cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Analysis of Detection of Hepatitis B Markers in Colostrum of Delivery Woman,Umbilical Blood And Serum in Newborns after Blocking Vertical Transmission

Objective To analyze effect of combined blocking measure at pre-natal and post-natal in blocking vertical transmission of hepatitis B(HBV),through observing the changes of HBV markers,such as HBsAg,anti-HBs,HBeAg,anti-HBe,anti-HBc.Method Venous blood,colostrum and umbilical blood of pregnant women and newborns from 2001 to 2009 were all collected,tested and analyzed for the HBV markers.Results The detection ratio of HBsAg of colostrum in 84 pregnant women with HBsAg(+),anti-HBe(+),anti-HBc(+) was 26.2%.The detection ratio of HBsAg and HBeAg of colostrum in 32 pregnant women with HBsAg(+),HBeAg(+),anti-HBc(+) were 93.8% and 56.3% respectively.The detection ratio of HBsAg of umbilical blood in 39 newborns with HBsAg(+),anti-HBe(+),anti-HBc(+),was 25.6%.The detection ratio of HBsAg and HBeAg of umbilical blood in 18 newborns with HBsAg(+),HBeAg(+),HBcAg(-) were 55.6% and 50.0% respectively.The detection ratio of serum HBeAg and anti-HBsAg in 88 newborns with HBsAg(+),anti-HBe(+),anti-HBc(+) were 1.1% and 60.2%.The detection ratio of serum HBeAg and anti-HBsAg in 88 newborns with HBsAg(+),HBeAg(+),anti-HBc(+) were 18.4% and 52.6%.Conclusion Combined blocking measure at pre-natal and post-natal could significantly block the HBV vertical transmission.
Reflow soldering of circuits on heat sensitive materials

Reflow soldering consists of two basic processing steps. The first step is to assemble the parts to be joined, including the placement of sufficient solder where appropriate to make the interconnections. When soldering circuits to terminals this solder is normally in the form of doughnuts, called solder preforms, which are placed over the terminals. The second step is to provide a thermal heating cycle which will melt or "reflow" the prepositioned solder to join the metallic elements together. If all the parts in the assembly can withstand soldering temperatures, the assembly can be heated to a uniform temperature by convective heating utilizing fluids such as air or polyethylene glycol.
The Biologic and Clinical Significance of Lymphatic Metastases in Breast Cancer

The best treatment approach for the regional lymph nodes in breast cancer patients continues to undergo debate and reassessment. Most patients with invasive breast cancers are currently being treated by axillary dissections, in part because pathologic staging of the axillary nodes is the most important prognostic factor in patients with primary operable breast cancer and helps select patients for systemic therapy. As is discussed in this article, however, many factors are leading surgeons to become increasingly selective in choosing patients for axillary dissection. Emerging technology may soon lead to accurate axillary staging of many patients without full axillary dissection, and it is quite probable that the role of axillary dissection will continue to be redefined during the next few years.
Implementation of a large solar collector for electric charge generation

This paper evaluates use of solar flux concentrator systems with photovoltaic cells, it provides analysis on overall economic feasibility based on cost/benefit considerations. Properties evaluated include launch volume/mass, efficiency once in a functioning configuration and service life. Production time will also be discussed considering research on existing technology to expedite integration. Solar energy is primarily harvested via solar panels. With the utilization of a large mirrored dish, solar energy can be concentrated to maximize the efficiency of photovoltaic systems form a cost/benefit standpoint. The design concepts for these systems include fully rigid, tensioned over frame, and inflatable approaches. The efficiency of such systems will be discussed. Pre-existing systems, such as the photovoltaic blanket arrays on the international space station, will be considered. Areas of consideration include cost/output ratio, the efficiency of the array, and the system’s service life. Prior work on ridged, tensioned, and inflatable mirrored systems will be presented.
Further at MBL

In 1988, a year before Hurricane Hugo devastated many of the houses and downed the ancient hard wood trees in the area, we had purchased “Toti’s” cottage near the El Yunque Rain Forest on the northeast end of Puerto Rico (Fig. 5.1). Fortunately, Hugo’s damage to our cottage was limited to the low-pitched roof above the bedrooms in the rear of the house. The many windows and glass sliding doors in the front, windward side of the storm, were protected by heavy gaged corrugated aluminum shutters.
Area-Specific Crime Prediction Models

The convergence of public data and statistical modeling has created opportunities for public safety officials to prioritize the deployment of scarce resources on the basis of predicted crime patterns. Current crime prediction methods are trained using observed crime and information describing various criminogenic factors. Researchers have favored global models (e.g., of entire cities) due to a lack of observations at finer resolutions (e.g., ZIP codes). These global models and their assumptions are at odds with evidence that the relationship between crime and criminogenic factors is not homogeneous across space. In response to this gap, we present area-specific crime prediction models based on hierarchical and multi-task statistical learning. Our models mitigate sparseness by sharing information across ZIP codes, yet they retain the advantages of localized models in addressing non-homogeneous crime patterns. Out-of-sample testing on real crime data indicates predictive advantages over multiple state-of-the-art global models.
Gemcitabine-cisplatin (GC) plus radical cystectomy-pelvic lymph node dissection (RC-PLND) for patients (pts) with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC): Assessing impacts of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and the PLND.

