cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Incremental Risk of Coronary Stents on Postoperative Adverse Events: A Matched Cohort Study.

Objective:To determine the incremental risk of coronary stents on adverse events in surgical patients and whether it varies over time from stent placement.Background:Postoperative adverse cardiac events decrease as the time from stent placement increases, but the risk attributable to the stent versu
Thin Beds: Seismic Analysis workflows to extract hidden events

Poor definition of thin beds when approaching the limits of seismic resolution is one problem we are often confronted with when interpreting reflectivity data, particularly when trying to distinguish the stratigraphic relationships between sedimentary packages being imaged. The loss of higher frequencies due to the filtering effect of the earth (attenuation), and the impossibility to fully recover those frequencies during the processing stages severely affect our ability to vertically separate events in our seismic sections as continuous individual reflectors below the tuning frequency. Seismic resolution is paramount for looking at stratigraphic features that indicate internal bedding geometries, pinch outs and reflector terminations all that often fall close to or below the limit of seismic resolution. In this paper we illustrate several techniques such as Frequency Analysis, Wavelet Geometry Analysis and Spectral Enhancement, which help identify thin beds and aid the interpretation of their extents in poorly resolved data.
Karyotypic analysis of Plasmodiophora diplantherae

Synaptonemal complexes (SCs) in nuclei of transitional plasmodia of Plasmodiophora diplantherae were counted through serial section analysis. On this basis the haploid chro? mosome number was nine, the lowest haploid number known for Plasmodiophoromycetes. Total length (TL) of SCs per nucleus (approx. 39 /nm) was similar to that of P. brassicae (n = 20, TL = approx. 47 jim, vol. = approx. 15 ixm3), but nuclear volume (approx. 28 /um3) was similar to those of Polymyxa betae (n = 30, TL = approx. 73 /um, vol. = approx. 26 ^m3), P. graminis (n = 30, TL = approx. 70 jim, vol. = approx. 24 /um3), and Sorosphaera veronicae (n = 33, TL = approx. 76 /ttm, vol. = approx. 25 Mm3).
SEM Study of Chemical Variations in Western U.S. Fly Ash

Scanning electron microscope/electron microprobe chemical analyses of individual grains of several western fly ashes have shown an inter-grain variation in composition for ashes derived from both lignite and subbituminous western coals. SRM 2689 (a Class F fly ash from a bituminous coal) and SRM 2691 (a Class C fly ash from a subbituminous coal) have been included in the study and also show inter-grain chemical variation. A classification scheme of fly ash grain compositions has been developed and has proven to be useful in illustrating the differences and similarities of the ashes. There is a positive correlation, for example, between grains rich in SiO2 and Al2O3 and the Na2O content of the grains in lignite and subbituminous coal derived fly ashes. There is also a positive correlation between grains rich in CaO and the MgO content of the grains in both classes of fly ashes.
Measuring Patient Satisfaction's Relationship to Hospital Cost Efficiency: Can Administrators Make a Difference?

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the ability and means by which hospital administrators can influence patient satisfaction and its impact on costs. Data sources Data are drawn from the American Hospital Association's Annual Survey of Hospitals, federally collected Hospital Cost Reports, and Medicare's Hospital Compare. Study design Stochastic frontier analyses (SFA) are used to test the hypothesis that the patient satisfaction-hospital cost relationship is primarily a latent "management effect." The null hypothesis is that patient satisfaction measures are main effects under the control of care providers rather than administrators. Principle findings Both SFA models were superior to the standard regression analysis when measuring patient satisfaction's relationship to hospitals' cost efficiency. The SFA model with patient satisfaction measures treated as main effects, rather than "latent, management effects," was significantly better comparing the log-likelihood statistics. Higher patient satisfaction scores on the environmental quality and provider communication dimensions were related to lower facility costs. Higher facility costs were positively associated with patients' overall impressions (willingness to recommend and overall satisfaction), assessments of medication and discharge instructions, and ratings of caregiver responsiveness (pain control and help when called). Conclusions In the short term, managers have a limited ability to influence patient satisfaction scores, and it appears that working through frontline providers (doctors and nurses) is critical to success. In addition, results indicate that not all patient satisfaction gains are cost neutral and there may be added costs to some forms of quality. Therefore, quality is not costless as is often argued.
Soil solution chemistry in a Southeast Alaska spodosol suggests positively charged organic compounds

Soil solution chemistry was sampled for 2 yr in a mature Sitka spruce — western hemlock (Picea sitchensis (Bong) Carr. Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg) forest on a Dystric Cryandept (Spodosol) soil. Electroneutrality balances indicated a cation deficit at all soil solution sampling points. Calculated soil solution electrical conductivity was less than measured electrical conductivity, with differences greater than expected measurement errors. Soil solutions and streamflow were colored by organics, as measured by P.C.U.s. It is suggested that organic acids or other organic compounds may be positively charged in northern Spodosols.
Water ICE: Ion Exclusion Chromatography of Very Weak Acids with a Pure Water Eluent.

