cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
T Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma Resulting From Expression of Self-Reactive TCRs During Early Thymopoiesis

Abstract 2057 Survivin has been considered a potential tumor antigen due to high expression in most cancers and limited expression in normal tissues. To explore the potential for survivin reactive TCRs to mediate antitumor effects in mice, we generated several founders of TCR transgenic (Tg) mice with specificity for the H-2b restricted immunodominant epitope of survivin. In survivin TCR Tg mice, survivin reactive T cells were predominantly CD8 + and mediated specific immune reactivity toward survivin peptide pulsed targets. Some antitumor reactivity was observed, but it was not potent, and the survivin reactive transgenic T cells were unable to mediate objective tumor regression of survivin bearing tumors in vivo . Surprisingly, spontaneous T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) was observed beginning at 4–6 months of age in both survivin TCR+Rag +/− and survivin TCR+Rag −/− mice. By one year of age, all mice had succumbed to T-cell ALL. The leukemic cells were CD3 + , survivin TCR+, and CD8 + or CD4 − /CD8 − . Analysis of alpha gene rearrangements in tumor tissues revealed oligoclonality but the cells were malignant since they grew continuously in vitro without growth factors and induced tumors in C57BL/6 immunocompetent recipients. The occurrence of T-ALL in 3 founders suggests that the transgene itself, rather than insertional mutagenesis, is causative. We postulate that the survivin reactive TCR serves as an oncogene via recognition of survivin peptides within the thymus, leading to expansion of early thymic progenitors. In support of this, survivin itself is expressed in thymic tissue and premalignant survivin TCR Tg+ thymi show expanded frequencies and absolute numbers of CD4 − CD8 − CD44 − CD25 − thymocytes and increased BrdU incorporation within this subset compared to controls. Subsequent to the premalignant phase characterized by expansion of early thymic progenitors, surviving TCR Tg+ cells acquired NOTCH mutations and upregulated CD25, consistent with NOTCH signaling as a 2 nd hit in this oncogenic process. At least one NOTCH1 mutation was found in all leukemias, with mutations in the PEST domain being most common (8/8), but 59 deletions (19/25) and mutations in the heterodimerization domain were also observed. Interestingly, T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia with NOTCH mutations were also observed, albeit at reduced frequencies, in TCR Tg mice with specificity to WT1 and gp100. We propose a 2-hit model of oncogenesis for self-reactive TCR expression in the thymus. Early thymic expression of TCRs recognizing self antigens expressed in the thymus induces proliferation of early thymocytes, followed by acquisition of NOTCH mutations and ultimately lymphoblastic leukemia. We conclude that genetic engineering aimed at endowing hematopoietic or T lymphoid progenitors with the capacity to recognize tumor antigens expressed in the thymus could pose a risk for neoplasia, independent of insertional mutagenesis. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) inhibits cellular invasion of melanoma cells.

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) is a 110-kD, trans-membrane, ectoenzyme, with ubiquitous expression. DPPIV has numerous functions including involvement in T-cell activation, cell adhesion, digestion of proline containing peptides in the kidney and intestines, HIV infection and apoptosis, and regulation of tumorigenicity in certain melanoma cells. Constitutively expressed on numerous epithelial cell types, DPPIV is often disregulated in a variety of human malignancies. The most striking evidence of DPPIV down-regulation is found in transformed melanocytes, where nearly 100% of melanomas lack DPPIV expression. We have identified DPPIV as a gene that can alter the invasive potential of a number of melanoma cell lines. By transfecting the full-length cDNA of DPPIV, we have established stable melanoma cell lines that express comparable levels of the DPPIV protein as normal epidermal melanocytes. Matrigel invasion assays were utilized to study the effects of DPPIV expression on the invasive potential of these cells. The parental and vector transfectants readily migrated across the Matrigel while the invasiveness of DPPIV transfected cells was reduced by greater than 75%. The effects on cellular invasion are not attributed to overall growth characteristics, as both DPPIV expressing and non-expressing cells behave comparably in culture. We have also constructed mutants of DPPIV that lack either the extra-cellular serine protease activity or the six amino acid cytoplasmic domain. Both mutants were stably expressed in melanoma cells. Matrigel invasion assays performed with cells expressing the two mutant forms of the protein revealed phenotypic effects similar to wild type function. In this study, we have demonstrated that expression of a proteolytically active form of the DPPIV protein inhibits the invasiveness of malignant melanoma cell lines lacking endogenous DPPIV expression. Furthermore, we have shown that neither the protease activity nor the cytoplasmic domain of DPPIV is required for its anti-invasive activity.
Bouncing Back: Resilience and Mastery Among HIV-Positive Older Gay and Bisexual Men

