cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reply to Chen and Liu: Role of GDNF from peritubular myoid cells in the testis stem cell niche.

Chen and Liu (1) agree with our main conclusion that glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) produced by peritubular myoid (PM) cells signals to undifferentiated spermatogonia and regulates their maintenance (2), but argue that a PM cell-specific gene knockout is impossible because the myosin heavy polypeptide 11 smooth muscle-Cre ( Myh11 -Cre) is not expressed specifically in PM cells. Chen and Liu (1) note that in previous studies the Myh11 -Cre transgene was expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells in a variety of tissues (3). However, what is important is whether the transgene and the … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: eddy{at}niehs.nih.gov. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Genetic aberrations in small B-cell lymphomas and leukemias: molecular pathology, clinical relevance and therapeutic targets

Small B-cell lymphomas and leukemias (SBCLs) are a clinically, morphologically, immunophenotypically and genetically heterogeneous group of clonal lymphoid neoplasms, including entities such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) and hairy cell leukemia (HCL). The pathogenesis of some of these lymphoid malignancies is characterized by distinct translocations, for example t(11;14) in the majority of cases of MCL and t(14;18) in most cases of FL, whereas other entities are associated with a variety of recurrent but nonspecific numeric chromosomal abnormalities, as exemplified by del(13q14), del(11q22), and +12 in CLL, and yet others such as LPL and HCL that lack recurrent or specific cytogenetic aberrations. The recent surge in next generation sequencing (NGS) technology has shed more light on the genetic landscape of SBCLs through characterization of numerous driver mutations including SF3B1 and NOTCH1 in CLL, ATM and CCND1 in MCL, KMT2D and EPHA7 in FL, MYD88 (L265P) in LPL, KLF2 and NOTCH2 in splenic MZL (SMZL) and BRAF (V600E) in HCL. The identification of distinct genetic lesions not only provides greater insight into the molecular pathogenesis of these disorders but also identifies potential valuable biomarkers for prognostic stratification, as well as specific targets for directed therapy. This review discusses the well-established and recently identified molecular lesions underlying the pathogenesis of SBCLs, highlights their clinical relevance and summarizes novel targeted therapies.
Training Spatial Skills in Geosciences: A Review of Tests and Tools

Abstract Characterizing spatial thinking and the development of spatial expertise is essential to understanding how to train geoscientists to succeed in both academia and industry. The Spatial Intelligence and Learning Center has supported an eight-year-long collaborative research program, which brings together disciplinary expertise in cognitive science and geology to characterize and develop spatial thinking in the geological sciences. To facilitate our understanding of science education and practice, we have characterized the spatial skills of geoscience discipline experts and the spatial thinking impediments experienced by students studying the geological sciences. In this chapter we review recent research on measuring and improving spatial thinking skills in the geosciences and on characterizing individual differences in spatial thinking, including the role of gender and age. We conclude with a discussion of important unanswered questions and some directions for future research. The research discussed here may help guide the development of best practices for spatial thinking training in both academic and industry settings.
Flight Test Evaluation of Synthetic and Peripheral Vision Displays in General Aviation

Spatial disorientation is one of the leading causes of accidents in General Aviation (GA) and is a phenomenon that develops in a matter of seconds rather than minutes or hours. With instrumentation currently present in GA aircraft, during times of low visibility the pilot's awareness of his surroundings through visual, vestibular, and muscular cues can be misleading and may cause the pilot to put the aircraft inadvertently in an unusual attitude. This paper discusses the evaluation of a prototype Synthetic and Peripheral Vision Display System.
How to future-proof your ATS using LAN-based synthetic instruments

With the current trend to drive down the total cost of ownership of automatic test systems (ATS), industry-standard open architectures have been seen as a way of driving down the cost of test (for both design and manufacturing) and of reducing the size of ATS platforms (by eliminating redundant hardware and software). Since these open architectures have been based on rapidly changing commercial computer standards, this large investment in hardware is quickly becoming a support problem-the very problem it was supposed to fix. Additionally, these architectures have been optimized for digital or low frequency analog signals, making it a technical challenge to implement high performance microwave testing.
Corrigendum to “Renormalization of the Cottingham formula” [Nucl. Phys. B 149 (1979) 90–100]

Abstract An error in Collins (1979) [1] is corrected, concerning the value of the coefficient of the gluonic operator in the renormalization of the matrix element in the Cottingham formula. The change does not affect the conclusions of the paper for the application of the Cottingham formula to the neutron–proton mass difference, but it does affect more general applications to electromagnetic corrections to strong-interaction phenomena. Minor errors in intermediate steps of the derivations are also corrected.
Amplitudes of P, PP, and S and magnitude of shallow earthquakes

