cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IsoSCM: improved and alternative 3' UTR annotation using multiple change-point inference.

Major applications of RNA-seq data include studies of how the transcriptome is modulated at the levels of gene expression and RNA processing, and how these events are related to cellular identity, environmental condition, and/or disease status. While many excellent tools have been developed to analyze RNA-seq data, these generally have limited efficacy for annotating 3′ UTRs. Existing assembly strategies often fragment long 3′ UTRs, and importantly, none of the algorithms in popular use can apportion data into tandem 3′ UTR isoforms, which are frequently generated by alternative cleavage and polyadenylation (APA). Consequently, it is often not possible to identify patterns of differential APA using existing assembly tools. To address these limitations, we present a new method for transcript assembly, Isoform Structural Change Model (IsoSCM) that incorporates change-point analysis to improve the 3′ UTR annotation process. Through evaluation on simulated and genuine data sets, we demonstrate that IsoSCM annotates 3′ termini with higher sensitivity and specificity than can be achieved with existing methods. We highlight the utility of IsoSCM by demonstrating its ability to recover known patterns of tissue-regulated APA. IsoSCM will facilitate future efforts for 3′ UTR annotation and genome-wide studies of the breadth, regulation, and roles of APA leveraging RNA-seq data. The IsoSCM software and source code are available from our website https://github.com/shenkers/isoscm.
Influence of Oxygen and Sulfide Concentration on Nitrogen Uptake Kinetics in Spartina Alterniflora

The effects of sulfide concentration and hypoxia on NH4@?—uptake kinetics in Spartina alterniflora were examined in a laboratory culture experiment. Both factors significantly influenced the Michaelis—Menten parameters, Vmax and Km, which characterize the nitrogen uptake rate as a function of nitrogen concentration. Under oxygen—saturated conditions, the mean NH4@? Vmax per unit root dry mass (DM) was 12.91 @mmol°g—1°h—1 and the Km was 1.05 @mmol/L NH4@?+. Under hypoxia, Vmax decreased to 8.14 @mmol°g—1°h—1, while Km increased to 2.54 @mmol/L NH4@?+. Dissolved sulfide concentrations as low as 0.25 mmol/L inhibited the NH4@?+—uptake kinetics of S. alterniflora significantly, and to a greater extent than hypoxia alone. Exposure to 1.0 mmol/L sulfide resulted in a Vmax per unit root DM of 2.28 @mmol°g—1°h—1 and a Km of 8.79 mmol/L NH4@?+. No significant NH4@?+ uptake was found with exposure to 2.0 mmol/L sulfide. The results are consistent with a conceptual model of changes in productivity of S. alterniflora in the salt marsh as a function of environmental modification of NH4@?+—uptake kinetics.
Treatment of Obstructive Thrombosed Prosthetic Heart Valve

Obstructive thrombosed prosthetic heart valve (OTPHV) is a serious complication of heart valve replacement. There are no generally accepted criteria for management of these patients. Therefore, in September 2012, a literature survey of studies published after 1995 was performed to analyze the data regarding clinical outcomes of patients with OTPHV treated with thrombolytic agents and with surgery since 1996. The search yielded appropriate and relevant studies, which included 17 studies comprising 756 patients who had received thrombolytic therapy and 13 studies comprising 662 patients who had received surgery. The data on these 2 groups was analyzed in detail relating to frequency of use of the diagnostic studies, baseline patient data, and on the rate of complete success, outcomes, and complications of the therapy they had received, and the limitations of the studies. We have then developed a strategy for therapy of OTPHV.
Managing Production Systems Abroad: A Note on Organizational Framework

The article presents a speech by S. Benjamin Prasad, delivered at a March 1970 meeting of the Western Division of the Academy of Management, in Salt Lake City, Nevada, in which he discusses the topic of industrial production systems.
Changes in Rhizobium Lipopolysaccharide Structure Induced by Host Compounds

The components of bacterial outer membranes vary according to the conditions of growth. This type of variation has been well established for the proteins and, to a lesser extent, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of bacteria that associate with animals Similarly, there has long been the conviction that the conditions of root nodules induce a particular outer membrane composition in Rhizobium bacteroids that differs from that of the bacteria grown in laboratory media. Indeed, using monoclonal antibodies coupled with gel electrophoresis and electron microscopy, de Maagd et al (1994) and Brewin and colleagues (1991) have provided persuasive evidence that the outer membrane proteins and LPS of Rhizobium leguminosarum change during the course of legume infection. The importance and specific functions of such alterations in outer membrane structure remain unclear, however.
Emittance preservation during bunch compression with a magnetized beam

