cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanosecond pulsed plasma discharge over a flowing water film: Plasma characterization, hydrodynamic analysis, and hydrogen peroxide generation

Plasma discharges generated by moderate frequency, low energy pulses in a flowing carrier gas with liquid water have been shown capable of producing hydrogen peroxide at reasonably high energy yields. The leading hypothesis for the success of this production method is that the liquid water serves as both a source of water vapor from which hydroxyl radicals can be produced during the on cycle of the pulsed discharge, as well as a sink for hydrogen peroxide generated from these radicals during the off cycle of the pulse. Many reactor designs have been explored with various gas-liquid contact schemes in order to enhance the overall efficiency of this process. A continuously flowing, liquid film, reactor has been developed in our laboratory which we believe has a number of significant benefits over the previously explored configurations. In previous studies with this flowing film reactor, an automobile ignition coil was used to generate the pulsed plasma discharge. While this ignition coil provided high energy yields for hydrogen peroxide production, analysis of the system was difficult due to the large pulse widths required by the coil. Multiple arcing events were found to occur within these microsecond pulse widths which were extremely difficult to control or accurately measure and quantify. For this reason a nanosecond power supply is utilized in this study which is capable independently varying pulse width, input voltage, and pulse repetition. With this controllable power supply the plasma properties such as temperature and electron density can be measured for various input pulse characteristics to study the resulting effect on hydrogen peroxide generation on a per arc basis. High speed imaging of the hydrodynamic properties of the flowing liquid film is also performed in order to calculate gas and liquid residence times and provide physical insight on the gas-liquid interface across which the plasma propagates.
Early spontaneous multiple fetal pregnancy reduction is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes in in vitro fertilization cycles

The primary objective of this study is to investigate whether early spontaneous multiple fetal pregnancy reduction, also known as vanishing twin syndrome, is associated with adverse perinatal outco...
Tissue-engineered cardiac patch seeded with human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes promoted the regeneration of host cardiomyocytes in a rat model

Thousands of babies are born with congenital heart defects that require surgical repair involving a prosthetic implant. Lack of growth in prosthetic grafts is especially detrimental in pediatric surgery. Cell seeded biodegradable tissue engineered grafts are a novel solution to this problem. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the feasibility of seeding human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (hiPS-CMs) onto a biodegradable cardiac patch. The hiPS-CMs were cultured on a biodegradable patch composed of a polyglycolic acid (PGA) and a 50:50 poly (l-lactic-co-e-caprolactone) copolymer (PLCL) for 1 week. Male athymic rats were randomly divided into 2 groups of 10 animals each: 1. hiPS-CM seeded group, and 2. Unseeded group. After culture, the cardiac patch was implanted to repair a defect with a diameter of 2 mm created in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) wall. Hearts were explanted at 4 (n = 2), 8 (n = 2), and 16 (n = 6) weeks after patch implantation. Explanted patches were assessed immunohistochemically. Seeded patch explants did not stain positive for α-actinin (marker of cardiomyocytes) at the 4 week time point, suggesting that the cultured hiPS-CMs evacuated the patch in the early phase of tissue remodeling. However, after 16 weeks implantation, the area fraction of positively stained α-actinin cells was significantly higher in the seeded group than in the unseeded group (Seeded group: 6.1 ± 2.8% vs. Unseeded group: 0.95 ± 0.50%, p = 0.004), suggesting cell seeding promoted regenerative proliferation of host cardiomyocytes. Seeded hiPS-CMs were not present in the patch after 4 weeks. However, we surmise that they influenced the regeneration of host cardiomyocytes via a paracrine mechanism. Tissue-engineered hiPS-CMs seeded cardiac patches warrant further investigation for use in the repair of congenital heart diseases.
Understanding Nicotine Dependence and Addiction Among Young Adults Who Smoke Cigarillos: A Qualitative Study

