cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationships among Venericardia (Bivalvia: Carditidae) on the U.S. Coastal Plain during the Paleogene

Despite the abundance and diversity of Venericardia bivalves on the U.S. Coastal Plain during the Paleogene, the evolutionary relationships within the genus remain unresolved. The primary objectives of this study were to reconstruct a phylogeny of Venericardia species, identify major clades within the genus, and determine whether groupings within traditional venericard classifications constitute monophyletic taxa. Fifty-one conchological characters were applied to 18 venericard and two outgroup species. Parsimony analysis produced three equally parsimonious trees and robustness was assessed through Bremer support and bootstrap values. The resultant trees indicate that the smooth-ribbed planicostate venericards are monophyletic, whereas the sharp-ribbed alticostate venericards are paraphyletic. Additionally, the original planicostate subtaxon, Venericor, is monophyletic whereas the original alticostate subtaxa, Claibornicardia, Glyptoactis, and Rotundicardia, are nonmonophyletic.
Thrombopoietin Upregulates the Promoter Conformation of p53 in a Proliferation-Independent Manner Coincident With a Decreased Expression of Bax: Potential Mechanisms for Survival Enhancing Effects

Thrombopoietin (Tpo) has proliferative and maturational effects on immature and more committed cells, respectively. We previously reported a role for Tpo as a survival factor in the factor-dependent human cell line M07e by demonstrating that Tpo suppresses apoptosis in the absence of induced proliferation. Wild-type p53 is a tumor suppressor gene that can play a vital role in mediating growth factor withdrawal-induced apoptosis in factor-dependent hematopoietic cells. Wild-type p53 can switch from a suppressor conformation, with an antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic phenotype, to a promoter conformation that has a diminished ability to mediate cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In an effort to elucidate the mechanisms through which Tpo suppresses apoptosis, we investigated the effects of Tpo treatment on p53-mediated apoptosis in M07e cells. Tpo upregulated the expression of the promoter conformation of p53 in M07e cells coincident with a downregulation of Bax and Mdm2 protein levels. Protein levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL did not significantly vary as a function of growth-factor stimulation. Conversely, the levels of suppressor conformation p53 were maximal when M07e was in a growth arrested state and decreased during factor stimulation. Furthermore, Tpo treatment induced an extranuclear buildup and greatly weakened the DNA binding capacity of p53. p53-specific antisense oligonucleotide treatment recapitulated the effects of Tpo treatment on the levels of Bax, Mdm-2, and Bcl-2. These results suggest that Tpo is suppressing growth factor withdrawal induced-apoptosis, at least in part, by downregulating the expression of pro-apoptotic Bax protein levels, through modulating the conformation of p53, which results in a functional inactivation of its pro-apoptotic abilities.
Study of He 3 + He 3 Elastic Scattering and the Nucleus Be 6

Differential cross sections for ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ + ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ elastic scattering have been measured at 18 angles from 12.5 to 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} (lab) at energies of 17.91, 20.00, 22.00, 24.00, 26.00, 28.00, and 30.00 MeV (lab). In addition, differential cross sections have been measured at intermediate energies from 19.00 to 32.00 MeV (lab) at angles of 20, 28, 36, and 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} (lab). The relative standard deviations of the data are generally less than 2%, and there is an additional standard deviation in the cross-section scale of 3%. The measurements are compared with theoretical calculations using the resonating-group method in the one-channel approximation. A broad resonance in the $l=3$ partial wave is predicted by the theory, and such a resonance has been observed in the present experiment. Differences between theory and experiment can be qualitatively understood as being caused principally by omission in the theory of reaction channels and noncentral forces. The effect of radial distortion in resonating-group calculations for the ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ + ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ system has also been investigated in an approximate manner. It is found that the effect can be quite significant for calculations of the energies of states in ${\mathrm{Be}}^{6}$ below the ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ + ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ threshold.
Inhibition of gastric emptying by glucose depends on length of intestine exposed to nutrient

Nutrients inhibit gastric emptying in a dose-related fashion. We postulated that load-dependent gastric emptying results from the saturation of mucosal absorptive mechanisms, so that a longer length of the small intestine is exposed to unabsorbed nutrients as more nutrient enters the intestine to participate in this negative feedback. To test this idea, we limited exposure of 0.25 to 1.0 M glucose meals to various lengths of duodenum and jejunum in 17 dogs. The effects of these limited perfusions were then compared with experiments in which the whole gut (ALL) was exposed to the nutrient. Maximal inhibition was seen with 1.0 M meal and was similar with perfusions of 150 cm and ALL. By contrast, even with the 1.0 M load, no inhibition of gastric emptying was seen when glucose meal was confined to the first 15 cm of the proximal duodenum. Only 50-60% of maximal inhibition was observed during confinement of 1.0 M meal to the proximal 65 cm. We concluded that glucose sensors are present in both the proximal and the distal gut and the inhibition was related to the length of the small intestine exposed to glucose.
Nuclear absorption effects in the elastic scattering of 10 B and 11 B by 27 Al, 28 Si, and 30 Si

