cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cylindrical cryogenic calorimeter testing of six types of multilayer insulation systems

Abstract Extensive cryogenic thermal testing of more than 100 different multilayer insulation (MLI) specimens was performed over the last 20 years for the research and development of evacuated reflective thermal insulation systems. From this data library, 26 MLI systems plus several vacuum-only systems are selected for analysis and comparison. The test apparatus, methods, and results enabled the adoption of two new technical consensus standards under ASTM International. Materials tested include reflectors of aluminum foil or double-aluminized Mylar and spacers of fiberglass paper, polyester netting, silk netting, polyester fabric, or discrete polymer standoffs. The six types of MLI systems tested are listed as follows: Mylar/Paper, Foil/Paper, Mylar/Net, Mylar/Blanket, Mylar/Fabric, Mylar/Discrete. Also tested are vacuum-only systems with different cold surface materials/finishes including stainless steel, black, copper, and aluminum. Testing was performed between the boundary temperatures of 78 K and 293 K (and up to 350 K) using a thermally guarded one-meter-long cylindrical calorimeter (Cryostat-100) for absolute heat flow measurement. Cold vacuum pressures include the full range from 1 × 10−6 torr to 760 torr with nitrogen as the residual gas. System variations include number of layers from one to 80 layers, layer densities from 0.5 to 5 layers per millimeter, and installation techniques such layer-by-layer, blankets (multi-layer assemblies), sub-blankets, seaming, butt-joining, spiral wrapping, and roll-wrapping. Experimental thermal performance data for the different MLI systems are presented in terms of heat flux and effective thermal conductivity. Benchmark cryogenic-vacuum thermal performance curves for MLI are given for comparison with different insulation approaches for storage and transfer equipment, cryostats, launch vehicles, spacecraft, or science instruments.
Can Parallel Programming Revolutionize EDA Tools

Recent advances in parallel programming hold the promise of transforming the EDA tools area and changing the way we design, synthesize, and simulate circuits.
The many functions of evaluation in education

This paper focuses upon the many functions that are served by evaluations, and by the process of conducting them. Many forms or types of evaluation have evolved to serve these different functions; and a brief account is given of some of the most common of these forms and the issues or controversies that they have engendered. The discussion opens, after a brief historical note, by describing the differing views of Lee Cronbach and Michael Scriven about whether an evaluator should aim to educate stakeholders about the program so that they can make informed decisions about it, or whether evaluators should go further and make a value judgement about it. The discussion then moves on to the importance of not overlooking the unintended effects of a program that is under study; and after presenting a list of functions that evaluations can have, the remainder of the discussion deals with the “pros” and “cons” of, and the differences between, formative and summative evaluations.
A Liquid-Level Sensor Based on a Hollow Coaxial Cable Fabry–Perot Resonator With Micrometer Resolution

For the first time, a hollow coaxial cable Fabry–Perot resonator (FPR)-based liquid-level sensor with centimeter dynamic range and micrometer resolution is proposed and demonstrated. The hollow coaxial cable, as the novel sensing platform, is homemade, in which air replaces the traditional dielectric layer. The FPR consists of two highly reflective reflectors, i.e., an artificial cylindrical steel bar and the air–liquid interface. The liquid level is directly transferred to the cavity length of the FPR, and the cavity length can be calculated by the resonant frequency/wavelength of the resonator. The experimental results show that our prototype liquid-level sensor has a sensitivity of 0.51 mm/mm (resonant wavelength change/liquid level) over a dynamic range of around 200 mm. The temperature dependence was also investigated. The novel liquid-level sensor, with high robustness, ease of fabrication, cost effective, wide dynamic range, and high resolution, is expected to have high potential applications in chemical industry, fuel storage, and water-level monitoring.
Synthesis and reactivity of [N(C6H4Br)3][B(C6F5)4]: the X-ray crystal structure of [Fe(C5H5)2][B(C6F5)4]

Abstract A new chemical oxidant [N(4-C6H4Br)3][B(C6F5)4], was prepared and used to synthesize [Fe(C5H5)2][B(C6F5)4]. The crystal structure of [Fe(C5H5)2][B(C6F5)4] was determined.
Model-Based Optimal Energy Management Strategies for Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Methods from optimal control theory have been used since the past decade to design model-based energy management strategies for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). These strategies are usually designed as solutions to a finite-time horizon, constrained optimal control problem that guarantees optimality upon perfect knowledge of the driving cycle. Properly adapted these strategies can be used for real-time implementation (without knowledge of the future driving mission) at the cost of either high (sometime prohibitive) computational burden or high memory requirement to store high-dimensional off-line generated look-up tables. These issues have motivated the research reported in this chapter. We propose to address the optimal energy management problem over an infinite time horizon by formulating the problem as a nonlinear, nonquadratic optimization problem. An analytical supervisory controller is designed that ensures stability, optimality with respect to fuel consumption, ease of implementation in real-time application, fast execution and low control parameter sensitivity. The approach generates a drive cycle independent control law without requiring discounted cost or shortest path stochastic dynamic programming introduced in the prior literature.
Treatment of Recurrent Clostridium difficile Diarrhea

Treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea can be challenging. Once patients develop recurrent disease, further episodes are common and can continue for months or even a year or more. Treatment begins with a repeat standard 10-day course of antibiotics, followed by tapering and/or pulsing of the antibiotic dose. Probiotics can also be useful, particularly the nonpathogenic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. Stool reconstitution via fecal enemas, colonoscopy, and nasogastric tubes have been performed to restore normal colonic flora. Additional approaches under investigation, such as vaccination against C. difficile, show encouraging preliminary results.
Zebrafish Models of Heme Synthesis and Iron Metabolism

Zebrafish are small freshwater fish in the teleost infraclass of ray-finned fishes, which have been developed as a laboratory model for the study of genetics and developmental biology. Zebrafish hematopoiesis, like human hematopoiesis, occurs in two phases, a short-lived primitive or embryonic phase, which primarily generates erythrocytes and macrophages, followed by a definitive or adult phase, which continues to produce all the blood lineages throughout the life of the organism (reviewed in [1]). Similar to mammalian embryos, the primary sites of hematopoiesis shift in the zebrafish embryo. During development, the location of mammalian hematopoiesis shifts location from ventral blood islands in the yolk sac, to the liver, and then to the bone marrow. In the zebrafish, hematopoiesis transitions from the embryonic rostral blood islands and intermediate cell mass (ICM) to the aorto-gonado-mesonephric region and posterior blood island [1]. In the adult zebrafish, hematopoiesis occurs in the kidney and thymus [1, 2].
Chronic Persistent Hepatitis and Chronic Lobular Hepatitis

Chronic persistent hepatitis (CPH) and chronic lobular hepatitis belong to the clinicopathologic spectrum of chronic hepatitis. Both have a benign connotation in the sense that they do not progress, by definition, to serious forms of chronic liver diseases, e.g., chronic active hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Luxating Inverter for Wide-Band Wireless Power Transfer

Wireless power transfer is a function of frequency that can be theoretically enhanced by operating at higher switching speeds. Higher speed also tends to non-linearly reduce the size of the receiving structures. Designing an inverter to operate at high frequency, high power, and high efficiency is a challenging endeavor that typically involves a MOSFET bridge as the main switching component. Contemporary techniques apply passive components (inductors, capacitors) at the bridge output to boost voltage/current levels and achieve zero current/voltage switching that greatly reduces transistor stress. A major disadvantage with this approach is that the inverter cannot be made wide-band. Variable frequency operation, within the bandwidth of a wireless power frequency standard, may be beneficial when trying to adjust the wireless system for varying changes in coupling and load. Here, a wide-band, non □ resonant, inverter design is presented that is radically different from the contemporary half/full bridge MOSFET approaches. This inverter operates by taking charged capacitors that are broken or, “luxated,” between series and parallel connections to achieve a DC to AC inversion at frequencies from 1 Hz to beyond 13 MHz. A theoretical analysis of the system is presented based on charge conservation along with simulation results that support the theory.
How Should Health Care Professionals Address Social Determinants of Refugee Health

In the case scenario, RJ is a resettled refugee teenager who presents to his physician with vitamin B12 deficiency, anemia, and symptoms of mental illness. This commentary considers social determinants of refugee health and the moral importance of freedom to achieve well-being. The capabilities framework is used to analyze this case because it offers an ethical framework for understanding and evaluating social determinants of refugee health that either promote or diminish freedom to achieve well-being. By using this framework to consider social isolation as a negative social determinant of refugee health, clinicians and institutions can be caregivers as well as advocates for social justice, fulfilling 2 core ethical obligations to refugee communities.
Activation of calpain in gastric parietal cells

Ezrin, an 80 kDa protein originally found in chicken intestinal microvilli, is localized to microvilli and other plasma membrane structures in a variety of cell types (Bretscher 1991). In A431 cells, ezrin is constitutively phosphorylated on serine and threonine, and EGF treatment leads to an increase in tyrosine and threonine phosphorylation along with EGF-induced membrane ruffling (Gould et al. 1986; Bretscher 1989). Ezrin is also a prominent cytoskeletal protein in gastric parietal cells, where it has been associated with remodeling of apical cell membrane that occurs with cAMP-dependent protein kinase stimulation (Hanzel et al. 1991).
Altered Brain Expression of Insulin and Insulin-Like Growth Factors in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration: Another Degenerative Disease Linked to Dysregulation of Insulin Metabolic Pathways.

BackgroundFrontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is the third most common dementing neurodegenerative disease with nearly 80% having no known etiology.ObjectiveGrowing evidence that neurodegenera...
Direct oral anticoagulants for treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. Compared with the general population, cancer patients with VTE have higher rates of both VTE recurrence and bleeding. While low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has been the mainstay of treatment for cancer-associated VTE for over a decade, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have recently emerged as a new therapeutic option due to their ease of administration and because they do not require laboratory monitoring. Several large randomized clinical trials have been performed or are ongoing at the time of writing, comparing DOACs with LMWH in this population. Three of these trials have thus far been published and suggest that DOACs are a reasonable alternative to LMWH for management of cancer-associated VTE. Despite the advantages offered by DOACs, these agents may not be appropriate for certain patient groups owing to increased risk of bleeding, organ compromise, extremes of weight, and other issues. Finally, data are emerging suggesting that DOACs may be useful for primary thromboprophylaxis in cancer patients in conjunction with validated risk assessment scores. In this evidence-based review, data for the use of DOACs to treat cancer-associated VTE will be examined, focusing on efficacy, safety, and timing of treatment. Guidance on choosing the optimal anticoagulant for a given patient is also offered.
Knowledge and Practices of Physicians and Nurses Related to Urine Cultures in Catheterized Patients: An Assessment of Adherence to IDSA Guidelines.

BACKGROUND A positive urine culture often drives initiation of antimicrobials even in the absence of symptoms. Our objectives were to evaluate the knowledge and practice patterns related to ordering urine cultures in patients with indwelling urinary catheters. METHODS We performed chart reviews of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) at our academic health care system between October 1, 2015, and September 30, 2017, to assess practice patterns related to the assessment of potential CAUTIs. Following this, we surveyed physicians and nurses about indications for ordering urine cultures in catheterized patients between January 11, 2018, and April 17, 2018. The accuracy of these indications was assessed based on Infectious Diseases Society of America CAUTI and asymptomatic bacteriuria guidelines. RESULTS On chart review, we identified 184 CAUTIs in 2 years. In 159 episodes (86%), urine cultures were ordered inappropriately. In 114 episodes (62%), CAUTI criteria were met by "pan-culturing" rather than symptom-directed testing. Twenty cases (11%) experienced partial or delayed management of other infections, drug adverse events, and Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs). On our survey, we received 405 responses, for a response rate of 45.3%. Mean scores varied by occupation and level of training. Nurses were more likely than physicians to consider change in appearance (61% vs 23%; P < .05) and odor (74% vs 42%; P < .05) of urine as indications to order urine cultures. CONCLUSIONS Our data reveal specific knowledge gaps among physicians and nurses related to ordering urine cultures in catheterized patients. The practice of pan-culturing and inappropriate urine culture orders may contribute to overdiagnosis of surveillance CAUTIs, delay in diagnosis of alternative infections, and excess CDIs.
Proton therapy for head and neck paragangliomas: A single institutional experience.

Background Although slow growing, head and neck paragangliomas (HNPG) can cause significant morbidity. We evaluated the efficacy of proton therapy in the management of HNPG. Methods Retrospective review of an institutional proton therapy experience of treating patients between 1997 and 2016; 37 patients and 40 tumors were included. Results Proton therapy was delivered to a median of 50.4 Gy(RBE) (range: 45-68). Having a genetic/family predisposition for HNPG was associated with multifocal tumors (P = .02) and younger diagnosis age (P = .02). Twenty-six (70%) patients had symptom improvement posttreatment, and 65% of treated tumors showed ≥20% volumetric shrinkage. The 5-year recurrence-free and overall survival rates were both 97%. Grade 2 to grade 3 toxicities (54%) included subjective hearing impairment (19%), middle ear inflammation (14%), and dry mouth (8%). There were no grade 4-5 toxicities. Conclusions Patients with HNPGs can be effectively and safely treated with proton therapy with excellent tumor control, successful volumetric tumor reduction, and symptomatic improvement.
CONNECTIVE AMBITION AND CREATIVE CAUTION AMONG HOMELESS USERS OF FACEBOOK

This work-in-progress considers how Chicago's homeless navigate privacy on social media. I refer to "connective ambition" to describe the co-mingling of personal goals with a perception of the power derived from accumulating ties on social networking sites. Preliminary interviews and participant observation with unstably housed Chicagoans suggests that with great ambition comes great risk for exposure to unwanted advances and digital crooks. These risks may be magnified for those lacking personal computers and sufficient computer literacy. At stake is our understanding of how activity on social media translates into social capital. The paper promises to inject new concern for those who stand to gain the most from social networking online.
Calculation Method for Incremental ‘Coal to Electricity’ Load and Corresponding Average Distribution Transformer Capacity

Distribution network planning is the basis to guarantee reliable operation of ‘Coal to Electricity’ (‘C2E’) distribution network. While, as a kind of incremental load, there is no standard about transformer capacity for each ‘C2E’ consumer. As a result, ‘C2E’ distribution network planning and design lacks basic rules. Aimed at this problem, a method named ‘Heat load to Electricity load’ for calculating ‘C2E’ incremental load and average transformer capacity per consumer is proposed in this paper, which provides basis to ‘C2E’ distribution network and electrical equipment selection. With this method, ‘C2E’ electrical load and average transformer capacity is determined by heating load of building in demand side. An example with typical residential building in Beijing is taken in this paper. Heating load of building is calculated using DeST (Designer’s Simulation Toolkits) firstly. Then, with the kind of electrical heating equipment, average transformer capacity for each ‘C2E’ consumer in Beijing rural area is given.
SUN-LB9 Pharmacokinetics of Sublingual Versus Oral Estradiol in Transgender Women.

