cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ring-Sheared Drop (RSD): Microgravity Module for Containerless Flow Studies

Microgravity is potentially a powerful tool for investigating processes that are sensitive to the presence of solid walls, since fluid containment can be achieved by surface tension. One such process is the transformation of protein in solution into amyloid fibrils; these are protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. In addition to solid walls, experiments with gravity are also subject to influences from sedimentation of aggregates and buoyancy-driven convection. The ring-sheared drop (RSD) module is a flow apparatus currently under development to study formation of amyloid fibrils aboard the International Space Station (ISS). A 25 mm diameter drop of protein solution will be contained by surface tension and constrained by a pair of sharp-edged tubes, forming two contact rings. Shear can be imparted by rotating one ring with the other ring kept stationary. Here we report on parabolic flights conducted to test the growth and pinning of 10 mm diameter drops of water in under 10 s of microgravity. Finite element method (FEM) based fluid dynamics computations using a commercial package (COMSOL) assisted in the design of the parabolic flight experiments. Prior to the parabolic flights, the code was validated against experiments in the lab (1 g), on the growth of sessile and pendant droplets. The simulations show good agreement with the experiments. This modeling capability will enable the development of the RSD at the 25 mm scale for the ISS.
A twenty-first century demographic challenge: Comparatively low life expectancy in the United States

The United States is currently characterized by a lower fertility rate and higher life expectancy than most countries around the world. However, overall U.S. life expectancy lags behind that of most low fertility (and high-income) countries. We review trends in U.S. life expectancy, as well as the most prominent causes of death and behavioral factors that contribute to the relatively higher mortality in the United States. Compared to other low fertility, highincome countries, U.S. males and females exhibit the highest age-specific mortality in early life, but average or better age-specific mortality at older ages. High mortality in the United States due to behavioral-related causes—cigarette smoking, obesity, alcohol and drug abuse, risky driving, use of firearms—is in part responsible for the lags in U.S. life expectancy compared to other low fertility, high-income countries. It will take very substantial reductions in U.S. age-specific mortality in the next few decades to achieve the levels of life expectancy already experienced by the vanguard countries of the world. Nevertheless, some trends in the United States appear favorable, and we are guardedly optimistic that the United States will continue to experience gains in U.S. life expectancy over the next few decades.
The Architecture of Creative Learning Environments

Learning environments are highly influential on creative processes, and many educational psychologists have suggested that environments have the power to make or break the creative potential of students. A learning environment designed to support creativity offers opportunities for divergent thinking and innovative solutions, with an overall atmosphere that fosters communication, collaboration, and risk-taking. The SCALE (Support for Creativity in a Learning Environment) is an evaluation instrument designed to evaluate the creative potential of learning environments. SCALE was created based on an extensive literature review, classroom observations, and administrator/educator/researcher collaborative design and consists of 14 items in three categories that were identified as foundational to supporting student creativity: Learner Engagement, Physical Environment, and Learning Climate. We hope that SCALE and other such instruments can allow for the identification and development of environments more suited for creativity.
Abstract WP184: Differential Risk of Embolic Stroke Among Stroke Free Community Dwellers With Distinct Categories of Subcortical Infarct

Introduction: Cortically-based subclinical infarcts are considered risks for embolic stroke, but few studies have stratified subcortical SBI by penetrating versus medullary artery location. We hypothesized that subclinical medullary infarcts are due to small emboli and are predictors of embolic stroke. Methods: Stroke-free participants in the Northern Manhattan Study underwent a brain MRI to assess for subclinical biomarkers of vascular disease. Subcortical brain infarcts were defined voids >3mm on axial T1 and FLAIR images, with perilesional FLAIR hyperintensities referred to as pathology-informed subclinical brain infarcts (PI-SBI). Each subcortical PI-SBI was rated as penetrating or medullary by two vascular neurologists blinded to stroke subtypes. Participants were followed prospectively for incident stroke. Two vascular neurologists ascertained ischemic stroke subtypes independent of brain MRI imaging at baseline. Embolic stroke required a cardiac source or based on a superficial location. Cox proportional risk models generated hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (HR, 95% CI) adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity and traditional vascular risk. Results: The sample included 1290 NOMAS participants (mean age 71±9 years, 60% women, 66% Hispanic, 75% with hypertension) who were followed on average 9±3 years. At baseline, 19% of participants had PI-SBI (11% medullary artery, 7% penetrating artery and 3% cortical). During follow up, 80 participants (6.2%) had stroke (3.6% embolic, 2.4% due to intracranial artery disease (i.e. small and large), and 0.2% other subtypes). In a fully adjusted model, medullary artery (2.04, 1.00-4.14) and not penetrating artery PI-SBI (1.64, 0.99-2.70) predicted risk of embolic stroke. Distal field PI-SBI (i.e. cortical + medullary artery) were even more robust predictors of embolic stroke (2.17, 1.11-4.25). Penetrating artery (1.98, 1.09-3.61) and not medullary artery PI-SBI (HR 1.03, 0.34-3.06) predicted risk of intracranial artery stroke. Conclusions: Subtyping PI-SBI by location and plausible mechanisms may help with risk stratification for clinical trials testing stroke prevention strategies. Our data suggest not all subcortical infarcts are due to small vessel disease.
South Africa: Apartheid and Post-Apartheid