355 Background: NAC and RC-PLND improves survival in MIBC and GC is a standard NAC option. However, little is known about GC efficacy endpoints and the individual contribution of NAC and surgery. Methods: Pts with clinical T2-T4aN0M0 MIBC treated from 1/2000 to 10/2012 with a planned 4 cycles of GC plus RC-PLND within 90 days (D) of NAC were evaluated retrospectively for the number (#) of cycles, dose delivered, D from end of NAC to RC-PLND, margin status, LN status and # of LN identified. Post-NAC pathologic endpoints included complete response (pT0), residual Non-MIBC disease (pTa/Tis/T1;N0) and ≥MIBC disease (≥pT2N0). Associations with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival were analyzed using Cox regression; non-linear associations with # of resected LN used linear and quadratic terms. Results: 154 pts met inclusion criteria. 5-year (yr) OS was 61% (95% CI 53-71%). Post-NAC pT0 was achieved in 21% (32/154) and Non-MIBC in 25% (39/154 - pTa (2), pTis (25), pT1 (12)). Post-NAC pT0 and Non-MIBC ...
Characterization of zinc stress response in Cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. IU 625.

Abstract The ability of cyanobacteria to survive many environmental stress factors is a testament to their resilience in nature. Of these environmental stress factors, overexposure to zinc is important to study since excessive zinc intake can be a severe hazard. Zinc toxicity in freshwater has been demonstrated to affects organisms such as invertebrates, algae and cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria which possess increased resistance to zinc have been isolated. It is therefore important to elucidate the mechanism of survival and response to determine what factors allow their survival; as well as any remediation implications they may have. To characterize the effects of zinc in freshwater cyanobacteria, we investigated the response of Synechococcus sp. IU 625 (S. IU 625) over 29 days to various concentrations (10, 25, and 50 mg/L) of ZnCl2. S. IU 625 was shown to be tolerant up to 25 mg/L ZnCl2 exposure, with 10 mg/L ZnCl2 having no outward physiological change and 50 mg/L ZnCl2 proving lethal to the cells. To determine a potential mechanism Inductive Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS) and RNA-seq analysis were performed on zinc exposed cells. Analysis performed on days 4 and 7 indicated that response is dose-dependent, with 10 mg/L ZnCl2 exhibiting nearly all zinc extracellular, corresponding with upregulation of cation transport response. Whereas the 25 mg/L ZnCl2 exhibited half of total zinc sequestered by the cells, which corresponds with the upregulation of sequestering proteins such as metallothionein and the downregulation of genes involved with ATP synthesis and phycobilisome assembly. These analyses were combined with growth monitoring, microscopy, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and flow cytometry to present a full spectrum of mechanisms behind zinc response in S. IU 625.
A survey of instructional communication: 15 years of research in review

ABSTRACTSince the founding of instructional communication in the 1970s, scholars have periodically conducted comprehensive reviews of the published body of research to assess the state of the field of study. Despite the importance of such reflections, no comprehensive analysis of the literature has been conducted in over 15 years. To this end, a content analysis was conducted of Communication Education, the flagship journal of instructional communication. Articles published between January 2000 and January 2016 were examined. Results indicate that the research references a wide range of theories, derives most of its data from surveys administered to college students, and predominantly focuses on refining and further exploring previous research topics in new contexts.
Embedding Sustainability: Refreshing First Coffee at Darden

The associate director of the sustainability programs at the Darden School of Business was well aware that much of Darden's solid waste was made up of the disposable cups used for its daily First Coffee event and that somehow First Coffee needed to be refreshed. There had to be a better way to serve coffee and tea to a community of individuals without using disposable cups. Excerpt UVA-ENT-0199 Jun. 18, 2013 EMBEDDING SUSTAINABILITY: REFRESHING FIRST COFFEE AT DARDEN Erika Herz, associate director of the sustainability programs at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, closed her office door behind her. She was on her way to Classroom 150 to meet with Professor Richard Brownlee and second-year student leaders about the upcoming 2013 Business in Society Conference, which was only two months away. As she walked out of the Faculty Office Building, she spotted a candy wrapper on the sidewalk. Placing it in the nearest trash can, Herz observed that the trash can was mostly filled with disposable coffee cups. She peeked into all the other trash cans she saw along the walk to the classroom building. All contained wrappers, paper, food, and even a few bottles and cans, but primarily they contained disposable cups for hot beverages. Herz was well aware that much of Darden's solid waste, which had been greatly reduced in the past five years, was made up of these disposable cups. Seeing them reminded her that somehow First Coffee needed to be refreshed. There had to be a better way to serve coffee and tea to a community of individuals, most of whom were not leaving the premises, without using disposable cups. The idea of changing First Coffee delivery procedures had arisen numerous times in past discussions about Darden's zero waste to landfill goal. But doing so was complicated, particularly because Darden's intent also was to provide the Darden community with a convenient and pleasant morning experience. There were also financial issues to consider, besides the fact that long-standing traditions were difficult to alter. Nevertheless, Herz was convinced it was time for a change. . . .
Novel GSSA modeling and control of high power inverters for modern aircraft electric power systems