Sublingual administration of estradiol (E2) may be a safer and more effective hormone replacement therapy (HRT) route than oral estradiol, the most commonly used formulation, but it has yet to be investigated in transgender women. Unlike oral E2, sublingual E2 is thought to bypass the first pass effect by the liver, making it less likely to impact hepatic clotting factor synthesis, and thus decreasing the risk of thromboembolic events posed by oral administration, such as VTE and ischemic stroke (1). Additionally, studies in cisgender women have demonstrated a 13-fold higher peak serum concentration and a decreased estrone (E1) to estradiol ratio with sublingual administration, suggesting that sublingual E2 is more a physiologically potent route (2). To advance the understanding of sublingual E2 as an alternative method of administration in transgender HRT, we investigated the pharmacokinetics of estradiol when administered orally versus sublingually in transgender women. Ten transgender women naive to estrogen were provided 1.0 mg of oral estradiol. Blood samples were collected via percutaneous intravenous catheter at baseline and at T=1,2,3,4,6, and 8 hours post-dosing. After a 7-day washout period, 1.0 mg of sublingual estradiol was dosed with identical sampling over time. Analysis of serum samples was performed using LC-MS/MS and estradiol immunoassay. Initial results demonstrate a higher peak serum concentration within 8 hours with sublingual dosing in both LC-MS/MS and immunoassay quantification (178±47 and 150±31 pg/mL, respectively) compared to oral administration (36±5 and 35±4 pg/mL, respectively; N=5). Peak concentration was reached at T=1 hour for sublingual E2 in both LC-MS/MS and immunoassay analysis, whereas oral E2 reached peak serum concentration at T=8 hours in LC-MS/MS analysis and T=6 hours in immunoassay analysis. Sublingual E2 still maintained higher overall mean concentrations of estradiol across the 8 hours compared to oral E2. Importantly, subjects reported high satisfaction with sublingual administration due to rapid dissolution (<2 minutes) and minimal taste; as a result, subjects predicted high ease of adherence in future HRT, which indicates the feasibility of sublingual E2 as an alternative to oral E2. Additional analysis of half-life and oral clearance will be performed at the completion of the study, in order to further establish pharmacokinetic differences and potency between the two routes. This pharmacokinetic data will allow future studies on optimal dosing, safety, and efficacy compared to oral estradiol in hormone replacement therapy. (1) Hembree et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2017;102(11):3869-3903. (2) Price et al., Obstet Gynecol. 1997.
Medical Malpractice Trends in Thyroidectomies among General Surgeons and Otolaryngologists.

ObjectivesThis study aims to examine litigation trends with thyroidectomies in the United States from 1984 to 2018.MethodsWe used the Westlaw legal database to collect data on the defendant, plaint...
Abdominal Pain Associated With Anorexia Nervosa and Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome: A Rare Condition Shadowed by a Postoperative Conversion Disorder:

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is an often discounted and vexing condition that may go unnoticed in a population of patients with complex comorbid conditions or those with poor psychiatric health. We report a unique case of a patient with anorexia nervosa in whom the successful operation for MALS was briefly complicated by a postoperative conversion disorder.
Minority Stress and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Sexual Minorities: Mediating Effects of Sense of Mastery.

Sexual minority adults are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors than heterosexual adults. There is a dearth of research identifying factors that are associated with CVD risk among sexual minorities. This study examined the associations between distal and proximal minority stressors and CVD risk. We also tested a sense of mastery as one mechanism that might explain the link between minority stressors and CVD risk. Participants were 670 sexual minority adults (53.6% male; 76% White), ages 18 to 76 years (M = 41.19, SD = 14.73), obtained from a non-probability sample. Using an online survey, participants self-reported family history of CVD risk, physiological conditions (diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, hypertension), and health behaviors (e.g., tobacco use, diet, exercise) that confer or protect against CVD risk. A weighted CVD risk index was computed. Linear and logistic regressions were conducted to test the effects of minority stressors on the CVD risk index and its specific indicators and to examine mediation. Minority stressors were associated with a sense of mastery, and mastery was associated with lower CVD risk index scores. Proximal and distal minority stressors were not directly associated with the overall CVD risk index but were associated with some specific risk indicators. Mediation analyses revealed that both distal and proximal minority stressors were indirectly associated with the CVD risk index through mastery. Research and interventions should aim to reduce CVD risk factors and target minority stressors and mastery to improve the cardiovascular health of sexual minorities.
Immersive Work Zone Inspection Training using Virtual Reality

Can virtual reality tools be used to train engineers that inspect work zones? In this paper, we share the findings of a research project that developed an interactive and immersive training platfor...
Device profile of the Ambicor two-piece inflatable penile prosthesis for treatment of erectile dysfunction: overview of its safety and efficacy

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common forms of male sexual dysfunction worldwide. Over the past several decades, the inflatable penile prosthesis has emerged as the gold stan...
The future of research on work, safety, health and wellbeing: A guiding conceptual framework.