Clark offers a comprehensive overview of the development of apartheid in South Africa and its consequences to the present. Focusing on the incremental elaboration of racial segregation in South Africa, she demonstrates the continuing impact of the past on post-apartheid South Africa. The chapter draws attention to the crucial role played by Africans outside of the political process in bringing about the end of apartheid through protests, boycotts, and strikes. Clark also discusses continuing problems in the post-apartheid period leading to the growing disenchantment with the ANC Government under Jacob Zuma. The chapter brings to light the research of authors working in the post-apartheid period with information that was previously suppressed. Using these sources, Clark provides a broad picture of how apartheid worked, how it was defeated, and the current problems facing South Africa.
Philosophical Risk in the Forensic Art

(1972). Philosophical Risk in the Forensic Art. The Journal of the American Forensic Association: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 266-273.
Exploring the Effects of Nanoparticle Incorporation on the Mechanical Properties of Hydrogels

Recent studies have expanded our understanding of the effects of nanoparticles on hydrogel mechanical properties. However, further studies are needed to validate the generality of these findings, as well as to determine the exact mechanisms behind the enhancements afforded by the incorporation of nanoparticles. In this study, we performed rotational rheological characterizations of chemically crosslinked poly(acrylamide) hydrogels incorporating silica nanoparticles to better understand the role of nanoparticles on the enhanced properties of hydrogel nanocomposites. Our results indicate that incorporating nanoparticles can lead to enhancements in hydrogel elastic moduli greater than the maxima obtainable through purely chemical crosslinking. Moreover, we find that the increases in elastic moduli due to the addition of nanoparticles not only depend on particle concentration, but also on the monomer and chemical crosslinker concentration. Finally, our data indicates a strong role for pseudo-crosslinking mediated by noncovalent interactions between the nanoparticles and hydrogel polymers on the observed reinforcements. Collectively, our results shed further insight into the role of nanoparticles on enhancements of mechanical properties of hydrogels and may thereby facilitate engineering specific mechanical properties in a wide range of hydrogel nanocomposite systems.
Family Functioning in the Low-income Black Community:

Social workers should build service programs and create intervention strategies based on the resourcefulness and strengths of black communities and black families
Capturing acute stress disorder in the trauma population

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is classified as a psychiatric diagnosis that was first introduced to the DSM-IV in 1994. It was introduced to describe acute stress reactions that precede Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). ASD usually occurs within the first month after the occurrence of a traumatic event. Early recognition of ASD is crucial from both an early treatment standpoint and avoidance of progressing to PTSD, especially in the trauma population, as late recognition can lead to long-term mental and physical suffering. At this time, there is no protocol for screening of ASD upon admission to a Level I trauma center in the Southeast in the Unites States. Hence, not all trauma patients are assessed for ASD. Often, acute stress is recognized several days after admission, with late referrals to the psychiatric team for psychological evaluation and treatment. This late psychiatric referral often leads to the patient’s inability to participate in physical rehabilitation due to stress and anxiety, thus increasing hospital stay and use of resources. Thus, collaborating between the primary medical team and psychiatry team is essential and facilitates the recovery process for potential acute or long-term psychiatric disorders. To determine if ASD was recognized in the trauma population at a large Level I Trauma Center in the Southeast, and if referrals to psychiatry were initiated in a timely manner, this quality improvement study was developed. The data from this study served to correlate the percentage of patients who screened positive for ASD on admission to a sub-acute trauma floor. A standardized tool called The Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire (SASRQ) was used to determine the frequency of ASD in this trauma population. We also ascertained if the trauma nurse practitioners (NPs) had requested a psychiatric referral without the use of the SASRQ tool. Findings included 18 of the 50 trauma patients who had screened positive for ASD (36%). It was found that of those 18 patients who screened positive for ASD, 2 patients received a psychiatric consultation for evaluation and treatment. These findings suggest a needed focus of capturing ASD early in the admission process, using a validated screening tool, along with early psychological intervention to aid in prevention of PTSD post-discharge.
The Cytoskeleton and the Cytoplasmic Matrix

Extraction of cells with nonionic detergents not only solubilizes cellular membranes, but also liberates approximately two thirds of the cell’s proteins. Many of these proteins are localized in the cytoplasmic compartment, together with the filaments and microtubules that comprise the cytoskeleton. This simple observation is a useful reminder that the cytoskeleton is but one component of a much more complex compartment known as the cytoplasmic matrix. This section will examine briefly some structural and biochemical aspects of the interrelationship of cytoskeletal and cytomatrical constituents—bearing in mind, however, that the distinction between “skeleton” and “matrix” is ill-defined and largely operational. Based on these considerations an attempt will be made to develop an integrative view of cytoplasmic organization.
Thermal Peptides as the Initial Genetic System

