cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Surface Moss on Glass Insulator of 500 kV AC Transmission Line

In order to investigate the electrical characteristic and mechanical characteristic of moss-covered glass insulator, we experimentally studied 21 units of 500 kV glass insulators in the presence of moss on their surface. We carried out mechanical test and pollution test measured on these glass insulators after measuring their pollution grade and resistance value. In the meantime, we also discussed the cause, position, and treatment of the moss growth. The results show that, the moss is less intensive on the insulators' upper surface than on the lower surface, where the moss mainly grows on the upper side of outer edge and the lower side of inner edge. Each single insulating strip of the glass insulators has the pollution flashover voltage about 42.5 kV, while their electrical characteristics and mechanical characteristics still meet the operational requirements of transmission lines. However, since the areas with moss growth have obviously higher equivalent salt deposit density(ESDD) and non-soluble deposit density(NSDD) than other areas on the insulators, and the ESDD and NSDD will escalate with the passage of time, the operation of insulators will eventually get jeopardized. Hence we should pay attention to the moss growth and clean glass insulators regularly.
Narratives: Composing and Controlling Persistent Assistants to Communicate, Integrate, and Automate Multidisciplinary Design and Analysis.

We discuss an approach in which engineers formally and iteratively construct information representations, called Perspectives, from information in other Perspectives using personal computational assistants, called Perspectors. Engineers can select from predefined, reusable, Perspectors, or program new Perspectors, and compose them into directed acyclic graph structures, called Narratives, to quickly and accurately construct useful dependent Perspectives. The approach also formalizes simple management processes with which professionals can control the integration of their Perspectives with respect to the Perspectives on which they depend. The result is an evolving, distributed, multi-disciplinary and integrated project model. We describe one conceptual Narrative that formalizes a multidisciplinary cost-benefit analysis to help designers choose amongst sustainable strategies. We describe one implemented Narrative that automatically generates a metal decking contractor’s connection details that are needed to connect concrete slabs that are described in an architect’s model and steel beams that are described in a steel detailers model. We discuss how these Narratives could have enabled engineers to better design, communicate, integrate, and automate their design processes than is possible on a recent state-of-the-art AEC projects. Narratives are intended to enable engineers from multiple disciplines to engage in novel, automated, and integrated design and analysis by easily yet formally constructing and integrating Perspectives from other Perspectives.
Phosphatization Through the Phanerozoic

Phosphatization of soft tissues and skeletal remains has varied temporally and taxonomically through the Phanerozoic. During the Cambrian through early Ordovician, microscopic arthropods and animal embryos were preferentially preserved. Phosphatization was uncommon during the rest of the Paleozoic, as recalcitrant tissues of a few taxa were preserved in hospitable microenvironments. The Cretaceous through Eocene saw another expansion of phosphatization, with a strong bias toward fish remains already enriched in apatite. Throughout its Phanerozoic history, phosphatization exhibited a taphonomic bias toward taxa with recalcitrant tissues that could resist the early stages of organic decay, taxa with organic structures already enriched in calcium phosphate, and, in many cases, taxa with small body sizes. The pulse of phosphatization during the Cambrian through Early Ordovician may have been facilitated by the generally lower levels of mixed layer development in the upper few centimeters of seafloor sediments during that time period, whereas the Cretaceous through Eocene increase in phosphatization was possibly related to the enlargement of euxinic epicontinental seaways.
Crystal structure of N,N,N-tris-[(1,3-benzo-thia-zol-2-yl)meth-yl]amine.

The title compound, C24H18N4S3, exhibits three near planar benzo-thia-zole systems in a pseudo-C 3 conformation. The dihedral angles between the planes of the benzo-thia-zole groups range from 112.56 (4) to 124.68 (4)° In the crystal, mol-ecules are connected to each other through three short C-H⋯N contacts, forming an infinite chain along [100]. The molecules are also linked by π-π interactions with each of the three five-membered thiazole rings. [inter-centroid distance range: 3.614 (1)-4.074 (1) A, inter-planar distance range: 3.4806 (17)-3.6902 (15) A, slippage range: 0.759 (3)-1.887 (3) A].
Arms Control Measures

A network of barriers addressing sequential steps along the time line leading up to, including, and following a biological event, whether of natural or deliberate origin, minimizes both the likelihood and potential effects of such an event. For a deliberate biological event to occur, four things must happen: (1) a potential perpetrator must decide to pursue a biological weapons capability; (2) the perpetrator must attain that capability by acquiring a pathogenic or toxigenic agent, producing an amount of the agent or its toxin sufficient for use as a weapon, formulating the product if possible for enhanced stability and overall effect, and establishing a reliable delivery method; (3) the perpetrator must decide to use this weapon; and (4) a successful attack must be carried out. This article describes a stepwise approach to addressing the threat of a deliberate biological event along this continuum, employing the ‘seven D's’ of national security: dissuasion, disarmament, denial, disruption, deterrence, detection, and defense. Each ‘D’ is discussed in turn, first providing a general description of the chronological node where barriers might be implemented, then describing specific barriers, their advantages, and limitations. The article concludes with recommendations for strengthening or supplementing existent barriers for the ‘D’ in question.
Muliphoton ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy of uranium hexafluoride using the Nd:YAG laser