Work plays a central role in health. A conceptual model can help frame research priorities and questions to explore determinants of workers' safety, health, and wellbeing. A previous conceptual model focused on the workplace setting to emphasize the role of conditions of work in shaping workers' safety, health and wellbeing. These conditions of work include physical, organizational, and psychosocial factors. This manuscript presents and discusses an updated and expanded conceptual model, placing the workplace and the conditions of work within the broader context of socio-political-economic environments and consequent trends in employment and labor force patterns. Social, political and economic trends, such as growing reliance on technology, climate change, and globalization, have significant implications for workers' day-to-day experiences. These structural forces in turn shape employment and labor patterns, with implications for the availability and quality of jobs; the nature of relationships between employers and workers; and the benefits and protections available to workers. Understanding these patterns will be critical for anticipating the consequences of future changes in the conditions of work, and ultimately help inform decision-making around policies and practices intended to protect and promote worker safety, health, and wellbeing. This model provides a structure for anticipating research needs in response to the changing nature of work, including the formation of research priorities, the need for expanded research methods and measures, and attention to diverse populations of enterprises and workers. This approach anticipates changes in the way work is structured, managed, and experienced by workers and can effectively inform policies and practices needed to protect and promote worker safety, health and wellbeing.
Seismic features of the Permian Basin Region from receiver function analysis

Abstract We used receiver function (RF) analysis to derive new seismic models of Moho depth, crustal Vp/Vs ratio, depth of sedimentary velocity discontinuity, and corresponding sedimentary Vp/Vs ratio in the Permian Basin region from the seismic waveform data of 260 moment magnitude (Mw) ≥ 6 teleseismic events. We obtained the optimal models by searching one- and two-layer models and comparing similarity between the synthetic and observed RFs. We find the first-order velocity discontinuity in sedimentary basins is shallower than the basin basement. The Delaware Basin (DB) exhibits a bowl-shaped sedimentary velocity discontinuity, with depths ranging from 1.7 km to 5.8 km, whereas the Central Basin Platform (CBP) has a shallow sedimentary velocity discontinuity, with 0.2 km to 2.7 km depths. Moho depth ranges from 36 km to 46 km in the Permian Basin region. The median Vp/Vs ratios of the crust are 1.75, 1.79, and 1.78 in the DB, CBP, and the Diablo Platform (DP), respectively. Our interpretation of the different Vp/Vs ratio in the three subregions is that the crust in the DB includes more low-Vp/Vs-ratio felsic rocks, and the crust in the CBP and DP contains more high-Vp/Vs-ratio gabbroic and basaltic rocks from the Proterozoic and Phanerozoic mafic intrusion.
A gnawing pain.

A 43-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department with complaints of worsening right lower quadrant pain. The pain had been present for months to years, but had increased significantly over the previous month. An abdominal flat-plate roentogram was obtained, and is shown in Panel A. The patient was referred for an outpatient gynecologic examination, and 8 weeks later underwent exploratory surgery with removal of a 6-cm calcified dermoid cyst of the right ovary (Panel B). A total of 3 well-formed molars and 4 to 5 tooth primordia were noted on pathologic examination. Panel A Panel B
Developments and applications of porous medium combustion: A recent review

Abstract Global attention on fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and the ability to operate with a wide range of fuels having low calorific values, continues to drive research and development in the field of porous medium combustion (PMC). PMC is a modern technology where combustion occurs within voids of the solid porous matrix. Researchers worldwide have developed PMC technology for various applications: from classical fields like turbines, internal combustion engines, heat exchangers, oil and gas extraction devices to modern areas like food processors, thermoelectric generators, etc. Though the ability of PMC to internally regenerate heat makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, yet its development is challenged by bottlenecks in flame propagation, flammability limits, operating efficiency, etc. This study has compiled global PMC research for application in small-scale energy-efficient systems. Following the general background, fundamental and governing parameters modulating PMC are presented here. Numerous significant and recent developments in the fundamental challenge of flame stabilization in PMC are discussed. This review focuses on the research conducted so far in the field of porous medium combustion to enable its wide application. Finally, this review discusses the various challenges and scope of future research essential in the development of PMC technology.
Towards comprehensive plasma proteomics by orthogonal protease digestion

Abstract Rapid and consistent protein identification across large clinical cohorts is an important goal for clinical proteomics. With the development of data-independent technologies (DIA/SWATH-MS), it is now possible to analyze hundreds of samples with great reproducibility and quantitative accuracy. However, this technology benefits from empirically derived spectral libraries that define the detectable set of peptides and proteins. Here we apply a simple and accessible tip-based workflow for the generation of spectral libraries to provide a comprehensive overview on the plasma proteome in individuals with and without active tuberculosis (TB). To boost protein coverage, we utilized non-conventional proteases such as GluC and AspN together with the gold standard trypsin, identifying more than 30,000 peptides mapping to 3,309 proteins. Application of this library to quantify plasma proteome differences in TB infection recovered more than 400 proteins in 50 minutes of MS-acquisition, including diagnostic Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) proteins that have previously been detectable primarily by antibody-based assays and intracellular proteins not previously described to be in plasma.
Impact of Vax-a-Million Lottery on COVID-19 Vaccination Rates in Ohio.

