cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Interactive Multiple Objective Decision-Making Aid Using Nonlinear Goal Programming

A nonlinear goal programming approach is embedded within an interactive framework allowing the decision maker to direct the algorithm’s search for a satisfactory alternative. Particular consideration has been given to the psychological assumptions required in this approach, especially the Gestalt nature of perception, the information-dependent nature of acceptability, and the serial aspects of the selection process.
Experimental Investigation of Laser Machining of Sapphire for High Temperature Pressure Transducers

Challenges associated with materials for high temperature pressure sensor designs, in excess of 1000◦C, are explored here for future applications such as control of combustion processes and flow control of hypersonic vehicles. Currently, silicon based MEMS technology is primarily used for pressure sensing. However, due to the limited melting point of silicon, such sensors have a limited temperature range of approximately 600◦C which is capable of being pushed towards 1000◦C with active cooling. To overcome thermal limitations, the thermomechanical properties of sapphire are investigated to facilitate the design of an optical based pressure transducer which is designed to operate at temperatures approaching 1600◦C. Due to sapphire’s hardness and chemical inertness, traditional cutting and etching methods used in MEMS technology are not applicable. The proposed methodology for the sapphire based sensing technology is picosecond laser machining. Here we summarize the material property changes that occur from laser machining across temperatures ranging from room temperature to 1300◦C. Both changes in elastic moduli and strength, as functions of laser machining and temperature, are quantified using four-point bending experiments. The results illustrate comparable or improved strength after laser machining while the modulus was reduced after laser machining at room temperature and 1300◦C by a factor of 1.5 to 2.0.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ATRIAL FLUTTER AND ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN ADULTS WITH CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

Atrial arrhythmias are a common cause of morbidity in the adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) population. Atrial flutter (AFL) is most prevalent of these arrhythmias and can be typical cavotricuspid dependent or atypical scar-based intra-atrial reentrant tachycardia. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is
Spatial dependence of protein-water collective hydrogen-bond dynamics.

Using molecular dynamics simulations, we analyze collective vibrations in the hydration water of a small globular protein. We develop tools that allow spatial resolution of correlated protein and water motion, and use them to reveal correlated vibrations that extend up to 10 A from the protein surface at far-infrared/THz frequencies that are sensitive to the chemical properties of the protein surface. Our results provide the first detailed description of long-range effects on protein hydration water dynamics and highlight the differences between single particle and collective dynamics, which are relevant in interpreting experimental observations.
Studies on the Action of Penicillin. IV. Development of Penicillin Resistance by Gonococcus.

SummaryPenicillin-fastness developed most rapidly in gonococci under conditions which permitted the greatest number of viable microorganisms to be transferred to a higher concentration of penicillin at each transfer. One strain of gonococcus acquired the ability to prow on media containing 21 units per ml. So appreciable increase in penicillin tolerance resulted from repeated exposure to bacteriostatic concentrations of penicillin.
Energy Department's ``good neighbor'' policy

Under John Herrington, Energy claims to have set a more responsible course. But it is not clear how the department will meet the enormous costs of cleaning up the environment and improving safety in the face of new production demands.
Unidirectional Rolling Motion of Nanocars Induced by Electric Field

Understanding microscopic mechanisms of motion of artificial molecular machines is fundamentally important for scientific and technological progress. It is known that electric field might strongly influence structures and dynamic properties of molecules at the nanoscale level. Specifically, it is possible to induce conformational changes and the directional motion in many surface-bound molecules by electric field in scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) experiments. Utilizing a recently developed theoretical method to describe charge transfer phenomena for fullerenes near metal surfaces, in this work we theoretically investigated dynamics of fullerene-based nanocars in the presence of external electric field. Our approach is based on classical rigid-body molecular dynamics simulations that allow us to fully analyze dynamics of nanocars on gold surfaces. Theoretical calculations predict that it is possible to drive nonpolar nanocars unidirectionally with the help of external electric field. It is shown also ...
Effect of anabolic steroids on reproductive function of young stallions.

Thirty-two stallions were used to determine the effect of anabolic steroids on reproductive function. Stallions were assigned to one of the four treatments: 1) .23 ml sesame oil/kg of body weight (BW; control, C); 2) 4.4 mg boldenone undecylenate/kg BW (4E); 3) 1.1 mg boldenone undecylenate/kg BW (1E) and 4) 1.1 mg nandrolone decanoate/kg BW (D). Injections were given at 3-wk intervals for 15 wk. Semen was collected every other day for 3 wk before the first injection and at the same frequency during d 85 through 105 (d 0 = day of first injection). Libido was assessed on the basis of reaction time. Total scrotal width was determined every 2 wk. Serum was obtained at various intervals and analyzed for concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH). Portions of testicular parenchyma were used to determine spermatid reserves and to permit quantitative histological evaluation of spermatogenesis. Gel, gel-free and total seminal volumes and pH were not affected (P greater than .05) by steroid treatment. However, spermatozoal motility, spermatozoal concentration and total sperm/ejaculate were severely lowered (P less than .05) by all anabolic steroid treatments. Total scrotal width for stallions in the D, 4E and 1E groups was less (P less than .05) than that of C stallions by wk 5. The weight of the testes of the D, 4E and 1E stallions averaged only 40.1, 44.9 and 61.6%, respectively, of that for the controls. Spermatozoal production was altered, as evidenced by smaller (P less than .05) numbers of spermatids/testis and primary spermatocytes for all treated groups than for the controls. Anabolic steroid treatment had no effect (P greater than .05) on erection time, time to first mount, ejaculation time or number of mounts/ejaculation. treatment with anabolic steroids resulted in a depression in concentration of LH in all treatment groups.
Remotely engaged: Lessons from remote monitoring in multiple sclerosis.

