cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On backward boundary layers and flow in converging passages

In a backward boundary layer the fluid has, in the mathematical model, been flowing along a solid wall through an infinite distance. The co-ordinate distance x along the boundary is measured upstream, and the velocity U of the flow outside the boundary layer is taken as negative. The main application is to flow in converging passages.The existence of similar solutions is considered, with emphasis on the correct asymptotic behaviour for large values of the stretched co-ordinate normal to the wall. This emphasis is shown to be necessary in considering backward boundary layers.For two-dimensional flow in converging passages the requirement that a boundary layer should be possible for vanishingly small viscosity with a potential core flow is shown to lead directly to Hamel's spirals as the shape of the boundary streamlines.Flow in axisymmetric converging passages is considered. For flow in a cone there is no limit as the viscosity tends to zero, and no potential core flow with a boundary layer is possible. The nature of a solution of the Navier-Stokes equations for laminar flow is considered.
Integral geometry of higher-dimensional polytopes and the average case in combinatorial optimization

We consider the average case behavior of a linear optimization problem on various series of combinatorially interesting polytopes. From general results of integral geometry it follows that for all but an asymptotically negligible fraction of linear functions a polytope can be replaced by a pair of concentric balls with asymptotically equal radii so that the optimal value of the linear function on the polytope is in the interval between the optimal values of the linear function on these balls. In particular, we show that the average case behavior of the assignment problem, traveling salesman problem, and, generally speaking, of any optimization problem on a polynomial fraction of all permutations is the same.
A special point from ⋄ and strongly ω-bounded spaces

Abstract A Tychonoff space is CNP if it is a P-set in its Stone–Cech compactification. We are interested in the question of whether the property of being a CNP space is finitely productive. A space X is strongly ω -bounded if every σ -compact subset of X has compact closure in X . In this paper, we show that the existence of two CNP spaces whose product is not CNP is equivalent to the existence of a space which is not strongly ω -bounded but which is the union of two subsets each of which is strongly ω -bounded. We use ⋄ to construct a special point in β ( ω × ( β ω ∖ ω ) ) and use that point to find a non-strongly ω -bounded space which is a union of two strongly ω -bounded subsets.
Clones in 3-connected frame matroids

We determine the structure of clonal classes of 3-connected frame matroids in terms of the structure of biased graphs. Robbins has conjectured that a 3-connected non-uniform matroid with a clonal class of size q - 1 is not G F ( q ) -representable. We confirm the conjecture for the class of frame matroids.
Medical Implications of Oocyte Donation

Fertility treatments have radically changed the outcome for patients who otherwise would not have an opportunity to reproduce. Indications and choices have expanded progressively, with most advances relying on the availability of the patient’s own genetic material. When this latter is not an option, the use of egg donation (DE) becomes a management alternative that has increased in use exponentially. There are important procedural differences between in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF/ET) that are specific to the donor’s and recipient’s cycles that represent an additional challenge for the reproductive endocrinology team. This may expose women to unforeseen procedural, gestational, and long-term risks. Over the years, there have been many claims regarding the medical consequences for donor, mother, and the offspring born through the oocyte donation process. This chapter provides a review of the literature demonstrating some misconceptions of the past and the need for an update to previous recommendations in the management of donor programs. The main objective of this chapter is to review and explain the oocyte donation process and detail possible medical implications for donors, recipients, and offspring.
The author's response

I thank Dr Hunter for his insightful comments on my paper. I would like to add some observations in response to his. I agree that the “fundamental theorem” as expressed in the paper is silent on method and does not explicate how the person-plus-technology actually becomes better than the person unassisted. The scientific method certainly plays a significant role in this process when the pertinent domain …
Stroke after Varicella-Zoster Infection

Researchers at University Hospitals of Ferrara and Padova, Italy, report a case of cerebral infarction and stroke occurring 3 months after varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection in a 5-year-old immunocompetent child, and they provide a literature review of 70 similar cases.
Colony stimulating factor occurs in both inflammatory and noninflammatory synovial fluids

Synovial fluids (SF) from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and various other arthritides were examined for the presence of colony stimulating factors (CSF). CSF was found in 7 of 13 (54%) SF from OA patients and in 8 of 12 (67%) SF from RA patients. It was also found in SF from patients with other arthropathies including 5 of 5 samples from patients with septic arthritis. Inhibition studies employing monospecific antisera indicated that in both RA and OA, CSF was of the macrophage type (M-CSF). While CSF was found in both inflammatory and noninflammatory effusions, significantly greater numbers of colonies were stimulated by RA SF than by OA SF and in general greater numbers of colonies correlated with higher SF leukocyte counts. Our data suggest that CSF as well as other cytokines may be involved in the perpetuation of joint destruction that occurs in various rheumatological conditions.
Structure and Interaction of Graphene Oxide– Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide Complexation