Introduction Cigarillo use is increasing, particularly among young adults. Nicotine dependence (ND) is important for understanding smoking behavior and cessation, but the development of measures of ND has focused almost exclusively on cigarette smokers. We examined smoking patterns, preferences, and beliefs of cigarillo users to better understand their experience of addiction and expression of ND symptoms. Methods Using purposive sampling, we conducted in-depth interviews between June 2015 and January 2016 with 30 young adults aged 18-28 who reported smoking ≥1 cigarillo per week. Interviews were based on a semi-structured guide designed to capture participants' smoking levels and patterns as well as their experiences of smoking and addiction. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Analysis was guided by a phenomenological approach designed to identify emergent themes. Results Participants had a mean age of 23, with a majority being female (56%) and African American (80%). The median number of cigarillos smoked per week was 20; 70% also smoked cigarettes, and 43% also smoked marijuana blunts. Our analysis highlighted the complexity of measuring cigarillo use due to product manipulation, sharing, and multiple product use. Participants expressed a preference for smoking in a social group where cigarillos were shared, and not smoking an entire cigarillo at once when alone. Most cigarillo users did not consider themselves to be addicted. Conclusions Cigarillo users express unique smoking practices and beliefs that signify the need for a more product-inclusive measure of ND, and can inform the development of tobacco cessation interventions tailored to cigarillo users. Implications The increasing use of cigarillos among young adults has significant public health consequences. Addressing this issue requires accurate measurement and effective treatment of dependence on cigarillo products. The results of this study directly inform the development of a revised measure of ND, and can contribute to the efficacy of cessation interventions for cigarillo users.
Pilot Study of Sorafenib for Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Abstract 4948 Background: MDS (Myelodysplastic syndrome) is a hematologic malignancy in which one or multiple conditions affects the fabrication (or dysplasia) of the myeloid class of blood cells. While treatable, therapies provide short term benefit and are not considered curable, short of an allogeneic stem cell transplant. The RAS pathway has been noted to be abnormally regulated in many malignancies, including MDS and AML. Thus, we performed a phase 2 efficacy study using sorafenib, a RAS inhibitor, for patients with MDS by WHO criterion. Methods: Adults with primary or secondary MDS, estimated CrCl >30 ml/min, and liver function tests 2 2. 5 × ULN were eligible. Patients of all IPSS risk categories were included. Patients received Sorafenib 400mg po bid daily for 28 days for a 28 day cycle (continuous therapy) and continued till progression or withdrawal for toxicity. Patients were evaluated after the first 2 cycles for response and then every 3 cycles thereafter until an endpoint was reached (up to five years). Results: Patient and disease characteristics are noted in the table below. Sixteen evaluable patients were treated on study: median 71 (range 56–88 years), median time from diagnosis to starting this study was 34 months (range 9–103 months), median number of prior therapies was 2 (range 0–6), median number of cycles on study was 1. 5 (range 1–7). Responses lasted for 4 months in 4 and a year in 1. The agent was tolerated in this population though some toxicities were notable: 2 (12%) had grade 2 rash (though many with grade 1), 5 with grade 2 (31%) and 1 (6%) grade 3 nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, 2 (12% with grade 2 and 1 (6%) with grade 3 liver function abnormalities, and 1 (6%) grade 4 myositis likely related to the agent. Unfortunately, many of the toxicities occurred shortly after initiating therapy, leading to early withdrawal from therapy before a full cycle and evaluation for response could be performed. Conclusions: Sorafenib was tolerated and provided some responses in this difficult to treat group of unselected patients. Due to many early withdrawals, the study was terminated early. Utility would be enhanced in future studies by devising methods to apriori select this targeted therapy for those most likely to respond. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Nonlinear Dynamic Models in Advanced Life Support

To facilitate analysis, ALS systems are often assumed to be linear and time invariant, but they usually have important nonlinear and dynamic aspects. Nonlinear dynamic behavior can be caused by time varying inputs, changes in system parameters, nonlinear system functions, closed loop feedback delays, and limits on buffer storage or processing rates. Dynamic models are usually cataloged according to the number of state variables. The simplest dynamic models are linear, using only integration, multiplication, addition, and subtraction of the state variables. A general linear model with only two state variables can produce all the possible dynamic behavior of linear systems with many state variables, including stability, oscillation, or exponential growth and decay. Linear systems can be described using mathematical analysis. Nonlinear dynamics can be fully explored only by computer simulations of models. Unexpected behavior is produced by simple models having only two or three state variables with simple mathematical relations between them. Closed loop feedback delays are a major source of system instability. Exceeding limits on buffer storage or processing rates forces systems to change operating mode. Different equilibrium points may be reached from different initial conditions. Instead of one stable equilibrium point, the system may have several equilibrium points, oscillate at different frequencies, or even behave chaotically, depending on the system inputs and initial conditions. The frequency spectrum of an output oscillation may contain harmonics and the sums and differences of input frequencies, but it may also contain a stable limit cycle oscillation not related to input frequencies. We must investigate the nonlinear dynamic aspects of advanced life support systems to understand and counter undesirable behavior.
Principles of Paleoecology: A Review

An introduction to the study of how and where animals and plants lived in the past, by Derek V. Ager (Imperial College, London). Published by McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York, 1963, xi+ 371 pp., illustrated, $10.75.
Photoassociation Spectroscopy of Ultracold Atoms and the Study of “Physicist’s Molecules,” a review

Photoassociation is the process where two colliding atoms absorb a photon to form molecule. When the initial gas sample is <1mK the technique achieves "atomic" spectral resolution permitting one to extract atomic and molecular properties.
Horse Liver Alcohol Dehydrogenase: Zinc Coordination and Catalysis