Separation of ions or ionizable compounds with pure water as eluent and detecting them in a simple fashion has been an elusive goal. It has been known for some time that carbonic acid can be separated from strong acids by ion chromatography in the exclusion mode (ICE) using only water as the eluent. The practice of water ICE was shown feasible for very weak acids like silicate and borate with a dedicated element specific detector like an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICPMS), but this is rarely practical in most laboratories. Direct conductometric detection is possible for H2CO3 but because of its weak nature, not especially sensitive; complex multistep ion exchange methods do not markedly improve this LOD. It will clearly be impractical in acids that are weaker still. By using a permeative amine introduction device (PAID, Anal. Chem. 2016, 88, 2198–2204) as a conductometric developing agent, we demonstrate that a variety of weak acids (silicate, borate, arsenite, cyanide, carbonate, and su...
One Last Word on the Blackstone Principle

In "The Consequences of Error in Criminal Justice," I analyzed and critiqued the "Blackstone principle" — shorthand for the common intuition that a criminal justice system should strive to minimize false convictions, even at the expense of creating more false acquittals and more total errors overall. Joel Johnson's "Benefits of Error in Criminal Justice" is a thoughtful and well-crafted response to my article. In this short reply, I offer some thoughts on Johnson’s arguments, while also addressing two other recent responses by Laura Appleman and by John Bronsteen and Jonathan Masur. While I use this opportunity to clarify and defend some of my earlier claims, my goal is to help frame further conversations about the Blackstone principle while also offering some larger thoughts on criminal justice scholarship. The reply focuses on three main points: first, I address criticism of my argument about the costs and benefits of the Blackstone principle for innocent defendants. Second, I explore the implications of my critique for criminal procedure rules. Third, I discuss the relationship between the Blackstone principle, equality, and political structure in our criminal justice system.
Perinatal characteristics of the phenotypically and chromosomally abnormal live-born.

Perinatal characteristics of 105 singleton live infants born during the last 5 years and suspected phenotypically of having karyotypic abnormalities were studied; 33 abnormal karyotypes were found. These pregnancies were compared with all pregnancies delivering at our hospital during the same time period. A retrospective analysis using our perinatal data base examined maternal age, gravidity, parity, race, mode of delivery, birth weight, gestational age at delivery, Apgar scores, and size for gestational age. Within the phenotypically abnormal group, karyotypically normal and abnormal infants showed no significant differences in primary cesarean rates, low Apgar scores, mean birth weight, or appropriateness of size for gestational age. Karyotypically abnormal infants were smaller than the general population (P less than .001) and had lower Apgar scores (P less than .05) but were just as likely to be full-term (66.7 versus 70.3%). These chromosomally abnormal pregnancies had a higher primary cesarean rate than the general population (30.3 versus 15.4%; P less than .001). Black infants undergoing genetic studies had a 37% rate of karyotypic abnormalities, which was significantly higher than the 12.5% rate in the white infants tested (P less than .05). The term black infant with phenotypic abnormalities suggestive of karyotypic abnormalities may be less likely to be recognized and appropriately tested. Increased awareness of phenotypic abnormalities with subsequent genetic testing seems warranted.
Persistent neutrophilic meningitis.

Persistent neutrophilic meningitis is an unusual but distinct clinical variant of chronic meningitis characterized by CSF neutrophilia with hypoglycorrhachia which persists for more than 1 week on serial CSF studies. Documented etiologies include selected bacteria and higher bacteria such as Brucella, Nocardia and Actinomyces as well as "opportunistic" fungi such as Candida, Aspergillus, the Zygomycetes, and Pseudallescheria. Recognition of the syndrome is important, as empiric therapy (e.g., cotrimoxazole and amphotericin B) may differ significantly from that used for classic chronic meningitis.
Blessed Are the Flexible: The George Team

Our educational efforts produced several intersecting interdisciplinary groups: faculty, students, faculty/students and our community sites, with faculty, clinical staff, and students. As we worked through the issues, these interdisciplinary teams found that commitment to change, caring for patients, and open, honest communication were essential to keeping the project teams on track. We have increased our understanding of both the complexity and value of interdisciplinary collaborative education. The LIT faculty provided the initial guidance and support, the students energized the process, and our community sites made our learning and our contributions readily available to our patient populations. It is not easy to learn and teach the language and tools of continuous improvement, but doing so infinitely improves the educational process and the clinical outcome. We must learn to carefully listen to each other so that our patients can fully reap the benefits of our interdisciplinary team efforts. As a result of what we learned, the members of the George Team have expanded our motto to "Blessed Are the Flexible--and the Perseverant!"
Intervening to decrease the probability of alcohol-impaired driving: Impact of novel field sobriety tests

