cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of overstory density on reproduction establishment in the Missouri Ozarks: models for simulating regeneration stochastically

Predicting the effects of silvicultural choices on regeneration has been difficult with the tools available to foresters. In an effort to improve this, we developed a collection of reproduction establishment models based on stand development hypotheses and parameterized with empirical data for several species in the Missouri Ozarks. These models estimate third-year abundance parameters for established reproduction that originated from either small advance reproduction or new germination. The influence of predisturbance stand conditions was summarized by a simple presence/absence inventory of advance reproduction for each species. The influence of postdisturbance stand conditions was summarized by user-provided estimates of residual overstory density and presence/absence of a residual seed source for each species. The estimated abundance parameters can be used deterministically or with stochastic number generators to simulate regeneration after a variety of harvest-based silvicultural manipulations. This approach has the potential to increase the efficacy of regeneration modeling by reducing the inventory effort typically required and increasing compatibly for species not strongly reliant on advance reproduction.
Abstract 2899: Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α maintains sarcoma stem-like cells in hypoxic regions of tumors and promotes migration and invasion via upregulation of platelet-derived growth factor receptors

Introduction: Sarcomas often thrive in hypoxic conditions to proliferate and metastasize. To survive in such an environment, sarcomas upregulate hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), which enhances the transcription of over 150 genes mediating tumor metabolism, angiogenesis, and metastasis. HIF-1α may be important for the maintenance of a subset of tumor cells referred to as “sarcoma stem-like cells” or SSCs. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) is important in mesenchymal biology and may be a potential target of HIF-1α. Methods: Three human sarcoma cell lines were examined: HT1080 (fibrosarcoma), SK-LMS-1 (leiomyosarcoma), and DDLS8817 (dedifferentiated liposarcoma). Cell lines were grown as spheroids on ultra-low attachment dishes to enrich for SSCs. The roles of HIF-1α and PDGFR-α/β in promoting SSC phenotypes, such as migratory/invasive capacity, were assessed via several in vitro assays under hypoxic conditions. Results: Sarcoma cell lines grown as spheroids had increased levels of HIF-1α and increased phosphorylation of PDGFR-α/β as compared to when grown as monolayers; these effects were even more pronounced when sarcoma spheroids were grown under hypoxic conditions. Hypoxic conditions also increased migratory and invasive capacity in spheroid cells by 65-73% as compared to normoxic conditions. HIF-1α knockdown using shRNA in the three cell lines decreased expression of self-renewal proteins and decreased spheroid formation by 67-80%. HIF-1α knockdown decreased expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) transcription factors and reduced migratory and invasive capacity by 80-87% under normoxic conditions and 85-87% under hypoxic conditions. Phosphorylation of PDGFR-α/β was decreased in sarcoma cell lines following HIF-1α knockdown under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. PDGFR-α/β inhibition with imatinib reversed chemotherapy resistance in normally resistant SSCs, and treatment of HT1080 xenografts with doxorubicin chemotherapy and imatinib reduced tumor formation by 85% as compared to control and by 77% as compared to chemotherapy alone. Conclusions: The HIF-1α/PDGFR axis supports the maintenance of SSCs, especially under hypoxic conditions, and promotes SSC phenotypes such as migratory/invasive capacity and chemotherapy resistance. Combining chemotherapy with PDGFR-α/β inhibition may be a promising strategy to reverse chemotherapy resistance and prevent metastasis in sarcomas. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Kevin K. Chang, Changhwan Yoon, Sam S. Yoon. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α maintains sarcoma stem-like cells in hypoxic regions of tumors and promotes migration and invasion via upregulation of platelet-derived growth factor receptors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2899. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2899
Observation-based study on aerosol optical depth and particle size in partly cloudy regions

