cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Neurons Firing Model Reveals Prenatal Nicotine Induced Alterations

The dopamine (DA) neurons found in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are widely involved in the addiction and natural reward circuitry of the brain. Their firing patterns were shown to be important modulators of dopamine release and repetitive burst-like firing activity was highlighted as a major firing pattern of DA neurons in the VTA. In the present study we use a state space model to characterize the DA neurons firing patterns, and trace transitions of neural activity through bursting and non-bursting states. The hidden semi-Markov model (HSMM) framework, which we use, offers a statistically principled inference of bursting states and considers VTA DA firing patterns to be generated according to a Gamma process. Additionally, the explicit Gamma-based modeling of state durations allows efficient decoding of underlying neural information. Consequently, we decode and segment our single unit recordings from DA neurons in VTA according to the sequence of statistically discriminated HSMM states. The segmentation is used to study bursting state characteristics in data recorded from rats prenatally exposed to nicotine (6 mg/kg/day starting with gestational day 3) and rats from saline treated dams. Our results indicate that prenatal nicotine exposure significantly alters burst firing patterns of a subset of DA neurons in adolescent rats, suggesting nicotine exposure during gestation may induce severe effects on the neural networks involved in addiction and reward.
Development of Capacitors for Power Electronics in Hybrid Vehicles

The purpose of this CRADA is to develop a fabrication process to reduce the manufacturing cost for a very compact, high temperature, film-on-foil high energy-density PLZT (Pb-La-Zr- Ti-O) capacitor. Motivation for this CRADA is derived from the DOE’s Office of Vehicle Technologies (OVT) program, which seeks to advance technologies to improve vehicle fuel efficiency in the mid-term and facilitate the transition to electric drive vehicles over the longterm. The objective of Argonne’s work is to develop and characterize high-performance capacitors on base-metal foils. The PLZT film-on-foil prepared using a spin-coating technique
Tissue factor-factor VIIa complex triggers protease activated receptor 2-dependent growth factor release and migration in ovarian cancer

Abstract Objective Enhanced tissue factor (TF) expression in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is associated with aggressive disease. Our objective was to evaluate the role of the TF-factor VIIa-protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) pathway in human EOC. Methods TCGA RNAseq data from EOC databases were analyzed for PAR expression. Cell and microparticle (MP) associated TF protein expression (Western blot) and MP-associated coagulant activity were determined in human EOC (SKOV-3, OVCAR-3 and CaOV-3) and control cell lines. PAR-1 and PAR-2 protein expressions were similarly examined. The PAR dependence of VEGF-A release (ELISA) and chemotactic migration in response to FVIIa and cellular proliferation in response to thrombin was evaluated with small molecule antagonists. Results Relative mRNA expression consistently demonstrated PAR-2>PAR-1≫PAR-3/4 in multiple EOC datasets. Human EOC cell line lysates confirmed expression of TF, PAR-1 and PAR-2 proteins. MPs isolated from EOC cell lines demonstrated markedly enhanced (4–10 fold) TF coagulant activity relative to control cell lines. FVIIa induced a dose-dependent increase in VEGF-A release (2.5–3 fold) from EOC cell lines that was abrogated by the PAR-2 antagonist ENMD-1068. FVIIa treatment of CaOV-3 and OVCAR-3 cells resulted in increased chemotactic migration that was abolished by ENMD-1068. Thrombin induced dose-dependent EOC cell line proliferation was completely reversed by the PAR-1 antagonist vorapaxar. Small molecule antagonists had no effect on these phenotypes without protease present. Conclusions Enhanced activity of the TF-FVIIa-PAR-2 axis may contribute to the EOC progression via PAR-2 dependent signaling that supports an angiogenic and invasive phenotype and local thrombin generation supporting PAR-1 dependent proliferation.
Association Between Lateral Posterior Tibial Slope, Body Mass Index, and ACL Injury Risk.

Background:While body mass index (BMI), a modifiable parameter, and knee morphology, a nonmodifiable parameter, have been identified as risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, th...
Banking Reforms, Credit Access, and Resolution of Financial Distress

The removal of geographic restrictions on banking activities can provide credit to a larger population. Economic hardships, however, can force some of the borrowers to default on their loans and file for bankruptcy to overcome financial distress. Using data aggregated at the US county-level, we show that allowing an in-state bank to open branches anywhere within that state (intrastate branching) increases Chapter 13 filings (debt repayment from future income). An increase in mortgage supply after intrastate branching helps explain the rise in Chapter 13 filings, suggesting that homeowners file under Chapter 13 as an effort to save their houses. In contrast to the existing literature that is based on state-level data, the effect of interstate banking on Chapter 7 filings (debt repayment from asset liquidation) is insignificant.
Dihydroquercetin Improves Microvascularization and Microcirculation in the Brain Cortex of SHR Rats during the Development of Arterial Hypertension

