cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 1519: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ≤ promotes colonic inflammation and inflammation-associated tumorigenesis

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Although epidemiologic and experimental evidence strongly indicates chronic inflammation as a risk factor for cancer, it remains unclear how chronic inflammation contributes carcinogenesis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ≤ (PPARδ) is one member of PPAR family that belongs to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily and is also ligand-dependent transcription factor. Although PPARδ has been shown to be involved in chronic inflammation and the progression of hereditary and sporadic CRC, its role in inflammation-induced carcinogenesis is not defined. The aim of our present study was to determine whether PPARδ contributes to the pathogenesis of colonic inflammation and inflammation-associated carcinogenesis. Here we present genetic evidence demonstrating that deletion of PPARδ diminishes colonic inflammation accompanied with reducing infiltration of immune cells and the expression of pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines in a mouse model of colitis. These PPARδ-dependent chemokines are responsible for recruitment of leukocytes from the circulation to local inflammatory sites and the tumor microenvironment. Our results further reveal that activation of PPARδ induces COX-2 expression in colonic epithelial cells. Importantly, COX-2-derived PGE2 stimulates macrophages to produce pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines. More intriguingly, loss of PPARδ attenuated colonic chronic inflammation and colitis-associated adenoma growth via PGE2 signaling in two mouse models of colitis-associated tumorigenesis. Collectively, our results demonstrate that PPARδ promotes colonic chronic inflammation and colitis-associated tumor growth via a PGE2 signaling which mediates the crosstalk between tumor epithelial cells and macrophages. Our data further supports the notion that the existence of crosstalk between PPARδ and COX-2 signaling in CRC progression. These findings indicate that PPARδ plays a pivotal role in connecting colonic inflammation to cancer progression and may represent a potential therapeutic target for prevention or treatment of colorectal cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1519. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1519
Evaluation of MMR Vaccination and Autism Link

A retrospective cohort study of autism in all children born in Denmark from January 1991 through December 1998 and those receiving measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination is reported from the Danish Epidemiology Science Center, Aarhus, Denmark.
Satellite-derived volume loss rates and glacier speeds for the Juneau Icefield, Alaska

We provide a high-resolution map of elevation change rates at the Juneau Icefield (JIF), southeastern Alaska, in order to quantify its contribution to sea-level rise between 2000 and 2009/2013. We also produce the first high-resolution map of ice speeds at the JIF, which we use to constrain flux and look for acceleration. We calculate using stacked digital elevation models (DEMs) from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) instrument and the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), taking into account SRTM C-band penetration via comparison with SRTM X-band elevations. Overall, the JIF is losing mass less rapidly (0.13 ± 0.12 m w.e. a–1) than other Alaskan icefields (0.79 m w.e. a–1). We determine glacier speeds using pixel-tracking on optical image pairs acquired from 2001 to 2010 by ASTER, from radar image pairs acquired between 2007 and 2011 and from radar interferometry in 1995. We detect seasonal speed variations but no interannual acceleration, ruling out dynamics as the cause of the observed thinning. Thinning must therefore be due to the documented warming in the region. Flux measurements confirm this for Mendenhall Glacier, showing that calving constitutes only 2.5–5% of mass loss there.
A numerical study of the effect of wake passing on turbine blade film cooling

Time-accurate and steady three-dimensional viscous turbulent numerical simulations were performed to study the effect of upstream blade wake passing unsteadiness on the performance of film cooling on a downstream axial turbine blade. The simulations modeled the blade as spanwise periodic and of infinite span. Both aerodynamic and heat transfer quantities were explored. A showerhead film cooling arrangement typical of modern gas turbine engines was employed. Showerhead cooling was studied because of its anticipated strong sensitivity to upstream flow fluctuations. The wake was modeled as a region of zero axial velocity on the upstream computational boundary which translated with each iteration. This model is compatible with a planned companion experiment in which the wakes will be produced by a rotating row of cylindrical rods upstream of an annular turbine cascade. It was determined that a steady solution with appropriate upstream swirl and stagnation pressure predicted the span-average film effectiveness quite well. The major difference is a 2 to 3 percent overprediction of span-average film effectiveness by the steady simulation on the pressure surface and in the showerhead region. Local overpredictions of up to 8 percent were observed in the showerhead region. These differences can be explained by the periodic relative lifting of the boundary layer and enhanced mixing in the unsteady simulations.
The Cultural Translator: Toward An Ethnic Womanist Pedagogy