Previous studies of laser multiphoton ionization (MPI) of UF6 at room temperature have shown intense signals of multiply charged uranium ions by using the fourth harmonic (266 nm) of a Nd:YAG laser1 or the ArF* excimer laser operating at 193 nm.2 Ten-times ionized uranium (U+10) was reported in the ArF* experiment, requiring more than 100 photons.
Extracellular pH Modulates Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer Cell Metabolism and Susceptibility to the Mitochondrial Inhibitor Niclosamide

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer is a lethal variant of prostate cancer that is associated with castrate-resistant growth, metastasis, and mortality. The tumor environment of neuroendocrine prostate cancer is heterogeneous and characterized by hypoxia, necrosis, and numerous mitoses. Although acidic extracellular pH has been implicated in aggressive cancer features including metastasis and therapeutic resistance, its role in neuroendocrine prostate cancer physiology and metabolism has not yet been explored. We used the well-characterized PNEC cell line as a model to establish the effects of extracellular pH (pH 6.5, 7.4, and 8.5) on neuroendocrine prostate cancer cell metabolism. We discovered that alkalinization of extracellular pH converted cellular metabolism to a nutrient consumption-dependent state that was susceptible to glucose deprivation, glutamine deprivation, and 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) mediated inhibition of glycolysis. Conversely, acidic pH shifted cellular metabolism toward an oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)-dependent state that was susceptible to OXPHOS inhibition. Based upon this mechanistic knowledge of pH-dependent metabolism, we identified that the FDA-approved anti-helminthic niclosamide depolarized mitochondrial potential and depleted ATP levels in PNEC cells whose effects were enhanced in acidic pH. To further establish relevance of these findings, we tested the effects of extracellular pH on susceptibility to nutrient deprivation and OXPHOS inhibition in a cohort of castrate-resistant prostate cancer cell lines C4-2B, PC-3, and PC-3M. We discovered similar pH-dependent toxicity profiles among all cell lines with these treatments. These findings underscore a potential importance to acidic extracellular pH in the modulation of cell metabolism in tumors and development of an emerging paradigm that exploits the synergy of environment and therapeutic efficacy in cancer.
The HAP Complex Governs Fumonisin Biosynthesis and Maize Kernel Pathogenesis in Fusarium verticillioides

Contamination of maize ( Zea mays ) with fumonisins produced by the fungus Fusarium verticillioides is a global concern for food safety. Fumonisins are a group of polyketide-derived secondary metabolites linked to esophageal cancer and neural tube birth defects in humans and numerous toxicoses in livestock. Despite the importance of fumonisins in global maize production, the regulation of fumonisin biosynthesis during kernel pathogenesis is poorly understood. The HAP complex is a conserved, heterotrimeric transcriptional regulator that binds the consensus sequence CCAAT to modulate gene expression. Recently, functional characterization of the Hap3 subunit linked the HAP complex to the regulation of secondary metabolism and stalk rot pathogenesis in F. verticillioides . Here, we determine the involvement of HAP3 in fumonisin biosynthesis and kernel pathogenesis. Deletion of HAP3 suppressed fumonisin biosynthesis on both nonviable and live maize kernels and impaired pathogenesis in living kernels. Transcriptional profiling via RNA sequencing indicated that the HAP complex regulates at least 1,223 genes in F. verticillioides , representing nearly 10% of all predicted genes. Disruption of the HAP complex caused the misregulation of biosynthetic gene clusters underlying the production of secondary metabolites, including fusarins. Taken together, these results reveal that the HAP complex is a central regulator of fumonisin biosynthesis and kernel pathogenesis and works as both a positive and negative regulator of secondary metabolism in F. verticillioides .
Where Nobody Has Gone Before: Science, Technology, Society, and the Future

Some of the commentaries in this collection were written to be entertaining, while others are more serious. What is common to all of the essays is an emphasis upon social change, and, even more importantly, the unique capacity that humans have to effect intentional social change. I strongly believe that, when humans have a mind to do so, they/we can purposefully change the world; or, as I like to put it, each and every one of us has an extraordinary capacity to redefine reality. Of course, the challenge is to ensure that, when movers-and-shakers do decide to change the world, they should do so for the better.
Identification of predominant aroma components of raw, dry roasted and oil roasted almonds

Volatile components of raw, dry roasted and oil roasted almonds were isolated by solvent extraction/solvent-assisted flavor evaporation and predominant aroma compounds identified by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GCO) and aroma extract dilutions analysis (AEDA). Selected odorants were quantitated by GC–mass spectrometry and odor-activity values (OAVs) determined. Results of AEDA indicated that 1-octen-3-one and acetic acid were important aroma compounds in raw almonds. Those predominant in dry roasted almonds were methional, 2- and 3-methylbutanal, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline and 2,3-pentanedione; whereas, in oil roasted almonds 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone, 2,3-pentanedione, methional and 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline were the predominant aroma compounds. Overall, oil roasted almonds contained a greater number and higher abundance of aroma compounds than either raw or dry roasted almonds. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of lipid-derived volatile compounds in raw almond aroma. Meanwhile, in dry and oil roasted almonds, the predominant aroma compounds were derived via the Maillard reaction, lipid degradation/oxidation and sugar degradation.
Playing for God’s Team: The Influence of Belief in the Supernatural on Perceptions of Religious, Spiritual, and Natural Cues