The effects of dihydroquercetin (50 mg/kg intragastrically daily for 6 weeks) on the density of capillary network (mean number of capillaries per mm2), mean capillary diameter, structure of capillary network, capillary diameter distribution (<3, 3-5, 5-7, and 7-9 μ), and local cerebral blood flow (by laser Doppler) in the visual cortex were studied in SHR rats during the development of arterial hypertension (from the 6th to the 12th week of life). Normally, the systolic and diastolic BP progressively increased in SHR rats during this period. Dihydroquercetin did not affect the development of arterial hypertension. At the same time, the drug significantly increased the mean diameter of capillaries (by 11%), capillary network density (by 23%), and in the percentage of capillaries with a diameter of 3-9 μ (passable for erythrocytes; by 42%). Positive effects of dihydroquercetin on the structure of microcirculatory bed improved microcirculation: local cerebral blood flow in the visual cortex of SHR rats was significantly higher (by 36%) than in rats receiving no flavonoid and close to the value in Wistar-Kyoto rats. Dihydroquercetin improved microvascularization and microcirculation in the cerebral cortex of SHR rats during the formation of arterial hypertension.
Point-of-Care Testing for Group A Streptococcus Infection and Influenza

Abstract Point of care (POC) testing has emerged as a critical tool in the early and rapid diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. While the mainstay of these POC tests has been lateral-flow-based antigen detection assays, recent technological advances in nucleic acid detection combined with regulatory changes has allowed more sensitive detection of infectious etiologies in the near-patient setting. This advancement is particularly impactful in the ambulatory setting, where rapid diagnosis can ensure appropriate treatment at the early stages of infection, both preventing more serious sequelae and also improving physician workflow and patient satisfaction. Along with this new technology come concerns about quality of testing, nucleic acid contamination, and the appropriate use of POC tests. This review covers the clinical manifestations of disease, the current state of POC testing, and the impact of molecular testing for both group A Streptococcus infection and influenza.
Francisco de Sotomayor and nascent urbanism in sixteenth-century Madrid

This article examines a document in the Spanish National Archive at Simancas, which entails a list of urban reform projects for Madrid in its early years as both court and de facto capital of the Spanish Habsburg monarchy. Herein, the document is dated to 1565 and attributed to Francisco de Sotomayor, a corregidor, or royal governor of the city appointed by Philip II. Sotomayor's report on urban reforms was informed by years of service in Madrid both in government and in the royal works. It is the first surviving example of an effort at concerted town planning in Madrid, and one of the rare examples of such for sixteenth-century Spain in general. This article surveys the contents of the report within the context of evolving principles about Renaissance urbanism and also highlights the importance of public architecture for early modern cities. Sotomayor's report emerges as one of the earliest catalysts for Madrid's remarkable transformation from peripheral town to imperial metropolis.
Effect of 28-mm Cryoballoon Ablation on Major Atrial Ganglionated Plexi

Abstract Objectives The authors intended to investigate if 28-mm cryoballoon (CB) ablation also modifies the 4 major atrial ganglionaated plexi (GP). Background The major atrial GP facilitate the initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). The 28-mm CB covers a large surface area of the left atrium and probably the GP areas. Methods High-frequency stimulation (20 Hz) was delivered to the area of anterior right GP (ARGP), inferior right GP, superior left (SLGP), and inferior left GP (ILGP). Positive GP sites were defined as a prolongation of R-wave to R-wave (RR) interval during AF by >50%. The area of each GP before and after CB ablation was compared. Results A total of 18 patients with paroxysmal AF who underwent CB and radiofrequency ablation and had positive GP sites were reviewed. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess the effects of CB ablation on each GP. There was a statistically significant difference in the area of all 4 GP after CB ablation: 1) ARGP area: 2.9 cm2 (interquartile range [IQR]: 2.1 to 3.5 cm2) pre-CB, 0.1 cm2 (IQR: 0 to 0.6 cm2) post-CB, p = 0.0002; 2) inferior right GP area: 2.1 cm2 (IQR: 0.9 to 2.9 cm2) pre-CB, 0.5 cm2 (IQR: 0 to 1.7 cm2) post-CB, p = 0.001; 3) SLGP area: 1.4 cm2 (IQR: 0.6 to 2.4 cm2) pre-CB, 0 cm2 (IQR: 0 to 0 cm2) post-CB, p = 0.0002; and 4) ILGP area: 1.3 cm2 (IQR: 0.3 to 2.2 cm2) pre-CB, 0.3 cm2 (IQR: 0 to 1.6 cm2) post-CB, p = 0.008. Conclusions The surface area of all 4 of the major atrial GP was substantially reduced by CB ablation. The SLGP and ARGP had the largest, whereas the ILGP had the least percent of reduction following CB ablation. Part of the therapeutic effects of CB ablation may result from modifying the 4 major atrial GP.
Scattering Calculations for Asymmetric Raindrops during a Line Convection Event: Comparison with Radar Measurements

