cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pre-Desmoinesian Isopachous and Paleogeologic Studies in Central Mid-Continent Region

Major tectonic features of the central Mid-Continent area are outlined and their relation to present thickness and distribution of pre-Desmoinesian strata is discussed. Cambro-Ordovician "Arbuckle group" thickens southward from zero along the Nemaha and Central Kansas uplifts to nearly 7,000 feet in southern Oklahoma. The Simpson, with maximum thickness of 3,000 feet in southern Oklahoma, thins northward by convergence and overlap of younger units to extinction in northwestern Kansas. Viola-Fernvale thins northward from 1,500 feet in Anadarko basin to 200 feet in southern Kansas, and thickens to 400 feet in Salina basin. The Sylvan-Maquoketa is limited to two areas, one in Oklahoma, the second in northeastern Kansas. Maximum thickness in Oklahoma is 600 feet, in Kansas about 150 feet. Distribution of Hunton resembles that of Sylvan; maximum thickness exceeds 1,500 feet in Oklahoma and 650 feet in Forest City basin. Woodford-Chattanooga lies with regional unconformity on units from Precambrian through Hunton. A 600-foot maximum is postulated for the Anadarko basin; 50-100 feet covers eastern Oklahoma and Kansas. Mississippian limestones are widespread with 4,000 feet in Anadarko basin, 1,600 feet in Hugoton embayment, and zero in northern Kansas. Lower Pennsylvanian Springer is limited to a narrow belt in Anadarko and McAlester basins with maximum of 4,000 feet near Ardmore. Overlying Morrow overlaps Springer, reaching maximum of 1,500 feet in McAlester basin and more than 4,300 feet in Anadarko basin. Distribution of Atoka resembles that of Morrow with 5,000 feet maximum in the Anadarko basin and approximately 8,000 feet in the McAlester basin. Widespread Desmoinesian sediments rest with marked unconformity on Atokan and older rocks. Epeirogenic movements were mild throughout early Paleozoic with geosynclinal development in southern Oklahoma. Eustatic changes produced major unconformities and offlap-overlap relations. Strong warping occurred in post-Hunton, pre-Chattanooga time. Major orogenic movements are post-Mississippian, pre-Desmoinesian with maximum movement in late Morrowan. Final structural development took place in late Cretaceous and early Tertiary. Throughout much of Paleozoic time, the axis of maximum deposition in southern Oklahoma paralleled the Wichita-Amarillo trend in the "Wichita embayment."
The political psychology of reproductive strategies

We argue that several reproductive strategies that parental investment theory suggests are adaptive for men and for women are in fact most adaptive for individuals able and willing to use power in dominance relationships. We tested whether people's support for social dominance mediates their willingness to use these reproductive strategies. We hypothesized that the strategies of multiple simultaneous mating, resistance to caring for children as one's own, and sexual jealousy will be appealing especially to men who approve of social dominance, and that finding a high-status, high-earning mate will appeal especially to women who approve of social dominance. Support for the hypotheses using multiple samples and multiple measures was found, and theoretical issues are discussed.
Multiport Epidural Catheters: Does the Air Test Work?

BackgroundMultiport epidural catheters are popular; however, the reliability of the air test has not been evaluated with this catheter design. The authors determined the effectiveness of aspirating for blood and the air test in detecting intravascular multiorifice epidural catheters.MethodsThree hun
Resistive Flow in a Weakly Interacting Bose-Einstein Condensate

We report the direct observation of resistive flow through a weak link in a weakly interacting atomic Bose-Einstein condensate. Two weak links separate our ring-shaped superfluid atomtronic circuit into two distinct regions, a source and a drain. Motion of these weak links allows for creation of controlled flow between the source and the drain. At a critical value of the weak link velocity, we observe a transition from superfluid flow to superfluid plus resistive flow. Working in the hydrodynamic limit, we observe a conductivity that is 4 orders of magnitude larger than previously reported conductivities for a Bose-Einstein condensate with a tunnel junction. Good agreement with zero-temperature Gross-Pitaevskii simulations and a phenomenological model based on phase slips indicate that the creation of excitations plays an important role in the resulting conductivity. Our measurements of resistive flow elucidate the microscopic origin of the dissipation and pave the way for more complex atomtronic devices.
Effect of Excessive Calcium Applications on Growth and Postharvest Performance of Bedding-plant Impatiens