During catalysis by liver alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), a water bound to the catalytic zinc is replaced by the oxygen of the substrates. The mechanism might involve a pentacoordinated zinc or a double-displacement reaction with participation by a nearby glutamate residue, as suggested by studies of human ADH3, yeast ADH1, and some other tetrameric ADHs. Zinc coordination and participation of water in the enzyme mechanism were investigated by X-ray crystallography. The apoenzyme and its complex with adenosine 5′-diphosphoribose have an open protein conformation with the catalytic zinc in one position, tetracoordinated by Cys-46, His-67, Cys-174, and a water molecule. The bidentate chelators 2,2′-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline displace the water and form a pentacoordinated zinc. The enzyme–NADH complex has a closed conformation similar to that of ternary complexes with coenzyme and substrate analogues; the coordination of the catalytic zinc is similar to that found in the apoenzyme, except that a minor, ...
A Collaborative Course for Learning How to Teach Summer Java Coding Camps

Summer coding or programming camps are popular. With sufficient organization, offering these camps at higher education institutions can facilitate outreach objectives including engaging underrepresented groups. However, the challenges involved in organizing and offering a camp are many, including: recruitment of instructors and campers, camp management, finances, and curriculum development. We addressed these challenges by engaging a non-profit summer camp provider, Pacific Science Center (PSC), to handle camp logistics; and offered a new course for students with backgrounds in computer science (CS) or education (ED) to learn to teach Java programming and develop a curriculum appropriate for middle school aged campers. The university students then worked as paid summer camp instructors. Three professors, one each from CS, ED, and the Office of Research, co-planned and co-facilitated the course. Reflecting a hands-on and collaborative learning philosophy of PSC camps, the course grouped students into multidisciplinary teams and challenged the teams to learn by collaboratively developing and practice teaching the content. By the end of the course, we had classroom-ready instructors with technical knowledge in both programming and learning theories and a customized curriculum ready for use. This paper details our project, including results from the summer camps. With all developed materials freely available. Interested institutions can either adapt the curriculum or offer a similar course.
Truth Commissions and the Construction of History

Since the 1980s, truth commissions have proliferated. Advocates argue they produce a common history of violence and repression that may promote such things as human rights and reconciliation. Nonetheless, the theoretical and empirical bases for these claims are controversial. This chapter provides an overview of the truth commission as a tool for state construction of history. After defining truth commissions, the principled and practical reasons why they are created are outlined. Then, I discuss how design and operational decisions shape the history that is produced, highlighting the strategic behavior of governments, victims, activists, and external interests as they advocate for or attempt to obstruct truth commission processes. I conclude by reflecting upon the lasting impact of truth commission processes.
Die Transnationalisierung der Öffentlichkeit

Es ist heute allgemein ublich, von „transnationalen Offentlichkeiten“, „diasporischen Offentlichkeiten“, „islamischen Offentlichkeiten“ und sogar von einer im Entstehen begriffenen „Weltoffentlichkeit“ zu sprechen; und diese Redeweisen haben durchaus ihren Sinn. Immer mehr medienwissenschaftliche Forschungsarbeiten dokumentieren diskursive Arenen, die nicht unbedingt an nationalen oder staatlichen Grenzen enden. Die Cultural Studies kartographieren die Umrisse dieser Arenen und den Verlauf von Bild- und Zeichenstromen in ihnen und durch sie hindurch mit Einfallsreichtum und Raffinesse. Die Vorstellung einer „transnationalen Offentlichkeit“ ist intuitiv plausibel und allem Anschein nach in der sozialen Realitat verankert.
Theory of Transient Optical Response and Pulse Propagation in Bounded Spatially Dispersive Media

The reflection of a finite duration optical pulse from a semi-infinite nonlocal medium at normal incidence for various ABC’s, and at oblique incidence for Pekar’s ABC, is investigated theoretically. We have obtained explicit expressions for the amplitude of the transient reflected field (local and nonlocal portions) and evaluated them numerically for different ABC’s for normal incidence, and for different polarizations for oblique incidence. The effects of spatial dispersion on the reflected transients associated with the light pulse are important for laser frequency at the vicinity of an exciton-polariton resonance. For various ABC’s, we find quantitative differences in the magnitude; these can be used to analyse different ABC’s experimentally. The time decay of the transients shows oscillatory behavior in the time domain. In the case of oblique incidence, using p-polarization as well as increasing the angle of incidence enhances the spatial dispersion effects and oscillatory response of the medium after the pulse dies out.
A method of estimating bulk potential permeability in fractured-rock aquifers using field-derived fracture data and type curves