Adherence to religious belief may serve to promote group cohesion and cooperation by decreasing the costs associated with social exchange. Consistent with this, organized religious ideologies, unlike secular or spiritual based ideologies, have been argued to facilitate cooperation among individuals living in large-scale societies. In the current study, we examined whether hypothetical adults’ explanations of natural events focused on religious ideologies were more effective at eliciting positive-affect compared to spiritual or natural explanations. Results revealed that religious cues were more effective than spiritual cues in eliciting perceptions of positive-affect, but only when participant religiosity was taken into account. Participants high in religiosity favored the religious cues over the spiritual and natural cues, whereas participants high in spirituality showed no preferences. Conversely, participants low in religious belief demonstrated not only a positive bias towards the natural explanations, but also rated the adults expressing the supernatural explanations, in particular the religious explanations, as having greater negative-affect. From an evolutionary perspective, we interpreted the results as providing support that some forms of supernatural thinking, typical of organized religion, are more effective at eliciting feelings of positive and negative affect compared to supernatural beliefs not rooted in organized religion.
Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for automatic detection of foci of residual or recurrent disease after prostatectomy.

This study aimed to develop an automated procedure for identifying suspicious foci of residual/recurrent disease in the prostate bed using dynamic contrast-enhanced-MRI (DCE-MRI) in prostate cancer patients after prostatectomy. Data of 22 patients presenting for salvage radiotherapy (RT) with an identified gross tumor volume (GTV) in the prostate bed were analyzed retrospectively. An unsupervised pattern recognition method was used to analyze DCE-MRI curves from the prostate bed. Data were represented as a product of a number of signal-vs.-time patterns and their weights. The temporal pattern, characterized by fast wash-in and gradual wash-out, was considered the “tumor” pattern. The corresponding weights were thresholded based on the number (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5) of standard deviations away from the mean, denoted as DCE1.0, …, DCE2.5, and displayed on the T2-weighted MRI. The resultant four volumes were compared with the GTV and maximum pre-RT prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. Pharmacokinetic modeling was also carried out. Principal component analysis determined 2–4 significant patterns in patients’ DCE-MRI. Analysis and display of the identified suspicious foci was performed in commercial software (MIM Corporation, Cleveland, OH, USA). In general, DCE1.0/DCE1.5 highlighted larger areas than GTV. DCE2.0 and GTV were significantly correlated (r = 0.60, p < 0.05). DCE2.0/DCA2.5 were also significantly correlated with PSA (r = 0.52, 0.67, p < 0.05). Ktrans for DCE2.5 was statistically higher than the GTV’s Ktrans (p < 0.05), indicating that the automatic volume better captures areas of malignancy. A software tool was developed for identification and visualization of the suspicious foci in DCE-MRI from post-prostatectomy patients and was integrated into the treatment planning system.
Etiology and Treatment of Pain and Psychosocial Issues in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

There is increasing evidence that brain−gut interactions are altered during development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Understanding the relationship between the neurobiology, psychological symptoms, and social ramifications of IBD can guide comprehensive care for the whole patient. The most common psychological conditions in patients with IBD are chronic abdominal pain, anxiety, and depression. We review the evidence-based data and rates of these conditions and their respective relationship to IBD and the diagnostic approaches to identify patients with these conditions. Different treatment options for pain and psychosocial conditions are discussed, and new models of team-based IBD care are introduced. Providing the health care provider with tools to diagnose and manage psychological conditions in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis is necessary for their total care and should be part of quality-improvement initiatives.
Spectrum consumption model builder and analysis tool: a software tool to enhance spectrum sharing

Regulatory changes to spectrum management frameworks in the U.S. and worldwide are promoting the use of dynamic spectrum access (DSA) and spectrum sharing mechanisms. Wireless service environments that use these mechanisms will rely heavily on radio interference control and management techniques to coordinate the boundaries of spectrum use for devices owned/managed by different entities. To communicate the characteristics and limits of spectrum use of an RF transmitter, receiver, system or collection of systems, a common data structure to represent this information must be in place. Spectrum consumption models (SCMs) attempt to capture this information and support a set of computations that allow for the determination of the compatibility of the use of spectrum between devices and/or systems that communicate the characteristics of their use of spectrum with these models. SCMs are currently being standardized within the IEEE DySPAN-SC 1900.5.2 workgroup. This paper presents our results and ongoing efforts in developing an open source tool for the construction and analysis of SCMs as a means to promote their use and showcase their potential for enhancing spectrum sharing and DSA interactions.
Prioritizing Future Research on Allopurinol and Febuxostat for the Management of Gout: Value of Information Analysis.

Objectives The aim of this study was to quantify the value of conducting additional research and reducing uncertainty regarding the cost effectiveness of allopurinol and febuxostat for the management of gout.
Nutritional Considerations in Pediatric Chronic Disease.

