cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Function-Altering Effects of Rule Phrasing in the Modulation of Instructional Control

This study evaluated the effects of four instructional variants on instruction following under changing reinforcement schedules using an operant task based on Hackenberg and Joker's Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 62, 367-383 (1994) experimental preparation. Sixteen college-aged adults served as participants and were randomly assigned to one of four instruction conditions (directive, generic, non-directive, and control). Results suggest textual verbal behavior modulated instruction following. Specifically, directive and generic instructions produced greater levels of instructional control and relatively lower levels of schedule control compared to non-directive instructions. Thus, participants in the directive and generic groups responded in accordance with the instructions even when schedules of reinforcement favored deviation from the instructed pattern. In contrast, participants in the non-directive group responded toward the optimal pattern. In the control condition, participant responding was variable but toward the optimal pattern. Findings are interpreted within the framework of Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior and formulation of rule governance.
A new species of Polylepis (Rosaceae) from Peru

Abstract Polylepis rodolfo-vasquezii , a new species of the Rosaceae family, is described and illustrated; from the buffer area of the Bosque de Proteccion Pui Pui, region of Junin, province of Satipo, Peru. This species is similar to P. subsericans , which is characterized by leaves with 1-3 pairs of leaflets and flexuose petioles; inflorescence pendulous 3-4 cm in length and 4 flowers with 3-4 sepals; cylindrical fruit with irregularly flattened spines. In contrast, P. rodolfo-vasquezii has leaves with only 3 leaflets; inflorescence 1-flowered, erect; flowers with 3 sepals and fruits oblong with three slightly flattened ridges. Keywords: buffer area, Bosque de Proteccion Pui Pui, Polylepis , Rosaceae, inflorescence 1-flowered, Andes, Peru. Resumen Polylepis rodolfo-vasquezii , una nueva especie de la familia Rosaceae, es descrita e ilustrada; proveniente de la zona de amortiguamiento del Bosque de Proteccion Pui Pui, region de Junin, provincia de Satipo, Peru. La especie es similar a Polylepis subsericans , que se caracteriza por tener hojas con 1-3 pares de foliolos y peciolos flexuosos; inflorescencia pendula de 3-4 cm de longitud con 3-4 flores y 4 sepalos; frutos cilindricos, con espinas irregularmente aplanadas. Contrariamente, Polylepis rodolfo-vasquezii tiene hojas con solo 3 foliolos; inflorescencia erguida uniflora, flores con 3 sepalos y los frutos oblongos con tres crestas ligeramente aplanadas. Palabras clave: zona de amortiguamiento, Bosque de Proteccion Pui Pui, Polylepis , Rosaceae, inflorescencia 1-floreada, Andes, Peru.
Effects of stiffness and volume on the transit time of an erythrocyte through a slit

By using a fully coupled fluid-cell interaction model, we numerically simulate the dynamic process of a red blood cell passing through a slit driven by an incoming flow. The model is achieved by combining a multiscale model of the composite cell membrane with a boundary element fluid dynamics model based on the Stokes flow assumption. Our concentration is on the correlation between the transit time (the time it takes to finish the whole translocation process) and different conditions (flow speed, cell orientation, cell stiffness, cell volume, etc.) that are involved. According to the numerical prediction (with some exceptions), the transit time rises as the cell is stiffened. It is also highly sensitive to volume increase inside the cell. In general, even slightly swollen cells (i.e., the internal volume is increased while the surface area of the cell kept unchanged) travel dramatically slower through the slit. For these cells, there is also an increased chance of blockage.
Angular distribution of photoelectrons from the4fsubshell of mercury

The photoelectron angular distribution for the $4f$ subshell of mercury, along with the photoionization cross section, has been calculated in Hartree-Fock and Hartree-Slater approximations. The angular distributions in the various approximations are in good agreement but the cross sections differ by as much as a factor of 2.
Visualizing Infection Initiation of Bacteriophage P22 by Cryo-Electron Tomography

For successful infection, bacteriophages must overcome multiple barriers in the bacterial cell envelope to translocate viral DNA and proteins into the host cell. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the phage infection initiation remain poorly understood. Here, we use cryo-electron tomography of Salmonella cells infected by phage P22 to capture intermediates during infection. P22 particle initially attaches to the cell surface obliquely through interactions between phage tail spikes and bacterial lipopolysaccharides. Subsequently the phage needle penetrates the host membrane. Three ejection proteins (gp7, gp16, gp20), which are originally stored in capsid, are ejected and assembled to create a 40 nm long trans-envelope channel between the phage tail and the cytoplasmic membrane. The novel channel serves as the conduit for genome translocation. Using mutant particles lacking one or more of the ejection proteins, our in situ structural analysis demonstrates that gp7 forms an extra-cellular channel, extending from the phage tail to the outer membrane; gp20 forms a mushroom-like structure spanning the periplasm, while gp16 is involved in channel formation in the cytoplasmic membrane. Together with atomic resolution information from mature particles and their proteins, our studies reveal a series of key intermediate infection structures at unprecedented detail. They also unveil a massive remodeling of both the infecting phage and the bacterial cell envelope. The structures we obtain provide the first direct evidence illuminating the functions of the three ejection proteins and their distinct role in phage genome delivery.
The role of orbitofrontal—amygdala interactions in updating action—outcome valuations in macaques

