cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Alternative Least-Squares Formulation of the Navier-Stokes Equations with Improved Mass Conservation

The focus of this paper is on incompressible flows in three dimensions modeled by least-squares finite element methods (LSFEM) and using a novel reformulation of the Navier-Stokes equations. LSFEM are attractive because the resulting discrete equations yield symmetric, positive definite systems of algebraic equations and the functional provides both a local and global error measure. On the other hand, it has been documented for existing reformulations that certain types of boundary conditions and high-aspect ratio domains can yield very poor mass conservation. It has also been documented that improved mass conservation with LSFEM can be achieved by strengthening the coupling between the pressure and velocity. The new reformulation presented here is demonstrated to provide both improved multigrid convergence rates because it is differentially diagonally dominant and improved mass conservation over existing methods because it increases the pressure-velocity coupling along the inflow and outflow boundaries.
Miniaturized dual-band printed antennas for wireless communications

Recent demand in personal wireless communications is toward device miniaturization and multi-band operations. The paper proposes a dual-band miniaturized printed antenna on an FR4 substrate for IEEE 802.11a/b applications. The antenna resembles a double printed F in shape, including inductive tuning arms. The proposed antenna occupies an area of about 20 mm by 8 mm. An antenna prototype was designed and fabricated with reasonable impedance bandwidth and good range of coverage.
Forgetting to Switch Off SMAD2 in Aneurysmal Disease

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are key component cells of the vascular wall that are critical for contractility of the aorta.1 They respond to biochemical and mechanical signals and play an important role in the regulation of blood pressure. Dysregulation of VSMCs is a hallmark of cardiovascular diseases such as restenosis, hypertension, aneurysms, and atherosclerosis. Investigating the signaling pathways in both normal and dysregulated VSMCs is important for understanding how these cardiovascular diseases develop and for the development of more effective therapies for these potentially life-threatening disorders. Article, see p 881 Aneurysms are dangerous vascular diseases characterized by aortic dilatation with thinning of the medial VSMC layer. Several mechanisms have been implicated in the development of human aortic aneurysms, including the role of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), although there are some controversies in the field.2–6 Evidence shows that VSMCs from thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) exhibit enhanced activity of SMAD2, a transcription factor that is part of the canonical TGF-β1 pathway and a key effector of the actions of TGF-β1.7 TGF-β1 signaling results in the phosphorylation and translocation of cytoplasmic SMAD2 into the nucleus and consequent transcriptional activation of its target genes.8,9 However, the activation of SMAD2 in TAA has previously been shown to be dissociated from the TGF-β1 pathway. Instead, the SMAD2 hyperactivity is suggested to be attributed to the constitutive overexpression of SMAD2 at the transcriptional level.10 Furthermore, SMAD2 overexpression was associated with key chromatin histone modifications at the SMAD2 promoter, suggesting an element of epigenetic control.10 In the nucleus of mammalian cells, chromosomal DNA is tightly packaged into chromatin, a higher-order structure comprised of subunits called nucleosomes. Each nucleosome consists of an …
Tetracyclines in Pediatrics Revisited

Dciscovered by Duggar 50 years ago following a systematic screening of soil samples for antimicrobial activity,1 the tetracyclines remain one of the most widely used antibiotic classes in the world.2 Since 1970, the use of tetracyclines in children was strongly discouraged in the United States following concerns over adverse effects, especially dental staining and delayed bone growth, and the availability of effective, safer alternatives, such as P-lactams.3 The appearance of new or emerging pathogens, the increase in tick-borne infections, and the global problem of antimicrobial resistance, especially that in gram-positive bacteria during the 1990s, has led to renewed interest in many of the older antimicrobial agents such as tetracyclines and chloramphenicol.4 This article addresses the role of tetracyclines in children in the 21st century, including their spectrum of antimicrobial activity, mechanisms of bacterial resistance, pharmacokinetics, types of adverse reactions, and potential
A QUANTITATIVE METHOD OF DETERMINING URINARY PHENOLS.

A quantitative method for the determination of urinary phenols is described. Data obtained in 20 children by this method are similar to averages in adults obtained by others. This is exceeded by the excretion of a phenylketonuric infant when placed on excessive intakes of phenylalanine.
Uncertainty in regional-average petroleum GHG intensities: countering information gaps with targeted data gathering.

