cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catalytic mechanisms for metallopeptidases

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the catalytic mechanisms for metallopeptidases. The zinc-binding sites in the proteases are representative of what is found in zinc metalloenzymes in general, that is, they are catalytic, cocatalytic and structural. There are now more than five dozen X-ray diffraction and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)-determined structures of metalloproteases. In zinc metalloenzymes, the most common amino acids that supply ligands to these sites are His, Glu, Asp and Cys. In the case of the catalytic sites of metalloproteases, zinc forms complexes with any three nitrogen (His) and oxygen (Glu or Asp) donors, with His being the predominant amino acid chosen by a ratio of about 2:1 over Glu plus Asp. Histidine may be chosen because of its capacity to disperse charge through hydrogen bonding of its nonliganding nitrogen. Cocatalytic sites in metalloenzymes contain two or three metals in close proximity with two of the metals bridged by a side-chain moiety of a single amino acid residue, such as Asp, Glu, His or LysCO2 and sometimes a water molecule.
Antagonism of Uridine Diphosphate with 3-Methylisoquinoline Compounds

The ability of four 3-methylisoquinoline compounds to antagonize the spasmogenic effect of uridine diphosphate on goldfish intestine was determined. While there was no significant difference in potency, one compound, 6-ethoxy-7-methoxy-1-(3′,4′-diethoxybenzyl)-3-methyl-isoquinoline, had a lesser effect on acetylcholine contractions and thus may be useful in the differential analysis of tissue extracts containing both uridine diphosphate and acetylcholine.
A dynamic model of size-dependent reproductive effort in a sequential hermaphrodite: a counterexample to Williams's conjecture.

Abstract: In 1966, G. C. Williams showed that for iteroparous organisms, the level of reproductive effort that maximizes fitness is that which balances the marginal gains through current reproduction against the marginal losses to expected future reproduction. When, over an organism's lifetime, the value of future reproduction declines relative to the value of current reproduction, the level of effort allocated to current reproduction should always increase with increasing age. Conversely, when the value of future reproduction increases relative to the value of current reproduction, the level of effort allocated to current reproduction should decrease or remain at zero. While this latter pattern occurs commonly in species that exhibit a delayed age at first reproduction, it may also occur following an initial period of reproduction in some sex‐changing organisms that experience a dramatic increase in reproductive potential as they grow larger. Indeed, this schedule of reproductive effort is predicted by m...
Probability matching and the overlearning reversal effect

Sixty Ss were divided into two groups to be criterion trained or overtrained on a probability matching problem. The probabilities used were 90:10, 80:20, and 70:30. After the training period these were reversed to become 10:90, 20:80, and 30:70 for the occurrence of the same objects. The over-learning reversal effect was demonstrated in that overtrained groups reversed significantly faster than criterion groups.
Future discourse in a tenseless language

The Eskimo language Kalaallisut (alias West Greenlandic) has traditionally been described as having a rich tense system, with three future tenses (Kleinschmidt 1851, Bergsland 1955, Fortescue 1984) and possibly four past tenses (Fortescue 1984). Recently however, Shaer (2003) has challenged these traditional claims, arguing that Kalaallisut is in fact tenseless. This paper settles the debate, in favor of Shaer, based on text studies examining how the English future auxiliaries will/would and is/was going to are rendered in Kalaallisut translations of five books: Harry Potter, The Old Man and the Sea, Pippi Longstocking (translated from the Swedish), The Blind Colt, and Black Star, Bright Dawn. The results of these five text studies are reported here in detail and in theory-neutral terms. They conclusively show that Kalaallisut is truly tenseless, but has an alternative system that conveys temporal information, even about the future, as precisely as the English tenses.
Simple Flow of a Fluid Containing Deformable Structures

Abstract The flow between two plates of a fluid containing deformable structures is examined analytically. Typical profiles of the shear deformation and vorticity of the structures, the velocity gradient and velocity are given. Among the features exhibited by the solutions for stationary plates are velocity profiles with one, two or three local maxima and profile segments where the flow is countergradient. The single maxima profiles vary from the classic parabolic forms to those characteristic of high Reynolds number flow.
ACE Project—Advocating for Clinical Excellence: Creating Change in the Delivery of Palliative Care

Background: Psychologists, social workers, and spiritual care professionals report inadequate preparation to maximize their effectiveness in advocating for institutional reform to meet oncology patients’ diverse bio-psychosocialspiritual and cultural needs. This article provides an overview of the ACE Project, a National Cancer Institute, 5 year, R25-funded transdisciplinary palliative care education program designed to enhance the advocacy and leadership skills of 301 competitively selected psycho-oncology professionals. Methods: ACE Project participants identified an institutional goal, refined their goals during the course and received mentorship and support throughout the subsequent year. Participants were invited to return to a Reunion Conference in year five to report on their activities, network, and share the results of their change efforts. A subset of 28 ACE Project participants contributed to this OMEGA special issue. Results: Participants’ goals primarily focused on strategies to improve clinical care through program
THE USE OF DATA MONITORING COMMITTEES IN CLINICAL TRIALS