First, I need to say that reading writings by women of color makes me cry. What is more, the tears which roll down my cheeks into my morning coffee sustain and empower me. The passion gleaned from such reading experiences is what I try to share in the literature classroom. Until I attained this level of comprehension, university teaching had been, at some level, essentially an intellectual exercise. My opening statement is intended to inform the reader of who I am and where I stand politically. For those of you who have jumped to the conclusion that this is another "stridently feminist" or "lesbian" or "marginal" essay and is, therefore, not worth reading, let me concur that here is where you sign off. For the rest of us who are willing to suspend disbelief, the present discussion is intended to initiate dialogue and further exploration into the whys and wherefores of ethnic womanist pedagogy.' As a Chinese-American academic who has recently invaded a midwestern university campus with her own brand of multicultural connectedness, I have been a shock to the local talent (i.e., the traditional midwestern Anglo students). My mere existence-not to mention my deep convictions-can be construed as a "threat" to students who yearn to survive English literature courses with A's and with their monolithic cultural assumptions intact. Like it or not, my presence signals change-and change equals discomfort. For the women of color who have made it this far on the academic ladder, such a position often means spiritual if not professional suicide. As the indomitable Bette Midler says in one of her comedy skits, "Why bother?" Since I am borrowing from contemporary popular culture, I might as well offer a line from the movie "Ruthless People" which strikes me as appropriate for the classroom situations in which I find myself these days. The plot is unconventionally simple: an exceedingly nice young couple kidnap a wealthy woman (Bette Midler again!) for ransom money. After an encounter with the ferocious "rich bitch" victim, the young wife complains to her husband, "I think she hates me." The husband replies, "She's supposed to hate you; you're her kidnapper."
Factors Affecting the Response of the Maize Weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), to Its Aggregation Pheromone

Effects of age, dosage, starvation, crowding, and addition of 3-pentanone on response of the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, to a mixture of its male-produced aggregation pheromone ( R*, S* )-5-hydroxy-4-methyl-3-heptanone, and the R*, R* diastereomer, were examined. Weevils ≤1 week old were attracted to pheromone, whereas 8- to 10-week-old weevils were significantly repelled by the pheromone. Weevils 1–2 days old responded to synthetic pheromone over a 1,000-fold range of doses. Starvation significantly improved response of young weevils to the pheromone, but had no effect on response by 10-week-old weevils. A trend toward better response under high-density conditions was observed in 1- to 2-day-old weevils, but not 10-week-old weevils. Males 1–2 days old were attracted to 3-pentanone, and its addition to the pheromone elicited a greater response by both sexes than response to either compound alone. Weevils 10 weeks old were strongly attracted to 3-pentanone when they had been starved. Function of the pheromone in colonization of exploitable food sources is discussed.
Molecular Biology of Medulloblastoma

Current methods of diagnosis and treatment of medulloblastoma, and the influence of new biological advances in the development of more effective and less toxic therapies are reviewed by researchers at Children’s National Medical Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC.
100k Cycles and Beyond: Extraordinary Cycle Stability for MnO2 Nanowires Imparted by a Gel Electrolyte

We demonstrate reversible cycle stability for up to 200 000 cycles with 94–96% average Coulombic efficiency for symmetrical δ-MnO2 nanowire capacitors operating across a 1.2 V voltage window in a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) gel electrolyte. The nanowires investigated here have a Au@δ-MnO2 core@shell architecture in which a central gold nanowire current collector is surrounded by an electrodeposited layer of δ-MnO2 that has a thickness of between 143 and 300 nm. Identical capacitors operating in the absence of PMMA (propylene carbonate (PC), 1.0 M LiClO4) show dramatically reduced cycle stabilities ranging from 2000 to 8000 cycles. In the liquid PC electrolyte, the δ-MnO2 shell fractures, delaminates, and separates from the gold nanowire current collector. These deleterious processes are not observed in the PMMA electrolyte.
ATPS-26ONCOLYTIC VECTORS BASED ON HSV FOR TREATMENT OF GBM.

Early phase human clinical trials using several versions of oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 (oHSV) have shown promise in the treatment of GBM, but efficacy has been limited. Impediments to oHSV therapy include poor virus spread due in part to the tumor extracellular matrix, and insufficient replication in tumor cells as a result of attenuating mutations. Thus, the central goal of this project is to improve oncolytic vector delivery, replication and spread while maintaining safety and tumor specificity. We have already developed a new class of two stage tumor targeted oHSV combining (i) selective infection through tumor-specific receptors and (ii) selective replication based on differential expression of microRNAs (miRs) in tumor and normal cells. We further modify our vector by arming with the matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) as a means to reduce vector trapping in the tumor extracellular matrix. Data will be presented on the effect the effect of oHSV on the tumor microenvironment.
The Fossils of Illinois: An Overview

(1988). The Fossils of Illinois: An Overview. Rocks & Minerals: Vol. 63, No. 3, pp. 202-209.
Aryne cycloaddition reactions of benzodioxasilines as aryne precursors generated by catalytic reductive ortho -C-H silylation of phenols with traceless acetal directing groups

Abstract Diversely substituted arylsilyl triflates, as aryne precursors for aryne cycloaddition reactions, were accessed from benzodioxasilines. Catalytic reductive C H ortho- silylation of phenols with traceless acetal directing groups was exploited to prepare benzodioxasilines. Sequential addition of MeLi and then trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride to benzodioxasilines provided arylsilyl triflates in a single pot. Notably, this approach was successfully utilized to prepare sterically hindered 1,2,3-trisubstituted arylsilyl triflates, which ultimately underwent fluoride-mediated aryne cycloaddition.
Correlates of Human Papillomavirus Infection Among a National Sample of Sexual Minority Women.

