cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fetal and Postnatal Testis Shows Immunoprivilege as Donor Tissue

We evaluated the immunogenicity of the testis by transplanting adult, postnatal, and fetal rat testicular tissue into outbred adult female and male rats for 10 days. Testis grafts were evaluated morphometrically and histologically, and selectively compared to renal grafts previously reported in part. Testis grafts from days 15 to 21 of gestation, and from three, nine, 12 and 15 days after birth showed an overall increase in growth, with maintenance of architecture and minimal lymphocytic infiltrate. In contrast, only fetal renal tissue from days 15 to 17 demonstrated an increase in growth with maintenance of architecture and minimal lymphocytic infiltrate; grafts from later in gestation grew only slightly and showed progressive deterioration in architecture with an increasing lymphocytic infiltrate. Fifteen day fetal testis grafts were also implanted for longer intervals up to 45 days. The fetal testis grafts implanted for 20 and 30 days showed an increase in size with maintenance of architecture and minimal lymphocytic infiltrate. The observed fetal and postnatal testis growth in the non-immunosuppressed adult host makes compelling further studies directed at determining those factors contributing to the decreased immunogenicity of this organ.
Infective endocarditis following Melody valve implantation: comparison with a surgical cohort.

Background Infective endocarditis has been reported post Melody percutaneous pulmonary valve implant; the incidence and risk factors, however, remain poorly defined. We identified four cases of endocarditis from our first 25 Melody implants. Our aim was to examine these cases in the context of postulated risk factors and directly compare endocarditis rates with local surgical valves. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of patients post Melody percutaneous pulmonary valve implant in New Zealand (October, 2009-May, 2015) and also reviewed the incidence of endocarditis in New Zealand among patients who have undergone surgical pulmonary valve implants. Results In total, 25 patients underwent Melody implantation at a median age of 18 years. At a median follow-up of 2.9 years, most were well with low valve gradient (median 27 mmHg) and only mild regurgitation. Two patients presented with life-threatening endocarditis and obstructive vegetations at 14 and 26 months post implant, respectively. Two additional patients presented with subacute endocarditis at 5.5 years post implant. From 2009 to May, 2015, 178 surgical pulmonic bioprostheses, largely Hancock valves and homografts, were used at our institution. At a median follow-up of 2.9 years, four patients (2%) had developed endocarditis in this group compared with 4/25 (16%) in the Melody group (p=0.0089). Three surgical valves have been replaced. Conclusions The Melody valve offers a good alternative to surgical conduit replacement in selected patients. Many patients have excellent outcomes in the medium term. Endocarditis, however, can occur and if associated with obstruction can be life threatening. The risk for endocarditis in the Melody group was higher in comparison with that in a contemporaneous surgical pulmonary implant cohort.
DIFFERENTIAL CYTOTOXICITY OF TRACE METALS IN CISPLATIN-SENSITIVE AND -RESISTANT HUMAN OVARIAN CANCER CELLS

Cellular resistance of cisplatin is related to variousfactors such as membrane transformations, changes incellular transport systems, andan increased efflux of cisplatin by the tumor cells. Deficiencies of one ormoretrace metals can affect normal physiological functions, leading to altered enzymaticactivities and areduction in immune responses. This in vitro investigation was undertaken tostudy and determine the differ-entialcytotoxicity of certain trace metals in humanovarian cancer cells that were sensitive and resistant tocisplatin. Standardcytotoxicity assays were performed using the neutral red assay. In general, thecisplatin-resistantcells exhibited an increased resistance to the externally supplied trace metals. For bothcell linesthe rank order of cytotoxicity from greatest to least with the non-essentialmetals was Cd >Bi , and forthe macrometals, Ca >K + >Mg . The transition metals and selenium exhibited a slight difference betweenthe two celllines with respect to the order of cytotoxicity. The cisplatin-sensitive cells had a rankorder ofV >Se >Cu >Zn >Fe , from greatest to least toxicity. The cisplatin-resistant cells had a rank orderof Cu >V >Se >Zn >Fe . Since trace metals have various functions in maintaining normal health,these results provide key baselinecytotoxicity data and show that, in general, cytotoxic resistance to thetrace metals testedfollowed a pattern similar to cellular cisplatin resistance.
Hard Rules and Bad Memories: College Learners' Accounts of What Makes Learning German Grammar Difficult

This questionnaire study analyzed responses of 96 first-, second-, third-, and fourth-year students of College German to the second part of a two-part question, namely, (a) what forms of German grammar are particularly difficult, and (b) why so. Response patterns show that word order, adjective endings, the subjunctive, and the gender/number/case complex were found to be particularly challenging. Students' explanations of difficulty predominantly referred to the nature of “rules” (their complexity, number, opacity – or absence, such as in “exceptions”) and the role of memory, especially memorization. Memorization is named as important by learners in all four years of study but becomes less prominent at the higher levels. Further, explanations differed according to the form under discussion. Memorization figured particularly prominently into explanations of why gender/case/number forms are difficult whereas rule complexity was the leading explanation for the challenges of word order and rule opacity for difficulties with the subjunctive. A lack of frequency of occurrence of or meaningful practice with forms featured only marginally. Students' responses imply a mechanistic view of language learning that deviates from both current research and pedagogy.
Intragastric Balloon Treatment for Obesity: Review of Recent Studies.

