cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of a synchrotron X‐ray microtomography imaging experiment on the amino acid content of a CM chondrite

X-ray microcomputed tomography and synchrotron X-ray microcomputed tomography (μCT) are becoming popular tools for the reconnaissance imaging of chondrites. However, there are occasional concerns that the use of μCT may be detrimental to organic components of a chondrite. Soluble organic compounds represent ~2–10% of the total solvent extractable carbon in CI and CM carbonaceous chondrites and amino acids are among the most abundant compounds in the soluble organic fraction. We irradiated two samples of the Murchison CM2 carbonaceous chondrite under conditions slightly harsher (increased beam exposure time) than those typically used for x-ray μCT imaging experiments to determine if detectable changes in the amino acid abundance and distribution relative to a nonexposed control sample occurred. After subjecting two meteorite portions to ionizing radiation dosages of 1.1 kiloGray (kGy) and 1.2 kGy with 48.6 and 46.6 keV monochromatic X-rays, respectively, we analyzed the amino acid content of each sample. Within analytical errors, we found no differences in the amino acid abundances or enantiomeric ratios when comparing the control samples (nonexposed Murchison) and the irradiated samples. We show with calculations that any sample heating due to x-ray exposure is negligible. We conclude that a monochromatic synchrotron X-ray μCT experiment at beamline 13-BM-D of the Advanced Photon Source, which imparts ~1 kGy doses, has no detectable effect on the amino acid content of a carbonaceous chondrite. These results are important for the initial reconnaissance of returned samples from the OSIRIS-REx and Hayabusa 2 asteroid sample return missions.
The initial oxidation of iron at 200° and 300° C and the effect of surface sulfur

The growth of thin (0–200 A) oxide films on iron at 200 and 300 °C has been studied as a function of time and oxygen partial pressure using proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Oxidation was found to be initially retarded by sulfur which had segregated onto the iron surfaces during preoxidation annealing, but only if the iron surface contained the maximum or near-maximum sulfur coverage (ca. one-half monolayer). During and immediately following the oxygen-sulfur interaction, oxide buildup appeared to be limited by a surface reaction (adsorption, ionization, or dissociation). For most of the oxidation period, pressure-dependent logarithmic oxide growth was observed at 200°C, and pressure-independent parabolic oxide growth at 300°C. Interpretation of the data indicated that oxide growth at 200°C may be limited by quantum mechanical tunneling of electronic species through the previously formed oxide film, and oxide growth at 300°C may be limited by ionic diffusion through the previously formed oxide film. Comparison of AES and PIXE data indicated that the oxide films formed at 200°C were uniform in thickness over the surface of the metal, whereas films formed at 300°C had relatively thin areas where sulfur had remained.
Debates in allergy medicine: baked milk and egg ingestion accelerates resolution of milk and egg allergy

Cow’s milk and hen’s egg are ubiquitous in diets around the world and can be important sources of protein in young children. Unfortunately, milk and egg allergies are also some of the most common food allergies in childhood. Less allergenic forms of milk and egg due to heating and interactions with a food matrix, as in baked goods, are tolerated by a majority of milk- and egg-allergic patients. Adding baked milk and egg into the diets of milk- and egg-allergic children can broaden diets, increase nutrition, and improve quality of life. Most important, regular ingestion of baked milk and egg can help children outgrow their allergies to milk and egg. This article will review our current understanding of baked milk and egg tolerance and outline how these baked forms accelerates tolerance to regular milk and egg.
Differences in prey capture in semiaquatic bugs (Heteroptera: Gerromorpha)

Feeding behavior has been investigated several times in different semiaquatic bugs (Heteroptera: Gerromorpha), but has never been directly compared between species from lentic and lotic habitats and different families. Time required to capture prey was investigated in five gerromorphan species: Aquarius paludum, Gerris lacustris, G. odontogaster (Gerridae), Velia caprai and V. gridellii (Veliidae). This experiment used live and dead prey and intact and artificially blinded bugs. The presence of vibrational stimuli (live prey) significantly decreased latency to capture prey in all species except G. odontogaster. This species was the only one where visual stimuli affected the response significantly (only with dead prey). Latency to capture in Velia spp. was significantly shorter than that in the three gerrid species. Capture efficiency differed significantly between Gerris and Velia spp.; both Velia species carried out unsuccessful attack attempts less frequently than did the Gerris species. Prey capture was quicker in treatments with live prey and/or intact bugs. No difference in capture efficiency was found between sexes. Aquarius and Gerris species from predominantly lentic habitats needed more time to capture prey than did Velia species, which live mostly in streams. This difference in feeding behavior can probably allow coexistence of gerrids and veliids at sites where their occurrence overlaps.
Online process monitoring with near-zero misdetection for ultrasonic welding of lithium-ion batteries: An integration of univariate and multivariate methods

