cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
S.I.2 Lungs and muscle: How are we doing?

Abstract In 2011 in the US, there were reported to be dozens of adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy over the age of 30. Survival for spinal muscular atrophy type 1 in the US climbed from less than 2 years of age before 1995 to over 5 years in 2002. Two years ago, MDA USA launched a new website called Transitions Center for young adults with neuromuscular disease. Valerie Cwik has said there is a “new face” of muscular dystrophy and it is that of a young professional with a college or higher degree, full time employment and his own family. All this represents success with treating the complications of neuromuscular disease in childhood so that our patients make it to adulthood, with quality and purpose in life. Much of this success can be attributed to improved management of pulmonary complications. Fifteen years ago, such high tech management and understanding of what works were available to the few who had access to sub specialists and multidisciplinary care teams. Since then, standard of care consensus statements have been published for many rare neuromuscular diseases as well as the most common forms of muscular dystrophy. Patients take responsibility for their own choices and often teach their physicians what is recommended. As a result, we now have data to show what works not only to prolong life, but how to avoid hospitalization and loss or school/work time.
Seasonal and Annual Distribution of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Honolulu and Suburban Areas of Oahu, Hawaii

The geographical, seasonal, and annual distributions of Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), populations were monitored for 7 yr (1977–83) by means of traps. containing a male lure to catch flies, and host fruits periodically collected to detect infested fruits in Honolulu and leeward and windward residential areas of the Koolau Mountains of Oahu. Medflies often coexisted in fruit samples with the oriental fruit fly, Dacus dorsalis Hendel, with more oriental fruit flies than medflies reared. Medflies were virtually absent from wet leeward and windward areas of Kaneohe and Kahaluu. The results indicated that medfly host plants were highly variable in distribution, abundance, and fruiting cycle among seasons and years because of climatic factors, especially rainfall. Distribution, dispersal, and abundance of the flies followed the same trends.
Synthesis of Rutile-Phase SnxTi1–xO2 Solid-Solution and (SnO2)x/(TiO2)1–x Core/Shell Nanoparticles with Tunable Lattice Constants and Controlled Morphologies

We report the solvothermal synthesis of SnxTi1–xO2 solid-solution and (SnO2)x/(TiO2)1–x core/shell nanoparticles with tunable lattice parameters and morphologies over the range of 0 ≤ x ≤ 1. The products are characterized by transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Rutile-phase particles with solid-solution or core/shell architectures are synthesized by combining titanium isopropoxide [Ti(O-i-Pr)4] with Sn-containing precursors (SnCl4 or SnO2 nanoparticles, respectively) to favor rutile crystal growth over the typically observed anatase-phase TiO2. The transition from the anatase to the rutile TiO2 phase is associated with increasing concentration of the Sn precursor. In the first case, we propose that the mixing of molecular Ti(O-i-Pr)4 and SnCl4 precursors leads to the formation of a SnxTi1–xO2 solid solution which preferentially crystallizes in the rutile phase due to thermodynamics. In the second case, we propose that the ruti...
Insulated wire and cable a typical electrical insulation system

The subject of this session relates to Electrical Insulation Systems and it is to such systems or more particularly to one such system that I wish to direct attention.
Implementing set operations over moving regions using the component moving region model

Many natural phenomena are intuitively represented as spatiotemporal data objects, or moving objects. For example, vehicles, rivers, hurricanes, low pressure systems, areas of high density of foliage, etc align well with a geometric representation, and all change position or shape over time. Moving object models exist that represent real world objects as point, line, and region geometries that change continuously over time, leading to research into spatiotemporal analysis functionality over these objects. Models of moving objects are ideal for representing data streams that record the motion of spatial data over time. However, the implementation of operations to support spatiotemporal analysis over moving objects, particularly over moving regions, has proven difficult. In this paper, we develop a mechanism to support the implementation of the set operations of intersection, union, and difference between pairs of moving regions. The mechanism builds on the Component Model of Moving Regions and the semantic specifications of its operations. Specifically, we develop a generalized method of computing an intermediate data structure from which the results of various operations are then derived. The mechanism utilizes well-known 2D and 3D operational primitives and achieves O(nlgn) time complexity using appropriate data structures.
A Cognitive Linguistics Approach to Chinese Classifier Teaching: An Experimental Study