The FDA recently approved three intragastric balloon (IGB) devices, ReShape, ORBERA™, and Obalon for treatment of obesity. Given the high cost, complication risk, and invasiveness of bariatric surgery, IGB treatment may present a safer and lower cost option for weight reduction. IGBs are generally placed in the stomach endoscopically for up to 6 months to reduce gastric capacity, enhance feelings of fullness, and induce weight loss. The mechanism of action likely involves stimulation of gastric mechanoreceptors triggering short-acting vagal signals to brain regions implicated in satiety. Balloon efficacy may be influenced by balloon volume, patient gastric capacity, and treatment duration. This review focused on eight recent (2006–present) randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing percentage total body weight loss (%TBWL) between IGB and control groups including three reviewed by the FDA. %TBWL based on the reviewed studies was also compared with bariatric surgery and pharmacotherapy. Of the eight IGB studies, five had balloon treatment duration of 6 months. Efficacy at 6 months, based on a pooled weighted-mean %TBWL, was 9.7%, and the control-subtracted %TBWL was 5.6%. When one study without SDs was removed, the weighted mean %TBWL was 9.3 ± 5.7% SD, and control-subtracted %TBWL was 5.5 ± 7.8%, which was statistically greater than controls. IGB showed lower efficacy than bariatric surgery (median weight loss of 27% for Rouen-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The control-subtracted %TBWL over 6 months of 5.5–5.6% is less than the most efficacious FDA-approved weight loss drug, Qsymia. At the recommended dose, Qsymia has a placebo-subtracted %TBWL at 6 months of approximately 6.6%. The weighted mean reported incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs) in the IGB group across all eight studies was 10.5%. Only six of the eight reviewed studies reported adverse events (AEs) in the IGB group, with a pooled reported incidence of 28.2%. Recently, the FDA reported new AEs including acute pancreatitis with ReShape and ORBERA™. Based on the available evidence, it is unlikely that IGB use will supplant other forms of obesity treatment. The estimated cost of endoscopic balloon implantation and retrieval is US $8,150. Collectively, a relatively small control-subtracted %TBWL and the potential for serious complications makes IGB unlikely to become widely adopted. Given the recent FDA warning, IGB longevity on the market is questionable.
Histological evaluation of chronically implanted tissue-engineered-electronic-neural-interface (TEENI) devices

Neural-interface devices have the potential to isolate and transduce both afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) neural signals of the peripheral nerve to and from electrical signals in instrumentation for stimulation and recording to produce fine control of advanced prosthetics. In order to potentiate the full spectrum of possible applications, the persistent foreign-body response needs to be addressed. Here we describe the cellular and extracellular components of chronically implanted polyimide threads suspended within a tricomponent hydrogel. The results of these experiments will contribute to design modifications for future fabrications of tissue-engineered-electronic-nerve-interface (TEENI) devices.
Linux Means Business: Mission-Critical Application on Linux

This company converted to a Linux server for its Oracle database and increased operation speeds eight-fold.
Machine learning in cardiac CT: Basic concepts and contemporary data

Propelled by the synergy of the groundbreaking advancements in the ability to analyze high-dimensional datasets and the increasing availability of imaging and clinical data, machine learning (ML) is poised to transform the practice of cardiovascular medicine. Owing to the growing body of literature validating both the diagnostic performance as well as the prognostic implications of anatomic and physiologic findings, coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is now a well-established non-invasive modality for the assessment of cardiovascular disease. ML has been increasingly utilized to optimize performance as well as extract data from CCTA as well as non-contrast enhanced cardiac CT scans. The purpose of this review is to describe the contemporary state of ML based algorithms applied to cardiac CT, as well as to provide clinicians with an understanding of its benefits and associated limitations.
An approximate analysis for the turbulent boundary layer thickness on a cone in supersonic flow

A simplified approximate analysis for the boundary layer thickness, friction coefficient, and mass flow is presented for an initially turbulent boundary layer on a cone in a supersonic free stream. Considering the effect of curvature on the boundary layer thickness, a non-linear differential equation is obtained whose simple form lends itself easily to a computer program. With the boundary layer thickness small compared to the cone’s radial dimensions, the non-linear Bernoulli differential equation is obtained from the momentum integral equation, and hence is solvable by an appropriate change in variable. Allowing for various exponents in the Blasius friction relation and the velocity profile relation, the method is applicable to a large range in Reynolds numbers. The simple mass flow relation is readily applicable to those situations in which boundary layer control may be desired.
Subsurface Application of Alcaligenes eutrophus for Plugging of Porous Media

