cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Performance of the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) Model for Larger Watersheds

The major water quality impairment in the Midwest United States is sediment eroded from agricultural lands. Yet, few understand the spatial and temporal variability of erosion, or soil erosion dynamics, in relation to precipitation, topography, land management and severe events. Long-term measurement of erosion is expensive and not practical. Utilizing process based, distributed models such as WEPP allows an inexpensive and quicker way of predicting spatial and temporal variation in erosion. One key limitation of the WEPP model is the maximum “field” size that the model is applicable to. This paper questions the performance of WEPP model for a 26 km 2 watershed which is 10 times larger than the maximum size (2.6 km 2 ) documented in the literature. WEPP predicted sediment delivery ratio (SDR) values as a function of the drainage area is compared with the values reported in the literature. Although WEPP tends to overestimate the SDR values compared to the reported values, the predicted values follow the overall trend. To further examine the performance of WEPP, the SDR was plotted as a function of the runoff coefficient, defined as the runoff/rainfall ratio. In semi-humid environments such as the focused study site (South Amana Catchment of Clear Creek Watershed, IA) runoff and raindrop impact to erosion may be significant. The WEPP predictions are compared against the statistical relation of SDR vs. runoff coefficient which was developed for watersheds in Iowa. It is shown that WEPP results compare well with the statistical relation which suggests that WEPP might be applicable to larger sized watersheds than documented in the literature.
Measurements of Density and Speed of Sound of JP-10 and a Comparison to Rocket Propellants and Jet Fuels

Densities of the missile fuel JP-10 were measured with two vibrating-tube densimeters. The combined range of the data is from 270 to 470 K, with pressures up to 30 MPa. The speed of sound in the fuel was measured with a propagation time method at ambient pressure from 278.15 to 343.15 K. The results for density and speed of sound at ambient pressure were combined to obtain the adiabatic compressibility. Correlations are reported that represent the temperature and pressure dependence of the experimental density data within their estimated uncertainty. The properties of JP-10 are compared to those of other previously measured jet and rocket fuels.
Effect of Chronic Ethanol Ingestion on Mitochondrial Protein Synthesis in Sinclair(S-l) Miniature Swine

SummaryThe effect of chronic ethanol ingestion on hepatic mitochondrial protein synthesis in miniature swine was investigated. After 3 wk on test, there was no decrease in the rate of amino acid incorporation between livers of control and ethanol consuming pigs. After 6 wk on test, there was a 33% decrease in rate of hepatic mitochondrial membrane protein synthesis in livers of experimental pigs, as compared with controls. When analyzed by SDS-gel electrophoresis, a decrease in labeling of the 40,000 mol wt peak, from both whole membrane protein and proteolipid protein profiles, was observed for livers from ethanol consuming pigs as compared with controls.
Hedonic and utilitarian use of user-generated content on online shopping websites

AbstractThe Internet has made it possible for consumers to share reviews, opinions, and thoughts about products and services on online shopping websites. This user-generated content (UGC), which can be considered to be part of social commerce, is likely to influence other consumers’ attitudes toward a product and subsequent purchase intentions. The purpose of this study was to investigate two major uses of UGC: hedonic and utilitarian, and how they impact purchase intentions, along with users’ trust for different types of comments and reviews. Also investigated are associations between hedonic use, utilitarian use, and trust, with purchase behavior at online shopping websites. Results of this study will add to the domain knowledge related to marketing and how it impacts consumer psychology and behavior. From a practitioner perspective, marketers need to understand the impact of UGC so they can monitor this method of marketing communication as it can impact trust and purchase intentions.
Research on the Technical Route and Industrial Application of Near-Zero Emission of Coal-Fired Power Plants Supplied with Shenhua Coal

Presently,the coal consumption of coal-fired power generation industry accounts for 50%of the total energy consumption in the country,which makes it the major root ol air pollutants.In order to achieve the goal ol near-zero emission for coal-fired power plants and alleviate environmental pollution,in this paper,the necessity of emission reduction and the concept of near-zero emission are introduced.In particular,regarding the characteristics of Shenhua coal,such as low ash,low sulfur,low nitrogen and low mercury contents,the study on coordinated dust removal,efficient dcsnlphurization and low-NO,combustion integrated with SCR denitration is conducted,which formulates the technical route for near-zero emission of coal-fired power plants supplied with Shenhua coal.All the applications demonstrate that this technical route is of great significance for near-zero air pollutant emissions from coal-fired power plants.
A pitch-based spectral enhancement technique for robust speech processing.