AbstractTwo-dimensional video disdrometer (2DVD) data from a line convection rain event are analyzed using the method of moments surface integral equation (MoM-SIE) via drop-by-drop polarimetric scattering calculations at C band that are compared with radar measurements. Drop geometry of asymmetric drop shapes is reconstructed from 2DVD measurements, and the MoM-SIE model is created by meshing the surface of the drop. The differential reflectivity Zdr calculations for an example asymmetric drop are validated against an industry standard code solution at C band, and the azimuthal dependence of results is documented. Using the MoM-SIE analysis on 2DVD drop-by-drop data (also referred to as simply MoM-SIE), the radar variables [Zh, Zdr, Kdp, ρhv] are computed as a function of time (with 1-min resolution) and compared to C-band radar measurements. The importance of shape variability of asymmetric drops is demonstrated by comparing with the traditional (or “bulk”) method, which uses 1-min averaged drop size di...
Infrasound explosion and coda signal investigated with joint analysis of video at Mount Erebus, Antarctica

Abstract Mount Erebus is a natural laboratory where lava lake strombolian activity can be directly observed from the crater rim, allowing for a unique opportunity to study infrasound generated during explosive bubble bursting. Erebus lava lake eruptions occur when pressurized bubble slugs distend the lava lake surface and then burst within a few tenths of seconds. Data from two infrasound stations and one video camera were used to study 13 explosions occurring in January of 2006. Infrasound recordings from the two stations at ~330 m from the source exhibit variable amplitudes (40–160 Pa), but similar shapes composed of high-amplitude ~1 s bipolar pulses followed by codas exhibiting 3 or 4 decaying oscillations and lasting ~3 s. Infrasound pulses and infrasound-inferred source volumes are compared to video imagery, which is used to quantify the expanding volumes of distending bubbles and subsequent erupted pyroclasts. Video-inferred volumes scale well with infrasound-inferred volumes during the first few tenths of a second of an eruption, assuming a monopole source. Afterwards, an inflection in infrasound waveform, corresponding to a more rapid increase in the pressure record, indicates the fragmentation of the bubble membrane. At this point, infrasound is still produced by expanding gases and pyroclasts, but infrasound-inferred volumes are smaller than the image processing suggests. This is due to the fact that the image processing tracks ballistics, which expand inertially and without exerting a significant volume change. After 0.5 to 1.5 s the volumetric expansion is no longer evident in the infrasound record, which is now comprised of a coda characterized by decaying ~1 Hz oscillations. Because the coda does not correspond to any motions evident in the video, we conclude that it represents an acoustic resonance of the void left in the lava lake. This resonance is modulated by echoes off crater topography giving rise to two peak frequencies that dominate the coda spectra and are different for the two infrasound recording sites. The two coda spectral peaks are well explained by site-dependent propagation effects. Deconvolving crater topography effects, which are different for the two stations, reveals a single frequency peak at 1.5 Hz and is attributed to resonance of the void left in the lava lake, which we model as an open cylindrical pipe or Helmholtz resonance.
Proteolytic single hinge cleavage of pertuzumab impairs its Fc effector function and antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo

Proteolytic impairment of the Fc effector functions of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can compromise their antitumor efficacy in the tumor microenvironment and may represent an unappreciated mechanism of host immune evasion. Pertuzumab is a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeting antibody and has been widely used in the clinic in combination with trastuzumab for treatment of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. Pertuzumab susceptibility to proteolytic hinge cleavage and its impact on the drug’s efficacy has not been previously studied. Pertuzumab was incubated with high and low HER2-expressing cancer cells and proteolytic cleavage in the lower hinge region was detected by western blotting. The single hinge cleaved pertuzumab (scIgG-P) was purified and evaluated for its ability to mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro and anti-tumor efficacy in vivo. To assess the cleavage of trastuzumab (IgG-T) and pertuzumab (IgG-P) when simultaneously bound to the same cancer cell surface, F(ab’)2 fragments of IgG-T or IgG-P were combined with the intact IgG-P and IgG-T, respectively, to detect scIgG generation by western blotting. Pertuzumab hinge cleavage occurred when the mAb was incubated with high HER2-expressing cancer cells. The hinge cleavage of pertuzumab caused a substantial loss of ADCC in vitro and reduced antitumor efficacy in vivo. The reduced ADCC function of scIgG-P was restored by an anti-hinge mAb specific for a cleavage site neoepitope. In addition, we constructed a protease-resistant version of the anti-hinge mAb that restored ADCC and the cell-killing functions of pertuzumab when cancer cells exressed a potent IgG hinge-cleaving protease. We also observed increased hinge cleavage of pertuzumab when combined with trastuzumab. The reduced Fc effector function of single hinge-cleaved pertuzumab can be restored by an anti-hinge mAb. The restoration effect indicated that immune function could be readily augmented when the damaged primary antibodies were bound to cancer cell surfaces. The anti-hinge mAb also restored Fc effector function to the mixture of proteolytically disabled trastuzumab and pertuzumab, suggesting a general therapeutic strategy to restore the immune effector function to protease-inactivated anticancer antibodies in the tumor microenvironment. The findings point to a novel tactic for developing breast cancer immunotherapy.
Alcohol-Induced Cell Death in the Embryo

