cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Piezoelectric energy harvesting with a clamped circular plate : Experimental study

In a companion article, a model for a clamped circular unimorph piezoelectric plate has been developed for the purpose of analyzing the influence of geometric design parameters and electrode configuration on the amount of electrical energy that can be harvested from an applied pressure source. It has been shown that the ratio of layer thickness (piezoelectric layer to substrate layer) and electrode pattern have a significant effect on energy conversion for harvesting. Specifically, the theoretical analysis shows that regrouping of the electrodes (i.e., segmenting the electrode into a specific pattern) can lead to optimized energy harvesting in a clamped circular plate structure. This article provides experimental validation of these results. In this article, three circular plate piezoelectric energy generators (PEGs), one unmodified and two regrouped unimorph PEGs, were used to support the analysis.
Simulation and verification of macroscopic isotropy of hollow alginate-based microfibers.

AbstractA simulation of tensile strength of various alginate-based hollow microfibers using FEA analysis has been conducted with the hypothesis of macroscopic isotropy and linear elastic-plastic behavior. Results of student t-tests indicated that there was no significant difference between the experimental and simulated tensile strengths (p = 0.37, α = 0.05), while there was a significant reduction in elasticity as a result of chitosan coating (p = 0.024, α = 0.05). The hypothesis of macroscopic isotropy was verified by highly correlated (R2 ≥ 0.92) theoretical and experimental elongation at break measurements, findings that could be extended to the failure analysis of alginate microfibers used in regenerative medicine.
Mechanisms of BRCA1 Tumor Suppression

The p220 BRCA1 tumor suppressor protein has been implicated in mul tiple bio- chemical and biologic functions since its molecular cloning 18 years ago. Here, we discuss those functions most relevant for its tumor-suppressing activities with an emphasis on new fi ndings. In particular, this review focuses on what is known of the activities of those BRCA1-binding partners that have tumor suppressor functions, on the reversion of mutant BRCA1 alleles concomitant with therapy resistance, on insights gained from studies of BRCA1 structure-function relationships, recent fi ndings from animal models, and the potential role of BRCA1 in some nonhereditary tumors. From this information, a more detailed and refi ned picture of BRCA1 tumor suppression is beginning to emerge. Although key mysteries remain—such as why BRCA1 tumor suppression is focused on carcino- mas of the breast and ovary—the pace of discovery is increasing. Signifi cance: BRCA1 functions as a clinically important classical tumor suppressor in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer; here, we review progress in understanding how BRCA1 operates to suppress tumor formation. Cancer Discov; 2(8); 679-84. ©2012 AACR.
Treatment of Acyclovir-Resistant Herpes Simplex and Varicella Zoster Virus Infections

Acyclovir-resistant HSV (ACV-R-HSV) infections were first described in 1982.1 To date, over 100 patients with ACV-R-HSV infection have been identified. Although in vitro resis10 tance to acyclovir has been demonstrated in isolates recovered from immunocompetent hosts,2 for practical purposes only the severely immunocompromised patient develops clinically significant ACV-R-HSV (e.g. patients with AIDS, hematologic malignancies, congenital immune deficiencies, or those who have undergone organ transplantation3–9). The single exception to date is a report by Kost et al. of an HIV-negative immunocompetent man with increasingly frequent recurrences of genital HSV despite the use of maximal doses of oral acyclovir for suppression or for treatment.10 This patient, however, appeared to have acquired ACV-R-HSV infection through direct transmission, having had in the recent past 3 new sexual partners of whom 2 had HIV infection.
Predictors of hearing protection use in construction workers.

Objectives: Although noise-induced hearing loss is completely preventable, it remains highly prevalent among construction workers. Hearing protection devices (HPDs) are commonly relied upon for exposure reduction in construction, but their use is complicated by intermittent and highly variable noise, inadequate industry support for hearing conservation, and lax regulatory enforcement. Methods: As part of an intervention study designed to promote HPD use in the construction industry, we enrolled a cohort of 268 construction workers from a variety of trades at eight sites and evaluated their use of HPDs at baseline. We measured HPD use with two instruments, a questionnaire survey and a validated combination of activity logs with simultaneous dosimetry measurements. With these measurements, we evaluated potential predictors of HPD use based on components of Pender’s revised health promotion model (HPM) and safety climate factors. Results: Observed full-shift equivalent noise levels were above recommended limits, with a mean of 89.8 6 4.9 dBA, and workers spent an average of 32.4 6 18.6% of time in each shift above 85 dBA. We observed a bimodal distribution of HPD use from the activity card/dosimetry measures, with nearly 80% of workers reporting either almost never or almost always using HPDs. Fair agreement (kappa 5 0.38) was found between the survey and activity card/dosimetry HPD use measures. Logistic regression models identified site, trade, education level, years in construction, percent of shift in high noise, and five HPM components as important predictors of HPD use at the individual level. Site safety climate factors were also predictors at the group level. Conclusions: Full-shift equivalent noise levels on the construction sites assessed were well above the level at which HPDs are required, but usage rates were quite low. Understanding and predicting HPD use differs by methods used to assess use (survey versus activity card/dosimetry). Site, trade, and the belief that wearing HPD is not time consuming were the only predictors of HPD use common to both measures on an individual level. At the group level, perceived support for site safety and HPD use proved to be predictive of HPD use.
AN EXPERIMENTAL TEST OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DEWLAP IN MALE MATING SUCCESS IN THE LIZARD ANOLIS SAGREI