This paper presents a new pitch-based spectral enhancement algorithm on voiced frames for speech analysis and noiserobust speech processing. The proposed algorithm determines a time-warping function (TWF) and the speaker’s pitch with high precision, simultaneously. This technique reduces the smearing effect in between harmonics when the fundamental frequency is not constant within the analysis window. To do so, we propose a metric called the harmonic residual which measures the difference between the actual spectrum and the resynthesized spectrum derived from the linear model of speech production with various combinations of TWF and high-precision pitch values as parameters. The TWF and pitch pair that yields the minimum harmonic residual is selected and the enhanced spectrum is obtained accordingly. We show how this new representation can be used for automatic speech recognition by proposing a robust spectral representation derived from harmonic amplitude interpolation.
Coherent mid-infrared frequency combs in silicon-microresonators in the presence of Raman effects

We demonstrate the first low-noise mid-IR frequency comb source using a silicon microresonator. Our observation of strong Raman scattering lines in the generated comb suggests that interplay between Raman and four-wave mixing plays a role in the generated low-noise state. In addition, we characterize, the intracavity comb generation dynamics using an integrated PIN diode, which takes advantage of the inherent three-photon absorption process in silicon.
Lifetime care needs of individuals with multiple sclerosis.

(1998). Lifetime Care Needs of Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine: Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 121-123.
“Blacks Vs. Whites Decision Criteria: A Reevaluation”

The study’s findings reveal that there are very few significant differences as to purchase criteria for convenience goods prototype, shopping goods prototype, and by brand. Also there are very few significant differences as to patronage criteria for stores (e.g., department, discount, or food) between blacks and whites based on the selected socio-economic variables of age, income levels, and educational levels.
Steroid Receptors in Breast, Uterine, and Ovarian Malignancy

That certain human cancers might be hormone dependent was suggested in 1836, when Cooper reported a correlation between breast cancer growth and the menstrual cycle.1 The first report of surgical endocrine ablation for breast cancer came in 1896, when Sir George Beatson2 showed that oophorectomy in premenopausal women could effect regression of widespread breast cancer. These observations, predating the establishment of the discipline of endocrinology, lay dormant until after the major efforts to isolate and identify steroid hormones that led to studies demonstrating the effectiveness of hormone therapy for breast cancer with either estrogens3 or androgens.4 Since breast cancer occurs most frequently in postmenopausal women, the major impetus to endocrine therapy for breast cancer followed the important demonstration by Huggins and Bergenstal5 that adrenalectomy in postmenopausal patients with metastatic breast cancer could effect a striking remission. Subsequently, hypo- physectomy was also shown to effect remission of metastatic breast cancer.6,7
Genetic testing improves identification of transthyretin amyloid (ATTR) subtype in cardiac amyloidosis.

AbstractAmyloidosis is a group of conditions characterized by the accumulation of amyloid deposits in various tissues. Among these disorders, ATTR amyloidosis occurs either with or without a TTR pathogenic variant. Treatment for amyloidosis depends on the subtype, which is often identified through a tissue biopsy followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Genetic testing may be done to confirm these results for patients with ATTR amyloidosis; however, the necessity of genetic testing after LC–MS/MS has not been evaluated. A retrospective review identified 153 patients diagnosed with biopsy-proven ATTR amyloidosis, and 56 of these patients underwent both genetic testing and LC–MS/MS. LC–MS/MS and proteomics correctly reported the mutant peptide and heterozygosity in 47/56 (84%) cases. It failed to identify two individuals who were homozygous for the ATTRV122I mutation and failed to detect the following mutations in six other individuals: ATTRA19D, ATTRF44L, ATTRT60A, ATTRI68L an...
Design and development of the first exoskeletal garment to enhance arm mobility for children with movement impairments

Children with a variety of diagnoses have impairments that limit their arm function. Despite the fact that arm function is important for early learning and activities of daily living, there are few tools to assist movement for these children, and existing devices have challenges related to cost, accessibility, comfort, and aesthetics. In this article, we describe the design process and development of the first garment-based exoskeleton to assist arm movement in young children with movement impairments: the Playskin LiftTM. We outline our design process, which contrasts with the traditional medical model in that it is interdisciplinary, user-centered, and addresses the broad needs of users, rather than device function alone. Then we report the results of field-testing with the initial prototype with respect to our design metrics on a toddler with significant bilateral arm movement impairments. Finally, we summarize our ongoing development aimed at increasing comfort, aesthetics, and accessibility of the garment. The interdisciplinary, user-centered approach to assistive technology design presented here can result in innovative and impactful design solutions that translate to the real world.
Response and fatigue assessment of high speed aluminium hulls using short-term wireless hull monitoring

AbstractThis paper proposes a wireless hull monitoring system that is quick to install as a short-term monitoring solution. Hull measurements have the potential to increase the accuracy of ship response predictions at a lower cost than computer simulation or towing tank models. The performance of the wireless monitoring system is validated on the all-aluminium United States Coast Guard Response Boat-Medium. The system is designed to measure ship motions and hull strain responses during high-speed operations and in harsh weather conditions. An analytical framework is developed to extract sea states from inertial measurements recorded at the ship centre-of-gravity and in a bow compartment. To assess the fatigue life of the hull during harsh weather operations, response amplitude operators (RAOs) are empirically derived to map sea states to root mean square accelerations and strain cycles measured from a high-stress hull element. A RAO that maps sea state to consumed fatigue in the hull, so termed a consumed...
On the bias factor for irradiation-induced swelling in metals☆

