cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Barrier function of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells cultured in vitro

AIM: To investigate the blood-retinal barrier(BRB) function of human retinal microvascular cells(hRMECs) cultured in vitro.METHODS: Primary hRMECs were cultured and identified.The fourth generation was inoculated in a micro porous filter with the filter membrane of Polyester(PET).Cells on the surface of filter membrane was observed by phase microscope at different time points,and occludin staining was used to show the tight junction(TJ) indirectly.Transendothelial electrical resistance(TER) was detected at 2,3,4 and 5 weeks,respectively and the permeability was measured with horseradish peroxidase(HRP) in both normal condition and stimulated with 5 μg/L VEGF 15 min,30 min,45 min,60 min at 2 weeks monolayer.RESULTS: Primary hRMECs were cultured successfully and purity was up to 95.8%.Cells formed a monolayer l week after seeding.2,3 and 4 weeks after inoculation,the density of hRMECs stayed unchanged.Occludin staining showed TJ indirectly 2 weeks after inoculation.Distribution of occludin showed the TJ maturing with time delaying.TER reached(120.62±3.97) Ω/cm2 at 2 weeks and kept stable within 4 weeks(P0.05).VEGF at the concentration of 5 μg/L increased HRP penetration significantly compared to that in normal culture condition(P0.05).CONCLUSION: The filter of PET membrane may be a useful method to set up the model monolayer of hRMECs and investigate the barrier function of blood retina barrier.
A case report of iatrogenic cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma due to rituximab therapy for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

To the Editor,Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative tumor and can arise due to immunosuppression. Approximately 95% of KS lesions show polymerase chain reaction (PCR) evidence of HHV8 infect...
Projecting community changes in hazard exposure to support long-term risk reduction: A case study of tsunami hazards in the U.S. Pacific Northwest

Abstract Tsunamis have the potential to cause considerable damage to communities along the U.S. Pacific Northwest coastline. As coastal communities expand over time, the potential societal impact of tsunami inundation changes. To understand how community exposure to tsunami hazards may change in coming decades, we projected future development (i.e. urban, residential, and rural), households, and residents over a 50-year period (2011–2061) along the Washington, Oregon, and northern California coasts. We created a spatially explicit, land use/land cover, state-and-transition simulation model to project future developed land use based on historical development trends. We then compared our development projection results to tsunami-hazard zones associated with a Cascadia subduction zone (CSZ) earthquake. Changes in tsunami-hazard exposure by 2061 were estimated for 50 incorporated cities, 7 tribal reservations, and 17 counties relative to current (2011) estimates. Across the region, 2061 population exposure in tsunami-hazard zones was projected to increase by 3880 households and 6940 residents. The top ten communities with highest population exposure to CSZ-related tsunamis in 2011 are projected to remain the areas with the highest population exposure by 2061. The largest net population increases in tsunami-hazard zones were projected in the unincorporated portions of several counties, including Skagit, Coos, and Humboldt. Land-change simulation modeling of projected future development serves as an exploratory tool aimed at helping local governments understand the hazard-exposure implications of community growth and to include this knowledge in risk-reduction planning.
Experiments and Thermodynamic Modeling of Chukanovite (Fe2(OH)2CO3) to High Ionic Strengths

While conducting siderite (FeCO3) solubility experiments in NaCl-Na2CO3 brines, evidence for a second phase was detected. Experiments, in which synthesized siderite was reacted with high ionic strength (0.18 – 7.5 m) solutions at room temperature and high pH (>10), were conducted in a glovebox. As the aging time of siderite-bearing experiments increased, the pH of the solution decreased, signaling formation of a hydroxyl-bearing phase. Decreasing pH values are interpreted to indicate that a hydroxyl-bearing phase, such as chukanovite, is the reaction controlling solid in the solid assemblage. Chukanovite was tentatively identified by XRD analysis. We set out, therefore, to determine the thermodynamic stability of chukanovite under the experimental conditions. Aqueous thermodynamic model parameters were determined with experimentally analyzed Fe(II) solubility data, and subsequently yielded a proposed formation free energy of chukanovite (−1149.8 kJ/mol).
Intralipid® attenuates acute cardiac allograft rejection in relation to promoting CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T-cells and inhibiting toll-like receptor 4 expression