Abstract Objectives Evaluate web-based patient-reported outcome (wbPRO) collection in MS subjects in terms of feasibility, reliability, adherence, and subject-perceived benefits; and quantify the impact of MS-related symptoms on perceived well-being. Methods Thirty-one subjects with MS completed wbPROs targeting MS-related symptoms over six months using a customized web portal. Demographics and clinical outcomes were collected in person at baseline and six months. Results Approximately 87% of subjects completed wbPROs without assistance, and wbPROs strongly correlated with standard PROs ( r> 0.91). All wbPROs were completed less frequently in the second three months ( p 0.05). Frequent wbPRO completion was significantly correlated with higher step on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ( p =0.026). Nearly 52% of subjects reported improved understanding of their disease, and approximately 16% wanted individualized wbPRO content. Over half (63.9%) of perceived well-being variance was explained by MS symptoms, notably depression ( r s =−0.459), fatigue ( r s =−0.390), and pain ( r s =−0.389). Conclusions wbPRO collection was feasible and reliable. More disabled subjects had higher completion rates, yet most subjects failed requirements in the second three months. Remote monitoring has potential to improve patient-centered care and communication between patient and provider, but tailored PRO content and other innovations are needed to combat declining adherence.
Efficacy of PROMIS Pain Interference and Likert Pain Scores to Assess Physical Function

Purpose The Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS), developed by the National Institutes of Health, utilizes a health domain related to Pain Interference (PI). We evaluated this domain and its association with physical function (as determined by PROMIS Physical Function [PF]), administered as a computer adaptive test (CAT), and secondarily its association to a numerical 0 to 10 pain score. Our null hypothesis was that PI, as measured by CAT, has no correlation to PF and thus, there is no difference between comparisons of numerical pain scores and PROMIS PF. Methods Adult patients presenting to an upper extremity clinic from February to December 2015 completed PROMIS PF, PI, and numerical 0 to 10 pain score questionnaires. The PROMIS modules were completed electronically in their computer adaptive form. Mean population scoring on each module is defined at 50. Patients were also asked to rate their pain on a 0 to 10 scale. These data were collected as routine clinical care and were extracted from the electronic health record for cross-sectional evaluation. Bivariate Pearson correlation analysis defined the association between the PROMIS modules and the numerical pain scores. Correlations between PF and PI were compared with correlations between PF and pain scores. Results We recorded data from patients' 10,574 first, 5,210 second, 2,633 third, 1,382 fourth, and 722 fifth visits. The PROMIS PI was negatively correlated to the PROMIS PF. Numerical pain scores were also negatively correlated to PROMIS PF. Numerical pain scores were less correlated than PROMIS PI through time relative to PF. Conclusions Both PROMIS PI and numerical pain scores had significant correlations with PF for each office visit. The PI had a larger correlation to PF than did numerical pain scores. The PI and numerical pain scale scores are also correlated. Clinical relevance Patient-reported pain using a 0 to 10 pain score can be a predictor of patients’ level of function, and although pain score does not replace other patient-reported outcomes, it can provide useful information, particularly when other patient-reported outcomes are not available.
Inertial Instability, Pancakes and Deep Internal Jets

The necessary conditions for inertial instability, alias symmetric instability and centrifugal instability, are very easily satisfied near the equator if \(d U/dy(0) \ne 0\), that is, if there is nonzero latitudinal shear at the equator. Inertial instability is the primary suspect in the formation of (“pancake”) alternating jets in the tropical stratosphere and of deep internal jets in the equatorial ocean. Particle models, Taylor-Couette flow, and instability criteria are reviewed. The “gamma-plane” approximation is analytically soluble. Its prediction of a dynamical equator shifted from the geographical equator is confirmed by more realistic models. The large zonal scales and short vertical length scales of theory are amply confirmed in both pancake instabilities and deep internal jets.
Trigeminal neuralgia caused by dual compressive pathology of developmental venous anomaly and small enhancing lesion

