cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Cerium Concentration and Solvent on Physical and Chemical Characterization of Rapid Setting Cement

AbstractThis study was conducted to explore the feasibility of rapid setting cement (RSC) as an agent of immobilization for certain elements such as fission products or radioactive materials through evaluation of the setting time, apparent porosity, bulk density, pH value, conductivity, compressive strength, and compositions. Two different cylindrical sample groups were created. The first group was a mixture of the cement powder with deionized water (DIW) and different concentrations of Ce (0, 2, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt%). The second group included the cement powder, artificial seawater (ASW), and same Ce concentration patterns. Samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fluorescence analysis (XRF), and scanning electron microscopy including energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results showed that the final setting time and compressive strength of RSC with both solutions (DIW and ASW) decreased as Ce content increased while opposite trends were observed for the apparent porosity and bulk density of ...
Metabolic syndrome among adults living with sickle cell disease.

Abstract Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and all-cause mortality. MetS prevalence among adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) is not well known. We report initial findings from a cross-sectional study that examined MetS risk factors within a cohort of adults living with SCD. 50 adult SCD participants (ages 21–66 years; 72% female) completed demographic and health behavior surveys, health-related family and personal histories, and anthropometric and laboratory measurements. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarize and compare CVD risk factors, stratified in separate analyses by SCD genotype and sex. Triglyceride, blood pressure, and fasting glucose levels were within normal limits. 78% of the cohort reported moderate to high physical activity. However, 46% of this cohort was overweight and dietary saturated fat intake exceeded both the national average (11%) and US Dietary Guidelines ( We evaluated the prevalence of MetS in a cohort of adults living with SCD. Our findings suggest that increased attention to eating habits and physical activity may generate new approaches for decreasing cardiovascular morbidity in SCD.
Abstract 122: Elevated Pulse Wave Velocity is Associated With Regional Aortic Flow Reversal as an Embolic Mechanism in Patients With Cryptogenic Stroke

Introduction: There is recent evidence that diastolic flow reversal in the descending thoracic aorta (DAo) is prevalent in patients with atherosclerosis, enabling a mechanism for cerebral embolism....
Culturable endophytic fungal communities associated with plants in organic and conventional farming systems and their effects on plant growth.

As compared to organic farming system, conventional farming system relies on higher inputs of synthetic agrochemicals, which may reduce the abundance, diversity, and beneficial effects of plant endophytic fungal communities. This study compares the diversity and abundance of culturable endophytic fungal communities associated with four plant species –corn, tomato, pepper, and watermelon grown in separate organic and conventional fields. In all, 740 fungal isolates were identified, of which 550 were from the organic fields and 190 from the conventional ones. These fungal isolates were grouped into eight orders and 22 species, with the two most abundant species being Trichoderma sp. and Pichia guilliermondi. The fungal species diversity and abundance were both significantly higher in the organic than in the conventional fields. All the isolated endophytic fungi improved tomato plants’ shoot growth and biomass significantly, as compared with the water control. Six fungal isolates also exhibited activity that enhanced tomato fruit yields. These results suggest that these endophytic fungi might be a considerable boost to sustainable agricultural production, while also reducing the agricultural application of chemicals and thus benefiting the environment and human health.
ACUTE CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF ENERGY DRINKS IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS: A META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED TRIALS

Consumption of energy drinks (ED) is associated with adverse cardiovascular (CV) events, including coronary thrombosis, vascular dissection and arrhythmias. While the pathophysiologic mechanisms effects of ED have not been clearly elucidated, it is known that ED produce tachycardia, hypertension and
Hyena politics: The dynamics of dynasties.

In most species, individual attributes such as size, strength, and condition influence individuals’ ability to monopolize resources [resource-holding power (RHP)] and establish high-ranking positions in dominance hierarchies (1). But there are some taxa in which dominance rank becomes decoupled from individual differences in RHP. For example, in the eusocial wasp Liostenogaster flavolineata , females queue for the breeding position, with older females having priority over younger ones (2). In large provisioned groups of rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta ), male rank is based on the length of residence in the group (3). In some cercopithecine primates (i.e., macaques, baboons, and vervets), females inherit their mothers’ ranks and form corporate matrilineal dominance hierarchies in which members of matrilines hold adjacent ranks (4). Attribute-based hierarchies tend to fluctuate as individuals’ physical abilities change over time and as high-ranking individuals are challenged and replaced by more-powerful rivals (1). In contrast, the conventional matrilineal dominance hierarchies of baboons, macaques, and vervets are remarkably stable over long periods of time (4). In PNAS, Strauss and Holekamp (5) explore the dynamics and long-term consequences of matrilineal dominance hierarchies among female spotted hyenas ( Crocuta crocuta ). Spotted hyenas live in large multimale, multifemale groups, or clans (6). Females normally remain in their clans throughout their lives, while males disperse when they reach sexual maturity. In contrast to most other social vertebrates, females outrank males. Clans are composed of multiple matrilines, which forage separately but collectively defend a shared territory. Spotted hyenas feed primarily on large and medium-sized prey that they kill themselves but may scavenge when opportunities arise (7). There has been striking convergence in the patterns and mechanisms of maternal rank inheritance in monkeys and spotted hyenas. In both cases, two inheritance “rules” typically … [↵][1]1Email: joansilk{at}gmail.com. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Complications of Acute Otitis Media

