cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Enhancement of Nonheme Iron Bioavailability by Beef Protein in the Rat

Beef protein was found to enhance the bio- availability of nonheme iron in the rat. Anemic rats were fed diets containing soy protein concentrate or rice bran as the source of nonheme iron with either lactalbumin or distilled waterâ€"washed beef, which was heme free. The criteria used to determine the relative biological value (RBV) of iron was the difference between the products of final hemoglobin x final weight and initial hemoglobin x initial weight during the repletion period. Animals fed diets with only lactalbumin as a source of dietary protein and graded levels of FeSO4 (RBV of FeSO4 = 100%) served as con trols. The RBVof the endogenous iron in soy protein and rice bran was found to be 91 and 46%, respectively. Sub stituting washed beef for lactalbumin increased the RBV of soy protein iron to 96% (results not statistically signif icant) and of rice bran iron to 75% (results significant, P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate the "meat factor" effect in the rat for the first time. Two days after completion of the 11-d hemogloblin regeneration period, the apparent absorption of iron was measured during a 60-h balance period. The apparent absorption of iron by rats fed diets containing beef tended to be higher, compared to animals fed diets containing lactalbumin. J. Nutr. 119:446â€"452, 1989.
Identification of a Functional In Vivo p53 Response Element in the Coding Sequence of the Xeroderma Pigmentosum Group C Gene

The protein product of the xeroderma pigmentosum group C (XPC) gene is a DNA damage recognition factor that functions early in the process of global genomic nucleotide excision repair. Regulation of XPC expression is governed in part by p53 at the transcriptional level. To identify the regulatory elements involved in the p53-dependent control of XPC expression, we performed a quantitative PCR tiling experiment using multiple regularly spaced primer pairs over an 11-kb region centered around the XPC transcriptional start site. p53 chromatin immunoprecipitation was performed following ultraviolet irradiation, and DNA was analyzed for enrichment at each of 48 amplicons covering this region. A segment just upstream of the XPC translational initiation site was significantly enriched, whereas no enrichment of any other region was noted. In vitro promoter reporter assays and gel retardation assays were used to confirm the p53 responsiveness of this region and to define the minimal region with stimulating activity. We identified a p53 response element that has significant similarity to a consensus sequence, with 3 mismatches. This response element is unique in that part of the p53 binding site included the coding sequence for the first 2 amino acids in the XPC protein.
The Impact of Gender-Based Family Roles on Criminal Sentencing

Recent perspectives on gender differences in sanctioning link differential outcomes to variation in gender based family roles via informal control, familial paternalism, and functional type-scripts. This study attempts to further our understanding of how and why family roles influence criminal justice decisions by examining models of sanctioning that (1) include a more comprehensive set of family role factors than previously examined; and (2) consider whether the effects of family roles on sentences vary by the sex and race of the defendant. The data are for a sample of convicted federal forgery offenders. The findings are complex but indicate the following: familial criteria play a role in the sanctioning of federal forgers; family roles vary in their influence on the sentencing of male and female offenders; judges differentiate defendants both on the basis of whether they occupy central family roles and how well they carry out their familial responsibilities; and, the impact of family role factors vary by the race of the defendant.
Muslim patients’ expectations and attitudes about Ramadan fasting during pregnancy

Abstract Objective To investigate Muslim women's attitudes concerning Ramadan fasting during pregnancy and determine how healthcare providers can better serve this population. Methods A cross-sectional study targeted Muslim patients with active obstetric records within the University of Michigan Health System who received care at clinics in metro Detroit (MI, USA) during Ramadan in 2013. Patients aged 18–50 years were approached between July 7 and August 15, and asked to complete a written survey on perceptions of fasting, influences on decision making, and healthcare expectations. Results Among the 37 women who completed the survey, 26 (70%) did not fast in their current or most recent pregnancy during Ramadan. Overall, 23 (62%) women believed that fasting was harmful to themselves, their fetus, or both. Seven (19%) women reported consulting others about fasting during pregnancy, with the most influential individuals being Muslim scholars, followed by family/relatives and healthcare providers. The most important characteristics desired in a physician included being respectful of Islamic beliefs and possessing knowledge about Ramadan. Conclusion Most women chose not to fast during pregnancy. Although few consulted healthcare providers, pregnant Muslim women valued their opinions. Healthcare providers need to educate themselves about which topics to discuss with Muslim patients to provide care on an individual basis.
Comparison of Bilateral vs. Staged Unilateral Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's Disease in Patients Under 70 Years of Age.