Abstract Alcaligenes eutrophus , which produces a massive amount of intracellular polyester-poly-3-hydroxybutyrate(PHB)–as high as 70% of the cell weight, was selected for porous media plugging studies. To simulate the subsurface environment, both static drainage and pressurized pumping flow systems of A. eutrophus living cells and PHB suspensions through laboratory sand packs were investigated. In the static drainage flow system, the effluent rate was reduced about 280-fold. For the pressurized pumping flow system, the relative permeability (K i /K o ,) was reduced by one million. Both dead cells and living cells of A. eutrophus plugged the sand pack columns in the static drainage flow system. The dead cell suspension reduced the effluent rate by 4.3 times within 5 hrs., while the living cell suspension made a 280-fold reduction. A PHB water solution, a commercial product in powder form which disperses well but is not totally dissolved in water, showed the plugging effects solely dependent on the concentration of PHB. These facts signify that A. eutrophus and its microbial product, PHB, are efficient plugging agents. They have potential applications in the MEOR process, such as selective plugging, because of their relative non-agglomerating cell size, their rod shape of 0.7 m in diameter and 1.8-2.6 m in length, and their lack of any exopolymer in culture solutions, especially the beneficial biopolymer (PHB) produced internally in cells.
Effects of dietary energy level and protein source on site of digestion and duodenal nitrogen and amino acid flows in steers.

Six steers (468 kg) with ruminai and duodenal cannulas were fed diets formulated for two levels of energy containing three crude protein (CP) sources in a 6  6 Latin square with a 2  2; factorial arrangement of treatments. Energy levels were 2.17 and 2.71 Meal metabolizable energy (ME)/kg dry matter (DM) provided by bay-corn (H) and corn silage-corn (CS) diets, respectively. Soybean meal (SBM), corn gluten meal-urea (CGM) and urea (U) provided 33% of dietary CP in 12% CP diets. Apparent organic matter (OM) digested in the stomach was not affected (P > .05) by energy level or CP source, but OM truly digested in the stomach was greater (P . 05) by energy level. Duodenal flows of total amino acids tended (P < .06) to be greater when steers were fed CGM compared with SBM or U, due mainly to an increased (P < .05) flow of nonessential amino acids.
Effects of Intraoperative Vagal Nerve Stimulation on the Gastrointestinal Microbiome in a Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

The gastrointestinal microbiota (GM) plays a fundamental role in health and disease and contributes to the bidirectional signaling between the gastrointestinal system and brain. The direct line of communication between these organ systems is through the vagus nerve. Therefore, vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), a commonly used technique for multiple disorders, has potential to modulate the enteric microbiota, enabling investigation and possibly treatment of numerous neurologic disorders in which the microbiota has been linked with disease. Here we investigate the effect of VNS in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). B6SJL-Tg(SOD1*G93A)dl1Gur (SOD1dl) and wildtype mice underwent ventral neck surgery to access the vagus nerve. During surgery, the experimental group received 1 h of VNS, whereas the sham group underwent 1 h of sham treatment. The third (control) group did not undergo any surgical manipulation. Fecal samples were collected before surgery and at 8 d after the initial collection. Microbial DNA was sequenced to determine the GM profiles at both time points. GM profiles did not differ between genotypes at either the initial or end point. In addition, VNS did not alter GM populations, according to the parameters chosen in this study, indicating that this short intraoperative treatment is safe and has no lasting effects on the GM. Future studies are warranted to determine whether different stimulation parameters or chronic use of VNS affect GM profiles.
A Preliminary Study on Second-Intention Healing of Full-Thickness Wounds on Equine Distal Forelimbs Treated With Maltodextrin

Abstract Equine distal limb wounds may be left to heal by second intention, a potentially slow method of healing. This study evaluated the effect of maltodextrin on second-intention healing of full-thickness equine distal limb wounds. A 4 × 4 cm full-thickness wound was created on the dorsal aspect of the metacarpus of each front limb in 8 horses. Wounds were randomly assigned to the control group (no treatment) or treatment group (maltodextrin applied daily starting one day after wound creation). Wounds were bandaged until the wound bed was filled with granulation tissue, then discontinued. Amount and quality of granulation tissue, amount of epithelialization, and presence of exudate were recorded until wounds were completely epithelialized by an investigator blinded to treatment. Wounds were photographed at each time point and wound area was determined using computer software. A repeated measures two-way ANOVA was performed to analyze wound area data over time. There was no difference in measured parameters over time or at any single time point between treated and control wounds. Treatment was discontinued on day 18 due to persistence of granulation tissue above the level of the epithelium in treated wounds. Treatment of open wounds with maltodextrin on distal limbs of horses promoted persistent excessive granulation tissue formation during day 12–17 following wound creation but did not affect wound healing after its discontinuation. The use of maltodextrin during the appropriate phases of wound healing may reduce initial wound enlargement and could potentially be used to promote granulation tissue formation.
Erratum for Wangsanut et al., "Functional Mapping of Transcription Factor Grf10 That Regulates Adenine-Responsive and Filamentation Genes in Candida albicans".