Purpose of the study Adults with HIV infection are living into old age. It is critical we investigate positive constructs such as resilience and mastery to determine factors associated with psychological well-being. We examine HIV-related factors, adverse conditions, and psychosocial characteristics that are associated with resilience (the ability to bounce back) and mastery (sense of self-efficacy). Design and methods We analyzed 2014 data from the longitudinal study Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS), focusing on a subsample of 335 gay and bisexual older men. Multivariate linear regression was used to identify factors that contributed or detracted from resilience and mastery in the sample recruited from 17 sites from across the United States. Results Resilience and mastery were independently associated with psychological health-related quality of life. In multivariate analysis, adjusting for demographic characteristics, previous diagnosis of depression was negatively associated with resilience. Time since HIV diagnosis was positively associated with mastery whereas victimization was negatively associated with mastery. Social support and community engagement were positively associated with both resilience and mastery. Implications Individual and structural-environmental characteristics contributed to resilience and mastery. These findings can be used to develop interventions incorporating an increased understanding of factors that are associated with both resilience and mastery.
Predicting Reading, Writing, and Mathematics Achievement: Do Anxiety and ADHD Symptoms Add to the Variance Explained by Working Memory and Verbal Reasoning Alone?

Academic underachievement has been associated with serious long term consequences for children and adolescents, including poorer outcomes within occupational, social, and health domains. Research has shown that student’s cognitive abilities, such as working memory and verbal reasoning, significantly predict achievement outcomes. However, identifying symptomatic factors that influence achievement may be more beneficial in informing appropriate intervention and prevention efforts. In order to determine the impact of such factors on achievement, the current study investigated the degree to which anxious and ADHD symptoms were associated with reading, writing, and mathematics achievement in a clinical service-seeking population beyond the variance explained by working memory and verbal reasoning. Correlations indicated significant positive relationships between cognitive variables, anxiety variables, and achievement outcomes, and a negative relationship between inattention and achievement outcomes. Furthermore, regression analyses indicated that symptomatic factors explained a significant amount of variance in reading and writing, but not mathematics achievement. Inattention was the only individual symptomatic variable that significantly predicted reading and writing achievement within the final regression models.
Effects of structured group psychosocial support sessions on psychosocial wellbeing of children and their caregivers: a descriptive study

Abstract Background Children aged 7–12 years and their caregivers participated in a series of group psychosocial support sessions, using standard manuals specifically developed for facilitating such sessions such as Children Affected by Armed Conflict and Joint Sessions. The sessions used various activities, including drawing, storytelling, folk games, and other activities, to provide participants with opportunities to express their feelings, learn and practice new coping skills, and interact with others. The aim of this study was to measure the effects of structured psychosocial support sessions on the psychosocial wellbeing of children and their caregivers in the Gaza Strip. Methods This descriptive study involved children and female caregivers selected from six locations using a stratified sampling technique. External numerators collected data before and after the group sessions. Two interview questionnaires with questions about psychological and social status were used, one for children and one for caregivers. The caregivers' questionnaire also assessed their psychosocial knowledge. Adult participants and caregivers of participating children provided verbal consent. Data were analysed with SPSS, and a p value less than 0·05 indicated significance. Findings 155 children (77 [50%] boys and 78 [50%] girls) and 155 female caregivers were enrolled from a population of 1720 children (50% boys and 50% girls) and 1720 female caregivers. The sessions improved psychosocial wellbeing in participants, with the average psychosocial wellbeing score increasing from 58% to 87% in children and from 69% to 84% in caregivers. Caregivers' knowledge increased from 70% to 82%. Improvement was found in the various aspects of psychosocial wellbeing. No differences were found with respect to location, sex, and age. Interpretation Structured group sessions improved psychosocial wellbeing in children and caregivers and improved caregivers' knowledge. Given the design of this study, it is difficult to fully attribute these results to the intervention. Funding None.
Nucleic Acid Profiling in Tumor Exosomes

Abstract Exosomes are extracellular membrane vesicles with endocytic origin, and recent studies have demonstrated the spread of oncogenes by exosomes from tumor cells. Hence, the cargo content in the exosomes is of great significance. RNA (coding and noncoding) component of exosomes (evRNA) is of particular diagnostic interest because this provides a message to the neighboring cell, specific for a tumor type. Several methods can characterize such evRNA-based message from tumor cells, and here we discuss a brief overview of such techniques including next-generation sequencing and compare/contrast them for their applications. We discuss some of the caveats and artifacts associated with such techniques including library preparation and present some of ways to overcome such challenges. Lastly, we present some of the potential aspects for the field of evRNA characterization especially at the single EV level. Our main goal is to allow the user for informed selection of a tool for their specific application.
Fully-Coupled Fluid-Structure Formulation of a Baffled Rectangular Orthotropic Plate Using the Boundary Element and Finite Element Methods

