cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 3626: Expression of BARD1 splice variant impairs homologous recombination and can predict PARP1 inhibitor therapy in colorectal cancer

Background & Aims: BRCA1 associated RING domain protein 1 (BARD1) stabilizes BRCA1 protein by forming a heterodimeric RING-RING complex. Its alterations impact function of BRCA1, disabling HR (homologous recombination) repair leading to sensitivity to PARP-1 inhibition in cancer. In colorectal cancer (CRC), we observed expression of BARD1 splice variants (SVs) and loss of full-length is associated with poor prognosis despite wild type expression of BRCA1. Here, we examined the roles of BARD1 SV and its therapeutic impact on PARP-1 inhibition, oxaliplatin and irinotecan sensitivity in CRC cell lines. Methods: A panel of CRC cell lines was treated with PARP-1 inhibitor, ABT888, and HR proficiency assessed via RAD51 foci formation. BARD1 splice variant (SV B1/4) transcription was determined via real-time PCR, and protein expression assessed via immunoblotting. Tumorigenesis of CRC cells expressing SV B1/4 and wild type BARD1 was measured by epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMT), colony formation abilities, and migration assays. Results: Caco-2 CRC cells were significantly more sensitive to PARP-1 inhibition when compared to the other CRC cell lines. This sensitivity was not associated with loss of BRCA1 or full-length BARD1 expression but rather with expression of BARD1 SV 1/4. Caco-2 showed significantly impaired HR response following PARP-1 inhibition with ABT888 and characterized by decreased RAD51 foci formation. Exogenous expression of the BARD1 SV B1/4 in SW480 cells exhibits a more transformed phenotype, decreased RAD51 foci formation, reduced BRCA1 E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, and increased sensitivity to PARP-1 inhibitor. Addition of irinotecan to ABT888 pre-treated cells created higher specificity and sensitivity with respect to killing of SV B1/4 expressing SW480 cells. Further immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy studies are underway to investigate the effect of BARD1 SV B1/4 on BRCA1 homologous recombination DNA repair function. Conclusions: Expression of BARD1 SV might be a potential biomarker for therapeutic sensitivity to PARP-1 inhibitors in treatment of CRC. Citation Format: Ozkan Ozden, Faraz Bishehsari, Jessica Bauer, Seung Hyua Baik, Barbara Jung. Expression of BARD1 splice variant impairs homologous recombination and can predict PARP1 inhibitor therapy in colorectal cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3626. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3626
A revision of the water beetle genus Gymnochthebius Orchymont (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae) for Australia and Papua New Guinea

The Australian and Papua New Guinean species of the water beetle genus Gymnochthebius Orchymont, 1943, are revised, based on the study of 4,904 specimens. The genus is redescribed, and redescriptions are provided for G. australis (Blackburn), G. brisbanensis (Blackburn), G. clarki (Deane), G. levis (Deane), G. lividus (Deane), G. notalis (Deane), and G. tenebricosus (Deane). Lectotypes are designated for Ochthebius australis Blackburn, 1888, and Ochthebius tenebricosus Deane, 1931. Ochthebius fischeri Deane, 1931, and Ochthebius leai Deane, 1931, are synonymized with Ochthebius australis Blackburn, 1888; Ochthebius flavocinctus Deane 1933, is synonymized with Ochthebius lividus Deane, 1933; and Ochthebius angustipennis Deane, 1931, is synonymized with Ochthebius clarki Deane, 1931. Twenty-nine new species are described, and a key to the 36 species known from Australia and Papua New Guinea is given. High resolution digital images of all primary types are presented (online version in color), the male genitalia are illustrated, and Australian geographic distributions are mapped. Only one species, G. clarki, inhabits both Australia and Papua New Guinea; two species, G. bacchusi n. sp. and G. papua n. sp. are endemic to Papua New Guinea; 33 species are endemic to Australia. Members of Gymnochthebius are found at the gravelly/sandy/silty margins of flowing and standing water. A preliminary grouping of species according to microhabitat substrate is presented. Correspondences between ventral morphology and microhabitat preferences suggest that a few species are evolving toward humicolous habits. New species of Gymnochthebius are: G. angulonotus (Queensland, Tinaroo Creek Road via Mareeba), G. bacchusi (Papua New Guinea, Morobe District, c. 7 miles Lae Bulolo Road), G. benesculptus (South Australia, Warburton River, 1 km N White Bull Yard Kalamurina Stn.), G. coruscus (South Australia, Warburton River, 1 km N White Bull Yard Kalamurina Stn.), G. fontinalis (South Australia, Elizabeth (Mound) Springs, 7 km NW Coward Springs R.S.), G. fumosus (New South Wales, Sydney), G. hesperius (Western Australia, Lyndon River Bridge), G. inlineatus (Western Australia, Millstream, creek near Deep Reach), G. lustrosulcus (Queensland, Cloncurry), G. minipunctus (Northern Territory, Palm Valley), G. nanosetus (Northern Territory, Roderick Creek, Gregory National Park), G. nicki (Victoria, Possum Hollow falls, West branch Tarwin River, 5.6 km SSW Allambee), G. nigriceps (South Australia, Mound Spring near Coward Springs), G. papua (Papua New Guinea, Morobe District, ca. 10 km S Garaina Saureri), G. perpunctus (South Australia, Somme Creek, between Angaston and Sedan), G. pluvipennis (South Australia, Warburton
Rate and Power Adaptation Over Slow Fading Channels With Noisy Quantized Feedback

