cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The atomistic simulation of the gas permeability of poly(organophosphazenes). Part 2. Poly[bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene]

Abstract Self-diffusion and sorption of seven gases (He, H 2 , O 2 , N 2 , CH 4 , CO 2 , and Xe) in poly[bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene] (PTFEP) have been investigated by molecular dynamics and Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations of two amorphous cells and an α -orthorhombic crystalline supercell. In the case of MD simulation of diffusion coefficients, values obtained for both amorphous and crystalline PTFEP are similar and comparable to experimental values reported for semicrystalline samples. These results indicate that gas diffusion is unrestricted in the crystalline state of PTFEP as has been reported for poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) (PMP) and, more recently, for a crystalline form of syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS). In contrast to both PMP and sPS that have low-density crystalline forms, only He exhibits any solubility in the α -orthorhombic crystalline cells of PTFEP during simulation. In addition, values of the solubility coefficients obtained from simulation of the amorphous cells are three to five times larger than would be expected by extrapolating values reported for semicrystalline samples to 100% amorphous content. These results suggest that while the crystalline domains do not restrict gas diffusivity in PTFEP, they significantly reduce gas solubility in semicrystalline PTFEP through the reduction of amorphous content and through some additional effect of the crystallites on amorphous-phase solubility, possibly through chain immobilization of the amorphous phase. Similar solubility behavior has been suggested for polyethylene on the basis of recent simulation studies. As reported in a prior communication, the solubility of CO 2 in PTFEP is very high compared to other gases due to a weak quadrupole–dipole interaction between CO 2 and the trifluoroethoxy group of PTFEP. As a result, the solubility coefficients of CO 2 obtained from GCMC simulation of the amorphous cells and from permeability measurements of semicrystalline samples are both larger than predicted by a simple correlation of gas solubility coefficients with the Lennard-Jones potential well parameter, e / k , of other gases as proposed by Teplyakov and others. A modified form of this correlation that includes a Flory interaction term is shown to fit all gas solubility data for this polymer including that of CO 2 .
Anthropology, archaeology, and the social study of technology: an overview

Anthropology has always included and continues to include the social aspects of technology and innovation. Despite early calls for the inclusion of this research in the field of science, technology, and society, anthropological research, particularly in the realm of prehistory, has by and large not been integrated into this new discipline. This is unfortunate, as anthropology draws data from a range of human experience much broader culturally and deeper historically than political scientists, historians, economists, and so forth, which can benefit areas of inquiry such as technology and gender.
Stochastic simulation of the mammalian circadian clock

Circadian (nearly 24-h) clocks are remarkably accurate at timing biological events despite the randomness of their biochemical reactions. Here we examine the causes of their immunity to molecular noise in the context of a detailed stochastic mathematical model of the mammalian circadian clock. This stochastic model is a direct generalization of the deterministic mammalian circadian clock model previously developed. A feature of that model is that it completely specifies all molecular reactions, leaving no ambiguity in the formulation of a stochastic version of the model. With parameters based on experimental data concerning clock protein concentrations within a cell, we find accurate circadian rhythms in our model only when promoter interaction occurs on the time scale of seconds. As the model is scaled up by proportionally increasing the numbers of molecules of all species and the reaction rates with the promoter, the observed variability scales as 1/n0.5, where n is the number of molecules of any species. Our results show that gene duplication increases robustness by providing more promoters with which the transcription factors of the model can interact. Although PER2 mutants were not rhythmic in the deterministic version of this model, they are rhythmic in the stochastic version.
The Coordination of Manufacturing Interdependence in Multinational Companies

Many companies have recently adopted global manufacturing rationalization programs. In order to realize the full benefit of these internationally integrated manufacturing strategies, however, companies need to overcome the problem of coordinating operations where interdependence exists among subsidiaries. This article, which is based on a field study of 25 multinational companies, provides insights on how manufacturing interdependence among country subsidiaries is coordinated. Specifically, the study examined the relationships between increasing manufacturing interdependence with the use of 4 coordination modes—impersonal methods, use of organization members who have a system sensitive outlook, executive compensation systems based on a subsidiary's performance, and personal communication—and with the use of 3 communication patterns—communication between managers of different country subsidiaries, communication with top management, and communication with a central manufacturing staff group. Findings suggest that although there is an extensive use of impersonal methods of coordination, with increasing interdependence there is a change in coordination mix towards greater use of system-sensitive members and personal communication. Increasing interdependence is also significantly associated with greater communication among country-subsidiary managers and greater communication with a central manufacturing staff group. Although the relationships between increasing interdependence and communication with top management through the formal hierarchy was not found to be statistically significant, interviews with managers suggested the importance of this channel when communication among country-subsidiary managers and communication with the central manufacturing staff group are inadequate for managing the manufacturing interdependence. Implications are drawn for companies planning to increase the international integration of their manufacturing operations.
Synchronous squamous cell carcinoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the head and neck: the odd couple