The deleterious effects of coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR) on the phase-space and energy spread of high-energy beams in accelerator light sources can significantly constrain the machine design and performance. In this paper, we present a simple method to preserve the beam emittance by means of using magnetized beams that exhibit a large aspect ratio on their transverse dimensions. The concept is based on combining a finite solenoid field where the beam is generated together with a special optics adapter. Numerical simulations of this new type of beam source show that the induced phase-space density growth can be notably suppressed to less than 1% for any bunch charge. This work elucidates the key parameters that are needed for emittance preservation, such as the required field and aspect ratio for a given bunch charge.
Thermal Enhancement of the Actions of Anticancer Agents

It is hardly surprising that heat increases the rate at which some drugs inactivate cells. For example, one would readily predict that any cytotoxic reaction not governed by enzymatic or permeability limitations would follow an Arrhenius type law, i.e., the rate constant governing the reaction would increase more or less exponentially with temperature. Indeed, the killing of cells by several agents behaves in this manner (e.g., the nitrosoureas). Furthermore, it is not unreasonable to suspect that drugs whose entry into the cell is limited by membrane permeabilities might find it easier to enter the cell at higher temperature, since permeabilities to most substances are increased with temperature. The temperature dependence of the action of such agents would not necessarily follow Arrhenius kinetics. Again, examples of such behavior can be found (e.g., adriamycin).
Setting the Farm Animal Welfare Scene in North America

The objectives of this paper are to (1) set the scene on what animal welfare is, the schools that one can subscribe and how this could influence the direction that farm animal welfare could go (2) provide an overview on some of the critical farm animal welfare events that have occurred over the past 10 years in North America and (3) to review the legislative events; past and future that will affect farm animal welfare. Animal welfare is not a term that arose in science to express a scientific concept; rather it arose in western civilization through society to express ethical concern regarding the treatment of animals. There are three “schools of welfare”: the first school is a feeling-based school, the second is a functioning-based school and the third is a nature-based school. The importance of an individual’s philosophies and the “schools” that people ascribe to follow could have enormous consequences for the U.S. animal commodity groups in regards to the advice, information and direction that is provided pertaining to methods used for farm animal housing, feeding, handling, transportation and processing practices. Over the past decade there has been an escalation of welfare-related events in North America. These events have spanned from under cover investigations on farm and in plants, campaigns against fast-food chain restaurants, purchasing of shares and stocks by humane and rights groups, a push for assuring on farm animal welfare through a plethora of assessment, certification and third-party auditing programs and challenges to several housing systems (gestation stalls, veal stalls, and the cage system for the laying hen), downer animal act, and an update to the 28-h rule for farm animals through legislative initiatives. In conclusion, farm animal welfare is here to stay in North America. All individuals involved in the business of keeping animals for food have a huge responsibility in making sure that their animals are housed, raised, transported and processed with welfare forefront. The animal livestock industries will need to be on the forefront of the welfare issues that pertain to their industry and will need to show increasing accountability to their customers and consumers that farm animal welfare is of critical importance.
Abstract LB-435: Treatment decision-making for clinically localized Gleason score 6 prostate cancer: What younger men choose and why

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Introduction: This study identifies various treatment related information sources used by young men with prostate cancer (<50 years) and evaluates the association between decision making preferences and sociodemographic factors. Methods: A survey was sent to 986 men under 50 years of age diagnosed with Gleason 6 prostate cancer from the consult service of one of the authors at Johns Hopkins Department of Pathology between 2001 and 2005. Results: 488 completed questionnaires were received. Physicians and internet were two most common information sources used by the patients. Physicians were a more important information source for white men (p=0.04) and those with higher education (p=0.036). Family was an important information source in married men (p<0.001) and those with higher education (p<0.001). Three most important influential factors for treatment decision were doctor's recommendation, information from internet and spouse's advice. Most patients (88%) consulted more than 2 doctors while making a decision. Men with higher education (p=0.003) and higher income (p=0.003) tend to consult more doctors. Most respondents said that their doctor endorsed only one treatment, primarily surgery. 76% of the respondents said that their doctors recommended against watchful waiting. Men who underwent surgery considered doctor's recommendation as the most influential factor while those who had radiation considered information from internet, books and medical journals as most influential (p=0.018). Treatment choice was not influenced by PSA value at diagnosis. Subjects with higher education and higher income considered sexual function as a more influential factor while making a treatment choice. Better educated men preferred” informed decision making” over “complete reliance on doctor” (p=0.013). Non-married men found the decision more difficult to make (p=0.032), were more worried (p=0.0005) and experienced more distress (p=0.011) while making treatment decisions. Feeling of regret after treatment was experienced more by respondents with lower education (p=0.007) and lower income (p<0.0001). Conclusions: Patients younger than 50 years diagnosed with localized prostate cancer sought information from a wide range of sources but are influenced most by the doctor's recommendation. Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-435.
Prediction of conductive heating time scales of particles in a rotary drum

