cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bone mineralization during a developing zinc deficiency.

SummaryAlterations in bone mineralization were examined during the progression of a zinc deficiency in rats. One hundred rats were divided into three groups and fed the following diets: zinc sufficient, ad libitum; zinc deficient, ad libitum; and zinc sufficient, pair-fed the daily intake of the deficient group. Plasma zinc concentration of the zinc-deficient group decreased dramatically during the first 24 hr of deficient diet and continued to decline over the next 2 days. Body weight gain essentially stopped after 1 week. During the experimental period of 23 days, femur zinc concentration decreased 61%, while total femur zinc decreased 37%. Yet, both the total and concentration of calcium and phosphorus increased and the Ca:P ratio remained relatively constant. The present data indicate that zinc can be released from bone during periods of dietary zinc deficiency. Furthermore, the decrease in zinc appears to be independent from calcium and phosphorus in the bone.
An Unpublished Manuscript of Ramanujan on Infinite Series Identities

The material in this chapter was evidently intended for the conclusion of Ramanujan’s paper, Some formulae in the analytic theory of numbers. We see how partial fraction expansions were used by Ramanujan to derive many of his identities for infinite series, including his famous formula for \(\zeta (2n + 1)\).
Optimum measurement period for evaluating feed intake traits in beef cattle

The Beef Improvement Federation recommends residual feed intake (RFI) be calculated from 70-d tests preceded by a 21-d adjustment period. Individual animal feed intake and gain measurements are expensive and time consuming, which limits the number of animals available for national genetic evaluation of feed intake. If a shorter test period of comparable accuracy could be used, the cost would decrease and more animals could be tested annually. The objective of this study was to determine if data from shortened tests is equally as predictive of average daily DMI (ADMI) and RFI values from 70-d tests. Feed intake and weight measures were collected after weaning from Bos taurus bulls, steers, and heifers (n = 612) during four 70-d performance tests. For each individual, ADMI and RFI were calculated. Residual feed intake was calculated by regressing ADMI on metabolic midweight (MMWT) and ADG with the effect of breed included where appropriate. Based on four 70-d intake tests, ADMI, RFI, ADG, and MMWT were evaluated using shortened test lengths in a post hoc analysis where shortened test lengths were imposed on the full-period tests. The ADMI, RFI, ADG, and MMWT values from the full 70-d test were regressed on ADMI, RFI, ADG, and MMWT values resulting from the constructed shorter data subsets. The 8 subsets ranged from 14 to 56 d in length. The fixed effects of test, breed, animal's origin, and sex were included in each comparison for ADMI, ADG, and MMWT. Estimates for regression coefficients of ADMI values from a full test on various subsets ranged from 0.63 to 1.02. Likewise, estimated coefficients obtained from the regression of full test RFI, ADG, and MMWT values on subsets ranged from 0.50 to 1.00, 0.09 to 0.85, and 0.48 to 1.02, respectively. We conclude that ADMI values from a 42-d test ( < 0.0001) and RFI values from a 56-d test (P < 0.0001) adequately predict ADMI and RFI when compared to a 70-d test. These results suggest that testing periods of 42 d for determining ADMI and 56 d for RFI could ultimately reduce testing costs and result in collection of data on a larger number of animals per year, in turn resulting in more data for genetic evaluation.
Framework and Outlook of ZG Control Method for Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output Nonlinear Systems

Tracking control and its singularity problem solving of nonlinear systems have attracted many attentions in the fields of science and engineering. Based on the previous research of the authors' group mainly about single-input and single-output nonlinear system tracking control, the framework and outlook of ZG control method were further presented for the tracking control of multiple-input and multiple-output(MIMO) nonlinear systems. Via the ZG control method, ZG tracking controllers that simultaneously solve the tracking-control and its singularity problem of MIMO nonlinear systems can be designed.
Adrenergic control of renin in euhydrated and water-deprived conscious dogs

These experiments evaluated the relative contributions of alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors to control of plasma renin activity (PRA) in conscious dogs in which PRA was elevated to two- and threefold basal levels by the orthostatic stress of passive quadruped standing and by 24-h water deprivation. All dogs were uninephrectomized and surgically prepared with chronically indwelling catheters in the aorta, vena cava, and remaining renal artery at least 10 days before experiments. Simultaneous direct renal arterial (ia) infusion of phenoxybenzamine and propranolol decreased PRA by 50% in euhydrated standing dogs and by 70% in dehydrated standing dogs without changing mean arterial pressure or heart rate. In euhydrated dogs, both ia phenoxybenzamine alone and ia propranolol alone significantly decreased PRA, but the effect of propranolol was greater than that of phenoxybenzamine. In dehydrated dogs, ia infusion of phenoxybenzamine alone did not significantly decrease PRA, whereas propranolol alone decreased PRA to nearly the same extent as combined ia alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor blockade. The majority of the adrenergically mediated component of PRA observed during orthostatic stress and dehydration in conscious dogs is therefore mediated by beta-adrenoceptors. However, PRA was similarly reduced whether propranolol was infused ia or intravenously. Thus the site of action of propranolol (intrarenal vs. extrarenal) could not be identified by these experiments.
Using a Fit-Viability Approach to Explore the Determinants of E-Government Maturity

