cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sudden cardiac death and late arrhythmias after the Fontan operation.

Objectives We sought to examine the incidence and predictors of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) after Fontan operation. Background Arrhythmias and SCD have been reported following operations for congenital heart disease, but the incidence and risk factors have not been well defined in patients after a Fontan operation. Methods We reviewed records of all patients who had a Fontan operation from 1973 to 2012 (n = 1052) at our institution. A questionnaire was mailed to patients who were not known to be deceased at the initiation of the study. Late arrhythmias were classified as bradyarrhythmias or tachyarrhythmias requiring treatment >30 days after operation. Results We included 996/1052 (95%) patients with no arrhythmia diagnosis prior to Fontan. Overall 10-, 20-, and 30-year freedom from arrhythmias was 71%, 42%, and 24%, respectively. Of 864 patients who survived >30 days after Fontan, 304 (35%) had atrial flutter, 161 (19%) had atrial fibrillation, 108 (13%) had atrial tachycardia, 37 (4%) had reentrant supraventricular tachycardia, 40 (5%) had ventricular tachycardia, and 113 (13%) had sinus node dysfunction. Predictors of late arrhythmias included an atriopulmonary Fontan, age at operation (>16 years) or atrial arrhythmias postoperatively. During follow-up, 52/1052 (5%) patients had SCD, with 51 having documentation available; 8 patients died suddenly within 30 days and the remaining 43 had an average time to SCD of 6.9 ± 6.7 years (median was 3.8 years). Arrhythmias were documented in 28/43 (65%) patients prior to SCD. Predictors of SCD included atrioventricular valve replacement and post-bypass Fontan pressures >20 mm Hg; preoperative sinus rhythm was protective. Conclusions Arrhythmias and SCD are significant concerns among Fontan patients and specific risk factors may warrant closer follow-up and earlier consideration for therapy.
Multi-biometric system using Fuzzy Vault

Advancement of electronic media not only improved our living standard, but created several amenities that makes work bit easier. On the other hand, media faces several challenges. Biometric systems are promising technology with accurate data and secure features. However, many existing Biometric systems based on a single authentication process have higher vulnerability than a Multi-biometric systems. Multi-biometric systems accumulate evidence from more than one biometric trait in order to recognize a person. They provide higher recognition accuracy and larger population coverage. Multi-biometric systems store multiple biometric templates for each user, which results in increased risk to user privacy and system security. To secure the individual biometric template by using the fusion method to store the data. The fuzzy vault is proposed. By the end of this paper we would like to propose an idea to further improve the data security and also make this process take the less time.
Consummatory Contrast Effects in Nondeprived Rats Following Shifts in Sucrose Concentration

Successive positive and negative contrast effects in consummatory behavior were investigated following shifts in sucrose concentrations in nondeprived subjects. Forty-four male albino rats were given daily 5-min access to either a 4%- or 32%-sucrose solution across a 14-day preshift period. Subjects in each group were then assigned to either a control or shifted condition. Shifted groups were upshifted (4–32%) or downshifted (32–4%) for a 10-day postshift period. Negative contrast was apparent in both lick rate and time spent at the drinking tube across the first 4 days of postshift. Positive contrast effects were not obtained, but rather a significant effect opposite to positive contrast occurred. The improbability of the ceiling effect explanation for the present results is discussed. Differences relative to deprivation state and the role of perceptual (taste) factors in contrast effects are also examined.
The 1982 enola, Arkansas, swarm and scaling of ground motion in the eastern United States

Abstract The north-central Arkansas swarm, which began in January of 1982 and was still active as of December 1983, has produced over 30,000 events. Three of these events had duration magnitudes greater than 4.0. Fifty-three locatable events, in the magnitude range 3.8 and below, were recorded during the 2 1/2 weeks our 10 digital seismographs were in place. The hypocentral locations are confined to a tight cluster, with a radius of approximately 1 km. Depths range between 4 and 7 km. Focal mechanisms determined for 10 of the events show a combination of strike slip and normal faulting. Source parameters—seismic moment, source radius, and stress drop—were calculated for 48 of the events. The seismic moments range from 10 18 to 10 21 dyne-cm while the stress drops range from 0.2 to 60 bars. Acceleration spectra are band-limited at the high end at 30 Hz. The stress drops increase with seismic moment up to 10 20 dyne-cm but appear to be constant at greater moment values. The Arkansas source parameters are similar to other body-wave source parameters determined from near-source investigations of earthquakes in Eastern and Central North America (e.g., New Brunswick and South Carolina) and in California (e.g., Mammoth Lakes, Oroville, and Anza), but differ substantially from Lg -wave source parameters estimated for earthquakes in the Eastern and Central United States.
Functional genomics reveals that tumors with activating phosphoinositide 3-kinase mutations are dependent on accelerated protein turnover