Chinese is commonly recognized as a classifier language with an obligatory classifier for any noun with numeral. Based on the fact that in almost all Chinese textbooks the usage of classifiers is introduced by a set of mechanical rules combining a few isolated examples, most students without classifier language background need to learn by rote memorization. This traditional approach overlooks the polysemous properties of Chinese classifiers that the functions of an individual classifier are normally related to a central sense, and the extension of meanings and functions is usually highly motivated. According to the cognitive linguistics approach (CL approach) to language instruction, presenting students with the central sense as well as the motivation underlying meaning extension facilitates students’ initial learning, long-term retention, as well as identification of unfamiliar uses of polysemy. Taking the Chinese classifier 道 dao as an example, the present study focuses on the effect of CL approach in the Chinese classifier learning of advanced level Chinese learners with English as their first language. Participants were assigned to two groups and received different instructions. The result shows a statistically significant effect, but the benefit of CL approach lies mainly in the ability to identify uninstructed extended uses.
Effect of alpha-KG in lumen on PAH transport by isolated perfused rabbit renal proximal tubules

To determine whether dicarboxylate taken up at the luminal membrane could function in the p-aminohippurate (PAH) countertransport at the basolateral membrane, we examined the effect of adding alpha-ketoglutarate (alpha-KG) or glutarate (a nonmetabolized dicarboxylate that is countertransported for PAH at the basolateral membrane) to the luminal perfusate on net secretion of radiolabeled PAH in isolated perfused S2 segments of rabbit proximal tubules. Addition of 100 microM alpha-KG or glutarate to the luminal perfusate in tubules perfused and bathed with HEPES-buffered medium (in the absence of bicarbonate, glycine, lactate, malate, and citrate) produced a reversible twofold stimulation of net PAH transepithelial secretion. Addition of 4 mM LiCl (an inhibitor of Na-dicarboxylate transport that does not directly affect PAH transport) to the luminal perfusate along with alpha-KG eliminated stimulation of net PAH secretion. Addition of 100 microM or 1 mM alpha-KG or glutarate to the luminal perfusate in tubules perfused and bathed with bicarbonate-buffered medium containing glycine, lactate, malate, and citrate had no effect on net PAH transport from bath to lumen. These data indicate that alpha-KG (or glutarate) that enters the tubule cells via the luminal Na-dicarboxylate cotransporter can stimulate net PAH secretion, apparently via countertransport at the basolateral membrane, but only when tubules are not in an optimal metabolic state to produce intracellular alpha-KG.
RecProv: Towards Provenance-Aware User Space Record and Replay

Deterministic record and replay systems have widely been used in software debugging, failure diagnosis, and intrusion detection. In order to detect the Advanced Persistent Threat APT, online execution needs to be recorded with acceptable runtime overhead; then, investigators can analyze the replayed execution with heavy dynamic instrumentation. While most record and replay systems rely on kernel module or OS virtualization, those running at user space are favoured for being lighter weight and more portable without any of the changes needed for OS/Kernel virtualization. On the other hand, higher level provenance data at a higher level provides dynamic analysis with system causalities and hugely increases its efficiency. Considering both benefits, we propose a provenance-aware user space record and replay system, called RecProv. RecProv is designed to provide high provenance fidelity; specifically, with versioning files from the recorded trace logs and integrity protection to provenance data through real-time trace isolation. The collected provenance provides the high-level system dependency that helps pinpoint suspicious activities where further analysis can be applied. We show that RecProv is able to output accurate provenance in both visualized graph and W3C standardized PROV-JSON formats.
Extreme Weather Events

The term ‘global warming’ is largely recognized by the general public as an increasing annual average global surface temperature. This is often perceived to be the only result of the increased emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities. ‘Climate change’ is now the term often used to describe the effects of these emissions on our environment. Global warming is a part of climate change, along with changes in weather patterns, sea level, etc. However, regional temperature extremes (cold surges and heat waves), in association with increased variability in severe weather events such as hurricanes, are the more important aspects of climate change. These affect societies and ecosystems more directly than does the global climate average.
Dynamic Consumer Profiling and Tiered Pricing Using Software Agents

Shopbots or software agents that enable comparison shopping of items from different online sellers have become popular for quick and easy shopping among online buyers. Rapid searches and price comparison by shopbots have motivated sellers to use software agents called pricebots to adjust their prices dynamically so that they can maintain a competitive edge in the market. Existing pricebots charge the same price for an item from all of their customers. Online consumers differ in their purchasing preferences and, therefore, a seller's profit can be increased by charging two different prices for the same good from price-insensitive and price-sensitive consumers. In this paper, we present an algorithm that partitions the buyer population into different segments depending on the buyers' purchase criteria and then charges a different price for each segment. Simulation results of our tiered pricing algorithm indicate that sellers' profits are improved by charging different prices to buyers with different purchase criteria. Price wars between sellers that cause regular price fluctuations in the market, are also prevented when all the sellers in the market use a tiered pricing strategy.
Substance use disorders and referral to treatment in substantiated cases of child maltreatment