ABSTRACTE-Government diffusion is of interest to both researchers and practitioners. The purpose of this study is to investigate electronic government maturity and its determinants. We use the Fit-Viability Framework to assess e-Government Maturity in diverse countries. We empirically test the impact of task-technology fit (TTF) and viability on e-government maturity at the country level. The results of partial least squares (PLS) analysis indicate that TTF characteristics along with a country’s viable resources and level of e-government development have a significant impact on e-government maturity. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
High throughput corrosion screening of Mg-Zn combinatorial material libraries

Abstract Mg-Zn combinatorial material libraries covering 15–85 at.% Mg were deposited on glass substrates using magnetron sputtering at room temperature. To study the phases present in the Mg-Zn combinatorial libraries the as-deposited sample was annealed at 250 °C for an hour. The composition, phase content and thickness were characterized using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and stylus profilometer respectively. The corrosion characteristics of the as-deposited and annealed combinatorial samples immersed in DPBS and PBS were evaluated using a high throughput novel optical screening technique. Corrosion maps of the combinatorial samples were generated from analysis of time lapsed images obtained from the novel optical screening technique. From the time lapsed images the corrosion rate of each composition in the combinatorial material libraries were evaluated. The results showed that compositions with Mg contents ≤ 40 at.% resulted in lower but similar corrosion rate for both as-deposited and annealed samples immersed in DPBS. The corrosion rate increases with increasing Mg content.
The Second World War: 1939—1945

In the early hours of 1 September 1939 Germany attacked Poland on land and from the air. Two days later, on 3 September, Britain and France declared war on Germany. The Second Great War of the twentieth century — the greatest single slaughter in history — had begun.
Human Cytomegalovirus Can Procure Deoxyribonucleotides for Viral DNA Replication in the Absence of Retinoblastoma Protein Phosphorylation

ABSTRACT Viral DNA replication requires deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs). These molecules, which are found at low levels in noncycling cells, are generated either by salvage pathways or through de novo synthesis. Nucleotide synthesis utilizes the activity of a series of nucleotide-biosynthetic enzymes (NBEs) whose expression is repressed in noncycling cells by complexes between the E2F transcription factors and the retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor. Rb-E2F complexes are dissociated and NBE expression is activated during cell cycle transit by cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk)-mediated Rb phosphorylation. The DNA virus human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) encodes a viral Cdk (v-Cdk) (the UL97 protein) that phosphorylates Rb, induces the expression of cellular NBEs, and is required for efficient viral DNA synthesis. A long-held hypothesis proposed that viral proteins with Rb-inactivating activities functionally similar to those of UL97 facilitated viral DNA replication in part by inducing the de novo production of dNTPs. However, we found that dNTPs were limiting even in cells infected with wild-type HCMV in which UL97 is expressed and Rb is phosphorylated. Furthermore, we revealed that both de novo and salvage pathway enzymes contribute to viral DNA replication during HCMV infection and that Rb phosphorylation by cellular Cdks does not correct the viral DNA replication defect observed in cells infected with a UL97-deficient virus. We conclude that HCMV can obtain dNTPs in the absence of Rb phosphorylation and that UL97 can contribute to the efficiency of DNA replication in an Rb phosphorylation-independent manner. IMPORTANCE Transforming viral oncoproteins, such as adenovirus E1A and papillomavirus E7, inactivate Rb. The standard hypothesis for how Rb inactivation facilitates infection with these viruses is that it is through an increase in the enzymes required for DNA synthesis, which include nucleotide-biosynthetic enzymes. However, HCMV UL97, which functionally mimics these viral oncoproteins through phosphorylation of Rb, fails to induce the production of nonlimiting amounts of dNTPs. This finding challenges the paradigm of the role of Rb inactivation during DNA virus infection and uncovers the existence of an alternative mechanism by which UL97 contributes to HCMV DNA synthesis. The ineffectiveness of the UL97 inhibitor maribavir in clinical trials might be better explained with a fuller understanding of the role of UL97 during infection. Furthermore, as the nucleoside analog ganciclovir is the current drug of choice for treating HCMV, knowing the provenance of the dNTPs incorporated into viral DNA may help inform antiviral therapeutic regimens.
Applying diagnostic techniques to improve software quality

The author describes the use of diagnostic techniques in the design, testing, and maintenance of software. The goal in applying diagnostic techniques to software is twofold. First, design-for-test techniques can be applied to help ensure that software failures can be diagnosed when they occur. Second, testing software using techniques which are normally applied to the testing of diagnostics can help detect and eliminate software failures before the product is delivered. This means that the diagnostic design techniques are applied to make the software more testable, and that the software is tested more thoroughly using methods which are applied to testing of diagnostic capabilities. >
Antiphosphospholipid syndrome presenting with amaurosis fugax and cotton wool spots

Purpose To describe the importance of considering vaso-occlusive disease on the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with amaurosis fugax (AF) and unilateral cotton wool spots (CWS).
The cascade of membrane events during development of Dictyostelium discoideum.