Ultrasonic metal welding is used for joining lithium-ion batteries of electric vehicles. The monitoring of battery joining processes requires near-zero misdetection in order to prevent any battery joints with a low quality connection going into the downstream assembly. The conventional control chart techniques widely used in many process monitoring systems were designed based on a pre-specified false alarm rate. To ensure weld quality and reduce manual inspection at the same time, a near-zero misdetection rate is desired foremost while achieving a low false alarm rate. A monitoring algorithm targeting near-zero misdetection is developed in this article by integrating univariate control charts and the Mahalanobis distance approach. The proposed algorithm is capable of monitoring non-normal multivariate observations with flexible control limits to achieve a near-zero misdetection rate while keeping a low false alarm rate. By implementing this algorithm on the ultrasonic welding process of battery manufacturing, the developed algorithm proves to be effective in achieving near-zero misdetection in process monitoring to ensure battery weld quality. The developed algorithm also shows great potential for monitoring other processes that target at near-zero misdetection.
Cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema in a 4-year-old boy.

A 4-year-old boy presented with left-sided face and neck swelling that started soon after blowing up balloons. He also had symptoms of mild pain on his left cheek. He was afebrile with no difficulty breathing and no periorbital or lip swelling. On examination, crepitus was elicited over the oedematous area on his left-sided cheek and neck, without localised heat, or erythema. Differential diagnoses of facial swelling include allergic or drug reaction, cellulitis or trauma, none of which fit with his presentation. He was diagnosed with cervicofacial …
Alternate Bids for Bridge Deck Repair

The 45 yr old Smith Street Bridge (also known as the Bausch Memorial Bridge) over the Genesee River in Rochester, N.Y., is scheduled for rehabilitation. The extended period of exposure to the elements and to deicing chemicals has caused serious deterioration to parts of the concrete deck and steel superstructure. The granite block wearing course system limits inspection of the top of the deck slab. Initial estimates resulting from observations of the underside of the slab indicate removal of about 40%. Rules of thumb regarding breakpoint for total versus partial removal are unacceptable due to the magnitude of the projected cost differential. Decision is reached to prepare three alternate methods of deck rehabilitation including total replacement and two repair procedures. Engineers estimate prepared recognizing the influence of alternate procedures on costs of all rehabilitation work in the contract. Alternate bids received give owner complete range of costs upon which to base economically sound decision.
Cybersecurity as Metaphor: Policy and Defense Implications of Computer Security Metaphors

Discussions of cybersecurity often involve metaphors — some explicit, others implicit — each with its own strengths and weaknesses, its own correct and misleading elements, and, most importantly, its own implications for how to secure computers, computer networks, and the information on them. In legal circles, the influential role of computer and Internet metaphors in dictating actions and laws is more clearly understood than it is in many other policy and security debates that center on questions of the threats posed by these technologies and the best means of mitigating or protecting against those threats. When these debates happen outside the courtroom, the metaphors used to illustrate cybersecurity risks and mitigation measures often enter the discussion unnoticed and are largely accepted without question. This research examines three classes of metaphors in this space — the burglar metaphor, the war metaphor, and the health metaphor — to understand the ways in which they serve as “generative metaphors” that prescribe certain types of policy solutions. As generative metaphors, each of these metaphors frames computer security challenges as analogous to another social problem and, in doing so, implies that the most appropriate and logical defensive measures would be those that mirror the steps society has taken to protect against either robbers, wars, or diseases. Each of these metaphors has strong implications for the causes, motivations, and most appropriate protections for cybersecurity threats. These implications range from who is responsible for defending computer systems, who is threatening those systems, and the nature of what is at stake if those threats are successful.
Changing the paradigm: the potential for targeted therapy in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remains a highly morbid and fatal disease. Historically, it has been a model example for organ preservation and treatment stratification paradigms. Unfortunately, survival for LSCC has stagnated over the past few decades. As the era of next-generation sequencing and personalized treatment for cancer approaches, LSCC may be an ideal disease for consideration of further treatment stratification and personalization. Here, we will discuss the important history of LSCC as a model system for organ preservation, unique and potentially targetable genetic signatures of LSCC, and methods for bringing stratified, personalized treatment strategies to the 21(st) century.
Two Previously Undescribed Species of Miridae in North America (Hemiptera: Heteroptera)

Deracocoris madisonensis (Deraeocorinae) and Lopidea medleri (Orthotylinae) are described from Wisconsin and the male genital claspers are figured. Relationships to previously described species are discussed.
Behavioral Effect of a Sex Pheromone Extracted from Forewings of Male Plodia interpunctella

The turning response of a courted, sexually receptive female Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) moth is elicited by a sex pheromone that can be extracted from the forewings of males. Females will respond to the odor cue alone in the absence of tactile and visual cues. The response is elicited most readily from strongly calling females during the first 2 h of the scotophase.
On the Possibility of Development of Tolerance to Arsenic by Individual Insects

