cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
No way to turn: Traps encountered by many battered women with negative child custody experiences

ABSTRACTWomen leaving violent relationships face many challenges and risks. A survivor with children may encounter even greater barriers in protecting herself and her children from an ex-partner. These barriers are especially insidious because they take the form of “no-win” situations or “traps.” If she stays she may be accused of “failing to protect” her children from violence and then faces more violence, yet leaving means facing the risk of stalking, harassment and more abuse. Reporting threats or violence to authorities or being reluctant to co-parent means she goes against the “friendly parent” standard used to award custody. She also risks being accused of making false allegations of abuse or being labeled as an “alienator,” causing “parental alienation syndrome” in her child. We illustrate such traps with survivors’ own words among those who experience very negative custody or visitation outcomes. Implications are made for professional practice and policy reform.
An ecological path model of use of violence among African American adolescents

ABSTRACTThis cross-sectional study used an ecological framework to understand the risk and protective factors associated with use of violence among African American adolescents ages 12–17 years (N = 2,328). Using data from the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the authors study identified different direct paths in predicting use of violence among African American adolescents. The authors then computed a multigroup analysis to determine whether significant gender differences exist in use of violence. Path analysis results suggest micro, meso, and macro factors significantly predicted violence use. The strongest predictor of use of violence among African American youth was parental conflicts. The multigroup analysis suggests that the pathways to use of violence significantly differ between African American boys and girls. Among African American boys, the strongest predictor of increased use of violence was parental conflicts; among African American girls, it was negative peer influence. Findings ...
Programming competition problems as a basis for an algorithms and data structures course

This paper describes an algorithms and data structures course that uses ACM programming competition problems as the basis for the lectures, homework and exams. The course, designed and developed as part of a Fulbright Award, was delivered to students at The University of Leipzig in Leipzig, Germany during Winter Semester 2006/2007. The course is described, assessed and evaluated for future usage.
Double Umbilical Cord Blood Transplant Patients Have a Higher Risk of HHV-6 Infection.

Abstract By age 2 years, 90% of children will have had primary infection with human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), which then becomes latent. HHV-6 can subsequently reactivate and cause disease in an immunosuppressed person. To investigate the effect of high-dose acyclovir as a prophylaxis against HHV-6 infection and to investigate the risk factors for having a positive HHV-6 quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, we identified a cohort of hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) patients who had clinical indications for obtaining a HHV-6 PCR assay from 2003–2005 and evaluated their prospectively collected data. A total of 442 patients, including children and adults, obtained a hematopoietic cell transplantation from 2003–2005. Of this cohort, 137 were tested for HHV-6 with a PCR assay (median age 19 years; range 0.3–68 years). A positive HHV-6 PCR assay was found in 38 of the patients. The cell source included single (n=26) or double umbilical cord blood (UCBT, n=67), bone marrow (BM, n=25) and peripheral blood (PB, n=19). The median age was not significantly different for patients who tested positive compared to those patients who tested negative for HHV-6. About 50% of the patients received high-dose acyclovir. There was no significant difference in the cumulative incidence of a positive HHV-6 PCR assay by post-transplant day 100 in patients who received high-dose acyclovir (1500mg/m2/day) compared to those who did not receive high-dose acyclovir (p=0.8). Double umbilical cord blood transplant patients had 6 times higher risk of a positive HHV-6 PCR assay compared to BM or PB transplant patients, after adjusting for the transplant conditioning regimen (Hazard ratio=6.2, 95%CI 1.79–21.35, p=0.004). Compared to single UCBT patients, double UCBT patients still had 2 times higher risk of a positive HHV-6 PCR assay (95%CI 1.1– 7.4, p=0.03). For double UCBT, a significantly higher rate of positive HHV-6 PCR assay was found for those patients who received a myeloablative conditioning regimen compared to a non-myeloablative regimen (p=0.01). The use of Fludarabine was not significantly different between myeloablative and non-myeloablative conditioning regimens in those patients who received a double UCBT. In summary, we did not find statistical evidence that high-dose acyclovir was an effective prophylaxis against HHV-6 infection, though the analysis may be hampered by low power. We did find that double umbilical cord blood transplant patients are at high risk of having a positive HHV-6 PCR assay compared to BM, PB and single UCBT patients. The underlying reason for this increased risk is unclear and further investigation will be clinically valuable.
Rewiring the spinal cord: Direct and indirect strategies

Spinal cord injury is currently incurable. Treatment is limited to minimizing secondary complications and maximizing residual function by rehabilitation. Neurologic recovery is prevented by the poor intrinsic regenerative capacity of neurons in the adult central nervous system and by the presence of growth inhibitors in the adult brain and spinal cord. Here we identify three approaches to rewire the spinal cord after injury: axonal regeneration (direct endogenous reconnection), axonal sprouting (indirect endogenous reconnection) and neural stem cell transplantation (indirect exogenous reconnection). Regeneration and sprouting of axonal fibers can be both enhanced through the neutralization of myelin- and extracellular matrix-associated inhibitors described in the first part of this review. Alternatively, in the second part we focus on the formation of a novel circuit through the grafting of neural stem cells in the lesion site. Transplanted neural stem cells differentiate in vivo into neurons and glial cells which form an intermediate station between the rostral and caudal segment of the recipient spinal cord. In particular, here we describe how neural stem cells-derived neurons are endowed with the ability to extend long-distance axons to regain the transmission of motor and sensory information.
Green sloths and brown cows: the role of dominant mammalian herbivores in carbon emissions for tropical agro‐ecosystems