Objective The most popular surgical method for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD) is simultaneous bilateral DBS. However, some centers conduct a staged unilateral approach advocating that reduced continuous intraoperative time reduces postoperative complications, thus justifying the cost of a second operative session. To test these assumptions, we performed a retrospective analysis of the Truven Health MarketScan® Database. Methods Using the MarketScan Database, we retrospectively analyzed patients that underwent simultaneous bilateral or staged unilateral DBS between 2000 and 2009. The main outcome measures were 90-day postoperative complication rates, number of reprogramming hours one year following procedure, and annualized healthcare cost. The outcome measures were compared between cohorts using multivariate regressions controlling for appropriate covariates. Results A total of 713 patients that underwent DBS between 2000 and 2009 met inclusion criteria for the study. Of these patients, 556 underwent simultaneous bilateral DBS and 157 received staged unilateral DBS. No statistically significant differences were found between groups in the rate of infection (simultaneous: 4.3% vs. staged: 7.0%; p = 0.178), pneumonia (3.1% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.283), hemorrhage (2.9% vs. 2.5%; p = 0.844), pulmonary embolism (0.5% vs. 1.3%), and device-related complications (0.5% vs. 0.0%). Patients in the staged cohort had a higher rate of lead revision in 90 days (3.2% vs. 12.7%; RR = 3.07; p < 0.001). The staged cohort had a higher mean (SD) number of reprogramming hours within one year of procedure (6.0 ± 5.7 vs. 7.8 ± 8.1; RR = 1.17; p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between the mean (SD) annualized payments between the cohorts ($86,100 ± $94,700 vs. $102,100 ± $121,500; p = 0.148). Conclusion Our study did not find a significant difference between 90-day postoperative complication rates or annualized cost between the staged and simultaneous cohorts. Thus, we believe that it is important to consider other factors when deciding between the staged and simultaneous DBS. Such factors include patient convenience and the laterality of symptoms.
Clinical implications of delayed orthostatic hypotension A 10-year follow-up study

Objective: To define the long-term outcome of delayed orthostatic hypotension (OH). Hypothesis: Delayed OH is an early and milder form of OH that progresses over time. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 230 previously reported patients who completed autonomic testing at our center from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2003. All available information on clinical diagnosis, mortality, medication use, and autonomic testing were extracted and included in the reported outcomes. Standard criteria were used to define OH and delayed OH. Results: Forty-eight individuals with delayed OH, 42 individuals with OH, and 75 controls had complete follow-up data. Fifty-four percent of individuals with delayed OH progressed to OH. Thirty-one percent of individuals with delayed OH developed an α-synucleinopathy. The 10-year mortality rate in individuals with delayed OH was 29%, in individuals with baseline OH was 64%, and in controls was 9%. The 10-year mortality of individuals who progressed to OH was 50%. Progression to OH was associated with developing an α-synucleinopathy, baseline diabetes, and abnormal baseline autonomic test results. Conclusion: Delayed OH frequently progresses to OH with a high associated mortality.
Disentangling conceptual and epistemic influences on scientific explanation

Constructing a good scientific explanation would seem to require both a sound conceptual understanding of whatever is being explained and an understanding of the epistemic requirements of what makes an explanation good. The epistemic standards for a good scientific explanation have been refined historically in response to the issues that arise from not making conceptual claims and their warrants clear (Bazerman, 1988). This process of making one's claims and the evidence for them clear involves rhetorical moves aimed not just at making explanations persuasive, but comprehensible (Kitcher, 1991). For students then, learning to construct scientific explanations entails more than just learning the scientific theories and concepts that are relevant to explaining particular phenomena. It includes learning what counts as a good explanation and how to articulate one. It is not simply a cognitive skill (Kuhn & Udell, 2003; von Aufschnaiter, Erduran, Osborne, & Simon, 2008), but a complex discursive practice driven by epistemological motives that students often fail to appropriate in the science classroom (Berland & Reiser, 2009). The analysis of students' explanations of scientific phenomena, therefore, can illuminate both what students know about a particular topic -- their conceptual understanding -- and what they know about how to make a scientific explanation -- their epistemic understanding. In practice, disentangling these influences simply by looking at students' explanations can be problematic (Kelly & Takao, 2002; Sandoval, 2003).
Response to the combination of cetuximab, bevacizumab and irinotecan (cetux/bev/iri) in patients (pts) previously treated with 3rd-line panitumumab, following disease progression on oxaliplatin, irinotecan and a fluoropyrimidine

14586 Background: There are 2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) available for the treatment of advanced metastatic colorectal cancer- panitumumab, a...
Toxicity of twenty-three insecticides to a tubificid worm Branchiura sowerbyi from the Mississippi delta.

