cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anti-Correlated Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarker Trajectories in Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease.

BACKGROUND The earliest stage of preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) is defined by low levels of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid-β (Aβ42). However, covariance in longitudinal dynamic change of Aβ42 and tau in incipient preclinical AD is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To examine dynamic interrelationships between Aβ42 and tau in preclinical AD. METHODS We followed 47 cognitively intact participants (CI) with available CSF data over four years in ADNI. Based on longitudinal Aβ42 levels in CSF, CI were classified into three groups: 1) Aβ42 stable with normal levels of Aβ42 over time (n = 15); 2) Aβ42 declining with normal Aβ42 levels at baseline but showing decline over time (n = 14); and 3) Aβ42 levels consistently abnormal (n = 18). RESULTS In the Aβ42 declining group, suggestive of incipient preclinical AD, CSF phosphorylated tau (p-tau) showed a similar longitudinal pattern of increasing abnormality over time (p = 0.0001). Correlation between longitudinal slopes of Aβ42 and p-tau confirmed that both trajectories were anti-correlated (rho = -0.60; p = 0.02). Regression analysis showed that Aβ42 slope (decreasing Aβ42) predicted p-tau slope (increasing p-tau) (R2 = 0.47, p = 0.03). Atrophy in the hippocampus was predicted by the interaction of Aβ42 and p-tau slopes (p < 0.0001) only in this incipient preclinical AD group. In all groups combined, memory decline was predicted by p-tau. CONCLUSIONS The evolution of Aβ42 and p-tau CSF biomarkers in CI subjects follows an anti-correlated trajectory, i.e., as Aβ42 declined, p-tau increased, and thus was suggestive of strong temporal coincidence. Rapid pathogenic cross-talk between Aβ42 and p-tau thus may be evident in very early stages of preclinical AD.
Correlative monitoring for detection of false data injection attacks in smart grids

The overarching objective of the modernized electric grid, the smart grid, is to integrate two-way communication technologies across power generation, transmission and distribution to deliver electricity efficiently, securely and cost-effectively. However, real-time messaging exposes the entire grid to security threats ranging from attacks that disable information exchange between smart meters and data fusion centers to spurious payload content that would lead to incorrect assessment of actual demand. Such nefarious activities can compromise grid stability and efficiency. Hence, it is important to ensure secure communications and quickly detect malicious activity; this article proposes a framework for detection of false data injection attacks in smart grids. We present a measurement-based situation awareness framework that combines evidence from sensors at home-area networks, and aims to infer anomalies that signify a coordinated, well-orchestrated attack on residential smart meters at increasing spatial scales. By leveraging multi-view sensor readings, we present a Bayesian-based correlative monitoring approach that quickly detects power shifts to anomalous regimes. We evaluate our algorithms using real-world power traces.
AMPLIFICATION OF LONG WAVES IN MARINA DEL REY

Water surface oscillations in a man-made marina--Marina del Rey, California--have been studied through prototype experiments and theoretical analysis. The prototype experiments are conducted by using both the floating gauge and pressure type gauge. The field data show that a distinct mode of oscillation with wave periods between 45 minutes and 50 minutes are naturally present almost all the time. Such resonant wave periods also agree well with the theoretical results.
Establishment of digital dental cast in CAD/CAM system

Objective:To establish the data base of the standard 3-D tooth crowns and denture in CAD/CAM system. Methods: The acquired data of the 28 standard tooth crowns scanned by a 3-D mechanical scanner were processed and revised with the average Chinese tooth crowns size data, then the 3-D models of the crowns were reconstructed. Results: The crowns data obtained by the scanner were reconstructed and were revised to establish the 3-D data base of the ideal Chinese tooth crowns and denture at intercuspided occlusion. Conclusion: The precision and reliability of the computerized standard 3-D tooth crowns and denture are well acceptable, which provides the fundation for CAD/CAM system.
Symptomatic Bacterial Urinary Tract Infections in Men: Limitations of Quantitative Urine Cultures

AbstractOccasionally, physicians have discarded the diagnosis of acute symptomatic bacterial urinary tract infection when the urine count failed to approach or exceed 100,000 organisms per ml. Previous studies done in women have established the fact that sole reliance cannot be placed on this value to exclude the diagnosis of symptomatic bacterial urinary tract infection. A retrospective analysis of the charts of male patients, with an unequivocal diagnosis of symptomatic bacterial urinary tract infection, demonstrates the limitations of the urine colony count as a diagnostic test in men.
Enterovirus 71 Virus Propagation and Purification

Since its discovery in 1969, enterovirus 71 (EV71) has emerged as a serious worldwide health threat. This member of the picornavirus family causes hand, foot, and mouth disease, and also has the capacity to invade the central nervous system to cause severe disease and death. This is the propagation and purification procedure to produce infectious virion.
Effect of microbial‐based inoculants on nutrient concentrations and early root morphology of corn (Zea mays)