Volume 3, no. 5, e00467-18, 2018, [https://doi.org/10.1128/mSphere.00467-18][1]. Supplemental Figure S3 legend: the description for panel B of this figure is incomplete. The last sentence of the description for this panel should read, “Plates were incubated at 30°C and photographed at 48 h;
Examining Course Layouts in Blackboard: Using Eye-Tracking to Evaluate Usability in a Learning Management System

This paper describes an exploratory usability study designed to investigate how college students locate information in a Learning Management System and to establish a set of guidelines for creating...
Feminist and stratification theories' lessons from the crisis and their relevance for post-Keynesian theory

The many contributions of post-Keynesian economists to understanding the causes of the global financial crisis that began in 2008 could be enhanced by integrating the research by feminist and stratification economists. These groups have produced a body of work analysing trends in inter-group and intra-class inequality that led up to the crisis and theoretically inform how we assess the distribution of the negative effects of the crisis by class, race, and gender. Further, this body of work has assessed the potential for fiscal and monetary policy to promote greater equality while reducing intra-class competition and conflict.
Effect of Posthospital Syndrome on Discharge Disposition and Healthcare Utilization After Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Abstract Objective Evaluate the impact of post-hospital syndrome (PHS), a physiologically deconditioned state experienced by patients after hospitalizations, on postoperative healthcare utilization and discharge disposition following total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty. Methods Insurance claims from the Truven MarketScan Databases were used to perform this cross-sectional study of patients who underwent unilateral, primary THA or TKA between January 2010 to December 2016. PHS, defined as a hospitalization within 90 days prior to surgery, and non-PHS cohorts were compared. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk of post-operative discharge to an extended care facility (ECF), hospital readmissions, and emergency department visits within 90 days. Results This study included 115,465 THA and 190,398 TKA patients who underwent elective surgery for osteoarthritis. PHS was identified in 1.9% and 1.6% of cohorts, respectively, and was more common in patients with higher comorbidities. The PHS cohort had higher crude rates of discharge to ECF (THA 38.8% and TKA 33.8%) and readmissions (21.8% and 18%). Adjusted odds ratios showed that PHS increased risk of disposition to ECF (AOR THA 1.9 and TKA 1.4), readmission (2.8 and 2.0), and emergency department encounters (1.6 and 1.4). Among PHS patients, acute hospitalizations within 30 days of surgery and those lasting greater than 5 days had the highest risk of post-operative healthcare utilization. Conclusion In this study of commercially insured patients, those with an acute hospitalizations within 90-days prior to elective total joint arthroplasty were nearly twice as likely to be discharged to an extended-care facility and twice as likely to be readmitted in the global post-operative period.
Bridging the Opportunity Gap: College Access Programs and Outdoor Adventure Education

Students with low socioeconomic status (SES) are much less likely to participate in out-of-school-time (OST) activities than their more affluent peers. This “opportunity gap” may have compounding effects, as these activities help develop key noncognitive factors: the skills, beliefs, and behaviors associated with college readiness. College access programs may provide opportunities that are out of reach to students with low SES, including outdoor adventure education (OAE) experiences. This study involved 175 adolescents from a needs-based college access program and examined the relation of participation in a weeklong OAE experience to changes in student attitudes and beliefs, specifically (a) self-efficacy for dealing with challenge and engaging in help-seeking behaviors, (b) growth mindsets toward leadership and emotional regulation, and (c) sense of belonging within a community of learners. The study employed pre- and postcourse measures of noncognitive factors along with in-depth interviews to identify outcomes and converging results from quantitative and qualitative data. Results indicate that OAE participation relates to gains in self-efficacy for dealing with challenge and using help-seeking behavior and reinforces sense of belonging. Interviews identified that the OAE experience provides an emotionally intense and authentic practice setting where students feel impelled to overcome difficulties. Unfamiliarity with the backcountry setting necessitated that students reach out to others for assistance, remain flexible, and adapt to new environments—key skills associated with college success.Subscribe to JOREL
STEPP IN: Working Together to Keep Infants Warm in the Perioperative Period.