One of the basic goals of biology is to understand the processes of development, including cytodifferentiation, morphogenetic movement, pattern formation, and expression of specific gene products. Since there is considerable evidence that many of these events are effected initially at the surface of the cell, we are interested in the properties of the plasma membrane and its constituent proteins and glycoproteins. The plasma membrane proteins of Dictyostelium discoideum are among the most thoroughly studied, and thus this organism serves as an important model for changes in the plasma membrane during eukaryotic development.
Conspiracy Talk on Social Media: Collective Sensemaking during a Public Health Crisis

Conspiracy theories have gained much academic and media attention recently, due to their large impact on public events. Crisis informatics researchers have examined conspiracy theories as a type of rumor. However, little is known about how conspiracy theories are produced and developed on social media. We present a qualitative study of conspiracy theorizing on Reddit during a public health crisis--the Zika virus outbreak. Using a mixed-methods approach including content analysis and discourse analysis, we identified types of conspiracy theories that appeared on Reddit in response to the Zika crisis, the conditions under which Zika conspiracy theories emerge, and the particular discursive strategies through which Zika conspiracy theories developed in online forums. Our analysis shows that conspiracy talk emerged as people attempted to make sense of a public health crisis, reflecting their emergent information needs and their pervasive distrust in formal sources of Zika information. Practical implications for social computing researchers, health practitioners, and policymakers are discussed.
Artificial Gene Amplification in Escherichia coli Reveals Numerous Determinants for Resistance to Metal Toxicity

When organisms are subjected to environmental challenges, including growth inhibitors and toxins, evolution often selects for the duplication of endogenous genes, whose overexpression can provide a selective advantage. Such events occur both in natural environments and in clinical settings. Microbial cells—with their large populations and short generation times—frequently evolve resistance to a range of antimicrobials. While microbial resistance to antibiotic drugs is well documented, less attention has been given to the genetic elements responsible for resistance to metal toxicity. To assess which overexpressed genes can endow gram-negative bacteria with resistance to metal toxicity, we transformed a collection of plasmids overexpressing all E. coli open reading frames (ORFs) into naive cells, and selected for survival in toxic concentrations of six transition metals: Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Ag, Zn. These selections identified 48 hits. In each of these hits, the overexpression of an endogenous E. coli gene provided a selective advantage in the presence of at least one of the toxic metals. Surprisingly, the majority of these cases (28/48) were not previously known to function in metal resistance or homeostasis. These findings highlight the diverse mechanisms that biological systems can deploy to adapt to environments containing toxic concentrations of metals.
Unexpected Specificity of a Trypsin-like Enzyme.

In this issue of Structure, Stach et al. (2018) describe the properties of SplE, a trypsin-like enzyme from Staphylococcus aureus. They report, on the basis of biochemical and structural studies, the unusual specificity requiring the presence of histidine in the P1 subsite of its substrate.
Indexed fast network proximity querying