Abstract Background: Many sexual minority women are infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), yet little is known about correlates of HPV infection among this population. Materials and Methods: We analyzed data from a national sample of sexual minority women (i.e., women who either reported a history of female sexual partners or identified as nonheterosexual) aged 20–59 from the 2003 to 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 830). Weighted logistic regression identified correlates of infection with any HPV type and infection with a high-risk HPV type. Results: About 53% of women were infected with any HPV type, and about 37% were infected with a high-risk HPV type. Women who reported five or more sexual partners during their lifetime (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.26–11.42) were more likely to be infected with a high-risk HPV type. Compared to women aged 20–29, women aged 40–49 (aOR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.32–0.81) or 50–59 (aOR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.14–0.53) ...
Graphite: Properties and Characteristics

Graphite is a truly unique material. Its structure, from the nano- to the millimeter scale, gives it remarkable properties, which facilitate numerous and diverse applications. Graphite bond anisotropy, with strong in-plane covalent bonds and weak van der Waals type bonding between the planes, gives graphite its unique combination of properties. Easy shear of the crystal, facilitated by weak interplanar bonds, allows graphite to be used as a dry lubricant and is responsible for the substance’s name! The word ‘graphite’ is derived from the Greek ‘to write’ because of graphite’s ability to mark writing surfaces. Moreover, synthetic graphite contains porosity spanning many orders of magnitude in size within its structure. The thermal closure of these pores profoundly affects the properties, for example, graphite strength increases with temperatures in excess of 2200 °C. Consequently, graphite is utilized in many high-temperature applications. The basic physical properties of graphite are reviewed here. Graphite applications include the following: metallurgical, aluminum, and steel production, single crystal silicon production, and metal casting; electric motor brushes and commutators; mechanical seals, bearings, and bushings; and nuclear applications (see Chapter 4.10, Radiation Effects in Graphite ). Here, we discuss the structure, manufacture, and properties of graphite.
Approaches to psychotherapy supervision.

This paper surveys the nature and varieties of psychotherapy supervision. The five main forms of “participatory supervision” involve some degree of simultaneous interaction between teacher(s) and trainee(s) during the psychotherapy session. The five main forms of “non-participatory supervision” involve interaction between teacher(s) and trainee(s) without the patient(s) present. The strengths and weaknesses of each form are discussed. The importance of matching the educational purpose of a particular training program with faculty talents, student development, quality patient care, and fiscal constraints is emphasized.
Perceptions of driving after marijuana use compared to alcohol use among rural American young adults.

Introduction and Aims Substance use contributes to motor vehicle crashes, the leading cause of death among young adults. The current qualitative study examined perceptions of the acceptability and harms associated with driving after marijuana versus alcohol use in rural America. Illuminating rural perspectives is critical given that the motor vehicle fatality rate is twice as high in rural as in urban areas in the USA. Design and Methods In 2015–2016, 72 young adults aged 18–25 years (Mage = 20.2; 50.7% female) living in Montana, USA, participated in 11 focus groups. A list of descriptive codes was generated inductively and two individuals coded participant comments. Discussion, memoing and concept mapping were used to uncover broader themes and transcripts were reviewed for evidence of these themes. Results There was shared consensus that, with regard to crash risk, driving after marijuana use was safer than driving after alcohol use. While alcohol was thought to impair driving ability universally, marijuana's impacts depended on individual characteristics (e.g. compensatory behaviours) and the marijuana itself (e.g. type). Participants expressed conflicting beliefs about policies surrounding marijuana use and driving but were more knowledgeable about alcohol-related policies. Participants viewed older adults and those in frontier areas as more disapproving of driving after marijuana use. Discussion and Conclusions Misinformation about the consequences of driving after marijuana use is common, demonstrating the need for future research and educational interventions. Developing and disseminating guidelines for driving after marijuana use would help marijuana users make informed decisions and mitigate driving-related risks.
Changes in Blood Pressure During Young Adulthood and Subsequent Kidney Function Decline: Findings From the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adulthood (CARDIA) Study