A method is devised for estimating the potential permeability of fracture networks from attributes of fractures observed in outcrop. The technique, which is intended as a complement to traditional approaches, is based on type curves that represent various combinations of fracture lengths, fracture orientations and proportions (i.e., intensities) of fractures that participate in flow. Numerical models are used to derive the type curves. To account for variations in fracture aperture, a permeability ratio (R) defined as the permeability of a fracture network in a domain divided by the permeability of a single fracture with identical fracture apertures, is used as a dependent variable to derive the type curves. The technique works by determining the point on the type curve that represents the fracture characteristics collected in the field. To test the performance of the technique, permeabilities that were derived from fractured-rock aquifers of eastern Massachusetts (USA) are compared to permeabilities predicted by the technique. Results indicate that permeabilities estimated from type curves are within an order of magnitude of permeabilities derived from field tests. First-order estimates of fracture-network permeability can, therefore, be easily and quickly acquired with this technique before more robust and expensive methods are utilized in the field.
Financial Constraint and Cash Holdings in the REIT Industry

Executive Summary We extend the line of research on the influence of financial constraint on REIT cash holdings and their market value. We measure constraint with a wide variety of traditional proxies in an effort to determine if previous results hold and provide guidance on the use of these constraint measures in REIT studies. We confirm, consistent with both expectation and the literature, that constrained firms hold more cash than their unconstrained counterparts. However, contrary to previous works, we find little evidence that traditional measures of constraint play a role in the market value of cash. Further, our results suggest that the method of measuring constraint should be carefully considered when applying to the REIT industry. In particular, the KZ index provides results that differ substantially from those of other criteria.
PS2-49: The VDW Census File: Strengths, Issues, and Recommendations for the Future

Background/Aims The VDW Census file contains information about our members such as income and education. The information is estimated based on data collected by the decennial census for the geographic areas around our members’ addresses (identified by geocodes).The VDW Census file was initially developed based on 2000 census data. Data from the 2010 census is now being released, and in many cases, the 2010 census data structure looks different than the 2000 census. For example, income and education were no longer collected in the 2010 census, but have been moved to a supplementary survey (American Community Survey, or ACS) collected over a different time period.
“Not all those who wander are lost.” Examining outcomes for migrating engineering students using ecosystem metrics

How successful are undergraduate students who begin in another major and migrate into engineering disciplines after matriculation? In this work in progress, we present quantitative data on outcomes for engineering migrators disaggregated by discipline, race/ethnicity, and sex. The study includes over 73,000 engineering students from nine U.S. universities, including first-time-in-college and transfer students who ever majored in the most common engineering disciplines: Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering. Adopting an ecosystem mindset, we have developed metrics including the graduation rate of migrators and “migration yield” to uncover dynamic information, not afforded by the conventional pipeline model, about the successes of students who migrate among the top five engineering disciplines. Our data show that the graduation rates of migrators are typically higher than those of starters for all engineering majors studied. Migration yield varies by race/ethnicity-sex as well as discipline. Migration yield for Chemical, Electrical, Industrial and Mechanical Engineering shows a sex-based effect, whereas Civil shows a race/ethnicity-based effect.
Soil phosphorus fractions vary with harvest intensity and vegetation control at two contrasting Douglas-fir sites in the Pacific northwest

Abstract Effects of intensive forest management on soil phosphorus (P) are unclear and may impact long-term site productivity. We assessed changes in P availability over 10 years associated with harvest intensity (bole-only vs. whole-tree harvest) and vegetation control treatments (initial vegetation control (IVC) vs. five years of annual vegetation control (AVC)) using a P fractionation procedure. Fractions were characterized at 0–15, 15–30, and 30–60 cm soil depths in two coast Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. menziesii) plantations with strongly contrasting soil properties near Matlock, WA (young soils formed in glacial outwash) and Molalla, OR (relatively old soils formed in igneous residuum and exhibiting andic properties). Al and Fe concentrations associated with short-range order minerals were greater at Molalla than Matlock and generally decreased with depth at both sites. We observed decreases in most total-P and P-fraction concentrations across the three soil depths at the Molalla site. Effects were less pronounced and generally inconsistent at the Matlock site. Decreases in total P and P fraction concentrations were greatest in the AVC treatments at Matlock, but opposite trends were observed at Molalla where decreases were greatest with IVC. There was no difference between harvest treatments on the change in P fractions in most instances, with the exception of the 30–60 cm depth at Matlock where concentrations of some P fractions were maintained or increased with bole-only harvesting. Ten-year responses indicate harvest intensity has limited effects on long-term productivity associated with soil P because of the large size of the soil P pools and the relatively small changes in soil P that occurred with treatment. Decreases in P concentrations with AVC at Matlock and IVC at Molalla were larger than the other treatments and highlight the important role of vegetation in P dynamics following harvesting at these sites.
How (and why) do quality improvement professionals measure performance