Elastic scattering angular distributions for $^{10,11}\mathrm{B}$ + $^{27}\mathrm{Al}$, $^{28,30}\mathrm{Si}$ at ${E}_{\mathrm{lab}}=41.6 \mathrm{and} 50$ MeV, $^{10,11}\mathrm{B}$ + $^{28}\mathrm{Si}$ at ${E}_{\mathrm{lab}}=33.7$ MeV, and $^{11}\mathrm{B}$ + $^{28}\mathrm{Si}$ at ${E}_{\mathrm{lab}}=41.1 \mathrm{and} 42.1$ MeV have been measured. At each energy all angular distributions show similar oscillatory structure for $\frac{\ensuremath{\sigma}}{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{R}}g{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$, except for $^{11}\mathrm{B}$ + $^{28}\mathrm{Si}$, which is comparatively structureless. The inelastic scattering angular distributions of the first excited ${2}^{+}$ states in $^{28}\mathrm{Si}$ by $^{10,11}\mathrm{B}$ at ${E}_{\mathrm{lab}}=33.7, 41.6, \mathrm{and} 50$ MeV, and in $^{30}\mathrm{Si}$ by $^{10,11}\mathrm{B}$ at 50 MeV and by $^{10}\mathrm{B}$ at 41.6 MeV are presented. Relative direct transfer reaction strengths for $^{11}\mathrm{B}$ + $^{27}\mathrm{Al}$ and $^{11}\mathrm{B}$ + $^{28}\mathrm{Si}$ were measured at 49.5 MeV. The differences in the measured elastic scattering angular distributions can be explained by stronger direct transfer reaction channels in $^{11}\mathrm{B}$ + $^{28}\mathrm{Si}$.
Phorbol ester stimulation increases sickle erythrocyte adherence to endothelium: a novel pathway involving alpha 4 beta 1 integrin receptors on sickle reticulocytes and fibronectin.

Sickle-cell adherence to endothelium has been hypothesized to initiate or contribute to microvascular occlusion and pain episodes. Adherence involves plasma proteins, endothelial-cell adhesion molecules, and receptors on sickle erythrocytes. It has previously been reported that sickle reticulocytes express the alpha 4 beta 1 integrin receptor and bind to cytokine-activated endothelium via an alpha 4 beta 1/vascular-cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) interaction. To elucidate other roles for alpha 4 beta 1 in sickle-cell adherence, the ability of activated alpha 4 beta 1 to promote adhesion to endothelium via a ligand different than VCAM-1 was explored. Adherence assays were performed under dynamic conditions at a shear stress of 1 dyne/cm2. Preincubation of sickle erythrocytes with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) increased adherence of sickle cells eightfold as compared with untreated sickle cells. Normal erythrocytes, whether treated with PDBu or not, did not adhere to the endothelium. Activating anti-beta 1 antibodies 4B4 and 8A2 also increased the adhesion of sickle, but not normal, red blood cell (RBC) adhesion to endothelium. Anti-alpha 4 antibodies HP1/2 and HP2/1, inhibitory antibody 4B5, or an RGD peptide inhibited sickle-cell adherence induced by PDBu. Additional studies were undertaken to examine if fibronectin, a ligand for activated alpha 4 beta 1, was involved in PDBu-induced sickle erythrocyte adherence. Adherence of PDBu-treated sickle cells was completely inhibited by the CS-1 peptide of fibronectin. Fibronectin was detected on the surface of washed endothelium using an antifibronectin antibody in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Antifibronectin antibody pretreatment of endothelial cells inhibited PDBu-induced adherence by 79% +/-17%. Incubation of sickle RBCs with exogenous fibronectin after PDBu treatment inhibited adherence 86% +/- 8%. Taken together, these data suggest that endothelial-bound fibronectin mediates adherence of PDBu- treated sickle cells. Interleukin-8 (IL-8), a chemokine released in response to bacterial infection, viral infection, or other injurious agents, and known to activate integrins, also increased adherence of sickle erythrocytes to endothelial cells via fibronectin. This novel adherence pathway involving sickle-cell alpha 4 beta 1 activated by PDBu or IL-8 may therefore be relevant in vivo at vascular sites that produce IL-8 or similar agonists in response to vascular injury or immune activation. These observations describe ways in which inflammation and immune responses cause vasoocclusive complications in sickle-cell disease.
Supplementation with vitamin a derivatives to rescue vision in animal models of degenerative retinal diseases

The perception of light begins when photons reach retinal tissue located at the back of the eye and photoisomerize the visual chromophore 11-cis-retinal to all-trans-retinal within photoreceptor cells. Isomerization of 11-cis-retinal activates the protein rhodopsin located in photoreceptor outer segments, thereby inducing a phototransduction cascade leading to visual perception. To maintain vision, 11-cis-retinal is regenerated in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) via the visual cycle and delivered back to the photoreceptor cells where it may again bind to rhodopsin. Distinct pathological mechanisms have been observed to contribute to inherited retinal degenerative diseases including severe delay in 11-cis-retinal regeneration and delayed clearance of all-trans-retinal, which leads to the accumulation of harmful retinoid by-products. In the last decade, our group has conducted several proof-of-concept (POC) studies with retinoid derivatives aimed at developing treatments for retinal degenerative diseases caused by an impaired visual cycle. Here, we will introduce experimental procedures, which have been developed for POC studies involving retinoid biology.
SINGLE-MOLECULE DNA SEQUENCING WITH FUNCTIONALIZED CARBON NANOTUBE PROBES

