cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leveraging Global Production Networks: Evidence from the Vizag–Chennai Industrial Corridor

This paper explores the conditions under which India’s new economic corridors, particularly the Vizag–Chennai Industrial Corridor in Andhra Pradesh, can benefit from strategic participation in global value chains and integration with global production networks. It identifies how engagement in global value chains improve domestic capabilities and support industrial upgrading and job creation.
Analysis and implementation of the minimum route issues between some governorates of Iraq using Bellman-Ford algorithm

The Bellman-Ford algorithm provide a dynamic programming solution from source to all nodes in the given diagram for the minimum route Issue for single-source shortest paths in graphs with negative edges but no negative cycles. The main advantage of the algorithm is their simplicity and it does not need complex data structures for implementations and also find minimum path weight efficiently and high accuracy. Minimum route issues are inevitable in road network applications. The conclusion of simulation is to show the mathematics and C++ programming. So the problem has been resolved successfully negative weights with minimum route.
Chromis-1, a Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe Optimized for Two-Photon Microscopy Reveals Dynamic Changes in Labile Zn(II) in Differentiating Oligodendrocytes.

Despite the significant advantages of two-photon excitation microscopy (TPEM) over traditional confocal fluorescence microscopy in live-cell imaging applications, including reduced phototoxicity and photobleaching, increased depth penetration, and minimized autofluorescence, only a few metal ion-selective fluorescent probes have been designed and optimized specifically for this technique. Building upon a donor–acceptor fluorophore architecture, we developed a membrane-permeant, Zn(II)-selective fluorescent probe, chromis-1, that exhibits a balanced two-photon cross section between its free and Zn(II)-bound form and responds with a large spectral shift suitable for emission-ratiometric imaging. With a Kd of 1.5 nM and wide dynamic range, the probe is well suited for visualizing temporal changes in buffered Zn(II) levels in live cells as demonstrated with mouse fibroblast cell cultures. Moreover, given the importance of zinc in the physiology and pathophysiology of the brain, we employed chromis-1 to monito...
A Clock-Tuned Digital Memristor Emulator

Memristors are inherently frequency-dependent devices that may be limited by a variety of practical constraints such as operating frequency ranges of commercially available devices, or complexity of analog circuit implementations that emulate memristor behavior. Therefore, a novel clock-tuned digital memristor emulator is presented, where the frequency-dependent behavior of the memristor can be tuned over a range of two decades. An external clock provides simple adjustment of the operating frequency range and frequency-dependent behavior of the memristor, without requiring any modification of firmware or hardware. The digital memristor is implemented in embedded software on a microcontroller with an integrated analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converter, providing a reconfigurable platform that can support other non-ideal memristor characteristics. Measurements of a prototype demonstrate a clock-tuned memristor with pinched hysteresis loop v−i curves that are unchanged over an operating frequency range of 100:1.
Identification of Drivers of Aneuploidy in Breast Tumors

Although aneuploidy is found in the majority of tumors, the degree of aneuploidy varies widely. It is unclear how cancer cells become aneuploid or how highly aneuploid tumors are different from those of more normal ploidy. We developed a simple computational method that measures the degree of aneuploidy or structural rearrangements of large chromosome regions of 522 human breast tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Highly aneuploid tumors overexpress activators of mitotic transcription and the genes encoding proteins that segregate chromosomes. Overexpression of three mitotic transcriptional regulators, E2F1, MYBL2, and FOXM1, is sufficient to increase the rate of lagging anaphase chromosomes in a non-transformed vertebrate tissue, demonstrating that this event can initiate aneuploidy. Highly aneuploid human breast tumors are also enriched in TP53 mutations. TP53 mutations co-associate with the overexpression of mitotic transcriptional activators, suggesting that these events work together to provide fitness to breast tumors.
Tunneling RFID Tags for Long-Range and Low-Power Microwave Applications

Backscatter modulation in radio frequency identification (RFID) tags will potentially connect billions of tomorrow’s devices to the Internet-of-Things. Current passive RFID systems have power constraints that limit RFID tag communication to short ranges, but these limitations can be overcome by employing reflection amplifiers. In this paper, we show that negative differential resistance devices, such as tunnel diodes, exhibit 27 dB more gain and 10 dB lower power consumption than state-of-the-art reflection amplifiers. Two 5.8 GHz prototypes using off-the-shelf tunnel diodes show reflection gains of 40 dB and 29 dB for a total biasing power consumption of 45 ${\mu }\text{W}$ and 39 ${\mu }\text{W}$ , respectively, at impinging RF power levels as low as −84 dBm. A 5.8 GHz RFID link of 23 m was achieved when transmitting only −14 dBm of effective isotropic radiated power from a transceiver with a sensitivity of −90 dBm.
The Deoxygenation Kinetics of Hemoglobin Partially Saturated with Carbon Monoxide EFFECT OF 2,3-DIPHOSPHOGLYCERATE

