cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the AnaeroPack system for growth of clinically significant anaerobes.

The AnaeroPack (Mitsubishi Gas Chemical America, Inc., New York, N.Y.) system was compared with the GasPak (Becton Dickinson Microbiology Systems, Cockeysville, Md.) system and a conventional anaerobe chamber to evaluate the ability of the AnaeroPack system to support the growth of clinically significant anaerobes. The AnaeroPack system requires no catalyst or water, produces no hydrogen, and is oxygen absorbing and carbon dioxide generating. It is simple to use and reduces preparation time to a minimum. One hundred forty clinical isolates obtained from various anatomic sites and 10 American Type Culture Collection type strains were evaluated. Isolates were plated on various media, and bacterial growth was examined after 24, 48, 72, and 168 h of incubation. Criteria for evaluation and comparison of systems included rate and quality of growth, colonial morphology, hemolytic reactions, and pigment production. Results indicate that the AnaeroPack system is highly effective in creating an anaerobic atmosphere. The AnaeroPack system never failed to reduce the methylene blue indicator, while the GasPak system failed 15% of the time. The rate or quality of growth achieved by the AnaeroPack system compared with that of established anaerobic culturing techniques was similar and significantly better for several genera including the Bacteroides fragilis group, Fusobacterium, Clostridium, and Peptostreptococcus. The AnaeroPack system appears to be an excellent alternative to established methods for generating an environment for anaerobic incubation.
The influence of economic behaviour and environment upon robusticity of the post‐cranial skeleton: a comparison of Australian Aborigines and other populations

The robusticity of the post cranial skeleton of Murray Valley Aborigines is compared to that of five other populations. This is done to clarify disagreements in the literature on the skeletal robusticity of Aborigines relative to other groups, particularly European Australians. It is concluded that rather than being more robust, the Aboriginal sample is far more gracile than the comparative samples. Economic behaviour, genetic effects and climate are examined as factors that affect skeletal robusticity. It is concluded that while all these factors have an effect, economic behaviour is important in determining robusticity differences between populations. The Murray Valley lifestyle evidently imposed comparatively little muscular and skeletal stress upon the Aboriginal population.
Cytotoxic Onconase and Ribonuclease A Chimeras: Comparison and in Vitro Characterization

AbstractOnconase, a protein isolated from fertilized Rana pipiens eggs, has antineoplastic properties both in vitro (Z. Darzynkiewicz, S. P. Carter, S. M. Mikulski, W. Ardelt, and K. Shogen, 1988, Cell Tissue Kinet. 21, 169–182) and in vivo (S. M. Mikulski, W. Ardelt, K. Shogen, E. H. Bernstein, and H. Menduke, 1990, J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 82, 151–153). The protein is a member of the pancreatic ribonuclease A superfamily and exhibits ribonuclease activity toward highly polymerized RNA (W. Ardelt, S. M. Mikulski, and K. Shogen, 1991, J. Biol. Chem. 266, 245–251). Previous work has demonstrated that bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A conjugated to transferrin (S. Rybak, S. Saxena, E. Ackerman, and R. Youle, 1991, J. Biol. Chem. 266, 21202–21207) or antibodies to the human transferrin receptor (D. Newton, O. Ilercil, D. Laske, E. Oldfield, S. Rybak, and R. Youle, 1992, J. Biol. Chem. 267, 169–182), acted like a class of reagents called immunotoxins to specifically inhibit protein synthesis in ligand-positive ce...
What Comes After the Semantic Web - PADS Implications for the Dynamic Web

The Internet started as a web of documents. The Semantic Web is targeting a web of data, enabling efficient machine-to-machine data exchange. In order to utilize the Internet for distributed simulation, procedures are needed for migration, alignment, and orchestration of the execution, which means higher levels of interoperation. This paper introduces related concepts leading to the idea of the Dynamic Web, which will be a web of composable services. This paper is a concept paper written to encourage discussion. It summarizes related ideas and contributions in a loose style and doesnt claim to be complete or inclusive. Contributions are more than welcome.
Comparison of Chlorophyll and Carotenoid Concentrations Among Russian Wheat Aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae)-Infested Wheat Isolines

Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), feeding injury on 'Betta' wheat isolines with the Dn1 and Dn2 genes was compared by assessing chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations, and aphid fecundity. The resistant Betta isolines (i.e., Betta-Dn1 and Betta-Dn2) supported similar numbers of aphids, but had significantly fewer than the susceptible Betta wheat, indicating these lines are resistant to aphid feeding. Diuraphis noxia feeding resulted in different responses in total chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations among the Betta wheat isolines. The infested Betta-Dn2 plants had higher levels of chlorophylls and carotenoids in comparison with uninfested plants. In contrast, infested Betta-Dn1 plants had the same level of chlorophyll and carotenoid in comparison with uninfested plants. Our data provide essential information on the effect of D. noxia feeding on chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations for Betta wheat and its isolines with D. noxia-resistant Dn1 and Dn2 genes.
Imaging the future of transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