The determination of the magnitude of distant earthquakes has been based thus far on the amplitudes of Surface waves having periods of about 20 seconds, This method can be applied only to shallow earthquakes. The determination of the magnitude of shocks with a focal depth in excess of about 30 km. must be based on the amplitudes of the body waves. Before this can be accomplished, the relationship between amplitudes of body waves and the magnitude of shallow shocks must be studied. In the present paper the amplitudes of P, PP, and S, as a function of the magnitude M and the distance, Δ, are investigated as a first step in this direction.
Decline in Cardiovascular Mortality: Possible Causes and Implications

If the control of infectious diseases was the public health success story of the first half of the 20th century, then the decline in mortality from coronary heart disease and stroke has been the su...
Jeopardy Games: A Comparison of Three Free Resources

ABSTRACTMedical educators create quiz games based on the Jeopardy! Television game show to supplement or replace traditional lectures. This article compares three free tools that can be used to develop Jeopardy-style games. Jeopardy™ A Resource for Teaching, a PowerPoint template developed by Rochelle Schwartz-Bloom, and web-based tools provided by JeopardyLabs and FlipQuiz are discussed. A comparison of the overall appearance, ease and level of customization, availability of support, technology, and enhanced features of these resources is provided.
Glenoid Bone Loss in Posterior Shoulder Instability: Prevalence and Outcomes in Arthroscopic Treatment:

Background:Glenoid bone loss is a well-accepted risk factor for failure after arthroscopic stabilization of anterior glenohumeral instability. Glenoid bone loss in posterior instability has been no...
Ventricular Electrical Activation Delay and High-Frequency Electrocardiograms: Hype or Hope?

See Article by Plesinger et al > Between too early and too late, there is never more than a moment. > > —Franz Werfel (novelist, playwright, poet) Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is undoubtedly an effective adjunctive therapy to the management of patients with symptomatic heart failure meeting certain guideline criteria. Numerous randomized clinical trials have shown improvements in heart failure hospitalization and mortality in select populations,1–5 with the suggestion that lifespan gain increases nonlinearly with time in both low- and high-risk individuals. Despite the overall gain noted in trials, a substantial proportion of patients do not derive the anticipated response. This occurs so frequently that, invariably, publications on CRT report approximately a 30% nonresponder rate. To improve patient selection for upstream CRT response, various investigators have worked to identify predictors of CRT response a priori. Reproducible clinical characteristics that predict a favorable likelihood of response form the basis for guideline recommendation and appropriate use criteria including heart failure symptoms, a reduced ejection fraction, a widened QRS complex, and left bundle branch block (LBBB); in addition, other advantageous factors include nonischemic substrate, female gender, and greater interventricular dyssynchrony.6,7 The staple measure of dyssynchrony has been the longer QRS duration with LBBB morphology representative of a greater degree of interventricular dyssynchrony. Indeed, patients with a QRS duration ≥150 ms respond more favorably than those with durations between 120–149 ms.8 The lack of benefit in some individuals despite interventricular synchronization suggests that atrioventricular and intraventricular dyssynchrony should also be optimized if possible.9,10 Given that the QRS morphology appearance is the summation of ventricular depolarization simply using the duration for measurement of interventricular dyssynchrony may be an oversimplification. As such, …
The Effect of Fiber in the Postweaning Diet on Nutritional and Intestinal Morphological Indices in the Rat

A number of regulatory or modulating influences have been proposed in the growth of the small and large intestine during the developmental and postnatal periods. These factors include dietary components, hormonal substances (most notably, glucocorticoids), and microbial flora (Johnson, 1981). According to Buts and de Meyer (1981), the mucosal mass of duodenal, jejunal, and ileal segments in rats increases during weaning (15–30 days postbirth) and at 40 days of age was similar to values in adult animals. It was concluded that the mucosal hyperplasia that occurs in the rat small intestine at weaning develops equally in proximal to distal segments of the bowel. In contrast to the small intestine, there is evidence that growth, differentiation, and enzymatic and absorptive characteristics of neonate rat colon undergo adaptation during the first 2 weeks of postnatal life (Helander 1973, 1975; Buts et al., 1983).
Incident thyroid disease in female spouses of private pesticide applicators.

Abstract Background Little is known about modifiable risk factors for thyroid disease. Several pesticides have been implicated in thyroid disruption, but clinical implications are not clear. Objective We assessed associations between pesticide use and other farm exposures and incident hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in female spouses of farmers in the Agricultural Health Study (AHS). Methods We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals for risk of thyroid disease in 24,092 spouses who completed at least one follow-up questionnaire. Results We identified 1627 hypothyroid and 531 hyperthyroid cases over 20 years of follow-up. The fungicides benomyl, maneb/mancozeb, and metalaxyl, the herbicide pendimethalin, and among those over 60 years of age the insecticides parathion and permethrin (applied to crops) were associated with elevated hypothyroidism risk, with HR ranging from 1.56–2.44. Conversely, the insecticide phorate, and the herbicides imazethapyr and metolachlor were associated with decreased risk (HR ranging 0.63–0.73), as were long-term farm residence and other farm-related activities (HR ranging 0.69–0.84). For hyperthyroidism, the insecticide diazinon, the fungicides maneb/mancozeb, and the herbicide metolachlor were associated with increased risk (HR ranging 1.35–2.01) and the herbicide trifluralin with decreased risk (HR: 0.57). Conclusions Several individual pesticides were associated with increased risk of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, although some pesticides were associated with decreased risk. Some of the findings, specifically associations with fungicides, are consistent with results from an earlier analysis of prevalent diseases in AHS spouses.
Appearance and Movement

