cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cd1-Reactive Natural Killer T Cells Are Required for Development of Systemic Tolerance through an Immune-Privileged Site

Systemic tolerance can be elicited by introducing antigen into an immune-privileged site, such as the eye, or directly into the blood. Both routes of immunization result in a selective deficiency of systemic delayed type hypersensitivity. Although the experimental animal model of anterior chamber–associated immune deviation (ACAID) occurs in most mouse strains, ACAID cannot be induced in several mutant mouse strains that are coincidentally deficient in natural killer T (NKT) cells. Therefore, this model for immune-privileged site–mediated tolerance provided us with an excellent format for studying the role of NKT cells in the development of tolerance. The following data show that CD1-reactive NKT cells are required for the development of systemic tolerance induced via the eye as follows: (a) CD1 knockout mice were unable to develop ACAID unless they were reconstituted with NKT cells together with CD1+ antigen-presenting cells; (b) specific antibody depletion of NKT cells in vivo abrogated the development of ACAID; and (c) anti-CD1 monoclonal antibody treatment of wild-type mice prevented ACAID development. Significantly, CD1-reactive NKT cells were not required for intravenously induced systemic tolerance, thereby establishing that different mechanisms mediate development of tolerance to antigens inoculated by these routes. A critical role for NKT cells in the development of systemic tolerance associated with an immune-privileged site suggests a mechanism involving NKT cells in self-tolerance and their defects in autoimmunity.
Hydration Profiles of Amyloidogenic Molecular Structures

Hydration shells of normal proteins display regions of highly structured water as well as patches of less structured bulk-like water. Recent studies suggest that isomers with larger surface densities of patches of bulk-like water have an increased propensity to aggregate. These aggregates are toxic to the cellular environment. Hence, the early detection of these toxic deposits is of paramount medical importance. We show that various morphological states of association of such isomers can be differentiated from the normal protein background based on the characteristic partition between bulk, caged, and surface hydration water and the magnetic resonance (MR) signals of this water. We derive simple mathematical equations relating the compartmentalization of water to the local hydration fraction and the packing density of the newly formed molecular assemblies. Then, we employ these equations to predict the MR response of water constrained by protein aggregation. Our results indicate that single units and compact aggregates that contain no water between constituents induce a shift of the MR signal from normal protein background to values in the hyperintensity domain (bright spots), corresponding to bulk water. In contrast, large plaques that cage significant amounts of water between constituents are likely to generate MR responses in the hypointensity domain (dark spots), typical for strongly correlated water. The implication of these results is that amyloids can display both dark and bright spots when compared to the normal gray background tissue on MR images. In addition, our findings predict that the bright spots are more likely to correspond to amyloids in their early stage of development. The results help explain the MR contrast patterns of amyloids and suggest a new approach for identifying unusual protein aggregation related to disease.
Alterations in mitochondrial function and cytosolic calcium induced by hyperglycemia are restored by mitochondrial transcription factor A in cardiomyocytes.

Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) is essential for mitochondrial DNA transcription and replication. TFAM transcriptional activity is decreased in diabetic cardiomyopathy; however, the fun...
Spatial-Temporal Coverage Optimization in Wireless Sensor Networks

Mission-driven sensor networks usually have special lifetime requirements. However, the density of the sensors may not be large enough to satisfy the coverage requirement while meeting the lifetime constraint at the same time. Sometimes, coverage has to be traded for network lifetime. In this paper, we study how to schedule sensors to maximize their coverage during a specified network lifetime. Unlike sensor deployment, where the goal is to maximize the spatial coverage, our objective is to maximize the spatial-temporal coverage by scheduling sensors' activity after they have been deployed. Since the optimization problem is NP-hard, we first present a centralized heuristic whose approximation factor is proved to be 1/2, and then, propose a distributed parallel optimization protocol (POP). In POP, nodes optimize their schedules on their own but converge to local optimality without conflict with one another. Theoretical and simulation results show that POP substantially outperforms other schemes in terms of network lifetime, coverage redundancy, convergence time, and event detection probability.
The Natural Antimicrobial Subtilosin A Synergizes with Lauramide Arginine Ethyl Ester (LAE), ε-Poly- l -lysine (Polylysine), Clindamycin Phosphate and Metronidazole, Against the Vaginal Pathogen Gardnerella vaginalis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common, recurrent vaginal infection linked to increased chances of preterm delivery, incidence of sexually transmitted infections and fertility problems. BV is caused by a shift of the vaginal ecosystem from predominately Lactobacillus to a multispecies Actinomyces biofilm with the most common representatives identified as Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella spp. Current treatments have been associated with increased resistance as well as negative effects on healthy microbiota. The objective of this study was to evaluate the synergistic potential of ten two-antimicrobial combinations against G. vaginalis and four representative lactobacilli. The four tested antimicrobials were lauramide arginine ethyl ester, e-poly-l-lysine, clindamycin phosphate, metronidazole and the bacteriocin subtilosin A. The use of bacteriocins as either synergist or alternative treatment positions bacteriocins as an excellent alternative to current antibiotics. The microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each of the antimicrobials individually, and the checkerboard assay was used to evaluate these MICs in combination. Clindamycin and subtilosin (CS), and metronidazole and subtilosin were synergistic against G. vaginalis in terms of fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). All tested combinations were found to have Bliss synergy. The combination of clindamycin and polylysine (CP) was identified as antagonistic against L. acidophilus in terms of both FICI and Bliss synergy. The combination of clindamycin and metronidazole (CM) was antagonistic against L. vaginalis for both FICI and Bliss synergy. The combinations of CP, clindamycin and LAE, CS, and LAE and polylysine were identified as Bliss antagonistic against L. vaginalis but did not indicate FICI antagonism.
DIPHYLLIDEAN CESTODES OF THE GULF OF CALIFORNIA, MÉXICO WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF TWO NEW SPECIES OF ECHINOBOTHRIUM (CESTODA: DIPHYLLIDEA)