Laminated composite structures have become important and proven structural materials in aerospace and ocean vehicles. However, due to the orthotropy of laminated composite materials the analysis of these structures is complex and usually cannot be adequately performed using classical methods. This paper describes the formulation of the fully coupled fluid-structure interaction of a laminated composite plate and its surrounding fluid medium. The solution technique involves the use of the finite element method for modeling the structural response and the boundary element method for modeling the acoustic field. The model incorporates the Mindlin plate theory which includes five degrees of freedom per node. Storage requirements are reduced by grouping complex numbers. Finally, the fully coupled fluid-structure interaction involving laminated composite plates is modeled using the FEM-BEM model. Results are given for various plate materials and geometries and surrounding fluids.
Design and Spectrum Efficiency of a New Waveform

With the rapid deployment of new wireless devices and applications in cellular systems and wireless local area networks (WLAN), there is a growing demand for wireless radio spectrum in last several decades. Spectrum efficiency attracts more and more attention. In this paper, we try to improve the spectrum efficiency from the view of waveform design. Based on the zero correlation zone (ZCZ) concept, we present the definition and properties of a set of new triphase coded waveforms –ZCZ sequence-pair set (ZCZPS) in this paper and propose a method to use the optimized punctured sequence-pair along with Hadamard matrix in the zero correlation zone to construct the optimized punctured ZCZ sequence-pair set (optimized punctured ZCZPS). According to property analysis, the optimized punctured ZCZPS has good autocorrelation and cross correlation properties. Encoding the proposed codes on the frequency domain, we obtain that the proposed codes have narrower mainlobe and lower sidelobes comparing with Gold codes.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Aging and Dementia: Detection of Age-Related Cognitive Changes and Prediction of Cognitive Decline

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allows for dynamic observation of the neural substrates of cognitive processing, which makes it a valuable tool for studying brain changes that may occur with both normal and pathological aging. fMRI studies have revealed that older adults frequently exhibit a greater magnitude and extent activation of the blood-oxygen-level-dependent signal compared to younger adults. This additional activation may reflect compensatory recruitment associated with functional and structural deterioration of neural resources. Increased activation has also been associated with several risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), including the apolipoprotein e4 allele. Longitudinal studies have also demonstrated that fMRI may have predictive utility in determining which individuals are at the greatest risk of developing cognitive decline. This chapter will review the results of a number of task-activated fMRI studies of older adults, focusing on both healthy aging and neuropathology associated with AD. We also discuss models that account for cognitive aging processes, including the hemispheric asymmetry reduction in older adults (HAROLD) and scaffolding theory of aging and cognition (STAC) models. Finally, we discuss methodological issues commonly associated with fMRI research in older adults.
Retrospective review of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (ICI) at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Cancer Center (MEDVAMCCC).

e15091Background: Given the recent clinical introduction of ICIs, their application, efficacy, predictive markers, and adverse effects are actively being elucidated. Here we describe the use, respo...
Factors influencing age related dispersal of the nymphal OdonatesIschnura barberi (Currie),Pachydiplax longipennis (Burm.) andErythemis simplicicollis (Say)

Size related spatial patterns were observed in naiads of the three dominant odonate taxa in a man-made marsh. These patterns were correlated with various physical and chemical parameters, the vegetation gradient, and prey availability using linear and curvilinear regressions.Ischnura barberi andPachydiplax longipennis naiads increased linearly in head capsule widths from the marsh center to the marsh edge. Increasing naiad size correlated with changes in vegetation. Additionally, the spatial patterning ofPachydiplax longipennis was correlated with decreasing submerged plant surface area as naiad size increased. The head capsule width ofErythemis simplicicollis increased from the marsh center to the marsh edge and then continued to increase towards the marsh center. This complex dispersal pattern did not correlate with any of the measured physical or chemical parameters or the vegetation gradient. However, the dispersal pattern ofErythemis simplicicollis correlated with increased in consumable prey densities along the migratory path. No correlation existed between consumable prey and the dispersal pattern ofIschnura barberi orPachydiplax longipennis.
2398-PUB: The Interplay of Type 1 Diabetes and Weight: A Qualitative Study of Thematic Progression with Age

The impact of weight management in persons with type 1 diabetes (T1D) from childhood into adulthood is not well described. The purpose of the study is to explore qualitative themes presented by young adults on both weight and T1D management. We analyzed focus group data from 17 young adults with T1D via inductive qualitative analysis. Major themes were compared to published themes presented by youth with T1D to categorize thematic progression from youth to adulthood. Themes from young adults with T1D, when compared to youth, are categorized as: unchanged, evolving, and newly reported. Hypoglycemia and a sense of futility around exercise was an unchanged theme. Importance of insulin usage and a need for a healthy personal relationship with T1D evolved to gather greater conviction. Newly reported themes are unique to integration of adulthood into T1D, such as family planning and work-diabetes balance. Young adults also newly reported negative experiences with providers in their younger years and desire for more supportive provider relationships. Issues identified by youth regarding the dual management of T1D and weight rarely resolve, but rather, persist unchanged or integrate other aspects of young adulthood via evolving or newly emerged themes. Individualized and age-appropriate clinical support and practice guidelines are warranted to facilitate the dual management of weight and T1D in persons with T1D Disclosure A. Addala: None. D. Igudesman: None. A.R. Kahkoska: None. F.R. Muntis: None. K.J. Souris: None. K.J. Whitaker: None. R.E. Pratley: Consultant; Self; Sanofi US. Other Relationship; Self; AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Company, GlaxoSmithKline plc., Janssen Global Services, LLC., Janssen Research & Development, Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Mundipharma, Novo Nordisk Inc., Pfizer Inc., Sanofi, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. E. Mayer-Davis: None.
Quantitative measurement of water diffusion lifetimes at a protein/DNA interface by NMR.