Complexation of graphene oxide (GO) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), a model amphiphile, was quantitatively studied to elucidate the governing forces and resulting structures of their self-assembly. We systematically varied pertinent self-assembly parameters, including GO size, mixing ratio, salt, and osmotic stress, and quantified the nanoscale structures of GO:CTAB using X-ray diffraction. Multilamellar stacking of GO and CTAB layers persists in all GO:CTAB assemblies exhibiting structural order. While driven by hydrophobic interactions between the hydrocarbon tails, the CTAB layer displays a series of structural transitions from a bilayer with in-plane ordering to a more fluidic bilayer and to an interdigitated monolayer. Interaction between GO and CTAB layers shows domination by electrostatics, and osmotic stress studies indicate the absence of continuous hydration layers in GO:CTAB assemblies. Adding salt increases the interlayer spacing by intercalating between GO and CTAB layers, and this...
Observation on Immunological Effect of 60μg Recombinant Hepatitis B Vaccine (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on the Non-response Crowd

Objective To explore the immune success rate and effect of 60μg recombinant hepatitis B vaccine(Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on the HBV vaccine non-response crowd. Methods Forty volunteers aged above 17 years and vaccinated three hepatitis B vaccines for normal dose and procedure but without hepatitis B surface antibody were selected in Taojiang County.The serum samples of the volunteers were collected one month after inoculating one dose of 60μg recombinant hepatitis B vaccine which produced by Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products Co.Ltd.(SKTB),and then serum immunological observation was conducted. Results No local reaction and systemic reaction occurred in all volunteers.One month after inoculating one dose of 60μg recombinant hepatitis B vaccine,the positive rate of anti-HBs was 97.5% and the geometric mean titer for anti-HBs was 50.657 mIU/ml. Conclusions The results suggest that 60μg recombinant hepatitis B vaccine(Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has a good safety profile and exerts success in protection.The vaccine is unaffected by region and age,which can be widely applied in the whole country.An excellent immunization efficacy of the vaccine may be found in the HBV vaccine non-response crowd.
Functional assessment of a novel COL4A5 splice region variant and immunostaining of plucked hair follicles as an alternative method of diagnosis in X-linked Alport syndrome.

Many COL4A5 splice region variants have been described in patients with X-linked Alport syndrome, but few have been confirmed by functional analysis to actually cause defective splicing. We sought to demonstrate that a novel COL4A5 splice region variant in a family with Alport syndrome is pathogenic using functional studies. We also describe an alternative method of diagnosis. Targeted next-generation sequencing results of an individual with Alport syndrome were analyzed and the results confirmed by Sanger sequencing in family members. A splicing reporter minigene assay was used to examine the variant’s effect on splicing in transfected cells. Plucked hair follicles from patients and controls were examined for collagen IV proteins using immunofluorescence microscopy. A novel splice region mutation in COL4A5, c.1780-6T>G, was identified and segregated with disease in this family. This variant caused frequent skipping of exon 25, resulting in a frameshift and truncation of collagen α5(IV) protein. We also developed and validated a new approach to characterize the expression of collagen α5(IV) protein in the basement membranes of plucked hair follicles. Using this approach we demonstrated reduced collagen α5(IV) protein in affected male and female individuals in this family, supporting frequent failure of normal splicing. Differing normal to abnormal transcript ratios in affected individuals carrying splice region variants may contribute to variable disease severity observed in Alport families. Examination of plucked hair follicles in suspected X-linked Alport syndrome patients may offer a less invasive alternative method of diagnosis and serve as a pathogenicity test for COL4A5 variants of uncertain significance.
Imperial Challengers: Tsarist Responses to Armenian Raids into Anatolia, 1875–90

This article considers Russo-Armenian political ties in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. It focuses on the rise of a diverse Armenian nationalist movement in the South Caucasus, the most prominent faction of which strove to aid the Armenians of the neighboring Ottoman Empire. Whereas the concept of Armenian nationalism in the late nineteenth century is often considered within the context of the professional revolutionary parties that characterized organized political activism of the era, this article highlights the actions of Armenian student groups and small vigilante circles, which furtively crossed from Russian territory into Ottoman domains to assist and avenge their compatriots. I argue that Russian officials struggled to define and diminish Armenian political and cultural self-determination, resulting in a patchwork of policies and efforts that rarely yielded the political and interethnic stability that the state sought in the South Caucasus.
Screening Test for Dravet Syndrome Before One Year

Risk factors for Dravet syndrome were determined in 96 children who experienced febrile seizures before age one year, in a retrospective study at Okayama University and other centers in Japan.
Gender and engineering aptitude: Is the color of science, technology, engineering, and math materials related to children’s performance?