A previous study revealed that, although monkeys with bilateral lesions of either the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) or the amygdala could learn an action-outcome task, they could not adapt their choices in response to devalued outcomes. Specifically, they could not adjust their choice between two actions after the value of the outcome associated with one of the actions had decreased. Here, we investigated whether OFC needs to interact functionally with the amygdala in mediating such choices. Rhesus monkeys were trained to make two mutually exclusive actions on a touch-sensitive screen: "tap" and "hold." Taps led to the availability of one kind of food outcome; holds produced a different food. On each trial, monkeys could choose either a tap or a hold to earn the corresponding food reward. After consuming one of the two foods to satiety, monkeys were then tested on their ability to adapt their choices in response to the updated relative valuation of the two predicted outcomes. Whereas intact (control) monkeys shifted their choices toward the action associated with the higher value (nonsated) food, monkeys with crossed surgical disconnection of the amygdala and OFC did not. These findings demonstrate that amygdala-OFC interactions are necessary for choices among actions based on the updated value of predicted outcomes and they also have a bearing on the idea that OFC specializes in stimulus- or object-based choices in contrast to action- or response-based choices.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Dysfunctional interactions between orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and the amygdala underlie several mental health disorders, often related to value-based decision making. Understanding the underlying neural circuitry may help to develop therapies for those suffering from mood and anxiety disorders and provide insight into addiction. Here, we investigated whether the amygdala must interact with OFC to make adaptive choices. Monkeys learned to perform two different actions, "tap" for one kind of food reward and "hold" for another, and then one of the two foods was devalued temporarily. Intact monkeys shifted their choice to whichever action produced the higher-value food; monkeys with crossed surgical disconnection of OFC and the amygdala did not. Therefore, OFC and the amygdala must interact functionally to mediate adaptive choices.
Quality of life among U.S. Army spouses during the Iraq war

During the course of previous military conflicts, attention has been focused on separations experienced by service members and their loved ones. This study utilized the ABC-X model of Family Stress...
Elucidating cerium + H2O reactivity through electronic structure: A combined PES and DFT study

Abstract The anion photoelectron (PE) spectra of CexOyHz− products formed in sequential reactions between cerium oxide and hydroxide reactions with water are presented and interpreted with supporting density functional theory calculations. The PE spectra of CexOyHz− (x = 2, 3) complexes formed in the sequence of reactions initiated with CexOx− + H2O, exhibit a prominent photodetachment transition indicating that the highest occupied molecular orbital in these species can be described as combinations of Ce 6s atomic orbitals. The electrons in these diffuse orbitals reliably have low binding energies in the range of 0.6–1 eV. The combination of poor orbital overlap and low binding energy is amenable to ionic Ce OH bond formation in reactions with water, rather than Ce O bond formation, which is observed in more reduced clusters that have occupied Ce 5d-based molecular orbitals. Spectral simulations based on computational results, which predict numerous close-lying spin states arising from the singly occupied 4f orbital on each Ce center, support specific structural assignments for the Ce2OyHz− cluster series. A range of Ce3OyHz− products also exhibit the characteristic Ce 6s-based MO photodetachment transition. Based on comparison with calculations that predict stable cerium hydride structures, we infer that the sequence of Ce3OyHz− + H2O reactions proceeds along a path of metastable structures.
Focal Atrial Tachycardia Arising from the Inferior Vena Cava

The inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare site of focal atrial tachycardia (AT). Here, we report a 20-year-old woman who underwent catheter ablation for anti-arrhythmic drug-resistant AT originating from the IVC. She had undergone open-heart surgery for patch closure of an atrial septal defect 17 years previously and permanent pacemaker implantation for sinus node dysfunction 6 years previously. The AT focus was at the anterolateral aspect of the IVC-right atrial junction, and it was successfully ablated under three-dimensional electroanatomical-mapping guidance. We suspect that the mechanism of this tachycardia was associated with previous IVC cannulation for open-heart surgery.
Optical spectroscopy of holmium doped K2LaCl5

