cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Costs and Risk Factors for Hospital Readmission After Periprosthetic Knee Fractures in the United States.

Abstract Background Periprosthetic fractures (PPFX) around total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are devastating complications with significant morbidity. With growing healthcare costs, hospital readmissions have become a marker for quality healthcare delivery. However, little is known about the risk factors or costs associated with readmission after treatment of PPFX. We sought to identify the patient demographics, prevalence of treatment types (open reduction internal fixation [ORIF] vs revision TKA), 30 and 90-day readmission rates, costs of initial treatment and readmission, and risk factors for readmission. Methods We used the 2013 Nationwide Readmissions Database to select patients who underwent TKA, revision TKA, and treatment of PPFX with either ORIF or revision TKA. The 90-day readmission rate was determined through a survival analysis, and risk factors were identified using a cox proportional hazards model that adjusted for patient and hospital characteristics. Results We identified 1526 patients with PPFX treated with ORIF and 1458 treated with revision TKA. Ninety-day readmissions were 20.5% and 21.8%, respectively. Patients with ORIF were more often female and had multiple medical comorbidities. Patient factors associated with readmission included advanced age, male gender, comorbidities, discharge to a skilled nursing facility or home with health aide, and Medicare or Medicaid insurance. Treatment at a teaching hospital was the only hospital-associated risk factor identified. ORIF cost USD 25,539 and revision THA cost USD 37,680, with associated readmissions costing 15,269 and 16,806, respectively. Conclusion PPFX results in greater costs compared to primary and revision TKA. This study highlights risk factors for readmission after PPFX treatment.
Incremental Value of Imaging Structure and Function

The diagnostic implications of integrated PET/CT imaging include improved detection of lesions on both the CT and FDG-PET images, better differentiation of physiologic from pathologic foci of metabolism, and better localization of the pathologic foci. This new powerful technology provides more-accurate interpretation of both CT and FDG-PET images and therefore moreoptimal patient care. PET/CT fusion images affect clinical management by guiding further procedures (biopsy, surgery, radiation therapy), excluding the need for additional procedures, and changing both inter- and intramodality therapy.
Direct detection of lysine side chain NH3+ in protein–heparin complexes using NMR spectroscopy

Two NMR observables, the NζH3+ peak in the HISQC spectrum and Nζ chemical shift difference between the free and heparin-bound forms, can identify binding-interface lysines in protein–heparin complexes. Unlike backbone chemical shifts, these direct probes are stringent and are less prone to either false positives or false negatives.
Mesenteric Adipose-derived Stromal Cells From Crohn's Disease Patients Induce Protective Effects in Colonic Epithelial Cells and Mice With Colitis.

Mesenteric adipose tissue hyperplasia is a hallmark of Crohn’s disease (CD). Recently, we showed that mesenteric adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) from CD, ulcerative colitis, and control patients synthesize and release adipokines in a disease-dependent manner. Here we examined the expression profiles of CD and control patient-derived mesenteric ADSCs and studied the effects of their extracellular mediators on colonocyte signaling in vitro and experimental colitis in vivo. ADSCs were isolated from mesenteric fat of control and CD patients. Microarray profiling and network analysis were performed in ADSCs and human colonocytes treated with conditioned media from cultured ADSCs. Mice with acute colitis received daily injections of conditioned media from patient-derived ADSCs, vehicle, or apolactoferrin. Proliferative responses were evaluated in conditioned media–treated colonocytes and mouse colonic epithelium. Total protein was isolated from cultured colonocytes after treatment with apolactoferrin for Western blot analysis of phosphorylated intracellular signaling kinases. Microarray profiling revealed differential mRNA expression in CD patient-derived ADSCs compared with controls, including lactoferrin. Administration of CD patient-derived medium or apolactoferrin increased colonocyte proliferation compared with controls. Conditioned media from CD patient-derived ADSCs or apolactoferrin attenuated colitis severity in mice and enhanced colonocyte proliferation in vivo. ADSCs from control and CD patients show disease-dependent inflammatory responses and alter colonic epithelial cell signaling in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrate lactoferrin production by adipose tissue, specifically mesenteric ADSCs. We suggest that mesenteric ADSC-derived lactoferrin may mediate protective effects and participate in the pathophysiology of CD by promoting colonocyte proliferation and the resolution of inflammation.
Mapping freshwater marsh species in the wetlands of Lake Okeechobee using very high-resolution aerial photography and lidar data

Accurate marsh species maps are needed to study their abundance, distribution, habitat change, and to support the ongoing and future restoration activities in Lake Okeechobee, Florida, U.S.A. In th...
Ultrasound in the Diagnosis and Management of Fibular Mononeuropathy