Abstract Clinically available agents that promote the suppression of inflammatory processes with minimal adverse effects are highly desired. An FDA-approved nutrition supplement, Intralipid ® , has shown its immunomodulatory potential. However, its influence on organ transplant rejection has not been tested. Here, we have investigated whether Intralipid ® affect allograft outcome in a fully major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-mismatched rat model of heterotopic working-heart transplantation. Recipients were treated intravenously with Intralipid ® (1.5 g/kg, clinical dosage) or saline (untreated control) on post-transplantation days (PODs) 1, 3, and 6. Treatment with Intralipid ® results in a significant prolongation of median graft survival from 7 days to 12 days. On POD 7, while the allografts from our untreated (i.e., control) group exhibit severe rejection, the allografts from Intralipid ® -treated group show milder rejection demonstrating preserved myocardium integrity and decreasing infiltration of inflammatory cells (ED1 + and CD3 + cells). Flow cytometry analysis reveals a marked increase of CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + regulatory T-cells (Tregs) in the peripheral blood of Intralipid ® -treated recipients beginning on POD 3 (7.0% vs. 14.4%, untreated vs. Intralipid ® -treated). Intralipid ® treatment also promotes Tregs in the spleens and allograft hearts. Toll-like receptor 4 expression is markedly suppressed in the Intralipid ® -treated allografts. Our results suggest a new use of Intralipid ® to modulate immune responses in the setting of heart transplantation. This study could stimulate further mechanistic as well as treatment studies leading to the clinical application of Intralipid ® as an adjunctive therapy with current immunosuppression agents to manage organ rejection.
STAT5 alters the state of transcriptional networks, driving aggressive leukemia

The transcription factor STAT5 acts as an oncoprotein in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, competing with the transcription factors NF-κB and Ikaros for binding to DNA.
Influences of a Shocking News Event on Web Browsing

It has been suggested that online search and retrieval contributes to the intellectual isolation of users within their preexisting ideologies, where people’s prior views are strengthened and alternative viewpoints are infrequently encountered. This so-called “filter bubble” phenomenon has been called out as especially detrimental when it comes to dialog among people on controversial, emotionally charged topics, such as the labeling of genetically modified food, the right to bear arms, and online privacy. We seek to identify and study temporal information-seeking behavior and access to alternative versus reinforcing viewpoints following shocking, emotional, and large-scale news events. We choose for a case study to analyze search and browsing on gun control/rights, a strongly polarizing topic for both citizens and leaders of the United States. We study the period of time preceding and following a mass shooting to understand how its occurrence, follow-on discussions, and debate may have been linked to changes in the patterns of searching and browsing. For that purpose, we represent the web search and browsing behavior of the users as a Markov chain and study the transitions of the users between webpages of various views by using mobility indices.
Partnerships in Faculty Development for Online Learning

Online teaching and learning are becoming more prevalent in institutions of higher education across the globe. Too often, the attendant faculty development needs related to equipping faculty members with the knowledge, skills, perspectives, and confidence to succeed in online environments lacks sufficient coherence, connection, and context. This paper discusses partnerships for faculty development in online learning taking place at Indiana UniversityPurdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), a large, urban-serving institution in the USA. The
An Overview of Science Challenges Pertaining to Our Understanding of Extreme Geomagnetically Induced Currents

Abstract Vulnerability of man-made infrastructure to Earth-directed space weather events is a serious concern for today's technology-dependent society. Space weather-driven geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) can disrupt the operation of extended electrically conducting technological systems. The threat of adverse impacts on critical technological infrastructure, such as power grids, oil and gas pipelines, and communication networks, has sparked renewed interest in extreme space weather. Because extreme space weather events have a low occurrence rate but a potentially high impact, this presents a major challenge for our understanding of extreme GIC activity. In this chapter, we discuss some of the key science challenges pertaining to our understanding of extreme events. In addition, we present an overview of GICs, including highlights of severe impacts over the last 80 years and recent U.S. federal actions relevant to this community.
Dynamic responses of composite structures coupled through fluid medium

Dynamic analysis was conducted for two flexible composite structures coupled by a fluid medium. As the dynamic loading is applied to one structure, the other structure responds to the dynamic loading resulting from the load transfer through the fluid medium. To investigate such a coupled interaction between two structures, both experimental and numerical studies were conducted to supplement each other. First, a series of experiments were undertaken for two separate composite plates. In the designed test setup, water was filled between two composite plates. The water level between the two plates was varied and strain gages were attached to the composite plates. An impact load was applied to the front composite plate, and the dynamic responses of the both plates were measured using the strain gages. The cellular automata (CA) technique was also used for the numerical study. The results showed that the fluid–structure interaction (FSI) played an important role for the structural coupling depending on the water level between the plates.
Preferred Orientations in Beta-Annealed Zirconium

Preferred orientations in unalloyed zirconium were determined by the Geiger counter spectrometer X-ray diffraction technique. With increasing β-annealing temperature the following textures were obtained: 1—a retained α-annealing texture, 2—additional orientations predictable from the α-β (Burgers) relationship, and 3—a texture derived from a cube texture in the β phase. Earlier work on cold-worked and α-annealed zirconium was reappraised to show a quantitative dependence of rotations on temperature and to identify spurious areas of some of the pole figures.
Stimulated echo based mapping (STEM) of T1 , T2 , and apparent diffusion coefficient: validation and protocol optimization.

