cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of the Age Distributions of the Populations of Major Cities in the United States

like other customs, it can change and change rapidly. The findings of this study indicate that, if a large proportion of the white families in the United States were to adopt the same pattern for the use of birth control, the sex ratio at birth could be affected drastically. This would have innumerable social consequences. Having little information on who uses what pattern of birth control and for what reasons, there is little scientific basis for predicting changes in birth control practices in our society. However, the general tendency towards consensus and standardization suggests standardized birth control practice as a future possibility.
Determination of Estradiol 2- and 4-Hydroxylase Activities in Mouse Liver Microsomes by Liquid Chromatography/Electrochemistry

A sensitive, selective, and nonradiometric assay for estradiol 2- and 4-hydroxylase activities using high-performance liquid chromatography with an electrochemical detector (LCEC) is developed. The assay relies on a liquid-solid extraction of the catechol estrogens onto alumina, followed by their elution with dilute acid. Chromatographic separation is accomplished on a C18 reversed-phase column with an isocratic system consisting of 0.05M sodium acetate in methanol/water/acetic acid 34:56:10 (V/V). Using this assay, the estrogen 2- and 4-hydroxylase activities contained in the microsomal fraction of liver from adult female mice is studied. The assay is optimized with regard to pH, substrate or enzyme concentrations, and time. The apparent km and Vmax of the 4- and 2-hydroxylase are 22.5 microM and 35.9 pmol/mg protein/min and 64.7 microM and 206.2 pmol/mg protein/min, respectively.
Iridium Complexes of Bulky CCC-Pincer N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands: Steric Control of Coordination Number and Catalytic Alkene Isomerization

Three new iridium complexes of meta-phenylene-bridged bis-N-heterocyclic carbene CCC-pincer ligands were synthesized and characterized. For a pincer ligand with 2,6-diisopropylphenyl N-substituents, a six-coordinate iridium(III) complex of the formula Ir(CCC)HCl(MeCN) was formed. In contrast, ligands with t-butyl or adamantyl N-substituents gave five-coordinate iridium(III) complexes of the formula Ir(CCC)HCl. These iridium complexes, along with two previously described iridium complexes, were tested for activity in the catalytic transfer-dehydrogenation of n-octane at 150 °C. The new complexes were inactive for this reaction, while two previously reported catalysts were modestly active: a mesityl-substituted derivative gave 12 turnovers, and a 3,5-di-t-butylphenyl-substituted variant gave 10 turnovers. In contrast, these complexes were shown to be highly active catalysts for the isomerization of terminal alkenes, under conditions much milder than those required for transfer-dehydrogenation.
Bone marrow monocytes and porous lactic acid mixture in the repair of rabbit articular cartilage defects

AIM:There are many studies on mesenchymal stem cells for cartilage defect.The study verified the repair outcome of bone marrow monocyte and porous lactic acid mixture on articular cartilage taking polyactic acid as a carrier. METHODS:Experiments were performed at the Experimental Center of North China Coal Medical University from November 2006 to June 2007.①Thirty clean rabbits aged 3-4 months,weighting 2.0-3.0 kg,of either sex,were selected.②Porous lactic acid carriers were made according to the references.Bone marrow was collected from five rabbits,separated with separating medium to harvest monocytes for in vitro culture,and then to prepare cell-porous lactic acid mixture.Twenty-five rabbits were randomly divided into three groups.Cell-porous lactic acid mixture was implanted into the defects in the cell-porous lactic acid group(17 knees).Blank porous lactic acid mixture was implanted into the defects in the blank porous lactic acid group(17 knees).No intervention was performed in the non-treatment group(16 knees).③Rabbits were executed under drugged state 4,8 and 12 weeks after the surgery.General and histological observations were performed. RESULTS:Four rabbits died during the experiment,and 21 rabbits(42 knees)were involved in the result analysis,①12 weeks after the surgery,defected tissues were ivory in the cell-porous lactic acid group,and similar to the normal cartilage.The edge of the defective tissues and the normal cartilage was clear in the blank porous lactic acid group and non-treatment group.②4,8 and 12 weeks after the surgery,the effect of cell-porous lactic acid group on defective tissue repair was better than the other two groups(P0.05). CONCLUSION:Bone marrow monocyte cells in combination with porous lactic acid mixture can repair articular cartilage and the defect is repaired with transparent-like tissues.
Allocation methodology for sectoral responsibilities of GHG emission reduction with the stabilization objective