Activating mutations in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway are frequently identified in cancer. To identify pathways that support PI3K oncogenesis, we performed a genome-wide RNAi screen in isogenic cell lines harboring wild-type or mutant PIK3CA to search for PI3K synthetic-lethal (SL) genes. A combined analysis of these results with a meta-analysis of two other large-scale RNAi screening data sets in PI3K mutant cancer cell lines converged on ribosomal protein translation and proteasomal protein degradation as critical nononcogene dependencies for PI3K-driven tumors. Genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of either pathway alone, but not together, selectively killed PI3K mutant tumor cells in an mTOR-dependent manner. The expression of ribosomal and proteasomal components was significantly up-regulated in primary human colorectal tumors harboring PI3K pathway activation. Importantly, a PI3K SL gene signature containing the top hits of the SL genes identified in our meta-analysis robustly predicted overall patient survival in colorectal cancer, especially among patients with tumors with an activated PI3K pathway. These results suggest that disruption of protein turnover homeostasis via ribosome or proteasome inhibition may be a novel treatment strategy for PI3K mutant human tumors.
Nutrient Indicator Models for Determining Biologically Relevant Levels: A case study based on the Corn Belt and Northern Great Plain Nutrient Ecoregion

The complex interactions between forms of Nitrogen and Phosphorus require development of regional nutrient threshold models. Our objectives included the development of a biotic model capable of distinguishing contributions of various nutrients in streams fish assemblages. A second objective was to establish an approach for designating defensible nutrient biotic index (NBI) score thresholds and corresponding nutrient concentrations, above which fish assemblages show alterations. Nutrient and fish assemblage data collected from 1274 reaches between 1996 and 2007 from the Corn Belt and Northern Great Plain Nutrient Ecoregion were reviewed for outliers, sorted into three drainage class groups, and arranged into 15 ranges or “bins” using the Jenks optimization method to calculate nutrient specific fish species tolerance scores. These scores where then used to generate Nutrient Biotic Indexes (NBI) for identifying fish assemblage response mechanisms. We observed a single break point for unionized ammonia, with an NBIUnionized Ammonia score shift occurring at a mean concentration of 0.03 mg/L. Three break points were observed for Nitrogen, Nitrate + Nitrite, demonstrating significant NBINitrate+Nitrite score shifts at mean concentrations of 1.09, 3.15 and 6.87 mg/L respectively. The observed relationship produced a convex curve suggesting an enrichment signature. Two break points were observed for Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) at mean concentrations of 0.68 and 1.27 mg/L respectively. One significant break point was observed for TN at a mean concentration of 3.30 mg/L. One significant break point was observed for TP at a mean concentration of TP 0.32 mg/L. One significant break point was observed for Chlorophyll a (periphyton) at a mean concentration of TP 134.14 mg/m2. Two significant break points were observed for Chlorophyll a (phytoplankton), which occurred at concentrations of 10.98 and 49.13 μg/L, respectively. Proposed mean protection values are 3.0 μg/L for Unionized Ammonia, 130 μg/L for Nitrogen, Nitrate + Nitrite, 40 μg/L for TKN, 70 μg/L for TP, and 2.33 μg/L for Chlorophyll a (phytoplankton). Criteria established at or below these benchmarks should protect for both biological integrity of fish assemblages, as well as limit nutrient loadings causing dead zones.
Pediatric Regional Anesthesia: an Update

The purpose of this study was to review the recent literature describing techniques, outcomes, and complications in pediatric regional anesthesia primarily among neonates and infants. Regional anesthetic techniques can be safely performed in anesthetized children, and is so widespread, that it has become accepted as standard of practice. Spinal anesthesia in the neonate requires a larger dose of local anesthetic than in adults, yet has a shorter duration of action. Neuraxial technique combined with sedation or light general anesthesia is commonly used for hernia repairs. In preterm and ex-preterm infants, awake regional techniques are reasonable alternatives. Neuraxial catheters can deliver local anesthetics and opioids both intraoperatively and postoperatively for effective pain control in all age groups including neonates. Ultrasound guidance has rapidly become the norm to ensure successful peripheral nerve blocks and abdominal wall blocks with the least amounts of local anesthetics. The dose of local anesthetic should be adjusted for each patient based on the recommended range. Regional anesthesia has shown to be safe and is being increasingly practiced. But safety should be the priority and adequate precautions should be taken to reduce potential complications.
Candidate Choice Without Party Labels

In the absence of party labels, voters must use other information to determine whom to support. The institution of nonpartisan elections, therefore, may impact voter choice by increasing the weight that voters place on candidate dimensions other than partisanship. We hypothesize that in nonpartisan elections, voters will exhibit a stronger preference for candidates with greater career and political experience, as well as candidates who can successfully signal partisan or ideological affiliation without directly using labels. To test these hypotheses, we conducted conjoint survey experiments on both nationally representative and convenience samples that vary the presence or absence of partisan information. The primary result of these experiments indicates that when voters cannot rely on party labels, they give greater weight to candidate experience. We find that this process unfolds differently for respondents of different partisan affiliations: Republicans respond to the removal of partisan information by giving greater weight to job experience while Democrats respond by giving greater weight to political experience. Our results lend microfoundational support to the notion that partisan information can crowd out other kinds of candidate information.
A rare case of Mycobacterium abscessus subspecies abscessus prosthetic valve endocarditis and the clinical importance of inducible erm(41) gene testing

