cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Wear of Microelectromechanical Contacts

A test system has been assembled to examine factors controlling the reliability of microdevice switching. The system consists of a spherically tipped sputter-coated post driven by a piezoresistive actuator into a sputter-coated micromechanical membrane. Contact forces are calculated based upon the measured deflection of the micromechanical membrane, which is induced by post actuation. Membrane deflection is measured using white light interferometry. The known geometry of the membrane and probe tip permits the estimation of contact area and, hence, contact pressure. Preliminary testing of sputtered gold contacts resulted in localized melting, material transport to the membrane and failure of contact surfaces at relatively low contact pressures and current densities. Further testing will examine the factors governing the reliability of microdevice contacts, such as material properties, contact pressure and current density.
Feedback modalities as a consideration in biofeedback applications

Effects associated with specific feedback modalities are neither clear nor well explored. The present paper provides an overview of feedback modalities typically used for the presentation of information from major physiological systems. Some consideration of feedback modality in relation to theory is provided with a discussion of trends in past applications.
The Egg Masses, Eggs, and First-Instar Larvae of Eastern North American Corydalidae

A comparative study was made of the egg masses, eggs, and first-instar larvae of the hellgrammite, Corydalus cornutus (L.) ; Nigronia serriconis (Say) ; N. fasciatus (Walker); Chauliodes pectinicornis (L.) ; and Neohermes concolor (Davis). The egg masses were found to differ in regard to presence or absence of a covering and configuration. The eggs of all species were found to possess the characteristic micropylar process. However, differences in size, shape, color, and the presence or absence of minute structures associated with the chorion were evident. Larval characters of diagnostic importance include pigmentation of the head, shape of the labrum, length of the lateral abdominal appendages, location of the spiracles on the 8th abdominal segment, and presence or absence of minute spines on the abdomen.
New views on late Paleozoic climate and tectonics in the Ancestral Rocky Mountains

Recent research in Pennsylvanian-Permian strata of the Fountain Formation adjacent to the Front Range uplift and the Cutler Formation adjacent to the Uncompahgre uplift (Colorado) has resulted in new hypotheses about the climate and tectonics of the Ancestral Rocky Mountains. The Fountain and the Cutler formations are iconic deposits; the thick and coarse-grained nature of these units has been cited for nearly a century as documenting the Ancestral Rockies. Long considered the products of alluvial fan deposition in warm climates, new data support the hypothesis of proglacial deposition for these units, and thus glaciation of the Ancestral Rocky highlands. This bears on our understanding of Late Paleozoic climate in western equatorial Pangaea, as well as global climate at this time. Furthermore, new mapping in the Uncompahgre region indicates substantial onlap and possible burial of Precambrian highlands by Permian strata. The argument for Permian subsidence of the uplift emanates from the hypothesis that Unaweep Canyon, which bisects the Uncompahgre Plateau (paleo Uncompahgre uplift) originated as a Permian paleolandscape. This trip will include visits to (1) the Fountain and Cutler formations to discuss and debate the sedimentologic origin(s) of these deposits, and (2) Unaweep Canyon to examine evidence for both a possible Paleozoic age and glacial origin for this canyon, and its late Cenozoic history as a former stream course of the ancestral Gunnison River.
Calibrate and Adjust for the Sum-Differential Channel Phase of the Tracking Receiver

The differential mode tracking technology plays an important role for receiving signal of low orbit satellites.Based on the differential mode tracking principle,the relationship between the sum-differential channel phase difference of tracking receiver and voltage curve of the azimuth-elevation error is analyzed.The novel method of calibration and adjustment for the sum-differential channel phase difference is put forward.It is very important for design and test of tracking receiver.
Two instruments to measure interdisciplinary bioethical decision making

OBJECTIVE To develop and test two instruments measuring decision making about level of aggressiveness of intensive care unit (ICU) patient care. Decisions about Aggressiveness of Patient Care (DAC) measures care providers' general perceptions about decision making. Decisions about Aggressiveness of Patient Care for Specific Patients (DAC[SP]) measures perceptions in specific situations. DESIGN Two-phase psychometric instrument evaluation. SETTING Phase I, nationally mailed questionnaire. Phase II, northeastern medical center medical ICU. SUBJECTS Phase I, 22 ICU nurse and physician experts. Phase II, 35 medical ICU staff nurses and eight medical resident physicians. OUTCOME MEASURE Psychometric properties of instruments. RESULTS Content validity of both tools was supported by their development from the literature and by the experts. Face validity was supported by the experts, staff nurses, and medical resident physicians. Both instruments had variance in responses, internal consistency reliability (r = 0.53, r = 0.73) and, test-retest reliability (r = 0.73). CONCLUSION These instruments may enrich our understanding of how care providers make bioethical decisions for ICU patients. Such understanding could assist with development of interventions to increase collaborative interdisciplinary decision making, leading to increased care provider satisfaction and better patient outcomes.
Iron oxide nanoparticles inhibit tumour growth by inducing pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization in tumour tissues

