cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Regulation of Immune Function: A Potential Therapeutic Target in Autoimmune Diseases?

This topically limited review explores the relationship between the immune system and insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and IGF-II) and the proteins through which they act, including IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) and the IGF-I binding proteins. The IGF/IGF-IR pathway plays important and diverse roles in tissue development and function. It regulates cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and the translation of proteins. Many of the consequences ascribed to IGF-IR activation result from its association with several accessory proteins that are either identical or closely related to those involved in insulin receptor signaling. Relatively recent awareness that IGF-I and IGF-IR regulate immune function has cast this pathway in an unexpected light; it may represent an important switch governing the quality and amplitude of immune responses. IGF-I/IGF-IR signaling may also participate in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, although its relationship with these processes seems complex and relatively unexplored. On the one hand, IGF-I seems to protect experimental animals from developing insulin-deficient diabetes mellitus. In contrast, activating antibodies directed at IGF-IR have been detected in patients with Graves' disease, where the receptor is overexpressed by multiple cell types. The frequency of IGF-IR+ B and T cells is substantially increased in patients with that disease. Potential involvement of IGF-I and IGF-IR in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases suggests that this pathway might constitute an attractive therapeutic target. IGF-IR has been targeted in efforts directed toward drug development for cancer, employing both small-molecule and monoclonal antibody approaches. These have been generally well-tolerated. Recognizing the broader role of IGF-IR in regulating both normal and pathological immune responses may offer important opportunities for therapeutic intervention in several allied diseases that have proven particularly difficult to treat.
The Region-Exhaustive Fault Model

Device failure mechanisms of today's deep sub-micron processes are not well-modeled by single stuck-at faults, and hence several advanced fault models have been proposed in the past. Gate-exhaustive fault models were proposed to exercise a gate completely and then observe the resultant response at an observable output. This paper extends the gate-exhaustive fault model to target bigger regions (a collection of gates) with the hypothesis that exercising a region with an exhaustive pattern set can yield coverage on a larger proportion of unmodeled defects. To test out this hypothesis, we use the logic proximity bridge (LPB) fault model as a surrogate for unmodeled defects and grade the region and gate exhaustive patterns against the LPB fault model to gauge their efficacy. We show that region exhaustive patterns are better at detecting untargeted LPB faults compared to patterns obtained using gate exhaustive or traditional stuck-at fault models.
Genetic Modifiers of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in FcγRIIB−/− Mice

FcRIIB is a potent lupus susceptibility gene as demonstrated by the observation that mice defi- cient in this molecule develop spontaneous antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and fatal glomerulone- phritis when on the C57BL/6 background. To determine the mechanisms underlying the epistasis displayed by this gene we have constructed hybrids between FcRIIB � / � and the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) modifiers yaa and lpr and the susceptibility locus Sle1 . Sle1 and B6.RIIB � / � are both physically and functionally coupled; compound heterozygotes of Sle1 and B6.RIIB � / � develop significant disease, while single heterozygotes display no evidence of autoimmunity or disease, indicating that these genes lie on the same genetic pathway resulting in the loss of toler- ance to nuclear antigens. However, the generation of ANA in itself is insufficient to account for the severity of autoimmune disease in this model, as demonstrated by analysis of yaa and lpr hy- brids. Thus, B6.RIIB � / � /lpr mice are protected from disease progression, despite equivalent titers of ANA. In contrast, B6.RIIB � / � /y aa mice have significantly enhanced disease despite reduced ANA titers. Yaa modifies the specificity and thus the pathogenicity of the B6. RIIB � / � ANA, by converting them to antinucleolar antibodies. In addition to these known modifier pathways, we have discovered two novel, recessive loci contributed by the C57BL/6 genome that are required for the ANA phenotype, further indicating the epistatic properties of this SLE model.
Properties of the ground 3 F 2 state and the excited 3 P 0 state of atomic thorium in cold collisions with He 3

Inelastic cross sections for collisions between thorium (Th) and helium ($^{3}\mathrm{He}$) are measured. For Th[${}^{3}{F}_{2}$]--$^{3}\mathrm{He}$, we determine the ratio of momentum transfer to Zeeman relaxation cross sections to be $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\sim}500$ at 800 mK. For Th[${}^{3}{P}_{0}$]--$^{3}\mathrm{He}$, we find no quenching of this metastable state during ${10}^{6}$ collisions. We measure the radiative lifetime of Th[${}^{3}P{}_{0}$] to be $\ensuremath{\tau}g130$ ms. The observed stability of Th[${}^{3}{P}_{0}$] opens up the possibility of trapping this metastable species.
CS1 assessment using memory diagrams