The status quo of allocation methods for responsibilities of reducing greenhouse gas(GHG) emission was summarized to discuss the problems related to the allocation methodology of GHG emission right under climate change scenarios.A model named SMP-WRE(sustainable mobility project/Wigley,Richels,and Edmonds) was then established following the logic of "Common but Differentiated Responsibilities" and using WRE stabilization curves and the IEA/SMP transport model.An allocation method using the SMP-WRE model was developed,with a set of emission reduction objectives for China's light duty vehicle(LDV) sector further presented as an example of exhibiting the method implementation.The results show that the global LDV business-as-usual(BAU) emission is about 2 to 4 times the target emission,thus indicating that the CO2 stabilizations of 450×10-6 and 550×10-6 are very difficult to achieve for the LDV sector.The required emission change of China is much larger than those of North America and Europe,because China's LDVs are greatly increasing,while the vehicle markets in developed countries have already been saturated for years.
Family Clustering Analysis of Infection with Human Principal Parasites in Fujian Province

Objective To investigate the situation of infection with human principal parasites in Fujian Province.Method The survey data of principal human parasites in 39 sites of 13 counties(cities or areas) in Fujian Province was analyzed the households clustering by binomial distribution fitting theory according to the methods of National Investigation Scheme on Principal Human Parasites.Result We examined 20195 residents of 6219 families.The infection rate of ascarides,T.trichiura and hookworms were 9.55%,11.48% and 19.73%,respectively.The distributions of infection were obviously clustered in families.Conclusion Households clustering were observed in the infect of ascarides,T.trichiura and hookworms.For improving the prevention and cure of the parasitic diseases,we should strengthen the health education and treat those with helminthic infection in the families.
Practice standards use with internal partners.

U.S. Department of Defense experience with internal partnership programs has indicated that a lack of close supervision by medical treatment facilities can result in cost increases. The use of medical practice guidelines or standards is the subject of active investigation. The global guidelines tend to be too rigid or too vague to affect the provision of care. Their general acceptance can often be low. The use of clinical guidelines, with supervision by a clinic peer, has been determined to be a provider-friendly method of delivering cost-effective, high-quality care. Comparisons were made between the supervised partners against the total expenditures for ENT outpatient CHAMPUS care. The results indicated not only a savings but a reduction in the rate of cost increases by more than 250 percent. It is our feeling that specialty provider, peer-directed medical standards can be applied in a cost-effective manner. Their adoption as an organization-wide standard for referral can be an important tool in maintaining quality while containing costs.
1H-NMR studies of drugs with chiral solvating agent: the direct enantiomeric purity determination of the chiral anesthetic, prilocaine

Chiral recognition of prilocaine was obtained on a 400 MHz 1H-NMR spectrometer by fast diastereomeric interactions with the chiral solvating agent (S)-(+)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(9-anthryl) ethanol (TFAE). Assignment of absolute configuration was based on relative field position of the resolved enantiomeric signals. Influence of temperature, substrate concentration and solvating agent to substrate molar ratio on enantiomeric resolution were studied and evaluated. Optimization of experimental conditions provided two significant resolved signals for quantitative use. Utilizing the relative intensities of the resolved enantiomeric signals of the methine proton attached to the stereogenic center assigned to (S)-(+)- and (R)-(-)-prilocaine, the analysis of synthetic mixtures of the enantiomers by the proposed NMR method resulted in assay values which agreed closely with the known quantities of each enantiomer in the tested mixtures. The mean +/- SD recovery values for the (S)-(+)-enantiomer was 99.9 +/- 0.2% of added antipode (n = 7). The optically pure enantiomers were used to establish the minimum amount detected by the proposed NMR spectroscopic method.
Neurocutaneous Syndromes in Children

Pediatricians have long been fascinated by the neurocutaneous syndromes because of their striking skin manifestations which may be present in infancy. This group of diseases remains a diagnostic challenge because there may be great variation in presentation. Early recognition is important, not only for anticipating complications of these diseases, but for genetic counseling.
Mortality among workers exposed to toluene diisocyanate in the US polyurethane foam industry: Update and exposure-response analyses.

Background Mortality among 4,545 toluene diisocyante (TDI)-exposed workers was updated through 2011. The primary outcome of interest was lung cancer. Methods Life table analyses, including internal analyses by exposure duration and cumulative TDI exposure, were conducted. Results Compared with the US population, all cause and all cancer mortality was increased. Lung cancer mortality was increased but was not associated with exposure duration or cumulative TDI exposure. In post hoc analyses, lung cancer mortality was associated with employment duration in finishing jobs, but not in finishing jobs involving cutting polyurethane foam. Conclusions Dermal exposure, in contrast to inhalational exposure, to TDI is expected to be greater in finishing jobs and may play a role in the observed increase in lung cancer mortality. Limitations include the lack of smoking data, uncertainty in the exposure estimates, and exposure estimates that reflected inhalational exposure only. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:630–643, 2016. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA
Ferromagnetic oxide heterostructures on silicon