Node proximity queries are among the most common operations on network databases. A common measure of node proximity is random walk based proximity, which has been shown to be less susceptible to noise and missing data. Real-time processing of random-walk based proximity queries poses significant computational challenges for larger graphs with over billions of nodes and edges, since it involves solution of large linear systems of equations. Due to the importance of this operation, significant effort has been devoted to developing efficient methods for random-walk based node proximity computations. These methods either aim to speed up iterative computations by exploiting numerical properties of random walks, or rely on computation and storage of matrix inverses to avoid computation during query processing. Although both approaches have been well studied, the speedup achieved by iterative approaches does not translate to real-time query processing, and the storage requirements of inversion-based approaches prohibit their use on very large graph databases.We present a novel approach to significantly reducing the computational cost of random walk based node proximity queries with scalable indexing. Our approach combines domain graph-partitioning based indexing with fast iterative computations during query processing using Chebyshev polynomials over the complex elliptic plane. This approach combines the query processing benefits of inversion techniques with the memory and storage benefits of iterative approache. Using real-world networks with billions of nodes and edges, and top-k proximity queries as the benchmark problem, we show that our algorithm, I-Chopper, significantly outperforms existing methods. Specifically, it drastically reduces convergence time of the iterative procedure, while also reducing storage requirements for indexing.
Assessment of semen quality and fertility in young growing beef bulls exposed to ergot alkaloids.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate semen quality and fertility in beef bulls grazing the ergot alkaloid (EA) producing tall fescue cultivar, Kentucky 31 (KY31), compared to a novel endophyte (NE) cultivar lacking EA. Two studies were conducted over a 3-year period. In studies 1 (n = 10; ages ≥ 24 mo) and 2 (n = 53 over two years; ages 12–16 mo), Angus (AN) bulls were stratified by body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and scrotal circumference (SC), and then allotted to graze either KY31 or NE for 56 days. Semen samples were collected, and BW, BCS, and SC were evaluated at the start of treatment (TRT) on day (d) 0 and every 28 days to the end of each study. In addition, blood samples were collected on d 0 and every 28 days for assessment of circulating prolactin (PRL) levels in study 2. On d 56, for both studies, semen from bulls (n = 2 per treatment in study 1 and n = 4 per treatment in study 2) with similar and acceptable quality were extended, kept at 19° C, and used for timed artificial insemination (TAI) of primi- and multiparous AN and AN- crossbred females. Pregnancy was evaluated at 35 and 90 days post-TAI via transrectal ultrasonography to determine pregnancy rates. Serum PRL concentrations showed a TRT by d effect (P ≤ 0.05), with values for bulls grazing KY31 decreased on d 28 and d 56 of grazing compared to NE. In studies 1 and 2, bull BW and BCS were affected by d (P ≤ 0.05), but not by TRT. No TRT or TRT by d effect on semen quality was observed in either study; however, d impacted both velocity and concentration in study 2 (P ≤ 0.05). In study 1, TAI pregnancy rates at 35 days post-TAI were lower (P ≤ 0.05) in the group inseminated with semen from bulls grazing KY31; however, in study 2, pregnancy rates did not differ due to treatment 35 post-TAI (P > 0.05). Grazing KY31 negatively impacted serum PRL concentrations, supporting previous observations; however, consumption of KY31 had no effect on growth or semen quality of AN bulls ranging from 12 to ≥24 mo of age. Furthermore, fertility data is inconsistent between studies and requires further investigation.
Cellular, Molecular and Biological Insight into Chemopreventive and Therapeutic Potential of 3,3’-Diindolylmethane (DIM)

Emerging evidence suggest that bioactive phytochemical is achievable by consuming moderate amount of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage. Evaluation for chemopreventive effectiveness of these vegetables led to the identification of 3,3’-Diindolylmethane (DIM) which is generated in the acidic environment of the stomach following dimerization of Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) monomers originating from the aforementioned class of vegetables. This article evaluates the potential targets and biological effects elicited by DIM against tumor cells to ascertain chemopreventive and therapeutic efficacy. We provide mechanistic insight into their pleiotropic action resulting in the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and the disruption of intracellular signaling network cascade that are known to regulate angiogenesis, metastasis and invasion. The beneficial effect of DIM has been observed by preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, suggesting that DIM could be useful as a chemopreventive agent and an adjunct to conventional therapeutics. Moreover, DIM has moved through preclinical development into clinical trials and the outcome of such investigation would likely provide definitive role of DIM in human health and diseases.
Clausal Modifiers in the Grammar Matrix

We extend the coverage of an existing grammar customization system to clausal modifiers, also referred to as adverbial clauses. We present an analysis, taking a typologically-driven approach to account for this phenomenon across the world’s languages, which we implement in the Grammar Matrix customization system (Bender et al., 2002, 2010). Testing our analysis on testsuites from five genetically and geographically diverse languages that were not considered in development, we achieve 88.4% coverage and 1.5% overgeneration.
Electrical Field Analysis and Insulation Evaluation of a 6 kV H-bridge Power Electronics Building Block (PEBB) using 10 kV SiC MOSFET Devices

As a consequence of higher blocking voltage and power density by using SiC devices, detailed analysis and careful design of electrical insulation are required. High partial discharge initiated from high electric field regions damages the insulation materials and leads to insulation failure. Therefore, the study of the electric field intensity distribution in all components of a high power density SiC-based converter and among multiple converters, if modular multilevel converter used, is needed. In this paper, a three-dimensional model developed in ANSYS of a high power density H-Bridge PEBB, benefiting from 10 kV SiC MOSFETs on a 6 kV DC bus, is presented. Using the finite element method, the electric field distribution inside the converter is calculated, and critical areas with high electric field intensities prone to initiate partial discharges are identified. Moreover, by using this model, geometry-based modifications are investigated to relieve high electric field regions. Finally, partial discharge tests have been applied to multiple critical parts, like the laminated bus and the interconnectors. It helps evaluate various insulation designs, provide some design guidelines and improvement suggestions for such application as well.
Variation in the transcriptome of different ecotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana reveals signatures of oxidative stress in plant responses to spaceflight.