A 56-year-old man with a history of injection drug use and two prior episodes of native valve infective endocarditis presented with dyspnoea on exertion. Our preliminary work-up revealed bacteraemia with reported growth of 'Mycobacterium abscessus group' on multiple blood cultures. The patient was later found to have eustachian valve and prosthetic pulmonic valve endocarditis. Initially, he responded to standard antimycobacterial therapy for rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) with supporting laboratory susceptibilities. However, he later developed refractory disease and persistent bacteraemia in the setting of these alleged susceptible antibiotics. Further molecular testing revealed a functional and inducible erm(41) gene which confers macrolide resistance. A subspecies analysis of the M abscessus group revealed the subspecies to be abscessus We present a challenging case of M abscessus subsp. abscessus bacteraemia and prosthetic valve endocarditis with further discussion on treatment and management of this infection along with the taxonomic complexity of this ubiquitous RGM.
Current Trends in the Management of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is a life-threatening infection that is a leading cause of mortality among patients with decompensated cirrhosis. In this article, we present current trends in the management of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), highlighting treatment failure rates of traditional regimens and ways in which to address such challenges. Despite available management guidelines, there are data to support that these guidelines are often not adhered to, e.g., performing a diagnostic paracentesis at the time of hospital admission in a patient with ascites. Management of SBP is now further complicated by resistant organisms and an increasing prevalence of nosocomial and healthcare-associated infections. Effective treatment of SBP requires careful consideration of patient risk factors, local antibiotic resistance patterns, and clinical presentation.
Nanoscale Photoacoustic Tomography (nPAT) for label-free super-resolution 3D imaging of red blood cells

We present our results in developing nanoscale photoacoustic tomography (nPAT) for label-free super-resolution imaging in 3D. We have made progress in the development of nPAT, and have acquired our first signal. We have also performed simulations that demonstrate that nPAT is a viable imaging modality for the visualization of malaria infected red blood cells (RBCs). Our results demonstrate that nPAT is both feasible and powerful for the high resolution labelfree imaging of RBCs.
The Chalice and the Rainbow: Conflicts Between Women’s Spirituality and Transgender Rights in US Wicca in the 2010s

US Wicca has been the hybrid product of British Traditional Witchcraft and 1970s-era American feminism. The twenty-first-century US Pagan movement has seen changing definitions of gender and the rise of transgender and gender-fluid identity in the public sphere. Philosophies at the heart of the women’s spirituality movement that helped form Wicca and other US contemporary Pagan traditions are now incompatible with many beliefs and needs of transgender contemporary Pagans and their allies. As its members seek to affirm transgender identity, the current Pagan movement is lacking in its ability to adequately analyze the role of sex differences in global gender inequality.
Hox-logic of body plan innovations for social symbiosis in rove beetles

How symbiotic lifestyles evolve from free-living ecologies is poorly understood. In Metazoa's largest family, Staphylinidae (rove beetles), numerous lineages have evolved obligate behavioral symbioses with ants or termites. Widespread convergence of this lifestyle is thought to stem from a novel, chemically defended body plan that enables free-living species to infiltrate colonies and undergo extreme evolutionary specialization. Here we show how this innovative body plan evolved, via new Hox functions in staphylinids that remodeled the coleopteran groundplan. Using a model staphylinid, Dalotia coriaria, we reveal the Hox basis for changes in thoracic appendage morphology that shortened the beetle elytron and left the abdomen physically unprotected, selecting for an abdominal defense gland that was likely key to unlocking ant and termite societies. We present evidence that the gland evolved through a novel, combinatorial role of the abdominal Hox proteins AbdA and AbdB. These proteins function together to specify distinct gland cell types in neighboring segmental compartments, each cell type synthesizing a different class of compound - irritant, ester and solvent. Only when secreted together do these compounds constitute a bioactive secretion, providing an example of emergent chemical functionality that arises from synergy between individual gland cell types. Hox-controlled specification of glandular diversity implies a modularity in compound biosynthesis that likely catalyzed the evolvability of rove beetle chemistry, including the capacity of symbiotic taxa to produce potent compounds for host deception. This study reveals how Hox-controlled body axis modifications predispose a major animal to convergently evolve into symbionts.
Eosinophilic Enteritis: A Delayed Diagnosis.

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders are a rare and complex group of disorders that are characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract. Patients often present with a wi...
Hospitalization Costs After Surgery in High-Risk Patients With Early Stage Lung Cancer.