Growing complexity and nonlinear structure of modern aircraft electric power systems with extensive nonlinear loading made available state-space averaging models inadequate for accurate analysis and characterization of such systems. In this paper, the Generalized State-Space Averaging (GSSA) model recently developed by the authors is applied for the modeling, control, and characterization of high power inverters in advanced aircraft electric power systems. The proposed GSSA model has been applied to derive the corresponding averaged model of the reduced-order system for the voltage source inverter, while taking into consideration the interaction with the entire aircraft electric power system. An accurate model of the switching function approximations has been derived by developing average duty cycle intervals over several regions of the PWM switching pulses. The first order approximations of the modulated signals are subsequently generated and the inverter's input and output profiles have been captured according to the GSSA model. Moreover, the proposed approximated model can be employed to generate real-time control signals using available hardware. Furthermore, the developed model and the results obtained are presented and discussed.
Biases in attention and memory for body shape images in eating disorders

To investigate attentional and memorial biases towards body shape pictures among female patients with clinical eating disorders and healthy female controls. A visual dot-probe task was used to assess attention towards pictures reflecting either a thin, normal, or obese female body shape. Pictures were presented in pairs; each pair depicted two different body shapes and were presented twice. Participant responses were compared across time and population. Overall, the eating disorder patients responded more slowly than controls, F(1,63) = 20.32, p < .001. Both groups showed an attentional bias towards the larger of two body shapes, F(1,63) = 4.30, p = .04, and responded more quickly the second time they viewed the picture pairs, F(1,63) = 33.80, p < .001. Upon second viewing of picture pairs, the eating disorder patients had a larger decrease in reaction time (86 ms) than the control sample (33 ms) only when both pictures included extreme body shapes (thin and obese); the decrease in reaction time when one of the pictures included a normal body shape was the same across groups upon second viewing (eating disorder: 37 ms; control: 32 ms), F(1,63) = 9.32, p = .003. These findings suggest that individuals with eating disorders may be biased towards recall of dichotomous and/or extreme body shape images. While it remains unclear whether attentional and/or memorial bias is a risk, maintenance, or causal factor in eating disorders, future studies should employ longitudinal, prospective research designs to address these questions. Level II, comparative study.
Intraoperative deformation during laryngoscopy of irradiated and non-irradiated patients

In trans-oral surgeries, large intraoperative deformations limit the surgeons’ use of preoperative images to accurately resect tumors while traditional metal instruments render intraoperative images ineffective. A CT/MR compatible laryngoscopy system was developed previously to allow for the study of these deformations with intraoperative imaging. For this study, we compare the deformation analysis of two patient groups: those who had received prior radiation to the upper aerodigestive tract (irradiated) and those who have not (non-irradiated). We speculate that differences in tissue deformation exist between these two groups due to radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) and that quantifying these distinct deformation patterns will lead to more patient-specific tissue modeling. Thirteen patients undergoing diagnostic laryngoscopy were recruited; five had been irradiated and eight had not. Artifact-free images were obtained and registered. Mandible, hyoid, and tongue region displacements were quantified. For the bony structures, significant differences were observed in certain displacement directions as well as magnitude, with the irradiated patient group experiencing less anatomical shift (non-irradiated vs irradiated: (Mandible) 12.6±3.6mm vs 7.9±2.8mm, p=0.029; (Hyoid) 13.3±3.1mm vs 9.0±1.8mm, p=0.019). For the tongue, average displacements of tongue fiducials were 26.2±11.1mm vs 22.9±8.4mm respectively (p=0.033). The data from this study can serve as ground truth to generate and evaluate upper aerodigestive tract deformation models to predict the intraoperative state and provide guidance to the surgeons.
Takeover defenses: the lay of the land and disputed sign posts

Takeover defenses have long been a topic of considerable interest to scholars of finance and corporate law. Yet the significant amount of attention that researchers have lavished on the topic have produced surprisingly little scholarly consensus. This chapter considers a number of major topics related to takeover defenses, including the importance and effects of poison pills and staggered boards, the causes and consequences of firms' varied levels of takeover defenses, the connection between takeover defenses and corporate myopia, and the implications of empty voting for takeover defense law and policy. In doing so, it provides an overview of some of the major results and ongoing debates in this sphere, some of the works driving those debates, and areas that seem likely to receive increased attention in the future.
Current and Emerging Applications of 3D Printing in Restorative Dentistry