Modeling conductive heat transfer from rotary drum walls to a particle bed via discrete element method simulations, three time scales were determined: 1) the characteristic heating time of the bed, τ; 2) the particle thermal time constant, τp; and 3) the contact time between a particle and the wall, τc. Results fall onto a monotonic curve of τ/τc vs. ϕ (τp/τc), with three heating regimes. At low ϕ, conduction dominates, and the system heats quickly as a solid body. At high ϕ, granular convection dominates, and the bed heats slowly at a nearly uniform temperature. At intermediate ϕ, the system heats as a cool core with warmer outer layers. The results of this work have important implications for improving the design and operation of rotary drums (e.g., energy-intensive calcination processes). By calculating τp and τc from material and operating parameters, the characteristic heating time, τ, can be predicted a priori.
Hyperchloremic Acidosis and Imperforate Anus

AbstractThe predominant electrolyte imbalance associated with enterourinary fistulas is hyperchloremic acidosis. The mechanism is the absorption of urinary electrolytes across the colonic mucosa. One of the genitourinary associated anomalies of a high imperforate anus is a rectourinary fistula. There have been 5 cases of hyperchloremic acidosis as a complication of an imperforate anus with a rectourinary fistula reported in the literature to date. An additional case is presented with a clinical analysis of the previously reported cases. The important factors in the development of hyperchloremic acidosis in patients with an imperforate anus are 1) the presence of a rectourinary fistula, 2) an initial diverting colostomy permitting a long segment of colonic mucosa for the absorption of urinary electrolytes, 3) distal urinary tract obstruction allowing significant volumes of urine to flow into the colonic segment and 4) the presence of urinary tract infection contributing to the urinary obstruction. Manageme...
WE‐DE‐206‐01: MRI Signal in Biological Tissues ‐ Proton, Spin, T1, T2, T2*

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an essential part of clinical imaging due to its ability to render high soft tissue contrast. Instead of ionizing radiation, MRI use strong magnetic field, radio frequency waves and field gradients to create diagnostic useful images. It can be used to image the anatomy and also functional and physiological activities within the human body. Knowledge of the basic physical principles underlying MRI acquisition is vitally important to successful image production and proper image interpretation. This lecture will give an overview of the spin physics, imaging principle of MRI, the hardware of the MRI scanner, and various pulse sequences and their applications. It aims to provide a conceptual foundation to understand the image formation process of a clinical MRI scanner. Learning Objectives: 2. Understand the origin of the MR signal and contrast from the spin physics level. 3. Understand the main hardware components of a MRI scanner and their purposes 4. Understand steps for MR image formation including spatial encoding and image reconstruction 5. Understand the main kinds of MR pulse sequences and their characteristics.
The Role of Over-the-Counter Supplements in Male Infertility

Abstract Supplements are becoming an increasingly important part of patients’ approach to healthcare, and the field of male fertility is no exception. Antioxidants and micronutrients have been well studied for their ability to counteract many aspects of modern life that are deleterious to sperm function. By preventing cellular injury, or supporting the metabolic demands of sperm, these supplements are able to improve seminal parameters. Vitamins and minerals that are used in the treatment of male factor infertility include vitamins A, C, and E; selenium; zinc; glutathione; coenzyme Q10; folic acid; polyunsaturated fatty acids; arginine; lycopene; and carnitines. Multiple randomized controlled trials have evaluated the effectiveness of these agents and demonstrated improvements in seminal parameters as well as pregnancy rates.
Linguistic-Specific Sentence Production Treatment for Agrammatic Aphasia.

AbstractThis article describes an approach to treatment of agrammatic aphasic individuals' sentence production deficits. In this linguistic-specific sentence production treatment, sentences selected for treatment and the treatment itself are control led for their lexical and syntactic properties. Results derived from a series of studies using this approach have shown successful outcomes of treatment. Improved production of sentences targeted for training and generalization to untrained sentences that are linguistically similar to those trained have resulted from treatment. In addition, improvements in sentence production in discourse tasks have been noted. An overview of the theoretical foundation of linguistic-specific sentence production treatment, the results of our experiments investigating its efficacy, and clinical protocols is provided.
Experimentally Verified Theoretical Analysis of Thin Glass Plates

Interest in the behavior of window glass under the effects of wind has focused analytical attention on thin glass plates under lateral pressure. While the analysis of thin rectangular glass plates under lateral pressure appeared innocuous, the Committee on Window Glass Research found the solution to be elusive. Several numerical solutions (finite element, finite difference and Galerkin) failed to correlate, at least initially. When theoretical concurrence was achieved, disagreements were found between theoretical and experimental results. Only through carefully exercised theoretical and experimental investigations were good correlations finally accomplished.
Continuous measurement of breast tumour hormone receptor expression: a comparison of two computational pathology platforms