To investigate gender stereotypes, demonstrated engineering aptitude, and attitudes, children (N=105) solved an engineering problem using either pastel-colored or primary-colored materials. Participants also evaluated the acceptability of denial of access to engineering materials based on gender and counter-stereotypic preferences (i.e., a boy who prefers pastel-colored materials). Whereas material color was not related to differences in female participants' performance, younger boys assigned to pastel materials demonstrated lower engineering aptitude than did other participants. In addition, results documented age- and gender-related differences; younger participants, and sometimes boys, exhibited less flexibility regarding gender stereotypes than did older and female participants. The findings suggest that attempts to enhance STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) engagement or performance through the color of STEM materials may have unintended consequences.
Goals of medical students participating in scholarly concentration programmes.

Objectives Scholarly concentration (SC) programmes are increasingly common in medical school curricula, fostering student participation in mentored research. Endpoints including publication rates and impact on career path have been reported, but student goals have not been described. We describe how career plans and gender impact the importance of students’ SC-related goals. Understanding student goals may enhance mentorship of professional development and self-directed learning skills. Methods First-year students at two US medical schools were surveyed. Students reported intentions regarding career-long research and specialty interests. Using a 5-point scale, students assigned importance to 13 goals (eight skill-related goals, four accomplishment-related goals and mentorship), Composite scores for skills-related and accomplishment-related goals were used for analysis. Regression analyses, controlling for school, were used to determine whether intentions regarding career-long research, interest in highly competitive residency or gender were associated with increased importance of different goals. Results We surveyed 288 first-year medical students and received 186 responses (64.6% response rate). Compared with their peers, students interested in career-long research placed more importance on both skill-related goals (beta coefficient, 1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–2.71; p < 0.001) and accomplishment-related goals (odds ratio [OR], 1.71; 95% CI, 1.09–2.69; p = 0.02). By contrast, compared with their peers, students interested in highly competitive specialties placed more importance only on accomplishment-related goals (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.15–4.11; p = 0.02). Compared with men, women placed more importance on mentorship (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.23–4.97; p = 0.01) and were less likely to be interested in highly competitive residencies (39.4% versus 54.9%, p = 0.04). Conclusions Gender and career plans are associated with importance of SC-related goals in the first year of medical school. This knowledge enables faculty to promote students’ appreciation of important learning goals in the setting of student research, which may help students engage in self-directed learning across their medical education.
Airplane flight safety using error-tolerant data stream processing

Ubiquitous sensing is pervasive in society for such applications as biometrics for health care, smart grids for power delivery, and avionics for transportation safety [1]. As society continues to rely ever more on sensors for various applications, there is a need to address the accuracy of sensor readings for health maintenance, signal identification, and control [2]. While there have been advances in information fusion [3] for avionics control [4] and user warnings [5], there is still a need for further research in methods that allow for fault detection and recovery techniques to be easily realized and implemented with minimal risk of software errors.
Perspectives on the effect of nodal downstaging and its implication of the role of surgery in stage IIIA (N2) non-small cell lung cancer.

Lymph node involvement is the most important factor affecting the prognosis and treatment of patients with potentially resectable lung cancer. N2 disease consists of patients with mediastinal disease ipsilateral side to the primary tumor, categorized as Stage IIIA for T1-3 patients.
THE DARK AGES OF COST ACCOUNTING: THE ROLE OF MISCUES IN THE LITERATURE

The conceptual and theoretical development of cost accounting has been at a standstill for several decades, despite its poor state and drastic changes in its environment. The concept of cost itself and related concepts are both unclear and unrelated to relevant concepts in other areas of economics, and several critical issues remain unresolved. Part of the blame for this state is laid at the door of those writers and interpreters of several key pieces of literature, or sets of writings on specific topics. The works involved in the “miscues” are J. M. Clark's emphasis on different costs for different purposes in his Studies in the Economics of Overhead Costs; Paton and Littleton's difficulties in clarifying the cost concept; the American Institute of Accountants' definition of depreciation accounting as systematic and rational allocation; the direct/variable costing literature; and the rejection of allocation. An effort is made to show how each of those miscues harmed the cause of cost accounting.
RESULTS OF A MINDFULNESS INTERVENTION FEASIBILITY STUDY AMONG ELDER AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN

This study used mixed methods to examine the feasibility of implementing a 4-week mindfulness class with 10 elder African American women (aged 50 – 69). We measured changes in PSS, PANAS, LSI, Perseverative Cognition Scale, and the Multidimensional Inventory of Black Identity before and after the intervention. We also used these measures as a means to assess the salience of these scales to this population. Focus groups provided information on motivation, effective strategies, preferences, and perceived benefits of the mindfulness class. There was a significant change in numbers of participants who reported a meditation practice (1 person at time 1; 8 people at time 2, chi2(1) = 5.84, p < .05). There were marginally significant improvements in PSS, t(18) = 1.99, p = .06, and PANAS positive affect, t(18) = -1.99, p = .06. Stressors that motivated participation in the mindfulness class included family obligations and daily race-based microagressions. Effective strategies to address stressors salient to our participants included taking time for self-care, quiet prayer, removing oneself from stressful people, remembering one’s core self in the face of discrimination (i.e., centering), and having a positive mindset. Preferences included integration of faith-based language, using a facility recognized as a community center for the classes (e.g., church), and African American class instructors. Participants noted perceived benefits such as mindfulness as calming and centering, better body and pain awareness, an increased sense that one can better tune out chaos, and that the mindfulness group can provide a forum for race and diversity.
Deciding to Come Out to Parents: Toward a Model of Sexual Orientation Disclosure Decisions