Parents with substance use disorders (SUD) require treatment and support in order to provide children with appropriate care and protection. Using the 2012 National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS), this paper analysed 464 313 substantiated child maltreatment reports to determine (i) the proportion and characteristics of reports involving substance abuse; and (ii) the child and caregiver/perpetrator (C/P) characteristics that predicted referral to treatment as recorded in service plans. Findings indicate that 12% (N = 53 234) of maltreatment reports involved C/P SUD. Yet, of those reports, only (19%) (N = 10 088) were referred to substance abuse treatment as part of their service plan, indicating a large gap between those who need treatment and those who receive it. This finding is important given that parental SUD is consistently linked to poorer child outcomes. Amongst other variables, reports indicate that C/P with co-occurring emotional disturbance were three times more likely to be referred to treatment for SUD as part of service plans. Additional research is needed regarding the characteristics that distinguish C/P who receive referrals for SUD treatment in substantiated cases of child maltreatment.
Bandgap and carrier transport engineering of quantum confined mixed phase nanocrystalline/amorphous silicon

Mixed phase nanocrystalline/amorphous-silicon (nc/a-Si:H) thin films with band-gap higher than bulk silicon are prepared by depositing silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs), prepared in a separate deposition zone, and hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H), simultaneously. Since the two deposition phases are well decoupled, optimized parameters for each component can apply to the growth process. Photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) shows that the embedded SiNPs are small enough to exhibit quantum confinement effects. The low temperature PL measurements on the mixed phase reveal a dominant emission feature, which is associated with SiNPs surrounded by a-Si:H. In addition, we compare time dependent low temperature PL measurements for both a-Si:H and mixed phase material under intensive laser exposure for various times up to two hours. The PL intensity of a-Si:H with embedded SiNPs degrades much less than that of pure a-Si:H. We propose this improvement of photostability occurs because carriers generated in the a-Si:H matrix quickly transfer into SiNPs and recombine there instead of recombining in a-Si:H and creating defect states (Staebler-Wronski Effect).
Recent Evidence on the ACA and Employment: Has the ACA Been a Job Killer? 2016 Update

This brief examines effects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on labor market outcomes using data from the Current Population Survey from 2000 to 2016. Results indicate that through 2016, the ACA had little to no adverse effect on employment and usual hours worked per week. Levels of part-time work (29 or fewer hours per week) have fallen since 2014, but remain at somewhat higher levels than would be expected at this stage of the economic recovery. The higher-than-expected rate of part-time work is driven by increases in voluntary part-time employment. Involuntary part-time employment was lower than expected. These findings suggest that the ACA did not lead to widespread cutbacks in workers’ hours by employers attempting to avoid employer mandate penalties, but may have led some workers to reduce the number of hours they chose to work.
The Relationship Between Pain Characteristics, Peer Difficulties, and Emotional Functioning Among Adolescents Seeking Treatment for Chronic Pain: A Test of Mediational Models.

Objective To evaluate patterns of relationships between pain characteristics, peer difficulties, and emotional functioning in a sample of adolescents seeking treatment for chronic pain. Methods Participants were 172 adolescents (age M = 14.88 years; 76% female, 88% White) with heterogeneous chronic pain disorders who completed measures of pain characteristics, peer difficulties, and emotional functioning before their new patient appointment in a pain management clinic. Direct and indirect relationships between variables were tested using path analysis. Results Adequate model fit was found for models that specified emotional functioning (anxiety and depression) as a mediator of the relationship between pain interference and peer difficulties. Conversely, poor fit was found for all models specifying peer difficulties as a mediator of the relationship between pain characteristics and emotional functioning. Conclusions Assessing and targeting depression and anxiety among youth with high pain interference may help prevent or improve peer difficulties.
Rate allocation for strategic users in Gaussian multiple access wiretap channels

We consider a set of users communicating over a Gaussian multiple access channel in the presence of an eavesdropper. The information theoretic secrecy rates for such settings have been well studied under the assumptions that all users are cooperative. In more recent work, a game theoretic model was studied in which each user selected its own rate. This game was shown to have multiple possible equilibria. Here, we consider a related question in which a mechanism is used to solicit information from the users and then allocate secrecy rates among them. We study three simple mechanisms and analyze the performance of each for a small set of users (N = 2, 3) in terms of their worst-case efficiency. For N = 2, we give a closed form lower bound on the efficiency for each scheme and show one mechanism, which generalizes the well-known Kelly mechanism, has the best efficiency. We then consider N = 3 users and give numerical results for different user utility functions.
Introducing Evidence-Based Trauma Treatment in Preventive Services: Child-Parent Psychotherapy

This chapter discusses the use of an evidenced-based treatment, Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), in preventive child welfare services. CPP is used with young children and their caregivers who have experienced trauma, including maltreatment. The rationale and goals of the treatment, intervention modalities employed, competencies providers need to implement the model, evidence for its effectiveness, and the challenges to its implementation in a child welfare context are addressed. The chapter outlines the ways in which CPP uses the relationship as a vehicle of healing when maltreatment has disrupted healthy development, such that well-being and permanency can be achieved.
Least-Squares Parameter Identification