The way the adult appears to other people is determined by the total picture the body presents at rest and in motion. The individual’s own image of his or her body is at least partly a function of its static and dynamic appearance (Schilder, 1935/1950). The body’s movement efficiency also has a significance, of course, that is more basic than the social impression the person makes. The ability to move the body so that the physical environment can be successfully negotiated is a primary component of adaptation and well-being in adulthood (Lawton, 1977; Lawton & Nahemow, 1973). Without mobility, adults are forced into being dependent on others to provide the basic essentials of life, and thereby a major contributor to feelings of personal competence is lost. A smoothly and effectively moving body also makes it possible for the adult to experience the enjoyment derived from physical activities, ranging from a long, relaxing walk to active, invigorating sports such as skiing, bicycling, and swimming.
Metal Powder Additives in Evacuated-Powder Insulation

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the results of some recent experiments using evacuated powders as insulation for very low temperatures. Particular emphasis is given to the mechanics of radiant heat transfer through evacuated powders to which metal particles of various sizes were added as opacifier s. A powder with an apparent mean thermal conductivity of l,7μw/cm-°K between 300 and 20°K is reported.
Orthoptic Evaluation and Treatment

• The sensorimotor examination clarifies the patient’s symptoms and expectations, precisely quantifies the ocular deviation, and determines the potential for binocular single vision in a focused, efficient manner.
Neurocognitive dysfunction in cancer patients.

Many cancer patients experience impairments of neurocognitive function, including memory loss, distractibility, difficulty in performing multiple tasks (multitasking), and a myriad of other symptoms. Patients may also concurrently suffer from mood disturbance and symptoms that compromise their ability to function adequately, including fatigue and pain. The etiologies of these problems are diverse and include the direct effects of cancer within the central nervous system (CNS), indirect effects of certain cancers (e.g., paraneoplastic brain disorders), and both diffuse and highly specific effects of cancer treatments on the brain. In addition to these cancer-related causes, patients may have coexisting neurologic or psychiatric disorders that affect their cognition and mood. Careful assessment of patients complaining of neurocognitive or behavioral problems is essential to providing appropriate interventions and maximizing their ability to carry out usual activities.
Time to treatment and survival in veterans with lung cancer eligible for curative intent therapy.

Abstract Background The Institute of Medicine emphasizes care timeliness as an important quality metric. We assessed treatment timeliness in stage I-IIIA lung cancer patients deemed eligible for curative intent therapy and analyzed the relationship between time to treatment (TTT) and timely treatment (TT) with survival. Methods We retrospectively reviewed consecutive cases of stage I-IIIA lung cancer deemed eligible for curative intent therapy at the VA San Diego Healthcare System between 10/2010–4/2017. We defined TTT as days from chest tumor board to treatment initiation and TT using guideline recommendations. We used multivariable (MVA) Cox proportional hazards regressions for survival analyses. Results In 177 veterans, the median TTT was 35 days (29 days for chemoradiation, 36 for surgical resection, 42 for definitive radiation). TT occurred in 33% or 77% of patients when the most or least timely guideline recommendation was used, respectively. Patient characteristics associated with longer TTT included other cancer history, high simplified comorbidity score, stage I disease, and definitive radiation treatment. In MVA, TTT and TT [HR 0.53 (95% CI 0.27, 1.01) for least timely definition] were not associated with OS in stage I-IIIA patients, or disease-free survival in subgroup analyses of 122 stage I patients [HR 1.49 (0.62, 3.59) for least timely definition]. Conclusion Treatment was timely in 33–77% of veterans with lung cancer deemed eligible for curative intent therapy. TTT and TT were not associated with survival. The time interval between diagnosis and treatment may offer an opportunity to deliver or improve other cancer care.
Delayed symptom progression after ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement for normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Abstract Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is generally treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS), with improved symptoms in the majority of patients. We performed a retrospective chart review study in order to describe patterns of, and risk factors for, delayed symptom progression after initially successful VPS placement. 69 consecutive patients underwent VPS placement for NPH, and were followed for a minimum of 12 months postoperatively. 55 patients (80%) had objective improvement in their NPH symptoms after surgery. Of these, 27 patients (49%) developed delayed deterioration of at least one of their NPH symptoms, at a mean of 28.3 months postoperatively (range, 3–77). 1 of the 27 patients was found to have shunt malfunction; 19 had specific clinical or imaging evidence of shunt function. 6/19 patients had transient improvement in their symptoms (lasting 30 days or more) after adjustment of their programmable shunt valves (32%), although symptoms in all of these patients later worsened. During a mean follow up period of 44.4 months (range, 15–87), 12 patients (44%) received other neurological diagnoses felt to at least partially explain their symptoms. Increased patient age was associated with likelihood of delayed symptom progression. We conclude that delayed symptom progression is common after VPS placement for NPH, including after initial symptom improvement; that symptom progression can often be temporarily palliated by shunt valve pressure adjustment; and that older patients are more likely to experience delayed symptom progression. We suggest that patients and their families be counselled accordingly before surgery.
The action of small bubbles in increasing light exposure and production of the marine microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica in massive culture systems