The objective of this work is to maximize the expected transmission rate over slow fading channels when quantized channel feedback is available for rate and power control. This problem has been recently studied in the literature assuming noiseless feedback. We consider a more realistic model, where the feedback indices are subject errors that are hardly avoidable in a wireless environment. Our scheme considers a binary symmetric channel (BSC) model for every feedback bit. A channel optimized scaler quantizer (COSQ) is designed to utilize noisy feedback in our system. The impact of noisy quantized feedback is studied when multi-layer coding is employed to combat the uncertainty about the channel state information (CSI) at the transmitter. We also study temporal power adaptation in this system. We show that a noisy feedback system based on COSQ design never performs worse than a no-feedback system and its performance approaches a noiseless feedback scenario as the feedback link quality improves.
The Effect of Early Media Projections on Presidential Voting in the Florida Panhandle

The media incorrectly called Al Gore the winner of Florida at 7:48 p.m. eastern time with 12 min still remaining to vote in the 10 Central time zone counties in Florida. In addition, the media reported that polls “close in Florida at 7:00 p.m. eastern time,” which may have misled some panhandle voters into thinking their polls closed at 6:00 p.m. central time. Given the closeness of the popular vote in Florida, and the degree to which the outcome in the state was contested, these media miscues could have been decisive in the election. When Bush was behind in the recount, his supporters adamantly claimed their candidate suffered a loss of votes because of these media miscues. We test this hypothesis and reject it. Our regression results find no significant impact on the Gore/Bush vote differential, nor do we find any impact on voter turnout or third party voting, in these counties.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services for Women in the Veterans Health Administration

Abstract Purpose The present study used national Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facility-level data to examine the extent of women's specialty substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programming in the VHA. In addition, the study compared facilities with women's specialty SUD programming with facilities without to determine whether having this programming was associated with serving other special patient populations, treatment staffing, and breadth of service provision. Methods The study used data from the VHA Program Evaluation and Resource Center's Drug and Alcohol Program Survey, conducted in 2015 (100% response rate among VHA specialty SUD treatment programs). Program responses were calculated at the facility level (n = 140 VHA facilities). Main Findings The majority of VHA facilities (85%) provided women veterans with SUD-specific individual psychotherapy. However, only 30% of facilities provided SUD-specific groups for women only, and only 14% provided SUD–posttraumatic stress disorder groups for women only in specialty SUD treatment. VHA facilities with greater numbers of specialty SUD treatment staff members, a greater breadth of staff roles, and a broader scope of treatment services, activities, and practices were more likely to provide women-only groups. Conclusions Because the number of women veterans in specialty SUD treatment is likely to continue to grow, these data serve as a benchmark against which future administrations of the Drug and Alcohol Program Survey will document the extent to which VHA services are responsive to their needs.
Pharmacokinetic drug evaluation of extended release lorcaserin for the treatment of obesity

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Lorcaserin is a serotonin 2C receptor antagonist that was FDA approved in 2012. Lorcaserin is recently available as an extended-release (ER) formulation for the treatment of obesity as an adjunct to lifestyle modification.Areas covered: The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and safety of lorcaserin ER will be reviewed.Expert opinion: Lorcaserin ER 20mg daily provides drug exposure bioequivalent to lorcaserin immediate release (IR) 10mg twice daily. Lorcaserin IR is associated with 3.3 and 3.0% placebo-subtracted weight loss in patients without and with diabetes, respectively. A1C was reduced by 0.9% in patients with diabetes. Common side effects include headache, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. Lorcaserin provides potential advantages over other antiobesity medications in regards to tolerability and simplicity of medication initiation, but may not be as effective as other options. Lorcaserin ER offers improved ease of administration and anticipate...
Ancient Mesopotamian Accounting and Human Cognitive Evolution

Recent archaeological evidence supports the claim that the first system of writing and the first use of abstract numerical representation evolved from the clay token accounting system of ancient Mesopotamia. Writing and other abstract symbol systems have subsequently transformed human cognitive capacities within only few millennia, a time period too short for any substantial changes in our biologically-evolved brains. This paper uses Merlin Donald's theory of human cognitive and cultural evolution [in Origins of the Modern Mind; 1991] to identify the role played by ancient accounting in these evolutionary processes. Specifically, it is argued that this early accounting system paved the way for writing by instigating revolutionary cognitive structures for processing visual/symbolic artifacts and establishing a primitive but very powerful form of external memory (external to the brain). The paper also explores the role that accounting systems continue to play in the provision of “cognitive scaffolding” with...
Welcoming Address by Dr. Les A. Karlovitz, Dean, College of Science and Liberal Studies, Georgia Institute of Technology