The era of value-based care has engulfed healthcare delivery systems around the world. Pediatricians are especially challenged by constrained resources for providing care to our vulnerable population, and methods for achieving value for children through improved quality and reduced cost of care are crucial for success. This paper examines the use of measures to determine the two components of the value proposition: quality and cost. The implications for adopting Lean Six Sigma as an improvement paradigm are reviewed, and the case for using these concepts is detailed with examples of measures used in health systems in the United States and several other countries.
On the Same Page? A Content Analysis of President Trump’s 2018 Tweets Regarding Issues Most Relevant to the American People

Through a content analysis of President Donald Trump’s 2018 tweets, results revealed that his most prominent tweets were about the Mueller probe/Russia investigation, a topic which polled as one of the least important issues to the American people in a 2018 poll given by NBC News/Wall Street Journal. Although the results reveal that what the President deemed as most important didn’t match rank wise with the American people, everything he tweeted about was issues included in the 2018 poll—a strong indication of agenda-setting occurring between Trump’s tweets and the minds of the American people. In addition to frequency of tweets, Trump’s stance/tone regarding the poll topics were examined. Those findings showed that during natural disasters and mass shootings, the President offered some moments of consoling to the nation, but they were not absent of malice. Additionally, Trump’s tweets heavily criticized and questioned the validity of the Mueller investigation, bolstered his way of handling the economy, immigration, and trade and criticized any and all whose words and/or actions were in opposition to him and/or his administration.
GP25 Comparison of associations and outcomes of prenatally and postnatally diagnosed right aortic arch: south wales’ experience

Objectives To evaluate clinical associations and outcomes of antenatally and postnatally diagnosed Right Aortic Arch (RAA) in South Wales. Methods Retrospective observational study of all RAA patients diagnosed in South Wales between 2000–2018. Results We identified 38 cases of RAA, 68.4% antenatally diagnosed and 31.6% postnatally. Following the introduction of a structured teaching programme of fetal 3 vessels trachea (3VT) views to sonographers in South Wales in 2013, the pick-up rate of antenatally diagnosed RAA has increased, from an average of 1 patient per year prior to 2013, to 9 patients in 2018. 100% of cases were diagnosed antenatally starting from 2015. 57.7% of antenatally diagnosed cases were referred specifically for RAA, and 7.7% for suspicion of abnormal arch, while 66.7% of postnatally diagnosed patients were referred for associated cardiac conditions. Two asymptomatic patients (16.7%) from the postnatal group were referred for cardiac screening after being diagnosed with DiGeorge and 1 patient (8.3%) for RAA symptoms. Associated cardiac conditions were found in 65.8%, while 32.4% had isolated RAA. The most common associated cardiac conditions were pulmonary stenosis or atresia and ventricular septal defect, at 23.7% each, followed by tetralogy of Fallot (18.4%). 3 patients (7.9%) had 22q11 microdeletion, all in the isolated group. One patient had Edwards syndrome and one patient had CHARGE syndrome (2.6%) in non-isolated group. 7 patients (18.4%) had non-cardiac conditions. The branching pattern was described in 34.2% of cases, of which 6 cases (46.15%) being RAA with mirror image branching (MIB) and 4 cases (30.76%) being RAA with aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSCA). 4 cases of MIB compared to 1 case of ALSCA had associated cardiac conditions. 81.6% of patients with RAA were asymptomatic. 6 patients (15.8%) had respiratory symptoms, of which 4 had isolated RAA, with a median age of onset of 2.2 months, and one patient (2.6%) had apnoeic episodes (on prostaglandin for pulmonary atresia). One patient from the isolated group and one patient from the associated group underwent corrective surgery for vascular ring for significant symptoms. The majority of isolated RAA (82.6%) were discharged. Conclusions 3VT view resulted in improved antenatal diagnosis of RAA. Most RAA were associated with other cardiac conditions. RAA were mostly asymptomatic, with few developing respiratory symptoms, with a median onset at 2.2 months of age.
Identifying Structural Changes in Correlation Networks Models of Cancer Gene Expression by Stage

Gene expression analysis using correlation network modeling can help to identify systems-level cellular changes and cooperation among genes. Network modeling is a relatively novel method for comparing changes across stages of cancer, or between primary tumor tissue and the metastatic tissue. In this study, we develop a pipeline to identify the dynamic changes of cancer in gene expression level through time-dependent network analysis of cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A total of 16 correlation networks were built from four (4) stages in four (4) different types of cancers: Thyroid Carcinoma, Colon Adenocarcinoma and Rectum Adenocarcinoma, Stomach Adenocarcinoma, and Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma. To identify the basic changes in network structure, we performed Jaccard similarity comparison of structurally relevant nodes. We employed mutation analysis to measure and present the time-based changes in mutation rate of genes that are specific to each cancer type. Finally, we present a case study to identify the gene expression changes among primary tumor tissue and metastatic tissue in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM).
“Le cose sono un po’ più complesse”: Constitutional Law and Religion in Italy and the Populist Challenge