Complications of otitis media are much less frequent today than in the pre-antibiotic era, yet they remain a significant cause of pediatric morbidity from infectious disease. Complications of otitis media can be acute or chronic and further subdivided into intracranial and extracranial disease. Careful clinical evaluation and appropriate imaging studies are essential for the diagnosis of acute complications of otitis media. Oftentimes a high index of suspicion is required to recognize early complications. Management of complications typically involves culture of offending pathogens, appropriate intravenous antibiotic therapy, and surgical intervention.
The Emergence of Division of Labor in Multi-Agent Systems

Division of labor in natural systems enables resiliency in times of dynamic change. Researchers have shown that division of labor can emerge in homogeneous populations predicated on the system's environment and the distribution of agent task bias. This article demonstrates that the emergence of division of labor in homogenous populations is also impacted by agent decision functions, agent population size, and environmental constraints. Results show, one, agent decision functions and population size have a significant impact on the division of labor scores, whereas, the influence of environmental constraints depends upon the chosen agent decision function. Two, results indicate that high division of labor scores do not necessarily translate to higher resource production, which, again, appears tied to agent decision functions. Three, although agent population size possesses a positive correlation to division of labor scores, agent decision functions play a more critical role in its emergence.
Influence of Molecular Architecture and Chain Flexibility on the Phase Map of Polystyrene-block-poly(dimethylsiloxane) Brush Block Copolymers

We report the microphase-separated morphologies of model bottlebrush block copolymers (BBCPs) over a wide range of architectural design parameters. Densely grafted polystyrene-block-poly(dimethylsi...
Organic and Inorganic Contaminants from E-waste and Their Effects on Environment

The environmental footprint of electronic waste is expanding in concert with the rise of electronics industry. There is a need to quantify the area of environmental footprint of e-waste by carefully assessing the types and quantities of contaminants emanating from the e-waste. Proper risk assessment should consider the fate, behavior, and transport of contaminants from e-waste to other environmental compartments such as air, water, and soil. The holistic risk assessment should include the survey of all possible exposure pathways to humans and the environment. A wide variety of electrical and electronic devices contribute to e-waste, and become the source of diverse chemicals leaching into the environment, which cause damage to the environment and to human beings. Persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity (PBT) assessment of the chemical released into the environment shows that the pollutants have the attributes of persistence (non-biodegradable with longer environmental half-lives), bioaccumulative, and toxic in nature. The developed world exports a colossal amount of e-waste to developing countries. Pakistan is not an exception to the inward traffic of e-waste. However, the impact assessment studies of e-waste in Pakistan are scarce. Strong measures need to be taken in this direction to tackle this ever-increasing hazard of e-waste to protect humans and the environment from its disastrous effects.
Effect of Beta-blockers on Tachycardia in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism.

Hypothesis Beta-blockers (BBs) lower the heart rate, which may mask the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) since one of the main clinical diagnoses of PE is tachycardia. The endpoint of our retrospective study is to determine if the pre-existing use of (BB) significantly affects the utility of these scoring criteria in diagnosing PE. Introduction Diagnosing PE is a challenge because of the non-specificity of its symptoms and signs. The initial step is to assess the patient's likelihood of having a PE. This involves using a scoring system to stratify patients into different levels of risk of having PE (for example, as 'low,' 'moderate,' or 'high' risk). Some of the commonly used criteria are Wells' Score, Geneva Score, and Pulmonary Embolism Rule-out Criteria (PERC) Rule (Charlotte Rule). Methodology This retrospective study was conducted at St. Francis Medical Center. Subjects were taken from a patient population with a new diagnosis of PE (between 2010 and 2017) on the basis of computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the chest. Patients with sepsis or septic shock, heart block, atrioventricular (AV) nodal ablation, pacemaker placement, or taking more than one AV nodal blocker were excluded from the study. Subjects were categorized on the basis of beta-blocker consumption. Result Out of a total of 170 cases, 71 patients were taking beta-blockers and 99 patients were not taking beta-blockers. Among the participants taking BBs, 30.4% had a heart rate <60 and 55.8% had a heart rate between 60 and 100. Conclusion BBs significantly obviate tachycardia in patients with PE. It falsely decreases the Wells' Score and the Geneva Score and results in the inappropriate fulfilling of PERC criteria.
Lessons From Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Youth With Pre–Type 1 Diabetes, Obesity, and Cystic Fibrosis