The purpose of this study was to conduct research to understand nonheterosexual youths' decision to disclose their sexual orientation information to their parents. The sample for this study includes 22 youth between the ages of 14 and 21. Constructivist grounded theory guided the qualitative methodology and data analysis. The findings from this study posit an emerging model of sexual orientation disclosure decisions comprised of four interrelated factors that influence the decision to disclose or not disclose, as well as a description of the mechanism through which disclosure either does or does not occur. Clinical implications and recommendations for further research are provided.
Future trends in research on microbial phosphate solubilization: one hundred years of insolubility

For over one hundred years, agricultural microbiologists and soil ecologists have studied the ability of a wide range of soil microorganisms to dissolve poorly soluble mineral phosphates. In the case of calcium phosphates, a significant body of evidence has been developed to show that Gram negative bacteria exhibiting superior mineral phosphate solubilizing (MPS) capabilities utilize the direct oxidase pathway. This pathway (also called nonphosphorylating oxidation) produces gluconic acid and 2-ketogluconic acid directly in the periplasmic space. These strong organic acids can dissolve poorly soluble calcium phosphates such as hydroxyapatite and rock phosphate ore (e.g. fluroapatite). Therefore, we propose that the conservation of the direct oxidation pathway in rhizobacteria may, at least in part, result from the mutualistic advantage provided by the MPS trait. This article contains a brief literature review, some examples of ongoing work in our lab and, finally, a proposal for a unified terminology for the classification of microorganisms capable of solubilizing or mobilizing P in the soil or other ecosystems.
The New Market for Treasury Floating Rate Notes

Treasury Floating Rate Notes (FRNs) were introduced in 2014 as a way to diversify the U.S. Treasury funding base and lower its borrowing costs. Using daily data on all Floating Rate Notes issued from 1/2014 to 10/2016 we find that FRNs deliver a statistically significant excess return relative to the underlying index, as well as relative to other short-term interest rate benchmarks. However, yield spreads with respect to comparable maturity fixed rate Treasuries, quarterly data on auction outcomes, and block holding disclosures by financial institutions support the objectives set forth by the Treasury. Collectively our article provides a perspective on FRN contract features, the return and risk of these instruments, and insight into their clientele.
Rapid assembly of the procyanidin A skeleton

Arylpropynals and two equivalents of phloroglucinol react to produce pentacyclic ketals. In addition, 4-methoxydibromocinnamaldehyde also reacted to form procyanidin A-skeleton.
Shell and Systemic Hyalohyphomycosis in Fly River Turtles, Carettochelys insculpta, caused by Paecilomyces lilacinus

ABSTRACT Eleven wild-caught Fly River turtle hatchlings, Carettochelys insculpta, were presented for anorexia and circular shell lesions. One animal died shortly after arrival, and three others within the next month. Necropsy of two animals and one shell biopsy revealed systemic and shell mycoses. A biopsy culture demonstrated infection due to Paecilomyces lilacinus, a ubiquitous fungal pathogen rarely affecting mammals, fish, and reptiles. Malachite green, formaldehyde, and parenteral itraconazole were used to effectively treat the shell lesions. In addition, changes in husbandry were made, and included frequent water changes, increasing the salinity to 7 ppt, increasing the water temperature to 32°C (90°F), and provision of enteral support.
Macrophages in tumour development and metastasis

Activated stromal cells, e.g. inflammatory cells, fibroblasts and vascular cells, present in tumour microenvironments profoundly influence neoplastic development and progression to the tumour state. Macrophages are multifunctional immune cells that often constitute a major component of the inflammatory cell repertoire associated with premalignant and malignant tissues. Macrophages are recruited from the blood circulation by tumour-derived chemoattractants and preferentially localize to hypoxic tumour regions. Depending on their activation status and microenvironment, macrophages can impact tumour development and progression by either positive or negative mechanisms. Based upon this duality, the macrophage balance theory was proposed to emphasize complex relationships between tumourassociated macrophages and neoplastic cells. When appropriately activated, as during acute inflammatory responses, macrophages manifest an M1 phenotype and gain tumouricidal capacities; however, under adverse conditions present within tumour microenvironments, macrophages adopt an M2 phenotype and functionally contribute to neoplastic progression and overall tumour development.
Polymer-antibiotic conjugates as antibacterial additives in dental resins.