This study seeks to help better understand aerosol-cloud interactions by examining statistical relationships between aerosol properties and nearby low-altitude cloudiness using satellite data. The analysis of a global dataset of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) observations reveals that the positive correlation between cloudiness and aerosol optical depth (AOD) reported in earlier studies is strong throughout the globe and during both winter and summer. Typically, AOD is 30-50% higher on cloudier-than-average days than on less cloudy days. A combination of satellite observations and MERRA-2 global reanalysis data reveals that the correlation between cloud cover and AOD is strong for all aerosol types considered: sulfate, dust, carbon, and sea salt. The observations also indicate that in the presence of nearby clouds, aerosol size distributions tend to shift toward smaller particles over large regions of the Earth. This is consistent with a greater cloud-related increase in the AOD of fine mode than of coarse mode particles. The greater increase in fine mode AOD implies that the cloudiness-AOD correlation does not come predominantly from cloud detection uncertainties. Additionally, the results show that aerosol particle size increases near clouds even in regions where it decreases with increasing cloudiness. This suggests that the decrease with cloudiness comes mainly from changes in large-scale environment, rather than from clouds increasing the number or the size of fine mode aerosols. Finally, combining different aerosol retrieval algorithms demonstrated that quality assessment flags based on local variability can help identifying when the observed aerosol populations are affected by surrounding clouds.
The Burden of Hospital Readmissions among Pediatric Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Objective To evaluate the burden and predictors of hospital readmissions among pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease using the Nationwide Readmissions Database. Study design We performed a retrospective cohort study using 2013 Nationwide Readmissions Database. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes were used to identify patients Results Among 2733 hospitalizations (63% CD, 37% UC), 611 (22%) patients were readmitted within 90 days of the index hospitalization. Readmission resulted in weighted estimates of 11 440 excess days of hospitalization and total charges of over $107 million. For CD, male sex (aOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.03-1.81) and co-existing anxiety or depression (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.06-3.40) were associated with increased readmissions, while patients who underwent surgery had decreased readmissions (aOR 0.40, 95% CI 0.24-0.65). In patients with UC, an index admission of >7 days was associated with increased readmissions (aOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.09-2.62). Conclusions Readmission occurs frequently in children with inflammatory bowel disease and is associated with significant cost and resource burdens. Among patients with CD, psychiatric comorbidities such as anxiety and depression are apparent drivers of readmission.
Implementation of a Goal-Directed Mechanical Ventilation Order Set Driven by Respiratory Therapists Improves Compliance With Best Practices for Mechanical Ventilation.

Purpose:Data regarding best practices for ventilator management strategies that improve outcomes in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are readily available. However, little is known regard...
The High Heat of Fast Pyrolysis for Large Particles

The heat FOR pyrolysis, h p , (including sensible heats required to raise the reactants to pyrolysis temperature; the heat OF pyrolysis, Δhp; and the heat to raise the products to the surface temperature) is an important value required for the science and engineering of biomass thermal conversion.
The Mont Blanc neutrinos from SN 1987A: Could they have been monochromatic (8 MeV) tachyons with m2=−0.38 keV2?

Abstract According to conventional wisdom the 5 h early Mont Blanc burst probably was not associated with SN 1987A, but if it was genuine, some exotic physics explanation had to be responsible. Here we consider one truly exotic explanation, namely faster-than-light neutrinos having m ν 2 = − 0.38 keV2. It is shown that the Mont Blanc burst is consistent with the distinctive signature of that explanation i.e., an 8 MeV antineutrino line from SN 1987A. It is further shown that a model of core collapse supernovae involving dark matter particles of mass 8 MeV would in fact yield an 8 MeV antineutrino line. Moreover, that dark matter model predicts 8 MeV ν , ν ¯ and e + e − pairs from the galactic center, a place where one would expect large amounts of dark matter to collect. The resulting e + would create γ − rays from the galactic center, and a fit to MeV γ − ray data yields the model’s dark matter mass, as well as the calculated source temperature and angular size. These good fits give indirect experimental support for the existence of an 8 MeV antineutrino line from SN 1987A. More direct support comes from the spectrum of N ∼ 1000 events recorded by the Kamiokande-II detector on the day of SN 1987A, which appear to show an 8 MeV line atop the detector background. This ν ¯ line, if genuine, has been well-hidden for 30 years because it occurs very close to the peak of the background. This fact might ordinarily justify extreme skepticism. In the present case, however, a more positive view is called for based on (a) the very high statistical significance of the result (30σ), (b) the use of a detector background independent of the SN 1987A data using a later K-II data set, and (c) the observation of an excess above the background spectrum whose central energy and width both agree with that of an 8 MeV ν ¯ line broadened by 25% resolution. Most importantly, the last observation is in accord with the prior prediction of an 8 MeV ν ¯ line based on the Mont Blanc data, and the dark matter model, itself supported by experimental observations. Lastly, it is noted that the tachyonic interpretation of the Mont Blanc burst fits the author’s earlier unconventional 3 + 3 model of the neutrino mass states. Experimental corroboration should be sought for the linked hypotheses of an 8 MeV ν ¯ line or an m ν 2 = − 0.38 keV2. The former might be seen in existing astrophysical data, while the latter should be proven or refuted by the KATRIN experiment in a short data-taking period.
Power Density and Efficiency Enhancement in ICN DC–DC Converters Using Topology Morphing Control

This paper introduces a new approach for output voltage regulation in impedance control network (ICN) resonant dc–dc converters, in which the rectifier of the ICN converter alternates between full-bridge and half-bridge topologies. This approach, termed topology morphing control, allows the ICN converter to maintain soft switching across power levels while substantially reducing the output capacitance requirement and improving partial-power efficiencies compared to the conventional burst mode ( on/off ) control. A closed-loop control architecture for the ICN converter is also introduced, which regulates the converter's output voltage under input voltage and load variations while ensuring smooth transitions between the multiple operating modes of the proposed topology morphing control. A prototype 1-MHz, 120-W step-down ICN resonant converter designed for an input voltage range of 18–36 V, an output voltage of 12 V, and a 10:1 output power range has been built and tested with both burst mode control and the proposed topology morphing control. The topology morphing control reduces the output capacitance requirement in the prototype ICN converter by 57% and reduces converter losses at partial power levels by up to 46.5%. The prototype ICN converter is also tested under closed-loop control and is shown to successfully regulate its output voltage in the face of input voltage and load variations.
Effect of the 3 π Resonance on the 2 π Resonance