We report the case of an 81-year-old male with synchronous recurrent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) metastatic to the parotid and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the head and neck. These malignancies necessitated integrated multidisciplinary treatment within a short time period. Superficial parotidectomy was followed by chemotherapy for lymphoma. The subsequent radiation treatment plan combined both sequential boost to treat the SCC surgical bed to a higher dose compared with the lymphoma, and dose-painting intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to differentially dose the areas at risk. The treatment was tolerated well. The restaging scans demonstrated no evidence of either lymphoma or SCC. This case highlights the importance of combined modality treatment for two concurrent aggressive malignancies in the head and neck region. Radiation treatment planning incorporated both sequential boost and dose-painting IMRT to integrate comprehensive treatment for both malignancies.
Cytoskeleton modulates gating of voltage-dependent sodium channel in heart

To investigate the role of the cytoskeleton in cardiac Na+ channel gating, the action of cytochalasin D (Cyto-D), an agent that interferes with actin polymerization, was studied by whole cell voltage clamp and cell-attached and inside-out patches from rat and rabbit ventricular cardiac myocytes. Cyto-D (20-40 microM) reduced whole cell peak Na+ current by 20% within 12 min and slowed current decay without affecting steady-state voltage-dependent availability or recovery from inactivation. Brief treatments ( 50% within 20 min, and long bursts of openings occurred. Washout of Cyto-D did not restore ensemble-averaged current amplitude, but burst duration decreased toward control values. Cyto-D also induced an additional slower component to open and closed times. These results suggest that Cyto-D, through effects on cytoskeleton, induced cardiac Na+ channels to enter a mode characterized by a lower peak open probability but a greater persistent activity as if the inactivation rate was slowed. The cytoskeleton, in addition to localizing integral membrane proteins, apparently also plays a role in regulating specific detailed functions of integral membrane proteins such as the gating of Na+ channels.
Effect of Light Regime and Age on Reproduction of Turkeys,1. Effect of 15, 24 Hour, and Restricted Light Treatment

Abstract THERE is an increased demand for out-of-season poults for the fresh young tom and hen turkey market. The problems in reproducing turkeys are difficult during the normal spring breeding season but are even more difficult for out-of-season poult production. The first obstacle to overcome is that of obtaining egg production levels which at least approach those obtained during the spring. Up to this time such levels of production have rarely been attained. It would appear however, that proper manipulation of artificial lights may provide at least part of the answer to the problem. Once optimum light environment is obtained, the geneticist can then attempt to develop genotypes for higher levels of production during the various seasons of the year, and eventually throughout the year. One common characteristic in all birds is the definite initiation of reproductive cycles as hours of daylight or artificial light increase during the spring. Bissonnette (1931)…
Damage by the Strawberry Spider Mite to Cotton When Infestations Commenced at the Beginning, Middle, and End of the Flowering Period

Infestations of Tetranychus atlanticus McGregor artificially established on field-growing cotton in North Carolina at the beginning, midway, and end points in an 8-week flowering period nearly defoliated the plants in 5, 4, and 3 weeks, respectively, but had no significant effect on the number of flowers produced. Only the infestation established at the beginning of flowering significantly reduced the percentage of flowers which set bolls and the number of bolls set, but all infestations significantly reduced the average weight of seed cotton per boll. Early, mid, and late infestations significantly reduced the total yield of seed cotton 63, 41, and 18%, respectively, and the total yields associated with the 3 infestations were significantly different from one another. The effects of the infestations on early date of harvest were of little statistical significance or practical importance.
"I Could Not Figure Out What Was My Village": Gender Vs. Ethnicity in Maxine Hong Kingston's The Woman Warrior

The truth of Kaplan's statement is borne out by reading fiction and autobiography written by women from different backgrounds. Such books not only show the great cultural diversity women experience but also evoke the incompatible definitions of femininity and the irreconcilable demands a woman is likely to encounter as she attempts to live in more than one cultural world at the same time. Women's worlds may vary widely depending on ethnic background and social class, but in the societies from which we have written literature, male dominance is a common denominator.3 Maxine Hong Kingston's autobiographical The Woman Warrior suggests that we need to pay attention to the contradictions male dominance creates for women who are at one and the same time subordinated by a culture, and yet, embroiled in its interstices; such women may be painfully at odds with themselves. A woman like Kingston, who is doubly marginal (i.e. not a member of the dominant race or class) is likely to feel this conflict with particular acuteness because an affiliation with a minority culture tends to be particularly strong.4 Explaining to the reader one of the many contradictions which are part of the legacy of her Chinese-American girlhood, Kingston comments bitterly, "Even now China wraps double binds around my feet."5
Study on the difference of organic acids and free fatty acids in different Chinese rice wine

