cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combined PI3K/mTOR and MEK Inhibition Provides Broad Antitumor Activity in Faithful Murine Cancer Models

Purpose: Anticancer drug development is inefficient, but genetically engineered murine models (GEMM) and orthotopic, syngeneic transplants (OST) of cancer may offer advantages to in vitro and xenograft systems. Experimental Design: We assessed the activity of 16 treatment regimens in a RAS-driven, Ink4a/Arf -deficient melanoma GEMM. In addition, we tested a subset of treatment regimens in three breast cancer models representing distinct breast cancer subtypes: claudin-low ( T11 OST), basal-like ( C3-TAg GEMM), and luminal B ( MMTV-Neu GEMM). Results: Like human RAS-mutant melanoma, the melanoma GEMM was refractory to chemotherapy and single-agent small molecule therapies. Combined treatment with AZD6244 [mitogen-activated protein–extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor] and BEZ235 [dual phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor] was the only treatment regimen to exhibit significant antitumor activity, showed by marked tumor regression and improved survival. Given the surprising activity of the “AZD/BEZ” combination in the melanoma GEMM, we next tested this regimen in the “claudin-low” breast cancer model that shares gene expression features with melanoma. The AZD/BEZ regimen also exhibited significant activity in this model, leading us to testing in even more diverse GEMMs of basal-like and luminal breast cancer. The AZD/BEZ combination was highly active in these distinct breast cancer models, showing equal or greater efficacy compared with any other regimen tested in studies of over 700 tumor-bearing mice. This regimen even exhibited activity in lapatinib-resistant HER2 + tumors. Conclusion: These results show the use of credentialed murine models for large-scale efficacy testing of diverse anticancer regimens and predict that combinations of PI3K/mTOR and MEK inhibitors will show antitumor activity in a wide range of human malignancies. Clin Cancer Res; 18(19); 5290–303. ©2012 AACR .
Engaging in the Margins: Exploring Differences in Biracial Students’ Engagement by Racial Heritage

The research presented in this article utilizes data from four years of the National Survey of Student Engagement to shed light on the biracial student population and their engagement practices in ...
Bartenders: an untapped resource for the prevention of alcohol abuse?

The study is based on standardized interviews with 64 male and female bartenders in 43 bars. Findings indicate that regardless of sex, bartenders are sensitive to their own and their customers’ drinking patterns and behavior, and are reliable reporters of the phenomenon. They are sensitive to the causes of problem drinking. Despite bar policies they can and do exercise considerable discretion in dealing with customer behavior associated with problem drinking. They do intervene to prevent drunk driving. A majority are positive about taking courses in alcohol education with the aim of assisting their customers. Bartenders, then, are prime candidates for assisting in the large societal task of reducing the harmful consequences of alcohol abuse.
Transforming growth factor-beta selectively inhibits branching morphogenesis but not tubulogenesis

When cultured in type I collagen gels, two kidney-derived cell lines, Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and murine inner medullary collecting duct (mIMCD3) cells, from branching tubular structures in the presence of Swiss 3T3 conditioned medium, in which hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is the major branching tubule inducing factor. However, upon incubation with transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in the presence of 3T3 conditioned medium, MDCK tubulogenesis and branching was markedly inhibited. In contrast, mIMCD3 cells, which are much less susceptible to growth and tubulogenesis inhibition by TGF-beta, formed long straight tubulelike structures in presence of TGF-beta, suggesting a dissociation between tubulogenesis and branching morphogenesis. Interestingly, those long tubules that did branch often superficially resembled the early branching ureteric bud in embryonic kidneys. Quantitation of branching events revealed a selective branch-inhibiting effect of TGF-beta on mIMCD3 cells at concentrations between 0.02 and 2 ng/ml. There was no qualitative or quantitative difference among TGF-beta 1, -beta 2, and -beta 3 on inhibition of branching events, suggesting existence of potentially redundant mechanisms for modulating branching morphogenesis. Concentrations of TGF-beta that resulted in long nonbranching tubules also altered the profile of extracellular matrix-degrading proteases and their inhibitors expressed by developing tubules. Ratios of urokinase type plasminogen activator (u-PA) to plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-l) and matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-1 to tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease (TIMP)-1 were both markedly decreased. In addition, apart from a direct effect on epithelial cell branching morphogenesis, TGF-beta downregulated the expression of HGF mRNA in Swiss 3T3 cells. Thus TGF-beta exerts at least three distinct effects relevant to tubulogenesis and branching morphogenesis inhibition of branching morphogenesis alone (mIMCD3 cells), inhibition of both tubulogenesis and branching morphogenesis (MDCK cells), and inhibition of the expression of growth factor which induce tubulogenesis and branching morphogenesis (3T3 cells). In the context of epithelial tissue development, which requires tightly regulated branching tubulogenesis of epithelial cells, the data suggest a model where branching patterns are regulated by a precise temporal and spatial balance between branching morphogens such as HGF and inhibitory morphogens such as members of the TGF-beta superfamily [e.g., TGF-beta isoforms, certain bone morphogenetic proteins].
Search for New Physics with b-Jets and Missing Transverse Energy with CMS