Glucose abnormalities exist in the prediabetic state well before a diagnosis of diabetes is made, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a sensitive method to detect these early abnormalities. Although insufficient data exist to support CGM for diagnosing diabetes, glucose patterns on CGM can provide insight into disease pathophysiology. Our group has used CGM to study early dysglycemia in several populations of youth at risk for diabetes—specifically, type 1 diabetes (T1D), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cystic fibrosis–related diabetes (CFRD). We hypothesized that, in youth at risk for different types of diabetes matched by HbA1c, average sensor glucose would be no different, but specific CGM measures might differ among groups. For this analysis, we combined data from three groups of youth: 1 ) antibody-positive (Ab+) children from DAISY (Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young) (1), 2 ) youth with cystic fibrosis (CF) from the Glycemic Monitoring in Cystic Fibrosis Study (NCT02211235, ClinicalTrials.gov), and 3 ) overweight/obese youth with BMI ≥85th percentile at risk for T2D (2). Inclusion criteria were ages 10–18 years and HbA1c <6.5% (48 mmol/mol) with concurrent CGM data. Oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) was not performed in all youth and, therefore, not included in this analysis. The pre-T1D youth …
Training the Next Generation of Cardiometabolic Specialists

Cardiometabolic conditions span overlapping systemic disease states including obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and chronic kidney disease. These entities are highly prevalent, share common core pathological drivers, and are associated with an excess
Hepatitis C virus screening at a Veterans Administration Hospital in New York City.

BACKGROUND Asymptomatic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has the highest prevalence in "baby boomers" born in 1945 through 1965. New York State mandates that all persons born during this period be screened at least once for hepatitis C. LOCAL PROBLEM Military veteran HCV screening is often missed during primary care visits. METHODS After baseline screening, provider education with and without an HCV education dashboard of information in the Electronic Medical Record system was used to determine if screening proportions could be improved. The Chi-square and Z-test for independent proportions compared after with before education screening. The odds ratio compared after versus before screening odds. INTERVENTIONS Two interventions were tested. One was provider education with a 30-minute lecture. The second was the lecture with addition of an HCV education computer dashboard. RESULTS The Chi-square test and Z-test comparing the month immediately after provider education was significant for increased screening (p < .01) compared with baseline. There was a 2.04-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.31-3.20) greater odds of screening in the month after education. If two or more months went by after education, the effect of education no longer improved screening proportions. Provider education plus the use of HCV education dashboard did not improve screening from baseline to the month immediately after screening (p = .95). CONCLUSION Provider education significantly improved HCV screening the month immediately after education, then regressed toward baseline. Adding an HCV education dashboard to education did not improve screening. To maintain elevated screening proportions, provider screening education must be reinforced on a frequent basis for sustained effect.
Oncology Fellow-Led Quality Improvement Project to Improve Rates of Palliative Care Utilization in Patients With Advanced Cancer.

PURPOSE:ASCO guidelines recommend palliative care (PC) referral for patients with advanced or metastatic cancer. Despite this, implementation has considerable hurdles. First-year oncology fellows a...
223 An assessment of the impact of the rural-urban differences in the accident response time to road accident fatality rate in the United States

Background Rapid response to accident events can reduce fatal road events. It is unknown how stages of response, from occurrence to hospital arrival, impact the accident fatality rates. Aim/Purpose To assess the relationship between fatal road accidents per county and accident response time. Methods/Approach Data were pooled across eight years (2010 - 2017) from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System dataset. A total of 3,193 counties and county-equivalents were included in the study. The outcome variable was the fatality rate per county, defined as the yearly fatal counts per yearly county population. The predictor variables were the average duration of accident-to-notification, accident-to-EMS, accident-to-hospital, notification-to-EMS, notification-to-hospital, and EMS-to-hospital arrival times. The covariates were rurality, county-level racial, gender, age, unemployment, gross domestic product, and hospital utilization proportions. Measures of association were determined with Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. A negative binomial time series regression model was used to estimate the relative risks with significance set at a 95% confidence interval. Results The median fatality rate per county was 6.90 per 100,000. There was a statistically significant difference in the median accident response times across the eight years (p Conclusion Response time varies widely between rural and non-rural counties. Accident response events from accident occurrence to EMS arrival impact the greatest on fatality rate. Significance/Contribution There is a need for more rapid response, especially in rural counties.
Differences in gene expression profiles of hypoxic human embryonic retinal microvascular endothelial cells induced by cobalt chloride