The concentration of organic acids and free fatty acids in 12 kinds of Chinese rice wine from different areas were determined by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) and gas chromatography(GC). Nine kinds of organic acids and five kinds of free fatty acids were studied further through principal component analysis(PCA). Results showed that the content of lactic acid,acetic acid and citric acid were the most,which accounted for more than 80% of the total organic acids. First four principal components could represent 85.276% sample information. And the principal components value reflected that origin,raw materials and technology of Chinese rice wine were significantly correlation with the content of organic acids in Chinese rice wine. It was also found that there was a wide variety of free fatty acids in 12 kinds of Chinese rice wine,and the difference in the total content of free fatty acids in Chinese rice wine was significant. The accumulative contribution rate of the first principal component and the second principal component reached 61.783% and 83.822% respectively,which could indicate the original information. The first principal component comprised C18∶0and C16∶0and the second component comprised C14∶0and C18∶1. These 4 kinds of compounds which affected the overall flavor of Chinese rice wine could be divided into three types :C18∶0and C16∶0,C14∶0,C18∶1.
Exploration of HIV and MTB dual infection prevention strategies

In recent years, China's AIDS incidence shows a rising trend. AIDS is a serious infectious disease caused by human immunodeficiency virus(HIV). And tuberculosis has become one of the most common infectious disease in AIDS patients, and it is also the most common causes of death in AIDS patients. Double infection of HIV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis will influence and promote each other mutually. Clinical have had countermeasure studies on HIV and TB dual infection prevention, and the author summarizes these measures with following report.
Effect of Annealing on the Production of Thallium Glass Gradient Index Lens

Recent research has found that in the production of gradient index len,one-step ion exchange technique does not show ideal distribution of refractive index.However,annealing,regarded as two-step ion exchange,can not only improve the distribution of refractive index but also eliminate inner stress of a len and enhance its mechanical performance.
Vagueness: the paradox of the heap

Sorites paradoxes: preliminaries Suppose two people differ in height by one-tenth of an inch (0.1″). We are inclined to believe that either both or neither are tall. If one is 6′ 6″ and the other is 0.1″ shorter than this, then both are tall. If one is 4′ 6″ and the other is 0.1″ taller, then neither is tall. This apparently obvious and uncontroversial supposition appears to lead to the paradoxical conclusion that everyone is tall. Consider a series of heights starting with 6′ 6″ and descending by steps of 0.1″. A person of 6′ 6″ is tall. By our supposition, so must be a person of 6′ 5.9″. However, if a person of this height is tall, so must be a person one-tenth of an inch smaller; and so on, without limit, until we find ourselves forced to say, absurdly, that a 4′ 6″ person is tall; indeed, that everyone is tall. In ancient times, a similar paradox was told in terms of a heap, and a Greek word for “heap” – soros – has given rise to the use of the word “sorites” for all paradoxes of this kind. Suppose you have a heap of sand. If you take away one grain of sand, what remains is still a heap: removing a single grain cannot turn a heap into something that is not a heap. If two collections of grains of sand differ in number by just one grain, then both or neither are heaps.
Fatigue in Rapsyn-Deficient Zebrafish Reflects Defective Transmitter Release.