The efficacy of novel field sobriety tests to predict breath alcohol content (BAC) and perceptions of driving risk was evaluated. Participants (N = 210) were passersby at two downtown locations near local bars and one on-campus location near a late-night dining facility between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. Participants gave ratings of their perceived risk to drive at their current level of intoxication, then completed three sobriety tests (a hand-pat, tracing test, and Romberg test), and finally provided new ratings of their perceived risk to drive. After completing the final set of questions, participants were administered a Lifeloc FC20 breath alcohol test (±.005 g/dL). Each of the sobriety tests performed better than chance at predicting participant intoxication, but the performance feedback did not enhance awareness of one's risk to drive at a given BAC. Actually, after the sobriety tests, Greek-life females perceived themselves to be less at-risk to drive.
The Nwaobiala of 1925

During a session of the Aba Commission of Inquiry’s hearings on the Women’s War of 1929, Kenneth A. B. Cochrane, then the district officer of Ahoada, was asked to comment on southeastern Nigerian women’s organizational abilities. This issue much perplexed colonial officials in Nigeria and London, since it seemed incredible to them that women could organize mass rallies and demonstrations without the instigation and assistance of men. Cochrane replied that the Ogu “proved they were able to organise, which was a thing that was doubted to a certain extent before.”1 This bald statement seems peculiar when we consider that the same man had been a colonial officer in the Nigerian southeast since 1915 and had authored a 1925 memo to the Owerri Province resident entitled “Women’s Purity Campaign.”2 In his memo, Cochrane, at the time district officer of Bende, reported a recent encounter with groups of dancers, numbering “several hundred women,” in the large market town of Umuahia, the site of even larger demonstrations in 1929. These women had caused a series of disturbances in the Umuahia area, beginning with the denuding of young women in the marketplace and proceeding to seize property belonging to Christian women and certain, unspecified men. Cochrane presided over several court cases resulting from the property seizures and fined the assembled women accordingly.
Festvortrag: Electron microscopy in morphology and molecular biology

Electron microscopy, in scarcely more than two decades, has led to revolutionary new concepts of cell structure and the mechanism of basic life processes. In many instances biological systems have been observed at or near the molecular level. These advances become the more significant because of profound parallel discoveries in biochemistry, biophysics, and biophysical chemistry in about the same period. The fusion of these sciences into a single unified effort has already been begun, leading toward what may appropriately be called molecular biology, a term early employed by one of the pioneers in the field, W. T. Astbury.
Innovation and Efficiency in Industry Evolution

In modern times the evolution of high-tech industries has been profoundly affected by innovations in different forms, for example new product designs, new software applications and new organizational forms. Schumpeter stressed two key elements as sources of evolutionary growth: new innovations in technology through the process of creative destruction and the access efficiency which involves racing up the escalation ladder in the stronghold arena. By building barriers under a stronghold, the firms reap monopoly profits as a first mover, and these profits can be used to fund aggressive price strategies and R&D investments.
How to Teach Physical Examination

The physical exam is an important diagnostic tool when used in an evidence-based fashion. Students begin to learn this skill in the preclinical years, however, they solidify their approach in the clinical years where interactions with patients bring the exam to life. Yet, it is in this same clinical environment that the value of these skills is often forgotten in favor of lab tests and imaging. Due to limited time on rounds, the perception of few significantly abnormal findings, and varying preceptor confidence, the physical exam can easily fall by the wayside. Since much of physical exam education occurs informally, it is essential to optimize this teaching opportunity. The “SHORT” technique is an efficient method of teaching the physical exam that fits within a busy schedule and creates high-yield learning points for learners. It is applicable to both single sessions (such as a single preceptorship encounter) as well as ongoing longitudinal teaching contexts (such as a medical student clerkship).
Utilization of screening mammography in older women according to comorbidity and age: protocol for a systematic review

Approximately half of new invasive breast cancer cases diagnosed each year in the United States occur among women aged 65 years and older. The increasing life expectancy coupled with the attendant rise in breast cancer incidence and elimination of out-of-pocket expenses for screening mammography as a result of the Affordable Care Act could lead to higher utilization rates of screening mammography. Although research indicates that life expectancy should be a strong consideration when making screening decisions among older women, the extent to which screening mammography utilization is tailored to comorbidity and life expectancy is not well established. To identify relevant studies, a systematic search of the literature will be conducted using PubMed and EMBASE between January 1, 1991, and March 1, 2016. Additional studies will be found through citation review or by contacting experts in the field. The inclusion criteria will be any study design comprised of women aged 65 and older, assessing women’s comorbidity, functional impairments, and/or health status, and reporting outcome measures that addressed mammography utilization within the last 1–5 years. For each study, two authors will independently abstract data regarding study eligibility and outcomes to determine relevance. Quantitative results will be extracted from text and tables, choosing preferably those adjusted for important confounders. The review will provide evidence on the impact of comorbidity, functional limitations, and health status on screening mammography utilization in older women and inform decision aids in this area. PROSPERO CRD42016032661
Ethics as a work of charity: Aquinas on pagan virtue