As part of a survey of parasites of elasmobranchs in the Gulf of California, a second and final report of the diphyllidean cestodes resulting from the survey is presented. Of 43 species of elasmobranchs examined for parasites, 7 (Rhinobatos productus, Rhinobatos leucorhynchus, Myliobatis californicus, Myliobatis longirostris, Urobatis halleri, Urobatis maculatus, and Rhinoptera steindachneri) were found to host diphyllidean cestodes, all belonging to Echinobothrium. No species of either of the other 2 diphyllidean genera, Ditrachybothridium or Macrobothridium, were discovered. A greater diversity of diphyllideans was found in 1996 than in 1993. Two new species, Echinobothrium hoffmanorum n. sp. and Echinobothrium rayallemangi n. sp. are described from the spiral intestines of U. maculatus and R. leucorhynchus, respectively. Echinobothrium hoffmanorum is unique in its possession of the following combination of characters: 19–21 apical hooks in each dorsoventral group, 12–22 lateral hooklets in each group, ...
Memory of an Outgroup

This study examined White individuals’ ability to recall non-White criminal perpetrators, specifically Middle Eastern-looking men, as portrayed in news stories. Considering social identity theory and the Arab/Muslim/Middle Eastern terrorist stereotype, White participants were expected to correctly identify White European-looking men and misidentify Middle Eastern-looking men as the perpetrators in news stories. A 2 (race/ethnicity of the perpetrator: White European- or Middle Eastern-looking) × 2 (story type: violent or nonviolent) experiment revealed that correct recall of the perpetrator for Middle Eastern-looking men was lower than that of White European-looking men. However, White individuals were not significantly more likely to incorrectly recall Middle Eastern-looking men than White European-looking men as perpetrators. Regardless of condition, more negative attitudes toward Arabs and Muslims predicted the incorrect recall of both Middle Eastern- and White European-looking men as perpetrators. Thes...
Abstract 212: Temporal Trends of SPECT Myocardial Perfusion Imaging in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: A 22-Year Experience from a Tertiary Academic Medical Center

Background: Over the past 20 years, there has been an increasing decline in the prevalence of abnormal stress single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT) studies among patients with no history of coronary artery disease (CAD). The trend of SPECT studies among patients with known CAD has not been evaluated before. Methods: Using the Mayo Clinic nuclear cardiology database, we examined all stress SPECT tests performed between 1/1991-12/2012 in patients with prior history of CAD defined as having prior myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, and/or coronary artery bypass grafting. Patients with left bundle branch block, paced rhythm, bicycle or rest-only tests, cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, and technically unsatisfactory studies were excluded. The study cohort was divided into 5 time periods: 1991-5, 1996-2000, 2001-5, 2006-10, and 2011-12. Results: There were 19373 eligible SPECT tests (mean age 66.2 ± 10.9y, 75.4% men). Annual utilization of SPECT studies in patients with history of CAD increased from an average of 495 tests per year between 1991-1995 to a peak of 1425 in 2003; and then decreased to 552 tests in 2012. Asymptomatic patients comprised 33% in 1991-1995, peaked at 48% in 2006, and then decreased back to 31% in 2012. Over time, patients with typical angina decreased while patients with dyspnea increased, P <0.001 (Fig 1). The percentage of high risk SPECT tests significantly decreased, and the percentage of low-risk SPECT tests significantly increased despite the overall decline of SPECT utilization between 2003 and 2012. Almost 80% of all tests performed in 2012 had a low risk summed stress score compared to 29% in 1991, P <0.001 (Fig 2). Conclusions: In Mayo Clinic Rochester, annual SPECT utilization in patients with prior CAD increased between 1992 and 2003, but then decreased significantly after 2003. Fewer patients had typical angina while patients with dyspnea increased over time. High risk SPECT tests declined while low risk tests increased dramatically. These data suggest that stress SPECT was being increasingly utilized in CAD patients without typical angina who are at low risk. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Use of perforated tubing to distribute phosphine during the in-transit fumigation of wheat