One component of the courtship display of males in the lizard genus Anolis is the extension and retraction of a large and often colorful throat fan (the dewlap). However, the relative importance of displaying the dewlap during courtship in terms of male mating success is controversial. For this reason, I tested the hypothesis that the display of the male's dewlap during courtship affects male mating success in the lizard Anolis sagrei. The hypothesis was tested in the laboratory by comparing the mating success of experimental males that were surgically prevented from extending their dewlaps to control males that were not prevented from extending their dewlaps. Males in the two treatment groups were housed in individual cages for one week before being used in mating tests. One day prior to the mating tests, I visually exposed a male from each treatment group to the female that it would be paired with during the mating test. On the day of the mating test, each male was removed from its cage and placed into ...
p53 R175H hydrophobic patch and H-bond reorganization observed by MD simulation.

Molecular dynamics simulations probe the origins of aberrant functionality of R175H p53, which normally prevent tumorigenesis. This hotspot mutation exhibits loss of its essential zinc cofactor, aggregation, and activation of gain of function promoters, characteristics contributing to the loss of normal p53 activity. This study provided molecular level insight into the reorganization of the hydrogen bonding network and the formation of a hydrophobic patch on the surface of the protein. The hydrogen bonding network globally redistributes at the expense of the stability of the β-sandwich structure, and surface residues reorganize to expose a 250 A(2) hydrophobic patch of residues covering approximately 2% of the solvent accessible surface. These changes could both stabilize the protein in the conformation exposing the patch to solvent to mediate the reported aggregation, and cause a destabilization in the area associated with DNA binding residues to affect the specificity. The development of the patch prior to loss of zinc indicates that stabilizing the patch quickly may prevent zinc loss. Considerations for rational design of small molecule therapeutics in light of the structural insight has been discussed and it suggest the positive ring around the hydrophobic patch and conserved residues may constitute a druggable site.
The Relationship of Religious Practices and Beliefs to Schism

The recent schism of the Serbian Orthodox Church in America provided a test situation for determining the causes of schism from field data. There were no differences in religious beliefs and practice between the two groups. However, differences between the feuding factions are evident in recency of migration, educational achievement, mobility in the U.S., and political party affiliation. Therefore, this schism appears to be a reflection of antagonisms of non-religious origin although expressed in religious division.
Lipoprotein and apolipoprotein secretion by a newborn piglet intestinal cell line (IPEC-1)

The aim of these studies was to characterize the synthesis and secretion of lipoproteins and apolipoprotein B (apo B) and apo A-I by a newborn swine intestinal epithelial cell line (IPEC-1). Differentiated cells exhibited enterocytic features, including microvilli. [3H] oleic acid was taken up and incorporated into cellular lipids and secreted into the basolateral medium in lipoproteins. Total apo B and apo A-I secreted increased with oleic acid incubation. However, cellular apo B and apo A-I content did not change. Whereas undifferentiated cells synthesized and secreted only apo B-100, both apo B-100 and apo B-48 were produced by differentiated cells. The ratio of radiolabeled apo B-48 to apo B-100 in both basolateral medium and cell homogenate increased with oleic acid treatment after 24-h steady-state labeling. However, apo B mRNA editing was unchanged, indicating posttranslational regulation of this ratio. Pulse-chase radiolabeling demonstrated no major changes in cellular or basolateral medium apolipoprotein labeling kinetics with oleic acid or dexamethasone incubation. The dissociation of apo B and apo A-I mass secretion from the secretion of radiolabeled apo B and apo A-I in response to oleic acid absorption suggests the presence of an intracellular pool of apolipoprotein with a slow turnover that is mobilized for secretion in response to fatty acid uptake.
Periodontal Management by Risk Assessment: A Pragmatic Approach.

