cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PREVALENCE AND CAUSES OF BLINDNESS IN AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINES

A descriptive epidemiological survey of monocular and binocular blindness in Australian Aborigines was undertaken. A case-control study was also performed using age and sex matched sighted controls to allow investigation of personal and environmental factors which may contribute to blindness. The prevalence rate of binocular blindness in the Australian Aboriginal males and females was 11/1000; and the monocular blindness rates were 24/1000 for males and 18/1000 for females. The prevalence of blindness was strongly age-related; over the age of 60 years, 21.5% of males and 17.5% of females were binocularly blind, and 25.5% of males and 18.5% of females were monocularly blind. Half of the blindness was caused by cataracts, one-third by corneal disease, and one-twelfth by the loss of the globe. Trachoma and trauma were positively associated with blindness. Employment seemed to reduce the likelihood of blindness, with the exception of the Aboriginal males who had been employed as stockmen and who had a high rate of blindness. Less than 10% of blindness was attributable to degenerative or retinal disorders.
Simple Markovian Queueing Systems

Poisson arrivals and exponential service make queueing models Markovian that are easy to analyze and get useable results. Historically, these are also the models used in the early stages of queueing theory to help decision-making in the telephone industry. The underlying Markov process representing the number of customers in such systems is known as a birth and death process, which is widely used in population models. The birth–death terminology is used to represent increase and decrease in the population size. The corresponding events in queueing systems are arrivals and departures. In this chapter we present some of the important models belonging to this class.
Epidemic Assistance by the Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2005–2014

Background Epi-Aids, or epidemiologic assistance investigations, are an important mechanism through which Centers for Disease Control and Prevention supports public health organizations. We described the characteristics of Epi-Aids conducted during 2005-2014 and summarized the publication outcome of Epi-Aid related scientific information products. Methods We performed a descriptive analysis of all Epi-Aids conducted during January 1, 2005-December 31, 2014; investigations were categorized by health topic and geographic distribution. We highlighted investigations of substantial public health importance, e.g., multistate investigations and investigations of epidemics and pandemics. We identified the Epi-Aid publication outcome by searching PubMed for Epi-Aid related publications, which included Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports (MMWRs) and peer-reviewed publications with an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer (EISO) as a coauthor. We calculated publication timeliness and categorized publications by journal impact factor. Results During the study period, 698 EISOs and their collaborators participated in 807 Epi-Aids throughout the United States and globally. Approximately 81 Epi-Aids were conducted annually (range, 62-104); 632 (78.3%) were infectious disease-related; 161 (20.0%) were international, supporting 68 countries. As of June 2015, EISOs, in collaboration with partners, published 131 MMWRs and 280 scientific manuscripts on the basis of the 807 Epi-Aids conducted during the study period; 394 (48.8%) Epi-Aids resulted in publications in 80 peer-reviewed journals. Conclusions EISOs play a critical role in conducting Epi-Aids, which require qualified field epidemiologists who can rapidly respond to requests for assistance during public health emergencies. Publications based on Epi-Aids share new knowledge with the scientific community, furthering progress of public health science and practice.
Isotropic periodic sum for multipole interactions and a vector relation for calculation of the Cartesian multipole tensor.

Isotropic periodic sum (IPS) is a method to calculate long-range interactions based on the homogeneity of simulation systems. By using the isotropic periodic images of a local region to represent remote structures, long-range interactions become a function of the local conformation. This function is called the IPS potential; it folds long-ranged interactions into a short-ranged potential and can be calculated as efficiently as a cutoff method. It has been demonstrated that the IPS method produces consistent simulation results, including free energies, as the particle mesh Ewald (PME) method. By introducing the multipole homogeneous background approximation, this work derives multipole IPS potentials, abbreviated as IPSMm, with m being the maximum order of multipole interactions. To efficiently calculate the multipole interactions in Cartesian space, we propose a vector relation that calculates a multipole tensor as a dot product of a radial potential vector and a directional vector. Using model systems with charges, dipoles, and/or quadrupoles, with and without polarizability, we demonstrate that multipole interactions of order m can be described accurately with the multipole IPS potential of order 2 or m - 1, whichever is higher. Through simulations with the multipole IPS potentials, we examined energetic, structural, and dynamic properties of the model systems and demonstrated that the multipole IPS potentials produce very similar results as PME with a local region radius (cutoff distance) as small as 6 A.
Evaluation of an Automatic Gram-Staining Machine

An automated staining machine—the Microstainer II—was evaluated for its effectiveness in the Gram staining of bacterial cultures. The conventional hand staining procedure was used as a comparison. Microscopic examination of stained slides revealed that both techniques gave correct Gram reaction of the bacterial cultures tested. The Microstainer II has an overall “efficiency factor” of 10 × compared to the conventional method.
Selection Methods and Procedure for Evaluation of LED Roadway Luminaires