Wheat aboard a bulk dry-cargo/oil vessel was treated in transit with aluminum phosphide on the surface and distributed in slotted tubing (10.16 cm o.d.) to carry phosphine gas to the bottom and middle of the cargo. Dosage applied averaged 1.07 g (AI)/m3. Approximately 22% of the aluminum phosphide pellets were applied by pouring them mixed with grain down the tubes; the remaining 78% was applied to the surface of the wheat. Gas distribution was rapid in the 26.8 m-deep holds; after 5 days, all depths had concentrations of ≥40 ppm. After 9 days, all depths had phosphine in concentrations of ≥150 ppm. Thirty-two days after application, just before the holds were opened for discharge in Bangladesh, mean concentrations at various depths in the holds ranged from 208 to 365 ppm. All insects exposed at various depths in the wheat were killed by the treatment. No phosphine was detected in any living or working areas of the ship during the voyage from Seattle, Wash., to Bangladesh. Residues of phosphine on wheat discharged were highest at the surface where application of the aluminum phosphide was made. Rapid, uniform distribution of phosphine throughout the wheat mass is attributed to the method of application, which utilized slotted tubing.
Cloud Storage Technology and Applications for Big Data

With the expansion of big data applications,mass cloud storage has become a more important requirement.To meet service demands,cloud storage needs a new framework and new networking and management methods.In this paper,we discuss the various scenarios of cloud storage and discuss the demands and key technology of cloud storage.Big data requirements promote the development of cloud storage,and cloud storage development creates new service applications.
Research on the Interaction Between CRY1 and Transcription Factor HB22 in Arabidopsis

Yeast two-hybrid system was performed to screen CRY1 interaction proteins in Arabidopsis transcription factors library,and six proteins were obtained.The interaction intensity between CRY1 and HB22,which is one of the six proteins,were measured by using ONPG and CPRG assay with β-galactosidase The result showed that the ratio of β-galactosidase activity in blue light or in the dark is 1.668 or 2.18 respectively when irradiated with blue light(50 μmol/m2s) for 4 h.Their interaction irradiated with blue light for different time or with different fluence rates were further analyzed by CPRG.It was found that their interaction was the strongest when incubated under 50 μmol/m2s blue light for 3 h.The mRNA level of HB22 was then detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR.It expressed higher in cry1 mutant than in col-4,and 6 times higher than in col-4 when treated with blue light for 2 h.The results demonstrated that CRY1 may mediate blue light inhibition of HB22 gene expression.
Development and Validation of an 18-Item Medium Form of the Ravens Advanced Progressive Matrices:

1. Jon A. Sefcek[1][1][⇑][2] 2. Geoffrey F. Miller[2][3] 3. Aurelio Jose Figueredo[3][4] 1. 1Kent State University at Ashtabula, OH, USA 2. 2The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA 3. 3The University of Arizona, Tucson, USA 1. Jon A. Sefcek, Department of Psychology, Kent State University at Ashtabula, 3300 Lake Road West, Ashtabula, OH 44004, USA. Email: jsefcek{at}kent.edu The Ravens Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) is a widely used measure of general intelligence ( g ), both across settings and cultures. Due to its lengthy 40-min administration time, several researchers have developed short-form scales, yet these forms typically yield a significantly lower reliability. This article describes the creation of an 18-item short form (APM-18) and its validation in three samples of Southwestern U.S. university students (total N = 633). The APM-18 shows similar psychometric properties to both the previously published 36-item long form and 12-item short form, but retains a reliability estimate closer to the original APM. This, plus the shorter administration time (25 min) relative to the complete APM (40-60 min), makes it useful for time-constrained or mass-testing situations. [1]: #aff-1 [2]: #corresp-1 [3]: #aff-2 [4]: #aff-3
Urethral dilation improves bladder compliance in children with myelomeningocele and high leak point pressures.

AbstractAmong 350 children with myelomeningocele 18 with elevated leak point pressures were managed by urethral dilation and followed for 1 to 5 years. Longitudinal measurements of bladder compliances revealed durable improvement in the pressure-volume relationships after dilation. These data suggest that noncompliant bladders are acquired because of high outlet resistance, and early intervention may improve long-term bladder storage characteristics.
Dynamic Adjustment of Physical Exercises Based on Performance Using the Proficio Robotic Arm

Physical therapy is an essential element in a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. Robot-assisted solutions have recently become more common to support the patient throughout the healing process. In this paper, we examine two techniques for assessing the movements a person performs when supported by a robotic arm. We propose DyAd, a Dynamic Adjustment system that recommends adjusted exercise configurations based on a person's performance. DyAd works with the Proficio arm, a commercial robotic arm designed for rehabilitation. The arm provides DyAd with kinematic data about the person's movement. DyAd has a graphical interface to support the user with a 3D visualization of the exercise trajectory to be followed. When a person tries to make a movement following the designed trajectory, DyAd compares this movement, the measured trajectory, to the designed trajectory. It evaluates their similarity using Dynamic Time Warping. DyAd also measures the smoothness of the movement using a modified version of the spectral arc length method. We designed DyAd to propose adjustments to the configuration of the exercise for specific users after each exercise trial. Finally, we validate the functionality of DyAd by presenting the changes in the difficulty level for users based on their performance.
Abstract 114: K+ Rich Diet During Angiotensin II Hypertension Reduces Renal Na-Cl Cotransporter and Phosphorylation, but Not Blood Pressure