Purpose To present a stimulated-echo based mapping (STEM) approach for simultaneous T1 , T2 , and ADC mapping. Methods Diffusion-weighted stimulated-echo images with various combinations of mixing time (TM), TE, and b-value were acquired to enable simultaneous mapping of T1 , T2 , and ADC. The proposed STEM method was performed by densely sampling the TM-TE-b space in a phantom and in brain and prostate of healthy volunteers. T1 , T2 , and ADC from STEM were compared to reference mapping methods. Additionally, protocol optimization was performed to enable rapid STEM acquisition within 2 min by sparsely sampling the TM-TE-b space. The T1 , T2 , and ADC measurements from rapid acquisitions were compared to the densely sampled STEM for evaluation. Finally, a patient with biopsy-proven high-risk prostate cancer was imaged to demonstrate the ability of STEM to differentiate cancer and healthy tissues. Results Relative to the reference measurements, densely sampled STEM provided accurate quantitative T1 , T2 , and ADC mapping in phantoms (R2 = 0.999, slope between 0.97-1.03), as well as in brain and prostate. Further, the T1 , T2 , and ADC measurements from the optimized rapid STEM acquisitions agreed closely with densely sampled STEM. Finally, STEM showed decreased T2 and ADC in prostate cancer compared to healthy prostate tissue. Conclusion STEM provides accurate simultaneous mapping of T1 , T2 , and ADC. This method may enable rapid and accurate multi-parametric tissue characterization for clinical and research applications.
Predicting Change in Posttraumatic Distress Through Change in Coping Self-Efficacy After Using the My Trauma Recovery eHealth Intervention: Laboratory Investigation

Background: Technology offers a unique platform for delivering trauma interventions (ie, eHealth) to support trauma-exposed populations. It is important to evaluate mechanisms of therapeutic change in reducing posttraumatic distress in eHealth for trauma survivors. Objective: This study evaluated a proactive, scalable, and individually responsive eHealth intervention for trauma survivors called My Trauma Recovery. My Trauma Recovery is an eHealth intervention aiming to support trauma survivors and consisting of 6 modules: relaxation, triggers, self-talk, professional help, unhelpful coping, and social support. It was designed to enhance trauma coping self-efficacy (CSE). We tested 3 hypotheses. First, My Trauma Recovery would decrease posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Second, My Trauma Recovery would increase CSE. And last, changes in CSE would be negatively correlated with changes in PTSS. Methods: A total of 92 individuals exposed to trauma (78/92, 85% females, mean age 34.80 years) participated. Our study was part of a larger investigation and consisted of 3 sessions 1 week apart. Participants completed the baseline online survey assessing PTSS and CSE. Each session included completing assigned modules followed by the online survey assessing CSE. PTSS was remeasured at the end of the last module. Results: PTSS significantly declined from T1 to T9 (F1,90=23.63, P<.001, η2p=.21) supporting the clinical utility of My Trauma Recovery. Significant increases in CSE for sessions 1 and 2 (F8,83=7.51, P<.001) were found. No significant change in CSE was found during session 3 (N=92). The residualized scores between PTSS T1 and T9 and between CSE T1 and T9 were calculated. The PTSS residualized score and the CSE residualized score were significantly correlated, r=–.26, P=.01. Results for each analysis with a probable PTSD subsample were consistent. Conclusions: The findings of our study show that participants working through My Trauma Recovery report clinically lower PTSS after 3 weeks. The results also demonstrate that CSE is an important self-appraisal factor that increased during sessions 1 and 2. These improvements are correlated with reductions in PTSS. Thus, changes in CSE may be an important mechanism for reductions in PTSS when working on a self-help trauma recovery website and may be an important target for eHealth interventions for trauma. These findings have important implications for trauma eHealth interventions.
TRPV1 channels contribute to spontaneous glutamate release in nucleus tractus solitarii following chronic intermittent hypoxia.

This study provides information on the underlying mechanisms responsible for the chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) increase in synaptic transmission that leads to exaggerated sympathetic nervous a...
Immune effector mechanisms in malaria: An update focusing on human immunity

The past decade has witnessed dramatic decreases in malaria-associated mortality and morbidity around the world. This progress has largely been due to intensified malaria control measures, implementation of rapid diagnostics and establishing a network to anticipate and mitigate antimalarial drug resistance. However, the ultimate tool for malaria prevention is the development and implementation of an effective vaccine. To date, malaria vaccine efforts have focused on determining which of the thousands of antigens expressed by Plasmodium falciparum are instrumental targets of protective immunity. The antigenic variation and antigenic polymorphisms arising in parasite genes under immune selection present a daunting challenge for target antigen selection and prioritization, and is a given caveat when interpreting immune recall responses or results from monovalent vaccine trials. Other immune evasion strategies executed by the parasite highlight the myriad of ways in which it can become a recurrent infection. This review provides an update on immune effector mechanisms in malaria and focuses on our improved ability to interrogate the complexity of human immune system, accelerated by recent methodological advances. Appreciating how the human immune landscape influences the effectiveness and longevity of antimalarial immunity will help explain which conditions are necessary for immune effector mechanisms to prevail.
Incremental Determinization for Quantifier Elimination and Functional Synthesis