In this issue of JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging , Moss et al. ([1][1]) describe their experience with echocardiography in 50 patients who underwent transcatheter implantation of an aortic valve replacement (TAVR) via the femoral artery. If it continues to show reasonable safety and reliability in
Creating Value for Stakeholders

Brief discussion of managing for stakeholders and the role this plays in achieving value creation and competitive advantage.
Luck Isn't Why I Made It: Exploring A Latina Educational Journey Within A Latina/o Critical Race Theory Lens

In the last decade there has been an increase of research of the Latina educational experience from K – 12 to college. This work has also tapped into the experiences of Latinas in the academy in their roles as faculty and administrators. However, there is still limited work on the process of getting into graduate school (the admission (access) process) and on what the day-to-day graduate school journey for Latinas from across disciplines/colleges looks like. In this paper using Latina/o Critical Race Theory (LatCrit), a branch of Critical Race Theory (CRT) as the theoretical framework is an essential tool that analyzes and teases out the relationship between the author and the institution(s), that is both the public school system and the ivory tower. By using CRT/LatCrit as an analytical lens to reflect on her own educational journey, the author was able to highlight and theorize elements enhancing her cultural identity, sense of belonging, and further understand the role of family in her aspirations and pursuit of a doctoral degree. Thus, this paper explores 1) access and retention in the early schooling years and 2) the challenges faced and successes experienced by Latinas in the undergraduate journey. This paper ends with a discussion of how the lessons learned early on assist in overcoming challenges in order to gain access and navigate graduate school.
Effects of Perceived Quality and Perceived Value of Campus Foodservice on Customer Satisfaction: Moderating Role of Gender

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of gender, perceived quality and perceived value of campus foodservice on customer satisfaction. A total of 346 participants were surveyed at a large, public university in the Southwest United States. The relationships among three latent constructs (perceived quality, perceived value, and customer satisfaction) were measured using structural equation modeling. The findings showed that both perceived quality and perceived value had significant effects on customer satisfaction. Furthermore, gender had a significant moderating role on the relationship between perceived quality and perceived value.
Managing acetaminophen overdose

Alcohol and certain drugs potentiate the hepatotoxic effects of this common, over-the-counter analgesic. Treatment with acetylcysteine and, possibly, Cimetidine can prevent irreversible liver damage.
Learning and Memory in Children with Epilepsy

The relation between learning and memory and epilepsy in school children with recently diagnosed idiopathic and/or cryptogenic seizures was evaluated at Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, the Netherlands.
"Are you eating healthy?" Nutrition discourse in Midwestern clinics for the underserved

Abstract Objective To investigate nutrition information provided and exchanged between patients and health providers in Midwestern clinics for underserved populations. Methods Forty-six clinic visits were observed to determine content and direction of nutrition information. In-depth data were collected with clinicians and clinic administrators regarding nutrition education provided to patients. Results All patients were diagnosed with multiple obesity-related morbidities. Although women more often posed nutrition questions, few patients asked about dietary intake. Two-thirds of healthcare professionals initiated discussion about dietary intake; however, nutrition education was not provided regardless of clinician’s profession. Conclusions Patients did not appear to link morbidity with diet. Providers did not share comprehensive nutrition knowledge during clinic visits. Dietitians, who specialize in nutrition education, rarely had access to patients. Implications Nutrition education during clinic visits is essential for reducing obesity rates. Nutrition students need clinic experience and could provide important patient education at low cost.
Abstract P2-06-07: PRKCQ regulates taxol sensitivity of triple negative breast cancer cells via IL-6/Stat3 signaling

Background/Rationale. While some patients with triple negative breast cancer achieve long-term remission with chemotherapy, many have cancers that are chemotherapy resistant. The lack of targeted therapies for this subtype also makes some triple negative cancers difficult to treat and control. PRKCQ, a member of the novel protein kinase C family, is preferentially expressed in triple negative breast cancers compared to ER+/Luminal cancers. We previously reported that PRKCQ expression drives growth-factor independent growth, anoikis resistance and migration of breast epithelial cells. In addition, PRKCQ is required for in vivo growth of triple negative breast cancers tumor xenografts. We sought to determine if PRKCQ expression modulates sensitivity of triple negative breast cancer cells to standard of care chemotherapy and whether PRKCQ inhibition could be a strategy to induce death of chemotherapy-resistant triple negative breast cancer cells. Methods. We determined the effects of modulating PRKCQ expression, using PRKCQ cDNA or shRNA vectors, on Doxorubicin or Taxol treatment-induced effects on triple negative breast cancer cells, including those that are relatively chemotherapy resistant at baseline. We determined the mechanisms by which PRKCQ expression regulates sensitivity to Taxol. Results. Increased PRKCQ expression in MCF-10A breast epithelial cells suppresses the apoptosis-inducing effects of Doxorubicin or Taxol treatment. PRKCQ-induced Taxol resistance is dependent on PRKCQ kinase activity. PRKCQ-expressing MCF-10A cells secrete enhanced levels of IL-6, leading to the autocrine activation of Stat3; IL-6/Stat3 activation is necessary for PRKCQ-induced resistance to Taxol. Finally, downregulation of PRKCQ sensitized MDA-231-Luc cells to Taxol treatment and induced apoptosis of these cells which are relatively resistant to Taxol at baseline. Conclusions. PRKCQ regulates sensitivity to standard of care chemotherapies used in the treatment of triple negative breast cancer. IL-6/Stat3 signaling induced by PRKCQ kinase activity is responsible for resistance to the effects of Taxol treatment. Targeting PRKCQ therefore could be an attractive strategy to overcome chemotherapy resistance of a subset of triple negative breast cancers. Citation Format: Irie HY, Byerly J. PRKCQ regulates taxol sensitivity of triple negative breast cancer cells via IL-6/Stat3 signaling. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-06-07.
Application of QuEChERS Method Coupled with Online GPC-GC/MS for Determination Pesticide Residues in Vegetables and Fruits

