cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of DNA repair proteins during L1 retrotransposition

3531 Mobile elements represent a source of insertional mutagenesis in all genomes studied to date. Fully 45% of the human genome is derived from recognizable mobile elements. By their very nature of propagation/mobility, autonomous mobile elements modify DNA by element-encoded proteins. L1 belongs to the non-Long Terminal Repeat class of retrotransposons and is the only known active autonomous element in the human genome. It is, directly or indirectly, responsible for about 0.25% of new genetic diseases in humans through insertional mutagenesis. L1 encodes an APE-like endonuclease and a reverse transcriptase that enable the L1 RNA to initiate its integration into the genome, a process termed Target Primed Reverse Transcription (TPRT). TPRT suggests that a double-strand break (DSB) would be a potential intermediate; thus, we investigated the ability of L1 to create DSBs or cellular responses indicative of DSBs. In HeLa cells overexpression of L1.3, an element known to be active in humans, induces gamma-H2AX foci, COMET tails under neutral conditions, ATM phosphorylation, toxicity, and cell-cycle arrest at G2/M. Comparisons of L1-induced gamma-H2AX foci to irradiated cells allows us to extrapolate the number of breaks to insertional events. We estimate about 750 breaks per 1 insertion. This high ratio suggests that most L1 retrotransposition events are either abortive or reversed by DNA repair. To understand the role of cellular DNA repair proteins during L1 integration, we are using a modified L1 construct in which retrotransposition produces a selectable marker. Treatment of cells with wortmannin or caffeine lowers the frequency of neomycin resistant colonies. These results implicate ATM, DNAPKcs, or ATR as being important directly for L1 integration or for cell survival after an integration event. Further analyses with an ATM dominant negative allele and AT-deficient cells suggest the L1 defect is due primarily to ATM inhibition. Loss of L1 retrotransposition is at least partially due to toxicity because wortmannin and caffeine cause L1 sensitization when using a standard colony plating assay. We are further characterizing the role of DSB repair and base excision repair proteins in promoting L1 retrotransposition, including BRCA1, BRCA2, Chk2, 53BP1, PARP, XRCC1, and LIG4. In particular, we are examining both phosphorylation and immunolocalization into foci of these other factors in response to L1 expression. We believe these results impart an important new understanding for sources of DNA damage that leads to genetic instability in humans. Because L1 expression is elevated in many cancer cells, it may be a major contributor of DSBs which in turn promote chromosomal rearrangements. Additionally, L1-created DSBs in the human germline and untransformed somatic cells could be a primary initiator of translocations or Alu-Alu rearrangements.
Terror Medicine: Education and Training

If a mass casualty incident (MCI) occurs on American territory, the main difficulty with disaster response is not from a lack of resources or volunteers but from a lack of a properly managed disaster plan. In fact, first responders and local healthcare practitioners, and even non-clinical locals rush to the scene and to local healthcare facilities to offer their services or make donations. The presence of so many volunteers and donations can be of great help during a disaster if properly managed. Even before 9/11, hospitals were required to have a disaster plan and ensure that their employees were familiar with it. Very few hospitals, however, actually worked on coordinating their disaster response plans with other hospital facilities, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), or local governmental facilities to offer a united response in case of a disaster. Healthcare institutions therefore had difficulties not only working with other institutions preparing for a disaster but also were often unprepared for managing unexpected resources from the community. Institutional readiness for disasters has improved somewhat since 9/11, with the new government-mandated National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliant Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) and increased clinician familiarity with disaster protocol. Commonly cited references for medical practitioners such as Up-To-Date.com now describe how to manage disaster victims and describe the different signs and symptoms of major biological and chemical weapons of mass destruction. Disaster drill frequency has increased across the country. However, even now, post-9/11, disaster preparedness is in its infancy. A 2007 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study on terrorism preparedness for officebased medical practitioners from 2003 to 2004 showed that less than 50% of physicians received some kind of training on at least one terrorism-related disease. An even smaller percentage of allied health professionals received this training. The debacle of coordinating an efficient response to the flood victims in Louisiana also indicates that more training and education in the field of disaster medicine is needed. Training for the specialized field of terror medicine is also necessary as long as governments are an active target of terrorists.
Quadratic Voting in Finite Populations

We study the performance of the Quadratic Voting (QV) mechanism proposed by Lalley and Weyl (2015) in finite populations of various sizes using three decreasingly analytic but increasingly precise methods with emphasis on examples calibrated to the 2008 gay marriage referendum in California. First, we use heuristic calculations to derive conservative analytic bounds on the constants associated with Lalley and Weyl’s formal results on large population convergence. Second, we pair computational game theory methods with statistical limit results to approximate equilibria for moderate population sizes. Finally, we use purely computational methods to analyze small populations. The more precise the methods we use, the better the performance of QV appears to be in a wide range of cases. In our most precise results, we have not found an example where QV sacrifices more than 4% of potential welfare for any population size.
Revision ACL-Based Multiple Ligament Knee Surgery