Tubifieid worms, Branchiura sowerbyi Beddard, from the Mississippi delta region were bioassayed in 23 commercial insecticides (chlorinated hydrocarbons, organophosphates, and carbamates). Maximum concentrations of 15 insecticides (0.5 to 4.0 ppm at 21°C) failed to cause mortality in 72-hours exposure, but they produced reversible morphological changes of the worms. Variations in morphological changes occurred in response to an insecticide type rather than to concentration, and they may possibly be used for monitoring purposes. Insecticide toxicity was influenced also by temperature changes. The worms were extremely susceptible to dissolve chlorine in tap water (6-10 ppm) which caused complete disintegration of the body, leaving a residual black ring at the site of death. Insecticide-treated worms of known weight and treatment time were fed to crayfish, Procambarus clarkii Girard, and their mortality was recorded. The insecticide toxicity to crayfish was inversely proportional to treatment time of the worm prior to feeding, but it was directly proportional to insecticide concentration. Crayfish showed less in effects when they ate carbamate-treated worms, especially if the worms were exposed to the insecticide for a long time. Gas-chromatographic analyses of field-collected worms exhibited a high concentration of organochlorine compounds, especially DDT, DDD, and DDE. Trace amounts of toxaphene also were detected. Possible mechanisms of insecticide resistance in tubificids are discussed, including the effects of mud in reducing the bioactivity of various insecticides.
AFM Observation of Al-Cr-Si Quasicrystal by single roll quenching method.

The influence of composition and mechanically grinding (MG) on the heat characteristic and the quasicrystalline size in rapidly solidified Al-Cr-Si alloy is investigated. The size of quasicrystal is quantitatively measured with Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). Al74Cr20Si6, Al77Cr13Si10 and Al90Cr6Si4 alloy ribbons are prepared by single roll quenching. Al74Cr20Si6 alloy consists of quasicrystalline single phase, and others consist of Al phase and quasicrystalline phase. The crystallization temperature of the quasicrystal becomes lower with increasing Al content in alloy. The size of quasicrystal in Al74Cr20Si6 ribbon is larger than 500nm, and the average sizes of quasicrystal in Al77Cr13Si10 ribbon and Al90Cr6Si4 ribbon are 177 and 89nm, respectively. The reduction in the crystallization temperature relates to the size of quasicrystal. By mechanically grinding the crystallization temperature and the size of quasicrystal become lower and smaller. The average size of quasicrystal in mechanically ground Al90Cr6Si4 for 1800s is 76nm. The crystallization temperature decreases because of breaking the quasicrystal in MG.
High-risk HPV DNA testing and HPV-16/18 genotyping: what is the clinical application?

AbstractObjective.There are currently 2 tests approved for clinical use that nonspecifically detect the presence of multiple oncogenic or high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types. One HPV genotyping test is also available for use that specifically detects the presence of high-risk HPV types 16 and
Hydrologic impacts of climate change and urbanization in the Las Vegas Wash Watershed, Nevada

A cell-based model for the Las Vegas Wash Watershed in Clark County, Nevada, USA, was developed by combining the Thornthwaite water balance model and the Soil Conservation Survey9s Curve Number method with pixel-based computing technology. After the model was validated, it was used to predict the 2030 and 2050 hydrologic conditions under future scenarios of climate and land-use changes. The future climate projections were based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) B1 climate scenario, and the land-use scenarios were derived from a CA-Markov land-use model. Results indicate that under these hypothetical conditions, the future surface runoff in the watershed will significantly decrease in winters but increase in summers. Climate change will be the primary controlling factor over runoff. Urban development is projected to increase runoff and may contribute 1.1–18.7% of the changes. This finding may be useful in devising future urban development plans and water management policies.
The changing relationships in transfusion medicine.

○ Maintaining quality in provision of transfusion services in the face of mergers, acquisitions, affiliations, and risk-sharing relationships between organizations that formerly conducted business in a traditional vendor-purchaser model is the ultimate challenge. Publications, both lay and professional, highlight the speed and nature of the impetus for change, especially in the United States, where managed care philosophies are driving a bottom-line mentality. Blood collection and transfusion organizations are developing new relationships, including entry of for-profit entities into a formerly virtually exclusively not-for-profit environment, provision of transfusion services by formerly exclusive blood collection entities and vice versa, outsourcing of selected portions, and other innovative relationships, with significantly more competitive marketing strategies. Measures of quality of transfusion services should benchmark current practices, if possible, before entering into new relationships to ensure that the quality of patient care remains high. Concerns about the fiscal viability of organizations should not minimize safety and availability of blood for transfusion when needed.
Implications for upper-mantle structure in the Western United States from complete far-regional seismograms