Background Many studies have focused on the association between a single blood pressure (BP) measurement and risk for adverse outcomes. However, the association of BP trajectories during young adulthood with subsequent decline in kidney function has not been well defined. Study Design Observational cohort study. Setting & Participants 3,429 participants in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adulthood (CARDIA) Study enrolled between the ages of 18 and 30 years. Predictors BP slope during the first 10 years of participation in CARDIA, derived from linear mixed models incorporating all repeated BP measures. Outcome Decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) during the interval between years 10 and 20 of CARDIA participation using cystatin C measured at years 10, 15, and 20. Results Mean age of CARDIA participants at year 0 was 25.1 years, 56% were women, and 53% were white. Every 10–mmHg higher level of systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) in year 10 was associated with change in eGFR of −0.09 (95% CI, −0.13 to −0.06) and −0.07 (95% CI, −0.12 to −0.03) mL/min/1.73m 2 per year, respectively. Every 10–mmHg increase in SBP slope between years 0 and 10 was associated with a subsequent −0.52 (95% CI, −1.02 to −0.03) mL/min/1.73m 2 per year change in kidney function after adjustment for comorbid conditions and SBP at year 10. Similarly, every 10–mmHg increase in DBP slope between years 0 and 10 was associated with a subsequent change in kidney function of −0.65 (95% CI, −1.23 to −0.07) mL/min/1.73m 2 per year, after adjustment for comorbid conditions and DBP in year 10. Limitations Observational design. Conclusions During young adulthood, increasing SBP and DBP are associated with a higher rate of subsequent kidney function decline, independent of BP measured at the beginning of eGFR assessment.
Bayesian Inference for the Piecewise Exponential Model for the Reliability of Multiple Repairable Systems

The piecewise exponential (PEXP) model for the reliability of multiple repairable systems is considered, and classic (maximum likelihood) and Bayesian inference are discussed under different model assumptions.
Information Curators in an Enterprise File-Sharing Service

We report on a social-software file-sharing service within a large company. User-created collections of files were associated with increased usage of the uploaded files, especially the sharing of files from one employee to another. Employees innovated in the use of the collections features as “information curators,” an emergent lead-user role in which one employee creates named, described collections of resource for use by other employees. This role suggests new work practices and new features.
Hydrogen Peroxide: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is a stable intermediate produced from oxygen. Primary sources of H 2 O 2 are enzymes that can reduce oxygen with two electrons and the dismutation of superoxide (O 2 •−). Superoxide, the one-electron reduction product of oxygen is actually kinetically favored as the activation energy for simultaneous two electron reduction is considerably higher. Superoxide production occurs in mitochondria as the result of a leak from the electron transport chain that is pulled forward by dismutation catalyzed by mitochondrial superoxide dismutase; however, mitochondrial production is not clearly regulated by physiological signaling and is likely to be involved in pathologies. A more clearly regulated source of O 2 •− and H 2 O 2 however, is the NADPH oxidase family (NOX and DuOX) that are found on other cellular membranes. Once thought to be restricted to phagocytes, where the assembly of an active superoxide producing oxidase complex has been well categorized, stimulated H 2 O 2 production is now known to occur in almost all cells through NOX and/or DuOX activities. H 2 O 2 participates in pathology through reaction with transition metals that produce hydroxyl radical. H 2 O 2 is used to generate hypohalous acids through catalysis by myeloperoxidases and lactoperoxidase. These oxidizing acids kill microorganisms but also damage tissue during inflammation. H 2 O 2 also acts as a second messenger in signal transduction through its reaction with key proteins containing critical cysteine residues. These signaling reactions involve reversible oxidation catalyzed by peroxiredoxins and/or other as yet unidentified enzymes that result in intramolecular or mixed glutathione-protein disulfides. The multiple roles of H 2 O 2 in biology are still incompletely understood. The goal here is both to inform the reader about the biological roles of H 2 O 2 and the unresolved questions as well as to encourage further investigation of this small but far from simple molecule.
Genetic diseases of the kidney

A 48-year-old woman comes to the clinic to establish medical care and for routine physical examination. Her past medical history is notable for elevated blood pressure. She is currently not taking any medications. Her family history is unremarkable; her mother lived into her 80s with no apparent medical problems. Her father passed away at a young age in a motor vehicle accident. She has three brothers and one sister who are apparently healthy. Review of systems is notable for increasing abdominal fullness over the past few years, early satiety and leg cramps. Physical exam reveals a blood pressure of 152/92, heart rate 81, respiratory rate 14, temperature of 36.4 °C. Abdominal exam is remarkable for bilateral palpable kidneys. Laboratory studies reveal a serum creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL and blood urea nitrogen 37 mg/dL. Urinalysis is dipstick reveals 1+ blood and trace protein, and urine microscopy is noted to be bland. An abdominal CT scan without contrast reveals bilaterally enlarged kidneys with numerous cysts and several small calculi (Fig. 49.1). The liver is also noted to have several cysts.
Comorbid Behavior Problems Among Youth With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Developmental Focus