This paper provides an overview of the role of data monitoring committees in ensuring patient safety and validity and scientific merit of the trial. This more formalized data monitoring approach tends to be used only in trials where there is a lot at stake. Use of data monitoring committees at the National Institutes of Health and results of a workshop held on the subject are covered.
Toxicology and safety of DHA

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid with activities in both infants and adults. The objective of the current work was to evaluate the published literature concerning the toxicological assessment of DHA-rich oils in animals and the safety profile of DHA consumption in humans. Structured literature searches concerning DHA toxicology and DHA effects on platelet function, lipid levels, oxidative potential, glycemic control, and immune function were conducted. The toxicological profile of DHA derived from single-cell organisms demonstrates that these oils are safe in rats (up to a consumption level of 3290 mg/kg body weight/d) in 90-d toxicology evaluations, as well as in reproductive and developmental toxicology studies. The maximum DHA level in human breast milk exceeds 1% of total fatty acids in high-fish-consuming populations. Consumption of DHA-rich human milk as sole source of nutrition provides approximately 315 mg/d in infants 1-6 months of age, and appears to be a safe level of intake. DHA supplementation studies in adults have employed doses ranging from less than 1 to 7.5 g/d, and have not resulted in any consistent adverse responses in platelet function, lipid levels, in vivo oxidation parameters, glycemic control, or immune function. In conclusion, DHA consumption does not result in consistent adverse events in infants or adults. Safe intake levels may be modeled on DHA intake from human milk in infants, and may be at least as high as the upper doses studied in adults.
Comparative Sequence Analysis of Colinear Barley and Rice Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes

Colinearity of a large region from barley (Hordeum vulgare) chromosome 5H and rice (Oryza sativa) chromosome 3 has been demonstrated by mapping of several common restriction fragment-length polymorphism clones on both regions. One of these clones, WG644, was hybridized to rice and barley bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries to select homologous clones. One BAC from each species with the largest overlapping segment was selected by fingerprinting and blot hybridization with three additional restriction fragment-length polymorphism clones. The complete barley BAC 635P2 and a 50-kb segment of the rice BAC 36I5 were completely sequenced. A comparison of the rice and barley DNA sequences revealed the presence of four conserved regions, containing four predicted genes. The four genes are in the same orientation in rice, but the second gene is in inverted orientation in barley. The fourth gene is duplicated in tandem in barley but not in rice. Comparison of the homeologous barley and rice sequences assisted the gene identification process and helped determine individual gene structures. General gene structure (exon number, size, and location) was largely conserved between rice and barley and to a lesser extent with homologous genes in Arabidopsis. Colinearity of these four genes is not conserved in Arabidopsis compared with the two grass species. Extensive similarity was not found between the rice and barley sequences other than within the exons of the structural genes, and short stretches of homology in the promoters and 3′ untranslated regions. The larger distances between the first three genes in barley compared with rice are explained by the insertion of different transposable retroelements.
Dimensions of Trust: The Tensions and Challenges in Provider-Interpreter Trust

In this study we examined the challenges to providers’ and interpreters’ collaboration in bilingual health care. We conducted in-depth interviews and focus groups with 26 medical interpreters (speaking 17 languages) and 32 providers (from four specialties) in the United States to provide an empirically based framework of provider—interpreter trust. Constant comparative analysis was used for data analysis. We identified four dimensions of trust, theoretical constructs that can strengthen or compromise provider—interpreter trust: interpreter competence, shared goals, professional boundaries, and established patterns of collaboration. In this article we describe how these dimensions highlight tensions and challenges that are unique in provider—interpreter relationships. We conclude with practical guidelines that can enhance provider—interpreter trust, and propose future research directions in bilingual health care.
Beatwave acceleration experiments at UCLA

The possibility of using high-density plasmas as a medium for a high-gradient accelerator is being studied experimentally at UCLA. This proof-of-principle experiment uses a large CO/sub 2/ laser to excite plasma waves with large accelerating fields and a 1.5-MeV linac to probe the fields. Preliminary results from optical scattering diagnostics indicate that the length L of the wave times the accelerating gradient E/sub a/ is so far limited to E/sub a/ 2% to begin to see single electrons. With the help of electron-optics codes, the authors are beginning to optimize the collection efficiency for 5-MeV electrons. >
Th17 cells in Type 1 diabetes: a future perspective