Recent efforts to model crude oil production GHG emissions are challenged by a lack of data. Missing data can affect the accuracy of oil field carbon intensity (CI) estimates as well as the production-weighted CI of groups (“baskets”) of crude oils. Here we use the OPGEE model to study the effect of incomplete information on the CI of crude baskets. We create two different 20 oil field baskets, one of which has typical emissions and one of which has elevated emissions. Dispersion of CI estimates is greatly reduced in baskets compared to single crudes (coefficient of variation = 0.2 for a typical basket when 50% of data is learned at random), and field-level inaccuracy (bias) is removed through compensating errors (bias of ∼5% in above case). If a basket has underlying characteristics significantly different than OPGEE defaults, systematic bias is introduced through use of defaults in place of missing data. Optimal data gathering strategies were found to focus on the largest 50% of fields, and on certain i...
The Direct Measurement of Ionic Piezoresistance

Ionic piezoresistance, the effect of lattice strain on ionic conductivity, is an important concept that needs to be harnessed to engineer the next generation of fast ionic conductors. To date there have been many reports of strain affecting changes in the level of ionic conductivity in solid electrolytes. The fundamental understanding is, however, still lacking, with limited experimental quantification of the magnitude of the effect. Here, we propose using the ionic piezoresistive coefficient, the constant of proportionality between the strain state and the change in conductivity, as a quantitative measure of this effect and detail a novel technique we have developed to quantify this in high temperature ionically conducting materials.
Japanese Beetles: Quantitative Determinations of Larval Resistance to Chlordane in Ohio

The magnitude of resistance to cyclodiene insecticides in 3rd stage larvae of Popiliia japonica Newman from 4 locations in Ohio were tested quantitatively for resistance to chlordane by using standard dosage-response procedures and statistical analyses. The resistance factor for 2 resistant strains compared with the susceptible strain chosen as the standard ranged from 10.2–15.5-fold at the LD50 level over the 6-week period. When dosage-mortality lines were computed for all 4 strains, true resistance and homogeneous populations were indicated by the steepness of the slopes. Thus, the time-mortality data indicated that the amount of chlordane required for LD50 or LD95 decreased with increased time of exposure.
Timothy Grass Pollen Allergen Extract (Grastek) for Allergic Rhinitis.

Timothy grass pollen allergen extract produces small improvements in allergic rhinitis symptoms and the use of allergy relief medications, with a high rate of adverse effects. It may, however, be an option for patients who desire an alternative to standard allergy symptom relief but who do not want to begin injectable desensitization treatment.
The effect of sodium taurocholate on proximal tubular reabsorption in the rat kidney.

1. Microperfusion of tubules in situ was used to study the direct effect of sodium taurocholate on reabsorption of fluid by the proximal tubule of the rat. 2. Sodium taurocholate (0.1 mmol/l) in the tubular perfusate reduced proximal tubular fluid reabsorption by approximately 30%. 3. Thus, the proximal tubule appears to be a major site at which bile salts cause a natriuresis in the rat, and possibly in obstructive jaundice in man.
Lipid Activators of Protein Kinase C and Their Role in the Multidrug Resistance Phenotype of Tumor Cells

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a Ca2+- and phosphatidylserine (PS)-dependent protein kinase that is activated by unsaturated sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) in vivo. In addition to PS, unsaturated fatty acids and their hydroperoxy, keto, and hydroxy derivatives can serve as lipid cofactors of PKC, and the hydroperoxy fatty acids are the most potent PKC activators among them. Thus, lipid peroxidation may stimulate PKC in cells exposed to oxidative stress. Phorbol ester tumor promoters (PE’s) activate PKC by mimicry of DAG. Exposure to PE’s provides cultured human colon cancer cells with resistance to drugs linked to the multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype of tumor cells but does not alter their sensitivities to other drugs. PE-conferred resistance is due at least in part to reduced intracellular accumulation of the anticancer drugs. Similarly, DAG reduces intracellular accumulation of the drugs. Since colon tumors are exposed to high levels of dietary DAG’s in the digestive lumen, our results provide evidence that DAG contributes to the intrinsic drug resistance of colon tumors in vivo.
Tourette Syndrome and Streptococcal Infection

Serum antibodies against human caudate, putamen, and globus pallidus were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot techniques in 41 children (mean age, 11 years) with Tourette syndrome (TS) and 39 controls, and results were correlated with clinical findings and markers of streptococcal infection (antistreptolysin O (ASO) and antideoxyribonuclease B (antiDNAse-B)), in a study at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD.
Fluorescence Made Easier: Fluorescence Techniques for the Novice. Episode 2: Using Fluorescence Anisotropy or Polarization to View Intermolecular Associations

Fluorescence anisotropy can yield invaluable information about the dynamics and size of the fluorescent species and is commonly used to quantify molecular associations. In this is chapter, we describe the basis of fluorescence anisotropy and how this parameter is measured. We also describe appropriate controls so that this parameter can be accurately used follow protein – protein and protein – ligand associations.
Abstract 303: HDL Mimetic Peptide 4F Rescues Pre-existing Pulmonary Hypertension via MicroRNA 193-3p