It is shown that the $4\ensuremath{\pi}$ intermediate state in $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\pi}$ scattering plays an important role in determining the position and perhaps even the existence of the $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\pi}$ resonance. This large effect occurs by virtue of the $3\ensuremath{\pi}$ resonance. Quantitative estimates are given. The effect of this result on the nucleon form factors is briefly discussed and a simple model for these functions is proposed. The possibility of higher energy pion resonances is also considered.
The potential for scientific outreach and learning in mechanical turk experiments

The global reach of online experiments and their wide adoption in fields ranging from political science to computer science poses an underexplored opportunity for learning at scale: the possibility of participants learning about the research to which they contribute data. We conducted three experiments on Amazon's Mechanical Turk to evaluate whether participants of paid online experiments are interested in learning about research, what information they find most interesting, and whether providing them with such information actually leads to learning gains. Our findings show that 40% of our participants on Mechanical Turk actively sought out post-experiment learning opportunities despite having already received their financial compensation. Participants expressed high interest in a range of research topics, including previous research and experimental design. Finally, we find that participants comprehend and accurately recall facts from post-experiment learning opportunities. Our findings suggest that Mechanical Turk can be a valuable platform for learning at scale and scientific outreach.
Utility of Bronchoalveolar Lavage and Transbronchial Biopsy in Patients with Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.

Introduction Making the diagnosis of HP is challenging due to a lack of consensus criteria and variability of both pathologic and radiographic findings. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the diagnostic utility of the combination of BAL lymphocyte count and TBBX in patients with HP.
Beyond Nation-State Paradigms: Globalization, Sociology, and the Challenge of Transnational Studies

Globalization has made it increasingly necessary to break with nation-state centered analysis in macrosociologies. Social structure is becoming transnationalized, and an epistemological shift is required in concurrence with this ontological change. A new interdisciplinary transnational studies should be predicated on a paradigmatic shift in the focus of social inquiry from the nation-state as the basic unit of analysis to the global system as the appropriate unit. Sociology's fundamental contribution to a transnational studies should be the study oftransnational social structure. This article does not establish a new transnational paradigm. Rather, it surveys and critiques nation-state-centrism in extant paradigms, provides a rationale for a new transnational approach, and proposes a research curriculum of a new transnational studies that may contribute to paradigmatic reconceptualization.
Abstract 4940: Nonredundant roles for immune checkpoint blockade and agonistic CD40 in mediating T-cell responses in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a highly aggressive cancer that is resistant to most treatments, with a five-year survival rate of ~10%. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has had dramatic effects in many tumor histologies, but is ineffective in PDA. CD40 lies upstream of the immune checkpoints in the T-cell activation pathway, presenting a unique opportunity to intercede with T-cell activation independently of ICB. We hypothesized that administering agonistic CD40 antibody would prime effector T-cell populations, synergizing with ICB to provide therapeutic benefit in PDA. We administered agonistic CD40 monoclonal antibody (clone FGK45, anti-CD40) combined with anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 monoclonal antibodies (ICB) to mice bearing subcutaneous PDA tumors established using syngeneic tumor cell lines derived from the Kras G12D +/-;Trp53 R172H +/-;Pdx-1 Cre (KPC) genetically engineered mouse model of PDA. While tumor regressions were rare in mice treated with ICB or anti-CD40 alone (1/7 mice in each group), 100% of mice treated with ICB + anti-CD40 experienced tumor regressions (7/7 mice). Cell depletion experiments showed early tumor regressions depended primarily on CD4 T cells, although both CD4 and CD8 T cells were required for long-term remission. 50% of mice (4/8) treated with ICB + anti-CD40 remained tumor-free (median survival 112 days) and 3/4 mice resisted tumor rechallenge, indicative of a long-lived memory T-cell response against PDA. Treatment with ICB + anti-CD40, but neither alone, increased the total intratumoral CD3+ T-cell population 3.8-fold (p Citation Format: Alexander H. Morrison, Katelyn T. Byrne, Robert H. Vonderheide. Nonredundant roles for immune checkpoint blockade and agonistic CD40 in mediating T-cell responses in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4940.
Analysis of MRI Volumetric Changes After Hypofractionated Stereotactic Radiation Therapy for Benign Intracranial Neoplasms