Hydration site lifetimes of slowly diffusing water molecules at the protein/DNA interface of the vnd/NK-2 homeodomain DNA complex were determined using novel three-dimensional NMR techniques. The lifetimes were calculated using the ratios of ROE and NOE cross-relaxation rates between the water and the protein backbone and side chain amides. This calculation of the lifetimes is based on a model of the spectral density function of the water-protein interaction consisting of three timescales of motion: fast vibrational/rotational motion, diffusion into/out of the hydration site, and overall macromolecular tumbling. The lifetimes measured ranged from approximately 400 ps to more than 5 ns, and nearly all the slowly diffusing water molecules detected lie at the protein/DNA interface. A quantitative analysis of relayed water cross-relaxation indicated that even at very short mixing times, 5 ms for ROESY and 12 ms for NOESY, relay of magnetization can make a small but detectable contribution to the measured rates. The temperature dependences of the NOE rates were measured to help discriminate direct dipolar cross-relaxation from chemical exchange. Comparison with several X-ray structures of homeodomain/DNA complexes reveals a strong correspondence between water molecules in conserved locations and the slowly diffusing water molecules detected by NMR. A homology model based on the X-ray structures was created to visualize the conserved water molecules detected at the vnd/NK-2 homeodomain DNA interface. Two chains of water molecules are seen at the right and left sides of the major groove, adjacent to the third helix of the homeodomain. Two water-mediated hydrogen bond bridges spanning the protein/DNA interface are present in the model, one between the backbone of Phe8 and a DNA phosphate, and one between the side chain of Asn51 and a DNA phosphate. The hydrogen bond bridge between Asn51 and the DNA might be especially important since the DNA contact made by the invariant Asn51 residue, seen in all known homeodomain/DNA structures, is critical for binding affinity and specificity.
Chemical Warfare Agents and Weapons Disposal Experience in the United States

Concern with the selection of technology for the United States Army’s chemical warfare agent and munitions disposal programme began at least as early as the 1960s. That concern prompted a study the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and, in 1969, a report recommended that “a systematic study of optimal methods of disposal on appropriate military installations, involving no hazards to the general population and no pollution of the environment, should be undertaken.” ① Prior to 1969, disposal was mainly by land burial, open pit burning, and deep ocean dumping.* It is unfortunate, in hindsight, that this report called for no risk and no pollution as these are popular expectations but clearly impossible goals.
Oral Administration of Caffeine Exacerbates Cisplatin-Induced Hearing Loss.

Adenosine A1 receptors (A1AR) are well characterized for their role in cytoprotection. Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of these receptors in the cochlea where their activation were shown to suppress cisplatin-induced inflammatory response and the resulting ototoxicity. Inhibition of A1AR by caffeine, a widely consumed psychoactive substance, could antagonize the endogenous protective role of these receptors in cochlea and potentiate cisplatin-induced hearing loss. This hypothesis was tested in a rat model of cisplatin ototoxicity following oral administration of caffeine. We report here that single-dose administration of caffeine exacerbates cisplatin-induced hearing loss without increasing the damage to outer hair cells (OHCs), but increased synaptopathy and inflammation in the cochlea. These effects of caffeine were mediated by its blockade of A1AR, as co-administration of R-PIA, an A1AR agonist, reversed the detrimental actions of caffeine and cisplatin on hearing loss. Multiple doses of caffeine exacerbated cisplatin ototoxicity which was associated with damage to OHCs and cochlear synaptopathy. These findings highlight a possible drug-drug interaction between caffeine and cisplatin for ototoxicity and suggest that caffeine consumption should be cautioned in cancer patients treated with a chemotherapeutic regimen containing cisplatin.
HER2 somatic mutation analysis in breast cancer: correlation with clinicopathological features