When Neotropical forests are cleared, there is a rapid switch in the dominant herbivore from wild sloths (suborder Folivora) to domestic cows Bos taurus. We quantified carbon dynamics for these mammals and the ecosystems they inhabit. Because of their low metabolic rates and photosynthetically-active algae, sloths emit trivial amounts of carbon (12 g C/sloth*day) compared to cows (2.3 kg C/cow*day). In parallel, forests are carbon sinks (−242 g C/m2*year) and pastures sources (261 g C/m2*year); cows contribute >50% of the net emissions from pastures. For a small farm in Costa Rica, this turnover in herbivores translates into ~166 metric tonnes of additional C emitted annually.
Redox non-innocence permits catalytic nitrene carbonylation by (dadi)TiNAd (Ad = adamantyl)

Application of the diamide, diimine {–CHN(1,2-C6H4)N(2,6-iPr2-C6H3)}2m ((dadi)m) ligand to titanium provided adducts (dadi)TiLx (1-Lx; Lx = THF, PMe2Ph, (CNMe)2), which possess the redox formulation [(dadi)4−]Ti(IV)Lx, and 22 πe− (4n + 2). Related complexes containing titanium-ligand multiple bonds, (dadi)TiX (2X; X = O, NAd), exhibit a different dadi redox state, [(dadi)2−]Ti(IV)X, consistent with 20 πe− (4n). The Redox Non-Innocence (RNI) displayed by dadim impedes binding by CO, and permits catalytic conversion of AdN3 + CO to AdNCO + N2. Kinetics measurements support carbonylation of 2NAd as the rate determining step. Structural and computational evidence for the observed RNI is provided.
Identification of Boiler Models and its Fuzzy Logic Control Strategy

Abstract This paper presents the new development of the steam generation control system on drum boiler using fuzzy control strategy. Dynamic experiment on boiler has been made and boiler combustion system model has been expressed in linguistic form. GPE(Gaussian partition with evenly spaced midpoints) systems is used to control the steam boiler system. The fuzzy logic controller has been tested in the real plant and results obtained are shown.
A transmitter architecture for wireless medical devices in the MICS band

This paper introduces a 401–457 MHz BFSK transmitter (TX) architecture that utilizes mixing and image rejection techniques to generate the two carrier frequencies for BFSK transmission. The proposed architecture enables low power consumption for a wide range of data rates by avoiding fast settling time requirements for the frequency-locked loop. Simulations indicate that the TX designed in 130nm CMOS technology can achieve data rates up to 10 Mbps with a power consumption of 140 μW or lower from a 0.6 V supply. Its estimated energy efficiency is 14 pJ/b while delivering −19.7 dBm of output power.
Radioligand Therapy of Prostate Cancer with a Long-Lasting Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Targeting Agent 90Y-DOTA-EB-MCG

Several radioligands targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) have been clinically introduced as a new class of radiotheranostics for the treatment of prostate cancer. Among them, (((R)-1-carboxy-2-mcercaptoethyl)carbamoyl)-l-glutamic acid (MCG) has been successfully labeled with radioisotopes for prostate cancer imaging. The aim of this study is to conjugate MCG with an albumin binding moiety to further improve the in vivo pharmacokinetics. MCG was conjugated with an Evans blue (EB) derivative for albumin binding and a DOTA chelator. PSMA positive (PC3-PIP) and PSMA negative (PC3) cells were used for both in vitro and in vivo studies. Longitudinal PET imaging was performed at 1, 4, 24, and 48 h post-injection to evaluate the biodistribution and tumor uptake of 86Y-DOTA-EB-MCG. DOTA-EB-MCG was also labeled with 90Y for radionuclide therapy. Besides tumor growth measurement, tumor response to escalating therapeutic doses were also evaluated by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence microscopy. Ba...
The promise of proximity: The politics of knowledge and learning in South–South cooperation between water operators:

This paper seeks to illuminate the multiple ways in which South–South collaboration may reorganize knowledge production and learning processes across scales and beyond the unilateral transfer of ex...
NATURAL SIPHON SOLAR WATER HEATER WITH V-CORRUGATED TRANSPARENT FILM

ABSTRACT A V-corrugated transparent film has an effective transmittance and high anti-convection effect. This paper presents the results of a simulation comparing the heat gain for a natural siphon solar water heater, using four combinations of materials. The ratio of heat gain to cost increase was also studied for the combinations in which V-corrugated transparent film is used. Comparison reveals that the heat gain increase rate is higher than the cost increase rate when using V-corrugated transparent film.
Mining Image Content by Aligning Entropies with an Exemplar

