cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contextualizing Bronze Age Obsidian Use at the ‘Ritual Spring’ of Mitza Pidighi (Sardinia)

AbstractThis study focuses on obsidian consumption at the ‘ritual spring’ of Mitza Pidighi in west-central Sardinia, Italy. The site dates to the late Nuragic I to Nuragic III phases of the Bronze Age (ca. 1350–850 B.C.) and is found just east of a contemporaneous residential village, Nuraghe Pidighi. While recent years have seen a surge of archaeological literature on the subject of obsidian use at residential sites throughout the island, there has been little consideration of its role in other archaeological contexts, a research bias that this presentation aims in part to redress.For this study, 142 obsidian artifacts from Mitza Pidighi were analyzed non-destructively using a Thermo Scientific ARL Quant'X EDXRF spectrometer to determine their geological origins. In addition, each artifact was analyzed techno-typologically to allow for the reconstruction of the entire chain of events leading up to an artifact's discard. The sourcing results show that obsidians from all four Sardinian subsources are repre...
Vibrational Density of States of Strongly H Bonded Interfacial Water:Insights from Inelastic Neutron Scattering and Theory

The molecular scale interaction between water and an oxide surface depends on the strength of the surface hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) through a subtle interplay among surface structure, surface atom polarity, and orientation of sorbed species. Tin oxide (SnO2) in the rutile structure is an important catalytic and gas-sensing material, and its surface properties have been the subject of intense scrutiny. Here we show that the vibrational dynamics of H2O and OH sorbed on SnO2 nanoparticles, probed with inelastic neutron scattering and analyzed with ab initio molecular dynamics, reveals very strong surface H-bonds, with a formation enthalpy twice that of liquid water. This unusually strong interaction results in (i) decoupling of the hydrated surface from additional water layers due to an epitaxial screening layer of H2O and OH species, (ii) high energy of OH wagging modes that provides an experimental indicator of surface H-bond strengths, and (iii) high proton exchange rates at the interface. H-bonding energe...
Intermediaries in Jewish Theology: Memra, Shekinah, and Metatron

The Christian interpretation of the Old Testament was early set upon finding in it a figure corresponding to the Son, or the Word (Logos), in the New Testament, a divine being, intermediary between God the Father and the world in creation, revelation, and redemption. For Christian theology, with its philosophical presumptions, a God who visibly and audibly manifested himself to men in human form and action was necessarily such a being; the Supreme God, in his supramundane exaltation or his metaphysical transcendence, could not be imagined thus immediately to intervene in mundane affairs. In this assumption and to a considerable extent in their particular interpretations the Fathers had a precursor in the Jewish theologian Philo.
Reconstruction of the nasal infratip, columella, and soft triangle.

Background Tumors of the soft triangle and distal nose are common, and the wounds created when removing them are among the more challenging defects to repair. Objective Reconstruction of the soft triangle, infratip, and columella requires attention to form and function beyond what is usually needed in cutaneous surgery. The complexities of the anatomy demand meticulous planning and surgical execution. In this review, the goal is to provide the cutaneous surgeon with a logical approach to repair this challenging region. Methods Skin grafts, composite grafts, local flaps, and pedicle flaps are presented with pearls and pointers. Cartilage grafting for stability is reviewed and detailed. A step-by-step approach allows the surgeon to plan appropriately and execute repairs with excellence. Results Ten cases are reviewed in sequential photo format to demonstrate successful reconstruction of operative wounds from this challenging region of the nose. Conclusion The most distal nasal contours pose many challenges for reconstruction. Success depends on a good knowledge of anatomy, rigorous planning, and superior surgical skills. Skin grafts, composite grafts, local and interpolated flaps are all options that need to be considered when recreating the delicate folds and contours of this region. Cartilage support may be needed to maintain structural integrity. With care, excellent outcomes are predictably achieved.
The high mobility group protein HMO1 functions as a linker histone in yeast