Until now, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved iron supplement ferumoxytol and other iron oxide nanoparticles have been used for treating iron deficiency, as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging and as drug carriers. Here, we show an intrinsic therapeutic effect of ferumoxytol on the growth of early mammary cancers, and lung cancer metastases in liver and lungs. In vitro, adenocarcinoma cells co-incubated with ferumoxytol and macrophages showed increased caspase-3 activity. Macrophages exposed to ferumoxytol displayed increased mRNA associated with pro-inflammatory Th1-type responses. In vivo, ferumoxytol significantly inhibited growth of subcutaneous adenocarcinomas in mice. In addition, intravenous ferumoxytol treatment before intravenous tumour cell challenge prevented development of liver metastasis. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and histopathology studies showed that the observed tumour growth inhibition was accompanied by increased presence of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages in the tumour tissues. Our results suggest that ferumoxytol could be applied 'off label' to protect the liver from metastatic seeds and potentiate macrophage-modulating cancer immunotherapies.
Anthropological STS in Asia

Anthropological STS, distinct from its nearest neighbors social studies of science (SSK), social studies of technology (SCOT), and actor–network theory (ANT), is (a) more holistic and culturally embedded than those neighbors and (b) in conversation with comparative literature, film, and media studies, including imaginaries of networks beyond national boundaries. Asian STS, or theory from the Global East, rearranges theory from the Global North (traditional STS), the Global South (South Africa), India (postcolonial or subaltern studies), or white settler postcolonial theory from the antipodes. New key journals and networks are centers for STS in Asia. With consciousness of anthropocene changes and biological sensibilities of how systems interact, regenerate, stabilize, or collapse and morph, transform, and become otherwise, this article argues that we need more perspectives, located in different parts of the earth, on our bios and our polis, including revisionist histories of inter-Asian circulations and g...
On the Development of Variable Size Batched Computation for Heterogeneous Parallel Architectures

Many scientific applications, ranging from national security to medical advances, require solving a number of relatively small-size independent problems. As the size of each individual problem does not provide sufficient parallelism for the underlying hardware, especially accelerators, these problems must be solved concurrently as a batch in order to saturate the hardware with enough work, hence the name batched computation. A possible simplification is to assume a uniform size for all problems. However, real applications do not necessarily satisfy such assumption. Consequently, an efficient solution for variable-size batched computations is required. This paper proposes a foundation for high performance variable-size batched matrix computation based on Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). Being throughput-oriented processors, GPUs favor regular computation and less divergence among threads, in order to achieve high performance. Therefore, the development of high performance numerical software for this kind of problems is challenging. As a case study, we developed efficient batched Cholesky factorization algorithms for relatively small matrices of different sizes. However, most of the strategies and the software developed, and in particular a set of variable size batched BLAS kernels, can be used in many other dense matrix factorizations, large scale sparse direct multifrontal solvers, and applications. We propose new interfaces and mechanisms to handle the irregular computation pattern on the GPU. According to the authors' knowledge, this is the first attempt to develop high performance software for this class of problems. Using a K40c GPU, our performance tests show speedups of up to 2.5x against two Sandy Bridge CPUs (8-core each) running Intel MKL library.
Effects of glaciers on nutrient concentrations and phytoplankton in lakes within the Northern Cascades Mountains (USA)

We compared nitrate concentrations, phytoplankton biomass, and phytoplankton community structure in lakes fed by glacier melt and snowmelt (GSF lakes) and by snowmelt only (SF lakes) within North Cascades National Park (NOCA) in Washington State, USA. In the U.S. Rocky Mountains, glacier melting has greatly increased nitrate concentrations in GSF lakes (52–236 µg NO3–N L−1) relative to SF lakes (1–14 µg NO3–N L−1) and thereby stimulated phytoplankton changes in GSF lakes. Considering NOCA contains approximately one-third of the glaciers in the continental U.S., and many mountain lakes that receive glacier meltwater inputs, we hypothesized that NOCA GSF lakes would have greater nitrate concentrations, greater phytoplankton biomass, and greater abundance of nitrogen-sensitive diatom species than NOCA SF lakes. However, at NOCA nitrate concentrations were much lower and differences between lake types were small compared to the Rockies. At NOCA, nitrate concentrations averaged 13 and 5 µg NO3–N L−1 in GSF and SF lakes, respectively, and a nitrate difference was not detectable in several individual years. There also was no difference in phytoplankton biomass or abundance of nitrogen-sensitive diatoms between lake types at NOCA. In contrast to the Rockies, there also was not a significant positive relationship between watershed percent glacier area and lake nitrate at NOCA. Results demonstrate that biogeochemical responses to global change in Western U.S. mountain lake watersheds may vary regionally. Regional differences may be affected by differing nitrogen deposition, climate, geology, or microbial processes within glacier environments, and merit further investigation.
Reactions in theB8andLi8compound systems