During Ang II hypertension distal tubule Na-Cl Cotransporter (NCC) abundance and its activating phosphorylation (NCCp), as well as Epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC) abundance and activating cleavage are increased 1.5-3 fold. Fasting plasma [K+] is significantly lower in Ang II hypertension (3.3 ± 0.1 mM) versus controls (4.0 ± 0.1 mM), likely secondary to ENaC stimulation driving K+ secretion. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that doubling dietary K+ intake during Ang II infusion will lower NCC and NCCp abundance to increase Na+ delivery to ENaC to drive K+ excretion and reduce blood pressure. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats (225-250 g; n= 7-9/group) were treated over 2 weeks: 1) Control 1% K diet fed (C1K); 2) Ang II infused (400 ng/kg/min) 1% K diet fed (A1K); or 3) Ang II infused 2% K diet fed (A2K). Blood pressure (BP) was determined by tail cuff, electrolytes by flame photometry and transporters’ abundance by immunoblot of cortical homogenates. Results: As previously reported, Ang II infusion increased systolic BP (from 132 ± 5 to 197 ± 4 mmHg), urine volume (UV, 2.4 fold), urine Na+ (UNaV, 1.3 fold), heart /body weight ratio (1.23 fold) and clearance of endogenous Li+ (CLi, measures fluid volume leaving the proximal tubule, from 0.26 ± 0.02 to 0.51 ± 0.01 ml/min/kg) all evidence for pressure natriuresis. A2K rats exhibited normal plasma \[K+\] (4.6 ± 0.1 mM, unfasted), doubled urine K+ (UKV, from 0.20 to 0.44 mmol/hr), and increased CLi (to 0.8 ± 0.1 ml/min/kg) but UV, UNaV, cardiac hypertrophy and BP were unchanged versus the A1K group. As expected, NCC, NCCpS71 and NCCpT53 abundance increased in the A1K group to 1.5 ± 0.1, 2.9 ± 0.5 and 2.8 ± 0.4 fold versus C1K, respectively. As predicted by our hypothesis, when dietary K+ was doubled (A2K), Ang II infusion did not activate NCC, NCCpS71 nor NCCpT53 (0.91 ± 0.04, 1.3 ± 0.1 and 1.6 ± 0.2 fold versus C1K, respectively). ENaC subunit abundance and cleavage increased 1.5 to 3 fold in both A1K and A2K groups; ROMK was unaffected by Ang II or dietary K. In conclusion, evidence is presented that stimulation of NCC during Ang II hypertension is secondary to K+ deficiency driven by ENaC stimulation since doubling dietary K+ prevents the activation. The results also indicate that elevation in BP is independent of NCC activation
Rethinking Instructional Technology to Improve Pedagogy for Digital Literacy: A Design Case in a Graduate Early Childhood Education Course.

Digital literacy is an important aspect to consider within teacher education as a way to address twenty-first century learner needs, particularly in early childhood contexts where developmental concerns should be paramount in making instructional design decisions. This article is a design case of a graduate level early childhood education instructional technology course revision, including course design elements and learner feedback. Collaboration with P-12 instructional technology experts on the re-design yielded a fluid course more in line with current conversations and professional development happening on the P-5 level.
Control of a Parametrically Excited Flexible Beam Undergoing Rotation and Impacts

The linear control of a parametrically excited impacting flexible link in rotational motion is considered. The equation of motion for such a system contains time-periodic coefficients. To suppress the vibrations resulting after impact with an external rigid body, a linear controller is designed via Lyapunov–Floquet transformation. In this approach, the equations of motion with time-periodic coefficients are transformed into a time-invariant form suitable for the application of standard time-invariant controller design techniques. The momentum balance method and an empirical coefficient of restitution is used to model the collision between the two bodies.
Postoperative Pain and Opioid Use After Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery-A Pilot, Prospective SMS-Based Survey.