Quantifier elimination and its cousin functional synthesis are fundamental problems in automated reasoning that could be used in many applications of formal methods. But, effective algorithms are still elusive. In this paper, we suggest a simple modification to a QBF algorithm to adapt it for quantifier elimination and functional synthesis. We demonstrate that the approach significantly outperforms previous algorithms for functional synthesis.
IT'S 2 for the price of 1: Multifaceted ITS2 processing machines in RNA and DNA maintenance.

Abstract Cells utilize sophisticated RNA processing machines to ensure the quality of RNA. Many RNA processing machines have been further implicated in regulating the DNA damage response signifying a strong link between RNA processing and genome maintenance. One of the most intricate and highly regulated RNA processing pathways is the processing of the precursor ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA), which is paramount for the production of ribosomes. Removal of the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2), located between the 5.8S and 25S rRNA, is one of the most complex steps of ribosome assembly. Processing of the ITS2 is initiated by the newly discovered endoribonuclease Las1, which cleaves at the C2 site within the ITS2, generating products that are further processed by the polynucleotide kinase Grc3, the 5′→3′ exonuclease Rat1, and the 3′→5′ RNA exosome complex. In addition to their defined roles in ITS2 processing, these critical cellular machines participate in other stages of ribosome assembly, turnover of numerous cellular RNAs, and genome maintenance. Here we summarize recent work defining the molecular mechanisms of ITS2 processing by these essential RNA processing machines and highlight their emerging roles in transcription termination, heterochromatin function, telomere maintenance, and DNA repair.
Oxygen‐releasing polycaprolactone/calcium peroxide composite microspheres

Oxygen-releasing polycaprolactone/calcium peroxide (PCL/CaO2 ) composite microspheres were fabricated via homogenization, electrospray with a single nozzle, and electrospray with a co-axial nozzle, resulting in homogenized, single-walled, and double-walled microspheres, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that homogenized microspheres had pores, while electrosprayed microspheres did not. Alizarin Red S staining showed a core-shell structure for double-walled microspheres. In a hypoxia incubator, single-walled, double-walled, and homogenized microspheres could maintain oxygen tension in PBS at or above 10% for approximately 5, 4, and 3 days, respectively. All the PCL/CaO2 microspheres could support viability of pancreatic β-cell line MIN6 cells in 2D cultures in a hypoxia incubator for 1 week, with the cells supported by double-walled and homogenized microspheres exhibiting the highest and the lowest metabolic activity, respectively. For 3D MIN6 cell cultures in a hypoxia incubator, single-walled and homogenized PCL/CaO2 microspheres led to the highest and the lowest live cell densities, respectively. Double-walled and single-walled microspheres provided the best support for 2D and 3D cultures, respectively, suggesting that they are suitable for different applications.
Undergraduates' Disclosures of Unwanted Sexual Experiences: Who, Why, and When?

This study evaluated patterns of sexual assault disclosures as well as the response and impact of that response on assault survivors. The sample consisted of 217 undergraduates with a history of se...
Introduction: A Need of New Framework in Financial Planning with the Case of Life Insurance Demand

This chapter is a general introduction to the issue of understanding life insurance and demand for it in the market. Unlike the actuarial science and lifespan-related economic approaches, this book was based on a different analytical framework to understand the demand for life insurance. By using a machine learning technique and the complexities among influential determinant factors, it may be possible to predict the demand for life insurance more accurately. To justify the usage of machine learning in financial planning, a new theoretical framework is briefly introduced in this chapter.
The Primacy of the Unicellular State

It has become apparent that any robust biological system based on prediction and refutation requires a thorough rethinking of previously ingrained biological presumptions. Consequently, some distance must be placed between the assumptions that underlie neo-Darwinism and a twenty-first century biology in order to fully explore a differing narrative centered on information systems and cell–cell communication. Perhaps the most difficult aspect of this transition is a requirement that our natural sense of self-regard must be set aside. We presume that we are evolution’s apex and at least tacitly believe that we are evolutions primary aim within a complex biologic system. Yet, an unbiased examination of the facts indicates that this is not so.
Efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by resection in primary and secondary muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

497Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by cystectomy in MIBC is associated with improved survival compared to cystectomy alone. Recent retrospective studies indicated that secondary MIBC ...
Validation of the fine motor subtest of the Bayley-III with children with sickle cell disease using Rasch analysis