Abstract Nuclear explosions from the Nevada Test Site and earthquakes in southern and central California are recorded with offsets of 800 to 2000 km at the Lajitas seismic station in Texas. These broadband, far-regional data are from a single high-dynamic range station with three-component instruments at an exceptionally quiet site and bridge the distance range between regional refraction studies of the crust and uppermost mantle and teleseismic investigations with long-period data. Seismograms from 15 events were used to constrain the upper-mantle structure to a depth of about 250 km by matching the complete waveforms, including body and surface waves. A simple, one-dimensional model is proposed that is consistent with the broadband body and surface waveforms as well as arrival times. While the P -wave velocity structure is well constrained by a model similar to that proposed by Olsen et al. (1980), the shear-wave velocity structure is less controlled since the only identifiable shear arrivals are the L g phase, trapped in the crustal wave guide. There are no identifiable S n or mantle S waves below a distance of 1900 km. In contrast, mantle P waves, turning in the depth range below 120 to 150 km are the P -wave arrivals that dominate beyond 1200 km, although P n is observed in cases of good signal-to-noise ratios to distances of 1400 to 1500 km as an emergent phase preceding these mantle arrivals. Due to the emergent P n wave packet observed at all distances, the mantle-lid P -wave velocities are believed to exhibit a negative gradient zone, as proposed by Olsen et al. (1980) in contrast to the model developed by Burdick and Helmberger (1978). The medium parameters for S waves can only be constrained by the observed dominant L g energy. By introducing a strong velocity contrast across the crust-mantle boundary, including a high-velocity S lid, the L g energy can be efficiently trapped in the crust. This effect is further enhanced by including a laminated structure for the lower crust. Surface waves are most sensitive to the velocities in the uppermost crust, which consists of low-velocity gradient layers typical for sediments starting at 4 and 2 km/sec for P and S waves, respectively, for the Basin and Range province. Low Q values (20 to 50) in the shallow crustal layers are further required to match these waves.
Superfluorescent Emission Violations of a Bell Inequality

A cooperative emission process like superfluorescence[1] is usually treated as though the fields were classical[2], with a tipping angle initiation of the relaxation. This allows a simple calculation of readily observed quantities. However, the classical field approximation cannot be used for all numbers (N) of emitting atoms, or for all types of observation. An interesting problem, therefore, is to what extent there can exist nonclassical properties in superfluorescent emission.
Six-month visual outcomes for the correction of presbyopia using a small-aperture corneal inlay: single-site experience.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to describe 6-month postoperative efficacy and safety outcomes after monocular KAMRA corneal inlay implantation in emmetropic presbyopic patients. STUDY DESIGN This study followed a retrospective chart analysis. SETTING This study was performed at Hoopes Vision in Draper, UT, USA. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Fifty-seven patients met the inclusion criteria of this study and underwent KAMRA corneal inlay implantation following the approval of the United States Food and Drug Association between May 2015 and April 2016 at a single site. Surgery involved femtosecond laser-created corneal pockets of various depths. Efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction reports were analyzed at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS At 6 months follow-up, the monocular uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) was Jaeger (J) 4 (20/32), the mean uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/25, and the mean corrected distance visual acuity was 20/20. At 6 months, 71% of patients with a pocket depth of ≥250 μm had a UNVA of 20/20 or better, whereas only 22% of patients with a shallow pocket depth of <250 μm had a UNVA of 20/20 or better. There was no statistical difference in UNVA at 6 months between virgin eyes and post-LASIK eyes. One patient had an explant and five patients underwent inlay recentration, all of which resulted in improved visual acuity. At 6 months, 72% of patients reported some level of satisfaction, 26% of patients reported being "not dependent" on reading glasses, and 62% of patients reported being able to do most things in bright light without reading glasses. CONCLUSION For patients with emmetropic presbyopia, the KAMRA inlay is a viable treatment option resulting in improved UNVA. Increased pocket depth may be associated with better postoperative outcomes. Safety rates are high, while explantation and recentering rates are low. Overall, patient satisfaction of the KAMRA inlay is good.
The MICON System for Single Board Computer Design

The MICON (MIcro-processor CONfigurer) system is a knowledge-based design aid, written in OPS5, for the domain of single board computers. A prototype of the system has produced working hardware. From a set of high level requirements, MICON is able to produce a customized board. A high level specification is necessarily vague with regards to detailed impiementation issues. In order to produce a detailed implementation of the design, MICON must continuously transform and refine the representation of the design objects across three levels of representation. The design is refined using domain specific knowledge. Domain knowledge is partitioned into five categories to facilitate future expansion of the system. The inference engine of MICON is based on a simple design model consisting of three steps: specification, selection and integration.
What is Psychological Explanation

This chapter focuses on what sort of explanatory practices are distinctive of experimental or scientific psychology. A cursory look at the history of the discipline – particularly, in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries – reveals a rich collage of explanatory forms and strategies that have been invoked to render intelligible our mental lives and behavioral repertoires. Technological developments led theorists such as Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver to provide a mathematical characterization of information, and others such as Alan Turing and Emil Post to explore how it might be manipulated formally in mechanical systems. The dominant account in twentieth-century epistemology represented knowledge linguaformally, with propositions reporting sensory experiences justifying, by their logical relations, those propositions that do not. By accommodating both a reductionist and an emergentist perspective, mechanistic explanation provides a unifying framework that integrates a variety of explanatory projects in psychology.
Fluorescent Protein-Based Turn-On Probe through a General Protection–Deprotection Design Strategy