The Thermal Protein-First Paradigm describes activities of protocells and metaprotocells within the Domain Protolife. The biological information that enabled protolife activities was derived by thermal proteins through self-ordering of amino acids during the polymer syntheses: generally by melting amino acids (including aspartic acid, glutamic acid, or both) in a copolymerization reaction. The transfer of information in this activity resulted in the first genetic system when thermal proteins in contact with water self-organized to form protocells, the smallest units of protolife. Polypeptide and polynucleotide syntheses have been demonstrated to occur within photophosphorylating protocells. We infer: coevolution of these products within protocells ultimately yielded informed DNA; and, DNA storage, transfer, and gene expression mechanisms (i.e., Central Dogma for contemporary molecular biology) evolved from DNA that had little biological information. The protocells exhibited traits of the last common ancestor(s) of prokaryotic cells. Without mRNAs to regenerate them in ribosomal protein synthesis, thermal proteins were replaced as information molecules, enzymes, and structural units.
Trends in Local Production of Medicines and Related Technology Transfer

This report identifies and analyses trends in the local production of medicines in developing countries and related technology transfer. The objective is to assist the World Health Organization (WHO) in its support for Member States in implementing the global strategy and plan of action on public health innovation and intellectual property with particular reference to the promotion of capacity-building for local production in developing countries. The methodology of research included interviews with a range of stakeholders, including industry actors, operators of product development partnerships (PDPs), government officials and members of public health advocacy groups; review of literature and Internet resources; and participation in meetings with stakeholder groups in Africa, Asia and Latin America.This report makes a number of recommendations. These are focused mainly on the role that WHO, working in partnership with others, can take with respect to transfer of technology and local production of medicines in developing countries.
Corticotrophic cells in the rostral zone of the pars intermedia and in the adjacent neurohypophysis of the rat and mouse. An electron microscopic study.

In the mouse, the rostral zone of the pars intermedia is almost exclusively composed of typical corticotrophic cells. They are located around and even within the neural stalk, at the level of transition between stalk and neural lobe. In the rat, the corticotrophic cells of the rostral zone are found in scattered islets among the MSH producing cells, and also in the neural lobe. In both the rat and mouse, these cells are in direct contact with various types of nerve terminals. Synaptoid contacts with aminergic and neurosecretory nerve fibers are observed. Furthermore they are also closely related to the hypophysial portal vessels. Following adrenalectomy, the cells located in the neurohypophysis always react more intensely than tose in the rostral zone. The functional significance of these corticotrophic cells which are subject to both humoral and neural regulation remains as yet hypothetical. Their participation in neurogenic stress response seems probable.
Tracking the weight of Hurricane Harvey’s stormwater using GPS data

On 26 August 2017, Hurricane Harvey struck the Gulf Coast as a category four cyclone depositing ~95 km 3 of water, making it the wettest cyclone in U.S. history. Water left in Harvey’s wake should cause elastic loading and subsidence of Earth’s crust, and uplift as it drains into the ocean and evaporates. To track daily changes of transient water storage, we use Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements, finding a clear migration of subsidence (up to 21 mm) and horizontal motion (up to 4 mm) across the Gulf Coast, followed by gradual uplift over a 5-week period. Inversion of these data shows that a third of Harvey’s total stormwater was captured on land (25.7 ± 3.0 km 3 ), indicating that the rest drained rapidly into the ocean at a rate of 8.2 km 3 /day, with the remaining stored water gradually lost over the following 5 weeks at ~1 km 3 /day, primarily by evapotranspiration. These results indicate that GPS networks can remotely track the spatial extent and daily evolution of terrestrial water storage following transient, extreme precipitation events, with implications for improving operational flood forecasts and understanding the response of drainage systems to large influxes of water.
Deactivating cochlear implant electrodes to improve speech perception: A computational approach.