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is classically diagnosed during childhood and adolescence but can occur at any age. T1D is a chronic autoimmune disease in which CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are thought to mediate destruction of the insulin-producing β cells in the pancreatic islets [1]. Loss of -cell function results in overt hyperglycemia rendering patients absolutely reliant on exogenous insulin therapy for the remainder of their lives to manage their hyperglycemia [2]. Currently, insulin therapy is the only therapeutic option to treat T1D and although it is effective it does not reproduce the intricate, fine level of regulation of plasma glucose levels provided by insulin production by pancreatic cells [2]. Thus, individuals with T1D on insulin therapy still develop diabetic complications due to the lack of normal physiological control of glucose levels. Over the past few decades, there has been significant progress in treatment regimens for several diseases where the immune system plays an important role; however, similar treatment regimens designed specifically for T1D are slow to follow. Given the autoimmune component of this disease, it is clear that novel therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the immune response is warranted for the treatment of T1D.
Sarcomas of the Kidney

We report a retrospective study of 18 patients with renal sarcomas seen between 1950 and 1980. Renal sarcomas are highly malignant neoplasms and the over-all prognosis is poor, with only 2 long-term survivors in this series. Radical nephrectomy seems to be the treatment of choice.
CD23 expression in follicular lymphoma: clinicopathologic correlations

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is typically a CD10+/CD5-/FMC-7+ B-cell lymphoma with variable CD23 expression. The clinical significance of CD23 expression in FL is uncertain. We studied the expression of CD23 by flow cytometry in 69 lymph nodes (LNs) and correlated it with pathologic and clinical parameters. Of 69 FLs, 48 (70%) were CD23+. Grade 3 FLs were CD23- more often (12/16 [75%]) than grade 1 and 2 cases (9/53 [17%]; P < .001). CD23 expression was more common in FLs in inguinal LNs than in other sites: 20 of 23 (87%) vs 28 of 46 (61%; P = .029). Overall survival (P = .002) and event-free survival (P < .0001) were longer in the CD23+ group than in the CD23- FLs. Our study shows that grade 3 FLs are more often CD23- than lower grade FLs and that FLs in inguinal LNs are more frequently CD23+ than in LNs from other sites. Furthermore, our findings also indicate that survival is significantly better in CD23+ FLs.
Three Recombinant Engineered Antibodies against Recombinant Tags with High Affinity and Specificity

We describe three recombinant engineered antibodies against three recombinant epitope tags, constructed with divalent binding arms to recognize divalent epitopes and so achieve high affinity and specificity. In two versions, an epitope is inserted in tandem into a protein of interest, and a homodimeric antibody is constructed by fusing a high-affinity epitope-binding domain to a human or mouse Fc domain. In a third, a heterodimeric antibody is constructed by fusing two different epitope-binding domains which target two different binding sites in GFP, to polarized Fc fragments. These antibody/epitope pairs have affinities in the low picomolar range and are useful tools for many antibody-based applications.
Essential Roles for ARID1B in Dendritic Arborization and Spine Morphology of Developing Pyramidal Neurons.

De novo truncating mutations in ARID1B , a chromatin-remodeling gene, cause Coffin–Siris syndrome, a developmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability and speech impairment; however, how the genetic elimination leads to cognitive dysfunction remains unknown. Thus, we investigated the neural functions of ARID1B during brain development. Here, we show that ARID1B regulates dendritic differentiation in the developing mouse brain. We knocked down ARID1B expression in mouse pyramidal neurons using in utero gene delivery methodologies. ARID1B knockdown suppressed dendritic arborization of cortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurons in mice. The abnormal development of dendrites accompanied a decrease in dendritic outgrowth into layer I. Furthermore, knockdown of ARID1B resulted in aberrant dendritic spines and synaptic transmission. Finally, ARID1B deficiency led to altered expression of c-Fos and Arc, and overexpression of these factors rescued abnormal differentiation induced by ARID1B knockdown. Our results demonstrate a novel role for ARID1B in neuronal differentiation and provide new insights into the origin of cognitive dysfunction associated with developmental intellectual disability. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Haploinsufficiency of ARID1B, a component of chromatin remodeling complex, causes intellectual disability. However, the role of ARID1B in brain development is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that ARID1B is required for neuronal differentiation in the developing brain, such as in dendritic arborization and synapse formation. Our findings suggest that ARID1B plays a critical role in the establishment of cognitive circuitry by regulating dendritic complexity. Thus, ARID1B deficiency may cause intellectual disability via abnormal brain wiring induced by the defective differentiation of cortical neurons.
Computational methodologies to link atomistic and continuum scale in the design of Nano scale systems