Abstract The deoxygenation rate of hemoglobin solutions partially saturated with carbon monoxide, in the presence and absence of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) at 23° and pH 7.0 and 8.0 have been measured. When the rate is calculated over the initial 30% of the reaction, solutions containing 98% HbO2 show an increase in the rate as hemoglobin deoxygenates both at neutral and alkaline pH. Partial saturation with CO severely compromises this variation at both pH values. Indeed, for a solution containing about 15% HbO2, no variation in the rate over the initial 30% of the reaction or thereafter, is observed. These results for the initial portion of the reaction are in agreement with the earlier studies of Gibson and Roughton ((1955) Proc. Roy. Soc. London B Biol. Sci. 143, 310). The values of the deoxygenation rate constant calculated between 85 and 40% saturation (k in s-1) at pH 8.0, in the absence of 2,3-DPG, are 19.5 ± 1.0 s-1 for the 98% HbO2 condition and 14.2 ± 0.7 s-1 for the 85% HbCO-15% HbO2 case. 2,3-DPG has no significant effect on k at pH 8.0. At pH 7.0, with no 2,3-DPG, the value of k for the 98% condition is 36.0 ± 1.8 s-1, and for the 85% HbCO-15% HbO2 case, it is 17.9 ± 0.9 s-1. In the presence of a 10:1 molar ratio of 2,3-DPG to hemoglobin tetramer, the effect of partial saturation with CO is even more pronounced as evidenced by a value of 52.4 ± 2.0 s-1 for 98% HbO2 and 18.0 ± 0.8 s-1 for 85% HbCO-15% HbO2. Thus solutions containing Hb4O2(CO)3 as a major initial species show no effect of 2,3-DPG at pH 7.0. The effect of this organic phosphate on k becomes significant as the concentration of the species Hb4O4(CO)2 increases. These results support the view that there is no effect of 2,3-DPG on the release of the first oxygen from the fully liganded conformation. They also suggest that 2,3-DPG exerts its influence on the rate of removal of the second and subsequent oxygen molecules. This kinetic result is consistent with the findings of MacQuarrie and Gibson ((1971) J. Biol. Chem. 246, 5832), that a 2,3-DPG analogue dissociates from its combination with hemoglobin after the binding of the third heme ligand. Since 2,3-DPG binding is thought to be dependent on the quaternary structure of hemoglobin, these results taken together would indicate that the transition from the oxy to the deoxy quaternary structure, at pH 7.0, occurs very early in the deoxygenation process, probably with the loss of the first heme ligand from fully liganded hemoglobin.
Refusal to undergo a cesarean section: a woman's right or a criminal act?

In March, 2004, Melissa Ann Rowland, a twenty-eight-year-old woman from Salt Lake City, gained national media attention when she was arrested on charges of homicide relating to the death of her son. Although there are many child homicide cases that occur regularly across the country that do not attract wide-spread media attention, this case was exceptional because her son died before he was ever bom.' Rowland had sought medical treatment several times between late December 2003 and January 9, 2004. Each time, she was allegedly advised to get immediate medical treatment, including a cesarean section (c-section), because her twin fetuses were in danger of death or serious injury. On January 2, 2004, she purportedly signed a document acknowledging that she was aware that her refiisal of treatment might endanger, or result in the death of, her babies. She then left the hospital without treatment, choosing instead to wait until she went into labor naturally on January 13, 2004. The female twin survived, while the boy was stillborn. An autopsy indicated that the boy had died two days before the birth. Thus, the child was still alive at the time doctors advised her to undergo the c-section. Rowland was arrested and charged with first-degree crimi-
Acute biliary pancreatitis. The roles of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Since January 1990, we have treated 113 patients for gallstone pancreatitis; 59 with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), 50 with open cholecystectomy, and 4 with ERCP/sphincterotomy only. In the LC group, 47 had LC during the index admission and 12 underwent delayed LC. Fifty patients had open cholecystectomy, 47 during the index admission. ERCPs were performed in 43 of the 113 patients; CBD stones were identified in 19/43 (44%) and removed endoscopically in 18 (95%). The ERCP complication rate was 6.5%. In total, CBD stones were identified in 29/113 patients (26%). Patients who had imaging of the CBD within the first 4 days from onset of symptoms were more likely to have stones identified than were those patients who were studied after 5 days. Recurrent pancreatitis occurred in five of 11 patients (45%) who had a ⩾30-day delay to definitive treatment. We conclude that LC can be safely performed in most patients during the index admission for gallstone pancreatitis. This policy should reduce the 30–50% risk of recurrent pancreatitis associated with a delayed operation. ERCP is a helpful adjunct for CBD stones.
‘The miskeet tree doesn't belong here': shifting land values and the politics of belonging in Um Doum, central Sudan

The new-yet-old phenomenon of ‘land grabbing’ is often characterized in media and NGO reports as an unstoppable tidal wave hitting the African continent. Yet, as Anna Tsing reminds us, global power...
PKCε Inhibits Neuronal Dendritic Spine Development through Dual Phosphorylation of Ephexin5

Protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent mechanisms promote synaptic function in the mature brain. However, the roles of PKC signaling during synapse development remain largely unknown. Investigating each brain-enriched PKC isoform in early neuronal development, we show that PKCe acutely and specifically reduces the number of dendritic spines, sites of eventual synapse formation on developing dendrites. This PKCe-mediated spine suppression is temporally restricted to immature neurons and mediated through the phosphorylation and activation of Ephexin5, a RhoA guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) and inhibitor of hippocampal synapse formation. Our data suggest that PKCe acts as an early developmental inhibitor of dendritic spine formation, in contrast to its emerging pro-synaptic roles in mature brain function. Moreover, we identify a substrate of PKCe, Ephexin5, whose early-elevated expression in developing neurons may in part explain the mechanism by which PKCe plays seemingly opposing roles that depend on neuronal maturity.
Applications of {{varvec{z}}} z -transforms to impact problems in layered elastic media

Here we analyze by means of the z-transform a system of recursive relations for stress and particle velocity, previously developed to study impact problems in Goupillaud-type layered elastic media. As a result, we are able to obtain finite series representations of the stress and particle velocity sequences. This representation provides insight into the monotonic behavior and damped oscillations observed about the steady-state values of the stress and particle velocity. The convergence of both stress and particle velocity sequences requires for the roots of the determinant of the system matrix in the z-space to lie inside the unit circle, except for a single root of unity. The analytical expectations are confirmed for the one- and two-layered target and demonstrated through various numerical experiments.
On Being Pollyanna About Sciences

This chapter turns to the intersection scientism and anti-intellectualism in relation to scientific Pollyannist rhetorical shame-tactics used to coerce the public into accepting their “scientific truths” as absolute and accurate information. It presents historical instances in which science was used history to demonize people, inferiorize women and racial minorities, and create methods that elevate the dominant majority. Contemporary scientific efforts to empirically prove the inferiority of non-White individuals (e.g., “race realism”) and women (e.g., “gender” or “different-but-equal” feminism) are introduced. The employment of empirical rationales as foundational to contemporary White supremacy and misogyny of these arguments is highlighted. Fanon’s notion of “shameful sciences” and de Beauvoir’s analysis of the sciences as a “pretext” for patriarchy are noted. The chapter concludes by discussing the relation of these movements in Western sciences to scientific Pollyannaism, especially cultural requirement that individuals be Pollyannas about science itself.
Multidimensional Item Response Theory and the Conceptual Survey of Electricity and Magnetism

Modeled responses to the Conceptual Survey in Electricity and Magnetism demonstrate that a wider variety of conceptual ideas are present than discussed in the original design.
Performance analysis of crowd-shipping in urban and suburban areas

Crowd logistics is a novel shipping concept where delivery operations are carried out by using existing resources, namely vehicle capacity and drivers from the crowd, thereby offering potential for economic, social, and environmental benefits. Despite the promise of this new logistics model, little is known about its actual functioning, performance, and impact. This paper presents a pioneering study of the performance of a real crowd-shipping system in the U.S. using empirical data from 2 years of operations. We contribute to the literature by: (1) defining performance metrics and developing models that account for the specificity of crowd-shipping systems by distinguishing the essential stages from bidding to acceptance and delivery of shipments, (2) identifying the significant covariates, including shipment features, built environment, and socio-demographic factors giving rise to different delivery performance outcomes, and (3) deriving sensitivity analysis to study the performance and implications of crowd-shipping in urban and suburban areas. The analysis is formalized as two-level nested logit models with nests representing bidding and delivery outcomes. The results show that not only does the delivery outcome performance vary significantly between urban and suburban areas, but the explanatory factors also vary significantly for the two contexts. Additionally, several factors have ambiguous impacts depending on the stage. Larger shipment size (versus strict deadlines) leads to increasing (decreasing) the likelihood of bids being placed, while having the opposite effect when it comes to the delivery phase. The findings highlight the need for developing different strategies to foster and improve the performance of this novel system depending on both the urban–suburban shipping context and the stage of delivery.
Mitigation of anisotropic fatigue in nickel alloy 718 manufactured via selective laser melting

Abstract The tension-tension fatigue behavior of heat treated selective laser melted (SLM) nickel alloy 718 (IN718) tensile specimens was tested and compared to as-built specimens. In addition to the industry standard IN718 heat treatment, a modified heat treatment was developed and tested in order to mitigate the anisotropic mechanical properties inherent to SLM materials. Electron backscatter diffraction verified that the modified heat treatment significantly affected the microstructure in all build planes. Three different print orientations were studied to determine their effect on the fatigue behavior. Both heat treatments improved the fatigue life of the specimens, although neither surpassed the fatigue life of wrought specimens. The modified heat treatment reduced the effect of the print orientation on the fatigue life. Surface roughness estimates made by laser scanning microscopy revealed a threshold between roughness controlled fatigue life behavior and print orientation fatigue life dependence. Fracture surface analysis indicated that the print orientation was the greatest factor that influences crack initiation and propagation.
Participation of the Serine Protease Jonah66Ci in the Drosophila Antinematode Immune Response.