Calculations are reported for reactions in the {sup 8}B and {sup 8}Li compound systems with the recoil corrected continuum shell model. Comparison with observed structure indicates that the spin-orbit component of the M3Y interaction must be modified near the middle of the p shell. Calculations are performed with three spin-orbit strengths. The prediction for {sup 7}Be(p,{gamma}){sup 8}B, based on this model and available data, is that S{sub 17}(0) equals 21.63 eV b and S{sub 17}(20) 21.02 eV b. Calculations for {sup 7}Li(n,{gamma}){sup 8}Li indicate that the {sup 8}Li, 1{sub 2}{sup +} state is nearly degenerate with the 3{sup +} state. It is shown that a measurement of {sup 7}Li(n,{gamma}){sup 8}Li(1{sub 1}{sup +}) can locate the 0{sup +} state. It is also shown that {sup 7}Be(p,p{sup '}){sup 7}Be(1/2{sup -}) can locate the 1{sup +} and 0{sup +} strength in {sup 8}B.
Optimization of Nonstationary Thermal Displacements in a Given Cross Section of a Half Space in the Plane Strain State

We construct the solution of the problem of optimal control over the distribution of nonstationary vertical thermal displacements of a half space in the plane strain state. The power of internal heat sources concentrated in a plane parallel to the boundary is chosen as the control function. Under the assumption of existence of the control function guaranteeing the attainment of the greatest lower bound of the uniform deviation of the controlled distribution of vertical displacements from the given distribution, we reduce the problem of optimization to the inverse problem of thermoelasticity. The solution of the obtained inverse problem is constructed and analyzed.
Religious Development in African American Adolescents: Growth Patterns That Offer Protection

Although religiosity promotes resilient outcomes in African American (AA) adolescents, there is a lack of research that examines the protective role of religious development in the context of stressful life events (SLEs). In 1,595 AA adolescents, a cohort-sequential design was used from ages 12 to 18 to examine subtypes of religiosity, as well as distinct developmental patterns within subtypes. The protective role of religious development was also examined in the context of SLEs. The study findings indicated two subtypes of religiosity-extrinsic and intrinsic religiosity-as well as low and high developmental patterns in the identified subtypes. Furthermore, the protective influence of extrinsic and intrinsic religiosity gradually diminished from age 12 to 18 in the context of SLEs.
Tractor Variety, Adoption, and Diffusion

The tractor provides an interesting example in the adoption and diffusion of technology and the contextual factors that affected it – especially when contrasted with the automobile. The first tractors were developed around 1892 and did not arrive on more than 25 percent of farms until nearly 50 years later. Automobiles, on the other hand, had about the same starting point – 1892 – and before 1919 more than 25 percent of farms boasted automobiles. This paper will explore why farmers hesitated to buy tractors even while they were snapping up automobiles, focusing particularly on the excessive variety of tractor designs available during 1916-1917.
CA2 Neuronal Activity Controls Hippocampal Oscillations and Social Behavior

Hippocampal oscillations arise from coordinated activity among distinct populations of neurons and are associated with cognitive functions and behaviors. Although much progress has been made toward identifying the relative contribution of specific neuronal populations in hippocampal oscillations, far less is known about the role of hippocampal area CA2, which is thought to support social aspects of episodic memory. Furthermore, the little existing evidence on the role of CA2 in oscillations have led to conflicting conclusions. Therefore, we sought to identify the specific contribution of CA2 pyramidal neurons to brain oscillations using a controlled experimental system. We used excitatory and inhibitory DREADDs in transgenic mice to acutely and reversibly manipulate CA2 pyramidal cell activity. Here, we report on the role of CA2 in hippocampal-prefrontal cortical network oscillations and social behavior. We found that excitation or inhibition of CA2 pyramidal cell activity bidirectionally regulated hippocampal and prefrontal cortical low gamma oscillations and inversely modulated hippocampal ripple oscillations. Further, CA2 inhibition impaired social approach behavior. These findings support a role for CA2 in low gamma generation and ripple modulation within the hippocampus and underscore the importance of CA2 neuronal activity in extrahippocampal oscillations and social behavior.
Thermoluminescence (TL) and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) Dating of Two Burned Clovis Wyandotte Chert Lithic Specimens from Paleo Crossing (33ME274), Ohio, USA

ABSTRACTPaleo Crossing (33ME274), a Clovis site in Medina County, Northeast Ohio, USA, has played an important role in debates on the Pleistocene Peopling of the Americas given its published, and assumed accurate, age of 10,980 ± 75 BP (12,717–13,020 calibrated BP, median age 12,854 cal BP). However, there are still questions surrounding the radiocarbon ages from the site. We aimed to bypass using the association of charcoal with features or artifacts, and instead date the Clovis artifacts directly via luminescence dating. The chronometric results of 9.14 ± 2.18 kya and 8.92 ± 3.03 kya suggest one of two possibilities: (1) there was a fire at Paleo Crossing sometime during the Early Archaic period or, more likely, (2) the inner parts of the lithics were partially bleached, reducing the signal, while they were exposed on the surface.
A Small RNA Pathway Mediates Allelic Dosage in Endosperm