Exposure to alcohol during gestation can have profound consequences, but not all cells within the embryo are affected equally. Recent advances in molecular embryology have allowed an exploration of this variation. Much of this research has focused on the embryo's vulnerability to the facial malformations characteristic of fetal alcohol syndrome. Studies using mice and chicks show that alcohol exposure at specific stages of early embryo development results in significant death among the cells destined to give rise to facial structures (i.e., cranial neural crest cells). This type of cell death is through activation of the cell's own "self-destruct" machinery (i.e., apoptosis). Researchers have advanced several theories to explain how alcohol triggers apoptosis in the neural crest cells. These theories include deficiency in a type of vitamin A compound, retinoic acid; reduced levels of antioxidant compounds (i.e., free radical scavengers) that protect against damage from toxic oxygen molecules (i.e., free radicals); and interference with the cell's normal internal communication pathways.
Fuzzy Spatial Data Types for Spatial Uncertainty Management in Databases.

Spatial database systems and geographical information systems are currently only able to support geographical applications that deal with crisp spatial objects, that is, objects whose extent, shape, and boundary are precisely determined. Examples are land parcels, school districts, and state territories. However, many new, emerging applications are interested in modeling and processing geographic data that are inherently characterized by spatial vagueness or spatial indeterminacy. This requires novel concepts due to the lack of adequate approaches and systems. In this chapter, we focus on an important kind of spatial vagueness called spatial fuzziness. Spatial fuzziness captures the property of many spatial objects in reality which do not have sharp boundaries and interiors or whose boundaries and interiors cannot be precisely determined. We will designate this kind of entities as fuzzy spatial objects. Examples are air polluted areas, temperature zones, and lakes. We propose an abstract, formal, and conceptual model of so-called fuzzy spatial data types (that is, a fuzzy spatial algebra) introducing fuzzy points, fuzzy lines, and fuzzy regions in the two-dimensional Euclidean space. This chapter provides a definition of their structure and semantics, which is supposed to serve as a specification of their implementation. Further, we introduce fuzzy spatial set operations like fuzzy union, fuzzy intersection, and fuzzy difference as well as fuzzy topological predicates as they are useful in fuzzy spatial joins and fuzzy spatial selections. We also sketch implementation strategies for the whole type system and show their integration into databases. An outlook to future research challenges rounds off the chapter.
Molecular Mechanisms of Radiation Induced Injury

Radiation-induced normal tissue injury represents a major impediment to the successful achievement of the desired clinical outcome from radiation therapy (RT) for cancer patients; usually improved local control, reduced risk for disease reoccurrence, and increased survival. Complications associated with RT can result in diminished quality of life and carries the potential for severe debilitating disease. The development of normal tissue protectors/radiomitigators is dependent on improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with the development of acute and long-term RT-induced tissue toxicity. The following chapter provides a comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge with respect to those mechanisms underlying radiation-induced normal tissue pathologies. Future scientific endeavors will build upon this groundwork to delve deeper into the mechanistic understanding of disease onset and progression and develop new agents that can be translated from bench to bedside to reduce the risk for RT-induced complications.
Nonlinearity and Selforganization in Plasticity and Fracture

Even though there is strong evidence of multiplicity, nonlinearity and selforganization in plasticity, there is not a general consensus or systematic effort to utilize recent methods of nonlinear physics for understanding bifurcation and pattering of deformation phenomena. An approach recently advocated by the author and his co-workers is briefly outlined here. Emphasis is put on illustrating the origin of plastic instabilities at various levels of observation. Details are given on the problem of the persistent slip bands noted, for example, during cyclic deformation of Cu-monocrystals, and of the Portevin-Le Chatelier bands noted, for example, during monotonic deformation of Al-5% Mg polycrystals. Finally, the problem of viscoelastic peeling is outlined in the appendix and its relation to fracture is pointed out.
Plant-soil feedbacks on free-living nitrogen fixation over geological time.