Premise of the study Spaceflight provides a unique environment in which to dissect plant stress response behaviors and to reveal potentially novel pathways triggered in space. We therefore analyzed the transcriptomes of Arabidopsis thaliana plants grown on board the International Space Station to find the molecular fingerprints of these space-related response networks. Methods Four ecotypes (Col-0, Ws-2, Ler-0 and Cvi-0) were grown on orbit and then their patterns of transcript abundance compared to ground-based controls using RNA sequencing. Key results Transcripts from heat-shock proteins were upregulated in all ecotypes in spaceflight, whereas peroxidase transcripts were downregulated. Among the shared and ecotype-specific changes, gene classes related to oxidative stress and hypoxia were detected. These spaceflight transcriptional response signatures could be partly mimicked on Earth by a low oxygen environment and more fully by oxidative stress (H2 O2 ) treatments. Conclusions These results suggest that the spaceflight environment is associated with oxidative stress potentially triggered, in part, by hypoxic response. Further, a shared spaceflight response may be through the induction of molecular chaperones (such as heat shock proteins) that help protect cellular machinery from the effects of oxidative damage. In addition, this research emphasizes the importance of considering the effects of natural variation when designing and interpreting changes associated with spaceflight experiments.
Grounding the political spectrum: how three Canadian think tanks integrate social space

Building on Bourdieu’s Field Theory and on Thomas Medvetz’s study of American think tanks, this article introduces the concept of modalities of integration to examine how a selection of three Canad...
Flexibility of Artistic Roles and Shared Ownership between Dance Educators and Students in Choreography and Performance.

ABSTRACTRelationships between choreographers and dancers are sometimes defined by a particular hierarchy in which choreographers hold more power than dancers do throughout dance making processes. T...
Arthroscopic débridement of irreparable rotator cuff tears: predictors of failure and success.

Hypothesis/Background Many techniques have been described to treat irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCT). Arthroscopic debridement for massive, irreparable RCT has been previously described to be a successful operation. The primary objective of our study was to analyze the mid-term outcomes and failure rates of arthroscopic debridement for irreparable RCTs and identify risk factors associated with failure and poor outcomes. Methods We retrospectively identified all patients between 2008 and 2013 who underwent arthroscopic debridement for an irreparable RCT. Demographics, operative reports, and preoperative imaging were collected from the medical record and outcome scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] and visual analog scale) were collected at a minimum of 5-year follow-up. Results Twenty-six patients were included with a median follow-up of 98 months (range, 58-115 months). The average age at the time of surgery was 60 ± 11 years. Six patients (23%) had a reoperation at a median 11 months (range, 1-91 months), with 5 of those being revised to reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Median ASES and visual analog scale pain scores improved significantly from preoperatively to postoperatively (P Discussion/Conclusion Arthroscopic debridement for irreparable RCT shows good mid-term success with improvements in patient-reported outcome scores and pain. Cost-effectiveness of more expensive procedures should be considered in the context of these successful results. Poor preoperative forward elevation appears to be a negative predictor of outcome and should be considered carefully when indicating patients for this procedure.
My journey into the birth of plant transgenesis and its impact on modern plant biology

I had the fortune to start my scientific carrier during the early stages of the development of plant transformation in one of the leading laboratories in the field. Here, I describe my personal experience in the laboratory of Marc van Montagu and Jeff Schell, and some important contributions that the group made to the development of the technology to produce transgenic plants. I also briefly summarize the impact of this technology on the development of modern plant biology and in plant molecular improvement.
Emotions as Signals of Moral Character

Emotions can signal moral character because emotions can be linked to morality in three ways: one by being intrinsically moral themselves, another by arising from moral judgments of oneself or of another, and a third by being morally appropriate or inappropriate in the context in which they occur. An emotion’s morality rests on the moral appropriateness of its appraisal, motivation, feeling, expression, and regulation. The emotions that a person does not have can be as informative about their morality as do emotions that actually occur. Emotions express character better than mere beliefs because emotions convey conviction, prioritization, and resolve. The uncontrollability of some emotions can convey sincerity and reliability, but even voluntary verbal expressions are speech acts that constitute a public commitment to a moral position. The full range of human emotionality can provide information about moral character.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Americans Aboard the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship.