Rapsyn-deficient myasthenic syndrome is characterized by a weakness in voluntary muscle contraction, a direct consequence of greatly reduced synaptic responses that result from poorly clustered acetylcholine receptors. As with other myasthenic syndromes, the general muscle weakness is also accompanied by use-dependent fatigue. Here, we used paired motor neuron target muscle patch-clamp recordings from a rapsyn-deficient mutant line of zebrafish to explore for the first time the mechanisms causal to fatigue. We find that synaptic responses in mutant fish can follow faithfully low-frequency stimuli despite the reduced amplitude. This is in part helped by a compensatory increase in the number of presynaptic release sites in the mutant fish. In response to high-frequency stimulation, both wild-type and mutant neuromuscular junctions depress to steady-state response levels, but the latter shows exaggerated depression. Analysis of the steady-state transmission revealed that vesicle reloading and release at individual release sites is significantly slower in mutant fish during high-frequency activities. Therefore, reductions in postsynaptic receptor density and compromised presynaptic release collectively serve to reduce synaptic strength to levels that fall below the threshold for muscle action potential generation, thus accounting for use-dependent fatigue. Our findings raise the possibility that defects in motor neuron function may also be at play in other myasthenic syndromes that have been mapped to mutations in muscle-specific proteins. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Use-dependent fatigue accompanies many neuromuscular myasthenic syndromes, including muscle rapsyn deficiency. Here, using a rapsyn-deficient line of zebrafish, we performed paired motor neuron target muscle patch-clamp recordings to investigate the mechanisms causal to this phenomenon. Our findings indicate that the reduced postsynaptic receptor density resulting from defective rapsyn contributes to weakness, but is not solely responsible for use-dependent fatigue. Instead, we find unexpected involvement of altered transmitter release from the motor neuron. Specifically, slowed reloading of vesicle release sites leads to augmented synaptic depression during repeated action potentials. Even at moderate stimulus frequencies, the depression levels for evoked synaptic responses fall below the threshold for the generation of muscle action potentials. The associated contraction failures are manifest as use-dependent fatigue.
Clinical outcomes following inpatient penicillin allergy testing: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background A documented penicillin allergy is associated with increased morbidity including length of hospital stay and an increased incidence of resistant infections attributed to use of broader-spectrum antibiotics. The aim of the systematic review was to identify whether inpatient penicillin allergy testing affected clinical outcomes during hospitalization. Methods We performed an electronic search of Ovid MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library over the past 20 years. Inpatients having a documented penicillin allergy that underwent penicillin allergy testing were included. Results Twenty-four studies met eligibility criteria. Study sample size was between 24 and 252 patients in exclusively inpatient cohorts. Penicillin skin testing (PST) with or without oral amoxicillin challenge was the main intervention described (18 studies). The population-weighted mean for a negative PST was 95.1% [CI 93.8-96.1]. Inpatient penicillin allergy testing led to a change in antibiotic selection that was greater in the intensive care unit (77.97% [CI 72.0-83.1] vs 54.73% [CI 51.2-58.2], P<.01). An increased prescription of penicillin (range 9.9%-49%) and cephalosporin (range 10.7%-48%) antibiotics was reported. Vancomycin and fluoroquinolone use was decreased. Inpatient penicillin allergy testing was associated with decreased healthcare cost in four studies. Conclusions Inpatient penicillin allergy testing is safe and effective in ruling out penicillin allergy. The rate of negative tests is comparable to outpatient and perioperative data. Patients with a documented penicillin allergy who require penicillin should be tested during hospitalization given its benefit for individual patient outcomes and antibiotic stewardship.
Controlling Regioselectivity in the Enantioselective N‐Alkylation of Indole Analogues Catalyzed by Dinuclear Zinc‐ProPhenol

The enantioselective N-alkylation of indole and its derivatives with aldimines is efficiently catalyzed by a zinc-ProPhenol dinuclear complex under mild conditions to afford N-alkylated indole derivatives in good yield (up to 86 %) and excellent enantiomeric ratio (up to 99.5:0.5 e.r.). This method tolerates a wide array of indoles, as well as pyrrole and carbazole, to afford the corresponding N-alkylation products. The reaction can be run on a gram scale with reduced catalyst loading without impacting the efficiency. The chiral aminals were further elaborated into various chiral polyheterocyclic derivatives. The surprising stability of the chiral N-alkylation products will open new windows for asymmetric catalysis and medicinal chemistry.
073_16751-H1 Atrial Fibrillation in Hispanics, Blacks and Whites with Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a common risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). The higher HF burden, but lower prevalence of AF in Blacks compared to Whites is known as the “racial paradox.” However, the contribution of HF for AF in Hispanic minorities is unknown. We retrospectively analyzed 68,022
First-Principles Investigation of Borophene as a Monolayer Transparent Conductor

Two-dimensional boron is promising as a tunable monolayer metal for nano-optoelectronics. We study the optoelectronic properties of two likely allotropes of two-dimensional boron, β12 and δ6, using first-principles density functional theory and many-body perturbation theory. We find that both systems are anisotropic metals, with strong energy- and thickness-dependent optical transparency and a weak (<1%) absorbance in the visible range. Additionally, using state-of-the-art methods for the description of the electron–phonon and electron–electron interactions, we show that the electrical conductivity is limited by electron–phonon interactions. Our results indicate that both structures are suitable as a transparent electrode.
Salvage HDR Brachytherapy: Multiple Hypothesis Testing Versus Machine Learning Analysis.

Purpose Salvage high-dose-rate brachytherapy (sHDRB) is a treatment option for recurrences after prior radiation therapy. However, only approximately 50% of patients benefit, with the majority of second recurrences after salvage brachytherapy occurring distantly. Therefore, identification of characteristics that can help select patients who may benefit most from sHDRB is critical. Machine learning may be used to identify characteristics that predict outcome following sHDRB. We aimed to use machine learning to identify patient characteristics associated with biochemical failure (BF) following prostate sHDRB. Methods and Materials We analyzed data for 52 patients treated with sHDRB for locally recurrent prostate cancer after previous definitive radiation therapy between 1998 and 2009. Following pathologic confirmation of locally recurrent disease without evidence of metastatic disease, 36 Gy in 6 fractions was administered to the prostate and seminal vesicles. BF following sHDRB was defined using the Phoenix definition. Sixteen different clinical risk features were collected, and machine learning analysis was executed to identify subpopulations at higher risk of BF. Decision tree–based algorithms including classification and regression trees, MediBoost, and random forests were constructed. Results Patients were followed up for a minimum of 5 years after sHDRB. Those with a fraction of positive cores ≥0.35 and a disease-free interval Conclusions Using machine learning, we have identified that patients with a fraction of positive cores ≥0.35 and a disease-free interval
Abstract P317: An Activity Space Approach to Assessing the Food Environments of Food Secure and Insecure Women