Abstract Background New persistent opioid use has been identified following minor surgical procedures and may contribute to the national opioid epidemic. Prescription patterns vary and we have limited data on patient pain experiences in the outpatient setting. We devised a novel short messaging service survey to record pain scores and opioid use following outpatient thyroid or parathyroid surgery. Materials and methods Automated short messaging service was sent daily starting the evening of the operation until postoperative day (POD) 10. Pain was assessed on a 0-10 numeric pain rating scale and opioid use over the prior 24 h was queried. Results A total of 1264 survey questions were sent with overall response rate of 84.3%. Fifty-three of 58 patients had a response rate >50% and were included in the final analysis. Average pain score was highest on POD1 at 3.2. Overall, 42.5% of patients utilized opioids on POD0, 55.6% on POD1, and steadily decreased to 7% by POD10. Overall, 34% of patients did not utilize any opioids postoperatively. Scaled total pain scores were higher in patients with thyroid surgery (23.5 versus 12.1, P = 0.02) and lower in those who reported alcohol use (14.9 versus 31.6, P 60 (1.5 versus 3.6, P Conclusions We demonstrate a novel approach of obtaining patient reported daily, prospective pain scores. This may help us understand patient pain and opioid use in the acute postoperative period especially following outpatient surgery.
Weak specification and Baire Space

Abstract In this paper we compute the topological entropy and we consider the question of ω-chaos for shift spaces over countable alphabets. We show that if a shift space has the weak specification property, then it has ω-chaos, and we show that if, in addition, it has a countably infinite alphabet, then it has infinite topological entropy.
CT-guided Core-Needle Biopsy of the Lung Is Safe and More Effective than Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies.

CT-guided core-needle biopsy of the lung in patients with hematologic malignancies is a safe and effective technique without an increase in the risk of biopsy-related bleeding complications and pne...
An Anesthetic Approach to Off Pump Complete Sternal-Sparing Implantation of a Fully Magnetically Levitated LVAD

Purpose Our experience has demonstrated benefits of off pump minimally invasive left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We describe the anesthetic management for this innovative technique addressing technique-specific issues such as arrhythmia management, hemostasis, right heart failure and postoperative pain control. Methods In this single-center case series, we analyzed data from five consecutive patients (one surgeon and one anesthesiologist) who underwent implantation of a fully magnetically levitated LVAD using complete sternal-sparing approach without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Anesthetic concerns were identified which would compromise the potential outcomes of this innovative technique. Results Five patients were implanted off pump via bilateral thoracotomies (80% male, median age 59 yrs). Three patients required preoperative impella placement and four required preoperative VA-ECMO. Minimally invasive cardiac surgery usually requires one lung ventilation to optimize exposure; however, 100% of these patients were managed with a single lumen endotracheal tube. Arrhythmia protocols included magnesium infusion, amiodarone bolus/infusion and potassium administration; successfully eliminating the occurrence of any fatal arrhythmias or defibrillation during placement of the inflow ring. Rapid ventricular pacing and steep Trendelenburg position during coring of the left ventricular apex minimized blood loss. Right ventricular failure was successfully averted in all patients using vasoactive agents, phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitors, aerosolized synthetic prostacyclin agonists and adherence to strict hemodynamic parameters post LVAD insertion. Use of peripheral nerve blocks (left serratus anterior plane block and right subpectoral interfascial plane block) decreased postoperative pain, minimized opioid use and allowed for faster extubation (median 20.75 hrs) and discharge from intensive care unit (median 6 days). 100% of these patients survived to discharge. Conclusion We have developed a comprehensive protocol to address multiple anesthetic concerns involved with the challenging off pump complete sternal-sparing technique LVAD implantation, achieving 100% survival to discharge in this initial cohort. Further studies are needed to corroborate this single-center experience.
Chapter 67 – Pituitary Carcinoma

Publisher Summary The causes of pituitary carcinoma are unknown. It occurs with equal frequency in the sexes as well as in the various regions of the country, including Los Angeles County. It affects all races, and incidence has been constant over time. There is no consistent relationship between risk and social class. No census tracts fulfilled the high-risk criteria and no systematic pattern of occurrence is apparent, and therefore no local source of causation is proposed.
Horizontally structured microbial fuel cells in yarns and woven fabrics for wearable bioenergy harvesting

Abstract Integration of advanced microbial fuel cell technology with conventional textile processes enables the emergence of wearable bioenergy harvesting techniques fueled by human sweat. However, without a standardized architecture for the fabrication of textile microbial fuel cells, large-scale energy harvesting from the human body with smart textiles remains elusive. In this work, a revolutionary device structure for wearable microbial fuel cells is easily built up on 1-D yarns and on 2-D and 3-D woven fabrics. The microbial fuel cell is horizontally structured on an intrinsic non-conductive yarn where the anodic and the cathodic components are formed between the pristine regions of the yarn as an ion exchange channel. The horizontally structured device in the 1-D yarn is easily scaled up to produce more power by connecting multiple yarn devices in series and parallel. The concept of the horizontally structured microbial fuel cell is extended to 2-D and 3-D wearable textiles by weaving functional yarns. The 1-D yarn device inoculated with Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 produced a maximum power of 452 μA/cm3 and a current density of 47.2 μW/cm3, which are greater than other flexible microbial fuel cells. The 2-D/3-D fabric-based devices improved the output performance enough to power an electrical calculator.
Telemedicine in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Increasing Access to Surgical Care