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries continue to be a very common injury seen in the young, athletic population. As the number of ACL injuries increase, so does the number of failures and need for subsequent revisions. Although the etiology of failure is multifactorial, missed injuries to secondary restraints such as the posterolateral and posteromedial corners remain very common. When undertaking a revision ACL reconstruction, it is therefore important to recognize these injuries to avoid subsequent failures. We believe that anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction in the revision setting provides superior results while addressing concomitant posterolateral and posteromedial pathology. This is a technically demanding procedure that requires proper preoperative preparation. This chapter outlines our approach to these challenging situations.
Mössbauer study of magnetic critical behavior of F0.875V0.125

The disordered alloy Fe1−xVx has a well defined maximum in Tc at x=0.125. Working at this value to suppress Tc broadening, we have made high precision Mossbauer measurements in the ferromagnetic region. When analyzed in terms of four hyperfine field components our spectra suggest that the sample isannealed. Fitting the hyperfine field over reduced temperatures 1.7×10−3 < t < 5×10−1 with corrections to scaling yields p =0.362(8), in agreement with earlier work on pure Fe, and with Fisher's predictions for annealed disordered systems.
The Birth of AGNs and Quasars via the Collapse of Dense Star Clusters to Supermassive Black Holes

We consider the fate of a dense cluster of compact stars — neutron stars or stellar-mass black holes — embedded in the nucleus of an active galaxy. The combined effects of two-body dynamical relaxation (the “gravothermal catastrophe”) and star-star collisions and coalescence can drive such a cluster to a relativistic state in a Hubble time. When the core becomes sufficiently relativistic, the cluster inevitably undergoes catastrophic gravitational collapse to a supermassive black hole. This process leads naturally to the birth of supermassive black holes of the “right size” to explain quasars and AGNs: 106 ≲ M/M⊙ ≲ 109.
Semiconductor Device Processing

The first few important steps in the process of fabricating semiconductor devices, involve oxidation, diffusion and ion implantation of dopants. The resulting semiconductor wafer then undergoes a series of additional steps before the final device is obtained, which are shown in the flowchart in Fig. 3.1. The major ones include lithography, etching, metallization and packaging, each of which will be discussed in the present Chapter.
Computer Automated Quantification of Respiratory Motion in a Fluoroscopic Movie

Organ motion uncertainty associated with respiration is a major factor affecting radiation therapy in the thorax and abdominal regions. A number of approaches have been developed to characterize and reduce this uncertainty [1]. These approaches share a common requirement: The need to measure internal anatomic motion in real time. Although quantitative measurements through fluoroscopic observation is often used in a research setting, the time and effort associated with such measurements precludes their clinical use on a routine basis. The development of a computer automated tool which would quantify fluoroscopic respiratory motion could greatly increase confidence in the these new treatment mechanisms.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests and Recommendations

While colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States [1], it is believed to be a highly preventable cancer. In the USA, it is now recommended that all asymptomatic persons over the age of 50 undergo screening of the colon and rectum. This review will focus only on the methods and evidence for screening asymptomatic individuals—patients with gastrointestinal symptoms fall into another, typically more aggressive diagnostic algorithm category. Despite the fact that excellent screening tests are available, the compliance rate with current screening recommendations in the USA varies between 35 and 65 % and is influenced by a multitude of factors [2, 3]. There are many controversial aspects surrounding the assertion that screening for colon cancer in the USA is less than ideal.
Abstract 543: Uncovering the Mechanisms by Which Fatty Acid Oxidation Suppresses Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy

In cardiac hypertrophy, the adult heart switches from mainly using fatty acids to an increased reliance on glucose to maintain its energetic demands. We have previously shown that preserving fatty ...
Atypical Radiographic Presentation of Cryptococcus Pneumonia in a Newly Diagnosed HIV Patient.

Background. Cryptococcus infection is an opportunistic infection that occurs primarily among immunocompromised patients, and the morbidity and mortality of this infection is high if left unrecognized and untreated. There are no clinical or radiographic characteristics typical of cryptococcal pneumonia, and its clinical and radiological presentations often overlap with other diagnoses. Case Presentation. We present a case of a 25-year-old man from Ghana admitted for an altered mental state, weight loss, neck pain, fever, and photophobia. He was diagnosed with Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis by cerebrospinal fluid culture and with disseminated cryptococcal infection by a positive Cryptococcus blood test. Diffuse micronodular opacities were found in a miliary pattern in the upper portions of both lungs upon imaging, which suggested miliary tuberculosis; thus, the patient was started on antituberculosis therapy. The patient underwent flexible fiber optic bronchoscopy, and transbronchial biopsy of the right lung showed bronchopneumonia with fungal spores consistent with filamentous Cryptococcus neoformans, which grew in tissue culture of the right lung. Interferon-gamma release assay, Mycobacterium tuberculosis PCR, and acid-fast bacilli staining of the bronchoalveolar lavage were negative for the M. tuberculosis complex. Conclusion. The similarities in clinical and imaging findings among patients with acute immunodeficiency syndrome with coinfections make diagnoses difficult; thus image-guided biopsies are essential to confirm diagnoses.
Bioenergetic basis for the increased fatigability with ageing.