It is my pleasure to welcome all of you to the fourth Symposium on the Empirical Foundations of Information and Software Sciences. It is a particular pleasure because the symposium is being co-sponsored by Georgia Tech and the U.S. Army Institute for Research in Management Information, Communications, and Computer Sciences, because a number of colleagues from the campus have put a large effort into the symposium, and, finally, because as a mathematician who represents the analytical side of science, I feel honored to be part of a symposium dedicated to the empirical side. I admire your field of endeavor. You research the human-technology interface in areas wherein man is engaged in some of his most esoteric cognitive and creative functions and wherein the capabilities of the machines are evolving at a staggering rate. You are, indeed, taking on a very great challenge.
Thermal degradation of bis -phosphorus esters of isosorbide

Flame retardants from renewable resources have gained a lot of attention due to the increased severity of the health and environmental concerns about some types of effective brominated flame retardants. To mitigate this issue, phosphorus-based flame retardants are one of the main choices. In this regard, four phosphorus esters derived from an industrially available glucose derivative, isosorbide, as starting material have been generated and subjected to thermal degradation. The four esters show variable degradation profiles with phosphates providing better char yield than the phosphonates and phosphinates, which are more thermally stable. The thermal stability of the compounds at constant temperature and variable times was monitored using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The studies suggest that the degradation is accompanied by the release of the corresponding phosphorus acid.
Robotic experiments to evaluate ocean plume characteristics and structure

We present field experiment results of ocean plume surveys conducted with a robotic platform. In our experiments, Rhodamine dye was used to generate a chemical plume in a coastal environment, and an unmanned surface vessel equipped with fluorometer sensors was deployed to conduct plume surveys. We present plume front and cross sectional survey results, where the robot is driven along visible plume boundaries and plume cross sections, respectively. Datasets collected during the experiments are shown together with statistical parameters that quantify the fine-scale plume structure. Experimental evidence shows that the assumption of the existence of a continuous and fixed-value concentration curve used in existing theoretical work for plume front tracking appears too strong for real ocean plumes. The datasets provide characteristic parameters that can be used for further development and verification of simulation models of ocean pollution plumes.
How Do Electronic Cigarettes affect Cravings to Smoke or Vape? Parsing the Influences of Nicotine and Expectancies using the Balanced-Placebo Design

OBJECTIVE Although electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are frequently initiated for smoking cessation, results from the first two clinical trials testing this suggest that the perceived benefits of vaping may be influenced by non-nicotine factors, including cognitive outcome expectancies. The current study investigated the separate and combined effects of nicotine delivery and outcome expectancies on cravings for cigarettes and e-cigarettes using a balanced-placebo experiment. METHOD Drug dosage (contains nicotine or not) was crossed with instructional set (told nicotine or non-nicotine) during ad lib e-cigarette use sessions by 128 current e-cigarette users (52 identifying as current cigarette smokers or "dual users"). It was hypothesized that reduction in craving for both cigarettes and e-cigarettes following e-cigarette administration would be driven primarily by the instructional set manipulation, reflecting the influence of outcome expectancies. RESULTS As hypothesized, among dual users, a main effect of instructional set emerged on reductions in craving to smoke cigarettes, with participants who were told that their e-cigarette contained nicotine reporting greater craving reduction (p = .046). With respect to reduced cravings for e-cigarettes, we found an interaction between drug dose and instructional set (p = .02) such that nicotine e-cigarettes reduced cravings more than non-nicotine e-cigarettes only among participants told to expect nicotine. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that cognitive expectancies contribute to the acute effects of e-cigarettes on craving, which may provide guidance for their potential as smoking cessation aids. (PsycINFO Database Record
Thymosin beta 4 and the eye: the journey from bench to bedside.

Introduction: Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) has important applications in ocular repair and Phase 3 clinical trials using Tβ4 to treat dry eye and neurotrophic keratopathy are currently ongoing. These exci...
Histomorphological investigation of tongue of Porcupine Hystrix cristate

Anatomical and histological explorations of the tongue in ten adult male Porcupine (Hystrix cristata) collected from AL-Diwanyha city by the hunter, after porcupine prepared the tongue illustrious after that the position, shape dimensions were enrolled. The square-shape of body, thicken less steadily toward caudal part of tongue. Root was tends caudally in the direction of the epiglottis. Torus linguae found on the caudal part of the dorsal surface of the tongue. In the end of lateral surface of tongue have foliate papilla osculate the premolar teeth. The length, apex, body and root of the tongue were (7.6±0.66, 1.25±0.23, 4.95±0.2, and 1.4±0.26 cm), respectively. The width, apex, body, and root of the tongue were (1.80±0.77, 0.35±0.49, 1±0.22 and 0.45±0.14, respectively. In the dorsal and lateral surface have muscle fibers from skeletal type and loose connective tissue bounded by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium while in the ventral lingual surface were non-keratinized. In the dorsal surface of body there were filiform papillae, but less at the lateral surface of the body. While the shape of circumvallate papillae was similar to furrow, and there was taste buds on the both dorsal and lateral sides of the tongue. Fungiform papillae had wide curved keratinized surface, with taste buds on the dorsal surface. Lamina propria and submucosa was loose connective tissue with more of collagen fiber.
Life Cycle Energy Consumption of Buildings; Embodied + Operational