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought seismic shifts in healthcare delivery. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of telemedicine in the disadvantaged population. Methods All consecutive patients with outpatient appointments amongst 5 providers in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department between March 2, 2020, and April 10, 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. Appointment and patient characteristics collected include visit modality, reason for visit, new or established patient, history of recorded procedure, age, sex, race, insurance provider, urban/rural designation of residence, Social Vulnerability Index, and income. The primary outcome of interest was whether or not a patient missed their appointment (show versus no-show). Results During the study period, there were a total of 784 patient appointments. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with a higher Social Vulnerability Index were more likely to have a no-show appointment (0.49 versus 0.39, P = 0.007). Multivariate regression modeling showed that every 0.1 increase in Social Vulnerability Index results in 1.32 greater odds of loss to follow-up (P = 0.045). These associations no longer held true after the lockdown. Conclusions This study indicates a reduction in disparity and an increase in access following the dramatically increased use of telemedicine in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although drawbacks to telemedicine exist and remain to be addressed, the vast majority of literature points to an overwhelming benefit-both for patient experience and outcomes-of utilizing telemedicine. Future studies should focus on improving access, reducing technological barriers, and policy reform to improve the spread of telemedicine.
High intensity VNS disrupts VNS-mediated plasticity in motor cortex.

Abstract Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with motor rehabilitation enhances recovery of function after neurological injury in rats and humans. This effect is ascribed to VNS-dependent facilitation of plasticity in motor networks. Previous studies document an inverted-U relationship between VNS intensity and cortical plasticity, such that moderate intensities increase plasticity, while low or high intensity VNS does not. We tested the interaction of moderate and high intensity VNS trains to probe the mechanisms that may underlie VNS-dependent plasticity. Rats performed a behavioral task where VNS was paired with jaw movement during chewing. For five days, subjects received 100 pairings of moderate intensity VNS (Standard VNS), 100 pairings alternating between moderate and high intensity VNS (Interleaved VNS), or 50 pairings of moderate intensity VNS (Short VNS) approximately every 8 s. After the final behavioral session, intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) was used to evaluate movement representations in motor cortex. 100 pairings of moderate intensity VNS enhanced motor cortex plasticity. Replacing half of moderate intensity stimulation with high intensity VNS blocked this enhancement of plasticity. Removing high intensity stimulation, leaving only 50 pairings of moderate intensity VNS, reinstated plasticity. These results demonstrate that there is a period for at least 8 s after high intensity stimulation in which moderate intensity VNS is not able to engage mechanisms required for synaptic reorganization. More importantly, this study demonstrates that changes in stimulation parameters are a critical determinant of the magnitude of plasticity and likely the efficacy of VNS-enhanced recovery.
Prophylactic Rules and State Constitutionalism

When the post-Warren Supreme Court began trimming back individual rights, some state courts responded by interpreting analogous or cognate state constitutional provisions to find broader protections, prompting a vigorous debate concerning the legitimacy and interpretive methodology of such state constitutionalism. How can two constitutional provisions, sharing the same language and history, mean different things? This Article looks at that question in the context of so-called prophylactic rules - those specific constitutional rules meant to guide the implementation of broader federal constitutional principles. Miranda’s warning-and-waiver construct is probably the best known prophylactic rule, but such rules abound, particularly in criminal procedure. This Article argues that even if states ought to defer to the Supreme Court concerning the meaning of cognate constitutional provisions, such deference is not required in considering the reach of prophylactic rules. Such rules, while constitutional in status, are not vessels of constitutional meaning. Rather, they are a pragmatic means to implement more open-ended constitutional norms and thus, by design, are adjustable where necessary to improve their fitness for that task. The Supreme Court makes such adjustments, and there is no reason why states should not also be able to do so where local conditions suggest the need for a more protective rule. A state’s expansion of a prophylactic rule leaves untouched the meaning of the underlying federal principle, along with the Supreme Court’s prerogative to decide what that meaning is. This Article analyzes such rule expansions under Massachusetts law to develop this point concretely. ﻿But recognizing the latitude of states to expand federal prophylactic rules unilaterally does not necessarily mean that it should be the courts that work this expansion. Again using Massachusetts as the example, this Article argues that, depending upon the conceptual linkage of the rule to its underlying principle, the designed impact of the rule, and the relative judicial vice legislative competence and legitimacy to make the cost-benefit judgments on which rule expansion often rests, the expansion of some prophylactic rules ought to be the province of the state legislature and not the courts. When it is unclear who should decide, this Article argues that a state court should not freeze a rule expansion in constitutional principle, but rather should found its decision in state common law, thus leaving open further reconsideration of the rule’s reach.
Pathogens Spillover from Honey Bees to Other Arthropods