Abstract Purpose To quantitatively assess volumetric changes after hypofractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (HFSRT) in patients treated for vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas. Methods and materials We retrospectively reviewed records of patients treated with HFSRT at our institution from 2002 to 2014. Patients received a median dose of 25 Gy in 5 fractions. After treatment, they underwent clinical and radiologic follow-up with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3- to 12-month intervals. Gross tumor volume was outlined on each thin slice of contrast-enhanced T1 series before and on each scan after HFSRT. Volumetric changes were calculated and compared with neuroradiologist interpretations. Results Forty-three patients underwent 182 MRI scans. Tumor types included vestibular schwannoma (n = 34) and meningioma (n = 9). Median follow-up time was 29 months. Median gross tumor volume was 3.1 cm3. Local control was 81.4% for the entire cohort at the time of last follow-up. Transient volume expansion was noted in 17 patients (50%) with vestibular schwannoma and 2 (22%) with meningioma. For all patients, transient volume expansion and subsequent regression occurred at a median time of 5.5 and 12 months, respectively. Neuroradiologist agreement with regard to tumor regression, progression, or stability occurred in 155 of 182 total reports (85%). The largest discordance identified was a stable finding on the MRI interpretation when the measured volumetric change exceeded 20% (n = 24 [13%]). Conclusions HFSRT is associated with excellent local control and a low incidence of toxicity. With volumetric MRI measurement, transient volume expansion was a common finding and was associated with temporary adverse effects. Although the neuroradiologist’s interpretation generally agreed with the volumetric MRI measurement, the overall 15% discordance rate emphasizes the potential benefit of considering volumetric measurements, which may help clinicians correlate posttreatment symptoms with MRI findings.
Regional Rural-Urban Differences in E-Cigarette Use and Reasons for Use in the United States.

Purpose To determine whether there are rural/urban differences in e-cigarette use and reasons for use that vary across the 10 Health & Human Services (HHS) regions. Methods Age-adjusted bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted for n = 225,413 respondents to the 2014-2015 Tobacco Use Supplement-Current Population Survey to estimate the prevalence of e-cigarette use. Reasons for e-cigarette use were collected from n = 16,023 self-respondents who reported ever using e-cigarettes. Findings While nationally rural residents appeared more likely to use e-cigarettes, adjusted results indicated that current e-cigarette use was significantly less likely across the northern and western regions (New England, East North Central, Heartland, North Central Mountain, Northwest, and Southwest Pacific regions). Reasons for e-cigarette use differed by urban/rural status and region; for example, the rationale to use e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid was significantly more common among rural compared to urban adults in the New England and New York/New Jersey regions, but less common in the Southeast. Conclusions For several regions, there were no significant rural/urban differences in e-cigarette use and reasons for use. Yet those regions that present differences face the need to develop public health approaches to minimize urban/rural disparities in health education, services, and outcomes related to tobacco use, particularly where access to health care is limited. Public health campaigns and guidance for clinical care within HHS regions should be tailored to reflect regional differences in beliefs about e-cigarettes.
Abstract 633: Association between saturated fat intakes and lung cancer risk among low-income populations in the Southeastern United States

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Previous studies have indicated that a higher intake of dietary saturated fat was associated with lung cancer risk. However, little is known about the association of specific classes of saturated fat with the risk of lung cancer. We conducted a nested case-control study to investigate the association of different classes of saturated fat with lung cancer risk among low-income African Americans (AAs) and European Americans (EAs) in the Southeastern United States. Methods: A total of 1,528 incident lung cancer cases and 5,699 matched controls from the Southern Community Cohort Study were included in this study. The controls were matched to the cases on age, sex, race, and recruitment site. Using validated food frequency questionnaires, saturated fat was estimated and classed to short-chain (SCSF, 2-4 carbon atoms), medium-chain (MCSF, 6-12 carbon atoms), and long-chain (LCSF, 14-18 carbon atoms). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding confidence intervals (95% CIs) for lung cancer risk associated with saturated fat after adjusting for age, smoking status, pack-years, alcohol consumption, total energy intake, education, household income, body mass index (BMI), and history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Results: Total saturated fat intakes were associated with an increased lung cancer risk among EAs with an OR of 1.66 (95% CI: 1.06-2.60) for the highest vs. lowest quartiles (p-trend=0.03). The positive association was only observed for LCSF (highest vs. lowest quartile: OR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.07-2.64 for palmitic acid; OR=1.60, 95% CI 1.02-2.53 for stearic acid; and OR=1.63, 95% CI 1.04-2.56 for total LCSF; all p-trends Conclusion: Our findings indicate that a high intake of LCSF was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer among low-income EAs. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings. Citation Format: Hyung-Suk Yoon, Hui Cai, Jae Jeong Yang, Danxia Yu, Harvey J. Murff, Xiao Ou Shu, Wei Zheng, William J. Blot, Qiuyin Cai. Association between saturated fat intakes and lung cancer risk among low-income populations in the Southeastern United States [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 633.
Sensory neuroanatomy of a passively ingested nematode parasite, Haemonchus contortus: amphidial neurons of the third-stage larva.