Free-living heterotrophic nitrogen fixation (FNF) is a widespread nitrogen input pathway in terrestrial ecosystems. However, questions remain over the relative influence of co-occurring controls on patterns of heterotrophic FNF activity, especially across generalized stages of primary succession, from biomass accumulation to retrogressive phases. Here, we experimentally test two alternative hypotheses regarding FNF rates during ecosystem development: (H1) site (i.e., changes in soil fertility during succession) is the primary driver of leaf-litter FNF rates, vs. (H2) leaf-litter chemistry is the primary determinant of FNF activity across a broad range of ecosystem conditions. We evaluated these hypotheses across a well-studied soil chronosequence in California (i.e., the Ecological Staircase), which spans ~1 million years of ecosystem development and displays extreme ranges in plant-soil nutrient conditions, culminating in the nutrient depleted and stunted Pygmy forest. Across this successional gradient, we implemented a reciprocal leaf-litter transplant and a common garden litter bag decomposition experiment with senesced needles of Pinus muricata. Our results support H1: rates of FNF were similar for all leaf-litter types decomposed at the same site regardless of initial leaf-litter C and nutrient contents. FNF rates sharply declined from the maximal to retrogressive stage of succession. Trends in P dynamics during decomposition suggest an important role of P in regulating FNF. For example, P. muricata litter collected from the infertile Pygmy site displayed substantially higher FNF rates when decomposed at the fertile site, in part by immobilizing significant quantities of P from the soil at the fertile site. Conversely, P. muricata litter collected from the fertile site decomposed more slowly at the Pygmy site, with concomitant declines in FNF rates that matched those of Pygmy site litter decomposed in situ. These results are consistent with the idea that, over millennia, long-term declines in P availability feedback to constrain FNF rates, in part explaining the emergence of extremely nutrient-poor and retrograded ecosystems.
Readiness to Adopt Physical Activity Policies in Rural Communities

The purpose was to explore community readiness to adopt physical activity (PA) policies by adapting and pilot testing an online survey (Physical Activity Readiness Survey [PARS]). PARS was adapted from the previously tested Community Readiness Survey-Short. In February/April 2016, key informants (N = 17) involved in PA activities from two rural communities were invited to complete the PARS, representing six dimensions: knowledge, leadership, resources, community climate, existing voluntary PA policies, and political climate. First, participants were asked to respond to a presurvey to screen for overall readiness for up to four evidence-based PA policies. A main survey readiness score (0-6) was determined by averaging the key informants' ratings across items: Raw scores were rescaled to range from 0 to 1, and dimension scores were summed. Participants identified two PA policies in the presurvey: neighborhood availability and point-of-decision prompts. For both policies, political climate had the highest dimension score (1.0) and the knowledge dimension scored lowest (0.05-0.38). Overall readiness scores ranged from 3.19 to 3.62, revealing the preparation stage for both policies. Readiness for the two PA policies were similar, but specific dimension scores varied by policy type and community, reinforcing the need for tailored interventions.
Abstract B099: Elucidating the mechanisms that underpin RAG chromatin scanning in V(D)J recombination at antigen receptor gene loci

Immunoglobulin heavy (IgH) and light (IgL) chain variable region exons are assembled from V, D and J segments by V(D)J recombination, which is initiated by RAG1/RAG2 endonuclease (RAG) that introduces DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) between a pair of V, D, and J coding segments and flanking recombination signal sequences (RSSs). IgH V(D)J recombination is ordered, with D-JH joining occurring before appendage of a VH to a DJH intermediate in pro-B cells. In pre-B cells, a single-step VL-to-JL recombination event is invoked at IgL loci, with Ig kappa rearrangement usually preceding that of Ig lambda. The mechanisms of Ig V(D)J recombination, especially long-range VH-to-DJH and Vkappa-to-Jkappa recombination are still not fully understood. Recently, our work showed CTCF-binding elements (CBEs) immediately downstream of frequently rearranged VH-RSSs increase recombination potential of their associated VH far beyond that provided by RSS alone. This CBE activity becomes particularly striking upon the inactivation of IgH IGCR1 control element, which promotes DJH intermediate formation by insulting Ds, JHs, and recombination center (RC) from upstream VHs in a CBE-anchored chromatin loop. By developing and applying 3C-HTGTS, a new high-throughput chromosome conformation capture method that shows great advantages over classical 4C-seq in sensitivity and specificity, we found VH-associated CBEs promotes interaction with the RC. Based on these, we proposed a RAG chromatin scanning model for V(D)J recombination, in which VH CBEs stabilize interactions of D-proximal VHs first encountered by the DJH RC during linear RAG scanning on chromatin and thereby promote dominant rearrangement of these VHs by an unanticipated chromatin accessibility-enhancing CBE function. However, it is still not known if such chromatin scanning also happens on other antigen receptor loci and what the underlying mechanism is. Here, we will show our new findings on the roles of RAG chromatin scanning in Vkappa-to-Jkappa recombination at Ig kappa locus by multiple comprehensive approaches. Moreover, we will also discuss our most updated understanding of the mechanisms underlying RAG chromatin scanning using a novel and sophisticated approach. The potent mutagenic and oncogenic effects of aberrant RAG chromatin scanning at RAG “off-target” sites genome-wide will be also discussed. Citation Format: Zhaoqing Ba, Suvi Jain, Jiazhi Hu, Frederick Alt. Elucidating the mechanisms that underpin RAG chromatin scanning in V(D)J recombination at antigen receptor gene loci [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; Sept 30-Oct 3, 2018; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2019;7(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B099.
Electrocardiographic Changes in Patients with Stellate Ganglion Blockade