A simple analog to the SIPA (stress-induced preferential absorption) model for radiation creep is presented. New and interesting results are demonstrated for estimating the preferential absorption of interstitials at dislocations leaving a net vacancy current to voids and producing the well-known void swelling effect. (FS)
Congenital and Miscellaneous Abnormalities

Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is a rare condition characterized by communication between the tracheobronchial and biliary ductal systems. When BBF occurs, it typically is associated with trauma, cancer, or liver infection, although congenital BBF has been described. Cast, or plastic, bronchitis is a potentially fatal disorder seen relatively rarely in children. It derives its name from mucoid material which forms within the tracheobronchial tree in the form of a branching tubular cast of the airway. It characteristically has a rubbery consistency. These may be expectorated piecemeal or removed at bronchoscopy as extensive casts of the airway. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) describes an inborn defect in the diaphragm that allows protrusion of abdominal fat and/or viscera through the opening into the thoracic cavity. The cause of this defect is not fully understood and likely is multifactorial. Patients with diaphragmatic hernias suffer from severe, often lethal, pulmonary hypoplasia. In addition to the startlingly high mortality despite medical advances, short- and long-term morbidity is significant. Primary hepatopulmonary fusion is an extremely rare condition in patients with a right-sided CDH, in which there is a fusion between the right lung and the herniated liver parenchyma through a defect in the diaphragm. There may be varying degrees of pulmonary hypoplasia associated with this condition.
Characterization of rat testicular alcohol dehydrogenase.

A protein from rat testes that catalyzes the oxidation of ethanol in the presence of NAD+, but not NADP+, has been characterized enzymatically and compared to that of hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase obtained from the same animals. The testicular enzyme, like the hepatic enzyme, has a K m value for ethanol in the 0.5–1.0-mM range and can utilize other alcohols such as n -propanol, n -butanol, and isobutanol, although the K m values for these other alcohols are considerably lower (0.03–0.08 mM) that that for ethanol. The testicular enzyme is more heat-labile than is the hepatic enzyme. Finally, the testicular enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of retinol and its retinol dehydrogenase activity is inhibited by ethanol.
Identification and characterization of Cap1, the adenylate cyclase-associated protein (CAP) ortholog in Ustilago maydis

Ustilago maydis, the causal agent of corn smut, has emerged as a basidiomycete model system for signal transduction, dimorphism, and disease development. The well-characterized cAMP/PKA signaling pathway mediates filamentation in response to environmental cues, and in the absence of the cAMP signal, haploid cells grow filamentously. Prior to this report, the G-protein alpha and beta subunits, Gpa3 and Bpp1, respectively, were demonstrated to function upstream of adenylate cyclase, Uac1. In other fungal systems, adenylate cyclase is also positively regulated by the adenylate cyclase-associated protein (CAP). A CAP ortholog, Cap1, was identified by sequence homology in the U. maydis genome. Yeast 2-hybrid analysis indicated that Cap1 bound itself and the C-terminus of Uac1. Deletion of cap1 resulted in abnormal colony formation with filamentous cells that reverted to budding in the presence of exogenous cAMP. The Δcap1 strains had a reduced ability to form mating filaments compared to wild type strains. Pathogenicity was significantly reduced in Δcap1 strains in wild type and solopathogenic genetic backgrounds. These results suggest that Cap1 is an additional component of the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway that coordinates production of cAMP upstream of Uac1.
Comparative Analysis of Noninvasively Monitored Biosignals for Affective Assessment of a Computer User

Future human-computer interactions could be enhanced by enabling the computer to detect the user’s emotional states (e.g. stress), and adjust its interaction behavior appropriately. We are attempting this affective recognition task through the processing of a variety of biosignals measured noninvasively from the computer user, such as the Pupil Diameter (PD), the Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), the Blood Volume Pulse (BVP), etc. In this study, we compare the innovative processing of PD signals for affective sensing using an Adaptive Interference Canceller (AIC), with the H∞ time-varying (HITV) adaptive algorithm to the processing of signals traditionally used for this purpose (GSR and BVP). The comparison is made in the framework of an experiment that elicits mild levels of mental stress in the experimental subjects during controlled segments by inclusion of incongruent Stroop word presentations. The GSR signal is monitored by means of surface skin electrodes attached to two fingertips and the BVP is measured through an infrared reflectance photoplethysmograph placed in a third fingertip of the left hand of the subject. Both these analog signals are digitized simultaneously with the PD signal which is obtained directly as a digital sequence from an eye gaze tracking apparatus. In total, 10 feature signals were extracted from the monitored and processed biosignals. The discriminating power of these 10 features is compared through their Receiver Operating Characteristic curves.
Monitoring and Forecasting Drought on a Regional Scale: Emilia-Romagna Region