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is an emerging technology in the dental field. As it continues to advance beyond diagnostic purposes, it shifts towards the fabrication of permanent prostheses utilizing existing and novel biomaterials. A review and comparison of the current research on materials, techniques, and applications of 3D printing available for restorative use was conducted. Currently, 3D printing used across the field of restorative dentistry, includes laboratory models and casting patterns, interim full and partial coverage restorations, surgical guides, occlusal splints, maxillofacial prosthetics, removable prostheses, and implants. Resins are most often used while ceramic and hybrid materials are currently under investigation and development. While the current research available highlights 3D printing’s potential in the dental field, more research is needed on the existing and developing materials and printers, thus allowing for an exponential increase of this technology’s applications in restorative dentistry.
Judging a Car by its Cover: Human Factors Implications for Automated Vehicle External Communication

This chapter presents a summary of the 2017 AVS Breakout Session 2.1, Judging a Car by its Cover: Human Factors Implications for Automated Vehicle External Communication. The session was scheduled for four hours with half the time dedicated to presentations from three speakers and half the time for interactive exercises. The three speakers presented on a range of topics which included related research projects across multiple different countries, as well as activities underway exploring the potential value of international standardization. Key points included the importance of communicating vehicle intent, the need for investigating the unintended consequences of deploying new forms of communication, and the need for automated vehicles to be consistent in the design of these new interfaces.
Nephrolithiasis: a consequence of renal epithelial cell exposure to oxalate and calcium oxalate crystals.

Purpose Formation of calcium oxalate (CaOx) kidney stones was investigated using three approaches. Materials and methods Pathogenesis of crystalluria and crystal deposition in the kidneys was examined in vivo by inducing hyperoxaluria in rats. Cultures of LLC-PK1 and MDCK cells were exposed to oxalate (Ox) and CaOx crystals to examine the effect on cells in various sections of the renal tubules. The nucleation potential of various substrates was examined by incubating them in metastable solutions of CaOx. Results Calcium oxalate crystals and nonphysiologic levels of Ox were injurious to renal epithelial cells. To combat these nephrotoxins, renal epithelial cells produce a variety of macromolecules such as bikunin and osteopontin, which are modulators of crystallization and may also be involved in crystal attachment to the cells. Sustained hyperoxaluria in association with CaOx crystals induced apoptosis as well as necrosis. Cellular degradation products induced heterogeneous nucleation of crystals at lower and physiologic levels of oxalate. They also promoted aggregation. Conclusions Crystals begin to form in earlier segments of the nephron with a chance to grow and be retained in the collecting ducts after aggregation with other large crystals. Crystal deposits in the collecting ducts near the papillary surface, when exposed to the renal pelvic urine, become nidi for the development of kidney stones.
The evolutionary neurobiology, emergence and facilitation of empathy

Introduction Mutual aid between and among members of a species may be the most potent force in evolution. This was the position taken by the Russian evolutionists who proposed that greater emphasis be placed on ‘mutual aid’ than on ‘survival of the fittest’ in the struggle for existence (Kropotkin, 1989; Todes, 1989). They noted that those species with the most highly evolved brains having the greatest brain weight and the most complex neocortical development show the greatest social cooperation and are the most sociable. MacLean's (1990) emphasis on integrated brain function in social adaptation is critical to understanding the evolution of empathy. He and his colleagues provide an ethological perspective on the study of empathy in their paleo-ethological and ethological studies of behaviour. Evolutionary steps toward sociability are highlighted in his studies of audiovocal communication and on the effects of brain lesions on behaviour in lizards ( Anolis carolinensis ), rodents and squirrel monkeys. An increase in social behaviour and social responsiveness accompanies the evolutionary transition from reptiles to mammal-like reptiles to early mammals to primates and humans. Preston and de Waal (2002) suggest that in this evolutionary transition there are proximate and ultimate bases for empathy. Proximately, the perception of an object's state activates the individual's corresponding representations, which activate somatic and autonomic responses. They propose a Perception-Action Model (PAM) that along with experience can predict empathetic behaviour or its absence.
Blended Learning in the Visual Communications Classroom: Student Reflections on a Multimedia Course