Abstract Background A decrease in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination rates has led some states to consider various incentives to boost demand for vaccines. On May 13, 2021, Ohio announced a free weekly lottery for individuals who received at least 1 COVID-19 vaccination. This study seeks to rigorously quantify the impact of Ohio's vaccination lottery. Methods A synthetic control consisting of a weighted combination of other states was used to approximate the demographic characteristics, new cases, and vaccination rates in Ohio prior to the lottery announcement. The difference in vaccination rates in Ohio and the synthetic control following the lottery announcement was then used to estimate the lottery's impact. Results Prior to the lottery announcement, Ohio and synthetic Ohio had similar demographic characteristics and new case rates. Ohio and synthetic Ohio also had identical first vaccination rates. By the final lottery enrollment date of June 20, the percentage of the population with first vaccinations increased to 47.41% in Ohio and 46.43% in synthetic Ohio for a difference of 0.98% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42-1.54). Conclusion An additional 114,553 Ohioans received vaccinations as a result of the Vax-a-Million program (95% CI 49,094-180,012) at a cost of approximately $49 per Ohioan vaccinated (95% CI $31-$114). However, a majority of Ohioans remained unvaccinated by the end of the lottery, indicating that additional efforts are needed to address barriers to vaccination. This synthetic control approach may also be useful to evaluate other COVID-19 incentive programs.
Mechanism of Tripeptide Trimming by γ-Secretase

The membrane-embedded {gamma}-secretase complex processively cleaves within the transmembrane domain of amyloid precursor protein (APP) to produce 37-to-43-residue amyloid {beta}-peptides (A{beta}) of Alzheimers disease (AD). Despite its importance in pathogenesis, the mechanism of processive proteolysis by {gamma}-secretase remains poorly understood. Here, mass spectrometry and western blotting were used to quantify the efficiency of the first tripeptide trimming step (A{beta}49[->]A{beta}46) of wildtype (WT) and familial AD (FAD) mutant APP substrate. In comparison to WT APP, the efficiency of this first trimming step was slightly higher for the I45F, A42T and V46F APP FAD mutants, but substantially diminished for the I45T and T48P mutants. In parallel with biochemical experiments, all-atom simulations using a novel Peptide Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (Pep-GaMD) method were applied to investigate tripeptide trimming of A{beta}49 by {gamma}-secretase. The starting structure was active {gamma}-secretase bound to A{beta}49 and APP intracellular domain (AICD), as generated from our previous study that captured activation of {gamma}-secretase for the initial endoproteolytic cleavage of APP (Bhattarai et al., ACS Cent Sci, 2020, 6:969-983). Pep-GaMD simulations captured remarkable structural rearrangements of both the enzyme and substrate, in which hydrogen-bonded catalytic aspartates and water became poised for tripeptide trimming of A{beta}49 to A{beta}46. These structural changes required a positively charged N-terminus of endoproteolytic coproduct AICD, which could dissociate during conformational rearrangements of the protease and A{beta}49. The simulation findings were highly consistent with biochemical experimental data. Taken together, our complementary biochemical experiments and Pep-GaMD simulations have enabled elucidation of the mechanism of tripeptide trimming by {gamma}-secretase. Significance statementProduction of amyloid {beta}-peptide (A{beta}) of Alzheimers disease (AD) from its precursor protein requires a series of proteolytic events carried out by the membrane-embedded {gamma}-secretase complex. Mutations in the substrate and enzyme that produce A{beta} cause hereditary AD and these mutations affect tripeptide trimming of initially formed long A{beta} peptides by {gamma}-secretase. Little is known about the structural mechanism of this trimming process. Here we have developed a molecular dynamics model for the first step of trimming (A{beta}49 to A{beta}46) by {gamma}-secretase. Conformational changes in the enzyme-substrate complex to set up this trimming step require the presence of N-terminally charged endoproteolytic cleavage co-product. Computational effects of AD-causing mutations in A{beta}49 on the trimming process were validated through biochemical experiments.
Powered hip exoskeleton improves walking economy in individuals with above-knee amputation

Above-knee amputation severely reduces the mobility and quality of life of millions of individuals. Walking with available leg prostheses is highly inefficient, and poor walking economy is a major problem limiting mobility. Here we show that an autonomous powered hip exoskeleton assisting the residual limb significantly improves metabolic walking economy by 15.6 ± 2.9% (mean ± s.e.m.; two-tailed paired t-test, P = 0.002) in six individuals with above-knee amputation walking on a treadmill. The observed metabolic cost improvement is equivalent to removing a 12-kg backpack from a nonamputee individual. All participants were able to walk overground with the exoskeleton, including starting and stopping, without notable changes in gait balance or stability. This study shows that assistance of the user’s residual limb with a powered hip exoskeleton is a viable solution for improving amputee walking economy. By significantly reducing the metabolic cost of walking, the proposed hip exoskeleton may have a considerable positive impact on mobility, improving the quality of life of individuals with above-knee amputations. In individuals with above-knee amputation, a powered hip exoskeleton, which reduces the metabolic cost of walking by adding energy at the hip joint, greatly improves walking economy and has the potential to improve mobility.
Interaction of ferredoxin with carbon monoxide dehydrogenase from Clostridium thermoaceticum.