Background Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk for fine motor (FM) delays; however, screening for FM impairments is not common among young children with SCD. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III) is the most commonly used performance-based developmental assessment. We aim to determine if the FM subtest of the Bayley-III is structured hierarchically in accordance with development and comprehensively evaluates FM development in children with SCD. Methods Bayley-III assessments were completed between October 2009 and December 2013. The Bayley-III FM screening test, a shorter and more rapid method of assessing for FM impairments, was not directly administered to participants. Screening test scores were calculated from full Bayley-III scores. Results Rasch analysis was performed using WINSTEPS. Sixty children with SCD were included in the final Rasch model. The Rasch-generated Wright map, which jointly positions items and persons on the same latent trait, illustrated that the FM items were slightly skewed towards more challenging items, indicating more difficult items may be overrepresented. High item separation values were reported (17.4), and item outfit statistics were less than 1.7. More than one third of items demonstrated overfit, indicating possible item redundancy. The FM subtest and the screening test, a shorter and faster method of assessing skills, were highly correlated (r = 0.993, p Conclusion The Bayley-III FM subtest is structured hierarchically, aligning with motor development, and comprehensively evaluates FM development in children with SCD. The test could be improved by reordering items, removing overfitting items and modifying screening test items to capture all ranges of development. The screening test is comprehensive and has high potential clinical utility among children with SCD.
Therapeutic Use of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: The Need for Inclusive Characterization Guidelines to Accommodate All Tissue Sources and Species

Following their discovery over 50 years ago, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have become one of the most studied cellular therapeutic products by both academia and industry due to their regenerative potential and immunomodulatory properties. The promise of MSCs as a therapeutic modality has been demonstrated by preclinical data yet has not translated to consistent, successful clinical trial results in humans. Despite the disparities across the field, MSC shareholders are unified under one common goal-to use MSCs as a therapeutic modality to improve the quality of life for those suffering from a malady in which the standard of care is suboptimal or no longer effective. Currently, there is no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved MSC therapy on the market in the United States although several MSC products have been granted regulatory approval in other countries. In this review, we intend to identify hurdles that are impeding therapeutic progress and discuss strategies that may aid in accomplishing this universal goal of widespread therapeutic use.
Protocol for a family-centered behavioral intervention to reduce early childhood caries: the MySmileBuddy program efficacy trial.

Although largely preventable through diet management and topical fluoride use, early childhood caries (ECC) often progresses to severity that necessitates surgical repair. Yet repair often fails to mitigate caries progression. Needed is an effective behavioral intervention to address underlying behavioral causes. This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the efficacy of a behaviorally focused, family-centered intervention, the MySmileBuddy Program (MSB Program), to reduce ECC progression in high-risk preschoolers in New York City. Recruitment will target 858 children ages 24–71 months with ECC and their parents from primary care medical and dental clinics. The study aims to assess the MSB Program’s efficacy to: (1) decrease ECC progression measured 12-months post-randomization; and (2) enhance adoption of a low cariogenic diet and twice-daily fluoridated toothpaste use compared to control group. Potential causal pathways (mediators and moderators) will be explored. The MSB Program equips community health workers (CHWs) with an app that facilitates multilevel risk assessment and provides motivational interviewing-based counseling to inform parents about the caries process, develop personalized goals, and create family-level action plans to achieve targeted behaviors. Social support from CHWs (4 interactions during the 6-month intervention, supplemented by up to 4 in-person/remote contacts throughout the 12-month study period, based on need) is bolstered by automated text messages. Participants will be randomized to a Control Group (paper-based educational handout plus toothbrushes and fluoridated toothpaste for the child) or Intervention Group (MSB Program, two tooth-brushing observations with feedback and instruction, and toothbrushes and toothpaste for the entire family). All children will receive visual ICDAS dental examinations and parents will complete study measures at baseline and 12-months. An incentive up to $150 plus round-trip transit cards ($5.50 value) will be provided. This study hypothesizes that the MSB Program can reduce ECC progression in a high-risk population. Sufficient incentives and a focus on establishing rapport between participants and CHWs are anticipated to mitigate recruitment and retention challenges. If successful, this study will advance the long-term goal of reducing pediatric oral health disparities by demonstrating the efficacy of an acceptable and feasible intervention that shifts attention from dental repair to behavioral risk mitigation. Trial registration: Trial registration was completed on 4/13/2021 through the U.S. National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.gov website (Identifier: NCT04845594).
On the loci of morphisms from P1 to G(r,n) with fixed splitting type of the restricted universal sub-bundle or quotient bundle