In the year of Brexit and Trump, David Decosimo’s Ethics as a Work of Charity: Aquinas on Pagan Virtue provides needed therapy. As a piece of historical scholarship, Decosimo’s central thesis is th...
Design, modeling and control of a SMA-actuated biomimetic robot with novel functional skin

Traditional colonoscopy requires highly trained personnel to be performed. Additionally, current devices may cause discomfort and carry the risk of perforating the bowel wall. In this paper, a soft three modular section robot is designed, modeled, controlled and tested. Each of the robotic sections has three degrees of freedom, one translation and two rotations. The robot uses a peristaltic motion to translate, inspired by the motion generated by the bowel. The robot uses nine independently controlled Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) springs as its actuators and a novel silicone rubber skin provides the passive recovery force to expand the springs to their original state. It also incorporates three air tubes, one for each section, to provide forced convection reducing the cooling time of the SMA springs. A parametric study on the skin curvature and thickness using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is performed to maximize traction while providing enough recovery force. A multi-input multi-output (MIMO) controller based on fuzzy control is designed and implemented for each of the sections allowing the robot to achieve any orientation between −90° and +90° in both pitch and roll in less than 4 seconds with near zero steady state error. Both the peristaltic motion and the orientability of the robot are tested. The robot is able to perform a peristaltic motion with maximum speed of 4 mm/s (24 cm/min) and an average speed of 2.2 cm/min. Each section is also able to follow, with less than 2% overshoot and near zero steady-state error, periodic multi-input squared signals of 25° of amplitude.
Metal-catalyzed electrochemical diazidation of alkenes

Vicinal diamines are a common structural motif in bioactive natural products, therapeutic agents, and molecular catalysts, motivating the continuing development of efficient, selective, and sustainable technologies for their preparation. We report an operationally simple and environmentally friendly protocol that converts alkenes and sodium azide—both readily available feedstocks—to 1,2-diazides. Powered by electricity and catalyzed by Earth-abundant manganese, this transformation proceeds under mild conditions and exhibits exceptional substrate generality and functional group compatibility. Using standard protocols, the resultant 1,2-diazides can be smoothly reduced to vicinal diamines in a single step, with high chemoselectivity. Mechanistic studies are consistent with metal-mediated azidyl radical transfer as the predominant pathway, enabling dual carbon-nitrogen bond formation.
A column generation-based algorithm for two-stage, two-dimensional bin packing problem with a variant variable sized constraint

In this paper, we consider two-dimensional bin packing problem with a variant variable sized constraint, where the width of the bin is continuously changed and the height of the bin is discretely changed, with the further restrictions that packing can be rotated and done in two stages. A column generation-based algorithm is proposed when the first cutting stage is the vertical direction. The problem is decomposed into a level packing problem and a level combining problem. Afterwards, a column generation (CG) algorithm and a cutting rule (CR) scheme are proposed respectively. Computational results for the practical instances show the effectiveness of the proposed method. Using the column generation-based algorithm above mentioned we solved the instances found at the OR-LIBRARY.
Zika Virus: Immune Evasion Mechanisms, Currently Available Therapeutic Regimens, and Vaccines

The sudden emergence of infectious pathogens such as Zika virus (ZIKV) holds global health concerns. Recent dissemination of ZIKV from Pacific to Americas with an upsurge of congenital anomalies and Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) in adults has created an alarming situation. High-throughput studies are in progress to understand ZIKV's mode of pathogenesis and mechanism of immune escape, yet the pathogenesis remains obscure. Mainly ZIKV's envelope (E) protein and nonstructural proteins (mainly NS1 and NS5) manipulate host cell to support viral immune escape by modulation of the interferon pathway and complement antagonism. The development of direct therapeutics for ZIKV infection is required to overcome the rapidly evolving viral threat. Currently, the existing strategies for ZIKV treatment are only supportive. Although, there is no prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine presently available, however, recent efforts have brought up ZIKV vaccines into clinical trial phase 1. This review presents the highlights of recent advances in understanding immune evasion strategies adapted by ZIKV and existing therapies against the virus.
Sites of Memory in Lebanon: The Hariri Mosque in Martyrs Square

This chapter explores the spatial dynamics of memory in Lebanon by focusing on the Muhammad al-Amin “Hariri” mosque in Beirut’s Martyrs Square. By examining the circulation of everyday memories around the Square and mosque, Hamdan advocates an approach to the politics of memory grounded in the everyday production of space in Lebanon. He argues that although Beirutis do not evoke a common counter-memory, their many memories are otherwise united in a critique of elite politics in the country and their perceived reliance on sectarian categories of identity. This produces a fragile kind of unity and, somewhat paradoxically, hope, in the nation-building project of Lebanon. This chapter further contributes to methodological discussions of the site of memory as both lieux and milieux.
Dietary Fiber and Telomere Length in 5674 U.S. Adults: An NHANES Study of Biological Aging

