cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Missing Data, Incomplete Taxa, and Phylogenetic Accuracy

The problem of missing data is often considered to be the most important obstacle in reconstructing the phylogeny of fossil taxa and in combining data from diverse characters and taxa for phylogenetic analysis. Empirical and theoretical studies show that including highly incomplete taxa can lead to multiple equally parsimonious trees, poorly resolved consensus trees, and decreased phylogenetic accuracy. However, the mechanisms that cause incomplete taxa to be problematic have remained unclear. It has been widely assumed that incomplete taxa are problematic because of the proportion or amount of missing data that they bear. In this study, I use simulations to show that the reduced accuracy associated with including incomplete taxa is caused by these taxa bearing too few complete characters rather than too many missing data cells. This seemingly subtle distinction has a number of important implications. First, the so-called missing data problem for incomplete taxa is, paradoxically, not directly related to their amount or proportion of missing data. Thus, the level of completeness alone should not guide the exclusion of taxa (contrary to common practice), and these results may explain why empirical studies have sometimes found little relationship between the completeness of a taxon and its impact on an analysis. These results also (1) suggest a more effective strategy for dealing with incomplete taxa, (2) call into question a justification of the controversial phylogenetic supertree approach, and (3) show the potential for the accurate phylogenetic placement of highly incomplete taxa, both when combining diverse data sets and when analyzing relationships of fossil taxa.
A Non-antibacterial Chemically-modified Tetracycline Inhibits Mammalian Collagenase Activity

Tetracyclines (including the semi-synthetic analogues, minocycline and doxycycline) are considered useful adjuncts in periodontal therapy because they suppress Gram-negative periodontopathogens. Recently, these antibiotics were found to inhibit mammalian collagenase activity, a property which may also be of therapeutic value. It has been suggested that the anti-collagenase properties of the tetracyclines are independent of their antibiotic efficacy. To advance this hypothesis further, we chemically converted tetracycline hydrochloride to its non-antimicrobial analogue, de-dimethylaminotetracycline. This chemically-modified tetracycline (CMT), although no longer an effective antibiotic, was found to inhibit the in vitro activity of collagenase from partially purified extracts of human rheumatoid synovial tissue and rachitic rat epiphysis. In a preliminary in vivo study, pathologically-excessive collagenase in skin and gingiva was induced by rendering adult male rats diabetic, and the oral administration of CMT to these rats significantly reduced the excessive collagenase activity in both tissues. Moreover, CMT administration did not affect the severe hyperglycemia in these rats but did prevent, at least in part, the diabetes-induced loss of body weight, skin weight, and skin collagen mass; these effects suggest a lack of toxicity in this animal model. A proposed clinical advantage of CMT over conventional tetracyclines, in the treatment of diseases characterized by excessive collagenolytic activity, is the lack of development of antibiotic-resistant micro-organisms during prolonged use. However, the consideration of clinical trials to support this hypothesis must await further laboratory and extensive toxicity tests.
Family Structure, Racial Socialization, Perceived Parental Involvement, and Social Support as Predictors of Self-Esteem in African American College Students:

The present study was a correlation survey examination of self-esteem among African American college students. The constructs of racial socialization, parental involvement, social support, family s...
Acoustic sensor technology

The recent development in monolithic devices has enabled a breakthrough in the applications of acoustic sensors in navigation and communications signal processing. A piezoelectric thin film material, such as ZnO, AlN or PZT, permits both acoustoelectric SAW and semiconductor electronic device components to be fabricated on the same monolithic substrate. Here, we discuss acoustic sensor applications such as pressure, gas and vapor sensors and microaccelerometers. In general, micromachined sensors such as pressure sensors and accelerometers have made their way into autos for control and deployment of airbags, and silicon-based accelerometers and rate gyros eventually will find use in vehicle navigation systems. All these recent market demands are pulling development of acoustic sensor technologies. For low-cost volume production, new methods of acoustic sensing and processing of thin film piezoelectric materials are essential to the development of monolithic technology. >
A Critical History of Heart of Darkness

Heart of Darkness was published serially in Blackwood’s Magazine in 1899. But it was not seriously reviewed until 1902, when it was reprinted in a hard-cover volume entitled Youth. Even then, the other two works published in the collection, Youth and The End of the Tether, were received more favorably. In an unsigned 1902 review Edward Garnett both explained and deplored the fact that Heart of Darkness was the least popular of the three tales. Calling it “too strong” a piece of “meat for the ordinary reader,” he insisted that it was nonetheless “the high water mark” of Conrad’s “talent,” a “psychological masterpiece” relating “the sub-conscious life within us… to our conscious actions, feelings, and outlook.” As such, Garnett concluded, it offers an “analysis of the deterioration of the white man’s morale, when he is let loose from European restraint, and planted down in the tropics as an emissary of light armed to the teeth, to make trade profits out of the subject races” (Sherry 132–33). Responding to Garnett’s review in a personal letter, Conrad wrote: “My dearest fellow you quite overcome me. And your brave attempt to grapple with the foggishness of Heart of Darkness, to explain what I myself tried to shape blindfold, as it were, touched me profoundly” (Karl and Davies 2:467–68).
Repurposed drug screen identifies cardiac glycosides as inhibitors of TGF-β-induced cancer-associated fibroblast differentiation