Introduction Ultrasound (US) evaluation of peripheral nerves is a noninvasive, cost-effective approach to diagnosing focal mononeuropathies and guiding surgical management. We used the intranerve ratio to evaluate for possible cut-off values in diagnosis of fibular mononeuropathies (FNs). Methods A retrospective analysis of FN confirmed by electrodiagnosis (EDx) was performed to identify intranerve ratio values between affected and unaffected limbs at the fibular head and popliteal fossa. Results The optimal fibular head/popliteal fossa intranerve ratio to discriminate between limbs with and without disease was 1.25 (sensitivity, 51%; specificity, 71%). There was no statistically significant difference between affected vs unaffected limbs (ratio, 1.13; P = .15) nor in subgroup analyses. However, 25% of patients had structural lesions amenable to surgery. Discussion The utility of US in diagnosis of FN is limited using intranerve ratio data, but US has a distinct advantage over EDx for identifying treatable structural lesions.
Combination Immunotherapy with Passive Antibody and Sulfasalazine Accelerates Fungal Clearance and Promotes the Resolution of Pneumocystis-Associated Immunopathogenesis

The pulmonary immune response protects healthy individuals against Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP). However, the immune response also drives immunopathogenesis in patients who develop severe PcP, and it is generally accepted that optimal treatment requires combination strategies that promote fungal killing and also provide effective immunomodulation. The anti-inflammatory drug sulfasalazine programs macrophages for enhanced Pneumocystis phagocytosis and also suppresses PcP-related immunopathogenesis. Anti-Pneumocystis antibody opsonizes Pneumocystis organisms for greater phagocytosis and may also mask antigens that drive immunopathogenesis. Thus, we hypothesized that combining antibody and sulfasalazine would have the dual benefit of enhancing fungal clearance while dampening immunopathogenesis and allow the rescue of severe PcP. To model a clinically relevant treatment scenario in mice, therapeutic interventions were withheld until clear symptoms of pneumonia were evident. When administered individually, both passive antibody and sulfasalazine improved pulmonary function and enhanced Pneumocystis clearance to similar degrees. However, combination treatment with antibody and sulfasalazine produced a more rapid improvement, with recovery of body weight, a dramatic improvement in pulmonary function, reduced lung inflammation, and the rapid clearance of the Pneumocystis organisms. Accelerated fungal clearance in the combination treatment group was associated with a significant increase in macrophage phagocytosis of Pneumocystis Both passive antibody and sulfasalazine resulted in the suppression of Th1 cytokines and a marked increase in lung macrophages displaying an alternatively activated phenotype, which were enhanced by combination treatment. Our data support the concept that passive antibody and sulfasalazine could be an effective and specific adjunctive therapy for PcP, with the potential to accelerate fungal clearance while attenuating PcP-associated immunopathogenesis.
The Role of MicroRNAs in Diabetes-Related Oxidative Stress.

Cellular stress, combined with dysfunctional, inadequate mitochondrial phosphorylation, produces an excessive amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an increased level of ROS in cells, which leads to oxidation and subsequent cellular damage. Because of its cell damaging action, an association between anomalous ROS production and disease such as Type 1 (T1D) and Type 2 (T2D) diabetes, as well as their complications, has been well established. However, there is a lack of understanding about genome-driven responses to ROS-mediated cellular stress. Over the last decade, multiple studies have suggested a link between oxidative stress and microRNAs (miRNAs). The miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that mostly suppress expression of the target gene by interaction with its 3’untranslated region (3′UTR). In this paper, we review the recent progress in the field, focusing on the association between miRNAs and oxidative stress during the progression of diabetes.
Absent, Abnormal, or Reduced Flow in the Testis: Thinking Beyond Torsion

While epididymo-orchitis and testicular torsion are the most common causes of abnormalities at scrotal US, abnormal testicular Doppler flow may be caused by extrinsic testicular or spermatic cord c...
The Island Setting

The Juan Fernandez archipelago lies in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, west of continental Chile at 33°S latitude. There are three major islands: Robinson Crusoe Island, 667 km from the mainland; Santa Clara Island, 1 km southwest of Robinson Crusoe Island; and Alejandro Selkirk Island, 181 km further west into the Pacific Ocean. Robinson Crusoe Island and Santa Clara Island together are approximately the same size as Alejandro Selkirk Island at 50 km2. Geological ages differ, with the former four million years old and the latter one million. The islands originated from a hotspot on the Nazca Plate that moves eastward at c. 6 cm/year, subducting under the South American continent. As the plate travels it subsides, pulling down the three islands. The climate of the islands is best described as semi-tropical. The vascular flora consists of 475 ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms. Permanent human settlements have existed since the mid-eighteenth century. The archipelago was discovered by the Spanish navigator Juan Fernandez in 1574, hence carrying his name, but the Chilean government in 1962 officially renamed it the Robinson Crusoe Archipelago, making a connection with Daniel Defoe’s famous novel of 1719.
Sustainability and the Environment: Textiles Used in Small and Medium Apparel Firms in the United States