Objective To study the differentially expressed genes and analyze its functional pathways of retinopathy of prematurity(ROP), in order to discover the pathogenesis and provide the theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of ROP. Methods Fetal eyeballs of induced labor were obtained and retinal microvascular endothelial cells were isolated and cultured.The endothelial cells were divided into 7 groups according to the medium of cobalt chloride (CoCl2) concentration (0 μmol/L, 100 μmol/L, 150 μmol/L, 200 μmol/L, 250 μmol/L, 300 μmol/L, 350 μmol/L), and 150 μmol/L CoCl2 was finally used to induce ROP model in vitro.Retinal microvascular endothelial cells were verified by adopting Ⅷ factor and CD31 antibody fluorescence staining.RNA purification, gene chip hybridization and signi-ficant analysis of microarrays were performed to screen differentially expressed genes.Genes functional pathways were studied by using gene ontology analysis software. Results (1) The proliferation activity of vascular endothelial cells decreased when CoCl2≥150 μmol/L(F=21, P<0.05). (2) In 150 μmol/L CoCl2 group, blue nucleus and green cytoplasm were visible in the second and the third generation vascular endothelial cells stained by factor Ⅷ antibody, and red fluorescence could also be observed in the cytoplasm by means of CD31 monoclonal antibody staining.However, only blue nucleus was detected in the group without CoCl2.(3)There were 326 genes differently expressed in retinal micro vascular endothelial cells induced by CoCl2in vitro, among whom, 198 genes were up-regulated and 128 genes were down-regulated.Up-regulated expression genes were 1.5 times more than those of the down-regulated genes.(4)Ten biological pathways including cell hypoxia, angiogenesis suppression and iron ion transport etc.may play important roles in ROP pathogenesis. Conclusions Hypoxic retinal microvascular endothelial cells induced by CoCl2 can successfully be used to induce cell model of ROP in vitro.Differentially expressed genes may play an important role in ROP development.Functional pathway such as hypoxic cells, inhibition of angiogenesis, iron ion transport may be associated with ROP pathogenesis. Key words: Cobalt chloride; Retinopathy of prematurity; Gene expression profile
Human-porcine MHC-I homology allows for antibody cross-reactivity

Pigs are especially useful large animal models, however, limited availability of commercially available antibodies for immunoblotting presents a significant obstacle facing preclinical xenotransplantation research. Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecule expression enhancement by nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family with a caspase recruitment domain (CARD) containing caspase 5 (NLRC5) is fundamental to understanding porcine xenoantigen presentation. Swine Leukocyte Antigens (SLAs) are the porcine MHC homologs for human leukocyte antigens. SLA-I is a known xenoantigen that causes T cell activation. NLRC5, SLA-I, and B2M are all targets of immune modulation in genetically engineered pigs in xenotransplantation research with the goal to reduce SLA-I expression. In the present study, the human anti-NLRC5 (ab105411), anti-NLRC5 (ab117624), anti-NLRC5 N-terminal (ab178767), anti-HLA E (ab203082), anti-HLA E (ab135826), anti-HLA E (ab2216) and anti-β2 M (ab75853) antibodies were examined using immunoblots for porcine cross-reactivity. The anti-human antibodies ab117624, ab105411, ab178767, ab2216, and ab75853 cross reacted with cognate proteins in porcine cell lysates. Antibody reagents from this study will allow for validation of NLRC5, B2M, MHC-I expression in future research studies. In addition, following the methodology described in this study for other xenotransplantation targets may provide an alternative to custom antibody development.
Growth of high quality (In,Ga)N films on O-face ZnO substrates by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy

Epitaxial growth of (In,Ga)N films on O-face ZnO substrates was studied via plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Atomically smooth GaN films, showing step edges, were grown at low temperatures to suppress the interfacial reaction between nitrides and the ZnO substrate at elevated temperatures using metal-enhanced epitaxy. High-quality growth of ∼300 nm-thick (In,Ga)N films with the In content varying from 11% to 23% was demonstrated using ∼2 monolayer-thick low temperature GaN as the buffer layer. A clear redshift in (In,Ga)N photoluminescence was observed by decreasing the substrate temperature. For the first time, we achieved an atomically smooth surface on 300 nm-thick GaN grown on ZnO, showing step edges. The surface morphology, however, eventually degraded after exposure to the ambient due to strain, which was perhaps facilitated by the formation of an oxide layer. These results are promising for optoelectronics and electronics applications since the eventual degradation of the surface morphology can be mitigated via strain engineering or surface passivation.
Lynx X-ray Observatory

X-ray observations are indispensable for understanding the cosmos. Their power is immense because much of the baryonic matter and the sites for the most active energy releases in the Universe are primarily observable in X-rays. For the 2030s and beyond, an X-ray observatory with power matching the capabilities in other wavebands is a necessary discovery engine for full exploration of the Universe. JWST and other upcoming major space- and ground-based facilities are expected to greatly expand science frontiers in the coming decades. is presents both a great opportunity and a challenge for a next-generation X-ray observatory. In many areas, such as tracing black holes during the CosmicDawn and understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies, an X-ray observatory is the logical next step. e challenge is that the X-ray science at these new frontiers requires expansion of capabilities by orders of magnitude beyond the current state of the art or anything already planned. Until recently, such gains were not technologically possible. is has changed thanks to recent breakthroughs and sustained maturation of key technologies for X-ray mirrors and detectors. We are reaping the fruits of U.S. investments in these areas over the past 10–15 years. An X-ray observatory that can extend the science frontiers of the post-JWST era is now entirely feasible. Lynx is the mission concept that realizes this vision. It will y revolutionary optics and instrumentation onboard a simple, proven spacecraft. In all aspects, Lynx will be a next-generation Great Observatory that is certain to make a profound impact across the astrophysical landscape. It will provide the depth and breadth to answer the fundamental questions that confront us today; just as importantly, it will have capabilities to address questions we have yet to even ask.
Worry impairs the problem-solving process: Results from an experimental study.