Abstract Buildings contribute significantly to the environmental challenges we currently face, and fossil-fuel-based energy continues to be a major area of concern. The present work provides an overview of the knowledge, developments, breakthroughs, and challenges in design of low-energy buildings from a life cycle energy perspective that includes both operational and embodied energy. Embodied energy is of especial significance because, with the newer buildings that tend to be more energy efficient from the operational perspective, the share of embodied energy in the life cycle energy use is increasing. Recent interests in embodied and life cycle energy reflect the rising recognition that, without adopting a holistic life cycle perspective in energy consumption of buildings and without addressing major restraints in this area, the chance to achieve buildings with low environmental impacts is limited.
Carry-on Baggage Fee, Airline Pricing and Subcontracting

In 2010, Spirit airlines announced that it would start charging passengers for carry-on baggage. Using a vector of route level characteristics, we construct a matched group consisting of routes which best match those served by Spirit (treated group). We then run a diff-in-diff estimation using the treated and matched group, and examine the impact of Spirit's baggage fee policy on its rivals' ticket prices. Our results show that Spirit's rivals reduce their prices by about 5.8% after Spirit charges carry-on baggage fee. Looking into potentially heterogeneous impacts, we find that the policy impact is smaller on low-cost carriers relative to legacy carriers. We also take into account subcontracting status. Relative to non-subcontracting carriers, those which subcontract operations to regional carriers reduce their prices further by more than 10%, including average price (linear or log) and various points on the price distribution. We also develop a stylized theory model to help better understand our empirical findings.
Education and the economy Considering alternative perspectives

Ever since the Second World War, and particularly since the 1960s, thinking about educational policy and practice has been heavily influenced, if not dominated, by ideas about the role of education in the economy. Issues of economic growth, better job opportunities, international competitiveness, education/labour market mismatch, or even fairness in the allocation of jobs, income and other social rewards, all depend critically on how we conceive of relationships between education and the economy. Moreover, if we take a broad view of what is meant by the term 'economy', including in it all organizations
Incidence and Outcomes of Bacterial Bloodstream Infections during Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease Involving the Gastrointestinal Tract after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Abstract Despite the association of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) and bacterial bloodstream infections (BSIs) in hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients, relatively little is known about BSIs, specifically during gastrointestinal (GI) tract aGVHD (aGHVD-GI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and mortality of BSIs complicating aGVHD-GI. This was a retrospective review of adult HCT recipients with grades I to IV aGVHD-GI between January 2009 and October 2017 at Oregon Health and Sciences University. BSIs occurring within 30 days of onset of aGVHD-GI were included. BSIs were categorized as "clinical" or "surveillance" based on chart review. A subgroup analysis of patients with grade IV aGVHD-GI examined potential BSI risk factors and cumulative survival at 30 and 45 days after onset of aGVHD-GI. Included were 229 patients. There were 45 unique BSIs in 39 patients (17%): 31 clinical (68.9%) and 14 surveillance (32.1%). The median time from aGVHD-GI onset to BSI was 18.5 days. BSIs were significantly more common during grade IV aGVHD-GI compared with grades I, II, or III. Fifty-two organisms were isolated during BSIs: 23 (44.2%) gram-positive and 29 (55.8%) gram-negative. Sixteen BSIs (36%) occurred during antibiotic exposure, and those were more likely to be caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. Prior BSI occurring between the time of HCT and onset of aGVHD-GI and receipt of etanercept for steroid-refractory aGVHD-GI were independently associated with BSI. Eight patients, all with grade IV aGVHD, representing 30.8% of patients with BSI in this subgroup, experienced infection-associated mortality. Cumulative survival at days 30 and 45 after onset of grade IV aGVHD-GI was similar among patients with and without BSI. BSI is a common complication of grade IV aGVHD-GI, resulting in significant infection-associated mortality. Interventions targeting those at highest risk may be warranted.
Does the accuracy of case history affect interpretation of videolaryngostroboscopic exams