Abstract The production of a cost-effective, massive microalgae cultivation system relies on a highly concentrated culture produced with minimal energy input. A previous study demonstrated that reducing air bubble diameters from 9 mm to 6.5 mm through nozzle diameter reduction from a single injector with a 3 mm diameter to a set of nine injectors with diameter of 1 mm resulted in higher biomass yields of the marine microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica without any extra energy demand. However, the main differences in microalgae growth were only observed after 4 to 6 days of cultivation. We hypothesize that this difference may be triggered either by improved nutrient supply and/or higher light exposure of microalgae cells; both provided by the smaller bubbles improved the hydrodynamic mixing performance. In this study, nutrient concentration (Ammonium, Nitrate and Phosphate) and irradiance measurements were conducted over 10 days when N. oceanica was cultivated in 330 L cylindrical photobioreactors and a 1600 L open circular tank with different air bubble sizes (6.5 mm and 9 mm). A higher biomass was obtained in the treatments with smaller bubbles, but this difference was only significant after at least 4 days. The results show that the nutrient concentration did not differ significantly between treatments. However, the main differences in biomass production occurred when light was considerably reduced (
Don't look at it as a miracle cure: Contested notions of success and failure in family narratives of pediatric cochlear implantation.

Abstract Cochlear implants (CIs) are a routine treatment for children identified with a qualifying hearing loss. The CI, however, must be accompanied by a long-term and intense auditory training regimen in order to possibly acquire spoken language with the device. This research investigates families' experiences when they opted for the CI and undertook the task of auditory training, but the child failed to achieve what might be clinically considered “success” – the ability to function solely using spoken language. Using a science and technology studies informed approach that places the CI within a complex sociotechnical system, this research shows the uncertain trajectory of the CI, as well as the contingency of the very notions of success and failure. To do so, data from in-depth interviews with a diverse sample of parents (n = 11) were collected. Results show the shifting definitions of failure and success within families, as well as suggest areas for further exploration regarding clinical practice and pediatric CIs. First, professionals' messaging often conveyed to parents a belief in the infallibility of the CI, this potentially caused “soft failure” to go undetected and unmitigated. Second, speech assessments used in clinical measurements of outcomes did not capture a holistic understanding of a child's identity and social integration, leaving out an important component for consideration of what a 'good outcome' is. Third, minority parents experience structural racism and clinical attitudes that may render “failure” more likely to be identified and expected in these children, an individualizing process that allows structural failures to go uncritiqued.
A comparison of natural convection heat transfer for a staggered versus an aligned array of horizontal spent nuclear fuel rods within a rectangular enclosure

Natural convection heat transfer was experimentally investigated in a staggered array of heated cylinders, oriented horizontally within a rectangular isothermal enclosure. The test conditions were ...
Mesenchymal expression of activated K-ras yields Noonan Syndrome-like bone defects that are rescued by mid-gestational MEK inhibition

ABSTRACT Activating germline K-ras mutations cause Noonan syndrome (NS), which is characterized by several developmental deficits including cardiac defects, cognitive delays and skeletal abnormalities. NS patients have increased signaling through the MAPK pathway. To model NS skeletal defects and understand the effect of hyperactive K-ras signaling on normal limb development, we generated a mouse model in which activated K-ras G12D was expressed specifically in mesenchymal progenitors of the limb bud. These mice display short, abnormally mineralized long bones that phenocopy those of NS patients. This defect was first apparent at E14.5, and was characterized by a delay in bone collar formation. Coincident mutation of p53 had no effect on the K-ras G12D induced bone defect, arguing that it is does not result from senescence or apoptosis. Instead, our data revealed profound defects in the development of the committed osteoblasts; their appearance is delayed, concordant with the delay in bone collar formation, and they display an aberrant localization outside of the bone shaft. Additionally, we see growth plate defects including a reduction in the hypertrophic chondrocyte layer. Most importantly, we found that in utero delivery of a MEK inhibitor between E10.5 and E14.5 is sufficient to completely suppress the ability of activated K-ras to induce NS-like long bone defects in embryogenesis. These data define a critical point in mid-gestation in which elevated MAPK signaling impairs growth plate and bone collar formation and yield NS-like limb defects. Moreover, they offer insight into possible therapeutic strategies for skeletal defects in patients with Noonan Syndrome. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Noonan syndrome is a genetic condition that is characterized by various developmental defects including skeletal abnormalities that lead to short stature. These patients carry mutations that activate Ras/MAPK signaling. We have generated a mouse model that recapitulates these Noonan Syndrome-like bone defects. Analysis of these animals establishes the developmental window in which bone formation goes awry, and reveals disruption of an early event that is critical for the longitudinal growth of bones. Additionally, we show that treatment with an inhibitor of Ras/MAPK signaling during this key developmental window is sufficient to completely suppress these Noonan Syndrome-like bone defects. This offers possible therapeutic strategies for skeletal defects in patients with Noonan Syndrome.
Perspectives on the child care search process in low-income, urban neighbourhoods in the United States