The relationship between fiber intake and telomere length was evaluated using a cross-sectional design and an NHANES sample of 5674 U.S. adults. Another purpose was to test the impact of potential confounders on the association. Fiber consumption was measured using a 24 h recall and telomere length was indexed using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction method. Overall, the U.S. adults had low fiber intake (median: 6.6 g per 1000 kcal)—less than one-half the recommendation of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. With age, gender, race, housing status, and misreported energy intake controlled, the relationship between fiber intake per 1000 kcal and telomere length was linear (F = 9.5, p = 0.0045). Specifically, for each 1 g increment in fiber intake per 1000 kcal, telomeres were 8.3 base pairs longer. Because each additional year of chronological age was associated with telomeres that were 15.5 base pairs shorter, results suggest that a 10 g increase in fiber intake per 1000 kcal would correspond with telomeres that are 83 base pairs longer. On average, this would equate to 5.4 fewer years of biologic aging (83 ÷ 15.5). With smoking, BMI, alcohol use, and physical activity controlled, as well as the other covariates, each 10 g increment in fiber accounted for telomeres that were 67 base pairs longer (F = 7.6, p = 0.0101), a biologic aging difference of about 4.3 years. In conclusion, significant fiber consumption accounts for longer telomeres and less biologic aging than lower levels of fiber intake.
Effect of Advanced Age on Male Infertility

Similar to females, males have biological clocks that affect the quality of their sperm, fertility levels, and hormone levels. Advanced paternal age increases the risk for occurrence of spontaneous abortion as well as genetic abnormalities in offspring due to multiple factors including DNA damage from abnormal apoptosis and reactive oxygen species. Increased paternal age is associated with a decrease in semen volume, percentage of normal sperm, and sperm motility. Males of advanced age must have a thorough physical examination with disclosure of sexual dysfunction and any medications that impair ejaculation or sperm formation. Men of advanced age should be counseled regarding the effects of paternal age on spermatogenesis and pregnancy. Future research will clarify novel treatments to increase fertility, reduce adverse genetic consequences, and increase the chance for a couple to have healthy children.
A Review of “Dance and the Hollywood Latina: Race, Sex, and Stardom”

Women of all races have danced their way to Hollywood stardom. Literally. Priscilla Pena Ovalle's study focuses more narrowly on performance and the Latina star. She largely achieves this objective...
Man as a Geological Agent: An Account of His Actions on Inanimate Nature, by Robert Lionel Sherlock, 1922

Interest in the Anthropocene has risen dramatically and has been the subject of discussion in this journal. Decades prior to the current interest in the Anthropocene, the British geologist Robert L...
UNIT 12.3 Cell Traction

Traction forces are exerted by cells on their substratum as they migrate. These forces under the entire cell or subcellular regions can be measured. This unit describes several protocols for making silicone sheets to measure traction forces under the entire cell, as well as a protocol for developing a micromachined device to measure forces under subcellular regions.
Thigh Overlap Sign: A Marker for Identifying Patient Positioning That May Mask Genu Valgum

Purpose: Genu valgum can be effectively treated with guided growth strategies aimed at aligning the mechanical axis of the limb through the center of the knee. Accurate timing for initiating and ending guided growth strategies requires consistent radiographic assessment. We present three cases where soft tissue contact between the legs substantially changed the mechanical axis. Methods: The standing Anterior-Posterior (AP) Lower Extremity radiographs of sixty-nine patients treated …
Exploring Students’ Understanding of Resonance and Its Relationship to Instruction

Understanding resonance is essential to predict chemical reactivity and explain reaction mechanisms. Despite its importance in the organic curriculum, few studies have explored students’ difficulti...
Back-to-Back Relationship under Standard Subcontract Agreements: Comparative Study

AbstractThe interactions between the different parties in construction projects are dictated by the contractual terms governing their relationship. The largest portion of construction work is under...
How do I manage severe postpartum hemorrhage