Affecting the vast majority of human beings, dental caries is a premier concern of worldwide dental health. As the most commonly used restorative material to treat dental caries, resin-based composites (RBCs) lack antibacterial properties leading to quite limited restoration lifetimes. The objective of this study is to develop a polymer–antibiotic conjugate (PAC) as an effective antibacterial additive for RBCs. A monomer–antibiotic conjugate (MAC) with significant solubility was prepared by an esterification reaction of tert-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc)-protected ciprofloxacin (Cip) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). The Cip-containing PAC with well-controlled molecular weight and composition was synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization of the MAC with HEMA (1 : 3 molar ratio), followed by the removal of Boc from the resulting copolymer. The antibacterial dental resin was then prepared by incorporating the PAC into a commercial resin, and their properties and antibacterial performance against Streptococcus mutans were tested. In vitro experiments revealed a very slow release of Cip, which resulted in significant killing effectiveness against Streptococcus mutans nonetheless, as observed through zone of inhibition assessment and SEM imaging. The promising antibacterial properties of these resins indicate that incorporating a PAC as an additive is a valid strategy to generate antibacterial materials for dental applications.
Removal of a gadolinium based contrast agent by a novel sorbent hemoperfusion in a chronic kidney disease (CKD) rodent model

Gadolinium based contrast agents (GBCAs) have been linked to toxicity in patients, regardless of having impaired or normal renal function. Currently, no therapy is considered highly effective for removing gadolinium (Gd) from the body. We propose a new strategy to reduce blood Gd content that facilitates whole body removal of Gd using a hemoperfusion system consisting of a cartridge of porous silica beads (Davisil®) functionalized with 1,2-hydroxypyridinone (1,2-HOPO). Herein, we report optimization of the hemoperfusion system using an ex vivo blood and an in vivo rat model of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In our ex vivo system, 1,2-HOPO-Davisil outperformed Gambro activated charcoal (AC), which is commonly used in clinical hemoperfusion of aqueous toxins, in terms of Gd capture capacity and rate. In the CKD rat model, the 1,2-HOPO-Davisil hemoperfusion system removed Gd by 3.4 times over the Gambro AC system. 1,2-HOPO-Davisil did not change complete blood counts and common blood biochemistry. Thus, this strategy has great potential for clinical translation to manage GBCAs after magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), before Gd can deposit in the body and cause long-term toxicity. Although gadodiamide was used as a proof of concept model for GBCAs in this study, 1,2-HOPO functionalized mesoporous silica could also capture dissociated Gd and other GBCAs.
A 47-year-old woman with nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma masquerading as a sinus infection: a case report and review of the literature.

Nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma is a rare, highly metastatic undifferentiated carcinoma that typically arises in midline structures and is characterized by having a fusion involving the nuclear protein in testis, NUT, gene. Nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma has been identified in patients of all ages and is often initially misdiagnosed due to the rapid timeline of symptom onset. Here we report the case of a 47-year-old Caucasian woman with a nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma that was initially mistaken for a sinus infection. After symptom progression while on an aggressive antibiotic regimen, the source of her symptoms was correctly identified as a sella mass. Comprehensive analysis of the tumor was performed, and standard cytogenetic analysis identified a translocation of 15q and 19p. Further testing identified a NUT–BRD4 fusion and confirmed the diagnosis of nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma. Despite definitive diagnosis and surgical, radiation, and, ultimately, systemic therapy, she progressed rapidly, developing widespread metastases, and ultimately died from the disease 5 months after diagnosis. Based on this and other previous reports, aggressive therapy should be initiated once nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma is diagnosed and close surveillance employed in an attempt to prevent and/or recognize metastases as early as possible. Aggressive therapy has shown little efficacy such that the average overall survival for patients with nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma is very short, often less than 6 months. Thus, early enrollment into clinical trials testing novel therapies for the treatment of nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma should be considered. Finally, additional reports of nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma are needed to fully characterize this rare and highly aggressive cancer.
Off‐farm work and technical efficiency on U.S. dairies

In this study, we investigate the impact of an increase in farm households’ off‐farm work on technical efficiency (TE) of U.S. dairies. We present a theoretical framework that implies that an increase in farm household off‐farm work decreases TE. We use two nationally‐representative samples of U.S. dairies (2010 and 2005 Agricultural Resource Management Surveys) and a parametric approach (stochastic frontier analysis) to empirically test the hypothesis. Results are generally consistent with the hypothesis and show that an increase in off‐farm work by the farm household is associated with a significant decrease in TE. In addition, results show that there is a statistically significant difference in TE between small, medium, and large farms. Small farms are associated with significantly higher off‐farm work and have lower TE than large farms, which implies that less off‐farm work by households with larger farms is at least partially responsible for the evidence of economies of scale in the U.S. dairy industry.
A Cautionary Tale about Emergency Financial Assistance without Services: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluation at a Community College