Abstract Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a debilitating chronic pain disorder characterized by hemifacial lancinating pain originating from the trigeminal nerve. TN is the most common disorder in the broad category of neurovascular compression syndromes (NVCS). A developmental venous anomaly (DVA) causing symptomatic compression of the trigeminal nerve is a rarely reported entity with most cases being effectively treated with microvascular decompression (MVD). Similarly, both benign and malignant neoplasms resulting in symptomatic compression of the trigeminal nerve are known entities that are frequently treated with a combination of conservative management, radiosurgery, rhizotomy, or surgery. We describe here a case of trigeminal neuralgia caused by both DVA and a small enhancing neoplasm. According to our knowledge and literature review, this is the first case of TN caused by such a dual compressive pathology.
Budget priorities and community perceptions of service quality and importance

The increasingly important issues of transparency and citizen involvement have challenged public administrators in the budget process. This paper adopts a contingent valuation approach, surveying citizens in the city of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on their preferred allocations of both a large city budgetary increase and a large city budget reduction. The results are then used to examine how citizen assessment of service quality and importance are related to their desired changes in net budget allocations. We believe that this is a major improvement in the contingent value approach, and can serve as a useful tool to public administrators for identifying the public’s budget priorities.
A smart-offset analog LDO with 0.3V minimum input voltage and 99.1% current efficiency

In this paper we present the first fully integrated analog LDO (low dropout regulator) for sub-0.5V supply voltages. The LDO can operate from 0.3V-to-1.0V input voltage, and can sustain a load variation of 10mA-to-100mA at 1.0V input and 5mA-to-25mA at 0.3V input. It achieves a peak 99.1% current efficiency for a 100mA load at 0.9V output voltage. In order to realize the gate drive at sub-0.5V supply voltages, we introduce a negative charge pump based adaptive offset before the pass FET which provides gate-source headroom at input operation voltages normally reserved for digital LDOs. The smart-adaptive-negative offset voltage follows a 0.5–0.5xV dd scheme to accommodate a wide range of input voltages while providing the necessary extra gate drive for the power FET at low inputs. The 32 phase charge pump runs at a frequency of 3GHz with a ripple of ∼ 3mV. The prototype was fabricated in TSMC's 65nm GP CMOS.
Effects of Physical Education on the Intellectual, Physical, and Social Development of Educable Mentally Retarded Boys

Eight retarded boys were given an intensive 20 day program of physical education. Eight retarded boys designated as “officials” met each day with the training group while eight retarded boys served as controls. Pretest and posttest were given on the WISC, the PFT and the Cowell Personal Distance Scale. The training group made significant IQ gam scores on the Full Scale and Verbal Scale over the control group. The training group made significant gain scores on the PFT over the officials and the control group, but there was no difference in social status.
Intra-Periphery Rivalry and Conflict Over Ethnic Autonomy: Evidence from Thailand and India

This paper highlights the role of intra-periphery rivalry in conflicts over sub-national ethnic autonomy. Theories of these conflicts focus on the clash between a capital that prefers centralization and a periphery that demands self-rule. I use polling data from Thailand and legislative data from India to show that the strongest opposition to territorial ethnic demands comes from other groups in the periphery. This opposition translates into relatively hardline and stable opposition to autonomy demands. By contrast, interests elsewhere in the country are likely to have more moderate and unstable opinions regarding repression versus accommodation of such movements. Territorial ethnic conflict is best understood as a three-way clash between competing groups in the periphery and a center interested in minimizing the costs of retaining and governing the periphery.
Methods for Studying Transport in Bacteria

The major objective of this chapter is to outline some of the important techniques which have been developed for the study of transport systems in bacteria. The techniques described are discussed in detail with respect to the study of the lactose transport system of Escherichia coli. It now appears that this transport system can serve as a useful model for a number of active transport systems in both bacterial and animal cells. In such transport systems, a protein (the “carrier”) embedded within the membrane mediates the translocation and accumulation of substrate; substrate appears within the cell without chemical modifications. The driving force for the accumulation of substrate is represented by the electrical and chemical forces acting on certain specific cations. In bacterial cells, accumulation by such transport systems is coupled to proton movements (see discussions by Mitchell, 1963, and Harold, 1972), whereas in animal cells such active transport is associated with the movement of sodium ions (for review, see Schultz and Curran, 1970). In the absence of energy coupling, however, these systems catalyze the facilitated diffusion of substrate across the cell membrane.
The Riddle Underlying Refusal-to-Deal Theory

May a dominant firm refuse to share its intellectual property with its rivals? This question lies at the heart of a highly divisive, international debate concerning the proper application of the antitrust laws. In this short essay, we consider a profound, yet previously unaddressed, incongruity underlying the controversy. Specifically, why is it that monopolists refuse to share their IP, even at monopoly prices? In exploring this question, we unearth an inescapable contradiction that afflicts the arguments of those who would require monopolists to license their IP in certain circumstances.
LABEL-FREE BIO-AEROSOL SENSING USING MOBILE MICROSCOPY AND DEEP LEARNING