Aims Computational pathology platforms incorporate digital microscopy with sophisticated image analysis to permit rapid, continuous measurement of protein expression. We compared two computational pathology platforms on their measurement of breast tumour oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression. Methods Breast tumour microarrays from the Nurses9 Health Study were stained for ER (n=592) and PR (n=187). One expert pathologist scored cases as positive if ≥1% of tumour nuclei exhibited stain. ER and PR were then measured with the Definiens Tissue Studio (automated) and Aperio Digital Pathology (user-supervised) platforms. Platform-specific measurements were compared using boxplots, scatter plots and correlation statistics. Classification of ER and PR positivity by platform-specific measurements was evaluated with areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) from univariable logistic regression models, using expert pathologist classification as the standard. Results Both platforms showed considerable overlap in continuous measurements of ER and PR between positive and negative groups classified by expert pathologist. Platform-specific measurements were strongly and positively correlated with one another (r≥0.77). The user-supervised Aperio workflow performed slightly better than the automated Definiens workflow at classifying ER positivity (AUC Aperio =0.97; AUC Definiens =0.90; difference=0.07, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.09) and PR positivity (AUC Aperio =0.94; AUC Definiens =0.87; difference=0.07, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.12). Conclusions Paired hormone receptor expression measurements from two different computational pathology platforms agreed well with one another. The user-supervised workflow yielded better classification accuracy than the automated workflow. Appropriately validated computational pathology algorithms enrich molecular epidemiology studies with continuous protein expression data and may accelerate tumour biomarker discovery.
Employee satisfaction and turnover intention: A comparative analysis between front-of-house and back-of-house employees in casino-entertainment venues

ABSTRACTThis study investigates job location and its relationship with employee turnover intention within the casino-entertainment industry. The researchers analyzed turnover intention at the supervisor and company level from the perspective of employees who hold front-of-house or back-of-house jobs in three Nevada casinos and their corporate office. The results of this research fill existing gaps in the academic literature related to turnover intention and provide beneficial implications for industry and academic practitioners. Organizations within the casino-entertainment industry may develop strategies related to the management of human capital that could provide fiscal and operational benefits.
Multiscale Computational Design of Core/Shell Nanoparticles for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

We propose a multiscale computational framework to design core/shell nanoparticles (NPs) for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Essential to the framework are linear scaling relations between oxygen adsorption energy and surface strain, which can be determined for NP facets and edges from first-principles and multiscale QM/MM calculations, respectively. Based on the linear scaling relations and a microkinetic model, we can estimate ORR rates as a function of surface strain on core/shell NPs. Employing the multiscale framework, we have systematically examined the ORR activity on Pd-based core/shell NPs as a function of their shape, size, shell thickness, and alloy composition of the core. Three NP shapes—icosahedron, octahedron, and truncated octahedron—are explored, and the truncated octahedron is found to be the most active and the icosahedron is the least active. NixPd1–x@Pd NPs with high Ni concentrations and thin shells could exhibit higher ORR rates than the pure Pt(111) surface and/or Pt NPs. AgxPd1–x...
Regulation of Carbon Substrate Utilization by Cardiac Mitochondria

Mitochondria play key roles in central metabolism, not only by synthesizing ATP via oxidative phosphorylation, but also by synthesizing key intermediates that serve as anaplerotic entry points in numerous pathways. Because reactions producing and/or consuming several of the intermediates in the tricarboxylic acid cycle that are transported across the mitochondrial inner membrane (pyruvate, α-ketoglutarate, citrate) are regulated in part by calcium concentration, we hypothesize the calcium is a key regulator of entry and exit of substrates into and out of the TCA cycle. We set out to first refine this hypothesis through following time courses of consumption of various carbohydrate based substrates (including complex I substrates such as pyruvate and citrate, and the complex II substrate succinate) and matching data on rates of oxidation and NADH production to simulations of mitochondrial metabolic kinetics. Specifically, model simulations were fit to data on total NAD(P)H and oxygen consumption flux at different respiratory states and with varying inorganic phosphate concentrations. The resulting identified model is used to predict how calcium regulates carbon substrate utilization by mitochondria. These hypotheses are tested using in vitro experiments with purified mitochondria. By comparing the experimental data with citrate alone to combination of pyruvate, citrate and malate as the substrates, we conclude that transport of citrate into the matrix is limited in the absence of malate. The rate of reduction of NAD is slower with pyruvate alone as substrate compared to when malate is present. The role of glutamate dehydrogenase in the context of cardiac energetics is investigated.
The effect of increased chewing strokes on the DeMeester score.