ABSTRACT Serine proteases and serine protease homologs form the second largest gene family in the Drosophila melanogaster genome. Certain genes in the Jonah multigene family encoding serine proteases have been implicated in the fly antiviral immune response. Here, we report the involvement of Jonah66Ci in the Drosophila immune defense against Steinernema carpocapsae nematode infection. We find that Drosophila Jonah66Ci is upregulated in response to symbiotic (carrying the mutualistic bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila) or axenic (lacking Xenorhabdus) Steinernema nematodes and is expressed exclusively in the gut of Drosophila larvae. Inactivation of Jonah66Ci provides a survival advantage to larvae against axenic nematodes and results in differential expression of Toll and Imd pathway effector genes, specifically in the gut. Also, inactivation of Jonah66Ci increases the numbers of enteroendocrine and mitotic cells in the gut of uninfected larvae, and infection with Steinernema nematodes reduces their numbers, whereas the numbers of intestinal stem cells are unaffected by nematode infection. Jonah66Ci knockdown further reduces nitric oxide levels in response to infection with symbiotic Steinernema nematodes. Finally, we show that Jonah66Ci knockdown does not alter the feeding rates of uninfected Drosophila larvae; however, infection with axenic Steinernema nematodes lowers larval feeding. In conclusion, we report that Jonah66Ci participates in maintaining homeostasis of certain physiological processes in Drosophila larvae in the context of Steinernema nematode infection. Similar findings will take us a step further toward understanding the molecular and physiological mechanisms that take place during parasitic nematode infection in insects.
Oscillatory biomarkers of early auditory information processing predict cognitive gains following targeted cognitive training in schizophrenia patients.

Abstract Auditory-based targeted cognitive training (TCT) is an effective and well-validated intervention for the treatment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia patients. Improvements in higher-order cognition, reductions in symptom severity, and increases in psychosocial functioning secondary to TCT are thought to be driven by “bottom-up” enhancement of early auditory information processing (EAIP). Despite strong evidence of efficacy at the group level, there is significant variability in response to TCT, with few well-delineated biomarkers for predicting individual benefit. EEG biomarkers of EAIP are indicators of early-treatment sensitivity that predict full-course TCT outcome; however, further characterization is necessary for biomarker-guided clinical trials. The current study examined baseline and early-treatment sensitivity (i.e., change from baseline after 1 h) in theta band oscillatory activity to deviant stimuli as moderators of full course (30 h) TCT response in treatment-refractory schizophrenia patients randomly assigned to receive either treatment-as-usual (TAU; n = 22) or TAU augmented with TCT (n = 30). Theta evoked power and phase locking at baseline predicted patient improvements in global cognitive function after 30 h of TCT. Decrease in theta activity to deviant stimuli after 1 h of TCT predicted improvements in verbal learning after 30 h. Exploratory analyses using EEG composite scores had high levels of sensitivity and specificity for identifying patients most likely to benefit from TCT. The integrity of baseline neurophysiologic activity associated with EAIP, as well as the sensitivity of the underlying circuity to change, likely reflects an intermediate therapeutic process underlying the effectiveness of TCT that can be used to predict patient response to treatment.
Dietary influences on pediatric obesity and metabolic syndrome

Abstract There has been a significant rise in the prevalence of pediatric obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in both developed and developing countries over the past few decades. At the center of any intervention directed toward improving weight and cardiometabolic risk profile of MetS is dietary management. With limited access to medical nutritional therapy at a primary care setting, it often falls upon the physician to understand and assimilate basic principles of nutrition as part of obesity prevention and management. Eating habits and dietary preferences are formed during childhood, and it is important to make a positive impact on food choices early in life. This chapter discusses macronutrient components of standard meals, some popular meal plans, and the state of the current literature on their effects on the components of MetS.
S‐(4‐Nitrobenzyl)‐6‐thioinosine: tritium labelling at high specific activity

The one-step tritiation of S-(4-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine is described with characterization of the product by tritium NMR as well as mass spectrometry. The storage, stability, and repurification of [benzyl methylene-3 H]S-(4-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine are also discussed.
Atrial Fibrillation and Dementia

Atrial fibrillation is associated with multiple adverse comorbidities, including the development of dementia in patients with and without a history of stroke. Mechanistic models have been proposed to explain the association of AF and dementia. Alterations of brain perfusion from embolic events, bleeding, and rhythm-related hypoperfusion underlie many of these models. Multiple mediators such as oxidative injury, inflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms, and genetic predisposition also interplay in the disease association. There are potential therapeutic opportunities to reduce dementia risk, including early and effective use of anticoagulation and strategies to improve brain perfusion through rhythm and rate control approaches. Prospective trials are needed to evaluate these therapeutic opportunities that carefully measure cognitive function and dementia incidence.
Highly Productive α-Alkylation of Ketones with Alcohols Mediated by an Ir–Oxalamidato/Solid Base Catalyst System

An Ir–oxalamidato complex in combination with a solid base (e.g., magnesium aluminometasilicate/Ca(OH)2) significantly improved the catalyst productivity in α-alkylation of methyl ketones with prim...
Der Mensch – ein unterentwickelter Computer?