Abstract A potential bottleneck to improving speech perception performance in cochlear implant (CI) users is that some of their electrodes may poorly encode speech information. Several studies have examined the effect of deactivating poorly encoding electrodes on speech perception with mixed results. Many of these studies focused on identifying poorly encoding electrodes by some measure (e.g. electrode discrimination, pitch ordering, threshold, CT-guided, masked modulation detection), but provide inconsistent criteria about which electrodes, and how many, should be deactivated, and without considering how speech information becomes distributed across the electrode array. The present simulation study addresses this issue using computational approaches. Previously validated models were used to generate predictions of speech scores as a function of all possible combinations of active electrodes in a 22-electrode array in three groups of hypothetical subjects representative of relatively better, moderate, and poorer performing CI users. Using high-performance computing, over 500 million predictions were generated. Although deactivation of the poorest encoding electrodes sometimes resulted in predicted benefit, this benefit was significantly less relative to predictions resulting from model-optimized deactivations. This trend persisted when using novel stimuli (i.e. other than those used for optimization) and when using different processing strategies. Optimum electrode deactivation patterns produced an average predicted increase in word scores of 10% with some scores increasing by more than 20%. Optimum electrode deactivation patterns typically included 11 to 19 (out of 22) active electrodes, depending on the performance group. Optimal active electrode combinations were those that maximized discrimination of speech cues, maintaining 80%–100% of the physical span of the array. The present study demonstrates the potential for further improving CI users’ speech scores with appropriate selection of active electrodes.
Oral contraceptive use is associated with greater mood stability and higher relationship satisfaction

Abstract Background Oral contraceptives (OCs) are one of the most commonly prescribed medications among women. OCs have been used to ameliorate hormone-related affective symptoms (e.g., mood lability). Previous data suggest that mood stability may have downstream effects for broader life outcomes, such as relationship satisfaction, which is also correlated with OC use. However, to date, no studies have examined the role of mood lability within the OC-relationship satisfaction association. Method We used indirect effects structural equation modeling to examine the extent to which OC use was associated with relationship satisfaction (direct effect) and the degree to which this association was mediated by mood lability (indirect effect) in women (N = 282) aged 18–32. Results OC users reported significantly higher relationship satisfaction (Cohen’s d = .31) and less frequent occurrences of mood lability (d = .41) compared to non-users. Indirect effects suggested that mood lability accounted for nearly half of the variance in the OC-relationship satisfaction relationship. Conclusions Findings support an emerging literature suggesting that, in addition to contraception, OC use may subsequently positively impact various domains of wellbeing for women and their families. Results support public policy efforts aimed at providing broad, affordable access to contraceptives, including for non-contraceptive benefits, and discussing OCs as a potential treatment with all women, including those not at imminent risk for pregnancy. Given their widespread use, availability, and low side effects profile, it is imperative that future research further elucidate non-contraceptive benefits associated with OC use.
Eligibility and Speech Sound Disorders: Assessment of Social Impact

Purpose The purpose of this article is to discuss the social impact of speech sound disorders for children, specifically in the public school system, and to examine different methods of social impa...
Deadline and Buffer Constrained Knapsack Problem

In this paper, we formulate a problem that is a variant of the knapsack problem. Even though the problem is NP-hard in general, we consider a special case of the problem where the problem is in P. For this special case, the proposed algorithm is linear time complexity in the number of bins. The proposed framework is a generalization of the framework that has been used recently in the context of finding rate adaptation algorithms for video streaming.
Impacts of weather, work rate, hydration, and clothing in heat-related illness in California farmworkers.

Background The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of work rate, hydration status, and clothing on core body temperature (CBT) on California farmworkers. Methods Two hundred and eighty-seven farmworkers were recruited in Summer 2015, with 259 participants having sufficient data for analysis. We collected CBT, ambient temperature, work rate, body weight loss, and clothing worn by each participant throughout the work day and demographic data from a questionnaire. Results Multiple regression with CBT as the outcome was used to determine the adjusted associations between CBT, environmental heat load, and worker characteristics. The multivariate regression model showed statistically significant associations of CBT with work rate (β = .006, 95% CI [0.004, 0.009]) and wet-bulb globe temperature (β = .03, 95% CI [0.017, 0.05]). Conclusion Results suggest that among our population workload is the primary modifiable risk factor for heat-related illness. As expected, the ambient temperature was also associated with higher risk.
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers Effect on Serum Uric Acid—A Class Effect?

Purpose:To provide a comprehensive review to determine whether there is a class effect among angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in relation to serum uric acid.Summary:A literature search was cond...
Electrochemical Production of Si without Generation of CO2 Based on the Use of a Dimensionally Stable Anode in Molten CaCl2.

The current Si production process is based on the high-temperature (1700 °C) reduction of SiO2 with carbon that produces large amounts of CO2 . We report an alternative low-temperature (850 °C) process based on the reduction of SiO2 in molten CaCl2 that does not produce CO2 . It utilizes an anode material (Ti4 O7 ) capable of sustained oxygen evolution. Two types of this anode material, dense Ti4 O7 and porous Ti4 O7 , were tested. The dense anode showed a better performance. The anode stability is attributed to the formation of a protective TiO2 layer on its surface. In situ periodic current reversal and ex situ H2 reduction could be used for extending the lifetime of the anodes. The findings show that this material can be applied as a recyclable anode in molten CaCl2 . Si wires, films, and particles were deposited with this anode under different cathodic current densities. The prepared Si film exhibited ≈30-40 % of the photocurrent response of a commercial p-type Si wafer, indicating potential use in photovoltaic cells.
Self-associating cellulose-graft-poly(ε-caprolactone) to design nanoparticles for drug release