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated the existing light emitting diode (LED) roadway luminaires available in the U.S. market for field implementation to displace the high intensity discharge (HID) luminaires. Four methods were proposed for selection of qualified LED luminaires, including, in order, specification evaluation, computer simulation, implementation cost-effectiveness analysis, and field mock-up tests. A total of 148 LED roadway luminaires were collected and evaluated over 28 factors. Those luminaires were tested in computer simulations for optimized roadway layout and preferred lighting performance in compliance with the codes and standards. An approved products list (APL) of 88 luminaires was selected for potential field implementation. A lighting economics calculator was developed for cost-effectiveness analysis on their implementation. Guidance on the field mock-up tests was also proposed. The present study then evaluated the selection methods in an assumed replacement project of 1000 luminaires in ...
Self-Assembly of Hierarchical DNA Nanotube Architectures with Well-Defined Geometries

An essential motif for the assembly of biological materials such as actin at the scale of hundreds of nanometers and beyond is a network of one-dimensional fibers with well-defined geometry. Here, we demonstrate the programmed organization of DNA filaments into micron-scale architectures where component filaments are oriented at preprogrammed angles. We assemble L-, T-, and Y-shaped DNA origami junctions that nucleate two or three micron length DNA nanotubes at high yields. The angles between the nanotubes mirror the angles between the templates on the junctions, demonstrating that nanoscale structures can control precisely how micron-scale architectures form. The ability to precisely program filament orientation could allow the assembly of complex filament architectures in two and three dimensions, including circuit structures, bundles, and extended materials.
Look, listen, and decode: Multimodal speech recognition with images

In this paper, we introduce a multimodal speech recognition scenario, in which an image provides contextual information for a spoken caption to be decoded. We investigate a lattice rescoring algorithm that integrates information from the image at two different points: the image is used to augment the language model with the most likely words, and to rescore the top hypotheses using a word-level RNN. This rescoring mechanism decreases the word error rate by 3 absolute percentage points, compared to a baseline speech recognizer operating with only the speech recording.
Functional dynamics of hippocampal glutamate during associative learning assessed with in vivo 1 H functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

fMRI has provided vibrant characterization of regional and network responses associated with associative learning and memory; however, their relationship to functional neurochemistry is unclear. Here, we introduce a novel application of in vivo proton functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H fMRS) to investigate the dynamics of hippocampal glutamate during paired-associated learning and memory in healthy young adults. We show that the temporal dynamics of glutamate differed significantly during processes of memory consolidation and retrieval. Moreover, learning proficiency was predictive of the temporal dynamics of glutamate such that fast learners were characterized by a significant increase in glutamate levels early in learning, whereas this increase was only observed later in slow learners. The observed functional dynamics of glutamate provides a novel in vivo marker of brain function. Previously demonstrated N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor mediated synaptic plasticity during associative memory formation may be expressed in glutamate dynamics, which the novel application of 1H MRS is sensitive to. The novel application of 1H fMRS can provide highly innovative vistas for characterizing brain function in vivo, with significant implications for studying glutamatergic neurotransmission in health and disorders such as schizophrenia.
The Influence of Digital Interactive Textbook Instruction on Student Learning Preferences, Outcomes, and Motivation

AbstractThis study examined achievement when an interactive textbook (iBook) was used in place of lecture to teach students to create instructional flipcharts for a Promethean interactive whiteboard. The study was conducted with students enrolled in a required technology course for teachers at a large research-intensive university in the southeastern United States. Further, the study examined the iBook group's perceptions of the benefits and challenges of using an interactive text as an educational tool. The results showed a significant difference in the achievement of students who received instruction delivered through the use of the interactive textbook versus those who received lecture instruction. In addition, the participants indicated that the iBook provided a new way of learning, and also motivated them to learn, made learning more exciting, increased their attention toward instruction, was more efficient, and increased their interest in the class. A few students disliked viewing in landscape view ...
Somatic or sympathetic block for reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Which is indicated

Patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (complex regional pain syndromes) are often referred to pain medicine physicians for assistance in providing pain control during rehabilitation of their painful upper extremity. When deciding which pain control technique to use in an individual patient, physicians must consider both somatic and sympathetic blocks. Each of these nerve blocks has advantages and disadvantages that may be tailored to an individual patient's pain state and rehabilitation program to optimize recovery.
Sec Versus Goldman Sachs (a)