We demonstrated a general protection–deprotection strategy for the design of fluorescent protein biosensors through the construction of a turn-on Hg2+ sensor. A combination of fluorescent protein engineering and unnatural amino acid mutagenesis was used. Unlike previously reported fluorescent protein-based Hg2+ sensors that relied on the binding of Hg2+ to the sulfhydryl group of cysteine residues, a well-established chemical reaction, oxymercuration, was transformed into biological format and incorporated into our sensor design. This novel Hg2+ sensor displayed good sensitivity and selectivity both in vitro and in live bacterial cells. Over 60-fold change in fluorescence signal output was observed in the presence of 10 μM Hg2+, while such a change was undetectable when nine other metal ions were tested. This new design strategy could expand the repertoire of fluorescent protein-based biosensors for the detection of small-molecule analytes.
A powerless and non-volatile counterfeit IC detection sensor in a standard logic process based on an exposed floating-gate array

Counterfeit ICs pose a threat to designing secure and reliable electronic systems. To better detect and prevent counterfeit ICs from entering the supply chain, an eflash based powerless non-volatile sensor using floating-gate (FG) technology is demonstrated in a 0.35μm standard logic process. By exposing the FG to the environment, the proposed sensor can record any physical tamper attempt affecting the charge stored on the exposed FG. Test results confirm that anomalous events such as temperature spikes, humidity changes, or increased dust particle density can be recorded by the sensor powerlessly, and later read out and analyzed whenever the power is available.
Abstract 15448: Dietary Patterns and Incident Heart Failure in Adults With No Known Coronary Disease or Heart Failure: The REGARDS Cohort

Introduction: The relationship between dietary patterns and incident heart failure (HF) has not been well established. Aim: Investigate dietary patterns and the association with incident HF. Method...
A mind of her own : Effects of need for closure and gender on reactions to nonconformity

Research on opinion deviance suggests thatconformity and agreement with the established majorityis generally valued in groups. The present studyexamines how motivations for cognitive closure mayinfluence reactions to conforming and deviating membersbased on accessible gender role expectations. Caucasianmales and females participated in a group discussionwith confederates who either conformed or deviated from the majority opinion. Results showed thatgroup members motivated to reach cognitive closurenegatively evaluated female opinion deviants relative toconformists. However, contrary to previous research findings, they did not derogate male deviants.Motivation to avoid closure led to different evaluativepatterns by male and female evaluators. In addition toimportantly modifying results obtained by Kruglanski and Webster (1991) regarding closure motivationand conformity versus deviance, the current results arealso informative regarding gender role expectations andintra-group interactions. Limitations and implications of these results are alsodiscussed.
R- and Z-Axis Patterned Scaffolds Mimic Tracheal Circumferential Compliance and Longitudinal Extensibility

There remains no routine treatment for congenital tracheal abnormalities affecting more than 1/3 of the length. Natural and artificial prostheses are plagued by mechanical failure and inconsistent outcomes. Mimicking native tissue mechanics in an engineered replacement may improve functional and patient outcomes. We synthesized tubular constructs comprising photo-cross-linked methyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate, p(MA-co-MMA), with patterned r- and z-axes in order to achieve mechanical properties similar to lamb tracheae. Hard and soft alternating bands, and a soft vertical section, mimic tracheal architecture. Patterned constructs were capable of 46% elastic longitudinal extension. The construct longitudinal composite modulus, 0.34 ± 0.09 MPa, was not significantly different from ovine tracheae. The superior of two geometries evaluated supports up to a 46% reduction of internal volume within the physiological range of transmural pressures. Thus, these patterned hydrogels yielded longitudinal elasticity and radial rigidity while allowing for radial deformation required for effective coughing.
A social determinants framework identifying state-level immigrant policies and their influence on health.