The elections of March 2018 have been a major breakdown for the Italian political system. This chapter analyzes the role of populism in the Italian constitutional context with special reference to the relationships between religion and the State. Populist parties seem to adopt an anti-pluralist stance that contradicts the basic principles of the Italian constitutional order, among them the “supreme principle” of laicita.
Electric Powertrain Interior Permanent Magnet Motor Torque Ripples Reduction Over Maximum Torque-Speed Range Using Current Harmonics Injection Table

This paper presents a parametrized optimization with constraints mixed with a current searching method to minimize the electric powertrain interior permanent magnet motor torque ripples over the maximum torque-speed curve by injecting the current harmonics. The resulting current harmonics table can thus be used as a look-up table for the motor drive controller to reduce motor torque ripples at different torque-speed operating points.
Astrocyte- and neuron-derived extracellular vesicles from Alzheimer’s disease patients effect complement-mediated neurotoxicity

Abstract We have previously shown that blood astrocytic-origin extracellular vesicles (AEVs) from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients contain high complement levels. To test the hypothesis that circulating EVs from AD patients can induce complement-mediated neurodegeneration, we assessed the neurotoxicity of immunocaptured AEVs (with anti-GLAST antibody), neuronal-origin NEVs (with anti-L1CAM antibody), and multicellular-origin (with anti-CD81 antibody) EVs from the plasma of AD, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and control participants. AEVs (and, less effectively, NEVs) of AD participants induced Membrane Attack Complex (MAC) expression on recipient neurons, membrane disruption, reduced neurite density, and decreased cell viability in rat cortical neurons and human IPSC-derived neurons. Neurodegenerative effects were not produced by multicellular-origin EVs from AD participants or AEVs/NEVs from FTLD or control participants, and were suppressed by the MAC inhibitor CD59 and other complement inhibitors. Our results support the stated hypothesis and suggest that neuronal MAC deposition is necessary for AEV/NEV-mediated neurodegeneration in AD.
Qualitative Comparative Analysis in Education Research: Its Current Status and Future Potential.

Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) is a set-theoretic configurational approach that uses the logic of Boolean algebra to conceptualize and empirically examine potentially complex causal relatio...
Unusual presentation of testicular rhabdomyosarcoma metastases to the right ventricle papillary muscle and tricuspid valve

Intracardiac metastasis of the testicular cancer is very rare phenomenon. A 30-year-old-man with a history of testicular rhabdomyosarcoma and lung metastases was found to have an intracardiac filling defect in a surveillance computed tomography scan 3 years after the initial diagnosis. A cardiac magnetic resonance imaging study was performed for further evaluation and demonstrated a lobulated, heterogeneously enhancing mobile mass within the right ventricle attaching to the anterior papillary muscle. Patient underwent an open surgical resection of the cardiac mass that was confirmed metastasis of testicular rhabdomyosarcoma into the right ventricular papillary muscle and tricuspid valve. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature that describes metastasis to a papillary muscle and tricuspid valve from a testicular neoplasm.
K-means-driven Gaussian Process data collection for angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

We propose the combination of k-means clustering with Gaussian Process (GP) regression in the analysis and exploration of 4D angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) data. Using cluster labels as the driving metric on which the GP is trained, this method allows us to reconstruct the experimental phase diagram from as low as 12\% of the original dataset size. In addition to the phase diagram, the GP is able to reconstruct spectra in energy-momentum space from this minimal set of data points. These findings suggest that this methodology can be used to improve the efficiency of ARPES data collection strategies for unknown samples. The practical feasibility of implementing this technology at a synchrotron beamline and the overall efficiency implications of this method are discussed with a view on enabling the collection of more samples or rapid identification of regions of interest.
The use of person-centered language in scientific research articles focusing on alcohol use disorder.