Abstract The growing interest in the use of polysaccharides nanoparticles for biomedical applications is related to the recent progresses on the synthesis of cellulose-based polymers with the specific functionalities. In particular, cellulose graft copolymers are emerging as amphiphilic materials suitable to fabricate smart nanoparticles for drug delivery applications. In this work, a cellulose-graft-poly(e-caprolactone) (cell-g-PCL) was synthetized and characterized by FTIR, TGA and DSC in order to validate the synthesis process. We demonstrated that fast evaporation processes promoted cell-g-PCL self-assembly to form nanomicellar structures with hydrodynamic radius ranged from 30 to 60 nm as confirmed by TEM analysis. Moreover, the application of controlled electrostatic forces on solvent evaporation – namely electrospraying - allowed generating round-like nanoscaled particles, as confirmed by SEM supported via image analysis. We demonstrated also that sodium diclofenac (DS) drastically influenced the mechanism of particle formation, favoring the deposition of erythrocyte-like particles with highly concave surfaces, not penalizing the encapsulation efficiency of nanoparticles (>80%). The release profile showed a fast delivery of DS - about 60% during the first 24 h - followed by a sustained release - about 20% during the next 6 days – strictly related to the peculiar weak interactions among amphiphilic polymer segments and water molecules, thus suggesting a successful use of electrosprayed cell-g-PCL nanoparticles for therapeutic treatments in nanomedicine.
Characterization of Membrane Transporters by Heterologous Expression in E. coli and Production of Membrane Vesicles

Several methods have been developed to functionally characterize novel membrane transporters. Polyamines are ubiquitous in all organisms, but polyamine exchangers in plants have not been identified. Here, we outline a method to characterize polyamine antiporters using membrane vesicles generated from the lysis of Escherichia coli cells heterologously expressing a plant antiporter. First, we heterologously expressed AtBAT1 in an E. coli strain deficient in polyamine and arginine exchange transporters. Vesicles were produced using a French press, purified by ultracentrifugation and utilized in a membrane filtration assay of labeled substrates to demonstrate the substrate specificity of the transporter. These assays demonstrated that AtBAT1 is a proton-mediated transporter of arginine, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), putrescine and spermidine. The mutant strain that was developed for the assay of AtBAT1 may be useful for the functional analysis of other families of plant and animal polyamine exchangers. We also hypothesize that this approach can be used to characterize many other types of antiporters, as long as these proteins can be expressed in the bacterial cell membrane. E. coli is a good system for the characterization of novel transporters, since there are multiple methods that can be employed to mutagenize native transporters.
Discriminating the Role of Surface Hydride and Hydroxyl for Acetylene Semihydrogenation over Ceria through In Situ Neutron and Infrared Spectroscopy

Ceria has been used as a hydrogenation catalyst especially in selective alkyne hydrogenation, but the reaction mechanism regarding the role of different surface hydrogen species remains unclear. In...
Nutritional problems in childhood and adolescence: A narrative review of identified disparities

To inform programmes and policies that promote health equity, it is essential to monitor the distribution of nutritional problems among young individuals. Common nutritional problems include overall low diet quality, the underconsumption and overconsumption of certain dietary components, unhealthy meal and snack patterns, problematic feeding practices and disordered eating. The objective of the present narrative review was to summarise recent evidence of disparities among US children (2-19 years) according to age, sex, socio-economic status, ethnicity/race and rural-urban location. Searches in PubMed® and MEDLINE® were completed to identify peer-reviewed research studies published between January 2009 and January 2019. Findings from the ninety-nine reviewed studies indicate adolescent females, young individuals from lower socio-economic households and individuals who identify as non-Hispanic Black race are particularly vulnerable populations for whom targeted strategies should be developed to address evidence of increased risk with regards to multiple aspects of nutritional wellbeing. Limitations of the existing evidence relate to the accuracy of self-reported dietary data; the need for consistent definitions of disordered eating; the focus on individual dietary components v. patterns; the complexities of categorising socio-economic status, ethnicity/race, and rural and urban areas; and the cross-sectional, observational nature of most research designs. There is an urgent need for research to address these limitations and fill a large gap in evidence on rural-urban differences in nutritional problems. It will further be important for future studies to build greater understanding of how nutritional problems cluster among population groups.
Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass for Lung Transplantation.