Introduction: Community food environments (FE) are an important correlate of diet- and weight-related CV health. Conventional approaches to measuring the FE focus on residential neighborhoods, and do not assess the full extent of food sources regularly encountered and used. Further, little attention has been given to how individual diet-related experiences, like food insecurity, may interact with features of the FE to affect health. To address these limitations, we use an activity space approach, defined by the locations women routinely visit, to measure FE exposure and use, and assess differences by food security status. Hypothesis: Food-related spatial behavior and features of the FE differ between a) conventional and activity space definitions, and b) food secure and insecure women. Methods: We present initial results (n=51) from an ongoing clinic-based study of low-income African American women in Atlanta, GA. Data are collected in-person using a Google Map-powered activity space questionnaire. USDA’s 10-item adult scale is used to measure food insecurity. Retail FE data are from Dun & Bradstreet. ArcGIS 10.5 was used to define three environments: residential census tract (CT), and convex hull polygons of overall and food-specific activity spaces. We tested differences, by food security status, in mean behaviors and FE features with one-way ANOVAs. Results: Eighty-eight percent of women were food insecure. Food insecure women were lower income, less often employed, and less often had access to a car. CTs contained fewer supermarkets (μ=1.2 SD =1.4) and fast food restaurants (μ=3.9 SD =3.2) than activity spaces (μ=7.9 SD =7.0; μ=55.5 SD =44.1, respectively). On average, 6.7% ( SD =13.5) of utilized food sources fell within CT bounds, while 53.4% ( SD =35.5) fell within activity spaces. Compared to food secure women, food insecure women had smaller overall (μ=329.8km 2 SD =340.4 vs. μ=548.3km 2 SD =422.4; p =0.16) and food-specific (μ=48.1km 2 SD =74.3 vs. μ=85.6km 2 SD =106.4; p =0.28) activity spaces, and a smaller proportion of their utilized supermarkets fell within their activity spaces (μ=60.9% SD =42.4 vs. μ=81.9% SD =21.4; p =0.24). FE features did not differ by food security status. Conclusions: Conventional FE definitions likely underestimate the number of food sources women encounter, and do not capture the majority of sources used. Smaller activity spaces among food insecure women suggest that routine spatial mobility may be constrained by factors like transportation access. Still, food insecure women more often traveled outside of their activity spaces to utilize supermarkets, suggesting a dual burden of constrained spatial mobility and access. Interestingly, FE features did not differ by food security status. In planned future analyses, any observed differences in diet and weight may indicate variation in how women interact with the FE, rather than differences in exposure.
Parents Report Competing Priorities Influence Snack Choice in Youth Sports.

Abstract Objective To describe parental perceptions of team snacks, factors that motivate snack choice, and perceptions of healthy snacking guidelines in youth sports. Methods Six in-depth group interviews were conducted among parents (n = 22) of children aged 4–12 years in 2 Los Angeles County Baseball Little Leagues. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Parents perceived fruit as the ideal snack; this ideal was balanced with competing priorities, including children's preferences, cost, time, and social norms regarding snacks as rewards and team bonding. Although parents were supportive of promoting healthy snacks, they believed that snacking guidelines should not be mandated. Conclusions and Implications Developing messages that align with parents' motivations when choosing snacks could promote healthier snacking in youth sports. Future studies are warranted to explore drivers of snacking with a broader sample and to examine how to promote healthy snacks effectively.
Modeling the Impact of Global Climate and Regional Land use Change on Regional Climate and Air Quality Over the Northeastern United States

In recent years, the focus of global climate change research has shifted towards the assessment of regional scale consequences. This paper describes the design and initial results of a modeling study aimed at simulating the effects of global climate change and regional land use change on climate and air quality over the northeastern United States in order to project the associated public health impacts in the region. To this end, modeling tools on a variety of scales are being linked. Specifically, regional climate models are linked to both a global climate model and a regional land-use change model. Outputs from regional climate simulations are subsequently used both to assess changes in public health due to heat stress and to simulate regional and urban air quality. Finally, results from these air quality simulations are coupled to health impact models. This paper focuses on the air quality modeling aspect of the project. Global and regional climate change could conceivably alter regional and urban air quality in a variety of ways through both direct and indirect effects. Rising temperatures could have a direct effect on chemical reaction rates and mixed-layer heights, while changes in synoptic circulation patterns might influence the transport and mixing of pollutants as well as the occurrence of conditions conducive to high ozone concentrations. Additionally, anthropogenic emissions of the ozone precursors NOx and VOC are also expected to change in future decades, and it is necessary to understand whether future ozone air quality is more sensitive to changes in emissions or changes in climate. In this paper, we present initial results from regional-scale simulations for 3-months summer seasons under current and future climate conditions.
Lung Cancer and Lung Injury: The Dual Role of Ceramide