Abstract An evidence-based periodontal disease risk assessment and diagnosis system has been developed and combined with a clinical decision support and management program to improve treatment and measure patient outcomes. Background There is little agreement on a universally accepted periodontal risk assessment, periodontal diagnosis, and treatment management tool and their incorporation into dental practice to improve patient care. This article highlights the development and use of a practical periodontal management and risk assessment program that can be implemented in dental settings. Methods The approach taken by Willamette Dental Group to develop a periodontal disease risk assessment, periodontal diagnosis, and treatment management tool is described using evidence-based best practices. With goals of standardized treatment interventions while maintaining personalized care and improved communication, this process is described to facilitate its incorporation into other dental settings. Conclusions Current electronic health records can be leveraged to enhance patient-centered care through the use of risk assessments and standardized guidelines to more effectively assess, diagnose, and treat patients to improve outcomes. Dental hygienists, and other committed providers, with their emphasis on prevention of periodontal disease can be principal drivers in creation and implementation of periodontal risk assessments and personalized treatment planning. Willamette Dental Group believes that such evidence-based tools can advance dentistry to new diagnostic and treatment standards.
An Exploration of System-Level Factors and the Geographic Variation in Bariatric Surgery Utilization

There is wide geographic variation in bariatric surgery rates, although higher regional rates of obesity are not correlated with higher rates of surgery. In this study, four system-level factors were explored as contributors to this geographic variation. Geographic utilization rates of bariatric surgery showed no correlation to the number of bariatric surgeons, number of accredited centers, and the percentage of patients with a recent primary care visit. The total number of surgical discharges was weakly correlated with bariatric surgery rates (r = 0.26, p = <0.001). As surgeon supply, accredited bariatric centers, overall surgical volume, and access to primary care do not appear to heavily influence bariatric surgery rates, future studies are needed to identify additional factors that may explain the underutilization of bariatric surgery.
Photo-induced Structure Phase Transition Probed by Femotsecond Electron Diffraction

The melting of orthorhombic structure of La0.84Sr0.16MnO3is studied by femtosecond electron diffraction. The measurements indicate the destruction of orthorhombic structure involves a fast process of 1.21 ps and a slow one of 27.3 ps.
What Factors Influence the Relationship Between Feedback on Cognitive Performance and Subsequent Driving Self-Regulation?:

Recent research indicates that providing feedback about cognitive abilities (i.e., UFOV® test performance) may change driving self-regulation; however, 42% of participants who received negative feedback failed to increase driving self-regulation (Ackerman, Ball, Crowe, Owsley, Vance, & Wadley, 2011). The current study extends those findings, using the same sample (N = 129) to investigate factors that may influence the relationship between feedback regarding cognitive abilities and driving self-regulation. Feedback by age and feedback by number of eye conditions showed significant interactions, and feedback by baseline driving exposure interaction approached significance. Older participants (80-94; n = 38) who received negative feedback significantly increased subsequent avoidance of challenging driving conditions relative to baseline. Participants with no reported eye conditions (n = 36) who received negative feedback significantly increased subsequent driving avoidance, and participants below median baseline driving exposure (n = 66) tended to increase subsequent driving avoidance. These results identify individual level factors that may influence the relationship between feedback regarding cognitive abilities and self-regulation and have implications for encouraging older adults to make informed decisions about appropriate driving behavior.
Toward the neurocomputer: goal-directed learning in embodied cultured networks

Brains display very high-level parallel computation, fault-tolerance, and adaptability, all of which are what we struggle to recreate in engineered systems. The neurocomputer (an organic computer built from living neurons) seems possible and may lead to a new generation of computing device that can operate in a brain-like manner. Cultured neuronal networks on multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) are one of the best candidates for the neurocomputer for their controllability, accessibility, flexibility, and the ability to self-organize. I explored the possibility of the neurocomputer by studying whether we can show goal-directed learning, one of the most fascinating behavior of brains, in cultured networks. Inspired by the brain, which needs to be embodied in some way and interact with its surroundings in order to give a purpose to its activities, we have developed tools for closing the sensory-motor loop between a cultured network and a robot or an artificial animal (an animat), termed a "hybrot". In order to efficiently find an effective closed-loop design among infinite potential options, I constructed a biologically-inspired simulated network. By using this simulated network, I designed: (1) a statistic that can effectively and efficiently decode network functional plasticity, and (2) feedback stimulations and an adaptive training algorithm to encode sensory information and to direct network plasticity. By closing the sensory-motor loop with these decoding and encoding designs, we successfully demonstrated a simple adaptive goal-directed behavior: learning to move in a user-defined direction, and further showed that multiple tasks could be learned simultaneously. These results suggest that even though a cultured network lacks the 3-D structure of the brain, it still can be functionally shaped and show meaningful behavior. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of goal-directed learning in embodied cultured networks. Extending from these findings, I further proposed a research plan to optimize closed-loop designs for evaluating the maximal learning capacity (or even true intelligence) of the cultured network. Knowledge gained from effective closed-loop designs provides insights about learning and memory in the nervous system, which could influence the design of neurocomputers, future artificial neural networks, and more effective neuroprosthetics.
Segmented diffusion-weighted imaging of the prostate: Application to transperineal in-bore 3T MR image-guided targeted biopsy.