Summary HER2 mutations have been reported in approximately 2% of breast cancers. Regardless of HER2 overexpression or amplification status, breast cancer with HER2 mutations may respond to HER2-targeted therapy. As HER2 mutation is rare, the clinical and pathological features of HER2-mutated breast cancers, such as hormonal status, histological grade, and metastasis, remain poorly defined. Therefore, the identification of HER2-mutated breast cancer has clinical significance. We retrospectively screened patients with metastatic breast cancer in whom molecular profiling had been performed using next-generation sequencing from 2012 to 2015; we identified 18 patients with HER2 mutation. Mutations were found on next-generation sequencing-based panels, including Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot, Oncomine, FoundationOne, and Guardant360. HER2 mutations were identified in both the tyrosine kinase (n = 14) and extracellular (n = 4) domains. Of the 14 cases with tyrosine kinase domain mutations, 13 were estrogen receptor positive; the 4 cases with extracellular domain mutations were exclusively estrogen receptor negative. In addition, 11 of 14 patients with tyrosine kinase domain mutations had bone metastasis, whereas no patients with HER2 extracellular domain mutations had bone metastasis. Histologically, 13 patients had invasive ductal carcinoma, 1 had metaplastic carcinoma, and 4 had invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). All 4 ILCs were high grade and pleomorphic, and not only had an HER2 mutation in the kinase domain but also had an HER2 mutation involving the L755 site. Specific mutation sites may be involved in the pathogenesis of nonclassic ILC.
The US Military Health System: Promoting Readiness And Providing Health Care.

The US Military Health System (MHS) is a unique federal health care system with a critical mission: ensuring that America’s military personnel are healthy; maintaining a ready medical force in supp...
Cardiovascular Outcomes with Transcatheter vs. Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Low-Risk Patients: An Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract Background TAVR is an established treatment option in high and intermediate-risk patients with severe AS. There is less data regarding the efficacy of TAVR in low-risk patients. This meta-analysis evaluated efficacy and safety outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in comparison to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in low-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Methods Databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared TAVR with SAVR for the treatment of low-risk patients with severe AS. We calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the random-effects model. Results The final analysis included 2953 patients from 5 studies. Compared to SAVR, TAVR was associated with similar mid-term mortality [OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.37–1.21; p = 0.18], as well as similar short-term mortality [OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.24–1.11; p = 0.09]. Randomization to TAVR was associated with a reduced risk of developing acute kidney injury [OR 0.26; 95% CI 0.13–0.52; p Conclusions Our meta-analysis showed that TAVR has similar clinical efficacy to SAVR, with a more favorable safety profile, in patients with severe AS who are at low-surgical risk.
Mediating-Moderating Effect of Allostatic Load on the Association between Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality: 2001–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

This secondary analysis of survey data examined mediating-moderating effects of allostatic load score (calculated using the Rodriquez method) on the association between nutrient-based Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet score (Mellen Index) and the all-cause and cause-specific mortality risks among 11,630 adults ≥ 30 years of age from the 2001–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys with no history of cardiovascular disease or cancer at baseline, and who were followed-up for ~9.35 years. Multivariable models were adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and health characteristics. All-cause, cardiovascular disease, and cancer-specific mortality rates were estimated at 6.5%, 1.1%, and 1.9%, respectively. The median DASH total score was 3.0 (range: 1–8) (with 78.3% scoring < 4.5), whereas the median allostatic load score was 3 (range: 0–9). The DASH diet, fiber, and magnesium were negatively correlated with allostatic load, whereas allostatic load predicted higher all-cause mortality, irrespective of the DASH diet. Whereas protein was protective, potassium increased all-cause mortality risk, irrespective of allostatic load. Potassium was protective against cardiovascular disease-specific mortality but was a risk factor for cancer-specific mortality. Although no moderating effects were observed, mediation by the allostatic load on cardiovascular disease-specific mortality was observed for DASH total score and selected component scores. Direct (but not indirect) effects of DASH through the allostatic load were observed for all-cause mortality, and no direct or indirect effects were observed for cancer-specific mortality. From a public health standpoint, the allostatic load may be a surrogate for the preventive effects of the DASH diet and its components on cardiovascular disease-specific mortality risk.
Tracks impacted field area simulation using kinematics and geometry for different equipment and operation scenarios

The intensity of the traffic caused by the farm equipment in mechanised agriculture generates track impacted areas which aggravate the soil compaction in the fields. A developed R simulation program evaluated the track impacted area and operational time of the equipment during bale aggregation along with harvesting and baling using kinematics and geometrical principles. Distance travelled by equipment and their respective track widths (footprint) determined the track impacted areas under different scenarios. Tracks impacted areas simulated for automatic bale picker (ABP) with several bales/trip (8–23 bales/trip) and areas (1–259 ha) were compared with a control method, using a tractor that can handle 1 and 2 bales/trip. The logistics simulation used the developed more realistic curvilinear method (circular turning paths developed for the harvester, baler, tractor, and ABP) and compared with simpler Euclidean paths. Overall, the impacted areas by the curvilinear method were 1.06–1.29 times the Euclidean for bale aggregation but were not statistically different ( p ≥ 0.49). Results indicated that the baler followed by harvester produced the least impacted area and ABP the most. Developed prediction models determined the curvilinear track path from Euclidean distances, impacted area from the field area, bales/trip, and biomass yield for different operations, as well as overall operational time fitted well to the results (0.95 ≤ R 2 ≤ 0.99). A small ABP of 8 bales/trip (which is also capable of 11 bales/trip) was recommended based on efficient bale aggregation and least impacted area.
WHEN LIGHTING STRIKES TWICE: LOCAL ANESTHETIC SYSTEMIC TOXICITY AND EPINEPHRINE INDUCED STRESS CARDIOMYOPATHY