Summary Balance between maternal and paternal genomes within the triploid endosperm is necessary for normal seed development. The majority of endosperm genes are expressed in a 2:1 maternal:paternal ratio, reflecting genomic DNA content. Here, we find that the 2:1 transcriptional ratio is, unexpectedly, actively regulated. In A. thaliana and A. lyrata , endosperm 24-nt small RNAs are reduced in transposable elements and enriched in genes compared with the embryo. We find an inverse relationship between the parent of origin of sRNAs and mRNAs, with genes more likely to be associated with maternally than paternally biased sRNAs. Disruption of the Pol IV sRNA pathway causes a shift toward maternal allele mRNA expression for many genes. Furthermore, paternal inheritance of an RNA Pol IV mutation is sufficient to rescue seed abortion caused by excess paternal genome dosage. Thus, RNA Pol IV mediates the transcriptional balance between maternally and paternally inherited genomes in endosperm.
Foot Voting, Decentralization, and Development

We can enhance development by making it easier for people to “vote with their feet” between jurisdictions. Few, if any, policy reforms can achieve such enormous increases in economic growth and opportunity. Foot voting is, in several crucial respects, a better mechanism of political decision-making than ballot-box voting. Foot voters generally have better incentives to acquire relevant knowledge and use it more wisely than ballot box voters do. Empowering foot voters enhances development by enabling citizens to move to areas with greater job opportunities, and incentivizing regional and local governments to adopt pro-development policies in order to compete for residents and businesses. Even greater gains can be achieved by expanding opportunities for foot voting across international boundaries, through immigration. Constitutional structures can be designed in ways that maximize the benefits of foot voting and minimize potential costs.
Preliminary Assessment of Hurricane Harvey Exposures and Mental Health Impact

Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Houston, Texas on 25 August 2017, the psychological and physical effects of which are still unknown. We assessed hurricane exposure and the immediate mental health needs of the population to define public health priorities for a larger epidemiological study. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants (n = 41) from the greater Houston area aged ≥18 years. Participants completed a questionnaire about demographics, hurricane exposures, and physical/mental health. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was measured with the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-S (PCL-S; a score ≥30 indicated probable PTSD symptoms). The Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) was used to assess symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety disorder. The average PTSD score was 32.9 (SD = 17.1); a total of 46% of participants met the threshold for probable PTSD. Increased overall hurricane exposure (adjusted odds ratio (ORadj) 1.42; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06–2.05) and property-related exposure (ORadj 1.53; 95% CI: 1.07–2.18) were both statistically significantly associated with increased odds of probable PTSD symptoms. A perception of chemical/toxin exposure due to Hurricane Harvey was reported by 44% of participants. A higher number of personal or property exposures were associated with greater mental health symptoms three weeks post-hurricane. This work has implications for the ongoing response to Hurricane Harvey and for assessing the immediate needs of the population.
Paclitaxel-coated balloon dilation for central airway obstruction.

Abstract Introduction Central airway obstruction (CAO) often requires repeated interventional procedures which offer variable efficacy, a time-limited effect, and have inherent limitations. Paclitaxel has been used to prevent restenosis in blood vessels. The literature describing the use of paclitaxel to prevent recurrent airway stenosis is limited. We sought to describe our experience using a paclitaxel-coated balloon (PCB) for CAO. Material and methods We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent PCB airway dilation. We collected: basic demographics, details of the CAO, details of the bronchoscopes used, PCB size, PCB dilation pressure, duration of PCB inflation, concurrent non-PCB interventions, estimated pre- and post-PCB CAO luminal diameter, follow up bronchoscopy date and luminal diameter, and spirometry results. Results PCB dilation was performed in 10 cases on 5 patients. Eight PCB dilations were performed for CAO related to distal airway stent stenosis. Concurrent non-PCB interventions were performed with 6 PCB dilations. Nine cases documented improvements and 1 was unchanged immediately post-PCB dilation. Median luminal diameter pre-PCB dilation was 2 mm. Immediately post-PCB dilation, the median change in luminal diameter was 2 mm. Follow up bronchoscopy information was available for 9 cases. For these 9 cases, luminal diameter was unchanged in 5 and worse in 4 when compared to immediate post-PCB dilation. Conclusion PCB dilation in benign CAO produced a modest effect in this cohort of challenging airways. Larger prospective studies are needed to assess how a PCB would perform when compared to a non-drug coated balloon.
Myelodysplasia: From Birth to Adulthood

This review of the urologic approach to the child with myelomeningocele from birth to adulthood includes a discussion of prenatal assessment, newborn evaluation and management, treatment of urinary tract infection, vesicoureteral reflux and incontinence, and social implications for helping to mainstream these children into becoming productive members of society.
Dietary Fat Does Not Overcome trans-10, cis-12 Conjugated Linoleic Acid Inhibition of Milk Fat Synthesis in Lactating mice

Trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a potent inhibitor of milk fat synthesis in the cow and similarly reduces milk fat in rodents. The objective of this study was to determine whether dietary fat can overcome CLA inhibition of milk fat concentration in lactating mice. Wild type C57Bl/6J mice (n = 31) were fed semipurified diets containing either low fat (LF; 4% fat) or high fat (HF; 23.6% fat) starting 4-6 days postpartum. Dietary fat was increased by inclusion of high oleic sunflower oil. After 2 days on the experimental diets, lactating dams were orally dosed with either water (control) or trans-10, cis-12 CLA (20 mg/day) for 5 days. CLA treatment decreased pup growth similarly in both HF and LF diets. Milk fat percent was increased over 16% by the HF diet and decreased over 12% by CLA, but there was no interaction of dietary fat and CLA. Both CLA and the HF diet reduced the proportion of short- and medium-chain fatty acids that originate from de novo synthesis, and there was no interaction of diet and CLA. CLA had no effect on the percent of preformed fatty acids, but the HF diet increased their abundance. Dietary fat and CLA both modified mammary expression of lipogenic enzymes and regulators, but no interactions were observed. In conclusion, CLA reduced milk fat concentration and litter growth, but these effects were not overcome by increased dietary fat from high oleic sunflower oil. CLA inhibition of milk fat in the mammary gland is not substrate dependent, and the mechanism is independent from dietary supply of oleic acid.
Disintegration and Dissolution Testing of Green Tea Dietary Supplements: Application and Evaluation of United States Pharmacopeial Standards.

Approved performance quality tests are lacking in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) for dietary supplements (DSs) containing green tea extracts. We evaluated the applicability of USP general chapter protocols for disintegration and dissolution testing of botanicals to GT DSs. Of 28 single-ingredient GT DSs tested in 2 to 4 lots, 9 (32.1%) always passed the disintegration test, 8 (28.6%) always failed, and 11 (39.3%) showed inconsistent results. Of 34 multi-ingredient DSs tested in 2 lots, 21 (61.8%) passed and 8 (23.5%) failed in both lots, and 5 (14.7%) exhibited inconsistent performance. When stronger destructive forces were applied (disk added), all of the capsules that had failed initially, but not the tablets, passed. In dissolution testing, for the release of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), only 6 of 20 single-ingredient DSs passed. Unexpectedly, with the addition of pepsin (prescribed by USP), only one additional DS passed. These results raise concerns that EGCG was not released properly from GT DS dosage forms. However, the general USP protocols may be inadequate for this botanical. More biorelevant destructive forces may be needed to break down capsules and tablets strengthened by the EGCG's interaction with shell material and to overcome the inhibition of digestive enzymes by EGCG.
PET imaging of phosphodiesterase-4 identifies affected dysplastic bone in McCune-Albright syndrome, a genetic mosaic disorder

McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is a mosaic disorder arising from gain-of-function mutations in the GNAS gene, which encodes the 3′, 5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway-associated G-protein, Gsα. Clinical manifestations of MAS in a given individual, including fibrous dysplasia, are determined by the timing and location of the GNAS mutation during embryogenesis, the tissues involved, and the role of Gsα in the affected tissues. The Gsα mutation results in dysregulation of the cAMP signaling cascade, leading to upregulation of phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4), which catalyzes the hydrolysis of cAMP. Increased cAMP levels have been found in vitro in both animal models of fibrous dysplasia and in cultured cells from individuals with MAS, but not in humans with fibrous dysplasia. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of PDE4 with 11C-(R)-rolipram has been used successfully to study the in vivo activity of the cAMP cascade. To date, it remains unknown whether fibrous dysplasia and other symptoms of MAS, including neuropsychiatric impairments, are associated with increased PDE4 activity in humans. Methods:11C-(R)-rolipram whole-body and brain PET scans were performed in six individuals with MAS (three for brain scans and six for whole-body scans) and nine healthy controls (seven for brain scans and six for whole-body scans). Results:11C-(R)-rolipram binding correlated with known locations of fibrous dysplasia in the periphery of individuals with MAS; no uptake was observed in the bones of healthy controls. In peripheral organs and the brain, no difference in 11C-(R)-rolipram uptake was noted between participants with MAS and healthy controls. Conclusion: This study is the first to find evidence for increased cAMP activity in areas of fibrous dysplasia in vivo. No differences in brain uptake between MAS participants and controls were detected, which could be due to several reasons, including the limited anatomic resolution of PET. Nevertheless, the results confirm the usefulness of PET scans with 11C-(R)-rolipram to indirectly measure increased cAMP pathway activation in human disease.
Quality of radio frequency pasteurized shell eggs during extended storage under normal and moderate abuse conditions

Abstract This study investigated the microbiological and physical qualities of shell eggs pasteurized with radio frequency treatment combined with hot water (RF/HW) during 5 weeks of storage at 7.2 or 10 °C. Shell eggs inoculated with low or high levels of Salmonella Typhimurium were subjected to RF/HW pasteurization. The results showed that regardless of storage temperature, shell eggs pasteurized by RF/HW treatment were Salmonella free during 5 weeks of storage if initial counts were 2.5 log CFU/mL. However, when the inoculation level was 6.5 log CFU/mL, 0.7 log CFU/mL of Salmonella survived the pasteurization process. This small population remained stable over 5 weeks when eggs were stored at 7.2 °C, but grew to 7.4 log CFU/mL when stored at 10 °C after 4 weeks. Physical qualities, including weight loss, yolk pH, albumen pH, Haugh unit, yolk index, and albumen turbidity were also assessed during storage. In general, pasteurized shell eggs had similar quality as untreated eggs during storage at 7.2 °C for 5 weeks. Therefore, this study demonstrated that shell eggs pasteurized by RF/HW process are microbiologically safe and resemble untreated eggs during 5 weeks of storage at 7.2 °C.
Past, Present, and Future of Interventional Cardiology