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of initial diagnostic hypotheses on clinicians' 1) detection and perceived severity of abnormalities, and 2) clinical impressions and treatment recommendations for individuals with and without voice disorders following interpretation of videolaryngostroboscopy (VLS). METHODS Thirty-two experienced speech-language pathologists and otolaryngologists specializing in voice disorders read case histories prior to interpreting exams. Case histories suggested specific accurate or inaccurate laryngeal diagnoses, or a control scenario that suggested a normal larynx. The effects of the accuracy of case histories on perceived severity of associated visual-perceptual parameters, clinical impressions, and treatment recommendations were examined. RESULTS Significant increases in perceived severity of posterior laryngeal appearance (P < 0.05) and mucosal wave (P < 0.02) were observed when these abnormalities were suggested by case histories. Overall agreement with clinical impressions improved from 49% to 72% when the case history was consistent with the examination. Case histories (accurate and inaccurate) indicating voice symptoms predicted recommendations for treatment above and beyond that of VLS presentation alone, P < 0.001. CONCLUSION Case histories suggesting specific abnormalities significantly affected severity ratings for two of three associated visual-perceptual parameters selected as primary outcome measures. Accurate case histories suggesting specific abnormalities increased the probability of detection and perceived severity. Inaccurate case histories led to false-positive findings and failures to detect abnormalities or to interpret them as less severe. Case histories affected visual-perceptual judgments and contributed to decisions about clinical impressions and treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2b Laryngoscope, 130:718-725, 2020.
Optimal State Estimation Synthesis over Unreliable Network in Presence of Denial-of-Service Attack: an Operator Framework Approach.

In this paper, we consider the problem of state-estimation in the presence of Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack. We formulate this problem as an state estimation problem for a plant with switching measured outputs. In the absence of attack, the state-estimator has access to all measured outputs, however, in the presence of attack, only a subset of all measurements are made available to the state-estimator. We seek to find an state-estimator that results in the minimum estimation error for the worst-case attack strategy. First, we parameterize the set of all state-estimators that result in stable estimation error for the worst-case attack scenario. Then, we will show that any state-estimator in this set can be written as a generalized Luenberger observer with an appropriately defined observer-gain. This observer-gain, in general, can be an operator and possibly unbounded as opposed to the classical static observer-gain. Furthermore, we will show that finding the optimal state-estimator that results in the minimum estimation error can be cast as a convex program over the set of stable factors of the observer operator-gain. This optimization in, in fact, linear programming and tractable.
Micropores-in-macroporous gel polymer electrolytes for alkali metal batteries

High-energy-density lithium and sodium batteries have the potential to meet the growing worldwide energy and power demands for all-electric vehicles. However, it is well known that alkali metal anodes impose a major safety issue when flammable organic-liquid electrolytes are used owing to the formation of anode dendrites during charge that can cause an internal short circuit, thermal runaway, and fire. Herein, a macroporous poly(vinylidene-fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PH) membrane is employed as a flexible three-dimensional macroporous polymer host that can incorporate additional microporous polymers. Introducing hyper-cross-linked microporous polymers within the PH host membrane creates a continuous polymeric network capable of trapping liquid electrolytes and creating a “liquid pathway” across the membrane. Compared to modern separators employed in liquid electrolyte systems, these quasi-solid polymer electrolytes offer superior safety and flexibility without sacrificing the high ionic conductivities of traditionally employed liquid electrolytes. Specifically, we synthesize macroporous PH films with hyper-cross-linked microporous polyfuran or polypyrrole incorporated within the 3D PH structure. These membranes are shown capable of immobilizing a liquid electrolyte within the microporous polymeric matrix that enables a quasi-solid electrolyte with high ionic conductivity, stability, and cycle life when employed in lithium and sodium-metal batteries. Full-cell lithium and sodium-batteries containing these micropores-in-macroporous polymer electrolyte membranes demonstrate rate and interface capabilities comparable to traditional liquid electrolytes, but with significantly improved cycling performance and coulombic efficiencies. Furthermore, these results indicate that the proposed micropores-in-macroporous polymer membranes containing an immobilized-liquid electrolyte can suppress dendrite growth and allow the safe implementation of metallic lithium or sodium anodes.
An examination of Latino advanced cancer patients' and their informal caregivers' preferences for communication about advance care planning: A qualitative study.

Objectives Latino-advanced cancer patients engage in advance care planning (ACP) at lower rates than non-Latino patients. The goal of the present study was to understand patients' and caregivers' preferred methods of communicating about ACP. Methods Patients and caregivers were interviewed about cultural, religious, and familial beliefs that influence engagement in ACP and preferences for ACP communication. Results Findings highlighted that Latino patients respect doctors' medical advice, prefer the involvement of family members in ACP discussions with doctors, hold optimistic religious beliefs (e.g., belief in miracles) that hinder ACP discussions, and prefer culturally competent approaches, such as using their native language, for learning how to discuss end-of-life (EoL) care preferences. Significance of results Key cultural, religious, and familial beliefs and dynamics influence Latino engagement in ACP. Patients prefer a family-centered, physician informed approach to discussing ACP with consideration and incorporation of their religious medical beliefs about EoL care. Promising targets for improving the communication of and engagement in ACP include integrating cultural and religious beliefs in ACP discussions, providing information about ACP from the physician, involving family members in ACP discussions and decision-making, and giving instructions on how to engage in ACP discussions.
Vaccine and Preventive Dental Care Use Prevalence in Young Children