The sensory neuronal ultrastructure of the amphids of the infective larva (L3) of Haemonchus contortus was analyzed, compared, and contrasted with that of the first-stage larva (L1). As in L1, each amphid of the L3 is innervated by 12 neurons. Thirteen ciliated dendritic processes of 10 neurons, 3 with double processes, lie in each amphidial channel. The dendritic process of each finger cell neuron ends in a large number of digitiform projections or“fingers,” many more than in the L1. Processes of another pair of specialized neurons, probable homologs of wing cells in Caenorhabditis elegans, extend into the extreme anterior tip of the larva; they are much longer than those in L1. In L3, the neurons exit through the posterior wall of the amphidial chamber individually rather than in a bundle, as in L1. Cell constancy between L1 and L3 was confirmed, and the neurons were individually identified. Significant neuron-specific variations, presumably related to functional differences between the 2 stages were observed. In contrast, species-specific differences are surprisingly small. Haemonchus contortus is closely related to hookworms and has amphidial structure nearly identical to that in hookworms and similar to that in C. elegans, to which it is also closely related.
Microbial Community Response to a Passive Salt Marsh Restoration

In response to current threats to salt marshes, there are increasing efforts to restore these vital coastal ecosystems and promote their resilience to global change drivers. Unfortunately, the economic cost associated with assessing the effectiveness of restoration is prohibitive and more information is needed about the trajectory and timing of restoration outcomes to improve restoration practices. Microbial communities provide essential salt marsh functions so assessing the degree to which microbial communities in restored marshes resemble reference marshes can serve as a proxy indicator for the potential return of microbial function. We studied a recently restored marsh located on Cape Cod, MA, USA, by examining shifts in the microbial community and sediment edaphic properties in three habitats of a degraded oligohaline marsh, both before and after restoration of tidal flooding and in comparison with three nearby S. alterniflora reference marshes that never had flow restrictions. We hypothesized that the microbial community would respond rapidly to the restoration and that over time these communities would be indistinguishable from reference marsh communities. We found that soil edaphic characteristics shifted along a trajectory of recovery toward the reference marshes, with increases in salinity and decreases in soil organic matter, percentage of carbon, and percentage of nitrogen. The microbial communities in all three habitats within the restored marsh were different from reference marshes, and both the prokaryotic and fungal communities within P. australis and Typha sp. habitats became more similar to reference marshes (similarities increasing from an average of 5 to 16% for prokaryotes and 3 to 10% for fungi) during the first 2 years after restoration. In that same time period, by contrast, there was no return of the native marsh vegetation. These results suggest that shifts in microbial community structure occur prior to shifts in marsh vegetation and may facilitate the successful revegetation of restored marshes. Understanding the recovery trajectory of marshes during restoration and the role that microbes play in promoting the long-term sustainability of these habitats is essential; these results suggest that microbial communities respond rapidly and in a positive direction to restoration efforts.
Conservatism and attitudinal ambivalence: Investigating conflicting findings

Abstract Little published research addresses the relationship between conservatism and attitudinal ambivalence. Jost and Krochik (2014) found the two variables to be negatively related, such that as conservative (vs. liberal) affiliation increased, ambivalence toward attitude objects decreased. On the other hand, results from five studies conducted by our research team provided little to no support for the hypothesis (Newman & Sargent, 2019). Instead, they supported the opposite trend, where conservative (vs. liberal) affiliation was associated with more ambivalence. We identified two primary discrepancies between our previous research and Jost and Krochik's, including differences in the attitude objects assessed and in how attitude objects were presented to participants. This research addressed the discrepancies by using a subset of the attitude objects employed in Jost and Krochik's study and by manipulating the method of attitude object presentation between subjects. In line with our previous findings, the results indicated conservatism (vs. liberalism) to be positively correlated with objective ambivalence. Furthermore, attitude object presentation did not moderate the relationships between conservatism and ambivalence.
Towards Electrostatic Levitation of Rotating Machines

Contact-less suspension of macro-scale objects has traditionally been reserved almost exclusively for magnetic systems containing copper, steel laminations, and permanent magnets. Electrostatic systems, on the other hand, have been left out primarily due to their much lower force density in atmosphere. However, the ability to levitate non-ferromagnetic materials, and recent developments in high-torque density electrostatic motors may allow for practical electrostatic suspensions at meaningful scales. To transport electrostatic forces out of the MEMs scale and potentially into the power domain, this paper proposes a unique electrostatic bearing for vacuum condition. Basic operating principles, force analysis, linear system model, and control strategy are presented, along with the structure of an experimental levitator.
Perspectives of Dermatology Faculty Toward Millennial Trainees and Colleagues: A National Survey.