To determine whether changes in QT interval or arrhythmias occur following stellate ganglion blockade in patients without preexisting long-QT-interval syndrome, 17 patients were evaluated. None of the nine patients receiving right blockade nor the eight receiving left blockade had any significant history of heart disease, and no significant dysrhythmias occurred in any of these patients. Electrocardiographic monitoring is probably not required in patients without underlying heart disease but may be advisable when stellate ganglion blockade is planned for patients with preexisting heart disease.
A worldwide view of matriliny: using cross-cultural analyses to shed light on human kinship systems

Although matriliny and matrilocality are relatively rare in contemporary human populations, these female-based descent and residence systems are present in different cultural contexts and across th...
Deconvolution of reduction potentials of formate dehydrogenase from Cupriavidus necator

The formate dehydrogenase enzyme from Cupriavidus necator (FdsABG) carries out the two-electron oxidation of formate to CO2, but is also capable of reducing CO2 back to formate, a potential biofuel. FdsABG is a heterotrimeric enzyme that performs this transformation using nine redox-active cofactors: a bis(molybdopterin guanine dinucleotide) (bis-MGD) at the active site coupled to seven iron–sulfur clusters, and one equivalent of flavin mononucleotide (FMN). To better understand the pathway of electron flow in FdsABG, the reduction potentials of the various cofactors were examined through direct electrochemistry. Given the redundancy of cofactors, a truncated form of the FdsA subunit was developed that possesses only the bis-MGD active site and a singular [4Fe–4S] cluster. Electrochemical characterization of FdsABG compared to truncated FdsA shows that the measured reduction potentials are remarkably similar despite the truncation with two observable features at − 265 mV and − 455 mV vs SHE, indicating that the voltammetry of the truncated enzyme is representative of the reduction potentials of the intact heterotrimer. By producing truncated FdsA without the necessary maturation factors required for bis-MGD insertion, a form of the truncated FdsA that possesses only the [4Fe–4S] was produced, which gives a single voltammetric feature at − 525 mV, allowing the contributions of the molybdenum cofactor to be associated with the observed feature at − 265 mV. This method allowed for the deconvolution of reduction potentials for an enzyme with highly complex cofactor content to know more about the thermodynamic landscape of catalysis.
My Year of Citation Studies, Part 4

Investigating the citation patterns of law review articles, I tally the citations to the first five articles from a sample of 26 journals from 1992 and 2012. I compare articles with one another and articles over time. And I compare the citation patterns for articles in these two snapshots with those from 1982, which I gathered for Part 3 of this series. Wrapping up the project, this installment has a list of a dozen generalizations from the study, as well as comments about what I learned about the process of designing and executing a bibliometric study.
Late Quaternary slip rate of the Central Sierra Madre fault, southern California: Implications for slip partitioning and earthquake hazard

Abstract The Sierra Madre fault system accommodates contraction within a large restraining bend area of the San Andreas fault along the northern margin of the Los Angeles metropolitan area in southern California. Reverse slip along this fault system during earthquakes controls growth of the San Gabriel Mountains and poses a significant seismic hazard to the region. Here, we measure the late Quaternary slip rate of the Central Sierra Madre fault (CSMF) using analysis of high-resolution topography combined with cosmogenic 10Be surface exposure dating and post-IR IRSL geochronology. We mapped terrace and fan surfaces from three drainages that cross the CSMF and correlate them based on deposit character and geomorphic position. Cosmogenic nuclide and luminescence ages are consistent amongst the three prominent surfaces offset ∼5 to 28 m across the fault zone. Age estimates for these surfaces are 53 + 21 / − 15 ka, 35 ± 9 ka, and 12 ± 5 ka based on data from two dating methods at three locations, refined by inset age relationships. Estimated slip for these geomorphic markers is more uncertain than the measured vertical separation due to uncertainties in fault dip and ranges from 7.5 + 5.4 / − 3.1 m to 58.5 + 46.3 / − 14.4 m. Incremental dip-slip rate estimates from different age surfaces and locations overlap within uncertainty, with median values ranging from 0.6 to 1.1 mm/yr. The average slip rate for all three generations of markers is 1.1 + 1.1 / − 0.4 mm/yr. This late Quaternary slip rate for the CSMF is slower than estimates based on interseismic geodetic data, and emphasizes the importance of contraction distributed across multiple structures south of the Sierra Madre fault when assessed against the geodetic shortening budget. Despite being the central portion of the broader Sierra Madre fault system, the CSMF has a slip rate similar to or lower than neighboring sections, suggesting that slip transfer onto other nearby faults control the along-strike pattern of deformation rate. Paleoseismic evidence indicates that the last earthquake on the CSMF was in the early Holocene, and the slip rate we estimate suggests that the accumulated elastic strain could produce many meters of slip in future earthquakes.
The regulatory effects of high-stakes accountability in preservice teacher evaluation