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic lung disease associated with severe vascular disorders leading to right ventricular(RV) failure. An HDL mimetic peptide, 4F, has been shown to be effective for the treatment of atherosclerosis and a number of inflammatory disorders. Here, we explored whether 4F can rescue advanced PH by controlling the expression of specific microRNAs (miRs). PH was induced in rats by a single injection of monocrotaline (MCT, 60mg/kg, s.c.) or by placing mice in hypoxia chamber(O2≤10%) for 21 days. MCT-rats or hypoxic mice received 4F therapy (50mg/kg/day, s.c.,days 21-30 in MCT model and days 14-21 in hypoxia model). We performed microRNA microarray analysis (non-affymetrix) in lung tissues of CTRL, PH and 4F-rescued groups. OE of miR193 was achieved by intratracheal instillation of 20nM dose at days 16, 21 and 26 in MCT model or at days 14 and 18 in hypoxia model. 4F therapy starting after the establishment of PH in both MCT and hypoxia models improved significantly RV pressure (RVP) and RV hypertrophy index (RVP=46±3 vs RVP=74±1 mmHg in PH; RV/LV+IVS=0.38±0.02 vs RV/(LV+IVS)=0.68±0.05 in PH, p 2 folds whereas miR-193 KD increased proliferation. In conclusion, 4F rescues pre-existing severe PH by targeting genes associated with HETEs and HODEs production, inflammation and growth via inducing miR-193.
Quality Controls in Teacher Education Programs

Quality control refers to a system under which a preservice teacher education program can be examined with respect to a set of standards. Quality control has been a concern in professional education for decades. Teachers have been under public scrutiny from their admission into education programs through their subsequent placement in schools. Teachers and students aspiring to become teachers have been subjected to various quality control programs, in an effort to predict who will be a good teacher as well as to assess their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values. Teacher preparation standards have been promulgated and enforced. These various and diverse efforts reflect a growing concern for quality education. To date our efforts at quality control have been largely unsuccessful.
Squamous cell carcinoma in serous effusions: Avoiding pitfalls in this rare encounter

Background With advent of personalized medicine, precise classification of malignant tumors becomes essential. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is rarely found in serous effusions and has morphologic and immunohistochemical (IHC) overlap with other neoplasms. Methods 17-year review identified 49 fluids from 26 patients where SCC was recognized. Results SCC was more frequent in pleural fluid (84%) and rare in other effusions. Lung SCC was common (65%), followed by head and neck (16%), with other origins less represented. 19 samples were diagnosed positive for SCC, 12 were reported as non-small cell carcinoma and 13 were atypical/suspicious. Two were false negative (on hypocellular smears) and one was false positive (smear with small orangeophilic squamous-like cells). Two fluids were diagnosed as adenocarcinoma on smears and SCC on cellblocks after IHC. A chi-square test showed the correct diagnosis more often on cellblocks than smears (P-value = .0005) and all false positive, negative or misclassifications were done on cytology smears. Ber EP4 and MOC 31 immunostains were positive in most cases when performed, and the most specific immunostains for SCC were p63 and p40. Negative mucin stains were helpful. Cytology smears are imperfect tools in evaluation of body fluids and SCC can be misclassified as adenocarcinoma on smears alone. Orangeophilic cytoplasm can lead to false positive results. The most useful stains for identification were p40, p63, and mucicarmine. Conclusion The combination of clinical history with cellblock preparation and appropriate IHCs is the best method to ensure a correct diagnosis.
Parameter Identification for a Class of Nonlinear Systems Based on ESN

In this paper, a new identification method based on echo state network (ESN) is proposed to identify the parameters of a class of discrete-time nonlinear systems. Through analyzing the characteristics of output signals, the identification method can determine the maximal delay time of the given nonlinear system. To obtain the better prediction and identification accuracy of this method, an online learning algorithm is proposed to train the output weights of ESN. Simulation examples show the effectiveness of the proposed identification method.
THE EFFECT OF DENTURE FACTORS ON MASTICATORY PERFORMANCE. IV. INFLUENCE OF OCCLUSAL PATTERNS.

Abstract Two thousand and forty masticatory tests were made on 16 denture wearers to evaluate the effectiveness of 15 different occlusal patterns. Posterior teeth with markings on the occlusal surfaces were found to be more effective in improving masticatory performance than teeth without occlusal markings. The presence of a longitudinal groove on the occlusal surfaces of lower teeth and opposed by teeth with transverse or oblique grooves significantly improved subjects' ability to pulverize raw carrots.
Lead Management and Lead Extraction

Management of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) has become complex given the complications that can occur with implanted lead systems. Clinical problems such as infection, lead failure, and occluded vessels create situations that demand intervention to remove leads. Due to adhesions that occur in the venous system and at the endomyocardial attachment site, simple traction to remove a lead is often not sufficient. Infection is a mandatory reason to remove the entire CIED system. Tools and techniques are now available that enable a skilled operator to extract leads with a great deal of efficacy and safety.
Maggot therapy for calciphylaxis wound debridement complicated by bleeding.