OBJECTIVES: Reduce postoperative hypothermia by up to 50% over a 12-month period in children’s hospital NICUs and identify specific clinical practices that impact success. METHODS: Literature review, expert opinion, and benchmarking were used to develop clinical practice recommendations for maintaining perioperative euthermia that included the following: established euthermia before transport to the operating room (OR), standardized practice for maintaining euthermia on transport to and from the OR, and standardized practice to prevent intraoperative heat loss. Process measures were focused on maintaining euthermia during these time points. The outcome measure was the proportion of patients with postoperative hypothermia (temperature ≤36°C within 30 minutes of a return to the NICU or at the completion of a procedure in the NICU). Balancing measures were the proportion of patients with postoperative temperature >38°C or the presence of thermal burns. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify key practices that improved outcome. RESULTS: Postoperative hypothermia decreased by 48%, from a baseline of 20.3% (January 2011 to September 2013) to 10.5% by June 2015. Strategies associated with decreased hypothermia include >90% compliance with patient euthermia (36.1–37.9°C) at times of OR arrival (odds ratio: 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43–0.79; P 74°F (odds ratio: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.62–0.999; P = .05). Hyperthermia increased from a baseline of 1.1% to 2.2% during the project. No thermal burns were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing postoperative hypothermia is possible. Key practices include prewarming the OR and compliance with strategies to maintain euthermia at select time points throughout the perioperative period.
Azithromycin and COVID-19: Prompt early use at first signs of this infection in adults and children, an approach worthy of consideration.

The devastating effects of the coronavirus designated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have led to urgent attempts to find effective therapeutic agents for inpatient and outpatient treatment of COVID-19. Initial enthusiasm for the combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin has abated. However, as a result of positive clinical experience with azithromycin used alone during the first few days of the flu-like illness caused by this coronavirus, we recommend formal clinical trials using azithromycin early in the course of a COVID-19 infection. There is one clinical trial initiated, the individually randomized, telemedicine-based, "Azithromycin for COVID-19 Treatment in Outpatients Nationwide" based at the University of California San Francisco. This placebo-controlled trial is designed to determine the efficacy of a single 1.2-g dose of oral azithromycin to prevent COVID-19 patient progression to hospitalization. We recommend formal clinical trials of azithromycin in its prepackaged form at the first sign of COVID-19 infection in adults and children, using an initial adult dose of 500 mg followed by 250 mg per day for 4 days, a total cumulative dose of 1.5 g, and for children 5 to 18 years of age, 10 mg/kg on the first day followed by 5 mg/kg for 4 days.
Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibition improves cognitive function and parenchymal artery dilation in a hypertensive model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.

Objective Parenchymal arterioles (PAs) regulate perfusion of the cerebral microcirculation, and impaired PA endothelium-dependent dilation occurs in dementia models mimicking chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH). Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are vasodilators; their actions are potentiated by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibition. We hypothesized that chronic sEH inhibition with trifluoromethoxyphenyl-3 (1-propionylpiperidin-4-yl) urea (TPPU) would prevent cognitive dysfunction and improve PA dilation in a hypertensive CCH model. Methods Bilateral carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) was used to induce CCH in twenty-week-old male stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHSRP) that were treated with vehicle or TPPU for 8 weeks. Cognitive function was assessed by novel object recognition. PA dilation and structure were assessed by pressure myography, and mRNA expression in brain tissue was assessed by qRT-PCR. Results TPPU did not enhance resting cerebral perfusion, but prevented CCH-induced memory deficits. TPPU improved PA endothelium-dependent dilation but reduced the sensitivity of PAs to a nitric oxide donor. TPPU treatment had no effect on PA structure or biomechanical properties. TPPU treatment increased brain mRNA expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor, doublecortin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, sEH, and superoxide dismutase 3, CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that sEH inhibitors may be viable treatments for cognitive impairments associated with hypertension and CCH.
Behavior Momentum Theory and Humans: A Review of the Literature

Behavioral Momentum Theory (BMT) is often described as analogous to Newton’s (1687) laws of motion. That is to say, similar to an object in motion continuing in motion unless acted upon by a force, responses occurring in a static environment will continue to occur at the same rate, unless presented with a disruptor (Nevin, Tota, Torquato, & Shull, Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 53, 359–379, 1990). When evaluating response rates through a behavioral momentum framework, responding continuing after a change in reinforcer conditions is said to persist. Previous research conducted with nonhuman animals indicates greater response persistence following conditions with either higher reinforcer rates or higher reinforcer magnitudes (Nevin, Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 21(3), 389–408, 1974; Nevin et al., Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 53, 359–379, 1990). Although BMT’s implications extend across human and nonhuman species, this literature review attempts to provide practitioners and researchers information regarding response persistence across various conditions with human participants.
Effects of a geriatric assessment (GA) intervention on symptomatic toxicity burden reported by older adults with advanced cancer during treatment.