A search for new physics with a signature of b-jets and missing transverse energy is presented. The study is based on 1.1 fb �1 of proton-proton collision data collected at √ s = 7 TeV with the CMS detector at the LHC. The results are found to be consistent with the expectations of the standard model; limits on new physics are presented. The main results are for the generic simplified model denoted T1bbbb, in which two gluino-like objects each decay to two b-quark jets and an undetected particle. We improve the existing 95% confidence level upper limits on the T1bbbb cross section by a factor of 3-10 depending on the assumed mass values of the gluino and lightest supersymmetric particle.
A Multi-Quadrics Approach in Stochastic Meshless Elastostatics Using Polynomial Chaos Expansion

In this paper a collocation approach is used for determining the statistics of the response of structures operating under deterministic excitation and having random material properties. In this context, a mesh free approach is adopted utilizing the multi-quadrics collocation method. In this method, nodes are distributed inside the domain at the points of interest and the multiquadrics radial basis functions are used to approximate the displacements of the domain at the nodes. Values from the field are treated at each point as correlated random variables, and thus the random field is sampled at the collocation points. This approach yields a set of linear equations involving a random matrix. Unlike the Galerkin and FE methods, the random matrix representing the stiffness can be represented as the product of a stochastic diagonal matrix with a full deterministic matrix. If the random variables on the diagonal are correlated, a polynomial chaos expansion is used for the random field, and the Neumann expansion is used for the approximation of the stochastic matrix inverse. Obviously, all the matrices involved in the standard Neumann series expansion are diagonal; thus the computational cost of the procedure is reduced significantly. Specific numerical examples are given and they are supplemented by pertinent Monte Carlo simulation data.
Onset and Suppression of Instabilities in High Pressure Air- Breathing Combustor

Combustion instabilities were investigated in experiments where the fuel was rapidly heated close to critical temperatures, but the pressure in the combustion chamber was kept below the critical value for the injected fuel, n-heptane (C7H16). Two different unstable modes (~90Hz and ~400Hz) were excited depending on whether the intake air was preheated or not. Where the 90Hz mode was dominant, higher fuel preheat temperatures led to a lower level of registered instabilities. When the 400Hz mode was dominant, the fuel heater was set to operate at the highest productivity but severe combustion instabilities remained essentially unchanged. The observed qualitative trends agreed with the known data obtained in the high-power tests, where pressure in the combustor exceeded critical value.
Systematic investigation of the misorientation- and temperature-dependent Kapitza resistance in CeO2

Abstract The misorientation- and temperature-dependent grain boundary thermal (Kapitza) resistance in CeO2 is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. A few empirical potentials for molecular dynamics simulations are evaluated for their predicted properties such as the phonon dispersion curves, bulk thermal conductivity, and grain boundary structures. Through the comparison of these properties with experimental results, the most reasonable potential (Gotte2007) is selected. The Kapitza resistances of tilt and twist grain boundaries with misorientation angles ranging from 3° to 87° are calculated and a clear transition angle at about 16° is observed. The Kapitza resistance is found to increase almost linearly with misorientation angle in the low-angle regime but remain nearly constant at the high-angle regime, a behavior very similar to the grain boundary energy. A nearly linear correlation between Kapitza resistance and grain boundary energy is thus obtained. Similar to the grain boundary energy, the Read–Shockley model can well describe the misorientation-dependent Kapitza resistance at low-angle regime. The Kapitza conductance (the inverse of Kapitza resistance) is found to increase almost linearly with temperature in our simulations.
A SURVEY OF BUTTERFLIES IN CHONGQING (II)

Four hundred and forty-seven species of butterflies were found in Chongqing in a survey. In part (I) of this report the record of 7 families were presented. In this part (Part II), the other 5 families covering 85 genera and 183 species are described and relevant analysis is made.
Application of 4-Dimensional Digital Subtraction Angiography for Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas

Background Three-dimensional reconstruction of digital subtraction angiography (3D-DSA) is a useful imaging modality for assessing complex cerebrovascular lesions. However, due to the importance of flow over time in certain vascular lesions, 3D-DSA is of less value as it lacks the temporal resolution. Dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are complex lesions in which an arteriovenous shunt exists between meningeal arteries and a dural venous sinus or cortical vein. Traditional 2D-DSA, especially with superselective injections of feeding arteries, is currently the gold standard for assessment, but overlapping of opacified vessels can complicate interpretation. A novel imaging technique, 4D-DSA, merges 3D reconstructions of multiple temporal series. It offers a unique perspective on complex cerebrovascular lesions and may offer several advantages in the assessment of dural AVF. Methods 4D-DSA images were acquired in 5 patients who presented with dural AVFs. All relevant clinical data, imaging, and procedural/operative reports were reviewed retrospectively. 4D-DSA images were reconstructed on a separate 3D workstation and compared to 2D and 3D-DSA images in an offline fashion. Results In all 5 cases, 4D-DSA proved to be useful in lesion assessment and treatment planning. This included observation ( n = 2), microsurgery ( n = 1), and endovascular embolization ( n = 2). Conclusions In the small series of patients in which it has been evaluated, 4D-DSA offers several advantages in assessing dural AVFs. The ability to see and manipulate feeding arteries in 3D combined with temporal resolution was useful in assessment and treatment planning. Continued experience with this imaging technique will be needed to identify its optimal use.
Assessing local discourses on water in a South African newspaper

ABSTRACTAcademic understandings of environmental discourses are primarily based on global and national accounts, despite widespread acceptance of the local as an essential site of environmental action. Local water issues have been studied in a number of ways, including interviews and ethnographies that show the impacts of water scarcity, examine the role of mediating technologies, and provide diverse perspectives on governance. An overarching impression of key narratives and concerns at local scales, however, is lacking. In this paper, we examine water coverage in The Sowetan, a South African newspaper known for its distinctive voice, as a (albeit imperfect) proxy for local discourse. We identify key themes, location and scale, trigger events, actors, authors, and provide initial insights into the problem frames used in these texts. Our findings show distinct differences from the results of environmental media analyses at other scales, including strong individual citizen voices, emphasis on the politics o...
Sustainable Mobility for the Future: Development and Implementation of a Sustainable Transportation Planning Course

AbstractThe field of transportation engineering has become more sustainable as challenges of the twenty-first century continue. Sustainable mobility topics such as pedestrian and cycling travel, smart growth development, and transit-oriented design are being adopted and implemented. As a result, there is the need for higher-education curriculum on transportation engineering to adapt as well. Efforts to integrate sustainable and multimodal design into introductory transportation courses have emerged, as well as new courses in the transportation field. This paper describes the development and implementation of an upper-level course, Sustainable Transportation Planning, at Bucknell University. Course objectives, pedagogical tools, activities, and assessment methods are discussed in depth to provide insight into how other institutions can adopt a similar course. An emphasis is placed on active learning techniques and the need to balance the three components of sustainability (environment, economy, and society...
An online replanning method using warm start optimization and aperture morphing for flattening-filter-free beams

Purpose: In a situation where a couch shift for patient positioning is not preferred or prohibited (e.g., MR-linac), segment aperture morphing (SAM) can address target dislocation and deformation. For IMRT/VMAT with flattening-filter-free (FFF) beams, however, SAM method would lead to an adverse translational dose effect due to the beam unflattening. Here the authors propose a new two-step process to address both the translational effect of FFF beams and the target deformation. Methods: The replanning method consists of an offline and an online step. The offline step is to create a series of preshifted-plans (PSPs) obtained by a so-called “warm start” optimization (starting optimization from the original plan, rather than from scratch) at a series of isocenter shifts. The PSPs all have the same number of segments with very similar shapes, since the warm start optimization only adjusts the MLC positions instead of regenerating them. In the online step, a new plan is obtained by picking the closest PSP or linearly interpolating the MLC positions and the monitor units of the closest PSPs for the shift determined from the image of the day. This two-step process is completely automated and almost instantaneous (no optimization or dose calculation needed). The previously developed SAM algorithm is then applied for daily deformation. The authors tested the method on sample prostate and pancreas cases. Results: The two-step interpolation method can account for the adverse dose effects from FFF beams, while SAM corrects for the target deformation. Plan interpolation method is effective in diminishing the unflat beam effect and may allow reducing the required number of PSPs. The whole process takes the same time as the previously reported SAM process (5–10 min). Conclusions: The new two-step method plus SAM can address both the translation effects of FFF beams and target deformation, and can be executed in full automation except the delineation of target contour required by the SAM process.
How should we treat older adults with Ph+ adult ALL and what novel approaches are being investigated?

Abstract Treatment of older patients with Philadelphia-chromosome-positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia presents unique challenges. Advanced age, comorbidities, high treatment-related death rates with traditional chemotherapy, and relapse combine to yield poor survival. Reduced-intensity induction with BCR-ABL1 targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and corticosteroids yields CR rates 96–100% with no induction mortality but relapse is nearly certain without effective consolidation. Few clinical trials provide guidance on optimal consolidation for older Ph+ ALL. With second-generation TKIs, lower intensity chemotherapy after induction gives similar outcomes to intensive consolidation although long-term survival is still poor. Consolidation with allogeneic or autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation may improve survival for fit older patients. Novel targeted therapies like blinatumomab, inotuzumab ozogamicin, and CD19-targeted CAR T-cells hold promise to improve survival with reduced toxicity. Better understanding these approaches will require increased referral to specialized centers, expansion of clinical trials, and improved enrollment of older ALL patients on trials.
Autobiography of James S. Hyde.

