cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Post- and Pre-Natal Assessment of α-l-Iduronidase Deficiency with a Radiolabelled Natural Substrate

1. α-l-Iduronidase activity was assayed by incubation of iduronosyl anhydro[1- 3 H]mannitol 6-sulphate with homogenates of cultured skin fibroblasts, amniotic cells and leucocytes derived from normal individuals, patients affected with α-l-iduronidase deficiency disorder (mucopolysaccharidosis type I: Hurler, Scheie and Hurler-Scheie compound) and parents of such patients. 2. The assay for α-l-iduronidase, described for use with these cell types, clearly distinguished affected homozygotes from heterozygotes and normal controls. 3. The mean specific activity of α-l-iduronidase in homogenates prepared from cultured skin fibroblasts and leucocytes from more than seven obligate heterozygotes for mucopolysaccharidosis type I was found to be about one-half of the mean of more than 40 normal controls. A number of heterozygotes had α-l-iduronidase activity that identified them as carriers; others had values clearly within the normal range. Thus heterozygote detection of mucopolysaccharidosis type I is not certain. 4. With iduronosyl anhydro[1- 3 H]mannitol 6-sulphate used as substrate, cell types from five pregnancies at risk for α-l-iduronidase deficiency were examined; each foetus was predicted to be unaffected. For one foetus it was not possible from measurements of total enzyme activity alone to distinguish between the heterozygous carrier state and affected homozygote. The difficulty was resolved by comparing Michaelis-Menten kinetics of this enzyme in fibroblasts derived from the propositus, mother and normal controls with the kinetics of the enzyme in amniotic cells isolated from the foetus at risk and from normal controls.
Benefit-cost analysis of vaccination of horses as a strategy to control equine monocytic ehrlichiosis

OBJECTIVE To determine whether horses in New York should be vaccinated against equine monocytic ehrlichiosis (EME). DESIGN Decision-tree analyses of data from a cross-sectional study and a case-control study. SAMPLE POPULATION Horses in New York. PROCEDURE Annual expected monetary loss per horse attributable to EME was calculated for vaccinated and nonvaccinated horses in New York. Because risk of being seropositive was dependent on county in which the horse was located, farm elevation, and use of each horse, decision-tree analyses were stratified by these factors. RESULTS Annual expected monetary loss per horse attributable to EME for horses vaccinated by veterinarians ranged from $ 21 to $ 21.83/horse/y; for horses vaccinated by owners ranged from $ 10 to $ 10.83/horse/y; and for nonvaccinated horses ranged from $ 0 to $ 4.03/horse/y. Assuming 78% of vaccinated horses were protected and mean losses associated with EME included costs for horses that died, annual incidence density at which expected monetary loss for vaccinated horses was equal to that for nonvaccinated horses was 12 cases/1,000 horses/y and 25 cases/1,000 horses/y for horses vaccinated by owners or by veterinarians, respectively. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Annual vaccination minimizes monetary losses attributable to EME only when the annual incidence density exceeds 12 to 25 cases/1,000 horses/y. In New York, expected monetary losses are minimized when horses are not vaccinated because of the low annual incidence density in most regions.
Exotic Atoms in Condensed Matter: Conclusions

I think I should begin with two apologies. First of all I must apologize for interposing between you and lunch. I will try to be brief. Secondly I must apologize because you have already had a lecture from an obvious neophyte in the area of muons in condensed matter. I can only hope that these remarks have some mildly recognizable overlap with what you will find in the proceedings! But, speaking especially as a neophyte, I have enormously enjoyed this workshop, and I have learnt a great deal. What you are about to hear is the distillation of at least some of the things I have learnt. I do not want to imply that you have necessarily focussed on the same things; in fact it is far more likely that you have appreciated much more than I have. But in examining the theme and content of the Workshop, I am struck by the fact that it is divided, roughly speaking, into four components of something vaguely resembling the commodities part of a quasi-economic system, namely:
The effect of low-temperature aging on the microstructure and deformation of uranium- 6 wt% niobium: An in-situ neutron diffraction study

Abstract The mechanical properties of uranium-niobium alloys evolve with aging at relatively low temperatures due to subtle microstructural changes. In-situ neutron diffraction measurements during aging of a monoclinic U-6Nb alloy at temperatures to 573 K were performed to monitor these changes. Further, in-situ neutron diffraction studies during deformation of U-6Nb in the as-quenched state and after aging for two and eight hours at 473 K were completed to assess the influence of microstructural evolution on mechanical properties. With heating, large anisotropic changes in lattice parameter were observed followed by relaxation with time at the aging temperature. The lattice parameters return to nearly their initial values with cooling. The active plastic deformation mechanisms including, in order of occurrence, shape-memory de-twinning, mechanical twinning, and slip-mediated deformation do not change with prior aging. However, the resistance to motion of the as-quenched martensitic twin boundaries increases following aging, resulting in the observed increase in initial yield strength.
The effect of light level, CO2 flow rate, and anesthesia on the stress response of mice during CO2 euthanasia