Abstract Spectroscopic results on the infrared emission properties of trivalent holmium (Ho3+) doped potassium lanthanum chloride (K2LaCl5) are presented. Using ~900 nm excitation, Ho3+ doped K2LaCl5, which has a maximum phonon energy of 235 cm−1, exhibited the infrared emissions at ~1660, ~1995, and ~3900 nm at room temperature. The mid-infrared emission at 3900 nm originated from the 5I5 → 5I6 transition of Ho3+ ions with an exponential decay time of ~7.8 ms at room temperature. The fluorescence lifetimes were almost independent of temperature, indicating a negligibly small non-radiative decay rate for the 5I5 excited state, as predicted by the energy gap law for low phonon energy hosts. The Stark level energies of the lower 5IJ manifolds in Ho:K2LaCl5 were resolved from spectroscopic results performed at cryogenic temperatures. The transition line-strengths, radiative lifetimes, and fluorescence branching ratios were investigated by using the Judd-Ofelt method. In addition, the peak emission cross-section of the 5I5 → 5I6 transition was calculated to be 1.8 × 10–20 cm2 at ~3890 nm.
Novel gene selection method for breast cancer intrinsic subtypes from two large cohort study

Molecularly targeted therapies significantly contribute to the efforts of personalized approaches for cancer diagnosis and chemotherapeutic treatment. One of a critical step to identify target molecules is to determine the most representative features for different patient's sub-groups. Breast cancer, one of the most heterogeneous cancer has five main subtypes, so accurately identify gene signatures associated with intrinsic subtypes based on currently available data resource will benefit for precision medicine. Traditional ways to identify subtype-specific targeted molecular biomarkers are based on the platforms such as microarray, or immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers. Very few studies using RNAseq data to predict cancer subtype, due to the limited data resource. Gene expression in RNAseq platform is highly correlated with the microarray. However, it shows superior benefits than microarray in many ways, such as detection of low abundance transcripts, the broader dynamic range of gene expression in both coding and non-coding genes. Therefore, RNAseq platform will become the predominant tool for transcriptome analysis in the long term. To benefit the identification of molecule targets for transcriptomic data including RNAseq and microarray expression, we developed a new feature selection method. Our results of classification accuracy for intrinsic subtypes and prognostic evaluation of selected genes outperform than the traditional PAM50 gene signature, which is derived from microarray and widely used in clinical practice.
Perspectives on the Legal System

For many it was the discovery of semiotics as a method of analyzing sign systems and communicative interactions that coincided with the realization that one had been doing semiotics for a long time, often under the umbrella of other more traditional disciplines. Although some scholars do not describe their work as being within the frame of semiotic method and theory, they seem to be nevertheless much involved with the semiotic process.
Gender Issues in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) varies considerably in the way that it affects females and males. The prevalence of the disease is much greater in women and tends to follow a different clinical course than it follows in the affected male population. It is also well known that MS symptoms often are much less of a problem during pregnancy. This chapter discusses possible explanations for gender differences based on sex hormones as well as the effects of these hormones on cytokines and other factors that may influence the course of MS. Knowledge of these effects may hold some promise in other types of treatment for MS. Since MS is much more prevalent in women of child-bearing age, there are also implications for the use of disease-modifying agents as well as drugs and treatments that may be useful for treatment of MS. MS often causes symptoms of sexual dysfunction, but there may be effective treatment for many of these treatments.
Abstract 1640: Deep learning classification of neuro-oncology medical documents

Introduction Precision medicine and big data for cancer discovery requires well curated indexed critical health care data, however to date limited resources exist that successfully parse out unstructured clinical data in neuro-oncology. Current practice relies on time consuming manual extraction by researchers or clinicians resulting in data inconsistency and limitation in data set volume. Rule-based natural language processing algorithms could be used for simple consistent text, but medical documents are created longitudinally by multiple people across long periods of time resulting in inconsistencies and semantic heterogeneity that render rule-based techniques insufficient. Methods We applied a deep learning text classification method to multiple clinical document categories including clinical pathology reports and a text based clinical database spanning 17 years of clinical narratives with approximately 4000 unique cases. For this study we identified clinically relevant molecular criteria for glioma outlined in the WHO 2016 CNS classification of tumors including IDH mutation, MGMT methylation, and 1p19q co-deletion status. Using a convolutional neural network with two densely connected layers of 30 rectified linear nodes we were able to classify patients into their respected molecular cohort with an accuracy of 98%. Conclusion Parsing of unstructured text based clinical narratives and pathology reports using convolutional neural networks is a promising method to extract heterogeneous molecular data in neuro-oncology for large scale data analysis. Citation Format: Michael Wells, Thais Sabedot, Tathiane Malta, James Snyder, Laila Poisson, Houtan Noushmehr. Deep learning classification of neuro-oncology medical documents [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1640.
Antisense Oligonucleotide Mediated Depletion of Factor XI Prevents Vascular Occlusion in An Experimental Thrombosis Model in Primates

