cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethanol Impairs Neutrophil Chemotaxis In Vitro but Not Adherence or Recruitment to Lungs of Rats with Experimental Pneumococcal Pneumonia

The effect of 7 days of ethanol ingestion on circulating neutrophil (PMNL) counts and PMNL adherence, chemotaxis, and recruitment was investigated. Pair-feeding of rats resulted in a significant decrease in PMNL counts in both ethanol-fed and control rats. The mean number of PMNL exhibiting chemotaxis in a modified Boyden chamber in response to lipopolysaccharide-activated normal rat serum was significantly decreased in ethanol-fed rats compared with controls. The percentage of adherence to nylon wool columns, however, was similar in both groups. To measure pulmonary PMNL recruitment, rats were infected transtracheally with 10(5) Streptococcus pneumoniae and sacrificed. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from both groups contained similar numbers of PMNL 8 h after infection. By 24 h, PMNL numbers in lavage fluid from ethanol-fed rats exceeded those in controls. PMNL recruitment continued in the ethanol-fed rats at 48 and 72 h, whereas values in controls had returned to baseline. Thus, the impaired pulmonary defense against S. pneumoniae in ethanol-fed rats is not due to defective PMNL recruitment.
Manipulating Sales Revenue To Achieve Cognitive Reference Points: An Examination Of Large U.S. Public Companies

Significant research (e.g., Carslaw, 1988; Thomas, 1989) provides evidence that managers manipulate earnings to reach cognitive reference points in income. More specifically, when the second-from-the-left earnings digit falls just below zero, management finds ways to round earnings up to just above this breakpoint so that the first earnings digit increases by one. The current study demonstrates that for a sample of large publicly-traded U.S. companies this same type of manipulative behavior appears to be occurring with respect to reported sales revenue.
Early changes in bile composition and gallstone formation induced by a high cholesterol diet in prairie dogs.

The prairie dog, with a bile composition similar to human bile, develops gallstones when fed a high cholesterol diet. We studied the changes in the composition of hepatic and gallbladder bile during the early phases of stone formation. Adult male animals were fed a cholesterol-free diet or 1.2% high cholesterol diet containing 40% of calories as egg yolk fat. Paired groups of animals fed the high and low cholesterol diets were killed at 36 hr, 5 days, and 14 days after the diets were begun. After 36 hr, the serum cholesterol level was 427 mg per dl in animals fed the high cholesterol diet, and 143 mg per dl (P Dietary cholesterol overload in this animal model produced early supersaturation of cholesterol in bile, with subsequent cholesterol precipitation and stone formation.
The return of cardiac time intervals: the phoenix is rising.

Nothing retains the shape of what it was, and Nature, always making old things new…Reborn in ageless likeness through the years. It is the bird Assyrians call the Phoenix …Of bark and spices, myrrh and cinnamon, and dies incense lifts his soul away. Then from his breast—or so the legend runs,
von Willebrand factor proteolytic processing and multimerization precede the formation of Weibel-Palade bodies

We investigated the intracellular site of pro-von Willebrand factor (pro-vWF) cleavage and multimerization, as well as the fate of the propolypeptide (von Willebrand antigen II) after cleavage. Analysis of subcellular fractions of endothelial cells metabolically labeled with sulfate showed that both cleavage and covalent multimerization occur after sulfation and precede the formation of Weibel-Palade bodies. Because sulfation is a processing step localized to the trans-Golgi network (TGN), our results indicate that multimerization and prosequence cleavage also occur in this organelle. After cleavage, the propolypeptide remains noncovalently associated with the mature vWF subunit. This association is promoted by a high calcium concentration and an acidic pH (conditions thought to prevail in the TGN) and explains the 1:1 stoichiometry of the propolypeptide and mature vWF found in Weibel-Palade bodies. The propolypeptide remains an integral part of the large multimeric vWF aggregates in the Weibel-Palade body until secretion. When secretion occurs under slightly acidic conditions, such as may be found in poorly perfused wounds, the propolypeptide remains associated with the endothelial surface-bound vWF, and may thus participate in the wound healing process.
Third Circuit Finds Prohibited Exclusive Dealing in United States V. Dentsply International, Inc.