Abstract Background Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is often used to support patients undergoing lung transplantation who are intolerant of anatomic manipulation or single lung ventilation during the procedure. However, CPB may be associated with adverse outcomes. We evaluated the hypothesis that CPB is associated with increased acute kidney injury (AKI) and postoperative mortality after lung transplantation. Materials and methods This was a retrospective review of our institutional lung transplant database at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center from 2012 to 2018. Patients were grouped based on their need for CPB. The primary outcome was AKI within 48 h of transplantation, which was defined as Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes stage 1 or greater. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality. Results A total of 426 patients underwent lung transplantation with 39.0% (n = 166) requiring CPB. There were no differences in demographics and comorbidities, including baseline renal function, between CPB and no CPB. CPB use was higher in recipients with interstitial lung diseases and primary pulmonary hypertension. Median lung allocation score was higher in those needing CPB (47 [interquartile range, 40-59] versus 39 [interquartile range, 35-47]). Patients requiring CPB were significantly more likely to experience AKI (61.44% versus 36.5.3%, P Conclusions CPB for lung transplantation is associated with a higher incidence of AKI, renal failure requiring hemodialysis, and 30-d mortality. CPB should be used selectively for lung transplantation.
Immigrant Evangelicalism in the COVID-19 Crisis: Reactions and Responses from Brazilian Evangelical Churches in Florida

This article seeks to analyze the reactions and responses of three churches of the Brazilian diaspora in Florida, United States, to the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on sermons posted on YouTube and Facebook in March, April, and May, we argue that Brazilian immigrant churches in Florida reacted to the pandemic in civil, theological, practical ways. We begin by providing a general introduction to evangelicalism in the United States and its influence in Brazilian evangelical life to give a historically sound background to the study. We also present the story of Brazilian migration to the United States. Then, we analyze the content posted in social media by pastors and churches of the Brazilian diaspora in the United States and other church leaders to ascertain their position regarding the responses to the COVID-19 crisis. Results show the churches responded to the pandemic in three primary ways: they adhered to authorities’ guidelines, provided sermons with apocalyptic undertones, and organized food pantries and donations for members in need.
Incidence, predictors, and timing of post-operative stroke following elective total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty.

Background Postoperative stroke is a rare but potentially devastating complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of the current study was to determine the incidence, independent risk factors, and timing of stroke following THA and TKA utilizing the National Surgical Quality Improvement (NSQIP) database. Methods Patients who underwent elective primary THA and TKA were identified in the 2005–2016 NSQIP database. Thirty-day postoperative strokes were identified, timing was characterized, and an incidence curve was created. Multivariate analyses determined the independent predictors of these strokes. Results Of 333,117 patients identified, 286 (0.09%) experienced a stroke. Given that THA vs TKA was not a univariate predictor of stroke, the two procedures were considered together. The majority (65%) of strokes occurred before discharge. Of the strokes observed, 25% occurred by postoperative day one, 50% by postoperative day two, and 75% by postoperative day nine. Independent risk factors for postoperative stroke were: age (60–69 years old odds ratio [OR] = 4.2; 70–79 years old OR = 8.1; ≤80 years old OR = 16.1), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (ASA≥3 OR = 1.7), and smoking [OR = 1.6). Conclusion The incidence of stroke after THA/TKA was low at 0.09%, with the majority occurring prior to discharge and half occurring by postoperative day two. Patients who were older, sicker, or who were smokers were at greater risk of postoperative stroke. These findings can be used to council patients and to optimize patient care. Level of evidence Level III, Retrospective comparative study.
Pediatric Airway Assessment Tool (PAAT): A Rating Tool to Assess Resident Proficiency in Simulated Pediatric Airway Skills Performance.

Introduction The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has identified the need for assessment of core skills for pediatric and emergency medicine residents, which includes pediatric ...
Familial Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

To examine the evidence for Familial Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma and putative causative genes. Recent large population studies continue to provide evidence for Familial Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma. Also, based on sequencing of two multigenerational families with Barrett’s esophagus and/or esophageal adenocarcinoma, two new possible causative gene variants have been identified including VSIG10L and MSX1. Familial Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma is increasingly becoming more recognized. Current guidelines also now incorporate family history as a risk factor for Barrett’s esophagus. Recent studies include DNA sequencing of multigenerational families in addition to previously performed GWAS studies. Several new gene variants now have been identified; however, phenotypic and mechanistic studies need to be performed to demonstrate their association with Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory immune markers in solid tumors with MET alterations.

The implication of MET alterations in solid tumors and the immune microenvironment remains elusive. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples of 21 patients with solid tumors harboring MET alterati...
Evaluating the thermal efficiency of microencapsulated phase change materials for thermal energy storage in cementitious composites