Heterostructures consisting of two ferromagnetic oxides La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (LCMO) and SrRuO3 (SRO) were epitaxially grown by pulsed laser deposition onto a silicon (Si) substrate buffered by SrTiO3 (STO)/MgO/TiN. The x-ray scans and electron-diffraction patterns reveal the epitaxial nature of all five layers. From transmission electron microscopy, the thicknesses of the LCMO and SRO layers were estimated to be -100 and -200 nm, respectively. The magnetic properties of individual SRO and LCMO layers are in good agreement with the previous studies reported for those individual layers deposited on lattice-matched substrates, such as STO. The LCMO/SRO heterostructures showed enhanced switching field (from 6008 to 7600 Oe), which may originate from the bulk part of the heterostructure. The ability to grow these multifunctional structures on Si provides a route for wafer scale integration with Si, in contrast to oxide substrates that are not suitable for CMOS integration for microelectronics and spintronics applications.
9.11 – Hypoxia in Waters of the Coastal Zone: Causes, Effects, and Modeling Approaches*

Hypoxia is one of the greatest threats to coastal zone ecosystems, where in extreme cases vast dead zones result. Primary drivers of hypoxia include nutrient loading from anthropogenic sources and physical processes that lead to stratification. Models are useful tools for the study of hypoxia. Their frameworks, however, vary tremendously ranging from simplified portrayals of biota and the physical environment (productivity and metabolism simulated in a box model) to complex food-web representations within three-dimensional circulation schemes. Much knowledge has been gained through the study of simple models. However, to further our understanding of factors influencing hypoxia, the development of additional complex models followed by an analysis of similarity in their qualitative behaviors is needed.
Land cover characterization for a watershed in Kenya using MODIS data and Fourier algorithms

A time series algorithm was being presented that classifies vegetation in the Njoro Watershed, Kenya, according to the shapes of temporal normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) profiles representing growing cycles for different vegetation. We present a two-step approach that includes noise reduction using discrete Fourier filtering and a clustering algorithm that uses the Fourier components of magnitude and phase to identify phenological differences. The classification considers possible variations in shape that may be imposed by climate, soil, topography, or human impacts. The primary input to the classification is a user-defined set of reference cycles to which pixels are assigned depending on a set of shape criteria. The output is a consistent classification of NDVI cycles representing vegetation classes with similar phenologies. The algorithm allows the creation of classification mosaics without typical boundary offsets and temporally comparable classification products. It identifies vegetation more accurately than single image classification methods, because it exploits the temporal variability in spectral reflectance due to phenological responses. We produced a classified land cover map at two hierarchical levels with five classes in a level I classification and seven classes in a level II classification that represents a refinement of the level I data. These map products compare favorably to previously published land cover maps that were developed using more standard supervised classification. The level I map has an overall accuracy of 94% compared to field data, while the level II map as an overall accuracy of 77%.
Lighted ureteral stents in laparoscopic colorectal surgery; a five-year experience.

Background: Ureteral injuries during colorectal surgery are a rare event, ranging in the literature from 0.28–7.6%. Debate surrounds the use of prophylactic lighted ureteral stents to help protect the ureter during laparoscopic surgery. It has been suggested that they help to identify injuries but do not prevent them. The authors look to challenge this. Methods: Over 66 months, every laparoscopic or colectomy involving ureteral stents was recorded. Researchers documented any injury to the ureter intraoperatively. The chart was also reviewed for the complications of urinary tract infection (UTI) and urinary retention post-operatively. Results: During the 66 months, 402 laparoscopic colon resections were done. There were no ureteral injuries. The lighted ureteral stent was identified during every case in the effort to prevent injury during dissection and resection. No catheter associated UTIs were identified, while 14 (3.5%) suffered from post-operative urinary retention. Conclusions: The authors of this study present a large series of colon resections with no intraoperative ureteral injuries. In addition, these catheters were not associated with any UTIs and a rate of urinary retention similar to that of the at large data. This series provides compelling data to use lighted ureteral stents during laparoscopic colon surgery.
Effect of low-level CO2 on innate inflammatory protein response to organic dust from swine confinement barns.

Organic hog barn dust (HDE) exposure induces lung inflammation and long-term decreases in lung function in agricultural workers. While concentrations of common gasses in confined animal facilities are well characterized, few studies have been done addressing if exposure to elevated barn gasses impacts the lung immune response to organic dusts. Given the well documented effects of hypercapnia at much higher levels we hypothesized that CO2 at 8 h exposure limit levels (5000 ppm) could alter innate immune responses to HDE. Using a mouse model, C57BL/6 mice were nasally instilled with defined barn dust extracts and then housed in an exposure box maintained at one of several CO2 levels for six hours. Bronchiolar lavage (BAL) was tested for several cytokines while lung tissue was saved for mRNA purification and immunohistochemistry. Exposure to elevated CO2 significantly increased the expression of pro-inflammatory markers, IL-6 and KC, in BAL fluid as compared to dust exposure alone. Expression of other pro-inflammatory markers, such as ICAM-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), were also tested and showed similar increased expression upon HDE + CO2 exposure. A chemokine array analysis of BAL fluid revealed that MIP-1γ (CCL9) shows a similar increased response to HDE + CO2. Further testing showed CCL9 was significantly elevated by barn dust and further enhanced by CO2 co-exposure in a dose-dependent manner that was noticeable at the protein and mRNA levels. In all cases, except for ICAM-1, increases in tested markers in the presence of elevated CO2 were only significant in the presence of HDE as well. We show that even at mandated safe exposure limits, CO2 is capable of enhancing multiple markers of inflammation in response to HDE.
Revisiting FiWi: On the merits of a distributed upstream resource allocation scheme