An unsuccessful attempt was made to induce a detectable tolerance to arsenic in individual silkworms (Bombyx mori) by administering by mouth a number of sublethal doses of neutral sodium arsenate solution during the course of larval development.
Molecular mechanism of product storage and release in mucin secretion. II. The role of extracellular Ca

Mucin-containing granules, produced by mammalian goblet cells in vitro, undergo massive post-exocytotic swelling (23). Their swelling kinetics are similar to the swelling of condensed artificial polymer gels (22). Earlier, we proposed that mucins are condensed in the secretory granule and expand by swelling during or after exocytosis (21). The swelling of mucus is affected by ionic influences, as it is governed by a Donnan equilibrium process (21). However, the effect of cations on the swelling of newly released mucins had not yet been investigated. Calcium has been found in high concentration inside secretory granules of mucin-secreting cells (18, 9, 25), and is also elevated in the mucus of cystic fibrosis patients (17). The present experiments were designed to study the effect of extracellular Ca++ concentration on the swelling kinetics of the newly released secretory product of respiratory goblet cells in vitro. The data show that extracellular Ca++, in concentrations similar to those found in the mucus of cystic fibrosis patients (2 to 4 mM) can produce a four-fold decrease in the diffusivity of the newly released mucin polymer network, resulting in a slow rate of swelling, and a mucus that remains thick for long periods of time. The present findings are in agreement with the Donnan equilibrium hypothesis for the regulation of mucus swelling and rheology (21), and bear important implications for the pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis.
Approach and Avoid: Douglas A. Mackey's The Rainbow Quest of Thomas Pynchon

The Rainbow Quest of Thomas Pynchon. By Douglas A. Mackey. San Bernardino: Borgo Press, 1980. 65 pp. $8.95
A Model of Entrepreneurial Socialization and Organization Formation

This model applies theories of organizational socialization to characterize the aspiring entrepreneur's journey from neophyte to firm founder and to Identify factors that may Influence the transition from a pre-organization to the formation of a new organization. The model distinguishes two identifiable stages which shape organization formation—Anticipatory Socialization and New Entrepreneur Socialization. Anticipatory Socialization characterizes the predisposing characteristics and experiences that precede the cognitive choice to become an entrepreneur. New Entrepreneur Socialization specifies the critical variables that Influence the new recruit once the decision Is made to start a firm. Three factors determine the transition into the entrepreneurial role: Motivational Bases for Adaptation, Socializing Agents and the Structural Context of the Entrepreneurial Setting. The eventual outcome of entrepreneurial socialization, Organization Formation, Is the survival or discontinuance of the venture. A model o...
Effects of small peptides or amino acids infused to a perfused area of the skin of Angora goats on mohair growth.

The effect of infusing dipeptides or their amino acids on mohair growth of Angora goats was investigated using a skin perfusion technique. Seven Angora wethers (average BW 24 +/- 2.5 kg) were implanted bilaterally with silicon catheters into the superficial branches of the deep circumflex iliac artery and vein and carotid artery. The experiment consisted of three 28-d phases. In the first 14 d of Phases 1 and 3, saline was infused into deep circumflex iliac arteries supplying skin and in Phase 2 a mixture of dipeptides (methionine-leucine [Met-Leu], lysine-leucine [Lys-Leu]) was infused into the artery on one side, and free amino acids were administered on the other side. Infusion rates of peptides were 0.85 mg/h Met-Leu and 0.85 mg/h Lys-Leu in 2.4 mL saline. Infusion rates of amino acids were 0.474 mg/h Lys, 0.483 mg/h Met, and 0.743 mg/h Leu in 2.4 mL saline. A 100-cm2 area within the perfused region was used to determine mohair growth. Two weeks after the cessation of infusions, perfused areas were shorn. Clean mohair production from the dipeptide- and amino acids-perfused regions were similar (4.21 vs 4.35 g/[100 cm2 +/- 28 d], respectively; P > 0.05). However, clean mohair production during dipeptides and amino acids infusions was greater (P 0.05). In conclusion, the studied small dipeptides and amino acids similarly increased mohair fiber growth, presumably through supplying limiting amino acids directly to the fiber follicle.
Markov chains, game theory, and infinite programming: three paradigms for optimization of complex systems