BACKGROUND: The Diamond Princess cruise ship was the site of a large outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Of 437 Americans and their travel companions on the ship, 114 (26%) tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). METHODS: We interviewed 229 American passengers and crew after disembarkation following a ship-based quarantine to identify risk factors for infection and characterize transmission onboard the ship. RESULTS: The attack rate for passengers in single-person cabins or without infected cabinmates was 18% (58/329), compared with 63% (27/43) for those sharing a cabin with an asymptomatic infected cabinmate, and 81% (25/31) for those with a symptomatic infected cabinmate. Whole genome sequences from specimens from passengers who shared cabins clustered together. Of 66 SARS-CoV-2-positive American travelers with complete symptom information, 14 (21%) were asymptomatic while on the ship. Among SARS-CoV-2-positive Americans, 10 (9%) required intensive care, of whom 7 were ≥70 years. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the high risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission on cruise ships. High rates of SARS-CoV-2 positivity in cabinmates of individuals with asymptomatic infections suggest that triage by symptom status in shared quarters is insufficient to halt transmission. A high rate of intensive care unit admission among older individuals complicates the prospect of future cruise travel during the pandemic, given typical cruise passenger demographics. The magnitude and severe outcomes of this outbreak were major factors contributing to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's decision to halt cruise ship travel in U.S. waters in March 2020.
Abstract 3572: Merlin deficiency induces redox imbalance in breast cancer

Merlin is encoded by the NF2 gene and, as a tumor suppressor, stalls cell proliferation by contact-dependent growth inhibition. Prior work from our laboratory has established that Merlin levels are significantly decreased in breast tumor tissues representing advanced grade. Moreover, Merlin expression is completely lost in cases representing metastatic breast cancer. Therefore, we mimicked Merlin deficiency by stably knocking down NF2 in non-metastatic breast cancer cells. Recognizing the role of metabolic reprogramming in tumor progression, we undertook untargeted metabolomics analysis - this effort identified low levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) in Merlin-deficient cells. Given the role of GSH as the most abundant antioxidant cofactor, we explored if a major reactive oxygen species (ROS) clearance mechanism is compromised in Merlin-deficient breast cancer cells. Indeed, accumulated levels of ROS were detected in Merlin-deficient cells, suggesting that Merlin deficiency causes redox imbalance. Quenching of elevated ROS levels attenuated migration and invasion capabilities indicating a role of ROS in intensifying malignant behaviors upon Merlin deficiency. Furthermore, dysregulated STAT3 activity upregulated the expression of NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzymes in Merlin-deficient breast cancer cells compared to their control counterparts. These findings were also recapitulated in non-tumorigenic Nf2 −/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts further supporting the key role of Merlin in these phenotypes. In conclusion, ROS accumulation and increased malignancy in Merlin-deficient cells may be the result of a dysregulated cellular redox management system. Citation Format: Mateus Mota, Brandon Metge, Lalita Shevde-Samant. Merlin deficiency induces redox imbalance in breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 3572.
Forged By AIDS, Storied NYC Residence Boosts Aging In Place

Driven by a mission of justice, Manhattan Plaza and Penn South create beloved communities that care for people at all stages of life.
Urinary Tract Infection After Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty: Are Urine Cultures and Antibiotics Helpful?

Objective To evaluate how variations in peri-operative urine culture (UCx) and antibiotic prophylaxis utilization following robot assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) affect post-RALP urinary tract infection (UTI) rates in children, then use data to generate a standardized care pathway. Methods Patients undergoing RALP at a single institution from January 2014 to October 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with vesicoureteral reflux, neurogenic bladder, intermittent catheterization, =18 years were excluded. UCx use, UCx results, and pre- and post-RALP antibiotic use were recorded. The primary outcome was symptomatic UTI, tracked until 60 days after stent removal. UTI was defined as presence of fever or urinary symptoms, a positive UCx with >=10,000 colony forming units of one uropathogen, and a positive urinalysis. Results A total of 152 patients were included (72% male [73% circumcised], 61% white, and 23% Hispanic). One underwent a re-operative pyeloplasty, yielding 153 encounters. Eight patients (5.2%; 95% CI 1.7-8.7%) developed post-RALP UTI. Uncircumcised status and use of pre-operative prophylactic antibiotics were associated with post-RALP UTI (P = .03 and P Conclusion UTI occurred in 5.2% of our cohort of >150 patients. As post-RALP antibiotic use was not associated with lower UTI rates, prophylactic antibiotics may be reserved for patients with risk factors. A standardized care pathway could safely reduce unnecessary utilization of UA/UCx and antibiotics.
Locating Specific Acupoints Large Intestine 4 (LI4) and Large Intestine 6 (LI6) in Cadavers Using Anthropometric and Cun Measurement Systems.