Purpose: Early use of preventive services in children can prevent costly disease and promote a lifetime of well-being. Childhood immunizations and preventive dental visits are some of the earliest measures parents can take to equip children against common, harmful infectious diseases. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)’s Bright Futures framework recommends timely immunization benchmarks for 24 – 35 month olds to reduce the risk of infection. Healthy People 2020 (HP2020) has set a goal of 80.0% of children 19 - 35 months to achieve the recommended series of …
Subterminal key pinch dynamometry: a new method to quantify strength deficit in ulnar nerve paralysis:

Precise pre- and postoperative assessments are fundamental to recording the quality of recovery after ulnar nerve repair. Because of its imprecision, manual muscle testing is being replaced by dynamometry to measure grasping and key-pinch strengths. However, both grasping and key pinch are dependent not only on the ulnar nerve but also the median and radial nerves. We propose to measure strength using a new sort of pinch, called the 'subterminal key pinch'. Strength was measured using a commercially available pinch meter. Patients applied pressure on the dynamometer with the interphalangeal joint of the thumb, maintaining the joint in extension to avoid enhancement of strength by the flexor pollicis longus. We examined 17 patients before ulnar nerve repair. Preoperatively, grasping strength was 46% of normal, while key pinch was 58%, pinch-to-zoom strength was 26% and subterminal key pinch only 7%. Subterminal key pinch was the most affected pinch with a strength deficit of over 90%.Level of evidence: IV.
Comparing the Efficacy of True-Volume Analysis Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Computerized Tomography and Conventional Methods of Evaluation in Cystic Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A Pilot Study.

Background: Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) often require advanced imaging if they prove to be refractory to preliminary microfracture. Orthopedic surgeons may misinterpret the size and mo...
Bulk vs Intrinsic Activity of NiFeOx Electrocatalysts in the Oxygen Evolution Reaction: The Influence of Catalyst Loading, Morphology, and Support Material

We used a combination of ultra-high vacuum surface science techniques, X-ray spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and density functional theory (DFT) to characterize the influence of catalyst morphology...
Effects of pretrial risk assessments on release decisions and misconduct outcomes relative to practice as usual

Abstract Purpose We conducted a multi-site, quasi-experimental investigation of the effects of pretrial risk assessments on pretrial release decisions and misconduct outcomes relative to practice as usual. Methods Using a multiple non-equivalent comparison group design, we matched 2631 pretrial defendants who received a risk assessment during a 1-year pilot period to two comparison groups of defendants who did not receive a risk assessment and were processed in the same year (n = 1580) or in the year prior to the pilot period (n = 3185). Weighted multilevel regression analyses were conducted separately for each comparison to examine effects of the pilot risk assessment condition on pretrial release and pretrial misconduct outcomes. Results Relative to comparison groups, defendants with risk assessments were more likely to receive non-financial release. When risk assessment-guided decisions adhered to structured guidelines, defendants with risk assessments had higher rates of pretrial release and spent less time in pretrial detention. Risk assessments were associated with slightly higher rates of non-violent and new re-arrests, but not failure to appear, relative to comparison conditions. Conclusions Pretrial risk assessments can facilitate non-financial release, though with a potentially higher rate of pretrial re-arrest. Structured guidelines may help maximize pretrial release while minimizing misconduct.
Biophysically Informed Imaging Acquisition of Plant Water Status

Vegetation controls carbon and water fluxes because of the fundamental tradeoff between carbon dioxide uptake and water loss occurring when stomata are open. Quantifying the rates of this exchange typically requires either intensive gas exchange or destructive harvesting of tissues and mass spectrometry analyses. Recent developments in high-throughput methods have enhanced our capacity to empirically test plant-environmental interactions. The vast integration characterizing satellite remote sensing methods masks organ-level physiological mechanisms limiting the predictive capability of current process models. Hence, more ground truth studies are necessary to determine the amount of mechanistic information needed to improve our understanding of forest, crop, and land management. Imaging methodologies, such as thermal and chlorophyll a fluorescence, are currently used to collect information for relevant traits such as water use, growth, and stress response. We tested these techniques during progressive drought across species with different susceptibility in controlled greenhouse conditions. We chose two highly represented tree species in North America: the gymnosperm Pinus ponderosa and the angiosperm Populus tremuloides. To better explore the whole drought response parameter space, we also tested a crop (Brassica rapa) and desert shrub (Artemisia tridentata). Thermal and fluorescence images of the canopy were coupled with leaf-level measurements as we performed three tests to predict drought response using 1) leaf temperature, 2) chlorophyll a fluorescence, and 3) the combination of the two. At five days of drought, leaf temperature increased 7 and 10%, accounting for 63% and 73% of the variation in stomatal conductance for both tree species, respectively. The fluorescence signal from images decreased ~12% and ~83% in moderately and severely droughted leaves respectively, reaching zero at mortality. Leaf water status was then predicted using a Bayesian approach that incorporated measurements’ uncertainty and parsimony in the analysis of the parameters. Changes in canopy temperature provided confident predictions for the reductions of daily evapotranspiration at the onset of drought. Empirically combining thermal and fluorescence measurements improved predictions (R2 = 0.81) of midday leaf water potential compared to univariate models. Our results represent an important step towards quantifying plant water status during drought using first principles that do not require species-specific information.
High fidelity hearing protection devices: Attenuation in human ears and manikin devices