The papers, book chapters, reviews, and patents by James S. Hyde in the bibliography of this document have been separated into EPR and MRI sections and within each section by topics. Within each topic, publications are listed chronologically. A brief summary is provided for each patent listed. A few publications and patents that do not fit this schema have been omitted. This list of publications is preceded by a scientific autobiography that focuses on selected topics that are judged to have been of most scientific importance. References to many of the publications and patents in the bibliography are made in the autobiography.
Weakly-Nonlinear Waves in Two-Layer Flows: Subcritical Bifurcations

A major feature of separated gas-liquid and liquid-liquid flows is the waves that grow on the interface. Small amplitude, short wavelength waves can increase pressure drop and transport rates substantially. If longer wavelength waves form, these can grow to an amplitude large enough to cause roll waves or solitary waves, (which are the source of atomization) or for sufficiently deep layers, slugs.
A Sampling Strategy for Altimeter Measurements of the Global Statistics of Mesoscale Eddies

Estimation of mesoscale eddy statistics is but one objective of satellite missions involving altimetry, and but one of many important applications of the altimeter. The discussion which follows is intended to contribute to a common understanding of the value and feasibility of this objective, and to focus on requirements and desiderata which may be in common or in conflict with other applications, particularly concerning orbital repeat strategy. The principal conclusions are:
Abstract P121: The Effect of Intensive Blood Pressure Targets on Mortality in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Introduction: Current evidence is conflicting on whether intensive blood pressure (BP) management, specifically with targets of <130/90 mmHg, produces a mortality benefit in non-diabetic chronic ki...
FLOATING POINT EXCEPTION HANDLING FOR INTERVAL ARITHMETIC

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the floating point exception handling for interval arithmetic. The requirement for rigorous bounds in interval arithmetic leads inevitably to the consideration of what should be done when floating point exceptions occur. An example of such a situation would be when the attempt to apply a directed rounding to a number fails for want of a valid bound in the set of machine representable numbers. The chapter presents a proposal for a scheme for floating point exception handling that seems to fall about midway between the two extremes. This proposal is relatively straightforward, and it allows for representation of signed infinitesimals and infinities as required for conventional interval arithmetic, and yet at the same time, it allows Kahans gradual underflow to be implemented if desired. This proposal does require a slight restriction on the range of floating point numbers. The chapter also describes the operations on the extended number set.
Ethics of Authenticity: Social Media Influencers and the Production of Sponsored Content

Media coverage of influencer marketing abounds with ethical questions about this emerging industry. Much of this coverage assumes influencers operate without an ethical framework and many social me...
Direct Lagrangian Forcing Methods Based on Moving Least Squares

The application of computational fluid dynamics to complex engineering flow problems necessitates the adoption of numerical algorithms that are accurate, robust and efficient at the same time. These are usually conflicting requirements and there is still debate in the scientific community when it comes to the selection of the best method for a specific field of applications. In this chapter, we will discuss a cost-efficient strategy to simulate fluid flow problems in complex configurations with large boundary displacements and/or deformations. It utilizes a direct forcing, immersed boundary formulation, where the body is represented by a Lagrangian grid, and the equations governing the fluid flow are solved on a structured or block-structured Cartesian grid. The forcing function is evaluated using moving least squares. The main advantage of this strategy compared to other direct-forcing schemes is versatility, as it decouples the local discretization from the computation of the forcing function and, therefore, can be implemented into structured or unstructured codes in a straightforward manner. In addition, it is very robust in dealing with collisions of multiple bodies. The forcing function is built and appropriately scaled based on the contributions of all bodies in the vicinity of an Eulerian point without special treatments.
A Comprehensive and Predictive Agent-based Model for Collective House-Hunting in Ant Colonies

The decentralized cognition of animal groups is both a challenging biological problem and a potential basis for bio-inspired design. The understanding of these systems and their application can benefit from modeling and analysis of the underlying algorithms. In this study, we define a modeling framework that can be used to formally represent all components of such algorithms. As an example application of the framework, we adapt to it the much-studied house-hunting algorithm used by emigrating colonies of Temnothorax ants to reach consensus on a new nest. We provide a Python simulator that encodes accurate individual behavior rules and produces simulated behaviors consistent with empirical observations, on both the individual and group levels. Our model successfully reproduces experimental results showing the high cognitive capacity of colonies, their rational time investment during decision-making, and their ability to avoid and repair splits with the help of social information. We also use the model to make predictions about several unstudied aspects of emigration behavior. The results suggest the value of individual sensitivity to site population for ensuring consensus, and they indicate a more complex relationship between individual behavior and the speed/accuracy trade-off than previously appreciated. The model proved relatively weak at resolving colony divisions among multiple sites, suggesting either limits to the ants9 ability to reach consensus, or an aspect of their behavior not captured in our model. It is our hope that these insights and predictions can inspire further research from both the biology and computer science community.
Advances in meningioma genomics, proteomics, and epigenetics: insights into biomarker identification and targeted therapies.

Meningiomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors, defined histo-pathologically by World Health Organization (WHO) grading. The WHO grade of meningiomas does not always correlate with clinical aggressiveness. Despite maximal surgical resection and adjuvant radiation, a subset of tumors are clinically aggressive; displaying early recurrence and invasion. Current methods for identifying aggressive meningiomas solely focus on genomics, proteomics, or epigenetics and not a combination of all for developing a real-time clinical biomarker. Improved methods for the identification of these outlying tumors can facilitate better classification and potentially adjuvant treatment planning. Understanding the pathways of oncogenesis using multiple markers driving aggressive meningiomas can provide a foundation for targeted therapies, which currently do not exist.
Patient-reported outcomes data in patients with psoriatic arthritis from a randomised trial of etanercept and methotrexate as monotherapy or in combination

Objectives We examined patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in The Study of Etanercept And Methotrexate in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA); a 48-week, phase 3, randomised controlled trial that compared outcomes with methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy, etanercept monotherapy, and MTX+ etanercept in patients with PsA. Methods Efficacy endpoints included: mean changes from baseline and proportion of patients who reported improvements≥minimal clinically important difference (MCID) at week 24 in treatment groups for Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index, Patient Global Assessment (PtGA), Patient Global Assessment of Joint Pain (PtGAJP) and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Questionnaire (SF-36) Physical Component Summary (PCS), and Mental Component Summary, and eight domain scores. PROs were analysed as reported (observed), without multiplicity adjustment; therefore, p values are descriptive. Results At week 24, patients receiving etanercept monotherapy or MTX+ etanercept combination reported greater improvements (p≤0.05) in PtGA, PtGAJP and SF-36 PCS scores compared with those receiving MTX monotherapy. Compared with MTX monotherapy, higher proportions of patients receiving etanercept monotherapy and combination therapy reported improvements≥MCID in PtGA (etanercept vs MTX, p=0.005) and PtGAJP (MTX +etanercept vs MTX, p=0.038). Across PROs, proportions of patients reporting scores≥age and gender-matched normative values at week 24 ranged from 20.8% to 51.0% with MTX monotherapy, 30.9% to 48.8% with etanercept monotherapy, and 30.6% to 52.3% with MTX+ etanercept combination. Conclusions Patients receiving etanercept monotherapy or MTX+ etanercept reported greater improvements from baseline in several PROs compared with those receiving MTX monotherapy. PROs should be incorporated in discussions between patients and clinicians regarding their treatment choices as they can help determine which treatments are more beneficial in patients with PsA.
Estimation of Patient Eye-Lens Dose During Neuro-Interventional Procedures using a Dense Neural Network (DNN).

The patient’s eye-lens dose changes for each projection view during fluoroscopically-guided neuro-interventional procedures. Monte-Carlo (MC) simulation can be done to estimate lens dose but MC cannot be done in real-time to give feedback to the interventionalist. Deep learning (DL) models were investigated to estimate patient-lens dose for given exposure conditions to give real-time updates. MC simulations were done using a Zubal computational phantom to create a dataset of eye-lens dose values for training the DL models. Six geometric parameters (entrance-field size, LAO gantry angulation, patient x, y, z head position relative to the beam isocenter, and whether patient’s right or left eye) were varied for the simulations. The dose for each combination of parameters was expressed as lens dose per entrance air kerma (mGy/Gy). Geometric parameter combinations associated with high-dose values were sampled more finely to generate more high-dose values for training purposes. Additionally, dose at intermediate parameter values was calculated by MC in order to validate the interpolation capabilities of DL. Data was split into training, validation and testing sets. Stacked models and median algorithms were implemented to create more robust models. Model performance was evaluated using mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The goal for this DL model is that it be implemented into the Dose Tracking System (DTS) developed by our group. This would allow the DTS to infer the patient’s eye-lens dose for real-time feedback and eliminate the need for a large database of pre-calculated values with interpolation capabilities.
New onset ANCA-associated vasculitis in an adolescent during an acute COVID-19 infection: a case report.