Key points The mechanisms for the age-related increase in fatigability during dynamic exercise remain elusive. We tested whether age-related impairments in muscle oxidative capacity would result in a greater accumulation of fatigue causing metabolites, inorganic phosphate (Pi ), hydrogen (H+ ) and diprotonated phosphate (H2 PO4 - ), in the muscle of old compared to young adults during a dynamic knee extension exercise. The age-related increase in fatigability (reduction in mechanical power) of the knee extensors was closely associated with a greater accumulation of metabolites within the working muscle but could not be explained by age-related differences in muscle oxidative capacity. These data suggest that the increased fatigability in old adults during dynamic exercise is primarily determined by age-related impairments in skeletal muscle bioenergetics that result in a greater accumulation of metabolites. Abstract The present study aimed to determine whether the increased fatigability in old adults during dynamic exercise is associated with age-related differences in skeletal muscle bioenergetics. Phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to quantify concentrations of high-energy phosphates and pH in the knee extensors of seven young (22.7 ± 1.2 years; six women) and eight old adults (76.4 ± 6.0 years; seven women). Muscle oxidative capacity was measured from the phosphocreatine (PCr) recovery kinetics following a 24 s maximal voluntary isometric contraction. The fatiguing exercise consisted of 120 maximal velocity contractions (one contraction per 2 s) against a load equivalent to 20% of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction. The PCr recovery kinetics did not differ between young and old adults (0.023 ± 0.007 s-1 vs. 0.019 ± 0.004 s-1 , respectively). Fatigability (reductions in mechanical power) of the knee extensors was ∼1.8-fold greater with age and was accompanied by a greater decrease in pH (young = 6.73 ± 0.09, old = 6.61 ± 0.04) and increases in concentrations of inorganic phosphate, [Pi ], (young = 22.7 ± 4.8 mm, old = 32.3 ± 3.6 mm) and diprotonated phosphate, [H2 PO4 - ], (young = 11.7 ± 3.6 mm, old = 18.6 ± 2.1 mm) at the end of the exercise in old compared to young adults. The age-related increase in power loss during the fatiguing exercise was strongly associated with intracellular pH (r = -0.837), [Pi ] (r = 0.917) and [H2 PO4 - ] (r = 0.930) at the end of the exercise. These data suggest that the age-related increase in fatigability during dynamic exercise has a bioenergetic basis and is explained by an increased accumulation of metabolites within the muscle.
Meter isn't everything: The case of a timeline-oriented Cuban polyrhythm

Abstract Meter serves as a robust temporal referent for the creation and perception of musical rhythm. In music from Africa and the diaspora, a parallel referent is often present in the form of repetitive rhythmic patterns known as timelines. This paper examines how a well-known timeline (the standard pattern) serves as a grounding framework for quinto (lead conga drum) rhythms heard in different drumming performances of Afro-Cuban rumba columbia. Focusing on the layout of alignment points between the constituent elements of the various temporal layers—rhythm, timeline, and possible meters—indicates that the quinto players may be orienting their playing according to the timeline's onsets.
Speech Recognition and Production by Machines

Abstract Speech synthesis and recognition by machines has been a fascinating topic for scientists and engineers for many years. Inspired by speaking and listening machines in science fiction, we have witnessed fast and steady technology advances in recent years. In this section, we first describe linear prediction speech analysis which is the most widely adopted model in digital speech communication and speech synthesis. Concatenative speech synthesis is then discussed for text-to-speech synthesis. It is followed by a discussion on hidden Markov modeling of fundamental speech units which is the most successful technique for both speech recognition and speech synthesis. Finally we conclude our discussion by contrasting speech recognition by humans and machines.
Modeling Challenges for Earth Observing Systems of Systems

Earth observing systems are undergoing an architectural transformation to perform novel scientific campaigns by dynamically composing assets from government and commercial partners. Correspondingly, campaign-level engineering methods and tools must accommodate greater degrees of decentralized control and independence. This paper reviews advances provided by semantic web technology and distributed simulation to highlight some of the challenges in modeling Earth observing systems of systems. A campaign simulation framework organizes the contextual, structural, and behavioral features necessary to model Earth observing systems from a system of systems perspective. Finally, a multi-actor value framework considers interactive negotiation of non-commensurate preferences by participating entities.
Examining the Effects of Neighborhood Contextual Factors on Officer-Involved Shootings

This paper contributes to research on neighborhood effects and knowledge about the conditions associated with community-level patterns of police behavior by examining whether levels of violence, ra...
Muerte en la Catedral: Cenizas y ritos funerarios en los campos de fútbol

An important aspect of funerary rites and modern, Western mortuary practices has been a shift from religious-institutional settings to private and secular ones. Nevertheless, there still exist performative responses, like spreading the ashes of dead fans in sport stadiums, which continue to define death as a social relation situated in a cultural system of wider symbolic obligations. Spreading ashes in football stadiums is believed to have consequences for the future of the community. There are three factors that turn stadiums into pertinent places for the re-ritualization of modern death: emotion, identity, and iconicity. The intense emotional experiences, family traditions, collective narratives, and the transformative power of liminal space allow fans to imagine their own transition from dead to alive, and their continuing presence in the social order.
Joint coordination when running in minimalist, neutral, and ultra-cushioning shoes.