Microbial-based inoculants have been reported to stimulate plant growth and nutrient uptake. However, their effect may vary depending on the growth stage when evaluated or fertilizer applied. Thus, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that microbial-based inoculants known to promote root growth and nutrient uptake will promote plant growth, enhance early root development, and increase nutrient concentrations of corn (Zea mays L.). Plants were evaluated at four different growth stages and in the presence of three different nitrogen (N) fertilizers. The microbial-based treatments evaluated were: SoilBuilder™ (SB), a filtered metabolite extract of SoilBuilder™ (SBF), a mixture of four strains of plant growth-promoting Bacillus spp (BM), and a water-inoculated control. The experiment also included four fertilizer treatments: urea (U), urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN), calcium-ammonium nitrate (CAN), and an unfertilized control. Corn plants were evaluated at growth stages V2, V4, V6, and VT. Plant growth parameters for biomass, height, and SPAD readings were enhanced by the three microbial-based treatments. A greater effect of microbial-based treatments was observed when plants were evaluated at V6 and VT stages. Parameters of early root development such as total root length (TRL), root surface area (RSA), and length of fine roots were enhanced when microbial-based treatments were applied. Concentrations of N, P, and K were also increased by microbial-based treatments compared to the non-inoculated control. Increases in plant N concentration due to microbial-based treatments were on average 72% for CAN, 61% for UAN, 72% for urea, and 54% for the unfertilized control. Phosphorus concentration was increased most (138%) when BM was applied with CAN. In the same way, when CAN was present, K concentration was increased by 95% with BM and 65% when SB and SBF were applied. Overall, the results demonstrate that microbial-based inoculants evaluated in this study can positively impact corn growth and nutrient concentration, especially during the late vegetative stages. Furthermore, the results indicate that the enhancement of nutrient concentrations (N, P, and K) in this case was related to the capacity of microbial-based treatments to impact root morphology at early stages of corn growth.
Nucleic acid-sensing TLRs: Trafficking and regulation

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in innate immune responses against pathogenic microorganisms or tissue damage. Nucleic acid (NA)-sensing TLRs localize in intracellular vesicular compartments and recognize foreign-derived and host-derived nucleic acid ligands. Inappropriate activation of NA-sensing TLRs can cause pathogenic inflammation and autoimmunity. Multiple regulatory mechanisms exist to limit recognition of self-NAs. This review summarizes recent progress that has been made in understanding how NA-sensing TLRs are regulated via trafficking, proteolytic cleavage, as well as ligand processing and recognition.
Imaginative Role-Playing as a Medium for Moral Development: Dungeons & Dragons Provides Moral Training

This study investigates the use of imaginative role-play games to sponsor positive development in young adult moral reasoning. Twelve college students participated in six approximately 4-hour gamin...
MIMO adaptive control with ∊-modification and on-line singularity avoidance method for hyper-redundant robotic arm

In this paper, multi-input multi-output (MIMO) direct adaptive torque controller is presented that uses a conventional fuzzy system with ∊-modification to provide the end-effector tracking of a reference path for a 9-DOF hyper-redundant manipulator. Also, an on-line task modification method (OTMM) is applied to achieve singularity avoidance for the hyper-redundant arm at the velocity level. It is illustrated via simulations that ∊-modification provides an on-line estimation of the unknown system dynamics boundaries for adaptive control and the OTMM avoids the singularity on-line and waives offline singularity avoidance path planning and the effort to check whether the singularity is escapable for the hyper-redundant manipulator.
Fallow-land Algorithm based on Neighborhood and Temporal Anomalies (FANTA) to map planted versus fallowed croplands using MODIS data to assist in drought studies leading to water and food security assessments

An important metric to monitor for optimizing water use in agricultural areas is the amount of cropland left fallowed, or unplanted. Fallowed croplands are difficult to model because they have many expressions; for example, they can be managed and remain free of vegetation or be abandoned and become weedy if the climate for that season permits. We used 250 m, 8-day composite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer normalized difference vegetation index data to develop an algorithm that can routinely map cropland status (planted or fallowed) with over 75% user’s and producer’s accuracies. The Fallow-land Algorithm based on Neighborhood and Temporal Anomalies (FANTA) compares the current greenness of a cultivated pixel to its historical greenness and to the greenness of all cultivated pixels within a defined spatial neighborhood, and is therefore transportable across space and through time. This article introduces FANTA and applies it to California from 2001 to 2015 as a case study for use in data-poo...
Electrical Characterization of Traditional and Aerosol Jet Printed Conductors Under Tensile Strain

In this work, we propose a model to quantify strain induced conductor discontinuities based on measuring electrical resistance while applying tensile strain to metal-polymer systems. Under strain, changing conductor geometry and induced conductor discontinuity increase electrical resistance. On Kapton substrates strained to e = .07, evaporated gold films did not deform and resistance increase was only caused by geometry change. Conversely, discontinuity caused 31% and 72% of the resistance increase in evaporated and printed silver films at the same strain. On PDMS substrates, the same magnitude of discontinuity, causing 31% of the resistance increase, occurred at only e = .024 in evaporated silver films. At the same strain, discontinuity caused 86% of the resistance increase in evaporated gold films. Printed silver films were inelastic. The results suggest that traditional fabrication techniques may be more suitable to flexible hybrid electronics applications than additively manufactured conductors.
Correlated matrix-fluctuation-mediated activated transport of dilute penetrants in glass-forming liquids and suspensions