Eukaryotic chromatin consists of nucleosome core particles connected by linker DNA of variable length. Histone H1 associates with the linker DNA to stabilize the higher-order chromatin structure and to modulate the ability of regulatory factors to access their nucleosomal targets. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the protein with greatest sequence similarity to H1 is Hho1p. However, during vegetative growth, hho1∆ cells do not show any discernible cell growth defects or the changes in bulk chromatin structure that are characteristic of chromatin from multicellular eukaryotes in which H1 is depleted. In contrast, the yeast high mobility group (HMGB) protein HMO1 has been reported to compact chromatin, as evidenced by increased nuclease sensitivity in hmo1∆ cells. HMO1 has an unusual domain architecture compared to vertebrate HMGB proteins in that the HMG domains are followed by a lysine-rich extension instead of an acidic domain. We address here the hypothesis that HMO1 serves the role of H1 in terms of chromatin compaction and that this function requires the lysine-rich extension. We show here that HMO1 fulfills this function of a linker histone. For histone H1, chromatin compaction requires its basic C-terminal domain, and we find that the same pertains to HMO1, as deletion of its C-terminal lysine-rich extension renders chromatin nuclease sensitive. On rDNA, deletion of both HMO1 and Hho1p is required for significantly increased nuclease sensitivity. Expression of human histone H1 completely reverses the nuclease sensitivity characteristic of chromatin isolated from hmo1∆ cells. While chromatin remodeling events associated with repair of DNA double-strand breaks occur faster in the more dynamic chromatin environment created by the hmo1 deletion, expression of human histone H1 results in chromatin remodeling and double-strand break repair similar to that observed in wild-type cells. Our data suggest that S. cerevisiae HMO1 protects linker DNA from nuclease digestion, a property also characteristic of mammalian linker histone H1. Notably, association with HMO1 creates a less dynamic chromatin environment that depends on its lysine-rich domain. That HMO1 has linker histone function has implications for investigations of chromatin structure and function as well as for evolution of proteins with roles in chromatin compaction.
Surface engineering of aluminum alloys for automotive engine applications

The modification and refinement of surface and subsurface microstructure in Al-Si-based cast alloys via laser-induced rapid solidification can create a natural topography suitable for engine applications. The differential wear of the soft aluminum phase, hard silicon, and CuAl in the cell, along with the divorced eutectic nanostructure in the intercellular region, is expected to produce and replenish microfluidic channels and pits for efficient oil retention, spreading, and lubrication.
Choroidal thickness predicts ocular growth in normal chicks but not in eyes with experimentally altered growth.

In hatchling chicks, the thickness of the choroid is quite variable. It has been postulated that thickness per se or the changes occurring during early life might play a causal role in the regulati...
Soluble guanylyl cyclase-activated cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase inhibits arterial smooth muscle cell migration independent of VASP-serine 239 phosphorylation.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) accounts for over half of all cardiovascular disease-related deaths. Uncontrolled arterial smooth muscle (ASM) cell migration is a major component of CAD pathogenesis and efforts aimed at attenuating its progression are clinically essential. Cyclic nucleotide signaling has long been studied for its growth-mitigating properties in the setting of CAD and other vascular disorders. Heme-containing soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) synthesizes cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and maintains vascular homeostasis predominantly through cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) signaling. Considering that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can interfere with appropriate sGC signaling by oxidizing the cyclase heme moiety and so are associated with several CVD pathologies, the current study was designed to test the hypothesis that heme-independent sGC activation by BAY 60-2770 (BAY60) maintains cGMP levels despite heme oxidation and inhibits ASM cell migration through phosphorylation of the PKG target and actin-binding vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP). First, using the heme oxidant ODQ, cGMP content was potentiated in the presence of BAY60. Using a rat model of arterial growth, BAY60 significantly reduced neointima formation and luminal narrowing compared to vehicle (VEH)-treated controls. In rat ASM cells BAY60 significantly attenuated cell migration, reduced G:F actin, and increased PKG activity and VASP Ser239 phosphorylation (pVASP·S239) compared to VEH controls. Site-directed mutagenesis was then used to generate overexpressing full-length wild type VASP (FL-VASP/WT), VASP Ser239 phosphorylation-mimetic (FL-VASP/239D) and VASP Ser239 phosphorylation-resistant (FL-VASP/239A) ASM cell mutants. Surprisingly, FL-VASP/239D negated the inhibitory effects of FL-VASP/WT and FL-VASP/239A cells on migration. Furthermore, when FL-VASP mutants were treated with BAY60, only the FL-VASP/239D group showed reduced migration compared to its VEH controls. Intriguingly, FL-VASP/239D abrogated the stimulatory effects of FL-VASP/WT and FL-VASP/239A cells on PKG activity. In turn, pharmacologic blockade of PKG in the presence of BAY60 reversed the inhibitory effect of BAY60 on naive ASM cell migration. Taken together, we demonstrate for the first time that BAY60 inhibits ASM cell migration through cGMP/PKG/VASP signaling yet through mechanisms independent of pVASP·S239 and that FL-VASP overexpression regulates PKG activity in rat ASM cells. These findings implicate BAY60 as a potential pharmacotherapeutic agent against aberrant ASM growth disorders such as CAD and also establish a unique mechanism through which VASP controls PKG activity.
Delayed Management of Neonatal Hydronephrosis