Abstract Background Anthropometric and anatomical Chinese inch measurement (CUN) systems are useful in understanding the location of acupoints; however, locating acupoints is challenging. Objectives The study aimed to locate LI4 and LI6, to measure differences and similarities in body dimensions based on sex using anthropometric and CUN systems, and to observe the relationship between f-cun and b-cun. Methods 25 forearms and hands from 16 embalmed cadavers had body dimensions measured using anthropometric and CUN systems. LI4 and LI6 were located using a combination of both systems. Data were compiled and calculated to observe any variation in means and ranges. Statistical analysis was performed using a paired t-test. Results LI4 was found on the skin at the lateral border of the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone. LI6 was found 3 cun or 74 ± 8 mm from LI5. Differences were observed between male and female cadavers and a large difference between f-cun and b-cun measurements of 1.5 to 3 cun. There were positive correlations between several body dimensions observed. Conclusions LI4 was located on the dorsum of the hand, radial to the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone. LI6 was located 3 cun from LI5 with an error of 1 to ½ cun variation. The differences in f-cun and b-cun in isolating LI6 seem to account for this error. Future studies using cadavers may need to take this error into consideration for variation and measuring differences.
Visualising Nuclear Futurism and Narrating Queer Futurity in Yanobe Kenji’s The Sun Child and Tawada Yōko’s The Emissary

This article takes up the notion of the “child redeemer” to explore how the future in contemporary Japan has been depicted or represented in post-3/11 art and literature via the deployment of the f...
Personal Experiences of Patients in the Interaction of Culture and Kidney Disease.

Patient perspectives can be a valuable component in understanding some of the factors contributing to health inequities. The inclusion of first-person accounts and the patient perspective is in line with recent academic trends ([1][1]) and movements within nephrology ([2][2]). The following accounts
Languages and Dividend Policy

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis theorizes that the structure of a language may affect the way that its speakers think. We investigate if there is a significant difference in dividend policy of firms hea...
Novel Use of 3-Point Genicular Nerve Block for Acute Knee Pain in the Emergency Department.

Abstract Background Ultrasound-guided genicular nerve blocks (GNBs) in the emergency department (ED) have easily identifiable anatomic targets and offer an opportunity to provide safe, effective, motor-sparing analgesia for acute knee pain. Case Report A 68-year-old woman presented with acute, 8/10 right knee pain due to an isolated right lateral tibial plateau fracture. After informed consent and with the ultrasound in the sagittal plane, the superior lateral (SLGN), superior medial (SMGN), and inferior medial (IMGN) genicular nerves were identified at the junction of their respective femoral or tibial epicondyle and femoral or tibial epiphysis. The skin was anesthetized and an echogenic needle was inserted under ultrasound guidance to inject 1.0 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine around the right SLGN, SMGN, and IMGN. Approximately 30 minutes after the GNBs, the patient reported 0/10 pain at rest and 1/10 pain with movement. She did not require opioids during her ED visit or upon discharge. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? GNBs show promise as a useful tool to provide acute and medium-term motor-sparing analgesia in a patient with acute knee pain. GNBs have easy-to-recognize anatomic targets on ultrasound and may be a suitable adjunct or alternative to a multimodal pain regimen in the emergency department.
Preseason functional tests discriminate injury risk in female collegiate volleyball players

Abstract Objective Preseason functional tests have been previously associated with noncontact time-loss lower extremity injuries in a variety of athletic populations. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of one or more functional tests to discriminate injury risk in a cohort of female collegiate volleyball players in the United States. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II & III, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics female volleyball players; Participants 130 female volleyball players (mean age: 19.31 ± 1.1 years). Main outcome measure Lower extremity functional test, single limb hop for distance, standing long jump, previous injury history, lower quarter Y-balance test, and limb symmetry index were measured prior to the season beginning. Noncontact time-loss lower quarter injuries were tracked during the season. Results Athletes with suboptimal scores on the single limb hop test ( Conclusions A battery of preseason functional tests and injury history discriminates injury risk in female collegiate volleyball players.
Microneedle Insertion into Visco-Hyperelastic Model for Skin for Healthcare Application

Recently, microneedle patches have been explored for extracting interstitial fluid with the goal of extracting temporally relevant, clinical-grade information for human health monitoring. As compared to traditional hypodermic needles, the sub-millimeter scale of microneedles allows for the creation of micropores providing access into human skin interstitial fluid while minimizing interactions with blood vessels and nerves, leading to painless insertion with little to no bleeding. An essential sub-component is the actuator, responsible for driving the microneedle into the skin with a precise force and velocity to ensure reliable insertion. Reliability, in this case, consists of two criteria: the ability of the microneedle to 1) penetrate the skin, and 2) withstand penetration forces without mechanical failure. Evaluation of these criteria requires a thorough understanding of the non-linear, time-dependent interactions between the microneedle and the skin during insertion, including rupture and tearing of the skin on the micron scale, and the resultant stresses on the microneedle. To this end, a comprehensive finite-element model was developed to simulate the microneedle insertion process. This analysis yielded a prediction of complete microneedle insertion without failure of the microneedle and an estimated insertion force of 0.055 N per microneedle, well within the capability of the actuator system considered. This insertion force was validated using experimental data obtained through microneedle insertion in whole skin samples. The model was then used to perform several parametric studies, yielding valuable insights for possible future design improvements.
Defect Classification using Pressure Change of Sleeve Soldering Machine