This chapter presents an overview of the occurrences and effects of droughts through a study of the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) in the Emilia-Romagna region, which is located in the northern-central part of the Italian peninsula. The link between this index and large-scale atmospheric circulation was investigated and the SPI index was also used to predict drought. The study describes the development of a method of forecasting SPI index based on an earlier Interregional project (SEDEMED), involving a statistical downscaling scheme model using as input the large-scale seasonal forecasts obtained from Atmospheric Global Circulation Models. The downscaling scheme, which has already been used with relatively good results to predict surface parameters of temperature and precipitation, is applied to the SPI index, providing a statistical regionalization of this indicator
Impact of food security on glycemic control among low-income primarily Hispanic/Latino children in Los Angeles, California: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACTStudies examining the impact of food insecurity on metabolic markers are limited, specifically in Hispanic youth. This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 218 third–fifth-grade students...
Guided ion beam and theoretical study of the reactions of Hf+ with H2, D2, and HD

The kinetic energy dependences of reactions of the third-row transition metal cation Hf+ with H2, D2, and HD were determined using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer. A flow tube ion source produces Hf+ in its D2 (6s25d1) electronic ground state level. Corresponding state-specific reaction cross sections are obtained. The kinetic energy dependences of the cross sections for the endothermic formation of HfH+ and HfD+ are analyzed to give a 0 K bond dissociation energy of D0(Hf+–H)=2.11±0.08 eV. Quantum chemical calculations at several levels of theory performed here generally overestimate the experimental bond energy but results obtained using the Becke-half-and-half-LYP functional show good agreement. Theory also provides the electronic structures of these species and the reactive potential energy surfaces. Results from the reactions with HD provide insight into the reaction mechanisms and indicates that Hf+ reacts via a statistical mechanism. We also compare this third-row transition metal system...
Association 'Between Gabapentinoids on the Day of Colorectal Surgery and Adverse Postoperative Respiratory Outcomes.

Objective:The aim of this study was to determine the association between gabapentinoids on the day of surgery and adverse postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal surgery in the United States.Background:Gabapentinoids, gabapentin and pregabalin, are recommended in multimodal analgesi
WorldView: Interseções Culturais em Arte Contemporânea

WorldView: Cultural Intersections in Contemporary Art is an art education program that allows K-12 students to engage in global cultural learning through arts learning. Each year, WorldView examines a new theme with social impact around the globe, and inserts experience with work by a contemporary artist and study as a way for learners to access and explore both pertinent global issues and topical contemporary art. Through WorldView , learners and educators engage creatively with a different social issue each year. This article will examine the program’s methods and practice, featuring WorldView: Brazil , a programmatic collaboration within the Wexner Center for the Arts. The WorldView: Brazil program incorporated Brazilian visual arts and film by centering on Cruzamentos: Contemporary Art in Brazil (exhibition), Domestica (film by Gabriel Mascaro), and Wasteland (film by Lucy Walker). The program created a layered learning experience with art, culture, identity, social studies, and humanities.
Gastric ultrasound: deep inspiration for stomach identification and localization.

To the editor, Since gastric ultrasound was introduced into point-of-care testing in the past decade, it has been helpful in evaluating patients’ gastric content and helping anesthesiologists to determine a safe anesthetic management plan. Fasting guidelines have been around for over 100 years.[1
Taxonomy of the 'Afroeudesis group' of glandulariine ant-like stone beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae).

Among the currently recognized 71 extant genera of Glandulariini, Afroeudesis Franz shows an unusual distribution, with strikingly similar species known from South America, west and east Africa, and the sub-Himalayan region of Asia. Morphological studies revealed that several species placed in other genera share with Afroeudesis several unique characters, among others a symmetrical pattern of numerous setae on the frons and vertex, not known in any other Glandulariini. This 'Afroeudesis group' is here recognized to be composed of the Neotropical genera Meridaphes Jaloszynski, Stenichnoconnus Franz and Pseudoraphes Franz, the broadly distributed Afroeudesis, and the Neotropical Bicarinulodes gen. n. The last is proposed for a species previously misplaced in Microscydmus Saulcy & Croissandeau, resulting in Bicarinulodes meridensis (Franz) comb. n. Bicarinulodes is most similar to Afroeudesis, but (among other differences) it lacks the apomorphy that is unique for the latter genus, the raised subtriangular 'platform' on the frons and vertex. Stenichnoconnus minor (Franz), comb. n is proposed for Euconnus minor (Franz), originally published as Venezolanoconnus minor Franz. Stenichnoconnus and Pseudoraphes are redefined and redescribed.
Why Aquinas’s Metaphysics of Gender Is Fundamentally Correct: A Response to John Finley:

In an important article, John Finley suggests a correction to Aquinas’s understanding of gender distinction. Disagreeing with Aquinas, Finley proposes that gender distinction (male and female) stem...
2 Improving the timeliness of care for children with testicular torsion in the pediatric emergency department