Ultra-cushioning (ULTRA) shoes are new to the running shoe market. Several studies have evaluated kinematics and kinetics while running in ULTRA shoes, however it remains unknown how such shoes inf...
Recent progress on surfactant protein A: cellular function in lung and kidney disease development

Pulmonary surfactant is a heterogeneous active surface complex made up of lipids and proteins. The major glycoprotein in surfactant is surfactant protein A (SP-A), which is released into the alveolar lumen from cytoplasmic lamellar bodies in type II alveolar epithelial cells. SP-A is involved in phospholipid absorption. SP-A together with other surfactant proteins and phospholipids prevent alveolar collapse during respiration by decreasing the surface tension of the air-liquid interface. Additionally, SP-A interacts with pathogens to prevent their propagation and regulate host immune responses. Studies in human and animal models have shown that deficiencies or mutations in surfactant components result in various lung or kidney pathologies, suggesting a role for SP-A in the development of lung and kidney diseases. In this mini-review, we discuss the current understanding of SP-A functions, recent findings of its dysfunction in specific lung and kidney pathologies, and how SP-A has been used as a biomarker to detect the outcome of lung diseases.
Rediscovering the “Human” in strategic human capital

Abstract While the field of strategic human capital (SHC) was created as a platform for dialogue between economics-based strategy researchers and psychology-based human resources (HR) researchers, it has increasingly become dominated by the economics-based logic. This paper argues that while such logic is not wrong, it is incomplete. By ignoring aspects of human nature such as free will, identity, meaning/purpose, community, and intrinsic value, it has unnecessarily limited the phenomenon to be studied and the research questions to be asked. I describe these concepts and how they might expand the SHC literature's view of determinants of employees' behavior, particularly their choices to invest in human capital. Finally, I discuss implications for research questions that might bridge the economics and psychology perspectives.
Risk factors for Clostridioides difficile colonization among hospitalized adults: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

Objective: To identify risk factors for asymptomatic Clostridioides difficile colonization among hospitalized adults utilizing a meta-analysis, which may enable early identification of colonized patients at risk of spreading C. difficile. Design: Meta-analysis and systematic review. Methods: We systematically searched MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE from January 1, 1975, to February 15, 2020, for articles related to C. difficile colonization among hospitalized adults. Studies with multivariable analyses evaluating risk factors for asymptomatic colonization were eligible. Results: Among 5,506 studies identified in the search, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. Included studies reported 20,334 adult patients of whom 1,588 were asymptomatically colonized with C. difficile. Factors associated with an increased risk of colonization were hospitalization in the previous 6 months (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.86–2.56; P < .001), use of gastric acid suppression therapy within the previous 8 weeks (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.17–1.73; P < .001), tube feeding (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.06–3.85; P = .03), and corticosteroid use in the previous 8 weeks (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.14–2.17; P = .006). Receipt of antibiotics in the previous 3 months (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.94–2.01; P = .10) was not associated with statistically significant effects on risk of colonization. Conclusions: C. difficile colonization was significantly associated with previous hospitalization, gastric acid suppression, tube feeding, and corticosteroid use. Recognition of these risk factors may assist in identifying asymptomatic carriers of C. difficile and taking appropriate measures to reduce transmission.
Free Gap Estimates from the Exponential Mechanism, Sparse Vector, Noisy Max and Related Algorithms.

Private selection algorithms, such as the Exponential Mechanism, Noisy Max and Sparse Vector, are used to select items (such as queries with large answers) from a set of candidates, while controlling privacy leakage in the underlying data. Such algorithms serve as building blocks for more complex differentially private algorithms. In this paper we show that these algorithms can release additional information related to the gaps between the selected items and the other candidates for free (i.e., at no additional privacy cost). This free gap information can improve the accuracy of certain follow-up counting queries by up to 66%. We obtain these results from a careful privacy analysis of these algorithms. Based on this analysis, we further propose novel hybrid algorithms that can dynamically save additional privacy budget.
Evaluation of multiaxial theories for room-temperature plasticity and elevated-temperature creep and relaxation of several metals: Investigation is undertaken to evaluate the isotropic-hardening model for several ductile metals at both room temperature, where the inelastic deformation could be considered to be time independent, and at elevated temperatures, where the inelastic deformation was primarily time dependent