Molecular dynamics and statics (MD/MS) simulations are being increasingly used to model the behavior of systems where atomistic details play a critical role. In the last few years atomic scale computations have gone beyond modeling the effects of a few atoms to that of millions of atoms. Even these simulations, which demand extensive computational resources, may not be able to adequately represent the behavior of a typical system. This necessitates a multi-scale approach to such problems. In this paper, we present the atomistic simulation studies of grain boundary sliding of symmetric tilt grain boundaries in aluminum. The simulations are in agreement with experimental results and show a clear dependence of magnitude of sliding on grain boundary energy. Asymptotic expansion homogenization (AEH) is a mathematically rigorous approach to homogenization of periodic structures, which has been used extensively in composites and porous media. We propose a methodology to adapt AEH technique to link atomic scale effects in much larger scale systems.
Evidence for early hematopoietic progenitor cell involvement in acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) represents a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia with characteristic morphologic, molecular, and immunophenotypic features. Previous immunophenotypic analyses have shown that leukemic cells in APL typically express the myeloid markers CD33 and CD13 but lack expression of the early hematopoietic progenitor cell antigens CD34 and HLA-DR. We analyzed selected immunophenotypic features of APL by flow cytometry and showed that 7 (41%) of 17 cases contained significant subsets of CD34 + leukemic cells; CD34 + myeloid cells predominated in 2 APL cases. By using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter-fluorescence in situ hybridization approach, we confirmed that the CD34 + cells harbored the t(15;17) translocation characteristic ofAPL. By using the same experimental approach, CD34 + populations were stratified into primitive CD34 + CD38 - and committed CD34 + CD38 + progenitor cell subpopulations; cells in both subsets contained the t(15;17) translocation. The knowledge that APL may be partly or largely CD34 + is important for proper diagnosis. Furthermore, identification of the t(15;17) translocation in CD34 + CD38 - blasts indicates that, in at least some cases, the leukemogenic mutation in APL occurs within primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells.
A novel two-parameter linear elastic constitutive model for bond based peridynamics

A novel linear elastic constitutive model is developed for bond based peridynamics. For a peridynamic constitutive model, the relevant material parameters are derived from energy equivalence to a classical linear elastic continuum mechanics model. The commonly used microelastic model is a central force model characterized by a single micromodulus constant, and hence the effective Poisson’s ratio of the isotropic peridynamic material is found to always be 1/3 in 2D and 1/4 in 3D. The elastic modulus of the peridynamic material is also dependant on the input Poisson’s ratio and as a result, the strain energy for simple loading conditions, for eg. a uniaxial tension test, is not correctly estimated by the microelastic bond model. This originates from the fact that typically a bulk expansion test is used to calibrate the peridynamic model which relates the micromodulus to the bulk modulus of the material only. In the present work, a novel linear elastic constitutive model incorporating two peridynamic material parameters is proposed, analogous to the idea of two material constants used to describe linear isotropic materials in classical theory. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate that after initial calibration using a simple biaxial test, the material model shows correct Poisson’s contraction and strain energies for a range of Poisson’s ratios. A damage model based on an energy criterion is implemented, and a dynamic crack propagation and crack branching problem is considered. Results are compared with both the microelastic model and other numerical methods from published literature. It is observed that the two parameter model shows a significant improvement in predicting displacements as a result of the inclusion of a tangential stiffness parameter.
Effects of cesium ion-implantation on mechanical and electrical properties of organosilicate low-k films

The effects of cesium (Cs) ion-implantation on uncured plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor-deposited organosilicate low dielectric constant (low-k) (SiCOH) films have been investigated and compared with an ultraviolet (UV) cured film. The mechanical properties, including the elastic modulus and hardness, of the SiCOH low-k films are improved by up to 30% with Cs implantation, and further up to 52% after annealing at 400 °C in a N2 ambient for 1 h. These improvements are either comparable to or better than the effects of UV-curing. They are attributed to an enhancement of the Si-O-Si network structure. The k-value of the SiCOH films increased slightly after Cs implantation, and increased further after annealing. These increases are attributed to two carbon-loss mechanisms, i.e., the carbon loss due to Si-CH3 bond breakage from implanted Cs ions, and the carbon loss due to oxidation during the annealing. The time-zero dielectric breakdown strength was improved after the Cs implantation and the annealing, and was...
The "hazardous" environment--a commentary.

The data available on mortality of the white population of the United States from 1940 to 1975 do not confirm the presence of an epidemic of cancer in our society. Overall death rates and non-respiratory cancer death rates are declining in these groups over a wide spectrum of ages for both sexes. Respiratory cancer death rates have been increasing, but appear to show a current decline in the younger age groups. The need for objective mortality data by specific cause of death and geographic area is evident. Measures to protect the environment should be undertaken within the context of a generally improving mortality experience of the U.S. population.
Topical Antihistamines and Mast Cell Stabilizers for Treating Allergic Conjunctivitis.