Background SARS-CoV-2 has been found to be exquisitely adept at triggering autoimmunity and multiple new onset autoimmune diseases have been described as a post-infectious complication of COVID-19 infection in the adult population. Less has been described in the pediatric population, as infections are more likely to be asymptomatic and less severe. This case reports a previously healthy adolescent patient with new onset antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) diagnosed in the setting of acute COVID-19 infection. Case presentation A previously healthy adolescent male was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia after presenting with infectious symptoms of fever, cough, congestion, and shortness of breath. After worsening of disease, he was found to have pulmonary nodules, atypical for COVID-19. Further imaging and laboratory workup showed elevated inflammatory markers, negative infectious testing, and positive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) diagnostic for AAV. He was treated with pulse dose steroids followed by a prolonged taper and rituximab. Symptoms resolved and laboratory abnormalities improved over time. At six-month follow-up, lesions were much improved, laboratory markers were within normal limits, and patient remained asymptomatic off medications. Conclusions This case is one of the first in the pediatric population to describe new onset AAV presenting with an acute, symptomatic COVID-19 infection. There is increasing evidence for COVID-19 induced autoimmunity in the pediatric population and pediatric care providers should be on high alert for new onset autoimmune disease in children afflicted by COVID-19.
Insurance, Social Relations, Moral Community, and the Cost of Medical Care

In the analysis of any group or collective unit, sociologists examine the social relations and the rules or norms that regulate the behavior of individuals toward each other. In some groups individuals are dependent on each other in a number of ways, so that social relations are diffuse with obligations of members to each other extending over a range of areas, as in kinship relations. Individual allegiance to other members and to the group as a whole may be strong. Social allegiance and commitments may be reinforced by the norms of conduct, which stipulate that one’s behavior must follow rather narrow channels and be in conformity with the community morality. Such morality generally requires that members of the group come to the aid of others in time of need. The needs of others and of the group itself compete with the needs of the individual.
What Bayes has to Say about the Evidence Procedure

The “evidence” procedure for setting hyperparameters is essentially the same as the techniques of ML-II and generalized maximum likelihood. Unlike those older techniques however, the evidence procedure has been justified (and used) as an approximation to the hierarchical Bayesian calculation. We use several examples to explore the validity of this justification. Then we derive upper and (often large) lower bounds on the difference between the evidence procedure’s answer and the hierarchical Bayesian answer, for many different quantities. We prescribe a simple, easy to compute, test that can check the validity of the approximation after the fact. We also touch on subjects like the close relationship between the evidence procedure and maximum likelihood, and the self-consistency of deriving priors by “first-principles” arguments that don’t set the values of hyperparameters.
Fast object segmentation in textured backgrouds

In this paper, we deal with the problem of detecting and segmenting objects in textured darkfield digital imagery for automated visual inspection applications. The technique we will follow is based on a sequential application of local operators which serves the purpose of clustering the object and the background gray levels. This procedure can be considered as an extension of average-thresholding type techniques. This algorithm has fast implementations in general purpose image processing pipeline architectures and therefore, it is appealing to real-time computer vision applications. Computational examples showing the effectiveness of the segmentation technique will be discussed.
State-selected studies of the reaction of NH3+ (ν1, ν2) with D2

Abstract The title reaction has been studied in a guided ion beam instrument at hyperthermal energies, resulting in ion products NH 3 D + and NH 2 D + . Ammonia ions were prepared with differing amounts of excitation in the in-plane symmetric stretching ( ν 1 ) and the out-of-plane symmetric bending mode ( ν 2 ) using 2+1 resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization. Comparison of the reactivity of two nearly isoenergetic states ( ν 1 =0, ν 2 =5; internal energy, E int =0.60 eV and ν 1 =1, ν 2 =2; E int =0.63 eV) with differing concerted atom motions indicates that this reaction is not mode selective.
Male Sexual Dysfunction in Diabetes Mellitus

Male sexual dysfunction can be classified in the following categories: erectile dysfunction (ED); orgasmic and ejaculatory dysfunction; priapism; and decreased libido. Of these various dysfunctions, more patients with ED are likely to seek medical attention. ED, or impotence, is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual function1. In recent years, there has been an escalated awareness of ED, partly attributed to the advent of ViagraTM and its associated promotion. The impact of ED can be appreciated by the estimation that its prevalence in men 40 to 70 years old is 52%, based on the Massachusetts Male Aging Study.2 Based on these data and United States population projections for the year 2005 of more than 50 million men 40 to 70 years old, ED will affect more than 25 million men, and millions more over the age of 70. The projected worldwide prevalence of ED for year 2025 will be staggering at 322 million men. Certain patients are found to have a significantly higher prevalence of ED; for example, diabetic men command a more than threefold increase in risk of ED than their nondiabetic counterparts. Indeed, diabetes mellitus is the single most common cause of ED.2 More than 50% of diabetic patients are afflicted with some degree of ED, and approximately 50% of the patients evaluated at our Center for Male Sexual Dysfunction are diabetic.
Pan-Nematoda Transcriptomic Elucidation of Essential Intestinal Functions and Therapeutic Targets With Broad Potential