AbstractThere is healthy debate over the management and timing of surgical reconstruction in the neonate with hydronephrosis. We have seen 23 neonates (35 renal units) with antenatal or neonatal hydronephrosis secondary to ureteropelvic junction obstruction or megaureter since 1984. All renal units with postnatally confirmed hydronephrosis (78 per cent) were studied initially and serially with diuretic 99mteehnetium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid renography and entered into a delayed management protocol. A total of 23 renal units followed for an average of 7 months before any surgical procedures were done demonstrated maturation of renal function. Of these cases 9 obstructed renal units (half-time greater than 20 minutes) underwent delayed reconstruction (6 with ureteropelvic junction obstruction and 3 with megaureter) at an average patient age of 6 months. In this group there was no compromise in renal function nor were any complications encountered. Two units with initially obstructive patterns on r...
Effect of Segmental Trunk Support on Posture and Reaching in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

PURPOSE To test the effects of segmental trunk support on seated postural and reaching control in children with cerebral palsy. METHODS Seventeen children (age range 2-15 y, Gross Motor Function Classification System levels III-V) were classified with the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control into mild (complete trunk control/lower lumbar deficits), moderate (thoracic/upper lumbar deficits), and severe (cervical/upper thoracic deficits). Postural and arm kinematics were measured while reaching with trunk support at axillae, mid-ribs, or pelvis. RESULTS Children in the mild group did not display changes in posture or reaching across conditions. The moderately involved group showed decrements in postural and reaching performance with pelvic compared with higher supports (P < .01). Children in the severe group were unable to maintain posture with pelvic support and showed postural deficiencies with mid-ribs compared with axillae support (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS Children with cerebral palsy and trunk dysfunction demonstrate improved motor performance when the external assistance matches their intrinsic level of trunk control.
Contact Phenomenon of Free-Rolling Wide-Base Tires: Effect of Speed and Temperature

AbstractThe finite-element method was used to quantify the effect of temperature and speed on contact area, deflection, and three-dimensional contact stresses of a free-rolling wide-base tire. The tire model comprised material properties identified in the laboratory and/or provided by the tire manufacturer (hyperviscoelastic rubber and linear elastic reinforcement) and accurate geometry. The model was validated using measured deflection and contact area. The analysis matrix consisted of 81 cases resulting from a combination of three loads, tire-inflation pressures, speeds, and temperatures. Four criteria were used to compare contact stresses: range, average, root-mean-square error, and coefficient of determination. Speed and temperature influence the contact area more than deflection. Longitudinal contact stresses were the most affected, followed by transverse contact stresses. In general, under constant load and tire-inflation pressure, the influence of temperature was more significant on the considered ...
Dehydrative Glycosylation Methods

Abstract Dehydrative glycosylation is a general term for glycosylation reactions that utilize a hemiacetal as a glycosyl donor. Hemiacetals are hydrolytically stable and do not require the use of toxic reagents for their preparation. As a consequence, this approach has attracted considerable attention. Several approaches to dehydrative glycosylation have been described over the past few decades, ranging from classical Fischer-type glycosylations to reagent-controlled approaches where the glycosylation promoter determines the stereochemical outcome of the reaction. This article will describe the various approaches to dehydrative glycosylation, breaking them down according to promoter class.
Effects of grain boundary structure on lithium transport in graphite

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate lithium (Li) transport rates in symmetric tilt graphite grain boundaries (GBs). Experiments have quantified highly varied diffusion rates of L...
Tamoxifen Directly Inhibits Platelet Angiogenic Potential and Platelet-Mediated Metastasis

Objective—Platelets, which are mainly known for their role in hemostasis, are now known to play a crucial role in metastasis. Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that is widely use...
Heme-Driven ROS Production Leads to Increased P38 MAP Kinase Activity and Endothelial Barrier Disruption

Heme is involved in a wide number of biological processes including gas exchange, antioxidant defense, signal transduction, as well as energy production within the mitochondria. It’s concentration within the cell is tightly regulated, and the consequences of underproduction of heme (anemia) are widely recognized. However, the pathophysiological role of high heme concentrations is less studied, but is already implicated in a number of cardiopulmonary diseases. An overabundance of intracellular heme precedes an over production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS imbalance in the cell overwhelms basal antioxidant defenses and leads to various stress responses. Primarily, in this study, we focus on heme-driven effects of cellular signaling on human lung micro vascular endothelial cells (HLMVECs) permeability. We show that the p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) pathway is activated with a specific response over a time course of heme treatment and that heme driven ROS production and cellular responses leads to endothelial barrier disruptions. In addition, we focus on a few therapeutic targets of heme pathway with potential to alleviate the harmful and cascading effects of ROS: 1) Inhibition of Heme Carrier Protein 1 (HCP-1) that mediates free heme transition into the cell; 2) Inhibition of heme mediated mitochondrial ROS production to study the downstream effects of lowering mitochondrial ROS on HLMVEC permeability; 3) Inhibition of p38 MAP Kinase to study the downstream effects of lowering activity of this pathway counteracting the response of ROS activity. These potential strategies in combating the pathophysiology of high levels of free heme are preventive and solidify our understanding of intracellular heme activity. However, the specific mechanism by which heme/ROS activates stress signaling pathways is a topic for future study and of high therapeutic value.
Family functioning and child asthma severity: A bio-behavioral approach.