Abstract Aims Worldwide, alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most common substance use disorders, yet often goes undertreated. One major barrier that prevents adequate treatment of AUD is the high stigmatization the disorder receives, including from the scientific community. Thus, we evaluated the current use of patient-centered language (PCL) among AUD-related, journal publications. Methods This cross-sectional analysis included a systematic search of PubMed AUD-related articles from May 2018 to April 2020. All journals with 20 or more AUD-related, PubMed indexed items with human subjects and available in English were included, resulting in 3445 articles from 49 journals. A random sample of 500 publications were screened and examined for inclusion of pre-specified, non- PCL terminology.. Results After excluding editorials and commentaries, 292 were retained. We found 59 (20.1 %) publications adhered to PCL. Among articles with non-PCL, labeling occurred in 198 (67.8 %) articles, and emotional language implying helplessness was identified in 123 (42.1 %). We found no difference in PCL adherence with journal ranking nor authorship guidelines requiring AMA/ICMJE adherence. Conclusions Our investigation showed that a majority of current AUD literature does not conform to PCL standards. PCL carries a positive connotation and is recommended by multiple professional groups. In continuing the shift toward reducing stigma and increasing advocacy for individuals with AUD, it is necessary for the sources of information that guide clinical practice adhere to PCL. This study is not intended to impede the autonomy of individuals to label themselves or influence terms purposefully used in support programs.
Medical student attitudes and actions that encourage teaching on surgery clerkships.

Abstract Introduction Surgical faculty and residents are responsible for the clinical education of medical students during their core surgical clerkship, sub-internships, and clinical electives. Much attention has been paid to faculty development in teaching, as well as residents-as-teachers programs, to enhance student learning in the surgical environment. This focus to “train the trainers” has not addressed what medical students can do to take ownership of and improve their own learning, as partners in educational interactions. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate how medical students’ attitudes and actions can enhance clinical teaching interactions during surgical rotations. Methods Previously collected data from a multiple case study that explored the learning environment at a single academic medical center was analyzed to understand the roles that students play in their learning. The data includes transcriptions from semi-structured interviews with four 4th year mediacl students, three general surgery residents, and four surgery attendings, and focus groups with two sets of 3rd year medical students. Two authors employed thematic analysis to code the data. Results Findings were organized into five themes: eagerness, humility, confidence, team player, and adaptability. Each attitudinal theme was associated with specific actions that students adopted to encourage teaching behaviors from resident and faculty surgeons during their surgery rotations. Participants discussed the importance of students “seek[ing] out opportunities” for learning (eagerness) and being “willing to be wrong” (humility). Student expressions of confidence in their knowledge and skills were marked by following “steps that I know,” which signaled to teachers that they could be entrusted to participate in patient care. Students categorized as team players “follow[ed] up on information without specifically being told.” Finally, students categorized as adaptable responded to “immediate feedback” by making “adjustments.” Conclusions Medical students are important stakeholders and contributors to teaching interactions and are likely to impact their own learning experience through the adoption of key attitudes and associated actions.
Performant barcode decoding for herbarium specimen images using vector-assisted region proposals (VARP)

Premise The scale and associated costs of herbarium digitization make process automation appealing. One such process for many workflows is the association of specimen image files with barcode values stored with the specimen. Here, an innovation is presented that improves the speed and accuracy of decoding barcodes from specimen images. Methods and Results Geometric features common in barcodes are used to identify the regions of specimen images that are likely to contain a barcode. The proposed regions are then combined into a significantly reduced composite image that is decoded using traditional barcode reading libraries. Tested against existing solutions, this method demonstrated the highest success rate (96.5%) and the second fastest processing time (617 ms). Conclusions This method was developed to support a larger effort to automate specimen image post-processing in real-time, highlighting the importance of execution time. Although initially designed for herbarium digitization, this method may be useful for other high-resolution applications.
Back-End Design and Development of an Energy Systems Analysis Tool

Abstract Low-carbon transformation of the energy system requires a combination of technology and policy options to ensure reliable, affordable, and clean energy. An assessment of plausible transition pathways can be guided with a set of tools that cover multi-sector dynamics of transitions and consider economy-wide and sectoral life-cycle analysis of numerous options. Sustainable Energy Systems Analysis Modeling Environment (SESAME) is a comprehensive system-level and pathway-level analysis model. Pathway-level analysis includes two main analysis types: life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic assessment (TEA). The framework allows users to assess the sensitivity of key technological, operational, and geographical parameters associated with various energy pathways as measured by the emissions and costs. In this paper, we present the back-end design and implementation of the SESAME web application. The key contribution of web-based framework is that it supports easy integration of new LCA and/or TEA models and data sources in the backend so they can be made easily available to users for analysis via the front-end web interface. We achieve this by creating a Python-based library of classes and functions that model a higher-level code-based representation of LCA and TEA pathways. The tool is designed to capture the inherent modularity of SESAME, which makes it easier to add either new pathways or new data models and sources for existing pathways.
Epidemiology of Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Population-Based Study.