A Complex System can be defined as a natural, artificial, social, or economic entity whose model involves an inordinate, or even infinite number of variables. This thesis is an attempt to employ techniques from Markov Chains, Game Theory, and Functional Analysis to develop theory and algorithms for optimizing mathematical abstractions of Euclidean, discrete, and infinite dimensional complex systems. The first chapter focuses on Markov Chain techniques. (i) We develop a novel rigorous connection between the famous Small World phenomenon and effective Markov candidate generators for continuous optimization; (ii) We propose Adaptive Search with Amorphous Probabilities (ASAP), a unified algorithmic framework that allows for very general acceptance probabilities, adaptive tuning of parameters and guarantees convergence in probability to the optimum function value for continuous as well as stochastic optimization problems; (iii) We develop the notion of Fastest Mixing Boltzmann Chains to analytically formulate the "to cool or not to cool" problem for the first time. The second chapter relies on Game Theory to solve deterministic and stochastic discrete black-box optimization problems. We propose a bounded rational version of Sampled Fictitious Play (SFP). Unlike earlier work, the players in this version (i) Use samples of size one for their best response computations, (ii) Are forced to make "mistakes", (iii) Have finite memory, and (iv) Are guaranteed to find optimal solutions. In the third chapter, we study two infinite dimensional complex systems: (i) Countably infinite linear programs, and (ii) Infinite horizon production planning under convex costs. We develop duality theory for countably infinite linear programs, and a characterization of their extreme points through positive variables. We develop the Shadow Simplex method that requires finite computation in each iteration and achieves value convergence. Unlike previous research in the convex production planning domain, we allow backlogging. Properties of convex network flow problems are then used to compute closed form formulas for a minimum forecast horizon.
Cetacean Brain Evolution

Cetacean brains have changed substantially throughout their 50–55 My evolution as aquatic mammals. These changes were manifest in significant increases in encephalization, changes in the proportions of various systems in the brain, and expansion on a unique neocortical theme. Within the context of comparisons with primates (and also other mammals), these characteristics of cetacean brains provide an opportunity to address questions about alternative evolutionary paths to intelligence.
The Dasanech of the Lowermost Omo Basin: From Adaptation to Development Debacle

The decline of Dasanech pastoral economy in recent decades, due to increasing marginalization by powerful external political and economic forces, has forced the majority of Dasanech to move to areas along the Omo River and its active delta or around the northeastern shores of Kenya’s Lake Turkana. Radical reduction of river flow volume, lake retreat and elimination of the river’s annual flood brought about by the Gibe III dam, together with dam enabled irrigation agricultural enterprises, would destroy the key components of Dasanech livelihood. Most flood recession agriculture would be eliminated, along with ‘last resort’ livestock grazing lands, forest resources and fish reproductive habitats in the lowermost Omo and Lake Turkana northern shoreline. Even if the highly unlikely and in any case inadequate artificial flood program promised by the Ethiopian government were implemented, Dasanech survival systems would have already been decimated. The looming crisis of region-wide hunger and mortality is intensified by the Ethiopian government’s eviction and expropriation of thousands of Dasanech villagers for large-scale irrigated commercial agriculture. Political repression and a culture of fear prevail. As the crisis unfolds, Dasanech communities, faced with vanishing means of survival, would inevitably contribute to rapid escalation of cross-border, interethnic armed conflict.
Diet, diabetes and Alzheimer?s disease

Narayan R. Bhat is a Professor in the department of Neurosciences at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston. He got his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and postdoctoral training in neurochemistry/neuroscience at Temple University, Philadelphia and Washington University in St. Louis following which, he moved to University of Kentucky, Lexington to take up a Junior faculty position where he was also associated with the Center on Aging. In 1991, he moved to MUSC as an Associate Professor in the department of Neurology and was then promoted to a Full Professor. Current research focus is on glia-mediated neuroinflammation relevant to mechanisms of neurodegeneration and repair, and the link between metabolic disorders and Alzheimer’s disease. He serves(d) on the editorial boards of J. Neurochem (2000-2010), J. Biol Chem (2003-) and J. Alz. Dis (2014-) and on NIH and VA Merit Review Study Sections. Diet, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease
Peer-Reputational Influences and Academic Achievement: Exploring Gender Differences

This study explored the impact of peer-reputations for academic ability and affect/liking on academic outcomes in a sample of preadolescents. In light of the popular stereotypes regarding the differential academic abilities of girls and boys (favoring girls in English, and boys in math and science), it was hypothesized that peer-reputations in English would be more predictive of academic outcomes (measured via school-grades and standardized test-scores) for girls than for boys, while math and science reputations would be most predictive of boys’ academic outcomes. Further, it was also hypothesized that these links would be stronger for school-grades than for standardized test-scores. As expected, overall, peer-reputations were found to be predictive of school-grades but not standardized test-scores. Further, the results reveal that although ability reputations in most areas were predictive of grades for both sexes, gender differences were observed which were consistent with hypotheses. Results suggest that children’s peer-reputations may play an important role in their academic achievement, especially within domains most central to their gender identities.
4-Velocity and 4-Momentum

The classic 4-vectors described in this section are the 4-coordinates of a particle, which upon differentiation turn into 4-velocity; we show that the differentiation is with respect to proper time. The invariant speed for all material bodies is \(u^{2}=c^{2}\). Results of experiments are best studied using Lorentz-invariant quantities. As an example using this idea we discuss the Mandelstam variables. An important recurring issue in this book is the distance traveled (in the atmosphere) by an unstable particle such as muon. We solve this problem now using particle dynamics by considering the 4-dimensional momentum definition and its conservation, working both in the particle rest-frame and, a second time, in the laboratory frame. This shows that no matter in what way one looks at body motion, the outcome is the same.
Point-based rendering enhancement via deep learning