Topical antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers, either alone or in combination, are safe and effective for reducing the symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis.
User driven sparse point-based image segmentation

Reducing the amount of user driven input for interactive image segmentation enables faster and more precise foreground extraction of objects. A sparse collection of labeled seed points sampled over image regions can be quickly provided by the user using a few mouse clicks. Seed points are used for training an Elastic Body Spline classifier mapping function. We evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of user defined point inputs compared to fully manual boundary drawing that can be time consuming and automatic image segmentation methods that may not have sufficient accuracy. We show that using an average of just 8 labeled pixels (i.e. sparse set of seed points) the proposed EBS foreground-background thresholding method can achieve 90 percent accuracy compared to manual ground truth on the Berkeley BSDS500 benchmark.
Testing Newborns for HIV

Some states have enacted mandatory testing of newborns for HIV despite challenges to the constitutionality of such laws. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Using Digital Image Correlation to Detect Cracking in Opalinus Shale

The extraction of hydrocarbons from unconventional oil and gas reservoirs relies on a detailed understanding of the cracking processes in shale. Also, underground structures designed for nuclear waste repositories are often preferred to be in shale due to its characteristic low permeability. Specifically, how cracks initiate, propagate and coalesce in shale is of interest in these contexts. A series of unconfined compression tests were conducted on Opalinus shale extracted from the Mont Terri underground rock laboratory in Switzerland. These tests were performed on prismatic Opalinus shale specimens with one vertical flaw. High resolution imagery was used to capture crack initiation, -propagation and -coalescence. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) methods were used to determine deformation and crack initiation. By using static loading and unloading cycles, localized strains associated with cracking events were observed. The DIC analysis showed much more cracking than visual inspection with the naked eye. Additionally, a significant influence of bedding planes on the cracking patterns was observed.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the prevention of arterial gas embolism in food grade hydrogen peroxide ingestion

Food grade hydrogen peroxide ingestion is a relatively rare presentation to the emergency department. There are no defined guidelines at this time regarding the treatment of such exposures, and providers may not be familiar with the potential complications associated with high concentration hydrogen peroxide ingestions. In this case series, we describe four patients who consumed 35% hydrogen peroxide, presented to the emergency department, and were treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Two of the four patients were critically ill requiring intubation. All four patients had evidence on CT or ultrasound of venous gas emboli and intubated patients were treated as if they had an arterial gas embolism since an exam could not be followed. After hyperbaric oxygen therapy each patient was discharged from the hospital neurologically intact with no other associated organ injuries related to vascular gas emboli. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an effective treatment for patients with vascular gas emboli after high concentration hydrogen peroxide ingestion. It is the treatment of choice for any impending, suspected, or diagnosed arterial gas embolism. Further research is needed to determine which patients with portal venous gas emboli should be treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Properties of aggregate-cement interface for high performance concrete

An experimental study of the interfacial zone between aggregate and cement paste was undertaken. Various factors such as type of aggregate, treatment of aggregate surface, mixing process and incorporation of silica fume were investigated. A newly developed push-out method continuously measured force and slip displacement of the interface during loading. The interfacial properties of the transition zone were characterized using a mathematical model and the microstructure of the interface was examined by electron microscopy. It was found that the microstructure and properties of the interfacial zone can be significantly improved by aggregate pretreatment and mixing methods.
High Fat High Sugar Diet Reduces Voluntary Wheel Running in Mice Independent of Sex Hormone Involvement

Introduction: Indirect results in humans suggest that chronic overfeeding decreases physical activity with few suggestions regarding what mechanism(s) may link overfeeding and decreased activity. The primary sex hormones are known regulators of activity and there are reports that chronic overfeeding alters sex hormone levels. The purpose of this study was to determine if chronic overfeeding altered wheel running through altered sex hormone levels. Materials and Methods: C57BL/6J mice were bred and the offspring were weaned at three-weeks of age and randomly assigned to either a control (CFD) or high fat/high sugar (HFHS) diet for 9-11 weeks depending on activity analysis. Nutritional intake, body composition, sex hormone levels, and three-day and two-week wheel-running activity were measured. Additionally, groups of HFHS animals were supplemented with testosterone (males) and 17β-estradiol (females) to determine if sex hormone augmentation altered diet-induced changes in activity. Results: 117 offspring (56♂, 61♀) were analyzed. The HFHS mice consumed significantly more calories per day than CFD mice (male: p<0.0001; female: p<0.0001) and had significantly higher body fat (male: p<0.0001; female: p<0.0001). The HFHS diet did not reduce sex hormone levels, but did significantly reduce acute running-wheel distance in male (p=0.05, 70±28%) and female mice (p=0.02, 57±26%). In animals that received hormone supplementation, there was no significant effect on activity levels. Two-weeks of wheel access was not sufficient to alter HFHS-induced reductions in activity or increases in body fat. Conclusion: Chronic overfeeding reduces wheel running, but is independent of the primary sex hormones.
How Student Centered is the Computer Science Classroom? A Survey of College Faculty