Based on the assumption that the material satisfies the condition of isotropic hardening for either a von Mises or a Tresca material, finite-strain theories are derived for solid circular torsion members for the conditions that the inelastic deformations are either time independent or time dependent. In the latter case, both creep and relaxation theories are derived. At room temperature the theories are evaluated for each of eight metals using finite-strain data from tension, compression and torsion members. Of the six metals that are found to satisfy the condition required for the isotropic-hardening model, two are von Mises, one is Tresca, and the other three are between von Mises and Tresca. At elevated temperatures, the theories are evaluated for each of five of the latter six metals, using data from tension and torsion members. Material properties obtained from the tension specimens are used to predict creep and relaxation curves for the torsion members. Contrary to the results at room temperature, creep curves for the torsion members do not all fall within the region bounded by von Mises and Tresca theories. In the case of relaxation, either excellent agreement is obtained between the von Mises strain-hardening theory and experimental data or the theory is conservative.
Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Patients Supported with Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Purpose More than half of patients with advanced heart failure (HF) requiring left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support have severe ischemic cardiomyopathy, yet the incidence, indications, and outcomes of coronary interventions in the LVAD population are unknown. The objective of this study was to describe outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in LVAD patients. Methods Using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS), we identified LVAD patients who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography from 2015-2017. The index admission for LVAD implantation was excluded. Baseline characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of those who underwent PCI vs. diagnostic catheterization only were described. Results A total of 33,456 admissions for LVAD patients were identified. Coronary catheterization was performed in 3,830 admissions (11.5%) and 260 of these resulted in PCI (6.8%). Overall, patients were more commonly men (77.3%), white (62.3%), with a high burden of comorbidities based on Elixhauser index ≥3 (99.3%). Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (83%) was the most common indication for PCI; 35.6% were identified as a ST-elevation MI and 40% presented with or developed cardiogenic shock. Among patients undergoing PCI, the median length-of-stay was 6 days (IQR 4-10) and in-hospital mortality was 15.4%. Among patients undergoing diagnostic catheterization only, the median length-of-stay was 10 days (IQR 5-18) and in-hospital mortality was 4.3%. Other in-hospital outcomes are described in Table 1. Conclusion Although PCI procedures are uncommon in LVAD patients, they may be appropriately performed in severe AMI cases. PCI in LVAD patients is associated with significantly high in-hospital mortality. Further studies are warranted to better characterize the risk and outcomes of CAD progression in LVAD patients, as well as the utility of PCI in this complex population.
A Dimensionality-Robust Test in Multiple Predictive Regression

We consider inference of predictive regression with multiple predictors. Extant tests for predictability, including those constructed with robustness to unknown persistence and endogeneity of predictors, may perform unsatisfactorily and tend to discover spurious predictability as the number of predictors increases. We propose a battery of new instrumental-variables based tests which involve enforcement or partial enforcement of the null hypothesis in variance estimation and analyze their asymptotic properties. A test based on the parsimonious system approach is recommended. Empirical Monte Carlos demonstrate the remarkable finite-sample performance regardless of numerosity of predictors. Empirical application to equity premium predictability is also provided.
Neural Representations of Cryo-EM Maps and a Graph-Based Interpretation

Advances in imagery at atomic and near-atomic resolution, such as cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), have led to an influx of high resolution images of proteins and other macromolecular structures to data banks worldwide. Producing a protein structure from the discrete voxel grid data of cryo-EM maps involves interpolation into the continuous spatial domain. We present a novel data format called the neural cryo-EM map, which is formed from a set of neural networks that accurately parameterize cryo-EM maps and provide native, spatially continuous data for density and gradient. As a case study of this data format, we create graph-based interpretations of high resolution experimental cryo-EM maps. Normalized cryo-EM map values interpolated using the non-linear neural cryo-EM format are more accurate, consistently scoring less than 0.01 mean absolute error, than a conventional tri-linear interpolation, which scores up to 0.12 mean absolute error. Our graph-based interpretations of 115 experimental cryo-EM maps from 1.15 to 4.0 Angstrom resolution provide high coverage of the underlying amino acid residue locations, while accuracy of nodes is correlated with resolution. The nodes of graphs created from atomic resolution maps (higher than 1.6 Angstroms) provide greater than 99% residue coverage as well as 85% full atomic coverage with a mean of than 0.19 Angstrom root mean squared deviation (RMSD). Other graphs have a mean 84% residue coverage with less specificity of the nodes due to experimental noise and differences of density context at lower resolutions. This work may be generalized for transforming any 3D grid-based data format into non-linear, continuous, and differentiable format for the downstream geometric deep learning applications.
Reducing direct drive preheat with dopants

Abstract Preheat in laser-driven experiments can have negative impacts on inertial confinement fusion (ICF) and hydrodynamic experiments. While many groups employ the use of dopants to reduce or block preheat, direct quantification has not previously been explored. We developed a planar platform and a series of ablator targets to measure the electron and x-ray spectra generated by laser-plasma interactions with a direct drive using OMEGA-60. By comparing both thin ablators (75m) and thick ablators (270 m) that were either pure CH, 3% Si doped or 3% I doped, we were able to measure differences in electron and x-ray spectra. In addition, we observed the preheat growth of tracer layers and observed reductions in the growth with different materials. We find that iodine or a thin gold layer is the best at tamping the direct-drive preheat at OMEGA, but that the growth is still significant.
Clinical characteristics of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 and the impact on mortality: a single-network, retrospective cohort study from Pennsylvania state