In the United States, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) accounts for 4.6% of all maternal deaths and is responsible for major peripartum medical and surgical morbidity. Therefore, a national health priority is to ensure that women who experience severe PPH receive timely, appropriate, and effective treatment. In this article, we describe our system-wide approach for the planning and delivery of women with suspected placenta accreta spectrum disorder, a condition associated with life-threatening blood loss at the time of delivery. We also highlight current evidence related to transfusion decision making and hemostatic monitoring during active postpartum bleeding. Specifically, we describe how we activate and use the massive transfusion protocol to obtain sufficient volumes and types of blood products. We also describe how we use viscoelastic monitoring (thromboelastography) and standard laboratory tests to assess the maternal coagulation profile. Finally, we review the findings of recent studies examining the potential efficacy of tranexamic acid and fibrinogen concentrate as adjuncts for PPH prevention and treatment. We describe how we have incorporated these drugs into PPH treatment protocols at our institution.
Abstract B21: The gastrointestinal microbiota controls cancer cell intrinsic mechanisms to promote the progression of acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric cancer and the second most common acute leukemia in adults. Despite best existing therapy, older children and elderly ALL patients have poor prognoses. Thus, there is a need to identify alternative therapeutics for these patients. There has been controversy about the function of the gut microbiota in cancer, with some reports showing that it supports tumor growth and others showing tumor growth inhibition. Recently, Dr. Melvyn Greaves proposed that ALL development may have a microbial trigger; however, gut microbiota studies in ALL are scarce. Little is known about the role of the gut microbiota in ALL progression and in reshaping cancer cell-intrinsic pathways that are as important as immune responses in the outcome of ALL. Recently, we found that gut microbiota depletion in immunocompromised mice reduces ALL growth by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation. We show that in immunocompromised microbiome-depleted mice, the rate of ALL tumor growth is reduced compared to microbiome-competent mice. Molecularly, we found that microbiome ablation results in changes in cancer cell-intrinsic pathways of apoptosis and proliferation in these tumors. To further understand how the gut microbiota affects these cancer cell-intrinsic pathways, we have performed RNA sequencing on tumors from microbiome-competent and microbiome-depleted mice accompanied by 16s rRNA sequencing from stool samples and mass spectrometry of blood serum to identify metabolites secreted by the gut microbiota that reach the tumor site, affecting cancer cell growth. Our goal is to define bacterial species and metabolites involved in ALL progression and to mechanistically determine how these bacterial species and metabolites regulate ALL growth via regulation of cancer cell-intrinsic pathways. These data suggest that the gut microbiota may regulate ALL progression in an immune-independent manner via transcriptional changes of cancer cell-autonomous pathways. We envision that the gut microbiota can be reshaped in ALL patients who are elderly, chemo-refractive, and/or immunocompromised to alter cancer cell-intrinsic pathways to treat ALL. The clinical impact of these findings is significant given that ALL patients who are immunocompromised could still benefit from therapeutics aiming at modulating the gut microbiota. Citation Format: Wadie Mahauad-Fernandez, Soumaya Zlitni, Ami Bhatt, Dean Felsher. The gastrointestinal microbiota controls cancer cell intrinsic mechanisms to promote the progression of acute lymphoblastic leukemia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Microbiome, Viruses, and Cancer; 2020 Feb 21-24; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(8 Suppl):Abstract nr B21.
Elementary student achievement and teacher perception of an advanced chemistry curriculum

Studying nature from the atomic and molecular perspective gives students access to modern scientific paradigms and could improve achievement and motivation towards science learning. A visual and tactile approach to chemistry can form the foundation for a child-friendly but high-level chemistry curriculum and could be a powerful tool to invigorate early STEM learning. This five-session study utilized a previously reported organic chemistry learning program that featured animated presentations, hands-on molecular model building, and image-based computer modeling of macromolecules. Twenty-six fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students participated in the study. Importantly, teachers at the school showed a high degree of engagement and participation towards the program, and they embedded the chemistry material in their classes and projects. This teacher involvement created synergy with the program and supports the notion that high-level chemistry content can be very beneficial to students and teachers, and can open new avenues of study, even for young students. Teacher survey results revealed that the exposure to the chemistry learning program benefitted them professionally by providing them with useful knowledge and pedagogical strategies that they could readily use to enhance their own teaching.
Religious Spaces and Biodiversity in Contemporary Myanmar

Drawing together methodologies and analytical frameworks from religious studies and environmental science and related fields, this paper discusses the possible role of Buddhist sacred spaces in conserving biodiversity in Myanmar. Faculty and students worked together to analyze relationships between sacred spaces, religious practice, and biodiversity. We explored whether there was any evidence for an emergent or present Buddhist eco-ethic in Myanmar that fused religious spaces and places with environmental protection, and if so, how it might resonate with Buddhist environmentalism in other areas of the world, such as in Thailand, in the Tibetan regions of China, and elsewhere. 1
X-ray surveys and wide-field optical/near-infrared imaging with JDEM

Abstract I briefly describe a few important scientific issues that could be addressed effectively via the combination of data from JDEM and X-ray missions. The topics covered are largely focused on active galactic nuclei (AGN) and include (1) the selection of AGN via X-ray emission and optical variability, (2) nuclear outbursts in galaxies due to transient fueling of their supermassive black holes, (3) moderate-luminosity AGN at high redshift ( z > 4) found via application of “dropout” techniques to X-ray sources, and (4) the host-galaxy morphologies of X-ray selected AGN. I also describe the substantial challenges to obtaining wide-field X-ray data with sufficient sensitivity to complement JDEM properly.
On the detection of molecules in the atmosphere of HD 189733b using HST NICMOS transmission spectroscopy