Calciphylaxis is a rare disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Reported 1-year mortality is up to 80%, with sepsis as the leading cause of death.1 Although most cases occur in end-stage renal disease patients on dialysis, nonuremic cases also occur. Maggot therapy for wound debridement in calciphylaxis has been reported, but the literature is limited.
Hazardous Waste Landfill Research: U.S. EPA Program

Congress, through the Solid Waste Disposal Act (also known as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act RCRA, PL 94-580), directed the Environmental Protection Agency to develop programs for the management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid wastes. To effect the degree of coordination required of such an endeavor, a committee was formed to prepare and update an Agency wide research strategy. The Solid and Hazardous Waste Research Committee coordinates the efforts of the Office of Research and Development (ORD) with those of the Office of Solid Waste (OSW), the Office of Enforcement (OE), the Office of Water Programs (OWP), the Office of Emergency and Remedial Response (OERR), and the EPA Regional Offices.
Two-Mode Formalism for Two-Photon Optics

In this paper we discuss a new, two-mode formalism1 for analyzing two-photon optical devices (e.g., parametric amplifiers and four-wave mixers)–devices whose output light is generated by the simultaneous emission of two photons into two of the output modes. Such devices can produce in principle squeezed-state light, in which the two modes of each pair of output modes have correlated noise. Two-photon devices are to be contrasted with one-photon devices, such as the laser, whose output light is generated by the emission of independent single photons.
Effects of Electric and Electromagnetic Fields on Bone Formation, Bone Circulation and Avascular Necrosis

For over 150 years it has been recognized that electrical signals are involved in a number of physiological processes. In 1812 a London surgeon by the name of Birch reportedly healed a tibial nonunion with galvanic current (Brighton, 1991; Canady et al., 1991). In the 1950s Yasuda, Fukada and associates, and other Japanese investigators rekindled interest in the relationship between electricity and bone. They demonstrated that when bone was mechanically deformed it generated an electrical potential, and that electricity could induce bone formation. During the next three decades several investigators demonstrated that the appropriate electrical signal could influence a number of tissues by a variety of mechanisms. These include not only bone, but also cartilage, tendon, nerve, blood vessels, skin and soft tissue. This signal can enhance healing of delayed union and non-union of fractures, osteotomies, spine fusions, and chronic skin ulcers. It may also impede tumor growth, retard the development of osteoporosis, stimulate angiogenesis, prevent vasoconstruction in skin flaps, enhance new bone formation, and retard progression in avascular necrosis of bone.
Abstract 18631: PKA Inhibition Ameliorates Cardiac Dysfunction In High-fat Feeding Induced Type II Diabetic Mice

Background: In type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients, the sympathoadrenergic system (SAS) is chronically activated, resulting in chronic protein kinase A (PKA) activation. T2D causes cardiac dysfunction. ...
Users Of Veteran-Directed Care And Other Purchased Care Have Similar Hospital Use And Costs Over Time.

The Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) program facilitates independent community living among adults with multiple chronic conditions and functional limitations. Family caregivers value the choice and fle...
Analyte-induced disruption of luminescence quenching (AIDLuQ) for femtomolar detection of biomarkers.

Here, we present a graphene-based analyte-induced disruption of luminescence quenching (AIDLuQ) assay for specific detection of biomarkers with femtomolar sensitivity. In the AIDLuQ assay, antibody (Ab)-conjugated quantum dots (QDs) are initially deposited on graphene-coated paper. However, the emission from QDs is quenched due to resonance energy transfer to graphene. Upon the addition of an analyte (An) corresponding to Ab, the QDs–Ab–An complex is lifted above the surface resulting in the disruption of the quenching from graphene and the recovery of the luminescence of the QDs. The percentage of recovery depends upon the concentration of the analyte, allowing one to create standard curves for effective quantification. Despite its rapidity in assay time (15–20 min), the graphene platform has limited sensitivities. To further enhance this sensitivity, we embedded gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) into graphene paper. The graphene–Au paper exhibited excellent sensitivity in our model assay and was able to detect ∼10 fM biotin and IgG, unlike graphene that showed only ∼1 nM and ∼10 pM sensitivities.
Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

Abstract The incidence of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) has increased over the past several decades. The prevalence continues to remain higher in the immunocompromised than immunocompetent population. Despite advances in therapy, the prognosis remains poor with PCNSL. Early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate therapy is important for the long-term prognosis. Clinical presentations are variable, and neuroimaging plays a key role in suggesting the diagnosis. Computed tomography generally demonstrates iso- or hyperdense masses that homogeneously enhance. On magnetic resonance imaging, which is the study of choice, the lesions are typically iso- or hypointense on T1 and T2 sequences, and again enhance with contrast. The lesions may also demonstrate restricted diffusion on diffusion-weighted imaging, due to their dense cellularity. The cerebral hemispheres are the most common location, but the deep gray matter and corpus callosum are also frequently involved. Imaging patterns vary between immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients, with the latter group more likely to have multiple lesions and ring enhancement patterns related to central necrosis. Alternative imaging modalities may play a role in the diagnosis in certain circumstances. Numerous variations of PCNSL have been described, and are also discussed in this chapter.
Considering Future Sea Level Change in Maritime Infrastructure Design: A Survey of US Engineers