Understanding the execution of an object-oriented program can be a challenge for a student starting a CS1 course. We believe that a type of diagram that we call a memory diagram can aid the student in understanding object-oriented programming and can assist the instructor in assessing the student's understanding.Memory diagrams focus on how, in an abstract sense, the memory of the machine changes as the program executes. Though memory diagrams are a simple idea, by careful use of shape and placement, a number of key points about the meaning of a program fragment can be conveyed visually. We have found a correlation between a student's ability to construct these diagrams and that student's comprehension of object-oriented concepts. We feel that this correlation indicates that memory diagrams can be used as an assessment technique that, in turn, can be used to improve student learning.
The superfast extraocular myosin (MYH13) is localized to the innervation zone in both the global and orbital layers of rabbit extraocular muscle

Extraocular muscles (EOMs) are the most molecularly heterogeneous and physiologically diverse mammalian striated muscles. They express the entire array of striated muscle myosins, including a specialized myosin heavy chain MYH13, which is restricted to extraocular and laryngeal muscles. EOMs also exhibit a breadth of contractile activity, from superfast saccades to slow tracking and convergence movements. These movements are accomplished by the action of six ultrastructurally defined fiber types that differ from the type IIa, IIb, IIx and I fibers found in other skeletal muscles. Attempts to associate different eye movements with either the expression of different myosins or the activity of particular EOM fiber types are complicated by the molecular heterogeneity of several of the fiber types, and by electromyography studies showing that the majority of extraocular motor units participate in both fast and slow eye movements. To better understand the role of MYH13 in ocular motility, we generated MYH13-sequence-specific antibodies and used SDS-PAGE to quantify the regional distribution of myosin in EOM and to characterize its heterogeneity in single fibers. These studies demonstrate that MYH13 is preferentially expressed in the majority of orbital and global fibers in the central innervation zone of rabbit EOM. Many individual fibers express MYH13 with the fast IIb myosin and varying amounts of IIx myosin. The differential localization of MYH13, coupled with specialization of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and thin filament systems, probably explains how activation of the endplate band region enables the majority of EOM fibers to contribute to superfast contractions.
Symptom Frequency, Intensity, and Distress in Patients with Lower Limb Lymphedema

Background: Patients with lower limb lymphedema experience symptoms of pain, swelling, tightness, and heaviness in their legs. Less is known of the intensity and distress associated with these symptoms. This study sought to identify and compare the symptoms and the level of intensity and distress associated with symptoms by type of lymphatic disruption. Methods and Results: A cross-sectional design was used. Patients completed an online survey that included: a demographic form, the Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Survey-Leg, and an open-ended question. The most prevalent symptoms were swelling, concerns about looks, heaviness, tightness, fatigue, and reduced physical activity. Statistically significant differences were found among groups in coldness in legs (χ2 (df=3) = 9.0, p = 0.03), lack of confidence in self (χ2 (df=3) = 10.6, p = 0.014), and feeling less sexually attractive (χ2 (df=6) = 12.6, p = 0.049). Group differences were also observed in the intensity of heaviness (χ2 (df=3) = 9.11, p...
Being a Near Traffic Fatality in Greece

In November of 1980 a number of articles appeared in United States newspapers, with New York Times by-lines, noting the high fatalities on the roads of Greece. They prompted me to do much reflection and investigation on various aspects of the subject since it would create much economic hardship on this struggling country if tourism, its second largest source of income were di­minished; and, people should not be deprived out of fear of loss of life or limb, the thrill of exploring this country known for its achievements and creativity since the beginning of recorded history. Even though Greek drivers are among the most reckless in the world — the Council of Europe having cited Greece as being responsible for more deaths per hundred thousand than twenty one western European nations and the United States — I think we can live to enjoy it if we learn some basics of survival and do some careful advance planning.
Watch your language: Power words at the human–nature interface

Words are integral to thinking and communicating. Words also carry old baggage. The Anthropocene necessitates new thinking and communication at the human–nature interface. Words like progress, natural, and thresholds are pervasive in both scientific and policy discourse, but carry baggage that will likely slow understanding of the Anthropocene and appropriate adaptation. The dynamic systems thinking with emergent properties of ecology needs to replace the efficiency and growth framework of economics. Diversity and resilience are productive and less historically burdened words.
Biostatistics Used for Clinical Investigation of Coronary Artery Disease

Summary/Abstract Clinical research to assess alternative medical or surgical treatments in coronary artery diseases can be classified as observational and experimental research based on the assignment of exposures (e.g., treatments). This chapter briefly describes the design and statistical analysis of observational studies and randomized clinical trials. Advantage and disadvantage of each study design are described.
SEXUAL SELECTION AND SEXUAL DIMORPHISM IN MOTTLED SCULPINS.