138Background: GA evaluates aging-related domains (e.g., function) known to be associated with cancer treatment toxicity. We found that providing a GA summary with management recommendations to onc...
After COVID-19 We Will Need a New Research System. We Need To Start Planning Now.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of the journal or of ASM. The world after COVID-19 will be significantly different than the one we thought we knew so well only months ago. Only one thing is clear to us about the post-COVID-19 future, the scientific research system will change and we must start planning for that change now. COVID-19 has revealed a biomedical research enterprise at once powerful and yet remarkably vulnerable. On one hand, drawing from a bedrock of coronavirus research, in practically no time the enterprise has registered well over 300 interventional clinical trials and over 100 vaccine trials. Thanks to vaccine platform technology, we have seen the fastest first in human test for a vaccine ever and preliminary results from two Phase III clinical trials, concluded in record time, indicate extremely encouraging results. On the other, this novel, highly contagious virus has made a mockery of advanced scientific countries around the world with its unpredictability and atypical outcomes in different human populations. So far, the most effective strategy has been to wear a mask, “stay home and wash your hands frequently.” This is essentially the same advice our grandmothers, who survived the 1918 pandemic flu, used to give us all the time. However this pandemic plays out, we think that the scientific ecology that once supported the “old” research system will be vastly different afterward. We do not mean merely the scientific knowledge we gain about pandemics or even the field of microbiology, but the whole niche in our society where basic and applied research has flourished for decades. Funding, education, institutional stability, government policy, international …
Race, social media news use, and political participation

This research examines how race moderates the association between social media news consumption and political participation. Through an analysis of Pew Research Center survey data, this study finds...
Comparing clusterings by the variation of information

This paper proposes an information theoretic criterion for comparing two partitions, or clusterings, of the same data set. The criterion, called variation of information (VI), measures the amount of information lost and gained in changing from clustering C to clustering C'. The criterion makes no assumptions about how the clusterings were generated and applies to both soft and hard clusterings. The basic properties of VI are presented and discussed from the point of view of comparing clusterings. In particular, the VI is positive, symmetric and obeys the triangle inequality. Thus, surprisingly enough, it is a true metric on the space of clusterings.
Intermolecular oxidopyrylium [5 + 2] cycloaddition chemistry and its application toward the synthesis and study of highly oxygenated troponoids

Abstract This chapter is a personal account on the Murelli laboratory's inspiration and efforts on the synthesis of highly oxygenated troponoids, and the advances in oxidopyrylium [5 + 2] cycloaddition chemistry that have resulted from these studies. As part of this discussion, this chapter also provides a minireview describing the history of oxidopyrylium [5 + 2] cycloaddition routes to troponoids more generally.
Androgen deprivation therapy and acute kidney injury in patients with prostate cancer undergoing definitive radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is frequently utilized in conjunction with radiotherapy (RT) in the definitive management of prostate cancer. Prior studies have suggested an association between ADT use and acute kidney injury (AKI), however, these included heterogeneous populations undergoing a variety of treatments and relied on billing codes to ascertain the incidence of AKI. METHODS We analyzed a cohort of 27,868 veterans undergoing definitive RT + /- ADT for prostate cancer between 2001 and 2015 using the Veterans Affairs Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI). Exposure was defined as use of ADT within one year of diagnosis. The primary outcome was AKI, defined by an increase in serum creatinine to at least 1.5 times the baseline value. AKIs were classified as mild, moderate, or severe in accordance with international guidelines. A multivariate competing risks model was used to account for demographic and oncologic factors as well as medications and procedures known to influence the risk of AKI. RESULTS Most (n = 18,754) men received RT alone; 9,114 men received RT + ADT. The incidence of AKI at two years after diagnosis was 10.5% in the RT + ADT group and 7.9% in the RT group (Gray's test p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis confirmed ADT usage was associated with an increased risk for any AKI (SHR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.14-1.36, p < 0.01). ADT was also associated with an increased risk of mild AKI (SHR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.01-1.27, p = 0.04) and moderate AKI (SHR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.20-1.76, p < 0.01), though not severe AKI (SHR = 1.33, 95% CI = 0.93-1.91, p = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm that use of ADT is associated with an increased risk of AKI in patients undergoing definitive RT for prostate cancer. Clinicians should be alert to the potential for renal dysfunction in this population.
What We Know about the Problem of the Century: Lessons from Social Science to the Law, and Back

Social scientists have learned a lot about the American dilemma of discrimination, notably how unexamined and unconscious it can be, the varieties of guises it takes, the surprising importance of ingroup loyalty and perceived threat to the ingroup, as well as the functions it serves for individuals, groups, and society. After nearly a century’s study, social psychologists now know that intergroup bias and conflict come in two primary kinds. Most people reveal unconscious, unexamined biases—relatively automatic, cool, indirect, ambiguous, and ambivalent. Unexamined biases predict ordinary discrimination: comfort with own ingroup, plus exclusion and avoidance of outgroups. Much workplace discrimination takes this form. Such biases result from internal conflict between cultural ideals and cultural biases. A small minority, the extremists, harbor a second kind of bias: blatant biases that are more conscious, hot, direct, and unambiguous. Blatant biases predict aggression, including hate crimes and probably the most overt kinds of harassment in the workplace. Such biases result from perceived intergroup conflict over economics and values, in a world perceived to be hierarchical and dangerous. All this makes systems of discrimination hard to change, but not intractable. Reduction of both unexamined and blatant bias results from education, economic opportunity, and constructive intergroup contact. The law–psychology interplay can potentially operate to clarify several issues: intent with regard to unexamined biases, previously neglected categories of discrimination, dangers from ingroup advantage, and even the functions of both unexamined and blatant discrimination for individuals and social systems.
Topics in Matrix Analysis