To efficiently answer queries on image databases at run time, content must be mined from the images offline. We describe a technique for locating objects in the library for which we have an exemplar to compare against. We match the images against the exemplar by comparing the local entropies in the images at corresponding positions. This representation is invariant to many imaging phenomena that can cause appearance-based techniques to fail. It can succeed even when the images are captured with different sensors (e.g., CCD vs. FLIR). We employ a search strategy that combines sampling in the space of exemplar positions, the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) for efficiently evaluating object translations, and iterative optimization for pose refinement. Experiments indicate that the sampling can be somewhat coarse. The techniques are applied to matching exemplars with real images. We describe strategies for scaling this approach to multimedia databases and conclude with a discussion of future work that would be beneficial for mining content from images and video data.
The effects of formulation additives on the degradation of freeze-dried ribonuclease A.

The stability of a freeze-dried model protein, ribonuclease A (RNase), was investigated under accelerated storage conditions at 45°C for time periods up to 60 days. Because RNase is a fairly stable molecule around pH 7, lyophilization was performed in phosphate buffers at pH 4.0 or 10.0 to accelerate degradation kinetics. Degradation was studied by measuring enzymatic activity, the concentrations of soluble monomeric RNase, soluble aggregated (polymerized) RNase, and insoluble aggregated RNase following reconstitution of the lyophilized material at different times. The presence of air in the vial headspace accelerated degradation in the solid state in all cases. When argon or nitrogen was employed in the headspace, degradation kinetics were reduced, implying that molecular oxygen was involved in the degradation process. This interpretation was supported by the observation that 0.05% (w/v) EDTA in the formulation prior to freeze-drying retarded RNase degradation dramatically. EDTA was believed to chelate cations which may have been introduced with the buffer salts in trace quantities sufficient to catalyze autoxidation reactions. Incorporation of antioxidants ascorbic acid (at pH 4.0) and POBN (a spin trap which could have functioned as an antioxidant at pH 10.0) accelerated the degradation of RNase and appeared, in both cases, to be involved in interactions with the protein molecules. Additionally, in the presence of the antioxidants RNase degradation appeared to be accelerated by light. Although there is strong support for the oxidative hypothesis, the possibility of other competing reactions cannot be discounted. These investigations demonstrate the importance of challenging the extrapolation of some of our well-established ideas concerning small molecule solution kinetics to macromolecules in the solid state.
Structure of the Escherichia Coli ATP Synthase from Electron Microscopy Studies

ATP synthesis in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes is carried out by a large membrane-bound complex made up of two functionally and structurally distinct parts. The catalytic part, the F1, is extrinsic to the membrane bilayer, and is attached to the integral membrane assembly, the F0, which provides the proton channel (Senior and Wise, 1983; Walker et al., 1984; Amzel and Pedersen, 1983).
A Review of Recent Psychophysical Studies Examining the Possibility of Chemical Communication of Sex and Reproductive State in Humans

Numerous anthropological reports suggest a close relationship of odors to sexual processes in some human groups. For example, vegetable juices with smells reminiscent of seminal fluid or vaginal secretions have been used as aphrodisiacs in several primitive cultures (Haire, 1940). In a southwest Pacific society studied by Davenport (1965), a form of love magic is based upon the similarity of vaginal odors to those of fish. To attract fish, men of this community use a red ground cherry attached to the leader of a trolling line. After a fish has been caught in this manner, the cherry is believed to have the power to attract women. In some societies, animal secretions from species with marked physical stamina and long, violent heat periods are smeared ritually on sacred objects, as well as on the body. Such practices may form one basis for the widespread modern usage of animal products such as musk, civet and ambergris in perfumery.
Exosomes from normal and diabetic human corneolimbal keratocytes differentially regulate migration, proliferation and marker expression of limbal epithelial cells

Limbal epithelial stem cells (LESC) maintenance requires communication between stem cells and neighboring stromal keratocytes. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important for intercellular communication in various stem cell niches. We explored the regulatory roles of limbal stromal cell (LSC)-derived exosomes (Exos), an EV sub-population, in limbal epithelial cells (LEC) in normal and diabetic limbal niche and determined differences in Exo cargos from normal and diabetic LSC. Wound healing and proliferation rates in primary normal LEC were significantly enhanced upon treatment by normal Exos (N-Exos), but not by diabetic Exos (DM-Exos). Western analysis showed increased Akt phosphorylation in wounded LECs and organ-cultured corneas treated with N-Exos, compared to untreated wounded cells and DM-Exos treated fellow corneas, respectively. N-Exos treated organ-cultured corneas showed upregulation of putative LESC markers, keratin 15 (K15) and Frizzled-7, compared to the DM-Exos treated fellow corneas. By next generation sequencing, we identified differentially expressed small RNAs including microRNAs in DM-Exos vs. N-Exos. Overall, N-Exos have greater effect on LEC proliferation and wound healing than DM-Exos, likely by activating Akt signaling. The small RNA differences in Exos from diabetic vs. normal LSC could contribute to the disease state. Our study suggests that exosomes may serve as novel therapeutic tools for diabetic cornea.
Taking a Leap Off the Ivory Tower: Normalizing Unconventional Careers

I explain my own winding journey to shed light on how paths in mathematics can unfold. I share this personal story to remind us that you can start at any point and get to any other point, to share my own litmus test for when to move forward bravely and boldly, and to encourage each of us to keep searching for the space where we are productive.
Mechanically strong and electrically conductive multilayer MXene nanocomposites.