To improve fiber-wireless (FiWi) access network performance, this work proposes a distributed control plane by simply shifting the centralized control task away from the distant central office (optical plane) towards the closely clustered wireless nodes (wireless plane) at the access end. This distributed scheme results in a globally optimized upstream resource allocation scheme, thus paving the way for improved performance.
Synthesis from Probabilistic Components.

Synthesis is the automatic construction of a system from its specification. In classical synthesis algorithms, it is always assumed that the system is "constructed from scratch" rather than composed from reusable components. This, of course, rarely happens in real life, where almost every non-trivial commercial software system relies heavily on using libraries of reusable components. Furthermore, other contexts, such as web-service orchestration, can be modeled as synthesis of a system from a library of components. Recently, Lustig and Vardi introduced dataflow and control-flow synthesis from libraries of reusable components. They proved that dataflow synthesis is undecidable, while control-flow synthesis is decidable. In this work, we consider the problem of control-flow synthesis from libraries of probabilistic components. We show that this more general problem is also decidable.
Auger Electrons as Probes for Composite Micro- and Nanostructured Materials: Application to Solid Electrolyte Interphases in Graphite and Silicon-Graphite Electrodes

In this study, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) combined with ion sputtering depth profiling, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been used in a complementary fashion to examine chemical and microstructural changes in graphite (Gr) and silicon/graphite (Si/Gr) blends contained in the negative electrodes of lithium-ion cells. We demonstrate how AES depth profiling can be used to characterize morphology of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) deposits in such heterogeneous media, complementing well-established methods, such as XPS and SEM. In this way we demonstrate that the SEI does not consist of uniformly thick layers on the graphite and silicon; the thickness of the SEI layers in cycle life aged electrodes follows an exponential distribution with a mean of ca. 13 nm for the graphite and ca. 20–25 nm for the silicon nanoparticles (with a crystalline core of 50–70 nm in diameter). A “sticky-sphere” model, in which Si nanoparticles are covered with a layer...
Oligofluorene Molecular Wires: Synthesis and Single-Molecule Conductance

We report the synthesis and molecular junction conductance for a series of oligofluorenes to establish clear structure–property relationships for this electronically important material. We use a scanning tunneling microscopy based break-junction method (STM-BJ) to measure single-molecule conductance in oligofluorenes that vary in (a) the number of fluorene repeat units (n = 1–3), (b) bridge carbon substitution (dihydrogen, dimethyl, dihexyl, and didodecyl), and (c) linker-group termination (methyl sulfide versus primary amine). Conductance in oligofluorene molecular junctions is found to occur via tunneling, with a tunneling decay constant, β, of 0.31 per A, or equivalently, 2.6 per fluorene unit, consistent with other π-conjugated molecular wires. Simple tunnel coupling calculations for model Au2-oligofluorene molecular clusters are reported to validate experimental conductance measurements. Finally, molecular conductance distributions for methyl sulfide terminated oligofluorenes are observed to be extre...
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer in acto-myosin complexes.

Myosin, the best known and most studied actin-binding protein, is a molecular motor protein that converts the chemical energy of ATP hydrolysis into mechanical work during muscle contraction, cytokinesis, and other motile functions of cells. At the molecular level muscle contraction is believed to result from the relative sliding of interdigitated thick (composed primarily of myosin) and thin (composed of actin and a host of calcium-regulatory proteins) filaments past one another. This is thought to be a cyclic process in which the hydrolysis of ATP mediates the interaction between actin and myosin (Eisenberg and Hill, 1985). The ATPase cycle of myosin consists of at least four distinct structural states. Myosin is initially bound to actin in the absence of nucleotide, or in a rigor complex (AM), at the end of the contractile cycle. Upon the addition of ATP (M.ATP), the affinity of myosin for actin is significantly reduced, causing dissociation of the acto-myosin complex. ATP is then hydrolyzed to form a second weakly bound state (M.ADP.Pi) which, like the M.ATP state, has a relatively low affinity for actin. During the process of releasing the products of ATP hydrolysis (ADP and Pi), a transition from “weak” to “strong” binding occurs, due to an increase in affinity for actin, and myosin generates force by changing the angle between the cross-bridge relative to the actin filament (i.e., the power stroke). Finally, myosin returns to the rigor state (AM), which is the highest-affinity state between actin and myosin. It is critically important to understand structurally how the binding of ATP to myosin greatly reduces its affinity for actin, and how the hydrolysis of ATP primes the cross-bridge (myosin head) for rebinding to actin in the strongly bound state and the subsequent power stroke, if chemomechanical coupling and the molecular mechanism of muscle contraction are ever to be completely understood.
Defect detection in foams and encapsulants using grating-based x-ray phase contrast imaging (Rising Researcher Presentation) (Conference Presentation)