The purpose of this study is to conduct a content analysis on sustainable textiles selected by small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the apparel industry based in the United States and understand how these textiles contribute to the triple bottom line. A content analysis approached is used with the main data source of online websites of ten apparel design firms. The findings show that the sustainable textiles contributed to the triple bottom line environmentally through Global Organic Textile Certified (GOTS), Eco label certified, natural, unbleached, low impact dyes, hand dyed, closed looped production system; socially through transparency of where the fabric and garment is made, fair trade textiles, fair trade factories, fair labor practices, and manufactured in USA and economically through retail price. This research shows that firms are able to meet the triple bottom line while using sustainable textiles at various retail prices.
Increased alcohol self-administration following exposure to the predator odor TMT in high stress-reactive female rats

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are highly comorbid. Additionally, individual differences in response to stress suggest resilient and susceptible populations. The current study exposed male and female Long Evans rats to the synthetically produced predator odor 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT) to examine individual differences in stress-reactive behaviors (digging and immobility) and whether these differences could predict lasting consequences of TMT and increases in alcohol drinking. Male and female Long Evans rats were trained on operant alcohol self-administration. After 9 sessions, rats underwent exposure to TMT or water (Control) in a distinct context. 6 days after TMT exposure, rats underwent re-exposure to the TMT-paired context (without TMT), and a series of behavioral assessments (acoustic startle, zero maze, light/dark box), after which rats resumed alcohol self-administration. Rats were divided into two TMT-subgroups using a ratio of digging and immobility behavior during TMT exposure: TMT-subgroup 1 (low digging/immobility ratio) and TMT-subgroup 2 (high digging/immobility ratio). Digging/immobility ratio scores predicted elevated corticosterone levels during TMT exposure and reactivity during context re-exposure in males and females (TMT-subgroup 2), as well as elevated corticosterone levels after context re-exposure and hyperarousal behavior in females (TMT-subgroup 1). Furthermore, TMT stress reactivity predicted increases in alcohol self-administration, specifically in females. These data show that stress-reactivity can predict lasting behavioral changes which may lead to a better understanding of increases in alcohol drinking following stress in females and that individual differences in stress-reactive behaviors using TMT may be helpful to understand resilience/susceptibility to the lasting consequences of stress.
Left ventricular assist device implantation in patients with a history of malignancy.

Background This study evaluates the impact of a history of malignancy on outcomes of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Methods Adult patients with a preimplant history of malignancy who underwent LVAD implantation between 2006 and 2018 were included. The primary outcome was post-LVAD survival. Results A total of 250 patients underwent LVAD implant during the study period, including 37 (14.8%) patients with a history of malignancy. Of these 37 patients, five (13.5%) had active malignancy at the time of LVAD implantation, and seven had more than one type of cancer. The median disease-free duration before LVAD was 3.5 years (interquartile range [IQR] 1.0-7.75 years). The most common types of malignancy included urologic (n = 20; 45.5%), skin (n = 7, 15.9%), and leukemia or lymphoma (n = 6; 13.6%). Median follow-up was 244 (IQR, 126-571) days and 313 (IQR 127-738) days for those with and without a history of malignancy, respectively (P = .49). Unadjusted post-LVAD survival was reduced in those with a malignancy history (2-year survival 53.4% vs 66.9%; P = .01), a finding that persisted after risk-adjustment (hazard ratio 1.89, 95% confidence interval, 1.13-3.14; P = .01). Only one (2.7%) patient died post-LVAD from their cancer. Conclusions Although a history of malignancy is associated with reduced survival after LVAD implantation, more than half of the patients are alive at 2 years. This combined with the fact that most do not die from causes directly related to their cancer suggest that LVAD implantation is reasonable to perform in carefully selected patients with a history of malignancy.
Tumor bed irradiation enhances sensitivity of A431 tumor xenografts to C225 anti-EGFR antibody