Abstract Objective This study aims to evaluate the applicability of using single-shot and multi-shot segmented diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) techniques to support biopsy target localization in a cohort of targeted MRI-guided prostate biopsy patients. Materials and methods Single-shot echo-planar diffusion-weighted imaging (SS-DWI) and multi-shot segmented (MS-DWI) were performed intra-procedurally on a 3 Tesla system in a total of 35 men, who underwent in-bore prostate biopsy inside the scanner bore. Comparisons between SS-DWI and MS-DWI were performed with (in 16 men) and without (in 19 men) parallel coil acceleration (iPAT) for SS-DWI. Overall image quality and artifacts were scored by a radiologist and scores were compared with the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney rank test. Correlation between the presence of air and image quality scores was evaluated with Spearman statistics. To quantify distortion, the anteroposterior prostate dimension was measured in SS and MS b = 0 diffusion- and T 2 -weighted images. Signal-to-noise ratio was estimated in a phantom experiment. Agreement and accuracy of targeting based on retrospective localization of restricted diffusion areas in DWI was evaluated with respect to the targets identified using multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI). Results Compared to SS-DWI without iPAT, the average image quality score in MS-DWI improved from 2.0 to 3.3 (p 2 -weighted image gland measurements were 1.1 (0.03–10.4) mm and 4.4 (0.5–22.7) mm, respectively. In the SS-DWI-iPAT cohort, median gland dimension differences were 2.7 (0.4–5.9) mm and 4.2 (0.7–8.9) mm, respectively. Out of the total of 89 targets identified in mpMRI, 20 had corresponding restricted diffusion areas in SS-DWI and 28 in MS-DWI. No statistically significant difference was observed between the distances for the targets in the target-concordant SS- and MS-DWI restricted diffusion areas (5.5 mm in SS-DWI vs 4.5 mm in MS-DWI, p > 0.05). Conclusions MS-DWI applied to prostate imaging leads to a significant reduction of image distortion in comparison with SS-DWI. There is no sufficient evidence however to suggest that intra-procedural DWI can serve as a replacement for tracking of the targets identified in mpMRI for the purposes of targeted MRI-guided prostate biopsy.
Medical treatment of the adolescent drug abuser. An opportunity for rehabilitative intervention.

SUMMARY The physician is placed in a most advantageous position to establish a trusting therapeutic relationship with the adolescent drug abuser. Illnesses related to both the pharmacologic properties of abused substances and their method of administration will bring the teenager to medical attention. Often these illnesses provide sufficient motivation for the adolescent to seek help beyond his acute problem. The physician who is able to successfully treat an overdose reaction, an abstinence syndrome, or any other medical complication of drug abuse can subsequently embark on the evaluation necessary to arrive at a meaningful suggestion for future care. The physician should be prepared to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
Recognition, Redistribution, and Participatory Parity: Where’s the Law?

Critical theory, Nancy Fraser has recently claimed, is jettisoning its strengths for a narrow “legalism.” Fraser’s worry may be overstated. Frankfurt critical theory needs to provide a nuanced account of law and rights as part of both its normative and socio-theoretical endeavors. Fraser implicitly recognizes this point in her powerful rejoinder to Honneth. Nonetheless, her criticism raises a question about her contributions to critical theory. Do they provide an adequate basis formulating a critical theory of law? Though Fraser has admirably resisted flawed deconstructionist accounts of law, and also periodically opened the door to a rigorous discussion of legal matters, some implicit theoretical premises have apparently gotten in the way of her doing so.
Acute kidney injury aggravated by treatment initiation with apixaban: Another twist of anticoagulant-related nephropathy

Anticoagulant-related nephropathy (ARN) was initially described in patients on warfarin (as warfarin-related nephropathy) and recently in those using dabigatran. Herein, we report clinical history and kidney biopsy findings in a patient on apixaban (Eliquis). Initiation of treatment with apixaban resulted in aggravation of preexisting mild acute kidney injury (AKI). A few days after apixaban therapy, the patient became oligoanuric, and kidney biopsy showed severe acute tubular necrosis with numerous occlusive red blood cell casts. Only one out of 68 glomeruli with open capillary loops had small segmental cellular crescent. Therefore, there was major discrepancy between the degree of glomerular injury and the glomerular hematuria. Considering that the onset of this AKI was associated with apixaban treatment initiation, we propose that this patient had ARN associated with factor Xa inhibitor (apixaban), which has not previously been described. Monitoring of kidney function is recommended after initiation of anticoagulant therapy.
Predicted melt curve and liquid-state transport properties of TATB from molecular dynamics simulations

The melt curve and the liquid-state transport properties shear viscosity, self-diffusion coefficient and thermal conductivity of 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) were predicted using all...
Graphical Perception of Continuous Quantitative Maps: the Effects of Spatial Frequency and Colormap Design