This chapter presents the fundamental theory of least-squares parameter identification. Least-squares methods are central to function approximation theory and data regression analysis. Least-squares methods can also be used in adaptive control as indirect adaptive control methods to estimate unknown system parameters to provide the information for adjusting the control gains. The batch least-squares method is often used for data regression analysis. Least-squares gradient and recursive least-squares methods are well-suited for on-line time series analysis and adaptive control. The concept of persistent excitation is introduced as a fundamental requirement for exponential parameter convergence of least-squares methods. Indirect least-squares adaptive control theory is introduced. The adaptation signal is based on the plant modeling error in contrast to the tracking error for model-reference adaptive control. An important notion to recognize is that the plant modeling error is the source of the tracking error and not vice versa. The combined least-squares model-reference adaptive control uses both the plant modeling error and tracking error for adaptation. As a result, the adaptation mechanism is highly effective. Both the least-squares gradient and recursive least-squares methods can also be used separately in adaptive control without combining with model-reference adaptive control. A fundamental difference with the least-squares adaptive control methods from model-reference adaptive control is that a parameter convergence to true system parameters is guaranteed in the presence of a persistently exciting input signal.
Effects of slow-wave activity on mood disturbance in major depressive disorder.

Background Studies have demonstrated that decreases in slow-wave activity (SWA) predict decreases in depressive symptoms in those with major depressive disorder (MDD), suggesting that there may be a link between SWA and mood. The aim of the present study was to determine if the consequent change in SWA regulation following a mild homeostatic sleep challenge would predict mood disturbance. Methods Thirty-seven depressed and fifty-nine healthy adults spent three consecutive nights in the sleep laboratory. On the third night, bedtime was delayed by 3 h, as this procedure has been shown to provoke SWA. The Profile of Mood States questionnaire was administered on the morning following the baseline and sleep delay nights to measure mood disturbance. Results Results revealed that following sleep delay, a lower delta sleep ratio, indicative of inadequate dissipation of SWA from the first to the second non-rapid eye movement period, predicted increased mood disturbance in only those with MDD. Conclusions These data demonstrate that in the first half of the night, individuals with MDD who have less SWA dissipation as a consequence of impaired SWA regulation have greater mood disturbance, and may suggest that appropriate homeostatic regulation of sleep is an important factor in the disorder.
Calorespirometry: A Powerful, Noninvasive Approach to Investigate Cellular Energy Metabolism

Many cell lines used in basic biological and biomedical research maintain energy homeostasis through a combination of both aerobic and anaerobic respiration. However, the extent to which both pathways contribute to the landscape of cellular energy production is consistently overlooked. Transformed cells cultured in saturating levels of glucose often show a decreased dependency on oxidative phosphorylation for ATP production, which is compensated by an increase in substrate-level phosphorylation. This shift in metabolic poise allows cells to proliferate despite the presence of mitochondrial toxins. In neglecting the altered metabolic poise of transformed cells, results from a pharmaceutical screening may be misinterpreted since the potentially mitotoxic effects may not be detected using model cell lines cultured in the presence of high glucose concentrations. This protocol describes the pairing of two powerful techniques, respirometry and calorimetry, which allows for the quantitative and noninvasive assessment of both aerobic and anaerobic contributions to cellular ATP production. Both aerobic and anaerobic respirations generate heat, which can be monitored via calorimetry. Meanwhile, measuring the rate of oxygen consumption can assess the extent of aerobic respiration. When both heat dissipation and oxygen consumption are measured simultaneously, the calorespirometric ratio can be determined. The experimentally obtained value can then be compared to the theoretical oxycaloric equivalent and the extent of the anaerobic respiration can be judged. Thus, calorespirometry provides a unique method to analyze a wide range of biological questions, including drug development, microbial growth, and fundamental bioenergetics under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions.
Verschiedene Arten der Gleichverteilung

Wir betrachten im folgenden (147–161) monotone Folgen positiver Zahlen. Unter der Anzahlfunktion N(r) einer solchen Folge verstehen wir die Anzahl derjenigen r n , die r nicht ubersteigen, r ≧ 0. In Zeichen $$ N(r) = \sum\limits_{{r_n} \leqq r} 1 $$ .
POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CP VIOLATION IN K$sup +-$$Yields$ 3$pi$ DECAY

The effects of $\mathrm{CP}$ violation in $K\ensuremath{\rightarrow}3\ensuremath{\pi}$ decay have been investigated. In a linear energy approximation for the decay matrix elements, one can prove, using the $\mathrm{TCP}$ theorem alone, that the partial decay rate of the $\ensuremath{\tau}$ (or ${\ensuremath{\tau}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$) mode (and also $\ensuremath{\theta}$ modes) for the ${K}^{+}$ meson is nearly equal to that for the ${K}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ meson, provided that one can neglect contributions from the final $I=3$ pion configuration. Also, effects of final pion-pion interactions have been computed by extending the dispersion-theoretical treatment of Khuri and Treiman.
Paving the Path to Value: The Role of Registry Studies in Interventional Radiology