The nematode intestine is continuous with the outside environment, making it easily accessible to anthelmintics for parasite control, but the development of new therapeutics is impeded by limited knowledge of nematode intestinal cell biology. We established the most comprehensive nematode intestinal functional database to date by generating transcriptional data from the dissected intestines of three parasitic nematodes spanning the phylum, and integrating the results with the whole proteomes of 10 nematodes (including 9 pathogens of humans or animals) and 3 host species and 2 outgroup species. We resolved 10,772 predicted nematode intestinal protein families (IntFams), and studied their presence and absence within the different lineages (births and deaths) among nematodes. Conserved intestinal cell functions representing ancestral functions of evolutionary importance were delineated, and molecular features useful for selective therapeutic targeting were identified. Molecular patterns conserved among IntFam proteins demonstrated large potential as therapeutic targets to inhibit intestinal cell functions with broad applications towards treatment and control of parasitic nematodes.
Can Deserts Be Just in an Unjust World

The problems of “just deserts in an unjust world” received little attention before the widespread revival of support in the 1970s for retributivist theories of punishments. The problems are two: whether deep social disadvantage should be recognized as an excusing or mitigating defence in the criminal law, and whether it should be recognized as an appropriate basis for mitigating the severity of punishment. Most legal analysts oppose recognition of social disadvantage defences. Most retributivist philosophers recognize the difficulty of the problem but waffle about appropriate responses. The few who write about it oppose mitigation of sentences. Those views fail to acknowledge the existence of social science evidence on human development that makes clear that many offenders offend for reasons for which no plausible case can be made that they are morally responsible. Formal excusing and mitigating defences, and the appropriateness of deep disadvantage as a justification for mitigation of punishment, should be recognised.
A simple method of recording heart sounds and murmurs.

Abstract A new technique (frequency phonocardiography) is described for the graphic registration of heart sounds and murmurs. With use of a zero-crossing detector, an analog voltage is developed proportional to frequency. Advantages of the method include clarity of presentation, ease of measurement of time intervals and suitability for mechanical recorders.
Central Washington seismicity: Evidence for a reactivated buried continental rift and northwest-trending structural zones

Analysis of central Washington seismicity of the past two decades reveals some interesting features. Shallow seismicity and deep seismicity occur as different geographic distributions. Concentration of seismicity along north- to northwest-oriented trends appears to be related to a buried continental rift and possible associated fault zones. Hypothesized extensions of the Chiwaukum graben and Straight Creek fault systems are plausible structural controls on the seismicity.
Genome-Wide Profiling and Analysis of Arabidopsis siRNAs

Eukaryotes contain a diversified set of small RNA-guided pathways that control genes, repeated sequences, and viruses at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Genome-wide profiles and analyses of small RNAs, particularly the large class of 24-nucleotide (nt) short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), were done for wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana and silencing pathway mutants with defects in three RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDR) and four Dicer-like (DCL) genes. The profiling involved direct analysis using a multiplexed, parallel-sequencing strategy. Small RNA-generating loci, especially those producing predominantly 24-nt siRNAs, were found to be highly correlated with repetitive elements across the genome. These were found to be largely RDR2- and DCL3-dependent, although alternative DCL activities were detected on a widespread level in the absence of DCL3. In contrast, no evidence for RDR2-alternative activities was detected. Analysis of RDR2- and DCL3-dependent small RNA accumulation patterns in and around protein-coding genes revealed that upstream gene regulatory sequences systematically lack siRNA-generating activities. Further, expression profiling suggested that relatively few genes, proximal to abundant 24-nt siRNAs, are regulated directly by RDR2- and DCL3-dependent silencing. We conclude that the widespread accumulation patterns for RDR2- and DCL3-dependent siRNAs throughout the Arabidopsis genome largely reflect mechanisms to silence highly repeated sequences.
Relationship of anti-β2-microglobulin antibodies to T11 and T-cell activation in systemic Lupus erythematosus

Abstract Monoclonal anti-β2-microglobulin (β2m) inhibited in a specific, dose-dependent fashion both in vitro tetanus toxoid-induced human-T-cell proliferation and sheep erythrocyte (E)-rosette formation, a function of the 50 kDa T11 molecule. In these respects, anti-β2m exhibited effects similar to those of sera from patients with SLE. Although 10 of 16 SLE sera contained antibody to β2m in monoclonal rosette inhibition assays, the presence of antibody of this specificity contributed only partially to the capacity of SLE serum to inhibit E-rosette formation or the T-cell response to tetanus toxoid. Removal of anti-β2m from SLE serum by solid phase absorption with β2m-Sepharose 4B reduced inhibition of the tetanus toxoid response and E-rosette formation in certain cases, but to a lesser extent than that observed following absorption with T-cell blasts, which completely eliminated inhibitory activity. Neither SLE antilymphocyte antibodies (including anti-β2m) nor heterologous anti-β2m were directed to the E receptor binding site (T111 epitope), as indicated by failure to inhibit OKT11 monoclonal antibody rosette formation or to reduce the relative intensity of OKT11 immunofluorescent staining. These data suggest an interesting functional relationship between β2m, the E receptor, and T-cell activation. While anti-β2m antibodies in SLE exert some inhibitory effect on antigen-induced T-cell proliferation, other distinct autoantibody systems to T-cell activation antigens appear to play the predominant role in this regard.
Occult cervical spine fracture in a wilderness setting