1. The field of values 2. Stable matrices and inertia 3. Singular value inequalities 4. Matrix equations and Kronecker products 5. Hadamard products 6. Matrices and functions.
Cyclic and Seasonal Beach Response: A Comparison of Oceanside and Bayside Beaches

This study compares the cyclic and seasonal geomorphic responses of oceanside and bayside beaches on Sandy Hook Spit, New Jersey. It was hypothesized that the different nature of onshore wind regimes at bayside and oceanside beaches would cause different types of beach change. On the east-facing ocean shoreline, rates of beach change are related to weather patterns associated with the passage of mid-latitude cyclonic storms. Bayside beach change is related to the influence of the prevailing westerlies. Storm erosion and post-storm deposition is more rapid on oceanside beaches. Swell waves occurring between storms rapidly reinstate pre-storm equilibrium conditions. Lower bay-side wave energies occurring between storms have little effect on profile development, and foreshore slopes inherited from previous storms undergo little change. Bayside beaches therefore appear to be more in equilibrium with storm conditions than oceanside beaches. Changes in foreshore slope, beach volume, and beach position associate...
Doppler Broadening of the 6.322-MeV γ-Ray from 15N Following μ- Capture in 16O

The very broad, 6.322-MeV 15N line observed1 following µ− capture in 16O can be fitted with a simple kinematic model by using the neutron energy spectra predicted in the resonance-capture calculation of Raphael, Uberall, and Werntz. If we assume complete isotropy in the reaction sequence $$\begin{array}{l} \mu ^ - + ^{16} O \to ^{16} N^* + \nu \\ ^{16} N^* \to ^{15} N^* + n \\ ^{15} N^* \to ^{15} N + \gamma \\ \end{array}$$ and define \(\vec \beta _1 \) as the recoil velocity of the 16N* from 16O, \(\vec \beta _2\) as the recoil velocity of the 15N* from 16N, and E0 as the γ-ray energy in the 15N* rest frame, we can easily show that for monoenergetic neutron emission the γ ray will have the trapezoidal line shape shown in Fig. 1.
Gamma Ray Sky Surveys

Prior to the current Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (Compton) mission, no comprehensive all-sky gamma-ray surveys had been performed. There were, however, some surveys performed over limited energy bands and/or over portions of the sky. These include the HEAO-A4 hard X-ray survey and the COS-B and SAS-2 high-energy gamma-ray surveys. The early work forms a basis for understanding and appreciating the Compton results, and so is reviewed in Section 2.
The Fourier Decomposition Technique: Interpreting the Variations of Pulsating Stars

We review the application of the Fourier decomposition technique to Type I and Type II Cepheids as well as RR Lyrae stars both in clusters and in the field. We show how the Fourier coefficients may be used to discern a star’s pulsation mode and to detect resonances in the normal mode spectrum. Observed Fourier quantities are compared with those generated by nonlinear pulsation calculations and some serious shortcomings are found in the theoretical models. Comparison of galactic and extragalactic Cepheid data shows both similarities and differences among Local Group pulsators. Applied to RR Lyrae stars, the Fourier decomposition technique reveals a relation between light curve structure and metallicity among the shorter period field stars. We also study both Osterhoff I and II type globular clusters and the unique cluster ω Cen. The short-period Type II Cepheids provide another fertile ground for the Fourier method. We show resonance effects in the light curves of these stars and pose some provocative riddles regarding the origin of disk and halo pulsators. Observed and calculated Fourier phases are compared in an attempt to derive the mass of the Type II field Cepheid, BL Her. Finally, we argue that if a reliable hydrodynamic pulsation code were available, the Fourier technique would be capable of determining masses, luminosities and temperatures of individual stars, in many cases using observations already in hand.
Secondary anchor targeted cell release

Personalized medicine offers the promise of tailoring therapy to patients, based on their cellular biomarkers. To achieve this goal, cellular profiling systems are needed that can quickly and efficiently isolate specific cell types without disrupting cellular biomarkers. Here we describe the development of a unique platform that facilitates gentle cell capture via a secondary, surface-anchoring moiety, and cell release. The cellular capture system consists of a glass surface functionalized with APTES, d-desthiobiotin, and streptavidin. Biotinylated mCD11b and hIgG antibodies are used to capture mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7) and human breast cancer (MCF7-GFP) cell lines, respectively. The surface functionalization is optimized by altering assay components, such as streptavidin, d-desthiobiotin, and APTES, to achieve cell capture on 80% of the functionalized surface and cell release upon biotin treatment. We also demonstrate an ability to capture 50% of target cells within a dual-cell mixture. This engineering advancement is a critical step towards achieving cell isolation platforms for personalized medicine.
Maple syrup urine disease: Clinical, eeg, and plasma amino acid correlations with a theoretical mechanism of acute neurotoxicity