Acetogenic bacteria, as determined with Clostridium thermoaceticum, synthesize acetate by the acetyl-CoA pathway which involves the reduction of CO2 to a methyl group and then combination of the methyl with CoA and a carbonyl group formed from CO or CO2 (Wood, H.G., Ragsdale, S.W., and Pezacka, E. (1986) Trends Biochem. Sci. 11, 14-18). Carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH), the key enzyme in this pathway not only catalyzes the oxidation of CO to CO2 but also the final step, the synthesis of acetyl-CoA from a methyl group, CO, and CoA. Previously, it has been shown that ferredoxin can stimulate exchange of CO with CH3 14COSCoA (Ragsdale, S.W., and Wood, H.G. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 3970-3977). In the present study, it has been observed that ferredoxin and CODH can form an electrostatically stabilized complex. In order to identify the ferredoxin binding region on CODH, the ferredoxin and CODH were cross-linked by using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide. The cross-linked CODH-ferredoxin adduct was enzymatically as active as the uncross-linked complex. The native CODH and cross-linked CODH-ferredoxin complex were subjected to cyanogen bromide cleavage. By comparison of the high-performance liquid chromatography peptide profiles, it was observed that the mobility of at least one peptide is altered in the CODH-ferredoxin cross-linked complex. The peptide was identified with residues 229-239 of the alpha-subunit of CODH.
The information content of REIT short interest: Investment focus and heterogeneous beliefs.

This article examines real estate investment trusts (REITs) to determine the correspondence between short interest and subsequent prices. The theoretical basis for our tests comes from the overvaluation conditions created by a combination of costly short selling and heterogeneous beliefs. This article exploits the unique characteristics of REITS as they are similar with respect to high dividend payouts and differentiated by underlying real asset investments. An innovative aspect of the methodology involves partitioning firms based on investment focus as a proxy for transparency and as a determinant of heterogeneous beliefs regarding valuation. The findings (i) affirm the information content of REIT short interest and (ii) highlight the importance of investment focus in resolving the divergence in investor opinions of value. Overvaluation conditions exist among REITs with greater short interest and less transparency, whereas such valuation conditions do not appear among transparent REITs, regardless of the level of short selling.
Fiber-Matrix Adhesion and Its Effect on Composite Mechanical Properties: II. Longitudinal (0°) and Transverse (90°) Tensile and Flexure Behavior of Graphite/Epoxy Composites:

An optimum level of interfacial bond strength between reinforcing fiber and a polymeric matrix in which it is placed is essential for acceptable composite mechanical properties and performance. The...
Effects of psychotherapy on cancer survival.

The possibility that psychotherapy could extend survival time for cancer patients has attracted attention among clinical investigators interested in the mind–body connection, among cancer patients seeking the best possible outcome and among the general public. A small number of randomized trials have been conducted, and they have produced conflicting results. Does emotional support affect the course of cancer? What physiological pathways might mediate such an effect? Given what we now know, should we change the standard of care for cancer patients?
CHEROKEE TRIBAL CITIZENSHIP: TRADITIONAL IDEAS AND NEW REALITIES.

Who is a Cherokee Indian? What elements make up the Cherokee Tribe? Who should decide what criteria determines citizenship within the Tribe? These are but a few of the many difficult, probing and yet inter-related questions that Cherokees in Northeastern Oklahoma are wrestling with today. They are however, fundamental questions since they lay the foundations for the modern Cherokee tribe in terms of its tribal policies and external relations. On the surface, it might seem that determining the answers to such questions would be relatively simple. However, issues of race, the distribution of resources, ethnic identity, and conflicting views regarding history tend to make even the simplest of issues complex.
Protease-activated Receptor-1 (PAR-1) and Interleukin-1Beta Act Synergistically in Granzyme b Mediated Neurotoxicity (P1.159)