25 pesticide residues including organochlorine,pyrethroid,acaricide in vegetables and fruits were determined by online GPC-GC/MS coupled with QuEChERS method.The results show that GPC of online GPC-GC/MS system can effectively remove chromatographic interferences that QuEChERS pretreating method can not effectively removed.Compared with GC/MS,online GPC-GC/MS has the lower interfered background and better peak shape.Identification and quantization of pesticide residues with online GPC-GC/MS can be well performed.All pesticides including three spiked samples(spinach,cucumber and apple) at the level of 0.01 mg/kg have 80%—120% of the recovery and less than 20% of the coefficients of variation.
Transient heat transfer model and verification for gas cylinder expansion

Abstract Expanding gas such as in a piston–cylinder configuration is of considerable interest in power cycles in determining work during the process. In general, there can be considerable energy lost during expansion by heat transfer to the cylinder walls. This is a rather complex heat transfer process despite the rather simply geometry as the gas goes through its state changes. Most existing models either ignore the transient process in particular, and/or are very dependent on empirical input based on expansion rates. This study examines the transient convective heat loss rate during free expansion of a piston/cylinder and develops a transient one dimensional model to capture the time dependent heat loss rate based on a proposed characteristic Peclet number. In addition, the Peclet number is shown to characterize the polytropic expansion of the gas based on experimental expansion data. Results demonstrate the robust nature of the model over a range of expansion initial conditions of pressure and density. The model well predicts the initial peak heat loss rate and subsequent decay without the need for empirical input constants.
Oncogenic Receptor Tyrosine Kinases Directly Phosphorylate Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) as a Resistance Mechanism to FAK-Kinase Inhibitors

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a major drug target in cancer and current inhibitors targeted to the ATP-binding pocket of the kinase domain have entered clinical trials. However, preliminary results have shown limited single-agent efficacy in patients. Despite these unfavorable data, the molecular mechanisms that drive intrinsic and acquired resistance to FAK-kinase inhibitors are largely unknown. We have demonstrated that receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) can directly bypass FAK-kinase inhibition in cancer cells through phosphorylation of FAK's critical tyrosine 397 (Y397). We also showed that HER2 forms a direct protein-protein interaction with the FAK-FERM-F1 lobe, promoting direct phosphorylation of Y397. In addition, FAK-kinase inhibition induced two forms of compensatory RTK reprogramming: (i) the rapid phosphorylation and activation of RTK signaling pathways in RTKHigh cells and (ii) the long-term acquisition of RTKs novel to the parental cell line in RTKLow cells. Finally, HER2 +: cancer cells displayed resistance to FAK-kinase inhibition in 3D growth assays using a HER2 isogenic system and HER2+ cancer cell lines. Our data indicate a novel drug resistance mechanism to FAK-kinase inhibitors whereby HER2 and other RTKs can rescue and maintain FAK activation (pY397) even in the presence of FAK-kinase inhibition. These data may have important ramifications for existing clinical trials of FAK inhibitors and suggest that individual tumor stratification by RTK expression would be important to predict patient response to FAK-kinase inhibitors. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(12); 3028-39. ©2016 AACR.
Effect of Side-Chain Branching on Enhancement of Ionic Conductivity and Capacity Retention of a Solid Copolymer Electrolyte Membrane.

Low current drain driven by the low ionic conductivity of a solid polymer electrolyte is one of the major obstacles of solid-state battery. In an effort to improve the ionic conductivity of a solid...
Circumstances to integrate acceptance and commitment therapy with short-term psychodynamic psychotherapies

How therapists integrate short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is not well understood. This study focused on the circumstances used to guide the ...
Physiologic and innate immunity responses to bacterial lipopolysaccharide administration in beef heifers supplemented with OmniGen-AF.