ABSTRACT Application of excessive amounts of calcium (Ca) during the production cycle improves the quality and postharvest life of several florist crops. Most bedding plants are fertigated with Ca at 100 to 200 mg L− 1throughout the production cycle, but we do not know the effects of higher Ca concentrations. The objective was to evaluate the effect of application of excessive Ca (≥ 280 mg L−1) supplied during the production cycle on the growth, development, and subsequent postharvest performance of bedding-plant impatiens (Impatiens wallerana Hook. f. ‘Super Elfin White’) under simulated retail conditions. Calcium was applied at 120, 200, 280, 360, and 440 mg L−1 during each fertigation during the growing cycle. The total nitrogen (N) concentration was 150 mg L−1, and the nitrate (NO3 −)-N to ammonium (NH4 +)-N ratio was 1:1. Application of excessive Ca began 30 d after sowing (22 d after germination) and continued until 60 d after sowing. From day 60 to day 65 only deionized water, as a leach, was appli...
What do we know about mechanical strain in lung alveoli

The pulmonary alveolus, terminal gas-exchange unit of the lung, is composed of alveolar epithelial and endothelial cells separated by a thin basement membrane and interstitial space. These cells participate in the maintenance of a delicate system regulated not only by biological factors but also by the mechanical environment of the lung, which undergoes dynamic deformation during breathing. Clinical and animal studies as well as cell culture studies point toward a strong influence of mechanical forces on lung cells and tissues including effects on growth and repair, surfactant release, injury, and inflammation. However, despite substantial advances in our understanding of lung mechanics over the last half century, there are still many unanswered questions regarding the micromechanics of the alveolus and how it deforms during lung inflation. Therefore, the aims of this review are to draw a multidisciplinary account of the mechanics of the alveolus on the basis of its structure, biology, and chemistry and to compare estimates of alveolar deformation from previous studies.
Discounting of Delayed Rewards: A Life-Span Comparison

In this study, children, young adults, and older adults chose between immediate and delayed hypothetical monetary rewards The amount of the delayed reward was held constant while its delay was varied All three age groups showed delay discounting, that is, the amount of an immediate reward judged to be of equal value to the delayed reward decreased as a function of delay The rate of discounting was highest for children and lowest for older adults, predicting a life-span developmental trend toward increased self-control Discounting of delayed rewards by all three age groups was well described by a single function with age-sensitive parameters (all R2s > 94) Thus, even though there are quantitative age differences in delay discounting, the existence of an age-invariant form of discount function suggests that the process of choosing between rewards of different amounts and delays is qualitatively similar across the life span
Semi‐diurnal and diurnal tidal dissipation from TOPEX/Poseidon altimetry

[1] Tidal energy dissipation is estimated for eight semi-diurnal and diurnal constituents using a global inverse solution constrained by TOPEX/Poseidon altimeter data. Very similar spatial patterns are obtained for all semi-diurnal constituents, with about one third of the total dissipation occurring in the deep ocean over rough topography. Maps for diurnal constituents are also similar amongst themselves, but quite different from the semi-diurnal results. For diurnals a smaller fraction of dissipation, roughly 10%, occurs in the deep ocean. Much of the difference can be explained by the very different spatial pattern of diurnal and semi-diurnal tidal currents. The lack of free internal waves at frequencies poleward of 30° at diurnal frequencies also probably plays a role, limiting the effectiveness of baroclinic conversion as an energy sink for barotropic diurnal tides.
Digital identity security architecture in Ethos

Certificate systems often provide a foundation for distributed system security. A certificate is a signed statement; the user's private key must have been used to create the certificate's signature and the resulting certificate is tamper evident. Despite being based on sound theory, certificate system implementations are often exploited. Furthermore, certificate systems are often complex, to the extent that user-space programmers avoid certificates in favor of less secure, but easier to program, mechanisms.We describe the certificate system for Ethos, an experimental OS that has been designed for security from the ground up. We reexamine and redesign the layering of certificate creation across kernel and user space, and discuss the beneficial security properties that result. The design enables certificates to be a pervasive authentication mechanism, private keys to be protected, and policy-based restrictions on the statements that a given application may sign. These protections are essential to protect digital identity systems from attack.
On the Suitable Environments of the Kronecker Product Form in MIMO Channel Modeling

Recent Multi-Input-Multi-Output research demonstrates that real wireless environments exhibit spatially correlated fadings: The independent fading assumption does not hold in all cases. Accordingly, spatially correlated MIMO channel models have attracted much attention. The Kronecker product form (KPF) is the currently most widely used MIMO channel model describing spatial correlations. However, its validity in various environments have not been well examined. In this work, first the correlation structure of the KPF is discussed. It is shown that the KPF exhibits a separable correlation structure. Second, it is claimed that the separable correlation structure corresponds to separable scatterers in physical environment. Using this utility, the KPF is examined with two popular scatterer distributions: two ring models and elliptic models. It is shown that the KPF is feasible for describing two ring models, but not capable of describing elliptic models. Numerical ray-tracing simulations verify the theoretical results.
Public perspectives on genetic biocontrol technologies for controlling invasive fish