Advances in digital technology and a rapidly evolving media landscape continue to dramatically change teaching and learning. Among these changes is the emergence of multimedia teaching and learning tools, online degree programs, and hybrid classes that blend traditional and digital content delivery. At the same time, visual communication programs that are traditionally print-centric have had to make room for Web design and multimedia storytelling courses, as well as technical skills development. To add parsimony to these two areas of study, we chronicle how a blended model has been introduced in a required, 100-level visual communication course through a longitudinal study that followed 174 students through two versions of the same course, one that used blended learning strategies and one that participated in a more traditional method of course delivery. In combining an analysis of statements made by the participants in weekly journals (n=13,552) and the data gathered through a survey (n=174), we compared reactions between the two groups. Additionally, qualitative data from the journals was used to fully explicate the reactions students had to the course. This study sheds light on the effectiveness of a blended model in the context of students’ enjoyment, engagement, and perceived learning outcomes. The results revealed that the blended model was in no way different from the traditional course in terms of engagement and attachment. Journal data revealed students in the blended sections were significantly less negative about the course material, personal achievement, technology, and their emotional reactions than their traditional counterparts. Additionally, statements made by students regarding the issue of fear of the course and problems regarding technology substantially faded over the 15-week semester. Our overall findings indicate that students are able to adapt well to the technology and processes that make blended learning different from traditional classroom learning. Implications for pedagogy and future research are discussed.
Conditional Erasure and the Landauer Limit

Quantum-dynamical proofs of dissipation bounds for Landauer erasure are presented, with emphasis on the crucial connection between conditioning in erasure protocols and fundamental limits on erasure costs. Bounds on erasure costs for conditional and unconditional erasure protocols are shown to follow from a very general and ecumenical physical description of Landauer erasure, a straightforward accounting of its energetic cost, refined definitions of what it means for physical system states to bear known and unknown data, and a transparent application of quantum dynamics and entropic inequalities. These results generalize and support the results of Landauer and Bennett for unconditional and conditional erasure, respectively, and do so using a theoretical methodology that sidesteps or otherwise withstands methodological objections that have been leveled against thermodynamic proofs and other theoretical arguments in the literature. The dissipation bounds obtained here coincide with those obtained elsewhere from an even more general approach that is based on a thoroughly physical conception of information and that clearly distinguishes information from entropy. This connection may help to clarify central issues in the debate over Landauer’s Principle, since the more general approach bounds dissipative costs of irreversible information loss in a range of scenarios that are both broader and less idealized than those typically considered in explorations of the Landauer limit.
Predeath Grief, Resourcefulness, and Perceived Stress Among Caregivers of Partners With Young-Onset Dementia

More than 200,000 Americans are currently diagnosed with young-onset dementia (YOD). YOD is dementia diagnosed prior to the age of 65. Most persons of YOD are cared for by their partners. Using the theoretical framework of Resilience Theory, this cross-sectional, correlational study examined the moderating effects of personal and social resourcefulness on the relationship between predeath grief and perceived stress among 104 YOD caregiving partners (life partners/spouses) using an online survey platform. Results indicated a large positive correlation between predeath grief and caregiver perceived stress (r = .65; p < .001). Together predeath grief, personal resourcefulness and social resourcefulness explained 51.5% of the variance in perceived stress. Personal resourcefulness did not moderate the relationship. Social resourcefulness did positively moderate this relationship between predeath grief and perceived stress. These findings allow for a better understanding of the caregiving experience for a partner with YOD and creates opportunities for future research studies.
Control of eNOS and nNOS through regulation of obligatory conformational changes in the reductase catalytic cycle

Endothelial and neuronal nitric oxide synthases (eNOS, nNOS) are important signal generators in a number of processes including angiogenesis and neurotransmission. The homologous inducible isoform (iNOS) occupies a multitude of conformational states in a catalytic cycle, including subnanosecond input and output states and a distribution of open conformations with average lifetimes of ~4.3 ns. In this study, fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy was used to probe conformational states of purified eNOS and nNOS in the presence of chaotropes, calmodulin, NADP+ and NADPH. Two-domain FMN/oxygenase constructs of nNOS were also examined with respect to calmodulin effects. Optical biosensing was used to analyze calmodulin binding in the presence of NADP+ and NADPH. Calmodulin binding induced a shift of the population away from the input and to the open and output states of NOS. NADP+ shifted the population towards the input state. The oxygenase domain, lacking the input state, provided a measure of calmodulin-induced open-output transitions. A mechanism for regulation by calmodulin and an elucidation of the catalytic mechanism are suggested by a conformational lockdown model. Calmodulin speeds transitions between input and open and between open and output states, effectively reducing the conformational manifold, speeding catalysis. Conformational control of catalysis involves reorientation of the FMN binding domain, of which fluorescence lifetime is an indicator. The approach described herein is a new tool for biophysical and structural analysis of NOS enzymes, regulatory events and other homologous reductase-containing enzymes.
Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange Coupled to Top- and Middle-Down Mass Spectrometry Reveals Histone Tail Dynamics before and after Nucleosome Assembly

Summary Until recently, a major limitation of hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) was that resolution of deuterium localization was limited to the length of the peptide generated during proteolysis. However, electron transfer dissociation (ETD) has been shown to preserve deuterium label in the gas phase, enabling better resolution. To date, this technology remains mostly limited to small, already well-characterized proteins. Here, we optimize, expand, and adapt HDX-MS tandem MS (MS/MS) capabilities to accommodate histone and nucleosomal complexes on top-down HDX-MS/MS and middle-down HDX-MS/MS platforms and demonstrate that near site-specific resolution of deuterium localization can be obtained with high reproducibility. We are able to study histone tail dynamics in unprecedented detail, which have evaded analysis by traditional structural biology techniques for decades, revealing important insights into chromatin biology. Together, the results of these studies highlight the versatility, reliability, and reproducibility of ETD-based HDX-MS/MS methodology to interrogate large protein and protein/DNA complexes.
Incidental Findings Are Common with Chest CT and MRI of the Spine and Brain.