Nutritional alternatives to strengthen animal immunocompetence are critical for welfare and productivity in livestock systems, such as beef cattle operations. This experiment evaluated physiological and innate immunity effects of supplementing an immunomodulatory feed ingredient (Omnigen-AF; Phibro Animal Health, Teaneck, NJ, USA) to beef heifers administered bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In total, 8 non-pregnant, non-lactating nulliparous Angus×Hereford heifers (676±4 days of age) were ranked by BW (473±8 kg), and assigned to crossover design containing two periods of 34 days each. Heifers were housed in individual pens and had ad libitum access to meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis L.) hay, water and a granulated commercial vitamin+mineral mix. Within each period, heifers received (as-fed basis) 227 g/day of dried distillers grains including (OMN) or not (CON) 56 g of Omnigen-AF for 34 days. On day 28 of each period (0800 h), heifers received an intravenous bolus dose (0.5 μg/kg of BW, diluted in 5 ml of 0.9% sterile saline) of bacterial LPS (Escherichia coli 0111:B4). Hay DM intake was recorded daily from day 0 to 34. Blood was collected at −1, 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 h relative to LPS administration. Heifer intravaginal temperature was recorded every 10 min from −0.5 to 10 h relative to LPS administration. No treatment effect was detected (P=0.35) for hay DM intake during the experiment. No treatment effects were detected (P⩾0.64) for intravaginal temperature and plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis-α, cortisol and haptoglobin, which increased (time effect, P<0.01) for OMN and CON heifers and peaked at 4.5, 2, 4 and 48 h, respectively, after LPS administration. No treatment effects were detected (P⩾0.35) for whole blood mRNA expression of chemokine ligand 5, tumor necrosis-α, cyclooxygenase 2 and interleukin 8, which also increased (time effect, P<0.01) for OMN and CON heifers and peaked at 0.5, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 h, respectively, after LPS administration. Whole blood mRNA expression of interleukin 8 receptor and L-selectin were also similar (P⩾0.61) between OMN and CON heifers, and decreased (time effect, P<0.01) for both treatments reaching nadir levels at 1 and 2.5 h, respectively, after LPS administration. Collectively, OMN supplementation did not modulate the physiological and innate immunity responses of beef heifers to bacterial LPS administration.
Comprehending the Neurological Substratum of Paraverbal Communications: The Invention of SplitSpec Technology

An earlier book chapter (Gregory 1999) reviewed the specific background of our investigations into the social significance and neurology of the lower speech frequency in human communication. This lower speech frequency, termed the paraverbal frequency (beneath.5 kHz), was found to convey important nonverbal social information, and the previously published chapter outlined the methodology and results of numerous experiments showing how the paraverbal signal differs from the verbal; specifically, how it acts as an elemental mechanism of social status accommodation and social convergence between conversation partners. The present chapter will continue from where the last chapter left off and aims first to merge our past results and observations with a theoretical account making use of pertinent findings from physical anthropology, cognitive psychology, and neurology. With the theoretical background established, we will then review how our research led to the development of a technological innovation called “SplitSpec Technology,” and how this innovation will fit into the future of human electronic communications.
Peer Instruction Teaching Methodology for Cybersecurity Education

Over the past few years, a team at the University of New Orleans has worked to develop, and evaluate the effectiveness of, a set of 280 questions for three common cybersecurity courses—Introduction to Computer Security, Digital Forensics, and Network Penetration Testing. We performed a pilot study on a subset of the forensics questions in a workshop and found promising evidence of gains in student learning. The study showed that the students quickly adapted to the format, found it useful, and highly recommended the approach be extended to a wider range of subjects.
The child health effects of terrorism: evidence from the Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria

This study examines the effect of terrorism on height-for-age z-scores, weight-for-age z-scores, weight-for-height z-scores, stunting, and wasting. Using the Boko Haram Insurgency, it compares outc...
Neuromodulation for substance addiction in human subjects: A review

Substance abuse is one of the most prevalent and costly health problems in the world today. Standard medical therapy is often not curative, and relapse is common. Research over the past several decades on the neural underpinnings of addiction has implicated a network of structures within the brain shown to be altered in patients with substance abuse. The field of neuromodulation aims to utilize this knowledge to treat dysfunctional circuits by targeting and modulating specific brain circuits. While invasive neuromodulation such as DBS and VNS have proven to be effective in treating movement disorders, OCD and epilepsy, there is increasing interest and data with regards to its potential application for the treatment of severe, intractable addiction. Several neuromodulatory techniques and brain targets are currently under investigation in patients with various substance abuse disorders. This review aims to summarize the current state of evidence for neurosurgical neuromodulation as a therapy for substance abuse and addiction, and to provide additional expert opinions as to the obstacles and future directions of this endeavor.
Moment Closure Stability Analysis of Stochastic Reaction Networks with Oscillatory Dynamics