We formulate a microscopic, force-level statistical mechanical theory for the activated diffusion of dilute penetrants in dense liquids, colloidal suspensions, and glasses. The approach explicitly and self-consistently accounts for coupling between penetrant hopping and matrix dynamic displacements that actively facilitate the hopping event. The key new ideas involve two mechanistically (at a stochastic trajectory level) coupled dynamic free energy functions for the matrix and spherical penetrant particles. A single dynamic coupling parameter quantifies how much the matrix displaces relative to the penetrant when the latter reaches its transition state which is determined via the enforcement of a temporal causality or coincidence condition. The theory is implemented for dilute penetrants smaller than the matrix particles, with or without penetrant-matrix attractive forces. Model calculations reveal a rich dependence of the penetrant diffusion constant and degree of dynamic coupling on size ratio, volume fraction, and attraction strength. In the absence of attractions, a near exponential decrease of penetrant diffusivity with size ratio over an intermediate range is predicted, in contrast to the much steeper, non-exponential variation if one assumes local matrix dynamical fluctuations are not correlated with penetrant motion. For sticky penetrants, the relative and absolute influence of caging versus physical bond formation is studied. The conditions for a dynamic crossover from the case where a time scale separation between penetrant and matrix activated hopping exists to a "slaved" or "constraint release" fully coupled regime are determined. The particle mixture model is mapped to treat experimental thermal systems and applied to make predictions for the diffusivity of water, toluene, methanol, and oxygen in polyvinylacetate liquids and glasses. The theory agrees well with experiment with values of the penetrant-matrix size ratio close to their chemically intuitive values.
Situational insomnia: consistency, predictors, and outcomes.

Study objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the consistency of situational insomnia across several stressful conditions, including the first night in the sleep laboratory, phase advance of sleep time by 3 hours, phase advance of sleep time by 6 hours, and administration of 400 mg of caffeine. The impact of situational insomnia on alertness, metabolic rate, and cardiac measures on the following day was also measured. Design and setting Subjects spent 5 to 7 nights and the following days in the laboratory. Standard polysomnographic recordings were made on each night. On each day, subjects had a Multiple Sleep Latency Test, performance testing, and metabolic and heart-rate observation periods. Participants Fifty adult normal sleepers. Interventions Subjects had 1 night with their sleep phase advanced by 3 hours, 1 night with sleep phase advanced by 6 hours, and 1 night with the administration of 400 mg of caffeine 30 minutes prior to lights out. Measurement and results Sleep efficiency was reduced and variability was increased in each of the stressful conditions, as predicted. Those subjects with the greatest sleep efficiency on the adaptation night (top 25%) were compared with those subjects with the lowest sleep efficiency on the adaptation night (bottom 25%). Those subjects with the poorest sleep on the adaptation night (situational insomnia) had normal sleep on the baseline night that followed but had significantly reduced sleep efficiency when their sleep was advanced or they were given caffeine. Those same subjects had a significant decrease on their Multiple Sleep Latency Test on the day following the 6-hour advance and a significant increase in their Multiple Sleep Latency Test on the day following caffeine administration. The good sleepers had no significant change in their Multiple Sleep Latency Test during any of the study conditions. In terms of demographic variables, the situational insomnia group used less alcohol and tended to include a higher percentage of men. The situational insomnia group also had an elevated heart rate and increased low-frequency and decreased high-frequency electrocardiographic spectral power compared to the good sleepers. Significant differences were not found on personality or historical reports of poor sleep. Conclusions Normal young adults have a consistent response to various types of situational stress. Those individuals who respond with poor sleep may display increased sleepiness associated with their poor sleep but may also be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine. These individuals have cardiac changes consistent with sympathetic nervous system activation, and they may be at risk for developing insomnia and other associated disorders.
Clinical experience with the HER1/EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib

In phase I trials in healthy volunteers and patients with refractory cancers, erlotinib (Tarceva) was well tolerated and showed activity against non-small-cell lung cancer and other tumors. The dose identified for further clinical development was 150 mg/d; at this dose, erlotinib achieves high exposure, with maximum concentrations greater than 2,000 ng/mL and 24-hour area under the concentration-time cure greater than 35,000 ng.h/L. In a phase II trial in 57 patients with previously treated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, erlotinib treatment produced an objective response rate of 12.3% and a stable disease rate of 38.6%, with median duration of response of 19.6 weeks; median overall survival was 8.4 months and 1-year survival was 40%, with 9 patients remaining alive over follow-up of greater than 18 months. No grade 4 toxicity was observed, and grade 3 toxicity was minimal. In an ongoing phase II trial in bronchioloalveolar carcinoma, erlotinib treatment has produced objective response in 26% of 50 evaluable patients, with median duration of response not yet having been reached. An ongoing phase II trial is examining the combination of erlotinib with the angiogenesis inhibitor bevacizumab (Avastin) in previously treated non-small-cell lung cancer; phase I evaluation revealed no dose-limiting toxicities at tested doses and provided evidence of antitumor activity. Two phase III trials are examining erlotinib in combination with carboplatin (Paraplatin)/paclitaxel (the TRIBUTE trial) or cisplatin/gemcitabine (Gemzar) (the TALENT trial) as first-line treatment in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. The phase III BR.21 trial is assessing erlotinib monotherapy in advanced refractory non-small-cell lung cancer. Results of these phase II trials will soon be available.
Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) technique is associated with decreased narcotic usage over traditional VATS lobectomy.