There are two aspects to sexual selection (Darwin, 1871). Intra-sexual selection focuses on the consequences of competition between members of one sex (usually males) for access to the other sex; whereas epigamic selection or female choice focuses on the consequences of mate preferences of one sex (usually females) with regard to the other sex. Agonistic encounters between males in which differences in body size would influence the outcome have often been cited as a primary cause of sexual dimorphism in body size (Selander, 1972). In such encounters larger males are more likely to win and thereby exclude smaller males from breeding. As variability in male reproductive success increases, as in polygynous species, the degree of sexual dimorphism would be accentuated. Such correlations have been reported for a number of vertebrate groups (see Lande, 1980 for a summary). This explanation is incomplete, however, since it fails to address the question of what determines or limits female size. Darwin (1871) recognized this weakness, and noted that sexual dimorphism in fish was particularly troublesome to explain since "in many kinds of fishes the males fight together, it is surprising that they have not become larger and stronger than the females through the effects of sexual selection" (p. 332). He speculated that females may often be larger than males because larger females could produce more eggs and presumably the selective advantages of large size in females outweighed the selective advantage of large size in males. Consideration of female choice allows the question of sexual dimorphism to be rephrased as follows: In species where females choose among prospective mates, why should a female choose to mate with a male who is larger (or smaller) than herself? The answer to this question determines whether males or females are the larger sex. The answer may be a proximal one: males of all ages are larger than females (as is frequently the case for birds [e.g., Holm, 1973]), or males mature later and at a larger size than females (as is the case for most polygynous birds and mammals [Wiley, 1974]). Yet this response does not address the question of how such differences, in growth rates or age at sexual maturation, arose. Fishes seem a particularly useful group for evaluation of the evolution of sexual dimorphism. Situations in which males are the larger sex are not uncommon, nor are instances where females are the larger sex (Breder and Rosen, 1966). The mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdi) is sexually dimorphic in body size, males being the larger sex (Fig. 1). In mottled sculpins growth is indeterminate and differences in size reflect differences in age (Downhower, unpubl.). Sexual differences in age at first reproduction are termed sexual bimaturism (Wiley, 1974); however, we have chosen not to use that term in our discussion because we feel the evidence indicates that size per se is the crucial issue. Here we describe the nature of female choice in this species and its relationship to sexual dimorphism in body size.
Fabrication and Characterization of Lead Sulfide Thin Films by Atomic Layer Deposition

We present a study of the deposition of lead sulfide (PbS) thin films by atomic layer deposition (ALD). PbS films were deposited from Pb(tmhd)2 and H2S precursors at precursor sublimation temperatures of 165-175 C. The film growth rate was 1.3-1.8 Aa/cycle, which is higher than previously published values. A linear growth rate characteristic of ALD was observed, with no chemical contamination. Film properties are studied using XPS, XRD, SEM and AFM measurements. AFM images show that the films are polycrystalline with grain size increasing with film thickness. Calculations have been performed using Density Functional Theory (DFT) to model the reaction mechanism.
Organizational Justice: Bringing Culture to the Table

Five papers united in their recognition that the majority of the extant organizational justice knowledge has been based in West, seek to bring attention to the role of national culture through diff...
Study on special welding robot of anchor inside pipeline for welding seam of intersection

The welding seam of intersecting pipes is typical and complicated space welding seam.A new kind of 5 degree of freedoms welding robot is designed with mixed method of series and parallel for special welding technological requirements of welding seam of intersecting pipes.The robot anchor inside the pipeline and realize one integrated design of organization for robot anchor and motion mechanism and welding torch adjusting mechanism and wire feeder.The robot control the position of torch with three tricks of robot and control the pose with trick with 2 degree of freedom,and realize control to torch position and pose separately.The kinematics model of welding robot is build for the robot,and gave out the method of calculation.The welding result indicates that the anchor is secure surely and accurately and the controllability during the welding is good,the control method can satisfy the technological requirement of welding seam of intersection.
Comparison and validation of synthetic social contact networks for epidemic modeling

We describe the synthesis of detailed social contact networks of Delhi, India, and Los Angeles, USA, for urban-scale epidemiological simulations. The network synthesis is done by combining information from multiple data sources, since social contact information cannot be obtained through direct surveys. We compare the two networks on various structural and dynamical metrics. Through the comparison between the two cities, we show important similarities and differences between urban regions in different parts of the world.
Adjunctive Methods in Equine Gastrointestinal Surgery

The medical management of postoperative abdominal disorders remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the equine clinician. Recent advances in the development of techniques and medications to offset or attenuate ischemia-reperfusion injury, endotoxemia, and ileus are encouraging and potentially will decrease the incidence of additional complications.
Coronary artery disease in older women