Euthanasia protocols are designed to mitigate the stress experienced by animals, and an environment that induces minimal stress helps achieve that goal. A protocol that is efficient and practical in a typical animal research facility is also important. Light intensity, isoflurane, and CO2 flow rate were studied for their impact on the stress response of mice during CO2 euthanasia. Behavior was observed and scored during euthanasia and serum corticosterone was measured immediately after death. Unsurprisingly, animals euthanized with a high-flow rate of CO2 became unconscious in the least amount of time, while animals euthanized with a low-flow rate required the most time to reach unconsciousness. There was a significant increase in anxious behaviors in animals in the isoflurane group (F1,12 = 6.67, P = 0.024), the high-flow rate CO2 group (F1,12 = 10.24, P = 0.007), and bright chamber group (F1,12 = 7.27, P = 0.019). Serum corticosterone was highest in the isoflurane group (124.72 ± 83.98 ng/ml), however there was no significant difference in corticosterone levels observed for the other study variables of light and flow-rate. A darkened chamber and low CO2 flow rates help to decrease stress experienced during CO2 euthanasia, while the use of isoflurane was observed to increase the stress response during euthanasia.
Knowledge transfer: Does more experience yield improved design quality?

Engineers must be able to transfer knowledge from previous experiences in order to solve complex engineering tasks. Transfer of knowledge is described as “the learning process involved when a person learns to use previously acquired knowledge, skills, competence, or expertise in a new situation” Therefore, we sought to explore how previous engineering, design, and mathematics experiences impact the quality of a design solution. In this study, 23 first-year engineering students, with diverse mathematics and design experiences, participated in research study. In this study, each student completed a pre-study survey, designed a playground for a fictitious neighborhood while thinking aloud, and completed an interview immediately after completing the playground task. They were asked to reflect on previous mathematics and design experiences and asked to make comparisons between those experiences and the design study they had just completed. The design session and the interview were recorded and the design artifacts were collected. Using Hailikari's model, the research team investigated the how knowledge transfer may impact design solution quality. The findings of the research have implications for approaches educators can use to help students apply knowledge from previous experiences and design high quality solutions.
Crossover-Repeated Measures Designs: Clarifying Common Misconceptions for a Valuable Human Factors Statistical Technique

Human Factors experiments often involve complex experimental designs that require complex statistical analysis. In practice, however, these complex models are often evaluated using oversimplified analyses that do not adequately account for statistical factors that can impact the interpretation of results. This article discusses a useful design for Human Factors experiments: the crossover-repeated measures design. It illustrates the importance of oft-ignored analytical steps in this design and how they can lead to different interpretations of the data and misleading conclusions. The article is intended for use as a refresher and includes explanations of statistical terminology and the components specific to crossover-repeated measures designs. Finally, it provides a case study of how proper and improper statistical methods can lead to drawing different conclusions from the data. SAS Code of the analyses performed for the case study can be found at .
Should patients with anatomically narrow angles have prophylactic iridectomy?: II. Definitive signs and gonioscopic visualization of appositional angle closure are indications for prophylactic laser iridectomy

Abstract In this set of articles, the authors outline methods and criteria for determining which patients with anatomically narrow angles should have laser iridectomy to prevent acute angle-closure glaucoma.
The semantic difference between Italian vi and ci

The Italian adverbial clitics vi and ci, both routinely glossed ‘there,’ are not synonymous but instead are signals of opposing meanings in a grammatical system of Restrictedness of Space. Vi means more Restricted, and ci means less Restricted. Operating at the discourse level, the two meanings function to direct attention onto the relevant conceptual space for each event in a narrative. Conceptual space includes physical places, subject matter complements, and realms of existential constructions. The semantic hypothesis accounts both for quantitative patterns observed in stretches of discourse and for the respective interpretive effects of the two clitics and for their absence.
Calibrating silicon-synapse dynamics using Time-Encoding and Decoding Machines

We present an approach to mapping synaptic models onto neuromorphic hardware using Time-Encoding and Decoding Machines. This framework allows us to transform a spiking soma-circuit into an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), one for each synapse circuit. We verify that the measurements obtained with these ‘virtual’ ADCs closely match those obtained with an on-chip ADC. Using the massively parallel measurement capability that these virtual ADCs afford us, we demonstrate the first large-scale calibration of synapse circuits' dynamic parameters. This advance opens the door to programming neuromorphic chips on the more intuitive level of dimensionless models, rather than by setting raw voltage biases, as is currently done.
Cochlear Implant Electrode Choice in Challenging Surgical Cases: Malformation, Residual Hearing, Ossification, or Reimplantation