An analysis of the Third Circuit's ruling regarding the Sherman Act section 2 claim, holding Dentsply, a manufacturer of artificial teeth, to be a violation of the United States antitrust laws for its exclusive dealing arrangement with dental dealers.
Optical Characterization of Porous Membranes

Multiple light scattering techniques are intensively investigated as potential characterization tools for a broad range of applications. We are reporting on the noninvasive characterization of filters used in processes such as slurries filtering for CMP. Filters are soft porous membranes characterized by their pore size distribution and thickness, and a noncontact, nondestructive optical procedure to measure these properties is highly desirable. Due to their internal inhomogeneity, porous media strongly scatter light and, therefore, a specific procedure needs to be developed. In this work, low coherence interferometry is used to investigate light propagation in the filter and obtain the reflectivity as a function of optical pathlength for backscattered photons. This can be subsequently related to the optical properties of the sample using analytical and/or numerical models, and the porosity of the sample can be determined. In the case of filters with thicknesses much larger than the wavelength, a diffusion approximation for light propagation is used to infer the porosity information. For thinner membranes, numerical methods are used to describe the intermediate low-scattering regime that can not be represented analytically. As a direct result of the measurement, the thickness of the filter is determined independent of porosity.
A Numerical Weather Model’s Ability to Predict Aircraft and Ground Icing Environments

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Recent advances in high-performance computing has enabled higher resolution numerical weather models with increasingly complex data assimilation and more accurate physical parameterizations. With respect to aircraft and ground icing applications, a weather model’s cloud physics scheme is responsible for the direct forecasts of water phase and amount and is a critical ingredient to forecasting future icing conditions. In this paper, we compare numerical model results to aircraft observations taken during icing research flights and evaluate the general characteristics of liquid water content, median volume diameter, droplet concentration, and temperature within aircraft icing environments. The comparison reveals very promising skill by the model to predict these characteristics consistent with observations. The application of model results to create explicit forecasts of ice accretion rates with example cases of aircraft and ground icing are shown.
The Competence of Political Science: “Progress in Political Research” Revisited Presidential Address, American Political Science Association, 1999

Political science is two realms, the intellectual and the organizational, and the task is to consider how the organizational realm might be adapted to the highest improvement of the intellectual realm. Political science has a certain competence (domain) in the study of politics as the organization of power. It also seeks to expand competence as capability. Charles Merriam provides a point of departure Merriam's most successful idea has been that of enhancing competence through improvements in “the field of method.” Competence, however, now demands methodological flexibility, so as to probe more into the exercise of power. Four fields are strategic: public administration, political interests, urbanization, and the interpenetration of politics and economics. Competence also leads into unorthodox subjects, such as force and foolish, irrational, and pathological decision making (or “the Oxenstierna-Mullins Effect”). Finally, competence demands (and is enhanced by) the reach of political science into serious practical problems of human affairs.
Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer Dynamics in the Catalytic Mechanism of a [NiFe]-Hydrogenase

The movement of protons and electrons is common to the synthesis of all chemical fuels such as H2. Hydrogenases, which catalyze the reversible reduction of protons, necessitate transport and reactivity between protons and electrons, but a detailed mechanism has thus far been elusive. Here, we use a phototriggered chemical potential jump method to rapidly initiate the proton reduction activity of a [NiFe] hydrogenase. Coupling the photochemical initiation approach to nanosecond transient infrared and visible absorbance spectroscopy afforded direct observation of interfacial electron transfer and active site chemistry. Tuning of intramolecular proton transport by pH and isotopic substitution revealed distinct concerted and stepwise proton-coupled electron transfer mechanisms in catalysis. The observed heterogeneity in the two sequential proton-associated reduction processes suggests a highly engineered protein environment modulating catalysis and implicates three new reaction intermediates; Nia-I, Nia-D, an...
Autocrine Effects of Endothelin-1 on Leukocyte-Endothelial Interaction: Stimulation of Endothelin B Receptor Subtype Reduces Endothelial Adhesiveness Via a Nitric Oxide-Dependent Mechanism

The effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on P-selectin-mediated leukocyte endothelial interaction were examined in vitro. Adherence of autologous polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) to the endothelium was markedly enhanced by endothelial stimulation with either (2 U/mL) thrombin, (1 mumol/L) histamine, or (100 nmol/L) phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). In contrast, ET-1 alone (10 and 100 nmol/L) only slightly increased the number of adhering PMNs. The increased PMN adherence to thrombin- or histamine-stimulated endothelium, which was blocked by an anti-P-selectin monoclonal antibody, was also significantly attenuated by preincubation of coronary segments with (100 nmol/L) ET-1. We further investigated the mechanism of this anti-adherence action of ET-1 on thrombin-stimulated endothelial adhesiveness. Preincubation of coronary segments with a selective ETA receptor antagonist, BQ485 (1 mumol/L), had no effect on ET-1 inhibition of thrombin-induced PMN adherence. In contrast, preincubation with a selective ETB receptor antagonist, BQ788 (1 mumol/L) significantly reversed ET-1 inhibition of thrombin-induced PMN adherence, whereas the selective ETB receptor agonist BQ-3020 mimicked the inhibitory action of ET-1 on thrombin-induced PMN adherence. Furthermore, (100 mumol/L) N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, significantly attenuated ET-1 inhibition of thrombin-stimulated PMN adherence. These results suggest that ET-1 may inhibit P-selectin-mediated leukocyte-endothelial interaction via ETB receptor stimulation and subsequent endothelial NO formation. This autocrine effect of ET-1 may be involved in pathophysiologic states such as early atherogenesis by preventing leukocyte-endothelial interaction in constricted blood vessels.
Calculating Measurement Uncertainty of the “Conventional Value of the Result of Weighing in Air”