Background: Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is gaining popularity internationally, but remains an uncommon practice in the United States. One proposed benefit is a decrease in narcotic usage and peri-operative pain when compared to traditional multiple incision VATS. The purpose of this study was to determine the post-operative narcotic usage between patients undergoing anatomic lobectomy via traditional VATS as compared to patients undergoing uniportal VATS. Methods: All consecutive patients undergoing anatomic lobectomy for presumed malignancy by a single surgeon at an academic medical institution were recorded between July 2013 and September 2015. Patients were excluded if they were narcotic dependent prior to the operation, if they had an epidural catheter placed, or if they were under 18 years of age. All narcotics were converted to oral morphine equivalents (OMEq) using standard formulas. Results: Data were collected on 84 patients. There was no difference between groups with regard to age, gender, tumor size, length of stay, or duration of post-operative thoracostomy. The groups had a similar rate of complications including post-operative atrial fibrillation and need for prolonged thoracostomy. Patients undergoing uniportal VATS had significantly lower narcotic usage in the recovery room, and on post-operative days 1 and 2. In addition, the total narcotic usage during their inpatient stay was significantly lower for patients undergoing uniportal VATS. Conclusions: Uniportal VATS is a safe and effective strategy for the surgical management of benign and malignant lung disease. In patients undergoing anatomic lobectomy, there was an association with significantly less post-operative narcotic usage in patients undergoing uniportal VATS when compared to traditional VATS. This emerging technology may benefit patients by allowing less narcotic usage during their post-operative hospitalization.
Mesenchymal stem cell derived extracellular vesicles: a promising new therapeutic approach for hepatic injury.

Liver injury is a serious condition which may often lead to hepatic failure. It can occur as a consequence of insults and toxicity related to viral hepatitis, drugs, ischemia, alcohol, drugs, metabolic diseases or autoimmune disease. Liver transplantation may be required in cases of acute or fulminant liver failure beyond the capacity of the liver to repair and regenerate. While this is an effective treatment option, the scarcity of organ donors, and the medical, financial and socioeconomic factors limit its utility. New approaches to ameliorate liver injury are needed.
Bacillus cereus and Bacillus anthracis

Bacillus species are spore-forming aerobic rods; are natural inhabitants of soil, dust, water, and environment; and can contaminate milk, meat, rice, and pasta. Endospores are resistant to harsh environmental conditions or processing treatments. The majority of bacilli are nonpathogenic; however, several species produce multiple toxins and can cause various diseases in animals and humans. Bacillus cereus causes food poisoning characterized by a self-limiting gastrointestinal disorder: vomiting and diarrhea. Bacillus thuringiensis is pathogenic to insects and used as an insecticide, while Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, a fatal disease in animals and humans. B. cereus produces two major toxins: emetic and diarrheagenic toxins. The emetic toxin (cereulide) is a low molecular weight circular peptide consisting of three modified amino acids and is resistant to heat, acids, and proteolytic enzymes. Emetic toxin is responsible for intoxication. Hemolysin BL (HBL), nonhemolytic enterotoxin (Nhe), and cytotoxin K are reported to be responsible for diarrheagenic action, and these are produced inside the gastrointestinal tract. Diarrheagenic toxin production is regulated by a regulatory protein, PlcR. B. anthracis causes three forms of the disease: cutaneous anthrax, inhalation anthrax, and gastrointestinal anthrax. B. anthracis produces a bipartite lethal anthrax toxin and a capsule, which are encoded in two virulent plasmids, pXO1 and pXO2. Anthrax toxin is an A–B-type toxin with A-component, known as protective antigen (PA), which binds to the host cell receptor, anthrax toxin receptor/tumor endothelial marker 8 (ATR/TEM8), and facilitates translocation of catalytic lethal factor (LF) and edema factor (EF) to the host cell cytosol. LF interferes with the signal transduction pathways by inactivating mitogen-activated protein kinases to induce cell death, while EF activates increased production of cAMP to allow fluid accumulation and edema. B. cereus-related gastrointestinal complications are self-limiting, whereas anthrax is fatal requiring immediate medical intervention with antibiotic therapy.
DISSECTION OF HUMAN IMMUNOREGULATORY T LYMPHOCYTES: IMPLICATIONS FOR UNDERSTANDING CLINICAL DISEASE