Abstract Seaports are particularly vulnerable to coastal hazards such as hurricanes and flooding due to their location. Sea level change (SLC) can magnify the impacts of these coastal hazards, thre...
Longer Term Impact of Bystander Training to Reduce Violence Acceptance and Sexism

Many bystander programs to prevent violence have been developed and evaluated in college populations. An exception is the randomized controlled trial of Green Dot, found effective in reducing viole...
Gradient microstructure induced shear band constraint, delocalization, and delayed failure in CuZr nanoglasses

Abstract The mechanical properties of metallic glasses (MGs) can be significantly tuned by introducing a nanoscale glass-glass interface microstructure. Here, we design three types of Cu64Zr36 MG seamless gradient microstructures by combining glassy grain sizes from 3 to 15 nm. We perform tensile loading molecular dynamics simulations on the named gradient nanoglasses (GNGs) to characterize their mechanical behavior. In all cases, results indicate the generation of gradient plasticity following the gradient in grain size, i.e. local plasticity increases from large to small grain size regions. Loading parallel to the gradient direction results in initial broad necking followed by catastrophic failure. In contrast, loading perpendicular to the gradient direction results in diffused shear band propagation from large to small grain size regions, delaying the generation of a dominant shear band and further delocalizing plastic deformation. The results demonstrate the synergistic effects generated by heterogeneous gradient designs in the mechanical behavior of MGs.
Use of Exemplars: Identification of Best Practices in Cancer Prevention and Screening.

Background Prevention strategies help to teach what individuals can do to potentially offset cancer risks. Screenings can detect cancer at earlier stages, allowing for earlier treatments and better outcomes. Objectives This article seeks to identify best practices in cancer prevention and screening. Methods This article presents exemplars in oncology nursing that illustrate implementation of best practices for cancer prevention and screening. Findings Oncology nurses are well situated to not only provide education about prevention activities, but also to encourage participation in recommended screenings. Implementation of evidence-based practice, along with the nurses' clinical knowledge and patient preferences, allows for the best outcomes for patients. The use of exemplars is an ideal way of telling nurses' stories to share their experiences and how they affected patient outcomes.
A machine-learning based framework for detection of fake political speech

Daily news is one of the primary needs of modern society to keep in touch with the world. Unfortunately, social media platforms have notably become a politicians’ tool for spreading propaganda campaigns and disparage opponents, which leads to side effects such as amplifying social discord. In order to thwart fake news, independent journalists have maintained a fact-checking organization and shared their checking results on political speeches on their website, which has raised public awareness for upholding democratic values. Meanwhile, researchers have proposed various types of machine-learning and deep-learning based approaches as well as linguistic based approaches by using various types of information for the detection of fake news. Some of them have shown promising results on the detection of fake news. However, they focused on the detection of hoaxes, hateful speech, attractive headlines, political astroturfs, and satirical news or posts. In this paper, we propose an automated framework for the detection of fake political speech. It uses different classification methods for extracting features from political speech statement and its metadata including speech subject, location, speaker’s profile, speaker’s credibility, and speech context information. The features are then used to train a machine learning model with automatic feature selection and parameter tuning. On the "Liar" dataset, our trained Support Vector Machine (SVM) model has achieved 74% detection accuracy. The evaluation results show that our framework is effective in the detection of fake political speech.
Reduced neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 variants by convalescent plasma and hyperimmune intravenous immunoglobulins for treatment of COVID-19

Hyperimmune immunoglobulin (hCoV-2IG) preparations generated from SARS-CoV-2 convalescent plasma (CP) are under evaluation in several clinical trials of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Here we explored the antibody epitope repertoire, antibody binding and virus neutralizing capacity of six hCoV-2IG batches as well as nine convalescent plasma (CP) lots against SARS-CoV-2 and emerging variants of concern (VOC). The Gene-Fragment Phage display library spanning the SARS-CoV-2 spike demonstrated broad recognition of multiple antigenic sites spanning the entire spike including NTD, RBD, S1/S2 cleavage site, S2-fusion peptide and S2-heptad repeat regions. Antibody binding to the immunodominant epitopes was higher for hCoV-2IG than CP, with predominant binding to the fusion peptide. In the pseudovirus neutralization assay (PsVNA) and in the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 PRNT assay, hCoV-2IG lots showed higher titers against the WA-1 strain compared with CP. Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs from around the globe were reduced to different levels by hCoV-2IG lots. The most significant loss of neutralizing activity was seen against the B.1.351 (9-fold) followed by P.1 (3.5-fold), with minimal loss of activity against the B.1.17 and B.1.429 ([≤]2-fold). Again, the CP showed more pronounced loss of cross-neutralization against the VOCs compared with hCoV-2IG. Significant reduction of hCoV-2IG binding was observed to the RBD-E484K followed by RBD-N501Y and minimal loss of binding to RBD-K417N compared with unmutated RBD. This study suggests that post-exposure treatment with hCoV-2IG is preferable to CP. In countries with co-circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, identifying the infecting virus strain could inform optimal treatments, but would likely require administration of higher volumes or repeated infusions of hCOV-2IG or CP, in patients infected with the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Orbifolds having Euler number zero Heegaard decomposition