ABSTRACTThis qualitative research study explored the child care search and selection process from the perspectives of families living in low-income, urban neighbourhoods in the United States. Findi...
Filtering and Quantization Effects on GNSS Successive Interference Cancellation

The cross correlation between GPS L1 coarse acquisition signals manifests as an increased noise floor in the receiver. Reducing the amount of added noise for enhancing tracking performance is important. Successive interference cancellation (SIC) is a method, which can reduce cross-correlation noise, but its performance is dependent on the receiver bandwidth and quantization. This research analyzes the SIC performance influenced by receiver bandwidth and quantization. Results from experiments with live data supporting the analysis are presented.
Risk based planning of network changes in evolving data centers

Data center networks evolve as they serve customer traffic. When applying network changes, operators risk impacting customer traffic because the network operates at reduced capacity and is more vulnerable to failures and traffic variations. The impact on customer traffic ultimately translates to operator cost (e.g., refunds to customers). However, planning a network change while minimizing the risks is challenging as we need to adapt to a variety of traffic dynamics and cost functions while scaling to large networks and large changes. Today, operators often use plans that maximize the residual capacity (MRC), which often incurs a high cost under different traffic dynamics. Instead, we propose Janus, which searches the large planning space by leveraging the high degree of symmetry in data center networks. Our evaluation on large Clos networks and Facebook traffic traces shows that Janus generates plans in real-time only needing 33~71% of the cost of MRC planners while adapting to a variety of settings.
Raising the stakes: Land titling and electoral stability in Kenya:

How does large-scale land reform affect electoral stability and the prospects for election violence? While scholars have theorized elite-level logics of land distribution, few studies analyze the e...
Downregulation of microRNA-873 attenuates insulin resistance and myocardial injury in rats with gestational diabetes mellitus by upregulating IGFBP2

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, and patients with GDM have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) are ...
Pazopanib (PZ) plus endocrine therapy as treatment for hormone resistant advanced breast cancer (ABC).

1068Background: A major limitation of endocrine therapy in hormone receptor positive (HR+) ABC is the development of resistance. Preclinical data suggests that higher levels of vascular endothelial...
MicroRNA-206 antagomiR‒enriched extracellular vesicles attenuate lung ischemia‒reperfusion injury through CXCL1 regulation in alveolar epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND Our hypothesis is that the immunomodulatory capacities of mesenchymal stem cell‒derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) can be enhanced by specific microRNAs (miRNAs) to effectively attenuate post-transplant lung ischemia‒reperfusion (IR) injury. METHODS The expression of miR-206 was analyzed in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of patients on Days 0 and 1 after lung transplantation. Lung IR injury was evaluated in C57BL/6 mice using a left lung hilar-ligation model with or without treatment with EVs or antagomiR-206‒enriched EVs. Murine lung tissue was used for miRNA microarray hybridization analysis, and cytokine expression, lung injury, and edema were evaluated. A donation after circulatory death and murine orthotopic lung transplantation model was used to evaluate the protection by enriched EVs against lung IR injury. In vitro studies analyzed type II epithelial cell activation after coculturing with EVs. RESULTS A significant upregulation of miR-206 was observed in the BAL fluid of patients on Day 1 after lung transplantation compared with Day 0 and in murine lungs after IR injury compared with sham. Treatment with antagomiR-206‒enriched EVs attenuated lung dysfunction, injury, and edema compared with treatment with EVs alone after murine lung IR injury. Enriched EVs reduced lung injury and neutrophil infiltration as well as improved allograft oxygenation after murine orthotopic lung transplantation. Enriched EVs significantly decreased proinflammatory cytokines, especially epithelial cell‒dependent CXCL1 expression, in the in vivo and in vitro IR injury models. CONCLUSIONS EVs can be used as biomimetic nanovehicles for protective immunomodulation by enriching them with antagomiR-206 to mitigate epithelial cell activation and neutrophil infiltration in the lungs after IR injury.
The role of mountaintop removal mining in the opioid crisis

This study examines the relationship between mining practices in Central Appalachia and opioid use. Central Appalachia, known for coal mining, has one of the highest rates of opioid use in the U.S....
Dissolution and diffusion kinetics of yttria-stabilized zirconia into molten silicates