The tumor microenvironment, primarily composed of myofibroblasts, directly influences the progression of solid tumors. Through secretion of growth factors, extracellular matrix deposition, and contractile mechanotransduction, myofibroblasts, or cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), support angiogenesis and cancer cell invasion and metastasis. The differentiation of fibroblasts to CAFs is primarily induced by TGF-β from cancer cells. To discover agents capable of blocking CAF differentiation, we developed a high content immunofluorescence-based assay to screen repurposed chemical libraries utilizing fibronectin expression as an initial CAF marker. Screening of the Prestwick chemical library and NIH Clinical Collection repurposed drug library, totaling over 1700 compounds, identified cardiac glycosides as particularly potent CAF blocking agents. Cardiac glycosides are traditionally used to regulate intracellular calcium by inhibiting the Na+/K+ ATPase to control cardiac contractility. Herein, we report that multiple cardiac glycoside compounds, including digoxin, are able to inhibit TGF-β-induced fibronectin expression at low nanomolar concentrations without undesirable cell toxicity. We found this inhibition to hold true for multiple fibroblast cell lines. Using real-time qPCR, we determined that digoxin prevented induction of multiple CAF markers. Furthermore, we report that digoxin is able to prevent TGF-β-induced fibroblast contraction of extracellular matrix, a major phenotypic consequence of CAF differentiation. Assessing the mechanism of inhibition, we found digoxin reduced SMAD promoter activity downstream of TGF-β, and we provide data that the effect is through inhibition of its known target, the Na+/K+ ATPase. These findings support a critical role for calcium signaling during CAF differentiation and highlight a novel, repurposable modality for cancer therapy.
Analysis of surveillance results of household iodized salt in Anding district from 2007 to 2011

Objective:To assess the monitoring results of household iodized salt and understand the edible situation of iodized salt,so as to make control and preventive strategy for iodine deficiency diseases.Methods:According to "Scheme for iodized salt surveillance in Gansu 2007-2011",household iodized salt samples collected from each town in Anding district were monitored,and according to GB/T13025.7-1999,iodine content in these samples were determined by direct titration.Results:1369 samples were qualified,the eligible rate was 95.87%.The median of edible iodized salt was 29.6 mg/kg,coverage rate of iodized salt was 99.17%.Conclusion:In Anding area,coverage rate,eligible rate and edible rate of iodized salt were in line with the national standard for eliminating IDD from 2007 to 2011.However,due to high coefficient of variation of iodized salt and high frequency of non-iodized salt,iodized salt monitoring and health education should be strengthened in this area.Continuous supply of qualified iodized salt was the key for eliminating IDD.
Calcium currents of cardiovascular neurons isolated from adult guinea pigs

A preparation of cells isolated from the medial and dorsal nuclei of the solitary tract of the medulla of adult guinea pigs was developed to examine the electrical properties of neurons isolated from an area of the central nervous system which is involved in the control of arterial pressure and heart rate. Bipolar cells of approximately 10 microns diameter were obtained on enzymatic dispersion. The cells were studied with the use of the patch technique for whole cell recording. Action potentials were elicited by depolarizing pulses in the presence of 10(-5) M tetrodotoxin which blocked a sodium-dependent current. These action potentials were calcium dependent and were eliminated by adding 1 mM Cd to the bath. In all cells studied, two voltage-dependent components to the calcium current were identified. In 10 mM Ca a high-threshold component activated at approximately -20 mV from holding potentials of -30 mV. A second lower threshold component was activated at -40 mV from more negative holding potentials of -80 mV. The low-threshold component was rapidly inactivating, whereas the high-threshold current slowly inactivated. The peak amplitudes of the two components were similar. Both components were blocked by 1 mM Cd. A role for the low-threshold calcium current in generating repetitive activity is postulated.
Late Complications of Long-term Hemodialysis in Children: Clinical Aspects and Some Measurable Variables Concerning Parathyroid Hormone, Divalent Ions, Acid-base Metabolism, Anemia, Nutrition, Growth and Survival Data