1. Wednesday Marie A. Sevilla, MD, MPH, CNSC* 1. *Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA * BMI: : body mass index CF: : cystic fibrosis CHD: : congenital heart disease CKD: : chronic kidney disease DRI: : daily required intake ESLD: : end-stage liver disease GH: : growth hormone GI: : gastrointestinal IBD: : inflammatory bowel disease MCT: : medium-chain triglycerides 1. Clinicians should be knowledgeable of the multiple factors that affect nutritional status and cause growth failure in children with chronic disease. 2. Clinicians should be knowledgeable of the basic elements of nutritional assessment in children who need nutritional support for growth failure. 3. Clinicians should be aware of the effects of limited dietary intake on nutritional status and growth. After completing the article, readers should be able to: 1. Determine the pathophysiological factors in childhood chronic disease that lead to growth failure. 2. Describe components of clinical evaluation and basic anthropometric measurements that are used to monitor nutritional status in children with chronic disease. 3. Recognize the effects of a restricted diet on nutritional intake adequacy. Growth failure, defined as the inability to reach expected growth potential based on standard anthropometric measurements for age regarding weight and height, is common in chronic childhood disease. Growth failure in chronic childhood disease is multifactorial. Nutritional outcome is affected by baseline nutritional status, disease state, and, rarely, an inherent genetic abnormality. (1) A sign of growth failure is stunting, defined as length or stature below the minimum cutoff for age, usually the fifth percentile. (2) It represents systemic dysfunction during an important phase of physical development and is the hallmark of chronic malnutrition. Related to this is the definition of short stature—a height measurement 2 standard deviations (SD) scores below the mean for age and sex. Wasting, on the other hand, is an indicator of acute malnutrition and is defined as weight-for-height or -length 2 SD scores or more below the mean for age and sex. It usually signals more recent weight loss. (2) The measurement of height and …
Vascularized Jejunal Mesenteric Lymph Node Transfer: A Novel Surgical Treatment for Extremity Lymphedema

Background Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is a surgical treatment for lymphedema. Multiple donor sites have been described and each has significant disadvantages. We propose the jejunal mesentery as a novel donor site for VLNT. Study Design We performed a cadaveric anatomic study analyzing jejunal lymph nodes (LNs) and describe outcomes from the first patients who received jejunal mesenteric VLNT for treatment of lymphedema. Results In 5 cadavers, the average numbers of total LNs and peripheral LNs were identified in the proximal, middle, and distal segments of jejunum. Totals counted were 19.2/13.8/9.6, (SD 7.0/4.4/1.1), respectively; of those, 10.4/6.8/3.4 (SD 3.6/2.3/2.6), respectively, were in the periphery. There were significantly more total and peripheral lymph nodes in the proximal segment compared with the middle and distal segments (p = 0.027 and p = 0.008, respectively). The jejunal VLNT was used in 15 patients for treatment of upper (n = 8) or lower (n = 7) extremity lymphedema. Average follow-up was 9.1 (±6.4) months (range 1 to 19 months). Of 14 patients with viable flaps (93.3%), 12 had subjective improvement (87.5%). Ten patients had preoperative measurements, and of those, 7 had objective improvement in lymphedema (70%). Conclusions The jejunal mesenteric VLNT is an excellent option for lymphedema treatment because there is no risk of donor site lymphedema or nerve damage, and the scar is easily concealed. Harvest from the periphery of the proximal jejunum is optimal. Improvement from lymphedema can be expected in a majority of patients.
A simplified physically-based model for coastal dike and barrier breaching by overtopping flow and waves

Abstract The simplified physically-based breach model, DLBreach, has been developed to simulate the overtopping breaching of coastal dikes and barriers, which can occur either from the sea side or the bay side. The breaching process is divided into two stages: intensive breaching and general inlet evolution, in which the flows are calculated using the weir flow equation and the Keulegan equation, respectively. The Keulegan equation is a simplified energy equation for steady nonuniform flow with local head loss due to channel contraction and expansion, revised herein by adding the wind driving force. Empirical formulas are adopted to calculate phase-averaged wave overtopping discharge, wave setup, and wind setup/setdown. The wave overtopping discharge is combined with the surge overflow discharge, and the wave setup and wind setup/setdown are added to the sea and bay water levels for the hydrodynamic and sediment routing. Alongshore sediment is considered as a source boundary condition for the non-equilibrium sediment transport model at the breach. The model has been tested using the 94’ field experiment of sea dike breaching by overflow in the Zwin Channel Estuary, a laboratory experiment of sea dike breaching initiated by wave overtopping, and a field observation of the eight-day breaching and closure event of the Mecox Inlet at eastern Long Island of New York during Sept. 10–18, 1985. The model results agree generally well with the measurements.
Is Shepherd's pen mightier than Berkeley's word?

In 1827, Lady Mary Shepherd published Essays on the Perception of an External Universe, which offers both an argument for the existence of a world of external bodies existing outside our minds and ...
An Ontology-Based Approach to Estimate the Frequency of Rare Diseases in Narrative-Text Radiology Reports.