Abstract A single molecule of DNA is denatured and immobilized on an atomically flat substrate, and a carbon nanotube force probe functionalized with a nucleotide is scanned along the molecule to detect locations of the probe nucleotide's complement. Discussion is offered regarding the preparation of single-walled carbon nanotube AFM probes and their chemical attachment of DNA nucleotides. Additionally, a model of the oscillating cantilever under the influence of an arbitrary tip force is reviewed and it is shown that attractive forces are measured as a decrease in the cantilever phase, relative to its driving signal. Finally, single-stranded DNA of a known sequence is scanned with a thymine-functionalized carbon nanotube force probe.
The relationship of work-family conflict with job stress among Indian police officers: a research note

AbstractLaw enforcement is often described as a challenging occupation, and working in law enforcement can result in work–family conflict. This exploratory study was undertaken to examine how the different dimensions of work–family conflict are related to job stress among Indian police officers. There are four major dimensions of work–family conflict: strain-based, behavior-based, time-based, and family-based. Data was collected from a survey of police officers in the Sonipat and Rohtak districts of the Indian state of Haryana. Bivariate results revealed that an increase in any one of the dimensions of work–family conflict was associated with increases in stress from work. Multivariate analysis, however, revealed only three of the four dimensions of work–family conflict had a significant association with job stress. Specifically, strain-based conflict, behavior-based conflict, and family-based conflict were significantly associated with higher levels of job stress. These findings provide support for the j...
Ninety Miles Away: Exile and Identity in Recent Cuban-American Theatre

On 13 August 2006, Cuban President Fidel Castro, although recovering from major surgery and ominously absent from view, celebrated his eightieth birthday. Miami Cubans who identified as political refugees danced in the streets at the news of Castro’s failing health but were also forced, yet again, to acknowledge his spectacular longevity as Cuba’s charismatic leader. By the time Fidel Castro’s ailing health led him to relinquish power to his brother Raul in February 2008, the response from Florida was far more subdued. These reactions added to the extensive, problematic relationship between Cuba and the United States that deeply informs the entire Cuban diaspora, far beyond the Miami—Havana nexus that Juan Flores insists is, “incomplete without Washington, and New York, and by extension San Juan, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Madrid, Tokyo” (in De la Campa: vi) and recently (I might add) Caracas or Beijing. Years of exchange and influence have linked the island and America, its northern neighbor. Yet since the Cuban Revolution of 1959, decades of unresolved political clashes, ideological disagreements, economic sanctions, and immigration crises have marred the two countries’ once enormously affable political, financial, and social affiliations. The Cuban Revolution has certainly, according to scholar Român de la Campa, “found its primary source of inspiration in confronting American brawn” (13) and ten American presidents encountered a resolute, fiercely independent Fidel Castro.
Differentialgleichungen II. Ordnung

Alle bisher betrachteten Differentialgleichungen waren von der Form f(x, y, y’) = 0, d. h. sie enthielten nur die erste Ableitung y’, also niemals die zweite oder gar eine noch hohere. Nun wollen wir Differentialgleichungen losen, deren allgemeines Symbol f(x, y, y’, y″) = 0 ist. Eine Gleichung dieser Art ist, wie schon fruher ausgefuhrt wurde, eine Differentialgleichung II. Ordnung. In ihr mus immer die zweite Ableitung vorkommen. Dagegen braucht sie die Variablen x und y nicht unbedingt explizit zu enthalten, auch nicht die erste Ableitung y’.
Opportunities in vehicular opportunistic networking

Following the explosion of Internet-enabled mobile devices and mobile services, users tend to expect network connectivity everywhere they go and at any time. In anticipation of these higher connectivity expectations and requirements especially for vehicular communication, several technologies like WiMAX, cellular networks (i.e., 3G/4G) and wireless mesh networks have been developed. While cellular network communication is either costly or slow, WiMAX which provides data rates comparable to regular WiFi networks, suffers from capacity issues as there are limited channels and hence a limited number of users able to transmit to a single base station. This paper investigates the connectivity challenges in WiFi vehicular opportunistic communications and discusses the utility of such networks at various speeds. We perform a set of simulations to compare state-of-the-art solutions that aim at enhancing the access point entry, production, and exit phases of such communication. We also emulate a best-case solution that enhances most state-of-the-art communication features in order to quantify the potential improvement that can be achieved in vehicular opportunistic networks. The ultimate goal is to provide insights into the true promise and potential of vehicular opportunistic networking.
Mechanics of Texturing Thermoplastic Yarns: Part V: Steady-State Mechanics of Draw Texturing

A model is proposed to reflect the steady-state interaction between material properties of POY feed yarn and the false-twist draw-texturing process. Free filament migration is assumed for initial cold twisting, resulting in equal cold filament strains over the yarn section. No migration is assumed to occur during threadline uptwisting at the heater entry. Threadline torque in the cold zone is attributed to filament bending, twisting, and tensioning, while at the heater entry only the tensile components of yam torque prevail. Numerical solutions of equations of equilibrium and continuity provide predictions of threadline tension, torque, and zone twists. Results of experiments on a laboratory texturing device show good agreement with numerical predictions based on the steady-state model. Limitations of the model are considered.
The Extraction, Anticancer Effect, Bioavailability, and Nanotechnology of Baicalin