Objective To assess the attitudes and beliefs of faculty dermatologists regarding perceived characteristics of millennial trainees and colleagues. Participants and Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of dermatology physician-educators listed in the Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database from August 1, 2019, to October 31, 2019. This survey consisted of 26 items (5-point Likert scales) representing positive, negative, and neutral millennial stereotypes relevant to graduate medical education. Participants' responses were analyzed using the chi-squared goodness of fit test with dichotomized data. Results Seventy-six dermatology physician-educators participated in the national survey. A statistically significant response pattern was seen in 18 of 26 (69%) tested stereotypes. Positive judgments included denial of hesitations about working with millennials (P = .038) and agreement with the notions that millennials are technologically savvy (P < .001), socially just (P < .001), equally capable dermatologists as other generations (P < .001), enjoyable to work with (P < .001), easy to connect with interpersonally (P < .001), and promising future leaders of medicine (P = .039). Negative judgments included perceptions of the word millennial as a pejorative (P < .001) and of millennials being relatively entitled (P < .001), overly sensitive to feedback (P < .001), less polite (P < .001), and less hard-working (P < .001) compared with prior generations. Conclusion This study represents the first national survey of the attitudes and perspectives of dermatology physician-educators regarding perceived characteristics of millennial trainees and colleagues. Our results suggest that dermatology faculty endorse various positive, negative, and neutral stereotypes regarding Generation Y. Early recognition of implicit biases can inform curricular design and prepare educators to address generational gaps in medical education.
Race, Climate, and Turnover: An Examination of the Teacher Labor Market in Rural Georgia:

Teacher turnover across the country presents a persistent and growing challenge for schools and districts, with the highest rates of turnover geographically concentrated in the American South. Rese...
Reifying Contemporary Versions of Liquified Racism: Black Representation in Competitive Swimming:

Throughout history, water as a tool for racialized oppression has been in constant evolution. From utilizing water as a passage to transport slaves, to using fire hoses as a form of punishment towa...
The lipid biology of sepsis.

Abstract Sepsis, defined as the dysregulated immune response to an infection leading to organ dysfunction, is one of the leading causes of mortality around the globe. Despite the significant progress in delineating the underlying mechanisms of sepsis pathogenesis, there are currently no effective treatments or specific diagnostic biomarkers in the clinical setting. The perturbation of cell signaling mechanisms, inadequate inflammation resolution, and energy imbalance, all of which are altered during sepsis, are also known to lead to defective lipid metabolism. The use of lipids as biomarkers with high specificity and sensitivity may aid in early diagnosis and guide clinical decision making. In addition, identifying the link between specific lipid signatures and their role in sepsis pathology may lead to novel therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the recent evidence on dysregulated lipid metabolism both in experimental and human sepsis focused on bioactive lipids, fatty acids, and cholesterol as well as the enzymes regulating their levels during sepsis. We highlight not only their potential roles in sepsis pathogenesis but also the possibility of using these respective lipid compounds as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of sepsis.
The Poles of Power: Magnetic Bi-Directional Turn of the Meter

This article contrasts the legal practices of 44 states which have enacted specific state legal incentives to favor renewable power, comparing legal differences and which have been held to be illegal and why, suggesting alternative means to salvage their legality.
Plant uptake and soil fractionation of five ether-PFAS in plant-soil systems.

Abstract Considering the grave concerns caused by conventional per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), production and use of fluoroalkylether compounds (ether-PFAS) have been on the rise. These ether-PFAS are deemed as PFAS replacement chemicals. To understand distribution of ether-PFAS in plant-soil systems, we investigated plant uptake of five selected ether-PFAS (i.e., PFMOPrA, PFMOBA, GenX, ADONA, F 53B) by Carex comosa (longhair sedge) and the fractionation of these compounds in soil. Our results demonstrated that all five ether-PFAS in this study were taken up by C. comosa and translocated to plant shoots to different extents. Exposure concentration and time both positively affected plant uptake of ether-PFAS. Unlike the other four ether-PFAS, F 53B with the longest carbon chain length and a sulfonic functional group was largely accumulated in C. comosa roots with limited translocation to plant shoots. Results from sequential extractions revealed that the five ether-PFAS had different distributions in soil with regard to extractable by water, basic methanol, acidic methanol and non-extractable. Concentration of ether-PFAS in water-soluble fraction increased with decreasing carbon chain length and logKow values and had a positive linear relationship with the mass of ether-PFAS in plant shoots (R2 = 0.64) and in whole plants (R2 = 0.94). Our results also indicated that the aging process could facilitate ether-PFAS to become non-extractable, hence reducing their mobility in soil and bioavailability to plants.
Methamphetamine-Associated Heart Failure Hospitalizations Across the United States: Geographic and Social Disparities.