Current state-of-the-art point rendering techniques such as splat rendering generally require very high-resolution point clouds in order to create high-quality photo realistic renderings. These can be very time consuming to acquire and oftentimes also require high-end expensive scanners. This paper proposes a novel deep learning-based approach that can generate high-resolution photo realistic point renderings from low-resolution point clouds. More specifically, we propose to use co-registered high-quality photographs as the ground truth data to train the deep neural network for point-based rendering. The proposed method can generate high-quality point rendering images very efficiently and can be used for interactive navigation of large-scale 3D scenes as well as image-based localization. Extensive quantitative evaluations on both synthetic and real datasets show that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art methods.
Evaluation of the effective bulk composition (EBC) during growth of garnet

Abstract The effective bulk composition (EBC) for the initial growth of garnet that has nucleated only after considerable overstepping of the equilibrium garnet-in reaction has been calculated for eight samples from central Vermont. The method developed assumes that the composition of garnet is determined by the maximum driving force (maximum change in Gibbs free energy) at the assumed conditions of nucleation. The method of intersecting isopleths is used to find the EBC where the isopleth intersection matches the P–T conditions of nucleation. The calculated EBC for all samples (four epidote-free and four epidote-bearing) contains less MnO and FeO (or lower FeO/MgO) than the whole rock bulk composition. The CaO content of the EBC is lower than the whole rock bulk composition in all epidote-free samples and in two of the four epidote-bearing samples. It is proposed that the differences between the EBC and whole rock bulk composition are caused by the sluggish kinetics of dissolution of reactants rather than diffusive transport of nutrients to the garnet.
A Bayesian life-cycle model to estimate escapement at maximum sustained yield in salmon based on limited information

Life-cycle models combine several strengths for estimating population parameters and biological reference points of harvested species and are particularly useful for those exhibiting distinct habit...
Carnap and the Unity of Science: 1921–1928

In §179 of his 1928 Logical Structure of the World or Aufbau, Carnap notes that: “We have repeatedly pointed out that the formation of the constructional system as a whole is the task of unified science, while construction theory is merely engaged in carrying out the appropriate logical investigations. By placing the objects of science in one unified constructional system, the different “sciences” are at the same time recognized as branches of the one science and are themselves brought into a system (§179).”1
Reflection Electron Microscopy and Reflection Electron Diffraction in the Electron Microscope

If the transmission electron microscope is used, not in transmission but in reflection (that is with the electron beam incident at near-grazing incidence onto the surface), images and diffraction patterns of the surface can be obtained. The results are dramatic and informative. In the images, surface steps one atom high can be clearly seen. The diffraction patterns are essentially the same as RHEED patterns except that there is better control of the illuminating conditions and camera length. Diffraction patterns can be obtained from small areas of the specimen, correlated with specific areas in the image. Similar results can be obtained at lower resolution in scanning electron microscopes. This field has been slower to develop than normal transmission microscopy but, with the development of UHV microscopes, is now advancing rapidly.
Reliable group belief

Many now countenance the idea that certain groups can have beliefs, or at least belief-like states. If groups can have beliefs like these, the question of whether such beliefs are justified immediately arises. Recently, Goldman (in: Lackey (ed) Essays in collective epistemology, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2014) has considered what a reliability-based account of justified group belief might look like. In this paper I consider his account and find it wanting, and so propose a modified reliability-based account of justified group belief. Lackey (Philos Rev 125(3):341–396, 2016) has also criticized Goldman’s proposal, but for very different reasons than I do. Some of her objections, however, can be lodged against the modified account that I propose here. I also respond to these objections. Finally, I note how some formal and experimental work is relevant to those who are attracted to the kind of reliability-based account of justified group belief I develop here.
Thyrotoxicosis: an unusual cause of syncope

Syncope is a common emergency department (ED) chief complaint, with many known but also unknown causes. Here we present a novel ED presentation of a young woman with new-onset hyperthyroidism that masqueraded as a syncopal event with head trauma. A 21-year-old woman arrived in the ED with head trauma as the result of seemingly unprovoked syncope, due to her history as well as the nature of her trauma. Persistent tachycardia during her ED course after an unremarkable full trauma evaluation prompted ordering of additional lab testing, which revealed evidence of thyrotoxicosis. Here we consider the possibility of thyroid dysfunction resulting in syncope.
Full Adder Circuit Design Using Lateral Gate-All-Around (LGAA) FETs Based on BSIM-CMG Mode

The Gate-All-Around (GAA) FET device structure is expected to become the next widely used evolution of FET architecture in the near future. In this paper, full-adder datapath circuits using Lateral GAA FETs (LGAA FETs) based on BSIMCMG model are analyzed. Full adder designs include minimum count (10 transistor) adders such as 13A adder, the SERF adder, the CLRCL adder as well as the standard mirror adder and Ultra-Low-Power Full Adder (ULPFA). To better characterize the operation of LGAA FETs, their performance is compared against multi-gate FinFETs, such as double-gate FinFETs, triple-gate FinFETs and quadruple-gate FinFETs.
Bone Marrow Failure