This study sought to use ontology-based knowledge to identify patients with rare diseases and to estimate the frequency of those diseases in a large database of radiology reports. Natural language processing methods were applied to 12,377,743 narrarive-text radiology reports of 7,803,811 patients at an academic health system. Using knowledge from the Orphanet Rare Disease Ontology and Radiology Gamuts Ontology, 1,154 of 6,794 rare diseases (17.0%) were observed in a total of 237,840 patients (3.05%). Ninety of 2,129 diseases (4%) with known prevalence less than 1 per 1,000,000 were observed in the database, whereas 100 of 173 diseases (58%) with prevalence greater than 1 per 10,000 were observed; the difference was statistically significant (p < .00001). Automated ontology-based search of radiology reports can estimate the frequency of rare diseases, and those diseases with higher known prevalence were significantly more likely to appear in radiology reports.
Chemotherapy of Adult Ependymoma

Abstract Ependymomas are rare neoplasms of the central nervous system seen more commonly in children but also in adults. The most effective treatment modality is surgical resection, and it is widely held that the gross total removal of these tumors confers a better prognosis. Radiation therapy is commonly used as adjuvant therapy, especially for high-grade tumors, and at recurrence or progression of disease. The experience with chemotherapy has been a long and frustrating one, both up front and at relapse. Certainly, significant radiographic and clinical responses have been observed with a number of agents, particularly with platinum compounds, but these successes have been unpredictable and have rarely produced prolonged disease-free or overall survival. One can only hope with the advent of newer biological agents, and with a better understanding of the molecular characteristics of ependymoma cells, that the trying experience with drug therapy of ependymoma will become a thing of the past.
Are Large Boards Poor Monitors? Evidence from CEO Turnover

This paper examines the relation between a board's size and its monitoring effectiveness by exploring how board size affects different aspects of the CEO replacement process. I find that the probability of CEO turnover is significantly negatively related to board size, and that the abnormal return accompanying turnover announcements decreases with board size. I also find that larger boards are less likely to appoint an outsider to succeed the terminated CEO. These results suggest that a large size hinders the board's ability to perform its monitoring functions, and lends additional support to the current drive toward smaller boards.
AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT MACULAR DEGENERATION LOCALIZED TO CHROMOSOME 6q BY LINKAGE ANALYSIS

We are studying a large autosomal dominant family with a broad clinical spectum of macular degeneration. By analyzing microsatellite markers on chromosome 6, significant positive lod sores were obtained (D6S455: Z = 4.49 at theta = 0). Linkage analysis localizes the disease-causing gene to a 22cM interval on chromosome 6q11–13 and excludes the loci for North Carolina Macular Dystrophy and Progressive Bifocal Chorioretinal Atrophy. Three other retinalJ.macular dystrophies map to overlapping intervals and could be allelic forms of the same gene or from a cluster of genes causing retinal/macular degeneration.
Proton transport in ionomer-free regions of polymer electrolyte fuel cells and implications for oxygen reduction reaction

Summary In polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) catalyst layers have to accommodate electron, oxygen and proton delivery to the electrocatalyst site. Proton conduction is achieved by adding ionomer solution into the catalyst ink. Due to size exclusion and wetting properties ionomer is not present in micro-pores of carbon particles and sometimes in meso-pores too. The question arises what is the mechanism of proton delivery to the electrocatalyst site, which is not in contact with ionomer. Additionally, the dependency of rate determining step of oxygen reduction reaction on protons needs to be revisited. We present here, an overview of recent advances in understanding proton transport and reactivity in ionomer-free domains of the catalyst layer of the PEFCs and describe how non-monotonic metal charging enhances local proton conductivity.
Clinical Outcomes of Perioperative Desensitization in Orthotopic Heart Transplant Recipients

Purpose Transplantation of sensitized recipients is associated with suboptimal post-transplant outcomes. This study assessed the effects of a perioperative desensitization strategy in virtual crossmatch (VXM)-positive orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) recipients compared to a historical cohort of VXM-negative OHT recipients. Methods This single-center, retrospective study included OHT recipients from 2010-2018. VXM-positive patients received perioperative plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), and antithymocyte globulin (rATG). VXM-negative historical controls received either high-dose steroids or alemtuzumab induction. Maintenance immunosuppression consisted of tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and a steroid taper. The primary endpoint was graft survival at 12 months. Secondary endpoints included freedom from acute rejection and freedom from severe (i.e., grade ≥ 2) acute cellular rejection or antibody-mediated rejection at 12 months. Results Of 91 patients included, 7 received desensitization. Baseline demographics, disease etiology, and comorbid conditions were similar between groups. VXM-positive recipients received a median of 5.1 (4.8-5.3) mg/kg of rATG, 0.9 (0-1.2) g/kg of IVIg, and 6 (3-7) plasmapheresis sessions. Maintenance immunosuppression was similar at all time points. There was one graft loss, which occurred in the VXM-negative cohort at 70 days post-OHT. The median time to rejection was 44.5 (16.5-93.5) days in the VXM-negative group versus 46.5 (10-83) days in the VXM-positive group (p=0.76). There were no differences in any other rejection outcomes. Six VXM-positive recipients cleared donor-specific antibodies (DSA) by day 21 and all cleared DSA by day 60 (Figure 1). Conclusion These data suggest that transplantation of VXM-positive OHT recipients receiving perioperative desensitization is feasible without excess graft loss or acute rejection at 12 months. The rapid clearance and lack of DSA recurrence is promising for long-term outcomes.
Experimental Methods to Study Environmental Sustainability of Silicon-based Lithium Ion Battery Manufacturing