Abstract The degradation of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) by molten silicates (CMAS) represents a fundamental barrier to progress in gas turbine technology, requiring a mechanistic understanding of the problem to guide the development of improved coatings. This article investigates the dissolution of yttria-stabilized zirconia (7YSZ and 20YSZ) into two model silicate melts at 1300–1400 °C. The approach involves the 1D dissolution of YSZ into a semi-infinite melt, characterizing the dissolution rates of YSZ and the diffusion rates of Zr4+ and Y3+ therein. The assessed kinetics of YSZ dissolution and diffusion were then applied to modeling the same phenomena on TBC-relevant length scales. These findings provide fundamental insight into (i) the dissolution mechanism of YSZ, (ii) the subsequent reprecipitation upon saturation, (iii) the quantitative effects of temperature and melt composition on the dissolution and diffusion kinetics, and (iv) how the measured kinetics manifests on the scale of flow channels present in TBCs.
"The culture of fear" of inhabitants of EU countries in their reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic-A study based on the reports of the Eurobarometer

Abstract The aim of the paper was a study of public opinion of the inhabitants of the European Union as regards the reaction and perception of the COVID-19 pandemic on the basis of weekly reports of the Eurobarometer: Public opinion monitoring in the time of COVID-19, containing data from member EU countries (March-July 2020: first wave of pandemic). It was assumed that during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, the lack of a sense of security (health, economic and social) was the result not by personal experience (a real threat), but was cultivated and communicated by the media, creating a culture of fear. The opinions were analyzed in three problem domains: health, economy and society, taking into account fears and their functions, experiences and declarations for solving the problems generated by the pandemic. A quantitative analysis of the content of the reports was applied as well as a qualitative analysis of the content and an analytical-descriptive one. Seven research hypotheses were accepted, of which 3 were affirmed: fear of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects is presently a more widespread problem than the pandemic itself. The level of fear as regards the effects of the pandemic exceeds the level of negative experiences. In the domain of the health effects, the greatest fear is engendered by contact with COVID-19 which may cause infection: 14 fears. The remaining hypotheses were refuted: the level of fear of inhabitants of EU countries regarding health consequences/dangers (46) does not exceed the level of fear regarding economical (75) and social (19) consequences/dangers. In the domain of economical consequences/dangers, the most fears: 37, are caused by fear of an economical crisis and not one of unemployment (17) - as was assumed. Social isolation is more often experienced (13) and present in declarations (16) of inhabitants of the EU than in their fears (4). Fears of the consequences/dangers of COVID-19 plays, most of all, a negative function (137/74) and not a positive one - as assumed.
Urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and hot flashes in women from an urban convenience sample of midlife women.

Abstract Context Phthalate exposure is associated with altered reproductive function, but little is known about associations of phthalate exposure with risk of hot flashes. Objective To investigate associations of urinary phthalate metabolite levels with four hot flash outcomes in midlife women. Design A cross-sectional study of the first year of a prospective cohort of midlife women, the Midlife Women's Health Study (2006–2015), a convenience sample from an urban setting. Participants 728 multi-racial/ethnic pre- and perimenopausal women aged 45–54 years. Outcome measures Women completed questionnaires about hot flash experience and provided 1–4 urine samples over four consecutive weeks that were pooled for analysis. Phthalate metabolites were assessed individually and as molar sums representative of common compounds (all phthalates: ƩPhthalates; DEHP: ƩDEHP), exposure sources (plastics: ƩPlastic; personal care products: ƩPCP), and modes of action (anti-androgenic: ƩAA). Covariate-adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess associations of continuous natural log-transformed phthalate metabolite concentrations with hot flash outcomes. Analyses were conducted to explore whether associations differed by menopause status, body mass index (BMI), race/ethnicity, and depressive symptoms. Results Overall, 45% of women reported a history of hot flashes. Compared to women who never experienced hot flashes, every two-fold increase in ƩPlastic was associated with 18% (OR: 1.18; 95%CI: 0.98, 1.43) and 38% (OR: 1.38; 95%CI: 1.11, 1.70) higher odds of experiencing hot flashes in the past 30 days and experiencing daily/weekly hot flashes, respectively. Some associations of phthalates with certain hot flash outcomes differed by menopause status, BMI, race/ethnicity, and depressive symptoms. Conclusions This study suggests that phthalates are associated with hot flash experience and may impact hot flash risk in women who are susceptible to experiencing hot flashes.
X-Capsular Incision for Tumor Enucleation (X-CITE)-Technique: A Method to Maximize Renal Parenchymal Preservation for Completely Endophytic Renal Tumors.