Abstract It has been well documented that individuals with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities demonstrate comorbid behavior problems, or behaviors that are not specified by the criteria for the diagnosis. Co-occurring behavior problems can substantially interfere with the child's educational and social functioning, lead to poor long-term child outcomes, negatively impact family outcomes, and create additional challenges for treatment and intervention. However, what is less clear is how the impact of behavior problems evolves across crucial stages of development, with differential effects at different ages. A better understanding of the trajectory of co-occurring behavior problems is important for improving outcomes across domains, including social, academic, and mental health. This chapter begins with a brief overview of autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability, including the expression of comorbidity in these populations, and provides a review of the literature pertaining to the developmental course of behavior problems and their collateral effects on the school and family environment. We conclude with a discussion of future directions for research on behavior problems and intervention efforts for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Vaulted into Victims: Preventing Further Sexual Abuse in U.S. Olympic Sports Through Unionization and Improved Governance

For almost two decades, a sexual predator groomed and abused hundreds of young, female athletes. All the while, he held an esteemed position as the national team doctor for USA Gymnastics, the national governing body for the sport of U.S. gymnastics, and served on the faculty at Michigan State University, where he treated countless female athletes in his sports medicine clinic. This predator, Larry Nassar, is now behind bars for life. At his sentencing hearings earlier this year, hundreds of his victims, many of whom were Olympians, courageously came forward detailing their accounts of sexual abuse at the hands of Nassar, who veiled his abuse and molestation as “legitimate medical treatments” for injured athletes. So many of Nassar’s long list of victims were just children when he abused them (some as young as age ten), and, thus they were unable to comprehend what was happening to them as they pursued their dreams. The nation is now left baffled as to how this abuse persisted for so long and why USA Gymnastics failed to properly detect and stop it. This Article, which is the first scholarly piece to address the USA Gymnastics tragedy from a legal and regulatory perspective, aims to answer the above questions by analyzing the cultural and structural failures within USA Gymnastics that led to this abuse, and by proposing two major governance reforms within the world of U.S. Olympic sports to greatly decrease the likelihood that such a tragedy would ever occur again. These reforms consist of the adoption of a robust whistleblower reporting system with appropriate anti-retaliation protections and the unionization of gymnasts competing within USA Gymnastics so that the interests of vulnerable, young adults are adequately protected from a legal standpoint. The implementation of these legal and structural reforms will help to ensure that, going forward, the physical and emotional well-being of minor athletes is at the forefront of any organization that purports to protect them.
(Strategically) Absent Advocates: How domestic violence-related firearms policies passed in pro-gun states, 2013–2015

In the USA, gun deaths occur at a rate that is 25 times higher than that of other developed countries (Grinshteyn and Hemenway in Am J Med 129(3):266–273, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2015.10.025 ). However, legislation targeted toward regulating firearms often fails to pass into law. While surprising to many observers, this policy response follows an established pattern in American politics: despite public support for tighter gun laws, the gun rights lobby often successfully suppresses gun reform due to their greater monetary resources, political savvy, and access to grassroots support than advocates of gun control (Bruce-Briggs in The Public interes 45:37, 1976; Goss in Disarmed: the missing movement for gun control in America, Princeton University Press, Princeton, 2006). However, laws that restrict domestic abusers from owning firearms have diverged from this pattern. This study identifies an element of advocates’ political strategy that increased the likelihood of policy change: the prominence of domestic violence prevention advocates and “strategic absence” of larger gun control groups in the policy debate. The insights generated by this study shed light on broader questions about advocacy strategy, the policy-making process, and the modern politics of firearms.
Reply to Head-Gordon and Paesani: Liquid water, a branched polymer with ∼100-fs short-lived heterogeneous hydrogen bonds.

The letter by Head-Gordon and Paesani (hereafter HG-P) (1) contains several confusions about our results that we clarify here. The title claiming that liquid water is not a dynamic polydisperse branched polymer is not supported by any information in their letter. Their first paragraph alleges that the oxygen–oxygen radial distribution function (gOO) from neutron scattering is not as accurate as the best X-ray analysis from Skinner et al. (2) (X-ray2). Since H and D have different neutron scattering lengths isotope-substitution techniques (3) can be used to extract the gOO directly from neutron scattering (4). In contrast, X-ray is affected by the electron distribution and other methods (such as classical simulations) are used to obtain gOO. However, X-ray2 uses a combination of neutron and X-ray to obtain a reliable gOO which is close to the neutron gOO. In fact, … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: wag{at}caltech.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Focus Group Discussions as Sites for Public Deliberation and Sensemaking Following Shared Political Documentary Viewing