“Skate to where the puck is going, not where it has been.”—Wayne Gretsky The recent waves of transformational technology in structural heart disease (SHD) interventions will have dramatic effects on interventional cardiology (IC) and will shape the future of the field over the next decade.
Behavioural response to simulated avian predation varies with latitude and predation intensity of natural populations

The intensity of ecological interactions is generally expected to increase at lower latitudes, suggesting potential to shape prey behavior at broad spatial scales. Yet, there is relatively limited understanding of how animal behavior varies across major environmental gradients for most taxonomic groups. In this study, I investigated behavioral response of a livebearing fish, Gambusia holbrooki, to a simulated avian predator. Fish originated from 17 populations distributed across 15° latitude. Across this latitudinal expanse, the richness of piscivorous birds varied significantly. Consistent with putative predation pressure, antipredator responses were more frequent in regions with greater inferred predation pressure. Predator richness and latitude covaried significantly across the study region, indicating a need to further disentangle drivers of behavioral evolution including potentially correlated unmeasured variables. Nonetheless, this study demonstrates the importance of environmental variation for shaping patterns of animal behavior at a broad spatial scale (2000+ km), which may be important for understanding a range of ecological processes such as disease transmission and invasion dynamics.
Molecular patterns from a human gut-derived Lactobacillus strain suppress pathogenic infiltration of leukocytes into the central nervous system

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease that affects 2.5 million people worldwide. Growing evidence suggests that perturbation of the gut microbiota, the dense collection of microorganisms that colonize the gastrointestinal tract, plays a functional role in MS. Indeed, specific gut-resident bacteria are altered in patients with MS compared to healthy individuals, and colonization of gnotobiotic mice with MS-associated microbiota exacerbates preclinical models of MS. However, defining the molecular mechanisms by which gut commensals can remotely affect the neuroinflammatory process remains a critical gap in the field. We utilized monophasic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in C57BL/6J mice and relapse-remitting EAE in SJL/J mice to test the effects of the products from a human gut-derived commensal strain of Lactobacillus paracasei (Lb). We report that Lb can ameliorate preclinical murine models of MS with both prophylactic and therapeutic administrations. Lb ameliorates disease through a Toll-like receptor 2-dependent mechanism via its microbe-associated molecular patterns that can be detected in the systemic circulation, are sufficient to downregulate chemokine production, and can reduce immune cell infiltration into the central nervous system (CNS). In addition, alterations in the gut microbiota mediated by Lb-associated molecular patterns are sufficient to provide partial protection against neuroinflammatory diseases. Local Lb modulation of the gut microbiota and the shedding of Lb-associated molecular patterns into the circulation may be important physiological signals to prevent aberrant peripheral immune cell infiltration into the CNS and have relevance to the development of new therapeutic strategies for MS.
Economic Evaluation of 1470 nm Diode Laser Enucleation vs Bipolar Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

Purpose: Large meta-analyses demonstrate the noninferiority of laser enucleation to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with regard to long-term efficacy and reoperation rate. Although t...
Breeding system and promotion model of Burundi improved crop variety

【Objective】The breeding system and promotion model of improved crop variety in Burundi were studied to provide references to enhance the cooperation between China and the Republic of Burundi(Burundi for short). 【Method】Aimed to agricultural improved varities of Burundi, the basic utilization situation, administrative management and promotion systems, breeding models and main achievements were introduced and analysed. As for existing problems, some targeted suggestions for development were put forward. 【Result】In recent years, the amounts of main food crop seeds used in Burundi remained relatively stable. Among which, there was an increasing trend of amount for seeds used of pea bean,peanut, potato, rice and so on. Burundi had mainly established systems for seed breeding and promotion and had achieved mainly self-sufficiency of improved seeds. There were two breeding systems viz., the folk breeding system and national breeding system. While due to the backwardness of breeding technology, poor quality and high breeding cost, the outputting efficiency of improved varities was relatively lower, especially the commercial seeds, which was not consistent with utilization situation of improved seeds. While the organization for agricultural technology promotion system was relatively perfect in Burundi, the operating efficiency for promotion was relatively lower, owing to the single promoting subject, lack of promotion expense, low-quality technicians to spread agricultural technology and backwardness of promotion means and conditions. 【Suggestion 】Some suggestions of development were put forward to establish breeding system and promotion model dominated by government, put science ahead to play a role of scientific support in development, and open market depending on enterprise innovation.
Doing Well by Doing Good? Risk, Return, and Environmental and Social Ratings

We analyse the risk and return relationship of firms sorted by environmental and social (ES) ratings. We document that ES ratings do not have a statistically significant relationship with either average stock returns or unconditional market risk measures. Firms with high ES ratings have significantly lower downside risk than firms with lower ES ratings. However, a two standard-deviation move across stocks on ES score results in a decrease in downside risk measuring only 4–8% of the underlying downside risk measure’s standard deviation. This decrease in downside risk for high ES firms can be partly attributed to the news sentiment about the firms and institutional trading. Our results suggest that ES investing may not be justified solely based on the risk-return relationship of ES firms.
Race-specific characteristics in pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis in an urban inner-city clinic.