This article examines teacher candidates’ perceptions of two performance-based evaluation tools during the student teaching semester (edTPA, Danielson Framework). In particular, I sought to underst...
Regulation of heterotopic ossification through local inflammatory monocytes in a mouse model of aberrant wound healing

Abstract Heterotopic ossification (HO) is an aberrant regenerative process with ectopic bone induction in response to musculoskeletal trauma, in which mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) differentiate into osteochondrogenic cells instead of myocytes or tenocytes. Despite frequent cases of hospitalized musculoskeletal trauma, the inflammatory responses and cell population dynamics that regulate subsequent wound healing and tissue regeneration are still unclear. Here we examine, using a mouse model of trauma-induced HO, the local microenvironment of the initial post-injury inflammatory response. Single cell transcriptome analyses identify distinct monocyte/macrophage populations at the injury site, with their dynamic changes over time elucidated using trajectory analyses. Mechanistically, transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1)-producing monocytes/macrophages are associated with HO and aberrant chondrogenic progenitor cell differentiation, while CD47-activating peptides that reduce systemic TGFβ levels help ameliorate HO. Our data thus implicate CD47 activation as a novel therapeutic approach for modulating monocyte/macrophage phenotypes, MSC differentiation and HO formation during wound healing.
Assessment of the combustion performance of a room furnace operating on pipeline natural gas mixed with simulated biogas or hydrogen

Abstract With the inexorable depletion of fossil fuel and the increasing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, blending renewable fuels like biogas or renewable hydrogen into natural gas is of great interest. Due to various potential sources and low-carbon or even carbon-free properties, biogas and hydrogen are competitive energy carriers and promising gaseous fuels to replace pipeline natural gas in the future. From the perspective of end users and combustion device manufacturers, one of the major concerns is the influence of the renewable content on the combustion device performance. In addition, the upper limit of renewable gas content percentage in pipeline also interests policy makers and gas utility companies. Therefore, the present study is conducted to investigate the influence of renewable gas content on the operating performance of a residential room furnace. Evaluated combustion performance characteristics include ignition performance, blow-off/flashback limits, burner temperature and emissions (NO, NO2, N2O, CO, UHC, NH3). The results show that 5% carbon dioxide and 15% (by volume) hydrogen can be added to natural gas separately without significant impacts. Above this amount, the risk of blow-off and flashback is the limiting factor. Generally speaking, carbon dioxide addition helps decrease NOX emission but increases CO emission. However, hydrogen addition up to the amounts studied here in has minimal impact on NOX and CO emissions.
Associations Between Food Insecurity and Parental Feeding Behaviors of Toddlers

Abstract Objective We examined associations between household food insecurity status and parental feeding behavior, weight perception, and child weight status in a diverse sample of young children. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of 2-year-old children in Greenlight, a cluster randomized trial to prevent childhood obesity. The exposure was food insecurity, defined as a positive response to a validated screen. Outcomes were parent feeding behaviors/beliefs measured by the Child Feeding Questionnaire and child weight status. t tests and linear regression were used to assess associations between food insecurity and each outcome. We adjusted for child sex, race/ethnicity, parent education, employment, site, number of children in the home, and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children status. Results Five hundred three households (37%) were food insecure. After adjusting for covariates, parents from insecure households reported more pressuring feeding behaviors (mean factor score 3.2 compared to food secure parents mean factor score 2.9, P = .01) and were more worried about their child becoming overweight (mean factor score 2.3 vs 2.0; P = .02). No differences were observed in monitoring or restrictive feeding behaviors. After adjusting for covariates, there was no difference in weight status or prevalence of overweight/obesity of children or parents based on household food insecurity status. Conclusions Parents from food insecure households reported more pressuring feeding behaviors. This finding underscores the need to address food insecurity and potentially prevent harmful effects on child feeding. Parents in food insecure households might benefit from linkage with resources and education to develop healthier feeding behaviors.
Evaluation of Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) neural network cloud detection against current operational cloud masks

Abstract. Cloud properties are critical to our understanding of weather and climate variability, but their estimation from satellite imagers is a nontrivial task. In this work, we aim to improve cloud detection, which is the most fundamental cloud property. We use a neural network applied to Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) measurements to determine whether an imager pixel is cloudy or cloud-free. The neural network is trained and evaluated using 4 years (2016–2019) of coincident measurements between VIIRS and the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP). We successfully address the lack of sun glint in the collocation dataset with a simple semi-supervised learning approach. The results of the neural network are then compared with two operational cloud masks: the Continuity MODIS-VIIRS Cloud Mask (MVCM) and the NOAA Enterprise Cloud Mask (ECM). We find that the neural network outperforms both operational cloud masks in most conditions examined with a few exceptions. The largest improvements we observe occur during the night over snow- or ice-covered surfaces in the high latitudes. In our analysis, we show that this improvement is not solely due to differences in optical-depth-based definitions of a cloud between each mask. We also analyze the differences in true-positive rate between day–night and land–water scenes as a function of optical depth. Such differences are a contributor to spatial artifacts in cloud masking, and we find that the neural network is the most consistent in cloud detection with respect to optical depth across these conditions. A regional analysis over Greenland illustrates the impact of such differences and shows that they can result in mean cloud fractions with very different spatial and temporal characteristics.
Analysis of Radiation-Induced Changes in Cell Cycle and DNA Damage of Murine Hematopoietic Stem Cells by Multi-Color Flow Cytometry