AbstractNineteen pediatric patients, ranging in age from 5 to 17 years, were followed for up to 59 months and 3,129 hemodialysis procedures were done. The known duration of renal diseases before hemodialysis was 6 ± 3 years. The clinical complications consisted of 5 patients with sepsis, 2 patients with malignant hypertension, 6 patients with congestive heart failure, 3 patients with seizure disorders and 1 patient with intractable ascites. Radiologic evidence for renal osteodystrophy was present in 4 patients, although elevated levels of parathyroid hormone were documented in all patients after 6 months of hemodialysis.Hypocalcemia (8.4 ± 1.7mg./dl.) was documented before initiation of hemodialysis and normalization occurred in only half of the patients after 6 months of hemodialysis with the dialysate calcium concentration of 3mEq./l. Pre-dialysis serum concentrations for magnesium (2.5 ± 0.4mg./dl.), phosphorus (5.3 ± 1.5mg./dl.), triglyceride (138 ± 31mg./dl.), cholesterol (180 ± 34mg./dl.) and total ...
Nonlinear Analysis of Large Shell Structures

Over the past decade, the structural analyst has had to adapt to a changing computing environment. Recently, the new computing environment has evolved substantially to enhance the analyst’s problem-solving capability. As a demonstration of the new computing environment, the nonlinear analysis of a two-dimensional shell model of an entire solid rocket booster (SRB) has been performed. The purpose of these analyses was to calculate the overall deflection and stress distributions for the SRB when subjected to mechanical loads corresponding to critical times during the launch sequence. Static analyses of the full SRB were performed using a “snapshot picture” of the loads.
Food Heating and the Formation of Heterocyclic Aromatic Amine and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Mutagens/Carcinogens

Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAA) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are mutagens and animal carcinogens sometimes formed when foods are heated or processed. Determining their role in cancer etiology depends on comparing human exposures and determining any significant dose-related effect. Chemical analysis of foods shows that flame-grilling can form both PAH and HAA, and that frying forms predominantly HAA. With detection limits of about 0.1 ng/g, amounts found in commercially processed or restaurant foods range from 0.1 to 14 ng/g for HAA, and levels of PAH up to 1 ng/g in a liquid smoke flavoring. Laboratory fried samples have greater amounts of PAH, up to 38 ng/g in hamburgers, and high levels of HAA, over 300 ng/g, are measured in grilled chicken breast. Understanding the processing conditions that form PAH and HAA can lead to methods to greatly reduce their occurrence in processed foods.
Improvements on Infrared-Camera Calibration for Accurate Surface Temperature Measurements in Arcjet Facilities

Ground testing of thermal protection systems play an essential role for understanding the response of candidate materials for thermal shields. Nonintrusive surface temperature measurements are necessary to map the temperature distribution for the correct interpretation of the results obtained in wind-tunnel facilities. An accurate calibration of the infrared camera to be used for a planned experimental campaign on variable transpiration cooling is described in detail. A prototype carbon–carbon cone has been used for both the calibration procedure and experiments. For this application, standard calibration procedures, based on the combined use of blackbody radiators for the calibration of the camera sensor together with tests for emissivity characterization, would not allow for the determination of the accurate surface temperature distribution. This is due to the diversified surface finish and localized defect characteristics of a typical component. The calibration procedure described here, which is based ...
Should Governments Tax the Rich and Subsidize the Poor? An Empirical Study of Opinion in 60 Countries

The present study reports the findings of a survey conducted by the World Values Survey scientists in 60 countries on the question of whether governments should tax the rich and subsidize the poor. A 10-point Likert Scale was used to determine the extent of agreement or disagreement with the question. Results varied widely.
Strategies for Cultivating Purpose Among Adolescents in Clinical Settings

Meaning and purpose share a focus on personal significance, but purpose represents a narrower construct than meaning. Whereas meaning refers to any experience one defines as personally significant, a purpose in life refers more specifically to goal-oriented, enduring aims that are at once personally meaningful and at the same time motivated by a desire to have an impact on the world beyond the self. Because of its distinctive beyond the self dimension, a purpose in life is associated with a wide range of psychological and physical benefits that enhance youth development. The construct is associated with thriving across the lifespan, but particularly during adolescence when it can contribute to healthy identity development and provide young people who might otherwise be drifting with a productive sense of direction. Despite the benefits associated with leading a life of purpose, the experience is rare. Only about 20 % of young people possess a purpose in life. To begin to address this issue, this chapter offers three empirically based approaches that mental health professionals can take to help foster purpose in the lives of young people.
Interplay of Sharia Projects: Between Ketuanan Melayu, Islam, and Liberal Rights in Malaysia

Daniels examines the diverse discourses about sharia in contemporary Malaysian society. Based upon ethnographic research and analysis of spoken and written discourses, the chapter explores the way secular Malay nationalists, the political Islamic party and Islamic nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), liberal Muslim reformers, and non-Muslim secular forces talk and think about sharia. Focusing on the dynamic interplay between sociopolitical projects, this chapter demonstrates that although the Islamic party contests secular nationalists in electoral politics, they are often compelled to work together against liberal rights activists to reinforce Malay and Islamic primacy. It also concludes that the increasingly intense and uncompromising skirmishes over liberal rights versus sharia are pushing dominant Malay forces in a more sharia-oriented direction.
A finite element model of knee electrical bioimpedance for facilitating edema quantification