Background Early diagnosis and timely surgery are critical to treat children with testicular torsion. Only 33% of patients met the hospital goal of ‘critical diagnosis to operating room time of 60 minutes or less [CDOR60]’ prior to starting the QI project. Objectives The objective of the quality improvement project was to increase the utilization of TWIST score, a validated clinical scoring system from 0% to 80% over 12 months period for children evaluated for testicular torsion, as a means of increasing the number of patients with CDOR60. Methods Deploying the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Model for Improvement, we formulated an aim statement and identified key drivers. Of our interventions, successful implementation of the TWIST score in the emergency department (ED), with a guideline to support earlier notification of urology for high risk patients with testicular pain, was determined to be the highest impact intervention. We educated providers and gave biweekly feedback about guideline adherence, created order panels and documentation tabs in our electronic medical record to encourage documentation. Results Between September 2018 and April 2019, TWIST score documentation improved to >80% and was sustained at that rate for 4 months. After implementation of the guideline, the critical diagnosis to OR time of 60 minutes or less was achieved in 12 out of 16 patients diagnosed with testicular torsion in the ED [75%] compared to our baseline of 33%. Conclusions A quality improvement project to improve the timeliness of care for children with testicular torsion resulted in delivery of expedited surgical care for these patients.
Impact of bed angle and height on intubation success during simulated endotracheal intubation in the ramped position.

Objective The ramped position is often used during endotracheal intubation to improve oxygenation, improve laryngeal views, and reduce airway complications. We sought to compare the impact of ramp angle and bed height on intubation outcomes during simulated endotracheal intubation. Methods We enrolled emergency medicine residents and fourth-year medical students to perform simulated direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation in random order with the mannequin in the following combinations of ramp angles and bed heights; ramp angles of 25° and 45° at bed heights including knee, mid-thigh, umbilicus, xiphoid, and nipple/intermammary fold. Our primary outcome was the reported percentage of glottic opening (POGO) score. Secondary outcomes included number of laryngoscopy attempts and intubation time. Results We enrolled 25 participants. There was no difference in reported POGO scores at 25° between bed heights, but at 45°, the umbilicus bed height had an improved reported POGO score (20; 95% confidence interval [CI] 7-33, P < 0.01) relative to xyphoid. The nipple/inframammary fold height required longer intubation times in seconds (mean difference [MD] 95% CI) at 25°, (MD, 23.9 [4.6-37.6], P < 0.01) and more laryngoscopy attempts at 45° (MD, 0.48 [0.16-0.79], P < 0.01) relative to xyphoid. There was no difference in laryngoscopy attempts and video POGO between 25° and 45° at all bed heights, but reported POGO at the umbilicus position was better at 25° than 45° (12 [1-23], P = 0.03). Conclusion The umbilicus bed height resulted in the highest reported POGO at 45°. Nipple/inframammary fold height resulted in worse intubating conditions.
Does the Development of Donor Specific Antibody after Heart Transplantation Depend on the Presence or Absence of Corticosteroids as Maintenance Therapy

Purpose The development of donor specific antibody (DSA) after heart transplantation has been associated with increased development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Steroid weaning has been popular among heart transplant programs, however, it is not known whether steroid free regimens present an increased risk of the development of DSA. Therefore, we sought to address this question. Methods Between 2010 and 2013 we assessed 229 heart transplantation patients who survived the first year after heart transplantation. Patients were divided into those that were maintained on prednisone (n=120) and those that were weaned off (n=109) at 1-year post-transplant. Subsequent freedom from DSA in the ensuing 5 years was then assessed between these two groups. In addition, we assessed 5-year subsequent outcomes of survival, freedom from CAV, freedom from non-fatal major adverse cardiac events (NF-MACE: myocardial infarction, new congestive heart failure, percutaneous coronary intervention, implantable cardioverter defibrillator/pacemaker implant, stroke), and 1-year freedom from rejection (any treated rejection (ATR), acute cellular rejection (ACR), antibody-mediated rejection (AMR)). Results There were no significant difference between the two groups in subsequent 5-year freedom from DSA, survival, freedom from NF-MACE, and freedom from rejection. Conclusion Weaning of corticosteroids from maintenance after heart transplantation does not appear to increase risk for the development of DSA or other clinical longer-term outcomes. The ability to wean corticosteroids in individual patients after transplant may represent an immune-privileged state.
Effect of COVID-19 on Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Surgical Volume in the United States.

Abstract Background In an effort to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic and preserve essential health care resources, starting in mid-March 2020, surgeons have been instructed to only perform essential surgical procedures. The vast majority of hip and knee arthroplasty surgery does not meet the definition of essential surgery. This study estimated the number of arthroplasty procedures that would be canceled because of these important restrictions. Methods The US hip and knee arthroplasty procedure volume projections for 2020 were estimated from four recently published studies. Data from the American Joint Replacement Registry were utilized to determine what percentage of these cases would be considered nonessential surgery. Monthly and weekly estimates of nonessential hip and knee arthroplasty procedures that would have occurred had there not been any restrictions due to COVID-19 were calculated. Results After excluding essential procedures, it was estimated that approximately 30,000 primary and 3000 revision hip and knee arthroplasty procedures will be canceled each week while COVID-19 restrictions regarding nonessential surgery are in place. If only 50% of nonessential cases were actually canceled across the United States, that would still result in the cancellation of 15,001 primary and 1435 revision hip and knee arthroplasty procedures per week while restrictions are in place. Conclusion This study highlights the profound impact COVID-19 is having on our current hip and knee arthroplasty volume. The large number of cases canceled because of COVID-19 translates into major financial losses for health care institutions and may have a profound impact on our patients.
Gut Resident Lactobacilli Activate Hepatic Nrf2 and Protect Against Oxidative Liver Injury