Conventional bioaerosol sensing requires the sampled aerosols in the field to be transferred to a laboratory for manual inspection, which can be rather costly and slow, also requiring a professional for labeling and microscopic examination of the samples. Here we demonstrate label-free bioaerosol sensing using a field-portable and cost-effective device based on holographic microscopy and deep-learning, which screens bioaerosols at a throughput of 13 L/min. Two different deep neural networks are designed to rapidly reconstruct the amplitude and phase images of the captured bioaerosols, and to classify the type of each bioaerosol that is imaged. As a proof-of-concept, we studied label-free sensing of common bioaerosol types, for example, Bermuda grass pollen, oak tree pollen, ragweed pollen, Aspergillus spore, and Alternaria spore and achieved >94% classification accuracy. The presented label-free bioaerosol measurement device, with its mobility and cost-effectiveness, will find several applications in indo...
Gender of pain medicine leadership and trainees: a survey study

Background Women are entering medical school in record numbers, but multiple male-dominated medical specialties still exist, including pain medicine. It is not well-understood how gender diversity in academic pain medicine faculty affects fellow matriculation between female and male applicants. Objective We conducted a survey to ascertain whether gender diversity of those in leadership roles in pain medicine programs impacts the gender diversity of fellows in those programs. Methods A questionnaire was delivered to all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited pain medicine fellowships to assess their demographic data in 2018. Program characteristics are summarized using median (25th, 75th) for continuous variables and frequency counts and percentages for categorical variables. Analyses were then performed using a generalized linear mixed model with a logit link function and fellowship program included as a random effect. The gender of the fellow was the dependent variable and the program characteristics were the explanatory variables. Results Data from 45 of 104 fellowship programs (43% response rate) are included. From univariate analysis, the odds of a fellow being female were higher in programs with a female program director (OR=2.17, 95% CI 1.29 to 3.65, p=0.004) and in programs with a higher percentage of female faculty (OR=1.02, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.04, p=0.027). From multivariable analysis, having a female program director was the only program characteristic found to be significantly associated with female fellows (OR=2.07, 95% CI 1.05 to 4.11, p=0.037). Conclusions Pain medicine fellowship programs with a female program director were significantly more likely to have female fellows.
Conjugated electrochromic polymers with amide-containing side chains enabling aqueous electrolyte compatibility

Conjugated polymers based on poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) (PProDOT) backbones are widely studied for electrochromics, due to their favourable redox properties including enhanced optical contrast and fast switching kinetics in nonaqueous electrolytes. The usual hydrophobic nature of these polymers renders them redox-inactive when interfaced with aqueous salt solutions. This work illustrates an effective side chain modification approach where polar amide functional groups are incorporated into the polymer side chains to attain redox switching in aqueous electrolytes while maintaining a high contrast. The impact of substitutional modifications (in terms of primary and secondary amide groups) on the interaction with hydrated and non-hydrated ions is studied using electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques to elucidate the underlying mechanisms leading to redox activity in aqueous electrolytes. The presence of amide groups is beneficial in terms of reducing the oxidation onset potential, making them attractive candidates for electrochromics in both nonaqueous and aqueous electrolytes.
Neural response to fast food commercials in adolescents predicts intake

Background Food advertising is a major contributor to obesity, and fast food (FF) restaurants are top advertisers. Research on the impact of food advertising in adolescents is lacking and no prior research has investigated neural predictors of food intake in adolescents. Neural systems implicated in reward could be key to understanding how food advertising drives food intake. Objectives To investigate how neural responses to both unhealthy and healthier FF commercials predict food intake in adolescents. Methods A cross-sectional sample of 171 adolescents (aged 13-16 y) who ranged from normal weight to obese completed an fMRI paradigm where they viewed unhealthy and healthier FF and nonfood commercials. Adolescents then consumed a meal in a simulated FF restaurant where foods of varying nutritional profiles (unhealthy compared with healthier) were available. Results Greater neural activation in reward-related regions (nucleus accumbens, r = 0.29; caudate nucleus, r = 0.27) to unhealthy FF commercials predicted greater total food intake. Greater responses to healthier FF relative to nonfood commercials in regions associated with reward (i.e., nucleus accumbens, r = 0.24), memory (i.e., hippocampus, r = 0.32), and sensorimotor processes (i.e., anterior cerebellum, r = 0.33) predicted greater total food and unhealthier food intake, but not healthier food intake. Lower activation in neural regions associated with visual attention and salience (e.g., precuneus, r = -0.35) to unhealthy relative to healthier FF commercials predicted healthier food intake. Conclusions These findings suggest that FF commercials contribute to overeating in adolescents through reward mechanisms. The addition of healthier commercials from FF restaurants is unlikely to encourage healthier food intake, but interventions that reduce the ability of unhealthy FF commercials to capture attention could be beneficial. However, an overall reduction in the amount of FF commercials exposure for adolescents is likely to be the most effective approach.
Examining the atmospheric radiative and snow-darkening effects of black carbon and dust across the Rocky Mountains of the United States using WRF-Chem