Saliva is known to be protective for esophageal mucosa. Increased chewing strokes result in a quantitative and qualitative enhancement of saliva. Reduction in the amount of saliva produced results in an increased incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can be objectively measured by the DeMeester score. The impact of increased chewing strokes on the DeMeester score remains largely unknown, thus this study aimed to find out their impact on the value of the DeMeester score and its individual components.The effect of increased chewing strokes on the DeMeester score was investigated in 12 subjects (5 male and 7 female) who were diagnosed with GERD. All subjects underwent a 48-hour pH monitoring using the Bravo® pH capsule. All the patients chewed their food 20 times more on Day 2 as compared to Day 1. The data were analyzed for change in the DeMeester score and its individual components in 2 days.In patients with GERD (DeMeester score > 14.72 on Day 1), the number of long refluxes (>5 minutes) on Day 2 (mean = 3.2, SD = 2.3) was significantly lower than on Day 1 (mean = 6.4, SD = 2.7); Z = -2.032, p = 0.04. Though, the DeMeester score and its other individual parameters decreased on Day 2, they were not statistically significant.In patients with GERD, increased chewing strokes lead to a decrease in the number of long reflux episodes. Though there is a decrease in the DeMeester score and its other individual components, larger randomized controlled studies are required to reach statistical significance.
Conducting polymer nanowires for control of local protein concentration in solution.

Interfacing devices with cells and tissues requires new nanoscale tools that are both flexible and electrically active. We demonstrate the use of PEDOT:PSS conducting polymer nanowires for the local control of protein concentration in water and biological media. We use fluorescence microscopy to compare the localization of serum albumin in response to electric fields generated by narrow (760 nm) and wide (1.5 µm) nanowires. We show that proteins in deionized water can be manipulated over a surprisingly large micron length scale and that this distance is a function of nanowire diameter. In addition, white noise can be introduced during the electrochemical synthesis of the nanowire to induce branches into the nanowire allowing a single device to control multiple nanowires. An analysis of growth speed and current density suggests that branching is due to the Mullins–Sekerka instability, ultimately controlled by the roughness of the nanowire surface. These small, flexible, conductive, and biologically compatible PEDOT:PSS nanowires provide a new tool for the electrical control of biological systems.
Neuropeptide-Y alters VTA dopamine neuron activity through both pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms.

Neuropeptide-Y (NPY) has been shown to act on mesolimbic dopamine circuits to increase motivated behaviors toward food, but it is unclear exactly how NPY causes these responses. Here, we demonstrat...
Declining Skeletal Muscle Function in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy.

Abstract Purpose The present review highlights current concepts regarding the effects of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in skeletal muscle. It discusses the lack of effective pharmacologic treatments and the role of physical exercise intervention in limb protection and symptom reversal. It also highlights the importance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in providing a mechanistic understanding of the disease and helping develop targeted treatments. Methods This review provides a comprehensive reporting on the effects of DPN in the skeletal muscle of patients with diabetes. It also provides an update on the most recent trials of exercise intervention targeting DPN pathology. Lastly, we report on emerging MRI techniques that have shown promise in providing a mechanistic understanding of DPN and can help improve the design and implementation of clinical trials in the future. Findings Impairments in lower limb muscles reduce functional capacity and contribute to altered gait, increased fall risk, and impaired balance in patients with DPN. This finding is an important concern for patients with DPN because their falls are likely to be injurious and lead to bone fractures, poorly healing wounds, and chronic infections that may require amputation. Preliminary studies have shown that moderate-intensity exercise programs are well tolerated by patients with DPN. They can improve their cardiorespiratory function and partially reverse some of the symptoms of DPN. MRI has the potential to bring new mechanistic insights into the effects of DPN as well as to objectively measure small changes in DPN pathology as a result of intervention. Implications Noninvasive exercise intervention is particularly valuable in DPN because of its safety, low cost, and potential to augment pharmacologic interventions. As we gain a better mechanistic understanding of the disease, more targeted and effective interventions can be designed.
Heart morphogenesis gene regulatory networks revealed by temporal expression analysis.

During embryogenesis the heart forms as a linear tube that then undergoes multiple simultaneous morphogenetic events to obtain its mature shape. To understand the gene regulatory networks (GRNs) driving this phase of heart development, during which many congenital heart disease malformations likely arise, we conducted an RNA-seq timecourse in zebrafish from 30 hpf to 72 hpf and identified 5861 genes with altered expression. We clustered the genes by temporal expression pattern, identified transcription factor binding motifs enriched in each cluster, and generated a model GRN for the major gene batteries in heart morphogenesis. This approach predicted hundreds of regulatory interactions and found batteries enriched in specific cell and tissue types, indicating that the approach can be used to narrow the search for novel genetic markers and regulatory interactions. Subsequent analyses confirmed the GRN using two mutants, Tbx5 and nkx2-5, and identified sets of duplicated zebrafish genes that do not show temporal subfunctionalization. This dataset provides an essential resource for future studies on the genetic/epigenetic pathways implicated in congenital heart defects and the mechanisms of cardiac transcriptional regulation.
Studying the Evolution of Online Collective Action: Saudi Arabian Women’s ‘Oct26Driving’ Twitter Campaign