Abstract Microencapsulated phase change materials (MCPM) have been shown to be a promising material that can be used in cementitious composites for thermal energy storage. This paper evaluates the thermal efficiency of MPCM incorporated in the cementitious composite and quantitatively identifies the influential mechanical and chemical damages that can lead to reductions in thermal efficiency of MPCM with melamine formaldehyde based shell. Longitudinal Guarded Comparative Calorimetry (LGCC) and Low Temperature Differential Scanning Calorimetry (LT-DSC) were used to quantitatively evaluate the thermal response of cementitious composite containing MPCM, in relatively large (10−2 m) and small (10−3 m) scale samples, respectively. The results indicated an average reduction of ~32%–34% in the effective thermal efficiency (i.e., the average ratio of measured over expected heat release/absorption) of cementitious composite containing MPCM due to mechanical as well as chemical damages to MPCM. Mixing speeds of various rate was also studied and it was found that sample preparation at slow mixing speed (i.e., 55 rpm) could cause minimal damage to the MPCM (i.e., ~5.5 %-7.5% reduction in thermal efficiency), while using fast mixing speed (i.e., 165 rpm) can reduce the thermal efficiency of MPCM by up to 50%. Exposure of plain MPCM to separate constitutes of synthesized pore solution indicated that the main cause of MPCM thermal efficiency reduction is its chemical reaction with the pore solution of the cementitious composite. It was found that the main constitute of pore solution that could chemically interacts with MPCM was SO42-. Finally, it was observed that the incorporation of MPCM in the cementitious composite can reduce the compressive strength of mortars due to the soft nature of MPCM. To increase the thermal efficiency of MPCM, this work recommends potential solutions such as using a cement with low sulfate content or development of a shell material for MPCM which is unreactive when exposed to pore solution.
Criminalizing Substance Abuse and Undermining Roe v. Wade: The Tension Between Abortion Doctrine and the Criminalization of Prenatal Substance Abuse

This Article argues that prosecuting a woman carrying a fetus that has not reached viability for prenatal substance abuse infringes on that woman???s constitutional right to have an abortion. Although other scholars have criticized prenatal substance abuse prosecutions based on various constitutional and public policy arguments, the tension between prenatal substance abuse prosecutions and the Supreme Court???s abortion doctrine has not been adequately examined. I argue that prosecuting women for the crime of prenatal substance abuse punishes women for not exercising their right to an abortion and could even incentivize some women to obtain abortions in order to avoid criminal prosecution. I also examine the science underlying abortion doctrine, fetal health, and substance abuse which reveals that (1) the right to abort the fetus is the most unfettered when the possibility of harm to the fetus is also the greatest, which is during the first trimester and (2) although the fetus is vulnerable to harm from both illegal and legal substances, especially during the first trimester, a causative link between prenatal substance abuse and fetal or infant harm is often difficult to establish.
L-type calcium channel blocker use and proteinuria among children with chronic kidney diseases

Hypertension is common among children with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (dhCCBs) are frequently used as treatment. The impact of dhCCBs on proteinuria in children with CKD is unclear. Data from 722 participants in the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) longitudinal cohort with a median age of 12 years were used to assess the association between dhCCBs and log transformed urine protein/creatinine levels as well as blood pressure control measured at annual visits. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) use was evaluated as an effect measure modifier. Individuals using dhCCBs had 18.8% higher urine protein/creatinine levels compared to those with no history of dhCCB or ACEi and ARB use. Among individuals using ACEi and ARB therapy concomitantly, dhCCB use was not associated with an increase in proteinuria. Those using dhCCBs had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Use of dhCCBs in children with CKD and hypertension is associated with higher levels of proteinuria and was not found to be associated with improved blood pressure control.
Structured Word Inquiry: A Critical Literacy Framework for Educators

In this essay, we reinterpret critical literacy through our engagement with structured word inquiry (SWI). By reflecting upon our experiences within a literacy practicum for educators earning their reading specialist certification, we demonstrate how SWI can provide students and educators with opportunities to transcend the limitations of a scope and sequence curriculum as they engage in collaborative inquiry and scientific investigation into language. Ultimately, we develop a critical SWI framework that can move students beyond basic literacy to critical literacy in two keys ways: (1) by disrupting the traditional student-educator power dynamics, thereby encouraging students to claim a central role in leading literacy instruction, and (2) by offering a lens through which students can interrogate aspects of the English language that have become invisible or unquestioned through dominant literacy instruction. Our aim is to offer a theoretical framework that can guide educators in their own design and revision of literacy curricula and instruction while developing their knowledge about written English.
Distributional Effects of Reducing the Social Security Benefit Formula

A person’s Social Security benefit, or primary insurance amount (PIA), is 90 percent of the lowest portion of lifetime earnings, plus 32 percent of the middle portion of lifetime earnings, plus 15 percent of the highest portion of lifetime earnings. This policy brief analyzes the distributional effects of three options (the three-point, five-point and upper) discussed by the Social Security Advisory Board to reduce the PIA. The first option would reduce the PIA by 3 percentage points; the second would reduce it by 5 percentage points; and the third would reduce the 32 and 15 percentages of the PIA to 21 and 10 percent, respectively. The third option would exempt about one quarter of the lowest earning beneficiaries, while reducing benefits by a median average of 19 percent in 2070. None would eliminate Social Security’s long-term fiscal imbalance, although the third option would eliminate more (76 percent) of the deficit than the three-point (18 percent) and five-point (31 percent) options.
Evaluating molecular cobalt complexes for the conversion of N2 to NH3.