1318 Introduction: C225 strongly enhances tumor radioresponse when given concurrently with radiotherapy. Recently we reported that maintenance therapy with C225 after radiotherapy further increases tumor radiocurability in A431 tumor xenografts (Milas IJROBP 67, 568, 2007). Among mechanisms considered responsible for this effect was an enhanced response of irradiated vasculature of tumor bed to the antiangiogenic actions of C225. To determine the involvement of this mechanism, the present study assessed whether C225 exerts stronger antitumor effect on tumors that grow in pre-irradiated than in unirradiated tumor bed. Tumors bed effect denotes slower growth of tumors transplanted into irradiated tissue. Material and Methods: The right hind legs of nude mice were irradiated with a single dose of 20 Gy γ-rays, and one day later A431 tumor cells were injected sc to generate tumors. Tumors were also generated in unirradiated mouse legs. When tumors grew to 5 mm in diameter, the mice were treated ip with 3 doses of 1 mg C225 per mouse given 3 days apart. Tumor doubling time (TDT) was defined as time (days) for tumors to grow from 5 to 10 mm. At 6 days after the 1st dose of C225 tumor tissue was taken for immunohistochemistry (IM). The Ki-67 labeling index (LI) was defined as the percentage of positive nuclei out of 103 cells counted. Tumor necrotic area was determined on H&E stained slides by image analysis. Results: Tumor bed irradiation delayed tumor take and slowed the growth of established tumors, indicating a pronounced tumor bed effect. Treatment withC225 greatly reduced tumor take, which was more pronounced in the irradiated tumor bed. C225 only modestly delayed the growth of established tumors in the unirradiated tumor bed, but it dramatically reduced tumor growth in the irradiated tumor bed (TDT: control 7d, C225 10d, tumor bed irradiation 48d, C225 after tumor bed irradiation 98d). IM analysis showed a more pronounced antiproliferative effect of C225 against A431 tumor cells in the irradiated tumor bed than in the unirradiated tumor bed (Ki-67 LI: 12% vs 39%). Also, C225 increased the percentage of necrosis much more in tumors grown in the irradiated than in unirradiated tumor bed: 68% vs 5%. Conclusion: C225 strongly enhanced tumor bed effect, which at the cellular level was accompanied by decreased tumor cell proliferation and increased tumor cell necrosis. These findings imply that irradiated tumor bed blood vessels exhibit increased sensitivity to antiangiogenic actions of C225, and thereby further support the concept of C225 maintenance after completion of radiotherapy we previously advanced.
Minority stress, psychosocial health, and survival among gay and bisexual men before, during, and after incarceration.

Abstract Gay and bisexual men (GBM) are incarcerated at nearly twice the rate as the general United States male population. Minority stress, namely the unique social stressors related to anti-GBM stigma and discrimination, is central to GBM's experiences in ways that might put them at risk of incarceration and psychosocial risks during and after incarceration. In this qualitative study, we examined how GBM navigate minority stress and how this navigation influences their psychosocial health before, during, and after incarceration. We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 20 formerly incarcerated GBM in New York City, diverse in terms of race and time since last release. Our findings document the many ways in which GBM manage their identities in the context of minority stress and how such management exposes them to, or helps them avoid, minority stress and associated psychosocial health risks surrounding their incarcerations. Here, we report dominant themes before, during, and after incarceration for GBM, including minority stress: 1) as catalyzing incarceration-related experiences, 2) as motiving identity management techniques to survive the hegemonic masculinity and normative anti-GBM stigma of incarceration, and 3) as a determinant to reentry support and sexual expression after incarceration. These findings suggest potential changes to public health policy and practice to better serve the needs of currently and formerly incarcerated GBM and to prevent such incarceration in the first place.
Black Women and Babies Matter

Black women and their babies matter. In this commentary, we explore the current challenges that Black women face when pregnant and what is needed to ensure an anti-racist approach to prenatal and p...
An Ethics-of-Care Paradigm in Opposition Research: The Tensions of Studying a Pro-Life Organization

This paper explores how I navigated the complicated terrain of opposition research during the dissertation phase of my doctoral program. Drawing from ethnographic research conducted on a pro-life organization, I illustrate that care-based ethics (Held, 2006; Tronto, 1994) is not just for vulnerable and agreeable participants but is valuable and appropriate for researching powerful groups whom we oppose. Furthermore, I argue that rhetorical listening (Glenn & Ratcliffe, 2011; Ratcliffe, 1999, Ratcliffe, 2005) is not just a valuable methodological approach to research, but also a form of reciprocity, especially critical when studying groups we oppose. Such an approach promotes the mutually beneficial goals of respect and understanding.
Obesity Management Education Needs Among General Internists: A Survey.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine self-reported knowledge, attitudes, prior experience, and perceived needs for the management of overweight and obese patients within a General In...
Clinical characteristics and risk factors for severe outcomes of novel coronavirus infection, January-March 2020, Japan

BackgroundNotifications of novel coronavirus infections increased in early 2020 in Japan. We described characteristics of novel coronavirus infection cases and analyzed risk factors for severe outcomes.MethodsCases were persons with laboratory-confirmed novel coronavirus infection reported under national surveillance between January and March 2020. Clinical characteristics were described, and factors associated with severe outcomes (intensive care unit [ICU] admission, invasive ventilation/death) were analyzed using Poisson regression.ResultsAmong the 516 cases analyzed, median age was 60 years (range: 1-97 years) and 285 (55%) were male. Common symptoms/signs were fever (375/475, 79%), cough (353/465, 76%), and pneumonia (245/387, 63%). Ten (2%) cases died. Of the 348 cases with data, 50 (14%) required invasive ventilation. Adjusted for each other, male gender and 1-year increase in age were associated with ICU admission (risk ratio (RR) 4.18; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.69-10.32 and RR 1.05; 95%CI, 1.03-1.08, respectively) and invasive ventilation/death (RR 2.79; 95%CI, 1.49-5.21 and RR 1.06; 95%CI, 1.04-1.08). Diabetes, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, and lung diseases were also associated with severe outcomes. Of the 80 cases asymptomatic at hospitalization, 40 developed symptoms and five of them >70 years of age required invasive ventilation.ConclusionsThe early stage of the novel coronavirus epidemic in Japan disproportionately affected the elderly. Older age, male gender, and underlying conditions were associated with severe outcomes. Notably, some elderly case-patients who were asymptomatic at diagnosis and promptly hospitalized still went on to develop severe disease, indicating the importance of careful monitoring of certain populations.
Supporting the Inclusion of Socially Vulnerable Early Adolescents: Theory and Illustrations of the BASE Model