Continuous 'pseudocolor' maps visualize how a quantitative attribute varies smoothly over space. These maps are widely used by experts and lay citizens alike for communicating scientific and geographical data. A critical challenge for designers of these maps is selecting a color scheme that is both effective and aesthetically pleasing. Although there exist empirically grounded guidelines for color choice in segmented maps (e.g., choropleths), continuous maps are significantly understudies, and their color-coding guidelines are largely based on expert opinion and design heuristics--many of these guidelines have yet to be verified experimentally. We conducted a series of crowdsourced experiments to investigate how the perception of continuous maps is affected by colormap characteristics and spatial frequency (a measure of data complexity). We find that spatial frequency significantly impacts the effectiveness of color encodes, but the precise effect is task-dependent. While rainbow schemes afforded the highest accuracy in quantity estimation irrespective of spatial complexity, divergent colormaps significantly outperformed other schemes in tasks requiring the perception of high-frequency patterns. We interpret these results in relation to current practices, and devise new and more granular guidelines for color mapping in continuous maps.
Association of Hospital Participation in a Regional Trauma Quality Improvement Collaborative With Patient Outcomes

Importance The American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (ACS TQIP) provides feedback to hospitals on risk-adjusted outcomes. The Michigan Trauma Quality Improvement Program (MTQIP) goes beyond the provision of feedback alone, focusing on collaborative quality improvement. It is unknown whether the addition of a collaborative approach to benchmark reporting improves outcomes. Objective To evaluate the association of hospital participation in the ACS TQIP (benchmark reporting) or the MTQIP (benchmark reporting and collaborative quality improvement) with outcomes compared with control hospitals that did not participate in either program. Design, Setting, and Participants In this cohort study, data from the National Trauma Data Bank from 2009 to 2015 were used. A total of 2 373 130 trauma patients 16 years or older with an Injury Severity Score of 5 or more were identified from 98 ACS TQIP hospitals, 23 MTQIP hospitals, and 429 nonparticipating hospitals, based on program participation status in 2011. A difference-in-differences analytic approach was used to evaluate whether hospital participation in the ACS TQIP or the MTQIP was associated with improved outcomes compared with nonparticipation in a quality improvement program. Exposures Hospital participation in MTQIP, a quality improvement collaborative, compared with ACS TQIP participation and nonparticipating hospitals. Main Outcomes and Measures In-hospital mortality, mortality or hospice, major complications, and venous thromboembolism events were assessed. Results Of the 2 373 130 included trauma patients, 64.2% were men and 73.0% were white, and the mean (SD) age was 50.7 (21.9) years. After accounting for patient factors and preexisting time trends toward improved outcomes, there was a statistically significant improvement in major complications after (vs before) hospital enrollment in the MTQIP collaborative compared with nonparticipating hospitals (odds ratio [OR], 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83-0.95) or ACS TQIP hospitals (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82-0.94). A similar result was observed for venous thromboembolism (MTQIP vs nonparticipating: OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.69-0.88; MTQIP vs ACS TQIP: OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.74-0.95), for which MTQIP targeted specific performance improvement efforts. Hospital participation in both ACS TQIP and MTQIP was associated with improvement in mortality or hospice (ACS TQIP vs nonparticipating: OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.87-0.93; MTQIP vs nonparticipating: OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.81-0.96). Hospitals participating in MTQIP achieved the lowest overall risk-adjusted mortality in the postenrollment period (4.2%; 95% CI, 4.1-4.3). Conclusions and Relevance This study demonstrates that hospital participation in a regional collaborative quality improvement program is associated with improved patient outcomes beyond benchmark reporting alone while promoting compliance with processes of care.
Nitrogen fixation genes of Clostridium pasteurianum

Clostridium pasteurianum W5 is an obligately anaerobic, free-living nitrogen fixer. It was one of the first nitrogen-fixing organisms isolated (16, 26), and it has been studied in the laboratory for almost 100 years now. Consistent nitrogen fixation by cell-free preparations was first obtained with this anaerobe (4), which marked a turning point in studies of the biochemistry of nitrogen fixation (2). Although nitrogenase from C. pasteurianum has been very extensively studied and it possesses a number of unique properties (5), the nitrogen-fixation (nif) genes of C. pasteurianum have been studied only in recent years.
Prosthetic Group Labeled Enzyme Immunoassay

Prosthetic group labeled enzyme immunoassay (PGLEIA) is a separation-free (homogeneous) enzyme mediated immunoassay. The assay depends on: (1) the ability of a stable covalent ligand-prosthetic group conjugate to activate an apoenzyme which by itself is enzymatically inactive; and (2) the ability of anti-ligand antibody to bind ligand-prosthetic group conjugate such that the bound ligand-prosthetic group is incapable of activating the apoenzyme.
Hereditary xanthinuria in a goat.