Background We previously reported that early stage lung cancer patients who are considered high risk for surgery can undergo resection with favorable perioperative results and long-term mortality. To further elucidate the role of surgical resection in this patient cohort, this study evaluated the length of stay and total hospitalization cost among patients classified as standard or high risk with early stage lung cancer who underwent pulmonary resection. Methods A total of 490 patients from our institutional Society of Thoracic Surgeons data from 2009 to 2013 underwent resection for clinical stage I lung cancer. High-risk patients were identified by American College of Surgeons Oncology Group z4032–z4099 criteria. Demographics, length of stay, and hospitalization cost between high-risk and standard-risk patients undergoing lobectomy and sublobar resection were compared. Univariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Multivariate analysis was performed using a linear regressions model. Results A total of 180 (37%) of patients were classified as high risk. These patients were older (70 years of age vs. 65 years of age; p p p Conclusions Our previous study showed that good clinical outcomes after surgery for early stage lung cancer can be achieved in patients classified as high risk. In this study, although surgery in high-risk patients led to slightly increased costs, these costs seemed negligible when viewed along with the patients' excellent short-term and long-term results. This study suggests that surgical resection on high-risk patients with early stage lung cancer is associated with acceptable hospital lengths of stay and overall cost when compared with standard-risk patients.
The Thermal Conductivity of Earth's Core: A Key Geophysical Parameter's Constraints and Uncertainties

The thermal conductivity of iron alloys at high pressures and temperatures is a critical parameter in governing (a) the present-day heat flow out of Earth’s core, (b) the inferred age of Earth’s inner core, and (c) the thermal evolution of Earth’s core and lowermost mantle. It is, however, one of the least well-constrained important geophysical parameters, with current estimates for end-member iron under core-mantle boundary conditions varying by about a factor of 6. Here, the current state of calculations, measurements, and inferences that constrain thermal conductivity at core conditions are reviewed. The applicability of the Wiedemann-Franz law, commonly used to convert electrical resistivity data to thermal conductivity data, is probed: Here, whether the constant of proportionality, the Lorenz number, is constant at extreme conditions is of vital importance. Electron-electron inelastic scattering and increases in Fermi-liquid-like behavior may cause uncertainties in thermal conductivities derived from...
Parallel computing and network analytics for fast Industrial Internet-of-Things (IIoT) machine information processing and condition monitoring

Abstract Rapid advancement in sensing, communication, and mobile technologies brings a new wave of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). IIoT integrates a large number of sensors for smart and connected monitoring of machine conditions. Sensor observations contain rich information on operational signatures of machines, thereby providing a great opportunity for machine condition monitoring and control. However, realizing the full potential of IIoT depends to a great extent on the development of new methodologies using big data analytics. This paper presents a new methodology for large-scale IIoT machine information processing, network modeling, condition monitoring, and fault diagnosis. First, we introduce a dynamic warping algorithm to characterize the dissimilarity of machine signatures (e.g., power profiles during operations). Second, we develop a stochastic network embedding algorithm to construct a large-scale network of IIoT machines, in which the dissimilarity between machine signatures is preserved in the network node-to-node distance. When the machine condition varies, the location of the corresponding network node changes accordingly. As such, node locations will reveal diagnostic information about machine conditions. However, the network embedding algorithm is computationally expensive in the presence of large amounts of IIoT-enabled machines. Therefore, we further develop a parallel computing scheme that harnesses the power of multiple processors for efficient network modeling of large-scale IIoT-enabled machines. Experimental results show that the developed algorithm efficiently and effectively characterizes the variations of signatures in both cycle-to-cycle and machine-to-machine scales. This new approach shows strong potentials for optimal machine scheduling and maintenance in the context of large-scale IIoT.
A reliable bioindicator of anthropogenic impact on the coast of South Carolina.

Abstract Sandy beaches are frequently visited for recreational purposes. Although such recreational activities are economically beneficial, they cause disturbances to these habitats. Every ecosystem has unique properties; thus, ecosystem-specific species are often used as bioindicators of human disturbances. Here, we pioneer the use of an indirect burrow-counting technique on 20 sandy South Carolina beaches that experience different levels of human disturbance. Our results show that Ocypode quadrata (Atlantic Ghost Crab) is a reliable bioindicator of human disturbance on sandy beaches in South Carolina. The burrow density and width declined significantly as human disturbance increased. We also report that females outnumber males in highly disturbed sites. We conclude that the indirect burrow-counting technique employed in this study could minimize the cost and the effort of determining the human disturbances on coastal regions.
Using Small Groups to Promote Active Learning in the Introductory Statistics Course: A Report from the Field

Over several semesters, we changed from the traditional lecture approach to cooperative learning. After some initial difficulty, we found procedures that work in classes of 40 to 100 students. Data...
DOES TEACHER‐FAMILY EXPERIENCE AFFECT TEST SCORES?