Social media have played a substantial role in supporting collective actions. Reports state that protesters use blogs, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other online communication media and environments to mobilize and spread awareness. In this research, we focus on studying the process of formation of online collective action (OCA) by analyzing the diffusion of hashtags. We examine the recently organized Saudi Arabian women’s right to drive campaign, called ‘Oct26Driving’ and collected the Twitter data, starting from September 25, 2013 to the present. Given the definitive nature of hashtags, we investigate the co-evolution of hashtag usage and the campaign network. The study considers the dominant hashtags dedicated to the Oct26Driving campaign, viz., ‘#oct26driving’ and ‘#قيادة_26اكتوبر’. Morteover, it identifies cross-cultural aspects with individual hashtag networks, with Arabic hashtags relating to local factors and English hashtags contributing to transnational support from other organizations, such as those related to human rights and women’s rights. Despite the wide news media coverage of social movements, there is a lack of systematic methodologies to analytically model such phenomena in complex online environments. The research aims to develop models that help advance the understanding of interconnected collective actions conducted through modern social and information systems.
Excitation of higher lying energy states in a rubidium DPAL

The spontaneous emission in a cw rubidium diode dumped alkali laser (DPAL) system was analyzed. The fluorescence from higher lying states decreases with additional buffer gas. The intermediate states (7S, 6P, 5D) decay more slowly with buffer gas and scale super-linearly with alkali density. A detailed kinetic model has been constructed, where the dominant mechanisms are energy pooling and single photon ionization. It also includes pumping into the non-Lorentzian wings of absorption profiles, fine structure mixing, collisional de-excitation, and Penning ionization. Effects of ionization in a high powered CW rubidium DPAL were assessed.
Chip-Based Frequency Combs for High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography

We present a source for OCT based on chip-scale microresonators for sub-micrometer axial resolution and deep tissue penetration. Using the microresonators, we acquire OCT images of human tissue and show compatibility with standard OCT systems.
Hepatic encephalopathy after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts: incidence and risk factors.

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of new or worsened hepatic encephalopathy after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) and to ascertain which clinical characteristics are associated with this complication. Methods At the University of California, San Francisco, over 22 months, TIPS were placed successfully in 108 adults. Seventy-seven patients in whom it was possible to assess the development of encephalopathy comprised the study population. Clinically significant encephalopathy was assessed at protocol clinic follow-up and, in some cases, by phone contact with the patient and the referring physician. Post-TIPS encephalopathy was defined as new onset of clinical encephalopathy requiring treatment or worsening of preexisting encephalopathy within 1 yr of TIPS. Results The overall incidence of new or worsened encephalopathy was 23% (18/77). Post-TIPS encephalopathy was well controlled with lactulose in 78% of cases and was progressive in 22%. Multivariate analysis showed that an increased risk of encephalopathy was associated with an etiology of liver disease other than alcohol [relative risk (RR) 9.2, p = 0.0052], female gender (RR 3.0, p = 0.029), and hypoalbuminemia (RR 2.2 for each 1 g/dl decrease, p = 0.044). Conclusions Hepatic encephalopathy is a common complication of TIPS that can be controlled medically in most patients. The identification of clinical variables associated with an increased risk of encephalopathy may be useful in the selection of appropriate candidates for this procedure.
Fostering creativity through instruction rich in mathematical problem solving and problem posing

Although creativity is often viewed as being associated with the notions of “genius” or exceptional ability, it can be productive for mathematics educators to view creativity instead as an orientation or disposition toward mathematical activity that can be fostered broadly in the general school population. In this article, it is argued that inquiry-oriented mathematics instruction which includes problem-solving and problem-posing tasks and activities can assist students to develop more creative approaches to mathematics. Through the use of such tasks and activities, teachers can increase their students’ capacity with respect to the core dimensions of creativity, namely, fluency, flexibility, and novelty. Because the instructional techniques discussed in this article have been used successfully with students all over the world, there is little reason to believe that creativity-enriched mathematics instruction cannot be used with a broad range of students in order to increase their representational and strategic fluency and flexibility, and their appreciation for novel problems, solution methods, or solutions.
Evaluation of Public Housing Lead Risk Assessment Data