Student-centered instructional practices structure a class so that students interact with each other, engage deeply with the content, and receive formative feedback. These evidence-based practices benefit all students but are particularly effective with underrepresented learners, including women and members of other minority groups. To what extent have computer science (CS) faculty embraced these strategies? We surveyed over 700 U.S. faculty to find out. Results suggest that female faculty, associate professors, and those teaching courses with enrollment above 80 students are more likely to use these student-centered practices. Across all responses, 20% of faculty use student--student interaction on a regular basis during class. In contrast, 38% of faculty rely on lectures for content delivery. Results were also compared with published data for other academic disciplines. CS faculty are less likely to use these practices compared to their non-STEM colleagues but more likely to use these practices compared to other STEM discipline faculty. Overall, CS faculty have adopted student-centered practices to some degree, but our community should strive for higher adoption rates to help as many students as possible learn and remain in computer science.
Relevance of Serial Anti-GAD titers in relation to Seizure Frequency in Autoimmune Epilepsy (AIE): An Observational Study (P4.287)

Objective: To study if there is relation between serial anti-GAD titers and seizure frequency and response to immunosuppression in autoimmune epilepsy. Background: Glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (Anti-GAD) has been associated with variety of neurological syndromes including autoimmune epilepsy (AIE) resulting in seizures. However, the causality of this antibody to intracytoplasmic antigen and its prognostic value in response to treatment or seizure control remains unclear. Design/Methods: 5 patients with clinical suspicion of AIE and confirmed Anti-GAD positivity with more than one sample over the course of illness were included in this retrospective observational study. The serial Anti-GAD titers and seizure frequency per month recorded at the time of serum sample collection was observed for parallel associations. The Anti-GAD titer 250 was considered significantly elevated and the actual titer value not reported by laboratories. Results: The mean age of this patient group was 28 ± 9 years. There was no association between Anti-GAD titers and seizure frequency in this patients group. Furthermore, there was no trend between decrease of Anti-GAD titers in response to immunosuppression and change in seizure frequency. Conclusions: Our preliminary observations indicates that there is no relation between seizure frequency and serial Anti-GAD titers in this patients. The seizure frequency didn’t alter in the direction of declining Anti-GAD titers in response to immunosuppressants. The significance of measuring serial Anti-GAD titers as an indirect measure of seizure control and autoimmunity suppression in AIE is not warranted per our observations. Further analysis of Anti-GAD titers in light of MRI findings and other antibodies positivity may explain the burden of autoimmunity and significance of immunosuppression in treating this clinical entity. Disclosure: Dr. Yarraguntla has nothing to disclose. Dr. Suchdev has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ibrahim has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shah has nothing to disclose.
A Legislative History of the Communications Act of 1954. Ed. by Max D. Paglin. (New York: Oxford University Press, 1989. xxii + 981 pp. $95.00.)

This annotated American legislative history provides an account of the statutory scheme developed in 1934 for telecommunications. The focal point of the work is the complete text of the Communications Act of 1934 and its underlying legislative components - the various Bills, congressional committee hearings, conference reports and congressional debates. In addition, there are materials prepared especially for this book, including commemorative messages from ex-chairmen of the Federal Communications Committee and explanatory and analytical commentaries on each title of the Act by legal scholars.
Using Collaborative Inquiry to Better Understand Teaching and Learning

In a research career that exceeds 40 years there have been continuous changes in my research methodology on a number of dimensions. The most salient differences involved changes in the theoretical framework that began with logical positivism and gradually changed to embrace sociological and cultural frameworks such as hermeneutic phenomenology, reflexivity, culture, and ethics. A necessity to include multiple voices to obtain participants’ perspectives catalyzed ontological issues, including how to deal with difference and embrace polysemia. As well as researching patterns of coherence I adapted methodologies to build understanding based on research on contradictions, which defined events. Thus event-oriented inquiry sought to understand social life through intensive research on spikes in coherence trajectories. Authentic inquiry drew attention to priorities given to theory and improvement of practice on the one hand and multilectical relationships that considered authenticity holistically – recursively considering goals associated with changing ontologies while learning from others, teaching others about personal standpoints and practices, and ensuring that institutions and all individuals benefit from participating in research. I conclude with cautions about the transcendent nature of social inquiry and a reminder of obligations researchers have to participate ethically in research dialogues, listen to learn, and enact right speech to foster social justice for all.
A Performance Comparison Study of Two Position-Based Routing Protocols and Their Improved Versions for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