In April 2010, the SEC brought fraud charges against Goldman Sachs for its structuring and marketing of Abacus 2007-AC1, a complex mortgage-related security. Less than two years after the onset of the great financial crisis, and in the midst of political posturing to shape agendas for the financial reform, the case discusses the market reaction to the lawsuit and the dilemma facing Lloyd Blankfein, Goldman's CEO. The deal structure is analyzed in detail within the context of the market for mortgage-backed securities. The case can be used in a course on financial market regulation or in a course on financial markets and institutions. Instructors may also assign a technical note "The Financial Regulatory Environment" (UVA-GEM-0103) to give students more background on the U.S. regulatory environment. Excerpt UVA-GEM-0101 Oct. 27, 2010 SEC VERSUS GOLDMAN SACHS (A) The product was new and complex, but the deception and conflicts are old and simple. Goldman wrongly permitted a client that was betting against the mortgage market to heavily influence which mortgage securities to include in an investment portfolio, while telling other investors that the securities were selected by an independent, objective third party. —Robert Khuzami, SEC Director of the Division of Enforcement In other words, the SEC is a dreadful failure in fulfilling its core mission of protecting individual investors, as the Stanford and Madoff cases show. But the SEC is very good at nailing politically correct targets like Goldman years after the fact on charges that have little or nothing to do with the investing public....In the cases of Stanford and Madoff, thousands of small investors lost their life savings. In the case of Goldman, some masters of the financial universe lost money on what they knew was a calculated gamble. Which did more societal harm? . . .
Outsourcing Medical Dataset Analysis: A Possible Solution

We explore the possible ways modern cryptographic methods can be applied to the field of medical data analysis. Current systems require large computational facilities owned by the data owners or excessive trust given to the researchers. We implement one possible solution in which researchers operate directly on homomorphically encrypted data and the data owner decrypts the results. We test our implementation on large datasets and show that it is sufficiently practical that it could be a helpful tool for modern researchers. We also perform a heuristic analysis of the security of our system.
Modes of Mechanical Ventilation

There are approximately 300 names of modes of mechanical ventilation in the world. However, in reality there are not that many modes, these are just names that the manufacturers came up to make their product seem unique. This chapter will help the practitioner recognize what a mode of mechanical ventilation is, what it does, and what to expect from the patient–ventilator interaction.
Organizational Barriers to Diversity in the Workplace

The purpose of this study was to identify, from the perspectives and experiences of 18 professional women and people of color, how park and recreation agencies dealt with diversity issues and progr...
Positive versus Negative Schizophrenia: Criteria and Validation

The distinction between positive and negative symptoms was originally proposed by Hughlings-Jackson, who conceptualized these symptoms in terms of an evolutionary and hierarchical theory of brain structure. Interest in this distinction smoldered quietly for many years, but recently enthusiasm for conceptualizing the psychopathology of schizophrenia in terms of positive and negative symptoms has rekindled vigorously. The reawakening of interest in this distinction has occurred largely because many investigators believe that it may lead to improved methods of classification, assist in predicting response to treatment and outcome, and ultimately improve our understanding of the underlying brain pathology in this illness.
Cybernetics of Mammalian Reproduction

The study of reproduction by basic scientists and clinical scientists encompasses many organs, processes and concepts. One may restrict one’s efforts to the mechanism of action of a single gonadotrophic hormone on a morphological or secretory response of the gonad; one may similarly study the mechanism of action of a single gonadal steroid on accessory sex tissue, or on the nervous system, etc.; one may be concerned with gametogenesis or embryogenesis or placentation; on may examine various neurohumoral aspects of the control of the anterior pituitary by the hypothalamus, etc. Each of these problems, and a virtual infinity of others, can legitimately be called “research in reproductive biology.”
Moral Problems and Ethical Guidance in Prenatal Diagnosis

What are the major problems of moral choice faced by parents and physicians in the practice of prenatal diagnosis and the conduct of research related to it? What resources in the form of ethical guidance are available for these problems? What aspects or consequences of these problems are now or will be the concern of whole societies? What guidance is possible on a societal or an international level? This chapter will discuss these questions from a perspective on ethics best described as a form of rule-utilitarianism. This perspective regards highly the prevailing bodies of ethical guidance for dealing with conflicts of moral choice in the particular society under consideration. However, it places a higher priority on evaluating particular forms of ethical guidance in terms of the consequences of accepting and acting upon them. The evaluation of the consequences is done by applying tests taken from basic ethical principles that enjoy the widest acceptance in the society, across cultural and religious lines.
Conclusions and Future Research