Honey bees, and pollinators in general, play a major role in the health of ecosystems. There is a consensus about the steady decrease in pollinator populations, which raises global ecological concern. Several drivers are implicated in this threat. Among them, honey bee pathogens are transmitted to other arthropods populations, including wild and managed pollinators. The western honey bee, Apis mellifera, is quasi-globally spread. This successful species acted as and, in some cases, became a maintenance host for pathogens. This systematic review collects and summarizes spillover cases having in common Apis mellifera as the mainteinance host and some of its pathogens. The reports are grouped by final host species and condition, year, and geographic area of detection and the co-occurrence in the same host. A total of eighty-one articles in the time frame 1960–2021 were included. The reported spillover cases cover a wide range of hymenopteran host species, generally living in close contact with or sharing the same environmental resources as the honey bees. They also involve non-hymenopteran arthropods, like spiders and roaches, which are either likely or unlikely to live in close proximity to honey bees. Specific studies should consider host-dependent pathogen modifications and effects on involved host species. Both the plasticity of bee pathogens and the ecological consequences of spillover suggest a holistic approach to bee health and the implementation of a One Health approach.
Collecting Social Media Information in a Substance Use Intervention Trial With Adolescent Girls With Lifetime Substance Use History: Observational Study.

Background: Adolescents with juvenile legal system contact face numerous barriers to participation in behavioral health intervention research, including housing disruption, legal privacy concerns, and systems mistrust. Technology, such as social media, may be a novel and developmentally appropriate adolescent research study engagement and retention tool. Objective: We examined data on social media information collected for study retention purposes from adolescents participating in a substance use intervention trial. Methods: Data were collected as part of a randomized controlled trial determining efficacy of a group-based substance use intervention for girls and young women (12-24 years) with substance use histories referred from legal and school systems in the United States. Baseline demographic and social media information was analyzed from the subset of 114 adolescent girls (mean age 15.7 years; range 13-18 years), of whom 31.6% (36/114) were legally involved, 87.7% (100/114) belonged to minoritized racial/ethnic groups, and 32.5% (37/114) received public assistance. Results: Most girls (74/114, 64.9%) provided at least one social media account (Instagram, 95% [70/74]; Facebook, 27% [20/74]; and Twitter, 11% [8/74]) during study enrollment. Legally involved girls were significantly less likely to provide social media information than school-referred girls (44% [16/36] versus 74% [58/78]; χ21 [N=114]=9.68, P=.002). Conclusions: Obtaining social media information for study retention purposes from adolescent girls with lifetime substance use appears possible; however, particular subgroups (ie, legally involved girls) may be less likely to provide accounts. Factors shaping legally involved girls’ willingness to provide social media information, including mistrust and privacy concerns, and the impact of researcher’s access to social media information on study retention are critical directions for future research. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02293057; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02293057
Retrospective analysis of characteristics associated with higher-value radiotherapy episodes of care for bone metastases in Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries.

Objectives The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' newly enacted Radiation Oncology Model ('RO Model') was designed to test the cost-saving potential of prospective episode-based payments for radiation treatment for 17 cancer diagnoses by encouraging high-value care and more efficient care delivery. For bone metastases, evidence supports the use of higher-value, shorter courses of radiation (≤10 fractions). Our goal was to determine the prevalence of short radiation courses (≤10 fractions) for bone metastases and the setting, treatment and patient characteristics associated with such courses and their expenditures. Design Using the RO Model episode file, we evaluated receipt of ≤10 fractions of radiotherapy for bone metastases and expenditures by treatment setting for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries during calendar years 2015-2017.Using unadjusted and adjusted regression models, we determined predictors of receipt of ≤10 fractions and expenditures. Multivariable models adjusted for treatment and patient characteristics. Results There were 48 810 episodes for bone metastases during the period. A majority of episodes for ≤10 fractions occurred in hospital-outpatient settings (62.8% (N=22 715)). After adjusting for treatment and patient factors, hospital-outpatient treatment setting remained a significant predictor of receiving ≤10 fractions (adjusted OR 2.03 (95% CI 1.95, 2.12; p 10; p Conclusions A measurable performance gap exists for delivery of higher-value bone metastases radiotherapy under an episode-based model, associated with increased expenditures. The RO Model may succeed in improving the value of bone metastases radiation. Increasing the capacity of free-standing centres to implement palliative-focused services may improve the ability of these practices to succeed under the RO Model.
Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms in Male Intercollegiate Student-Athletes and Nonathletes

This study examined the athletic status differences in reported depressive symptoms between male intercollegiate team sport athletes (n= 66) and male nonathletes (n = 51) enrolled at one of two public universities in the Southeastern United States, while controlling for preferred (task-oriented and emotion-oriented) coping strategies. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that the athletes reported significantly fewer depressive symptoms than nonathletes while controlling for coping strategy selection (p< .05). In terms of the actual prevalence rates of depressive symptoms, 29.4% of the nonathletes met the criterion for possible depression compared with only 15.6% of the athletes. Overall, athletic participation in an intercollegiate team sport appears related to lower levels of depression. The potentially distress-buffering aspects of athletic involvement and implications for future research are discussed.
Chemical Equilibrium and Particle Production in Nucleus-Nucleus Collisions at AGS Energy