The high-level contribution of this paper is a detailed simulation based analysis of the performance of two well-known position-based routing protocols - Greedy Perimeter Stateless Routing (GPSR) and the Geographical Routing Protocol based on Prediction (GRPP) and their improved versions to handle perimeter forwarding. The two strategies adopted to improve the performance of position-based routing protocols and better handle perimeter forwarding are: Destination-node Location Prediction (DNP) and Advanced Greedy Forwarding (AGF) approaches. We use a scalable location service scheme, referred as Hierarchical Location Service (HLS) to periodically disseminate the location information of the nodes in the network. The simulations were conducted in ns-2 under different conditions of network density, node mobility and offered traffic load. Performance results indicate that with a slightly larger location service overhead, the improved versions of GPSR and GRPP based on DNP and AGF yield a relatively lower hop count, end-to-end delay per data packet and a larger packet delivery ratio.
Hysteroscopic Endometrial Polypectomy with Manual Vacuum Aspiration Compared to Mechanical Morcellation.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To examine the effectiveness of hysteroscopy plus manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) for endometrial polypectomy compared with hysteroscopic morcellation. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING Duke University Medical Center database. PATIENTS Women who underwent hysteroscopic removal of endometrial polyps performed by Duke Fertility Center faculty physicians between January 1, 2015, and January 29, 2018, using either hysteroscopy plus MVA or hysteroscopic morcellation. INTERVENTIONS The 2 groups were compared using the χ2 or Fisher's exact test, Student's t test, and multivariable regression analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The primary outcome was the duration of the procedure. Secondary outcomes were fluid deficit, rate of complete polyp resection, estimated blood loss, and operative complications. A total of 102 women undergoing endometrial polypectomy were identified. Patients in whom polyps were removed using only a hysteroscopic grasper and/or scissors (n = 31); patients who underwent an additional simultaneous procedure, such as laparoscopy (n = 12); and patients in whom the duration of the procedure was not recorded (n = 2) were excluded. Among the remaining 57 patients, 28 underwent hysteroscopy plus MVA and 29 underwent hysteroscopic morcellation. The mean duration of procedure was longer for hysteroscopic morcellation compared with hysteroscopy plus MVA (32 ± 10 minutes vs 20 ± 6 minutes; p = .04), and this difference remained significant after adjusting for age, body mass index, surgeon, and number and size of polyps. Mean fluid deficit was greater for morcellation than for hysteroscopy plus MVA (277 ± 204 mL vs 51 ± 97 mL; p < .001). Complete polyp resection was possible in all patients; however, the use of a hysteroscopic scissors and grasper was required for 1 patient in the MVA group. Estimated blood loss was minimal in all cases, and there were no operative complications. CONCLUSION Hysteroscopy plus MVA is an effective method for removing large or multiple endometrial polyps, with outcomes comparable to hysteroscopic morcellation.
Main stem and off‐channel habitat use by juvenile Chinook salmon in a sub‐Arctic riverscape

Poor growth and survival in freshwater and marine environments have been implicated as responsible for Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) declines across Alaska. Lateral connectivity of river main stems with off‐channel habitats may play an integral role in sustaining Alaskan salmonid populations because off‐channel habitats commonly provide greater growth opportunities than main stem habitats through greater macroinvertebrate productivity and warmer water temperatures. However, off‐channel habitats may impose greater mortality risks to juvenile salmonids, as these habitats are typically more susceptible to drying and are often occupied by potential predators. We used a hierarchical Bayesian count model to describe juvenile Chinook salmon distributions throughout the Chena River, Alaska in main stem and off‐channel habitats and employed diet, prey availability, and bioenergetic analyses to explain these habitat selection decisions from data collected in the summer of 2015. We found salmon to be most abundant in off‐channel habitats as summer temperature increased, which suggested that salmon dispersed to off‐channel habitats to take advantage of energetically favourable growth conditions as indicated by the higher prey biomass in benthic and diet samples collected within off‐channel habitats. Our results could have significant implications for juvenile salmon under a warming Alaskan climate as access to productive off‐channel habitats may be important to offset increased energetic costs as temperature warms.
A Moabite sanctuary at Khirbat Ataruz, Jordan: stratigraphy, findings, and archaeological implications

The excavations of Khirbat Ataruz in central Jordan revealed a small cult building, with a portable stone altar with Moabite inscriptions on the body. This article concentrates on the stratigraphy ...
No IL-18BP? Avoid HAV

Fulminant viral hepatitis occurs in a very small number of infected individuals. Until now, the basis for this phenotype has remained unknown. In this issue of JEM, Belkaya et al. (https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20190669) identify a deletion in the IL18BP gene in a severely affected child that results in excessive natural killer cell activation and uncontrolled killing of hepatocytes.
Limited Pre-Speech Auditory Modulation in Individuals Who Stutter: Data and Hypotheses.