In this paper, we completely classify, up to homeomorphism, the orientable and nonorientable orbifolds which have a Heegaard decomposition consisting of orbifold handlebodies with Euler number zero. In addition we compute their fundamental groups.
Predictive Value of Developmental Assessment in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Follow-Up Clinic.

OBJECTIVE: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Follow-Up programs vary in the duration for which they monitor child development and neurocognitive outcomes. This study explores the early predictive value of a widely used developmental measure for intellectual functioning during early childhood to better inform whether there is value added in continued monitoring. METHODS: Participants were 209 children who had at least two assessments between the ages of 1 and 6 years old as part of NICU Follow-Up clinic. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III) was administered when children were 1 and 2 years old and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) was administered when children were 3 years and older. RESULTS: The Bayley-III at 1 year of age was a significant predictor of Bayley-III performance at age 2. Similarly, Bayley-III at ages 1 year and 2 years were significant predictors of WPPSI-IV performance. Strength of prediction was moderate with the majority of variance unexplained. Exploratory analyses examining whether early developmental abilities as assessed on the Bayley-III could identify patients at risk for poorer WPPSI-IV performance indicated appropriate specificity but inadequate sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports ongoing assessment of children who were born with perinatal complications into at least early childhood. Assessing development only during the infant and toddler years did not sufficiently identify children who went on to have lower cognitive functioning in preschool and the early school years.
Extending the Defense of Renunciation

Renunciation allows a person who has committed a crime to abandon or renounce the criminal enterprise and thereby extinguish criminal liability. It generally only applies to inchoate crimes and complicity. This article argues that the renunciation defense deserves to be extended. This argument is based on the history of the defense and its purpose. It then explores the issues that arise in applying the defense, such as: whether the abandonment is voluntary, burden of proof, and harm to the victim. Last, it considers the degree of expansion, to all crimes, or still confined to particular instances, based on the merits and consequences of each.
Absence of IL-4 Facilitates the Development of Chronic Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis in C57BL/6 Mice

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a T cell-dependent, Ab-mediated autoimmune disease. Ab against muscle acetylcholine receptor (AChR) cause the muscular weakness that characterizes MG and its animal model, experimental MG (EMG). EMG is induced in C57BL6 (B6) mice by three injections of Torpedo AChR (TAChR) in adjuvant. B6 mice develop anti-TAChR Ab that cross-react with mouse muscle AChR, but their CD4+ T cells do not cross-react with mouse AChR sequences. Moreover, murine EMG is not self-maintaining as is human MG, and it has limited duration. Several studies suggest that IL-4 has a protecting function in EMG. Here we show that B6 mice genetically deficient in IL-4 (IL-4-/-) develop long-lasting muscle weakness after a single immunization with TAChR. They develop chronic self-reactive Ab, and their CD4+ T cells respond not only to the TAChR and TAChR subunit peptides, but also to several mouse AChR subunit peptides. These results suggest that in B6 mice, regulatory mechanisms that involve IL-4 contribute to preventing the development of a chronic Ab-mediated autoimmune response to the AChR.
Promoter recognition by Escherichia coli RNA polymerase. Influence of DNA structure in the spacer separating the -10 and -35 regions.

Abstract Escherichia coli RNA polymerase contacts promoter DNA at two regions (the −10 and −35 regions) which are separated by a segment of spacer DNA. Previously we showed that base substitutions in the spacer DNA can affect promoter strength both in vitro and in vivo; these results were interpreted to reflect altered structural properties of the substituted DNAs. Here we provide experimental support for this interpretation. The pattern of cleavage of the promoters with Neurospora crassa endonuclease and the reactivity of their guanine residues with dimethyl sulfate (DMS) suggest that the structures of the spacer DNAs in the promoters with altered transcriptional activities are distinct. In addition, the binding of RNA polymerase to the latter promoters induces characteristic enhancements in the extent to which specific guanine residues in the spacer DNAs react with DMS. We propose that for these promoters the substitutions in the spacer DNAs have affected the relative orientation of the −10 and −35 regions. The observed differences in promoter activity then would reflect the requirement for realignment of these regions during the process of open complex formation; we postulate that two such realignments occur.
Design of CMOS IO drivers with less sensitivity to process, voltage, and temperature variations