The risks of imaging, in addition to radiation exposure, include the identification of incidentalomas, which can lead to patient anxiety, further testing, and overtreatment. There is little research to guide what to do when they pop up on an imaging report (as the famous dodge “clinical correlation needed”).
Glycoconjugates in the Colons of New World Monkeys With Spontaneous Colitis

Abstract A spontaneously occurring experimental model of chronic colitis has been described in three closely related species of New World monkeys. One species, Saguinus oedipus oedipus, has the additional feature of developing adenocarcinoma of the colon in this setting. Pathological and lectin histochemistry studies were undertaken in 50 such colonic specimens to determine if pathological or histochemical features were associated with the concomitant development of cancer. Chronic inflammation was found in all of the colons examined, and 14% had features of acute inflammation, which was significantly associated with those animals that developed cancer. An oncofetal glycoconjugate structure has been defined in human colons by the ability to bind peanut lectin. A similar glycoconjugate, probably a mucin, was expressed in the colons of 65% of these animals. A marked degree of expression of the mucin was significantly associated with those animals that developed cancer. A highly significant association was found between the presence of acute inflammation and the expression of the mucin. These studies demonstrate similarities in glycoconjugate expression between the human colon and the New World monkey model of spontaneous colitis. A form of mucin is expressed in these animals that is highly associated with both the presence of acute inflammation and the development of cancer elsewhere in the colon. In addition, an association between acute inflammatory activity and neoplasia was found, suggesting a potential etiologic linkage between the two.
Challenges and Opportunities in Cancer Metabolomics

Challenges in metabolomics for a given spectrum of disease are more or less comparable, ranging from the accurate measurement of metabolite abundance, compound annotation, identification of unknown constituents, and interpretation of untargeted and analysis of high throughput targeted metabolomics data leading to the identification of biomarkers. However, metabolomics approaches in cancer studies specifically suffer from several additional challenges and require robust ways to sample the cells and tissues in order to tackle the constantly evolving cancer landscape. These constraints include, but are not limited to, discriminating the signals from given cell types and those that are cancer specific, discerning signals that are systemic and confounded, cell culture-based challenges associated with cell line identities and media standardizations, the need to look beyond Warburg effects, citrate cycle, lactate metabolism, and identifying and developing technologies to precisely and effectively sample and profile the heterogeneous tumor environment. This review article discusses some of the current and pertinent hurdles in cancer metabolomics studies. In addition, it addresses some of the most recent and exciting developments in metabolomics that may address some of these issues. The aim of this article is to update the oncometabolomics research community about the challenges and potential solutions to these issues.
The ratio of methanogens to methanotrophs and water-level dynamics drive methane transfer velocity in a temperate kettle-hole peat bog

Abstract. Peatlands are a large source of methane ( CH4 ) to the atmosphere, yet the uncertainty around the estimates of CH4 flux from peatlands is large. To better understand the spatial heterogeneity in temperate peatland CH4 emissions and their response to physical and biological drivers, we studied CH4 dynamics throughout the growing seasons of 2017 and 2018 in Flatiron Lake Bog, a kettle-hole peat bog in Ohio. The site is composed of six different hydro-biological zones: an open water zone, four concentric vegetation zones surrounding the open water, and a restored zone connected to the main bog by a narrow channel. At each of these locations, we monitored water level (WL), CH4 pore-water concentration at different peat depths, CH4 fluxes from the ground and from representative plant species using chambers, and microbial community composition with a focus here on known methanogens and methanotrophs. Integrated CH4 emissions for the growing season were estimated as 315.4±166 mg CH 4 m - 2 d - 1 in 2017 and 362.3±687 mg CH 4 m - 2 d - 1 in 2018. Median CH4 emission was highest in the open water, then it decreased and became more variable through the concentric vegetation zones as the WL dropped, with extreme emission hotspots observed in the tamarack mixed woodlands (Tamarack) and low emissions in the restored zone (18.8–30.3 mg CH 4 m - 2 d - 1 ). Generally, CH4 flux from above-ground vegetation was negligible compared to ground flux ( %), although blueberry plants were a small CH4 sink. Pore-water CH4 concentrations varied significantly among zones, with the highest values in the Tamarack zone, close to saturation, and the lowest values in the restored zone. While the CH4 fluxes and pore-water concentrations were not correlated with methanogen relative abundance, the ratio of methanogens to methanotrophs in the upper portion of the peat was significantly correlated to CH4 transfer velocity (the CH4 flux divided by the difference in CH4 pore-water concentration between the top of the peat profile and the concentration in equilibrium with the atmosphere). Since ebullition and plant-mediated transport were not important sources of CH4 and the peat structure and porosity were similar across the different zones in the bog, we conclude that the differences in CH4 transfer velocities, and thus the flux, are driven by the ratio of methanogen to methanotroph relative abundance close to the surface. This study illustrates the importance of the interactions between water-level and microbial composition to better understand CH4 fluxes from bogs and wetlands in general.
Correction of active space telescope mirror using woofer-tweeter adaptive optics