Foams and encapsulants serve important roles in the protection of the components they surround. These low density materials may be used to provide shock protection, to protect against high voltage breakdown, or to minimize thermal fluctuations. Voids and gaps in the material, delaminations from a mating material, or non-uniformities in the encapsulating materials can lead to critical failures in the encapsulated component. Despite the important role these low density materials serve, traditional non-destructive inspection tools are limited in their ability to study this material set, especially in the presence of high density materials such as wires. The default approach has been destructive post-mortums where components are deconstructed after a failure and cause and effect are difficult to distinguish. X-ray phase contrast imaging has a longer history at synchrotrons, but this is not a realistic solution for non-destructive inspection. We have demonstrated grating-based x-ray phase contrast 3-D tomography in a laboratory environment with a conventional x-ray tube. Our large format grating fabrication capability enables imaging with large fields of view (10 cm2) at 28 keV for the successful non-destructive inspection of these low-density materials. We demonstrate that the complementary image modalities available with XPCI provide unique information and higher contrast for the inspection of defects in low density materials than conventional x-ray alone.
Spatial Groundwater Management: A Dynamic Game Framework and Application to California

The design of policies and institutions to promote the sustainable management of groundwater resources for use in agriculture is both a long-term and short-term challenge in California and globally...
Databases, Core: Demography and Registers

Population registers are continuous records of the residential context, socioeconomic status, and demographic behavior of the members of a community. They exist for a number of European and Asian locations from as early as the seventeenth century. They combine features of other sources commonly used in quantitative studies of population, family, and society in the past. They are an important source for the study of social demography, family history, and social mobility. This article introduces them, identifies applications for them, summarizes their limitations, and reviews their availability. The focus is on historical registers.
Homology and concerted evolution at the alpha 1 and alpha 2 loci of human alpha-globin.

The identical structure of two racially distinct α1-globin alleles and the high degree of homology between the α1- and α2-globin loci indicate that mechanisms exist for suppression of allelic polymorphisms and for exchange of genetic information within the α-globin gene complex.
Acute heart failure after Orthotopic liver transplantation: a case series from one center

Patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) can develop acute heart failure (HF) in the postoperative period despite having had a normal cardiac evaluation prior to surgery. End-stage liver disease is often associated with underlying cardiac dysfunction which, while not identified during preoperative testing, manifests itself during or immediately after surgery. We describe three cases of non-ischemic acute HF developing shortly after LT in patients who had a normal preoperative cardiac evaluation. The challenges associated with both diagnosis and management of acute HF in the setting of a newly implanted graft will be discussed. Diastolic dysfunction, QTc interval prolongation, and an increase in BNP may be predictive of postoperative HF. Current recommendations for preoperative cardiovascular evaluation of transplant candidates does not include studies examining these risk factors and should be revised. Further investigations are necessary to evaluate these findings.
Acute care use among women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.

6543Background: Doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide (AC), docetaxel-cyclophosphamide (TC), and AC followed by or preceded by docetaxel or paclitaxel (ACT) are common adjuvant chemotherapies for early stag...
Crime and punishment: An examination of school context and student characteristics that predict out-of-school suspension

Abstract Exclusionary discipline can have long-term adverse effects on both students and schools. The purpose of this study was to investigate student demographic, school context, and school practice factors that are predictors of out-of-school suspension in one school district to determine if there were disparities across demographic groups over time. The sample consisted of archival data from 2010 to 2016 for approximately 56,000 students in 41 schools in a diverse school district in California. This study examined students' suspension risk over time using a multilevel model. Results confirmed that student-level predictors such as gender, race, and grade level were consistent predictors of suspension, and that school context factors such as suspension rate impacted risk. Results indicated that school practices meant to reduce suspensions were not necessarily ameliorative across time for most demographic groups, but some school practices that academically engage students at a young age may be more impactful at reducing suspension risk over time. These results affirm the importance of school-level factors, as well as a combination of practices that seek to change school culture with regard to reducing exclusionary discipline.
Systematic Review of Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation: Implications for Improving Preschool Discipline Disproportionality

Early childhood mental health consultation (ECMHC) is a framework that continues to expand as students’ social-emotional needs emerge at younger ages. The present systematic review examines the ext...
THE “TENT” COMMANDMENTS OF ATRIO-ESOPHAGEAL FISTULA AFTER ATRIAL FIBRILLATION ABLATION