„Big Data“ ist das neueste grose Heilsversprechen der Psychiatrie. Hier wird uns versprochen, psychische Erkrankungen fruher und besser diagnostizieren und dann auch erfolgreicher behandeln zu konnen, wenn wir nur genug Daten uber das Individuum gesammelt und ihn damit „erklart“ haben. Der Mensch, reduziert auf sein Gehirn, wird hier als eine Biomaschine verstanden, die durch eine kunstliche Intelligenz simuliert und deren Verhalten dann folglich auch exakt vorausgesagt werden kann. Das Gehirn ist nach diesem Verstandnis ein, allerdings weniger leistungsfahiger, Computer. Von der Realisierung einer solchen Utopie sind wir jedoch noch weit entfernt, und wie sich eine Therapie aus den gewonnenen Einsichten ableiten lasst, ist derzeit komplett im Dunkel.
Predictive Model for Selection of Upper Treated Vertebra Using a Machine Learning Approach.

Objective To train and validate an algorithm mimicking decision making of experienced surgeons regarding upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) selection in surgical correction of thoracolumbar adult spinal deformity. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of patients with adult spinal deformity who underwent fusion of at least the lumbar spine (UIV > L1 to pelvis) during 2013–2018. Demographic and radiographic data were collected. The sample was stratified into 3 groups: training (70%), validation (15%) and performance testing (15%). Using a deep learning algorithm, a neural network model was trained to select between upper thoracic (T1-T6) and lower thoracic (T7-T12) UIV. Parameters used in the deep learning algorithm included demographics, coronal and sagittal preoperative alignment, and postoperative pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis mismatch. Results The study included 143 patients (mean age 63.3 ± 10.6 years, 81.8% women) with moderate to severe deformity (maximum Cobb angle: 43° ± 22°; T1 pelvic angle: 27° ± 14°; pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis mismatch: 22° ± 21°). Patients underwent a significant change in lumbar alignment (Δpelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis mismatch: 21° ± 16°, P Conclusions An artificial neural network successfully mimicked 2 lead surgeons' decision making in the selection of UIV for adult spinal deformity correction. Future models integrating surgical outcomes should be developed.
Predicting the assembly of novel communities in urban ecosystems

Ecological communities in urban ecosystems are assembled through ecological processes, such as species interactions, dispersal, and environmental filtering, but also through human factors that create and modify the landscape. These complex interactions make it difficult to untangle the relationships between social–ecological dynamics and urban biodiversity. As a result, there has been a call for research to address how human activities influence the processes by which ecological communities are structured in urban ecosystems. We address this research challenge using core concepts from landscape ecology to develop a framework that links social-ecological dynamics to ecological communities using the metacommunity perspective. The metacommunity perspective is a useful framework to explore the assembly of novel communities because it distinguishes between the effects of local environmental heterogeneity and regional spatial processes in structuring ecological communities. Both are shaped by social–ecological dynamics in urban ecosystems. In this paper, we define social, environmental, and spatial processes that structure metacommunities, and ultimately biodiversity, in cities. We then address how our framework could be applied in urban ecosystem research to understand multi-scalar biodiversity patterns. Our framework provides a theoretical and empirical foundation for transdisciplinary research to examine how social-ecological dynamics mediate the assembly of novel communities in urban ecosystems.
Current and Emerging Targeted Therapies for Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), the major complication after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT), develops in approximately 50% of patients. The primary treatment is high-dose systemic steroids, but treatment failure is common, and steroid-refractory (SR) GVHD is the leading cause of non-relapse mortality after allogeneic HCT. Ruxolitinib became the first treatment for SR GVHD to obtain US Food and Drug Administration approval, and other new treatments are actively being studied. We searched the literature using the PubMed database and clinical trials using ClinicalTrials.gov to identify the most promising new treatments for GVHD. In this review, we categorize potential new treatments for GVHD by their mechanism of action (e.g., antibodies that deplete T cells or prevent their trafficking to target tissues, proteasome inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and other agents) and summarize the results from clinical trials.
En bloc transurethral resection of bladder tumor: A review of the literature:

Bladder cancer remains one of the most common malignancies of the genitourinary tract. Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT) via cystoscopy with examination under anesthesia remains ...
Providing supportive transgender mental health care: a systemized narrative review of patient experiences, preferences, and outcomes