Understanding people’s knowledge, attitudes, and concerns about genetic biocontrol can help researchers understand the challenges and opportunities that may be encountered during development of these technologies. This study conducted eight focus groups in the United States Great Lakes and Lake Champlain region to assess different stakeholders’ views about genetic biocontrol technology, factors affecting whether or not they support its use, and recommendations on how to proceed with its development. Stakeholders were excited about having a new invasive species control tool, but they were deeply concerned about potential unintended consequences. The primary concerns relate to ecological impacts, along with the cost of development and the possibility that such efforts will distract from other, ongoing control work. Participants made a number of recommendations to genetic biocontrol developers, including setting up regulatory systems, conducting independent cost benefit analyses and risk assessments, and engaging stakeholders throughout the development process.
Studies on the penetration of mammalian cells by deoxyribonucleoside-5'-phosphates.

We have tested the ability of [5′-32P]-deoxyribonucleoside monophosphates (dNMPs) to penetrate living mouse fibroblast L cells and human HeLa cells. Under the conditions of our experiments, small numbers of apparently intact dNMP molecules appeared to penetrate into the interior of L cells and be incorporated into DNA. This incorporation was not due to mycoplasma contamination nor to extracellular hydrolysis of the dNMPs followed by resynthesis inside the cell. Under these same conditions, penetration of HeLa cells by intact dNMPs did not occur to a significant extent. However, HeLa cells were capable of hydrolyzing extracellular dNMPs to Pi and deoxyribonucleosides at a much faster rate than L cells. These experiments provide a starting point for attempts to specifically label the DNA in intact, living eukaryotic cells with [32P]-dNMPs.
Members’ Openness to Experience and Teams’ Creative Performance

Team composition based on personality has been found to have important effects on team outcomes. However, little is still known about the effect of team personality composition on team creativity. To this end, this study examined the relationship of team members’ openness to experience and team creativity. Results from a study with 31 graduate student teams suggest that openness to experience is significantly related to team creativity. Furthermore, teams that are diverse on openness to experience have the highest levels of team creativity, as long as they have some team members that are low on openness and others that have a moderate level of openness to experience.
Modeling and inversion of weakly scattering subcellular inhomogeneities in electrically large cells

In this paper, a novel ODT technique for imaging weakly scattering sub-cellular structures is proposed. The method is tested with FDTD simulations for various cell models. Remarkably accurate reconstructions are obtained for cells with a diameter less than 80lambda and residing in a matched background. Qualitative and quantitative superiority of the proposed method to the conventional ODT techniques is demonstrated for the investigated cases. Quality of the reconstructions are observed to deteriorate with increasing frequency and background-object contrast.
Learning Discriminative Feature Transforms to Low Dimensions in Low Dimentions

The marriage of Renyi entropy with Parzen density estimation has been shown to be a viable tool in learning discriminative feature transforms. However, it suffers from computational complexity proportional to the square of the number of samples in the training data. This sets a practical limit to using large databases. We suggest immediate divorce of the two methods and remarriage of Renyi entropy with a semi-parametric density estimation method, such as a Gaussian Mixture Models (GMM). This allows all of the computation to take place in the low dimensional target space, and it reduces computational complexity proportional to square of the number of components in the mixtures. Furthermore, a convenient extension to Hidden Markov Models as commonly used in speech recognition becomes possible.
CHEMILUMINESCENCE OF BENZO[a]PYRENE‐7,8‐DIOL *

The chemiluminescence (CL) of benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol (BP-7,8-diol), originally observed in liver microsomal extracts, has been produced in greater than 104 higher yield by reaction with NaOCl + H2O2. The kinetics and the substrate concentration dependence for the NaOCl/H2O2 initiated CL are the same as those for Rose Bengal photosensitization of CL. In this latter singlet oxygen generating system the CL is quenched by β-carotene at a diffusion controlled rate of 1.2 × 1010M−1 s−1. The chemically-initiated CL emission spectrum of BP-7,8-diol appears to be the same as that of the microsomal CL. The long lifetime of the CL (τ= 240 s), the production of CL by 1O2 and the effects of electron donors upon the effective rate constant for decay of CL are consistent with the formation of a dioxetane intermediate. The linear dependence of CL upon substrate concentration indicates that the emission is from a monomer excited state rather than from an exciplex as suggested previously. Under the same chemical conditions the relative light yields from benzo[a]pyrene, its 12 monohydroxy derivatives and its other dihydro-diol derivatives range from 10−2 to 10−5 of the CL from BP-7,8-diol. The specificity of the chemically-initiated CL of BP-7,8-diol may provide a sensitive assay for this metabolite.
Mbe Growth and Thermoelectric Properties OF Bi2Te3 Thin Films