Local anesthetics (LAs) are thought to be free of deleterious effects. However, major events have occurred from LAs after any route of administration. We present a case of local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) resulting in serious cardiovascular complications. An 85-year-old woman without
An experimental approach for enhancing the predictability of mechanical properties of additively manufactured architected materials with manufacturing-induced variability

Abstract Additive manufacturing enables the fabrication of metallic architected materials for structural applications. However, variability in the manufacturing process can contribute to various types of defects, which lead to mechanical properties that are much worse than predicted. Architected materials comprised of many small struts further exacerbate the process variability. The geometry and mechanical properties of individual struts differ from the bulk material, with the extent of the disparity related to the size and orientation of the struts with respect to the build platform. Small features are also more susceptible to process defects including porosity and surface roughness. Postprocessing operations such as hot isostatic pressing seek to alleviate some of these defects with minor success. This manufacturing uncertainty complicates the prediction of lattice structure performance, sometimes requiring computationally expensive stochastic finite element models informed by CT scanning to obtain accurate results. In this chapter, the effective mechanical properties of individual lattice struts are evaluated experimentally with a high-throughput tensile testing procedure. Then, these effective mechanical properties are incorporated into finite element models of the entire lattice structure. Results indicate that this approach yields accurate predictions of lattice structure properties without requiring CT scanning or computationally expensive stochastic finite element analysis.
The role of emotion in P2P microfinance funding: A sentiment analysis approach

Abstract Online peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms are gaining popularity for providing financing and loans to small and micro entrepreneurs, particularly in developing parts of the world. This study investigates how individual borrowers in the P2P platform can improve the chance of their loans being funded. Based on theories related to cognitive and affective aspects of information processing, a set of loan description features is identified and evaluated based on their influence on funding success. Sentiment analysis, a text mining technique, is used to analyze and extract emotions from an unstructured P2P loan data set. The results reveal valuable information in the P2P lending context such that, in the absence of market interest rates, borrowers can improve the chance of funding success by improving the textual quality of their loan descriptions in terms of readability and linguistic correctness. In addition, borrowers can make the loan descriptions more attractive to potential lenders by expressing certain emotions in the descriptions.
Regulatory considerations for artificial intelligence technologies in GI endoscopy

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in clinical medicine have become the subject of intensive investigative efforts and popular attention. In domains ranging from pathology to radiology, AI has demonstrated the potential to improve clinical performance and efficiency. In gastroenterology, AI has been applied on multiple fronts, with particular progress seen in the areas of computer-aided polyp detection (CADe) and computer-aided polyp diagnosis (CADx), to assist gastroenterologists during colonoscopy. As clinical evidence accrues for CADe and CADx, our attention must also turn toward the unique challenges that this new wave of technologies represent for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies, who are tasked with protecting public health by ensuring the safety of medical devices. In this review, we describe the current regulatory pathways for AI tools in gastroenterology and the expected evolution of these pathways.
Reduced regional brain cortical thickness in patients with heart failure.

Author(s): Kumar, Rajesh; Yadav, Santosh K; Palomares, Jose A; Park, Bumhee; Joshi, Shantanu H; Ogren, Jennifer A; Macey, Paul M; Fonarow, Gregg C; Harper, Ronald M; Woo, Mary A | Abstract: AimsAutonomic, cognitive, and neuropsychologic deficits appear in heart failure (HF) subjects, and these compromised functions depend on cerebral cortex integrity in addition to that of subcortical and brainstem sites. Impaired autoregulation, low cardiac output, sleep-disordered-breathing, hypertension, and diabetic conditions in HF offer considerable potential to affect cortical areas by loss of neurons and glia, which would be expressed as reduced cortical thicknesses. However, except for gross descriptions of cortical volume loss/injury, regional cortical thickness integrity in HF is unknown. Our goal was to assess regional cortical thicknesses across the brain in HF, compared to control subjects.Methods and resultsWe examined localized cortical thicknesses in 35 HF and 61 control subjects with high-resolution T1-weighted images (3.0-Tesla MRI) using FreeSurfer software, and assessed group differences with analysis-of-covariance (covariates; age, gender; pl0.05; FDR). Significantly-reduced cortical thicknesses appeared in HF over controls in multiple areas, including the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes, more markedly on the left side, within areas that control autonomic, cognitive, affective, language, and visual functions.ConclusionHeart failure subjects show reduced regional cortical thicknesses in sites that control autonomic, cognitive, affective, language, and visual functions that are deficient in the condition. The findings suggest chronic tissue alterations, with regional changes reflecting loss of neurons and glia, and presumably are related to earlier-described axonal changes. The pathological mechanisms contributing to reduced cortical thicknesses likely include hypoxia/ischemia, accompanying impaired cerebral perfusion from reduced cardiac output and sleep-disordered-breathing and other comorbidities in HF.
Struggles for Self-Determination: The Denial of Reactionary Statehood in Africa