Classical Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) is a disease of infancy which is an inherited disorder of metabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). The BCAA are normally transaminated to branched-chain keto acids (BCKA). However, the enzyme required to metabolize the BCKA is deficient, resulting in elevation of both, the BCAA and the BCKA. One of the BCAA (isoleucine) produces a metabolite that causes the urine to smell like maple syrup. The elevations of the BCAA and BCKA are associated with an acute, critical neurotoxic condition often prior to the age of two weeks. The clinical state, the electroencephalogram-(EEG), and plasma BCAA levels were evaluated in 26 patients with classical and variant MSUD. Patients were seen from the time of diagnosis, often within a week after birth, and some were followed clinically for more than 20 years while on specific diet therapy. They were monitored by plasma BCAA (leucine, isoleucine and valine) levels and a total of 101 EEGs were performed during different phases of their illness. During periods of acute metabolic decompensation, there were marked clinical symptoms of neurotoxicity including opisthotonos, seizures, and coma with elevated BCAA plasma levels. The EEGs revealed spikes, polyspikes, spike-wave complexes, triphasic waves, severe slowing and bursts of periodic suppression. Occasionally paradoxical EEG arousal was noted while the patient was lethargic. During asymptomatic periods when the plasma BCAA were at low or normal levels, EEG abnormalities occurred in patients with and without residual neurological deficit. These observations included rolandic sharp waves (comb-like rhythm) which were observed in 7 of 15 patients less than two months of age. Additionally, paroxysmal spike and spike-wave response to photic stimuli were observed in 9 of 17 patients. Loading tests were performed on three patients. Clinical and EEG changes were most marked after leucine. Less dramatic EEG changes also occurred with the other two BCAA loads but without clinical manifestations. Elevation of the appropriate BCAA plasma level occurred after each load. These studies and a review of the literature suggest that one component of the pathophysiological mechanism for the acute neurotoxic effects in this disorder is related to a defect in glutamate, glutamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production. The BCAAs are transaminated to BCKAs. Further metabolism of the BCKAs are blocked because of enzyme deficiency required for decarboxylation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Fossil Alpha-Recoil Analysis of Certain Variant Radioactive Halos

The distribution of alpha-radioactivity in the vicinity of uranium and of certain variant radioactive halos in biotite was investigated by the fossil alpharecoil method. Within the limits of the method I could not confirm a previously proposed hydrothermal mechanism for the origin of certain variant halo types due to polonium isotopes.
Gesture Interface for 3D CAD Modeling using Kinect

AbstractModeling in general can be viewed as a two-step process, the first being concept visualization followed by the final design. Most designers who work with CAD systems go through the concept visualization stage and follow the same steps required in the final design stage. A standard approach to concept visualization is traditionally performed using clay modeling, yet there is a lack of computer aided design tools that can faithfully mimic the process of traditional clay modeling both in terms of representation of virtual clay as well as an immersive user interface capable of capturing the user’s intent in an intuitive sense. In this paper we describe a voxel based representation of virtual clay and introduce a hierarchical gestural interface using Kinect which together brings the intuitiveness of traditional clay modeling to a CAD environment. The framework was validated using a 3D clay modeling software (n=13). Results showed that most of the participants were able to adapt to the new interface qui...
Photonic crystal devices (Invited Paper)

Device characteristics of photonic crystal lasers formed in InGaAsP membranes bonded to a sapphire substrate are discussed. Also discussed are waveguide loss mechanisms in type-A and type-B photonic crystal waveguides and the transmission properties of photonic crystal waveguide bends.
Kenaf natural fiber reinforced polypropylene composites: A discussion on manufacturing problems and solutions

Abstract As industry attempts to lessen the dependence on petroleum based fuels and products there is an increasing need to investigate more environmentally friendly, sustainable materials to replace existing materials. This study focused on the fabrication of kenaf fiber reinforced polypropylene sheets that could be thermoformed for a wide variety of applications with properties that are comparable to existing synthetic composites. The research done in this study has proven the ability to successfully fabricate kenaf–polypropylene natural fiber composites into sheet form. The optimal fabrication method for these materials was determined to be a compression molding process utilizing a layered sifting of a microfine polypropylene powder and chopped kenaf fibers. A fiber content of both 30% and 40% by weight has been proven to provide adequate reinforcement to increase the strength of the polypropylene powder. The use of a coupling agent, 3% Epolene enabled successful fiber–matrix adhesion. The kenaf–PP composites compression molded in this study proved to have superior tensile and flexural strength when compared to other compression molded natural fiber composites such as other kenaf, sisal, and coir reinforced thermoplastics. With the elastic modulus data from testing, it was also possible to compare the economic benefits of using this kenaf composite over other natural fibers and E-glass. The kenaf–maleated polypropylene composites manufactured in this study have a higher Modulus/Cost and a higher specific modulus than sisal, coir, and even E-glass thereby providing an opportunity for replacing existing materials with a higher strength, lower cost alternative that is environmentally friendly.