Functional T lymphocyte subpopulations can be identified in humans by antibodies which detect stable glycoprotein antigens on their surface. Thus, inducer T lymphocytes bear an antigen termed T4 while suppressor T lymphocytes bear a different antigen termed T5. Immune homeostasis results from a delicate balance between inducer and suppressor subsets within the T cell circuit. Perturbation in subset dynamics may initiate a wide variety of immunopathologic disorders. An understanding of this circuit will be important for the elucidation of the pathogenesis of a number of diseases and should permit the orderly manipulation of the human immune response through modulation of selected T cell subsets.
A Numerical Model for Coupling of Neutron Diffusion and Thermomechanics in Fast Burst Reactors

We develop a numerical model for coupling of neutron diffusion adn termomechanics in order to stimulate transient behavior of a fast burst reactor. The problem involves solving a set of non-linear different equations which approximate neutron diffusion, temperature change, and material behavior. With this equation set we will model the transition from a supercritical to subcritical state and possible mechanical vibration.
Natural Partial Orders on Division Rings with Involution

This article studies intrinsic or natural partial orders on involutive division rings (D,*, II), where (a + b)* = a* + b*, (ab)* = b*a*, a** = a for a, b ∈ D, and where II is the strictly positive cone for an additive partial group order on (D, +). The involution defines several natural multiplicative subgroups G ⊂ D\ 0, and the positive cones are defined by II = G +, where G + consists of all the finite sums of elements of G.
NATIONAL INNOVATION SYSTEM AND DISRUPTIVE INNOVATIONS IN SYNTHETIC RUBBER AND TIRE TECHNOLOGY

The current models of National Innovation Systems (NIS) are based on interactions and learning across three institutions: government, university and industry. This empirical study of the evolution of innovations in rubber and tire technologies such as the collaborative innovative suppliers (of raw materials and human capital) and disruptive rival innovators to the traditional tri-helical model of National Innovation System. This was empirically examined for the evolution of rubber and tire technology and the rise and decline of its innovative region: the Rubber Capital of the World in Akron, Ohio.
Mechanical, elution, and antibacterial properties of simplex bone cement loaded with vancomycin.

Abstract Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most devastating failures in total joint replacement (TJR). Infections are becoming difficult to treat due to the emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria. These bacteria produce biofilm on the implant surface, rendering many antibiotics ineffective by compromising drug diffusion and penetration into the infected area. With the introduction of new antibiotics there is a need to create benchmark data from the traditional antibiotic loaded bone cements. Vancomycin, one of the commonly used antibiotics, shows activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and S.epidermidis. In our study, vancomycin added to bone cement was evaluated for elution properties, antimicrobial properties, and mechanical properties of the bone cement. Vancomycin at five different loading masses (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g) was added to 40 g of Simplex™ P cement. Addition of vancomycin affected the mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity with significant differences from controls. Flexural and compression mechanical properties were compromised with added vancomycin. The flexural strength of samples with added vancomycin of 0.5 g and greater were not greater than ISO 5833 minimum requirements. 2.0 g of vancomycin added to bone cement was able to eliminate completely the four bacterial strains tested. 2.0 g of vancomycin also showed the highest mass elution from the cement over a 60-day period. Given the reduced flexural strength in samples with 0.5 g and greater of added vancomycin and the inability of vancomycin in amounts less than 2.0 g to eliminate bacteria, this study did not find an ideal amount of vancomycin added to Simplex™ P that meets both strength and antibacterial requirements.
Segregation and Integration in the Education of English Learners: Leadership and Policy Dilemmas.

ABSTRACTIn this introduction, we establish why school leaders must be attentive to how the organization of educational programs for English Learners impacts the degree to which they are segregated ...
A goldilocks critique of the hot cognition perspective on climate change skepticism

The psychological concept of motivated reasoning has been widely applied to explain climate change skepticism. Evidence has been established of several motives underlying skepticism and many implicated cognitive mechanisms. At the same time, we argue that the extant literature is at times ‘too hot’ — applying a motivated reasoning framework without demonstrating directional motivation, distorted information processing, or both; and at times ‘too cold’, insufficiently considering the intervening role of motivated reasoning. We propose that a ‘just right’ perspective (a) identifies relevant motivation(s), (b) considers amotivated alternatives, (c) articulates cognitive mechanisms modulated by motivation, and (d) considers motivated origins of both skepticism and belief. Adopting this perspective will contribute to basic knowledge and inform effective intervention to promote climate action.
The plasma erythropoietic stimulating factor; observations on circulating erythrocytes and bone marrow of rats receiving protein-free extracts of rabbit plasma.

1. Boiled plasma extracts from anemic rabbits are capable of stimulating erythropoiesis in normal rats as demonstrated by reticulocytosis, erythrocytosis, and increased marrow erythropoietic activity. 2. In the nonanemic rat recipient the increased erythropoiesis is manifested by the production of cells of decreased size without associated increase in the hemoglobin or hematocrit determinations. The cells probably have a greatly shortened life span. 3. The factor in anemic rabbit plasma is not destroyed by prolonged boiling and is not precipitated by perchloric acid. On the basis of these observations it would seem to be nonprotein in nature. 4. Further investigations concerning the role of the erythrocyte stimulating factor in normal and abnormal erythropoiesis should be facilitated by the use of nonprotein plasma extracts which may be administered to small laboratory animals.
Early identification of sepsis-induced acute kidney injury