Cervical spine fractures can be difficult to diagnose solely upon the patient's symptoms and physical exam. There have been several case reports of trauma patients without any of the signs or symptoms of cervical spine injury who were subsequently found on radiography to have fractures. This article presents a case report of an occult cervical spine fracture occurring in a wilderness setting and discusses the special considerations of managing wilderness trauma patients who may have an occult cervical spine injury.
An Addition Theorem on the Integers Modulo n

Abstract We show that, given positive integers n, d, and a1, …, a2 such that dβn and aiβn∀i, there exists a non-empty subset S of {1, …, d} such that dβΣi ∈ Sai and Σi ∈ Sai ≤ n. This resolves a conjecture of P. Erdos and P. Lemke.
Scientific Inquiry into Home Electronic Technology Usage

ABSTRACT This activity promotes ways to save electricity in the home. Students identify electronic devices in the home and examine wattage, hours of use per month, estimated wattage per month, kilowatt hours per month, average retail price per kilowatt hour in each state, and the estimated cost per month. Students gain an appreciation for how saving power saves money and betters the environment. This interdisciplinary activity promotes science, technology, mathematics, and English language arts.
Modifier QTL for fatty acid composition in soybean oil

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is the principal oilseed crop in the world. Soybean oil has various industrial and food applications. The quality of soybean oil is determined by its fatty acid composition. Palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic are the predominant fatty acids in soybean oil. The objective of this study was to determine the associations of simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers with minor differences in fatty acids in soybean oil thereby detecting modifier quantitative trait loci (QTL) which could further improve soybean oil quality. To achieve this objective, 101 F6-derived recombinant inbred lines (RIL) from a population whose parents did not contain major mutant fatty acid alleles were developed from a cross of N87-984-16 × TN93-99. Fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography. Heritability estimates on an entry mean basis for fatty acids ranged from 65.8 to 77.3% for palmitic and linoleic acids, respectively. Molecular marker Satt537 located on molecular linkage group (MLG) D1b was associated with palmitic acid and Satt168 and Satt249 located on MLG B2 and J, respectively were associated with stearic acid. Molecular markers Satt185 or Satt268 (which are within 0.6 cM of each other) located on MLG E were consistently associated with oleic and linoleic acid, and Satt263 and Satt235 located on MLG E and G, respectively were associated with linolenic acid. The lack of markers associated with multiple fatty acids suggests the possibility of independently changing fatty acid levels to achieve a desirable composition, except for regions common to all saturated fatty acids. Phenotypic variation explained by the fatty acids modifier QTL ranged from 10 to 22.5%. These modifier QTL may be useful in making minor improvements to further enhance the quality of soybean oil.
Long-term retention of endoscopically placed hydrogel prostheses at the lower esophageal sphincter in pigs.

Background: Using flexible endoscopic methods, hydrogel prostheses can be safely placed, retained for long periods of time, and removed from the esophageal submucosa of pigs. This new technique may have future applications in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease in selected situations. Methods: In a controlled, prospective trial, farm pigs (n = 28) or Sinclair mini-swine (n = 18) underwent sequential placements of 2–13 pliable, radio-opaque hydrogel prostheses into the submucosa of the esophagus during a single endoscopy session. A novel endoscope-overtube device was used. Followup endoscopy and/or fluoroscopy sessions were video-recorded at 6-week, 12-week, 6-month, and yearly intervals. The endoscopic removal of hydrogels was tested in vivo. Necropsy specimens were inspected for signs of chronic inflammation. Results: Overall, 98% of delivery attempts were successful (288/293). Only three hydrogels were lost after 6 weeks. Short-term animals (n = 36) retained 88% of hydrogels for periods up to 6 months. Intact hydrogels (n = 12) were easily removed from four animals at endoscopy. Long-term subjects had two or three hydrogels per animal, using either a beveled-needle device (six pigs) or a trocar design (four pigs). Trocar design: nine of nine prostheses retained at 3 years (100%). Needle design: nine of 10 prostheses retained at 3 years (90%). No significant adverse event occurred. Growth curves were similar between groups. All hydrogels remained pliable to gross inspection upon in vivo removal or necropsy. Pathology showed minimal fibrosis and no chronic inflammation. Conclusions: A novel endoscopic overtube device allows for the successful delivery of multiple hydrogel prostheses with acceptable safety and long term retention rates. These hydrogel prostheses can also be easily removed from the submucosal space of the esophagus.
Shockingly: the loss of Lyn leads to leakiness

In this issue of Blood , Han et al demonstrate that endotoxin-induced mortality in a murine model of acute lung injury (ALI) was associated with increased vascular permeability attributable to loss of the Src family kinase (SFK) Lyn.[1][1] ![Figure][2] Endothelial cells form a barrier, the