Exposure of bone marrow to genotoxic stress such as ionizing radiation (IR) results in a rapid decline of peripheral blood cells and stimulates entry of the normally quiescent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into the cell cycle to reconstitute the hematopoietic system. While several protocols have employed flow cytometry analysis of bone marrow cells to study changes in specific cell populations with respect to cell cycle proliferation and/or expression of γ-H2AX, a marker of DNA damage, these parameters were examined in separate panels. Here, we describe a flow cytometry-based method specifically designed to examine cell cycle distribution using Ki-67 and FXCycle violet in combination with γ-H2AX in HSCs and hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) within the same sample. This method is very useful, particularly in studies involving genotoxic stresses such as IR, which substantially reduce the absolute numbers of HSCs and HPCs available for staining. Additionally, we describe several important considerations for the analysis of markers of HSCs in irradiated versus unirradiated samples. Examples include the use of fluorescence minus one (FMO) controls, the gating strategy for markers whose expression is typically impacted by IR such as Sca1, tips for staining of intracellular antigens like Ki67, and ensuring the detection of signal from at least 500 events in each gate to ensure robustness of the results. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Immunostaining protocol for bone marrow mononuclear cells using a multi-fluorophore panel.
Synthesis of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Safety Reports

The proliferation and extension of unmanned aircraft systems from military to civil and public use applications has rapidly outpaced the safety analysis that is normally associated with the introduction of a new and novel aircraft. Insights into the types of anomalous events associated with accidents and incidents involving civil and public use unmanned aircraft systems operating in the National Airspace System were derived from an information synthesis of archival, publically available reports from the Aviation Safety Information and Analysis Sharing system. The vast majority of anomalous events were related to equipment failures, primarily lost link, distantly followed by a variety of non-equipment-related events involving pilot/operator errors, such as near-mid-air collisions, altitude deviations, airspace violations, and procedural deviations. The identification of types of anomalous events associated with safety reports provided insights for consideration when developing and implementing mitigation strategies for the design, training, and operation of unmanned aircraft systems.
EBay's Proxy System: A License to Shill

We introduce a bidding strategy which allows the seller to extract the full surplus of the high bidder in eBay auctions. We call this a Discover-and-Stop bidding strategy and estimate that 1.39% of all bids in eBay auctions are placed by sellers (or accomplices) who execute this strategy. We argue that this kind of shill bidding is unnecessarily effective due to eBay's proxy system and the predictability of other bidders' bids. We show that eBay could slightly modify its auction mechanism to reduce the shilling we describe. We also model eBay auctions with shill bidding and find that, in equilibrium, eBay's profits are higher with shilling than without it.
The Relationship of in Vitro Studies to in Vivo Human Aging

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the relationship of in vitro studies to in vivo human aging. Human diploid fibroblasts have a limited proliferative capacity when placed into tissue culture. This limited life span of fetal human fibroblasts has led to their extensive employment for studying human cellular aging. Cells at early passage are designated as “young” and at late passage as “old” or “senescent.” These cells are used as a model for human aging. There are several approaches to examine whether alterations in cells in culture reflect human aging in vivo. Comparison of in vivo and in vitro fibroblast populations is currently not possible because these cells are difficult to identify and isolate in vivo. This approach may be possible in the future with certain differentiated cell types, such as epidermal keratinocytes where in vivo identification of the cell is possible. The chapter examines human diploid fibroblasts derived from donors of different ages at the same level of early in vitro passage to determine if the alterations observed as a function of in vitro serial passage (in vitro aging) occur as a function of the age of cell culture donor (in vivo aging).
The Economic Consequences of the Decline of Marriage

The institution of marriage has served to funnel economic resources from fathers to children. Its continued decline in the countries of the developed world threatens the adequacy of the economic support of human reproduction, now increasingly provided by women. Its decline is also probably implicated in the low birth rates now being registered. The rise of cohabitation has not prevented a rise in the proportion of lone parents, and their numbers are growing rapidly. The children of lone parents are relatively deprived, both in terms of income and adults’ time for child care and housekeeping. Government-supported programs in the United States aimed at rescuing marriage have not been proven effective. Ways need to be explored to get a return of men’s economic support for reproduction. But the most likely way of repairing at least some of the damage to children is a big increase in government provision to the entire population of goods and services that children need: health care, high-quality education, child care, decent housing, university education. This will require in most countries a big rise in taxes and government expenditure.