cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MR-Apriori count distribution algorithm for parallel Action Rules discovery

Data mining deals with the extraction of hidden predictive information from large databases. One of the central tasks associated with data mining is to discover profitable actions from the dataset for the decision maker. Discovering these actions can be accomplished through extracting Action Rules from the data, which has become an attractive research topic in data mining. Several methods have been developed for the discovery of Action Rules and variety of methods for association rules in the past few years. However, with the explosive recent growth of the amounts of data, there is a need for the development of scalable methods for Action Rules discovery to accommodate the massive datasets. We are not aware of any such methods existing at this time. In this paper, we propose a novel approach - a parallel Action Rule discovery algorithm based on MapReduce paradigm through count distribution. We use Hadoop, as a scalable and distributed framework for implementing this method. Experiment shows much faster computational time for Action Rules discovery in a distributed environment compared to the traditional single machine method.
Engineered Antigen-Specific Human Regulatory T Cells Suppress Both FVIII-Specific T- and B-Cell Responses

Expansion of human regulatory T cells (Tregs) for clinical applications offers great promise for the treatment of undesirable immune responses in autoimmunity, transplantation, allergy and anti-drug antibody responses, including inhibitor responses in hemophilia A patients. However, polyclonal Tregs are “nonspecific” and therefore their therapeutic application could potentially cause global immunosuppression. To avoid this undesirable outcome, the generation of antigen-specific Tregs would represent a significant advance. In this study, we demonstrate the production and properties of engineered antigen-specific Tregs created by transduction of a recombinant T-cell receptor into expanded human FoxP3+ Tregs. The DNA sequence of this T cell receptor was obtained from a FVIII-specific T cell clone that had been expanded from blood donated by a hemophilia A subject. The resulting engineered FVIII-specific Tregs efficiently suppressed both proliferation and cytokine production of FVIII-specific CD4 T effector cells. Moreover, studies with an HLA-transgenic, FVIII-deficient mouse model demonstrated that antibody production from FVIII-primed spleen cells in vitro was profoundly inhibited in the presence of these FVIII-specific Tregs, suggesting that this novel approach has translational potential for the prevention and/or reversal of inhibitor responses in hemophilia A patients. Furthermore, these FVIII-specific Tregs successfully cross-suppressed unrelated, bystander T effector cells (specific for a myelin peptide) only in the presence of FVIII and the unrelated, stimulatory myelin peptide. These data strongly imply that such FVIII-specific Tregs would be effective at suppressing multiple effector cells, e.g., CD4 T effector cells specific for other FVIII epitopes besides that recognized by the Tregs expressing the engineered TCR, in the local milieu when FVIII is present. Thus, we propose that FVIII-specific Tregs have potential as a therapeutic tool to induce tolerance to FVIII, by preventing or reversing inhibitor formation in hemophilia A patients. Supported by NIH RO1-HL061883 (DWS), funding from Bayer and CSL Behring (KPP) and intramural support from NIAID (EMS). We thank the Puget Sound Blood Center for enrolling hemophilia A patients and we thank all blood donors. Disclosures Kim: Henry Jackson Foundation: YCK and DWS have a provisional patent filing via the Henry Jackson Foundation on “Design and use of specific regulatory T cells to induce immune tolerance” Patents & Royalties. Scott: Henry Jackson Foundation: YCK and DWS have a provisional patent filing via the Henry Jackson Foundation on “Design and use of specific regulatory T cells to induce immune tolerance” Patents & Royalties.
Integrated STEM Assessment Model

Background:Previous research identified a strong correlation between mathematics and science performance albeit for small samples of students. Even though there was a high correlation between mathematics and science performance, researchers examining students’ STEM achievement investigated mathematics and science achievement separately. The present study brings science and mathematics objectives together to constitute a higher order STEM assessment model.Material and methods:Data (science and mathematics scores) were gathered from 231,966 students (52% female) who were in 11th grade and took the state mandated test in 2013. A second-order confirmatory factor analysis was used to create a STEM assessment model.Results:The fit indices showed indicated adequate model fit for the data.Conclusions:The lack of assessments of technology and engineering objectives taught in K-12, make estimating the effectiveness of STEM teaching and learning tenable at best.
Three-Phase Controlled Rectifiers

Abstract Three-phase controlled rectifiers have a wide range of applications, from small rectifiers to large high-voltage direct-current transmission systems. They are used for electrochemical processes, many kinds of motor drives, traction equipment, controlled power supplies, and many other applications. From the point of view of the commutation process, they can be classified into two important categories: line-commutated controlled rectifiers (thyristor rectifiers) and force-commutated pulse-width modulated rectifiers.
Non-traumatic perforation of common hepatic duct: Case report and review of literature HP