The dried root of Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) has been historically and widely used in traditional Eastern medicine. Modern science proved that baicalin is the major bioactive responsible for the physiological activity of Baikal skullcap. Baicalin, a flavonoid found in several species in the genus Scutellaria, has been regarded as a potent anticancer agent. In this review, we present the main extraction methods, anticancer activity and bioavailability of baicalin. Besides, the utilization of nanotechnology to improve the bioavailability of baicalin is also mentioned.
ATPS-76ESTROGEN RECEPTOR β AGONISTS: NOVEL THERAPEUTIC AGENTS FOR GLIOBLASTOMA

Glioblastoma (GBM) are the most common primary brain tumors with poor prognosis. A gender bias exists in the development of GBM with greater incidence of GBM in males compared to females, suggesting the tumor suppressive role of estrogen. However, estrogen as potential therapy for GBM is limited due to safety concerns. Therefore, alternative agents that mimic estrogen effects are needed. Estrogen effects are mediated though Estrogen Receptor α (ERα) and Estrogen Receptor β (ERβ). ERβ functions as a tissue-specific tumor suppressor. Our studies demonstrated that GBM uniquely express ERβ but not ERα. Recent studies identified Liquiritigenin and LY500307 as selective ERβ agonists that are currently in clinical trials for treating hot flashes and Schizophrenia. The objective of this study is to determine the therapeutic effects of novel ERβ agonists and to determine their mechanism(s) of action. Treatment with ERβ agonists significantly reduced the proliferation of GBM cells with no activity on normal astrocytes. Overexpression of ERβ reduced proliferation of GBM cells and knockdown of ERβ compromised the effect of ERβ agonists. ERβ agonists mediated apoptosis of GBM involve genes activated by both ERβ- classical as well as non-classical pathways and also involve p38MAPK and JNK pathways. Since Glioma Stem Cells (GSCs) are implicated in tumor initiation, invasion and therapy resistance, we also tested the effect of ERβ agonists on GSCs. ERβ agonists significantly inhibited the neurosphere formation and self-renewal of GSCs and also reduced the stemness and induced differentiation and apoptosis. RNA sequencing analysis revealed several novel pathways related to apoptosis, cell cycle, stem cells and differentiation were significantly modulated by ERβ agonists. Further, Liquiritigenin and LY500307 treatment significantly reduced the in vivo tumor growth and promoted apoptosis of tumors. Together, our results demonstrate that ERβ agonists as a potential therapeutic agents for treatment of GBM.
Adenomatoid dentinoma: Report of four cases of an unusual odontogenic lesion

Four cases of a rare odontogenic lesion are reported. In each of the 4 examples, the lesion manifested itself as a well-circumscribed unilocular radiolucency in the mandibular third molar region in an adult. The histopathologic features consisted of an encapsulated proliferation of odontogenic hard and soft tissues. The hard tissue component consisted of dentin deposited in a peripheral ringlike configuration that enclosed odontogenic epithelium resembling adenomatoid odontogenic tumor. Whether this process represents a neoplasm or an odontogenic hamartoma is an unresolved question. Treatment in each case consisted of curettage, and no recurrences were observed.
Abstract TP260: Efficacy of Laropiprant in Ameliorating Hyperglycemia-mediated Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Introduction: The respective importance of PGD2 and its receptor DP1 in the vasculature, the blood, and the brain warrants further examination of their role in hyperglycemia-mediated intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Hypothesis: In this study, we tested whether deletion of the DP1 receptor or its blockade by the selective antagonist Laropiprant improves functional and anatomical outcomes following ICH in hyperglycemic mice. Methods: Wildtype (WT) and DP1-/- C57BL/6 mice were given 2g/kg glucose; blood glucose levels and c-peptide levels were monitored over 4h. In the second cohort, WT and DP1-/- mice treated with saline or the DP1 receptor antagonist were given 2g/kg glucose and ICH was induced at 1h by giving a single dose of collagenase in the striatum. Neurologic deficits, brain injury volume, and edema volume were calculated at 72h. Further, the brain sections from these groups were subjected to Perls’ staining and Iba1 and GFAP immunoreactivity to determine the effect of Laropiprant on the modulation of iron levels and gliosis. Results: Acute injection of glucose led to a significant increase in the glucose level in WT and DP1-/- mice. DP1-/- mice exhibited faster clearance of glucose overload compared with the WT mice. Similarly, WT mice treated with Laropiprant also exhibited faster clearance of glucose. Similar patterns were observed in c-peptide levels of these groups. The injury volume in DP1-/- mice compared with WT was significantly lower (8.3±1.8 vs 19.3±5.6mm3; p Conclusion: Together, the data suggest that inhibition of the DP1 receptor improves glucose tolerance/clearance and attenuates functional and anatomical deficits following hyperglycemia-mediated ICH. Additional studies are underway to investigate further mechanisms. [This work was supported by NIH R01 NS046400 (to S.D.).]
Heavy flavour production at RHIC and LHC