The limits of cochlear implantation candidacy have been expanding over the last decade and recent studies show that patients with inner ear anomalies, significant residual hearing, ossified cochlea, or far advanced otosclerosis can benefit from implant. The cochlear implant companies are coming up with various electrode designs. The purpose of this study is to review the factors that can affect the choice of electrode array in the expanding indications of cochlear implantation and suggest some surgical tips. A comprehensive preoperative evaluation is crucial. Detailed audiologic examination and radiologic assessment of inner ear structures with high-resolution computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging is necessary. The choice of electrode array should be made regarding the type of cochlea in the presence of inner ear anomalies. If the patient has residual hearing in low-frequencies, electrode array and surgical insertion technique should be as atraumatic as possible to protect apical part of the cochlea. Appropriate selection of electrodes and surgical techniques are necessary if the cochlea is obstructed by fibrosis or ossified. The surgeon also should consider the possibility of reimplantation in the future and select the initial electrode after comprehensive evaluation. There is a diversity of electrode arrays for different indications. The selection of the most accurate electrode depends on the audiological tests, etiology of hearing loss, and cochlear anatomy. Surgeon must be prepared preoperatively for various clinical situations and unexpected surgical circumstances. One should keep in mind that making the right electrode choice will impact the outcomes of unusual or challenging cases.
Cannabidiol in Pediatric Epilepsy

To summarize current understanding of the role of endocannabinoids as well as exogenous cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabiniol and cannabidiol in the functions of the body, including the brain, and to explore the role of cannabidiol in the treatment of pediatric epilepsy. Previously, the evidence supporting the role of cannabidiol in the treatment of epilepsy was largely anecdotal. In 2017, two randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trials suggested that cannabidiol may be effective in the treatment of epilepsy, though conclusions about both seizure reduction and adverse effects are clouded by the large number of patients taking concomitant anti-seizure medications (such as valproic acid and clobazam) whose serum levels are often increased with the administration of cannabidiol. Cannabidiol has been well-tolerated in pediatric patients and may be an effective treatment for medically intractable epilepsy. Future studies that control for concomitant administration of clobazam and/or valproic acid are necessary.
Genomes to space stations: the need for the integrative study of migration for avian conservation

Ongoing changes to global weather patterns and human modifications of the environment have altered the breeding and non-breeding ranges of migratory species, the timing of their migrations, and even whether they continue to migrate at all. Animal movements are arguably one of the most difficult behaviours to study, particularly in smaller birds that migrate tens to thousands of kilometres seasonally, often moving hundreds of kilometres each day. The recent miniaturization of tracking and logging devices has led to a radical transformation in our understanding of avian migratory behaviour and migratory connectivity. While advances in technology have altered the way researchers study migratory behaviour in the field, advances in techniques related to the study of physiological and genetic mechanisms underlying migratory behaviour have rarely been integrated into field studies of tracking. To predict the capacity of migrants to adjust to a changing planet, it is essential that we combine avian migration data with physiological and genetic measurements taken at key time points prior to, during and after migration.
Elementary Evaluations of ∫0∞e-x2 dx, ∫0∞ cos x2 dx, and ∫0∞ sin x2 dx

(1990). Elementary Evaluations of ∫0∞e-x2 dx, ∫0∞ cos x2 dx, and ∫0∞ sin x2 dx. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 97, No. 1, pp. 39-42.
Rapid Two-Millisecond Interrogation of Electrochemical, Aptamer-Based Sensor Response Using Intermittent Pulse Amperometry.

In this manuscript, we employ the technique intermittent pulse amperometry (IPA) to interrogate equilibrium and kinetic target binding to the surface of electrochemical, aptamer-based (E-AB) sensors, achieving as fast as 2 ms time resolution. E-AB sensors comprise an electrode surface modified with a flexible nucleic acid aptamer tethered at the 3′-terminus with a redox-active molecule. The introduction of a target changes the conformation and flexibility of the nucleic acid, which alters the charge transfer rate of the appended redox molecule. Typically, changes in charge transfer rate within this class of sensor are monitored via voltammetric methods. Here, we demonstrate that the use of IPA enables the detection of changes in charge transfer rates (i.e., current) at times <100 μs after the application of a potential pulse. Changes in sensor current are quantitatively related to target analyte concentration and can be used to create binding isotherms. Furthermore, the application of IPA enables rapid pr...
Effect of acute restraint stress in a polytrauma rat model

Abstract Introduction A stressful environment may contribute to poor outcomes after TBI. The current study evaluates the impact of acute stress in a polytrauma rat model. Methods Rats were stressed by a 45-minute immobilization period before instrumentation under ketamine (t1). Polytrauma was produced by blast overpressure and controlled hemorrhage (t2). Rats were euthanized immediately after a 3 h simulated Medevac-transport time (t3) or after 72 h post-trauma (t4). Corticosterone, ACTH, and ACTH receptor gene expression were measured at these time points. Physiological parameters were monitored throughout the study. Results HR was higher in stressed compared to unstressed animals at t1. Corticosterone and ACTH levels were similar for all conditions at t1 and t2; ACTH and corticosterone became elevated in all groups at t3 and at t4, respectively. The ACTH receptor gene expression trended towards higher values at t4 for the stressed animals whether being injured or not. Survival after injury was 83% in both unstressed and stressed animals. Conclusion Overall, corticosterone was not significantly affected following acute stress in ketamine-anesthetized rats. Early mortality was primarily due to polytrauma and change in the animal’s biochemical parameters appeared at t4 post trauma. The findings indicate that ketamine-anesthesia and/or surgery may have overshadowed the effect of the initial stress.
Hydrodynamics of Advanced-hull Surface Vehicles