Abstract Next-generation lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are under rapid development using various nano-structured materials. Among them, silicon nanowires (SiNWs) and silicon nanotubes (SiNTs) are two promising anode materials due to their high specific capacities. However, fabrication processes of SiNWs and SiNTs involve a large amount of toxic chemicals and generate significant potential impacts on the environment. In this study, both in-situ and ex-situ measurements were proposed for investigating the process emissions, including gas, aerosol nanoparticle, and aqueous nanoparticle emissions, from chemical etching processes for producing SiNWs and SiNTs for use as anode materials for LIBs. The feasibilities of the measurements were verified by the preliminary results of the emissions from the SiNTs synthesis process. This study provides insight into experimental measurements of and supports the gathering of process data on emissions from synthesis processes for SiNWs and SiNTs as anode materials for LIBs, which can be useful for future assessment of the sustainability performance of silicon-based LIB technology.
“This Is What the News Won’t Show You”: YouTube Creators and the Reactionary Politics of Micro-celebrity:

This article explores the implications of micro-celebrity practices employed by political and ideological influencers on YouTube. I take a case study approach, performing a content analysis of the ...
Streamlining care in cystic fibrosis: survey of otolaryngologist, pulmonologist, and patient experiences

BACKGROUND Care coordination for cystic fibrosis (CF) is essential. The objectives of this study were to: (1) compare otolaryngologists' and pulmonlogists' understanding of long-term chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) management; and (2) query patient perceptions of otolaryngologic care and CRS. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was administered by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in 2018 to patients with CF or their caregivers, otolaryngologists, and pulmonologists. Statistical analysis was performed comparing specialists. Descriptive statistics were computed for patient/caregiver-reported data. RESULTS Respondents included 126 otolaryngologists, 115 pulmonologists, and 186 patients with CF or their caregivers. Pulmonologists had greater experience caring for CF patients compared with otolaryngologists (66.7% vs 43.2% with 13+ years of experience, respectively), but more otolaryngologists cared for both adult and pediatric CF patients (39.2% vs 10.4%, respectively). Significantly more otolaryngologists advocated for establishing otolaryngologic care at time of CF diagnosis (64.8%) compared with pulmonologists (14.4%, p < 0.001), of whom 60.4% recommended otolaryngologist referral when sinonasal symptoms affect quality of life. More otolaryngologists perceived sinus surgery as beneficial for pulmonary function (74.5% vs 57.7%, p = 0.009); 60.8% of patients first sought otolaryngologic care in infancy or childhood (<13 years). Median number of sinus surgeries was 3 (interquartile range, 2-5). The most common perceived benefits of surgery according to patients/caregivers included improved breathing (31.2%) and improved sinonasal symptoms (23.7%). Top patients/caregiver otolaryngologic priorities included symptom/infection control (49.0%) and care coordination (15.0%). CONCLUSION Our results highlight variable patient/caregiver experiences, and suggest that otolaryngologist and pulmonologist perceptions of CF otolaryngologic care also differ in some respects requiring improved interspecialty coordination/education.
A haven and a hell: The ghetto in Black America, by Lance Freeman: New York, NY, Columbia University Press, 2019

For far too long, urban scholars have treated the Black community as a monolithic group. At the whims of slavery, Jim Crow, and the continued embers of racism, Black people have been understood thr...
Trigger-based Marketing – Tiki-Taka im digitalen Kundenbeziehungsmanagement

In diesem Kapitel wird postuliert, dass der Tiki-Taka-Spielstil aus dem Fusball mit hoher Beweglichkeit und fehlerarmem Zusammenspiel auch der richtige Spielstil fur digitales CRM ist und Trigger-based Marketing das Mittel der Wahl, um diesem Spielstil nahe zu kommen. Folgende Fragen werden aus Unternehmenssicht behandelt: Was ist Trigger-based Marketing und wie konnen Unternehmen vorgehen? Hierfur wird ein Prozess in drei Schritten vorgestellt. Wie finden sich systematisch die Trigger der eigenen Kunden? Hierfur werden funf Hauptquellen von Triggern benannt. Was verbindet Trigger-based Marketing mit Digitalisierung insbesondere Marketing Automation und Personalisierung? Insgesamt zeigt der Beitrag, dass die Digitalisierung des CRM ein Enabler des Trigger-based Marketing ist, aber das Trigger-based Marketing auch klare und zeitnahe Erfolge von Digitalisierung und Automatisierung aufzeigen kann.
Intelligent optical computation for online optical signal processing