Abstract. The Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) is run to quantify the in-snow and atmospheric radiative effects of black carbon (BC) and dust on a convective-allowing (4 km) grid for water year 2009 across a large area of the Rocky Mountains. The snow-darkening effect (SDE) due to the deposition of these light-absorbing particles (LAPs) on surface snow enhances snowmelt by 3 to 12 mm during late spring and early summer, effectuating surface runoff increases (decreases) prior to (after) June. Meanwhile, aerosol–radiation interactions (ARIs) associated with LAPs generally dim the surface from incoming solar energy, introducing an energy deficit at the surface and leading to snowpack preservation by 1 to 5 mm. Surface runoff alterations brought forth by LAP ARI are of opposite phase to those associated with LAP SDEs, and the BC SDE drives a majority of the surface energy and hydrological perturbations. More generally, changes in snow water equivalent (SWE) brought forth by LAP effects are more a result of perturbations to the surface energy budget rather than changes in precipitation amount or type. It is also found that perturbations to the surface energy budget by dust ARI can differ in sign from those of BC ARI, with the former being positive, enhancing snow melting, and changing runoff.
Diabetes, Fetal Demise, and Shoulder Dystocia: The Importance of Glucose Screening to Prevent Catastrophic Obstetric Outcomes.

Diabetes is associated with increased risk of stillbirth and shoulder dystocia. Compared with uncomplicated pregnancies, diabetic patients have a 4-6x risk of stillbirth and 2-3x risk of shoulder dystocia. A 34 yo G2P0010 presented with a 40+3 wga IUFD with nonstandard antenatal glucose screening. Admission labs included a hemoglobin A1c of 6.6. She had a vaginal delivery complicated by a 30-minute shoulder dystocia that was not relieved by McRoberts, suprapubic pressure, Rubin II, Wood's Screw, or posterior arm delivery. Nitroglycerine was administered, after which Wood's Screw was successful resulting in delivery of an infant weighing 4190 grams (85th percentile for gestational age). A 31 yo G1 presented with a 37+1 wga IUFD. Her 28 wga three-hour GTT was notable for an elevated value at one hour (216 mg/dL). Admission labs included a hemoglobin A1c of 6.6. She had a vaginal delivery complicated by a 30-minute shoulder dystocia that was relieved via posterior axillary sling after failure of McRoberts, suprapubic pressure, Rubin II, Wood's Screw, and Gaskin's, resulting in the delivery of an infant weighing 3590 g (92nd percentile for gestational age). We present two cases of severe shoulder dystocia in patients who both presented with term IUFD and diabetic-range hemoglobin A1c. There is minimal literature on diabetic patients with pregnancies affected by both stillbirth and shoulder dystocia. These cases underscore the importance of glucose screening and control to prevent catastrophic obstetric outcomes.
Association of hMSH5 C85T polymorphism with radiation sensitivity of testicular cell lines GC‐1, GC‐2, TM3, and TM4

Background The hMSH5 C85T polymorphism, which encodes hMSH5 P29S, is associated with individual differences in spermatogenic abnormalities caused by ionizing radiation (IR), but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Objectives This manuscript aims to explore the role of hMSH5 C85T polymorphism in IR-induced individual differences in spermatogenic abnormalities. Material and methods We transfected pcDNA-hMSH5P29S vector into mouse spermatogonia GC-1, mouse spermatocytes GC-2, mouse testicular mesenchymal cells TM3, and mouse testicular support cells TM4. After radiation, we evaluated cell survival with colony formation assay, apoptosis with TUNEL assay and caspase-3 activity assay, DNA damage with comet assay and an in vivo NHEJ activity assay. Results Results showed that only spermatocytes GC-2 transfected with pcDNA-hMSH5P29S vector had significant differences in IR-induced cell survival and apoptosis when compared to that transfected with pcDNA empty vector and pcDNA-wild-hMSH5 vector, while there was no statistical difference in GC-1, TM3, and TM4. In addition, comet assay showed that the DNA damage of GC-2 transfected with pcDNA-hMSH5P29S vector increased significantly compared to that transfected with pcDNA empty vector and pcDNA-wild-hMSH5 vector after IR. And in vivo NHEJ activity assay showed that the NHEJ activity of GC-2 transfected with pcDNA-hMSH5P29S vector was statistically higher than that transfected with pcDNA empty vector and pcDNA-wild-hMSH5 vector. Conclusion Our study indicates that the hMSH5 C85T polymorphism leads to an abnormal increase in apoptosis and lessen the control on error-prone NHEJ of spermatocyte GC-2, thereby altering the difference of radiation sensitivity of spermatogenesis.
Development of Automated Model Generation and Analysis of Surface-Cracked Plates in Bending for Interpolated Elastic–Plastic J-Integral Solutions