Despite the risk to women from heart disease, nearly all randomized, controlled studies on risk factors, treatment, and outcomes of cardiovascular disease have exclusively involved men, and extrapolation of those findings to women has resulted in several misinterpretations. More recent studies that controlled for different age and risk factors in women found that women have tended to be referred for angiography, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and angioplasty significantly less often than men. A gender bias may contribute to the lower referral rate for women.
Identification of Suvorexant in Urine Using Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole/Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-Q/TOF-MS)

Suvorexant (Belsomra®) is a new hypnotic drug with a novel mechanism of action. In prescribed doses of 10 mg before bedtime, the drug produces rapid onset of sleep by inhibiting the orexin neurons of the arousal system, promoting decreased wakefulness. Suvorexant is a potent and highly selective dual orexin receptor antagonist. Sedative hypnotics are of forensic importance due to their widespread use, potential for additive effects with other central nervous system depressants, impairing effects and potential for misuse. In this report we describe a highly sensitive assay for the identification and quantification of suvorexant in urine. Suvorexant was isolated using liquid/liquid extraction (LLE) and identified using liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Suvorexant was quantified using a quadratic calibration model between 5 and 250 ng/mL (R2 = 1.000, n = 6). Processed sample stability was demonstrated for up to 24 h. The limit of detection was 0.5 ng/mL and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 5 ng/mL. The accuracy, bias and precision of the assay at the LOQ were 99% (81-117%), -1% and 12% (n = 18). Intraassay (n = 5) and interassay (n = 15) precision (% CV) at 10, 50 and 200 ng/mL were ≤8%, and bias ranged from -2% to 4% (98-104% accuracy). No qualitative interferences were detected from matrix, internal standard or 50 common drugs. Matrix effects evaluated at low and high concentrations were -16% and -9%, respectively, and produced CVs of 11% and 5% (n = 20). Suvorexant is a new drug of forensic importance. In this report we describe how a simple acidic/neutral LLE can be used to isolate this lipophilic drug with high recoveries and sound analytical performance.
Pomalidomide Therapy for Myelofibrosis: Analysis of Results From Three Consecutive Clinical Trials

Abstract 1759 Background: Pomalidomide is a second generation IMiDs O immunomodulatory drug that has been shown to be active in the treatment of myelofibrosis (MF)-associated anemia ( J Clin Oncol 2009; 27: 4563; Leukemia 2011; 25: 301). In the current sponsor-independent analysis, we report long-term follow up data on patients from the Mayo Clinic who had participated in three consecutive clinical trials using single agent pomalidomide for MF. Methods: From May 2007 to January 2010, 94 patients with MF (including primary and post-polycythemia/essential thrombocythemia) were enrolled in three consecutive phase I and II clinical trials involving pomalidomide with or without prednisone. Eight two patients who received only single agent pomalidomide constitute the study population for the current study. Follow up information was updated in July, 2011. Results: Among the 82 study patients, 19 were included in a phase I dose escalation study (2.5-3.5 mg/day), 58 in a phase II low-dose single agent pomalidomide study (0.5 mg/day), and 5 in a phase II randomized study (2 mg/day). Median age was 67 years and 63 (77 %) patients were red blood cell transfusion dependent at study entry. Forty-five (55%), 24 (29%), 7 (9%), and 2 (2%) patients remained on pomalidomide therapy for at least 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively (Table 1). The overall anemia response rate per IWG-MRT criteria was 27% (22/82). Response occurred in the first 6 months in 21 (96%) of the 22 responders. The median time for response was 2.3 months (range, 1–10). The median response duration was 16.5 months (2–40). The anemia response rate in patients with spleen size palpable at less than 10 cm below the costal margin was 44 % (17/39) vs. 10 % (4/39) in those whose spleen was palpable at or above 10 cm (p=0.002). The anemia response rate was twice as likely in JAK2 mutated versus non-mutated cases (30% vs 15% p=0.2). Anemia response rate was also higher in patients with at least 50% increase in absolute basophil count during the first month of therapy: 39% (19/49) vs 6% (2/32) p=0.001). The anemia response rate was not significantly affected by karyotype, transfusion need or leukocyte count. Among the anemia responders (n=22), 3 (14%) relapsed in the first 12 months; relapse was more likely in the presence of baseline leukocytosis (p=0.006). Among the 24 patients who took pomalidomide for at lease 12 months, grade 1 sensory neuropathy developed in 4 (16%) patients. Conclusion: Anemia response to pomalidomide therapy in myelofibrosis often occurs in the first 6 months of treatment and is more likely to occur in the presence of JAK2 V617F and absence of marked splenomegaly. Long-term treatment with pomalidomide might be associated with sensory peripheral neuropathy in a subset of treated patients. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Therapeutic arginine starvation in ASS1-deficient cancers inhibits the Warburg effect