We have grown high quality Bi2 Te3 thin films on CdTe(111)B substrates using MBE. Structural properties have been investigated using in-situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and θ-2θ X-ray diffraction analysis. They show that Bi2 Te3 films on CdTe(111) grow along the (00. l) in the hexagonal cell with a layer-by-layer growth mode, resulting in a smooth surface, and an X-ray Bragg peak FWHM of 0.2°. The thermopower and electrical conductivity of the stoichiometric Bi2 Te3 films were ∼200 μV/K and 103(Ωcm)−1, respectively, comparable to the single crystal bulk values. We have observed the antisite defect effect in Te-rich Bi2 Te3 films: excess Te occupies Bi lattice sites and behaves as an n-type dopant. Crystallinity and transport properties are strongly affected by non-stoichiometry.
Unusual manifestations of secondary urothelial carcinoma

Abstract High-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma regularly invades the bladder wall, adjacent prostate, seminal vesicles, ureters, vagina, rectum, retroperitoneum, and regional lymph nodes. In advanced stages, it may disseminate to the liver, lungs, and bone marrow. On rare occasions, unusual metastatic foci like skin have been reported. The incidence of urothelial carcinoma has increased with associated rise in variants of urothelial carcinoma and unusual metastatic foci. It is imperative that urologists and pathologists are aware of the unusual variants and unusual metastatic locations to expedite the diagnostic process. Hereby we report an unusual case of secondary involvement of spinal nerve by conventional urothelial carcinoma. Also a second case of rhabdoid variant of urothelial carcinoma showing synchronous involvement of bladder and subcutaneous tissue of upper extremity is presented.
The Last DVD Format War

This paper provides a brief overview of the standards battle between HD-DVD and Blu-ray, focusing on the events which precipitated the Blu-ray victory in early 2008.
The Prolactin Receptor Rescues EpoR−/− Erythroid Progenitors and Replaces EpoR in a Synergistic Interaction With c-kit

We recently showed that a retrovirally transduced prolactin receptor (PrlR) efficiently supports the differentiation of wild-type burst-forming unit erythroid (BFU-e) and colony-forming unit erythroid (CFU-e) progenitors in response to prolactin and in the absence of erythropoietin (Epo). To examine directly whether the Epo receptor (EpoR) expressed by wild-type erythroid progenitors was essential for their terminal differentiation, we infected EpoR−/−progenitors with retroviral constructs encoding either the PrlR or a chimeric receptor containing the extracellular domain of the PrlR and intracellular domain of EpoR. In response to prolactin, both receptors were equally efficient in supporting full differentiation of the EpoR−/− progenitors into erythroid colonies in vitro. Therefore, there is no requirement for an EpoR-unique signal in erythroid differentiation; EpoR signaling has no instructive role in red blood cell differentiation. A synergistic interaction between EpoR and c- kit is essential for the production of normal numbers of red blood cells, as demonstrated by the severe anemia of mice mutant for either c- kit or its ligand, stem cell factor. We show that the addition of stem cell factor potentiates the ability of the PrlR to support differentiation of both EpoR−/− and wild-type CFU-e progenitors. This synergism is quantitatively equivalent to that observed between c- kit and EpoR. Therefore, there is no requirement for an EpoR-unique signal in the synergistic interaction between c- kit and EpoR. © 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.
Theoretical Study of Sc2+, Ti2+, V2+, Cr2+, and Mn2+ Bound to H2†

The binding energies, vibration frequencies, and geometry of the high spin complexes of the dipositive transition metals, Sc2+, Ti2+, V2+, Cr2+, and Mn2+, with molecular H2 have been determined for all states correlating to the lowest term of the dipositive ion using multireference CI techniques. As expected, the bonding in these complexes is dominated by electrostatics (that is, enhanced by electron correlation) and varies smoothly across the sequence from Sc to Mn. The high spin complexes for Sc2+, Ti2+, V2+, and Mn2+ are the thermodynamic ground states for the MH22+ system. For Cr2+, however, the large second ionization energy of Cr results in the charge exchange reaction Cr2+ + H2 → Cr+ + H2+ being competitive with the electrostatic complex. The computed properties are compared with those for the corresponding monopositive ions.
Retrospective of China's urbanization and regional development in the era of economic reforms

Great changes have taken place in China's urban and regional development since the economic reforms were launched at the end of 1978. Four phases are distinguished according to major policy changes. During the agricultural reforms and the initial stage of “open door policy” (Phase I), there was a rapid growth of small cities and towns and regional emphasis shifted from the interior to the coast. Phase II was characterized by urban reforms and the increasing involvement of foreign capital. Cities, especially large cities, grew fast and economic activities became concentrated along the coast. The economic rectification (Phase III) witnessed retarded growth and stagnant urban development. In the new surge of economic reforms (Phase IV), “opening-up to the outside world” became the first priority. The previously restricted opening-up of coastal regions has been replaced by a full-dimensional opening-up. The “torrent” of capturing foreign capital is moving towards China's remote hinterlands along its great rivers.
Model Predictive-Based Maximum Power Point Tracking for Grid-Tied Photovoltaic Applications Using a Z -Source Inverter