Abstract 2250 It has recently been demonstrated that the intrinsic pathway is an important contributor to pathologic intravascular thrombosis, suggesting that targeting this pathway may yield effective antithrombotic agents. Furthermore, FXI deficiency is not associated with spontaneous bleeding in humans, and deficiency of a contact factor does not cause abnormal bleeding. We have previously shown that treatment with FXI Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs) produces potent, dose-dependent antithrombotic activity in various venous and arterial murine thrombosis models. In the current study we characterize the antithrombotic effects of FXI ASOs in a non-human primate model. Subcutaneous administration of FXI ASOs in cynomologus monkeys resulted in a dose-and time-dependant decrease in FXI mRNA levels in liver (up to 90%), decreased FXI protein and activity levels measured in plasma, and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin times (aPTT). Importantly, FXI depletion in monkeys was not associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Recent studies demonstrated that complete inhibition (>99%) of FXI by a monoclonal antibody reduced thrombin generation and prevented vascular occlusion in a collagen-coated graft inserted into a baboon arteriovenous shunt (Tucker et al., Blood 2009). In the present study, we set out to determine the relationship between FXI levels and antithrombotic activity, and in particular, the minimal level of FXI reduction required to produce an antithrombotic effect in a baboon thrombosis model. Using the FXI monoclonal antibody, we demonstrate that ∼50% inhibition of FXI levels produces antithrombotic activity in baboons. Next we applied baboon-specific FXI ASOs and demonstrated reductions in FXI protein levels and activity, with corresponding increases in aPTT levels. Baboons were then treated with FXI ASOs in a manner that would produce ∼50% reduction of FXI protein levels and measured anti-thrombotic activity. Similar to the antibody approach, ASO-mediated reduction of FXI plasma levels ≥ 50% resulted in a potent antithrombotic effect. Furthermore, reductions in FXI levels do not increase bleeding times in baboons. These results further support the development of FXI ASOs for antithrombotic therapy with the potential for a superior safety profile compared to currently available anticoagulants. Disclosures: Crosby:Isis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Zhao:Isis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Gao:Isis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Revenko:Isis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. MacLeod:Isis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Gruber:Aronora, LLC: Consultancy, Equity Ownership. Monia:Isis Pharmaceuticals: Employment.
Longitudinal quantification of adenovirus neutralizing responses in Zambian mother-infant pairs: Impact of HIV-1 infection and its treatment.

Abstract Vaccination offers the most cost-effective approach to limiting the adverse impact of infectious and neoplastic diseases that reduce the quality of life in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, it is unclear what vaccine vectors would be most readily implementable in the setting and at what age they should be applied for maximal efficacy. Adenoviruses (Ad) and Ad-based vectors have been demonstrated to induce effective humoral and cellular immune responses in animal models and in humans. However, because immunity associated with Ad infection is lifelong, there exists a debate as to whether pre-existing immunity might decrease the efficacy of Ad vectored vaccines. In order to begin to rationally develop vaccination strategies for SSA, we have quantified neutralizing antibodies (nAb) against Ad4, Ad5, Ad7, Ad26, Ad28, Ad45 and Ad48 in 67 adult women and their infants. We are the first to define the decay kinetics of transferred maternal nAb in infants as well as the apparent initiation of de novo Ad responses. Our findings demonstrate that in Zambian adults, robust nAb responses exist against each of the Ads tested and are efficiently transferred to newborns. With few exceptions, neither the HIV-1 infection status of the mothers or the antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment of HIV-1 disease had significant impact on maternal Ad nAb responses or their transfer to infants. However, maternal Ad nAb decays in infants to a nadir at 12 months of age such that any of the seven Ad types could function as vaccine vectors. The definition of this ‘window of opportunity’ provides important foundational data for rational design and implementation of Ad vectors in this setting.
Fine Particulate Matter Exposure and Cerebrospinal Fluid Markers of Vascular Injury.

Background Cerebrovascular diseases play an important role in dementia. Air pollution is associated with cardiovascular disease, with growing links to neurodegeneration. Prior studies demonstrate associations between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and biomarkers of endothelial injury in the blood; however, no studies have evaluated these biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Objective We evaluate associations between short-term and long-term PM2.5 exposure with CSF vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and e-selectin in cognitively normal and mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/Alzheimer's disease (AD) individuals. Methods We collected CSF from 133 community volunteers at VA Puget Sound between 2001-2012. We assigned short-term PM2.5 from central monitors and long-term PM2.5 based on annual average exposure predictions linked to participant addresses. We performed analyses stratified by cognitive status and adjusted for key covariates with tiered models. Our primary exposure windows for the short-term and long-term analyses were 7-day and 1-year averages, respectively. Results Among cognitively normal individuals, a 5 μg/m3 increase in 7-day and 1-year average PM2.5 was associated with elevated VCAM-1 (7-day: 35.4 (9.7, 61.1) ng/ml; 1-year: 51.8 (6.5, 97.1) ng/ml). A 5 μg/m3 increase in 1-year average PM2.5, but not 7-day average, was associated with elevated e-selectin (53.3 (11.0, 95.5) pg/ml). We found no consistent associations among MCI/AD individuals. Conclusions We report associations between short-term and long term PM2.5 and CSF biomarkers of vascular damage in cognitively normal adults. These results are aligned with prior research linking PM2.5 to vascular damage in other biofluids as well as emerging evidence of the role of PM2.5 in neurodegeneration.
ASSESSING THE SAFETY AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF BETA-BLOCKERS IN PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE AND REDUCED EJECTION FRACTION WITH CONCOMITANT COCAINE USE: A META-ANALYSIS

Beta-Blockers (BB) reduce mortality in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Current guidelines do not list cocaine use as a contraindication to BB therapy in HFrEF but acknowledge that its safety and benefits are uncertain. We performed a meta-analysis to examine the safety and
dx2-y2 symmetry and the pairing mechanism.