The risk of death and chronic kidney disease will increase if severe patient development of acute kidney injury (AKI). International organizations in multiple disciplines of experts dedicated to the study early recognition and diagnosis AKI.And 3 new classification systems were recently developed in order to improve the ability of early diagnosing AKI.Sepsis is a common cause of pediatric hospital.It is also the most common cause of severe ill children developed AKI.Development of AKI during sepsis increases patient chronic kidney disease morbidity, predicts higher mortality.So it is crucial to early identify AKI to avoid delay in initiating renal protective and appropriate therapeutic measures. Key words: Acute kidney injury; Sepsis; Biomarkers; Diagnosis
Simple Platform for Automating Decoupled LC–MS Analysis of Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Samples

Hydrogen/deuterium exchange with mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) is capable of providing unique insight into complex biological systems that are difficult to study by other techniques. Due to arduous sample handling requirements, automating HDX experimentation for higher throughput requires specialized equipment. While recent advances have enabled automation of sample preparation and analysis, several proteins of interest and types of HDX experiments remain incompatible with automated workflows and require manual sample preparation that greatly limits experimental throughput. To expand throughput and increase the precision of HDX-MS for systems requiring manual preparation, we have developed an inexpensive autosampler capable of thawing and injecting frozen HDX-MS samples in a highly reproducible manner.
Aerosol drug delivery to tracheotomized patients with COVID-19: Pragmatic suggestions for clinicians

Because of the wide and rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the number of hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly increased medically complex and resource-intensive treatment requirements in health care settings. Although tracheostomy is frequently needed for critically ill patients requiring extended mechanical ventilation, it has been described as an aerosol-generating procedure that puts health care professionals at an increased risk of viral transmission. In addition, the delivery of aerosolized medications to this patient population has become controversial because of concerns on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via droplets. Although aerosol therapy in spontaneously breathing patients with COVID-19 was described in recent publications, innovations in aerosol drug delivery to COVID-19 patients with tracheostomy have not been presented. Therefore, empirically based guidance on how to deliver aerosols safely and effectively to tracheotomized patients with COVID-19 is still lacking. This paper provides recommendations and rationales for device selection, interface selection, delivery techniques, and infection control based on the evolving body of literature.
688 Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and COVID-19-Related Adverse Clinical Outcomes

Introduction: The relationship of OSA and human coronavirus (COVID-19) in the pediatric population is unknown. We postulate that OSA is associated with SARS-CoV-2 positivity and with adverse COVID-19 outcomes in children. Methods: A retrospective review of 120 consecutive patients (<18 years) with prior polysomnogram (PSG) and COVID-19 testing from the Cleveland Clinic COVID-19 registry was conducted. Using a case control design of SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative pediatric patients, we examined COVID-19 and pre-existing OSA (dichotomized AHI≥1) using logistic (OR,95%CI) regression and as continuous measures: AHI, oxygen(SpO2) nadir, %time SpO2<90%) using linear regression(beta+/-SE). In those positive for SARS-CoV- 2(cases only), we assessed the association of OSA and World Health Organization(WHO) COVID-19 clinical outcome composite score (hospitalization, requiring supplemental oxygen, non-invasive ventilation/ high-flow oxygen, invasive ventilation/ECMO or death) using Wilcoxon rank sum test for ordinal data. Results: Cases (n=36) were 11.8±4.4 years, 61% male, 27.8% black and 88.9% with OSA, while 85.7% of controls (n=84) had OSA. OSA was not associated with increased SARS-CoV-2 positivity: OR=1.33(0.40, 4.45,p=0.64). No significant difference between cases and controls for mean AHI 3.7(1.5,6.0) vs 3.5(1.5,7.1),p=0.91,SpO2 nadir 88.6±5.4 vs 89.1±4.4,p=0.58,%time SpO2<90% 0.05[0.00,1.00) vs 0.10 (0.00,1.00, p=0.65) respectively was noted. WHO-7 COVID- 19 clinical outcome did not meet statistical significance in relation to OSA due to the low event frequency (p=0.49). Of note, those with OSA vs without OSA had a higher WHO-7 outcome score of 2 vs 0 and prevalence of hospitalization: 12.5 vs 0% respectively. Of hospitalized patients, the following was observed: 23% had moderate/severe OSA vs 4.3% mild OSA, 50% required supplemental oxygen and 25% required intubation/invasive ventilation. No deaths or readmissions were reported. High risk conditions included: 75% obesity, 50% asthma, 25% sickle cell disease and 25% hypoplastic left heart. Conclusion: In this first report of which we are aware focused on COVID-19 in pediatric OSA, we use a case control design leveraging COVID-19 and sleep laboratory registries. Albeit not statistically significant, pediatric patients with OSA had a higher percentage of worse clinical outcomes. Larger network studies are needed to clarify whether poorer COVID-19 outcomes may be attributable to OSA or modulated via high risk health conditions.
A scalable real-time solution strategy for supply chain management of fresh produce: A Mexico-to-United States cross border study