Community college completion rates are extremely low, especially among low-income students. One potential explanation is that low-income students have limited capacity to overcome financial shocks, such as large medical, legal, or car repair bills. Some programs offer "emergency financial assistance" (EFA) to prevent these events from curtailing educational progress. We test the efficacy of EFA within the context of a broader randomized controlled trial at a community college in Texas. We find no evidence that access to EFA alone leads to improved outcomes. We speculate that EFA will only be effective if it is paired with additional case management services.
Contour based Reconstruction of Underwater Structures Using Sonar, Visual, Inertial, and Depth Sensor

This paper presents a systematic approach on realtime reconstruction of an underwater environment using Sonar, Visual, Inertial, and Depth data. In particular, low lighting conditions, or even complete absence of natural light inside caves, results in strong lighting variations, e.g., the cone of the artificial video light intersecting underwater structures, and the shadow contours. The proposed method utilizes the well defined edges between well lit areas and darkness to provide additional features, resulting into a denser 3D point cloud than the usual point clouds from a visual odometry system. Experimental results in an underwater cave at Ginnie Springs, FL, with a custom-made underwater sensor suite demonstrate the performance of our system. This will enable more robust navigation of autonomous underwater vehicles using the denser 3D point cloud to detect obstacles and achieve higher resolution reconstructions.
Cracking the Case of Achalasia-induced Syncopal Episode.

Achalasia is an uncommon disease that occurs due to inability of lower esophageal sphincter from relaxing, leading to dysphagia to liquids and solids. Clues to this diagnosis include: failed treatment with proton pump inhibitors, and changes on imaging studies including chest X-ray and barium esophagogram. Ultimately it is a diagnosis made on esophageal manometry. Swallow-induced syncope has been known in patients with achalasia for almost three centuries. Here we present the case of a patient with achalasia and a non-swallowing syncopal episode. To our knowledge and extensive search, there has been no report of a similar case.
Thromboembolic Findings in COVID-19 Autopsies: Pulmonary Thrombosis or Embolism?

In their article, Lax and colleagues reported the frequent occurrence of pulmonary thrombosis in a series of autopsies of patients with COVID-19. The editorialist discusses how these findings help ...
Venous Thromboembolism in Geriatric Trauma Patients-Risk Factors and Associated Outcomes.

Abstract Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) places elderly trauma patients at a high risk of morbidity. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes related to VTE in geriatric trauma patients, as well as to identify risk factors for the development of VTE in this population. We also assessed the impact of the type and timing of VTE prophylaxis, and the type of injuries, on development of VTE in geriatric trauma population. Methods We performed a 2-year retrospective review from American College of Surgeons–Trauma Quality Improvement Project (ACS-TQIP) databank from 2014 to 2016. A total of 354,272 patients aged 65 y or older who developed VTE after trauma were included in the study. Results Overall, 354,272 elderly trauma patients with complete records were identified from the year 2014 to 2016, and of this, 4290 (1.1%) patients developed in-hospital VTE. Male gender was more predominant in the VTE group (P Conclusions Our study demonstrates that ICU and hospital length of stay were higher in VTE group. Frailty, severe TBI, spine injury, lower extremity injury, longer duration of mechanical ventilation, and transfusion of plasma products in the first 24 h of hospital admission were independent predictors of developing VTE after trauma in elderly. Type and timing of VTE prophylaxis were not significant independent predictors of developing VTE after trauma, while higher injury severity score, TBI, and transfusion of packed red blood cells within 24 h were associated with longer time to initiate VTE prophylaxis. Future multi-institutional prospective studies are warranted to gather more evidence on this topic.
Aseptic Syphilitic Meningitis in an HIV-Negative Patient with Concomitant Primary and Secondary Syphilis

Background: Syphilis is a sexually and vertically transmitted disease caused by the Treponema pallidum species. Aseptic syphilitic meningitis (ASM) is a subcategory of neurosyphilis. Neurosyphilis is typically considered a tertiary manifestation of syphilis; however, ASM typically occurs within 6 months of exposure and may be concurrent with the rash of secondary syphilis. Case Presentation: A 58-year-old immunocompetent male presented to the dermatology clinic with an erythematous morbilliform rash that involved his trunk and upper extremities. He was prescribed benzonatate 100 mg 3 weeks prior for cough and was diagnosed with a drug-induced morbilliform rash. The patient was seen 1 month later by urology for a penile ulcer. At his urology appointment, an RPR test was done and resulted positive with a titer of 1:256. He was referred to dermatology again and was noted to have a diffuse, copper-colored maculopapular rash involving the palms and soles. During this appointment, the patient complained of a 4-week headache and was found to have nuchal rigidity. He was admitted for neurosyphilis work up, including CSF and CSF-VDRL examination. His neurologic symptoms improved on IV Penicillin G. Repeat RPR testing at 6 months follow up confirmed adequate treatment and his RPR declined from 1:256 to 1:4. Conclusion: We present a case of ASM in an immunocompetent individual with concomitant primary and secondary syphilis. Dermatologists are trained to recognize the cutaneous manifestations of syphilis, but also should be familiar with the variable presentations of the disease, including the early neurological findings of ASM.
Maternal Characteristics Associated With Preconception Marijuana Use.