Abstract Background Many conceptual frameworks that touch on immigration and health have been published over the past several years. Most discuss broad social trends or specific immigrant policies, but few address how the policy environment affects the context of settlement and incorporation. Research on the social determinants of health shows how policies across multiple sectors have an impact on health status and health services, but has not yet identified the policies most important for immigrants. Understanding the range and content of state-level policies that impact immigrant populations can focus health in all policies initiatives as well as contextualize future research on immigrant health. Methods Our framework identifies state-level policies across five different domains that impact the health of immigrants and that vary across states, especially for those without legal status. Our scan shows that immigrants are exposed to different contexts, ranging from relatively inclusive to highly exclusive; a number of states have mixed trends that are more inclusive in some areas, but exclusive in others. Finally, we examine how the relative inclusiveness of state policies are associated with state-level demographic and political characteristics. Results Contrary to the image that exclusive policies are a reaction to large immigrant populations that may compete for jobs and cultural space, we find that the higher the proportion of foreign born and Hispanics in the state, the more inclusive the set of policies; while the higher the proportion of Republican voters, the less inclusive. Conclusions Variation across immigrant policies is much larger than the variation in state demographic and political characteristics, suggesting that state-level policies need to be included as a possible independent, contextual effect, when assessing immigrant health outcomes. This policy framework can be particularly useful in bridging our understanding of how large macro processes are connected to the daily lives and health of immigrants.
Modeling a Nonlinear Melt Region as a Result of High-Speed Sliding

The solution discussed in this paper relates to the high-speed movement of a vehicle along a rigid support in which friction becomes a heat energy source for melt. A one-dimensional nonlinear heat ...
Abstract A27: Training an immuno-army: Exploiting immunoengineering for the treatment of glioblastoma

Gliomas are the most common solid tumors and the greatest cause of cancer-related deaths among children in the U.S. Treatment for this group of heterogeneous malignancies involves surgery and chemotherapy; however, tumor recurrence is inevitable. Immunotherapy is a treatment modality that can stimulate the intrinsic immune defenses of the body to eliminate tumor cells. This has been challenging for gliomas, though, due to the exclusionary anatomic barriers and the immunologically quiescent environment of the brain. This project aims to develop an injectable hydrogel patch for controlled local delivery of combination immunotherapy directly to the postsurgical formed cavity of the brain to treat residual disease and to prevent tumor recurrence. Using the hydrogel patch, we seek to overcome the delivery and immunosuppressive barriers of the brain by locally releasing, as a programmed regimen, the following immunomodulatory entities: i) C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10; to promote T-lymphocyte recruitment), ii), a new generation of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors (to prevent T-cell exhaustion), iii) FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L; to induce differentiation and expansion of dendritic cells), and iv) a stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist (to trigger cross-priming of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells). Our novel technology possesses the flexibility to personalize an array of antigens/adjuvants or other components of immunotherapy and enables the prevention of brain metastasis by creating an immunologically inhospitable setting for circulating tumor cells. As pediatric gliomas are notoriously resistant to treatment, our hydrogel formulation seeks to address an unmet clinical need for more effective therapeutic modalities. Note:This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Shiran Ferber, Alexander M. Cryer, Noah Gorelick, Betty Tyler, Henry Brem, Robert S. Langer, Natalie Artzi. Training an immuno-army: Exploiting immunoengineering for the treatment of glioblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2019 Nov 17-20; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A27.
The Impact of Recessive Deleterious Variation on Signals of Adaptive Introgression in Human Populations

Admixture with archaic hominins has altered the landscape of genomic variation in modern human populations. Several gene regions have been identified previously as candidates of adaptive introgression (AI) that facilitated human adaptation to specific environments. However, simulation-based studies have suggested that population genetic processes other than adaptive mutations, such as heterosis from recessive deleterious variants private to populations before admixture, can also lead to patterns in genomic data that resemble AI. The extent to which the presence of deleterious variants affect the false-positive rate and the power of current methods to detect AI has not been fully assessed. Here, we used extensive simulations under parameters relevant for human evolution to show that recessive deleterious mutations can increase the false positive rates of tests for AI compared to models without deleterious variants, especially when the recombination rates are low. We next examined candidates of AI in modern humans identified from previous studies, and show that 24 out of 26 candidate regions remain significant, even when deleterious variants are included in the null model. However, two AI candidate genes, HYAL2 and HLA, are particularly susceptible to high false positive signals of AI due to recessive deleterious mutations. These genes are located in regions of the human genome with high exon density together with low recombination rate, factors that we show increase the rate of false-positives due to recessive deleterious mutations. Although the combination of such parameters is rare in the human genome, caution is warranted in such regions, as well as in other species with more compact genomes and/or lower recombination rates. In sum, our results suggest that recessive deleterious mutations cannot account for the signals of AI in most, but not all, of the top candidates for AI in humans, suggesting they may be genuine signals of adaptation.
E-cigarette devices used on school grounds.