Abstract Introduction Non-traumatic biliary perforation other than the gallbladder is extremely rare and most commonly seen in children in association with congenital biliary anomalies. We present a rare case of choledocholithiasis that progressed to spontaneous perforation of the common hepatic duct probably from ischemic necrosis caused by impaction of large biliary stones. Casereport A 62-year-old female presented with diarrhea and jaundice. She was found to have two 2.5 cm stones in the common hepatic duct. Stones could not be extracted by ERCP, and placement of biliary stent was done to restore patency. The patient was lost to follow up and returned after three months with a new onset of similar symptoms. At that time ERCP and a stent change were done without resolution of the symptoms. Patient then underwent an open exploration and was found to have a free perforation in the lateral aspect of the common hepatic duct just at the bifurcation of the right and left hepatic radicals. Through this perforation stones were both extracted and cholangiogram showed free flow with the distal biliary stent. The stent was nowhere near the site of perforation which appeared to be caused by pressure necrosis from the impacted stones. Conclusion Impacted stones in the biliary tree need to be extracted to avoid pressure necrosis and spontaneous perforation. ERCP and stent placement should be used only as temporizing measures to manage the acute obstructive phase. Definitive surgical intervention must follow initial biliary decompression to extract the impacted biliary stones and avoid complications.
Chapter 33 – The Failing Myocardium in Sepsis

Abstract The sepsis syndrome is a life-threatening immunoinflammatory response to infection that often requires intensive care management. Involvement of the heart in the pathophysiology of the cardiovascular dysfunction in septic shock has been considered since the 1980s and develops in nearly 50% of patients with septic shock. The majority of our knowledge is based on research done in adult patients with septic shock and experimental studies and pediatric studies are limited. During the past two decades, research has been focused in investigating the underlying causes of cardiac dysfunction. A variety of pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed. Echocardiography is the primary modality for diagnosis of myocardial dysfunction in sepsis. The management strategy of myocardial dysfunction in sepsis is the same as the treatment of sepsis and with standard guidelines for management. The prognosis of myocardial dysfunction in sepsis is good with adult, and pediatric studies showing that myocardial dysfunction is reversible in 3–7 days after initiation of treatment for sepsis.
Antisocial Behavior and the Other Side of Cultural Evolution

In this chapter we try to formulate a model of the evolution of antisocial behavior in our species, to assess the extent to which out model accounts for current knowledge, and to derive new hypotheses amenable to test. We will paint with a broad brush but we will try to make clear, in what follows, which is theory unsupported or unsupportable by observation, which is observation unexplained by theory, and which is some of both.
Stereotypic Movement Disorders

This review summarizes motor stereotypies in terms of description, prevalence, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management. They are fixed and persistent movements. Stereotypies begin before 3 years of age and continue into adulthood. Primary motor stereotypies occur in children of normal intelligence, whereas secondary stereotypies ensue in the setting of an additional diagnosis such as autism spectrum disorder or other neurologic disorders. They are highly associated with comorbidities such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, inattention, and tics. The pathophysiology of stereotypies involves fronto-striatal overactive dopaminergic pathways, and underactive cholinergic and GABAergic inhibitory pathways. No genetic markers have been identified despite a clear genetic predisposition. Behavioral therapy is the principle treatment. Future studies will focus on identifying genetic markers, and on better understanding the functional and structural neurobiology of these movements.
PREDICTING MORTALITY IN PATIENTS WITH CANCER AND ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

An association between Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and malignant cancer is being increasingly recognized. Traditional risk scores have not been validated in patients with cancer and AF and role of cancer-specific factors is unknown. A previously validated risk tool [Khorana Score, KS] can identify
The Old Adam, After All