Radiofrequency Catheter ablation (RFA) of atrial ablation (AF) is an important therapy for AF. Atrio-esophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare but lethal complication. Rapid diagnosis and treatment with surgical correction can potentially prevent death. Neurologic symptoms with or without fever occurring
The Role of Rock Mechanics in the 21st Century

Rocks and rock masses pose very complex problems that must be addressed by the engineering and scientific communities if the challenges of the 21st century are to be met. New societal demands for improved infrastructure, clean water, sustainable energy, and climate change, all call for an improved understanding of the multi-physics phenomena involving rock and all require a multi-disciplinary approach. The chapter identifies five topics that, among others, limit further developments in the field or are critical to societal demands: (1) Underground construction, geology and geotechnical risks; (2) Microstructure-enriched damage and healing mechanics; (3) Damage detection inside rock; (4) Coupled processes for energy extraction; and (5) Sustainable recovery of subsurface energy resources.
Predicting Short-term Outcomes After Radical Cystectomy Based on Frailty.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the impact of frailty on adverse perioperative outcomes in patients treated with radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Material and Methods We identified 9459 adults (age ≥18) in the Nationwide Readmission Database who underwent radical cystectomy in 2014 for bladder cancer. We defined patients’ frailty status using Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups frailty-defining diagnosis indicator and compared in-hospital mortality, ICU-level complications, 30-day readmissions, nonhome discharge, length of hospitalization, and hospital-related costs between frail and nonfrail patients using χ2 tests. We used multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors of the primary outcomes of interest. Results Of 9459 patients undergoing radical cystectomy, 7.1% (n = 673) met criteria. Frail patients were more likely than nonfrail patients to have comorbid conditions (68.2% vs 59.7%; P= .005), in-hospital mortality (4.2% vs 1.5%; P= .04), ICU-level complications (52.9% vs 18.6%; P Conclusion Frail patients receiving radical cystectomy were more likely than nonfrail patients to have adverse perioperative outcomes and higher odds of in-hospital mortality, ICU-level complications, nonhome discharge, increased length of stay, and hospital-related costs. Preoperative consideration of frailty may be useful in clinical guidance and shared decision-making.
How Did We Get Here

People began using computers during World War II to decipher German military communications codes, which a generation of historians in the late 1970s recognized as one of a half dozen reasons why the Allies defeated Hitler. Computers have now been around so long that they have a rich history of their own, also now a second generation of historians documenting it. Gather a group of them into a room and you are guaranteed to have multiple points of view about how some historical event unfolded, which is now happening through a continuous flow of articles and books about the evolution of computing. It is becoming more evident that how we got from big machines to sensors in all manner of devices today is not one story, but several lines of development. These investigations suggest how other “high-tech” machines have and will develop, which is why it is worth a few pages to take a fast jog through the history of computing. It is a testament to the widespread use of computers that many observers assume (almost without saying so) that just about any “high-tech” machine is an extension of computing, because these are so saturated and controlled through the use of digital technologies.
Effect of Light Finger Touch, a Cognitive Task, and Vision on Standing Balance in Stroke.

The aim of the exploratory study was to investigate the individual and combined effects of light finger touch, a cognitive task, and vision on postural sway in individuals with stroke. Nine older a...
Effect of the FUFANGDANSHENDIWAN on the patients with acute myocardial infarction

Objective To observe the clinical curative effect of the FUFANGDANSHENDIWAN on the acute myocardial infarction patients. Methods 75 acute myocardial infarction patients were randomly divided into two groups,the curative group( A group) 45patients, and the control group( B group)30 patients, patients inTwo groups were treated wigh thrombolytic intravenous drip urokinas, A groupe patients oral admnistered the FUFANGDANSH-ENDIWAN,B group patients oral administered aspirin,the course ti treatmant is two weeks. The change tithe level of blood theology, the record points of QRS wave of the electrocardiogram, and the square of myocardial infarction were observed. Results The change of the level of blood rheology, the record points of QRS wave of the electrocardiogram (4.45±0.82),and the square of myocardial infarction(25.20±3.40),of A group compared with B group,the difference is significant. ( P<0.05 orP<0.01 ). Conclusion The FUFANGDANSHENDIWAN had effect on the a-cute myocardial infarction. Key words: Myocardial infarction; TCM WM THERAPR; FUFANGDANSHENDIWAN
A Peptide of the Amino-Terminus of GRK2 Induces Hypertrophy and Yet Elicits Cardioprotection after Pressure Overload