Introduction Family factors are directly associated with the psychosocial adjustment of children with chronic illnesses such as asthma (Kaugars, Klinnert, & Bender, 2004). Research indicates that negative family factors may also contribute to child disease severity via bio-behavioral mechanisms of effect. For instance, children from more conflicted families often experience greater internalizing symptoms that subsequently impact their asthma severity (Wood et al., 2006). These pathways have yet to be examined with a comprehensive focus on strength-based family factors. This study examined whether factors such as family cohesion, problem-solving abilities, and communication influence asthma severity via their effects on child depression and anxiety symptoms. Method Participants were 215 children (136 males and 79 females), ages 5 to 12 years old, and their families. Primary caregiver, child, and teacher ratings of child and family functioning in addition to objective measures of parent-child interactions and asthma severity were collected. Results Using structural equation modeling, the authors identified significant indirect associations between family factors and child asthma severity via child depressive symptoms; however, these associations were not present in models with child anxiety symptoms. Discussion Results suggest an indirect effect of family functioning on children's lung function, with differential roles of anxiety and depression in these pathways. This article also highlights the importance of incorporating multirater multimethod measures to understand children's experiences in pediatric asthma. (PsycINFO Database Record
"Multi-Unit Chains, Market Competition, And Product Portfolio Scope: Evidence From Hospitals"

We attempt to identify the benefits of multi-unit chain membership and study the boundary conditions of the effects of chain affiliation. We test our arguments in the context of the U.S. hospital i...
O02.4 It’s just not for me: exploring low prep uptake among young black men who have sex with men in the southern united states

Introduction Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective in preventing HIV acquisition. In the Southern United States, where young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) have the highest rates of new HIV infection, PrEP uptake remains low. As part of a longitudinal cohort study, YBMSM were offered optional, non-incentivized PrEP as a standard of HIV prevention care service. Among those who declined PrEP, we sought to understand their motivations, as well as their overall perceptions of PrEP as a prevention tool. Methods The EleMENt study is an observational HIV/STI incidence cohort of HIV-negative YBMSM aged 18–29 years in Atlanta, Georgia. We conducted 24 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with men who declined optional PrEP offered by the study. Topics included PrEP knowledge, attitudes, and intentions. We employed a phenomenological lens to identify common themes in participant accounts of the decision to forgo PrEP. Results Participants fell into two categories of PrEP refusal: those who indicated no current or future interest (“nevers”) and those ambivalent about taking PrEP, but who had thus far not filled a prescription (“maybes”). YBMSM in both groups expressed mistrust of biomedical interventions, and despite being indicated for PrEP, often perceived themselves as low risk for HIV acquisition. They employed “othering” strategies, in which PrEP was described as appropriate for individuals in serodiscordant partnerships or with many casual partners. They viewed taking a daily pill as a burdensome measure only appropriate for extremely high-risk men (i.e., “the risky Other”). These perceptions were accentuated by instances of family members actively discouraged participants from taking PrEP. Conclusion We discuss the role of future research exploring low risk estimation among YBMSM as a potential site of resistance to a public health designation of “high risk” amidst historical legacies of medical mistrust in Black communities. Such concerns must be addressed to design effective HIV and PrEP-specific interventions for this population.
Symmetry, Chirality and Topology in Taste

Three intuitive principles have application to taste chemistry. They are symmetry, chirality, and topology. Symmetry, and in particular pointgroup theory and chirality, have discrete definitions, although conventions need to be invoked (Sections 2.11.1 and 2.11.3). Topology has only general definition with no applicable conventions other than those that are derived from symmetry and chirality considerations.
Echocardiographic Evaluation of the Postoperative Cardiac Patient

The postpericardiotomy syndrome is a febrile illness occurring with evidence of pleural and pericardial reactions after the first postoperative week. The syndrome is a frequent postoperative finding in cardiac surgery patients who have had an opened pericardium. Previously, the syndrome has been diagnosed by the clinical findings of fever, chest pain, a pleural and/or pericardial friction rub, plus cardiomegaly due to the effusion, and ST-T wave changes of pericarditis on the electrocardiogram. Bacterial infections as a cause of the fever have to be excluded. Because of patient discomfort and prolonged morbidity, rapid diagnosis of a pericardial effusion in the postpericardiotomy syndrome becomes essential.
Fitted equations of state for Flibe gas