In this proceedings, I present selected experimental results on heavy-flavour production at RHIC and at the LHC, which were presented at the Strangeness in Quark Matter 2017 conference. I will present a brief introduction to the heavy-flavour physics in heavy ion collisions and I will focus on recents measurements of in-medium energy loss and and collective properties of heavy-flavour particles, which provided important information on the mechanisms of heavy flavour interaction with the hot and dense medium created in ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions.
Ultrasonography in Saphenous Vein Conduit Selection

ObjectiveThere are anatomic, histologic, and physiologic differences between great saphenous veins (GSVs) and accessory saphenous veins (ASVs). The GSV is deep to the saphenous fascia. ASVs are superficial to this layer and have thin walls with diminished muscle cells and elastic fiber. This study reviews the ultrasound characteristics of these veins, changes associated with varicose vein disease, and venous anomalies that impact on saphenous vein conduit selection.MethodsIntraoperative ultrasound studies were performed before coronary artery bypass surgery in 83 patients without known venous disease, in 25 limbs with telangiectases, and in 25 limbs with varicosities. Vein characteristics and segment caliber in the proximal and distal thigh and calf were recorded.ResultsGSV segments of caliber and length suitable for use as coronary artery conduits are more common in men than women in the distal thigh (70% vs. 50%, p = 0.037), proximal calf (68% vs. 40%, p = 0.005), and distal calf (88% vs. 70%, p = 0.017...
Healthcare Transition from the Adult Provider’s Perspective

From the adult provider perspective, there are barriers to maintaining high-quality care during the transition of adolescents and young adults with special health-care needs (AYASHCN) from the pediatric provider to the adult provider. There is an insufficient quantity of adult providers prepared to care for this population, and the psychosocial needs of AYASHCN require a special subset of skills from the adult provider. There are unique expectations for the specifics of care from the patient and the family based on years within the pediatric environment. There are health-care structural and insurance issues that may complicate the transition process. Fortunately there are models that the adult provider can use to facilitate successful transition which emphasize coordinated, multidisciplinary, and patient-centered care with understanding of the unique needs of this patient population.
Toll-like receptors and control of mammalian immunity

Abstract Toll-like receptors (TLRs) is a family of pattern-recognition receptors that detects conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)—a product produced uniquely by microorganisms but not by the host organisms. TLRs function as crucial sensors of microbial infection. Upon recognition of microbial products, TLRs induce signaling pathways that initiate the inflammatory and immune responses. The signaling pathways activated by individual TLRs are complex and it is becoming evident that different TLRs can trigger differential signaling, which translates into induction of the immune responses tailored to the nature of the infectious agent. In addition to directly triggering the innate host defense responses, TLR-mediated recognition and signaling plays a crucial role in the control of initiation of the adaptive immune responses. While the details of the mechanisms responsible for these controls are only starting to emerge, there appears to be at least two distinct pathways of TLR-mediated control of T cell activation. One has to do with the co-stimulatory pathway, and the other with the cytokine-dependent block of suppressor activity of regulatory T cells (Tr cells). TLR-induced cytokines, in particular IL-6, render pathogen specific T cells refractory to the suppressive effect of Tr cells, thus allowing the initiation of the protective pathogen-specific T cell responses.
Hydrocephalic Edema: Accessory CSF Absorption or Passive Response to Ventricular Enlargement

Protein poor fluid has been found in the periventricular white matter surrounding hydrocephalic ventricles. Some have coined the term, hydrocephalic edema (2, 10) to describe this finding and cited it as evidence for an accessory pathway for the absorption of CSF in hydrocephalus (8). In other settings, such as vasogenic cerebral edema, evidence has been accumulated to show that transcerebral migration of fluid as a mechanism for “clearing” edema is first associated with the establishment and then dissipation of gradients of increased water content of the white matter (6). If the periventricular edema associated with the hydrocephalic process represented a similar mechanism for clearance of fluid, one would expect to see migration of this fluid and then dissipation of the gradients as ventricular enlargement progressed. Since earlier studies examining water content in hydrocephalus were limited to models of compensated hydrocephalus (5, 8), the following studies were performed to document the temporal changes in the water content and to correlate white matter water content with morphologic changes in progressive hydrocephalus.
Steep slope 2D strain field effect transistor: 2D-SFET

Numerous advancements have allowed continuous aggressive dimensional scaling of CMOS to the current state of the art 10nm node but none are solutions to the fundamental Boltzmann statistics limits which have stalled Dennard voltage scaling. The semiconductor industry has invested heavily in disruptive, "steep slope" transistor technologies which promise lower operating voltages and dramatically reduced power consumption. While many of these technologies show great promise such as Tunnel FETs, Phase Change FETs, and even nanomechanical switches, all are far from commercialization and large-scale integration due to issues ranging from poor ON currents, limited switching ranges and reliability[4, 5].
Appropriateness for testis-sparing surgery based on the testicular tumor size in a pediatric and adolescent population.