Sphingolipids play key roles in cancer, yet our current understanding of sphingolipid function in lung cancer is limited to a few key players. The best characterized of these are sphingosine-1-phoshate and ceramide which are described for their opposing roles in cell fate. However, because sphingolipids as a whole are readily interconverted by a complex enzymatic machinery, no single sphingolipid appears to have exactly one role. Instead, the roles of specific sphingolipids appear to be context specific as demonstrated by findings that ceramide-1-phosphate has both proliferative and apoptotic effects depending on its concentration. Therefore, we present herein several years of research on ceramide, a sphingolipid linked to apoptotic signaling, that is emerging in cancer research for its potential roles in proliferation and cell-to-cell communication via exosomes.
High-throughput microfluidic single-cell trapping arrays for biomolecular and imaging analysis.

Abstract Single-cell analysis is of critical importance in revealing population heterogeneity, identifying minority sub-populations of interest, as well as discovering unique characteristics of individual cells. Microfluidic platforms work at the scale comparable to cell diameter and is suitable for single-cell manipulation. Here we present a microfluidic trapping array which is able to rapidly and deterministically trap single-cells in highly-packed microwells. This chapter first describes the design and fabrication protocols of the trapping array, and then presents its two representative applications: single-cell mRNA probing when integrated with a dielectrophoretic nanotweezer (DENT), and live-cell real-time imaging when combined with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). As the single-cell trapping efficiency is determined by the channel design instead of the flow rate, this trapping array can be coupled with different microfluidic sample processing units with different flow rates for various single-cell analyses.
Randomized Phase II Trial of Abiraterone Alone or With Dasatinib in Men With Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC).

Abstract Background Signaling via the Src pathway is thought to be a mediator of resistance to androgen targeted therapy in prostate cancer. We studied whether adding the Src inhibitor dasatinib to abiraterone would delay progression. Patients and Methods Eligible patients had metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), without prior chemotherapy. Abiraterone was prescribed at 1000 mg daily with prednisone 5 mg twice daily in both arms, and dasatinib 100 mg daily was added for Arm B. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). The interim analysis was planned after 48 subjects, but the study was terminated early. PFS was evaluated using a 1-sided log rank test. The Fisher exact test was used for other categorical data analyses. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were identified with the Epic platform. Results With 26 men randomized and a median follow up of 41.8 months, the median PFS was 15.7 months (95% confidence interval, 8.2-49.0+ months) for Arm B and 9.0 months (95% confidence interval, 4.4-30.7 months) for Arm A (P = .15). Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors responses were seen in 5 (36%) of 14 patients, including 2 complete responses (CRs) on Arm B, and 2 (17%) of 12 responses without CR on Arm A (P = .39). Grade ≥ 3 toxicities more common in Arm B included hypertension, pleural effusion/dyspnea, and gastrointestinal effects. CTCs were detected at baseline in 10 of 19 evaluable patients (median, 2.7/mL blood [range 0.41-59.7]). At week 4, CTCs increased in 1 (10%) of 10 patients on Arm A and 4 (44%) of 9 patients on Arm B. Conclusion Dasatinib did not significantly prolong PFS in combination with abiraterone, although power was limited owing to the incomplete study cohort. Treatment with the combination was associated with robust objective responses, including Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors CRs.
Materials genome approach to organic ferroelectrics and piezoelectrics

We are implementing a materials genome strategy to discover or create new organic advanced functional materials. We are most interested in ferroelectric, piezoelectric and related properties. The three main components of the research are theory, synthesis, and measurement. The two main thrusts of the theory component are first-principles calculations, and data mining of archives such as the Cambridge Crystallographic Database (CCD) for organic compounds of interest. Novel formulations, including thin films, and new co-crystals of known electroactive organic components are also being investigated. Organic chemistry has historically not been as concerned with the electrical and mechanical properties of organic structures. This gives substantial weight to functional properties as a guide to the synthetic approach. Using this approach, we have identified several candidates. Of these, we have been able to successfully identify two new organic materials, both with electromechanical responses.
Analytic Geometry Is NOT Dead.