HYLIFE-II reactor uses molten salt Flibe as the liquid blanket material. The property of its gaseous state was poorly known for gas dynamics calculations and other design problems. This study presents two fitted equations of state of the Flibe gas to meet the needs. The fitted range covers both dissociation and ionization regions. The methods used for fitting allow good agreement between the calculated data and fitted equations.
Marmarou Weight Drop Injury Model

The impact acceleration model of diffuse traumatic brain injury (DTBI), commonly referred to as the “Marmarou” weight drop model is widely utilized to replicate DTBI, without focal lesion to characterize changes that closely parallel abnormalities characteristic of human DTBI cause by motor vehicle accidents or falls. In this chapter, we describe in detail procedures used to replicate DTBI of varying degrees of severity; the clinically relevant condition of posttraumatic hypoxia and hypotension; and experimental paradigms utilized for intraoperative multiparameter, physiological monitoring. We provide brief summaries of reproducible outcome evaluations characteristic of this model inclusive of (1) intraoperative physiological responses including mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), pH, pO2, and pCO2, and intra-cranial pressure (ICP); (2) gross and neurohistopathological outcomes; (3) functional studies that highlight somatomotor and cognitive behavioral changes; (4) in vitro outcome evaluations employing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 1H Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS); and (5) high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the analysis of changes in cellular function, brain edema and cerebral metabolites including N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) and adenosine tri-phosphate. Finally, we describe the complications associated with the use of this model, mainly technical in nature, easily overcome with repetitious practice and state limitations of this model, notably the use of multiparameter intraoperative monitoring techniques that can be costprohibitive due to the expense of the required equipment. We conclude by stating the major advantage of this model; it has been used extensively in the laboratory to evaluate the effect of pharmacological intervention to treat DTBI. Importantly, these treatments have recently reached Phase II & III clinical trial status.
Rural versus urban pediatric non-accidental trauma: different patients, similar outcomes

Our aim was to compare urban and rural non-accidental trauma for trends and characterize where injury prevention efforts can be focused. Pediatric trauma patients (age 0–14 years) at two level I adult and pediatric trauma centers, one rural and one urban, were included and data from the trauma registries at each center was abstracted. Of 857 pediatric admissions, 10% of injuries were considered non-accidental. The mean age for all non-accidental trauma patients was significantly lower than the overall pediatric trauma population (2.6 vs. 7.7 years, P < 0.001). Significantly more fatalities occurred in the non-accidental trauma cohort (5.7% vs. 1% P = 0.007). In nearly half of all non-accidental trauma patients, the primary insurance was government programs (49%) and 46% were commercial insurance. The proportion of government insurance in non-accidental trauma was higher in both urban and rural cohorts. There were similar rates of urban and rural patients sustaining non-accidental trauma who were uninsured (6.5 vs. 5.3%). Patients that were younger, in a rural location, and receiving government insurance were at higher risk of non-accidental trauma on univariable analysis. However, only age remained an independent predictor on multivariable analysis.
A Dimerization Function in the Intrinsically Disordered N-Terminal Region of Src

The mode of regulation of Src kinases has been elucidated by crystallographic studies identifying conserved structured protein modules involved in an orderly set of intramolecular associations and ligand interactions. Despite these detailed insights, much of the complex behavior and diversity in the Src family remains unexplained. A key missing piece is the function of the unstructured N-terminal region. We report here the function of the N-terminal region in binding within a hydrophobic pocket in the kinase domain of a dimerization partner. Dimerization substantially enhances autophosphorylation and phosphorylation of selected substrates, and interfering with dimerization is disruptive to these functions. Dimerization and Y419 phosphorylation are codependent events creating a bistable switch. Given the versatility inherent in this intrinsically disordered region, its multisite phosphorylations, and its divergence within the family, the unique domain likely functions as a central signaling hub overseeing much of the activities and unique functions of Src family kinases.
Daily sleep quality and daily stressors in couples coping with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE To examine the influence of daily sleep quality in patients with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) on that of their spouses and to investigate the influence of couples' sleep quality on patients' diabetes-specific stressors and couples' general stressors the following day. METHODS 199 patients with Type 1 diabetes (Mage = 46.82) and their spouses (Mage = 46.41) completed a 14-day diary where they reported on their own sleep quality, and the presence of general stressors. Patients reported the presence of diabetes-specific stressors. Multilevel modeling examined the effects of daily variability in (within-person effects) and average levels of (between-person effects) sleep quality on the number of next-day diabetes-specific stressors (controlling for prior day stressors). Furthermore, the actor-partner interdependence model was used to examine the effect of sleep quality on general stressors. RESULTS Greater patients' daily sleep quality was related to their spouses' greater sleep quality. Increases in the patients' own daily- and average sleep quality were uniquely associated with fewer next day diabetes-specific stressors. Better own daily- and average sleep quality were associated with fewer general stressors for both partners. Spouses' increased daily sleep quality was associated with fewer general stressors of patients. CONCLUSIONS The results support that sleep quality is a dyadic phenomenon among couples and suggest that better sleep quality may buffer diabetes specific and general stress in couples coping with T1D. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).
Health Status of Adults with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is among the most common causes for childhood physical disability, and with advances in medical care, many individuals with CP now live into later adulthood. Although the complex care needs of children with CP are well appreciated, they are frequently less recognized in adults. The care of adults with CP remains complex and assessing health is usually confounded by the overlying motor impairments and associated health conditions. Registries and surveillance systems have provided a better understanding of the health of adults with CP. Aging issues that influence motor function and the musculoskeletal system appear to manifest prematurely. Common comorbid adult health conditions, risks for these, and monitoring and preventive strategies are now better defined. Since health care professionals usually have limited experience in and receive insufficient education about caring for people with CP, this chapter 1) provides background information about definitions (related to underlying pathophysiology) and epidemiology, 2) covers common health conditions seen in adults with CP with their risk factors, and 3) discusses prevention and health promotion strategies to routinely consider during the care of adults with CP.
Book Review: Making Research Public in Troubled Times: Pedagogy, Activism, and Critical Obligations by M. Francyne Huckaby