Matching I/O driver output resistance to transmission line impedance is critical for high speed I/O operation in source series termination environments. Tuning driver output resistance can be accomplished through the use of calibration circuitry. Under ideal conditions, calibration circuitry can properly calibrate an I/O driver. Operating in an environment with die process, voltage and temperature variations, that same calibration circuitry may perform improperly. This paper presents an I/O driver design that is less sensitive to process, voltage and temperature variations. The proposed driver design provides a near linear, or flat, output resistance response verses output voltageMatching I/O driver output resistance to transmission line impedance is critical for high speed I/O operation in source series termination environments. Tuning driver output resistance can be accomplished through the use of calibration circuitry. Under ideal conditions, calibration circuitry can properly calibrate an I/O driver. Operating in an environment with die process, voltage and temperature variations, that same calibration circuitry may perform improperly. This paper presents an I/O driver design that is less sensitive to process, voltage and temperature variations. The proposed driver design provides a near linear, or flat, output resistance response verses output voltage.
Sexual betrayal among late adolescents : Perspectives of the perpetrator and the aggrieved

The present study investigates the occurrence and experience of sexual betrayal in adolescents and young adults from the perspectives of both the perpetrator and the aggrieved. Subjects (N = 216) who had been in monogamous relationships were asked whether they had ever cheated on their partner (by petting or having sexual relations with another) and whether their partner had ever cheated on them. Subjects also reported their motives and reactions and the consequences associated with these betrayals. Approximately two-thirds of the sample had experienced betrayal, as the perpetrator, the aggrieved, or both. Perpetrators typically know their betrayal partners and are motivated by sexual attraction, the regular partner's absence, and the influence of drugs or alcohol. Although 42% of betrayals are not discovered by the aggrieved, the majority of those that are discovered result from confessions by the perpetrator. As expected, those who are betrayed generally react with anger or sadness. Perpetrators often feel guilty, but also report a number of positive emotions, suggesting that betrayal may play an important role as adolescents struggle to establish their identities. Gender differences were absent in the incidence, motives, and experience of sexual betrayal. Results are interpreted in terms of competing demands of intimacy and identity formation.
Teacher Leadership for Educational Quality and Equity: Learning Across Singapore, Canada, Finland, and the United States

Thanks to an increasingly global society, information about countries around the world is readily available, enabling us to easily share knowledge, to learn from each other, and to assess ourselves...
Four‐Dimensional Geometry Lens: A Novel Volumetric Magnification Approach

We present a novel methodology that utilizes four-dimensional (4D) space deformation to simulate a magnification lens on versatile volume datasets and textured solid models. Compared with other magnification methods (e.g. geometric optics, mesh editing), 4D differential geometry theory and its practices are much more flexible and powerful for preserving shape features (i.e. minimizing angle distortion), and easier to adapt to versatile solid models. The primary advantage of 4D space lies at the following fact: we can now easily magnify the volume of regions of interest (ROIs) from the additional dimension, while keeping the rest region unchanged. To achieve this primary goal, we first embed a 3D volumetric input into 4D space and magnify ROIs in the fourth dimension. Then we flatten the 4D shape back into 3D space to accommodate other typical applications in the real 3D world. In order to enforce distortion minimization, in both steps we devise the high-dimensional geometry techniques based on rigorous 4D geometry theory for 3D/4D mapping back and forth to amend the distortion. Our system can preserve not only focus region, but also context region and global shape. We demonstrate the effectiveness, robustness and efficacy of our framework with a variety of models ranging from tetrahedral meshes to volume datasets.
Mechanisms of pathogenesis in Listeria monocytogenes infection. II. Characterization of listeriosis in the CD-1 mouse and survey of biochemical lesions.

Abstract Several physiological and biochemical changes which occur in CD-1 pathogen-free mice during the course of infection with Listeria monocytogenes strain A4413 have been examined. Mice injected with 104 to 106 organisms by the intraperitoneal route displayed a significant depression in weight gain. In contrast, at 24 hr after infection an increment in total liver weight averaging 0.1 g was observed. The ratios of liver to body weight increased throughout the observation period. As the severity of the infection increased, food intake, as well as total liver protein and nitrogen, showed a corresponding decrease, with the diminution being most evident immediately prior to the death of the animals. Blood urea nitrogen remained relatively constant for 24 hr and then increased continuously as the infection progressed to the acute stage. Total liver lipid increased until the death of the animals. At 72 hr postinfection, a significant decrease in oxidative phosphorylation was observed. Xanthine dehydrogenase activity increased, with maximal values obtained 72 hr after infection. Uric acid levels remained constant for 24 hr, diminished at 48 hr, and then increased until the death of the animals. After 24 hr, uricase activity showed a slight increase. This activity returned to within normal ranges at 48 hr and decreased as the infection progressed to the acute stage at 72 hr. The results support the hypothesis that at least a part of the cause of death is a derangement in hepatic purine and carbohydrate metabolism. The data are also consistent with the possibility of changes in iron transport in the infected mice.
Moral Education at Religious Research Universities: Exploring Faculty Attitudes