Purpose We review and interpret our recent series of studies investigating motor-to-auditory influences during speech movement planning in fluent speakers and speakers who stutter. In those studies...
UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO CONTRACEPTION: WOMEN, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITIES BENEFIT

Universal access to contraception benefits society: unintended pregnancies, maternal mortality, preterm birth, abortions, and obesity would be reduced by increasing access to affordable contraception. Women should be able to choose when and whether to use contraception, choose which method to use, and have ready access to their chosen method. State and national government should support unrestricted access to all contraceptives. As obstetrician-gynecologists, we have a critical mandate, based on principle and mission, to step up with leadership on this vital medical and public health issue, to improve the lives of women, their families, and society. The field of Obstetrics and Gynecology must provide the leadership for moving forward. The American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society (AGOS), representing academic and public policy leaders from across all disciplines of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is well positioned to serve as a unifying organization, focused on developing a strong unified advocacy voice to fight for accessible contraception for all in the United States.
Robotic Low Anterior Resection with Double-Staple Technique

The adoption of minimally invasive techniques in oncologic surgery has been slower than many other general surgery procedures, as surgeons have awaited for assurances that oncologic outcomes are equivalent between minimally invasive and open approaches. At our institution we routinely perform robotic low anterior resections (LAR) and have observed distinct advantages with this technique, despite an initial steep learning curve.
A correlation for heat transfer coefficient during stratified steam condensation in large flattened tubes with variable inclination and wall temperature

Abstract This paper experimentally investigates heat transfer coefficient during stratified-flow condensation in a large flattened-tube steam condenser with non-uniform heat flux and wall temperature, and varying inclination angle. The heat transfer test facility is designed and built to provide local measurements of wall temperature; combined with a CFD model, it also provides local heat flux and heat transfer coefficient. The condenser test tube is that commonly used in air-cooled condensers for power plants. The steel tube has inner dimensions of 216 mm height × 16 mm width. In addition, tube inclination is varied from 0° to 38° downwards. The test facility is designed to match the conditions of an operating condenser, with low steam mass flux, realistic development of flow regimes and a large temperature glide on the cooling side. The results show that heat transfer coefficient along the tube wall follows the Nusselt condensation model, while heat transfer through the stratified liquid layer at the tube bottom is predominantly driven by laminar forced convection. Commonly-used correlations for heat transfer coefficient are unable to accurately predict the experimental results, so a new correlation is proposed. The new correlation takes into account heat transfer through the stratified liquid layer at the tube bottom as well as through the condensing film along the tube wall. Recommendations are made for situations where: (1) the wall temperature is known and (2) the wall temperature is unknown. Finally, a recommendation is made for combining the correlation in the stratified condensate layer with a local model for determining condenser capacity.
Impact of molecular weight on polyelectrolyte multilayer assembly and surface properties

Abstract Polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) are a versatile category of materials due to their ability to modify surface properties for applications ranging from protective coatings to improved cell adhesion. Polyelectrolyte choice, including its structure and molecular weight (MW), is known to greatly influence PEM assembly and surface properties. In this work, poly(acrylic acid)/poly- l -lysine PEMs using three pairs of MWs (1.8k/15–30k, 100k/120k, and 250k/275k) were studied to determine the effects of their MWs on PEM assembly, topography and surface energy. PEMs assembly was monitored in a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation, resulting in masses of 3.90 ± 0.87 µg/cm2, 10.80 ± 4.189 µg/cm2, and 30.04 ± 13.68 µg/cm2 for 10 bilayers of low, medium, and high MW pairs, respectively. The low MW PEM was more rigid. Low and high MW PEMs exhibited higher roughness than medium MW, caused by polyelectrolyte stripping. Surface energy remained constant with bilayer count in the low and high MW PEMs, but steadily increased in the medium MW PEM. Differences between medium MW PEMs from low and high MW systems indicate that, while PEM properties change with MW, they are not monotonically correlated and are instead related to changes in internal charge distributions and the resultant stripping that may occur.
9 – Modification and Engineering of HSREP to Achieve Unique Properties

Polyurea is a microphase-separated block copolymer that exhibits unique properties as a result of its phase-separated morphology. Experimental results suggest and computational simulations support that judicious arrangement of steel and polyurea can enhance shock mitigation. Schlieren imaging techniques can be used to qualitatively investigate the behavior of shock waves. The properties and performance of polyurea can be significantly modified by the integration of additives, and micromechanical modeling can aid in the design of such composites with specific properties. For polymers and their composites, temperature, pressure, and strain rate usually affect the mechanical properties of the material at the same time. However, direct measurements of the mechanical properties for the high-rate loadings are often difficult to perform. Thus, alternative methods are used to predict and estimate the mechanical properties. Full-scale head–neck manikins were fabricated in order to assess comparative intracranial pressure and acceleration from explosive blast. A range of standoffs to the explosive were used. Three helmet variations were examined: the standard advanced combat helmet (ACH), an ACH helmet with a polymer coating, and a standard World War II, M1 helmet. Use of a helmet decreased the pressure at different locations within the brain. All of the helmets resulted in similar peak pressure and resultant acceleration values. However, the ACH helmet with a polymer coating decreased the time of pressure application significantly, lowering the applied impulse at the closest standoffs. The lower impulse would also contribute to a decrease in applied power density in these portions of the brain. Use of a polymer coating provides a basis to explore other helmet variations to provide protection from traumatic brain injury.