Flatness of attenuation was measured for high-fidelity hearing protection devices (HPDs) using microphone-in-real-ear (MIRE) and behavioral real-ear-attenuation-at-threshold (REAT) protocols. In addition, participants completed the words-in-noise (WIN) test with and without HPDs, and provided subjective ratings of perceived sound quality via surveys administered after listening to music with and without HPDs. Attenuation was also measured using a manikin device, with both the manikin-based microphone and the MIRE probe tube used to make measurements inside the artificial ear coupler. Among human participants, statistically significant correlations revealed decreased WIN performance and poorer music quality ratings as achieved HPD attenuation increased. There was also a statistically significant correlation in which shallower slope (flatter attenuation) was correlated with higher perceived music quality ratings. Achieved attenuation decreased in the coupler when the probe tube was inserted into the manikin, suggesting HPD seals were compromised by the probe tube. Consistent with the manikin data, attenuation in human ears was greater when measured using REAT, suggesting similar compromise of the HPD seal during MIRE tests. To assure high fidelity HPDs are well fit, REAT testing is recommended to verify both overall attenuation and flatness of attenuation in individual listeners.
Building bridges and capacity for Black, Indigenous, and scholars of color in the era of COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter.

Abstract Background There is a critical need to increase diversity in the nursing workforce to better address racial health disparities. Purpose To provide academic institutions with practical recommendations to foster a collaborative environment and essential resources for and in support of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) scholars. Methods We examine the experiences of three Black nurse scholars, at a research-intensive university in an urban area during the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest in the United States. Findings Findings suggest barriers exist, which negatively impact workplace climate, collaboration and mentoring for BIPOC nursing scholars. Guided by a Black feminist perspective and utilizing existing literature, we recommend strategies to enhance workplace climate, to develop culturally aware collaboration, and to center mentoring as the foundation for BIPOC nurse scholar success. Discussion This article acknowledges that a crucial step in addressing health disparities is successful support of and collaboration with BIPOC nurse scholars.
Variation in the skulls of Elgaria and Gerrhonotus (Anguidae, Gerrhonotinae) and implications for phylogenetics and fossil identification.

Background There are limited data on intra- and interspecific osteological variation for many squamate clades. Those data are relevant for phylogenetic analyses that use osteological characters and for apomorphic identifications of fossils. We investigate whether morphological features in the skulls of extant gerrhonotine lizards can be used to distinguish taxa at the species- and genus-level and assess whether newly discovered intra- and interspecific osteological variation alters the utility of previously reported apomorphic features. We examined skulls of species belonging to the gerrhonotine genera Elgaria and Gerrhonotus. These genera contain 17 extant species, but the cranial osteology of only a few species was previously examined. As a result, intra- and interspecific osteological variation of these gerrhonotines is poorly understood. Methods We employed high-resolution x-ray computed tomography (CT) to scan 25 alcohol-preserved specimens. We provide data on the skulls of all eight species of Elgaria, four for the first time, and five species of Gerrhonotus, three for the first time. We examined 3-D reconstructed skulls of the scanned specimens as well as dry, traditionally prepared skeletons (when they were available). Results We found that the purported diagnostic utility of many previously described morphological features is impacted because of substantial morphological variation between and within species. We present an assessment of osteological differences that may be useful to differentiate species of Elgaria and Gerrhonotus, many of which are present on isolated cranial elements commonly recovered as fossils, including the premaxilla, maxilla, parietal, pterygoid, prootic, dentary, and surangular. We demonstrate the importance of documenting patterns of osteological variation using large sample sizes, and the utility of examining disarticulated cranial elements of the squamate skull to identify diagnostic morphology. This study adds to a growing body of literature suggesting that extensive documentation of morphological variation is needed to further our understanding of the phylogenetic and diagnostic utility of morphological features across vertebrate clades. Efforts in that direction likely will benefit from examination of disarticulated skeletal elements.
Parasellar Chondrosarcoma in a Patient with Ollier's Disease

Cartilaginous intracranial neoplasms are rare and are located most commonly at the base of the skull in the parasellar region. They may occur with similar lesions in the rest of the skeleton (Ollier's disease) or present with multiple enchondromas and soft tissue hemangiomas (Maffuci's syndrome).
Gravitational mass of relativistic matter and antimatter