This paper presents a model predictive-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method for a photovoltaic energy harvesting system based on a single-stage grid-tied Z -source inverter. First, it provides a brief review of Z -source inverters, MPPT methods and model predictive control. Next, it introduces the proposed model predictive-based MPPT method. Finally, it provides experimental results to verify the theoretical outcomes.
A Method for 3D Heating Furnace Design Based on Secondary Exploitation Technology

This paper introduced the secondary exploitation method based on Solid Edge with Visual Basic, and this method is realized by variable input instead of manual drawing. It links those dimensions which restrict each other, for this reason it can avoid the repeated work during the design process. Based on which the three-dimensional variable design of furnace is realized, it can also improve the design efficiency and provide a model for subsequent analysis.
Analytical considerations for comparative transcriptomics of wild organisms

Comparative transcriptomics can now be conducted on organisms in natural settings, which has greatly enhanced understanding of genome-environment interactions. However, important data handling and quality control challenges remain, particularly when working with non-model species outside of a controlled laboratory environment. Here, we demonstrate the utility and potential pitfalls of comparative transcriptomics of wild organisms, with an example from three cyprinid fish species (Teleostei:Cypriniformes). We present computational solutions for processing, annotating and summarizing comparative transcriptome data for assessing genome-environment interactions across species. The resulting bioinformatics pipeline addresses the following points: (1) the potential importance of "essential genes", (2) the influence of microbiomes and other exogenous DNA, (3) potentially novel, species-specific genes, and (4) genomic rearrangements (e.g., whole genome duplication). Quantitative consideration of these points contributes to a firmer foundation for future comparative work across distantly related taxa for a variety of sub-disciplines, including stress and immune response, community ecology, ecotoxicology, and climate change.
Quantification of Cellular Proliferation in Mouse Atherosclerotic Lesions

Excessive cell proliferation within atherosclerotic plaques plays an important role in the progression of atherosclerosis. Macrophage proliferation in particular has become a major focus of attention in the cardiovascular field because it appears to mediate most of macrophage expansion in mouse atherosclerotic arteries. Therefore, quantification of cell proliferation is an essential part of the characterization of atherosclerotic plaques in experimental studies. This chapter describes two variants of a simple immunostaining protocol that allow for the quantification of cellular proliferation in mouse atherosclerotic lesions based on the detection of the proliferation-associated antigen Ki-67.
Distribution and function of adrenergic receptors in the urinary bladder.

Studies of the response of isolated rabbit urinary bladder strips to adrenergic agents indicate the presence of both alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors in bladder smooth muscle. Using [3H]dihydroergocryptine and [3H]dihydroalprenolo1, we characterized the alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors in the base and body of the rabbit urinary bladder. The density of alpha receptors (in femtomoles per milligram of protein) was significantly greater in the bladder base (78 ± 10) than in the body (18 ± 4), whereas the density of beta receptors was significantly more concentrated in the body (96 ± 10) than in the base (42 ± 6). This uneven receptor distribution correlated well with the physiological response of isolated bladder strips to various adrenergic agonists. Methoxamine (an alpha agonist) stimulated contractility to a significantly greater degree in the musculature of the bladder base than in that of the body. Isoproterenol (a beta agonist) more effectively relaxed the bladder body than the bladder base. Epinephrine (alpha and beta agonist) produced a dose-dependent relaxation in the bladder body, whereas the bladder base responded to the same concentrations with a dose-dependent increase in contractility. We conclude from these studies that the greater response of bladder base to alpha-adrenergic agonists and of bladder body to beta-adrenergic agonists results from the predominance of alpha receptors in the bladder base and of beta receptors in the bladder body.
Enhancing Team Building and Presentation Skills: A Team Case Presentation Approach

Team building and oral presentation skills are vitally important to success in today's business climate. The flattening of the organization and the delegation of responsibilities to teams, rather than through hierarchical levels, calls for accomplished interpersonal, small group, and communication skills, especially those used in team building and oral presentations.
Use of soils to differentiate dune age and to document spatial variation in eolian activity, northeast Colorado, U.S.A.