Hill and Montag’s The Other Adam Smith confirms many of the Left’s established positions on Adam Smith, but does so by framing the philosopher as a standard-bearer of the Scottish Enlightenment, and not just as an arch-capitalist and proto-Hayekian. The book makes a strong case, but also strong-arms its readers into choosing between the Scottish Enlighteners and the Spinozism that its authors prefer.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN QUADRICEPS STRENGTH AND SELF‐REPORTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN PEOPLE WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND Physical inactivity is common in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and has been linked to serious comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between quadriceps strength and self-reported physical activity in patients with radiographically confirmed knee OA. Secondarily, the authors' sought to determine if there were differences in quadriceps strength between knee OA patients with low physical activity (LPA) and knee OA patients with higher physical activity (HPA). A tertiary aim of this study was to examine the effect of gender on physical activity and quadriceps strength in patients with knee OA. METHODS Thirty-six patients with radiographically diagnosed tibiofemoral knee OA participated (15 males, 21 females; age = 59.9±11.6 yrs; height = 171.2±9.2 cm; mass = 84.3±18.9 kg; body mass index (BMI)= 28.9±6.9;Godin Leisure-Time questionnaire =32.5±25.01). Maximal isometric knee extensor strength was assessed with a Isokinetic dynamometer in 70° of knee flexion. Knee extension torque values were normalized to body mass (Nm(*)kg(-1)). Physical activity was evaluated using the Godin Leisure-Time questionnaire. A Godin-Leisure time score of 32.5, which was the mean score in the current dataset, was what was used to categorize subjects into LPA and HPA subgroups. Independent t-tests were used to determine differences in strength between HPA and LPA subgroups, as well as differences in strength and physical activity between genders. Pearson Product Moment and Spearman rank correlations were used to analyze associations between normally and non-normally distributed variables. RESULTS Quadriceps strength was positively correlated with physical activity (r=0.44, r(2)=0.18, p=0.01). The HPA subgroup had significantly greater quadriceps strength (n=15, 2.01±0.84) compared to the LPA subgroup (n=21, 1.5±0.59, p=0.04). Strength was significantly correlated with physical activity in the HPA subgroup (ρ=0.53, p=0.04), but not in the LPA subgroup (ρ=-0.21,p=0.35). Males reported significantly more physical activity (43.0±28.5 vs 25.1±19.64; p=0.03) and greater strength than females in the entire cohort (2.15±0.73 Nm(*)kg(-1) vs 1.40±0.57 Nm(*)kg(-1); p= 0.002), and the HPA subgroup (2.4±0.65 Nm(*)kg(-1) vs 1.4± 0.68 Nm(*)kg(-1); P=0.02). There were no gender differences for strength in the LPA subgroup. CONCLUSION Higher levels of quadriceps strength correlate with higher physical activity in knee OA patients. The association between higher strength and increased physical activity is stronger in the HPA subgroup compared to the entire sample. Additionally, the HPA subgroup demonstrated greater quadriceps strength compared to the LPA subgroup. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
Adsorptive transport of noble gas tracers in porous media

The transport of noble gas radionuclides in porous media is relevant to the detection of underground nuclear detonations as well as the sequestration of reprocessing off-gases. However, in field te...
Echocardiography-Guided Pericardial Drainage

The clinical scenario of a patient who presents with symptomatic large pericardial effusion is relatively common in hospital-based practice [1]. Two management questions usually emerge: (1) should this effusion be drained?; (2) how should we do it? Percutaneous drainage of pericardial effusions with echocardiographic guidance has emerged as a commonly employed therapeutic and diagnostic option for these patients [2].
Second Language Reading

This article places second language reading into its historical context, tracing the development of the field from the 19th century to the present. Against this backdrop, it focuses on three key areas. First, it discusses the search for a model of second language reading that can accommodate a range of languages, developmental trajectories, and social/affective dimensions. Second, it provides a renewed perspective on the concept of transfer – what is transferred between languages when a literate or nonliterate first-language reader attempts to understand in a second. Third, it argues for a greater recognition of the import of the social context in comprehension.
Queering Identities: The Roles of Integrity and Belonging in Becoming Ourselves

This article presents a picture of the complexities and contradictions in the daily lives of people in the Seacoast area of New Hampshire who identify as, or are identified as, “lesbian,” “gay,” “bisexual,” “transgender” “queer,” “questioning,” and “allied” people (LGBTQQA). In this study, the author uses a grounded theory approach to focus on the “Create Our Destiny” conference. Clear patterns emerged, such as the importance of coming out, labels, and gender identity. A common theme underlying these areas was the tension people experienced between seeking a sense of belonging and maintaining their personal sense of integrity. This study shows that people in the Seacoast want to be “fully and wholly” themselves, or as the author represents their interests, to strive toward singularity. The author argues that striving towards singularity requires people to grapple with their unexamined codes and principles, such as those pertaining to compulsory heterosexuality and gender duality, by increasing and valuing self-awareness and reflexivity.
Current practices in meta-regression in psychology, education, and medicine

Having surveyed the history and methods of meta-regression in a previous paper, in this paper, we review which and how meta-regression methods are applied in recent research syntheses. To do so, we reviewed studies published in 2016 across four leading research synthesis journals: Psychological Bulletin, the Journal of Applied Psychology, Review of Educational Research, and the Cochrane Library. We find that the best practices defined in the previous review are rarely carried out in practice. In light of the identified discrepancies, we consider how to move forward, first by identifying areas where further methods development is needed to address persistent problems in the field and second by discussing how to more effectively disseminate points of methodological consensus.
Impact of Paramagnetic Minerals on NMR-Converted Pore Size Distributions in Permian Carynginia Shales

Pore size distribution (PSD) is a fundamental petrophysical parameter for shale formation evaluation. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), performing as a widely acknowledged technique, directly measures transverse relaxation time (T2), which can be converted into PSD via surface relaxivity (SR). Technically, SR is utilized as a constant value in the entire formation, nevertheless, the laboratory calculated SRs revealed that they are likely to vary with mineralogy and can be influenced by Fe-bearing paramagnetic minerals, which could further affect NMR-converted pore structure properties. This study was performed on Permian Carynginia shale samples to compare the NMR-converted PSD with that measured by mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP). The surface relaxivity was calculated from the logarithmic mean T2 value (T2,lm) based on NMR measurement and the surface to volume ratio (SVR) based on low-pressure nitrogen gas adsorption (LP-N2-GA). The results show that Fe-bearing paramagnetic mineral contents a...
Transgenic citrus plants expressing a ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ prophage protein LasP235 display Huanglongbing-like symptoms