Future large aperture space telescopes may use lightweight correctable active mirrors. The Naval Postgraduate School’s Segmented Mirror Telescope (SMT) test bed uses 1-meter silicon carbide (SiC) active mirror segments to form a sixsegment deployable 3-meter telescope. The active segments suffer from residual surface errors after a correction is applied. A deformable mirror is added at the SMT pupil plane to improve this residual error. The large active SMT segment represents the woofer, and a small continuous micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) deformable mirror represents the tweeter. A global influence matrix and closed loop constrained least squares controller command the active segment and additional deformable mirror as a single device. An interferometer measures the surface error and provides feedback to the controller. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate a significant improvement in wavefront error compared to a 2-step sequential woofer-tweeter constrained least squares control approach.
Myeloid Cells in the Immunopathogenesis of Cytokine Storm Syndromes

Cytokine storm syndromes (CSS) are caused by a dysregulated host immune response to an inciting systemic inflammatory trigger. This maladaptive and harmful immune response culminates in collateral damage to host tissues resulting in life-threatening multisystem organ failure. Knowledge of the various immune cells that contribute to CSS pathogenesis has improved dramatically in the past decade. Myeloid cells are well positioned within the immune system hierarchy to make key contributions to the initiation, propagation, and amplification of the hyperinflammatory responses in CSSs. The plasticity of myeloid cells also makes them prime candidates for mediating immunoregulatory and tissue-healing functions in patients who recover from cytokine storm-mediated immunopathology. The future challenge will be to reveal approaches to manipulate the myriad functions of myeloid cells to improve clinical outcomes for patients with CSSs.
Autopolyploidy alters nodule-level interactions in the legume–rhizobium mutualism

Premise Polyploidy is a major genetic driver of ecological and evolutionary processes in plants, yet its effects on plant interactions with mutualistic microbes remain unresolved. The legume-rhizobium symbiosis regulates global nutrient cycles and plays a role in the diversification of legume species. In this mutualism, rhizobia bacteria fix nitrogen in exchange for carbon provided by legume hosts. This exchange occurs inside root nodules, which house bacterial cells and represent the interface of legume-rhizobium interactions. Although polyploidy may directly impact the legume-rhizobium mutualism, no studies have explored how it alters the internal structure of nodules. Methods We created synthetic autotetraploids using Medicago sativa subsp. caerulea. Neotetraploid plants and their diploid progenitors were singly inoculated with two strains of rhizobia, Sinorhizobium meliloti and S. medicae. Confocal microscopy was used to quantify internal traits of nodules produced by diploid and neotetraploid plants. Results Autotetraploid plants produced larger nodules with larger nitrogen fixation zones than diploids for both strains of rhizobia, although the significance of these differences was limited by power. Neotetraploid M. sativa subsp. caerulea plants also produced symbiosomes that were significantly larger, nearly twice the size, than those present in diploids. Conclusions This study sheds light on how polyploidy directly affects a plant-bacterium mutualism and uncovers novel mechanisms. Changes in plant-microbe interactions that directly result from polyploidy likely contribute to the increased ability of polyploid legumes to establish in diverse environments.
Formation of cryobiaxial-induced damage in tape-laminate composites

Abstract The aim of this study is to investigate progressive formation of cryobiaxial-induced damage in tape-laminate composites intended for use in space-launch-vehicle cryotanks. A new test method is developed to evaluate three stacking sequences subjected to biaxial loading at room and liquid-nitrogen temperatures. Ex situ X-ray computed tomography is used intermittently between loading intervals to image formation and progression of ply-level damage. The mechanisms governing damage evolution are found to be the same for all stacking sequences, regardless of test temperature; however, at a given mechanical load, the low-temperature specimens exhibit significantly more cracking due to increased thermal-residual stresses. In all cases, ply damage is dominated by formation of stitch cracks, which only propagate through-thickness when the relative angle between adjacent plies is less than 45°. Based on findings in this study, a set of guidelines are proposed for the design of tape-laminates that are resistant to cryobiaxial-induced loading.
Subspace communication driven search for high dimensional optimization