Objective COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 with the highest burden in the USA. Data on clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 in US population are limited. Thus, we aim to determine the clinical characteristics and risk factors for in-hospital mortality from COVID-19. Design Retrospective observational study. Setting Single-network hospitals in Pennsylvania state. Participants Patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who were hospitalised from 1 March to 31 May 2020. Primary and secondary outcome measures Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were complications, such as acute kidney injury (AKI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Results Of 283 patients, 19.4% were non-survivors. The mean age of all patients was 64.1±15.9 years. 56.2% were male and 50.2% were white. Several factors were identified from our adjusted multivariate analyses to be associated with in-hospital mortality: increasing age (per 1-year increment; OR 1.07 (1.045 to 1.105)), hypoxia (oxygen saturation 10 109/µL; OR 2.732 (1.412 to 5.263)), ferritin >336 ng/mL (OR 4.016 (1.195 to 13.514)), lactate dehydrogenase >200 U/L (OR 7.752 (1.639 to 37.037)), procalcitonin >0.25 ng/mL (OR 2.404 (1.011 to 5.714)), troponin I >0.03 ng/mL (OR 2.242 (1.080 to 4.673)), need for advanced oxygen support other than simple nasal cannula (OR 4.608–13.889 (2.053 to 31.250)), intensive care unit admission/transfer (OR 13.699 (6.135 to 30.303)), renal replacement therapy (OR 21.277 (5.025 to 90.909)), need for vasopressor (OR 22.222 (9.434 to 52.632)), ARDS (OR 23.810 (10.204 to 55.556)), respiratory acidosis (OR 7.042 (2.915 to 16.949)), and AKI (OR 3.571 (1.715 to 7.407)). When critically ill patients were analysed independently, increasing Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (OR 1.544 (1.168 to 2.039)), AKI (OR 2.128 (1.111 to 6.667)) and ARDS (OR 6.410 (2.237 to 18.182)) were predictive of in-hospital mortality. Conclusion We reported the characteristics of ethnically diverse, hospitalised patients with COVID-19 from Pennsylvania state.
Resistance to Mefenoxam of Phytophthora cactorum and P. nicotianae Causing Crown and Leather Rot in Florida Strawberry.

Phytophthora cactorum and P. nicotianae cause leather rot on fruit and crown rot (PhCR) of strawberry plants. Leather rot is not a common disease in Florida; however, up to 50% yield loss has been ...
Live Attenuated Varicella Vaccine: Prevention of Varicella and of Zoster

Michiaki Takahashi developed the live attenuated varicella vaccine in 1974 . This was the first, and is still the only, herpesvirus vaccine. Early studies showed promise, but the vaccine was rigorously tested on immunosuppressed patients because of their high risk of fatal varicella; vaccination proved to be lifesaving. Subsequently, the vaccine was found to be safe and effective in healthy children. Eventually, varicella vaccine became a component of measles mumps rubella vaccine, 2 doses of which are administered in the USA to ~90% of children. The incidence of varicella has dropped dramatically in the USA since vaccine-licensure in 1995. Varicella vaccine is also associated with a decreased incidence of zoster and is protective for susceptible adults. Today, immunocompromised individuals are protected against varicella due to vaccine-induced herd immunity. Latent infection with varicella zoster virus occurs after vaccination; however, the vaccine strain is impaired for its ability to reactivate.
Early Fevers and Elevated Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio are Associated with Repeat Endovascular Interventions for Cerebral Vasospasm in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Background Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) may develop refractory arterial cerebral vasospasm requiring multiple endovascular interventions. The aim of our study is to evaluate variables associated with need for repeat endovascular treatments in refractory vasospasm and to identify differences in outcomes following one versus multiple treatments. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients treated for aSAH between 2017 and 2020 at two tertiary care centers. We included patients who underwent treatment (intraarterial infusion of vasodilatory agents or mechanical angioplasty) for radiographically diagnosed vasospasm in our analysis. Patients were divided into those who underwent single treatment versus those who underwent multiple endovascular treatments for vasospasm. Results Of the total 418 patients with aSAH, 151 (45.9%) underwent endovascular intervention for vasospasm. Of 151 patients, 95 (62.9%) underwent a single treatment and 56 (37.1%) underwent two or more treatments. Patients were more likely to undergo multiple endovascular treatments if they had a Hunt-Hess score > 2 (odds ratio [OR] 5.10 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.82-15.84]; p = 0.003), a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio > 8.0 (OR 3.19 [95% CI 1.40-7.62]; p = 0.028), and more than two fevers within the first 5 days of admission (OR 7.03 [95% CI 2.68-20.94]; p Conclusions A Hunt-Hess score > 2, a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio > 8.0, and early fevers may be predictive of need for multiple endovascular interventions in refractory cerebral vasospasm after aSAH. These patients have poorer functional outcomes at discharge and higher rates of in-hospital complications.
THE ESTIMATION OF HYPOXANTHINE