Abstract Let n ≥ 4 , 2 ≤ r ≤ n − 2 and e ≥ 1 . We show that the intersection of the locus of degree e morphisms from P 1 to G ( r , n ) with the restricted universal sub-bundles having a given splitting type and the locus of degree e morphisms with the restricted universal quotient-bundle having a given splitting type is non-empty and generically transverse along at least one component of the intersection. As a consequence, we get that the locus of degree e morphisms from P 1 to G ( r , n ) with the restricted tangent bundle having a given splitting type need not always be irreducible.
Current feedlot cattle health and well-being program recommendations in the United States and Canada:

Feedlot consulting veterinarians (n=23) in the United States and Canada participated in a beef cattle health and well-being recommendation survey. The objective of the survey was to determine the recommendations of consulting feedlot veterinarians in the United States and Canada for cattle health and well-being, and to compare these recommendations to those made in a survey conducted in 2009. Participants answered 78 questions on feeder cattle husbandry, health, and preventative medicine recommendations. Survey results showed that veterinarians visit feedlots in their practice an average of 1.7 times/month. Feedlot veterinarians train employees on pen riding, processing procedures, necropsy, and many other areas of cattle health and well-being. The majority of veterinarians use Beef Quality Assurance concepts as part of employee training. Veterinarians also give recommendations on routine surgical procedures, such as dehorning and castration, metaphylaxis, feed-grade antibiotics, vaccination programs, and treatment regimens. Morbidity and mortality rates for feedlots consulted were obtained, along with other information about risk factors for morbidity rates. Cattle health risk was considered the most important factor for predicting morbidity in both 2009 and 2014. This survey provides valuable information on the current recommendations of feedlot consulting veterinarians in the United States and Canada, helps track industry changes over time, and offers benchmarking data for the industry.
Generalized Linear Random Vibration Analysis Using Auto-Covariance Orthogonal Decomposition

Application of a stationary Gaussian random process to describe a nondeterministic forcing function of a linear vibrating system is well studied and documented. Two algorithms, Karhunen-Loeve expansion method, and collocation technique for nonstationary and non-Gaussian forcing processes (narrow- or broadband, but not white noise) for linear dynamic systems are developed here. In the Karhunen-Loeve expansion method, the forcing random process autocovariance is decomposed using the well-known Karhunen-Loeve expansion. In the Karhunen-Loeve expansion, Galerkin projection (the weighted-residual method) and collocation technique (discretized covariance matrix) are used to get the eigenvalues and the eigenfunctions/eigenvectors of the autocovariance function, numerically. The steady-state and the transient response of a single-degree-of-freedom system for an exponential autocovariance (Gaussian random process) is obtained using three methods: 1) analytical, 2) semi-analytical and 3) numerical. In the semi-analytical method, the eigenvalues and the eigenfunctions of the exponential autocovariance function are obtained analytically by solving the Fredholm integral equation of the second kind and those definitions of the eigenfunctions and the eigenvalues are used to obtain the numerical response of the single-degree-of-freedom system. In the case of the steady-state response of the single-degree-of-freedom system, the convergence of the standard deviation of the response is shown to be a function of the number of Karhunen-Loeve expansion terms used in the expansion of the autocovariance of the forcing function. The transient analysis of the same single-degree-of-freedom system is carried out using an exponentially modulated nonstationary process. Comparison of the proposed methods with respect to the analytical solutions are presented for both the stationary and the nonstationary Gaussian excitations. The steady-state responses as well as the transient responses for non-Gaussian random processes (uniform, triangular, and beta) for the same single-degree-of-freedom system are also presented.
Minnesota Policy on Pharmacist-Prescribed Contraceptives: Benefits, Limitations, and Opportunities for Improvement

In August 2020, pharmacists were authorized to prescribe contraceptives in Minnesota outside of a collaborative practice agreement. To practice under this new authorization, pharmacists must complete formal contraceptive prescribing training and follow guidelines which include restrictions on patient’s age and appropriate screening and assessment requirements. Allowing pharmacists to prescribe contraceptives has the potential to extend contraceptive access, decrease overall health care costs, and improve outcomes. However, barriers to the expansion of contraceptive prescribing by pharmacists may prevent widespread adoption of this practice in Minnesota. A key concern among pharmacists is a lack of reimbursement for providing this service. Other states adopting contraceptive prescribing by pharmacists which have not paid for this service have reported limited implementation and discontinuation of this service. To improve contraceptive access to Minnesotans, policymakers should consider expanding provider status to pharmacists and providing reimbursement to pharmacists for contraceptive services.
Ability of Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction to Overcome Lateral Patellar Motion in the Presence of Trochlear Flattening: A Cadaveric Biomechanical Study.

Background:Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is an established operative procedure to restore medial restraining force in patients with patellar instability. In the setting of a ...
Acute effects of oral delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on autonomic cardiac activity and their relation to subjective and anxiogenic effects.