Abstract ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (Las) is one of the most destructive plant pathogens associated with citrus huanglongbing (HLB). Las is a Gram-negative, as yet uncultured, alpha-Proteobacterium and is transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri. A putative protein (designated as LasP235) was identified in the prophage region of the Las psy62 genome. LasP235 gene encodes a 123 amino-acid protein which is predicted to localize to the plant nucleus. Green fluorescence protein (GFP)-fused with LasP235 appeared to accumulate in Nicotiana benthamiana cell nuclei following Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression. To eliminate potential side effects of GFP protein, LasP235 alone was inserted into a binary vector for transforming Carrizo citrange (Citrus sinensis X Poncirus trifoliata). Transgenic Carrizo plants were obtained. LasP235 gene integration was confirmed by PCR and the levels of LasP235 expression were compared by RT-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Some LasP235 expressing Carrizo plants displayed HLB-like symptoms, including leaf chlorosis and plant growth retardation. LasP235 gene expression levels, determined by RT-qPCR, correlated with HLB-like symptoms. Furthermore, The expression of LasP235 was upregulated in chlorotic tissue compared to green tissue of Las-infected, blotchy mottled leaves of lemon and grapefruit. Transcriptome analysis revealed that metabolic pathways and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were significantly altered in transgenic citrus expressing the LasP235 effector. Further investigation of LasP235, especially research focused on identifying its binding protein in citrus, may provide a way to block Las infection.
A Framework for Secure Selfie-Based Biometric Authentication in the Cloud.

Cloud-based selfie authentication has multiple advantages over on-device selfie authentication: Cloud-based authentication can support nomadic access from multiple devices including those not owned by the user, can leverage cheap and scalable utility computing, and can enable rapid innovation by allowing new matching algorithms to be continually deployed with no need to update the local device. This chapter presents a framework for a cloud-based selfie biometric authentication, which is termed Selfie-Biometrics-as-a-Service (SBaaS). By leveraging Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) concepts, the framework is designed to enable independent software vendors to develop extensions and add-ons to a provider’s core application. In particular, the framework creates an innovative marketplace for biometric algorithms by providing a standard pre-built interface for the development and submission of new matching algorithms. When an authentication request is submitted, a criteria is used to select an appropriate matching algorithm. Every time a particular algorithm is selected, the corresponding developer is rendered a micropayment. Also presented in this chapter are solutions for preserving the confidentiality of biometrics stored in the cloud. This can be achieved through the use of biocryptosystems, which are secure biometric architectures involving the conversion of biometric features into secure signals that can be stored in the biometric database but are still useable for authentication. To provide a concrete example, a case study of a selfie-based ocular recognition system is disclosed, and detailed descriptions are provided of the user and developer interfaces.
Noise-Shaping SAR ADCs

The noise-shaping successive approximation register (NS-SAR) ADC is an emerging hybrid architecture that achieves high resolution and power efficiency simultaneously by combining the merits of the SAR ADC and the Δ Σ ADC. They have the merits of simple, highly digital, and low-voltage tolerant, making them attractive candidates for emerging sensing and communication systems. This paper aims to provide a summary on the advancement of NS-SAR ADCs. The scope of this paper includes the basics and motivations behind the NS-SAR ADCs, followed by a survey covering existing design variations and circuit techniques.
Noticing Nature’s Beauty: The Trait of Engagement with Natural Beauty

The higher the level of trait Engagement with Natural Beauty (EnB), the more one loves all humanity; and also loves their friends, family, and romantic partners more. The Kaplans found that we are most strongly attracted to natural scenes that are coherent, with repeated scenery that is somewhat uniform, but at the same time complex (rich with diversity) and that also have mystery. Unity-in-diversity + mystery = beauty. EnB indirectly influences proenvironmental behavior through feeling connected to nature. EnB may cause generosity and trust indirectly through the effect of positive emotions. EnB may also make us better human beings because it is positively related to such transcendent traits as gratitude, spiritual transcendence, and awe; and negatively related to materialism. EnB may influence levels of caring, moral identity, fairness and justice; and it is related to universalism, spirituality, and benevolence. EnB makes us smarter through relieving attentional fatigue, increasing concentration, and being open-minded. EnB makes us happier; and it may increase our emotional well-being, social well-being, psychological well-being, and sense of meaning in life. The annual 30 Days Wild campaign in the UK has shown increases in participants’ health, happiness, proenvironmental behaviors, and EnB itself.
Association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure across the first four years of life and manifestation of externalizing behavior problems in school-aged children.