Transgender populations have high rates of many mental health diagnoses, but often delay or avoid mental health care due to prior poor experiences or fear of discrimination. This indicates a need f...
Connections Before Curriculum: The Role of Social Presence During COVID-19 Emergency Remote Learning for Students

This study examined the student experience (n=507) during emergency remote learning at a medium-sized private southeastern university during the COVID-19 pandemic, leveraging the Social Presence Model (SPM) as a guiding framework. Tensions were high at this critical time as students were stressed with financial burdens, supply shortages, overlapping work and educational schedules, and shared technological resources and physical spaces. Therefore, this study helps educators better understand students’ emotional needs and experiences during the March 2020 lockdown transition to remote learning. Specifically, examining the student experience in a time of crisis offers critical lessons about the importance of connectedness, online readiness, cultivating relationships, adaptability during transitions, and class interaction. The data revealed the depth of anxiety felt by students and suggests the need for increased empathy, communication, interaction, and flexibility from their instructor and course community to proceed with academic coursework, particularly for first-year college students. The findings elevate the importance of social presence as a literacy for learning in any modality, underscore the need to support the mental health of our students, and stress the urgency for online and remote learning readiness for current and future public emergencies.
Microprocessor Advances and the Mainframe Legacy

The microprocessor revolution, of which this issue marks the 50th anniversary, drove remarkable innovations in instruction set architecture, microarchitecture, and system design, some of which continue to evolve in current research and commercial products. Many of these features were indeed new, but others have their roots in a line of processor architectures that predates this revolution and that, alone among those ancient species, continues to thrive in modern information technology (IT) world: the IBM mainframe, launched in 1964 as S/360 and now continuing as IBM Z. This article will briefly describe some of the “modern” features that were pioneered there, then recount how the mainframe made the transition into the complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) microprocessor world.
Paraneoplastic Autonomic Dysfunction

Publisher Summary The chapter focuses on paraneoplastic autonomic dysfunction (PAD), morvan's syndrome, neuromyotonia, and subacute sensory neuronopathy. Dysautonomia may be the only manifestation of PAD, or it may occur in combination with recognizable syndromes such as subacute sensory neuropathy. Excessive daytime sleepiness, narcolepsy-cataplexy, decreased CSF hypocretin, hyperthermia, hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, gain in weight, and sexual dysfunction incriminate the diencephalic region. Peripheral, central, and autonomic nervous systems may be affected in Morvan's syndrome and neuromyotonia. Central involvement may manifest as hallucinations, fluctuating cognition, impairment of recent memory, complex nocturnal behavior, and insomnia. Pseudo-obstruction of bowels, a distinguishing feature of this illness, may precede or follow the diagnosis of tumor. Postural dizziness, syncope, and other symptoms may follow. Somatic neurologic findings are of variable severity and affect the peripheral or central nervous system. Urgent evaluation is necessary to prevent progressive neuronal loss, especially in CNS syndromes. A proper diagnosis can spare the patients unnecessary surgery in cases of pseudo-obstruction of the bowels. Treatment may be directed at the tumor, the antibodies, and the symptoms.
A structural comparison of the total polar lipids from the human archaea Methanobrevibacter smithii and Methanosphaera stadtmanae and its relevance to the adjuvant activities of their liposomes.

Abstract Mice were immunized with bovine serum albumin (BSA) entrapped within archaeosomes (i.e. liposomes) composed of the total polar lipids (TPL) from the two methanogenic archaea common to the human digestive tract. Methanobrevibacter smithii archaeosomes boosted serum anti-BSA antibody to titers comparable to those achieved with Freund’s adjuvant, whereas Methanosphaera stadtmanae archaeosomes were relatively poor adjuvants. An explanation for this difference was sought by analysis of the polar lipid composition of each archaeobacterium. Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and NMR analyses of the purified lipids revealed a remarkable similarity in the ether lipid structures present in each TPL extract. However, the relative amounts of each lipid species varied dramatically. The phospholipid fraction in M. stadtmanae TPL was dominated by archaetidylinositol (50 mol% of TPL) and the glycolipid fraction by β-Glcp-(1,6)-β-Glcp-(1,1)-archaeol (36 mol%), whereas in M. smithii extracts, both caldarchaeol and archaeol lipids containing a phosphoserine head group were relatively abundant. Liposomes prepared from purified archaetidylinositol and from M. stadtmanae TPL supplemented with increasing amounts of phosphatidylserine elicited poor humoral responses to encapsulated BSA. A dramatic loss in the adjuvanticity of M. smithii archaeosomes was seen upon incorporation of 36 mol% of the uncharged lipid diglucosyl archaeol and, to a lesser extent, of 50 mol% of archaetidylinositol. Interestingly, the relative rates of uptake of M. smithii and M. stadtmanae archaeosomes by phagocytic cultures in vitro were similar. Thus, the lipid composition may influence archaeosome adjuvanticity, particularly a high diglucosyl archaeol and/or archaetidyl inositol content, resulting in a low adjuvant activity.
Digital Stories in Writing Instruction for Middle School Students with Autism