Abstract This article presents the results and an analysis of 1,728 survey responses from faculty at four top tier religious research universities regarding their support for moral and civic education. The results demonstrate that a majority of faculty members at these schools supported both the general goals of moral and civic education and specific suggestions for integrating moral and civic education into the curriculum. Nonetheless, three major concerns emerged about its actual implementation into the curriculum.
A Pilot Exploration of Family Violence Among Nonclinical Vietnamese

This exploratory pilot project sought to determine what one group of Southeast Asian refugees, the Vietnamese, perceived were areas of difficulty in their adjustment to the United States. Furthermore, based on factors correlated with family violence and on literature that states that such violence is not culture-specific, this study sought to assess whether it is prevalent among this population. Findings were inconsistent and suggested that commonly used methods of identifying the occurrence of family violence may not accurately reflect its presence among populations that may fear repercussions of admission.
Essential Blepharospasm and Related Dystonias

Essential blepharospasm is an idiopathic disorder of progressive involuntary spasms of the orbicularis oculi and upper facial (corrugator, procerus) muscles. Blepharospasm literally means spasm of the eyelids; however, most patients with blepharospasm also have or will develop squeezing in the lower face and neck muscles (Meige's syndrome, orofacial dystonia, or oromandibular dystonia). Some patients develop dystonic, uncontrolled movements in areas outside the facial nerve distribution (segmental cranial dystonia or craniocervical dystonia). Chronic, forceful squeezing by the periocular muscles becomes debilitating for the patient and leads to functional and cosmetic eyelid deformities. Treatment has included a variety of modalities and oral medications that are of limited efficacy. Botulinum-A toxin injections have delivered the best temporary relief from this disorder, while the periorbital myectomy operation has been shown to give the best long-term results.
Hemodilution affects the pressor response to norepinephrine.

A hindlimb preparation of 19 male rats was used to determine the responses to norepinephrine (NE) at different levels of hemodilution at a constant flow, at increased flow and maintained pressure, and after reversal of hemodilution. An initial series demonstrated that the preparation remained stable with unchanged blood pressure, plasma electrolytes, and blood gases; and had reproducible responses to NE throughout the experiment. Two levels of isovolumic hemodilution were achieved by blood/hetastarch exchanges equivalent to 1.5% and 3.0% body weight, which reduced hematocrit to 30.8 ± 2% and 18.7 ± 1.5%, respectively. Hemodilution reduced the perfusion pressure from 73.6 mmHg to 58.6 and 55.7 mmHg following 1.5% and 3.0% hemodilution, respectively. A dose-response relationship to NE (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 μ g/kg) was obtained. The responses to NE were markedly reduced following both 1.5% and 3.0% hemodilution. Retransfusion of packed red blood cells increased the hematocrit from 21.1 ± 2.2% during hemodilution to 41.2 ± 2.1% ( P P
Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung: An unusual metastasis to pectoralis muscle

A 44-year-old man with clinical T2 N0 M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the lung presented 4 weeks after left pneumonectomy with a single metastasis to his right pectoralis major muscle. Three years after excision and chemotherapy he remains in remission. Muscle metastasis of carcinoma is an infrequent occurrence. Further investigation into the incidence and treatment is warranted.
Leakage-aware energy synchronization for wireless sensor networks

To ensure sustainable operations of wireless sensor systems, environmental energy harvesting has been regarded as the right solution for long-term applications. In energy-dynamic environments, energy conservation is no longer considered necessarily beneficial, because energy storage units (e.g., batteries or capacitors) are limited in capacity and leakage-prone. In contrast to legacy energy conservation approaches, we aim at energy synchronization for wireless sensor devices. The starting point of this work is TwinStar, which uses ultra-capacitor as the only energy storage unit. To efficiently use the harvested energy, we design and implement leakage-aware feedback control techniques to match local and network-wide activity of sensor nodes with the dynamic energy supply from environments. We conduct system evaluation under three typical real-world settings - indoor, outdoor, and mobile backpack under a wide range of system settings. Results indicate our leakage-aware control can effectively utilize energy that could otherwise leak away. Nodes running leakage-aware control can enjoy 70% more energy than the ones running non-leakage-aware control and application performance (e.g., event detection) can be improved significantly.
Crossover relaxation of the viscosity of Pd40Ni40P19Si1 near the glass transition

Abstract Tensile creep experiments on melt-spun ribbons of Pd40Ni40P19Si1 were performed near the glass transition temperature. Changes in the shear viscosity during relaxation were measured and equilibration of the glass to the metastable super-cooled liquid state was observed. The relaxation behavior varied considerably, depending on the thermal history of the sample: monotonie increases and decreases as well as crossover changes in the viscosity were measured. The results are interpreted with phenomenological and atomistic models for flow, and a qualitative modification of the atomistic defect model is suggested to account for the crossover behavior.