The gut microbiome is a dynamic community of microorganisms within the intestinal lumen. Many studies have suggested a role for gut-resident microbes in modulating host health, however the mechanisms by which these communities impact systemic physiology remain largely unknown. In this study, metabolomic and transcriptional profiling of germ-free and conventionalized mouse liver revealed an upregulation of the Nrf2 antioxidant and xenobiotic response in microbiome-replete animals. Using a Drosophila-based screening assay, we identified members of the genus Lactobacillus capable of stimulating Nrf2. Indeed, in both flies and mice, the human commensal Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) potently activated Nrf2 in the fat body and liver, respectively, and protected against acetaminophen hepatotoxicity. MS/MS characterization of the portal circulation of LGG-treated mice identified a small molecule activator of Nrf2, 5-methoxyindoleacetic acid (5-MIAA), produced by LGG. Taken together, these data demonstrate a mechanism by which intestinal microbes modulate hepatic homeostasis and susceptibility to oxidative injury.
Experimental investigation of low-profile heat pipe with wickless wettability-patterned condenser

Heat pipe heat spreaders are metal-wick based cooling devices which circulate a phase-changing liquid to transfer heat more efficiently than solid-metal heat sinks. Although metal wicks are excellent fluid transporters, they also have capillary limitations because of their high pressure drop. On the other hand, wettability-patterned surfaces do not face these limitations and as shown in this work, could be a viable substitute for metal wicks in heat pipes. The use of wettability-patterned surfaces facilitates the efficient transport of condensate and improves heat transfer from the hot (evaporator) to the cold (condenser) side of the device. In this study, a flat heat pipe of 10 cm operating length, with copper-wick evaporator and wickless wettability-patterned condenser is assembled and tested. Although in traditional heat pipes a fully wick-lined device is of interest, in this apparatus, the condensate’s size and type are being controlled via spatially designed superhydrophilic/hydrophobic juxtaposed areas to regulate both Dropwise Condensation (DwC) and Filmwise Condensation (FwC) towards enhancing the heat transfer capability while reducing the thermal resistance of the device. In this design, low-capillary pressure domains are designated to collect the condensate and return it back (via wick) to the evaporator’s wick. Variable-porosity copper wicks are incorporated on the heater and the rest of the heat pipe to facilitate liquid transport from the cold to the hot side. Two charging loads are examined with the best performance achieved for a thermal resistance 0.16 K/W at 105 W. In addition, a heat pipe with a uniform hydrophilic condenser was fabricated and compared to the wettability-patterned featured heat pipes.
Incorporation of chlorine-36 into ochratoxin A.

Abstract Incubation of Aspergillus ochraceus NRRL 3174 in a medium containing Na36Cl incorporated 36Cl into ochratoxin A. The highest incorporation (0.75 and 0.70%, respectively) was obtained when the radioactive chloride was added to the medium by the 2nd or 3rd day of incubation.
Expressed Attitudes of Various Groups of Athletes toward Athletic Competition

Abstract A competitive attitude scale of 22 items was designed for the purpose of revealing to what degree various sports groups subscribed to the “win-at-any-cost” philosophy of athletics. The scale was administered to 228 athletes participating in six varsity sports at three types of schools. The data revealed no differences in the expressed attitudes among athletes categorized by sports or among athletes categorized by the type of school attended. An analysis of the results of this study suggest that outcomes in sportsmanlike behavior may vary under different leadership and environment and that future studies in this area should be designed to study these variables.
An Adaptive-Learning Distributed File System

In order to support very high storage utilizing untrusted peers located throughout the Internet, an adaptive-learning peer-to-peer distributed file system has been design and implemented. By moving the file system out of the laboratory environment, we are able to provide users with a virtually unlimited storage space. To support utilization of nodes beyond a local network, trusted nodes across the Internet need to be used with characteristics along the lines of scalability, availability and becoming profitable if the services are available to paid customers.
Cross-Border Injunctions in U.S. Patent Cases and Their Enforcement Abroad

In surveying recent literature on difficulties with cross-border injunctions in patent cases, one may conclude that the problem appears to be limited to the phenomenon of pan-European injunctions granted by some courts in Europe in cases concerning infringements of foreign patents. However, even in cases concerning domestic patents, injunctions reaching beyond national borders can be issued; the empirical evidence presented in the paper demonstrates a variety of such instances in U.S. patent cases. Certainly the existence of such injunctions in the U.S. raises concerns about their enforceability in other countries, particularly when they are issued against a foreign entity that has no assets in the U.S.; in such cases the assistance of foreign courts may be necessary to assure enforcement of the U.S.-issued injunctions. The paper discusses various methods of enforcement of these injunctions abroad and outlines the difficulties that parties are likely to encounter when trying to enforce such remedies outside the U.S.
Broad Range of Neural Dynamics From a Time-Varying FitzHugh–Nagumo Model and its Spiking Threshold Estimation