The Hubble Space Telescope/NICMOS transmission spectrum measurements of HD 189733b that suggest the detection of methane (CH4) in an exoplanet atmosphere have been a source of significant controversy. With what is probably the best analyzed exoplanet spectroscopy data set to date, different teams, using different methods, have claimed evidence both contradicting and supporting the original findings. Here, we report results from a uniform spectral retrieval analysis of the three independent published spectra together with null hypothesis testing. Based on Bayesian model comparison, we find that two of the three spectra show strong evidence (≥3.6σ) for the detection of molecular features mainly due to water and methane while the third is consistent with a weak molecular detection at the 2.2σ level. We interpret the agreement in the spectral modulation established by previous authors and the atmospheric retrieval results presented here, as a confirmation of the original detection of molecular absorbers in the atmosphere of HD 189733b.
How mutations in RYR1 that cause malignant hyperthermia increase RYR1 sensitivity to activators

New electron cryomicroscopy structures of RYR1 show that mutations associated with Malignant Hyperthermia drive conformational changes in the cytoplasmic domains of the closed channel to more closely resemble those of the open channel.
Harnessing the Wild Horses of Neurosis Contemplative Performance Pedagogy

Developing organizing principles for training actors in improvisational forms, Worley turns to Asian philosophies and Tibetan Buddhism for contemplative approaches and some hints at alternatives to the usual audience/actor relationship.
Longitudinal associations between internalizing symptoms, social behavior, and social perceptions in the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from a transdiagnostic community sample.

Abstract Background. Burgeoning evidence suggests that loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic is tied to high levels of depression and anxiety. The current study is unique, though, in examining which facets of social behavior and perceived social quality are most tied to internalizing symptoms using longitudinal data, including a pre-pandemic baseline, collected from a community sample of adults with pre-existing mental health concerns (analyzed n = 144). Methods. Participants completed measures of depressive and anxious symptoms pre-pandemic, followed by three weekly surveys during the pandemic. We distinguished four social variables: in-person social engagement, remote social engagement, social disruption, and social distress. OLS and mixed-effects regression models examined 1) pre-pandemic baseline symptoms as predictors of social functioning during the pandemic and 2) time-lagged associations between symptoms and social functioning during the pandemic. Results. Social behavior and social perceptions were dissociable. Baseline depressive, but not anxious, symptoms predicted greater social distress during the pandemic. Both anxious and depressive symptoms were predicted by social variables, but the specific associations differed: depressive symptoms were related to perceived social quality, whereas anxious symptoms were more tied to reported social behavior. Limitations. We relied on self-report indices, and causality should not be inferred directly from these correlational data. Conclusions. Overall, our results indicate that it is possible to follow social guidelines and even to spend relatively few hours socializing with close others, while still feeling connected and rewarded; however, people who struggle with depression and anhedonia were particularly vulnerable to distressing feelings of social disconnection amid the pandemic.
Repeat elements amplify TLR signaling

A preprint by Rookhuizen and colleagues shows that endogenous transposable elements can boost the interferon response to TLR4 stimulation.
The Sandwich Generation: Caught Between Growing Children And Aging Parents

The 50 million baby boomers now entering middle age are finding themselves in the unique struggle of coping with the demands of their growing children and their aging parents. The Sandwich Generation is an excellent examination of adults who must juggle the roles of parent, spouse, and child, while trying to maintain his or her identity. Dr. Zal uses compelling vignettes to illustrate the stages of life and the various ways three generations of a family cope with and respond to these stages. He looks at the expectations and frustrations which affect the tripartite family relationship, including, a growing child's demands for independence from parental influence; the subtle changes in relating to an adolescent as compared to a grown child living outside of the home; personal dissatisfactions resulting in midlife change; incorporating the physical, emotional, and financial needs of an aging parent into one's lifestyle. The book also covers the different mental health problems that may typically occur at specific stages, such as : search for identity in adolescence which can lead to substance abuse, eating disorders, and even suicide; college ,career, and relationship choices in young adulthood which can lead to anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder; shattered dreams and expectations , menopause, adjusting to post parenthood, and facing your own mortality in midlife which can lead to depression; loss of a spouse, and sometimes dementia in old age which can lead to stress and burnout.
Creative Capital: Sustaining the Arts

Creative Capital provides grants to individual artists using a venture capital model-the money comes with guidance and governance. Artists receive money as milestones are reached and also receive guidance on managing their lives and business to increase their sustainability. But as Ruby Lerner, CEO of Creative Capital, looks to the organization's next decade, how can she ensure the sustainability of this high-touch, uniquely individual model?
Black Holes and Neutron Stars: Evolution of Binary Systems