An important question is, if the gap in the high-temperature cuprates has ${d}_{{x}^{2}\ensuremath{-}{y}^{2}}$ symmetry, what does that tell us about the underlying interaction responsible for pairing? Here we explore this by determining how three different types of electron-phonon interactions affect the ${d}_{{x}^{2}\ensuremath{-}{y}^{2}}$ pairing found within a random phase approximation treatment of the two-dimensional Hubbard model. These results imply that interactions which become more positive as the momentum transfer increases favor ${d}_{{x}^{2}\ensuremath{-}{y}^{2}}$ pairing in a nearly half-filled band.
Disparities in illicit drug use and disability status among a nationally representative sample of U.S. college students.

Abstract Background The number of students with disabilities attending postsecondary institutions is increasing. However, research on substance use among this population is limited. Objective This study examined disparities in the prevalence of illicit drug use and drug use disorders among college students with disabilities and their counterparts without disabilities. Methods Data from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health were analyzed. We estimated prevalence and odds of disability, illicit drug use, and illicit drug dependence or abuse in a subsample of college students (n = 6,189). Results A majority of college students reporting a disability had a cognitive limitation. Students with any disability had a higher prevalence of illicit drug use and significantly higher odds of ever use of illicit drugs (AOR = 1.47; 95% CI 1.20–1.79). Compared to their peers with no disabilities, they were more likely to have misused any psychotherapeutic in the past year (AOR = 1.38; 95% CI 1.08–1.76), and had nearly twice the odds of misusing prescription pain relievers in the past month (AOR = 1.97; 95% CI 1.11–3.49). Additionally, students with disabilities had three times the odds of meeting criteria for past-year dependence or abuse of any illicit drug (AOR = 3.01; 95% CI 2.06–4.40). Conclusion This study documented a higher prevalence of drug use and drug use disorders among college students with disabilities compared to their nondisabled peers. Understanding the risk factors for substance use in this population is critical for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Re-framing the Past: Framing as a Stance in the Writing of History

This article brings the work of cultural theorist Mieke Bal and historian Hayden White into a conversation, inviting the reader to consider framing, re-framing, and un-framing as historiographical ...
Spatiotemporal feature extraction and classification of Alzheimer’s disease using deep learning 3D-CNN for fMRI data

Purpose: Through the last three decades, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has provided immense quantities of information about the dynamics of the brain, functional brain mapping, and resting-state brain networks. Despite providing such rich functional information, fMRI is still not a commonly used clinical technique due to inaccuracy involved in analysis of extremely noisy data. However, ongoing developments in deep learning techniques suggest potential improvements and better performance in many different domains. Our main purpose is to utilize the potentials of deep learning techniques for fMRI data for clinical use. Approach: We present one such synergy of fMRI and deep learning, where we apply a simplified yet accurate method using a modified 3D convolutional neural networks (CNN) to resting-state fMRI data for feature extraction and classification of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The CNN is designed in such a way that it uses the fMRI data with much less preprocessing, preserving both spatial and temporal information. Results: Once trained, the network is successfully able to classify between fMRI data from healthy controls and AD subjects, including subjects in the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stage. We have also extracted spatiotemporal features useful for classification. Conclusion: This CNN can detect and differentiate between the earlier and later stages of MCI and AD and hence, it may have potential clinical applications in both early detection and better diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Optimal SARS-CoV-2 vaccine allocation using real-time attack-rate estimates in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