Abstract:The conventional value of the result of weighing in air is frequently used in commercial calibrations of balances. The guidance in OIML D-028 for reporting uncertainty of the conventional value is too terse. When calibrating mass standards at low measurement uncertainties, it is necessary to perform a buoyancy correction before reporting the result. When calculating the conventional result after calibrating true mass, the uncertainty due to calculating the conventional result is correlated with the buoyancy correction. We show through Monte Carlo simulations that the measurement uncertainty of the conventional result is less than the measurement uncertainty when reporting true mass.
Why does the health of Mexican immigrants deteriorate? New evidence from linked birth records☆

Abstract This study uses a unique dataset linking the birth records of two generations of children born in California and Florida (1970–2009) to analyze the mechanisms behind the generational decline observed in birth outcomes of children of Mexican origin. Calibrating a simple model of intergenerational transmission of birth weight, I show that modest positive selection on health at the time of migration can account for the initial advantage in birth outcomes of second-generation Mexicans. Moreover, accounting for the socioeconomic differences between second-generation Mexicans and white natives and the observed intergenerational correlation in birth weight, the model predicts a greater deterioration than that observed in the data. Using a subset of siblings and holding constant grandmother quasi-fixed effects, I show that the persistence of healthier behaviors among second-generation Mexican mothers can explain more than half of the difference between the model prediction and the observed birth outcomes of third-generation Mexicans.
IN-HOSPITAL OUTCOMES AND HOSPITALIZATIONS FOR ACUTE RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE: A UNITED STATES NATIONAL STUDY

Background: Acute rheumatic heart disease (ARHD) is a serious manifestation of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and can result in long-term cardiac complications. Literature suggests that the incidence of ARF is declining in the United States (US). However, the secular variation of ARHD has not been
Review of "The Mobile Story: Narrative Practices with Locative Technologies," by Farman, J. (Ed.). (2014). New York, NY: Routledge

The Mobile Story: Narrative Practices with Locative Technologies edited by Jason Farman brings together communication designers and theorists to offer numerous approaches for creating digital stories in an age of mobile, locative media. Contrasting the popular conception that mobile devices are a distraction, Farman argues the growing ubiquity of mobiles has led to their interface disappearing through daily use (p. 5). Users no longer need to consciously focus their attention on their devices and can instead seamlessly use such devices for everyday tasks. Due to this growing familiarity, the projects in the book "seek to "defamiliarize" people with their places and the technologies that mediate those places" (p. 5) in order to push interface to the forefront of users' attentions and see how mobiles provide a unique lens through which they interact with the world around them.
Impaired wound healing after radiation therapy: A systematic review of pathogenesis and treatment

Abstract Background Radiotherapy is a common cancer treatment, but often results in unintended injury to overlying skin and contributes to poor wound healing. The mechanisms underlying these changes are complex, and existing treatment is limited. We aimed to systematically review the literature on the pathogenesis, management, and experimental treatment of delayed wound healing following radiation therapy. Study Design/Methods A literature search was performed following PRISMA-P guidelines. PubMed and the Cochrane Library were queried for full-text English articles published up to 2016 by using key search terms including "radiotherapy" and "wound healing." Additional resources were retrieved from reference lists. The selected articles discussed mechanisms of pathogenesis, current management, and experimental treatment of radiation-induced skin injury. These are reported as a qualitative synthesis of the literature from the authors' perspective. Results The literature search yielded 442 articles, of which 93 were included in this review. Ionizing radiation causes DNA damage by direct strand breaks and oxygen-derived free radicals. This insult results in cellular alterations that underlie mechanisms of delayed wound healing. Prominent theories underlying pathogenesis include cellular depletion, stromal cell dysfunction, aberrant collagen deposition, and microvascular damage. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and free radical cascades contribute to chronic radiation damage, with transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) implicated as a key player in the process of fibrosis. At present, radiation injury is managed medically with conventional wound care with minimal success and limited evidence-based data. Surgical management with local or free flap transfer is often compromised by poor surrounding tissue and recipient vasculature. Experimental treatment models are emerging that target mechanisms of pathogenesis. These modalities include stem cell repletion, antioxidant therapy, TGF-β1 modulation, and implantable biomaterials. Conclusion Pathogenesis of delayed wound healing and fibrosis following radiotherapy is a complex, interdependent process involving cellular depletion, extracellular matrix changes, microvascular damage, and altered pro-inflammatory mediators. Current treatment is limited, and more Level I studies are needed to develop best-practice recommendations. Investigatory treatment options targeting specific mechanisms of injury may offer potential solutions to this significant clinical and surgical problem.
Compositional control of precipitate precursors for lithium-ion battery active materials: role of solution equilibrium and precipitation rate