Background Extensive literature in human and animal models has documented an association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and externalizing behavior in offspring. It remains unclear; however, the extent to which postnatal environmental smoke exposure is associated with behavioral development, particularly for children whose mothers did not smoke during pregnancy. The present study examined whether magnitude of exposure to environmental smoke across the first four years of life demonstrated a linear association with later externalizing symptoms. Methods Exposure was quantified through salivary cotinine measured when children were 6, 15, 24, and 48 months of age, providing a more accurate quantification of realized exposure than can be estimated from parental report of cigarettes smoked. Data were available for n = 1,096 (50% male; 44% African American) children recruited for the Family Life Project, a study of child development in areas of rural poverty. Results Analyses indicate a linear association between cotinine and children's symptoms of hyperactivity and conduct problems. This association remained significant after controlling for family poverty level, parental education, parental history of ADHD, hostility, depression, caregiver IQ, and obstetric complications. Furthermore, this association was unchanged when excluding mothers who smoked during pregnancy from the model. Conclusions Findings are consistent with animal models demonstrating an effect of environmental exposure to nicotine on ongoing brain development in regions related to hyperactivity and impulsivity, and highlight the importance of mitigating children's exposure to environmental smoke, including sources that extend beyond the parents.
AFTERHYPERPOLARIZATION AMPLITUDE IN CA1 PYRAMIDAL CELLS OF AGED LONG-EVANS RATS CHARACTERIZED FOR INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES

Altered neural excitability is considered a prominent contributing factor to cognitive decline during aging. A clear example is the excess neural activity observed in several temporal lobe structures of cognitively impaired older individuals in rodents and humans. At a cellular level, aging-related changes in mechanisms regulating intrinsic excitability have been well examined in pyramidal cells of the CA1 hippocampal subfield. Studies in the inbred Fisher 344 rat strain document an age-related increase in the slow afterhyperpolarization (AHP) that normally occurs after a burst of action potentials, and serves to reduce subsequent firing. We evaluated the status of the AHP in the outbred Long-Evans rat, a well-established model for studing individual differences in neurocognitive aging. In contrast to the findings reported in the Fisher 344 rats, in the Long-Evan rats we detected a selective reduction in AHP in cognitively impaired aged individuals. We discuss plausible scenarios to account for these differences and also discuss possible implications of these differences.
Primary Tumor Location and Outcomes After Cytoreductive Surgery and Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Metastases of Colorectal Origin.

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Are International Students Getting a Bang for Their Buck? The Relationship between Expenditures and International Student Graduation Rates.

An increasing number of US universities are recognizing the importance of international students. As state subsidies for public higher education institutions remain low, the reliance on out-of-state tuition from international students underscore their importance. Because international students often pay such high tuition fees, it is worth studying how such fees impact their education. This study investigated to what extent institutional expenditures affect undergraduate international student graduation rates. Using OLS regression with robust standard errors, the results indicated that academic support expenditures are significantly related to international student graduation rates, but may have a minimal effect. In addition, out-of-state tuition was also found to be significant, suggesting tuition affects students in ways not captured by expenditure data.
Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Colectomy for Perforated Diverticulitis

BackgroundWe hypothesized that a laparoscopic approach to sigmoidectomy for perforated diverticulitis is associated with less morbidity and mortality.MethodsThe NSQIP database was used to investiga...
COVID-19's Pathways to Human Central Nervous System and Relevant Drug Treatment

COVID-19, also known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), is a severe disease. It can cause different types of symptoms including shortness of breath, fever, cough, fatigue and sore throat. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk to develop more complex complications due to the infection. Until August 6th, 2020, COVID-19 has caused 700, 000 deaths across the Earth; however, the actual death number could be higher than 700,000. COVID-19’s origin is still remained unknown, but the speculation is targeted to bats or pangolins. Although COVID-19 is a disease target human’s respiratory system, based on the research and clinical cases of COVID-19, evidence shows that COVID-19 can also invade human’s central nervous system (CNS).
Computational Design of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoproteins to Increase Immunogenicity by T Cell Epitope Engineering.

The development of effective and safe vaccines is the ultimate way to efficiently stop the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Built on the fact that SARS-CoV-2 utilizes the association of its Spike (S) protein with the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor to invade host cells, we computationally redesigned the S protein sequence to improve its immunogenicity and antigenicity. Toward this purpose, we extended an evolutionary protein design algorithm, EvoDesign, to create thousands of stable S protein variants that perturb the core protein sequence but keep the surface conformation and B cell epitopes. The T cell epitope content and similarity scores of the perturbed sequences were calculated and evaluated. Out of 22,914 designs with favorable stability energy, 301 candidates contained at least two pre-existing immunity-related epitopes and had promising immunogenic potential. The benchmark tests showed that, although the epitope restraints were not included in the scoring function of EvoDesign, the top S protein design successfully recovered 31 out of the 32 major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-II T cell promiscuous epitopes in the native S protein, where two epitopes were present in all seven human coronaviruses. Moreover, the newly designed S protein introduced nine new MHC-II T cell promiscuous epitopes that do not exist in the wildtype SARS-CoV-2. These results demonstrated a new and effective avenue to enhance a target protein's immunogenicity using rational protein design, which could be applied for new vaccine design against COVID-19 and other pathogens.
Applied Materials: The Path to Production: Enabling the Next Generation of Photonic Devices with Materials Engineering