Electrical bioimpedance (EBI) is a non-invasive technique for quantifying the composition of biological tissue. Recent work has shown empirically that vector EBI measurements can potentially be used to assess knee health after acute injury: edema leads to decreased local tissue resistance and injury to cell membranes increases local reactance. However, there is a need to better understand the underlying factors that can affect knee EBI measures, including parameters associated with the injury (e.g., location, severity), measurement (e.g., electrode placement, frequency), and environment (e.g., ambient temperature). In this paper, we present a subject-specific finite element method (FEM) model of a human knee with edema, with a preliminary investigation of these underlying factors that can affect EBI measures. Two shapes are considered for the knee and contrasted: a cylinder and a truncated cone. These models allow us to perform initial analyses to determine the effects of edema volume on EBI changes. Additionally, the models are compared with experimental results from subjects with acute knee injury using a system our group has previously developed and tested for high-resolution EBI measurements.
Kindergarten School Engagement: Linking Early Temperament and Academic Achievement at the Transition to School

ABSTRACTResearch Findings: Although children’s temperament contributes to their academic success, little is known regarding the mechanisms through which temperament is associated with academic achievement during the transition to elementary school. One such mechanism may be school engagement, but findings are inconsistent and limited. Across 2 waves of data at the transition to school, we examined the role of kindergarten emotional and behavioral engagement as links between preschool temperament (positive emotionality, anger, and effortful control) and kindergarten academic achievement among a predominantly Mexican/Mexican American sample of 241 children drawn from Head Start classrooms. Significant direct effects indicated that preschool anger was negatively, and positive emotionality and effortful control positively, associated with kindergarten behavioral engagement. Only preschool anger was significantly associated with kindergarten emotional engagement. In turn, kindergarten behavioral, but not emoti...
Incidence of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation and Hepatotoxicity in Patients Receiving Long-term Treatment With Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonists

Background & Aims Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists are the first-line treatment for many autoimmune diseases. However, they have been associated with reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV). We determined the rate of HBV reactivation and hepatotoxicity grade 3 or 4 (HT ≥3) in patients treated with an anti-TNF agent for an autoimmune disease. Methods We collected data from 8887 adult patients in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California database who began treatment with TNF antagonists for autoimmune diseases (dermatologic, rheumatologic, or gastrointestinal) from 2001 through 2010, followed through December 2012. We obtained data on HBV infection (52% of patients were screened for HBV before treatment), demographic features, comorbidities, and use of immunosuppressive agents. HBV reactivation was defined as 1 of the following: >1 log increase in HBV DNA, HBV DNA-positive when previously negative, HBV DNA >2000 IU/mL if no baseline level was available, or reverse seroconversion. HT ≥3 was defined according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria. We performed multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with HT ≥3. Results Twenty-three patients tested positive for HB surface antigen (HBsAg) at baseline and 9 of these had HBV reactivation; of the 4267 patients with unknown HBV status at baseline, 2 had HBV reactivation. None of the 178 patients who were HBsAg negative and positive for the hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc+) had HBV reactivation. HBV reactivation occurred in 1/5 HBsAg+ patients who received prophylactic antiviral therapy and 8/18 who did not ( P = .61). No one with HBV reactivation had liver failure. HT ≥3 occurred in 273 patients (2.7%), but only 3 cases were attributed to HBV. Cirrhosis was significantly associated with HT ≥3 ( P Conclusion In a retrospective analysis of patients treated with TNF antagonists for autoimmune diseases, we found HBV reactivation in 39% of patients who were HBsAg+ before therapy, but not in any patients who were HBsAg-negative and anti-HBc+ before therapy. Patients should be screened for HBV infection before anti-TNF therapy; HBsAg+ patients should receive prophylactic antiviral therapy, but not HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc+ patients.
Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy in Animals

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is a common form of generalized idiopathic epilepsy which usually has an onset between about 12 and 18 years of age, hence its name. The seizure types which may be seen include myoclonic jerks and seizures, absence seizures, and tonic clonic seizures (Zifkin et al. 2005). The seizures usually occur during daytime, but can occur upon awakening. Clinical examination does not reveal any focal neurological signs, and MRI shows no definitive characteristic anatomical lesions. Psychiatric examination does show a specific personality pattern in about 15% of patients which consists of low self-esteem, emotional instability, lack of discipline, mood changes, etc.
The continuum model and G1-control of the mammalian cell cycle.