A 2-year-old mixed breed goat was presented for a 1-day history of anorexia and 1 week of weight loss. Serum biochemistry disclosed severe azotemia. Abdominal ultrasound examination showed decreased renal corticomedullary distinction, poor visualization of the renal pelves, and dilated ureters. On necropsy, the kidneys were small, the pelves were dilated, and the medulla was partially effaced by variably sized yellow nephroliths. Histologically, cortical and medullary tubules were distended by yellow-brown, multilayered crystals. Stone composition was 100% xanthine. Exonic sequencing of xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and molybdenum cofactor sulfurase (MOCOS) identified 2 putative pathogenic variants: a heterozygous XDH p.Leu128Pro variant and a homozygous MOCOS p.Asp303Gly variant. Variant frequencies were determined in 7 herd mates, 12 goats undergoing necropsy, and 443 goats from genome databases. The XDH variant was not present in any of these 462 goats. The MOCOS variant allele frequency was 0.03 overall, with 3 homozygotes detected. Hereditary xanthinuria is a recessive disorder in other species, but the XDH variant could be causal if the case goat is a compound heterozygote harboring a second variant in a regulatory region not analyzed or if the combination of the XDH and MOCOS variants together abolish XDH activity. Alternatively, the MOCOS variant alone could be causal despite the presence of other homozygotes, because hereditary xanthinuria in humans often is asymptomatic. Ours is the first report describing the clinical presentation and pathology associated with xanthine urolithiasis in a goat. The data support hereditary xanthinuria, but functional studies are needed to conclusively determine the causal variant(s).
Ptolemy's search for a law of refraction: A case-study in the classical methodology of “saving the appearances” and its limitations

It is generally accepted that, after an auspicious beginning with Euclid's formulation of the ray-concept and an equally auspicious sequel, during which both optics proper and catoptrics were put on a firm scientific footing, the early development of mathematical optics was cut short by Ptolemy's failure to find the sine-law of refraction.1 This failure, which apparently stemmed the growth of mathematical optics for some fifteen centuries, has long puzzled historians of science. We know for a start that, in attempting to derive the law experimentally, Ptolemy was on the right track, and we also know that the experiment he devised
Abstract 4093: Synergy of CTL tumor cytotoxicity with myxoma oncolytic virotherapy

Background: Checkpoint blockade (CKB) are in clinical trials in breast cancer, but responses may be limited by the low tumor micro-immune profile and somatic mutation burden. Oncolytic viruses may function by activating the immune microenvironment, and improve clinical responses when combined with CKB against cancers like melanoma. In this study, we evaluate the synergy of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) combined with oncolytic myxoma virus in an in vitro model of human breast cancer. Method: BMLF1-CTLs were generated from human HLA-A*02 PBMCs, which were stimulated with antigen presenting cells pulsed with the EBV BMLF1 HLA-A*02 peptide (GLCTLVAML). MCF-7 was engineered to express the full-length BMLF1 gene from EBV. To assess the impact of myxoma virus infection on CTL cytotoxicity, target MCF-7 cells (+/- BMLF1) were co-cultured with BMLF1-CTLs (E:T ratio=5:1) and myxoma virus vMyx-M135KO-GFP (vMyx135KO), at multiplicity of infection (MOI) ranges from 0.1 to 10 ffu/cell, in vitro for 48 hours. Cytotoxicity was measured by flow cytometry with propidium iodide (PI). Cell surface expression of MHC class I and class II were measured by flow cytometry. Statistical comparisons were performed using an unpaired t-test and variation among and between groups was calculated using ANOVA. Statistical significance was defined as p Results: At the highest MOI (10 ffu/cell), cell surface MHC class I expression on MDA-MB-231 was decreased 38-fold (p Conclusions: Oncolytic myxoma virus infection can decrease the MHC class I expression in human breast cancer cell lines, but only at high multiplicities of infection. At low level of virus, myxoma virus infection can enhance CTL cytotoxcity of breast cancer cell line. Citation Format: Meixuan Chen, Ana L. Matos, Padhmavathy Yuvaraj, Laura Belmont, Grant McFadden, Karen S. Anderson. Synergy of CTL tumor cytotoxicity with myxoma oncolytic virotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4093.
Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography to Assess Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on the Iliocostalis Lumborum Muscle: A Feasibility Study.

Objectives To investigate the feasibility of ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) in assessing iliocostalis lumborum muscle changes after osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). Methods Using a linear array ultrasound transducer (4-9 MHz), we prospectively measured the shear wave velocity (SWV) of bilateral iliocostalis lumborum muscles in 20 patients with low back somatic dysfunction and in 9 age-matched healthy volunteers. The SWV was measured in muscle relaxation and contraction in all participants and immediately before and after OMT in patients. We developed a muscle SWV rate [SWVcontraction - SWVrelaxation )/SWVrelaxation ] and an SWV improvement index [(SWVpre-OMT - SWVpost-OMT )/SWVpre-OMT ] for quantifying muscle contractibility and changes in muscle stiffness after OMT. Statistical analyses included an unpaired t test to analyze the difference in the muscle SWV between muscle relaxation and contraction and between somatic dysfunction and nonsomatic dysfunction in patients and healthy volunteers, a paired t test to examine the difference in the SWV and SWV rate before and after OMT, the intraclass correlation coefficient to test intraobserver and interobserver reliability, and Spearman rank correlation to analyze the correlation of changes in the SWV with manual osteopathic assessments. Results The mean ages of the patients with low back somatic dysfunction and the healthy volunteers were 28 and 26 years, respectively. The muscle SWV significantly differed between somatic dysfunction and nonsomatic dysfunction in patients and healthy volunteers, between muscle relaxation and contraction, and before and after OMT (P 0.8). Conclusions Our results suggest that SWE is feasible for quantifying the change in muscle stiffness and contractibility after OMT.
Prestin kinetics and corresponding frequency dependence augment during early development of the outer hair cell within the mouse organ of Corti.