One of the main goals of the ultra-relativistic heavy-ion program at the BNL AGS and CERN SPS is to study and diagnose highly excited and dense nuclear matter and possibly identify the transition from hadronic matter to deconfined quark-matter with restored chiral symmetry. From the currently running, still comparatively low energy experiments, there is increasing evidence for the creation of matter, perhaps quark-matter, at very high baryon density and moderate temperature (T < 0.2 GeV). How to separate such new states of matter from a hot hadron gas scenario remains, however, one of the difficulties in the field.
Case of Concurrent MTC and PTC in a Patient with a Germline RET Mutation

Dear Editor, It is well known that medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) have different histogeneses, the former being of neuroectodermal and the latter of endodermal origin. The simultaneous occurrence of these two tumors is a rare phenomenon, observed either as a mixed tumor (dual differentiation) or as a concurrent/collision tumor (spatially different tumors with well-defined components) [1]. We describe a case of concurrent MTC and PTC in a patient with a RET proto-oncogene germline mutation. A 63-year-old male, with type 2 DM, stage III chronic kidney disease (CKD), and hypertension, without prior history of head and neck radiation or family history of endocrine disease, was evaluated for an asymptomatic goiter. Thyroid ultrasound revealed a 0.6× 0.9×1.2 cm solid hypoechoic nodule with microcalcification in the right superior thyroid lobe. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was suspicious for medullary neoplasm. Calcitonin was high (175 pg/ml) and carcinoembryogenic antigen (CEA) was normal (3.3 ng/ml). Urine catecholamines and metanephrines were normal. He underwent total thyroidectomy and central lymph node dissection. There was a 0.5×0.7×1.5 cm MTC in the right lobe with capsular invasion without extra-thyroidal extension or perineural invasion. 1/5 level VI lymph nodes was positive for metastatic disease. The tumor cells were positive for calcitonin, CEA, and thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and negative for thyroglobulin. C-cell hyperplasia was present (Fig. 1). A spatially distinct 0.4-cm second tumor was identified in the right lobe, focally invading the perithyroid fibroadipose tissue suggestive of extrathyroidal extension. The tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin-19 (CK19) and galectin and negative for calcitonin, consistent with micro-PTC (Fig. 2). Baseline and stimulated thyroglobulin were undetectable. Whole body scan showed two small foci of faint activity in the thyroid bed. RET proto-oncogene germline genetic testing was positive for Y791F (Tyr791Phe) in exon 13. This mutation is associated with low penetrance and less aggressive MTC. Somatic BRAF was not identified in either PTC or MTC tumors (Fig. 3a, b). The PTC tissue was negative for RET/PTC1 and RET/PTC3 rearrangements. CT scan of the chest, neck, and abdomen revealed multiple normal appearing cervical and mediastinal lymph nodes. A left adrenal adenoma measuring 1.9 cm was noted. Salivary cortisol, plasma aldosterone, and plasma renin activity were normal which suggested a non-functioning adrenal adenoma. Secondary hyperparathyroidism was attributed to vitamin D deficiency and CKD and was treated with vitamin D and calcium. Stage III MTC (pT1bN1aM0) and an * Robert J. Anderson Robert.Anderson4@va.gov
Abstract 1176: The effect of resveratrol combined with dichloroacetate (DCA) on breast cancer cell lines and MCF-10a noncancerous cells

Resveratrol, (3,5,49-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), was first reported to act as a chemo-preventative anticancer compound in mice by Jang et al. in 1997 and has been shown to induce apoptosis and reduce both cell viability and mitotic index in many cancer cell lines. Earlier work in our lab found that it affects glucose utilization by decreasing glucose uptake by MCF-7 cells. The present study examined combinations of resveratrol with DCA, a compound that affects mitochondrial metabolism (reversing the Warburg Effect). A goal of this study was to determine if DCA might sensitize cancer cells to other chemotherapeutic compounds that affect glucose metabolism, such as resveratrol. Glucose uptake and lactate production by treated cells were measured, and Western blots were used to estimate levels of several proteins, including cleaved PARP and p21. Both resveratrol and DCA were found to reduce cell viability of treated breast cancer cell lines. Resveratrol, but not DCA, was found to induce caspase-3,7, a measure of apoptosis. This suggests that resveratrol and DCA may affect viability via different mechanisms. More importantly, a synergistic effect of these compounds on cell viability was observed, where DCA was found to enhance the anti-proliferative effect of resveratrol. Citation Format: Sarah Piepenbrink, Dan Sisler, Russ Feirer. The effect of resveratrol combined with dichloroacetate (DCA) on breast cancer cell lines and MCF-10a noncancerous cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1176. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1176
Filtering and Estimation, Nonlinear

The sections in this article are 1 Nonlinear Filtering Problem Formulation and Main Results 2 Some Recent Areas of Nonlinear Filtering
From Mini Development-Machine to Being Human: Research as Social Exchange

This research note is part of the thematic section, Practical Realities of Giving Back, in the special issue titled “Giving Back in Field Research,” published as Volume 10, Issue 2 in the Journal of Research Practice.