We focus on the inclusion of socially vulnerable early adolescents including students with special education needs (SEN). Building from multiple intervention and randomized control trials of a professional development model aimed at supporting teachers’ management of the classroom social context, we provide an overview of the Behavioral, Academic, and Social Engagement (BASE) Model as a framework to foster social inclusion. We briefly review the conceptual foundations of this model and we present the delivery (i.e., directed consultation, the scouting report process) and content (i.e., Academic Engagement Enhancement, Competence Enhancement Behavior Management, Social Dynamics Management) components of BASE. We then briefly discuss the intervention support needs of subtypes of socially vulnerable youth and how these needs can be differentially addressed within the BASE framework.
Inhalable SARS-CoV-2 Mimetic Particles Induce Pleiotropic Antigen Presentation

Covid-19 has caused over 4.5 million deaths worldwide and continues to ravage communities with limited access to injectable vaccines, or high rates of vaccine hesitancy. Inhalable vaccines have the potential to address these distribution and compliance issues as they are less likely to require cold storage, avoid the use of needles, and can elicit potent localized immune responses with only a single dose. Alveolar macrophages represent attractive targets for inhalable vaccines as they are abundant within lung mucosa (90-95% of all immune cells), are important mediators of mucosal immunity, and evidence suggests may be key cellular players in early Covid-19 pathogenesis. Here, we report inhalable coronavirus mimetic particles (CoMiP) designed to rapidly bind to, and be internalized by, alveolar macrophages to deliver nucleic acid encoded viral antigens. Inspired by the SARS-CoV-2 virion structure, CoMiPs package nucleic acid cargo within an endosomolytic peptide envelope that is wrapped in a macrophage-targeting glycosaminoglycan coating. Through this design, CoMiP carriers mimic several important features of the SARS-CoV-2 virion, particularly surface topography and macromolecular chemistry. As a result, CoMiPs effect pleiotropic transfection of macrophage and lung epithelial cells in vitro with multiple antigen-encoding plasmids. In vivo immunization yields increased mucosal IgA levels within the respiratory tract of CoMIP vaccinated mice. Funding: Funding for this work was provided by the COVID Research Seed Fund from the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and Materials Research Institute at the Pennsylvania State University. Declaration of Interests: None to declare. Ethics Approval Statement: Animal care committee is PSU IACUC, under protocol number 001552.
Pyoderma gangrenosum: a retrospective review of patient characteristics, comorbidities and therapy in 103 patients.

Summary Background Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon and challenging disease, highly associated with comorbidities, but poorly characterized from a diagnostic and therapeutic perspective. Objectives To describe the epidemiology of PG in a hospital-based retrospective review, focusing on demographics, comorbidities and treatments. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review. Patient data were taken from the Research Patient Data Repository of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2007. We identified and confirmed 103 cases of PG, and collected data on anatomical location, number and size of the PG lesions, patient demographics, comorbidities, mortality rate and treatments. Results Of the 103 patients, 78 (76%) were female, and only 7% had a biopsy suggestive of PG. The lower leg was the most common location with 78% of PG ulcers occurring there, and 67 (65% of patients) had two or more ulcers at some point. Thirty-five individuals (34%) had inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), 21 (20%) had haematological disorders, 14 (14%) had major depression, 20 (19%) had seronegative arthritis, 11 (11%) had psoriasis, and nine (9%) had hepatitis. Therapy was generally multimodal. The mortality rate during the 8-year study period was 16%. Conclusions We present one of the largest PG case series to date. In our study, we found that biopsy of a PG lesion rarely yielded characteristic features of the disease and tissue pathology should not be used to exclude a PG diagnosis. We also found a female predominance and associations with IBD and haematological disorders. Patients with PG in this series had high rates of depression and hepatitis. Further work is needed to establish the mechanism(s) underlying these findings.
LIDS: Learning Intrusion Detection System

The detection of attacks against computer networks is becoming a harder problem to solve in the field of network security. The dexterity of the attackers, the developing technologies and the enormous growth of internet traffic have made it difficult for any existing intrusion detection system to offer a reliable service. However, a close examination of the problem shows that there usually exists a behavioral pattern in the attacks that can be learned and can be used to detect intrusions more effectively. Thus, there is a requirement for a system with learning and adapting capabilities for optimal performance. This paper discusses the design of a Learning Intrusion Detection System (LIDS) that includes a blackboard-based architecture with autonomous agents. It has the capability for online learning, which may result in better performance than present systems. This feature enables the system to adapt to changes in the network environment as it assimilates more network data.
Mechanical Components Branch Test Facilities and Capabilities