The growth rate of interventional radiology (IR) procedures and practitioners has exceeded the pace of evidence development to support evidence-based practice. In the innovative and highly adaptive field of IR, there exists a tremendous need for interventional radiologists to practice evidence-based medicine as a way to maintain and improve quality of health care. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered to be the gold standard of research, providing level I evidence, but in procedural subspecialties, they remain difficult to design and implement due to challenges in randomization, blinding, and inadequate sample size. To build the foundation of evidence in IR, registry studies can play a complementary role to RCTs. Clinical data registries may offer a more practical approach to gathering outcomes data, important in this era with the advent of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA), in comparison with RCTs. Properly designed registries can store an abundance of data with which high-quality observational studies can be performed. Although considered level II evidence, these registry studies will allow the evaluation of both performance and value of IR procedures, particularly in circumstances in which an RCT would not be feasible. This manuscript aims to serve as a guide for developing and participating in IR registry studies.
Proximity ligation assay to study protein-protein interactions of proteins on two different cells.

Protein–protein interactions (PPI) by homo-, hetero- or oligo-merization in the cellular environment regulate cellular processes. PPI can be inhibited by antibodies, small molecules or peptides, and this inhibition has therapeutic value. A recently developed method, the proximity ligation assay (PLA), provides detection of PPI in the cellular environment. However, most applications using this assay are for proteins expressed in the same cell. We employ PLA for the first time to study PPI of cell surface proteins on two different cells. Inhibition of PPI using a peptide inhibitor is also quantified using this assay; PLA is used to detect PPI of CD2 and CD58 between Jurkat cells (T cells) and human fibroblast-like synoviocyte-rheumatoid arthritis cells that are important in the immune response in the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis. This assay provides direct evidence of inhibition of PPI of two proteins on different cell surfaces.
Verified Programs for Frequent Itemset Mining

Frequent itemset mining is one pillar of machine learning and is very important for many data mining applications. There are many different algorithms for frequent itemset mining, but to our knowledge no implementation has been proven correct using computer aided verification. Hu et al. derived on paper an efficient algorithm for this problem, starting from an inefficient functional program and by using program calculation derived an efficient version. Based on their work, we propose a formally verified functional implementation for frequent itemset mining developed with the Coq proof assistant. All the proposed programs are evaluated on classical datasets and are compared to a non verified Java implementation of the Apriori algorithm.
The Case of Regan Cooper: Anxiety in a Gay Resident

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or intersex (LGBTQI) residents seeking mental health treatment may hesitate to engage in therapy due to the fraught history of psychiatric diagnosis and treatment of sexuality and may not receive optimal care due to inadequate specific knowledge and experience of clinicians. LGBTQI residents have limited spaces that support their safe inclusion. Rather than a diagnosis, being LGBTQI may be considered a cultural factor. The clinician evaluating an LGBTQI individual will want to be attentive to screening for suicide and substance use disorders and to take developmental and sexual histories. Bias and other attitudes and beliefs, both conscious and unconscious, may imbue the therapist-trainee relationship particularly when being gay or lesbian is assumed to be contributing to their psychological difficulties. Nonspecialized clinicians may need to refer or seek supervision to learn approaches to enhance the resilience of doctors identifying as LGBTQI.
“Coal is in our food, coal is in our blood”: everyday environmental injustices of rural community gardening in Central Appalachia

Central Appalachia's historical dependence on natural resource extraction industries has contributed to a long history of under- and uneven development, including trends of persistent poverty, cycl...
American Housewife and Super Fun Night: Fat Ambiguity and Televised Bodily Comedy

This article offers a reparative textual analysis of the fat representations and comedy in the first seasons of the sitcoms American Housewife and Super Fun Night. These series navigate a discursiv...
The urgent case for expanded development assistance for health

The low-income developing countries require increased development assistance for health (DAH) to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3, 'Healthy Lives for All'. DAH has a proven track record. DAH expanded during 2001-2008, with significant health gains in the LIDCs, but then stopped expanding in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria requires around US$31.8 billion during 2021-2023 to maintain a trajectory to end the three epidemics by 2030, yet donors have so far signaled that they are prepared to offer less than half that sum, around US$14 billion.
Looking Into the Mirror of Open Source: Invited Paper