A unique data set from lead risk assessments performed on 67 public housing developments from across the United States was made available for analyzes. The data set includes results of lead analysis from 5906 dust wipes and from 1222 soil samples. A total of 487 dwelling units in these developments, as well as associated common areas, were sampled, all by the same team of inspectors. The number of dwelling units within a development that were sampled reflected the guidelines then in force, the 1990 Interim HUD Guidelines, rather than those specified in the 1995 Guidelines. Median dust lead loadings for floors, 151 μg m−2 (14 μg ft−2), and window sills, 936 μg m−2 (87 μg ft−2), were much less than former HUD limits of 1076 μg m−2 (100 μg ft−2) and 5380 μg m−2 (500 μg ft−2), respectively and are only about one-third of the recently established limits of 431 μg m−2 (40 μg ft−2) and 2690 μg m−2 (250 μg ft−2). In contrast, the median lead loading for window troughs, 8560 μg m−2 (795 μg ft−2), was almost identical to the HUD clearance limit of 8610 μg m−2 (800 μg ft−2). There was a strong positive correlation between floor and window trough lead loading values for samples from the same dwelling units and those from common areas of the housing developments. Door threshold samples, which may reflect conditions exterior to the dwelling unit, were collected from 53 dwelling units. Median lead loading levels of these samples were more than ten times higher than those in floor samples from the same dwelling units, were about the same as window sill samples and about one-half of levels in window trough samples. Composite sample results, simulated by averaging results from four samples within a dwelling unit, revealed that in order to have the same rate of excedence of standards, the composite standards would have to be reduced, for example, from the single sample value of 1076 μg m−2 (100 μg ft−2) to 527 μg m−2 (49 μg ft−2) for floor samples and from the single sample value of 8610 μg m−2 (800 μg ft−2) to 5160 μg m−2 (479 μg ft−2) for window troughs. For this public housing data set, the portion of the units in developments containing more than 225 units which exceeded the established limit for window samples was the same when using either the full data set or a random one-half of the data set. This suggests that, for this data set, the number of dwelling units sampled was excessive . Thus, the required increase in the number of dwelling units to be sampled specified in the 1995 Guidelines for developments with more than 225 dwelling units, may not have been necessary if this data set is representative of public housing developments in the United States.
Theory of Flux Penetration Effects Below H c 1 in Multifilamentary Superconductors

Results are presented of magnetic-field calculations for multifilamentary (MF) superconductors, taking into account the penetration of magnetic flux into individual filaments. The filaments are assumed to be circular in cross section, infinitely long, and arranged parallel to one another on a hexagonal lattice. The externally applied magnetic field is taken to be directed perpendicular to the filament length. The problem is simplified by treating the medium as being effectively uniform in a plane perpendicular to the filament length, and a self-consistent formalism is used to calculate the interfilamentary magnetic field. Flux penetration into the filaments is described using the London theory. Magnetic fields outside and inside the filaments are calculated as functions of filament radius, the London penetration depth, the area fraction covered by filament cross sections, and the shape of the filament bundle.
Intraductal Proliferative Disease of the Breast

Intraductal proliferative disease of the breast is a group of very diverse lesions different in morphology, molecular changes, and risk of subsequent cancer risk. They tend to have similar clinical presentation, that is, no clinical symptom and mammographic findings unless they are associated with microcalcifications. Since they carry significantly different risk of subsequent development of invasive cancer, the clinical management is very different among them. Thus, understanding the clinical significance and making a correct diagnosis for each of these lesions are critical for all practicing pathologists.
Calibration of Chronic Lung Disease Severity as a Risk Factor for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalization.

Background Guidelines assume children with chronic lung disease (CLD) who require medical support within 6 months before the second respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season remains at high risk of severe RSV disease. We determined the number of days since the last treatment (DSL) when the risk of RSV hospitalization among children with CLD becomes equivalent to the risk for those not qualified for immunoprophylaxis. Methods The study cohort was assembled using Medicaid billing records from 1999 to 2010 linked to Florida and Texas birth certificate records. We developed DSL-trend discrete time logistic regression models within a survival analysis framework, adjusting for use of immunoprophylaxis, to compare the hospitalization risk of CLD infants at 4 age points to that of term infants at 1 month of age with siblings. Results The study cohort included 858 830 healthy term and 5562 preterm infants with CLD. Among 1-month-old term infants, the RSV hospitalization risk averaged across all covariate strata was 14.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.5-16.1) per 1000 patient season-months. Risk for preterm CLD children reached the threshold derived from term infants when DSL was 76 (95% CI, 22-198.5), 52 (95% CI, 6.5-123), 35 (95% CI, 0-93.5), and 12 (95% CI, 0-61.5) at the respective ages of 12, 15, 17.2, and 21 months. Conclusions The 180-day threshold used to define CLD severity at season start can be shortened to 120 days, 90 days, and 60 days for children with CLD at age 15, 17.2, and 21 months, respectively.
Healthy Food Retail during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Future Directions

Disparities in dietary behaviors have been directly linked to the food environment, including access to retail food outlets. The Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to major changes in the distribution, sale, purchase, preparation, and consumption of food in the United States (US). This paper reflects on those changes and provides recommendations for research to understand the impact of the pandemic on the retail food environment (RFE) and consumer behavior. Using the Retail Food Environment and Customer Interaction Model, we describe the impact of COVID-19 in four key areas: (1) community, state, tribal, and federal policy; (2) retail actors, business models, and sources; (3) customer experiences; and (4) dietary intake. We discuss how previously existing vulnerabilities and inequalities based on race, ethnicity, class, and geographic location were worsened by the pandemic. We recommend approaches for building a more just and equitable RFE, including understanding the impacts of changing shopping behaviors and adaptations to federal nutrition assistance as well as how small food business can be made more sustainable. By better understanding the RFE adaptations that have characterized the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope to gain greater insight into how our food system can become more resilient in the future.
Outcomes With First-Line PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitor Monotherapy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (mRCC): A Multi-Institutional Cohort.