This study examines the potential that shared political documentary viewing coupled with public deliberation via focus group discussion has for political sensemaking and civic engagement. Specifically, we examine college students’ perceptions of sensemaking, future civic engagement, and benefits of participating in group discussion following the shared viewing of D’Souza’s political documentary 2016: Obama’s America. Focus group participants reported that engaging in discussion served to clarify, affirm, and reinforce some initial impressions while opening their eyes to new insights and information. Focus group participation triggered a desire to seek out and hear additional diverse points of view and offered participants the opportunity to diffuse negative emotions and reflect upon media content. Participants reported that they enjoyed participating in this form of guided discussion, reported increased confidence in their abilities to engage in public political deliberation, and reported feeling a call to future civic action. Our findings show that political documentary viewing coupled with focus group discussions can be a productive site for public deliberation that can lead to enhanced sensemaking and positive future civic behaviors including intentions to extend discussions to personal networks and to research issues raised in the discussion or documentary. We address implications for deliberative pedagogy and focus groups as public deliberation.
Wages in Imperfect Markets: A Post-reforms Study of Indian Manufacturing:

This study analyzes the effects of structural market imperfections on wage growth in the Indian manufacturing following concerns over wage inequality post economic reforms, 1991. Using firm-level s...
A Systems Analysis of Slovakian Career and Technical Education

The Slovak Republic became a new nation in central Europe after the Cold War. The nation gained its independence with the breakup of Czechoslovakia in 1993. As a nation state, the parliament of Slovakia established new institutions dealing with management of the state, the law, economic affairs, social services, and other subsystems. The new institutions were created with the goal of furthering democratic principles and enhancing a framework of a market economy. Integration of the new nation into the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is the Slovak Republic's highest foreign policy goal. The government is making efforts to conform to EU standards in the restructuring of its national legal and administrative systems and all other aspects of social and economic life.
3Y-TZP Toughened and Oxidation-resistant U3Si2 Composites for Accident Tolerant Fuels

Abstract In this work, we report an innovative approach synergizing multiple effects of microstructure control, oxide protection and phase transformation-induced mechanically toughening to develop advanced U3Si2 fuels with state-of-the-art materials properties. 3Y-TZP (3 mol% yttria doped stabilized tetragonal zirconia) additives are incorporated and uniformly distributed into the SPS-densified U3Si2 fuel matrix, enhancing materials fracture toughness up to 4.04 MPa m1/2. The 3Y-TZP incorporated U3Si2 composite pellets show significantly improved onset temperature of oxidation above 560 °C, which can be further improved to 617 °C with 3 vol% addition by post-sintering thermal annealing. The development of mechanically tough and oxidation-resistant U3Si2 with minimal additive represents a major step forward towards realizing the potential of high density U3Si2 as the leading fuel concept to increase accidence tolerance of nuclear energy systems.
Patients' Experiences with an Immediate Postpartum Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Program.

Abstract Introduction We compared the characteristics of postpartum women who recalled being offered or not offered intrauterine devices and implants and who obtained placement of these long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) devices at a county hospital before discharge. We assessed satisfaction and continuation among those who obtained LARC methods. Methods We interviewed 199 patients who delivered at a Texas hospital and tested for differences in who recalled being offered/not offered immediate postpartum LARC. We provide descriptive statistics on when offered and satisfaction, and assess continuation using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Results There were 103 of 199 women (51.8%) who recalled providers offering them immediate postpartum LARC; English-speaking relative to Spanish-speaking Hispanic women had higher odds of recounting being offered immediate postpartum LARC (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 3.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33–11.23), as did women with two children versus one child (OR, 3.64; 95% CI, 1.13–11.67). Compared with women 18–24 years of age who wanted more children, women 30–34 years of age who wanted more children had lower odds (OR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.03–0.59), as did sterilized women 18 to 44 (OR, 0.02; 95% CI, 0.00–0.10). Seventy-four women (37% of all and 72% of those who recalled being offered) received immediate postpartum LARC. Sixty percent of those who received immediate postpartum LARC recalled that they were first offered it during prenatal care. Satisfaction was high but decreased between 3 and 6 months postpartum, mainly owing to negative side effects. Continuation at 24 months postpartum was 76.9% (CI, 71.7%–81.4%), with no difference between intrauterine device and implant use. Conclusions Language barriers may have hindered equal access to immediate postpartum LARC for Spanish-speaking patients; younger patients were more likely to recall being offered immediate postpartum LARC, possibly owing to providers’ implicit biases or greater demand for LARC versus sterilization. Using formal interpretation services and patient-centered decision making may improve patient access to the contraception methods most aligned with their values and preferences.
Comparison of Satisfaction With Penile Prosthesis Implantation in Patients With Radical Prostatectomy or Radical Cystoprostatectomy to the General Population.