Abstract Background Manifestations of pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are varied and dictated by multiple factors. The influence of race is limited to small observational cohorts of dichotomized data (Whites vs non-Whites) or single-racial analysis. Objective To better understand phenotypic variability in the manifestation and atopic sensitization of pediatric EoE, from the perspective of race. Methods Retrospective observational cohort study performed at a tertiary referral center. Subjects were included if less than 21 years old, with suggestive clinical features and histopathologic (>15 eosinophils/high-power field [hpf]) confirmation of EoE. Statistical computation was performed using Stata/IC 11 on variables of interest. Results A total of 34 subjects were included in the analysis. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age for initial atopy was 2 (1-5) years. The median (IQR) age for EoE diagnosis was 5 (3-8) years. Age of EoE diagnosis was higher for Black or African Americans than non-Black or African Americans (P = .01). Between the racial groups, there was no difference in the total number of food sensitizations (P = .13), yet environmental allergy testing revealed that Black or African Americans were more likely to be sensitized for weeds (P = .03), dog (P = .009), and mold (P = .006). On histopathologic analysis, Black or African American subjects were found to have more prominent midesophageal eosinophilia at median 50/hpf (20-80/hpf), whereas Hispanic or LatinXs have more prominent lower esophageal eosinophilia at median 40/hpf (IQR, 20-40/hpf), compared with the other races (P = .04 and P = .04, respectively). Conclusion Black or African Americans are more likely to present at an older age, have aeroallergen sensitization, and have more prominent midesophageal eosinophilia.
Patient out-of-pocket savings with lower-dose trastuzumab.

e18828Background: Trastuzumab-related costs of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive breast cancer treatment are significant, approaching $70,000 per patient in the adjuvant sett...
College students' knowledge and attitudes toward clinical trials and their relationship with willingness to participate in COVID-19 trials or vaccines.

Objective We examined clinical trial knowledge and attitudes, and their relationship with willingness to participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials, and willingness to accept a COVID-19 vaccine among college students. Participants 331 undergraduates: mean age 25; 72% women; and 78% white. Methods We administered an online, anonymous survey to undergraduate students in July, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results The mean clinical trial knowledge score was 65% (SD = 16) correct. The mean attitudes toward clinical trials score (1 most negative: 5 most positive) was 3.3 (SD = 0.5). Attitudes toward clinical trials were associated with likelihood of COVID-19 trial participation (positive 76% vs. negative 35%, p = 0.001) and a trend toward likelihood of accepting a COVID-19 vaccine if available (positive 89% vs. negative 67%, p = 0.066). Conclusions General clinical trial knowledge and attitudes appear to be important targets for educational interventions. Furthermore, fostering positive attitudes may lead to improved COVID-19 trial participation and vaccine uptake.
Evaluation of umbilical venous flow volume measured using ultrasound compared to circuit flow volume in the EXTra-uterine Environment for Neonatal Development (EXTEND) system in fetal sheep.

Objective To compare and validate umbilical venous flow volume (UVFV) measured at the intra-abdominal portion using ultrasound with actual flow volume of umbilical vein (UV) in fetal sheep sustained on the EXTrauterine Environment for Neonatal Development (EXTEND) system. Methods Circuit flow volume through the oxygenator was obtained using sensors. Ultrasound derived UVFV (ml/min) was calculated as (UV diameter [cm]/2)2 × 3.14 × maximum velocity (cm/s) × 0.5 × 60, measured at approximately the mid portion between its abdominal insertion and the origin of the ductus venosus. UVFV was measured by ultrasound once daily and was compared to the average of daily circuit flow volume directly measured. Results UVFV was measured 168 times in 15 fetal sheep. The ratio of circuit flow volume to combined cardiac output remained stable within the anticipated physiological range throughout. UVFV measured by ultrasound showed good correlation to directly measured circuit flow (r = 0.72). Interclass correlation coefficients for intra-observer variability was 0.991 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.979-0.996). Conclusion UVFV measured at the intra-abdominal portion using ultrasound shows a good correlation with directly measured circuit flow volume in UV of fetal sheep on the EXTEND system. Regular incorporation of such validated UVFV measures into clinical use may offer opportunities to better understand conditions of placental dysfunction.
Stochastic Computing with Simulated Event Camera Data

This paper presents initial results of the first time event camera data is being paired with a stochastic computing system for image processing applications in a near-sensor neural network system. Stochastic computers have great potential to reduce the size, complexity, and power required to complete common computing tasks. However, stochastic computing re-quires data to be spread across time in pseudorandom bit-strings; producing these bit-streams is costly from a power perspective. The saccades observed by the event camera can be used to generate pseudo-random bit-streams at the camera’s output. Therefore, it is natural to pair these two systems together. The system is described and performance results are shown from pairing simulated Dynamic Vision System (DVS) event camera data with a MATLAB simulation of our Field-Programmable Gate Array-based stochastic computing system.
Examining the Prevalence of Homologous Recombination Repair Defects in ER+ Breast Cancers.