Multicomponent transition metal oxides are among the most successful lithium-ion battery cathode materials, and many previous reports have described the sensitivity of final electrochemical performance of the active materials to the detailed composition and processing. Coprecipitation of a precursor template is a popular, scalable route to synthesize these transition metal oxide cathode materials because of the homogeneous mixing of the transition metals within the particles, and the morphology control provided by the precursors. However, the deviation of the precursor composition from feed conditions is a challenge that has generally not been reported in previous studies. Using a target final material of the high voltage spinel LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 as an example, we show in this study that the compositional deviation caused by coprecipitation can be significant under certain conditions, impacting the calcined final material structure and electrochemical properties. The study herein provides insights into the role of solution equilibrium and rate of precipitation of the transition metals during precipitate formation on precursor, and thus final active material, composition. Such knowledge is necessary to rationally predict and tune multicomponent battery precursor compositions synthesized via coprecipitation with high levels of accuracy.
Case 6: Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma, Adenosquamous Variant

50-year-old woman presented with history of weight loss and nonspecific abdominal pain over the past several weeks.
Casework in a Coronary Care Unit

Early attention by caseworkers to patients’ psychological reactions and the social implications of coronary disease can be decisive in rehabilitation
Geometric Nonlinear Control

In this chapter, we give the reader a brief introduction to controllability and observability of nonlinear systems. We discuss topics of constructive controllability for nonlinear systems, that is, algorithms for steering the system from a specified initial state to a specified final state. This topic has been very much at the forefront of research in nonlinear systems recently because of the interest in non-holonomic systems. We give a reader of the power of differential geometric methods for nonlinear control when we discuss input-output expansions for nonlinear systems and disturbance decoupling problems using appropriately defined invariant distributions.
MGMT: A Critical DNA Repair Gene Target for Chemotherapy Resistance and for Stem Cell Protection

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses MGMT(O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase), a critical DNA repair gene target for chemotherapy resistance and for stem cell protection. The protein MGMT also known as AGT (O6-alkylguanine transferase), is well known to play a significant role in the direct reversal of DNA damage, O6-alkylguanine, by a dealkylation reaction. There are a number of regulatory elements in the MGMT promoter, and a number of stimuli may increase MGMT expression, such as irradiation, glucocorticoid exposure, and cAMP. The role of MGMT as a DNA repair protein involved in drug resistance and tumorigenesis but does not address ongoing efforts to understand its fundamental role in transcription, DNA damage signaling and, cell cycle checkpoint regulation. The initial perspective that MGMT had a simple function in DNA repair belies its conserved function throughout evolution, and hints that MGMT may be a far more important protein than currently realized.
NMR and Time-Resolved Optical Studies of Brain Imaging

My assignment in this symposium, as I see it, is to bridge the gap between non-invasive “whole body” technologies of NMR and time resolved spectroscopy, to give some perspective of what they do best, and where the future lies for the two technologies. The assignment has been made much more pleasant and less difficult because of the highly significant contributions of a number of my colleagues, particularly on NMR and time resolved spectroscopy, and my report here will emphasize those aspects that link the two technologies which might have been overlooked by my colleagues. Since the symposium focuses on oxygen in tissues, 31P NMR is of greatest interest and its ability to detect tissue oxygen relies upon the general equation for oxidative phosphorylation (Chance, et al., 1985; Chance, et al., 1986): $$ 3ADP + 3P_i + 1/2O_2 + NADH + H^ + - - - - ^E - - - - > 3ATP + NAD^ + + H_2 O $$ (1) in which oxygen is not just one of, but the key participant because its reduction to water gives the driving force for ATP synthesis. In brain, heart, and skeletal muscle (Chance, et al., 1985; Chance, et al., 1986), and more recently in transvected mice, by assuming Michaelis-Menten kinetics for oxidative phosphorylation (Chance and Williams, 1955) the effect of oxygen on the phosphocreatine (PCr)/inorganic phosphate (Pi) ratio is indicated by Eq. 2 Cr-kinase equilibrates a large pool of PCr with a smaller Creatine pool of ATP and permits the determination of ADP itself from the known equilibrium constant of the creatine kinase reaction. However, our interest is in detection of intracellular oxygen.
SUBLIMATION AND VAPOR DEPOSITION

Solid–vapor phase change, including sublimation and vapor deposition, is presented in this chapter. The discussion begins with a brief overview of solid–vapor phase change and proceeds to detailed analyses of sublimation with and without chemical reaction as well as chemical vapor deposition.
Advent of the Bilirubin Structure Proof