Cannabis is the most commonly used psychotropic drug in the United States, after alcohol. Despite its apparent sedative and calming effects, cannabis and its main psychoactive constituent, ∆9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can produce serious adverse effects including tachycardia and anxiety. These effects can be especially pronounced in women, who remain underrepresented in clinical cannabinoid research. The present study is one of the first to characterize the effects of single doses of oral THC on autonomic nervous system function in healthy adult women. Occasional female cannabis users participated in three laboratory sessions in which they received oral THC (7.5 and 15 mg) and placebo. Autonomic measures included heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), pre-ejection period (PEP) a measure of cardiac sympathetic functioning, and high frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) a measure of parasympathetic cardiac control. Autonomic responses were examined in relation to subjective drug effects. THC dose-dependently increased HR, decreased HF-HRV, and increased ratings of feeling a drug effect, cannabis-like intoxication, and anxiety. Although the drug did not significantly affect BP or PEP, HR was negatively related to both PEP and HF-HRV. HF-HRV, the measure of parasympathetic activity, was significantly negatively related to subjective measures of cannabis intoxication (but not anxiety) at the 15 mg dose only. PEP was not significantly related to any subjective measure. These results extend our knowledge of the autonomic effects of THC in relation to subjective drug experience. This and future studies will help us to understand risk factors related to cannabis use.
Stress Test: Three Case Studies on Vote by Mail During a Global Pandemic

The 2020 election cannot be understood without evaluating the impacts of mail-in ballots. While mail-in absentee ballots have been used for two centuries, the 2020 election saw the most ballots cast by mail in our history. The role of mail-in ballots in 2020 is noteworthy for two reasons. First, many states expanded the use of mail-in ballots to help ensure a fair, secure, and safe voting process in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, in both the lead-up to and aftermath of the election, there was a concerted effort by President Trump and his congressional allies to cast doubt on the integrity of the vote by mail process. Examining Georgia, Oklahoma, and Washington the authors find large disparity in 2020 along party lines between who took advantage of vote by mail systems with Democrats outpacing Republicans in those states.
Thermogravimetry in self-generated atmospheres: A decade of practice and new results

Abstract Thermogravimetry in self-generated atmospheres consists of decomposing a solid sample in a crucible that has a small vapor volume with a small opening to the atmosphere. As a consequence, except for the air initially present, decomposition occurs in an atmosphere of the gaseous decomposition products, hence, a self-generated atmosphere. The technique, as described by Garn and Kessler and by Forkel in 1960, appears to have been used only occasionally, perhaps because special crucibles are necessary. This paper reviews the literature, outlines the advantages and limitations of the method, describes several new crucibles which are light and easy to make, and compares results obtained with them in the study of lead(II) oxide, lead(II) carbonate, and manganese(II) acetate tetrahydrate.
Vacuum effects of an ultralow mass particle account for the recent acceleration of the universe

In recent work, we showed that non-perturbative vacuum effects of a very low mass particle could induce, at a redshift of order 1, a transition from a matter-dominated to an accelerating universe. In that work, we used the simplification of a sudden transition out of the matter-dominated stage and were able to fit the type Ia supernovae (SNe-Ia) data points with a spatially open universe. In the present work, we find a more accurate, smooth spatially-flat analytic solution to the quantum-corrected Einstein equations. This solution gives a good fit to the SNe-Ia data with a particle mass parameter ${m}_{h}$ in the range $6.40\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}33} \mathrm{eV}$ to $7.25\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}33} \mathrm{eV}.$ It follows that the ratio of total matter density (including dark matter) to critical density, ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{0},$ is in the range 0.58 to 0.15, and the age ${t}_{0}$ of the universe is in the range ${8.10h}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ to ${12.2h}^{\ensuremath{-}1} \mathrm{Gyr},$ where h is the present value of the Hubble constant, measured as a fraction of the value $100 \mathrm{km}/(\mathrm{s} \mathrm{Mpc}).$ This spatially-flat model agrees with estimates of the position of the first acoustic peak in the small angular scale fluctuations of the cosmic background radiation and with light-element abundances of standard big-bang nucleosynthesis. Our model has only a single free parameter, ${m}_{h},$ and does not require that we live at a special time in the evolution of the universe.
Forest influences on snow accumulation and snowmelt at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire, USA

Many factors influence snow depth, water content and duration in forest ecosystems. The effects of forest cover and canopy gap geometry on snow accumulation has been well documented in coniferous forests of western North America and other regions; however, few studies have evaluated these effects on snowpack dynamics in mixed deciduous forests of the northeastern USA. We measured snow depth and water equivalent near the time of peak snowpack accumulation and, again, during snowmelt to better understand the effect of forests on snowpack properties in the northeastern USA. Surveys occurred in openings and under the forest canopy at plots with different characteristics (e.g. aspect, elevation, forest composition) within the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire, USA. Snow water equivalent (SWE) was significantly greater in openings (p = 0.021) than in forests on north-facing plots but not on south-facing plots (p = 0.318) in early March 2009. One month later, SWE was more variable but remained greater in openings on north-facing plots (p = 0.067), whereas SWE was greater (p = 0.071) under forests than in clearings on south-facing plots, where snowmelt had sufficiently progressed. During peak accumulation, SWE decreased with increasing conifer cover on north-facing plots. During the snowmelt period, SWE on south-facing plots decreased with increasing basal area, sky view factor and diameter at breast height of trees on the plots. These results have implications for spring streamflow and soil moisture in the face of changing climate conditions and land use pressures in the forests of northern New England.
History of the WISP Program