Since families play a pivotal role in elementary schools, student learning may be influenced by how well the teacher knows a family and how well the parents know the teacher. We test this hypothesis by evaluating whether assignment to a teacher who has previously taught an older sibling affects test scores. We refer to teachers who have previously taught the older sibling as having “teacher‐family experience” when teaching the younger sibling. Using a novel data set that includes administrative data on students and teachers matched to family identifiers, we find that when the older sibling's teacher is teaching in the younger sibling's grade, 40% of younger siblings are assigned their older sibling teachers. We find that teacher‐family experience does not have any significant effects on test scores and we can statistically rule out small effects. (JEL I20)
Pelvic and Urogenital Pain

High-quality data regarding the efficacy of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) in pelvic and urogenital pain disorders is limited. In female pelvic pain, one double, placebo-controlled study (class II) has shown significant improvement of pelvic pain after injection of onabotulinumtoxinA (onaA) into pelvic floor muscles (level C evidence, possibly effective). In male pelvic pain, related to prostatitis, a small study of 13 patients demonstrated modest improvement compared to placebo (level C evidence, possibly effective). For pain associated with interstitial cystitis (bladder pain syndrome), one small double-blind study showed no difference between 50 units of onaA and placebo (one class II study, possibly ineffective for that dose), whereas a comparator blinded study found 100 and 200 units of onaA injections were statistically more effective than the conventional treatment with hydrodistention alone (one class II, possibly effective for that dose in a comparator study). All four open long-term studies with BoNT-As in bladder pain syndrome also have suggested initial efficacy and better efficacy with repeat injections. In vulvodynia and vestibulodynia, one double-blind study of 60 patients has shown no efficacy with a dose of 20 units, whereas two open studies with comparable numbers suggest efficacy with 100 units of onaA. More controlled and blinded data are needed to discern the effectiveness of BoNT injections in bladder pain syndrome and vulvodynia, preferably with larger doses, comparable to those which suggested efficacy in the open trials.
Detecting the elusive narcissistic reactivity phenomenon: The case for a mechanistic focus

We speculated that narcissistic reactivity might be detectable as a set of processes. Participants self-reported grandiose and vulnerable narcissism scores, estimates of their performance on an IQ ...
Predictors for recurrence after open umbilical hernia repair in 979 patients.

Abstract Background Our study aims were to evaluate factors that predict recurrence after open umbilical hernia repair with either mesh or primary closure. Methods Consecutive patients (n = 1,125) undergoing open umbilical hernia repair from 2009 to 2018 were identified from a prospectively managed, quality database. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were used to analyze recurrence-free survival for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression was used to analyze recurrence-free survival by age, sex, body mass index, concurrent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, smoking status, diabetes, postoperative infection, hernia size in greatest dimension, and type of repair. Results The overall recurrence rate was 3.3% with a median follow-up of 14 months. Univariable analysis revealed a difference in recurrence-free survival for current smoking (P = .039), diabetes (P = .007), higher body mass index (P = .057), and postoperative infection (P Conclusion Our results indicate higher body mass index, concurrent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, current smoking, diabetes, primary closure repair of hernias ≥1.5 cm, and postoperative infection were associated with a greater risk of recurrence after open umbilical hernia repair.
Invited Talk 3

Provides an abstract of the invited presentation and may include a brief professional biography of the presenter. The complete presentation was not made available for publication as part of the conference proceedings.
Variant of Uncertain Significance-Related Uncertainty in Breast Cancer Genomics

This paper considers the psychosocial implications of variant of uncertain significance (VUS)-derived uncertainty from the perspective of patients and providers and identifies potential uncertainty management strategies that can improve VUS-related clinical care. Based on the analysis of current research evidence around VUS-related medical management as well as provider and patient experiences of VUS-related uncertainty, we conclude that uncertainty around this new type of medical information is pervasive. Uncertainty appraisal varies across different contextual and situational factors—individual’s cancer diagnosis, provider’s experience with VUS, gene in which VUS has been identified, etc. Most importantly, strategies for uncertainty management that can address much of the VUS-related uncertainty also exist and offer hope for the thousands of VUS that will be returned to patients in genomic medicine clinics. Uncertain sequencing results, when explained and relayed by experts in the presence of appropriate VUS-related reclassification and re-contact guidelines, increase the likelihood of maximal clinical and psychosocial benefit for patients without causing undue harm.
Neurologic Manifestations of Severe Respiratory Viral Contagions

Endemic and pandemic viral respiratory infections have recently emerged as a critical topic of investigation given the recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 outbreak Data from such outbreaks indicate that severe systemic comorbidities including acute neurologic illness are associated with illness and lead to significant outcome differences Herein, we will discuss the neurologic manifestations of severe viral respiratory infections including coronavirus, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, metapneumovirus, and enterovirus Data Sources: PubMed and EMBASE were searched by two independent investigators up to March 2020 Study Selection: Data selection included preclinical and clinical studies detailing neurologic manifestations of viral respiratory infections Data Extraction and Synthesis: Two independent investigators reviewed and extracted the data Conclusions: Neurologic manifestations including seizures, status epilepticus, encephalitis, critical illness neuromyopathy, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, acute necrotizing encephalitis, Guillan-Barre syndrome, transverse myelitis, and acute flaccid myelitis have all been associated with severe viral respiratory infections Having an understanding of the direct neurotropism of such viruses is imperative to understanding pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and potential treatment paradigms aimed at improving morbidity and mortality
Two-phase interfacial structure of bubbly-to-slug transition flows in a 12.7 mm ID vertical tube