Hydrodynamics of an advanced catamaran unmanned surface vehicle (USV) in shallow waters involving CFD-based modeling and simulation is described, in support of system identification and development of a physics-based control system for USV operations in coastal waters. The key objectives of the study are to develop the necessary CFD tool, validate it through comparison of computed results with results of field tests of the vehicle, and conduct a parametric study of the vehicle performance at different Froude numbers in calm water. The characteristics of the wave resistance, wave-hull interactions and free surface flow patterns around the hulls of the surface vehicle are also determined. The CFD tool will serve as a performance prediction tool for the USV.
Modeling Study to Determine the Realistic Constraints of the Wireless Land Mobile Radio Narrowband CAI Interface Specified in the TIA-102 Standard

This paper recounts the outcome of a study of the channel performance and potential interoperability of the common air interface (CAI) proposed in the TIA-102 narrowband standard for public safety land mobile radios for voice and data communications. Acceptance of this standard has been based primarily on its capability to support 9600 bps data rates at both 12.5 kHz and narrower bandwidths, as well as compatibility between the standard’s two types of transmitter specifications, C4FM and CQPSK, with a single type of CFDD receiver based on an FM discriminator. For this study, capabilities are measured using a simulated system of transmitters and receivers modeled in accordance with the TIA-102 standard. Wireless propagation parameters are introduced in the models to assess the standard’s behavior over varying distances and vehicle velocities. The limits to channel capacity are determined for communications between each transmitter and receiver specified. Analysis is done using signal processing routines within SystemView. The study illustrates the standard’s realistic technical feasibility, as determined by the model, that may be useful for vendors in the wireless community who may be considering the manufacture of equipment based on the TIA-102 standard.
Infrared Spectra of the Novel Ge2H2 and Ge2H4 Species and the Reactive GeH1,2,3 Intermediates in Solid Neon, Deuterium and Argon

Laser-ablated Ge atoms and H2 molecules in excess neon and argon react during condensation to produce GeH1,2,3,4 as identified from infrared spectra with D2 and HD substitution, and from agreement with frequencies determined in recent gas-phase GeH and GeH2 fluorescence spectra and DFT calculations. The novel digermanium species Ge2H2 and Ge2H4 are formed in further reactions. Identification of Ge2H2 with the dibridged structure and Ge2H4 in the trans-bent C2h form is made possible by isotopic substitution and quantum chemical frequency calculations, which demonstrate the value of a close working relationship between experiment and theory. The photosensitive GeH3- anion is formed through electron capture by a GeH3 radical. All four germanium deuterides are observed in pure deuterium, which shows that further GeD and GeD2 reactions with D2 may require activation energy.
Central Nervous System Infections Due to Coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis is a common infection in the western and southwestern United States as well as parts of Mexico and Central and South America and is due to the soil-dwelling fungi Coccidioides. Central nervous system (CNS) infection is an uncommon manifestation that is nearly always fatal if untreated. The presentation is subtle, commonly with headache and decreased mentation. The diagnosis should be considered in patients with these symptoms in association with a positive serum coccidioidal antibody test. The diagnosis can only be established by analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which typically demonstrates a lymphocytic pleocytosis, hypoglycorrhachia, elevated protein, and positive CSF coccidioidal antibody. Cultures are infrequently positive but a proprietary coccidioidal antigen test has reasonable sensitivity. Current therapy usually begins with fluconazole at 800 mg daily but other triazole antifungals also have efficacy and are often used if fluconazole fails. Triazole therapy should be lifelong. Intrathecal amphotericin B, the original treatment, is now reserved for those in whom triazoles have failed. There are several distinct complications of CNS coccidioidal infection, the most common of which is hydrocephalus. This is nearly always communicating and requires mechanical shunting in addition to antifungal therapy. Other complications include cerebral vasculitis, brain abscess, and arachnoiditis. Management of these is difficult and not well established.
Efficient Cache Reconfiguration Using Machine Learning in NoC-Based Many-Core CMPs

Dynamic cache reconfiguration (DCR) is an effective technique to optimize energy consumption in many-core architectures. While early work on DCR has shown promising energy saving opportunities, prior techniques are not suitable for many-core architectures since they do not consider the interactions and tight coupling between memory, caches, and network-on-chip (NoC) traffic. In this article, we propose an efficient cache reconfiguration framework in NoC-based many-core architectures. The proposed work makes three major contributions. First, we model a distributed directory based many-core architecture similar to Intel Xeon Phi architecture. Next, we propose an efficient cache reconfiguration framework that considers all significant components, including NoC, caches, and main memory. Finally, we propose a machine learning--based framework that can reduce the exploration time by an order of magnitude with negligible loss in accuracy. Our experimental results demonstrate 18.5% energy savings on average compared to base cache configuration.
Processing of R-Ba-Cu-O superconductors