Bone marrow failure (BMF) syndromes can be classified into inherited and acquired. In addition to the classic clinical presentation of inadequate hematopoiesis (anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia), which can initially be isolated cytopenias and then progress to marrow aplasia, inherited bone marrow failure syndromes can present with characteristic non-hematologic clinical findings. Patients can be diagnosed shortly after birth or the diagnosis can be delayed into adulthood. BMF syndromes can be premalignant conditions that can progress into myelodysplastic syndrome and/or acute leukemia. Some patients are at higher risk of solid tumors. Early diagnosis, prompt management of complications (infections, bleeding, organ failures), and early referral for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can be associated with improved outcome. In this chapter we will discuss the most common bone marrow failure syndromes, acquired idiopathic aplastic anemia, Fanconi anemia, Diamond-Blackfan anemia, dyskeratosis congenita, and Shwachman-Bodian-Diamond syndrome.
The food security and nutrition crisis in Venezuela

As Venezuela's economic and political crises continues to evolve, hyperinflation, declining food production and food shortages are contributing to the deterioration of the food and nutrition situation. While official data is largely unavailable, food security and nutrition data from a variety of sources suggest that nearly the entire population is food insecure and that prevalence of acute malnutrition among children is reaching crisis levels in vulnerable populations. In the most recent national survey, 80% of households were food insecure and most households receiving government food assistance reported only occasional receipt. Prevalence of acute malnutrition among children under five increased in vulnerable communities across many states, surpassing serious or critical thresholds in multiple states. Hospitals across the country are reporting increases in both the number and proportion of pediatric consultations and admissions with acute malnutrition, and malnutrition deaths are increasingly common. Declining food security, increases in prevalence of acute malnutrition among children in vulnerable communities, rising pediatric hospital admissions with acute malnutrition and clinician reports of child deaths due to acute malnutrition are indicative of a crisis. The response to the nutrition and food security crisis to date has been limited. There is an urgent need to begin taking steps to address widespread food insecurity and to support treatment for children with acute malnutrition.
Development of an information data base for watershed monitoring

Landsat multispectral scanner data, Defense Mapping Agency digital terrain data, conventional maps, and ground data were integrated to create a comprehensive information data base (the Image Based Information System), to monitor the water quality of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Landsat imagery was used as the planimetric base to which all other data were registered. A georeference image plane, which provided an interface between all data planes for the Lake Tahoe Basin data base, was created from the drainage basin map. The data base was used to extract each drainage basin for separate display. The Defense Mapping Agency-created elevation image was processed with VICAR software to produce a component representing slope magnitude, which was cross-tabulated with the drainage basin georeference table. Future applications of the data base include the development of precipitation modeling, surface runoff models, and classification of drainage basin cover types.
Return to Sport After Cartilage Procedures

Focal chondral defects in the knee are prevalent in athletes and can occur from a variety of etiologies, including trauma, osteochondritis dissecans, and early degenerative changes. As these lesions are often symptomatic and debilitating, a variety of cartilage restoration procedures are available for treatment. While most patient goals include returning to basic activities of daily living, athletes are unique in that they also strive to return to sport at their preinjury level of play or higher. Cartilage restoration procedures as a whole have reported up to 79% return to sport with specific procedures showing up to 93% return to sport. However, not all athletes return at their preinjury level. It is extremely important to manage return to sport expectations, expected timeline for return to sport, and the likelihood of returning to their preinjury level of play. Evidence-based treatments are mandatory to help patients attain their recovery goals without compromising the knee.
Bioveillance: A Techno-security Infrastructure to Preempt the Dangers of Informationalised Biology

In 2011, a number of controversial experiments were conducted on the H5N1 flu virus. While the experiments illuminated growing biosecurity concerns regarding gain-of-function research, the controve...
Oral Chemotherapy for Treatment of Lung Cancer

The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare delivery, particularly for patients with advanced lung cancer. While certain aspects of care can be safely omitted or delayed, systemic therapy plays an important role in survival and quality of life for patients with advanced lung cancer; limiting access to systemic therapy will compromise cancer-related outcomes. This can be at odds with strategies to mitigate risk of COVID-19 exposure, which include reducing hospital and clinic visits. One important strategy is implementation of oral cancer therapies. Many standard regimens require intravenous infusions but there are specific circumstances where an oral agent could be an acceptable alternative. Integrating oral therapeutics can permit patients to receive effective systemic treatment without the exposure risks associated with frequent infusions. Here, we review currently available oral cytotoxic agents with a potential role in the treatment of lung cancer.
PROTEINS AT SEDIMENTATION EQUILIBRIUM IN DENSITY GRADIENTS