For over 50 years, materials engineering innovations have propelled the semiconductor industry to deliver the exponential capabilities that have transformed the world’s technology and economic landscape. These same capabilities are increasingly relevant to enable other global inflections including lightweight, miniaturized, high-performance light guides, flat optics, and full optical solutions. This talk explores the critical technology roadmap needs required to enable all-day wearable augmented reality glasses and how materials engineering can pave the way for ubiquitous adoption through high volume manufacturing solutions.
Gut microbiota as a transducer of dietary cues to regulate host circadian rhythms and metabolism

Certain members of the gut microbiota exhibit diurnal variations in relative abundance and function to serve as non-canonical drivers of host circadian rhythms and metabolism. Also known as microbial oscillators, these microorganisms entrain upon non-photic cues, primarily dietary, to modulate host metabolism by providing input to both circadian clock-dependent and clock-independent host networks. Microbial oscillators are generally promoted by plant-based, low-fat (lean) diets, and most are abolished by low-fibre, high-sugar, high-fat (Western) diets. The changes in microbial oscillators under different diets then affect host metabolism by altering central and peripheral host circadian clock functions and/or by directly affecting other metabolic targets. Here, we review the unique role of the gut microbiota as a non-photic regulator of host circadian rhythms and metabolism. We describe genetic, environmental, dietary and other host factors such as sex and gut immunity that determine the composition and behaviour of microbial oscillators. The mechanisms by which these oscillators regulate host circadian gene expression and metabolic state are further discussed. Because of the gut microbiota's unique role as a non-photic driver of host metabolism and circadian rhythms, the development and clinical application of novel gut microbiota-related diagnostics and therapeutics hold great promise for achieving and maintaining metabolic health.
Neurocognitive impairments and brain abnormalities resulting from opioid-related overdoses: A systematic review.

Abstract Background Non-fatal opioid-related overdoses have increased significantly over the past two decades and there have been increasing reports of brain injuries and/or neurocognitive impairments following overdose events. Limited preclinical research suggests that opioid overdoses may cause brain injury; however, little is known about such injuries in humans. The purpose this systematic review is to summarize existing studies on neurocognitive impairments and/or brain abnormalities associated with an opioid-related overdose in humans. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE and PsyINFO were searched, without year restrictions, and identified 3099 articles. An additional 24 articles were identified by reviewing references. Articles were included if they were published in English, reported study findings in humans, included individuals 18 years of age or older, and reported an objective measure of neurocognitive impairments and/or brain abnormalities resulting from an opioid-related overdose. Six domains of bias (selection, performance, attrition, detection (two dimensions) and reporting were evaluated and themes were summarized. Results Seventy-nine journal articles, published between 1973–2020, were included in the review. More than half of the articles were case reports (n = 44) and there were 11 cohort studies, 18 case series, and 6 case-control studies. All of the studies were categorized as at-risk of bias, few controlled for confounding factors, and methodological differences made direct comparisons difficult. Less than half of the studies reported toxicology results confirming an opioid-related overdose; 64.6 % reported brain MRI results and 27.8 % reported results of neuropsychological testing. Only two studies had within subject comparative data to document changes in the brain possibly associated with an overdose. Despite these limitations, existing publications suggest that brain injuries and neurocognitive impairments are associated with opioid overdose. Additional research is needed to establish the incidence of overdose-related brain injuries and the potential impact on functioning, as well as engagement in treatment of substance use disorders. Conclusions Respiratory depression is a defining characteristic of opioid overdose and prolonged cerebral hypoxia may cause brain injuries and/or neurocognitive impairments. The onset, characteristics, and duration of such injuries is variable and additional research is needed to understand their clinical implications.
Bender Visual-Motor Gestalt Test

In 1938, Lauretta Bender published her groundbreaking monograph, A Visual Motor Gestalt Test and Its Clinical Use. Over time, the Visual-Motor Gestalt Test, more commonly referred to as the Bender-Gestalt Test, became a “mainstay in the assessment battery…as an assessment tool in appraisal of intelligence…as a screening technique for neuropsychological dysfunction, as a clinical tool for sampling visual-motor proficiency, and as a standard projective technique in the assessment of personality” (Piotrowski, 1995, p. 1272). Keywords: gestalt psychology; visual perception; visual-motor integration
Title IX Requires Consideration of Scheduling, Not Just Participation

As we reflect upon the fortieth anniversary of one of the most impactful pieces of legislation ever enacted, a shift in its enforcement may be occurring. Title IX was first enacted as part of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. § 1681(a), and was designed to remedy discrimination stemming from perpetuated stereotypes of women’s interests and abilities. At Congress’ direction, and through enforcement by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), Title IX has become most applicable in the athletics context. See 34 C.F.R. § 106.41(a)-(c). Title IX has served its purpose. Prior to its enactment, less than 300,000 girls participated in high school athletics; now, that figure is approaching four million. Yet despite the law’s successes, disparate treatment persists, and criticism has shifted, at least partially, from the numbers game to issues of equality, and specifically, scheduling.
Baumol and Bowen Cost Effects in Research Universities