The DARPA IDEA program has brought unprecedented resources and attention to development of open-source EDA. As this session convenes, IDEA is well into its second year, with “alpha” releases in the rear-view mirror, and a public v1.0 unveiling just eight months away. This talk will give a perspective on recent open-source development for digital layout generation. First, any technology should have a roadmap of quantifiable metrics, requirements, and potential solutions – projected on the axis of time. What are key aspects of such a roadmap for open-source EDA technology? Second, what does open-source EDA tell us about ourselves? The goal of open-source is a mirror for the ecosystem of academic research, semiconductor design, and commercial EDA. Who is willing to contribute? Who is capable of contributing? What are bars for “moving the needle” and sustainability?
Interstitial Lung Disease Secondary to Long-Term Nitrofurantoin Use

BACKGROUND Interstitial lung disease, also known as diffuse parenchymal lung disease, is a group of diseases that affects the interstitium of the lungs and can lead to progressive fibrosis of the lungs. The potential causes of interstitial lung disease are broad and includes infection, malignancy, autoimmune/connective tissues diseases, inhaled substances, and certain medications. One of the medications that can cause interstitial lung disease is nitrofurantoin. CASE REPORT A 88-year-old man with recurrent urinary tract infections was treated with long-term nitrofurantoin prophylactic therapy. He took 100 mg of nitrofurantoin on a daily basis for over 10 years as prophylactic therapy for recurrent urinary tract infections, and subsequently developed chronic respiratory failure requiring supplemental oxygen. Chest radiography and high-resolution computed tomography imaging were performed and revealed pulmonary fibrosis consistent with interstitial lung disease. CONCLUSIONS Although nitrofurantoin is one of the most commonly used antibiotics in the treatment of urinary tract infections and is often considered a relatively safe medication, long-term use can lead to the development of interstitial lung disease.
Intact B-Cell Signaling and Function With Host B-Cells 47 Years After Transplantation for X-SCID

Introduction: Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) is a life-threatening immunodeficiency caused by several pathogenic genetic variants, and it is characterized by profound defects in T-cell numbers and immune function. First performed in the late 1960's, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains the standard treatment for most cases of SCID. There is a growing number of post-transplant SCID patients, and it is imperative to assess the long-term outcomes of these patients. We have reported here the longest follow-up of a post-transplant SCID patient who, to our knowledge, bears the first gamma chain (γc) variant to show intact IL-21 signaling. Case Presentation: The patient presented at 5 months of age with recurrent thrush and Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia. In 1971, at the age of 11 months, he received an unconditioned, matched, related donor transplant comprising whole, unprocessed bone marrow. He is now 48 years old without significant illness and has never required immunoglobulin replacement. He exhibits T-dependent vaccine responses. He does suffer from chronic warts and bacterial infections that have worsened in recent years. We confirmed a known pathogenic variant in the IL2RG gene showing a hemizygous variant NM_000206.2:c.675C>A, resulting in p.Ser225Arg. His chimerism studies revealed donor T cells, host B cells, host myeloid cells, and mixed NK cells. Lymphocyte enumeration revealed normal numbers and distribution of B cells. The host B cells carry the pathogenic variant in IL2RG, but, when stimulated with IL-21, they demonstrated intact, γc-dependent signaling. Conclusions: Even with host B cells, reconstitution with donor T cells can be sufficient to allow over four decades of survival when B-cell function is intact. Our case demonstrates that satisfactory B-cell function can arise as a consequence of both intact IL-21 signaling due to a hypomorphic γc variant, and close HLA matching with the donor to allow for effective T-cell help.
External Electric Field-Induced Transmembrane Potentials in Biological Systems

In living systems, a high level of organizational heterogeneity forms the structural basis for a wide variety of functions (energy transduction, ion and metabolite transport, excitability, development) and their regulation. At a fundamental level, practically all events and interactions involved are ultimately electrical in nature, due to the ubiquity of charges and the suitability for processing of electrical signals, as well as to evolutionary reasons. Most phenomena of interest involve biological membranes, shown to be highly specialized molecular assemblies and not mere proteolipid barriers between the inside and outside media. As a consequence, the electrical properties of membranes have been extensively investigated.
Salivary Bioscience, Immunity, and Inflammation

The study of immune and inflammatory markers in saliva has gained increased attention in recent years with the advancements in assay technology and a heightened focus on cross-systems biology and psychoneuroimmunology. Salivary immune markers are important for the study of both oral and systemic health. Salivary inflammation, in particular, has been widely examined across many fields as both an area of interest and a source of confounding variance. In this chapter, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of studying immune markers in saliva and review the current state of knowledge regarding the study of salivary immune biomeasures, including salivary cytokines, C-reactive protein, and immunoglobulins. Analysis and interpretation issues particularly important for studying immune-related analytes, such as the impact of oral and systemic health, the interpretation of the serum–saliva correlation, and multisystem measurement and analysis techniques, are discussed. Finally, we discuss future directions for the study of salivary immune markers and applications of this research to clinical care and health monitoring and surveillance programs.
Comparative evaluation of soybean oil–based MQL flow rates and emulsion flood cooling strategy in high-speed face milling of Inconel 718