The Mechanical Components Branch at NASA Glenn Research Center formulates, conducts, and manages research focused on propulsion systems for both present and advanced aeronautical and space vehicles. The branch is comprised of research teams that perform basic research in three areas: mechanical drives, aerospace seals, and space mechanisms. Each team has unique facilities for testing aerospace hardware and concepts. This report presents an overview of the Mechanical Components Branch test facilities.
Teaching Restoration Ecology as if the Community Mattered

A client-based experiential learning activity was integrated into an upper-division restoration ecology course, imparting a practical understanding of ecological restoration to students while providing meaningful service in response to client-expressed needs. Typical clients represented community conservation interests. A multidisciplinary team approach was developed that linked the classroom to the larger community in several ways. (1) The service performed by the students flowed from the course objectives and directly addressed a real need of the client. (2) The client articulated the need and project objectives. (3) Client interviews, juried oral presentations, and a written report provided structure for students to assimilate project experience and course objectives, and served as one basis for performance evaluation. (4) Assignments and course organization gave students opportunities to practice the group skills that are crucial in many organizations. The learning process addressed real problems; required teamwork, responsibility, and effective communication; and incorporated input from professionals. Based on assessment instruments; comments from clients, students, and jurors; and instructor observation and reflection, it is concluded that experiential learning offers practical solutions to the client while enhancing student learning, encouraging mutually beneficial community ties, and helping prepare students for careers in disciplines that involve public interaction. 1 Endress: Teaching restoration ecology Published by DigitalCommons@USU, 2002
Contrasts and Effect Sizes in Behavioral Research: A Correlational Approach

1. Basic concepts of focused procedures 2. Basic procedures for two groups 3. One-way contrast analysis 4. Contrasts in factorial designs 5. Contrasts in repeated measures 6. Multiple contrasts.
Low-energy R-parity violating SUSY with horizontal flavor symmetries

In this talk, I will present the general structure of RPV couplings when a Froggatt-Nielsen horizontal symmetry is responsible for the flavor structure of both the SM and the MSSM. For sub-TeV ({\it natural}) SUSY, lepton number must be an accidental symmetry, while low-energy SUSY is still allowed by baryonic RPV, which lowers the MET signature of superparticles decays. The largest RPV coupling involves the stop, and it is constrained between $10^{-3}$ (from FCNCs) and $10^{-9}$ (from LHC searches).
Hearing assistive technology considerations for older individuals with dual sensory loss.

This article focuses on the current state of the science related to audiologic rehabilitation of individuals with dual sensory impairment, with an emphasis on considerations for provision of appropriate hearing assistive technology for this population. A substantial increase in the number of older adults is predicted in the coming years, many of whom will have significant age-related impairments in hearing and vision. Thus, hearing care professionals will be called on increasingly to attend to the special needs of people with dual sensory impairment to ensure maximal quality of life and independence for these individuals. Access to sound is critical for individuals who live with compromises in both vision and hearing. Hearing assistive technology may improve not only their speech perception but also their connection and orientation to the environment, as well as enable greater mobility. Thus, the audiologist's provision of appropriate and carefully selected hearing assistive technology may contribute dramatically to the quality of life of the individual with dual sensory loss. Prefitting, fitting, and postfitting considerations in providing hearing aids and other assistive technology to individuals with dual sensory impairment are reviewed.
The Seduction of Seduction

Focusing on Egypt’s occupation by the French (1798–1801) and the British (1882–1954), this book tries to answer the classic question of why the colonizers’ culture appeals to the colonized. In theoretically fluent, and often brilliant, close readings of original texts and translations by Napoleon Bonaparte, Hassan al-‘attar, Rifa‘a al-Tahtawi, ali Mubarak, Muhammad al-Siba‘i, Muhammad Husayn Haykal, Taha Hussayn, ‘abbas Mahmud al-‘aqqad, and Naguib Mahfouz, Shaden Tageldin examines crucial moments in the history of translation from French and English into arabic from 1798 to 1947. She argues that major Egyptian intellectuals and translators were “seduced” by European orientalists’ mastery of, and apparent reverence for, the arabic language and its literature.
Total beverage consumption and beverage choices among children and adolescents

Patterns of beverage consumption among children and adolescents are related to age, race, and gender. The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and beverage consumption is unclear. In this paper, the total amount and the types of beverages consumed were analyzed according to age, race, and gender. Multivariate regression models were estimated for consumption of milk, juices, fruit drinks/ades, and carbonated soft drinks. Descriptive and multivariate regression analysis of children aged 6-19 from the US Department of Agriculture's Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals 1994-96, 98 was performed. It was found that age, race, and gender play a significant role in the total amount, types, and relative proportions of beverages consumed by children and adolescents. Individuals in the first decile drink approximately 212.9 g beverages per day, whereas individuals in the tenth decile drink 2036.2 g. Boys drink more of most beverages than girls do. Older teens tend to drink more carbonated beverages,...
In Contrast to Activated Intact Endothelial Cell Monolayers, Subendothelial Matrix from Activated Monolayers Expresses Significant Functional Tissue Factor. † 656