Abstract Objective To describe the X-Capsular Incision for Tumor Enucleation (X-CITE) technique to resect endophytic renal tumors while preserving the overlying renal parenchyma. Subjects and methods We reviewed 1-year outcomes of 12 consecutive patients with a history of bilateral or multifocal renal tumors who presented to our institution with completely endophytic renal masse(s) between August 2017 and August 2018. Endophytic tumors were resected by making an X-shaped incision in the renal capsule and developing parenchymal flaps overlying the tumor pseudocapsule. Following tumor enucleation, the overlying parenchymal flaps were reapproximated. Results Median follow up was 19.9 months (range 10.6-14.9). Most patients also had additional exophytic tumors with a median of 5 renal tumors removed per operation with a median largest renal tumor size of 3.2 cm. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. There was no decline in renal function after surgery when comparing median pre- and 12-month postoperative eGFR (94.5 vs 91.5, P= 0.18).). Postoperative nuclear mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG-3) renal scans demonstrated equal differential kidney function after surgery. Limitations include short-term follow-up and referral bias at center specializing in multi-focal kidney surgery. Conclusion The X-Capsular Incision for Tumor Enucleation technique is feasible, safe and effective with minimal collateral damage in the treatment of completely endophytic renal masses. Further investigation should identify which patients may benefit from this procedure and explore intermediate and long-term outcomes.
A comprehensive review of obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a complex disorder characterized by collapse of the upper airway during sleep. Downstream effects involve the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurocognitive systems. OSA is more prevalent in men than women. Clinical symptoms suggest the diagnosis of OSA but none is pathognomonic of the condition. With rising awareness of OSA and the increasing prevalence of obesity, OSA is increasingly recognized as a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity including systemic and pulmonary arterial hypertension, heart failure, acute coronary syndromes, atrial fibrillation, and other arrhythmias. Pulmonary manifestations include the development of chronic thromboembolic disease, which can then lead to chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Neurocognitive morbidities include stroke and neurobehavioral disorders. Screening for OSA includes the use of symptom questionnaires and the diagnosis is confirmed by polysomnography. Management primarily includes the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) devices during sleep. Alternate options such as mandibular devices and surgical procedures are considered for certain patient populations.
Re-appropriation of a right anterior thoracotomy approach to portal-systemic bypass for liver transplantation in a patient with complete superior vena cava occlusion

Abstract The utilization of venovenous bypass in liver transplantation (LT) has become less frequent and more center dependent over time. Unfortunately, this has left many transplant surgeons, particularly younger trainees, unfamiliar with the techniques and indications for its utilization. We present a case of LT in a patient with complete superior vena cava (SVC) occlusion prohibiting direct vascular access. A multi-disciplinary approach involving interventional radiology, anesthesiology, cardiac surgery, and transplant surgery, was used to diagnose, evaluate, and develop an operative plan for successful LT. In doing so, a novel approach to portosystemic bypass was utilized involving a right mini-thoracotomy with direct cannulation of the right atrium to gain central venous access and optimize venous return during LT. As a center that does not routinely use venovenous bypass, this multidisciplinary approach was crucial identifying the need for a rarely used technique for vascular access and performance of a successful LT.
Taxonomy and Comparative Virology of the Influenza Viruses

Viral taxonomy has evolved slowly (and often contentiously) from a time when viruses were identified at the whim of the investigator by place names, names of persons (investigator or patient), sigla, Greco-Latin hybrid names, host of origin, or name of associated disease. Originally studied by pathologists and physicians, viruses were first named for the diseases they caused or the lesions they induced. Yellow fever virus turned its victims yellow with jaundice, and the virus now known as poliovirus destroyed the anterior horn cells or gray (polio) matter of the spinal cord. But the close kinship of polioviruses with coxsackievirus Bl, the cause of the epidemic pleurodynia, is not apparent from names derived variously from site of pathogenic lesion and place of original virus isolation (Cox-sackie, New York).
Passive sampler for PM10- 2.5 aerosol

This study investigates the use of a small passive sampler for aerosol particles to determine particulate matter (PM)10-2.5 concentrations in outdoor air. The passive sampler collects particles by gravity, diffusion, and convective diffusion onto a glass coverslip that is then examined with an optical microscope; digital images are processed with free software and the resultant PM10-2.5 concentrations determined. Both the samplers and the analyses are relatively inexpensive. Passive samplers were collocated with Federal Reference Method (FRM) samplers in Chapel Hill, NC; Phoenix, AZ; and Birmingham, AL; for periods from 5 to 15 days. Particles consisted primarily of inorganic dusts at some sites and a mix of industrial and inorganic materials at other sites. Measured concentrations ranged from < 10 microg/m3 to approximately 40 microg/m3. Overall, PM10-2.5 concentrations measured with the passive samplers were within approximately 1 standard deviation of concentrations measured with the FRM samplers. Concentrations determined with passive samplers depend on assumptions about particle density and shape factors and may also depend somewhat on local wind speed and turbulence; accurate values for these parameters may not be known. The degree of agreement between passive and FRM concentrations measured here suggests that passive measurements may not be overly dependent on accurate knowledge of these parameters.
Essential Wavelets for Statistical Applications and Data Analysis

Why wavelets? wavelets - a brief introduction basic smoothing techniques elementary statistical applications wavelet features and examples wavelet-based diagnostics some practical issues other applications data adaptive wavelet thresholding generalizations and extensions.
Identification of an Epitope of a Recombinant Onchocerca Volvulus Protein That Induces Corneal Pathology