Katanga, Rhodesia, Transkei and Bophuthatswana: four African countries that, though existing in a literal sense, were, in each case, considered by the international community to be a component part of a larger sovereign state through which all official communications and interactions were still conducted. This book is concerned with the intertwined histories of these four right-wing secessionist states in Southern Africa as they fought for but ultimately failed to win sovereign recognition. Along the way, Katanga, Rhodesia, Transkei, and Bophuthatswana each invented new national symbols and traditions, created all the trappings of independent statehood, and each proclaimed that their movements were legitimate expressions of national self-determination. Josiah Brownell provides a unique comparison between these states, viewed together as a common reaction to decolonization and the triumph of anticolonial African nationalism. Describing the ideological stakes of their struggles for sovereignty, Brownell explores the international political controversies that their drives for independence initiated inside and outside Africa. By combining their stories, this book draws out the relationships between the emergence of these four pseudo-states and the fragility of the entire postcolonial African state structure.
Inverted c-functions in thermal states

We first compute the effect of a chiral anomaly, charge, and a magnetic field on the entanglement entropy in $\mathcal{N}=4$ Super-Yang-Mills theory at strong coupling via holography. Depending on the width of the entanglement strip the entanglement entropy probes energy scales from the ultraviolet to the infrared energy regime of this quantum field theory (QFT) prepared in a given state. From the entanglement entropy, we compute holographic c-functions and demonstrate an inverted c-theorem for them. That is, these c-functions in generic thermal states monotonically increase towards the infrared (IR) energy regime. This is in contrast to the c-functions in vacuum states which decrease along the renormalization group flow towards the IR regime of a renormalizable QFT. Furthermore, in thermal states and in the IR limit, the c-functions behave thermally, growing proportionally to the value of the thermal entropy. The chiral anomaly affects the c-functions more in the IR regime, and its effect is peaked at an intermediate value of the magnetic field at a fixed chemical potential and temperature.
Sustainable production of graphene from petroleum coke using electrochemical exfoliation

Petroleum coke is a solid, carbonaceous by-product of oil refining and is normally used for heating or as an anode in aluminum and steel production. These applications contribute to carbon emissions, but here we show that petroleum coke has another potential avenue: as a precursor for graphene production. This path presents an environmentally and economically sustainable use for a low-value industrial stream. Electrochemical exfoliation is used to produce graphene nanosheets from petroleum coke, rather than graphite. The final product is separated from the unreacted material by a two-step centrifuging process. SEM and TEM images confirm that the final product contains few-layered nanosheets, and the Raman spectra confirm that the exfoliated coke product is indeed graphene. Post-annealing of this product substantially increases the electrical conductivity. This new finding holds potential for the petroleum industry to produce a value-added nanomaterial and enhance the economic impact of slurry oil and slurry oil-derived coke streams by orders of magnitude; this route also allows these streams to be directed away from high-emissions uses.
Menopausal symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and hormone therapy use in young cervical cancer patients undergoing definitive treatment at a single institution

Objectives: To evaluate the incidence of menopausal symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and hormone therapy (HT) use in cervical cancer patients at a single public hospital. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study evaluating all patients under the age of 55 with stage IA1-IVA squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or adenocarcinoma of the cervix who underwent definitive treatment at our institution between 2015 and 2018. Demographic data, tumor characteristics, and treatment data were collected. All gynecologic and radiation oncology visits were reviewed for documentation of menopausal symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and use of HT and vaginal dilators. The frequency of these symptoms was measured as was the time a provider first documented them and readdressed them after diagnosis and initiation of treatment. Results: A total of 59 patients were identified, with a mean age of 42 years (range 27-55, 76% ≤50 years) and 83% Hispanic. 32% had clinically early stage disease (IB1 or less) and 68% had locally advanced disease. 68% had SCC, 24% adenocarcinoma and 8% adenosquamous carcinoma. Median recurrence free survival was 20 months (range 1-53) with median follow-up of 25 months (range 4-58). Ten women (17%) underwent hysterectomy or trachelectomy with ovarian conservation, and 1 (2%) underwent bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) at the time of radical hysterectomy. 39 women (66%) underwent definitive chemoradiation. The remaining 9 (15%) women underwent surgery (hysterectomy and/or BSO) and adjuvant radiation. A total of 827 visits (median 14 per patient) were reviewed after diagnosis. Of the 48 women who received any radiation, only 27 (56%) were ever asked about vasomotor symptoms with a median time to asking of 19 weeks (range 1-132). When first asked, vasomotor symptoms were reported 71% of the time, but symptoms were only readdressed in 20% of subsequent visits. When first asked, 55% of patients reported vaginal dryness and 60% had sexual dysfunction. 24 patients (50%) were prescribed any kind of HT, and median time to counseling on HT use was 16 weeks (range 1-184). Once initiated, ongoing HT use was readdressed at 74% of visits. Of the 35 patients (73%) ever asked about vaginal dilator use, 54% reported use. None of the 11 patients who underwent hysterectomy±BSO without radiation were asked about the domains studied in any of their 70 visits. Conclusions: When asked, the majority of young cervical cancer patients report menopausal symptoms and sexual dysfunction after undergoing definitive treatment. Once initiated, women are compliant with HT use. However, many women are not being counseled about menopausal or sexual dysfunction symptoms nor treated with hormone therapy in a timely fashion. This study identified opportunities for quality improvement at our institution and will be combined with national guidelines to change clinical practice.
O non nato Sempre en Galiza de Castelao en Librouro (1975)