Well-defined molecular catalysts for the reduction of N2 to NH3 with protons and electrons remain very rare despite decades of interest and are currently limited to systems featuring molybdenum or iron. This report details the synthesis of a molecular cobalt complex that generates superstoichiometric yields of NH3 (>200% NH3 per Co–N2 precursor) via the direct reduction of N2 with protons and electrons. While the NH3 yields reported herein are modest by comparison to those of previously described iron and molybdenum systems, they intimate that other metals are likely to be viable as molecular N2 reduction catalysts. Additionally, a comparison of the featured tris(phosphine)borane Co–N2 complex with structurally related Co–N2 and Fe–N2 species shows how remarkably sensitive the N2 reduction performance of potential precatalysts is. These studies enable consideration of the structural and electronic effects that are likely relevant to N2 conversion activity, including the π basicity, charge state, and geome...
Dependence of Vegetative Recombination Among Haemophilus influenzae Bacteriophage on the Host Cell

Abstract Vegetative recombination of temperature-sensitive mutants of Haemophilus influenzae phage HP1 cl was measured in wild-type H. influenzae strain Rd and in strain DB117, an ultraviolet-sensitive, transformation-defective mutant of the Rd strain. Recombinants are formed with low frequency in wild-type cells, but no recombination was detectable in DB117. It is concluded that these phage make use of the host cell enzymes for vegetative recombination. Lysogenization readily takes place in both strains.
The Production of a Growth Inhibitor by Lactic Streptococci

Summary Nine strains of Streptococcus lactis and Streptococcus cremoris and three commercial starter cultures were found to produce a heat stable substance that inhibited growth of Lactobacillus casei . The material also inhibited certain strains of lactic streptococci, although to a lesser extent than it restrained growth of the rods. The lactic streptococci varied considerably in their ability to produce the inhibitor; also, strains of L. casei differed markedly in their susceptibility to inhibition. When given sufficient time, the rod cultures overcame the effect of the inhibitor. Most of the inhibitor was formed by the lactic streptococci during the first 24 hr. of their growth in broth, although its concentration continued to increase slowly for as long as 60 hr. The culture medium used for growing the streptococci had a marked effect on the amount of inhibitor produced. Whey and curd obtained during the manufacture of ceddar cheese was. inhibitory to the one strain of L. casei tested. Thus, the production of an inhibitory substance by starter organisms may delay growth of lactobacilli in cheese during ripening. It also may exert a selective action that favors the predominance of less susceptible strains of lactic rods in the flora that develops.
Abstract T P223: Role of GSK-3ß and Transforming Growth Factor-ß-activated Kinase in Ischemic Neuroprotection

Objectives: Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is involved in several essential intracellular signaling pathways involved in both cell survival and cell death. GSK-3β activation promotes inflammation and apoptosis which are detrimental in stroke. GSK-3β inhibition enhances cognition in many animal models; however the role of GSK-3β in stroke and the mechanism by which activation is detrimental remains to be elucidated. It was recently found that GSK inhibits the function of the master energy sensor AMP-activated kinase (AMPK). We have also recently shown that TAK1, an upstream kinase that activates AMPK, is also involved in regulating ischemic injury. Inhibition of TAK leads to dramatic protection, even when treatment is delayed, and this effect is independent of AMPK signaling. We hypothesize that TAK1 regulates GSK-3β. The aim of this study was to determine whether GSK-3β inhibition confers ischemic neuroprotection via TAK1 signaling. Methods: C57BL/6 male mice were randomly assigned to treatment groups and subjected to right middle cerebral artery occlusion The GSK-3β inhibitor VIII (4 mg/kg); and/or the TAK1 inhibitor, 5Z-7-oxozeaenol (5 mg/kg) were administered i.p. either immediately or 2h after stroke. Control mice were treated vehicle. Western blotting was performed for on brains obtained 6h after stroke. Data were presented as mean ± SEM. Results: GSK-3β inhibition was protective when delivered immediately after stroke (Total hemisphere: 44.2±3.2 vs 36.2±3.1; n=8, p 0.05. Finally, compared to GSK-3β inhibition alone, simultaneous GSK-3β+TAK1 inhibition did not offer any additional neuroprotection in stroke (Total: 33.6±2.8 vs 30.7±3.9; p>0.05). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that GSK-3β inhibition is protective even with delayed administration after stroke. In this study, we identified TAK1 as a potential upstream regulator of GSK-3β. Directly targeting TAK1 and GSK-3β inhibition may develop into a novel and powerful neuroprotective strategy.
Removing the Barriers to Research: An Introduction to Open Access for Librarians

Open-access literature is online, free of charge, and free of most copyright and licensing restrictions. Open access will solve the pricing crisis, which prevents libraries from buying access to all the literature their patrons need, and the permission crisis, which prevents libraries and their patrons from making full and legitimate use of the material for which they have paid.