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on proteins at sedimentation equilibrium in density gradients. The distribution of a solute through the centrifuge cell at sedimentation equilibrium can be obtained from either a thermodynamic or a kinetic point of view. As the former method requires almost no assumptions, and the nature of the variables such as density is not open to question, this derivation can be considered. The thermodynamic requirement for a system to be at equilibrium at every point in the phase is that the total potential be the same throughout the phase. The observations as to predicted densities of proteins in solution are gross approximations for a number of reasons. Proteins are formed by dehydration reactions between amino acids. Examination of amino acid densities alone neglects the less-dense water molecule that is lost and does not take into account the contribution of the peptide bond to the density.
Intralesional Injection Therapy and Atypical Peyronie's Disease: A Systematic Review

Abstract Introduction Peyronie's disease (PD) is an inflammatory disorder of the tunica albuginea causing fibrotic changes including abnormal penile curvature, pain, and erectile dysfunction. Approximately 10% of PD patients will have atypical features including ventral plaques, hourglass deformities, unilateral indentations, severely shortened penile length, and multiplanar curvatures. Currently, the only intralesional treatment approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration is considered off-label for atypical PD. Furthermore, treatment of atypical PD, especially ventral plaques, is met with hesitation, in part due to potential urethral injury. Objectives To systematically review the available literature for the safety and efficacy of intralesional injections for atypical PD. Methods A thorough literature search of the PubMed database was performed on manuscripts published between 1982 and 2020. Keywords included atypical Peyronie's disease, ventral plaque, hourglass deformity, and injection. Results 15 articles met the criteria for evaluation. Overall, 1,357 patients with PD were treated with intralesional therapy, of which 250 patients were considered to have an atypical presentation. 162 (648%) of the patients were treated with intralesional collagenase Clostridium histolyticum, 49 (19.6%) with verapamil, 29 (11.6%) with interferon alfa-2b, 5 (2.0%) with hyaluronic acid, and another 5 (2.0%) with onabotulinumtoxinA. There was only 1 reported severe adverse event (penile fracture), which was surgically repaired. There were no reports of urethral injury. Conclusion Intralesional injection treatment may be a safe alternative option for atypical PD. There is a great need for future research to closely monitor the role of intralesional therapy in this cohort. Choi EJ, Xu P, El-Khatib FM, et al. Intralesional Injection Therapy and Atypical Peyronie's Disease: A Systematic Review. Sex Med Rev 2021;9:434–444.
Eating meat and not vaccinating: In defense of the analogy

The devastating impact of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic is prompting renewed scrutiny of practices that heighten the risk of infectious disease. One such practice is refusing available vaccines known to be effective at preventing dangerous communicable diseases. For reasons of preventing individual harm, avoiding complicity in collective harm, and fairness, there is a growing consensus among ethicists that individuals have a duty to get vaccinated. I argue that these same grounds establish an analogous duty to avoid buying and eating most meat sold today, based solely on a concern for human welfare. Meat consumption is a leading driver of infectious disease. Wildlife sales at wet markets, bushmeat hunting, and concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are all exceptionally risky activities that facilitate disease spread and impose immense harms on human populations. If there is a moral duty to vaccinate, we also should recognize a moral duty to avoid most meat. The paper concludes by considering the implications of this duty for policy.
Lessons from reoperations for mitral stenosis after mitral valve repair.

Abstract Background The durability of mitral valve repair (MVr) is usually defined by the absence of recurrent significant mitral regurgitation. Postrepair mitral stenosis (MS) is a less frequent and less studied mode of failure of MVr. We analyzed our experience in patients who underwent reoperation for postrepair MS to characterize mechanisms resulting in MS and to summarize reoperative surgical strategies and mid-term outcomes. Methods Using a prospective database, we retrospectively analyzed data on 35 consecutive patients who underwent reoperation for symptomatic moderate to severe MS between January 1, 2011, and February 1, 2020. Results The mean patient age was 61.4 ± 11.4 years, and 69% were female. The median annuloplasty ring size used at the initial repair was 28 mm (interquartile range, 26-30 mm). Additional repair techniques at the initial operation included leaflet resection in 12 patients (34%) and commissuroplasty or edge-to-edge repair in 6 patients (18%). At reoperation, the most common mechanism of MS was pannus ingrowth in 20 patients (57%), leaflet calcification in 12 (34%), commissural fusion in 5 (14%), and tunnel effect (functional MS) in 3 (9%). Twenty-two patients (63%) underwent valve replacement, and 13 (37%) underwent valve re-repair. In patients who underwent re-repair, annuloplasty revision was performed in all patients, with 6 patients (46%) converted from complete ring to band, 4 (11%) converted from ring to pericardial annuloplasty, 2 (6%) converted to no annuloplasty, and 1 (8%) with annuloplasty ring upsizing. There were no in-hospital or 1-year mortalities. Survival at the 5-year follow-up was 93.9%. Conclusions MS causing late failure of MVr is frequently associated with smaller ring sizes and inflammatory or calcific changes in the valve. Highly selected patients may be good candidates for mitral valve re-repair.
Iron and Insomnia in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Investigators from four major Universities studied the impact of iron supplementation on insomnia symptoms in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ferritin levels not indicative of iron deficiency anemia.
Use of advanced PET-volume metrics predicts risk of local recurrence and overall survival in anal cancer.