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of computer-assisted writing instruction using digital stories for middle school students with autism. Four students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) participated in the study. A single-subject, multiple-baseline research design across students with ABC phases was used to evaluate students’ learning. During the baseline, students were assigned topics for free writing. During the intervention, digital pictures were presented to teach students to develop six compositions following the four stages of writing, including planning, drafting, editing and publishing. Each composition was evaluated by teachers to record total number of written words, correct words, and complete sentences as well as writing quality. Subsequently, the students were assigned to develop their own digital stories for two selected topics to evaluate their skill maintenance. Results showed that the students increased their number of written words and complete sentences when computer-assisted digital stories were applied within writing instruction. It indicates that using technology in writing instruction has potential to support students with autism.
A Transaction Model

This paper is an attempt to tersely restate several theoretical results about transaction recovery and concurrency control. A formal model of entities, actions, transactions, entity failures, concurrency and distributed system is required to present these results. Included are theorems on transaction undo and redo, degrees of consistency, predicate locks, granularity of locks, deadlock, and two-phase commit.
The Effects of In-Home Rehabilitation on Task Self-Efficacy in Mobility-Impaired Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives To examine the effect on mobility self-efficacy of a multifactorial, individualized, occupational/physical therapy (OT/PT) intervention delivered via teletechnology or in-home visits. Design Randomized, clinical trial. Setting One Department of Veterans Affairs and one private rehabilitation hospital. Participants Sixty-five community-dwelling adults with new mobility devices. Thirty-three were randomized to the control or usual care group (UCG), 32 to the intervention group (IG). Intervention Four, once-weekly, 1-hour OT/PT sessions targeting three mobility and three transfer tasks. A therapist delivered the intervention in the traditional home setting (trad group n = 16) or remotely via teletechnology (tele group n = 16). Measurements Ten-item Likert-scale measure of mobility self-efficacy. Results The IG had a statistically significantly greater increase in overall self-efficacy over the study period than the UCG (mean change: IG 8.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.8-13.7; UCG 1.2, 95% CI = -5.8-8.2). Descriptively, the IG exhibited positive changes in self-efficacy for all tasks and greater positive change than the UCG on all items with the exception of getting in and out of a chair. Comparisons of the two treatment delivery methods showed a medium standardized effect size (SES) in both the tele and trad groups, although it did not reach statistical significance for the tele group (SES: tele = 0.35, 95% CI = -2.5-0.95; trad = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.06-1.14). Conclusion A multifactorial, individualized, home-based OT/PT intervention can improve self-efficacy in mobility-impaired adults. The trend toward increased self-efficacy irrespective of the mode of rehabilitation delivery suggests that telerehabilitation can be a viable alternative to or can augment traditional in-home therapy.
Immunobiology and immunodiagnosis of echinostomiasis.

Intestinal trematodes, such as echinostomes, elicit detectable immune responses in vertebrate hosts (Simonsen and Anderson, 1986; Andersen et al., 1989; Simonsen et al., 1990; Agger et al., 1993; Graczyk and Fried, 1994; 1995). Much of the information on echinostome immunobiology is derived from research which utilizes rodent models, i. e., mouse, hamster, or rat (Huffman and Fried, 1990; Fried and Huffman, 1996). Various strains of mice, such as ICR, C3H, Swiss Webster, CBA, NMRI, SCID, RAG, C3H/HeN, and athymic have been used as experimental hosts of echinostomes (Bindseil and Christensen, 1984; Hosier and Fried, 1986; Odaibo et al., 1988; Fujino and Fried, 1993a; 1993b; Baek et al., 1996; Frazer et al., 1999) .
Enhancement of Cu Bioavailability in the Rat by Phytic Acid

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of phytic acid on copper (Cu) bioavailability. Male weanling rats were fed a Cu-deficient diet (less than 1.0 micrograms/g) for 4 wk and then were divided into 12 groups (n = 8) in a factorial design. Cu-deficient rats were then fed diets containing 1.4, 3.0, 5.2 or 10.5 micrograms Cu/g (CuCO3) and 0, 0.4 or 0.8% phytic acid as sodium phytate at each Cu level. All diets contained 30 micrograms Zn/g. After 3 d of Cu repletion, liver copper (LCu), liver Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (LSOD) activity, serum Cu (SCu) and serum ceruloplasmin (CP) concentrations were determined. These parameters were used as indexes of Cu bioavailability. The addition of phytic acid to diets fed to Cu-deficient rats significantly enhanced Cu bioavailability compared to that of rats fed diets without phytic acid. Coefficients of determination (r2) were calculated for each response parameter versus dietary Cu concentration. The r2-values for pooled LCu and LSOD values were 0.31 and 0.30, respectively, between 1.4 and 5.2 micrograms Cu/g. At low dietary Cu concentrations, liver Cu parameters (i.e., LCu and LSOD) were more responsive indexes of Cu status than SCu and CP. Each index of Cu status was found to correlate with the other indexes of Cu nutriture. Phytic acid is postulated to enhance Cu utilization by its ability to bind other dietary components, such as Zn, that compete with Cu at the site of intestinal absorption.
Pneumomediastinum and cervical emphysema from the inhalation of "free based" cocaine: report of three cases.