The most direct observational evidence for the existence of neutron stars is, of course, the discovery of radio pulsars. A black hole, however, neither radiates electromagnetic energy nor energy in the form of gravitational radiation (Zel’dovich and Novikov, 1967, 1971). Thus, detection of such an object is limited to the influence of its static gravitational field, or to the electromagnetic radiation of gas undergoing accretion or acceleration in its vicinity. Spherically symmetrical accretion by a black hole lying in interstellar matter of typical density leads to a luminosity too small to be of much interest (Zel’dovich and Novikov, 1967, 1971; Schwarzman, 1970). But a black hole member of a binary system presents a more fruitful possibility: the companion star whose electromagnetic radiation is detectable, becomes the object of the black hole’s gravitational influence and is in turn a possible rich source of accretable matter. And, of course, the same possibilities present themselves if one component of the binary is a less-exotic collapsed object — a neutron star or white dwarf. Binary systems containing a white dwarf are ubiquitous; it is a curious fact, however, that not a single radio pulsar seems to be a member of a binary system (Gott et al., 1970).
Genetic Analysis of Hybrid Incompatibilities in Drosophila

New species evolve when previously interbreeding populations diverge from one another and, as an incidental byproduct, accumulate reproductive barriers such as hybrid sterility and inviability. Fine-scale genetic analyses show that the X-chromosome plays a special role in the evolution of hybrid sterility, and molecular analyses show that the genes causing hybrid sterility and inviability usually diverge between species by positive natural selection. Keywords: speciation; postzygotic isolation; Haldane's rule; hybrid inviability; hybrid sterility
GA-Facilitated Knowledge Discovery and Pattern Recognition Optimization Applied to the Biochemistry of Protein Solvation

The authors present a GA optimization technique for cosine-based k-nearest neighbors classification that improves predictive accuracy in a class-balanced manner while simultaneously enabling knowledge discovery. The GA performs feature selection and extraction by searching for feature weights and offsets maximizing cosine classifier performance. GA-selected feature weights determine the relevance of each feature to the classification task. This hybrid GA/classifier provides insight to a notoriously difficult problem in molecular biology, the correct treatment of water molecules mediating ligand binding to proteins. In distinguishing patterns of water conservation and displacement, this method achieves higher accuracy than previous techniques. The data mining capabilities of the hybrid system improve the understanding of the physical and chemical determinants governing favored protein-water binding.
Massive infestation of cutanea larva migrans

Cutaneous larva migrans is a tropical disease that typically is acquired on exposed surfaces in patients who have been sitting or lying on moist ground or other surfaces which have been contaminated by dog or cat feces. A patient is reported who presented with typical, severely pruritic, migratory plaques after sleeping on a wet, bus station floor.
T-cell-mediated clearance of mouse hepatitis virus strain JHM from the central nervous system.

Abstract Clearance of the neurotropic JHM strain of mouse hepatitis virus from the central nervous system was examined by the transfer of spleen cells from immunized donors. A T cell with the surface phenotype of Thy1.2+ CD4+ CD8- asialo-GM1+ Mac-1- was found to be necessary for viral clearance. The surface phenotype and adherence to nylon wool suggest that these cells are activated helper-inducer T cells. Adoptive transfer to congenic histocompatibility strains demonstrated the necessity for compatibility at the D locus of the major histocompatibility complex. The expression of the CD4 surface marker and the requirement for major histocompatibility complex class I were further studied by the transfer of cells to recipients treated with anti-CD4 or anti-CD8 monoclonal antibodies. Treatment of recipients with either the anti-CD8 or the anti-CD4 antibodies inhibited virus clearance from the central nervous system. This suggests that the CD4+ cell acts as a helper and that virus is cleared from the central nervous system. This suggests that the CD4+ cell acts as a helper and that virus is cleared from the central nervous system by CD8+ cells that recognize viral antigen in the context of the H-2Db gene product.
The Star Formation Camera

The Star Formation Camera (SFC) is a wide-field (~15'x19, >280 arcmin^2), high-resolution (18x18 mas pixels) UV/optical dichroic camera designed for the Theia 4-m space-borne space telescope concept. SFC will deliver diffraction-limited images at lambda > 300 nm in both a blue (190-517nm) and a red (517-1075nm) channel simultaneously. Our aim is to conduct a comprehensive and systematic study of the astrophysical processes and environments relevant for the births and life cycles of stars and their planetary systems, and to investigate and understand the range of environments, feedback mechanisms, and other factors that most affect the outcome of the star and planet formation process. This program addresses the origins and evolution of stars, galaxies, and cosmic structure and has direct relevance for the formation and survival of planetary systems like our Solar System and planets like Earth. We present the design and performance specifications resulting from the implementation study of the camera, conducted under NASA's Astrophysics Strategic Mission Concept Studies program, which is intended to assemble realistic options for mission development over the next decade. The result is an extraordinarily capable instrument that will provide deep, high-resolution imaging across a very wide field enabling a great variety of community science as well as completing the core survey science that drives the design of the camera. The technology associated with the camera is next generation but still relatively high TRL, allowing a low-risk solution with moderate technology development investment over the next 10 years. We estimate the cost of the instrument to be $390M FY08.