Summary Introduction In children, most small testicular tumors are benign, and testicular-sparing surgery (TSS) is a viable treatment option. Objective The objective of this study is to assess for correlation between the tumor size and final pathologic diagnoses appropriate for TSS for pediatric and adolescent patients with an intratesticular mass and negative serum tumor markers (STMs). Materials and methods A retrospective review of 24 patients (aged 0–18 years) who underwent radical or partial orchiectomy between 2003 and 2015. Patients with unifocal, unilateral intratesticular tumors and negative STMs were included. Tumors with benign and non–germ cell histology were considered appropriate for TSS, and active germ cell tumor elements on final histology were categorized as inappropriate for TSS. Baseline characteristics, tumor size, and frozen section results were evaluated for association, for the entire cohort and then for a subset of pubertal and postpubertal patients (defined as ≥10 years old). Results Patients with testicular tumor pathology inappropriate for TSS were significantly older (median age 17.1 years, P = 0.03). A 2-cm size cutoff did not accurately predict pathology for the entire cohort, or for just pubertal and postpubertal patients (P = 0.132, P = 0.154, respectively). Frozen section and final pathology demonstrated good agreement (κ = 0.826, P Discussion The present data refute the finding in adults that a 2-cm cutoff accurately predicts pathology in pediatric patients with an intratesticular mass and normal STMs. These data suggest that TSS should still be offered, regardless of the tumor size alone, but frozen section appears to more accurately predict pathology than the tumor size, and its use should, thus, be emphasized. There are several limitations of this study to mention. First, this is a retrospective review of a small cohort of patients with a rare clinical scenario, which necessitated the combination of pediatric and adolescent patients. The study did not evaluate oncologic outcomes. Conclusions In children with an intratesticular tumor and normal STMs, a tumor size cutoff of 2 cm does not appear to accurately predict the final pathology. However, the data presented support the continued use intra-operative frozen section analysis in both children and adolescents undergoing TSS.
Complete Genome Sequence of Nocardia farcinica W6977T Obtained by Combining Illumina and PacBio Reads.

ABSTRACT The complete genome sequence of the Nocardia farcinica type strain was obtained by combining Illumina HiSeq and PacBio reads, producing a single 6.29-Mb chromosome and 2 circular plasmids. Bioinformatic analysis identified 5,991 coding sequences, including putative genes for virulence, microbial resistance, transposons, and biosynthesis gene clusters.
Enhanced Passive Mixer-first Receiver Driving an Impedance with 40dB/decade Roll-off, Achieving +12dBm Blocker-P1dB, +33dBm IIP3 and sub-2dB NF Degradation for a 0dBm Blocker

A "second order" passive mixer-first receiver is proposed to improve channel selectivity, linearity and noise figure in the presence of out-of-band blockers, by presenting an impedance which rolls off at 40dB/decade as the load to an N-path filter. The synthesis of this impedance is described in a step-by-step manner starting from the required impedance transfer function to its actual circuit realization. An integrated circuit prototype was fabricated in 28nm bulk CMOS as proof of concept. The receiver, capable of broadband operation from 0.2-2GHz, achieves an out-of-band IIP3 of +33dBm and a blocker P1dB of +12dBm. Additionally, it achieves a NF of 4.4dB with less than 2dB degradation in NF for a 0dBm blocker.
Teachers, Schools, and Pre-K Effect Persistence: An Examination of the Sustaining Environment Hypothesis

The sustaining environments thesis hypothesizes that PreK effects are more likely to persist into later grades if children experience high-quality learning environments in the years subsequent to P...
Physicochemical Stability of Compounded Allopurinol Suspensions in PCCA Base, SuspendIt.

Allopurinol is an orally administered inhibitor of xanthine oxidase used primarily in the treatment of hyperuricemia associated with gout. Allopurinol reduces serum and urinary uric acid concentrations. Its use should be individualized for each patient. The dosage of allopurinol to accomplish full control of gout and to lower serum uric acid to normal or near-normal levels varies with the severity of the disease, and needs to be flexible to permit precise, customized dose titration for individual patients. This flexibility is readily achieved using an oral liquid dosage form. However, no commercial liquid dosage form of allopurinol currently exists. Allopurinol is commercially available as 100-mg and 300-mg scored tablets. An extemporaneously compounded suspension from pure drug powder or commercial tablets would provide a convenient option to meet unique patient needs. The purpose of this study was to determine the physicochemical stability of extemporaneously compounded allopurinol suspensions in the PCCA Base SuspendIt. This base is a sugar-free, paraben-free, dye-free, and gluten-free thixotropic vehicle containing a natural sweetener obtained from the monk fruit. The study design included two allopurinol concentrations to provide stability documentation over a bracketed concentration range for eventual use by compounding pharmacists. A robust stability-indicating ultra-performance liquid chromatography assay for the determination of the chemical stability of allopurinol in SuspendIt was developed and validated. Suspensions of allopurinol were prepared in SuspendIt at 10.0-mg/mL and 20.0-mg/mL concentrations, selected to represent a range within which the drug is commonly dosed. Samples were stored in plastic amber prescription bottles at two temperature conditions (5°C and 25°C). Samples were assayed initially and at the following time points: 7 days, 14 days, 30 days, 45 days, 60 days, 88 days, 120 days, and 182 days. Physical data such as pH, viscosity, and appearance were also noted. All measurements were obtained in triplicate. A stable extemporaneous product is defined as one that retains at least 90% of the initial drug concentration throughout the sampling period. The study showed that allopurinol concentrations did not go below 93% of the label claim (initial drug concentration) at both temperatures studied. Viscosity and pH values also did not change significantly. This study demonstrates that allopurinol is physically and chemically stable in SuspendIt for 180 days in the refrigerator and at room temperature, thus providing a viable, compounded alternative for allopurinol in a liquid dosage form, with an extended beyond-use-date to meet patient needs.
Mechanism of Chlorine-Mediated Electrochemical Ethylene Oxidation in Saline Water

Chlorine as a redox mediator allows for the selective oxidation of ethylene to 2-chloroethanol, which converts to ethylene oxide in alkaline aqueous electrolyte. This strategy utilizes abundant sal...
Gait speed, survival, and recommended treatment intensity in older adults with blood cancer requiring treatment.