Abstract Ocular onchocerciasis results from immune recognition of parasite proteins released into the eye by degenerating microfilariae. Previous studies have shown that pathology similar to human ocular onchocerciasis can be induced in sensitized mice by intracorneal injection with Onchocerca volvulus antigens. In the current study, we used this murine model to map the segments of O. volvulus protein disulfide isomerase (OvPDI) associated with the development of corneal pathology. Subclones of OvPDI were constructed encompassing one or more predicted T cell epitopes. Keratitis was induced in BALB/c mice after subcutaneous immunizations with OvPDI, followed by intracorneal challenge of OvPDI constructs. Truncated OvPDI proteins containing amino acids 450–481 of OvPDI were found to induce keratitis, whereas constructs that did not include this region did not induce corneal pathology. Consistent with this observation, two peptides derived from the 450–481 region stimulated T cell proliferation to a greater degree than control carrier protein. DNA sequence analysis of cDNAs encoding OvPDI from blinding and non-blinding strains of O. volvulus indicated no differences in the primary amino acid sequence of the 450–481 domain. Immunization of animals with OvPDI induced antibodies recognizing a 55 kDa host protein, identical to the predicted molecular weight of the mouse PDI homologue. Together, these data implicate specific antigenic epitopes of OvPDI in the development of O. volvulus mediated corneal pathology.
Comparison of plasma and 5% albumin resuscitation on preserving endothelial glycocalyx and microvascular permeability in vivo after severe hemorrhagic shock in rats (676.12)

Plasma expanders have been used to promote volume replacement and improve hemodynamics and tissue perfusion after HS. We have investigated the effects of high viscosity plasma expanders on the EG o...
Dectin-1 Stimulation by Candida albicans Yeast or Zymosan Triggers NFAT Activation in Macrophages and Dendritic Cells

Innate immune pattern recognition receptors play critical roles in pathogen detection and initiation of antimicrobial responses. We and others have previously demonstrated the importance of the beta-glucan receptor Dectin-1 in the recognition of pathogenic fungi by macrophages and dendritic cells and have elucidated some of the mechanisms by which Dectin-1 signals to coordinate the antifungal response. While Dectin-1 signals alone are sufficient to trigger phagocytosis and Src-Syk-mediated induction of antimicrobial reactive oxygen species, collaboration with TLR2 signaling enhances NF-kappaB activation and regulates cytokine production. In this study we demonstrate that Dectin-1 signaling can also directly modulate gene expression via activation of NFAT. Dectin-1 ligation by zymosan particles or live Candida albicans yeast triggers NFAT activation in macrophages and dendritic cells. Dectin-1-triggered NFAT activation plays a role in the induction of early growth response 2 and early growth response 3 transcription factors, and cyclooxygenase-2. Furthermore, we show that NFAT activation regulates IL-2, IL-10 and IL-12 p70 production by zymosan-stimulated dendritic cells. These data establish NFAT activation in myeloid cells as a novel mechanism of regulation of the innate antimicrobial response.
Functional and biochemical characterization of the human gallbladder muscularis cholecystokinin receptor.

Abstract Gallbladders removed at cholecystectomy are a potentially useful source of human receptor for the gastrointestinal peptide hormone cholecystokinin (CCK). Seven healthy gallbladders (removed incidentally at time of resection of hepatic metastases) and 50 diseased gallbladders were studied. Cholecystokinin radioligand binding to an enriched plasma membrane preparation from these tissues was shown to be rapid, reversible, temperature-dependent, saturable, specific, and high-affinity. Computer analysis of equilibrium binding data using the Ligand program best fit a single class of binding sites with K d = 1.0 ± 0.1 nM (mean ± SEM). This was similar in health and disease, with no apparent differences related to age, gender, or body habitus. The structural specificity for binding to this site correlated well with relative potencies for CCK-gastrin peptides to stimulate gallbladder contraction. To biochemically characterize this receptor, we used a battery of reagents, including "long" ( 125 I-Bolton Hunter-CCK-33) and "short" 125 I-d-Tyr-Gly-[(Nle 28,31 )CCK-26-33] probes that were crosslink able through their amino terminus and a monofunctional probe with a photolabile group at its carboxyl terminus 125 I-d-Tyr-Gly[(Nle 28,31 ,pNO 2 -Phe 33 )CCK-26-33]. All probes specifically labeled a human gallbladder muscularis protein of M r = 85,000–95,000, which was also independent of diagnosis. Labeling of this band was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by CCK-8 and by L-364,718. Thus, the CCK receptor present on the very common surgically removed human gallbladder is functionally and biochemically intact and is useful for further characterization.
Why Exceptionality Is More Important for Special Education than Exceptional Children

Special education is specially designed instruction designed to meet the unusual, specific needs of individual exceptional students. In designing such instruction, group characteristics can be important, but special education demands a focus on individuals, not groups. The only grouping of students with shared characteristics that is important for special education is what the students have learned and need to learn next about what is being taught, whether that be academic or social skills. A focus on group characteristics other than learning is misguided and weakens special education.