interactions Using Microscale Thermophoresis

Microscale thermophoresis (MST) has become a widely used technique to determine the KD or EC50 of protein-ligand interactions. The method exploits the tendency of macromolecules to migrate along a thermal gradient (i.e., thermophoresis). Differences in thermophoresis as a function of the liganded state of a macromolecule can be measured and assembled into a binding curve that can be analyzed to yield KD. In this protocol, we outline a simple experiment designed for new MST users, with the goal of using readily available, inexpensive materials to plan, execute, and analyze an MST experiment.
Engineering waveguide surface by gradient etching for uniform light scattering in photocatalytic applications

Abstract In photoreactors, non-uniform light distribution leads to regions either with an overabundance of light or insufficient light irradiation. The integration of light-guiding elements such as waveguides into photocatalytic reactors has been an emerging approach to improve light delivery. However, traditional waveguides with constant surface properties experience an exponential decay in scattering light intensity under side irradiation. This reduces the light propagation length and hinders the scale-up potential. In this work, we derive the relationship between attenuation coefficients with etching time, determine the correlation between etching time and waveguide location for uniform scattering, and experimentally validate different light scattering profiles by engineering the surface roughness distribution of waveguides. We apply a dimensionless number, the coefficient of variation, to characterize the relative light distribution uniformity for gradient-etched, uniform-etched, and unmodified waveguides. Scattering light uniformity via gradient etching is more than 13 times higher than that for uniform-etching. In addition, the light distribution for gradient etching exhibits improved uniformity than other approaches, such as tip coating, physical carving, and engineered pillars. We then evaluate the effect of different light scattering profiles on photocatalytic activities in a photodegradation test for methylene blue, with non-etched, uniform-etched, and gradient-etched waveguides serving as internal light-guiding elements. Gradient-etched waveguides show ∼4 times improvement in photodegradation activity over uniform-etched designs and ∼8 times over non-etched configurations. This result underscores gradient etching for waveguides as a viable approach for precision light delivery to increase the light distribution uniformity, thus enhancing reaction rates for photocatalytic reactors.
Intracranial Hypertension After Primary Decompressive Craniectomy for Head Trauma.

BACKGROUND Primary decompressive craniectomy (DC) is commonly performed for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Some, but not all patients, will benefit from invasive monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) after surgery. We intended to identify risk factors for elevated ICP after primary DC to treat TBI. METHODS A retrospective chart review study identified all patients at our institution who underwent primary DC for TBI during the study period and who had ICP monitors placed at the time of surgery. Various preoperative and intraoperative variables were assessed for correlation with the presence of postoperative elevated ICP. RESULTS Postoperative elevated ICP occurred in 36% of patients after DC. In univariate analysis, Glasgow Coma Scale <8, abnormal pupillary examination, and intraoperative brain swelling were all associated with elevated postoperative ICP. However, in multivariate analysis only intraoperative brain swelling was associated with elevated postoperative ICP (incidence 56% vs. 5%, P = 0.0043). CONCLUSIONS Placement of an ICP monitor at the time of primary DC for patients with TBI should be considered if there is intraoperative brain swelling.
The effect of character similarity on children's learning from fictional stories: The roles of race and gender.

Abstract Factors that make stories more or less similar to children’s lives may influence learning. One such factor, the similarity of characters in a story to its readers, may influence learning because of children’s social preference for similar others, because of stronger identification with similar characters, or because some types of similarity may indicate to children whether the story is relevant to their lives. The current studies examined the effects of two types of character similarity (race and gender) on 6- to 8-year-olds’ learning from stories to begin to disambiguate these possibilities. In Study 1, White children demonstrated greater learning on implicit measures (i.e., free recall) from a story with a White character versus a Black character. Although children said that they were more similar to and identified more strongly with a White character than a Black character, these factors did not predict learning. In Study 2, character gender did not influence learning or identification. Children showed preferences for own-race and own-gender playmates, but these preferences did not predict learning. These findings suggest that White children’s greater learning from the White character was not due to social preference for similar others or to stronger identification with the White character. One explanation for the divergent findings for race and gender is that, because of the differing roles of race and gender within U.S. society, children may use race but not gender as a cue as to whether the information provided in a story is relevant for them.
Pregnancy Outcomes Related to Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The relationship between pregnancy outcome and maternal colonization with sexually transmitted bacterial and viral organisms has been studied for many years. The more classic sexually transmitted diseases, syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, trichomonas, and Chlamydia infection, are almost always transmitted between adults by sexual contact. The majority of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in reproductive-age women are transmitted sexually. The etiology of these miscarriages is generally secondary to maldevelopment of the ovum and associated chromosomal abnormalities. Mental retardation is another outcome measure of great importance but one whose prevalence in the population is difficult to determine with certainty. While perinatal infections such as group B Streptococcus, herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus infections, syphilis, and toxoplasmosis all are demonstrated causes of mental retardation, infection-initiated preterm birth appears to be a more important cause of mental retardation from the overall public health perspective. It is emphasized that because many of these outcomes occur only rarely and first become apparent later in life, perinatal researchers often use surrogate measures of adverse outcome, such as preterm birth, growth retardation, and low birth weight, or the continuous measures of mean birth weight and mean gestational age to define adverse pregnancy outcome. An appreciation of the effect of bacterial vaginosis on outcomes of pregnancy associated with preterm birth gives bacterial vaginosis a greater public health importance than has been attributed to it in the past.
The Spiritual Rule

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the phenomenon of moral principles as they have been adopted over time. The paper specifically reviews the Golden Rule, and the subsequently formulated Platinum Rule. While the value of both these rules is underscored, the paper also reviews their weaknesses in light of our new millennium awareness of increased globality and ensuing interconnectedness. The paper makes a statement that even moral principles that have been around for centuries, may have to be reevaluated in light of changed circumstances, and conclusively presents “The Spiritual Rule,” a principle that eliminates the risk of excessive arbitrariness, and calls for consideration of all life on earth in every decision we make.Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a conceptual paper, reflecting on two existing principles that influence the way human beings, and therefore managers as well, make their decisions in general. The author first briefly reviews both principles (or “rules”), subsequ...
Preliminary Design and Analysis of the ARES Atmospheric Flight Vehicle Thermal Control System

The Aerial Regional-scale Environmental Survey (ARES) is a proposed 2007 Mars Scout Mission that will be the first mission to deploy an atmospheric flight vehicle (AFV) on another planet. This paper will describe the preliminary design and analysis of the AFV thermal control system for its flight through the Martian atmosphere and also present other analyses broadening the scope of that design to include other phases of the ARES mission. Initial analyses are discussed and results of trade studies are presented which detail the design process for AFV thermal control. Finally, results of the most recent AFV thermal analysis are shown and the plans for future work are discussed.
Illustrating the Implicit BIC Prior

I show how to find the uniform prior implicit in using the Bayesian Information Criterion to consider a hypothesis about a single normally distributed parameter. The ratio of the width of the implicit prior to the standard deviation of the parameter estimate is sqrt(2*pi*n) for large samples.