Abstract Introduction Many individuals believe that worry helps solve real-life problems. Some researchers also purport that nonpathological worry can aid problem solving. However, this is in contrast to evidence that worry impairs cognitive functioning. Objective This was the first study to empirically test the effects of a laboratory-based worry induction on problem-solving abilities. Procedure Both high (n = 96) and low (n = 89) trait worriers described a current problem in their lives. They were then randomly assigned to contemplate their problem in a worrisome (n = 60) or objective (n = 63) manner or to engage in a diaphragmatic breathing task (n = 62). All participants subsequently generated solutions and then selected their most effective solution. Next, they rated their confidence in the solution's effectiveness, their likelihood to implement the solution, and their current anxiety/worry. Experimenters uninformed of condition also rated solution effectiveness. Results The worry induction led to lower reported confidence in solutions for high trait worry participants, and lower experimenter-rated effectiveness of solutions for all participants, relative to objective thinking. Further, state worry predicted less reported intention to implement solutions, while controlling for trait worry. Finally, worrying about the problem led to more elevated worry and anxiety after solving the problem compared to the other two conditions. Conclusions Overall, the worry induction impaired problem solving on multiple levels, and this was true for both high and low trait worriers.
Link among array non-uniformity, threshold voltage, and subthreshold swing degradation in aligned array carbon nanotube field effect transistors

Threshold voltage variation is a problem in field effect transistors (FETs) fabricated from arrays of aligned semiconducting carbon nanotubes. Moreover, the subthreshold swing of FETs fabricated from arrays of nanotubes is often several times larger than the subthreshold swing of FETs fabricated from a single nanotube or nanotube bundle. Here, we experimentally quantify the impact of nanotube bundling and array non-uniformity on threshold voltage variation and subthreshold swing degradation in arrays of aligned semiconducting nanotubes deposited by floating evaporative self-assembly. The height (and, therefore, degree of bundling) and array morphology of more than one hundred back-gated FETs (with the nanotube channel exposed) are mapped via atomic force microscopy. Both threshold voltage and subthreshold swing significantly increase as the degree of bundling increases—showing a clear link between the physical characteristics of an array and electrical properties. Modeling shows that much of the subthreshold swing degradation in arrays can be attributed to the bundling–threshold voltage link, in which polydispersity in bundle size within an array causes a bundle-by-bundle shift in threshold voltage and a gradual turn-on of the FET. Increased off-current also plays a role in increasing the sub-threshold swing. These findings highlight the importance of synthesizing and assembling arrays of aligned nanotubes that are highly ordered, with uniform and repeatable morphology.
Abstract PO041: Hyaluronan processing and function in the progression of breast cancer

Hyaluronan (HA) is a large, soluble, glycosaminoglycan of the extracellular matrix that has anti-inflammatory effects under physiologic conditions. However, HA is cleaved into low molecular weight (LMW) fragments under conditions of cellular or organismal stress, acting as a molecular “switch” that promotes inflammation. In breast cancer, a decrease in HA synthesis has been correlated with decreased tumor cell proliferation and migration. However, the roles of HA fragmentation in the progression of breast cancer are unknown. We predict that HA fragmentation increases during this transition, promoting inflammation through LMW HA-CD44 interactions. To test our hypothesis, the presence/absence of HA fragmentation was determined using gel electrophoresis in breast cancer cell lines. Additionally, qRT-PCR was performed to examine gene expression of the three major hyaluronan synthases (Has) 1-3 and the three major hyaluronidases (Hyal) 1, 2, and PH-20. Our data suggest as a cancerous lesion progresses, HMW HA production increases (primarily through Has2), but HA fragmentation does not occur until the tumor acquires a more aggressive phenotype (primarily through Hyal1). Following characterization of HA fragmentation and machinery within our system, we found changes in inflammatory cytokines (such as CCL2) as downstream effects of CD44 and HA synthesis inhibition. We have currently knocked out CD44 in two breast cancer cell lines using the CRISPR/Cas9 method to determine the functional relationship between CD44 and HA using an in vivo mouse model. By targeting HA-CD44 signaling associated with inflammation, new therapeutic approaches can be developed for the treatment of breast cancer. Citation Format: Patrice M. Witschen, Thomas S. Chaffee, Nicholas J. Brady, Todd P. Knutson, Rebecca S. LaRue, Sarah Munro, Lyubov Tiegs, James B. McCarthy, Andrew C. Nelson, Kathryn L. Schwertfeger. Hyaluronan processing and function in the progression of breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on the Evolving Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression: Mechanisms and Emerging Therapeutic Opportunities; in association with the Tumor Microenvironment (TME) Working Group; 2021 Jan 11-12. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(5 Suppl):Abstract nr PO041.
Brain Disposition of Antibody-Based Therapeutics: Dogma, Approaches and Perspectives