OBJECTIVE To characterize the incidence and prevalence of childhood onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE), and to estimate the proportion of patients who are diagnosed with SLE during childhood. METHODS A cohort of patients with incident cSLE in 1976 to 2018 from a US 8-county region were identified based on comprehensive medical record review. All cases met the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) or ACR 97 criteria at or before age 18. Incidence rates were estimated using Poisson methods. We estimated the cSLE point prevalence for 1/1/2015. Results were sex/age-adjusted to the US 2000 population. Among all the SLE patients living in the 8-county region in 1/1/2015, the proportion of patients diagnosed at ≤18 years was estimated. RESULTS A total of 13 children were diagnosed with cSLE during the study period (EULAR/ACR definition, mean age at diagnosis 15.1 years; 85% female, 69% White). cSLE overall adjusted incidence rate was 0.7 (95% CI, 0.2-1.1) per 100,000 children. Incidence rate in girls was 1.2 (95% CI, 0.5-1.9) per 100,000, while in boys it was 0.2 (95% CI, 0.0-0.5) per 100,000. Adjusted prevalence of cSLE was 1.1 (95% CI,0.0-3.1) per 100,000 children. The proportion of patients with SLE diagnosed as children was 9% (95% CI, 6-13%). CONCLUSIONS In this population-based study, both the incidence and prevalence rates of cSLE were ~ 1 per 100,000 children. One in ten adults with SLE were diagnosed in childhood. More studies are needed to further characterize the epidemiology of cSLE in minorities.
Chapter 6 Role of superoxide dismutase in ischemic brain injury: reduction of edema and infarction in transgenic mice following focal cerebral ischemia

Publisher Summary During the past few decades, a large accumulated body of experimental data has indicated that the biological reduction of molecular oxygen can yield dangerously reactive free radicals. About 2–5% of the electron, flow in isolated brain mitochondria produces superoxide (O2· –) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). These constantly produced oxygen radicals are scavenged by endogenous antioxidants including antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutases (SODS), catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as reduced glutathione, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol. Superoxide dismutase scavenges superoxide radicals at a rate close to diffusion, whereas glutathione peroxidase and catalase are specific scavengers for H2O2 and other lipid peroxides. Both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants are located in cellular membranes, cytoplasmic compartments and subcellular organelles such as mitochondria and peroxisomes. Based on the metal ion requirements and the anatomical distribution, two types of SOD exist in brain cells. CuZn-SOD is a cytosolic enzyme that requires both copper and zinc ions as cofactors, whereas manganese (Mn)-SOD is a mitochondria1 enzyme with requirement for Mn2+. Recent studies have demonstrated that CuZn-SOD is primarily localized in peroxisomes, a subcellular organelle that also contains high levels of catalase in plants. Both CuZn-SOD and Mn-SOD from various sources have been fully characterized biochemically and the cDNAs of both human enzymes have been successfully cloned. Both cDNA and genomic DNA of human CuZn-SOD have been used to successfully generate transgenic mice.
Brefeldin A Inhibits Cell-Free, De Novo Synthesis of Poliovirus

Brefeldin A (BFA), an inhibitor of intracellular vesicle-dependent secretory transport, is a potent inhibitor of poliovirus RNA replication in infected cells. We have determined that the unknown mechanism of BFA inhibition of replication is reproduced in the cell-free poliovirus translation, replication, and encapsidation system. Furthermore, we provide evidence suggesting that the cellular mechanism targeted by BFA, the GTP-dependent synthesis of secretory transport vesicles, may be involved in viral RNA replication in the system via a soluble cellular GTP-binding and -hydrolyzing activity. This activity is related to the ARF (ADP-ribosylation factor) family of GTP-binding proteins. ARFs are required for the formation of several classes of secretory vesicles, and some family members are indirectly inactivated by BFA. Peptides that function as competitive inhibitors of ARF activity in cell-free transport systems also inhibit poliovirus RNA replication, and this inhibitory effect can be countered by the addition of exogenous ARF. We suggest that BFA inhibition of replication is diagnostic of a requirement for ARF activity in the cell-free system.
Automatic muscle perimysium annotation using deep convolutional neural network

Diseased skeletal muscle expresses mononuclear cell infiltration in the regions of perimysium. Accurate annotation or segmentation of perimysium can help biologists and clinicians to determine individualized patient treatment and allow for reasonable prognostication. However, manual perimysium annotation is time consuming and prone to inter-observer variations. Meanwhile, the presence of ambiguous patterns in muscle images significantly challenge many traditional automatic annotation algorithms. In this paper, we propose an automatic perimysium annotation algorithm based on deep convolutional neural network (CNN). We formulate the automatic annotation of perimysium in muscle images as a pixel-wise classification problem, and the CNN is trained to label each image pixel with raw RGB values of the patch centered at the pixel. The algorithm is applied to 82 diseased skeletal muscle images. We have achieved an average precision of 94% on the test dataset.