Introduction: The treatment landscape of metastatic renal cell carcinoma has advanced significantly with the approval of combination regimens containing an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) for patients with treatment-naive disease. Little information is available regarding the activity of single-agent ICIs for patients with previously untreated mRCC not enrolled in clinical trials. Methods: This retrospective, multicenter cohort included consecutive treatment-naive mRCC patients from six institutions in the United States who received ≥1 dose of an ICI outside a clinical trial, between June 2017 and October 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze outcomes including objective best response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and tolerability. Results: The final analysis included 27 patients, 70% men, median age 64 years (range 42-92), 67% Caucasian, and 33% with ECOG 2 or 3 at baseline. Most patients had intermediate risk (85%, IMDC) with clear cell (56%), papillary (26%), unclassified (11%), chromophobe (4%), and translocation (4%) RCC. All patients had evidence of metastatic disease involving the lungs (59%), lymph node (41%), CNS (19%), liver (11%), adrenal gland (11%), and bone (11%). The median time on ICI was 3.1 (0.1-26.8) months, and the median PFS was 6.3 (95% CI, 0-18.6) months. Among the 21 patients with an evaluable response, the best ORR was 33%, including two complete responses and five partial responses. The ORR was 29% (n = 1 complete response, n = 5 partial response) in clear cell and 5% (n = 1 complete response) in non-clear cell RCC. Adverse events (AEs) of any cause were reported in 37% and included fatigue (11%), dermatitis (11%), diarrhea (7%), and shortness of breath (7%). Significant AEs (30%) included shortness of breath (7%), acute kidney injury (4%), dermatitis (4%), Clostridium difficile infection (4%), cerebrovascular accident (4%), and fatigue (7%). Three patients discontinued therapy due to grade 4 AEs. Conclusions: In this multi-institutional case series, single-agent ICI demonstrated objective responses and was well tolerated in a heterogeneous treatment-naive mRCC cohort. ICI monotherapy is not the standard of care for patients with mRCC, and further investigation is necessary to explore predictive biomarkers for optimal treatment selection in this setting.
Assessment of reverse gun taylor cylinder experimental configuration

Abstract Experimental efforts for Taylor-anvil impact tests have often been limited to near room temperature. The ‘Reverse Gun’ method proposed by Gust in 1982 allows for the Taylor impact specimen to be uniformly heated without temperature losses before impact. Through the use of finite element analysis, we explore two topics in this work. First, we examine whether the reverse gun experimental configuration is comparable to the traditional Taylor-anvil setup. Second, we assess the accuracy of several commonly employed flow strength models in terms of their ability to predict the reverse gun experimental results which involve dynamic loading conditions and complex thermo-mechanical coupling. The reverse gun simulations are performed for tantalum targets at initial temperatures in the range 295 K to 1295 K and velocities from 135 m/s to 242 m/s. We show that with suitable care in the modeling of the preheated reverse gun experiments one can make valuable assessments of flow strength models. Given the conditions explored, these observations probe the thermal softening, strain hardening, and strain rate sensitivity of the material.
Management and outcomes of a COVID-19 outbreak in a nursing home with predominantly Black residents.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Few studies present clinical management approaches and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). We describe outcomes of a clinical management pathway for a large COVID-19 outbreak in an urban SNF with predominantly racial minority (>90% black), medically complex, older residents. DESIGN: Single-center, retrospective, and observational cohort study (March 1, 2020-May 31, 2020). SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: All subacute and long-term care residents at an urban SNF between March 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020 (Chicago, IL). INTERVENTION: A multicomponent management pathway was developed to manage a large COVID-19 outbreak in an SNF. MEASUREMENTS: Chart review was used to extract demographics, comorbidities, symptoms, lab results, and clinical outcomes over 12 weeks, which were summarized and compared between residents with and without COVID-19. RESULTS: A multicomponent clinical management pathway was used to care for residents with COVID-19, which included frequent scheduled clinical and laboratory evaluation, use of intravenous fluids, supplemental oxygen, antibiotics when indicated, and goals-of-care discussions. Of the 204 residents, 172 (84.3%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during the 3-month period, with 50.5% symptomatic, 9.3% presymptomatic, and 24.5% asymptomatic, with a 30-day mortality rate of 15.7%. Predominant symptoms were low-grade fever >99 °F, anorexia, delirium, and fatigue. While in the facility, approximately one-quarter of residents experienced hypernatremia [Na > 145 mEq/L] (24.5%), acute kidney injury [Cr > 0.03 mg/dL or 1.5× baseline] (29.7%), or leukopenia [WBC < 4.8 1000/mm3 ] (39.4%). CONCLUSION: We present the first available clinical strategy guiding the medical management of a COVID-19 syndrome in an urban SNF, caring for largely black residents, which may lead to improved mortality.