As the recreational use of cocaine increases, media coverage and medical literature dealing with symptoms and treatment of complications proliferate. What follows is a report of three cases of complications from inhalation of “free based” cocaine.
Inpatient burden of gastrointestinal stromal tumors in the United States

The purpose of this study was to determine the inpatient burden among patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). The study assessed hospitalization rates of GISTs and compared hospital characteristics among patients with and without GISTs. Further, predictors of total charges and mortality among patients with GISTs were identified. The 2009 Healthcare Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) database was analyzed for this study. Inpatient burden among patients with GISTs (cases) was compared to that among patients without GISTs or any diagnosis of cancer (controls). Linear regression was used to determine the factors predicting total charges, and logistic regression was used to determine predictors of mortality. Analyses were performed using SAS version 9.2. In 2009, there were 14,562 hospitalizations among patients with GISTs at a rate of 44/100,000 admissions. Hospitalization rates among patients with GISTs varied by patient-, hospital-, and dischargelevel characteristics. Patients with GISTs had longer length of stay (LOS), total charges, and mortality rate as compared to the control group. Total charges for hospitalizations among patients with GISTs varied by household income, hospital location and region, LOS, and number of diagnoses on record, respectively. When examining the predictors of mortality, household income, hospital region, and number of diagnoses on record emerged significant. By examining the inpatient burden among patients with GISTs, this study fills a critical gap in this area of research. Future studies could merge medical services claims data with cancer registry data to study in-depth the humanistic and economic burden associated with GISTs.
A salt- and dehydration-inducible pea gene, Cyp15a, encodes a cell-wall protein with sequence similarity to cysteine proteases.

The pea (Pisum sativum) gene Cyp15a encodes a protein with sequence similarity to cysteine proteases. Expression of Cyp15a was investigated during pea seedling development and in response to environmental stress. Cyp15a shows increased transcription and elevated mRNA levels in plant tissues that are partially dehydrated or treated with 0.6 M mannitol. Cyp15a mRNA levels also increase in seedlings treated with 0.2–0.25 M NaCl or KCl. During development, Cyp15a mRNA levels increase within 6 to 12 h in cotyledons and axes during germination and continue to increase for at least 96 h. Illumination of dark-grown seedlings increased Cyp15a mRNA abundance in elongating and non-elongating stem tissues. GA and ABA, which modulate the abundance of many seed-localized cysteine proteases, did not significantly modulate Cyp15a mRNA levels in stems. The protein encoded by Cyp15a contains a typical amino-terminal secretory targeting domain. This domain is followed by a pro-sequence containing ca. 110 amino acids that is found in other cysteine proteases. Polyclonal antibodies, directed against CYP15a, recognized both the larger pro-form and the cleaved mature form of CYP15a on western blots. Immunolocalization assays indicated that both forms of the protein are located in cell walls of stem cortical cells.
Th2 lymphocyte clone can activate macrophage antileishmanial defense by a lymphokine-independent mechanism in vitro and can augment parasite attrition in vivo.

Abstract Antileishmanial defense has been ascribed to the antimicrobial effects induced by soluble macrophage-activating lymphokines (MAFs), such as interferon-γ and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Recently, we identified an additional mechanism of T cell-mediated macrophage activation of defense against Leishmania that is apparently lymphokine independent, requires cell-cell contact, and is not cytotoxic to host cells. By employing antigen-specific murine T cell hybridoma lines, we observed that this property was associated with CD4 + subpopulations possessing the characteristics of the Th1 subset. In the present study, we address the question of whether contact-mediated macrophage activation can also be induced by Th2 lymphocytes. We employed as T effector cells in antileishmanial defense assays the Th2 cell line D10.G1.4 (D10) which is specific for conalbumin. We observed that D10 cells were able to induce activation of Leishmania -infecied macrophages only when the macrophages were also primed with conalbumin, and that this activation apparently occurred by a mechanism without the secretion of MAF. Moreover, when mice infected with L. major were injected into footpad lesions with conalbumin and D10 cells, in situ parasite replication was partially inhibited. The expression of this antimicrobial mechanism by Th1 as well as Th2 clones suggests that the property of contact-mediated (lymphokine-independent) activation may be shared by certain lymphocytes in both Th1 and Th2 subpopulations. We hypothesize that this activation mechanism may involve the interaction of a lymphocyte membrane-associated MAF (such as tumor necrosis factor) and its receptor on the infected macrophage, resulting in the induction of antimicrobial effects but not cytotoxicity to the host cell.