Polymer nanocomposites offer the opportunity to bridge properties of nanomaterials to the macroscale. In this work, layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is used to demonstrate nanocomposites of 2D titanium carbide nanosheets (MXene) and clay nanoplatelets (montmorillonite) to fabricate freestanding thin films with unique multifunctional properties. These thin films can be tuned by adjusting the thickness to exhibit a tensile strength of 138 MPa–225 MPa, EMI specific shielding effectiveness normalized to thickness and density up to 24 550 dB cm2 g−1, and sheet resistance from 855 Ω sq−1–3.27 kΩ sq−1 (corresponding to a range of conductivity from 53 S m−1 to 125 S m−1). This composite is the strongest MXene-based LbL film prepared to date, in part due to the nacre-like brick-and-mortar structure. Ultra-strong, multifunctional films of this nature are desirable for many applications ranging from membranes, to structural and multifunctional composites, energy harvesting and storage, and materials for aerospace.
LIBOR and EU Securitization Changes

Two major regulatory changes will significantly affect collateralized loan obligations (CLOs): the phasing out of support for LIBOR in 2021 and the European Union Securitization Regulations, which came into effect in January 2019. These changes will affect borrowers of capital, investment managers who securitize loans, investors in CLOs, and activity of trustees in this market. As markets prepare to transition away from LIBOR, the Fed’s Alternative Reference Rates Committee has established the Secured Overnight Funding Rate (SOFR) as its recommended benchmark interest rate. A collateral manager’s transition to using SOFR may require the assistance of a trustee to navigate the change. The EU Securitization Regulation imposes new standards of transparency, risk retention, and due diligence for issuers of and investors in securitizations. The new regulation will affect issuers of securitizations in any jurisdictions that market their products to investors in the EU. With a changing market, collateral managers and trustees should be prepared with language and systems in place to manage the transitions they may face. Ensuring that all parties are informed and prepared will abate market uncertainty and provide continuity. TOPICS:CLOs, CDOs, and other structured credit, legal and regulatory issues for structured finance, financial crises and financial market history Key Findings • As markets prepare for a transition away from using LIBOR as the benchmark interest rate, the Fed’s Alternative Reference Rates Committee has established the Secured Overnight Funding Rate as its recommended alternative. A collateral manager’s transition to using SOFR could be challenging and may require the cooperation of a trustee in navigating the change. • The EU Securitization Regulation, which came into effect in January 2019, imposes new standards of transparency, risk retention, and due diligence for issuers of and investors in securitizations. The new regulation will affect issuers of securitizations in any jurisdictions that market their products to investors in the EU. • With a changing market for CLOs, collateral managers and trustees should be prepared with language and systems in place to manage the transitions they may face proactively. Ensuring that all parties are informed and prepared will help to abate market uncertainty and provide continuity.
Ectopic expression of the Stabilin2 gene triggered by an intracisternal A particle (IAP) element in DBA/2J strain of mice.

Stabilin2 (Stab2) encodes a large transmembrane protein which is predominantly expressed in the liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and functions as a scavenger receptor for various macromolecules including hyaluronans (HA). In DBA/2J mice, plasma HA concentration is ten times higher than in 129S6 or C57BL/6J mice, and this phenotype is genetically linked to the Stab2 locus. Stab2 mRNA in the LSECs was significantly lower in DBA/2J than in 129S6, leading to reduced STAB2 proteins in the DBA/2J LSECs. We found a retrovirus-derived transposable element, intracisternal A particle (IAP), in the promoter region of Stab2DBA which likely interferes with normal expression in the LSECs. In contrast, in other tissues of DBA/2J mice, the IAP drives high ectopic Stab2DBA transcription starting within the 5′ long terminal repeat of IAP in a reverse orientation and continuing through the downstream Stab2DBA. Ectopic transcription requires the Stab2-IAP element but is dominantly suppressed by the presence of loci on 59.7–73.0 Mb of chromosome (Chr) 13 from C57BL/6J, while the same region in 129S6 requires additional loci for complete suppression. Chr13:59.9–73 Mb contains a large number of genes encoding Kruppel-associated box-domain zinc-finger proteins that target transposable elements-derived sequences and repress their expression. Despite the high amount of ectopic Stab2DBA transcript in tissues other than liver, STAB2 protein was undetectable and unlikely to contribute to the plasma HA levels of DBA/2J mice. Nevertheless, the IAP insertion and its effects on the transcription of the downstream Stab2DBA exemplify that stochastic evolutional events could significantly influence susceptibility to complex but common diseases.
Literacies of Refuge: “Pidiendo Posada” as Ritual of Justice:

This article explores how a secondary ethnic studies course leveraged immigrant families’ literacies rooted in the Mexican spiritual ritual of Las Posadas for in-school literacy instruction and to ...
Rash and Mucositis Associated With Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae: A Recurrence of MIRM?