Several studies have documented the early development of OHC electromechanical behavior. The mechanical response (electromotility, eM) and its electrical correlate (nonlinear capacitance, NLC), resulting from prestin’s voltage-sensor charge movement, increase over the course of several postnatal days in altricial animals. They increase until about p18, near the time of peripheral auditory maturity. The correspondence of auditory capabilities and prestin function indicates that mature activity of prestin occurs at this time. One of the major requirements of eM is its responsiveness across auditory frequencies. Here we evaluate the frequency response of prestin charge movement in mice over the course of development up to 8 months. We find that in apical turn OHCs prestin’s frequency response increases during postnatal development and stabilizes when mature hearing is established. The low frequency component of NLC, within in situ explants, agrees with previously reported results on isolated cells. If prestin activity is independent of cochlear place, as might be expected, then these observations suggest that prestin activity somehow influences cochlear amplification at high frequencies in spite of its low pass behavior.
An orthotopic model of human osteosarcoma using two isogenic cell lines differing in their ability to form spontaneous pulmonary metastasis

3891 Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in children. The five year survival is 50-65%. Greater than 30% of patients develop lung metastases despite aggressive chemotherapy and surgery. In order to develop more effective therapies, an OSA model is needed that closely follows the biology of metastasis and clinical progression of this disease in humans. Ideally, this should be done without mutagenizing the tumor cells to ensure the relevance of the model to the disease in vivo. Here we describe a model that utilizes orthotopic injection of two isogenic human OSA cell lines differing in their ability to form spontaneous pulmonary metastasis, the parental OS187-luc and derivative 82L. OS187-luc was engineered to express luciferase to allow bioluminescent imaging to follow the progression of primary tumor growth and development of pulmonary metastases. Five hundred thousand OS187-luc cells were injected into the tibias of nude mice. Pulmonary nodules were isolated approximately two months later, disassociated into cell suspensions, then re-injected into nude mice intratibially. This was repeated for four cycles, and finally the pulmonary metastases were established and expanded in culture to produce the 82L cell line. Visible pulmonary nodules were present when using 82L at 3-4 weeks compared to 8-10 weeks using OS187-luc. Significantly more pulmonary nodules were present in lungs from mice injected with 82L compared to OS187. We have developed a more aggressive OSA cell line that mimics the clinical biology of human OS. This model has application in preclinical studies to determine the effectiveness of new therapeutic strategies against both primary and metastatic OSA.
A Review of Soybean (Glycine max) Seed, Pod, and Flower Mycofloras in North America, with Methods and a Key for Identification of Selected Fungi

A review of the fungi associated with soybean seeds, pods, or flowers was conducted in North America. Species of Deuteromycetes are the most common fungi in each of the soybean flower organs followed by the Ascomycetes and Phycomycetes which comprise about one-fourth of the total mycoflora. Eighty genera and about 135 or more species occur in seeds, pods, or flowers. With regard to numbers of taxa from separate mycofloras, 63 genera and about 108 or more species occur in seeds, 65 genera and about 88 or more species occur in pods, and 36 genera and approximately 47 or more species occur in flowers. Most of the fungi which occur in flowers can be cultured from pods, and the majority of those fungi occur in seeds. Methods for and a key are provided for the identification of the 30 most important selected fungi.
DEFINING AUDITORS' RESPONSIBILITIES

This paper explores the efforts of the audit profession to dominate definitions of their roles and responsibilities throughout the last two decades. The paper considers alternative definitions of these roles and responsibilities as forwarded by others and the justifications and defenses provided by auditors to legitimize their conceptions of these matters.
Using the Patient Portal Sexual Health Instrument in Surveys and Patient Questionnaires Among Sexual Minority Men in the United States: Cross-sectional Psychometric Validation Study.