NASA’s Tool for Analysis of Surface Cracks (TASC) has been used since 2014 to perform elastic–plastic J-integral (J, , , ), crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD), crack front constraint, and deformation limit calculations for plates in tension. To date, no comparable database or tool exists for surface-cracked plates in bending. Existing tools and prior ASTM standards are limited to linear-elastic materials or simpler 2-D crack geometries. TASC uses a database of 600 models for interpolated solutions over a wide range of semielliptical surface crack geometries (0.2, ≤, a, /, c, ≤, 1.0, , , , 0.2, ≤, a, /, t, ≤, 0.8, , , ) and material properties (100, ≤, E, /, S, ys, , , ≤, 1,000, , , , 3, ≤, n, ≤, 20, , , , ). Here, a, , , is the crack depth, c, , , is the half-width of the crack, and t, , , is the plate thickness, so that a, /, c, , , is the crack aspect ratio and a, /, t, , , is a normalized measurement of crack depth. E, , , , S, ys, , , , , , , and n, , , are the plate’s elastic modulus, yield strength, and the Ramberg–Osgood power law hardening exponent, respectively. This report details the development of a bending model database covering the same range of crack geometries and material properties. It includes developing new criteria to determine if a model has reached sufficient plastic deformation and modifications to model boundary conditions to accurately capture the behavior of deeply cracked plates in bending. Python is the primary automation tool used in this process, including running FEACrack to create meshes, modifying material properties, iterating WARP3D boundary conditions to meet plastic deformation requirements, and converting WARP3D output into a reduced set of MATLAB-compatible data files. Bending model results from WARP3D are validated against Abaqus results for identical meshes. This report then shows the initial integration of bending models and results into the existing TASC code, laying the groundwork for a single tool for analysis of surface-cracked plates in tension or bending.
Abstract PO-083: Prostate cancer and COVID-19: Impact of hormonal therapy on severe outcomes

Background: Early reports on cancer patients infected with COVID-19 have suggested a high risk of hospitalization and death compared to the general population. Limited data are available on outcomes in specific cancer types. We aim to identify whether hormonal treatment impacts severe outcomes (rate of hospitalization, ICU admission, intubation, and death) in prostate cancer patients. Methods: We conducted a multicenter study in the state of Louisiana, throughout the Ochsner Health System, in both tertiary and nontertiary centers. Patients must carry a diagnosis of prostate cancer and have a completed SARS-CoV-2 test between March 1st and April 30th, 2020. Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests were performed to compare the proportion of patients experiencing severe outcomes between treatment groups. Results: As of April 30, 2020, a total of 56 patients with prostate cancer who had a positive SARS-COV-2 test were identified. Median age 69, median BMI 28.8, 78.6% (n=44) black, 58.9% (n=33) current/former smokers, HTN, DM2, and CKD were the most common comorbidities, and 12.5% (n=7) of patients had stage IV disease. Of these patients, 26.8% (n=15) were on hormonal treatment (received within 90 days of COVID+ test). In terms of severe outcomes, 58.9% (n=33) of patients required hospitalization, 17.9% (n=10) required ICU admission with 14.3% (n=8) patients requiring intubation, and 23.2% (n=13) of patients died. There was no statistical difference in rate of severe outcomes (rate of hospitalization, ICU admission, intubation, and death) among prostate cancer patients receiving hormonal therapy vs. those receiving no hormonal therapy. Conclusion: With an ongoing global pandemic of COVID-19, it is important to identify characteristics leading to increased risk of severe events in cohorts of cancer patients. This small cohort does not identify hormonal therapy as a risk factor for increased rate of severe outcomes in patients with prostate cancer. Further analyses describing impact of specific hormonal regimens on risk of hospitalization and death will be completed by time of presentation. Citation Format: Karine Tawagi, Jeff Burton, Diana Maslov, Michael Lunski, Marc Matrana, Daniel Johnson. Prostate cancer and COVID-19: Impact of hormonal therapy on severe outcomes [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer; 2020 Jul 20-22. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(18_Suppl):Abstract nr PO-083.
Distributional and Temporal Heterogeneity in the Climate Change Effects on U.S. Agriculture

Abstract Existing studies on climate change effects on crop yields mainly focus on the average climate–yield relationship that is typically assumed to be time-invariant. We apply a flexible panel-data quantile regression with time-varying coefficients to examine distributional heterogeneity and temporal variation in this relationship. We find that U.S. corn and soybean yields have gradually become less sensitive to temperature and precipitation over 1948–2010, which is especially the case for upper yield quantiles. Consequently, the negative impacts of future climate change are of larger magnitudes at the lower yield quantiles. Failure to accommodate temporal changes in the climate–yield relationship leads to significantly overestimated responsiveness of crop yields to weather variation and, therefore, overestimated negative impacts of future climate change. On many occasions, the corn yield decline projections from such time-invariant specifications are about twice as large as (and sometimes triple) the predictions from our time-varying-coefficient model.
Coarsening Model on $${\mathbb{Z}^{d}}$$ Z d with Biased Zero-Energy Flips and an Exponential Large Deviation Bound for ASEP