Global optimization techniques often suffer the curse of dimensionality. In an attempt to face this challenge, high dimensional search techniques try to identify and leverage upon the effective, lower, dimensionality of the problem either in the original or in a transformed space. As a result, algorithms search for and exploit a projection or create a random embedding. Our approach avoids modeling of high dimensional spaces, and the assumption of low effective dimensionality. We argue that effectively high dimensional functions can be recursively optimized over sets of complementary lower dimensional subspaces. In this light, we propose the novel Subspace Communication for Optimization (SCOOP) algorithm, which enables intelligent information sharing among subspaces such that each subspace guides the other towards improved locations. The experiments show that the accuracy of SCOOP rivals the state-of-the-art global optimization techniques, while being several orders of magnitude faster and having better scalability against the problem dimensionality.
ECTATIC PSORIATIC CORONOPATHY: A NOVEL ASSOCIATION

A review of 59,423 patients from the Danish registry reveals a 3-fold increase in the prevalence of aneurysms of the abdominal aorta in patients with concomitant psoriasis. We hypothesize that a similar pathological process caused CAE in our patient with psoriasis and report to the best of our
Separation of Metabolite and Macromolecule Signals for 1 H-Mrsi Using Learned Nonlinear Models

This paper presents a novel method to reconstruct and separate metabolite and macromolecule (MM) signals in 1 H magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRS I) data using learned nonlinear models. Specifically, deep autoencoder (DAE) networks were constructed and trained to learn the nonlinear low-dimensional manifolds, where the metabolite and MM signals reside individually. A regularized reconstruction formulation is proposed to integrate the learned models with signal encoding model to reconstruct and separate the metabolite and MM components. An efficient algorithm was developed to solve the associated optimization problem. The performance of the proposed method has been evaluated using simulation and experimental 1 H-MRSI data. Efficient low-dimensional signal representation of the learned models and improved metabolite/MM separation over the standard parametric fitting based approach have been demonstrated.
Surgical venous thromboembolism prophylaxis: clinical practice update.

Perioperative medicine continues to evolve as new literature emerges. This article provides an update on prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in surgical patients. We reviewed articles on VTE...
Pediatric decision limits for serologic screening of Lyme disease.

Abstract Background Laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease (LD) relies on a two-tier protocol. We have observed disproportionate equivocal serologies in children requiring reflex western blot (WB) using manufacturer-provided ranges based on adult studies. We aimed to determine appropriate ranges for our pediatric population. Methods We performed a one-year retrospective institutional review of all 2755 children with LD testing with the Vidas® Lyme IgM II/IgG II immunoassays with reflex to WB for equivocal/positive serologies. Results were assessed by frequency distributions, optimization via percent agreement analysis, and clinical adjudication. Results The proposed ranges for IgM (negative ≤0.20, equivocal ≥0.21 to 0.50) allowed for a decrease in the IgM equivocal rate (7% to 2%) and IgG positive rate (15% to 13%). There was a decrease in the positive percent agreement between tiers (95% to 83% and 98% to 95%) with increase in the negative (32% to 63% and 70% to 81%) and overall (65% to 73% and 85% to 88%) percent agreements for IgM and IgG, respectively. Of 15 IgM serologies reclassified as negative with a positive WB and not positive for IgG, 8 were clinically negative, 5 were clinically positive, and two had insufficient history. Of the 10 IgG serologies reclassified as negative with a positive WB 3 were clinically positive, 6 were clinically negative and one had insufficient history. Conclusions Our modified ranges are more suitable for our pediatric population while reducing overdiagnosis, unnecessary treatment, diagnostic uncertainty, and turnaround time.
Bridging The Gap: Qualitative Interviews With Pediatric Non-Physician Healthcare Team Members Regarding Roles During Communication Of Difficult News To Patients And Families

Background: Delivering difficult news to patients and families is an essential but challenging communication skill. Currently, little information exists regarding the role that non-physician team members play during disclosure of difficult news to families of pediatric patients. Specific Aim: We conducted qualitative interviews to examine the roles that non-physician healthcare team members play during the process of difficult news delivery to families, including before, during, and after disclosure. Methods: Design: We implemented a qualitative research study based in grounded theory. Sample: We interviewed non-physician healthcare team members, including nurses, child …
Photoacoustic stimulation with single neuron precision

Towards non-genetic, precise neural stimulation, we develop a photoacoustic neural stimulation technology. It employs a fiber-based optoacoustic process, in which pulsed light is delivered through an optical fiber into an absorbing layer coated at the tip, resulting in transient heating and generating a localized acoustic wave. We report photoacoustic stimulation in vitro and in vivo through a lab-built fiber based optoacoustic emitter (FOE). Single neuron optoacoustic neural modulation is achieved through a tapered FOE (TFOE) developed with negligible thermal deposition. TFOE single neuron stimulation is shown to be compatible with patch and provides insights towards mechanical modulation of neural systems.