Abstract Inefficiencies in the food supply chain account for up to 60% of food wasted in the United States, significantly inhibiting efforts to tackle food insecurity. In this work, this problem is addressed by developing a supply chain decision-making framework that explicitly considers complex biochemical product quality degradation processes as a function of environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, atmospheric composition). The resulting optimization problem is solved online in real-time to mitigate demand uncertainty, reducing operating costs, and inventory spoilage. We demonstrate that this approach is equivalent to a data-driven, feedback-based control strategy that relies on manipulating environmental conditions at storage facilities and in transportation equipment. Since large-scale supply chain network instances result in computationally prohibitive optimization problems, a novel and highly efficient heuristic is introduced, that allows for obtaining solutions in practical amounts of time and with negligible degradation in the value of the objective function. The performance of our proposed approach is benchmarked with extensive numerical simulations based on a realistic, large-scale study of the produce supply chain from Mexico to the United States.
Band offsets at metalorganic chemical vapor deposited β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3/β-Ga2O3 interfaces—Crystalline orientation dependence

The β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 alloy represents an emerging ultrawide bandgap semiconductor material for applications in high-power electronics and deep ultraviolet optoelectronics. The recent demonstrations of orientation-dependent epitaxial growth of high quality β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 films have unlocked prospects for the development of ultrahigh frequency β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3/Ga2O3 based transistors with high-power tolerance. To control the electronic and optical properties of β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3/Ga2O3 heterostructure-based devices, an understanding of the band offsets between β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 and β-Ga2O3 is crucial. However, there have been no systematic experimental studies on the evolution of the band offsets between differently oriented β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3/Ga2O3 heterointerfaces as a function of Al compositions. This work presents the valence and conduction band offsets at (010) and (2¯01) oriented β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3/Ga2O3 interfaces using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 films with x ≤ 0.35 and x ≤ 0.48 were grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on (010) and (2¯01) oriented β-Ga2O3 substrates, respectively. The determined band offsets reveal the formation of a type-II (staggered) band alignment at (010) oriented β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3/Ga2O3 and a type-I (straddling) heterojunction between (2¯01) β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 and β-Ga2O3. For both crystalline orientations, the valence and conduction band offsets are found to increase with increasing Al content with a much weaker variation in the valence band offsets as compared to the conduction band offsets. Among different orientations investigated, such as (010), (2¯01), and (100), the largest conduction band offset occurs at a β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3/Ga2O3 interface with (100) orientation, providing opportunities for excellent electron confinement with a high-density two-dimensional electron gas. Results from this study on the tunable and orientation-dependent band offsets with the variation of the Al alloy fraction will provide guidance for the design of heterostructures in future β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3/Ga2O3 based devices.
Young Women's Sexuality as a Function of Perceptions of Maternal Sexual Communication during Childhood

The purpose of this study was to examine young women's perceptions of both verbal and nonverbal sexual communication from their mothers during childhood and how these perceptions are related to current sexual experiences and attitudes. A total of 295 female college students completed questionnaires regarding five sexual variables as well as perceptions of parental sexual communication. Results showed a negative correlation between tone of parental sexual communication and sexual experience, as well as a positive correlation between parental sexual communication and sexual cognition. The results also showed that more sexual communication was perceived from mother than from father, and the amount of mother's communication was significantly related to sexual assertiveness and sexual affect.
Expression of a dominant negative mutant innexin in identified neurons and glial cells reveals selective interactions among gap junctional proteins.

Neurons and glia of the medicinal leech CNS express different subsets of the 21 innexin genes encoded in its genome. We report here that the punctal distributions of fluorescently tagged innexin transgenes varies in a stereotypical pattern depending on the innexin expressed. Furthermore, whereas certain innexins colocalize extensively (INX1 and INX14), others do not (e.g., INX1 and INX2 or INX6). We then demonstrate that the mutation of a highly conserved proline residue in the second transmembrane domain of innexins creates a gap junction protein with dominant negative properties. Coexpressing the mutated INX1 gene with its wild type blocks the formation of fluorescent puncta and decouples the expressing neuron from its normal gap junction-coupled network of cells. Similarly, expression of an INX2 mutant transgene (a glial cell innexin), blocks endogenous INX2 puncta and wild-type transgene puncta, and decouples the glial cell from the other glial cells in the ganglion. We show in cell culture with dye-uptake and plasma membrane labeling experiments that the mutant innexin transgene is not expressed on the cell membrane but instead appears to accumulate in the cell's perinuclear region. Lastly, we use these mutant innexin transgenes to show that the INX1 mutant transgene blocks not only INX1 puncta formation, but also puncta of INX14, with which INX1 usually colocalizes. By contrast, the formation of INX6 puncta was unaffected by the INX1 mutant. Together, these experiments suggest that leech innexins can selectively interact with one another to form gap junction plaques, which are heterogeneously located in cellular arbors. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 73: 571–586, 2013
Stereospecific Oxidation of (R)- and (S)-1-Indanol by Naphthalene Dioxygenase from Pseudomonas sp. Strain NCIB 9816-4

A recombinant Escherichia coli strain which expresses naphthalene dioxygenase (NDO) from Pseudomonas sp. strain NCIB 9816-4 oxidized (S)-1-indanol to trans-(1S,3S)-indan-1,3-diol (95.5%) and (R)-3-hydroxy-1-indanone (4.5%). The same cells oxidized (R)-1-indanol to cis-1,3-indandiol (71%), (R)-3-hydroxy-1-indanone (18.2%), and cis-1,2,3-indantriol (10.8%). Purified NDO oxidized (S)-1-indenol to both syn- and anti-2,3-dihydroxy-1-indanol.
Evaluation of an independent linear model for acoustic noise on a conventional MRI scanner and implications for acoustic noise reduction.