We study the coarsening model (zero-temperature Ising Glauber dynamics) on $${\mathbb{Z}^{d}}$$ (for $${d \geq 2}$$ ) with an asymmetric tie-breaking rule. This is a Markov process on the state space $${\{-1,+1\}^{{\mathbb{Z}}^d}}$$ of “spin configurations” in which each vertex updates its spin to agree with a majority of its neighbors at the arrival times of a Poisson process. If a vertex has equally many +1 and −1 neighbors, then it updates its spin value to +1 with probability $${q \in [0,1]}$$ and to −1 with probability 1 − q. The initial state of this Markov chain is distributed according to a product measure with probability p for a spin to be +1. In this paper, we show that for any given $${p > 0}$$ , there exist q close enough to 1 such that a.s. every spin has a limit of +1. This is of particular interest for small values of p, for which it is known that if $${q = 1/2}$$ , a.s. all spins have a limit of −1. For dimension d = 2, we also obtain near-exponential convergence rates for q sufficiently large, and for general d, we obtain stretched exponential rates independent of d. Two important ingredients in our proofs are refinements of block arguments of Fontes–Schonmann–Sidoravicius and a novel exponential large deviation bound for the Asymmetric Simple Exclusion Process.
Designing Oversight for Nanomedicine Research in Human Subjects: Systematic Analysis of Exceptional Oversight for Emerging Technologies.

The basic procedures and rules for oversight of U.S. human subjects research have been in place since 1981. Certain types of human subjects research, however, have provoked creation of additional mechanisms and rules beyond the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) Common Rule and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) equivalent. Now another emerging domain of human subjects research—nanomedicine—is prompting calls for extra oversight. However, in 30 years of overseeing research on human beings, we have yet to specify what makes a domain of scientific research warrant extra oversight. This failure to systematically evaluate the need for extra measures, the type of extra measures appropriate for different challenges, and the usefulness of those measures hampers efforts to respond appropriately to emerging science such as nanomedicine. This article evaluates the history of extra oversight, extracting lessons for oversight of nanomedicine research in human beings. We argue that a confluence of factors supports the need for extra oversight, including heightened uncertainty regarding risks, fast-evolving science yielding complex and increasingly active materials, likelihood of research on vulnerable participants including cancer patients, and potential risks to others beyond the research participant. We suggest the essential elements of the extra oversight needed.
Transitions to Care in the Community for Prison Releasees with HIV: a Qualitative Study of Facilitators and Challenges in Two States.

One in seven people living with HIV in the USA passes through a prison or jail each year, and almost all will return to the community. Discharge planning and transitional programs are critical but challenging elements in ensuring continuity of care, maintaining treatment outcomes achieved in prison, and preventing further viral transmission. This paper describes facilitators and challenges of in-prison care, transitional interventions, and access to and continuity of care in the community in Rhode Island and North Carolina based on qualitative data gathered as part of the mixed-methods Link Into Care Study of prisoners and releasees with HIV. We conducted 65 interviews with correctional and community-based providers and administrators and analyzed the transcripts using NVivo 10 to identify major themes. Facilitators of effective transitional systems in both states included the following: health providers affiliated with academic institutions or other entities independent of the corrections department; organizational philosophy emphasizing a patient-centered, personal, and holistic approach; strong leadership with effective “champions”; a team approach with coordination, collaboration and integration throughout the system, mutual respect and learning between corrections and health providers, staff dedicated to transitional services, and effective communication and information sharing among providers; comprehensive transitional activities and services including HIV, mental health and substance use services in prisons, timely and comprehensive discharge planning with specific linkages/appointments, supplies of medications on release, access to benefits and entitlements, case management and proactive follow-up on missed appointments; and releasees’ commitment to transitional plans. These elements were generally present in both study states but their absence, which also sometimes occurred, represent ongoing challenges to success. The qualitative findings on the facilitators and challenges of the transitional systems were similar in the two states despite differences in context, demographics of target population, and system organization. Recommendations for improved transitional systems follow from the analysis of the facilitators and challenges.
Unpacking the intricacies of Rickettsia-vector interactions

Although Rickettsia species are molecularly detected among a wide range of arthropods, vector competence becomes an imperative aspect of understanding the ecoepidemiology of these vector-borne diseases. The synergy between vector homeostasis and rickettsial invasion, replication, and release initiated within hours (insects) and days (ticks) permits successful transmission of rickettsiae. Uncovering the molecular interplay between rickettsiae and their vectors necessitates examining the multifaceted nature of rickettsial virulence and vector infection tolerance. Here, we highlight the biological differences between tick- and insect-borne rickettsiae and the factors facilitating the incidence of rickettsioses. Untangling the complex relationship between rickettsial genetics, vector biology, and microbial interactions is crucial in understanding the intricate association between rickettsiae and their vectors.
Patient-reported safety and tolerability of the COVID-19 vaccines in persons with rare neuroimmunological diseases.