Background Brief measures of physical function such as gait speed may be useful to optimize treatment intensity for older adults who have blood cancer; however, little is known about whether such assessments are already captured within oncologists' "gestalt" assessments. Methods Gait speed was assessed in 782 patients ≥75 years of age who had blood cancer, with results reported to providers after treatment decisions were made; 408 patients required treatment when different intensities were available per National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. We performed structured abstractions of treatment intensity recommendations into standard intensity, reduced intensity, or supportive care, based on NCCN guidelines. We modeled gait speed and survival using Cox regression and performed ordinal logistic regression to assess predictors of NCCN-based categorizations of oncologists' treatment intensity recommendations, including gait speed. Results The median survival by gait speed category was 10.8 months ( 0.8 m/s). Univariable hazard ratios (HRs) for death increased for each lower category compared with ≥0.8 m/s (0.6-0.8 m/s: HR, 1.76; 0.4-0.6 m/s: HR, 2.30; .05) and did not add to a base model predicting recommended treatment intensity. Conclusion In older adults with blood cancer who presented for treatment, gait speed predicted survival but not treatment intensity recommendation. Incorporating gait speed into decision making may improve optimal treatment selection.
Atomistic insights on the pressure-induced multi-layer graphene to diamond-like structure transformation

Abstract Recent results suggest a pressure-induced transformation of bilayer graphene to a diamond-like structure. Intriguingly, the reported transformation is absent or incomplete in multi-layer graphene beyond two layers, implying the suppression of the transformation by an unclear mechanism. In this work, we use reactive molecular dynamics simulations to describe the pressure-induced structural evolution of multi-layer graphene with two to six layers to pressures up to 200 GPa. The results show that bilayer graphene transforms into a diamond-like film, i.e., more than 75% sp3 hybridized atoms. In contrast, three- to six-layer graphene with AB layer stacking fail to form a diamond-like film up to 200 GPa. Bond formation analysis indicates that the transformation or its suppression is related to the generation of a bond chain structure across layers, connecting sp3 hybridized atoms. The result suggests that the ABA layer stacking is directly related to the hindering of the chain structure formation and the suppression of the transformation. Surprisingly, the bond-chain-structure transformation mechanism is effective in three-layer graphene with ABC layer stacking, as well as five-layer graphene with ABCAB layer stacking. That suggests that stacking faults are effective catalysts for the high-pressure transformation of multi-layer graphene to diamond.
Action research, 5th edition: by Ernie Stringer and Alfredo Ortiz Aragón, Los Angeles, Sage Publications, 2020, 408 pp., $60.00 (paperback), ISBN: 9781544355948; $40.00 (eBook), ISBN: 9781544355924

This is the 5th edition of Stringer’s well-known text, co-authored this time with Alfredo Ortiz Aragon, a collaboration that adds dimensions and locations not found in earlier editions. The book co...
Optimizing plant regeneration and genetic transformation of Paulownia elongata

Abstract The effects of plant tissue culture media with varying levels of growth regulators and carbon sources was tested on four explant types for organogenesis and plant regeneration in Paulownia elongata. Among the various treatments applied, the best response to adventitious shoot proliferation was observed when entire leaf or half leaf with attached petiole explants were cultured on either MS or B5 medium along with 25 μM thidiazuron, 10 μM indole acetic acid and 30 g L−1 maltose as a carbon source. Proliferated shoots were rooted within five days on a modified MS medium containing 5 μM indole butyric acid and plants were successfully acclimated and hardened for greenhouse transfer. A green fluorescent protein (gfp) and neomycin phosphotransferase II (npt II) gene was used to optimize genetic transformation protocols. Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation of half leaf with petiole explants produced transgenic plants using the media optimized for shoot proliferation and rooting. The insertion and expression of the GFP transgene was detected using PCR and RT-PCR.
Health-Related Quality of Life for People With Acute and Chronic Illnesses During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for adults with chronic and acute illnesses informs health and economic policy for pandemic recovery. Our primary aim was to compare HRQoL of 3 illness groups of outpatient adults: those with diabetes, those who survived a hospitalization for COVID-19, and those who had a respiratory virus not COVID-19. The secondary aim was to compare the group domain summary scores to the referent general population. Methods: We identified the 3 groups from the electronic medical record and invited them to complete the SF-36 survey. Analysis of variance and post hoc testing was used for univariate analyses followed by linear regression. Results: One hundred thirty-two adults completed the survey. The groups differed least for physical functioning and most for emotional/mental health. The hospitalized group had the greatest limitation in role due to emotional issues. All groups had significantly lower social functioning scores than the general population. Linear regression showed lower HRQoL domain score in role limitations due to emotional issues adjusted for age, race, and gender for the hospitalized group. Conclusion: SF-36 scores show the decrease in HRQoL that outpatient adults have suffered, mostly in the emotional domain, regardless of illness group during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Comparison of Connected Automated Vehicle to Pedestrian Interaction Systems to Reduce Vehicle Waiting Times