The continuum model of the mammalian division cycle proposes that there are no Gl-phase specific controls or events. The G1 phase is simply the time when processes begun in the previous cell cycle are completed. In this review, the continuum model is applied the variability of the Gl-phase, the existence of Gl-less cells, the ubiquitous Gl-phase arrest phenomenon, the effect of over-expressed cyclins on Gl-phase length, the statistical variation of the cell cycle, the reports of Gl-phase syntheses, the proposed variation in retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation in Gl-phase, and the myriad findings put forward to support the Gl-control model of the mammalian division cycle. The continuum model is a valid description of the mammalian division cycle.
Concentration-dependent effects of lidocaine on corneal epithelial wound healing

Local anesthetic toxicity is a recognized clinical problem that has limited the use of topical corneal anesthetics for pain relief after corneal abrasion. Studies have shown clinically administered concentrations (0.5-2%) of local anesthetics impair corneal reepithelialization. Unfortunately, instillation of local anesthetic drops into an eye does not provide a measurable, steady-state concentration of drug. Thus, it has not been possible to evaluate whether there is an analgesic concentration of local anesthetic that does not impair corneal wound healing. Using the new in vitro rabbit cornea wound healing model, the effect of steady-state lidocaine concentrations on epithelial wound healing was examined. At lidocaine concentrations below 100 micrograms/ml, wound healing was not impaired. Higher concentrations (250-1000 micrograms/ml) resulted in dose-dependent impairment of epithelial wound healing. Combined with electrophysiologic evidence that corneal nerve injury discharge can be abolished by lidocaine concentrations less than 100 micrograms/ml, this research suggests that topical lidocaine in low concentration may be a safe topical corneal analgesic.
Press Release: Announcing World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity

Many of the world’s most prominent scientists, including a majority of the science Nobel laureates, appealed to the peoples of the world to take immediate action to halt the accelerating damage threatening humanity’s global life support systems. The World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity, signed by 1, 575 scientists from 69 countries, has been sent to government leaders of all nations.
Significant ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn in a group B infant with a group A2 mother.

Abstract ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) occurs almost exclusively in infants of blood group A or B who are born to group O mothers because IgG anti-A or -B occurs more commonly in group O than in group A or B individuals. We report a case in which clinically significant ABO-HDN occurred in a group B neonate from anti-B of a group A2 mother. The IgG anti-B titer was much higher (256) than that found in a group A1 mother/infant control group (</= 32). The maternal antibody screen was negative and antibodies to low-frequency antigens were not detected. Therefore, when evaluating unexplained HDN in a group B newborn of a group A mother, it may be relevant to determine the subgroup of the mother. As presented here, anti-B from a group A2 mother may, on occasion, be responsible for HDN.
Clinical Significance of Microvascular Inflammation in the Absence of Anti-HLA DSA in Kidney Transplantation

Background Limited information exists about outcomes of HLA donor-specific antibody (DSA) negative (DSA-) microvascular inflammation (MVI). Methods We report our experience with 25 DSA- patients with MVI compared to 155 DSA+ patients who met Banff 2013 criteria for antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). We also compared outcomes to 228 DSA+ patients whose biopsies were negative for rejection and served as a negative control. Results There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the DSA- MVI and DSA+ AMR groups. At the time of diagnosis, both groups had similar graft function. The DSA- group had higher MVI scores but lower C4d scores. At last follow-up, renal function was similar between the groups. There were 12 (48%) graft failures in the DSA- group and 59 (38%) graft failures in the DSA+ group, which was not statistically different. Similar results were found after matching for the MVI scores, C4d, and treatment between 2 groups. We also found similar outcomes between DSA- and DSA+ patients when only including those who would have met Banff 2017 criteria for AMR. In univariate Cox regression analyses, estimated glomerular filtration rate at time of biopsy, glomerulitis, rituximab, diabetes, v score, allograft glomerulopathy, fibrous intimal thickening, tubular atrophy, and interstitial fibrosis scores were associated with graft failure. In multivariate analysis, only estimated glomerular filtration rate was protective. Both groups had significantly worse outcomes than the DSA+-negative controls without AMR. Conclusions Our findings suggest that outcomes and response to treatment with HLA DSA- MVI patients are similarly poor to those with DSA+ MVI patients, supporting a critical role for MVI in the diagnosis of AMR.
ASSESSMENTS AS TEACHING AND RESEARCH TOOLS IN AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM-SOLVING PROGRAM FOR IN-SERVICE TEACHERS

A scenario-based assessment tool used in two environmental geoscience in-service programs for middle school and high school teachers served both to guide instructional techniques and as a method to evaluate the success of the instructional approach. In each in-service program the participants were assessed at an initial meeting to determine their understandings of environmental problems. The assessments included a hypothetical watershed scenario in which participants had to choose water quality monitoring sites, monitoring parameters, and provide justification of their choices. The results of these pre-assessments provided staff with an understanding of participant misconceptions that could be addressed specifically in program activities. In each program the participants were given the same assessment after participating in the workshops and this revealed significant shifts in certain areas of their understanding of watershed quality concepts and monitoring approaches. Good assessment scenarios are complex and are based on accurate information or data that are used to answer a question or prompt. They are particularly revealing and valuable because they ask students to make decisions by applying their understandings using information or data. Development and use of scenario-based assessment in this program came about only because of genuine and sustained cooperation between science education faculty and geoscience faculty. This highly beneficial collaboration was key to providing quality training to participating in-service teachers, and development of a synergistic teaching and learning environment.
EU Funding and Euroskeptic Vote Choice