Soils formed on dune summits in a small section of a northeast Colorado dune field reveal striking variability in development that is due in part to episodic dune formation but also to spatial variation in the supply of windblown material. Deposits from at least four periods of eolian activity display a pedogenic sequence that commonly includes the development of soil lamellae. With increasing dune age, the lamellae increase in number and coalesce into argillic horizons as the percentage of clay and silt increase in the illuvial horizons. Disparate soil development on similar age deposits reflects erosion of the soil surface at windward locations and material addition along a corridor of more recent sand movement.
A survey of network-based analysis and systemic risk measurement

The financial crisis led to a number of new systemic risk measures and a renewed concern over the risk of contagion. This paper surveys the systemic risk literature with a focus on the importance of contributions made by those emphasizing a network-based approach, and how that compares with more commonly used approaches. Research on systemic risk has generally found that the risk of contagion through domino effects is minimal, and thus emphasized focusing on the resiliency of the financial system to broad macroeconomic shocks. Theoretical, methodological, and empirical work is critically examined to provide insight on how and why regulators have emphasized deregulation, diversification, size-based regulations, and portfolio-based coherent systemic risk measures. Furthermore, in the context of network analysis, this paper reviews and critically assesses newly created systemic risk measures. Network analysis and agent-based modeling approaches to understanding network formation offer promise in helping understand contagion, and also detecting fragile systems before they collapse. Theory and evidence discussed here implies that regulators and researchers need to gain an improved understanding of how topology, capital requirements, and liquidity interact.
Peeling Back the Skin of Racism: Real History and Race in Dance Education

In 2016, the JODE Editorial Board voted to grant Editor Emerita status to Dr. Julie Kerr-Berry in honor of her significant contributions to the journal. Kerr-Berry served as assistant editor, edito...
Methylprednisolone-Responsive Leptospiral Acute Pulmonary Syndrome

Johan-Arief et al. reported a 26-year-old man with acute pulmonary syndrome due to leptospirosis (Int J Med Students. 2015 Sep-Dec;3(3):159-62) and focused the benefits of the early methylprednisolone therapy on the good outcome of this severe condition. The diagnostic suspicion was based on his antecedents and classical clinical features; and Weil’s disease was confirmed by IgM ELISA, and microscopic agglutination test. However, almost invariably in the first week of acute leptospirosis there is no antibody level to yield positive tests, adequate therapy often did not start in this phase of the disease. Other concerns are about misdiagnosis with Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and the possibility of acute leptospirosis coexistent with this condition in developing countries. Diagnostic challenges involving Brazilian case studies of these diseases are commented.
Geriatric fracture care: Future trajectories: A 2015 AOA critical issues symposium

The population of the United States and the world is aging rapidly. Musculoskeletal care for older adults will be impacted by the manner in which health care is financed and the ability of the orthopaedic community to provide evidence-based integrated care for this population. We review the financial aspects of health-care reform and the implications for musculoskeletal care in the elderly. We discuss the establishment of quality measures for hip fracture care in the elderly, team building to accomplish this, and an innovative program designed to provide orthopaedic care to the frail elderly outside of the usual office setting.
Diagnosis and Management of Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease and Renal Tumors in ESRD Patients

The incidence of renal malignancies is markedly increased in end-stage renal disease and appears to be related to the development of acquired cystic kidney disease. Identification and evaluation of simple cysts, complex cysts, and solid masses in these patients rely on imaging studies, including ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. While there are no published data to support screening of ESRD patients, this seems appropriate in at least some patients, based on patient characteristics and the presence or absence of acquired cystic kidney disease. The optimal frequency and modality remain to be determined.
Trametinib for the treatment of IGHV4-34, MAP2K1-mutant variant hairy cell leukemia

Variant hairy cell leukemia (vHCL) is an uncommon disorder accounting for 10% of all HCL cases [1]. The difference in therapeutic response to chemotherapy between patients with classic HCL (cHCL) a...
A Bioreactor Method to Generate High-titer, Genetically Stable, Clinical-isolate Human Cytomegalovirus

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in transplant patients and a leading cause of congenital birth defects (Saint Louis, 2016). Vaccination and therapeutic studies often require scalable cell culture production of wild type virus, represented by clinical isolates. Obtaining sufficient stocks of wild-type clinical HCMV is often labor intensive and inefficient due to low yield and genetic loss, presenting a barrier to studies of clinical isolates. Here we report a bioreactor method based on continuous infection, where retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells adhered to microcarrier beads are infected in a bioreactor and used to produce high-titers of clinical isolate HCMV that maintain genetic integrity of key viral tropism factors and the viral genome. In this bioreactor, an end-stage infection can be maintained by regular addition of uninfected ARPE-19 cells, providing convenient preparation of 107-108 pfu/ml of concentrated TB40/E IE2-EYFP stocks without daily cell passaging or trypsinization. Overall, this represents a 100-fold increase in gain of virus production of 100-times compared to conventional static-culture plates, while requiring 90% less handling time. Moreover, this continuous infection environment has the potential to monitor infection dynamics with applications for real-time tracking of viral evolution.
Rapid shear alignment of sub-10 nm cylinder-forming block copolymer films based on thermal expansion mismatch