Abstract The universality of free fall, the weak equivalence principle (WEP), is a cornerstone of the general theory of relativity, the most precise theory of gravity confirmed in all experiments up to date. The WEP states the equivalence of the inertial, m, and gravitational, m g , masses and was tested in numerous occasions with normal matter at relatively low energies. However, there is no confirmation for the matter and antimatter at high energies. For the antimatter the situation is even less clear – current direct observations of trapped antihydrogen suggest the limits − 65 m g / m 110 not excluding the so-called antigravity phenomenon, i.e. repulsion of the antimatter by Earth. Here we demonstrate an indirect bound 0.96 m g / m 1.04 on the gravitational mass of relativistic electrons and positrons coming from the absence of the vacuum Cherenkov radiation at the Large Electron–Positron Collider (LEP) and stability of photons at the Tevatron collider in presence of the annual variations of the solar gravitational potential. Our result clearly rules out the speculated antigravity. By considering the absolute potential of the Local Supercluster (LS), we also predict the bounds 1 − 4 × 10 − 7 m g / m 1 + 2 × 10 − 7 for an electron and positron. Finally, we comment on a possibility of performing complementary tests at the future International Linear Collider (ILC) and Compact Linear Collider (CLIC).
Rapid healing of femoral defects in rats with low dose sustained BMP2 expression from PEGDA hydrogel microspheres

Current strategies for bone regeneration after traumatic injury often fail to provide adequate healing and integration. Here, we combined the poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel with allogeneic "carrier" cells transduced with an adenovirus expressing BMP2. The system is unique in that the biomaterial encapsulates the cells, shielding them and thus suppressing destructive inflammatory processes. Using this system, complete healing of a 5 mm-long femur defect in a rat model occurs in under 3 weeks, through secretion of 100-fold lower levels of protein as compared to doses of recombinant BMP2 protein used in studies which lead to healing in 2-3 months. New bone formation was evaluated radiographically, histologically, and biomechanically at 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks after surgery. Rapid bone formation bridged the defect area and reliably integrated into the adjacent skeletal bone as early as 2 weeks. At 3 weeks, biomechanical analysis showed the new bone to possess 79% of torsional strength of the intact contralateral femur. Histological evaluation showed normal bone healing, with no infiltration of inflammatory cells with the bone being stable approximately 1 year later. We propose that these osteoinductive microspheres offer a more efficacious and safer clinical option over the use of rhBMP2.
6th Geneva Conference on Person-centered Medicine

Conference organized by the International College of Person-centered Medicine in collaboration with a growing number of top global medical and health bodies, having as main theme Person-centered Health Research. Expected participants are clinicians and scholars in medicine and related health disciplines as well as other interested individuals. ICPCM Continuing Professional Development (CME) Certificates will be e-mailed upon request to all registered participants. For further information, please visit www.personcenteredmedicine.org and write to ICPCMsecretariat@aol.com
Reconstructing the Endocytotic Machinery

Publisher Summary Using clathrin-mediated endocytosis of the transferrin–transferrin receptor (Tf–TfR) complex as an example, this chapter describes the ways in which multistep biological processes performed by dynamic protein assemblies can be studied by a ‘‘divide and conquer’’ approach combining different structural techniques. It illustrates the ways molecular electron microscopy (EM) can bring high-resolution structures obtained with x-ray crystallography or NMR spectroscopy into the context of protein complexes and small organelles. Single-particle electron microscopy of vitrified samples is used to produce density maps at sub nanometer resolution for the transferrin–transferrin receptor complex and for in vitro -assembled clathrin cages. These density maps can be interpreted by docking crystal structures of the subunits into the density maps, thus, producing pseudoatomic models for both the transferrin–transferrin receptor complex and the D6 barrel clathrin lattice. Cryoelectron tomography of vitrified samples is used to produce density maps for in vivo -assembled clathrin-coated vesicles, showing that the clathrin lattice, the membrane vesicle, and the connections between them can be studied in individual particles.
Chemotherapy-Related Visual System Toxicity

Most, if not all, of the studies that report cognitive impairments in patients who have been treated with cancer chemotherapy also report deficits involving the visual system (e.g., visual-spatial function or visual memory). The visual system seems like a likely susceptible target of cytotoxic drugs. Therefore, some portion of the vision-related cognitive deficits of chemo fog/chemo brain might result from a direct action of the drugs or from site/site interaction between effects on the visual system and other critical brain regions. This chapter is a succint summary of a more expanded review.
INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN HUMAN BLOOD.

Dr. Karl Landsteiner requests that the following corrections be made to his article appearing in the issue of Science for April 17: Page 406, first column, line 7: in place of "isoantibodies," read "immune isoantibodies." Page 408, second column, line 4: In place of "tumors," read "ulcers." Page 409, first column, line 7: In place of "which," read "who." Page 409, second column, line 7: In place of "protein," read "proteins."
A Double-Blind, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial of the Effect of a Radiation-Attenuating Drape on Radiation Exposure to Endoscopy Staff During ERCP

A Double-Blind, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial of the Effect of a Radiation-Attenuating Drape on Radiation Exposure to Endoscopy Staff During ERCP