Argininosuccinate Synthetase 1 deficiency induces dependence on extracellular arginine for continued cellular growth and survival. Arginine starvation inhibits the Warburg effect and diverts glucose into serine biosynthesis, while simultaneously increasing glutamine metabolism via the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Simultaneous arginine deprivation and inhibition of the subsequent metabolic adaptations induce synthetic lethality.
Electrical field-induced faceting of etched features using plasma etching of fused silica

This paper reports a previously unreported anomaly that occurs when attempting to perform deep, highly anisotropic etches into fused silica using an Inductively-Coupled Plasma (ICP) etch process. Specifically, it was observed that the top portion of the etched features exhibited a substantially different angle compared to the vertical sidewalls that would be expected in a typical highly anisotropic etch process. This anomaly has been termed as “faceting.” A possible explanation of the mechanism that causes this effect and a method to eradicate it has been developed. Additionally, the method to eliminate the faceting is demonstrated. It is theorized that this faceting is a result of the interaction of the electro-potential electrical fields that surround the patterned nickel layers used as a hard mask and the electrical fields directing the high-energy ions from the plasma to the substrate surface. Based on this theory, an equation for calculating the minimum hard mask thickness required for a desired etch depth into fused silica to avoid faceting was derived. As validation, test samples were fabricated employing hard masks of thicknesses calculated based on the derived equation, and it was found that no faceting was observed on these samples, thereby demonstrating that the solution performed as predicted. Deep highly anisotropic etching of fused silica, as well as other forms of silicon dioxide, including crystalline quartz, using plasma etching, has an important application in the fabrication of several MEMS, NEMS, microelectronic, and photonic devices. Therefore, a method to eliminate faceting is an important development for the accurate control of the dimensions of deep and anisotropic etched features of these devices using ICP etch technology.
Modeling Phonology in Time

UC Berkeley Phonology Lab Annual Report (2011) Modeling phonology in time Keith Johnson (University of California, Berkeley) keithjohnson@berkeley.edu 1. Introduction The aim of theoretical linguistics is to construct models that help us understand language in some meaningful sense. In this regard, linguistic theory is much like the other branches of social science in seeking to achieve explicit, falsifiable, predictive, and complete theories by implementing those theories in mathematical models of the systems we seek to understand. Examples of linguistic models include the formal descriptions of generative linguistics (e.g. Chomsky, 1965), psycholinguistic simulations of language processing (e.g. Frazier & Fodor, 1978), and sociolinguistic models of factors relating to linguistic variation (e.g. Labov, 1972). The key decisions in linguistic modeling (and models in the social sciences more generally) concern what to model and how to model it. Where generative linguistics focussed on modeling linguistic structure, psycholinguistics seeks to model the aspects of human cognition that are involved in using language, and sociolinguistic models seek to account for choices among linguistic variables in communities of speakers. One key point here is that different choices of what to model are interrelated. The speaker's selection of one linguistic variable versus another is influenced by cognitive processing, and the set of all sociolinguistic choices ultimately determines linguistic structure. The question of how to model language is also answered in different ways by different theoreticians. Where generative linguistics uses methods from formal logic and finite mathematics, psycholinguists model behavior with simulations of cognitive processes, and sociolinguists use regression models to identify causally-linked factors in language change. 2. Sound change and explanatory phonology This paper seeks to make a contribution toward an explanatory theory of phonological structure by modeling sound change. My approach assumes that phonological structure is shaped by the phonetic, cognitive, and social forces that impinge upon human speech communication. An explanatory theory of phonological structure is thus dependent upon a workable model of sound change (see Hume & Johnson, 2001). In passing, I would note that the structure of optimality theory (McCarthy & Prince, 1993) lends itself to an interpretation as a theory of sound change; with GEN as a source of phonetic variation and EVAL as a set of constraints on the inclusion of phonetic variants in a subsequent stage of the language. The key to success in modeling sound change, is to incorporate as many explanatory factors as needed. From before there was a difference between phoneticians and phonologists, scholars have espoused the idea that phonetic factors influence phonology (see e.g. Baudouin de Courtenay,
Comprehensive Approaches Using Technology to Address Mental Health

Positive mental health for adolescents is a critical building block for their current and future well-being. More mental health burden can lead to poor outcomes which can have lifelong consequences including attempted or completed suicide. Supporting adolescents in recognizing, accepting, and getting help for mental health issues is paramount in reducing the likelihood of poor outcomes. Adolescents, however, are developmentally and emotionally different than adults and therefore need interventions and supports that are targeted to their needs. The uptake of technology by adolescents is significant. Using technology as one approach to engage adolescents and provide them with supports that educate on mental health, reduces mental health stigma, and promotes help seeking is one option. The goal of this chapter is to provide clinicians with information and strategies on how to access and incorporate approaches that support positive adolescent mental health into their clinical practice.
Death and Postoperative Complications After Hip Fracture Repair: Dialysis Effect