Previously we have shown that subendothelial matrix from activated endothelial cells (ECs) expresses functional tissue factor (TF) under both static and shear conditions. The origin of this tissue factor, however, remains obscure in that very little TF activity is detectable on the surface of activated, intact endothelium. We therefore incubated monolayers of human umbilical vein ECs, grown to confluence on tissue culture plastic to which had been adsorbed either gelatin (10 mg/ml) or fibronectin (10 μg/ml), with IL-1 alpha (50 U/ml × 4 hrs). The monolayers were then washed and incubated with 0.1 N NH4OH × 5 min. After further washing, the resulting subendothelium was incubated for 60 min with buffer containing 100 nM factor X, 10 nM factor VII, and chromogenic substrate for the amidolytic assay of factor Xa. We found that expression of functional TF by subendothelium was significant (P<0.001) compared to that of intact endothelium, for both gelatin and fibronectin. The values for fibronectin, further, were greater(P<0.001) than those for gelatin. Since fibronectin better favors EC attachment, these findings indicate that matrix expression of TF is likely due to fragments of EC membrane remaining adherent to the plastic. In contrast to intact EC membranes, such fragments must also be unable to support an association with TF pathway inhibitor. These results may be applicable to thrombotic states secondary to vessel wall inflammation.Table
CT pulmonary angiography in pregnant and postpartum women: low yield, high dose.

Abstract Purpose To compare the diagnostic utility of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in pregnant/postpartum women with age-matched controls. Materials We performed a retrospective case–control series of pregnant/postpartum women and control women who underwent CTPA from 2008 to 2011. Results The study included 34 pregnant women, 16 postpartum women, and 50 controls. CTPAs were positive in 2% of pregnant/postpartum women and 16% of controls ( P =.003). The main pulmonary artery mean opacification was 271 Hounsfield units (HU) for pregnant/postpartum women vs. 303 HU ( P =.12). Radiation exposure was high in both groups but lower in pregnant/postpartum women, 10 vs. 14mSv ( P =.003). Conclusion CTPA in pregnant and postpartum women had low yield and remained high dose.
Analysis of Tubular Lap Joint in Torsion

The stress distribution of the tubular lap joint whose adherends are com posite materials is analysed with a closed form solution. In the analysis the stress components, τrz and σr, which are identically zero if both adherends are isotropic materials, are introduced to satisfy the equilibrium equations and the compatibility conditions in the region of lap joint. The stress concen trations at and near the end of the joint as functions of the various parameters, such as wrap angles, overlap length, and thickness of the adhesive layer are studied.
Robert H. Jackson: “Solicitor General for Life”

Almost ten years ago I set about to write an article about the Solicitor Generalship of Robert H. Jackson, spurred on in part by the fact that some of those who had known and worked with him were elderly or in ill health. I conducted a number of interviews on tape and wrote a rough first draft, and then the exigencies of the practice drew me from the task. I recently had occasion to complete what was begun so long ago.
Multi-modal imaging of histological tissue sections

Two common imaging modalities for histological sections are brightfield and fluorescence microscopy imaging. Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) based brightfield microscopy has been the traditional imaging technique for imaging morphology, while an epi-fluorescent microscope is used for immunofluorescent staining of specific proteins or fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) for genetic based analysis of DNA. Simultaneous imaging of both microscopy modalities has been difficult due to optical and chemical effects of the H&E dyes. We present a novel sequential imaging and registration technique that enables brightfield and fluorescent imaging on the same tissue section, hence combining the traditional anatomic pathology with the newly emerging field of molecular pathology. First the tissue is labeled with fluorescent biomarkers, and imaged through a fluorescence microscope, and then the tissue is re-labeled with H&E dyes, and imaged again with traditional brightfield. Our robust registration algorithms achieve 99.8% registration success rate on tissue micro array (TMA) sections.
Tight junction formation is closely linked to the polar redistribution of intramembranous particles in aggregating MDCK epithelia

Abstract We have used freeze-fracture electron microscopy to investigate the relationship between the formation of the tight junction in the establishment of a differential distribution of intramembranous particles (IMPs) between the luminal and basolateral membranes of a canine kidney cell line (MDCK). This involves a characterization of the IMP distribution in these membranes in confluent monolayers of MDCK cells, in EGTA-dissociated cells, and in cells at various stages of reassociation. While normal confluent MDCK monolayer cultures exhibit tight junctions and an IMP differential distribution between the luminal and basolateral membranes, cultures dissociated with EGTA lose both formed tight junctional elements and the differential IMP distribution. We have also found that as tight junctions reform between reaggregating MDCK cells, intramembranous particles appear to rapidly redistribute with respect to them. An asymmetric distribution of these particles in the luminal and basolateral membranes is eventually achieved. Tight junction formation appears so closely linked to the genesis of IMP polarity that at early time points when only a string of tight junctional components spans the junctional zone, differential IMP distributions are seen. Thus, our dissociation studies suggest a close relationship between the integrity of the tight junction and the maintenance of IMP polarity between the luminal and basolateral membranes, while cell reassociation studies suggest that the tight junction may be functionally linked to the genesis of IMP polarity.
On Time Reversal Symmetry and Bacterial Chemotaxis