We estimate cost models for both public and private research universities and use partial differentials from these models to estimate different cost effects. The results suggest both Baumol’s cost disease and Bowen’s revenue theory drive cost higher and that Bowen effects are larger than Baumol effects. Tight revenue since 2008 reversed some declines in productivity and accelerated the trend in economizing on the use of tenure track faculty. This behavior under loose and tight revenue constraints is consistent with Bowen’s revenue theory.
Stability of the MgSiO3 analog NaMgF3 and its implication for mantle structure in super-Earths

[1] First-principles calculations on MgSiO3 suggested a breakdown into MgO + SiO2 at pressure above 1000 GPa with an extremely large negative Clapeyron slope, isolating the lowermost mantles of larger super-Earths (∼10M⊕) from convection. Similar calculations predicted the same type of breakdown in NaMgF3 to NaF + MgF2 at 40 GPa, allowing for experimental examination. We found that NaMgF3 is stable to at least 70 GPa and 2500 K. In our measurements on MgF2 (an SiO2 analog), we found a previously unidentified phase (“phase X”) between the stability fields of pyrite-type and cotunnite-type (49–53 GPa and 1500–2500 K). A very small density increase (1%) at the pyrite-type → phase X transition would extend the stability of NaMgF3 relative to the breakdown products. Furthermore, because phase X appears to have a cation coordination number intermediate between pyrite-type (6) and cotunnite-type (9), entropy change (ΔS) would be smaller at the breakdown boundary, making the Clapeyron slope (dP/dT = ΔS/ΔV) much smaller than the prediction. If similar trend occurs in MgSiO3 and SiO2, the breakdown of MgSiO3 may occur at higher pressure and have much smaller negative Clapeyron slope than the prediction, allowing for large-scale convection in the mantles of super-Earth exoplanets.
Patterson Functions and Diffuse Scattering

Although diffraction can be understood as wave interference involving wave scattering from individual atoms, in kinematical theory the diffraction intensity can also be understood as contributions from pairs of atoms, weighted by phase factors. The Patterson function is defined, and used to describe disorder from atom displacements and chemical disorder. The diffuse scattering from these types of disorder is explained. Local correlations in atomic displacements and short-range order are used to explain modulations in the diffuse scattering. This chapter explains how to obtain the pair distribution function by Fourier transformation of the diffraction pattern. Diffraction methods are extended for measuring structural features of amorphous materials and measuring structures of larger objects by small-angle scattering. The basic methods for analyzing small-angle scattering experiments are presented.
Lesion Bypass Activities of Human DNA Polymerase μ

DNA polymerase μ (Polμ) is a newly discovered member of the polymerase X family with unknown cellular function. The understanding of Polμ function should be facilitated by an understanding of its biochemical activities. By using purified human Polμ for biochemical analyses, we discovered the lesion bypass activities of this polymerase in response to several types of DNA damage. When it encountered a template 8-oxoguanine, abasic site, or 1,N 6-ethenoadenine, purified human Polμ efficiently bypassed the lesion. Even bulky DNA adducts such asN-2-acetylaminofluorene-adducted guanine, (+)- and (−)-trans-anti-benzo[a]pyrene-N 2-dG were unable to block the polymerase activity of human Polμ. Bypass of these simple base damage and bulky adducts was predominantly achieved by human Polμ through a deletion mechanism. The Polμ specificity of nucleotide incorporation indicates that the deletion resulted from primer realignment before translesion synthesis. Purified human Polμ also effectively bypassed a template cis-synTT dimer. However, this bypass was achieved in a mainly error-free manner with AA incorporation opposite the TT dimer. These results provide new insights into the biochemistry of human Polμ and show that efficient translesion synthesis activity is not strictly confined to the Y family polymerases.
Regulation of absorption in the human sweat duct.

It is now well established that cystic fibrosis is expressed physiologically as defects in certain fluid and electrolyte transport systems that are highly active in exocrine tissues (Quinton, 1983; Knowles et al., 1983; Kopelman et al., 1982; Orlando et al., 1989). More specifically, two basic physiological defects have been demonstrated directly in at least two of the organ systems characteristically affected in cystic fibrosis -the sweat glands and the airways. The two defects in these affected epithelia appear as 1) an inherently reduced permeability to Cl-(Quinton, 1983; Widdicombe et al., 1985; Knowles, 1983), and 2) a failure of fluid secretion to respond to β-adrenergic stimulation (Sato and Sato, 1984; Widdicombe et al., 1985). The refractory response to β-adrenergic stimulation is most clearly seen in secretory functions and is thought to be due to an inactivatable chloride channel (Welsh, 1986; Frizzell, 1986). While other defects have been associated with cystic fibrosis, e.g., increased Na+ permeability (Knowles et al., 1983; Boucher et al., 1986; Willumsen and Boucher, 1989), abnormal sulfate metabolism (Cheng et al., 1985), and abnormal calcium levels (Sorcher and Beslow, 1982; Shapiro et al., 1980), the basic physiological abnormality in the disease seems to center upon chloride impermeability.
Electrochemical Polymerization for Preparation of Electrochemical Sensors

Molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been prepared using a variety of monomeric substrates for the production of polymers containing imprints of small molecules. We have shown that in some cases, the MIP is not an imprinted polymer but an ion-specific system. Preparation of MIPs using resorcinol/phenylenediamine produces, analyte-specific electrodes that act as MIPs but appear more like organic ion exchange electrodes. These data suggest that greater care must be taken in future studies of MIPs with regard to mechanism of action. Keywords: molecular imprinted electrode; MIP; electrochemical; ion specific; electropolymerization; organic ion exchage electrode; polymer; resorcinol; phenylenediamine
Interruptions of Trauma Resuscitations for Radiographic Procedures.

Abstract Background Although x-ray studies provide important diagnostic information during trauma resuscitations, they may also lead to significant interruptions in care. Objectives We sought to determine the frequency and duration of interruptions for chest x-ray studies (CXR) and pelvic x-ray studies (PXR) and the frequency of lead apron use among providers who exited trauma rooms during resuscitation. Methods Using a convenience sampling method, we conducted a prospective, observational study from August 2013 to March 2014, enrolling adult trauma patients at a Level I trauma center who received CXR and PXR in the first 30 min of evaluation. An observer stood outside resuscitation rooms and recorded the time elapsed from the first provider exiting the room to the last provider returning. We recorded how many exiting providers wore lead aprons and whether unused aprons were available. Results Of the 156 trauma cases observed, 67.3% were of male patients with a mean age of 52 years (interquartile range [IQR] 34–67 years); 97.4% (184/189) of radiographs resulted in interruptions of trauma evaluation. Mean and median interruption times were 67 s and 50 s, respectively (IQR 25–95) for CXR; 37 s and 27 s, respectively (IQR 16–43) for PXR; and 160 s and 180 s, respectively (IQR 120–180) for combined CXR/PXR. A mean of 3.5 providers (IQR 3–5) left the immediate bedside and exited the room during x-ray studies. Most (91%) providers leaving the room were not wearing lead aprons, and extra aprons were available in the room 91% (167/184) of the time. Conclusions Radiographic procedures often result in interruptions of trauma resuscitations despite the availability of lead aprons.
Multiple melting transitions in natural rubber

Detailed studies of the fusion of natural rubber, following isothermal crystallization, has revealed a hitherto undetected low temperature transition which depends on the crystallization temperature. This transition is shown to be a melting phenomenon which is not caused by any polymorphic structural changes. It can be attributed to the formation of less stable crystallites which develop as the transition progresses.
An efficient algorithm for the numerical evaluation of boundary integral equations

The usual approach to the solution of boundary integral equations is to represent the unknown vector by a piecewise constant, linear, or quadratic function over the given mesh subdivision. These representations have the advantages of consistency, ability to integrate the equations for the given functional approximations, and, in general, improved accuracy as the degree of approximation is increased. While adequate for many problems, special requirements arise for certain nonlinear problems, e.g., plasticity, where the integral equations must be solved for each load increment. In the present paper a special numerical algorithm is outlined in which the unknown vector is represented as a combination of a Fourier series and piecewise linear function. The piecewise linear function is used only in high gradient regions of the unknown vector thus permitting an excellent representation with relatively few Fourier terms. The algorithm is compared with a linear representation alone for two problems which show the effects of multiple connectivity, sharp corners and discontinuous loading. For comparable accuracy both problems show a significant improvement in computer time required.
Metal-dependent phase selection in coordination polymers derived from a C(2V)-symmetric tricarboxylate.

Reacting biphenyl-3,4′,5-tricarboxylic acid (H3BHTC) with the appropriate metal salt yields the microporous coordination polymers (MCPs) Mn3(BHTC)2 (1), Mg3(BHTC)2 (2), and Co3(BHTC)2 (3) containing hourglass metal clusters. The addition of Cu to reactions with CoII, FeIII, or MnII leads to the formation of heterobimetallic UMCM-150 isostructural analogues Co1Cu2(BHTC)2 (4), Fe1Cu2(BHTC)2 (5), and Mn1Cu2(BHTC)2 (6) containing both paddlewheel and trinuclear metal clusters. X-ray diffraction analysis of the crystals of the heterobimetallic MCPs suggests that Cu on the trinuclear site of UMCM-150 was replaced by the other metal, whereas Cu in paddlewheel sites remains unchanged. N2 sorption isotherms were measured for the mixed-metal UMCM-150 analogues, and it was confirmed that there is no structural collapse after the metal replacement.