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinase 2 (GRK2) expression and activity are elevated early on in response to several forms of cardiovascular stress and are a hallmark of heart failure. Interestingly, though, in addition to its well-characterized role in regulating GPCRs, mounting evidence suggests a GRK2 "interactome" that underlies a great diversity in its functional roles. Several such GRK2 interacting partners are important for adaptive and maladaptive myocyte growth; therefore, an understanding of domain-specific interactions with signaling and regulatory molecules could lead to novel targets for heart failure therapy. While elevated cardiac levels and activity of GRK2 contribute to adverse heart remodeling and contractile dysfunction, inhibition of GRK2 via overexpression of a carboxyl-terminal peptide, {beta}ARKct, or its amino-terminal domain Regulator of G protein Signaling (RGS) homology domain ({beta}ARKrgs) can enhance cardiac function and can prevent heart failure development via G{beta}{gamma} or Gq sequestration, respectively. Previously, our lab investigated cardiac-specific transgenic expression of a fragment of this RGS domain ({beta}ARKnt) (residues 50-145). In contrast to {beta}ARKrgs this fragment did not alter acute hypertrophy after pressure overload or demonstrate RGS activity in vivo against Gq-mediated signaling. Herein, we subjected these transgenic mice to pressure overload and found that unlike their littermate controls or previous GRK2 fragments, they exhibited an increased left ventricular wall thickness and mass prior to cardiac stress that underwent proportional hypertrophic growth to controls after acute pressure overload. Importantly, despite this enlarged heart, {beta}ARKnt mice did not undergo the expected transition to heart failure observed in controls. Further, {beta}ARKnt expression limited adverse left ventricular remodeling and increased cell survival signaling. These data support the idea that the {beta}ARKnt peptide embodies a distinct functional interaction and novel means of cardioprotection during pressure-overload induced heart failure.
Evolution of the cytochrome-bd type oxygen reductase superfamily and the function of cydAA’ in Archaea

Abstract Cytochrome bd-type oxygen reductases (cytbd) belong to one of three enzyme superfamilies that catalyze oxygen reduction to water. They are widely distributed in Bacteria and Archaea, but the full extent of their biochemical diversity is unknown. Here we used phylogenomics to identify 3 families and several subfamilies within the cytbd superfamily. The core architecture shared by all members of the superfamily consists of four transmembrane helices that bind two active site hemes, which are responsible for oxygen reduction. While previously characterized cytochrome bd-type oxygen reductases use quinol as an electron donor to reduce oxygen, sequence analysis shows that only one of the identified families has a conserved quinol binding site. The other families are missing this feature, suggesting that they use an alternative electron donor. Multiple gene duplication events were identified within the superfamily, resulting in significant evolutionary and structural diversity. The CydAA’ cytbd, found exclusively in Archaea, is formed by the co-association of two superfamily paralogs. We heterologously expressed CydAA’ from Caldivirga maquilingensis and demonstrated that it performs oxygen reduction with quinol as an electron donor. Strikingly, CydAA’ is the first isoform of cytbd containing only b-type hemes shown to be active when isolated, demonstrating that oxygen reductase activity in this superfamily is not dependent on heme d.
Solution structure of a europium-nicotianamine complex supports that phytosiderophores bind lanthanides.

We report the solution structure of a europium-nicotianamine complex predicted from ab initio molecular dynamics simulations with density functional theory. Emission and excitation spectroscopy show that the Eu3+ coordination environment changes in the presence of nicotianamine, suggesting complex formation, such as what is seen for the Eu3+–nicotianamine complex structure predicted from computation. We modeled Eu3+–ligand complexes with explicit water molecules in periodic boxes, effectively simulating the solution phase. Our simulations consider possible chemical events (e.g. coordination bond formation, protonation state changes, charge transfers), as well as ligand flexibility and solvent rearrangements. Our computational approach correctly predicts the solution structure of a Eu3+–ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid complex within 0.05 A of experimentally measured values, backing the fidelity of the predicted solution structure of the Eu3+–nicotianamine complex. Emission and excitation spectroscopy measurements were also performed on the well-known Eu3+–ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid complex to validate our experimental methods. The electronic structure of the Eu3+–nicotianamine complex is analyzed to describe the complexes in greater detail. Nicotianamine is a metabolic precursor of, and structurally very similar to, phytosiderophores, which are responsible for the uptake of metals in plants. Although knowledge that nicotianamine binds europium does not determine how plants uptake rare earths from the environment, it strongly supports that phytosiderophores bind lanthanides.
Quantitative analysis of Alzheimer’s disease pathology in glioblastoma patients