Motility of polar flagellated bacteria is typically forward and backward in rapid succession. We recently found that one of the marine species, Vibrio alginolyticus, incorporates a flick movement at the end of the backward swimming interval, breaking the time reversal symmetry of the swimming trajectory. A flick in this bacterium is functionally equivalent to a tumble of peritrichously flagellated bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, causing the cell body to deflect in a new direction before the next run starts. Since V. alginolyticus is capable of swimming in both forward and backward directions, it raises an interesting question about how the chemotaxis behavior of this bacterium is regulated. Herein, we provide experimental evidence showing that the marine bacterium differentiates chemical signals detected in the two swimming intervals and responds in the manner that is consistent with the chemotaxis strategy where the forward swimming interval is exploratory and the backward interval is exploitative.
Endogenous opioid regulation of pulsatile luteinizing hormone secretion during sexual maturation in the female sheep.

Abstract The developing female sheep, which attains puberty after 25 weeks of age, was used as an experimental model to investigate the role of endogenous opioid peptides in the control of pulsatile LH secretion during sexual maturation. Treatment of ovary-intact prepubertal sheep at 12 weeks of age with the opiate antagonist naloxone resulted in a dose-dependent increase in LH secretion. Subsequent studies used ovariectomized (OVX) lambs implanted with capsules containing 17β-estradiol to provide a constant, ovarian steroid feedback signal throughout development. Naloxone treatment (hourly iv injections of 1 mg/kg BW for 4 h) produced an increase in the frequency of episodic LH secretion at all prepubertal ages, when lambs were highly sensitive to the estradiol negative feedback. However, increases in LH pulse frequency were also induced by naloxone treatment at a postpubertal age in estradiol-treated OVX sheep, indicating that opioid inhibition is still present at a time when sensitivity to the feedback...
Effects of interfacial roughness on site-probed multilayers of Fe(100)/Ag(100)

Abstract Mossbauer spectroscopy was performed on three [Fe 9 (100)/Ag 40 (100)] 25 multilayers grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). All of the Fe bilayer components in each sample were selectively loaded with 2 monolayers (ML) of 57 Fe: at the Fe-on-Ag interfaces of one sample, at the Ag-on-Fe interfaces of another, and at the Fe bilayer centers of the third. The hyperfine fields, quadrupole splittings, and isomer shifts of these multilayers were measured at 16, 100 and 300 K. We observed widely different values and trends as the temperature increased, leading us to repeat an earlier claim that three rather than two distinct sites are needed to correctly describe the Fe bilayer components in Fe(100)/Ag(100) multilayered systems.
The API walkthrough method: a lightweight method for getting early feedback about an API

We propose a method for evaluating the usability of an Application Programming Interface (API) in the context of MATLAB, a high-level programming language. The primary goal is to evaluate whether the participant can develop an accurate mental model of the API based on the code alone. Like traditional usability testing, this method takes place in a lab setting with a facilitator and observers, and a single participant is exposed to a prototype. Unlike traditional usability testing, the prototype is a static text document containing a series of programmatic statements. Rather than performing a task, the participant "walks through" the code line by line in an attempt to gain understanding of the system. Using standard usability testing protocols, the facilitators are able to assess whether the participant understands the API, as well as gather preference data between two designs.
Oxfendazole: regimen-dependent expression of drug efficacy against Trichinella spiralis.

Abstract An investigation of the chemotherapeutic effectiveness of a new broad-spectrum anthelmintic, oxfendazole (OXF, methyl 5[6]-phenylsulfinyl-2-benzimidazolecarbamate), against Trichinella spiralis is reported. OXF was highly effective against adult T. spiralis in mice subjected to a 4-day course of treatment during the enterai phase of experimental trichinellosis. When treatment began 72 h after the mice were inoculated with parasites, the number of adult worms recovered from the host intestine was greatly reduced by twice-daily oral doses of OXF at 12.5 mg/kg body wt. The same dosage regimen (12.5 mg/kg bis in die) was also highly effective against the muscle-dwelling larvae of T. spiralis when given on 4 successive days during the invasive (days 14–17) and encystment phases (days 28–31) of infection.
If I Knew Then What I Know Now: Using the Leadership Competencies Developed by the American Association of Community Colleges to Prepare Community College Presidents

Although much has been written about preparing community college leaders, little is known about how presidents believe they might have better prepared for the role. Using presidential narratives fr...