When three SARS-CoV-2 vaccines came to market in Europe and North America in the winter of 2020–2021, distribution networks were in a race against a major epidemiological wave of SARS-CoV-2 that began in autumn 2020. Rapid and optimized vaccine allocation was critical during this time. With 95% efficacy reported for two of the vaccines, near-term public health needs likely require that distribution is prioritized to the elderly, health care workers, teachers, essential workers, and individuals with comorbidities putting them at risk of severe clinical progression. We evaluate various age-based vaccine distributions using a validated mathematical model based on current epidemic trends in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. We allow for varying waning efficacy of vaccine-induced immunity, as this has not yet been measured. We account for the fact that known COVID-positive cases may not have been included in the first round of vaccination. And, we account for age-specific immune patterns in both states at the time of the start of the vaccination program. Our analysis assumes that health systems during winter 2020–2021 had equal staffing and capacity to previous phases of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic; we do not consider the effects of understaffed hospitals or unvaccinated medical staff. We find that allocating a substantial proportion (>75%) of vaccine supply to individuals over the age of 70 is optimal in terms of reducing total cumulative deaths through mid-2021. This result is robust to different profiles of waning vaccine efficacy and several different assumptions on age mixing during and after lockdown periods. As we do not explicitly model other high-mortality groups, our results on vaccine allocation apply to all groups at high risk of mortality if infected. A median of 327 to 340 deaths can be avoided in Rhode Island (3444 to 3647 in Massachusetts) by optimizing vaccine allocation and vaccinating the elderly first. The vaccination campaigns are expected to save a median of 639 to 664 lives in Rhode Island and 6278 to 6618 lives in Massachusetts in the first half of 2021 when compared to a scenario with no vaccine. A policy of vaccinating only seronegative individuals avoids redundancy in vaccine use on individuals that may already be immune, and would result in 0.5% to 1% reductions in cumulative hospitalizations and deaths by mid-2021. Assuming high vaccination coverage (>28%) and no major changes in distancing, masking, gathering size, hygiene guidelines, and virus transmissibility between 1 January 2021 and 1 July 2021 a combination of vaccination and population immunity may lead to low or near-zero transmission levels by the second quarter of 2021.
A Community Health Worker-Led Community-Clinical Linkage Model to Address Emotional Well-Being Outcomes Among Latino/a People on the US-Mexico Border.

INTRODUCTION Compared with their non-Hispanic White counterparts, Latino/a people have limited access to health resources that might improve their emotional well-being. Interventions that prioritize the Latino/a population, address social determinants of health, and decrease health disparities are needed. The objective of this study was to describe a community-clinical linkage intervention led by community health workers (CHWs) in 3 Latino/a populations along the US-Mexico border. METHODS Researchers at the Arizona Prevention Research Center conducted the Linking Individual Needs to Community and Clinical Services (LINKS) study during 2017-2018. Clinic-based CHWs referred participants to community-based CHWs who met with participants monthly for 6 months to assess participant needs, provide support for emotional well-being, and link them to resources. Two community-based CHWs collaborated to maximize participant care; they also administered an emotional well-being questionnaire at baseline and at 3-month and 6-month follow-up. We estimated changes in emotional well-being outcomes. RESULTS Scores for social support, perceived hopefulness, and quality-of-life measures among 189 LINKS participants increased significantly during the study period, especially among men and participants with low baseline scores. For each of the 3 outcomes, the standardized change was approximately 0.28 per 3 months of intervention, a decrease of more than half an SD (0.56) during 6 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION A CHW-led community-clinical linkage intervention can result in positive emotional well-being outcomes. We encourage policy makers, funders, and public health practitioners to further investigate such interventions as a solution to reduce disparities in emotional well-being.
CSA Scholars' Roundtable Presentation: Design and Curatorial Scholarship: Purpose, Place, Present, and Future

The Costume Society of America (CSA) Scholars’ Roundtable Honor committee is charged with nominating scholars to lead a discussion at the national symposium that challenges the organization members...
Smart Syringe: Determining the depth and location of the needle during intramuscular injection

Intramuscular injection is one of the most common medical procedures performed worldwide every year; however there is still much that is unknown ahout this process. The research focuses on the development of additional features to the Smart Syringe that will monitor its movement and the forces applied to the plunger by the user during injection. This advancement will allow for data to be collected to better understand and determine the quality of the user's abilities and further improve current practicing guidelines. These results can determine the type of injection given, describe the actions of each stage of the procedure, determine the tissue layers that were penetrated, whether or not the bone was struck, and improve the accuracy of the trajectory.
TLR Signaling in the Gut in Health and Disease

The human intestine has evolved in the presence of diverse enteric microflora. TLRs convert the recognition of pathogen-associated molecules in the gut into signals for anti-microbial peptide expression, barrier fortification, and proliferation of epithelial cells. Healing of injured intestinal epithelium and clearance of intramucosal bacteria require the presence of intact TLR signaling. Nucleotide oligomerization domain (Nod)1 and Nod2 are additional pattern recognition receptors that are required for defense against invasive enteric pathogens. Through spatial and functional localization of TLR and Nod molecules, the normal gut maintains a state of controlled inflammation. By contrast, patients with inflammatory bowel disease demonstrate inflammation in response to the normal flora. A subset of these patients carry polymorphisms in TLR and CARD15/NOD2 genes. A better understanding of the delicate regulation of TLR and Nod molecules in the gut may lead to improved treatment for enteric infections and idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases.
Review of Patent Reform in the 112th Congress: Innovation Issues

Reviews Congressional Research Service report, Patent Reform in the 112th Congress: Innovation Issues.
The Role of Dynamic-Network Multi-Agent Models of Socio-Political Systems in Policy