Introduction A new concept has come to light recently, that is, Mycoplasma-induced rash and mucositis (MIRM). Here, we report the first case of recurrent rash, mucositis, and conjunctivitis involving Mycoplasma pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae that fits under the criteria of what is currently defined as MIRM. Case presentation A patient aged 12 years with a history of recurrent aphthous ulcers presented in 2013 with worsening oral lesions, conjunctivitis, and vesicular rash. Her respiratory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panel was positive for M. pneumoniae. She was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) secondary to M. pneumoniae and treated with a macrolide, acyclovir, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). The same patient returned 3 years later with an identical constellation of symptoms, at which time her PCR was positive for C. pneumoniae. In addition to IVIG and a macrolide, a corticosteroid treatment was administered. Discussion Here, we present the case of a pediatric patient with a recurrence of mucocutaneous disease that is more consistent with MIRM than the proposed SJS or erythema multiforme (EM) documented via histology. Our patient's symptoms were controlled with azithromycin and IVIG and, in the second episode, with corticosteroids as well. This case adds to that of Mayor-Ibarguren et al, providing further evidence that C. pneumonia may also be a trigger for MIRM. Patients will benefit from expanding the definition of MIRM, as the pathogenesis differs from SJS and EM and could result in more specific treatment options.
Semantic Resolution and Lock Resolution

There are many important refinements of resolution. Each refinement has its own merit. This chapter discusses three important refinements, namely, semantic resolution, lock resolution, and linear resolution. Semantic resolution unifies Robinson's hyper-resolution. Lock resolution is a very efficient rule. Semantic resolution, lock resolution, and linear resolution are complete, that is, each can be used alone to derive the empty clause □ from an unsatisfiable set of clauses. The chapter considers a subcase of linear resolution, namely, input resolution. The completeness of PI -resolution theorem is proven. It states that if P is an ordering of predicate symbols in a finite and unsatisfiable set S of clauses, and if I is an interpretation of S , then there is a PI -deduction of □ from S . The chapter presents introduce two special kinds of interpretations to be used in semantic resolution. One interpretation leads to hyperresolution and the other leads to the set-of-support strategy.
Twice-daily intravenous bolus tacrolimus infusion: A safe and effective regimen for graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis

Abstract Objective/Background Among patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant, continuous intravenous (IV) tacrolimus infusion is frequently used for graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis. Twice-daily intermittent IV tacrolimus dosing may confer safety and convenience benefits. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of 66 patients who received twice-daily IV bolus tacrolimus for GvHD prophylaxis. The primary end point of the study was safety, as measured by renal toxicity. The secondary end points included mean tacrolimus serum concentrations, incidence of grades II–IV acute GvHD, electrolyte abnormalities, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and neurologic toxicity. Results There was acceptable, possibly favorable, incidence of renal toxicity (42%) and no significant difference in grades II–IV GvHD (37%), compared with published data. Mean tacrolimus blood concentrations were not affected by occurrence of renal toxicity. Conclusion We conclude that administration of IV tacrolimus twice daily over 4 h may be safe and effective in preventing GvHD in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant.
2249-PUB: Clustering Analysis as a Tool to Define Endotypes in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

Due to heterogeneity in pediatric T1D, uniform treatment strategies are unlikely to benefit all patients equally. T1D endotypes, or subgroups with distinct characteristics amenable to particular interventions, are a potential solution, but defining endotypes remains a challenge. We used electronic medical records (EMR) to define clusters of distinct presentations of pediatric T1D in a diverse population with a high prevalence of obesity. We analyzed data collected through an EMR Population Health Diabetes Registry of 604 children newly diagnosed with T1D at a large academic hospital in southwestern USA. Using PROC Cluster (SAS 9.4), we applied the Centroid Clustering method to find the optimal number of clusters that minimized the sum of squared distance, then used SAS PROC Tree to identify subjects in each cluster. Variables used were age, DKA at diagnosis, weight, sex, race/ethnicity, c-peptide, hemoglobin A1c (A1c), thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO). Due to multiple testing, p-values Disclosure A.F. Siller: None. X. Gu: None. M. Tosur: None. M. Astudillo: None. A. Balasubramanyam: None. M. Bondy: None. M.J. Redondo: None. Funding Baylor College of Medicine
Fluorescein Angiography of Ocular Tumors

Fluorescein angiography, described first by the 1960 work of Novotny and Alvis, is now widely used for a variety of ocular conditions, including the differential diagnosis and management of ocular tumors. The details of the method are well described (Wessing 1969; Schatz et al. 1978). Briefly, fluorescein seen under blue light (wavelength 490 nm) returns a yellow-green light (wavelength 514 nm) to the viewer. After filtering out the blue exciting light, the returning green light can be captured to provide exquisite details. This detail is enhanced by recording the event on high resolution black and white film.
Chief to Chief: Reflections on Cultivating the Next Generation of Geriatrics Program Leaders