Introduction It is unknown whether patients receiving dialysis have a higher morbidity and mortality risk after hip fracture repair conferred by their kidney failure or by the high comorbidity burden often present. Methods We examined associations of dialysis dependency with postoperative complications, death, and readmission in a matched cohort study of U.S. patients undergoing hip fracture repair, from January 2010 to December 2013, in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Matching included sex, age, race, diabetes mellitus, operation year, primary surgery type, and anesthesia technique. Results Among 22,621 patients, 377 dialysis-dependent patients were matched to 1508 nondialysis patients. Median age was 78 years (interquartile range = 68−85) years, 56% were men, 70% were white, 43% had diabetes, and 47% underwent fracture fixation under mostly (80%) general anesthesia. Dialysis-dependent patients had higher physical status classification, had more heart failure and hypoalbuminemia, and were less often smokers. After adjustment, a greater risk of prolonged postoperative stays beyond 7 days (odds ratio [OR] = 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09−1.89), higher in-hospital mortality (OR = 3.13, CI = 1.72−5.7), and 30-day death (OR = 2.29, CI = 1.51−3.48) but not 30-day readmission (P = 0.09) was observed with dialysis dependency. Adjusted analyses in the original cohort (n = 22,621) were similar: the dialysis group had greater risk of prolonged postoperative stay (OR = 1.77, CI = 1.42−2.21), in-hospital mortality (OR = 2.65, CI = 1.74−4.05), and 30-day death (OR = 2.03, CI = 1.48−2.80) and 30-day readmission (OR = 1.62, CI = 1.66−2.26). Conclusion Dialysis dependency is associated with an increased risk of death and postoperative complications after hip fracture repair. These findings have implications for case-mix adjustment and quality metrics.
Symbolic Interactionism and Family Studies

Symbolic interactionism occupies a unique and important position in family studies. The principal theoretical orientation of the 1920s and 1930s (when family studies was endeavoring to establish itself as a science) and one of the most popular family perspectives today, symbolic interactionism probably has had more of an impact on the study of families than almost any other theoretical perspective (Hays, 1977; Howard, 1981).
SURGE: intended and unintended science learning in games

Research Goals and Theoretical Framework. This poster considers data from two studies and highlights the potential for both intended and unintended student learning in games. School science, with its focus on explicit formalized knowledge structures, seldom connects to or builds upon students' tacit intuitive understandings. Well-designed commercial video games, however, are exceptionally successful at helping learners build accurate intuitive understandings of the concepts and processes embedded in the games due to the situated and enacted nature of good game play. Most commercial games fall short as platforms for learning, however, because they do not help students articulate and connect their evolving intuitive understandings to more explicit formalized structures that would support transfer of knowledge to other contexts. In Thought and Language, Vygotsky (1986) discusses the potential for leveraging intuitive understandings from everyday experience ("spontaneous concepts") with instructed scientific concepts to build robust understandings. The question remains whether or not the intuitive spontaneous concepts developed in games can be successfully leveraged into robust instructed concepts in the format and terminology of academic assessment and across domains recognized as central by the scientific disciplines themselves.
A massively parallel reporter assay reveals context-dependent activity of homeodomain binding sites in vivo