The increasing environmental and health concerns of conventional emulsion flood coolants have motivated the use of vegetable oil in the form of minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) in machining. This paper presents comparative evaluation of high oleic soybean oil (HOSO)–based MQL flow rates at 10, 30, 50, 70, and 90 ml/h with a mineral oil–based emulsion flood coolant as a benchmark in face milling of Inconel 718 using AlTiN/TiN-coated carbide inserts. Cutting forces, tool wear, and surface roughness were measured and analyzed. The results show that MQL oil flow rate at 70 ml/h gave the longest tool life comparable to that of mineral oil–based emulsion flood cooling, while 10 ml/h flow rate gave the shortest tool life. Also, 70 ml/h flow rate gave the lowest resultant cutting force among all MQL oil flow rates and conventional emulsion cooling at tool life. Increasing HOSO-based MQL flow rate improves surface roughness and reduces tool wear by providing enough thin lubrication film but also leads to an increase in chip affinity and formation of large built-up edges (BUEs) as the MQL flow rate reaches 90 ml/h. At lower HOSO-based MQL flow rate, tool wear mechanism is predominantly abrasion due to large surface friction, while at higher HOSO-based MQL flow rate, tool wear mechanism is adhesion leading to excessive BUEs. HOSO-based MQL flow rate of 70 ml/h and air pressure of 4.14 bar are recommended when face milling Inconel 718 and are demonstrated to be a potential replacement of mineral oil–based conventional emulsion flood cooling strategy for machining of difficult-to-cut metals.
Functional hearing quality in prelingually deaf school-age children and adolescents with cochlear implants.

This study investigated differences in functional hearing quality between youth with cochlear implants (CIs) and normal hearing (NH) peers, as well as associations between functional hearing qualit...
A Novel Clinical Scoring System for Perioperative Morbidity in Metastatic Spinal Tumor Surgery: The Spine Oncology Morbidity Assessment Score.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE To evaluate a scoring system to predict morbidity for patients undergoing metastatic spinal tumor surgery (MSTS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Multiple scoring systems exist to predict survival for patients with spinal metastasis. The potential benefits and risks of surgery need to be evaluated for patients with disseminated cancer and limited life expectancy. Few scoring systems exist to predict perioperative morbidity after MSTS. METHODS We reviewed records of patients who underwent MSTS at our institution between 2013 and 2019. All perioperative complications occurring within 30 days were recorded. A clinical scoring system consisting of five variables (age ≥ 70 yr, hypoalbuminemia, poor preoperative functional status [Karnofsky ≤ 40], Frankel Grade A-C, and multilevel disease ≥2 continuous vertebral bodies) was evaluated as a predictive tool for morbidity; every parameter was assigned a value of 0 if absent or 1 if present (total possible score = 5). The effect of the scoring system on morbidity was evaluated using stepwise multiple logistic regression. Model accuracy was calculated by receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS One hundred and five patients were identified, with a male prevalence of 58.1% and average age at surgery of 61 years. The overall 30-day complication rate was 36.2%. The perioperative morbidity was 4.6%, 30.0%, 53.9%, and 64.7% for patients with scores of 0, 1, 2, and ≥3 points, respectively (P < 0.001). On multiple logistic regression analysis controlling for covariates not present in the model, the scoring system was significantly associated with 30-day morbidity (OR 3.11; 95% CI, 1.72-5.59; P < 0.001). The model's accuracy was estimated at 0.75. CONCLUSION Our proposed model was found to accurately predict perioperative morbidity after MSTS. The Spine Oncology Morbidity Assessment (SOMA) score may prove useful for risk stratification and possibly decision-making, though further validation is needed.Level of Evidence: 4.
DeBoer v. Snyder: A Case Study In Litigation and Social Reform

On April 28, 2015, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for four cases from the Sixth Circuit addressing the constitutionality of state bans on same-sex marriage. This Note examines DeBoer v. Snyder, the Michigan marriage case, with the goal of providing litigators and scholars the proper context for our current historical moment in which (1) the legal status of LGBT people; and (2) the conventional wisdom about the role of impact litigation in social reform movements are rapidly evolving.
A new role of red wine in modulating erythrocytes antioxidant defense