What does it take to successfully lead a Division of Geriatrics? Is it the same skill set today as it was two or three decades ago? Is it the same for each chief, given the wide spectrum of geriatrics programs across our nation? Early leaders in our field showcased and role-modeled the career and job satisfaction that accompanies leadership of traditional geriatrics academic programs. This has been well articulated in past issues of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society in articles by Dr William Hazzard and Dr Greg Sachs. How can we develop the next generation of geriatrics program leaders and ensure their success? Developed as a conversation between three generations of geriatrics division chiefs, this reflective article offers a shared perspective on what is required for success in advancing as a leader in our field and wholeheartedly enjoying the best job in the world.
Fractional quantum Hall physics and higher-order momentum correlations in a few spinful fermionic contact-interacting ultracold atoms in rotating traps

The fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) is theoretically investigated, with numerical and algebraic approaches, in assemblies of a few spinful ultracold neutral fermionic atoms, interacting via repulsive contact potentials and confined in a single rapidly rotating two-dimensional harmonic trap. Going beyond the commonly used second-order correlations in the real configuration space, the methodology in this paper will assist the analysis of experimental observations by providing benchmark results for $N$-body spin-unresolved, as well as spin-resolved, momentum correlations measurable in time-of-flight experiments with individual particle detection. Our analysis shows that the few-body lowest-Landau-level (LLL) states with good magic angular momenta exhibit inherent ordered quantum structures in the $N$-body correlations, similar to those associated with rotating Wigner molecules (WMs), familiar from the field of semiconductor quantum dots under high magnetic fields. The application of a small perturbing stirring potential induces, at the ensuing avoided crossings, formation of symmetry-broken states exhibiting ordered polygonal-ring structures, explicitly manifest in the single-particle density profile of the trapped particles. Away from the crossings, an LLL state obtained from exact diagonalization of the microscopic Hamiltonian, found to be well described by a (1,1,1) Halperin two-component variational wave function, represents also a spinful rotating WM. Analysis of the calculated LLL wave function enables a two-dimensional generalization of the Girardeau one-dimensional ``fermionization'' scheme, originally invoked for mapping of bosonic-type wave functions to those of spinless fermions.
Teachers' Use of Video Reflections to Reinforce Computer Science Language and Concepts

This paper examines teachers' use of Flipgrid, a student-facing video platform, as a reflection tool to promote computer science language in upper elementary classrooms. We take a case-study approach with three fourth grade teachers: one had a high number of students with special needs, one had substantially more gifted and talented students, and one taught a dual immersion English-Spanish class. Data sources include teacher interviews, design meetings between researchers and teachers, and classroom observations. We find that teachers with different pedagogical visions adopted the tools for reinforcement, student engagement, and formative assessment. We document teachers' iterative improvement strategies and shifts in teacher noticing, particularly the objects (i.e., computer science vocabulary and concepts), level (i.e., whole-class versus individual students), and depth of how they noticed students learning through video reflections. This study contributes to the ongoing work that examines instructional approaches to promoting computing education in diverse K-12 classrooms, especially among teachers with no formal training in computer science education.
Unravelling the genesis of young continental-arc shoshonites in the Talamanca Cordillera, Costa Rica

Abstract Six to five Myr. old continental-arc shoshonites and other high-K igneous rocks crop out among the summits of the Talamanca Cordillera, Central America. These rocks fill a previously assumed volcanic gap in eastern Costa Rica, showing that the Late Miocene-Pliocene magmatic arc was almost continuous along the current Talamanca Cordillera. Their trace element compositions (e.g., Sr ~ 1700 ppm at Rb ~ 120 ppm concentrations) together with fractional crystallization modeling, and isotopic signatures suggest a genesis related to subduction processes rather than lower crustal melting. Here we present a comprehensive geochemical study that integrates Monte Carlo simulations of trace element geochemistry and isotopic evidence in order to explain the origin of these highly enriched igneous rocks. The trace element budget of the Talamanca arc rocks requires the input of an incompatible element-enriched component, similar in composition to the Cocos Island Province (Pacific Ocean). We interpret the presence of this component to be the result of slab melting of subducted seamounts. Our model suggests that in southern Central America, contribution of OIB-related seamounts is a critical step for the generation of continental crust-like rock compositions.
Acute associations between heatwaves and preterm and early-term birth in 50 US metropolitan areas: a matched case-control study.