We describe an optical computation technology that can be used for optical communication, sensing and imaging. We demonstrate intelligent optical computation for online signal processing in optical coherence tomography.
An in situ Raman study of dimethyl carbonate synthesis from carbon dioxide and methanol over zirconia

In situ Raman spectroscopy has been used to investigate the mechanism of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) synthesis via the reaction of methanol with carbon dioxide over zirconia. Methanol adsorption leads to the appearance of adsorbed methoxide groups, whereas CO2 adsorption leads to the formation of carbonate species. Monomethyl carbonate species, (CH3O)COO(Zr)2, are formed by the reaction of methoxide and monodentate carbonate species and DMC is formed via the further reaction of monomethyl carbonate species with methanol. This sequence is supported by evidence that DMC decomposition on zirconia proceeds via the reverse of the proposed mechanism.
A practical solution to pseudoreplication bias in single-cell studies.

Cells from the same individual share common genetic and environmental backgrounds and are not statistically independent; therefore, they are subsamples or pseudoreplicates. Thus, single-cell data have a hierarchical structure that many current single-cell methods do not address, leading to biased inference, highly inflated type 1 error rates, and reduced robustness and reproducibility. This includes methods that use a batch effect correction for individual as a means of accounting for within-sample correlation. Here, we document this dependence across a range of cell types and show that pseudo-bulk aggregation methods are conservative and underpowered relative to mixed models. To compute differential expression within a specific cell type across treatment groups, we propose applying generalized linear mixed models with a random effect for individual, to properly account for both zero inflation and the correlation structure among measures from cells within an individual. Finally, we provide power estimates across a range of experimental conditions to assist researchers in designing appropriately powered studies. Single cell genomics uses cells from the same individual, or pseudoreplicates, that can introduce biases and inflate type I error rates. Here the authors apply generalized linear mixed models with a random effect for individual, to properly account for both zero inflation and the correlation structure among cells within an individual.
The Combination of High-Fat Diet and Oral Marijuana Promotes the Development of Fibrosis in the Mouse Corpora Cavernosa.

Abstract Introduction The link between cannabis use and erectile dysfunction remains unclear. Moreover, the effect of cannabis in tandem with current Western dietary habits is an area in male sexual health that has yet to be explored. This study seeks to investigate the impact of diet and cannabis on penile health in an animal model. Aim To determine the effects of diet and oral cannabis extract on fibrosis and oxidative stress within the corpora cavernosa of mice. Methods This is a pilot animal study in which groups of 2-month old C57BL/6J male mice were fed a normal chow diet (NCD) or high-fat diet (HFD) daily and treated with or without either MJ or THC extract for 2 months. After euthanization, mouse penises were isolated and processed for immunohistochemical studies to determine: (i) smooth muscle cell to collagen content, (ii) myofibroblast proliferation, and (iii) anti-oxidative activity. Main Outcome Measures Quantitative assessment of immunohistochemical markers of fibrosis and oxidative stress within the corpora cavernosa of mice fed a high-fat diet in combination with either oral marijuana (MJ) or Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol extract (THC). Results The combination of HFD with MJ resulted in: (i) a decrease in the smooth/collagen ratio in the corpora cavernosa, (ii) an increase in alpha-smooth muscle actin expression in the tunica albuginea compatible with myofibroblast proliferation, and (iii) a decrease in heme oxygenase 1 expression indicating an increase in oxidative stress. Significant histological changes were not observed in the HFD + THC group. Conclusions HFD combined with oral MJ extract led to structural alterations in erectile tissue that are associated with accelerated corporal fibrosis. However, the addition of THC to the diet did not exacerbate histological changes within the corpora. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the discrepant effects between MJ and THC in order to optimize the therapeutic potential of cannabis and minimize its adverse effects on penile health. S Nguyen, M Mangubat, S Eleswarapu, et al. The Combination of High-Fat Diet and Oral Marijuana Promotes the Development of Fibrosis in the Mouse Corpora Cavernosa. Sex Med 2021;9:100312.
Acoustic control of magnetism toward energy-efficient applications

The control of magnetism by acoustically induced strain has driven significant research activities, with the ultimate goal of pursuing novel, ultrafast, compact, and energy-efficient electronic and spintronic applications. Here, we aim to present for the first time a comprehensive review of this field, which has seen a surge of interest in recent years. We review fundamental understanding of magnetoelastic coupling phenomena and mechanisms, diverse experimental configurations, recent advances in modeling and microscopic tools to intuitively describe them, and the experimental and theoretical exploration of devices and technological innovations. These include acoustic spintronics, surface acoustic wave (SAW)-assisted spin transfer torque (STT) switching, SAW-assisted all-optical switching (AOS), SAW-driven spin textures (e.g., Skyrmions and domain walls), acoustic Terahertz emitters, SAW magnetic field sensors, magnetoelastic antenna, on-demand magnonic crystals, and so on. Focusing on the translation of many fundamental research breakthroughs into potential technological applications, we identify the key challenges and opportunities in the field, which we hope may motivate further research efforts of moving scientific discoveries toward real applications.
A Multicenter, 10-Year Experience With Hepatocellular Adenoma: Risk Factors and Disease Course