In 1837, as Berzelius was completing the majority of his bilirubin studies and the fundamentals of chemistry were being developed, Victoria Regina began her reign as British monarch.
Metformin inhibits mitochondrial adaptations to aerobic exercise training in older adults

Metformin and exercise independently improve insulin sensitivity and decrease the risk of diabetes. Metformin was also recently proposed as a potential therapy to slow aging. However, recent evidence indicates that adding metformin to exercise antagonizes the exercise-induced improvement in insulin sensitivity and cardiorespiratory fitness. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that metformin diminishes the improvement in insulin sensitivity and cardiorespiratory fitness after aerobic exercise training (AET) by inhibiting skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration and protein synthesis in older adults (62 ± 1 years). In a double-blinded fashion, participants were randomized to placebo (n = 26) or metformin (n = 27) treatment during 12 weeks of AET. Independent of treatment, AET decreased fat mass, HbA1c, fasting plasma insulin, 24-hr ambulant mean glucose, and glycemic variability. However, metformin attenuated the increase in whole-body insulin sensitivity and VO2 max after AET. In the metformin group, there was no overall change in whole-body insulin sensitivity after AET due to positive and negative responders. Metformin also abrogated the exercise-mediated increase in skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration. The change in whole-body insulin sensitivity was correlated to the change in mitochondrial respiration. Mitochondrial protein synthesis rates assessed during AET were not different between treatments. The influence of metformin on AET-induced improvements in physiological function was highly variable and associated with the effect of metformin on the mitochondria. These data suggest that prior to prescribing metformin to slow aging, additional studies are needed to understand the mechanisms that elicit positive and negative responses to metformin with and without exercise.
M31 Globular Clusters in the HST Archive: II. Structural Parameters

We analyze the structural parameters of the largest-available sample of spatially resolved extragalactic globular clusters. The images of M31 GCs were found in a search of HST archival data, described in a companion paper. We measure the ellipticities and position angles of the clusters and conclude that the ellipticities are consistent with being caused by rotation. We find that most clusters' surface brightness distributions are well-fit by two-dimensional single-mass Michie-King models. A few clusters show possible power-law distributions characteristic of core-collapse, but the spatial resolution is not high enough to make definitive claims. As has been found for other galaxies, the metal-rich clusters are slightly smaller than the metal-poor clusters. There are strong correlations between structural properties of M31 GCs, as for Milky Way clusters, and the two populations are located close to the same `fundamental plane' in parameter space.
Fetal hemoglobin in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH): evidence for derivation of HbF-containing erythrocytes (F cells) from the PNH clone as well as from normal hemopoietic stem cell lines

The cellular distribution of HbF was studied in nine patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) by measuring the level of HbF and determining the number of HbF-containing red cells (F cells) in whole blood and in the population of normal cells obtained after immune lysis of the abnormal erythrocytes. The amounts of HbF and the F cell frequencies found in the normal red cells were strikingly similar to the values seen in whole blood. The observed frequencies of F cells in normal cells best fitted those expected under the assumption that the F cells arise equally from normal hemopoietic stem cells and from the stem cells with the PNH defect. Since PNH appears to be a clonal hemopoietic stem cell disorder, this evidence argues against a derivation of F cells from distinct pluripotent stem cell lines.
Does Patellofemoral Disease Affect Outcomes in Contemporary Medial Fixed-Bearing Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty?

Abstract Background Pre-existing patellofemoral disease has traditionally been a contraindication to unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), as proposed by Kozinn and Scott. More recently, some propose that patellofemoral disease can be ignored in UKA; however, the supporting research is predominantly in mobile-bearing designs. The study purpose was to evaluate the effect of patellofemoral disease osteoarthritis severity on latest outcomes after fixed-bearing medial UKA. Methods A retrospective review of 147 consecutive medial fixed-bearing UKAs with minimum 1-year follow-up was performed. The medial and lateral patellofemoral compartments were graded according to the Kellgren & Lawrence grading system, Osteoarthritis Research Society International atlas, and intraoperative assessment performed using the Outerbridge classification. Prospectively collected University of California Los Angeles Activity Level, modern Knee Society pain and function scores, and Likert scale satisfaction were correlated with presence and severity of pre-existing patellofemoral disease. Results One hundred forty-three medial UKAs were analyzed with mean age, body mass index, and follow-up of 64.1 years, 30.7 kg/m2, and 24.0 months, respectively. No correlations were observed between patellofemoral disease severity and patient-reported outcome measures at latest follow-up or improvement scores for Kellgren & Lawrence grading system or Osteoarthritis Research Society International atlas (P ≥ .058). Improvement in activity level scores was significantly higher for patients with less patellar and trochlear chondral damage despite not reaching minimal clinically important difference of 2.0 (P ≤ .028). Regardless of patellofemoral disease severity, 93% of UKAs were satisfied or very satisfied. Conclusion Clinical outcomes of fixed-bearing medial UKA were not adversely impacted by intraoperatively visualized or radiographically evaluated patellofemoral disease. Furthermore, long-term follow-up is warranted and caution should be used before considering patellofemoral disease as a contraindication for UKA.
Endonasal Endoscopic Surgery for Pediatric Sellar and Suprasellar Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