THIS article is intended in part as a rebuttal of the recent article "The Demise of Analytic Geometry" by Maurice Nadler.1 Although certain aspects of analytic geometry are not specifically taught because of its integration with calculus, I found Mr. Nadler's article, on the whole, without logical persuasion and more than a little misleading. For example, the claim was made that "CUPM caused (unwittingly or otherwise) the demise of analytic geometry as an independent course" through its 1965 report to the Mathematical Associa tion of America entitled "A General Curriculum in Mathematics for Colleges." In fact, by 1965 a majority of colleges and universities had already begun to offer a unified course in analytic geometry and calculus?the trend began nearly a decade earlier. This is clearly indicated by the number of textbooks published during the first half of the past decade which com bined analytic geometry and calculus. Granted that "it is apparent that the college shall prefer to start with the calcu lus couse on the presumption of all pre requisites having been met in high school/' I ask why a student should be required to postpone his college mathematics when it is unnecessary to do so. For some science and engineering students, there is the addi tional time pressure exerted by the re quirement of calculus as a prerequisite. Moreover, analytic geometry can be, and usually is, meaningfully integrated with calculus when taught at the college level. For example, a rudimentary knowledge of the Cartesian plane, including formulas for the distance between points and the equations for a line, is all that is needed to motivate differentiation through con sideration of geometric questions involving tangents and slope. Students have already developed geo metric intuition from a study of geometry. Thus, geometric motivation can be, and definitely should be, used wherever pos sible to introduce mathematical theories. can see no evidence to support the claim that the lack of a formal analytic geometry course results in a "deficiency in analytic geometry/' a "gap [that] is deplorable because of the loss of important math ematical knowledge." The claim that a student has difficulty in determining limits of integration because he does not know the curves involved is contrary to my experience. I have found that the average student has more trouble with the algebra involved. With regard to the exercises that Nadler discusses, I found them to be good ex amples of why a unified course is to be preferred. Most of them could not be done without the calculus (at least, not by the average student). Let me emphasize one final point of disagreement. Nadler states, "We are in a confused state about what should be interposed between intermediate algebra and trigonometry at one end and calculus at the other." I believe that this is not at all true. The obvious answer at the high school level is analytic geometry. Such distinguished universities as California 1. Maurice Nadler, "The Demise of Analytic Geometry," Mathematics Teacher 62 (October 1969) :447-52.
The Genome Sequence of Five Genotypes of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum: A Resource for Studies on Fusarium Wilt of Cotton

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum is an important plant pathogen responsible for vascular wilt disease on cotton. Members of this group are known to carry supernumerary chromosomes that encode virulence factors. We sequenced the genomes of five F. oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum isolates, including the genome of a representative of the highly virulent genotype race 4, at a high coverage to assemble reference-quality genomes. These genomes provide a necessary resource for comparative genomic analyses to identify genes or genome features that are involved in pathogenicity on cotton and may ultimately be used to identify improved management strategies.
Corrections to di-Higgs boson production with light stops and modified Higgs couplings

The Higgs pair production in gluon fusion is a sensitive probe of beyond-standard model (BSM) phenomena and its detection is a major goal for the LHC and higher energy hadron collider experiments. In this work we reanalyze the possible modifications of the Higgs pair production cross section within low energy supersymmetry models. We show that the supersymmetric contributions to the Higgs pair production cross section are strongly correlated with the ones of the single Higgs production in the gluon fusion channel. Motivated by the analysis of ATLAS and CMS Higgs production data, we show that the scalar superpartners' contributions may lead to significant modification of the di-Higgs production rate and invariant mass distribution with respect to the SM predictions. We also analyze the combined effects on the di-Higgs production rate of a modification of the Higgs trilinear and top-quark Yukawa couplings in the presence of light stops. In particular, we show that due to the destructive interference of the triangle and box amplitude contributions to the di-Higgs production cross section, even a small modification of the top-quark Yukawa coupling can lead to a significant increase of the di-Higgs production rate.
"Why do dogs pant?": Characteristics of parental explanations about science predict children's knowledge.

Using a new method for examining parental explanations in a laboratory setting, the prompted explanation task, this study examines how characteristics of parental explanations about biology relate to children's knowledge. Parents (N = 148; Mage = 38; 84% female, 16% male; 67% having completed college) of children ages 7-10 (Mage = 8.92; 47% female, 53% male; 58% White, 9.5% Black, 9.5% Asian) provided answers to eight how and why questions about biology. Parents used a number of different approaches to address the questions, including providing more mechanistic responses to how questions and more teleological responses to why questions. The characteristics of parental explanations-most notably, how frequently parents provided correct responses-predicted children's performance on measures of verbal intelligence and biological knowledge. Additional exploratory analyses and implications for children's learning are discussed.
Reflective Writing about Near-Peer Blogs: A Novel Method for Introducing the Medical Humanities in Premedical Education