Directed self-assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) provided by shear-stress can produce aligned sub-10 nm structures over large areas for applications in integrated circuits, next-generation data storage, and plasmonic structures. In this work, we present a fast, versatile BCP shear-alignment process based on coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch of the BCP film, a rigid top coat and a substrate. Monolayer and bilayer cylindrical microdomains of poly(styrene-b-dimethylsiloxane) aligned preferentially in-plane and orthogonal to naturally-forming or engineered cracks in the top coat film, allowing for orientation control over 1 cm2 substrates. Annealing temperatures, up to 275 °C, provided low-defect alignment up to 2 mm away from cracks for rapid (<1 min) annealing times. Finite-element simulations of the stress as a function of annealing time, annealing temperature, and distance from cracks showed that shear stress during the cooling phase of the thermal annealing was critical for the observed microdomain alignment.
Courtship bout duration in per circadian period mutants in Drosophila melanogaster.

Mutations on the period locus of Drosophila melanogaster influence circadian periods as well as the rhythm in inter-pulse intervals in male courtship song; perL mutations produce long circadian periods and courtship song rhythms and pers mutations produce short circadian periods and courtship song rhythms. Thus, these mutations influence timing mechanisms over both long and short behavioral time horizons. We examined if the mean courtship duration of male Drosophila melanogaster cycles rhythmically, and if mutations at the period locus influence courtship bout duration. We measured the courtship bout durations of the following: (1) wild type Canton-S (per+) males; (2) perL males; and (3)pers males. Rhythmicity of courtship bout duration could not be mathematically determined. Mean courtship bout duration did not differ among the three groups; thus, mutations at the period locus did not influence mean courtship duration. There was a nonsignificant trend for per+ males that were successful at mating to have longer mean courtship duration than unsuccessful males.
Oxidative Stress in HIV Infection and Alcohol Use: Role of Redox Signals in Modulation of Lipid Rafts and ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters.

Abstract Aims: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection induces oxidative stress and alcohol use accelerates disease progression, subsequently causing immune dysfunction. However, HIV and alcohol impact on lipid rafts-mediated immune dysfunction remains unknown. In this study, we investigate the modulation by which oxidative stress induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) affecting redox expression, lipid rafts caveiloin-1, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, and transcriptional sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) gene and protein modification and how these mechanisms are associated with arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites in HIV positive alcohol users, and how they escalate immune dysfunction. Results: In both alcohol using HIV-positive human subjects and in vitro studies of alcohol with HIV-1 gp120 protein in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, increased ROS production significantly affected redox expression in glutathione synthetase (GSS), super oxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione ...
Palmitate induces glycosylation of cyclooxygenase-2 in primary human vascular smooth muscle cells.

Vascular basal cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and activity can be induced by endotoxin, hypoxia, or ischemia. During vascular pathologies such as atherosclerosis, increases in COX-2 activity r...
Inorganic Ba–Sn nanocomposite materials for sulfate sequestration from complex aqueous solutions

Selective sequestration of sulfate (SO42−) in the form of barite (BaSO4) from alkaline solutions of high ionic strength containing carbonate is problematic due to the preferential formation of BaCO3. Incorporation of sulfate into the insoluble and thermally stable BaSO4 phase can potentially benefit radioactive waste processing by reducing operational challenges and suppressing volatilization of other waste components such as technetium-99. To enhance selectivity of SO42− sequestration, a series of Ba–Sn nanocomposite materials was prepared using simple hydrothermal synthesis from different Sn(II) and Sn(IV) precursors. Structural characterization indicated that all obtained products predominantly contained BaSn(OH)6 and Ba2SnO2(OH)4·10H2O nanocrystalline phases which were disrupted upon exposure to SO42− due to formation of BaSO4. Performance of the Ba–Sn materials was tested using complex alkaline solutions simulating radioactive waste containing 0.094 M SO42− and 0.5 M CO32− among other constituents. About 54–66% of SO42− was converted to BaSO4 when a quantity of Ba–Sn material containing approximately a stoichiometric amount of Ba2+ relative to SO42− was used. In comparison, previous studies indicate negligible BaSO4 formation under similar conditions when a simple Ba2+ salt is used. This improvement is attributed to the selective replacement of the stannate by SO42−. Thermal stability of the sulfate-loaded product material up to 1100 °C was demonstrated. The obtained materials promise a convenient and economical option for the selective sequestration or removal of SO42− from complex carbonate containing solutions.
The Presence and Absence of God in Object Relational and Theological Perspectives

In its examination of early personal development, psychoanalytic object relations theory contributes to an understanding of the presence of God in human experience. This contribution is analyzed wi...
Federal Judicial Clerkship Report of Recent Law School Graduates, 2020 Edition