OBJECTIVE: To determine how chronic granzyme b acting at PAR-1 is neurotoxic. BACKGROUND: PAR-1 is a G-protein-coupled receptor that is activated by serine proteases. PAR-1 is expressed on 20% of cortical neurons, and previous research has shown that PAR-1 activation by granzyme b, a serine protease released by T-cells, causes neuron death. PAR-1 surface expression is modulated by interleukin-1Beta (IL-1Beta.) In neuroinflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, there are elevated levels of granzyme b and IL-1Beta within the cerebrospinal fluid, creating a milieu in which neurons chronically are exposed to a potent cytotoxic combination. DESIGN/METHODS: A pure commercial preparation of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human cortical neurons were utilized with outcomes measured by CellQuanti Blue and propidium iodide assays. After maturing, neurons were exposed to granzyme b with or without IL-1Beta for 3-5 days. Inhibitors directed against PAR-1 mRNA and several second messengers were screened for effects. Receptor antagonists for PAR-1 and IL-1Beta were also examined. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine PAR-1 and IL-1Beta in human post-mortem tissue samples obtained from controls or patients with multiple sclerosis. RESULTS: Granzyme b alone was toxic only to cortical neurons expressing PAR-1, and antagonism of PAR-1 prevented granzyme b neurotoxicity, regardless of duration of exposure. Adding IL-1Beta caused a 30% increase in PAR-1 positive neurons which was eliminated with an IL-1 receptor antagonist. Daily replenishment of granzyme b and IL-Beta eventually was lethal to all cultured neurons. PAR-1 siRNA or inhibitors of the phospholipase c pathway reduced granzyme b neurotoxicity by 90%. In human post-mortem tissues, PAR-1 expression was evident on neurons adjacent to inflammatory lesions. CONCLUSIONS: These studies demonstrate that PAR-1 and IL-1Beta can act together to promote neurotoxicity. PAR-1 is expressed on neurons adjacent to inflammatory lesions in human brain tissue conferring in vivo risk. PAR-1 upregulation by IL-1Beta is a potential factor in progressive neuronal loss seen in chronic neuroinflammatory diseases. Study Supported by: The NINDS intramural program Disclosure: Dr. Lee has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nath has nothing to disclose.
Faith and the validation of beliefs

Faith, in one sense, can generate testable hypotheses which, once empirically verified, are essential for scientific progress. In contrast, religious faith cannot be tested, so it has no truth-value and its conclusions are incompatible with science. Theologians have been unable to formulate the criteria to find truth in religion, because religions are unverifiable. Religions are also contradictory, because they have been invented by different cultures. Religious fundamentalists and right-wing politicians support the teaching of the independence of religion from science. Living in a group requires rules to keep harmony, so there is little doubt that our moral sense originated not from religious faith, but from adapting to live in larger groups. Religious belief is generally not a free choice, but a consequence of early childhood indoctrination. Stressing religious faith as the way to find spiritual and supernatural truths is the most effective way to introduce schizodoxic beliefs in society. Moreover, extreme religious faith promotes the development of sects and cults that produce serious personal and social confrontations.
Using Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy to detect hazardous air pollutants

A pulsed-molecular-beam Fabry-Perot cavity Fourier-transform microwave spectrometer developed at NIST has demonstrated sensitivities for many polar gas- phase molecular species in the low parts per million (ppm) to parts per billion (ppb) range. The highest sensitivity is obtained using neon or argon carrier gas but nitrogen or air can also be used, with some loss in sensitivity (up to 100 times) due to the less efficient rotational and vibrational cooling in the molecular beam with diatomic gases. The minimum detectable concentrations for several representative compounds are provided. These include acetaldehyde, acrolein, propionaldhyde, benzaldehyde, p- tolualdehyde, methanol, SO2, propene, methyl t-butyl ether, ethyl t-butyl ether, and others. Considerable attention has been given to making the instrument versatile and user friendly. The instrument is computer controlled using standard GPIB interfaces and several graphical interfaces under the CPLUPLU operating system.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Toughening Behavior in Sic-Whisker-Reinforced Alumina

The development of hot-pressed Sic-whisker-reinforced alumina has resulted in composites with fracture toughness values ∼;8.7 MPa·m112 at 20 vol% SiC. Whisker orientation during processing leads to anisotropy in both fracture toughness and fracture strength. Fracture strengths are also limited by the ability to disperse the Sic whiskers; however, use of both fine alumina powders and ultrasonic dispersion techniques yields strengths ∼;800 MPa.
Blood Changes of Normal Dogs During Chronic Blood Volume Expansion with Dextran.

SummaryExcept for a decrease in hematocrit volume, intravenous administration of dextran continued for 13 weeks produced in 3 normal, nonshocked dogs no demonstrable harmful effects. Blood viscosity was maintained at or above control levels when the injections were 15 to 20 ml /kg body weight. The dog receiving 10 ml/kg exhibited a tendency to adjust to the foreign polysaccharide as evidenced by a return towards normal hematocrit values and sedimentation rates in spite of continued dextran.
Mathematical model of L5178Y mouse lymphoma forward mutation assay.

Abstract A mathematical model of the biological protocol for the Mouse Lymphoma L5178Y Forward Mutation Bioassay is presented. The model relates the mutant progenitor frequency (MPF), the number of cells per million surviving cells with DNA damage after exposure to the chemical, to the mutant frequency (MF), the number of TFT-resistant cells per million survivors. For a given expression time, the deterministic relationship is linear and the proportionality constant depends on the relative suspension growth factor (rg) and relative cloning efficiencies (rc) of mutants to those of wild type cells: MF = (rg × rc) × MPF. Experimental noise leads to variations in the values of rg and rc and lack of reproducibility in the system. If mutant progenitors and their progeny grow as well as wild-type cells and if all of the parental mutant progenitors express the mutant phenotype, then r g = 1 2 and rc = 1. Biological mechanisms, such as differential growth characteristics of mutant and wild-type cells or DNA repair, can make the mutant frequency an inaccurate estimate of the MPF. For the assay to be useful as a screen for the mutagenic activity of chemicals, rg × rc has to be reasonably fonstant from chemical to chemical.