This article describes the history of the Wireless Identification and Sensing Platform (WISP) program. It describes the research motivating the creation of the WISP, its development process, the decision to open source its design, and the creation of the WISP Challenge, a program to make WISPs available to univer-sity researchers. The article then surveys WISP-related research performed by the author’s group, by collaborators, and by others who received WISPs through the WISP Challenge or via other channels.
Homology of Ribosomal Ribonucleic Acid of Desulfovibrio Species with Desulfovibrio vulgaris

Three species of Desulfovibrio were found to have a high degree of ribosomal ribonucleic acid homology with Desulfovibrio vulgaris. Desulfotomaculum nigrificans, which is also a sulfate-reducing anaerobe, had only 38% ribosomal ribonucleic acid homology with D. vulgaris. The homologies of six other unrelated genera were determined and found to be lower than 50%.
Diagnostic tests of exocrine pancreatic function and disease

Abstract It is generally accepted that the diagnosis of diseases of the exocrine pancreas is difficult because of the anatomic location of the pancreas, the time-consuming nature of the available diagnostic tests, and the lack of standard criteria of abnormal pancreatic function. This difficulty is further compounded by the fact that early pancreatic damage may not be detected because lipase deficiency and steatorrhea occur when 90% of the pancreas is damaged. 1 Accordingly, several measurements of exocrine pancreatic function may be normal in the presence of mild structural damage of the pancreas. However, advances have been made in recent years and new technology has made inroads into an inaccessible organ. The purpose of this review is 2-fold: first, to present current data on the role of the diagnostic tests of pancreatic function in pancreatic disease; and, second, to provide some guidelines regarding a rational approach for the diagnosis of pancreatic disease.
Embracing Proficiency and Program Standards and Rising to the Challenge: A Response to Burke

The author presents a response to another article in this issue, "Looking Into a Crystal Ball: Is Requiring High-Stakes Language Proficiency Tests Really Going to Improve World Language Education?" by Brigid M. Burke, commenting on proposed changes to foreign language (FL) teacher licensure standards in the U.S. She comments on the benefits of a rigorous and high-quality testing process for language students aspiring to become teachers. Topics explored include the need for language teachers to display a high level of language expertise, cost concerns for proficiency examinations used in the U.S., and the validity of American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) guidelines.
Foreign Investment Dependence and the Environment: An Ecostructural Approach

Sociologists have long debated the impacts of foreign investment for less developed countries. However, theorization fails to articulate the potential environmental consequences of foreign investment dependence. Here, an ecostructural theory of investment dependence is proposed and a derived hypothesis is tested. The hypothesis states that less developed countries dependent on foreign investment in manufacturing exhibit higher levels of per capita noxious gas emissions. These anthropogenic emissions contribute to global warming, climate change, and a variety of human health problems. To test the hypothesis, newly available panel data for the emission of nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide gas as well as measures of foreign investment in manufacturing are analyzed in random effects generalized least squares (GLS) panel regression models for 39 less developed countries. Findings confirm the hypothesis, even when controlling for domestic investment, the relative size of the manufacturing sector, level of development, and other factors. Overall, the analyses support the ecostructural theory of foreign investment dependence, and underscore the sociological relevance in considering the environmental impacts of the transnational organization of production as well as the overall scale of production.
Structure-activity analysis of anandamide analogs: relationship to a cannabinoid pharmacophore.

Anandamides are endogenous fatty acid ethanolamides that have been shown to bind to the cannabinoid receptor and possess cannabimimetic activity yet are structurally dissimilar from the classical cannabinoids found in Cannabis sativa. We have employed molecular dynamics studies of a variety of anandamides to characterize their conformational mobility and determine whether there are pharmacophoric similarities with Δ9-THC. We have found that a looped conformation of these arachidonyl compounds is energetically favorable and that a structural correlation between this low-energy conformation and the classical cannabinoids can be obtained with the superposition of (1) the oxygen of the carboxyamide with the pyran oxygen in Δ9-THC, (2) the hydroxyl group of the ethanol with the phenolic hydroxyl group of Δ9-THC, (3) the five terminal carbons and the pentyl side chain of Δ9-THC, and (4) the polyolefin loop overlaying with the cannabinoid tricyclic ring. The shape similarity is extended to show that other fatty ...