The effect of heatwaves on adverse birth outcomes is not well understood and may vary by how heatwaves are defined. The study aims to examine acute associations between various heatwave definitions and preterm and early-term birth. Using national vital records from 50 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) between 1982 and 1988, singleton preterm (< 37 weeks) and early-term births (37–38 weeks) were matched (1:1) to controls who completed at least 37 weeks or 39 weeks of gestation, respectively. Matching variables were MSA, maternal race, and maternal education. Sixty heatwave definitions including binary indicators for exposure to sustained heat, number of high heat days, and measures of heat intensity (the average degrees over the threshold in the past 7 days) based on the 97.5th percentile of MSA-specific temperature metrics, or the 85th percentile of positive excessive heat factor (EHF) were created. Odds ratios (OR) for heatwave exposures in the week preceding birth (or corresponding gestational week for controls) were estimated using conditional logistic regression adjusting for maternal age, marital status, and seasonality. Effect modification by maternal education, age, race/ethnicity, child sex, and region was assessed. There were 615,329 preterm and 1,005,576 early-term case-control pairs in the analyses. For most definitions, exposure to heatwaves in the week before delivery was consistently associated with increased odds of early-term birth. Exposure to more high heat days and more degrees above the threshold yielded higher magnitude ORs. For exposure to 3 or more days over the 97.5th percentile of mean temperature in the past week compared to zero days, the OR was 1.027 for early-term birth (95%CI: 1.014, 1.039). Although we generally found null associations when assessing various heatwave definitions and preterm birth, ORs for both preterm and early-term birth were greater in magnitude among Hispanic and non-Hispanic black mothers. Although associations varied across metrics and heatwave definitions, heatwaves were more consistently associated with early-term birth than with preterm birth. This study’s findings may have implications for prevention programs targeting vulnerable subgroups as climate change progresses.
Advancing research in pregnancy during COVID-19: Missed opportunities and momentum in the US

Pregnant people’s exclusion from COVID-19 vaccine research highlights both the harms of excluding pregnant people from clinical trials and the growing public support for their equitable inclusion. Protectionary tendencies must be challenged for the sake of progress. The COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity to translate recognition of an unjust paradigm into action.
Contact mechanics of inflated circular membrane under large deformation: Analytical solutions

Abstract Pressurization of thin elastomeric membranes has been exploited as a key actuation mechanism in soft robotics, leading to soft pneumatic actuators that can deform reversibly upon inflation and deflation. The contact mechanics of an inflated membrane with another object underlies several important functionalities of soft pneumatic actuators such as gripping, haptic feedback and locomotion. Motivated by the technological relevance, we study the contact between an inflated circular membrane consisting of incompressible neo-Hookean solid and a substrate that is: i) flat and rigid, ii) spherically curved and rigid, iii) flat and elastic, or iv) spherically curved and elastic. By assuming that the contact interface is adhesionless and frictionless and that the membrane is subjected to very large stretch ratios, we obtained approximate analytical solutions for the membrane’s deformation profile as well as the relationship between the applied force, displacement and contact radius. These solutions agree well with results of numerical simulations. In particular, when the substrate is elastic, we obtained a dimensionless parameter γ that captures the transition between two limiting cases, i.e., either the substrate or the inflated membrane is effectively rigid relative to the other component and thus experiences negligible deformation upon contact. The analytical solutions provided in this work can offer insights towards designing soft pneumatic actuators with desired contact compliance.
Self-Stabilization with Selfish Agents

Self-stabilization is an excellent approach for adding fault tolerance to a distributed multi-agent system. However, two properties of self-stabilization theory, closure and convergence, may not be satisfied if agents are selfish. To guarantee closure in the presence of selfish agents, we propose fault-containment as a method to constrain legitimate configurations of the self-stabilizing system to be Nash equilibria. To guarantee convergence, we introduce probabilistic self-stabilization to set the probabilities of rules such that agents’ self-interests are satisfied. We also assume selfish agents as capable of performing unauthorized actions at any time, which threatens both properties, and present a stepwise solution to handle it. As a case study, we consider the problem of distributed clustering and propose self-stabilizing algorithms for forming clusters. Simulation results show that our algorithms react correctly to rule deviations and outperform comparable schemes in terms of fairness and stabilization time.
Effect of Prone Positioning on Clinical Outcomes of Non-Intubated Subjects with COVID-19: A Comparative Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Awake Prone positioning (APP) has been recently proposed as an adjunctive treatment for non-intubated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients requiring oxygen therapy to improve oxygenation and reduce the risk of intubation. However, the magnitude of the effect of APP on clinical outcomes in these patients remains uncertain. We performed a comparative systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of APP to improve the clinical outcomes in non-intubated subjects with COVID-19.Methods: The primary outcomes were the need for endotracheal intubation and mortality. The secondary outcome was the length of hospital stay. Pooled risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained by the Mantel-Haenszel method within a random-effect model.Results: A total of fourteen studies (five randomized controlled trials [RCT] and nine observational studies) involving 3324 subjects (1495 received APP and 1829 did not) were included. There was a significant reduction in the mortality rate in APP group compared to control (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51-0.90, P = 0.008, I2 = 52%) with no significant effect on intubation (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.66-1.08, P = 0.17, I2 = 63%) or length of hospital stay (MD -3.09 days, 95% CI -10.14, 3.96, P = 0.39, I2 = 97%). Subgroup analysis of RCTs showed significant reduction in intubation rate (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72-0.97, P = 0.02, I2 = 0%).Conclusions: APP has the potential to reduce the in-hospital mortality rate in COVID-19 subjects with hypoxia without a significant effect on the need for intubation or length of hospital stay. However, there was a significant decrease in the need for intubation on subgroup analysis of RCTs. More large-scale trials with a standardized protocol for prone positioning are needed to better evaluate its effectiveness in this select population.
Determination of Cosmological Parameters from Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) Observations