Biochemical reactions with oscillatory behavior play an essential role in synthetic biology at the microscopic scale. Although a robust stability theory for deterministic chemical oscillators in the macroscopic limit exists, the dynamical stability of stochastic oscillators is an object of ongoing research. The Chemical Master Equation along with kinetic Monte Carlo simulations constitute the most accurate approach to modeling microscopic systems. However, because of the challenges of solving the fully probabilistic model, most studies in stability analysis have focused on the description of externally disturbed oscillators. Here we apply the Maximum Entropy Principle as closure criterion for moment equations of oscillatory networks and perform the stability analysis of the internally disturbed Brusselator network. Particularly, we discuss the effects of kinetic and size parameters on the dynamics of this stochastic oscillatory system with intrinsic noise. Our numerical experiments reveal that changes in kinetic parameters lead to phenomenological and dynamical Hopf bifurcations, while reduced system sizes in the oscillatory region can reverse the stochastic Hopf dynamical bifurcations at the ensemble level. This is a unique feature of the stochastic dynamics of oscillatory systems, with an unknown parallel in the macroscopic limit.
Optimal Blood Pressure Thresholds for Minimal Coronary Artery Disease Risk in Type 1 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine optimal blood pressure (BP) thresholds for minimizing coronary artery disease (CAD) risk in people with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications (EDC) Study participants without known CAD at baseline (n = 605) were included and followed for 25 years. The associations of time-weighted BP measures (systolic BP [SBP], diastolic BP [DBP], and mean arterial pressure) with incident CAD were examined by using Cox models. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were summarized by different cut points of time-weighted BPs. Risk stratification analyses were then performed on the basis of BP ( RESULTS Baseline mean age was 27 years. Half of the cohort were women and 98% were white. A dose-gradient association was observed for categorized time-weighted BPs and CAD. According to AUC, the optimal cut point for SBP was 120 mmHg and for DBP was 80 mmHg. BP ≥120/80 mmHg was associated with a 1.9 times (95% CI 1.4, 2.6) greater risk of developing CAD than that for BP CONCLUSIONS The optimal BP threshold associated with minimal CAD risk is 120/80 mmHg in young adults with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes.
Using the bogus pipeline to investigate trait narcissism and well-being

Abstract We sought to examine the extent to which people are honest when reporting their psychological well-being and their levels of narcissism. We also sought to examine narcissists' psychological well-being, such as their levels of anxiety and depression. We used a bogus pipeline paradigm to examine these questions. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three study conditions: a bogus pipeline condition wherein they were led to believe they were connected to a polygraph, an anonymous survey condition, and an exposure-threat condition wherein they were led to believe that somebody else would be able to see their responses. Results suggest that people distort their level of well-being. Assessment of narcissistic characteristics can depend on the assessment situation. Vulnerable narcissists are ready to admit that they are anxious or sad, whereas grandiose narcissists appear to be more likely to distort their well-being.
n th-Order and Complex Systems

As real world systems can conform to an unlimited number of configurations of almost any order, the analyst-designer should be able to apply his tools and techniques to general categories of discrete, linear, time-invariant systems. This chapter discusses the general types of systems. Of prime importance is the determination of the appropriate transfer function to relate any input, no matter where or how it enters the system, to system output or to the performance of any particular component of interest within the system. For complex systems, the process of transfer function development is enhanced by representing the system called a signal flow graph or, more generally, a flow graph. The signal flow graph is a convenient means of representing and analyzing the topological properties of systems. Flow graphs are used as the basic means of system representation and model manipulation in the theory of discrete, linear systems.
Self-identified functional limitations improve in patients with degenerative wrist arthritis after surgery

Abstract Study Design This is a prospective cohort pilot study. Background Degenerative wrist arthritis leads to pain, loss of strength, mobility, function, and impairments in psychological well-being. Accurate assessment of functional limitations that are unique to the individual is essential for successful treatment that best meets those specific needs. Purpose of the Study To identify and determine if self-identified functional limitations improve in patients who underwent surgery for degenerative wrist arthritis. Methods Patients with degenerative wrist arthritis who were scheduled for surgery were prospectively recruited (n = 14, mean age + SD = 42 + 16, 10 males, 4 females) into a pilot study that measured self-identified functional limitations and outcomes. Inclusion criteria included a diagnosis of scapholunate advanced collapse, scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse, scapholunate interosseous ligament tear, or Kienbock disease. Exclusion criteria included a history of neuromuscular disease or concomitant ipsilateral musculoskeletal injury. Data were collected during two 20-minute sessions, preoperatively and one year postoperatively, utilizing the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Results All patients reported significant decreases (P 0.8. Patients also reported significant improvements (P 0.8. Conclusion Patients with degenerative wrist arthritis reported significant postoperative improvement in both performance and satisfaction in self-identified activities. Consideration of patient-specified goals can inform both patients and clinicians during the surgical decision-making process and allow for more individualized care.
The role of high cholesterol in age-related COVID19 lethality