EnglishDocuments of the censorship of June 1975 and January 1976 are presented, in which Castelao’s political essay Sempre en Galiza (Buenos Aires, 1944) was banned. From the study of the censorship report, this note traces the editorial history of Castelao’s work during Franco’s regime and proposes a complex analysis of the logic and contexts of book censorship in Spain at the end of the dictatorship. galegoPresentanse documentos da censura de xuno de 1975 e xaneiro de 1976 nos que se prohibe o ensaio politico de Castelao Sempre en Galiza (Buenos Aires, 1944). A partir do estudo do informe da censura, esta nota bosquexa a historia editorial da obra de Castelao durante o franquismo e propon unha analise complexa da loxica e dos contextos da censura de libros na Espana do final da ditadura.
Titan's meridional wind profile and Huygens' orientation and swing inferred from the geometry of DISR imaging

Abstract The altitude and zonal motion of the Huygens probe descending through Titan’s atmosphere was determined early under the assumption of no meridional motion (Bird et al. [2005]. Nature 438, 800–802). By comparing images taken during the descent, Karkoschka et al. (Karkoschka et al. [2007]. Planet. Space Sci. 55, 1895–1935) determined the meridional motion of Huygens, which was generally much smaller than its zonal motion. Here, we present a comprehensive geometrical analysis of all images taken during the descent that is four times more accurate than the previous study. The result is a meridional wind profile across Titan’s troposphere with northward winds by up to 0.4 m/s with an average of 0.1 m/s above 1 km altitude, and southward winds below, peaking at 0.9 m/s near 0.4 km altitude. The imaging data extend down to 0.22 km altitude, although additional information came from the horizontal impact speed near 0.8 m/s southward (Schroder et al. [2012]. Planet. Space Sci. 73, 327–340). There is a region between 5 and 8 km altitude with no significant meridional wind. In the stratosphere, the average meridional wind was 1.2 ± 1.5 m/s northward, and zero meridional motion is possible down to 15 km altitude. We present the difference between the zonal speeds of Huygens and the wind that was ignored in previous publications and amounts to up to 7 m/s. We determined the three rotational angles of Huygens for the times of each exposure that showed surface features. During 26 exposures, the swing speed of Huygens was fast enough to smear images. Inferred swing speeds were up to 20°/s during the calm phase of the descent, consistent with up to 40°/s swings reported before during the rough phase. The improved geometric calibration of images allowed identification of many features also seen in Cassini radar images. This comparison yields the location of the Huygens LandingSite as 192.34 ± 02° West and 10.47 ± 0.02° South.
Teacher Assessment Literacy: What Do Teachers Know about Assessment?

Publisher Summary It is estimated that teachers spend up to 50% of their instructional time in assessment-related activities. The chapter discusses the teacher assessment literacy—what teachers actually know about assessment. It has been found that teachers receive little or no formal assessment training in the preparatory programs and often they are ill-prepared to undertake assessment-related activities. With the introduction of “authentic” assessment strategies, it is more important for teachers to be more skilled in assessment. This is so because they often are involved directly in the administration and scoring of these assessments. Some studies have attempted to quantify the level of teacher preparation in educational assessment of students. The chapter highlights the study of a national survey of teacher assessment literacy. Also, it presents a more detailed analysis of teacher performance on the instrument. The results of this study indicate low levels of assessment competency for teachers. These results suggest that it is time for the education community to recognize that teachers are ill-equipped to successfully undertake one of the most prevalent activities of their instructional program: student assessment. This is especially salient due to the current trend in student assessment, involving an increase in assessment strategies such as performance, portfolio, and other types of “authentic assessments.”
Sovereign Rules of the Game: Requiring Campaign Finance Disclosure in the Face of Tribal Sovereign Immunity

This paper examines the history and current state of affairs concerning tribal political participation. Additionally, this paper suggests legislative action to create a sensible structure in which Indian tribes can responsibly participate in the political process at both a federal and state level.