Abstract This experimental study focuses on the characteristics of air-water two-phase interfacial structure of bubbly-to-slug transition flow. Interfacial parameters including void fraction, interfacial area concentration, and bubble interfacial velocity are measured using four-sensor electrical conductivity probe on a 12.7 mm ID vertical tube. The tube size is approximately equal to the maximum distorted bubble size. Therefore, the bubbly-to-slug transition characteristics can be unique from in other sizes of tubes. Comparing with previous studies, this study provides an experimental database with a wide range of the bubbly-to-slug transition regime, with 4 different superficial liquid velocities (0.3, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 m/s) and void fraction ranging from 0.07 to 0.66. Experimental results show that the wall-peak void distribution does not appear in a small diameter tube under the bubbly-to-slug flow transition flow. The distribution is related to both void fraction and the relative bubble size to the tube size. In this sense, a new correlation of distribution parameter in the Drift Flux model is proposed based on the previous studies by Ishii, and Hibiki et al. This experimental study can be a good reference for the model development of flow regime transition and the Interfacial Area Transport Equation.
Time to COVID-19 RT-PCR clearance among patients with cancer

49Background: COVID-19 in oncologic patients presents a clinical dilemma. To reduce the risk of adverse events as well as the risk of exposing others, many institutions have established protocols t...
Imaging assay to probe the role of telomere length shortening on telomere-gene interactions in single cells.

Telomeres are repetitive non-coding nucleotide sequences (TTAGGGn) capping the ends of chromosomes. Progressive telomere shortening with increasing age has been associated with shifts in gene expression through models such as the telomere position effect (TPE), which suggests reduced interference of the telomere with transcriptional activity of increasingly more distant genes. A modification of the TPE model, referred to as Telomere Position Effects over Long Distance (TPE-OLD), explains why some genes 1–10 MB from a telomere are still affected by TPE, but genes closer to the telomere are not. Here, we describe an imaging approach to systematically examine the occurrence of TPE-OLD at the single cell level. Compared to existing methods, the pipeline allows rapid analysis of hundreds to thousands of cells, which is necessary to establish TPE-OLD as an acceptable mechanism of gene expression regulation. We examined two human genes, ISG15 and TERT, for which TPE-OLD has been described before. For both genes, we found less interaction with the telomere on the same chromosome in old cells compared to young cells; and experimentally elongated telomeres in old cells rescued the level of telomere interaction for both genes. However, the dependency of the interactions on the age progression from young to old cells varied. One model for the differences between ISG15 and TERT may relate to the markedly distinct interstitial telomeric sequence arrangement in the two genes. Overall, this provides a strong rationale for the role of telomere length shortening in the regulation of gene expression.
Conserved in 186 Countries The RBD Fraction of SARS CoV-2 S-Protein With in-Silico T500S Mutation Strongly Blocks ACE2 Rejecting The Viral Spike; A Molecular-Docking Analysis.

SARS-CoV-2 developed global-pandemic with millions of infections/deaths. Blocker/inhibitor of ACE2 and viral-spikes Receptor-Binding-Domain RBD-blockers are helpful. Here, conserved RBD (CUTs) from 186-countries were compared with WUHAN-Hu-1 wild-type by CLUSTAL-X2 and Structural-alignment using Pymol. The RBD of ACE2-bound nCOV2 crystal-structure (2.68[A]) 6VW1 was analyzed by Haddock-PatchDock. Extensive structural study/trial to introduce point/double/triple mutations in the following locations (Y489S/Y453S/T500S/T500Y)/(Y489S,Y453S/Y489S,T500S/Y489S,T500Y/Y453S,T500S/Y453S, T500Y)/ (Y489S,Y453S,T500S/Y489S,Y453S,T500Y) of CUT4 (most-effective) were tested with Swiss-Model-Expacy. Blind-docking of mutated-CUTs to ACE2 (6VW1) by Haddock-Hawkdock was performed and optimally complete-rejection of nCOV2 to ACE2 was noticed. Further, competitive-docking/binding-analyses were done by PRODIGY. Present results suggest that compared to the wild-spike, CUT4 showed extra LYS31-PHE490/GLN42-GLN498 bonding and lack of TYR41-THR500 interaction (in wild H-bond:2.639[A]) with ACE2 RBD. Mutated-CUT4 strongly binds with the ACE2-RBD, promoting TYR41-T500S (H-bond: 2.0[A] and 1.8[A])/T500Y (H-bond:2.6[A]) interaction and complete inhibition of ACE2 RBD-nCOV2. Mutant combinations T500S,Y489S,T500S and Y489S,Y453S,T500Y mostly blocked ACE2. Conclusively, CUT4-mutant rejects whole glycosylated-nCoV2 pre-dock/post-dock/competitive-docking conditions.
Obese-Asthma Phenotype Self-Management: A Literature Review.