Why do voters in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) vote for Euroskeptic political parties? Existing explanations of Euroskepticism suggest that those benefiting economically due to the European Unio...
Relaxation and crystallization studied by observing the surface morphology evolution of atomically flat Pt57.5Cu14.7Ni5.3P22.5 upon annealing

Abstract The evolution of the surface morphology of Pt57.5Cu14.7Ni5.3P22.5 bulk metallic glasses thermoplastically formed by replication of SrTiO3 single crystals during heat treatments is investigated by atomic force microscopy. Due to the unique imprinting process, the surface of the bulk metallic glass features a terraced structure with sub-angstrom surface roughness. Upon heating over the material's glass transition temperature, the surface rearranges and relaxes towards a more stable, denser packed glass by smoothening out steps and increasing on-terrace surface roughness. With further increasing annealing temperatures, substantial surface alterations are observed because of increased arrangement kinetics and the onset of crystallization.
Fleet: A Framework for Massively Parallel Streaming on FPGAs

We present Fleet, a framework that offers a massively parallel streaming model for FPGAs and is effective in a number of domains well-suited for FPGA acceleration, including parsing, compression, and machine learning. Fleet requires the user to specify RTL for a processing unit that serially processes every input token in a stream, a far simpler task than writing a parallel processing unit. It then takes the user's processing unit and generates a hardware design with many copies of the unit as well as memory controllers to feed the units with separate streams and drain their outputs. Fleet includes a Chisel-based processing unit language. The language maintains Chisel's low-level performance control while adding a few productivity features, including automatic handling of ready-valid signaling and a native and automatically pipelined BRAM type. We evaluate Fleet on six different applications, including JSON parsing and integer compression, fitting hundreds of Fleet processing units on the Amazon F1 FPGA and outperforming CPU implementations by over 400x and GPU implementations by over 9x in performance per watt while requiring a similar number of lines of code.
Patterns of prenatal antidepressant exposure and risk of preeclampsia and postpartum haemorrhage.

BACKGROUND Antidepressant use later in pregnancy has been associated with preeclampsia and postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in some studies. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the association between patterns of prenatal antidepressant dose across gestationand risk of precclampsia and PPH. METHODS We utilised OptumLabs® Data Warehouse (2012-2016) administrative health care claims, identifying 226 932 singleton liveborn deliveries for this retrospective cohort study. Antidepressant dispensing doses were converted to fluoxetine equivalents. Using k-means longitudinal, we identified women with similar patterns of antidepressant exposure, that is, trajectory groups, during the first 20 and 35 gestational weeks. We estimated risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between trajectory groups and preeclampisa (20-week groups) and PPH (35-week groups), adjusting for demographics, co-morbidities, and other psychotropic medications. Linear trend tests assessing increasing risk of the outcomes across groups were performed. RESULTS Among 15 041 (6.6%) pregnancies exposed to an antidepressant, the following trajectory groups were identified: A-low exposure, starting pregnancy at ~10 mg/d, with 1st trimester reduction/discontinuation, B-low sustained exposure of ~20 mg/d, C-moderate exposure (~40 mg/d) with 1st trimester reduction/discontinuation, D-moderate sustained exposure of ~40 mg/d, and E-high sustained exposure of ~75 mg/d. In the low exposure with reduction/discontinuation trajectory, risks were 8.2% for preeclampsia and 2.7% for PPH. Compared with this group, low, moderate, and high sustained trajectories were associated with preeclampsia (adjusted RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.01, 1.34; RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.12, 1.54; and RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.05, 1.90, respectively) and PPH (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.05, 1.66; RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.03, 1.78; RR 2.51, 95% CI 1.69, 3.71, respectively); P < .01 for linear trend tests for both outcomes. There was no increased risk for either outcome for moderate exposure with reduction/discontinuation (trajectory C). CONCLUSIONS Women with sustained antidepressant exposure, especially at higher doses, were at increased risk for preeclampsia and PPH, but underlying depression and anxiety may contribute to the increased risk.
Salicylic Acid Polymers in Periodontal Tissue Healing