As autonomous vehicle technology starts to become more common in daily life, a degree of uncertainty arises with respect to pedestrian safety. As the technology gets more and more advanced, there becomes greater possibility for lapses in connectivity and miscommunications between pedestrians and vehicles. Hence, it is important that society finds the best way for pedestrians to interact with all types of vehicles in order to keep them safe, in the midst of a continuous increase in pedestrian incidents. Thusly, the focus of this investigation is to determine the feasibility of crossing intersections reliant on pedestrian to vehicle connectivity. As vehicles increase in complexity with respect to their interaction with other vehicles, pedestrians, and the environment, intersections may not require physical infrastructure - autonomous vehicles may be built to recognize pedestrians and to stop accordingly, and signal timing may be periodically uploaded in the form of continuously changing datasets. Such intersections have ambiguous effects on pedestrian and vehicle interactions, partially due to the uncertainty of afore-mentioned connectivity dynamics. Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) rely primarily on obstacle detection systems, a main connectivity dynamic between pedestrians and vehicles, to tell them to stop for pedestrians. These systems, many still deep in the development phase, may be flawed. This paper describes an experiment developed with the intention of comparing a traditional obstacle detection approach to pedestrian crossing with one in which vehicles stop based on pedestrians notifying them of their presence. More specifically, in order to cross, pedestrians must "signal" to vehicles that they are in the crossing area (in the real world, this could be done on a mobile phone) so that the vehicles will stop for them. The model, developed using Simio, outputs queue timing and density values for the vehicles and pedestrians. Data was gathered related to average wait times and flow of pedestrians and vehicles over a simulated time frame of a 4 week period. The results indicate that utilizing a pedestrian to vehicle communication framework, either in place of or in addition to traditional obstacle detection and avoidance systems, would prove beneficial in developing more efficient intersections.
Measuring the Intrastate Distribution of State Government Funds: A Case Study

In this paper, we provide an example of how to allocate state government revenues and expenditures to component counties. We track major flows of state government funds to and from 120 counties within Kentucky for fiscal year 1990-1991. Accounting information is used where available, and is supplemented with estimates constructed from demographic, socioeconomic and administrative data. The analysis tracks about five billion dollars in state government funds, and reveals the substantial intrastate transfer of funds which occurred that year.
Motorization and the provision of roads in countries and cities

Using panel data from 50 countries and 35 urban areas (covering a wide range of country incomes), the authors summarize trends in motorization and the provision of roads, and they examine the ratio of motor vehicles to roads in a production function framework at both national and urban levels. They find regularities very strong across countries and urban areas and over time. Among their sometimes surprising findings: (1) Economic development increases demand for transport, reliance on cars and trucks, and road provision. (2) Motorization expands at the same rate as per capita income, but the auto fleet expands more rapidly, and commercial vehicles less rapidly, than income. At early stages of motorization, commercial vehicles comprise a large share of the motor vehicle fleet. Passenger transport by automobile becomes more prominent as income grows. Both country and urban data show evidence of similar saturation levels for car and total motor vehicle ownership. (3) The presence of railways at the national level reduces commercial vehicle ownership but not car ownership, suggesting that rail is competitive for freight but not for passenger travel as incomes grow. (4) Nationally, road networks expand more slowly than incomes, but paved road networks expand at the same time as incomes. Road provision appears to be quite responsive to demand nationally. (5) For specific urban areas, per capita road length is positively associated with national income level but changes little over time, showing that history or urban endowments matter. The annexation of surrounding developed area appears to play a big role in expanding urban road length. Urban areas average roughly 15 times more road length per unit area, and seven times more vehicles per kilometer of road, than countries -and a saturation level exists for urban road length per unit of area. (6) Vehicles per kilometer of road are positively associated with income, with (proxies for) land prices, and with low gasoline prices.
Energy and environment

The world today is faced with the increasingly difficult dilemma of generating sufficient energy, expecially electric energy, to satisfy its rapidly growing needs while at the same time restoring and preserving its natural environment. Among the various alternatives, the fossil fuel (mainly coal) and nuclear (fission) sources are the only major possibilities for meeting the requirements during the next few decades. The nuclear source has the advantages of minimal air pollution and almost unlimited fuel resource availability when the breeder reactor becomes available. The characteristic environmental impact of the nuclear source can be made acceptable under a proper program of management.
Sputtered-Sliced Linear Zone Plates for 8 keV X-Rays

We describe the fabrication and testing of sputtered-sliced linear zone plates, designed to focus 8 keV (λ = 1.54 A) x-ray photons from conventional Cu x-ray sources.
Inverse limits, economics, and backward dynamics

We survey recent papers on the problem of backward dynamics in economics, providing along the way a glimpse at the economics perspective, a discussion of the economic models and mathematical tools involved, and a list of applicable literature in both mathematics and economics.