As part of the series, Qualitative Inquiry: Critical Ethics, Justice, and Activism, Huckaby’s edited book asks us to think about “what might become possible” (p. 28) … with/through critical (post)qualitative inquiry? Starting off with a forward by the series editor, Cannella claims that the first volume is a valuable “handbook for rethinking and reconceptualizing qualitative research as a public project,” and readers will be “inspired and encouraged to take action” (p xi). The contributors nudge us away from upholding Eurocentric disciplinary conventions in order to honor and support different epistemological approaches and to exclude marginalized students, peoples, and communities. Huckaby’s edited volume is therefore an important (and relevant) contribution to better examine, in these troubled times, how activist-scholars, new or old, may partner with others in our journey to create a more socially just world.
Sensitive Detection and Analysis of Neoantigen-Specific T Cell Populations from Tumors and Blood.

Neoantigen-specific T cells are increasingly viewed as important immunotherapy effectors, but physically isolating these rare cell populations is challenging. Here, we describe a sensitive method for the enumeration and isolation of neoantigen-specific CD8+ T cells from small samples of patient tumor or blood. The method relies on magnetic nanoparticles that present neoantigen-loaded major histocompatibility complex (MHC) tetramers at high avidity by barcoded DNA linkers. The magnetic particles provide a convenient handle to isolate the desired cell populations, and the barcoded DNA enables multiplexed analysis. The method exhibits superior recovery of antigen-specific T cell populations relative to literature approaches. We applied the method to profile neoantigen-specific T cell populations in the tumor and blood of patients with metastatic melanoma over the course of anti-PD1 checkpoint inhibitor therapy. We show that the method has value for monitoring clinical responses to cancer immunotherapy and might help guide the development of personalized mutational neoantigen-specific T cell therapies and cancer vaccines.
Why do patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) experience lower bleeding events despite thrombocytopenia

Immune thrombocytopenia is an autoimmune condition characterized by an isolated thrombocytopenia. Despite the low platelet levels, severe bleeding episodes are relatively rare suggesting that patients with ITP may have a protective factor against bleeding. Platelet microparticles (PMP) are thought to play a role in clot formation and some studies have demonstrated higher levels of circulating PMP in patients with ITP. This article provides a review of the epidemiology, mechanism, clinical presentation, management, and prognosis of ITP as well as a review of the literature and discussion regarding PMP and bleeding risk in ITP patients.
Price Discovery in Good and Bad Times: An Analysis of the Annual Corporate Disclosure Cycle

Prior research on strategic corporate disclosure in good times versus bad often produces divergent inferences when focusing on selected channels and different disclosure windows. In this paper, we instead study a comprehensive set of corporate disclosure channels over the annual disclosure cycle. Our approach enables us to quantify disclosure channels’ aggregate and individual impacts on price discovery in good news versus bad news years. At the aggregate level, we estimate that overall price discovery reaches the 50% mark more than two weeks sooner in good news years than in bad news years, and corporate disclosures account for roughly twice the price discovery in good news years (80%) than in bad news years (42%). At the individual level, earnings guidance, preannouncements, and periodic SEC filings contribute more in bad news years, while general press releases and reports of insider purchases drive the bulk of price discovery in good news years. We also find that in bad news years, positively-toned press releases substantially purge the price discovery effects of adverse news, with reports of insider purchases more than offsetting the effects of reports of insider sales. Furthermore, we estimate that information intermediaries’ overall contribution to price discovery is modest relative to firm disclosures, with analysts adding more to bad news while the media contributing more to good news. Collectively, by taking a holistic approach and focusing on the annual disclosure cycle, we provide novel evidence on the distinct dynamics of corporate disclosures in general and in individual channels, as well as their impact on firm information environment.
Abstract P6-11-02: The efficacy of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in reducing disparities in breast cancer