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) is a respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) originating in Wuhan China in 2019. The disease is notably severe in elderly and those with underlying chronic conditions. A molecular mechanism that explains why the elderly are vulnerable and why children are resistant is largely unknown. Understanding these differences is critical for safeguarding the vulnerable and guiding effective policy and treatments. Here we show loading cells with cholesterol from blood serum using the cholesterol transport protein apolipoprotein E (apoE) enhances the endocytic entry of pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2. Super resolution imaging of the SARS-CoV-2 entry point with high cholesterol showed almost twice the total number of viral entry points. The cholesterol concomitantly traffics angiotensinogen converting enzyme (ACE2) to the viral entry site where SARS-CoV-2 docks to properly exploit entry into the cell. Cholesterol also increased binding of SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domains. In mouse lung we found age and high fat diet induced cholesterol loading into lung tissue by up to 40%. Based on these findings, we propose a cholesterol dependent model for COVID19 lethality in elderly and the chronically ill. As cholesterol increases with age and inflammation (e.g. obesity, smoking, and diabetes), the cell surface is coated with viral entry points, optimally assembled viral entry proteins, and optimal furin priming. Importantly our model suggests problems arise when cholesterol levels are high in the tissue, not the blood. In fact, rapidly dropping cholesterol in the blood may indicate severe loading of cholesterol in peripheral tissue and a dangerous situation for escalated SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. Molecules that remove cholesterol from tissue or disrupt ACE2 localization with viral entry points or furin localization for priming in the producer cells, likely reduce the severity of COVID19 in critically ill patients.
Theoretical Investigation of Solvent Effects on the Hydrodeoxygenation of Propionic Acid over a Ni(111) Catalyst Model

The effect of two solvents, liquid water and 1,4-dioxane, has been studied from first-principles on the hydrodeoxygenation of propionic acid over a Ni(111) catalyst surface model. A mean-field microkinetic model was developed to investigate these effects at a temperature of 473 K. Under all reaction conditions, a decarbonylation mechanism is favored significantly over a decarboxylation pathway. Although no significant solvent effects were observed on the decarbonylation rate, a substantial solvent stabilization of two key surface intermediates in the decarboxylation mechanism, CH3CCOO and CH3CHCOO, leads to a notable increase of the decarboxylation rate by 2 orders of magnitude in liquid water and by 1 order of magnitude in liquid 1,4-dioxane. Furthermore, a significant solvent stabilization of the transition state of C–H bond cleavage of the α-carbon of CH3CHCO, relative to the stabilization of the C–C bond cleavage of the α-carbon of CH3CHCO, leads to a change in dominant pathway in the liquid phase environments. Finally, a sensitivity analysis shows that the C–OH bond cleavage of propionic acid and C–C bond cleavage of the α-carbon of CH3CHCO are the most rate controlling states in the gas phase. In contrast, in solvents the dehydrogenation of CH3CHCO becomes the most influential step. This shift in rate controlling state is attributed to the solvent effect on the dehydrogenation of CH3CHCO, which is facilitated in the aqueous phase. Overall, it is likely that the investigated (111) facet of Ni is not active for the hydrodeoxygenation of propionic acid in either the gas or the liquid phase and other Ni facets or phases must be responsible for the experimentally observed kinetics.
Paper versus Electronic Sources for Law Review Cite Checking: Should Paper Be the Gold Standard?

Despite law students' reliance on electronic sources for legal research, a survey confirmed that many journals make their staff members check authors' citations against paper sources. Rumsey and Schwartz argue that the advent of image-based document collections should change this practice, making life easier for law students and law school librarians.
A guide to interrogating immunometabolism.

The metabolic charts memorized in early biochemistry courses, and then later forgotten, have come back to haunt many immunologists with new recognition of the importance of these pathways. Metabolites and the activity of metabolic pathways drive energy production, macromolecule synthesis, intracellular signalling, post-translational modifications and cell survival. Immunologists who identify a metabolic phenotype in their system are often left wondering where to begin and what does it mean? Here, we provide a framework for navigating and selecting the appropriate biochemical techniques to explore immunometabolism. We offer recommendations for initial approaches to develop and test metabolic hypotheses and how to avoid common mistakes. We then discuss how to take things to the next level with metabolomic approaches, such as isotope tracing and genetic approaches. By proposing strategies and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of different methodologies, we aim to provide insight, note important considerations and discuss ways to avoid common misconceptions. Furthermore, we highlight recent studies demonstrating the power of these metabolic approaches to uncover the role of metabolism in immunology. By following the framework in this Review, neophytes and seasoned investigators alike can venture into the emerging realm of cellular metabolism and immunity with confidence and rigour. This Review from Jeff Rathmell and colleagues serves as a guide to immunologists on how to select the appropriate tools and techniques to interrogate metabolism in their experimental systems. The authors provide advice for avoiding common mistakes and on how best to employ metabolomics.
Flow transitions on a cambered airfoil at moderate Reynolds number