Dealcoholated red wine has been shown to exert protective effects, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events by improving endothelium-dependent vasodilation and inhibiting platelet aggregation These biological activities have been associated with the polyphenolic components of red wine, suggesting that the pool of phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and anthocyanins, could be responsible for its functional effects. The concept that antioxidant properties of polyphenols could explain the beneficial effects of red wine has been carried forward. Here, we hypothesize a new role of red wine in modulating oxidative stress, leading to the alteration of the antioxidant potential in humans. We previously demonstrated that red wine polyphenols (RWp) protect human erythrocytes from oxidative stress by the activation of an important enzymatic system involved in neutralizing plasma free radicals, namely Plasma Membrane Redox System (PMRS). The present work investigates the underlying mechanism triggered by RWp in the activation of PMRS via the involvement of intracellular GSH. Hence, the increase of GSH intracellular concentration results from the activation of GSH-dependent enzymes, namely glutathione reductase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, of about 30% and 50% respectively after 2 min of incubation of human erythrocytes in the presence of RWp (73 ug/ml Gallic Acid Equivalents). Changes in GSH pathway induced by RW were associated with a slight but significant increase (about 15%) of ROS (reactive oxygen species) concentration. We conclude that the pro-oxidant effect of RWp promotes an adaptive stress response in human erythrocytes, which improves their antioxidant defense protecting them from oxidative stress.
Erectile Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Risk in Men with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Population- Based Cohort Study

Objective Both erectile dysfunction (ED) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. It is unknown if these diagnoses are associated or if their combination confers additional cardiovascular risk. We aim to define the incidence of ED in RA, and determine if ED correlates with increased cardiovascular risk in RA. Methods Medical information concerning RA, ED and cardiovascular diagnoses for men with RA (n=260) diagnosed in Olmsted county, Minnesota and age-matched male comparators was extracted from a comprehensive medical record system. Results ED incidence was similar between the RA cohort and comparators (HR 0.80; 95% CI 0.55-1.16). In men with RA, ED diagnosis was associated with a trend toward an increase in peripheral arterial disease (HR 2.22; 95% CI 0.98-5.03) and a significantly decreased rate of myocardial infarction (HR 0.26; 95% CI 0.07-0.90), heart failure (HR 0.49; 95% CI 0.25-0.94) and death (HR 0.56; 95% CI 0.36-0.87). In men with RA and ED, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor use was associated with a decreased risk of death (HR 0.35; 95% CI 0.16-0.79), with a trending decreased risk of some cardiovascular diagnoses. Conclusion Incidence of ED was not statistically increased in RA. Although patients with both RA and ED had a similar overall cardiovascular risk to those with RA alone, men with both RA and ED had decreased risk of heart failure, myocardial infarction and death, as well as an increased risk of peripheral arterial disease. Further studies are needed to clarify these associations and their implications for pathogenesis and therapeutics.
Surprise Signals Changing Affective Experiences in Naturalistic Sports Spectating.

What role does surprise play in a spectating experience? In this issue of Neuron, Antony et al. (2021) develop and validate a model of surprise to characterize the psychological and neurobiological processes underlying sports fans' experiences as they watch the final minutes of NCAA college basketball games.
Associations between campus climate perceptions and food insecurity among undergraduates at a public university

Objective:Food-insecure college students have expressed frustration toward their academic institution for failing to meet students' needs. However, it is unclear whether campus climate perceptions are related to food insecurity status. We examined the association between campus climate surrounding health and food insecurity status among college students.Participants:Participants were undergraduate students (n = 1378) enrolled at a public university.Methods:We used secondary data from the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II (ACHA-NCHA-II) with campus-specific measures of campus climate and food insecurity status.Results:Findings showed that students with less favorable views of campus climate were between 1.85 and 1.74 times more likely to be food insecure, even after adjusting for demographics and financial hardship.Conclusions:Future research is needed to better understand how students' campus climate perceptions can inform programs that effectively address food insecurity on college campuses.
Ubiquity of Cyclic Di-GMP Pathways: a Bioinformatic Analysis

In this chapter, the author shows how the bioinformatic tools have contributed to the studies of the c-di-GMP-mediated signaling pathways—and continue to do so. A brief discussion of the roles of the GGDEF, EAL, and HD-GYP domains in c-di-GMP turnover and the role of the PilZ domain as a c-di-GMP adaptor protein is followed by an analysis of the phylogenetic distribution of these domains and a listing of the most common domain architectures that involve these four domains. The identification of the GGDEF domain as a component of DGCs and c-di-GMP-specific phosphodiesterases, participating in c-di-GMP turnover, by Benziman and his colleagues was a watershed event in at least three important aspects. This work provided the first evidence of an enzymatic function for this widespread protein domain and paved the way to the experimental demonstration that the GGDEF domain alone was responsible for the DGC activity. Second, linking this widespread domain with c-di-GMP turnover provided evidence for the participation of c-di-GMP in a variety of signaling processes. Third, the presence of the GGDEF domain in DGCs and in c-di-GMP-specific phosphodiesterases, two kinds of enzymes with opposing activities, suggested that this domain had allosteric functions that regulate c-di-GMP turnover. Experimental characterization of the most widespread combinations of c-di- GMP-related domains, including those described above, remains a promising venue of research that can be expected to provide much-needed insights into the functioning of this fascinating signaling system and its role in bacterial adaptation mechanisms.