In a previous paper there was described a procedure for the isolation of the purines in a form suitable for the quantitative determination of the individual substances (1). A later publication reported a method for the separation of adenine and hypoxanthine and the determination of the adenine by precipitation of adenine picrate and titration of the precipitate with standard alkali (2). The method to be described in the present paper was designed primarily for the estimation of hypoxanthine in the filtrate from the adenine picrate, but is applicable without modification to other analytical problems. The method involves the precipitation of the hypoxanthine silver picrate first described by Bruhns (3) and ultimately the determination of the silver in the precipitate by titration with standard thiocyanate solution. Because hydrochloric acid is superior to other acids in the decomposition of the cuprous purine complex (l), it is necessary to separate the hypoxanthine silver picrate from silver chloride precipitated simultaneously. This is accomplished by the extraction of the hypoxanthine compound with hot concentrated nitric acid in which silver chloride is practically insoluble. This means of separation and the final volumetric estimation are improvements which allow a considerable extension in the use of the argentipicrate procedure. This method heretofore has been excluded in the presence of chloride and has required large samples of material. Under the conditions described herein, 1 mg. of hypoxanthine nitrogen (18 micromoles) can be determined with an error of about 1 per cent, and the error is not greatly increased when only 0.5 mg. of hypoxanthine nitrogen is available for analysis.
Immunity to Murine Breast Cancer Cells Modified to Express MUC-1, a Human Breast Cancer Antigen, in Transgenic Mice Tolerant to Human MUC-1

The high incidence of breast cancer in women and the severity of the disease have stimulated a need for improved and novel forms of therapy. The product of the MUC-1 gene has been identified as a breast cancer-associated antigen in breast cancer patients. The gene has been cloned and sequenced. Transgenic mice were prepared that express human mucin and are naturally tolerant to the molecule, providing a unique opportunity to investigate immunotherapeutic strategies in experimental animals that might eventually be applied to breast cancer patients. A cell line (410.4) derived from a mouse mammary adenocarcinoma that arose in a BALB/c mouse was transduced with a retroviral vector (R1-MUC1-pEMSVscribe) that encoded MUC-1. After confirmation of the expression of human mucin, the cells (E3) were further modified by transduction with retroviral vectors encoding interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-12, or IFN-γ to evaluate the effect of cytokine-secretion on the immunogenic properties of the cells in the MUC-1 transgenic mice. The results indicated that modification of the breast cancer cells to secrete IL-12 reduced and at times eliminated the tumorigenic growth properties of the cells. Under similar circumstances, progressively growing tumors formed in MUC-1 transgenic mice that received injections of unmodified E3 cells or with E3 cells modified to secrete IL-2, IL-4, or IFN-γ. Immunity to breast cancer developed in MUC-1 transgenic mice that had rejected IL-12-secreting E3 cells because the animals were resistant to challenge with (non-cytokine-secreting) E3 cells. In vitro analyses confirmed the presence of T cell-mediated cytotoxicity toward the breast cancer cells in MUC-1 transgenic mice immunized with the IL-12-secreting cells. Our data obtained in a unique animal model system point toward an analogous form of therapy for breast cancer patients.
Compact D-D Neutron Source-Driven Subcritical Multiplier and Beam-Shaping Assembly for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

This work assesses the feasibility of using a small, safe, and inexpensive keff 0.98 subcritical fission assembly [subcritical neutron multiplier (SCM)] to amplify the treatment neutron beam intensity attainable from a compact deuterium-deuterium (D-D) fusion neutron source delivering [approximately]1012 n/s. The objective is to reduce the treatment time for deep-seated brain tumors to [approximately]1 h. The paper describes the optimal SCM design and two optimal beam-shaping assemblies (BSAs) - one designed to maximize the dose rate and the other designed to maximize the total dose that can be delivered to a deep-seated tumor. The neutron beam intensity amplification achieved with the optimized SCM and BSA results in an increase in the treatment dose rate by a factor of 18: from 0.56 Gy/h without the SCM to 10.1 Gy/h. The entire SCM is encased in an aluminum structure. The total amount of 20% enriched uranium required for the SCM is 8.5 kg, and the cost (not including fabrication) is estimated to be less than $60,000. The SCM power level is estimated at 400 W when driven by a 1012 n/s D-D neutron source. This translates into consumption of only [approximately]0.6% of the initially loaded 235U atoms during 50 years of continuousmore » operation and implies that the SCM could operate continuously for the entire lifetime of the facility without refueling. Cooling the SCM does not pose a challenge; it may be accomplished by natural circulation as the maximum heat flux is only 0.034 W/cm2.« less
Introducción a la historia de las ciencias botánicas

Series of lectures prepared for the Faculty of Natural Sciences, National University of San Marcos, Lima.
Risk of second primary cancer in men with breast cancer.