Background Management of hepatocellular adenoma (HA) is marked by a paucity of recent studies. Long-term follow-up data from an equal access health care system may facilitate our understanding of the natural disease course of HA and identify modifiable risk factors. Methods A multi-institutional, retrospective review of patients with HA from 2008-2017 was performed. Patient demographics, disease characteristics, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results Of 124 patients identified, 94% were women with a mean age at diagnosis of 39.5 years (range 20-82). Median follow-up was 22.5 months (range 0-114) with thirty-four (27.4%) patients eventually undergoing hepatectomy. Mean BMI of the study population was 30.5 kg/m2 (range 16-72). Stratified by size, average BMI for adenomas ≥5 cm was 34 kg/m2 compared to 28 kg/m2 for those Discussion This decade-long review analyzing the impact of modifiable risk factors identifies a direct correlation between BMI and hepatocellular adenoma size. Rupture and malignant transformation are rare entities. Cessation of OC appears to be an effective strategy in the management of hepatic adenoma. Further investigations are warranted to determine if addressing modifiable risk factors such as BMI might induce further HA regression.
Ultrasonographic distribution and duration of udder edema in post-partum and over-bagged dairy cows

The objective of this study was to determine the ultrasonographic distribution and duration of edema in the mammary gland of dairy cattle due to recent parturition or prolonged duration of not milking ("over-bagging"). Mammary glands of 74 post-partum cows were imaged ultrasonographically within 24 hours of parturition and every 48 hours until ultrasonographically negative for mammary gland edema for 96 hours. All post-partum cows were imaged 10-11 hours after last milking. Distribution of edema on ultrasonographic examination of the mammary gland was also mapped on 26 over-bagged cows at exhibitions. Sixty-eight of 74 (91.8%) post-partum dairy cattle had ultrasonographically detectable udder edema. Post-partum edema was centered at the ventral midline region at the junction of the udder and body wall between the subcutaneous abdominal veins. Edema persisted for an average of 14.7 days in the fore and 14.8 days in the rear quarters. No edema was detected after 22 days post-partum in any cow. In the fore udder of over-bagged cows, edema was centered on the peripheral vein mid-height on the lateral surface of the fore quarters. In the rear quarter, edema was centered in the mid to ventral aspect of the median crease. Average time since last milking in the "over-bagged group" was 19 hours, and average days-in-milk was 104 days. These two patterns of distributions are important for differentiation from injection-induced edema in show cows, and ultrasonographic differences between physiological and artificially induced edema are discussed.
Performance Analysis and Limiting Parameters of a Cross-flow Membrane-based Liquid-desiccant Air Dehumidifiers

Abstract To dehumidify a humid air stream, existing air conditioning (AC) systems substantially overcool the outdoor humid air below its dew point, thereby significantly reducing energy efficiency. Directly capturing humidity, membrane-based liquid-desiccant dehumidification systems separate sensible and latent cooling (SSLC) loads and thus offer a promising pathway for a high-performance AC solution. Design of an energy-efficient SSLC-AC system, however, rests largely on detailed understating of the dehumidification process. While some studies have identified the dehumidification process mainly depends on membrane characteristics, other studies have argued that the process is limited by desiccant liquid or alternatively air thermo-hydraulic physics for typical humid climate conditions. The present study examines performance and physics of the membrane-based liquid-desiccant dehumidification process over a wide range of climate conditions through a novel 3D, two-phase, multi-species CFD model. Decoupling the thermodynamic and hydraulic effects, the study reveals that the dehumidification rate is a linear function of the water vapor pressure potential (J=α ΔP) summarizing the system's thermodynamic state. The slope of the curve (i.e., α) depends on hydraulic transport characteristics of the membrane pores, air stream, and desiccant solution. More importantly, it was found that the air dehumidification process is mainly limited by the air-side transport physics for thin liquid-desiccant films and commonly used porous superhydrophobic membranes. Additionally, results show that, depending on ambient/desiccant conditions and physical dehumidifier characteristics, energy effectiveness and dehumidification rate vary from 13 to 34% and from 0.13 to 1.4 g m−2 s−1, respectively. Therefore, the present study allows to efficiently design future SSLC-based AC systems exhibiting high performance energy metrics.
Management of Metastatic Penile Cancer

Metastatic penile carcinoma has a poor prognosis with a 5-year overall survival <10%. While multiple cisplatin-based combinations have been studied, the mainstay of therapy is cisplatin with paclitaxel and ifosfamide given activity in the neoadjuvant setting with an objective response rate of 50%. For those patients ineligible for cisplatin-based therapy, carboplatin with paclitaxel is utilized based on retrospective data. After progression on platinum therapy, epidermal growth factor inhibitors should be utilized with pembrolizumab, an option in those with MSI-H profile or ≥10 mutations/megabase. Presence of visceral metastases and poor performance status are associated with poor prognosis in the front-line setting while presence of visceral metastases and anemia are associated with poorer prognosis in the second line. Studies exploring the molecular biology of penile carcinoma will be critical to advancing the care for these patients to provide rational therapeutic advances while advancing precision medicine.