Purpose/Objective(s) Cancers with defects in the homologous recombination repair (HRD) pathway exhibit increased sensitivity to platinum agents and PARP inhibitors (PARPi). HRD can occur secondary to germline or somatic acquired genetic alterations in HR genes or BRCA1 promoter methylation, but a plurality of HRD cancers do not have known explanatory mechanisms. HRD is known to be most frequent in triple negative breast cancers. We sought to determine the frequency of HRD, defined by genomic signatures, in ER+/Her2- breast cancers, the largest segment of the overall breast cancer population. Materials/Methods The Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG) Consortium of the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) has made the whole-genomes of 2,658 cases available for analysis. We used the available breast cancer cases in this dataset as our study substrate and further categorized them as ER+/Her2-, TNBC, or unlabeled. Large-scale state transitions (LST) are well-described ultra-structural “genomic scars” that can be assessed and scored using computational techniques, and serve as an inference for HRD. LST has been associated with responsiveness to PARPi, consistent with its use as a surrogate for HRD. We dichotomized LST scores > = 15 as HRD. We further examined the prevalence of the single base substitution signature 3 (SBS3) and indel signature 6 (ID6) previously associated with BRCA1/2 cases by the PCAWG project as additional surrogates for HRD. The Mann-Whitney test was used to assess differences across groups. Results There were 73 breast cancer genomes contributed to PCAWG by the EU breast cancer cohort, all of which were labeled ER+/Her2-. There were 44 breast cancer genomes contributed by UK (“UK cohort”) labeled TNBC. As expected, we observed statistically significant differences in mean LST scores and SBS3 between the ER+ and TNBC cohorts. Within the ER+/Her2- cohort, 11 of 73 cases (15%) had HRD as defined by high LST. The HRD status of these 11 cases is supported by elevated ID6 and SBS3 compared to the 62 cases with low LST. Conclusion Our work suggests that HRD may be as prevalent as 15% in ER+Her2- breast cancer. Given the preponderance of ER+ breast cancer, women with ER+ breast cancer with HRD may outnumber the 40% of women with TNBC with HRD. In a future with rapid, clinical grade assays for HRD, many more breast cancer patients may be eligible for synthetically lethal combination therapies than previously anticipated.
Surface-initiated Atom-transfer Radical Polymerization (SI-ATRP) of Bactericidal Polymer Brushes on Poly(lactic acid) Surfaces

Abstract We have modified the surface of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) by bromination in the presence of N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) under UV irradiation. This new approach to impart functionality to the surface does not effect the bulk of the material. Brominated PLA surfaces served as initiators for atom-transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) of 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride, a quaternary ammonium methacrylate (QMA). Grafting of poly(QMA) brushes rendered PLA films hydrophilic and these films displayed a three-order of magnitude increase in antimicrobial efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli as compared to unmodified PLA. The two-step strategy described here to modify PLA surface represents a useful route to modified PLA materials for biomedical and antimicrobial packaging applications.
Total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation for chronic pancreatitis: spectrum of postoperative CT findings

Improved laboratory methods for preparing islets for autotransplantation and postoperative care for the apancreatic patient have led to a surge in centers performing total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation. Accordingly, imaging in this patient population is increasingly being performed. The purpose of this article is to review the expected normal postoperative findings unique to the procedure and common complications on dual phase CT in the immediate postoperative and long-term periods.
“The Mystery of the Century:” Lay Buddhist Monk Villages (Chaegasŭngch’on) Near Korea’s Northernmost Border, 1600s–1960s

This article examines the history of the villages of lay monks ( chaegasŭng ) near North Korea’s northernmost border. These communities had been ignored for centuries until they suddenly became the object of scholarly and public attention when Korea fell under Japanese colonial rule (1910–1945). The men of the villages were called “lay monks.” They shaved their heads, had wives and children, and had more than one ethnic identity. Despite the sizable number of lay monk villages in this region, their long history and, more importantly, their monastic identity and Buddhist lifestyle, narratives about these communities are almost absent in the historiography of Korean Buddhism. The absence of a written history is ascribed to that historiography’s privileged focus on the influential figures, doctrines, texts, and schools that contributed to the protection of the state. Colonial experiences and national divisions have reinforced these elite- and nation-centered narratives about Korean Buddhism to the exclusion of its more pluralistic, local dimensions on the periphery. If the history of these lay monk communities is understood within the context of Chosŏn Buddhism (1392–1910) placed under the Neo-Confucian hegemony of the Chosŏn dynasty, then clearly the existence of these communities is not an anomaly developed independently, but instead is an integral part of Korean Buddhism.