Purpose: Recent studies suggest an inverse association between cancer in general and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), suggesting that there are common factors in these diseases. In this study, we demonstrate a complete workflow to streamline the analysis of stained histological brain samples to reduce user-dependence. As a proof of concept, we investigate the influence of Amyloid Beta (Aβ) plaques and hyperphosphorylated Tau protein (pTau), hallmarks of AD, in Glioblastoma (GBM) patients. Methods: The automated digital histology processing workflow is demonstrated on a 10-patient cohort. First, tissue samples were taken at autopsy from regions known to be common Aβ and pTau hotspots. The tissue samples were then subclassified regionally using a ResNet50 neural network to separate gray and white matter, and tissue processing artifacts. Positively stained areas were then automatically detected and analyzed between subjects. We evaluated the automatic sample classification using a 5-fold cross validation. Results: Cross validation achieved an overall accuracy of 93.88%. Positively stained sample regions were automatically detected and present in six of ten patients for Aβ and in three of ten patients for pTau. General accumulation of both pTau and Aβ calculated over all samples correlated with the age of the patient, and showed decreased accumulation in the brain hemisphere where the primary tumor was located. Conclusion: The proposed method for processing histological samples of the brain automates the time consuming and error prone manual segmentation of grey matter and removal of artifacts. Our study highlights hemispheric differences in pTau and Aβ accumulation. Future studies of pTau and Aβ in the presence of GBM will help to understand how tumor location and growth affect micro-environmental factors in larger cohorts of patients.
A comprehensive dataset for the thermal conductivity of ice Ih for application to planetary ice shells.

Abstract Contemporary models representing the thermal conductivity of ice Ih as a function of temperature are based on data from published experiments that span over a century. Each model is derived using specific datasets with distinct experimental setups, temperature ranges, and uncertainties. Model errors introduced by inaccurate digitization and biased datapoints are challenging to trace due to a lack of transparency of the primary data. This dataset is a collection of published thermal conductivity data for ice Ih, including both tabulated and digitized data, presented in the original units. Specific samples or pressure conditions are noted where applicable. The dataset also includes a survey of published thermal conductivity models, providing the valid temperature range, accuracy and uncertainty (where noted in the original publication), and the primary data sources. Importantly, the dataset includes notes that were contained in the original publication or subsequent publications that provide additional context for the data. This dataset is used to derive a new thermal conductivity model which best represents the thermal conductivity of ice Ih for temperatures greater than 30 K. Statistics are provided to evaluate the fit of each thermal conductivity model in the survey of published models to the comprehensive dataset presented here. This dataset is constructed in support of the work “New insights into temperature-dependent ice properties and their effect on ice shell convection for icy ocean worlds” [1] .
Demographics of Surgical Specialty Residency Program Directors in the United States: A Cross-sectional Analysis.

Objective To evaluate program director (PD) demographics, training background, and academic productivity in 11 surgical specialties. Summary Background Data There is currently no comprehensive study comparing educational background, research output, and gender differences between PDs of surgical residencies in the United States. Methods The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) websites were used to identify residency PDs. Age, information related to service as PD, educational background, and research output were collected utilizing online searches including Doximity, PubMed, and Scopus.. The ACGME Data Resource Book was used to obtain data on the gender makeup of residents in each surgical specialty. Data collection occurred between December 14, 2019, and May 9, 2020. Results 1571 residency PDs across 11 surgical specialties were included. Significant differences between specialties were found with respect to PD gender, current age, age at appointment, years between residency and assignment, term duration, number of PubMed publications, and Scopus h-index. The current age (mean ± SD) ranged from 46.8 ± 8.5 years among Interventional Radiology (IR) PDs to 53.4 ± 9.1 years among Neurological Surgery (NEUROSURG) PDs. The proportion of female PDs ranged from 5.9% in NEUROSURG to 63.5% in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN). Completion of a post-residency fellowship was least common for OB-GYN PDs at 9.1%, and most common for IR PDs at 98.8%. The number (mean ± SD) of PubMed publications and Scopus h-index ranged from 13.1 ± 22.3 publications and h index 4.5 ± 5.7 among OB-GYN PDs to 112.5 ± 103.0 publications and h index 27.4 ± 16.7 among Thoracic Surgery PDs. Age and academic productivity as measured by PubMed publications and Scopus h-index were significantly lower among female PDs in multiple surgical specialties. Conclusions There were significant variations in the PDs of surgical specialties, particularly with respect to gender and academic productivity. Efforts should be made to support and encourage greater female representation in the role of surgical residency PD.
Self-amplifying hetons in vertically sheared geostrophic turbulence

This paper examines baroclinic turbulence in the local approximation using a quasi-geostrophic beta-plane numerical model with bottom friction. New coherent vortex structures are found to emerge and self-amplify in a horizontally homogeneous mean flow directed westward in the upper layer where the potential vorticity gradient (PVG) is negative. Opposite sign eddies shifted eastward are formed in the lower layer with positive PVG owing to the Rossby wave radiation. Such baroclinic structures can be viewed as self-amplifying hetons supported by the energy transfer from the mean flow. Their growth and saturation are controlled by the competition between vortex amplification associated with the crossflow drift and viscous decay enhanced by core deformations. The presented numerical simulations indicate that subtropical regions with westward flows in the upper layer favor eddy growth and long-distance propagation.
Ecovillages: lessons for sustainable community

In Ecovillages, Karen Litfin offers a broad overview of a community-based movement for global sustainability. It is the first book-length, academic exploration of the global ecovillage movement, an...