Abstract: The solder joint significantly affects the quality of the electronic equipment. Recent researches focus on the automatic inspection of solder joints to detect the fault with high accuracy. The sleeve soldering system is one of the soldering equipment. The system puts a heated ceramic sleeve over the through-hole of the print circuit board and melts the solder piece dropped into the sleeve. The system also feeds a certain amount of nitrogen gas into the sleeve continuously, and the gas goes out through the lower end of the sleeve. Pressure in the sleeve is changed by narrowing down or blocking the exit hole in each soldering process, such as the sleeve approaches to the print circuit board, drop off the solder piece, and solder melting. Here, the pressure at each process may differ between correct and incorrect soldering. In this paper, the authors classify the correct and incorrect soldering from the pressure change's features. The results of the experiment show that both correct and incorrect are classified with 98.3% accuracy.
Aerosol jet printed 3 omega sensors for thermal conductivity measurement.

The 3 omega (3ω) method is a trusted technique for measuring thermal conductivity—a fundamental material property of critical importance in a broad range of applications. However, traditional 3ω sensor processing requires some form of physical vapor deposition, such as metal evaporation or sputtering. These 3ω sensor deposition techniques limit the materials and sample sizes applicable to the 3ω method. This work demonstrates an aerosol jet printing method to directly print silver 3ω sensors that yield accurate temperature-dependent measurement up to 300 °C on materials with thermal conductivity ranging from 1 to 150 W/m K. The interrelationship between printed sensor geometry, sensor thermal stability, and applicability to the 3ω method is examined. Thermal conductivity measurement with 3ω sensors conventionally sintered at 300 °C agrees to independent laser flash measurement within 4% from room temperature to 150 °C. An unconventional rapid high-temperature sintering method is shown to produce sensors that agree within 3% of the laser flash measurements from room temperature to 300 °C. The rapid sintering profiles also reduced the sensor–substrate thermal boundary resistance of the printed sensors by as much as 88%. The direct printing of 3ω sensors creates opportunities for measurement of thermal transport properties in applications previously inapplicable to the 3ω method.
Reduced hippocampal activation during episodic encoding in middle-aged individuals at genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease: a cross-sectional study.

The presence of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) e4 allele is a major risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and has been associated with metabolic brain changes several years before the onset of typical AD symptoms. Functional MRI (fMRI) is a brain imaging technique that has been used to demonstrate hippocampal activation during measurement of episodic encoding, but the effect of the e4 allele on hippocampal activation has not been firmly established. The present study examined the effects of APOE genotype on brain activation patterns in the medial temporal lobe (MTL) during an episodic encoding task using a well-characterized novel item versus familiar item contrast in cognitively normal, middle-aged (mean = 54 years) individuals who had at least one parent with AD. We found that e3/4 heterozygotes displayed reduced activation in the hippocampus and MTL compared to e3/3 homozygotes. There were no significant differences between the groups in age, education or neuropsychological functioning, suggesting that the altered brain activation seen in e3/4 heterozygotes was not associated with impaired cognitive function. We also found that participants' ability to encode information on a neuropsychological measure of learning was associated with greater activation in the anterior MTL in the e3/3 homozygotes, but not in the e3/4 heterozygotes. Together with previous studies reporting reduced glucose metabolism and AD-related neuropathology, this study provides convergent validity for the idea that the MTL exhibits functional decline associated with the APOE e4 allele. Importantly, these changes were detected in the absence of meaningful neuropsychological differences between the groups. A focus of ongoing work in this laboratory is to determine if these findings are predictive of subsequent cognitive decline.
Knowledge as Power: Criminal Registration and Community Notification Laws in America

Societies have long sought security by identifying potentially dangerous individuals in their midst. America is surely no exception. Knowledge as Power traces the evolution of a modern technique that has come to enjoy nationwide popularity-criminal registration laws. Registration, which originated in the 1930s as a means of monitoring gangsters, went largely unused for decades before experiencing a dramatic resurgence in the 1990s. Since then it has been complemented by community notification laws which, like the "Wanted" posters of the Frontier West, publicly disclose registrants' identifying information, involving entire communities in the criminal monitoring process. Knowledge as Power provides the first in-depth history and analysis of criminal registration and community notification laws, examining the potent forces driving their rapid nationwide proliferation in the 1990s through today, as well as exploring how the laws have affected the nation's law, society, and governance. In doing so, the book provides compelling insights into the manifold ways in which registration and notification reflect and influence life in modern America.