Abstract Problem Recent identification of the early-onset obese-asthma phenotype has spurred exploration of ways to promote effective, long-term management behaviors for children with this comorbid presentation. Few studies have examined the needs of children with both asthma and obesity and little is known about optimal management options for this unique population. Therefore, the authors aimed to review, critique, and synthesize existing published research on health-management programs designed for children with comorbid asthma and obesity in order to describe the state of the science and recommend next steps in creating pediatric management programs. Eligibility criteria Articles selected for a full-text review were pediatric-focused, included children with both asthma and obesity diagnoses, and discussed the implementation and evaluation of a management program or the evaluation of a management behavior. Sample Fifteen articles were selected for review based on the inclusion criteria. Results Studies that included current evidence-based elements had better results than those that did not include such elements. Conclusions Based on this review, it is recommended that researchers use theory based, multicomponent, multimodal, family-focused, behaviorally-based interventions that address systems-level influences, social determinates of health, and children's developmental needs over time. Additionally, there is a need for studies with sample sizes adequate for power analyses that include the youngest children with asthma and obesity. Implications The need for effective programs for pediatric obese-asthma phenotype management creates the opportunity for nursing-led research and interventions to foster long-term health promotion for affected children and families.
General Structured Observers for Discrete-Time Linear Systems

A class of general structured discrete-time deterministic observers is developed. The one-step predicting or Luenberger observers and the current-update observers may be obtained from this class of general structured observers. Interesting relationships and important properties among various full-order observers are established. Optimal discrete-time observer gains are then derived, and it is shown that the optimal observers can be structually and numerically equivalent to various forms of Kalman filters.
EARTH PRESSURES ON STRUCTURES DUE TO FAULT MOVEMENT

The characteristics of earth pressure loads on buried structures due to fault movements are examined and two types of finite element analyses are described which can be used to calculate the magnitudes of these pressures. Although the problem is three-dimensional, the results of two-dimensional analyses are shown to be consistent with the results of model tests. These analyses can be used to determine the distribution of pressures on the structure, and to estimate the magnitudes of the earth pressure loads for design of a structure subject to fault movements.
Uptake and Utilization of Glutamic Acid by Cryptococcus albidus

Cryptococcus albidus utilizes glutamate as a sole carbon source. The kinetics of uptake of this amino acid were studied. l-Glutamic acid was taken up by two saturable systems: a high affinity system with a Michaelis constant (Km) of 1.15 × 10−5 M and a Vmax of 0.049 μmol per mg per h and a low affinity system with a Km of 2.5 × 10−3 M and a Vmax of 3.61 μmol per mg per h. Both systems possessed characteristics of active transport which were dependent on temperature and pH and which required metabolic energy. Uptake was inhibited at 37 C but the temperature-sensitive step was reversible. Chemical fractionation of cells with 5% trichloroacetic acid showed that glutamic acid initially entered a soluble pool which decreased after 1 h as the amino acid was incorporated into the protein and nucleic acid fractions of the yeast. Some of the glutamate was completely oxidized and could be recovered as 14CO2. Therefore, the amino acid was also used as an energy source.
A Whale of a Tale: Postcolonialism, Critical Theory, and Deconstruction: Revisiting the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling Through a Socio-Legal Perspective

This article is a critical interpretation of the indigenous whaling debate, which, although often discussed in legal academia, has received only passing critical attention. As a scholar in the critical theory/critical legal studies model, I am primarily concerned with the impact that law and debates about law have on divergent groups (racial, ethnic, gender, etc.). This article develops a criticism of the United States's postcolonial opposition to whaling, arguing, instead, for cultural relativism. The article indicts U.S. imperialism, and treatment of indigenous peoples, arguing for interdisciplinary analysis and a more keen appreciation for the voice of indigenous peoples. As I often do in my writing, I turn the critical lens back on me, as author, and investigate what it means to write critically for me, personally, and for other scholars who write postcolonial scholarship. The whaling debate is as important now as ever, especially as the issues of natural resource management take on a larger role in international politics. Off-shore drilling and energy exploration in the Arctic are but too examples of the rising importance of these issues. Whaling has largely been viewed as an environmental issue and the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICW) has been construed in terms of international relations and hegemony studies. Those approaches are an excellent contribution to the debate, but what seems to most be missing is a qualitative approach that blends critical theory, history, sociology, and cultural studies to better understand the polarizing whaling discussion.
Will the Next Generation Please Step Forward? A Legacy for the Next Generation of Troublemakers