Due to their high specificity, monoclonal antibodies have been widely investigated for their application in drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) for the treatment of neurological diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. Research in the past few decades has revealed that one of the biggest challenges in the development of antibodies for drug delivery to the CNS is the presence of blood–brain barrier (BBB), which acts to restrict drug delivery and contributes to the limited uptake (0.1–0.2% of injected dose) of circulating antibodies into the brain. This article reviews the various methods currently used for antibody delivery to the CNS at the preclinical stage of development and the underlying mechanisms of BBB penetration. It also describes efforts to improve or modulate the physicochemical and biochemical properties of antibodies (e.g., charge, Fc receptor binding affinity, and target affinity), to adapt their pharmacokinetics (PK), and to influence their distribution and disposition into the brain. Finally, a distinction is made between approaches that seek to modify BBB permeability and those that use a physiological approach or antibody engineering to increase uptake in the CNS. Although there are currently inherent difficulties in developing safe and efficacious antibodies that will cross the BBB, the future prospects of brain-targeted delivery of antibody-based agents are believed to be excellent.
Plato’s dialogues to enhance learning and inquiry: exploring Socrates’ use of protreptic for student engagement: By Mason Marshall. Pp 234. London: Routledge. 2021. £120 (hbk), £25.89 (ebk). ISBN 9780367636326 (hbk), ISBN 9781003120025 (ebk).

In his book, Reading Plato’s Dialogues to Enhance Learning and Inquiry: Exploring Socrates’ Use of Protreptic for Student Engagement, Mason Marshall argues that educators and scholars have somethin...
Hybrid carbon nanotube - carbon fiber composites for high damping

Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are known to increase damping in continuous fiber reinforced polymer composites without a loss of stiffness, which is important for designing materials for vibration- and weight-sensitive aircraft structures. The purpose of the current investigation is to explore new types of hybrid CNT - carbon/epoxy composites tailored for high damping and stiffness. Initially, different CNT surfactant treatments, orientations, and concentrations were evaluated. Based on this comparison, the material system with the best performance was identified and the dynamic behavior of this system was further investigated using a [0/±45]s laminate subjected to different cyclic strain excursions and different temperatures. It is shown that a 10% volumetric concentration of highly aligned CNT yarns treated with a non-ionic surfactant, located at the interlayers and oriented along the loading direction, provides superior damping and stiffness characteristics. Damping increased monotonically with increasing cyclic strain amplitude, but was nearly insensitive to the mean strain. For a tensile strain amplitude of ~3000 μe, the loss factor, loss modulus, and storage modulus of a hybrid [0/±45]s laminate increased by 454%, 529%, and 14%, respectively, due to the addition of CNT yarns. Sensitivity of the dynamic properties to elevated temperatures was slightly increased in the hybrid laminate due to the surfactant, although the room temperature tensile strength was nearly unchanged in comparison to the baseline laminate.
Flow-through electrochemical immunoassay for targeted bacteria detection

Abstract This study describes a new electrochemical immunoassay for targeted detection of bacteria that can support a new generation of portable bacteria biosensors for field use. The new assay uses a flow-through detection cell that is composed of a syringe filter holder and a filtration membrane. All the steps of the immunoassay are performed inside the flow-through detection cell except for the electrochemical detection step that is performed onto a screen-printed electrode. Disposable syringes are used to add the sample and the reagents of the assay into the flow-through detection cell. On contrary to other assays, that typically analyze less than 0.5 mL of sample, the proposed assay can analyze much higher sample volumes (theoretically any sample volume). In this study 10 mL samples were analyzed. As a proof-of-concept, a flow-through electrochemical immunoassay for the detection of E. coli ORN 178 was developed and tested into the analysis of water and apple juice samples spiked with bacteria. The assay was able to detect bacteria in concentration levels down to 50 CFU/mL in about 2 h. The performance of the assay in terms of accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and selectivity were tested and found satisfactory.
Field-Obtained Soil Water Characteristic Curves and Hydraulic Conductivity Functions

AbstractA test program consisting of two field-scale compacted clay liners (test pads) is conducted to evaluate field-obtained soil water characteristic curves (SWCCs) and hydraulic conductivity fu...
The Gaia Commission: Climate Change and Moral Responsibility