Introduction Given the increase of marijuana use among U.S. women, higher rates of unintended pregnancies among women who use marijuana, and potential consequences of maternal use, there is a need to identify factors associated with marijuana use in the period leading up to pregnancy. This study aims to provide estimates of preconception marijuana use and describe associations between preconception marijuana use and maternal characteristics among a population-based sample of recently delivered women in the U.S. Methods This was an analysis of 2016 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data from 6 states (Louisiana, Maine, New Mexico, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming). Characteristics were compared between respondents who did and did not report marijuana use using chi-square tests and logistic regression models. Statistical analysis was performed in 2019 and 2020. Results Approximately 8% of respondents reported that they had used marijuana in the month before pregnancy. After controlling for a number of factors, marital status, education level, parity, and living in a state with medical or recreational marijuana legalization or decriminalization remained independently associated with marijuana use. Those who reported marijuana use were 3–5 times more likely to also report symptoms of depression and tobacco and alcohol use before or during pregnancy than respondents who did not report marijuana use. Conclusions Reproductive-aged women who are intending pregnancy or likely to experience an unintended pregnancy should be asked about and encouraged to refrain from marijuana use, especially given the strong association with depressive symptomology and concurrent use of other substances, including tobacco.
High-throughput phenotyping identifies plant growth differences under well-watered and drought treatments

Abstract The ability to screen larger populations with fewer replicates and non-destructive measurements is one advantage of high-throughput phenotyping (HTP) over traditional phenotyping techniques. In this study, two wheat accessions were grown in a controlled-environment with a moderate drought imposed from stem elongation to post-anthesis. Red-green-blue (RGB) imaging was performed on 17 of the 22 d following the start of drought imposition. Destructive measurements from all plants were performed at the conclusion of the experiment. The effect of line was significant for shoot dry matter, spike dry matter, root dry matter, and tiller number, while the water treatment was significant on shoot dry matter and root dry matter. The temporal, non-destructive nature of HTP allowed the drought treatment to be significantly differentiated from the well-watered treatment after 6 d in a line from Argentina and 9 d in a line from Chile. This difference of 3 d indicated an increased degree of drought tolerance in the line from Chile. Furthermore, HTP from the final day of imaging accurately predicted reference plant height (r=1), shoot dry matter (r=0.95) and tiller number (r=0.91). This experiment illustrates the potential of HTP and its use in modeling plant growth and development.
Topology optimization of structural frames considering material nonlinearity and time-varying excitation

An approach for the topology optimization of structures composed of nonlinear beam elements under time-varying excitation is presented. Central to this approach is a hysteretic beam finite element model that accounts for distributed plasticity and axial-moment interaction through appropriate hysteretic interpolation functions and yield/capacity function, respectively. Nonlinearity is represented via the hysteretic variables for curvature and axial deformations that evolve according to first order nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs), referred to as evolution equations, and the yield function. Hence, the governing dynamic equilibrium equations and hysteretic evolution equations can thus be concisely presented as a system of first-order nonlinear ODEs that can be solved using general ODE solvers without the need for linearization. The approach is applied for the design of frame structures with an objective to minimize the total volume in the domain, such that the maximum displacement at specified node(s) satisfies a specified constraint (i.e., drift limit) for the given excitation. The maximum displacement is approximated using the p-norm and thus permits the completion of the analytical sensitivities required for gradient-based updating. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the approach for the design of structural frames subjected to pulse, harmonic, and seismic base excitation. Topologies obtained using the suggested, nonlinear approach are compared to solutions obtained from topology optimization problems assuming linear-elastic material behavior. These comparisons show that although similarities between the designs exist, in general the nonlinear designs differ in composition and, importantly, outperform the linear designs when assessed by nonlinear dynamic analysis.
Recent Advances in GaAs Dynamic Memories

Publisher Summary The desire for high-speed integrated circuits has led to the investigation of gallium arsenide (GaAs) as a host semiconductor for high-performance systems. The trend toward programmable digital systems has intensified the need for large quantities of high-speed digital memory. To date, most of the memory development in GaAs has been based on the simple adaptations of existing GaAs circuit technology in the form of six-transistor static storage cells. These static random access memory (SRAM) cells are inefficient in two respects: they occupy considerable chip area, and they dissipate static power in the storage state. The one-transistor dynamic random access memory (DRAM) cell, on the other hand, is much smaller and dissipates negligible standby power, thus, permitting large arrays to be incorporated on a single chip. One of the obstacles in the development of DRAM cells in GaAs has been the lack of a high-quality native oxide. However, it has been found that charge storage in GaAs can be successfully accomplished using the capacitance of properly designed reverse-biased p–n junctions.
Importance of quantum memory in lightwave electronics