Narrative analysis, creative writing, and interactive reflective writing have been identified as valuable for professional identity formation and resilience among medical and premedical students alike. This study proposes that medical student blogs are novel pedagogical tools for fostering peer-to-peer learning in academic medicine and are currently underutilized as a near-peer resource for premedical students to learn about the medical profession. To evaluate the pedagogical utility of medical student blogs for introducing core themes in the medical humanities, the authors conducted qualitative analysis of one hundred seventy-six reflective essays by baccalaureate premedical students written in response to medical student-authored narrative blog posts. Using an iterative thematic approach, the authors identified common patterns in the reflective essays, distilled major themes, coded the essays, and conducted narrative analysis through close reading. Qualitative analysis identified three core themes (empathic conflict, bias in healthcare, and the humanity of medicine) and one overarching theme (near-peer affinities). The premedical students’ essays demonstrated significant self-reflection in response to near-peer works, discussed their perceptions of medical professionalism, and expressed concerns about their future progress through the medical education system. The essays consistently attributed the impact of the medical student narratives to the authors’ status as near-peers. The authors conclude that reading and engaging in reflective writing about near-peer blog posts encourages premedical students to develop an understanding of core concepts in the medical humanities and promotes their reflection on the profession of medicine. Thus, incorporating online blogs written by medical trainees as narrative works in medical humanities classrooms is a novel pedagogical method for fostering peer-to-peer learning in academic medicine.
Factors Associated With Hospitalization and Death After COVID-19 Diagnosis Among Patients With Rheumatic Disease: An Analysis of Veterans Affairs Data.

Objective Individuals with autoimmune rheumatic disease (RD) are considered to be at increased risk for infection. However, few US population-based studies have assessed whether these patients are at increased risk of hospitalization or death due to COVID-19 compared with those without RD. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study using national Veterans Affairs Health Care System data for individuals who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Outcomes of interest were hospitalization or death due to any cause within 30 days of COVID-19 diagnosis. Outcomes were compared among veterans with RD and those without RD by using propensity score matching (PSM) and mixed-effects multivariate logistic regression. Results Of 26,116 veterans with COVID-19, 501 (1.9%) had an underlying RD. Prior to matching, patients with RD were more likely to have poor outcomes compared with controls (37.7% vs. 28.5% hospitalized; 6.4% vs. 4.5% died). In the PSM analysis, RD was not a significant predictor for poor outcomes; however, patients with prescriptions for glucocorticoids had increased odds of poor outcomes in a dose-dependent manner (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] for hospitalization or death: 1.33 [1.20-1.48] for doses >0 and ≤10 mg/day; 1.29 [1.09-1.52] for doses >10 mg/day). Conclusion Among US veterans with COVID-19, we did not find a significant association between RD and hospitalization or death. Poor outcomes appear to be mostly driven by age and other comorbidities, similar to the general veteran population. However, we observed an increased risk for poor outcomes among patients who received glucocorticoids, even at daily doses less than or equal to 10 mg.
Abstract P287: Weight misperception and health-related quality of life in Appalachian adolescents

Objective: Weight misperception (overestimation and underestimation) has been linked to health behaviors and overestimation in particular has been associated with higher psychological distress. Less is known about the relation between weight misperceptions and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) particularly among adolescents in Southern Appalachia. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that weight misperception would be associated with poorer HRQoL outcomes. Methods: Waves 1 (n=544) and 2 (n=965) baseline data collected between 2011-2012 were used from the Team Up for Healthy Living Project, a cluster-randomized trial targeting obesity prevention in adolescents through a cross-peer intervention among Appalachian school children. BMI percentiles for age and sex were calculated using measured height and weight. Participants were classified into 3 groups: (1) accurate weight perception (perceived weight corresponds with actual weight), (2) underestimators (perceived weight less than actual weight), and (3) overestimators (perceived weight more than actual weight). HRQoL was assessed using the 23-item Pediatric QoL Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL TM ). Multiple linear regression was performed with adjustment for age, gender, race/ethnicity and BMI to examine associations between weight misperception and HRQoL. Results: In total, 393 students (26.7%) underestimated their weight and 67 overestimated their weight (4.6%). Univariate analyses showed that compared to accurate perception, underestimation was associated with higher HRQoL in the following areas: total HRQoL score, physical health, psychosocial health, and emotional and social domains (all p Conclusion: Contrary to the hypothesized relationship, underestimation was associated with higher HRQoL across all domains except for school functioning among Appalachian adolescents; whereas, overestimation was not associated with HRQoL. Better understanding of these associations will be beneficial in developing interventions to improve adolescents’ health in Appalachia.
The Distribution of Stars in the Disk and Halo of the Galaxy

Globular clusters are a classical probe of the spatial distribution, kinematics, and metallicities in the halo of our Galaxy, but this approach is limited by the finite number of clusters. Surveys of nearby field stars with extreme kinematics or extreme metallicities can also contribute to the study of disk versus halo stars, but in this case the interpretation is difficult because of selection effects. Surveys of faint stars in situ at large distances show great promise for studies of the structure and evolution of our Milky Way Galaxy, because they can be designed to avoid most selection effects.
61 Predicting Death Despite Therapeutic Hypothermia in Infants with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

61 Predicting Death Despite Therapeutic Hypothermia in Infants with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)