Cone-rod homeobox (CRX) is a paired-like homeodomain transcription factor (TF) and a master regulator of photoreceptor development in vertebrates. The in vitro DNA binding preferences of CRX have been described in detail, but the degree to which in vitro binding affinity is correlated with in vivo enhancer activity is not known. In addition, paired-class homeodomain TFs can bind DNA cooperatively as both homodimers and heterodimers at inverted TAAT half-sites separated by 2 or 3 nucleotides. This dimeric configuration is thought to mediate target specificity, but whether monomeric and dimeric sites encode distinct levels of activity is not known. Here, we used a massively parallel reporter assay to determine how local sequence context shapes the regulatory activity of CRX binding sites in mouse photoreceptors. We assayed inactivating mutations in more than 1700 TF binding sites and found that dimeric CRX binding sites act as stronger enhancers than monomeric CRX binding sites. Furthermore, the activity of dimeric half-sites is cooperative, dependent on a strict 3-bp spacing, and tuned by the identity of the spacer nucleotides. Saturating single-nucleotide mutagenesis of 195 CRX binding sites showed that, on average, changes in TF binding site affinity are correlated with changes in regulatory activity, but this relationship is obscured when considering mutations across multiple cis-regulatory elements (CREs). Taken together, these results demonstrate that the activity of CRX binding sites is highly dependent on sequence context, providing insight into photoreceptor gene regulation and illustrating functional principles of homeodomain binding sites that may be conserved in other cell types.
Most Patients Can Kneel After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Patients commonly report difficulty kneeling after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess patients’ ability to kneel after TKA and to prospectively determine whether patients with reported difficulty can be taught to kneel. Methods Attempts were made to reach 307 consecutive TKAs in 255 adult patients who were 18-24 months after surgery. Patients were surveyed for their ability to kneel. Those who reported difficulty kneeling were offered participation in a kneeling protocol. At the conclusion of the protocol, participants were surveyed again for their ability to kneel. Results Of the 307 consecutive TKAs, 288 knees (94%) answered the survey. Of them, 196 knees (68%) could kneel with minor or no difficulty without any specific training. And 77 knees (27%) reported at least some difficulty kneeling and were eligible for participation in the protocol. Pain or discomfort was the most commonly reported reason for difficulty kneeling. Of these 77 knees, 43 knees (56%) participated. Thirty-six knees (84%) completed all or most of the protocol. All patients who completed all or most of the protocol were then able to kneel, and none reported significant difficulty kneeling. On average, participants improved 1.4 levels. Conclusion In this cohort, 68% of knees could kneel after TKA without any specific training. Of those who had at least some difficulty kneeling, all who participated were able to kneel after a simple kneeling protocol, although 44% of eligible patients did not participate. This study suggests that kneeling should be included in postoperative TKA rehabilitation.
High-Frequency Mechanical Behavior of Pure Polymer-Grafted Nanoparticle Constructs

Polymer-grafted nanoparticle (GNP) membranes show increased gas permeability relative to pure polymer analogs, with this effect evidently tunable through systematic variations in the grafted polymer chain length and grafting density. Additionally, these materials show less deleterious aging effects relative to the pure polymer. To better understand these issues, we explore the solid-state mechanical properties of GNP layers using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) spectroscopy, which operates under conditions (≈5 MHz) that we believe are relevant to gas transport. The GNP’s high-frequency storage moduli exhibit a characteristic increase with increasing nanoparticle (NP) core loading, consistent with past work on the reinforcement of polymers physically well mixed with bare NPs. However, these GNPs show a substantial, nonmonotonic decrease in loss as a function of chain length (at fixed grafting density), with the loss minimum corresponding to the chain length with the maximum gas permeability. We speculate...
Phase II Trial of a DNA Vaccine Encoding Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (pTVG-HP [MVI-816]) in Patients With Progressive, Nonmetastatic, Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSEWe previously reported the safety and immunologic effects of a DNA vaccine (pTVG-HP [MVI-816]) encoding prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) in patients with recurrent, nonmetastatic prostate ca...
Microplastic consumption and excretion by fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas): Influence of particles size and body shape of fish

Abstract The present study characterizes the dependence of microplastic consumption and excretion on particle size and body shape of fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) over time that has not been studied. Specifically, the study is to answer four important questions: 1) how do P. promelas consume microplastic particles at different size ranges over time? 2) how long does it take for P. promelas to excrete microplastic particles after consumption? 3) do P. promelas reconsume microplastic particles after excretion? 4) are microplastic consumption and excretion by P. promelas dependent on the body shape? To answer these questions, larval P. promelas were exposed to polyethylene microbeads (PMBs) at two different consumable size ranges of 63–75 µm and 125–150 µm in moderately hard water. The experiments were designed to allow and to not allow fish to reconsume the particles they excreted. Results of the present study showed that P. promelas consumed significant amount of PMBs after 1 h of exposure to PMBs regardless particle size. The number of consumed PMBs per fish at smaller size range was up to 10 times higher than that at larger size range. When expressing the consumption in µg PMBs/fish, this difference was approximately 1.3 times, suggesting the importance of the measurement unit. After consuming, fish excreted PMBs over time and reconsumed excreted PMBs if reconsumption was allowed. Interestingly, it took longer for bent body fish to excrete PMBs than regular straight body fish. Our observation showed that excreted PMBs were likely coated with intestinal fluid that is denser than water, resulting in aggregation and deposition of PMBs. This result suggests that in the natural environment, the consumption and excretion of plastics by fish would enhance the movement of plastics from the water column to the waterbed and make it available for benthic organisms.
Critical Changes in the Staging of Head and Neck Cancer