Author(s): Susko, Matthew S; Lazar, Ann A; Wang, Chia-Ching Jackie; Van Loon, Katherine; Feng, Mary; Hope, Tom A; Behr, Spencer; Anwar, Mekhail | Abstract: ObjectiveAnal cancer is an uncommon malignancy with the primary treatment for localized disease being concurrent radiation and chemotherapy. Pre-treatment PET/CT is useful for target delineation, with minimal exploration of its use in prognostication. In the post-treatment setting there is growing evidence for advanced PET metrics in assessment of treatment response, and early identification of recurrence essential for successful salvage, however this data is limited to small series.MethodsPatient with non-metastatic anal cancer from a single institution were retrospectively reviewed for receipt of pre- and post-treatment PET/CTs. PET data was co-registered with radiation therapy planning CT scans for precise longitudinal assessment of advanced PET metrics including SUVmax, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG), for assessment with treatment outcomes. Treatment outcomes included local recurrence (LR), progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS), as defined from the completed radiation therapy to the time of the event. Cox proportional hazard modeling with inverse probability weighting (IPW) using the propensity score based on age, BMI, T-stage, and radiation therapy dose were utilized for assessment of these metrics.ResultsFrom 2008 to 2017 there were 72 patients who had pre-treatment PET/CT, 61 (85%) had a single follow up PET/CT, and 35 (49%) had two follow up PET/CTs. The median clinical follow-up time was 25 months (IQR: 13-52) with a median imaging follow up time of 16 months (IQR: 7-29). On pre-treatment PET/CT higher MTV2.5 and TLG were significantly associated with higher risk of local recurrence (HR 1.11, 95% CI: 1.06-1.16, pl0.001; and HR 1.12, 95% CI: 1.05-1.19, pl0.001), and worse PFS (HR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04-1.13, pl0.001; and HR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03-1.12, p = 0.003) and OS (HR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04-1.16, p = 0.001; and HR 1.11, 95% CI: 1.04-1.20, p = 0.004). IPW-adjusted pre-treatment PET/CT showed higher MTV2.5 (HR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02-1.17, p = 0.012) and TLG (HR 1.10, 95% CI: 1.00-1.20, p = 0.048) were significantly associated with worse PFS, and post-treatment MTV2.5 was borderline significant (HR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.00-1.35, p = 0.052).ConclusionAdvanced PET metrics, including higher MTV2.5 and TLG, in the pre-treatment and post-treatment setting are significantly associated with elevated rates of local recurrence, and worse PFS and OS. This adds to the growing body of literature that PET/CT for patient with ASCC should be considered for prognostication, and additionally is a useful tool for consideration of early salvage or clinical trial of adjuvant therapies.
Spatiotemporal Tracking of Wide Area Power Outage from Night-Time Light Imagery

Monitoring progress of power restoration following extreme events is essential for situational awareness about spatiotemporal distribution of populations without power and to help with response efforts. Because of the proprietary nature of restoration data, and the difficulty in obtaining power outage data from utility companies in near real-time (e.g., during Hurricane Maria (2017)), this project used satellite derived nighttime lights data from Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Day/Night Band (DNB) to (i) monitor wide area power outage and (ii) estimate impacted customers over time to assist with restoration. A discussion of the methodology and its implementation during hurricanes Maria (2017) and Eta (2020) is presented in this paper. Future work will focus on calibrating estimated customers based on light intensity and density distribution, and generation of restoration profiles for emergency response.
Admiral Jacky Fisher and the Art of Disruptive Leadership

Corporate leaders strive to achieve disruptive leadership. Yet any disruption you engineer is likely to meet with organizational resistance, which can bring you abruptly down. So what makes an effective disruptive leader? Admiral Jacky Fisher knew. He led the immensely powerful British Royal Navy between 1904 and 1910. In that time, he drove through a complete restructuring of the organization, cut countless serviceable business lines (ships), and introduced a new product (H.M.S Dreadnought) that made the organization’s existing business, in which it had a commanding lead over its competitors, obsolete overnight. And he accomplished all that against fierce resistance both from within the organization and from outside stakeholders. Without his leadership, few doubt that the Allies would have lost World War I. Fisher’s leadership illustrates six key factors in leading disruptive change. He was a brainiac; was always willing to disrupt his own frame of reference; prioritized the long-term over the short-term; had a high tolerance for uncertainty; was passionate about his organization; and developed a disruptive network of followers who helped him in his work and carried his torch onwards. Disruptive leaders of the 21st century have a great deal to learn from the leadership of Admiral Jacky Fisher.