Abstract : Researchers and policy makers are increasingly turning to multi-agent and dynamic-network multi-agent models to study real-world systems. The models hold particular appeal because of their intuitive representation of complex real-world systems that can be thought of as complex systems. Both policy makers and those affected by the policies influenced by these models often question whether a model is valid. We explore the intended use of these models, the extent to which they can be validated, and the consequent implications for their use in setting policy. We ground the analysis using a dynamic-network multi-agent model we are helping to develop called the Regional Threat Evaluator (RTE), applied to data from Indonesia and Thailand. We find that there are three core difficulties in validating these models: defining the appropriate operating domain, data availability, and validating a model that integrates multiple theories.
Relational database compression using augmented vector quantization

Data compression is one way to alleviate the I/O bottleneck problem faced by I/O-intensive applications such as databases. However, this approach is not widely used because of the lack of suitable database compression techniques. In this paper, we design and implement a novel database compression technique based on vector quantization (VQ). VQ is a data compression technique with wide applicability in speech and image coding, but it is not directly suitable for databases because it is lossy. We show how one may use a lossless version of vector quantization to reduce database space storage requirements and improve disk I/O bandwidth. >
Helminth Infections Decrease Host Susceptibility to Immune-Mediated Diseases

Helminthic infection has become rare in highly industrialized nations. Concurrent with the decline in helminthic infection has been an increase in the prevalence of inflammatory disease. Removal of helminths from our environment and their powerful effects on host immunity may have contributed to this increase. Several helminth species can abrogate disease in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions. Helminths evoke immune regulatory pathways often involving dendritic cells, regulatory T cells, and macrophages that help to control disease. Cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β, have a role. Notable is the helminthic modulatory effect on innate immunity, which impedes development of aberrant adaptive immunity. Investigators are identifying key helminth-derived immune modulatory molecules that may have therapeutic usefulness in the control of inflammatory disease.
Sublocalization of an ataxia-telangiectasia gene distal to D11S384 by ancestral haplotyping in Costa Rican families.

Abstract In an effort to localize a gene for ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), we have genotyped 27 affected Costa Rican families, with 13 markers, in the chromosome 11q22-23 region. Significant linkage disequilibrium was detected for 9/13 markers between D11S1816 and D11S1391. Recombination events observed in these pedigrees places A-T between D11S1819 and D11S1960. One ancestral haplotype is common to 24/54 affected chromosomes and roughly two-thirds of the families. Inferred (ancestral) recombination events involving this common haplotype in earlier generations suggest that A-T is distal to D11S384 and proximal to D11S1960. Several other common haplotypes were identified, consistent with multiple mutations in a single gene. When considered together with all other evidence, this study further sublocalizes the major A-T locus to ≈200 kb, between markers S384 and S535.
Kappa and Related Particles in Paramecium1

Publisher Summary This chapter is concerned primarily with the particles in Paramecium aurelia and is considered in relation to the particles in other organisms. It attempts to integrate as fully as possible the results of the various specialized approaches to the problems raised by kappa, pi, and mu, placing the particles themselves at the center of attention. The possible relations of the toxic agent to viruses, colicins, and toxins, and the nature of the specific protection against killing action are discussed from a comparative point of view, taking into account the possible fundamental similarity between kappa and mu in spite of their superficial but striking differences. As the particles, rather than the paramecia that bear them, are the center of attention, the role of kappa and mu as cytoplasmic genetic factors of Paramecium is given subordinate consideration. The chapter also aims to take a fresh, critical look at the whole corpus of knowledge about the particles themselves. This includes their morphology, development, actions, quantity, cytochemistry, reproduction, transmission, persistence, mutability, interrelations with each other and with the rest of paramecium, responses to injurious agents, and infectivity. On the basis of this survey, the status of the particles and the problems raised by them are discussed. A brief account of possibly comparable particles in other ciliates and in higher organisms provides the ground for speculation as to whether the particle system in Paramecium is a special case or an example of a widespread phenomenon in nature.
Complications after placement of an intracoronary stent: nursing implications

BACKGROUND Care of patients after stent placement has evolved with the goal of reducing thrombosis and bleeding. Initially, all patients received full antithrombotic therapy; now most receive antiplatelet therapy only. Despite this evolution, no description of the differences in complications and nursing care with these two treatments has been published. OBJECTIVES To determine the differences in complications and nursing care for patients receiving different pharmacological therapies after placement of an intracoronary stent. METHODS A nonrandomized, noncontrolled, retrospective, comparative design was used with 176 sequential patients assigned to treatment groups on the basis of the adjunctive pharmacological therapy the patient received after placement of a stent. The equivalency of baseline characteristics and risk of complications, as well as the differences in length of stay, intensity of nursing care, and frequencies of bleeding and ischemic or thrombotic events were determined for the two groups: 65 patients who received anticoagulant therapy and 111 patients who received antiplatelet therapy. RESULTS The two groups were equivalent with respect to baseline characteristics of sex, concomitant illness, and cardiac condition before stent placement. The two groups differed with respect to predisposing risks for bleeding and ischemic or thrombotic events. Patients receiving antiplatelet therapy alone had significantly shorter lengths of stay, less use of intensive care, fewer requirements for nursing care, and fewer bleeding complications, with no increase in ischemic or thrombotic events. CONCLUSIONS Patients receiving anticoagulant therapy had more complications and required a higher intensity of nursing care than did patients who received antiplatelet therapy alone.
Agile engineering for development of the Next Generation Air Transportation System