The role of quantum memory in ultrafast, nonperturbative lightwave electronics is discussed with several examples involving one- and two-dimensional quantum materials. Since interactions are strong in these materials, scattering emerges often on sub-100fs timescales. Nevertheless, quantum memory has extremely important implications for lightwave electronics – several examples will be given to demonstrate how omitting quantum memory eliminates many key effects of measured in lightwave electronics. These insights have direct implications to all aspects of lightwave electronics, including multi-photon absorption, optical switching, and high-harmonic generation.
COVID-19: A new barrier to treatment for opioid use disorder in the emergency department.

Objective Start Treatment and Recover (STAR) is an emergency department (ED) program that expands access to medication for opioid use disorder by identifying patients with opioid use disorder and offering ED-initiated buprenorphine/naloxone and rapid access to outpatient treatment. We sought to determine the impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on STAR and the patients with opioid use disorder it serves. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of records comparing 2 periods: pre-pandemic (February 1, 2019-February 29, 2020) and pandemic (March 1, 2020-May 31, 2020). Variables evaluated included the number of STAR enrollments, ED census, percentage of census screening positive for opioid use disorder, number and percentage of ED overdose visits, and overdose fatalities by month. All analyses were conducted using 2-sample t tests to calculate the mean and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Comparing the pre-pandemic to the pandemic period, the mean monthly ED visits decreased from 5126.9 to 3306.7 (difference = -1820.3; 95% CI, -3406.3 to -234.2), STAR mean monthly enrollments decreased from 9.7 to 1.3 (difference = -8.4; 95% CI, -12.8 to -4.0), and statewide monthly opioid-related fatalities increased from 9.4 to 15.3 (difference = 5.9; 95% CI, 0.8 to 11.1). However, the percentage of individuals who presented to the ED with opioid use disorder or overdose remained unchanged. Conclusion Although overall ED visits declined during the pandemic period, the percentage of patients presenting with opioid use disorder or overdose remained constant, yet there was a dramatic decline in enrollment in ED-initiated medication for opioid use disorder and an increase in statewide monthly opioid-related fatalities. Strategies to maintain medication for opioid use disorder treatment options must be implemented for this vulnerable population during the ongoing pandemic.
Doxorubicin Uptake and Release from Microgel Thin Films

We report investigations on the thermally regulated uptake and release of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin from microgel thin films. A spin coating, layer-by-layer (scLbL) assembly approach was used to prepare thin films composed of thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (pNIPAm-AAc) microgels by alternatively exposing a 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) functionalized glass substrate to polyanionic pNIPAm-AAc microgels and polycationic poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH). Using this method, 10, 20, and 30 microgel layer films were constructed with uniform layer buildup, as confirmed by quartz crystal microgravimetry (QCM). The films were subsequently loaded with doxorubicin by cycling the temperature of the film in an aqueous doxorubicin solution between 25 and 50 °C. Release characteristics were then examined using UV−vis spectroscopy, which revealed temperature-dependent release properties.
Empowering informal settlements in Jakarta with urban agriculture: exploring a community-based approach

Informal settlements in Jakarta are known as ‘kampungs,’ which are classified as illegally constructed areas upon urban land. This paper presents a community-based approach to empower kampungs in J...
A model current system for the magnetospheric substorm

Abstract We propose a model three-dimensional current system for the magnetospheric substorm, which can account for the new findings of the field-aligned and ionospheric currents obtained during the last few years by using new techniques. They include (1) the ionospheric currents at the auroral latitude deduced from the Chatanika incoherent scatter radar data, (2) the field-aligned currents inferred from the vector magnetic field observations by the TRIAD satellite and (3) the global distribution of auroras with respect to the auroral electrojets appearing in DMSP satellite photographs. The model current system is also tested by a computer model calculation of the ionospheric current pattern. It is shown that the auroral electrojets have a strong asymmetry with respect to the midnight meridian. The westward electrojet flows along the discrete aurora in the evening sector, as well as along the diffuse aurora in the morning sector. The eastward electrojet flows equatorward of the westward electrojet in the evening sector. It has a northward component and joins the westward electrojet by turning westward across the Harang discontinuity. Thus, the latitudinal width of the westward electrojet in the morning sector is much larger than that in the evening sector. The field-aligned currents, consisting of two pairs of upward and inward currents (one is located in the morning sector and the other in the evening sector), are closed neither simply by the east-west ionospheric currents nor by the north-south currents, but by a complicated combination of the north-south and east-west paths in the ionosphere. The magnetospheric extension of the current system is also briefly discussed.