We study the use of the FitzHugh-Nagumo (FHN) model for capturing neural spiking. The FHN model is a widely used approximation of the Hodgkin-Huxley model that has significant limitations. In particular, it cannot produce the key spiking behavior of bursting. We illustrate that by allowing time-varying parameters for the FHN model, these limitations can be overcome while retaining its low-order complexity. This extension has applications in modeling neural spiking behaviors in the thalamus and the respiratory center. We demonstrate the use of the FHN model from an estimation perspective by presenting a novel parameter estimation method that exploits its multiple time-scale properties, and compare the performance of this method with the extended Kalman filter in several illustrative examples. We demonstrate that the dynamics of the spiking threshold can be recovered even in the absence of complete specifications for the system.
Purification and properties of two forms of hepatic phenylalanine: Pyruvate transaminase from glucagon treated rats

Abstract Two forms of phenylalanine:pyruvate transaminase (EC 2.6.1. aminotransferases, the exact EC number has not been assigned) termed A and B were obtained from the liver supernatant fraction of glucagon-treated rats by DEAE-Sephadex A-50 column chromatography. Each of the two forms was further purified by hydroxylapatite, Sephadex G-100 chromatography, and preparative gel electrophoresis. Both the A and B forms have been purified to homogeneity as judged by analytical and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Moreover, histidine was found to be a competitive inhibitor of phenylalanine with both purified proteins. These findings conclusively support the view that phenylalanine:pyruvate transaminase and histidine:pyruvate transaminase reactions are catalyzed by the same protein. The overall purification was 710-fold for the A form and 1200-fold for the B form. The apparent molecular weight for both A and B are 74,000 ±6000 as determined by gel filtration. Sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis revealed that the A form has two identical subunits of molecular weight 42,000, whereas the B form has two nonidentical subunits of molecular weight 42,000 and 44,000. The amino acid composition for the A and B forms of the enzyme are different. The major differences are in glycine, alanine and leucine. The isoelectric point for A was 7.8 and for B was 7.3. However, the A and B forms of the enzyme are of immunological identity. The substrate specificity determined for both the A and B form was phenylalanine >asparagine >alanine >leucine >histidine. The Km for phenylalanine was 7.70 m m for the A form, 6.00 m m for the B form. For histidine, the Km was 13.70 m m for the A form, 12.50 m m for the B form.
Antifolate resistance due to new and known Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase mutations expressed in yeast.

Abstract Two new dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) mutations were recently discovered in Plasmodium falciparum samples from an area of Bolivia with high rates of in vivo resistance to pyrimethamine–sulfadoxine: a Cys→Arg point mutation in codon 50 and a five amino acid insertion after codon 30, termed the Bolivia repeat. We used a yeast expression system to screen these new DHFR mutants, as well as all of the other known DHFR mutant genotypes, against four antifolates: pyrimethamine, cycloguanil, chlorcycloguanil, and WR99210. The prodrug proguanil was also evaluated. The primary 108-Asn mutation, the known secondary mutations 51-Ile, 59-Arg and 164-Leu, as well as the 50-Arg mutation, all progressively enhanced pyrimethamine resistance in naturally observed combinations with one another, with the presence of 164-Leu most significantly increasing resistance. Cycloguanil and chlorcycloguanil resistance were most impacted by 164-Leu and the paired 16-Val/108-Thr. Proguanil had no effect on malaria DHFR. All DHFRs analyzed were sensitive to WR99210. The Bolivia repeat did not markedly affect drug sensitivity. We conclude that malaria DHFR can be reliably, rapidly and inexpensively analyzed in yeast for activity against a broad spectrum of antifolates. This system may be useful for initially characterizing newly discovered genotypes before proceeding to P. falciparum transfection; for large-scale geographic surveys of drug resistance; and for screening new antifolates or new antifolate combinations for their effectiveness against a large panel of DHFR mutants.
Impact of non-small cell lung cancer histology on survival predicted from the graded prognostic assessment for patients with brain metastases.

Abstract Introduction The Graded Prognostic Assessment (GPA) provides prognostic classification for patients with brain metastases (BM), based on Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) data. Recent evidence suggests differential response and outcomes to chemotherapy for different non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) histologies. Using a large BM patient database, we assessed the impact of histologic subtypes on survival stratified by the GPA. Methods From an IRB-approved database, we analyzed 780 patients with NSCLC BM treated from 1982 to 2004. GPA classification variables included age, KPS, number of BM, and presence of extracranial disease. Histology was identified for each patient. Median survival time (MST) based on GPA class and histology were calculated using Kaplan–Meier analysis. The log rank test was used to determine statistical differences. Results MST, in months, by histology were: adenocarcinoma (AC) 6.2 (n = 464), large cell (LC) 4.1 (n = 98), squamous (SQ) 4.2 (n = 108) (p = 0.0549). For GPA 3.5–4.0, MSTs did not differ significantly by histology. Differences in MST by histology were noted for GPA 3.0 (p = 0.04), GPA 1.5–2.5 (p = 0.01), and GPA 0–1.0 (p = 0.02). For all patients with brain metastases BM from NSCLC, MSTs by GPA score were: GPA 3.5–4.0, 12.6; GPA 3.0, 10.2; GPA 1.5–2.5, 5.8; and GPA 0–1.0, 2.7. Conclusions Adenocarcinoma showed a statistically significant higher MST than other histologies of NSCLC for patients with GPA 0–3.0. Using histology as a prognostic factor for BM from NSCLC warrants further investigation. Our cohort of NSCLC BM patients validates the GPA, with MST comparable to that of published data.
IMAGING ORTHOPEDIC HARDWARE WITH AN EMPHASIS ON HIP PROSTHESES