Abstract Introduction Preliminary evidence suggests adolescents use e-cigarettes in school. However, little is known about the types of devices that are used in schools, where they are used, and who uses them. Knowledge about these issues is critical to inform school regulations. Methods Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 6 Connecticut high schools in 2019. Adolescents reported on current use (past 30-day use) of the following e-cigarette devices inschool: JUUL, any pod system other than JUUL, vape pens, disposables, mods, and on deviceuse in different locations: class, bathroom, hallways, outside on school grounds, and other school locations. Separate binary logistic regressions investigated predictors of use (demographics and past month use frequency of each device) in school for each device. Results Overall, 45.0% of current users (N = 1447) used e-cigarettes at school. Among users of each device, prevalence of current use at school varied by device with 45.7% reporting JUUL use, 41.3% other pod use, 34.6% vape pen use, 38.3% disposables use and 27.3% mod use. Current users used devices in bathrooms (75.1%), followed by outside on school grounds (52.2%), classrooms (45.7%), hallways (38.8%) and other school locations (11.7%). Greater e-cigarette past month use frequency for each device was associated with device use in school. Conclusions This study is the first to examine use of specific e-cigarette devices in schools and demonstrates that e-cigarette use frequency predicts school use. Despite rules against vaping, e-cigarette use remains prevalent in many school locations, suggesting alternative strategies such as prevention and e-cigarette education are needed.
Transport phenomena in electrolyte solutions: Non-equilibrium thermodynamics and statistical mechanics

The theory of transport phenomena in multicomponent electrolyte solutions is presented here through the integration of continuum mechanics, electromagnetism, and non-equilibrium thermodynamics. The governing equations of irreversible thermodynamics, including balance laws, Maxwell's equations, internal entropy production, and linear laws relating the thermodynamic forces and fluxes, are derived. Green-Kubo relations for the transport coefficients connecting electrochemical potential gradients and diffusive fluxes are obtained in terms of the flux-flux time correlations. The relationship between the derived transport coefficients and those of the Stefan-Maxwell and infinitely dilute frameworks are presented, and the connection between the transport matrix and experimentally measurable quantities is described. To exemplify application of the derived Green-Kubo relations in molecular simulations, the matrix of transport coefficients for lithium and chloride ions in dimethyl sulfoxide is computed using classical molecular dynamics and compared with experimental measurements.
Nature As Medicine: Mind, Body, and Soil.

Editor's Note: Debate over the evidence supporting integrative care interventions not infrequently references the challenges funding research on natural agents and practices that are not patentable. The subject of this column goes to the mother of all such interventions, nature herself. Yet in this case, the authors report an awakening of research that affirms nature's power in health and well-being. This is the eighth commentary through JACM's column partnership with the Osher Collaborative for Integrative Medicine through which we seek to stimulate critical conversations via perspectives from the leaders of the Collaborative's seven prominent academically based integrative centers. The author team came together from three of the centers: David Victorson, PhD, at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Christina Luberto, PhD, at the Harvard Medical School, and Karen Koffler, MD, at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. While providing readers an understanding of how to examine nature as medicine, they propose a "goodness of fit" between the precepts of the integrative field and the natural world.-Editor-in-Chief, John Weeks (johnweeks-integrator.com).
Satellite-derived global chlorophyll-a anomaly products

Abstract We describe our effort to produce the first-ever near-real-time (NRT) global daily chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) anomaly products that can be used to detect and identify algae blooms from satellite ocean color measurements such as those from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) onboard the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) and NOAA-20. Specifically, the production of the two Chl-a anomaly products, one for the Chl-a anomaly in difference and another for the Chl-a anomaly ratio (or in its relative difference) compared to the 61-day Chl-a median value from the previous time period (as a Chl-a reference), has been implemented in the daily global NRT satellite data processing. These two Chl-a anomaly products represent the global ocean and coastal/inland water Chl-a abnormal condition for a given location and can provide more complete characteristics for the daily phytoplankton (or algae) biomass status by comparing to the normal condition. Detailed satellite Chl-a anomaly algorithms, the implementation of the algorithms in the routine satellite data processing, and the global data processing procedure are described and discussed. In addition, we provide several specific examples from the VIIRS-measured global daily Chl-a anomaly products to demonstrate various applications in the detection of algae blooms, including the harmful algal blooms (HABs), in various ocean and coastal/inland waters. Some quantitative seasonal and interannual evaluations and characterizations of Chl-a anomalies over global oceans and several coastal/inland waters are also provided and discussed.
Challenging Cases of Renal Cell Cancers With or Without Tumor Thrombus During the Covid-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Large or bilateral multiple renal cell carcinoma (RCC) without/with tumor thrombus (TT) in the renal vein (RV) or inferior vena cava (IVC) poses a challenge to the surgeon due to the potential for massive hemorrhage, tumor thromboemboli and dialysis, and the situation is more critical due to Covid-19 pandemic. We report our experience and measures in dealing with challenging cases of large or multiple RCCs without/with TT during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 4/2020-10/2020, five patients underwent RCC resection with/without TT. Patients 1 and 2 had RCCs/TT in RV; Patient 3 had RCC/TT supradiaphragmatic below right atrium; Patient-4 had a 26 cm RCC; Patient-5 had multiple RCCS as part of Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome. RESULTS: Patients were preoperatively tested negative for Covid-19. Operation times were 105, 85, 255, 200 and 247 minutes for Patients 1-5. Estimated blood loss was: 100, 50, 3,900,100 and 50 ml, respectively. Patient 3 underwent RCC resection en bloc with IVC/TT. Patients 1 and 2 underwent resections of RCC/TT in RV. Patient 4 underwent a 26 cm RCC resection. Patient 5 underwent laparoscopic bilateral radical nephrectomies. No immediate postoperative complications were reported. CONCLUSION: We successfully managed 5 challenging cases of RCCs despite the recommendations imposed by hospitals due to Covid-19 pandemic, with favorable outcomes.
Septal myectomy complicated by an embolic stroke in a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a case report.

Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is estimated to affect 1 out of every 500 adults in the USA. One of its main complications is left ventricular outflow obstruction, which may require surgical septal myectomy in severe cases. We report a rare complication of postoperative septal akinesis leading to thrombus formation presenting as an acute ischaemic stroke. Case summary A 48-year-old woman presented with acute stroke 2 years after surgical septal myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Diagnostic workup identified an intraventricular thrombus arising in the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). After comprehensive evaluation, it was determined that the thrombus development was a complication of the prior septal myectomy causing focal septal akinesis. Treatment with anticoagulation resulted in improvement of neurological symptoms and resolution of the intraventricular thrombus. Discussion This case illustrates the rarity and unusual presentation of an intracardiac thrombus that arises from septal myectomy site. A thrombus arising in the LVOT, which is characterized by high gradient laminar flow, is highly unusual. This suggests microscopic and macroscopic alteration in the ventricular septal wall structure, as evident by the septal wall akinesis seen on echocardiography. Recognition of this complication is critical to the selection of appropriate anticoagulation as secondary stroke prevention in these patients.
Introduction of the Asp3d Computer Program for Unsteady Aerodynamic and Aeroelastic Analyses

A new computer program has been developed called ASP3D (Advanced Small Perturbation 3D), which solves the small perturbation potential flow equation in an advanced form including mass-consistent surface and trailing wake boundary conditions, and entropy, vorticity, and viscous effects. The purpose of the program is for unsteady aerodynamic and aeroelastic analyses, especially in the nonlinear transonic flight regime. The program exploits the simplicity of stationary Cartesian meshes with the movement or deformation of the configuration under consideration incorporated into the solution algorithm through a planar surface boundary condition. The new ASP3D code is the result of a decade of developmental work on improvements to the small perturbation formulation, performed while the author was employed as a Senior Research Scientist in the Configuration Aerodynamics Branch at the NASA Langley Research Center. The ASP3D code is a significant improvement to the state-of-the-art for transonic aeroelastic analyses over the CAP-TSD code (Computational Aeroelasticity Program Transonic Small Disturbance), which was developed principally by the author in the mid-1980s. The author is in a unique position as the developer of both computer programs to compare, contrast, and ultimately make conclusions regarding the underlying formulations and utility of each code. The paper describes the salient features of the ASP3D code including the rationale for improvements in comparison with CAP-TSD. Numerous results are presented to demonstrate the ASP3D capability. The general conclusion is that the new ASP3D capability is superior to the older CAP-TSD code because of the myriad improvements developed and incorporated.
Endoscopic Therapy for Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery

With the cumulative increase in the number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery, postoperative weight regain has become a considerable challenge. Mechanisms for weight regain are not fully understood and the process is likely multifactorial in many cases. Less invasive endoluminal revisions that reduce gastric pouch size and diameter of the gastrojejunal anastomosis may have a more favorable risk profile compared to traditional surgical approaches in this population. Given the proliferation of endoluminal therapies with early evidence suggesting safety and efficacy in the treatment of weight regain, it is likely that endoscopic revision will be an increasingly prominent element in bariatric care.
X-Ray Observations of Cluster Mergers

X-ray observations have played a key role in the study of substructure and merging in galaxy clusters. I review the evidence for cluster substructure and mergers obtained from X-ray observations with satellites that operated before Chandra and XMM. Different techniques to study cluster mergers via X-ray imaging and spectral data are discussed with an emphasis on the quantitative analysis of cluster morphologies. I discuss the implications of measurements of cluster morphologies for cosmology and the origin of radio halos.
Structure and bonding in some S-methylsulfonium halides

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been carried out at the B3LYP 6-311+G(d,p) level to characterize the geometric and electronic characteristics of a series of S-methylsulfonium halides that possess unusual molecular structures. Atoms-in-molecules (AIM), electron localization function (ELF), and NMR data support the idea that the binding in these gas phase species is predominately ionic with some small degree of covalent bonding. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 16:263–270, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20087