Background Although methamphetamine abuse is associated with the development of heart failure (HF), nationwide data on methamphetamine-associated HF (MethHF) hospitalizations are limited. This study evaluates nationwide HF hospitalizations associated with substance abuse to better understand MethHF prevalence trends and the clinical characteristics of those patients. Methods and Results This cross-sectional period-prevalence study used hospital discharge data from the National Inpatient Sample to identify adult primary HF hospitalizations with a secondary diagnosis of abuse of methamphetamines, cocaine, or alcohol in the United States from 2002 to 2014. All 2014 MethHF admissions were separated by regional census division to evaluate geographical distribution. Demographics, payer information, and clinical characteristics of MethHF hospitalizations were compared with all other HF hospitalizations. Total nationwide MethHF hospitalizations increased from 547 in 2002 to 6625 in 2014 with a predominance on the West Coast. Methamphetamine abuse was slightly more common among primary HF hospitalizations compared with all-cause hospitalizations (7.4 versus 6.4 per 1000; Cohen h=0.012; P<0.001). Among HF hospitalizations, patients with MethHF were younger (mean age, 48.9 versus 72.4 years; Cohen d=1.93; P<0.001), more likely to be on Medicaid (59.4% versus 8.8%; Cohen h=1.16; P<0.001) or uninsured (12.0% versus 2.6%; Cohen h=0.36; P<0.001), and more likely to present to urban hospitals (43.8% versus 28.3%; Cohen h=0.32; P<0.001) than patients with non-methamphetamine associated HF. Patients with MethHF had higher rates of psychiatric comorbidities and were more likely to leave the hospital against medical advice. Conclusions MethHF hospitalizations have significantly increased in the United States, particularly on the West Coast. Coordinated public health policies and systems of care are needed to address this rising epidemic.
Identification of microRNAs that stabilize p53 in HPV-positive cancer cells

Etiologically, 5% of all cancers worldwide are caused by the high-risk human papillomaviruses (hrHPVs). These viruses encode two oncoproteins (E6 and E7) whose expression is required for cancer initiation and maintenance. Among their cellular targets are the p53 and the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor proteins. Inhibition of the hrHPV E6-mediated ubiquitylation of p53 through the E6AP ubiquitin ligase results in the stabilization of p53, leading to cellular apoptosis. We utilized a live cell high throughput screen to determine whether exogenous microRNA (miRNA) transfection had the ability to stabilize p53 in hrHPV-positive cervical cancer cells expressing a p53-fluorescent protein as an in vivo reporter of p53 stability. Among the miRNAs whose transfection resulted in the greatest p53 stabilization was 375-3p that has previously been reported to stabilize p53 in HeLa cells, providing validation of the screen. The top 32 miRNAs in addition to 375-3p were further assessed using a second cell-based p53 stability reporter system as well as in non-reporter HeLa cells to examine their effects on endogenous p53 protein levels, resulting in the identification of 23 miRNAs whose transfection increased p53 levels in HeLa cells. While a few miRNAs that stabilized p53 led to decreases in E6AP protein levels, all targeted HPV oncoprotein expression. We further examined subsets of these miRNAs for their abilities to induce apoptosis and determined whether it was p53-mediated. The introduction of specific miRNAs revealed surprisingly heterogeneous responses in different cell lines. Nonetheless, some of the miRNAs described here have potential as therapeutics for treating HPV-positive cancers.
Polyaniline as Viewed from a Structural Perspective

The local structural ordering of polyaniline (PANI) as emeraldine (i.e., at 50% oxidation) in both its base (EB) and salt (ES) forms has been studied using x-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques and these data reinforce the general belief that this local structure is extremely sensitive to the specific processing history. PANI powders precipitated as ES immediately following synthesis lead to reasonably crystalline materials whereas EB films cast from n-methyl pyrrolidine (NMP) solutions containing hydrogen bonding inhibitors are fully amorphous. Dedoping, by further treatments of ES with NH40H solutions, or doping, by immersion of EB in aqueous HF solutions, lead to further changes in the local molecular structure. Many of these structural phases bear a limited resemblance to the previously proposed structures for HCl-doped PANI powder and films [1,2]. The role of water hydration in the structural evolution is also examined and significant structural variations are found to occur in ES at radically different...
Letter to the Editor Non-typhoidal Salmonella abscess in a patient with a large thymoma: a rare presentation and review of the literature

Salmonella infection commonly occurs in the gastrointestinal tract secondary to fecal-oral transmission of the bacterium. Extraintestinal Salmonella is typically seen in the biliary system and is very rarely observed in the thoracic cavity. Salmonella infection in the thymus is an even more unusual presentation of extraintestinal Salmonella, with only one previous case reported in the literature. Thymic abscesses are already a rare clinical entity and have been reported to result from infection with Staphylococcus aureus. We report a case of a 59-year-old man with a non-typhoidal Salmonella infection of a large symptomatic thymoma that was treated with surgical drainage and antibiotic therapy.
Potassium sensing histidine kinase in Bacillus subtilis

The soil-dwelling organism Bacillus subtilis is able to form multicellular aggregates known as biofilms. It was recently reported that the process of biofilm formation is activated in response to the presence of various, structurally diverse small-molecule natural products. All of these small-molecule natural products made pores in the membrane of the bacterium, causing the leakage of potassium cations from the cytoplasm of the cell. The potassium cation leakage was sensed by the membrane histidine kinase KinC, triggering the genetic pathway to the production of the extracellular matrix that holds cells within the biofilm. This chapter presents the methodology used to characterize the leakage of cytoplasmic potassium as the signal that induces biofilm formation in B. subtilis via activation of KinC. Development of novel techniques to monitor activation of gene expression in microbial populations led us to discover the differentiation of a subpopulation of cells specialized to produce the matrix that holds all cells together within the biofilm. This phenomenon of cell differentiation was previously missed by conventional techniques used to monitor transcriptional gene expression.
Telomeres: a tale of ends.