A retrospective registry-based cohort study was conducted to examine the risk of second primary cancer following the occurrence of breast cancer in males. Data obtained from the California Cancer Registry in the period 1988 to 2003 included 1,926 men aged 85 years and younger diagnosed with a first primary breast cancer. Person-year analysis was applied to determine the risk of second primary cancers after the occurrence of a first primary breast cancer. The effects of age, race, and time since the first breast cancer diagnosis were assessed. Of the 1,926 male breast cancer cases, 221 (11.5%) developed a second primary cancer. Men with first incidence of breast cancer have a significantly higher risk of second cancer (standardized incidence ratio (SIR) = 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01–1.32). The risk of a second site-specific cancer is elevated for breast cancer (SIR = 52.12, 95% CI = 31.83–80.49), cutaneous melanoma (SIR = 2.98, 95% CI = 1.63–5.00) and stomach cancer (SIR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.01–3.88). There is a general tendency towards higher risks of second malignancies among younger men compared to older men and the risk increased with the passage of time. Male breast cancer patients should be monitored carefully for the occurrence of second primary cancers, especially a second primary breast cancer.
Genomics and neurological phenotypes: applications for seizure-induced damage

It is sometimes assumed that because the brain is such a complex organ, experimental genomics methods are not directly applicable to neurobiological studies. In fact, it is because the brain and brain process are complex that it is even more important to apply methods that allow large numbers of genes to be monitored across a significant number of experiments. How can we begin to understand the mechanisms underlying various brain functions, and how can we understand what can and does go wrong in disease? How can such tasks be accomplished without being overly costly and time- and labor-intensive? We and others have put DNA microarray technology to work to address a variety of biological problems, and in particular to study the brain and various brain functions. This review provides an overview of how we use DNA microarray technology to identify the genes that are responsible for specific neurological responses, seizure-induced responses, and the unique structures and functions of different brain regions.
Do Natural Field Experiments Afford Researchers More or Less Control than Laboratory Experiments

Abstract A commonly held view is that laboratory experiments provide researchers with more “control” than natural field experiments. This paper explores how natural field experiments can provide researchers with more control than laboratory experiments. While laboratory experiments provide researchers with a high degree of control in the environment which participants agree to be experimental subjects, when participants systematically opt out of laboratory experiments, the researcher's ability to manipulate certain variables is limited. In contrast, natural field experiments bypass the participation decision altogether due to their covertness, and they allow for a potentially more diverse participant pool within the market of interest.
Lens crystallins: gene recruitment and evolutionary dynamism

Abstract In a novel evolutionary process, enzymes and stress proteins have undergone direct gene recruitment as eye lens crystallins in a number of independent events. This may have allowed a dynamic response to changing visual environments during evolution. In spite of their diversity, many crystallins may share an origin in essential developmental processes such as cell elongation.
On the theory of electron correlation in atoms and molecules: Relation between cluster expansion theory and the correlated wave functions method

A relation between the cluster expansion theory of many electron wave functions and the correlated wave functions method is established. In this way, the theoretical basis of the method is elucidated and the approximations involved in its application become apparent. General forms of the correlated wave function, differing in certain important respects from that form usually assumed, are derived.
Parameters of Pulmonary Mechanics Prior to Extubation in Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome(RDS)

Parameters of Pulmonary Mechanics Prior to Extubation in Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome(RDS)
Human Disease Consequences of Fiber Exposures: A Review of Human Lung Pathology and Fiber Burden Data

Inhalation of asbestos fibers results in a variety of neoplastic and nonneoplastic diseases of the respiratory tract. Some of these diseases, such as asbestosis, generally occur after prolonged and intensive exposure to asbestos, whereas others, such as pleural mesothelioma, may occur following brief exposures. Inhalation of nonasbestiform mineral fibers can occur as well, and these fibers can be recovered from human lung tissue. Thus, there has been considerable interest in the relationship between mineral fiber content of the lung and various pathologic changes. Techniques for fiber analysis of human tissues have not been standardized, and consequently results may differ appreciably from one laboratory to another. In all reported series, extremely high fiber burdens are found in the lungs of individuals with asbestosis. Although there is a correlation between the tissue concentration of asbestos fibers and the severity of pulmonary fibrosis, further studies of the mineralogic correlates of fiber-induced pulmonary fibrosis are needed. Mesothelioma may occur with fiber burdens considerably less than those necessary to produce asbestosis. More information is needed regarding the migration of fibers to the pleura and the numbers, types, and dimensions of fibers that accumulate at that site. Patients with asbestosis have a markedly increased risk for lung cancer, but the risk of lung cancer attributable to asbestos in exposed workers without asbestosis who also smoke is controversial. Combined epidemiologic-mineralogic studies of a well-defined cohort are needed to resolve this issue. In addition, more information is needed regarding the potential role of nonasbestos mineral fibers in the pathogenesis of lung cancer.