Salicylic acid (SA) has therapeutic potential based on its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. A limitation of SA treatment is its short half-life in vivo that can be overcome by the sustained release by incorporation into a polymer backbone resulting in biodegradable salicylic acid-based poly(anhydride-esters) (SAPAE). In addition to slow release for up to 1 month, SAPAE is simple to produce and is an effective low-cost alternative to biologic factors. These properties are useful in promoting bone regeneration, particularly under situations where inflammation is enhanced by systemic conditions such as diabetes. In a rat critical size defect model, SAPAE application with bone grafting material significantly increased bone fill as assessed by micro-computed tomography (CT) and histomorphometry. While there was accelerated bone formation in the normoglycemic group, there was both accelerated and increased bone formation in diabetic rats. The increased bone formation in the diabetic group was tied to a decrease in inflammation during the period of bone formation, an increase in the number of osteoblasts, and a reduction of osteoclasts. The results suggest that SAPAE polymer can be used to accelerate and enhance bone formation in the treatment of periodontal and other craniofacial osseous defects and may be useful for the treatment of peri-implantitis, particularly in diabetic conditions.
First principles calculation of formation energies of spin centers in wide-gap semiconductors

We present the ab initio calculations of impurities in several systems with varying band gaps. First, we investigate rare-earth erbium in wide-gap semiconductor yttrium-oxide and silicon, and we report the defect formation energies for different charged states. We also derive parameters for the crystal field Hamiltonian to describe the energy levels. Next, we study the stability of the silicon and iron impurities in GaAs host in neutral and negatively charged states. We show that lowering the crystal symmetry by moving the impurity from the substitutional site to an interstitial site results in a second minimum in the defect formation energy, which is also verified by STM images. The capability of calculating and manipulating electronic and spintronic properties of rare earths and transition metal dopants leads to the design of novel quantum materials. We acknowledge support from the Center for Emergent Materials, an NSF MRSEC under Award No. DMR-1420451.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Mechanical Cardiac Support.

BackgroundMechanical cardiac support (MCS) is a lifesaving therapy option in patients with heart failure and other medical disorders. However, there is an associated risk of gastrointestinal bleedi...
Quark Interchange in Bag-Model QCD

Over the past 45 years Yukawa’s pion exchange has evolved into a sophisticated one-boson-exchange (OBE) plus two-pion-exchange representation for elastic nucleon-nucleon (NN) scattering.1 Similar meson exchange models hold more generally for baryon-baryon, meson-baryon and meson-meson scattering at low energy and low momentum transfer. The couplings involved are governed by the broken SU(6) symmetry (constituent quark model). The success of this local model in light nuclei is surprising and calls for an explanation because of the empirically known size of about 1 fm of the baryons and mesons so that, for example, four nucleons barely fit into 4He without overlapping.
FEgen (v.1): Field Emission Distribution Generator Freeware Based on Fowler-Nordheim Equation

FEgen is a comprehensive user interface designed to create initial particle distributions for field emission sources operated in rf guns (additional capability exists for dc pulsed power systems).
Importance of separating contacts from the photosensitive layer in heterojunction phototransistors

Abstract— We simulate the detection of light in solution-processed poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)-capped indium oxide (In2O3) phototransistors with and without direct electrical contact between the P3HT and the source and drain contacts. Under illumination, the photogenerated carriers enhance the drain current of the transistor, enabling photodetection. We demonstrate improved phototransistor performance by eliminating direct electrical contact between the P3HT and the source and drain contacts due to the inhibition of hole current flow between the contacts in the off-state. The photoresponsivity and detectivity are improved by up to 2.5 and 7 orders of magnitude, respectively, and reach a maximum of 4.4 A/W and 8.7 × 1017 Jones. Photodetection down to incident light powers as low as 5 pW/cm2 is possible in the absence of direct contacts while detection is limited to 50 μW/cm2 otherwise. We determine the photoresponse rise and fall time as 0.4 μs and 0.6 μs, respectively. Our study highlights the importance of using source/drain contacts that are separated from the photosensitive layer to realize optimal phototransistor performance.
Mathematics teacher educator noticing: examining interpretations and evidence of students’ thinking

Noticing is a skill that is not overtly observable yet is consequential to effective mathematics instruction. Researchers have found that prospective and practicing teachers can learn to notice, but little focus has been given to those who teach teachers to notice. The purpose of the study was to characterize mathematics teacher educators’ noticing and their ability to interpret students’ thinking and connect interpretations to evidence. Participants in the study included 16 mathematics teacher educators who took part in a course designed to support noticing. Results indicate the mathematics teacher educators noticed at varying degrees and improved their noticing and incidence of connections between interpretations and evidence. Findings indicated that 19% of participants had no shift in their noticing because they were at the highest level of noticing to begin with (Robust with Strong Evidence), which was considered advanced noticing. Twenty-five percent of the participants did not shift in their noticing at all and remained at Limited, which is considered an intermediate level of noticing. The remaining 56% of the participants improved their noticing. The results of the study reveal that at the end of the course a majority of the participants were able to connect interpretations with evidence. These findings are important because they describe mathematics teacher educators’ interpretations and evidence as they notice.
Large Isotope Effects in Organometallic Chemistry