The tip of the chromosome — the telomere — has been extensively studied in organisms ranging from yeast to humans. But proteins that regulate its maintenance and replication have not been identified in another model organism, the nematode wormCaenorhabditis elegans, until now. Mutant worms that cannot replicate their telomeres have been identified, and one of the mutated genes, mrt-2, also monitors damaged DNA, providing a link between telomeres and double-stranded DNA breaks.
A melt-processible high temperature superconductor

The authors report the preparation and characterization of a melt-processible high-temperature superconductor based on a melt reaction between TbVa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ and Y/sub 1.2/ and Ba/sub 0.8/CuO/sub 4-y/ at 950/sup 0/C. The samples have sharp superconducting translations above 90K as determined by resistivity and AC susceptibility measurements. X-ray diffraction shows crystal structures nearly identical to those of Y Ba/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ sintered superconductors. The dense void-free melt-processible superconductors have potential for large single-crystal growth and for high critical currents with low-cost processing
Subdural Hematoma Presenting as Recurrent Syncope

Abstract Background Syncope is a common emergency department (ED) complaint. Recurrent syncope is less common, but may be concerning for serious underlying pathology. It often requires a broad diagnostic evaluation that may include neurologic imaging. Case Presentation We present the case of a 75-year-old man with non-small-cell carcinoma who presented to the ED for recurrent syncope after coughing spells over the 2 weeks preceding his arrival at the ED. He had a normal cardiac evaluation, however, he had some subacute neurologic changes that prompted obtaining a computed tomography (CT) scan of the head. This led to the diagnosis of atraumatic subdural hematoma that was causing transient transtentorial herniation leading to the recurrent syncope. Why Should an Emergency Physician be Aware of This? Emergency physicians should be aware that recurrent syncope is a possible presentation of increased intracranial pressure that may be due to a mass lesion, particularly if the patient has any acute or subacute neurologic changes. Although this association with a subdual hematoma is rare, other cases of mass lesions leading to syncope after coughing spells have been reported in the literature.
Idiopathic granulomatous lobular mastitis

Idiopathic granulomatous lobular mastitis (IGLM) is a rare breast condition with prominent skin findings. It is typically seen in young parous women. Painful breast masses, draining sinuses, scarring, and breast atrophy are the main clinical manifestations. IGLM can resemble a variety of other inflammatory and neoplastic processes of the breast. It is thought to result from obstruction and rupture of breast lobules. Extravasated breast secretions then induce an inflammatory reaction. Corynebacteria have also been implicated in the pathogenesis. Treatment is surgical, but systemic corticosteroids, methotrexate, and antibiotics also play a role.
Case Studies in Sleep Neurology: Screaming at night

This chapter discusses the case of an 11-year-old Asian-American girl who was admitted for treating sleep disturbances, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and paroxysmal weakness in the sleep center. It presents the clinical history, examination, follow-up, treatment, diagnosis, and the results of the procedures performed on the patient. Nocturnal video-polysomnography (PSG) followed by a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) were ordered. She went into REM sleep, without going into any other sleep stages at the beginning of the MSLT in three of the five naps. The diagnosis was narcolepsy with cataplexy. Sodium oxybate was administered and titrated twice nightly, which helped further decrease her cataplexy to once or twice daily. Cataplexy may take the form of prolonged waxing and waning, with partial or complete muscle atonia, called status cataplecticus. Schizophreniamay be co-morbid or an intrinsicmanifestation of narcolepsy. Obesity is frequently observed in association with narcolepsy, contributing to sleepiness.
The formation of polymer fibers from the rapid expansion of supercritical fluid solutions

Fibers of organic polymers (polystyrene, cellulose acetate, and polypropylene) were formed by the rapid expansion of supercritical fluid solutions through a small diameter nozzle to ambient temperature and pressure. Solutions were prepared either by dissolving the polymer directly in room temperature pentane, or in an autoclave at elevated temperatures and pressures for less soluble polymers. The fibers were collected on substrates mounted in the expansion jet. The diameters of the fibers formed (typically 1-5 μm) were much smaller than the opening of the nozzle, although fiber diameter was observed to generally increase with nozzle diameter. The aspect ratios of the fibers, produced by this process were on the order of 103 or larger. Optimum conditions for fiber formation occurred at fluid expansion temperatures near the melting point of the polymer, with particle formation mechanisms favored at higher and lower temperatures.