Precipitation processes were developed to introduce second phases as flux pinning centers in Gd-Ba-Cu-O and Nd-Ba-Cu-O superconductors. In Gd-Ba-Cu-O, precipitation is caused by the decrease of the upper solubility limit of Gd{sub 1+x}Ba{sub 2{minus}x}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} solid solution (Gd123ss) in low oxygen partial pressure. Processing of supersaturated Gd{sub 1.2}Ba{sub 1.8}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} in low oxygen partial pressure can produce dispersed second phases. Gd211 is formed as a separate phase while extensive Gd124 type stacking fault is formed instead of a separate CuO phase. As a result of the precipitation reaction, the transition temperature and critical current density are increased. In Nd-Ba-Cu-O, precipitation is caused by the decrease of the lower solubility limit of Nd{sub 1+x}Ba{sub 2{minus}x}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} solid solution (Nd123ss) in oxygen. DTA results reveal the relative stability of Nd123ss in different oxygen partial pressures. In 1 bar oxygen partial pressure, Nd123ss with x = 0.1 is the most stable phase. In lower oxygen partial pressures, the most stable composition shifts towards the stoichiometric composition. The relative stability changes faster with decreasing oxygen partial pressure. Therefore, processing in oxygen and air tends to produce broad superconducting transitions but sharp transitions can be achieved in 0.01 bar and 0.001 bar oxygen partial pressures. While the lower solubility limits in 0.01 bar and 0.001 bar oxygen partial pressures remain at x = 0.00, the solubility limits in oxygen and air show a narrowing with decreasing temperature. Because of the narrowing of the solubility range in oxygen, oxygen annealing of Nd123 initially processed in low oxygen partial pressures will result in precipitation of second phases. The equilibrium second phase is BaCuO{sub 2} for temperature above 608 C, and at lower temperatures the equilibrium second phases are Ba{sub 2}CuO{sub 3.3} and Ba{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 5+y}. However, annealing at low temperature may produce a fine metastable transition phase. A coherent intermediate perovskite structure with a composition of BaCuO{sub 2} is observed along with a high density of dislocations during the precipitation process at 500 C in oxygen. It is believed that oxygen annealing at 900 C produces the equilibrium BaCuO{sub 2} phase. These precipitates are responsible for the strong flux pinning in Nd123 melt-textured in low oxygen partial pressure.
Slipping Through the Cracks: A Cross-Sectional Study Examining Older Adult Emergency Department Patient Fall History, Post-Fall Treatment and Prevention

Falls are the leading cause of emergency department (ED) visits for fatal and non-fatal injuries among adults 65 years old and older. We aimed to better understand the fall history, risk for further falls, and actions taken to prevent further falls among this higher fall risk population. This cross-sectional study included older adults without cognitive impairment presenting to the Rhode Island Hospital ED from February to May 2017. Of the 76 participants, 35 self-reported no prior falls, and 41 self-reported at least one prior fall, of whom 20 fell on the day of ED presentation. Participants with vs. without self-reported prior falls were similar in age, gender, race, and substance use. Participants with prior falls scored lower on cognitive testing and had more comorbidities associated with falls. Only one quarter of those with prior falls reported making changes and few were evaluated by professionals to prevent future falls. This study highlights that older adult ED patients who sustain a fall are at higher risk for subsequent falls, and that greater fall prevention efforts are needed to protect this vulnerable group. [Full article available at http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2017-12.asp].
Application of the coastal and marine ecological classification standard to Gosnold Seamount, North Atlantic Ocean

Abstract This case study applied the Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) to initial characterization of a deep-sea seamount by combining observations from a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and information derived from multibeam sonar bathymetry and backscatter. Spatial segmentation of the multibeam bathymetry was done using algorithms based on defining bathymorphons resulting in six classes: flats, slopes, ridges, valleys, shoulders, and footslopes. These classes were modified to delineate CMECS “Level 1” geoform units for Gosnold Seamount. Further segmentation of landforms was completed using textural analysis of the sonar backscatter mosaic of the seamount to identify segments of the same landform type with similar reflectivity texture. All of the ROV dive video of the seafloor was analyzed manually to create a spreadsheet of 933 georeferenced annotations of organisms and associated substrate types. The dominant sediment type over each 50 m segment of the ROV track was also classified using substrate unit terminology from CMECS into four classes: bedrock (10% of ROV track), fine unconsolidated sediments on bedrock (84%), coral rubble (1%), and sand (5%). Eleven genera of corals, two classes of sponges, and four classes of echinoderms were observed along the track, with glass sponges dominating the annotation and abundance counts. Nominal regression revealed that depth, temperature, and sediment type were significant predictors of individual coral along the ROV track (P
Chiral donor-acceptor azetines as powerful reactants for synthesis of amino acid derivatives.