Today's systems engineering methodologies are inflexible in accommodating unanticipated changes that may arise during development. Significant changes, including programmatic, technical, or budgetary, impact the developer's ability to deliver a successful system on time and on budget. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently transforming its legacy air traffic management systems into one that that is more efficient and safer. Acknowledging the limitations of current systems engineering methodologies and the aviation community's pressure on the FAA to deliver these modernised systems by 2025, this paper explores the opportunity of transforming the current process into one that can rapidly deliver operational functionality to the aviation community, and is more responsive to discoveries and shifts in operational needs.
Macrophage motility requires distinct α5β1/FAK and α4β1/paxillin signaling events

Macrophages function as key inflammatory mediators at sites of infection and tissue damage. Integrin and growth factor receptors facilitate recruitment of monocytes/macrophages to sites of inflammation in response to numerous extracellular stimuli. We have shown recently that FAK plays a role in regulating macrophage chemotaxis and invasion. As FAK is an established downstream mediator of integrin signaling, we sought to define the molecular circuitry involving FAK and the predominant β1 integrin heterodimers expressed in these cells-α4β1 and α5β1. We show that α4β1 and α5β1 integrins are required for efficient haptotactic and chemotactic invasion and that stimulation of these integrin receptors leads to the adoption of distinct morphologies associated with motility. FAK is required downstream of α5β1 for haptotaxis toward FN and chemotaxis toward M-CSF-1 and downstream of α4β1 for the adoption of a polarized phenotype. The scaffolding molecule paxillin functions independently of FAK to promote chemotaxis downstream of α4β1. These studies expand our understanding of β1 integrin signaling networks that regulate motility and invasion in macrophages and thus, provide important new insights into mechanisms by which macrophages perform their diverse functions.
Monitoring the Oxidation of Nuclear Fuel Cladding Using Raman Spectroscopy

Abstract In order to observe Zircaloy-4 (Zr-4) cladding oxidation within a spent fuel canister, cladding oxidized in air at 500 °C was investigated by micro-Raman spectroscopy to measure the oxide layer thickness. Systematic Raman scans were performed to study the relationship between typical Raman spectra and various oxide layer thicknesses. The thicknesses of the oxide layers developed for various exposure times were measured by cross-sectional Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results of this work reveal that each oxide layer thickness has a corresponding typical Raman spectrum. Detailed analysis suggests that the Raman scattering peaks around wave numbers of 180 cm −1 and 630 cm −1 are the best choices for accurately determining the oxide layer thickness. After Gaussian–Lorentzian deconvolution, these two peaks can be quantitatively represented by four peaks. The intensities of the deconvoluted peaks increase consistently as the oxide layer becomes thicker and sufficiently strong signals are produced, allowing one to distinguish the bare and oxidized cladding samples, as well as samples with different oxide layer thicknesses. Hence, a process that converts sample oxide layer thickness to optical signals can be achieved.
Critical Issues in the Supply Chain of Lithium for Electric Vehicle Batteries

A combination of high fuel costs, concerns about petroleum availability, and air quality issues related to fossil fuel-based vehicles are driving interests in electric vehicles (EVs). In this artic...
A theoretical study of vibrational properties of neutral and cationic B12 clusters

Calculations based on density functional theory predict the ground state of B12 and B12 to be a convex planar configuration with C1 symmetry. A small ionization-induced structural change in B12 is also predicted. It is suggested that multicentered bonds together with delocalized charge density are dominant factors in stabilizing the planar configuration over 3D configuration for B12 and B12 . The calculated vibrational frequencies lie in the range of 200 -1328 cm 1 in which the high- frequency modes are associated with asymmetric stretching of the boron atoms located at the cluster surface. The infrared spectra of both neutral and cationic B12 show similar infrared active modes in the high-frequency region, but different modes in the low- frequency region due to dissimilar atomic charges in the cationic B12. The combined effect of charge delocalization and reduced dimensionality is reflected in the calculated static dipole polarizability of these clusters. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 102: 656 - 664, 2005
The demand for football: Some evidence on outcome uncertainty

This paper analyses the determinants of match attendances in the English Football League using an improved measure of match outcome uncertainty based on the probability of home team success. Explicit allowance is made for the level of core support as well as the potential non-linearities associated with home team success. The report results are striking and generally robust across all four divisions of the English Football League.