Law student activists stand against applying to clerk for judges of certain ideological stripes. A law clerk disclosed sexual harassment inflicted by the judge she clerked for. The federal judiciary continues to struggle with work and hiring in the light of the novel coronavirus. In some ways, 2020 has not been a banner year to think about federal clerkships as the best jobs a law student will ever have. But a federal judicial clerkship remains a valued credential for employers, a coveted outcome for most students, and a window into the federal judiciary for outsiders, particularly first-generation law school graduates. And while some experiences can turn out poorly, the modal outcome seems to be one of high satisfaction, with a mentoring judge through a clerk’s early career and a network of clerk alumni who can support one another. And in the midst of these discussions, I offer this Federal Judicial Clerkship Report of Recent Graduates. This report is an opportunity to reflect on the present state of legal education and federal judicial clerkships. This Report offers an analysis of the overall hiring of recent law school graduates into federal judicial clerkships between 2017 and 2019 for each law school. It includes an overall hiring report, regional reports, overall hiring trends, an elite hiring report, and trends concerning judicial vacancies.
The Burgers–Hilbert Equation

The Burgers–Hilbert equation consists of an inviscid Burgers equation with a linear Hilbert-transform source term. We explain how the equation arises as a model for waves on a vorticity discontinuity and surface waves with constant frequency. We survey various results about the Burger–Hilbert equation, including ones on singularity formation, shock structure, weak solutions, and the enhanced life span of small, smooth solutions.
Surveillance on Plague in Natural Foci in Georgia

Plague is one of the oldest and most devastating recorded human diseases. Several epidemics of plague have occurred in the territory of Georgia. In 1933, the Transcaucasian Anti-Plague Center was established in Tbilisi. There are two natural foci of plague in the territory of Georgia: plain–foothill and high mountainous. The Georgian Anti-Plague Station carried out active surveillance on natural foci. In the plain–foothill focus, plague epizootics were established in 1966 and in 1968–1971. In the high-mountainous focus, plague epizootics were established in 1979–1983 and in 1992–1997. A total of 122 strains of Yersinia pestis were isolated in Georgia – 83 in the plain–foothill focus and 39 in the highmountainous focus; 46 strains are kept at the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health’s Microbial Library. Although no new isolates were obtained in recent years, the plague foci in Georgia are so close to populated areas that they must be under permanent control to be able to respond rapidly to emergencies.
Time and Technology Will Tell: The Pathophysiologic Basis of Neurohormonal Modulation in Heart Failure

The central roles of neurohormonal abnormalities in the pathobiology of heart failure have been defined in recent decades. Experiments have revealed both systemic involvement and intricate subcellular regulation by circulating effectors of the sympathetic nervous system, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and others. Randomized clinical trials substantiated these findings, establishing neurohormonal antagonists as cornerstones of heart failure pharmacotherapy, and occasionally offering further insight on mode of benefit. This review discusses the use of β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and aldosterone receptor antagonists in the treatment of heart failure, with particular attention to the pathophysiologic basis and mechanisms of action.
Efficacy and safety of omalizumab in pediatric patients with high immunoglobulin E levels: A case series.

Background The efficacy and safety of omalizumab has been demonstrated in children as young as 6 years of age. Omalizumab is currently approved for a range of immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels that differ by age. In patients with IgE levels higher than the indicated therapeutic window, only a few studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of its use. Specifically, no reported studies exist to describe the use of omalizumab in pediatric patients with asthma ages Objective We reported a series of pediatric patients who were initiated on omalizumab despite an IgE level higher than the age-indicated therapeutic windows and aimed to describe whether omalizumab was safe and improved asthma outcomes. Methods Patients who initiated omalizumab in our pediatric allergy clinic between January 2008 and December 2015, with serum IgE levels higher than the age-indicated therapeutic ranges were included. Patient charts were reviewed to determine the number of asthma-related events in the 12 months before and after initiation of omalizumab and the Asthma Control Test™ scores at the time of initiation and at 12 months of therapy. Results Eleven patients were identified with pretreatment IgE levels higher than the age-approved thresholds. Five patients were ages 12 years. For all but one patient, the maximum recommended dose of 375 mg every 2 weeks was effective in reducing the need for corticosteroids, emergency department visits, or hospitalizations in the year after initiation of therapy. During the period of therapy, there were no reports of severe reactions. Conclusion Despite a small study group, our results indicated that omalizumab may be safely used in pediatric patients with IgE levels higher than the indicated therapeutic windows.
Pharmacist to Physician: “Are You Really a Doctor?”

This chapter presents a case study of a pharmacist challenging an African-American physician’s credentials when he tries to fill a prescription he wrote for his wife.
Space for Calaspargase? A New Asparaginase for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

In December 2018, the FDA approved calaspargase pegol-mknl (Asperlas, Servier Pharmaceuticals) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children and young adults up to age 21. Asparaginase is a critical component in the treatment of ALL, but the niche for calaspargase within current treatment protocols is unclear.See related article by Li et al., p. 328.