Abstract Background The COVID-19 vaccines are currently recommended for people with rare neuroimmunological diseases such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), MOG-antibody disease (MOGAD), and transverse myelitis. However, the safety profile of the vaccines in this population is uncertain. Objective To report real-world safety data of the COVID-19 vaccines in persons with rare neuroimmunological diseases. Methods An anonymous survey was distributed to patients recruited on social media. Participants answered general demographic and disease-related questions, and specific questions about their experiences with the COVID-19 vaccines. Results 438 participants completed the questionnaire. The median age was 51 (range 18–82 years); 366 were female (83.6%); 102 (23.3%) had associated comorbidities, and 354 (80.1%) were treated with immunotherapies. 242 participants (55.3%) reported a diagnosis of NMOSD; 99 (22.6%) had MOGAD; 79 (18%) had transverse myelitis. 239 participants (66.2%) were younger than 55 years of age. 138 participants (31.5%) reported earlyadverse events. Of these, 93 (67.4%) were 55 years old (p=0.0086). The most common adverse events were local reactions, including pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, reported by 155 participants (35.4%). 73 participants (16.7%) reported new or worsening neurological symptoms following the vaccination. Most symptoms occurred within the first week after vaccination and resolved within three days. Conclusions This survey indicates an overall favorable safety and tolerability profile of the COVID-19 vaccines among persons with rare neuroimmunological diseases. Longer-term studies are warranted to confirm these data.
Family Business and Sustainability of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Enugu State, Nigeria

The Study focuses on family business and sustainability of small and medium Scale enterprises in Enugu State, Nigeria. Specifically the study aimed to pursue the following objectives: to determine the effect of succession planning on sustainability of small and medium scale enterprise in Enugu State, Nigeria and ascertain the nature of the relationship strategic planning and Sustainability of small and medium scale enterprise in Enugu State, Nigeria . The study has a population size of (28) small and medium scale enterprises in Enugu State. Instruments used for data collection were primary questionnaires and interview. The total number of 28 copies of the questionnaire were distributed while 25 copies were returned & used while 3 copies were not properly filled. Survey research design was adopted for the study. Two hypotheses were tested using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient and simple linear regression tool. The findings indicated that Succession planning significantly affected sustainability of small and medium scale enterprise in Enugu State, Nigeria (r = 0.958; F = 257.230; t = 16.038; p< 0.05). There was a positive relationship between strategic planning and sustainability (r =. 920, P<.05). . The study concluded that family business control about 85% of nation’s wealth. The study recommends that every owner of small and medium scale enterprises should organize a proper succession plan, that will help the next in command to know, all secretes concerning the business, in order to sustain it for future generation
Getting along to get ahead: The role of social context in tournament promotion and reward systems

Tournament theory posits that some organizations are modeled after sports tournaments whereby individuals are incentivized to compete and win against other members of the organization. A persistent criticism of tournament theory is that rank-order success of employees is entirely dependent on non-interacting or at least non-cooperating entities. To address what part, if any, cooperation plays in competitive tournaments, this study examines the role of social networks in tournament-style promotion and reward systems. Specifically, we seek to identify the importance of social relationships, such as group dissimilarity, initial tie formation, and tie strength in predicting tournament success. Bringing two largely independent research streams together (one focused on cooperation and one framed around competition), we examine how individuals' performance interacts with their social relationships-their social networks-to influence their chances of winning a tournament. Using the Survivor television series, we analyze the behaviors of 535 interacting contestants across 30 tournaments. In general, the findings help to illustrate how performance and social networks predict tournament advancement. Interestingly, we find that group dissimilarity based on gender, race, and age, largely does not play a role in advancement in the tournaments. Further, the strength of ties fails to mediate between variables such as group dissimilarity and initial tie formation. We conclude by discussing future directions for theoretical and practical exploration of tournament-style promotion systems. Recommendations include continuing to explore and test the role of social dynamics in compensation and promotion systems.
Durability of antibody responses and frequency of clinical and subclinical SARS-CoV-2 infection six months after BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccination in healthcare workers

Abstract Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 decay but persist six months post-vaccination, with lower levels of neutralizing titers against Delta than wild-type. Only 2 of 227 vaccinated healthcare workers experienced outpatient symptomatic breakthrough infections despite 59 of 227 exhibiting serological evidence of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 as defined by development of anti-nucleocapsid protein antibodies.
Generating senescent airway epithelial cell populations using low-concentration doxorubicin or etoposide

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with accelerated lung aging. In the COPD lung, there is an accumulation of senescent cells that may, in part, be due to a lack of clearance. To investigate this, a robust source of well-characterised senescent cells is required. Doxorubicin (DOXO) and etoposide (Etop) at sub-cytotoxic concentrations activate the DNA-damage response (DDR) pathway, leading to the induction of cellular senescence and could be used to generate a senescent cell population for study. Aim: To induce senescence in BEAS-2B cells using DOXO and Etop. Methods: Senescent BEAS-2B cells were generated by repeated exposure to 50nM DOXO or 1mM Etop for a total of 6 days. Cell cycle checkpoint inhibitors, anti-aging molecule sirtuin-1 and senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP) marker expression were measured using western blotting and ELISA. Senescent cells were identified by senescence-associated-b-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) expression. Results: In BEAS-2B cells, 50nM DOXO treatment induced senescence in ~60% of cells (n=7, p Conclusion: Sub-cytotoxic double-hit DOXO and Etop treatments are required to induce senescence in BEAS-2B cells via p21 induction of cell cycle arrest and may provide a model that can be used in future experiments.