The kinetic isotope effect (KIE) is key to understanding reaction mechanisms in many areas of chemistry and chemical biology, including organometallic chemistry. This ratio of rate constants, kH /kD , typically falls between 1-7. However, KIEs up to 105 have been reported, and can even be so large that reactivity with deuterium is unobserved. We collect here examples of large KIEs across organometallic chemistry, in catalytic and stoichiometric reactions, along with their mechanistic interpretations. Large KIEs occur in proton transfer reactions such as protonation of organometallic complexes and clusters, protonolysis of metal-carbon bonds, and dihydrogen reactivity. C-H activation reactions with large KIEs occur with late and early transition metals, photogenerated intermediates, and abstraction by metal-oxo complexes. We categorize the mechanistic interpretations of large KIEs into the following three types: (a) proton tunneling, (b) compound effects from multiple steps, and (c) semi-classical effects on a single step. This comprehensive collection of large KIEs in organometallics provides context for future mechanistic interpretation.
Altered plasma pharmacokinetics of ceftiofur hydrochloride in cows affected with severe clinical mastitis

Our hypothesis is that cows affected with severe infectious disease will have altered CEF PK relative to healthy cows, necessitating variance in dose regimens and withdrawal periods.
Association of COVID-19 Vaccination With SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Patients With Cancer: A US Nationwide Veterans Affairs Study.

Importance Patients with cancer are at increased risk for severe COVID-19, but it is unknown whether SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is effective for them. Objective To determine the association between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infections among a population of Veterans Affairs (VA) patients with cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective, multicenter, nationwide cohort study of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection among patients in the VA health care system from December 15, 2020, to May 4, 2021. All adults with solid tumors or hematologic cancer who received systemic cancer-directed therapy from August 15, 2010, to May 4, 2021, and were alive and without a documented SARS-CoV-2 positive result as of December 15, 2020, were eligible for inclusion. Each day between December 15, 2020, and May 4, 2021, newly vaccinated patients were matched 1:1 with unvaccinated or not yet vaccinated controls based on age, race and ethnicity, VA facility, rurality of home address, cancer type, and treatment type/timing. Exposures Receipt of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was documented SARS-CoV-2 infection. A proxy for vaccine effectiveness was defined as 1 minus the risk ratio of SARS-CoV-2 infection for vaccinated individuals compared with unvaccinated controls. Results A total of 184 485 patients met eligibility criteria, and 113 796 were vaccinated. Of these, 29 152 vaccinated patients (median [IQR] age, 74.1 [70.2-79.3] years; 95% were men; 71% were non-Hispanic White individuals) were matched 1:1 to unvaccinated or not yet vaccinated controls. As of a median 47 days of follow-up, 436 SARS-CoV-2 infections were detected in the matched cohort (161 infections in vaccinated patients vs 275 in unvaccinated patients). There were 17 COVID-19-related deaths in the vaccinated group vs 27 COVID-19-related deaths in the unvaccinated group. Overall vaccine effectiveness in the matched cohort was 58% (95% CI, 39% to 72%) starting 14 days after the second dose. Patients who received chemotherapy within 3 months prior to the first vaccination dose were estimated to have a vaccine effectiveness of 57% (95% CI, -23% to 90%) starting 14 days after the second dose vs 76% (95% CI, 50% to 91%) for those receiving endocrine therapy and 85% (95% CI, 29% to 100%) for those who had not received systemic therapy for at least 6 months prior. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, COVID-19 vaccination was associated with lower SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in patients with cancer. Some immunosuppressed subgroups may remain at early risk for COVID-19 despite vaccination, and consideration should be given to additional risk reduction strategies, such as serologic testing for vaccine response and a third vaccine dose to optimize outcomes.
A Beginner's Guide to the McMi-III

A concise primer for readers who want to learn the basics as well as the nuances of administrating, scoring and interpreting the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III). Designed for the novice test user, the volume explains the MCMI-III and reveals fundamental information on how to generate sound hypotheses about clients and create complete and accurate psychological profiles based on Millon's understanding of personality. The volume features a variety of case material and illustrative examples. To help readers master the fundamentals of its use, each chapter's test section offers quick true-false questions, review exercises, and practice cases.
Inhibitors associated with the proteinases of mammalian cells and tissues.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the inhibitors associated with the proteinases of mammalian cells and tissues. The selective hydrolysis of one or two peptide bonds results in the activation of zymogens or prohormones, the translocation of nascent proteins, the inactivation of native proteins, and the release or destruction of physiologically active peptides. Proteolysis is a critical step in morphogenetic events, the self-assembly of proteins, blood clotting, clot dissolution, fertilization, ovulation, complement reactions, and interactions between cells. Proteinases are involved in the destructive pathological events such as emphysema, tumor invasiveness, and arthritis. Recent reviews of these and other proteolytic phenomena are the evidence of increased interest in proteinases. The chapter focuses on the inhibitors present in the same mammalian cell or tissue as the affected proteinase.