ObjectivesThe advent of endonasal endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) has redefined the management of pediatric sellar and suprasellar lesions. To date, the outcomes of these procedures have not b...
The Effects of Lockdown During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Pandemic on Neurotrauma-Related Hospital Admissions.

Background The response to the global severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic culminated in mandatory isolation throughout the world, with nationwide confinement orders issued to decrease viral spread. These drastic measures were successful in “flattening the curve” and maintaining the previous rate of coronavirus disease 2019 infections and deaths. To date, the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on neurotrauma has not been reported. Methods We retrospectively analyzed hospital admissions from Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, during the months of March and April from 2016 to 2020. Specifically, we identified all patients who had cranial neurotrauma consisting of traumatic brain injury and/or skull fractures, as well as spinal neurotrauma consisting of vertebral fractures and/or spinal cord injury. We then performed chart review to determine mechanism of injury and if emergent surgical intervention was required. Results Compared with previous years, we saw a significant decline in the number of neurotraumas during the pandemic, with a 62% decline after the lockdown began. The number of emergent neurotrauma surgical cases also significantly decreased by 84% in the month of April. Interestingly, although the number of vehicular traumas decreased by 77%, there was a significant 100% increase in the number of gunshot wounds. Conclusions Population seclusion had a direct effect on the frequency of neurotrauma, whereas the change in relative proportion of certain mechanisms may be associated with the psychosocial effects of social distancing and quarantine.
Torsades de Pointes During Myringotomy in a Child with Congenital Long QT Syndrome: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an arrhythmogenic heart condition that can be congenital or acquired. Prolonged ventricular repolarizations in individuals with the disorder can cause fatal arrhythmias. Abnormal functioning of cardiac ion channels leads to arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes (TdP) and may be triggered by stress or medications. Many medications used in the perioperative period are triggers for the arrythmia. CASE REPORT A 7-year-old patient with known congenital LQTS type 2 presented for bilateral myringotomy and tube placement. The patient was otherwise healthy and taking propranolol daily. Preoperative midazolam was administered for anxiolysis, and induction of anesthesia was uneventful. He sustained an episode of TdP immediately following general anesthetic induction after failure of an in situ automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD). External defibrillation succeeded, and the patient was stabilized in the Postanesthesia Recovery Unit before transfer to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Interrogation of the AICD revealed several undelivered defibrillation attempts. A chest X-ray showed an area suggestive of an epicardial electrode fracture. The following day, the AICD was replaced with no arrythmias noted. The patient had an uneventful recovery. CONCLUSIONS In patients with a known history of LQTS, preparation and prevention are cornerstones of anesthesia care. Minimizing the use of triggering medications and emotional stress in the perioperative period, combined with ready equipment and medications to respond to arrythmias, are essential. In children, there is a greater chance of lead fracture and resulting device failure. Preoperative history of device function or interrogation of the AICD and possibly a chest X-ray are essential to ensure the integrity of the leads.
Comparison of Machine Learning Performance Using Analytic and Holistic Coding Approaches Across Constructed Response Assessments Aligned to a Science Learning Progression

We systematically compared two coding approaches to generate training datasets for machine learning (ML): (i) a holistic approach based on learning progression levels and (ii) a dichotomous, analytic approach of multiple concepts in student reasoning, deconstructed from holistic rubrics. We evaluated four constructed response assessment items for undergraduate physiology, each targeting five levels of a developing flux learning progression in an ion context. Human-coded datasets were used to train two ML models: (i) an 8-classification algorithm ensemble implemented in the Constructed Response Classifier (CRC), and (ii) a single classification algorithm implemented in LightSide Researcher’s Workbench. Human coding agreement on approximately 700 student responses per item was high for both approaches with Cohen’s kappas ranging from 0.75 to 0.87 on holistic scoring and from 0.78 to 0.89 on analytic composite scoring. ML model performance varied across items and rubric type. For two items, training sets from both coding approaches produced similarly accurate ML models, with differences in Cohen’s kappa between machine and human scores of 0.002 and 0.041. For the other items, ML models trained with analytic coded responses and used for a composite score, achieved better performance as compared to using holistic scores for training, with increases in Cohen’s kappa of 0.043 and 0.117. These items used a more complex scenario involving movement of two ions. It may be that analytic coding is beneficial to unpacking this additional complexity.
Abstract 16738: Association Between First and Second Trimester Maternal Screening Biochemistry, Ultrasound, and Fetal Brain Growth in Presence of Fetal or Maternal Congenital Heart Disease