Cette courte histoire se deroule dans le futur. Francis, un professeur de bioethique a la retraite, doit comparaitre devant la Commission Gaia pour tenir compte de ses emissions de carbone. Parce que celles-ci ont contribue aux changements climatiques, qui ont porte atteinte a certaines personnes et detruit des ecosystemes, il est accuse d’imprudence, de negligence et d’indifference. Il semble avoir vecu une vie modeste et responsable, sauf pour ce qui est des emissions de carbone qu’il a genere par ses vols de longues distances pour assister a des conferences sur l’ethique et pour donner des presentations. Le narrateur de l’histoire a la tache de defendre Francis devant la Commission Gaia. Il prend donc contact avec lui pour en savoir plus sur l’affaire et pour preparer sa defense. Ensemble, ils examinent le comportement et la pensee de Francis. Ce recit fictif souleve des questions ethiques pour tous ceux qui ont des empreintes de haute teneur en carbone, mais surtout pour ceux d’entre nous qui travaillent dans la bioethique.
New methods for rapid separation and detection of oligosaccharides from glycoproteins

Ion exchange chromatography at high pH with pulsed amperometric detection of the eluted glycans permitted resolution of the eight major components in the mixture of asparagine-linked glycans derived from the single glycosylation site of ovalbumin. The individual glycans were first partially separated according to size, and were characterized by fast atom bombardment-mass spectrometry and specific enzymatic degradation with beta-galactosidase and endoglycosidase H; subnanomolar quantities of all eight components could subsequently be unequivocally identified in the elution diagram. To ascertain that the chromatographic separation of the ovalbumin glycan mixture was not restricted to the asparagine-linked glycans, it was established that the corresponding mixture of reducing oligosaccharides (asparagine removed) or Asn-oligosaccharides blocked at the alpha-amino group with biotin gave very similar resolution of the eight glycans. In the absence of pure reference compounds, the quantification of the differen...
Review Essay: The Limits of Their World

I take a recent monograph on international law, Jack Goldsmith & Eric Posner's "Limits of International Law," as case study in a more general inquiry into the limitations of rational choice and game theoretic accounts of international law. I argue that international law is irreducibly normative in character, and that the task before us is to ensure that it gives expression to the right norms, not to pretend that it gives expression to no norms at all.
Spline Representations in 3-D Vision

Spline representations are widely used in CAGD as well as in computer graphics. Splines are also useful in many computer vision tasks. In particular, in the manufacturing domain it is easier to share data and provide machine perception based services because similar representations are commonly used in both shape design and engineering tools.
Characterizing the nano-structure and defect structure of nano-scaled non-ferrous structural alloys

Abstract The presence and interaction of nanotwins, geometrically necessary dislocations, and grain boundaries play a key role in the mechanical properties of nanostructured crystalline materials. Therefore, it is vital to determine the orientation, width and distance of nanotwins, the angle and axis of grain boundary misorientations as well as the type and the distributions of dislocations in an automatic and statistically meaningful fashion in a relatively large area. In this paper, such details are provided using a transmission electron microscope-based orientation microscopy technique called ASTAR™/precession electron diffraction. The remarkable spatial resolution of this technique (~ 2 nm) enables highly detailed characterization of nanotwins, grain boundaries and the configuration of dislocations. This orientation microscopy technique provides the raw data required for the determination of these parameters. The procedures to post-process the ASTAR™/PED datasets in order to obtain the important (and currently largely hidden) details of nanotwins as well as quantifications of dislocation density distributions are described in this study.
A Micromechanical Model of the Tensile Behavior of Woven Fabric

This work takes a micromechanical approach to fabric tensile modeling. The entire uniaxial tensile stress-strain behavior of the fabric is modeled from the constitutive yarn properties (tensile, bending, flattening, and consolidation behavior) and the original fabric geometry. Techniques for measuring these yarn properties are described. In most cases, there is good agreement between the theoretical and experimental results for several fabrics of differing weave and yarn construction. Modified approaches are suggested for those cases where prediction of fabric stress-strain behavior deviates from the experimental data.
Slow Discontinuous Ventilation in the Namib Dune-sea Ant Camponotus Detritus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

Data on discontinuous ventilation phenomena in Camponotus detritus (Emery), an ant from the hyper-arid Namib Desert, are described and compared to equivalent data from two mesic insects, including Camponotus vicinus (Mayr). Although rate of CO 2 production (V co2 and body size were equivalent in C. detritus and C. vicinus, the ventilation rate of C. detritus was fourfold lower, significantly reducing predicted respiratory water loss rates. Ventilation rate was presumably modulated by V co2 , and low ventilation frequency was maintained in part by significant gas exchange during the fluttering-spiracle phase of the ventilation cycle, which is generally characterized by low rates of respiratory water loss.
Drafting New York Civil-Litigation Documents: Part III - The Complaint

This article, the third in a series, discusses how to draft a civil complaint under New York law.
Part II: Benign liver tumors

Abstract This article discusses the most important benign liver tumors, both in adult and pediatric patients. A pathologic discussion of each neoplasm is included to provide a basis for understanding the radiologic-pathologic correlation that is used throughout the monograph. The benign liver tumors are presented according to their frequency. Therefore, hemangioma, the most common primary benign liver neoplasm, is discussed first, followed by focal nodular hyperplasia, hepatocellular adenoma, and the benign primary pediatric tumors—infantile hemangioendothelioma and mesenchymal hamartoma. Finally, a brief discussion of nodular regenerative hyperplasia and other rare hepatic masses is included. Bile duct cyst (simple, non-parasitic cyst of the liver) is not included since it is not a neoplasm. Likewise, cystadenoma is not discussed since it originates from the biliary duct cell and is appropriately included in the biliary neoplasms category.
Small population size limits reproduction in an invasive grass through both demography and genetics.