Abstract Introduction Penile prosthesis implantation is a widely used treatment option for erectile dysfunction. Data is limited with regard to patient satisfaction with a penile prosthesis following radical prostatectomy/cystoprostatectomy vs patients with erectile dysfunction of other etiologies. Aim To examine patient satisfaction with penile prosthesis implantation and determine if a difference in satisfaction exists in post-prostatectomy/cystoprostatectomy patients vs patients with erectile dysfunction of other etiologies. We hypothesize that etiology does not affect satisfaction. Methods A total of 164 patients underwent penile prosthesis implantation at our institution between August 2017 and December 2019, with 102 patients completing a validated 14 item questionnaire, Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS), at 6 months postoperation. Demographics, surgical characteristics, and erectile dysfunction etiology were recorded. Patients were assigned to one of 2 groups: postprostatectomy/postcystoprostatectomy erectile dysfunction or other etiologies. The study group was further analyzed between radical prostatectomy or radical cystoprostatectomy. Main Outcome Measures Satisfaction based on key EDITS questions with postradical prostatectomy/cystoprostatectomy vs patients with erectile dysfunction of other etiologies. Results Responses to 3 questions were analyzed: overall satisfaction, expectations met in the past 4 weeks, and confidence in the ability to participate in sexual activity. Chi-square analysis was performed to determine the difference in responses. No difference was seen in overall satisfaction (P = .96), expectations (P = .78), or confidence (P = .78) between groups. On subgroup analysis, there was no difference in reported overall satisfaction (P = .47) or confidence (P = .080) between postprostatectomy and postcystoprostatectomy patients. Postprostatectomy and postcystoprostatectomy patients differed in whether the penile prosthesis implantation met expectations (P = .033). Postprostatectomy patients reported a mean score of 3.5/4 compared to postcystoprostatectomy patients, who reported a mean of 3.0/4. Conclusions Our analysis suggests that key erectile function scores are not significantly different between postprostatectomy/postcystoprostatectomy patients compared to other etiologies. The difference in measures between postprostatectomy and postcystoprostatectomy patients is not significant or of unclear significance. Registration # of clinical trial: HSC-MS-19-0320 Howell S, Palasi S, Green T, et al. Comparison of Satisfaction With Penile Prosthesis Implantation in Patients With Radical Prostatectomy or Radical Cystoprostatectomy to the General Population. Sex Med 2021;9:100300.
Engaging Undergraduates in Research Experiences at a Distance: Insights and Recommendations for Remote URE

Undergraduates phenotyping Arabidopsis knockouts (unPAK) is a biology research network that has provided undergraduate research experiences (URE) since 2010. In 2019, unPAK expanded to include a summer URE that engaged undergraduate researchers from across the network in an intensive collaborative program. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, unPAK rapidly shifted to provide the summer URE program remotely. This article describes (i) the instructional and communication processes of unPAK in the remote URE; and (ii) a summative assessment of the outcomes associated with the remote summer program as compared with the 2019 in-person program. We conclude by offering timely recommendations for educators in biology that emerged from the 2020 remote summer research experience, which may be applicable to other remote UREs and course-based research experiences (CUREs).
Gender Differences in the Strategies Used for Task Completion: An Analysis of Marathon Runners

We examine the strategies adopted by people completing a well-defined but difficult task: running a marathon. We find that men relative to women, undertake riskier running strategies, which increases the likelihood of a fast finish time but also increases the risk of a very poor race outcome. We show that engaging in this risky running strategy is mitigated for men who set themselves an internal goal of beating a round number finish time (e.g., 4:00 hours) and for men who have more experience (i.e., fast runners). These findings suggest that engaging in pre-race planning and setting a time goal is more helpful for males because it combats their tendency to exert too much effort early in the race. Female runners on the other hand, run more conservatively whether or not they have set themselves a round number time goal or have more experience. Furthermore, women appear to care much less about beating round number times, suggesting that women place less weight on the “bragging rights” offered by this goal. Overall, our results suggest that the genders differ in the strategies they adopt to run a marathon and that setting a round finish time goal has a positive influence on male behavior.
Radiological Imaging Transmission via Smartphones by Neurosurgery Residents in the United States.