Introduction: Newer research has highlighted significant neurological impairments in children and adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). The more severe the heart defect, the higher the neurol...
Experiential Learning: A Study of Simulations as a Pedagogical Tool

Experiential learning is an effective way to involve students in learning by doing. By using marketing simulations, a dynamic learning experience is created where students develop rich knowledge an...
1010 – CHRONIC INFLAMMATION AS A DRIVER OF ONCOGENIC SELECTION IN THE BONE MARROW

Myeloid malignancy and CHIP/ARCH are closely associated with chronic inflammation related to aging, disease and tissue decline. This suggests that leukemogenesis occurs via a process of somatic evolution in which inflammatory signals alter the fitness landscape of the bone marrow in a fashion that impairs the relative fitness of HSPC and drives selective expansion of rare HSPC harboring oncogenic mutations. To identify the mechanism(s) underlying this process, we have established models of acute and chronic inflammation in the context of competition between normal HSPC and HSPC deficient in Pu.1 and Cebpa, which are downregulated and/or functionally impaired by a wide range of oncogenic mutations found in CHIP/ARCH and myeloid leukemias. We find that chronic exposure to inflammatory factors such as the cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) activates persistent stress response mechanisms that limit protein synthesis and cell cycle activity in HSPC, thereby promoting HSC quiescence and progenitor cell differentiation. These mechanisms are compromised in Pu.1 and Cebpa-deficient HSPC, thereby endowing these cells with a nascent capacity to selectively expand and outcompete normal HSPC when triggered by inflammation. Collectively, these investigations identify inflammatory signals as a critical initiator of leukemogenesis and provide further rationale for inflammation blockade an efficacious clinical strategy to prevent and/or delay selective expansion of oncomutated HSPC in individuals at risk for hematological malignancy.
Abstract S10-02: Financial hardship and mental health among cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic: An analysis of the U.S. COVID Impact Survey

Background: Cancer survivors often experience financial hardship due to high costs associated with cancer treatment. Our objective was to (1) identify determinants of financial hardship, and to (2) evaluate the impact of financial hardship on mental health symptoms among cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We used nationally representative data from the COVID-19 Household Impact Survey collected at three-time points: April 20-26, May 4-10, and May 30th -June 8th of 2020. Our primary exposure was cancer survivor status, based on participant’s self-report of a cancer diagnosis (n=854, 7.1%). We defined financial hardship using the following question: “Suppose you have an unexpected expense that costs $400. Based on your current financial situation, how would you pay for this expense?” Respondents were categorized as experiencing financial hardship if they chose the following options: I wouldn’t be able to pay for it right now; sell something; use a payday loan, deposit advance, or overdraft; borrow from a friend or family member. Chi-square (χ2) tests were used to compare reported financial hardship among cancer survivors to other U.S. adults. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to identify determinants of financial hardship among cancer survivors. We used multinomial logistic regression to evaluate associations of financial hardship on mental health symptoms of cancer survivors. Results: Eighteen percent of cancer survivors reported experiencing financial hardship. Cancer survivors aged 30-44 (44.8%) and 45-59 years (25.9%) more frequently reported financial hardship compared to adults without cancer (23.4%, 16.7%, respectively, χ2p Citation Format: Jessica Y. Islam, Denise C. Vidot, Marlene Camacho-Rivera. Financial hardship and mental health among cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic: An analysis of the U.S. COVID Impact Survey [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer; 2021 Feb 3-5. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(6_Suppl):Abstract nr S10-02.
Non-HPV-Associated Cervical Neoplasia

Although overwhelming majority of uterine cervical carcinomas are high-risk human papilloma virus (hrHPV)-associated tumors, growing body of literature suggests the existence of a significant percentage of non-HPV cervical adenocarcinomas. This has led to the recent proposal of categorizing cervical adenocarcinomas into hrHPV-associated and hrHPV-nonassociated tumors. Rare examples of non-HPV-associated squamous cell carcinoma are also available in the literature, although that is not the norm. In addition, one should always remember the possibility of metastatic tumors, gestational trophoblastic tumors, and the great mimicker malignant melanoma while evaluating cervical biopsies/resections. Some benign lesions of the cervix can also create diagnostic challenges for practicing pathologists as these are not too frequently encountered in daily practice. This chapter attempts to address some of the questions and scenarios that a practicing pathologist may face in their daily practice.
PD-1 Expressing CD8+CXCR5+ Follicular T Cells Constitute Effector Rather Than Exhaustive Phenotype in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B.