Small populations of founding individuals or survivors of incomplete management programs often represent critical transitions in biological invasions. Theory predicts that population size affects reproduction and, consequently, a population’s expansion, but there are few empirical tests, and fewer that account for the reduced genetic diversity that often accompanies small population size. We created experimental small populations of invasive ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) with population size varying independently from genetic diversity. Treatment independence was achieved by cloning plants to increase population size without changing diversity. Plant fitness was measured as the proportion of florets producing a seed. We analyzed the effects of population size, genetic diversity, and their interaction using ANCOVAs, one of which accounted for variation in individual plant growth. As predicted, smaller populations produced significantly lower proportion seed set. Low genetic diversity also reduced seed set, but this was best interpreted as part of a significant interaction with population size. Specifically, the effect of population size on the proportion seed set was over five times larger for populations in the medium genetic diversity treatment than the highest diversity treatment, and 6.7 times larger for populations with the lowest level of diversity. Population size variation had biologically meaningful consequences, as the rate of seed set within the low diversity treatment increased by 80 % with increasing population size. The results indicate that both the demographics and genetics of populations can influence reproduction and invasive potential, and must be considered when assessing risk and designing management plans for invasive plants.
Setting the record straight (again) on severity of penalty: A comment on freedman et al

Freedman, Krismer, MacDonald, and Cunningham (1994) contend that they wish to "set the record straight in terms of the research evidence" (p. 202) that severity of the penalty for a charge does not affect mock jurors' decisions. This conclusion is based on a series of experiments they report which find no effect for penalty severity and on a limited sampling of existing literature. Their report of the demise of penalty severity, however, is premature, owing to their partial (in both senses of the word) reading of the literature and the empirical weakness of arguing from their null results. This comment is intended to enhance their goal to "set the record straight." We will first examine their empirical evidence. Detailed examination is not necessary; it suffices to say that their series of experiments supports the null hypothesis that severity of penalty, when separated from seriousness of the charge, did not affect mock juror decisions. I do not quarrel with the premise of Freedman et al.'s article, which is to assure that penalty and charge are unconfounded. However, the frailties of arguing from the null are well known to scientists and, indeed, are acknowledged in their article. We should not be misled by the sheer number of experiments that were conducted by Freedman et al. to conclude that many demonstrations of the null are impressive. The experiments differ little from one another. They do not systematically vary (or assess, for that matter) factors that should conceivably moderate penalty effects such as the amount, strength, probativeness, and guilt appearance of the evidence. Most notably, they do not address the consequences of conviction for the defendant or society, a factor that is the intrinsic basis of the reasoning that penalty should affect our decisions about another person! Thus, the experiments, in total, do not allow precise conclusions. To set the record straight, one needs to be more pre-
Value Judgments: Testing the Somatic-Marker Hypothesis Using False Physiological Feedback

Damasio’s somatic-marker hypothesis claims that people rely on somatic markers—physiological responses to situations of gain or loss—to make value-relevant decisions, not simply on cool reason. To test this hypothesis, undergraduates were presented with false physiological feedback as they listened to audiotapes describing situations threatening two values, freedom and equality. They were then asked to make decisions that implicated these values. Decisions favored whichever value had received stronger feedback while listening to the value-threatening situations. Feedback did not, however, affect judgments about the relative importance of the values in general; these judgments were apparently based on cognitive retrieval from memory of a stored value hierarchy, which also—and independently— affected the value-related decisions. These results supported the somatic-marker hypothesis.
Solving systems of equations with multi-stage Monte Carlo optimization

Dantzig (1963), Orchard-Hays (1968) and other pioneers have helped to develop linear programming theory and applications. Additionally an elegant solution technique is available for linear systems of equations. However there is a need to be able to solve the general non-linear model and non-linear systems of equations. Multi-stage Monte Carlo optimization along with the absolute value transformations presented here show some promise in solving difficult non-linear problems. They also perform well on many linear problems and tend to streamline the solution process and give the practitioner more freedom to develop accurate non-linear models and systems. The fundamental theorem of linear programming tells us that the optimal solution is at a ‘corner point’ of the n-dimensional constrained solution space. The simplex technique goes along the edges of the constrained region from corner point to corner point until it finds the optimal solution. However, with multistage Monte Carlo for non-linear problems, the s...