Background: Patient portal modules, including electronic personal health records, health education, and prescription refill ordering, may be leveraged to address the sexually transmitted infection (STI) burden, including HIV, among gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men (SMM). Theoretical frameworks in the implementation sciences highlight examining constructs of innovation attributes and performance expectations as key determinants of behavioral intentions and the use of new web-based health technologies. However, behavioral intentions to use patient portals for HIV and other STI prevention and care among SMM is understudied. Objective: The aim of this study is to develop a brief instrument for measuring attitudes focused on using patient portals for STI prevention and care among a nationwide sample of SMM. Methods: A total of 12 items of the American Men’s Internet Survey-Patient Portal Sexual Health Instrument (AMIS-PPSHI) were adapted from a previous study. Psychometric analyses of the AMIS-PPSHI items were conducted among a randomized subset of 2018 AMIS participants reporting web-based access to their health records (N=1375). Parallel analysis and inspection of eigenvalues in a principal component analysis (PCA) informed factor retention in exploratory factor analysis (EFA). After EFA, Cronbach α was used to examine the internal consistency of the scale and its subscales. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to assess the goodness of fit of the final factor structure. We calculated the total AMIS-PPSHI scale scores for comparisons within group categories, including age, STI diagnosis history, recency of testing, serious mental illness, and anticipated health care stigma. Results: The AMIS-PPSHI scale resulting from EFA consisted of 12 items and had good internal consistency (α=.84). The EFA suggested 3 subscales: sexual health engagement and awareness (α=.87), enhancing dyadic communication (α=.87), and managing sexual health care (α=.79). CFA demonstrated good fit in the 3-factor PPSHI structure: root mean square error of approximation=0.061, comparative fit index=0.964, Tucker-Lewis index=0.953, and standardized root mean square residual=0.041. The most notable differences were lower scores on the enhanced dyadic communication subscale among people living with HIV. Conclusions: PPSHI is a brief instrument with strong psychometric properties that may be adapted for use in large surveys and patient questionnaires in other settings. Scores demonstrate that patient portals are favorable web-based solutions to deliver health services focused on STI prevention and care among SMM in the United States. More attention is needed to address the privacy implications of interpersonal use of patient portals outside of traditional health settings among persons with HIV.
Other Common Medical Emergencies

In this chapter, we will go over common medical emergencies that you will experience outside of the two previously discussed categories. These illnesses will vary greatly, covering everything from diabetes, to shock, to heat emergencies.
Competing Nationalisms, Regional Cooperation, and the Politics of International Shipping in West Africa

This article uses the maritime sector, especially ports and general maritime infrastructure development, as a lens to evaluate the significance and commitment to "collective interests" in regional development and integration in Africa. The study shows that African integration efforts are often driven by state-centric calculations of economic costs and benefits, rather than regional general welfare assumptions. In this calculus, member states do not hesitate to abandon collective regional integration goals to pursue competing nationalistic ones. Even where integration initiatives fail, member states continue to support them (at least rhetorically), often for anticipated diplomatic and psychological benefits. The result of this clash between competing nationalism and regional integration goals often manifests in failed regional development schemes, as the maritime transport sector of the West African sub-region shows.
Abstract 3055: Clonogenic high-throughput assay for screening radiation modulators

We present here the development of a high-throughput clonogenic methodology for the identification of novel radiation modulators, with critical and laborious steps automated for speed and ease of use. Clonogenic assays have long been the benchmark methodology for assessing reproductive cell death following treatment with ionizing radiation, alone or in combination with a variety of chemotherapeutic agents (cytotoxic, genotoxic, targeted therapies). However, owning to the large growth formats and intrinsic laborious nature of clonogenic assays heretofore large-scale screening for radiation modulators with this assay has been impractical. Further, presently available large-scale cellular growth screens (e.g. MTT type assays) have proven unreliable at reproducibly identifying clinically relevant radiation modulators. As a result, numerous attempts have been made at developing a streamlined clonogenic process, with modest degrees of success. Here we present the development of an automated miniaturized clonogenic methodology that finally provides for the high throughput screening of novel radiation modulators in cell lines representing seven cancer indications where radiation therapy is the standard of care (Esophageal cancer, Glioblastoma, Head and Neck cancer, metastatic Melanoma, Non-small-cell lung carcinoma, Rectal cancer, and Soft tissue sarcoma). First, we have identified multiple cell lines for each cancer indication that form consistently small and discrete colonies, making them amenable to clonogenic growth in 24- and/or 96-well formats. Second, we have identified conditions in which chemoradiation response is identical between traditional and miniaturized clonogenic formats. Third, we have developed fluorescent cell labeling protocols that allow for live cell colony counting, streamlining the assay and allowing for real-time monitoring over the course of each experiment. Fourth, we have developed software for the automated calling/quantification of clonogenic images, calculation of α/β ratio, dose modifying factor, and calling of hits in large scale screening. Fifth, we have developed an instrument that in large scale is capable of robotic liquid handling, irradiation, drug treatment, and incubation of clonogenic plates in an integrated manner. Preliminary screens with this methodology have demonstrated its ability to accurately identify known radiation modulators. Taken together these new technologies provide a platform to allow for the high-throughput clonogenic screening of drug libraries to identify novel radiation modulators. Further, this methodology is adaptable for identification of novel drug-drug combinations using a clonogenic endpoint. This work is funded in part by NCI SBIR Phase II contract No. 75N9109C0038. Citation Format: Barbara Frederick, Nathan Gomes, Tin Tin Su. Clonogenic high-throughput assay for screening radiation modulators [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 3055.