This article reviews contemporary evaluation of hip prostheses, emphasizing both the accepted use of conventional radiographs, arthrograms, and scintigraphy, as well as the evolving use of CT and MR imaging in evaluating suspected complications. Developments in CT postprocessing and MR pulse sequence design now allow successful imaging of soft tissues adjacent to hardware components.
Improving accuracy of atrial fibrillation detection in lossy ECG streams

Continuous physiological monitoring is often the best available tool for detecting and treating asymptomatic, intermittent pathologies like Atrial Fibrillation. A particularly effective algorithm is based on the variance of inter-beat intervals. This algorithms relies on the detection of the QRS complex and is thus fairly robust to noise. Unfortunately, we find that the algorithm is very susceptible to lost data and can quickly degrade even when small parts of the ECG stream are missing. For home-based environments with small devices and wireless data transmission, data loss and noise are inevitable and as such an algorithm that is both robust to noise and lost data becomes necessary. In this paper we present a new Atrial Fibrillation detection algorithm that has the above stated desired qualities. We have run the original and the modified algorithms on a collection of patients from the Physionet database exhibiting Atrial Fibrillation. Even with data loss as little as 10% the original algorithm degrades rapidly and its output is only 2-3% similar to the no-loss case. The loss-conscious algorithm continues to provide output that is more than 90% similar to the no-loss case even for data loss rates as high as 30%
Comovements in Stock Prices in the Very Short Run

Abstract Correlations among price changes in common stocks of companies in one industry are found to decrease with the length of the interval for which the price changes are measured. This phenomenon seems to be caused by nonstationarity of security price changes and by the existence of correlations between price changes in the same stock—and in different stocks—in successive periods. Although such correlations are not necessarily inconsistent with market efficiency, the data do reveal the presence of lags of an hour or more in the adjustment of stock prices to information relevant to the industry.
Utility of Specific Characters

PROF. LANKESTER'S lucid statement in NATURE for August 20, shows that a part of his objection to my position is due to my own want of skill in stating clearly what I mean.
Imaging the Interaction of Multibeam/Multimode Ultrasonic Transducers with Manufacturing and Service-Induced Flaws

Type, through-wall dimension (depth), and location are the most important flaw characteristics that need to be determined for the fracture-mechanics evaluation of a flawed component or part. In this paper, the three-step approach to the ultrasonic evaluation of flawed reactor pressure vessel components (i.e., flaw detection, identification, and sizing) are discussed in relation to fatigue cracks, slag inclusions, incomplete fusion flaws, and porosity clusters. The emphasis is on flaw identification (cracks vs. benign flaws) which must take place before estimating the depth of the flaw. The composite pulse patterns obtained with four multibeam/multimode SLIC transducers [1] for two model flaws (a side-milled notch and a side-drilled hole) and two real flaws (fatigue crack and slag inclusion) are imaged in a B-scan format.
Systematics of zeros in dipole matrix elements for photoionizing transitions: Nonrelativistic calculations.

The location of the zeros in dipole matrix elements for photoionizing transitions (Cooper minima) in ground states of atoms has been calculated for all subshells over the entire periodic system. These zeros occur for all subshells whose wave functions have nodes, except the 2s subshell. The behavior of these zeros, as a function of the atomic number Z, has been examined and their ``trajectories'' are rather complicated. The trajectories are explained primarily in terms of initial-state quantum defects and final-state phase shifts. All atoms with Zg10 have at least one zero, and some have as many as five zeros.
Combined dietary chromium picolinate supplementation and an exercise program leads to a reduction of serum cholesterol and insulin in college-aged subjects.

The effects of a 13 week daily chromium picolinate supplementation (1000 μg/day) or placebo in a double blind design were examined using 20 college-aged students of both genders who were participating in a combined aerobic and resistance exercise program. Strength, upper leg/upper arm circumferences, lean body mass, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride, glucose, and insulin levels were examined in these subjects before and after chromium picolinate supplementation with exercise. Exercise alone or coupled with chromium picolinate supplementation did not produce significant changes in strength, lean body mass, HDL, triglyceride, ferritin, or glucose levels. However, chromium picolinate supplementation with exercise did decrease total cholesterol (P < 0.001), LDL (P < 0.002), and insulin (P < 0.02) levels.