The many changes made to the head and neck (HN) chapters of the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) cancer staging manuals have resulted in confusion from clinicians and radiologists. These changes have even raised concerns for validity. In prior staging manual updates, the changes made largely provided simplification of more complex staging details. The current eighth edition of the AJCC/UICC staging manuals introduced greater granularity to HN tumor staging. This reflects the current understanding of pathophysiology of these cancers and is necessary to create a more accurate prognosis for these patients. The most commonly encountered example of manual changes is the separate staging of viral-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma from tobacco and alcohol use-associated squamous cell carcinoma. While anatomic imaging is critical for HN cancer staging, and frequently outweighs clinical examination, some changes to staging make it impossible for a stage to be assigned until surgical resection is performed. In all, the AJCC/UICC eighth edition changes, the impact on radiologists, and the rationale behind the changes will be discussed. Additionally, opportunities for radiologists to contribute to research that may influence the next edition of AJCC/UICC cancer staging manuals will be proposed. Keywords: Head/Neck, Oncology, Pharynx, Staging © RSNA, 2020.
Rethinking Human Development and the Shared Intentionality Hypothesis

In his recent book “Becoming Human” Michael Tomasello delivers an updated version of his shared intentionality (SI) account of uniquely human cognition. More so than in earlier writings, the author embraces the idea that SI shapes not just our social cognition but all domains of thought and emotion. In this critical essay, we center on three parts of his theory. The first is that children allegedly have to earn the status of “second persons” through the acquisition of collective intentionality at age 3. We make the case that humans take a second-personal stance toward others even as infants. The second point concerns Tomasello’s claim that 3-year-olds are group-minded and think in terms of “us” vs. “them”. We doubt both that children this young have a clear overview of their in- and out-groups and that they possess the “agonistic spirit” necessary for inter-group competition. Third, due to his focus on collective intentionality and how it might explain 3-year-olds’ difficulties with theory of mind problems, Tomasello appears to pay less attention to the crucial conceptual change that allows 4- to 5-year-olds to master such tasks.
Quantum Entanglement: Spooky Action at a Distance

Quantum entanglement is an important resource in quantum information technologies. Here, we study and characterize in a precise mathematical language some of the weird and nonintuitive features of quantum entanglement. We begin by illustrating why entanglement implies action at a distance. We then introduce a simple criterion for determining when a pure quantum state is entangled. Finally, we present a measure for the amount of entanglement for a pure state. Quanta 2020; 9: 1–6.
Unc-13 homologue D mediates an antiviral effect of the chromosome 19 microRNA cluster miR-517a.

The function of microRNAs (miRNAs) can be cell autonomous or communicated to other cell types, and has been implicated in diverse biological processes. We previously demonstrated that miR-517a-3p (miR-517a), the highly expressed member of the chromosome 19 miRNA cluster (C19MC) that are transcribed almost exclusively in human trophoblasts, attenuates viral replication via induction of autophagy in non-trophoblastic, recipient cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown. Here we identified Unc-13 homologue D (UNC13D) as a direct, autophagy-related gene target of miR-517a, leading to repression of UNC13D. In line with the antiviral activity of miR-517a, silencing UNC13D suppressed replication of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), whereas overexpression of UNC13D increased VSV levels, suggesting a role for UNC13D silencing in the antiviral activity of miR-517a. We also found that miR-517a activated NFκB signaling in HEK-293XL cells expressing TLR8, but the effect was not-specific to C19MC miRNA. Together, we define mechanistic pathways that link C19MC miRNA with inhibition of viral replication.
To Kill a Calf Is Not to Kill a Calf: On the Description of Religious Objections and Toleration

Religious toleration theory has often worked under the assumption that the nature of objections is unproblematic: it is easy to tell whether an objection is religious or not. In this chapter I dispute that assumption and argue that it is sometimes politically plausible to describe an objection as having a dual nature. An objection can be religious for some and secular for others, without drawing us to the conclusion that it is in itself both or neither. Thus, I argue that the nature of objections is sometimes irreducibly disputed. The reason is that political descriptions must be realist and thus work from within the agents’ perspectives, which cannot be made consistent with each other. Finally, I discuss the consequences of that duality for religious toleration.
Forming, storming, norming, and performing: Using a semester-long problem-based learning project to apply small-group communication principles

In a small-group communication course, students participate in a semester-long project to observe an organization while applying many group communication principles, including conflict resolution, ...
A Robust Microfabrication Process for Microfluidic Devices with High Resolution and Aspect Ratio Features for Neural Circuitry Modeling

Neural circuit study is important to help understand brain functions and causes of neurological disorders. Current compartmentalized microfluidic devices for in vitro neural circuit modeling are typically implemented in planar two-dimensional configurations by molding polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). This paper presents, for the first time, a robust microfabrication process for compartmentalized microfluidic devices made of molded cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) with high resolution and high aspect ratio features for neuron culturing and circuit modeling. The process also enables vertical, three-dimensional configurations of high aspect ratio microfluidic components. A channel size of 20:1 have been achieved with the process with high consistency and repeatability. Fully assembled devices were successfully used for neuron culturing with confirmed neurite growth into the microchannels in preliminary experiments.