Background: Disparities in care persist across the health care system. Federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) legislation and state-optional Medicaid expansion aimed to increase insurance coverage and reduce barriers to health care access. The efficacy of the ACA in reducing health disparities and increasing survival in the real-world remains understudied. Methods: Using the National Cancer Database, demographic, clinical and geographic features of 955,596 stage I-III breast cancer patients treated between 2004 and 2014 were examined. A quasi-experimental design via difference-in-differences (DID) was used to evaluate percent change in uninsurance pre- (2004-2010) and post- (2011-2014) ACA. DID analysis was sorted according to race (White, Black, Other) and facility location (Northeast, Midwest, South, West). Results: In this dataset, 85% of patients were white, 11% were black and 4% were categorized as other. Overall, a majority of patients held private insurance (55%) followed by Medicare at 37%, Medicaid at 6% and uninsured at 2%. Post-ACA, change in uninsurance rate was not statistically different as compared to the pre-ACA rate (p=0.191, Table). However, when stratified by race, uninsurance rate in Blacks declined significantly as compared to Whites (p=0.022, Table). By geographic location, the Northeast showed a statistically significant decrease in the rate of uninsurance (p=0.019) post-ACA while the South demonstrated a statistically significant increase in uninsurance rate (p=0.001, Table) post-ACA. The percentage of patients receiving treatment within 30 days of diagnosis significantly decreased post-ACA (45% versus 55% pre-ACA). Yet, upon stratification by race, the percentage of Blacks and those of Other races receiving treatment within 30 days of diagnosis significantly increased post-ACA (Black: 8.9% post-ACA versus 8.4% pre-ACA; Other: 4.1% post-ACA versus 3.3% pre-ACA). Conclusions: Our study of the National Cancer Database indicates that ACA improved racial disparities in breast cancer by significantly decreasing uninsurance rates and treatment delays in minority populations. Careful evaluation of the ACA’s efficacy in subsets of real-world patients remains crucial as health care reform continues. Table. Unadjusted percentage of patients without health insurance (n= 955596). Citation Format: Sarah Elizabeth Mudra, Shruti Bhandari, Xiaoyong Wu, Shesh Rai, Mounika Mandadi, Elizabeth Carloss Riley. The efficacy of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in reducing disparities in breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-11-02.
Dynamics of Virtual Water Networks: Role of national Socio-economic indicators across the world

Abstract Intensified water usage due to rapid industrialization is often dictated by economic policies based on monetary growth rather than sustainable use of environmental resources. In addition, interdependence within economic sectors further interweaves water usage through product transactions, which further makes it difficult to quantify the dynamics of hydro-economic systems at regional, national and global scale. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of domestic virtual water networks (VWN) of 189 countries based on concept of information theory by quantifying network metrics that describes VWN flow capacity, robustness, efficiency and flexibility. These networks represent virtual water interconnected through economic sectors within a specified country built based on environmentally extended multi region input output (EE-MRIO) approach. We further estimated trends associated with network metrics, as well as coupling intensity between metrics with respect to socio-economic indicators, such as, population, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Income (GNI). It was observed that capacity and flexibility of VWNs are strongly and positively correlated indicating that a high capacity VWN can be more flexible. Our results also indicate that, in general a higher percentage of developing countries (i.e. both least developing and developing nations) have exhibited increasing trends in capacity, robustness, efficiency and flexibility of VWN compared to developed nations. It was revealed that the dynamics of VWNs are positively coupled with socio-economic growth for few countries, which indicates the sustainable behavior of VWN with socio-economic growth. Our results argue that the information theory-based metrics by embedding water footprints can holistically capture sustainability aspect of the VWN dynamics.
Hardware Design and Fault-Tolerant Synthesis for Digital Acoustofluidic Biochips

A digital microfluidic biochip (DMB) is an attractive platform for automating laboratory procedures in microbiology. To overcome the problem of cross-contamination due to fouling of the electrode surface in traditional DMBs, a contactless liquid-handling biochip technology, referred to as acoustofluidics, has recently been proposed. A major challenge in operating this platform is the need for a control signal of frequency 24 MHz and voltage range $\pm 10/\pm 20$ V to activate the IDT units in the biochip. In this paper, we present a hardware design that can efficiently activate/de-activated each IDT, and can fully automate an bio-protocol. We also present a fault-tolerant synthesis technique that allows us to automatically map biomolecular protocols to acoustofluidic biochips. We develop and experimentally validate a velocity model, and use it to guide co-optimization for operation scheduling, module placement, and droplet routing in the presence of IDT faults. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed synthesis method. Our results are expected to open new research directions on design automation of digital acoustofluidic biochips.
Balancing Narrow and Broad Perspectives in Radiology.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to help radiologists achieve a balance between narrow and broad perspectives in their work. CONCLUSION. There are two fundamentally different perspectives ...
“Death of the Author” in the Literature Classroom and John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars

Students in the English Language Arts classroom have access to more author commentary than ever. While following authors on social media may deepen students’ engagement with their assigned reading, it also threatens to subdue students’ own interpretations of the authors’ texts. This essay explains how educators can introduce basic aspects of Roland Barthes’s the Death of the Author manifesto to their students. Barthes’s concept helps students to recalibrate the value of an author’s biography and the author’s interpretation when analyzing a text. Just such a power recalibration takes place for teen characters in Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. Hazel, the protagonist, demonstrates sharp literary critique informed by Barthes’s theory when she engages with most texts. However, she initially rejects the Death of the Author approach when it comes to interpreting one idolized piece of literature: her favorite novel. During the novel’s emotional climax, Hazel repositions herself in the author-reader relationship and takes a more empowered position. She then discovers a new parallel text that helps her to find solace and to reclaim authority from the Author-god.
Perspectives on reactive separation and removal of hydrogen sulfide

Abstract The growing demand for energy and stringent pollutant emission control in sour fuels makes it essential to develop more efficient approaches in H2S gas removal and subsequent treatment to recover sulfur. Several methods using oxidative or non-oxidative decomposition of H2S to remove or inhibit H2S from gas stream have been extensively explored over the past few decades, including catalytic process, reactive absorption, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, thermal catalysis, membrane-assisted catalysis, and multistep thermochemical decomposition. This article reviews the recent advances in reactive H2S separation combining computational simulation with experimental development. In particular, material and catalyst design, mechanistic insights of the reactions, and applicable reaction processes are discussed. These pioneering works suggest that understanding H2S decomposition reaction mechanism at molecular level is important in the optimization of material and process design. The perspectives are also given on the viability of oxidative or non-oxidative decomposition of H2S.
Usury Law and the Christian Right: Faith Based Political Power and the Geography of the American Payday Loan Regulation

The culture war has become a national moniker describing a variety of policy debates between social conservatives and secular liberal Americans. Hotly contested battle grounds in this metaphorical war have included abortion policy, affirmative action, the right to bear arms, and gay marriage. Frequently these debates have divided secular Americans from people of faith. This article explores this cultural divide in the context of consumer financial services. In the past fifteen to twenty years America has witnessed a stunning transformation in financial services offered to lower and lower-middle classes. A new breed of fringe creditors charging prices far in excess of the old mafia loan sharking syndicates have spread throughout much of the country. The archetype of fringe creditors commonly referred to as payday lenders, charges average simple nominal annual interest rates of around 450 percent. This Article presents empirical research based on the largest, most comprehensive database of payday loan locations yet created. Payday lender locations are compared to an index measuring the political power of conservative Christian Americans in all fifty states. We conclude that there is a strong correlation between the density of payday lending industry and the political power of conservative Christians, suggesting that conservative Christians have become a prime demographic target of payday lenders. These findings are further discussed in light of Biblical injunctions against usury.
Ruminal degradation of switchgrass, big bluestem, and smooth bromegrass leaf proteins.

Two in situ protein disappearance experiments were conducted to determine disappearance rates of leaf protein fractions and characterize individual leaf protein fractions that escaped ruminal degradation. Fresh leaf blades of two warm-season grasses, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman), and one cool-season grass, smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), were included in Exp. 1. Only warm-season grasses were used in Exp. 2. Leaves were harvested from greenhouse-grown plants, placed in polyester bags, and incubated up to 48 h in situ in three ruminally fistulated steers fed diets of warm-season grass hay. The rate of protein disappearance for switchgrass (.037 h-1) was slower (P < .10) than that for big bluestem (.110 h-1). Big bluestem and smooth bromegrass (.169 h-1) disappeared at similar rates, whereas switchgrass disappeared more slowly (P < .05) than smooth bromegrass in Exp. 1. Rates of protein disappearance in Exp. 2 were similar for switchgrass (.112 h-1) and big bluestem (.116 h-1). Major protein fractions that resisted ruminal degradation in both experiments, detected using SDS-PAGE, were at approximate molecular weights of 56, 26, and 24 kDa. For switchgrass and big bluestem, total protein and individual protein fractions were generally at higher concentrations and present for longer periods of time than for smooth bromegrass. This suggests that a mechanism may exist in C4 species that allows certain protein fractions to remain undegraded for longer periods compared with smooth bromegrass.