Classical CD8 T cells are implicated for protective and pathogenic roles in chronic hepatitis B(CHB) infection. Recently, a new subset of CD8 T cells expressing CXCR5 and exhibiting features of TFH cells has been identified during chronic viral infections. However, in CHB, their roles have not yet been well defined. We characterized circulating CD8+CXCR5+/- cells and investigated their association with clinical and viral factors. We found that CHB infection did not influence the overall frequencies of CD8+CXCR5+ cells while CD8+CXCR5- cells were increased. However, among CHB, CD8+CXCR5+ cells were higher in patients with low HBsAg and HBV DNA levels, patients who were HBeAg-negative and had high fibrosis scores, and exhibited significant association with HBsAg and HBV DNA reduction. Contrarily, CD8+CXCR5- cells were expanded and positively correlated with patients having high HBsAg, HBV DNA and ALT levels. CD8+CXCR5+ cells express co-stimulatory molecules ICOS, OX40, CD40L, inhibitory molecule PD-1, transcription factors, BCL-2, BCL-6 and STAT3, and are enriched in effector and central memory phenotype. Moreover, these cells are heterogeneous in nature as they constitute different subsets of cytotoxic follicular T cells (TCF) including TCF1, TCF2, TCF17 and TCF22. Despite expressing high PD-1, CD8+CXCR5+ cells are activated, proliferating, secreting more IFN-γ, IL-21 and IL-22, and have better cytolytic potential than CD8+CXCR5- cells, which inhibited post PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. CD8+CXCR5+ cells are efficient in helping B cells in terms of plasmablasts and plasma cell generation. In conclusion, CD8+CXCR5+ cells are enriched in effector phenotypes, produce HBV-specific cytokines despite increased PD-1 and are associated with HBsAg and HBV DNA reduction. These cells competently support B cell function, required for viral clearance, which may serve them as potential therapeutic targets for CHB.
Pair Distribution Function Technique: Principles and Methods

One of the frontiers when studying complex and nanostructured materials is the characterization of structure on the nanoscale. We describe how the atomic pair distribution function analysis of powder diffraction data can be used to this end, and what kind of structural information can be obtained in different situations.
An Improved Upper Bound on the Size of Planar Convex-Hulls

Let C be the convex-hull of a set of points S with integral coordinates in the plane. It is well-known that |C| = cD2/3 for some constant c where D is the diameter of S: i.e. the maximum distance between any pair of points in S. It has been shown that c = 7.559.. for an arbitrary S, and c = 3.496.. in the special case when S is a ball centered at the origin in the plane. In this paper we show that c = 12/3√4π2 = 3.524.. is sufficient for an arbitrary set of lattice points S of diameter D in the plane, and |C| ∼ 12 3√2/(9π2) D2/3 = 3.388..D2/3 is achieved asymptotically. Our proof is based on the construction of a special set in first quadrant, and the analysis of the result involves the calculation of the average order of certain number-theoretical functions associated with the Euler totient function Φ(n).
Singular algebraic curves over finite fields

This paper presents algorithms for the identification and resolution of rational and non-rational singularities (by means of blowings-up) of a projective plane curve C: F(x1, x2, x3)=0 with coefficients in a finite field k. As a result, the genus of the curve is computed. In addition the running time of the algorithms are also analyzed.
Identification of the 5-iodoacetamidofluorescein reporter site on the Na,K-ATPase.

5-Iodoacetamidofluorescein (5-IAF) labels the catalytic (α) subunit of dog kidney Na,K-ATPase without inhibiting enzymatic activity and is thus a useful fluorescent reporter of enzyme conformation under conditions of enzyme turnover. In this study conditions for labeling a unique sulfhydryl group are described, and this residue is identified in the cDNA-derived sequence. Reaction with iodoacetate (IAA) prior to fluorescent labeling lowers the stoichiometry of 5-IAF incorporation from 2.1 to 1.2 mol/mol αβprotomer, and increases the conformationally dependent fluorescence changes by 40–50%, consistent with the elimination of nonspecific labeling. IAA/IAF-enzyme has the same catalytic activity as the IAF-enzyme. In contrast, treatment with iodoacetamide prior to labeling with 5-IAF abolishes all fluorescence responses, although activity is retained. IAA/IAF-enzyme was digested by extensive trypsinolysis, and the fluorescent peptides released from the membrane were purified by high performance liquid chromatography and sequenced. Several fluorescent peptides were found, containing all or part of the sequence Cys-Ile-Glu-Leu-Cys-Cys-Gly-Ser-Val-Lys, corresponding to residues 452–461 in the sheep αsubunit. The major site of modification is the second of the vicinal cysteine residues, Cys-457. Phenylarsine oxide, a reagent specific for vicinal sulfhydryl groups, prevents fluorophore incorporation, thereby confirming the identification of the IAF site from the sequence data.