The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) is currently mapping temperature and polarization anisotropies of the cosmic microwave background radiation on the full sky in 5 microwave bands. We summarize major scientific results obtained from the first year data released on February 11, 2003: (1) precision determinations of the cosmological parameters, (2) discovery of early reionization of the universe, and (3) implications for the Inflationary paradigm.
Chapter 12 – Osmotic regulation of DNA activity and the cell cycle

This chapter discusses osmotic effects on DNA conformation, DNA activity, and the cell cycle with emphasis on their interdependent relationship and adaptive value during osmotic stress. Osmotic stress has multiple effects on DNA conformation and DNA activity in all biological kingdoms. An important part of the cellular response to osmotic stress is the regulation of the cell cycle, which is closely linked to DNA conformation and DNA activity. For a better understanding of the osmosensory signal transduction networks that control DNA activity and the cell cycle during osmotic stress, it is needed to identify more of the elements and mechanisms that determine the ways in which cells respond to changes in osmolality. Important questions that remain to be answered concern the interplay between signaling mechanisms necessary for cell cycle delay, cellular repair, and apoptosis in response to osmotic stress. Given the complex interactions between osmo-protective mechanisms and cell cycle regulation, integrative approaches to study cellular adaptation during osmotic stress will be instrumental for identifying the mechanisms that hold the key for the outcome of the cellular osmotic stress response. Approaches based on proteomics and gene chip technology should provide significant insight into these mechanisms in the future.
Modified Procedure for the Microscopic and Macroscopic Study of Viral Plaques

A virus plaque method that consistently gives good visual contrast for macroscopic observation and also permits microscopic study is described. Cells are grown in plastic flasks and the gelled overlay medium can be of any desired agar concentration or volume. A fixing solution is used prior to removal of the agar overlay, and dye is added to the fixing solution or staining can follow fixation and agar removal. The bottom of the flask with the fixed monolayer is separated from the rest of the container and handled as a slide. A new mounting medium is described.
Somatosensory and magnetic evoked potentials in a postoperative paraparetic patient: case report.

Abstract Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) testing is increasingly being used to test for spinal cord injuries and to monitor spinal surgery to reduce the risk of paraplegia. It is a sensory test, but it is assumed that any process severe enough to affect the motor tracts will also affect the sensory tracts and, therefore, be identified. Increasingly, however, isolated motor-tract involvement has been reported. A new technique, magnetic coil stimulation of the cortex, directly monitors the motor tracts. We report a case where the SSEP was normal although the magnetic motor-evoked potential was abnormal, supporting the hypothesis that direct testing of motor tracts may be advantageous.
Stress analysis of polyimide copper thin film structure on glass ceramic/copper multilevel substrate

The IBM ES9000 system family of computers utilizes advanced multilayer packaging technology and material sets, combining polyimide copper thin film technology with glass ceramic substrate to provide high wiring density with excellent electrical properties. The author describes a series of simulations done using finite element analysis to calculate the thermally induced stresses in the structure and to develop design guidelines for the mechanical integrity of the multilayer system. Using a simple thin film redistribution structure, stresses in a typical polyimide film are calculated as a function of film thickness and the diameter of the copper via. It is shown that, for copper via geometries, the aspect ratio should be less than 0.5. For a reliable polyimide-glass-ceramic interface, the film thickness has to be less than 50 mu m, but by using low expansion polyimides the total film thickness (hence the number of layers) can be increased to twice as much. Tapering of via walls reduces stress levels by about 10 to 15% near discontinuity. A comparison of feature sizes in multilevel thin film hybrid modules from the literature shows excellent agreement with calculations of via aspect ratio. >
"Hey, check it out, there's actually fans": (Dis)empowerment and (mis)representation of cult fandom in Supernatural

As Supernatural enters season 5, its status as a cult hit is becoming more evident both in the press and within the text of the series itself. The open acknowledgment of the show's fandom within 4.18 "The Monster at the End of This Book" has altered the power relationship between the product and its fans and brought on controversy regarding the creative team's attitude toward fandom in general. To investigate this relationship between Supernatural and its devoted fans, I will first develop a working definition of the cult fan and illustrate the many ways in which Supernatural is an ideal cult text, despite not having been marketed by its producers and network as such. Having set forth this framework, I will outline the dynamic that existed between Supernatural and its cult fans prior to "The Monster at the End of This Book." I will then demonstrate how "The Monster at the End of This Book" simultaneously empowers and disempowers Supernatural's cult fans by representing them within the show's diegesis and what the consequences of these (mis)representations might be.