Purpose To evaluate an independent linear model for gradient acoustic noise on a conventional MRI scanner, and to explore implications for acoustic noise reduction in routine imaging. Methods Acoustic noise generated from each physical gradient axis was modeled as the prescribed gradient waveform passed through a linear time-invariant system. Homogeneity and superposition properties were experimentally determined. We also developed a new method to correct relative time shifts between the measured impulse responses for different physical gradient axes. Model accuracy was determined by comparing predicted and measured sound using normalized energy difference. Transfer functions were also measured in subjects with different body habitus and at multiple microphone locations. Results Both superposition and homogeneity held for each physical gradient axis with errors less than 3%. When all gradients were on simultaneous sound prediction, error was reduced from 32% to 4% after time-shift correction. Transfer functions also showed high sensitivity to body habitus and microphone location. Conclusion The independent linear model predicts MRI acoustic noise with less than 4% error. Acoustic transfer functions are highly sensitive to body habitus and position within the bore, making it challenging to produce a general approach to acoustic noise reduction based on avoiding system resonance peaks. Magn Reson Med 71:1613–1620, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Studies on the Transport of l-Tyrosine into an Adrenergic Clone of Mouse Neuroblastoma

Abstract Studies on the transport of l-[U-14C]tyrosine into cultured mouse neuroblastoma clone N1E-115, which has high levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (EC 1.14.16.2), are presented. This transport was by a saturable process, exhibited marked exchanging properties, and was inhibited by a reagent which attacks sulfhydryl groups but not by metabolic inhibitors. No major ion requirements were found for this transport, which was sensitive to changes in temperature but not to changes in pH in the range of 6 to 8. Molecules with close structural analogy to l-tyrosine such as l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, l-3-iodotyrosine, and l-phenylalanine were potent competitive inhibitors of this transport with inhibitor constants (Ki) in the range of 2 to 6 x 10-5 m. In addition, compounds such as l-isoleucine, l-leucine, l-methionine, and l-valine caused inhibition of l-tyrosine transport. These results are consistent with the conclusion that l-tyrosine transport into this clone is by facilitated diffusion and by a mechanism similar to the leucine-preferring system which has been described by others.
The Local Bubble Debate

This report summarizes the discussions in the Session 1 and Session 3 groups which met to discuss the questions: “What Physical Processes Drive the Multiphase Interstellar Medium in the Local Bubble?”, and “What are the Energy and Pressure Balances in the Local Bubble?” Most of our understanding of the Local Bubble has come from soft X-ray observations, but recent appreciation of the importance of solar wind charge exchange (SWCX) reactions has shown that the heliosphere produces some fraction of the soft X-rays that were previously ascribed to the Local Bubble. Some astronomers suggest that the SWCX X-rays rather than Local Bubble emission could explain most of the locally produced X-rays. Our discussions, therefore, also included a debate concerning the Local Bubble’s existence.
Is Nominal Use an Answer to the Free Speech and Right of Publicity Quandary?: Lessons from America's National Pastime

From its inception, the right of publicity has existed in an uneasy state of tension with the First Amendment. By prohibiting the use of an individual‘s name or likeness, the right of publicity—like other categories of intellectual property law, including copyright and trademark—creates a property right in information that may be asserted by its owner to restrict the expression of others. By definition, laws that limit expression implicate the First Amendment‘s prohibition against the abridgment of speech, even if this does not mean that all such limitations are unconstitutional. As the Supreme Court has noted, some restrictions upon speech imposed by intellectual property law promote freedom of expression. Not surprisingly, this tension between free speech and intellectual property laws in general, and the right of publicity in particular, has been a source of continuing consternation for courts and commentators alike.
Reactive sputter deposition: A quantitative analysis☆

An analysis of the reactive d.c. sputter deposition of compound films (metal oxides and nitrides) is presented. It leads to a model describing the process in terms of three easily accessible parameters: the reactive gas flow rate G, the sputtering power W and the sputtering yield of the target. It is shown that, for typical sputtering conditions, the reactive gas partial pressure, a variable in previous models, is of secondary importance. The model establishes the ration W/G as a fundamental parameter of reactive sputtering and predicts accurately the magnitudes of W/G for the deposition of such diverse films as TiN and Cd2SnO4. Detailed measurements of the reactive sputtering of titanium and aluminium targets in the presence of nitrogen and oxygen are presented and it is shown that the usual hysteresis effects depend mainly on intrinsic material properties that are only weakly modified by varying process conditions.