The author reflects on how several mentors, including the late Dr. David Pfeiffer, shaped her awareness of the Disability Rights Movement, her own identity, and the need for the next generation to carry forth the Movement.
A Review of “Organic Crystal Engineering: Frontiers in Crystal Engineering”: 2010, edited by Edward R.T. Tiekink, Jagadese J. Vittal, and Michael J. Zaworotko, John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 336 pp., $260.00, ISBN 978-0-470-31990-1

Crystal engineering has now progressed to a mature discipline by the concerted effort of its practitioners over several decades of study. The organizational power of molecular crystals continues to...
Catalytic Ignition Model in Monolithic Reactor with In-Depth Reaction

A transient model has been developed to study ignition in a monolithic catalytic reactor. The special features are the inclusion of thermal and species structures in the porous catalytic layer and the resolution of small-time-scale events. Catalyst loading is used as a parameter to study these structure variations before and after ignition. Regions where the catalytic reaction is kinetically controlled and regions where the reaction is diffusionally controlled are identified in both steady and transient states.
NLRP12 provides a critical checkpoint for osteoclast differentiation

The alternative or noncanonical nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway regulates the osteoclast (OC) response to receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and thus bone metabolism. Although several lines of evidence support the emerging concept that nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 12 (NLRP12) impedes alternative NF-κB activation in innate immune cells, a functional role for NLRP12 outside an inflammatory disease model has yet to be reported. Our study demonstrates that NLRP12 has a protective role in bone via suppression of alternative NF-κB-induced osteoclastogenesis and is down-modulated in response to osteoclastogenic stimuli. Here, we show that retroviral overexpression of NLRP12 suppressed RelB nuclear translocation and OC formation. Conversely, genetic ablation of NLRP12 promoted NIK stabilization, RelB nuclear translocation, and increased osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Using radiation chimeras, we demonstrated these in vitro observations dovetail with our in vivo findings that NLRP12 deficiency leads to enhanced OC numbers accompanied by a significant decline in bone mass under physiological conditions. Consistent with the basal bone phenotype, we also observed an enhanced osteolytic response following RANKL injection over the calvaria of NLRP12-deficient chimeric mice compared with wild-type control mice. Thus, modulation of NLRP12 levels controls alternative NF-κB signaling in OC precursors, altering bone homeostasis and osteolytic responses.
Gas-phase complexation of polyethers with halide ions.

Gas-phase complexes of halide anions with a variety of crown ethers and acyclic analogs are formed by ion-molecule reactions in the chemical ionization source of a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer. The ether complexes of iodide, bromide, and chloride dissociate on collisional activation by cleavage of the halide-ether electrostatic hydrogen bonds, resulting in the formation of bare halide anions. By contrast, the fluoride complexes dissociate by loss of HF, which may occur in conjunction or sequentially with losses of ethylene oxide units. This dissociation behavior is similar to that observed for collisionally activated dissociation of [M − H]− ions of the crown ethers and suggests that the fluoride ion is capable of promoting an intramolecular proton abstraction within the [M+F]− complex. This type of dissociation chemistry is only observed for the fluoride ion complexes, and the fluoride ion is the most basic of all the halides. The kinetic method was used to establish orders of relative halide binding strengths, and the trends for the chloride and bromide affinities were 12-crown-4 < triethylene glycol dimethyl ether < 15-crown-5 < tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether < 18-crown-6 < 21-crown-7 < tetraethylene glycol < pentaethylene glycol < 1,4,7,10,13-pentathiacyclopentadecane.
A study of various parting agents for producing self-supporting thin films

Abstract The following materials were evaluated for use as parting agents in the production of self-supporting thin films: (1) alkali halides: NaCl, CsI, BaCl 2 ; (2) commercial preparations: Victawet; (3) Detergents: Knox-60, PCB-100; (4) Plastics: Formvar, Parlodion. The methods used to deposit the parting agents into thin parting films included vacuum deposition, sputtering, and dipping. Measurements of parting film surface roughness and crystallite size were made using electron microscopy. The relative effectiveness of each parting agent was determined in stripping tests. The mechanism of film stripping was also studied using light metallography. Other tests showed the effect of moisture and storage time before stripping on the quality of the final self-supported film. Parting agents can also be used to produce oriented, self-supporting thin films. A series of experiments using X-ray diffraction and in-situ electron microscopy has been aimed towards producing germanium thin film single crystals.
Design of the constrained controllers for uncertain nonlinear systems using the Lyapunov stability theory

Abstract This paper studies uncertain nonlinear systems when control inputs are subject to upper bounds on magnitude. The robust tracking control problem is approached and solved. In particular, an innovative design framework is developed, and the existing results are extended to synthesize the robust tracking controllers. Nonquadratic Lyapunov functions are used to perform stability analysis, and innovative integral tracking controllers with nonlinear error and state feedback maps are synthesized. Another contribution of this paper is the application of the theoretical results. The implementation of the method proposed to design robust control laws for servomechanisms with induction motors is presented to illustrate the theoretical feasibility, versatility, and practical effectiveness of the procedure. The controller designed is implemented, and experimental results are documented to validate the control algorithm and to study the servo-system performance.