A combined experimental and numerical study is performed to investigate the flow field and associated aerodynamic forces on a cambered airfoil. The Reynolds number is low enough to ensure importance of viscous dynamics, and high enough so that instability and transition to turbulence can occur. The flow fields are complex and their correct description is essential in understanding the nonlinear curves describing the variation of lift and drag coefficients with angle of attack, α. As α is increased from 0, the flow states go through a number of qualitatively distinct phases. At low to moderate α, the laminar boundary layer separates before the trailing edge, and as the separation point moves forward, instabilities of the detached shear layer form coherent vortices over the upper (suction) surface. At a critical angle, αcrit, instabilities in the shear layer grow fast enough to transition to turbulence, which then leads to reattachment before the trailing edge. In this flow state, lift is increased and drag decreases. Hence, in order to understand the aerodynamics at this scale, we need to understand the viscous dynamics of the boundary layer, as elegantly described and analyzed by Frank White.
Theories of Visual Cortex Organization in Primates

The present review outlines and evaluates theories of how visual cortex is divided into areas in primates. Maps of cortical areas have long been used as guides for further research and they clearly have implications for how information is processed in the visual system. Early maps such as those of Brodmann (1909) and Von Economo (1929) have had great impact on current theories of visual cortex organization, and parts of these early theories remain in use. Yet early investigators disagreed on how extrastriate cortex is subdivided, and the usefulness of the architectonic methods used to formulate early proposals has been repeatedly questioned (e.g., Lashely and Clark, 1946). Current proposals are more complex and include many visual areas. In principle, current proposals should be more accurate because they are based on additional sorts of information, especially patterns of cortical connections and retinotopic organization. Indeed there is widespread agreement on the locations and extent of some proposed fields such as V2 and MT (V5). However, our maps of cortex also differ in many ways, suggesting that the supporting evidence is ambiguous and limited enough to allow different interpretations. As a reflection of this uncertainty, Felleman and Van Essen (1991), after an extensive review and synthesis, conclude that of 32 proposed visual areas, only five rate a high confidence level of 1 on a scale of 1–3. Possibly one might take an even more conservative view, since only three areas (V1, V2, and MT) are components of most proposals. In any case, it seems useful to review the progression from early to recent theories of cortical organization in an effort to see how they evolved and influenced each other, as well as determine both reliable features and those that require further study and evaluation.
Effects of Reduction and Ligation of Heme Iron on the Thermal Stability of Heme-Hemopexin Complexes

Hemopexin has two homologous domains (N- and C-terminal domains), binds 1 mole of heme per mole with high affinity (Kd < 1 pM) in a low-spin bis-histidyl complex, and acts as a transporter for the heme. Transport is accomplished via endocytosis without degradation of the protein. Factors that affect stability of the heme coordination complex and potentially heme release in vivo were examined. The effects of temperature on hemopexin, its N-terminal domain, and their respective ferri-, ferro-, and CO-ferro-heme complexes were studied using absorbance and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. As monitored with second-derivative absorbance spectra, the higher order structure of apo-hemopexin unfolds with a Tm of 52°C in 50 mM sodium phosphate buffer and is stabilized by 150 mM NaCl (Tm 63°C). Bis-histidyl heme coordination by hemopexin, observed by Soret absorbance, is substantially weakened by reduction of ferri-heme-hemopexin (Tm 55.5°C) to the ferro-heme form (Tm 48°C), and NaCl stabilizes both complexes by 10-15°C. CO binding to ferro-heme-hemopexin restores complex stability (Tm 67°C). Upon cooling, unfolded apo- and ferri-heme-hemopexin extensively refold and recover substantial heme-binding activity, but the characteristic ellipticity of the native protein (UV region) and heme complex (Soret region) are not regained, indicating that altered refolded forms are produced. Lowering the pH from 7.4 to 6.5 has little effect on the stability of the apo-protein but increases the Tm of heme complexes by 5-12°C. The stability of the apo-N-terminal domain (Tm 53°C) is similar to that of intact hemopexin, and the ferri-, ferro-, and CO-ferro-heme complexes of the N-terminal domain have Tm values of 53°C, 33°C, and 75°C, respectively.
A Witness-Aided Routing Protocol for Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks with Unidirectional Links

Mobile ad hoc networks may exhibit unidirectional links due to the nature of wireless communication. Presence of unidirectional links interferes with the control flow of many existing unicast routing protocols for such networks, which adversely effects their performance and limits their applicability. In this paper, we present a new protocol designed to support unicast routing over both bidirectional and unidirectional links in ad hoc networks, while preserving low bandwidth utilization and providing faster and more reliable packet delivery. The WAR (Witness-Aided Routing) protocol is based on the concept of witness host, whose role is to help in bypassing a unidirectional or a failed link along the path. We present a preliminary analysis to compare the expected performance of WAR with the Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) protocol.
Effectiveness and Short-Term Safety of Modified Sodium Hyaluronic Acid-Carboxymethylcellulose at Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Trial.