Coupling reactions of amines and alcohols are of central importance for applications in chemistry and biology. These transformations typically involve the use of a reagent, activated as an electrophile, onto which nucleophile coupling results in the formation of a carbon-nitrogen or a carbon–oxygen bond. Several promising reagents and procedures have been developed to achieve these bond forming processes in high yields with excellent stereocontrol, but few offer direct coupling without the intervention of a catalyst. Herein, we report the synthesis of chiral donor–acceptor azetines by highly enantioselective [3 + 1]-cycloaddition of enoldiazoacetates with aza-ylides and their selective coupling with nitrogen and oxygen nucleophiles via 3-azetidinones to form amino acid derivatives, including those of peptides and natural products. The overall process is general for a broad spectrum of nucleophiles, has a high degree of electronic and steric selectivity, and retains the enantiopurity of the original azetine. Chiral 3-azetidinones are structural analogues of medicinally relevant β-lactams, however their synthesis and reactivity are underexplored. Here, the authors show a highly enantioselective copper-catalyzed [3 + 1]-cycloaddition generating 2-azetidines, which react with nucleophiles yielding amino acids via 3-azetidinones.
The development and implementation of stewardship initiatives to optimize the prevention and treatment of cytomegalovirus infection in solid-organ transplant recipients

Classical stewardship efforts have targeted immunocompetent patients; however, appropriate use of antimicrobials in the immunocompromised host has become a target of interest. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the most common and significant complications after solid-organ transplant (SOT). The treatment of CMV requires a dual approach of antiviral drug therapy and reduction of immunosuppression for optimal outcomes. This dual approach to CMV management increases complexity and requires individualization of therapy to balance antiviral efficacy with the risk of allograft rejection. In this review, we focus on the development and implementation of CMV stewardship initiatives, as a component of antimicrobial stewardship in the immunocompromised host, to optimize the management of prevention and treatment of CMV in SOT recipients. These initiatives have the potential not only to improve judicious use of antivirals and prevent resistance but also to improve patient and graft survival given the interconnection between CMV infection and allograft function.
Journalistic Balance, Unintended Pyrrhonism, and Political Polarization

In this chapter, I explore some interesting similarities and differences between journalistic balance (i.e., the journalistic practice of presenting in a balanced manner different sides of an issue) and Pyrrhonian balance (i.e., the balanced presentation of the reasons for and against any given proposition p). In particular, I explore how some important criticisms of journalistic balance suggest that it has an unintended Pyrrhonic effect. I also consider some fascinating empirical work concerning how the balanced treatment of the pros and cons on matters of disagreement leads (surprisingly) to increased hardening and polarization of views, and not to a suspension of belief as one might have expected.
Active cholesterol 20 years on

This review considers the following hypotheses, some well-supported and some speculative. Almost all of the sterol molecules in plasma membranes are associated with bilayer phospholipids in complexes of varied strength and stoichiometry. These complexes underlie many of the material properties of the bilayer. The small fraction of cholesterol molecules exceeding the binding capacity of the phospholipids is thermodynamically active and serves diverse functions. It circulates briskly among the cell membranes, particularly through contact sites linking the organelles. Active cholesterol provides the upstream feedback signal to multiple mechanisms governing plasma membrane homeostasis, pegging the sterol level to a threshold set by its phospholipids. Active cholesterol could also be the cargo for various inter-organelle transporters and the form excreted from cells by reverse transport. Furthermore, it is integral to the function of caveolae; a mediator of Hedgehog regulation; and a ligand for the binding of cytolytic toxins to membranes. Active cholesterol modulates a variety of plasma membrane proteins-receptors, channels and transporters-at least in vitro.
Preserving immune homeostasis with A20

A20/TNFAIP3 is a TNF induced gene that plays a profound role in preserving cellular and organismal homeostasis (Lee, et al., 2000; Opipari etal., 1990). This protein has been linked to multiple human diseases via genetic, epigenetic, and an emerging series of patients with mono-allelic coding mutations. Diverse cellular functions of this pleiotropically expressed protein include immune-suppressive, anti-inflammatory, and cell protective functions. The A20 protein regulates ubiquitin dependent cell signals; however, the biochemical mechanisms by which it performs these functions is surprisingly complex. Deciphering these cellular and biochemical facets of A20 dependent biology should greatly improve our understanding of murine and human disease pathophysiology as well as unveil new mechanisms of cell and tissue biology.
Zeolitization of glassy Topopah Spring Tuff under hydrothermal conditions

In support of the Nevada Nuclear Waste Storage Investigations Project experiments were conducted to study the effects of heat generated by a nuclear waste repository in densely welded, devitrified tuff on the underlying, compositionally-equivalent glassy tuff at Yucca Mtn. Solid wafers of glassy tuff were reacted with a dilute ground water for several months at 150°C and 250°C at 100 bars pressure in Dickson-type, gold-bag rocking autoclaves. The in-situ chemistry of the hydrothermal fluids was modeled and the chemical affinities for all possible mineral precipitation reactions (contained within the extensive database) were calculated using the EQ3/6 program. In the 250°C experiment the calculations suggest that a zeolite mineral would be expected to form. Analyses of the run products showed that not only had the wafer been extensively corroded and the glass shards replaced by clinoptilolite, but pure clinoptilolite had precipitated directly from solution. In the 150°C experiment, although clay minerals were thermodynamically favored to form in the first half of the experiment, by the end of the run a zeolite mineral was predicted to form. Analyses of the run products showed no well-formed secondary minerals (clays or zeolites) had formed. At the lower temperature the effects of precipitation kinetics may preclude the formation of the zeolite within the time span of this experiment. In general the observations are in relatively good agreement with the geochemical model calculations. This type of study demonstrates the interpretive/predictive capabilities of a combined experimental/geochemical modeling approach to studies of nuclear waste isolation. This combined approach will aid in satisfying licensing requirements to assure long-term performance.
Unusual radiologic presentations of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma

BACKGROUND Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is an unusual disease process characterized radiologically by ascites and infiltration of the peritoneum by multiple small tumor nodules. Both parietal and visceral peritoneum are involved by the multiple malignant tumor nodules. Computed tomography (CT) has been used to identify the anatomic pathology induced by the progression of this malignant process. AIM To identify and then describe unusual CT images in patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Recognition of these unusual radiologic findings can cause the radiologist to be suspicious of this rare malignant process. METHODS In 100 patients who were to undergo definitive treatment of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, the findings on preoperative CT scans were catalogued. Many of these changes were repeatedly noted on the CT scans. Other pathologic CT images were less common. These unusual radiologic presentations were specially studied in this manuscript. RESULTS Eight unusual radiologic presentations of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma were selected for study. These unusual findings included a mass occurring within a Spigelian hernia, infiltration of the splenic parenchyma by spherical mesothelioma masses, infiltration of the lower mediastinum by tumor, a mesothelioma mass within a left inguinal canal, enlarged cardiophrenic angle lymph nodes, pleural plaques associated with the progression of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, splenic notches caused by disease surrounding the spleen, and a mass greater than 5 cm associated with the proximal jejunum and directly adjacent to the anatomic location of the Treitz ligament. CONCLUSION There are unusual radiologic presentations of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma that are important to recognize in order to accurately diagnose this disease by CT.
Efficacy of anastrozole in the treatment of hypogonadal, subfertile men with body mass index ≥25 kg/m 2

Background Anastrozole is a non-steroidal fourth generation aromatase inhibitor that stops the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and has been used as empiric medical therapy for the treatment of male infertility in men with an abnormal testosterone-to-estradiol ratio <10 in order to increase endogenous testosterone levels. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of anastrozole in the treatment of hypogonadal, subfertile men with body mass index greater than 25 mg/kg2 with respect to hormonal profile, semen parameters and overall fertility status. Methods Retrospective chart review was performed of hypogonadal, subfertile men with body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 who were treated with anastrozole (1 mg daily). Hormonal measurements and semen analysis prior to and after treatment was analyzed in 30 men. Total motile count was calculated from semen analysis. Clinical pregnancy rates were recorded. Results Men treated with anastrozole had increases in follicle stimulating hormone (4.8 versus 7.6 IU/L, P<0.0001), luteinizing hormone (3.4 versus 5.4 IU/L, P<0.0001), testosterone (270.6 versus 412 ng/dL, P<0.0001) and testosterone-to-estradiol ratio (9 versus 26.5, P<0.0001) and decrease in estradiol level (32 versus 15.9 pg/mL, P<0.01) after 5 months of therapy. Increases in sperm concentration (7.8 versus 14.2 million/mL, P<0.001), total motile count (12.6 versus 17.7 million, P<0.01) and strict morphology (3.0% versus 3.5%, P<0.05) was appreciated. Clinical pregnancy rate for our cohort was 46.6% (14 of 30), with 71.4% (10 of 14) conceiving through in vitro fertilization, 14.2% (2 of 14) through intrauterine insemination and 14.2% (2 of 14) through natural intercourse. Conclusions Anastrozole improves hormonal profiles and semen parameters in hypogonadal, subfertile men with body mass index over 25 kg/m2 and may aid in achieving pregnancy especially in conjunction with assisted reproductive techniques.
Modeling, simulation and synthesis of multiferroic magnetoelectric CoFe2O4/BaTiO3 composite nanoparticles

Abstract Optical properties of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4)/barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles are modeled and simulated utilizing density functional theory (DFT) and finite element analysis (FEA) intended for various particle sizes. The simulated absorption maxima of electronic excitations is red-shifted from 259.51 nm to 315.27 nm employing quantum mechanical approach and from 260 nm to 280 nm using finite element analysis, corresponding to enlarging particle sizes from 8 nm to 50 nm. The measured absorption maxima corresponded well to the simulated results and red-shifted to longer wavelengths from 302.02 nm to 321.28 nm accompanied by an increment in particle sizes from 30 nm to 50 nm. The FEA simulated, DFT simulated and experimentally extracted optical band gap energies were as well obtained and compared. Additionally, the ferromagnetic behavior of the CoFe2O4/BaTiO3 nanoparticles was investigated.
Determination of ambient dissolved metal ligand complexation parameters via kinetics and pseudo-voltammetry experiments

Abstract Dissolved chemical speciation of metals in natural waters encompasses a wide range of inorganic and organic compounds including metal organic ligand complexes, ML. Because of the different filters used, “dissolved” speciation can range from simple metal-ligand complexes with an average size of about 0.66 nm (mass of
An adaptive scalable fully implicit algorithm based on stabilized finite element for reduced visco-resistive MHD.

The magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) equations are continuum models used in the study of a wide range of plasma physics systems, including the evolution of complex plasma dynamics in tokamak disruptions. However, efficient numerical solution methods for MHD are extremely challenging due to disparate time and length scales, strong hyperbolic phenomena, and nonlinearity. Therefore the development of scalable, implicit MHD algorithms and high-resolution adaptive mesh refinement strategies is of considerable importance. In this work, we develop a high-order stabilized finite-element algorithm for the reduced visco-resistive MHD equations based on the MFEM finite element library (this http URL). The scheme is fully implicit, solved with the Jacobian-free Newton-Krylov (JFNK) method with a physics-based preconditioning strategy. Our preconditioning strategy is a generalization of the physics-based preconditioning methods in [Chacon, et al, JCP 2002] to adaptive, stabilized finite elements. Algebraic multigrid methods are used to invert sub-block operators to achieve scalability. A parallel adaptive mesh refinement scheme with dynamic load-balancing is implemented to efficiently resolve the multi-scale spatial features of the system. Our implementation uses the MFEM framework, which provides arbitrary-order polynomials and flexible adaptive conforming and non-conforming meshes capabilities. Results demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency, and scalability of the implicit scheme in the presence of large scale disparity. The potential of the AMR approach is demonstrated on an island coalescence problem in the high Lundquist-number regime ($\ge 10^7$) with the successful resolution of plasmoid instabilities and thin current sheets.
The longitudinal association between depression, anxiety symptoms and HIV outcomes, and the modifying effect of alcohol dependence among ART clients with hazardous alcohol use in Vietnam

Introduction Mental health disorders may negatively impact HIV outcomes, such as viral suppression (VS) and antiretroviral (ART) adherence among people with HIV (PWH) with hazardous alcohol use. This study evaluates the longitudinal association between depression, anxiety symptoms, VS and complete ART adherence among ART clients with hazardous alcohol use in Vietnam; and examines alcohol dependence as a modifier in this association. Methods This was a secondary data analysis of a trial for hazardous drinking ART clients in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam. From March 2016 to May 2018, 440 ART clients with an Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Concise (AUDIT-C) score ≥4 for men and ≥3 for women were enrolled. Individuals were randomized to either a combined intervention, a brief intervention or a standard of care. Data on sociodemographics, depression, anxiety symptoms, alcohol use, VS and ART adherence were collected at baseline, three, six, and twelve months. Generalized estimating equation models controlling for intervention exposure were used to estimate time-lagged associations. Risk ratios were estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation. Results The mean age of participants was 40.2. The majority was male (96.8%), had at least some secondary school education (85.0%) and had a history of injection drug use (80.9%). No overall effect of depression and anxiety symptoms on VS was observed. When stratified by time, increased anxiety symptoms at six months were associated with VS at 12 months (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) = 1.09; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.17). An increase in depression or anxiety symptoms was associated with a decreased probability of complete ART adherence (depression symptoms: aRR = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.91 to 0.99; anxiety symptoms: aRR = 0.93; 85% CI: 0.88 to 0.99). The negative effects of anxiety symptoms on ART adherence were stronger among participants with alcohol dependence, compared to those without. Conclusions Depression and anxiety symptoms had no overall effect on VS, although they were associated with a lower probability of complete ART adherence. Interventions focusing on mental healthcare for PWH with hazardous alcohol use are needed, and integration of mental healthcare and alcohol reduction should be implemented in HIV primary care settings.
Characterization of genes that are synthetically lethal with ade3 or leu2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Combinations of two non-lethal mutations that result in cell death are synthetically lethal. Such a genetic relationship suggests a functional interaction between the corresponding gene products. Frequently, an ade2 ade3 colony-sectoring assay is used to screen for synthetic lethal mutants. In these screens, mutants are sought that fail to lose a plasmid that bears a gene of interest. However, a subset of mutants is often found that is dependent on plasmid components other than the target gene. To understand the mechanism of this dependence, we characterized those mutants that, although prevalent in most mutant hunts, are usually discarded. Using a LEU2-ADE3 plasmid, plasmid-dependent mutations were found in the SHM2, PTR3, BAP2 and SSY1 genes. Double shm2 ade3 mutants are non-viable because the two pathways for tetrahydrofolate synthesis are blocked. Mutations in PTR3, BAP2 and SSY1 disrupt sensing and transport of extracellular leucine. Therefore, ptr3, bap2 or ssy1 mutants must be leucine prototrophs to grow on rich media. In light of these findings, we propose modifications that should improve the efficiency of synthetic lethal screening procedures.