Background Neurosurgery requires the communication of radiological imaging. Smartphones are increasingly used for this purpose because of the efficiency and convenience of integrated cameras and native Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) functionality. There is inconsistency among hospitals regarding policies addressing this use as it relates to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule. Some hospitals offer a HIPAA-compliant secure messaging application (SMA) as a substitute. The authors hypothesized that the use of smartphones for sharing radiological imaging would be commonplace among residents. We sought to characterize usage patterns, resident awareness of policies and HIPPA, and the effectiveness of SMAs as a means of avoiding HIPAA violations. Methods An electronic dynamic questionnaire was sent to all 116 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited US neurosurgery residency program directors and coordinators to be forwarded to their residents. Results A total of 100 responses were received, representing 49 residency programs. Ninety-two (92%) residents reported using MMS to transmit radiological imaging. Twenty-six (26%) reported doing so with patient identifiers. Roughly half (48%) of residents were unaware of policies regarding imaging transmission via MMS at their institutions. Among the 17 (35%) programs providing SMAs, only 3 of 27 (11%) residents in these programs did not use MMS for image transmission. Conclusions The data suggest that there is widespread resident use of MMS for image transmission, regardless of policy and the availability of alternative HIPAA-compliant applications. Knowledge of local institutional policies and HIPAA privacy rules is poor. Alternative strategies are needed to prevent HIPAA-noncompliant transmission of imaging by residents.
GeoICT for Meeting the Needs of Remote Patients Monitoring and Healthcare

Spatial Accessibility, a metric that combines medical resource availability and geographic accessibility, is a key determinant of healthcare access. It affects urban and rural patients and negatively impacts care-seeking, follow-up post-discharge, health literacy, and chronic disease management. Current and emerging Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) platforms are ideal for patients with significant barriers to spatial accessibility, due to the versatility and adaptability of their modular designs. This review aims to (a) characterize negative impacts of barriers to spatial accessibility and (b) demonstrate potential and current capabilities of telehealth and RPM in mitigating many of these challenges, focusing on streamlining patient discharge from the hospital, improving patient and family health literacy, and supporting chronic disease management.
Gigantic Genomes of Salamanders Indicate Body Temperature, not Genome Size, is the Driver of Global Methylation and 5-Methylcytosine Deamination in Vertebrates

Abstract Methylation of cytosines at CpG dinucleotide sites silences transposable elements (TEs), sequences that replicate and move throughout genomes. TE abundance drives differences in genome size, but TE silencing variation across genomes of different sizes remains largely unexplored. Salamanders include most of the largest C-values — 9 to 120 Gb. We measured CpG methylation levels in salamanders with genomes ranging from 2N = ~58 Gb to 4N = ~116 Gb. We compared these levels to results from endo- and ectothermic vertebrates with more typical genomes. Salamander methylation levels are ~90%, higher than all endotherms. However, salamander methylation does not differ from the other ectotherms, despite a ~100-fold difference in nuclear DNA content. Because methylation affects the nucleotide compositional landscape through 5-methylcytosine deamination to thymine, we quantified salamander CpG dinucleotide levels and compared them to other vertebrates. Salamanders have comparable CpG levels to other ectotherms, and ectotherm levels are higher than endotherms. These data show no shift in global methylation at the base of salamanders, despite a dramatic increase in TE load and genome size. This result is reconcilable with previous studies by considering endothermy and ectothermy, which may be more important drivers of methylation in vertebrates than genome size.
Escherichia coli Females Defective in Conjugation and in Adsorption of a Single-Stranded Deoxyribonucleic Acid Phage

We predicted that, among mutants resistant to infection by single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid viruses, there would be some also resistant to "infection" by single-stranded conjugal deoxyribonucleic acid. Approximately 5% of the Escherichia coli K-12 females selected for resistance to phage ST-1 were defective as recipients in conjugation. These spontaneous mutants fell into two classes. Type A accepted both plasmid and chromosomal markers at greatly reduced frequencies (<10(-6) of normal for at least one strain), formed "rough" colonies, and (unlike their parent) were nonflagellated. Type B strains accepted both chromosomal and plasmid markers at reduced frequencies (10(-2) to 10(-1) of normal), were temperature sensitive for growth, and showed increased susceptibility towards antibiotics and deoxycholate. Both classes of mutants also were resistant to certain female-specific viruses.
Some nomenclatural adjustments and typifications for almond species in the genus Prunus sensu lato (Rosaceae)

Prunus dulcis (common almond) is an important horticultural nut crop with an annual production value in the billions of U.S. dollars. The genus Prunus is taxonomically complex, and over the centuries treatments have ranged from splitting the genus into multiple genera, with P . dulcis and relatives being placed in the genus Amgydalus , to having a single, widely circumscribed Prunus s. l. Recent phylogenetic studies based on molecular data support the adoption of a broadly circumscribed Prunus , and the widespread acceptance and usage of Prunus s.l. warrants nomenclatural adjustments for Amygdalus species. Twenty-two new combinations, one nomen novum, and one new nothospecies are proposed. In addition, two lectotypes and three neotypes are here designated.
Best practice policies for male infertility

University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island; Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell, New York, New York; University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia; Mayo Medical School, Rochester, Minnesota; University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, York, Pennsylvania; University of California, Davis, Davis, California; and SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, New York