Background The rising cesarean birth rate has drawn attention to risks associated with repeat cesarean birth. Prevention of adhesions with adhesion barriers has been promoted as a way to decrease operative difficulty. However, robust data demonstrating effectiveness of such interventions are lacking. Objective We report data from a multicenter trial designed to evaluate the short-term safety and effectiveness of a modified sodium hyaluronic acid (HA)-carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) absorbable adhesion barrier for reduction of adhesions following cesarean delivery. Study Design Patients who underwent primary or repeat cesarean delivery were included in this multicenter, single-blinded (patient), randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomized into either HA-CMC (N = 380) or no treatment (N = 373). No other modifications to their treatment were part of the protocol. Short-term safety data were collected following randomization. The location and density of adhesions (primary outcome) were assessed at their subsequent delivery using a validated tool, which can also be used to derive an adhesion score that ranges from 0-12. Results No differences in baseline characteristics, postoperative course, or incidence of complications between the groups following randomization were noted. Eighty patients from the HA-CMC group and 92 controls returned for subsequent deliveries. Adhesions in any location were reported in 75.6% of the HA-CMC group and 75.9% of the controls ( P = .99). There was no significant difference in the median adhesion score; 2 (range 0-10) for the HA-CMC group vs 2 (range 0-8) for the control group ( P = .65). One third of the HA-CMC patients met the definition for severe adhesions (adhesion score >4) compared to 15.5% in the control group ( P = .052). There were no significant differences in the time from incision to delivery ( P = .56). Uterine dehiscence in the next pregnancy was reported in 2 patients in HA-CMC group vs 1 in the control group ( P = .60). Conclusion Although we did not identify any short-term safety concerns, HA-CMC adhesion barrier applied at cesarean delivery did not reduce adhesion formation at the subsequent cesarean delivery.
Motivation of Latina/o Students in Algebra I: Intertwining Research and Reflections

Latinas/os, the largest and fastest growing minority ethnic group in the United States (impels research that focuses on the education of Latinas/os and the need to reduce the achievement gap that persists between Latinas/os and other groups. Such research has gained in popularity; however, it is still very limited. I use my teaching experience with Latina/o students to highlight the need to motivate Latina/o students in Algebra I, a gatekeeper course for many minority students. In addition, also included are several factors affecting Latina/o students' motivation to learn. The call is urgent and researchers and teachers must pay close attention to the mathematics education of Latina/o students and to the positive consequence on the social and economic welfare of America.
On the capacity of airborne MIMO communications

In this paper, we develop a methodology to analyze systematically the capacity of airborne MIMO wireless communication systems with linear transmit and receive antenna arrays. Our methodology is based on a general three-dimensional airborne MIMO communication model that we develop to accommodate arbitrary alignments of the transmit and receive antenna arrays. Specifically, we determine an upper bound and a lower bound for the airborne MIMO capacity. Then, we derive a necessary and sufficient condition for airborne MIMO communication systems to achieve the capacity upper bound. The necessary and sufficient condition allows us to properly select the system parameters and design airborne MIMO communication systems that reach the best possible performance in terms of system capacity. We prove that when the distance between the transmit and receive antenna arrays is within a certain range, there exists a set of system parameter values for which the capacity of the MIMO communication system achieves the theoretical upper bound and this capacity value is larger than the average capacity of the corresponding conventional MIMO communication system with Rayleigh fading. We also show that asymptotically, as the distance between the transmit and receive antenna arrays goes to infinity, the capacity of the airborne MIMO system converges to the capacity lower bound. Extensive numerical studies included in this paper illustrate and validate our theoretical developments.
The banking firm: theoretical principles and their violations in the USA

The purpose of this paper is to describe a simplified model of the banking firm and contrast its theoretical principles against data from the recent financial crisis especially as it relates to sub-prime lending in the USA. The model presented does not include all aspects of lending; it primarily focuses on 'originate-to-distribute' mortgage loans to the exclusion of other. The proposed theory of the banking firm and the comparison of its principles against performance data may serve as a guide to reforming lending institutions in the wake of the recent financial crisis. The paper contributes, primarily, to pedagogy: it proposes a simplified theory of the banking firm which captures the bare essentials of banking. Additionally, it points-out that the 'originate-to-distribute' banking malaise was one of the drivers of the recent financial crisis but not its root cause.
Stability of Chapman–Jouguet detonations for a stiffened-gas model of condensed-phase explosives

The analysis of the linear stability of a planar Chapman–Jouguet detonation wave is reformulated for an arbitrary caloric (incomplete) equation of state in an attempt to better represent the stability properties of detonations in condensed-phase explosives. Calculations are performed on a ‘stiffened-gas’ equation of state which allows us to prescribe a finite detonation Mach number while simultaneously allowing for a detonation shock pressure that is substantially larger than the ambient pressure. We show that the effect of increasing the ambient sound speed in the material, for a given detonation speed, has a stabilizing effect on the detonation. We also show that the presence of the slow reaction stage, a feature of detonations in certain types of energetic materials, where the detonation structure is characterized by a fast reaction stage behind the detonation shock followed by a slow reaction stage, tends to have a destabilizing effect.