The TREAT algorithm for production system execution draws upon a new source of state information for production system algorithms, conflict-set support. Empirical study of several OPS5 programs has shown that TREAT performs 30 percent to 50 percent less comparisons when searching for variable bindings than the RETE match. The analysis of several TREAT-OPS5 implementations, both sequential and parallel, shows that there is little rule parallelism available in OPS5 programs. The PM-level distribution of rules in a DADO machine is a natural way to organize rule-based systems. Despite the coarse granularity of the rule-level parallelism, a DADO machine may be partitioned accordingly. The subtrees below the PM-level add additional parallelism by permitting the parallel access and parallel matching of the working memory relevant to a particular rule. For the implementation of PM-level distributed production systems, the use of the SIMD metaphor outperforms asynchronous message passing, yet the implementation is simpler. A coarser grain DADO—one built using a smaller number of currently available 32 bit processor chips—would perform comparably with suggested production system machine architecture but would be considerably simpler and less expensive.
Skin conductance, heart rate and aggressive behavior type

Abstract The current study tested the association between physiology and aggressive behavior type in a large sample of University students (N = 509). Measures of aggression were gathered with the Reactive and Proactive Aggression Questionnaire. Analyses used raw aggressive behavior type scores and residualized measures of aggressive behavior type, which account for the overlap between reactive and proactive aggression. Measures of physiology included skin conductance and heart rate, both at rest and in response to a minor social stressor. Analyses assessed the association between aggressive behavior type and measures of physiology in the full sample and in sex specific sub-samples. Results indicated that resting skin conductance was positively associated with proactive aggression in the full sample and among females. Skin conductance in response to stress had a positive association with reactive aggression both in the full sample and among males. Skin conductance responsivity was negatively associated with proactive aggression among males. Findings further strengthen previous work suggesting that the etiologies of reactive and proactive aggression are distinct and may vary across sex.
Indoor Navigation using Text Extraction

In this paper, we explore the possibility of harnessing text extraction to perform localization for a visually impaired grocery shopper to help the shopper navigate through a grocery store. The extraction of environmental text is performed only after more traditional guidance techniques are employed to first bring the user to the text-rich aisles of a grocery store. This idea is built upon the need for both text extraction and localization in a visual assistance pipeline. For instance, typical visual assistance pipelines attempt to solve a number of problems: indoor localization and navigation, classification of an aisle’s products, and potentially contextual information retrieval based on local environmental text (to, say, determine a product’s price). However, prior art does not consider how text might also augment localization. Thus, this paper explores the viability of introducing text into such a seemingly disjoint problem space and ultimately concludes that environmental text extraction can enhance indoor localization by providing course-grained accuracy.
Production of hydrogen by steam oxidation of calcium ferrite reduced with various coals

Abstract Production of H2 by steam oxidation was demonstrated with calcium ferrite (CaFe2O4) after coal gasification to produce CO with several types of coals. All coal types reacted with CaFe2O4 to produce CO. The reduced CaFe2O4 after the reaction with coal can also be oxidized with steam at 800 °C while producing of H2. Sub-bituminous coal and lignite coal had better reactivity with CaFe2O4 than the bituminous coal. A ten-cycle test conducted with Wyodak coal/CaFe2O4 at 800 °C showed stable production of H2 during oxidation with steam. A 25-cycle steam oxidation test conducted after reduction of CaFe2O4 with lignite coal also showed a very stable performance. Steam oxidation is sufficient for maintaining the cyclic reactions. A larger scale (2 kg batch) production of CaFe2O4 by wet granulation-tumbling method was successful. Steam oxidation was demonstrated with the large-scale batch of CaFe2O4 after reduction with Wyodak coal.
Early Onset Primary Adrenal Insufficiency in Males with Adrenoleukodystrophy: Case Series and Literature Review

The lifetime risk for adrenal insufficiency in male children with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is estimated at 80%-86%. Prior to newborn screening, male children with ALD were identified by family history or after symptom development. These young patients with ALD and adrenal insufficiency support newborn screening for ALD.
Supracentrality Analysis of Temporal Networks with Directed Interlayer Coupling

We describe centralities in temporal networks using a supracentrality framework to study centrality trajectories, which characterize how the importances of nodes change in time. We study supracentrality generalizations of eigenvector-based centralities, a family of centrality measures for time-independent networks that includes PageRank, hub and authority scores, and eigenvector centrality. We start with a sequence of adjacency matrices, each of which represents a time layer of a network at a different point or interval of time. Coupling centrality matrices across time layers with weighted interlayer edges yields a supracentrality matrix \(\mathbb {C}(\omega )\), where ω controls the extent to which centrality trajectories change over time. We can flexibly tune the weight and topology of the interlayer coupling to cater to different scientific applications. The entries of the dominant eigenvector of \(\mathbb {C}(\omega )\) represent joint centralities, which simultaneously quantify the importance of every node in every time layer. Inspired by probability theory, we also compute marginal and conditional centralities. We illustrate how to adjust the coupling between time layers to tune the extent to which nodes’ centrality trajectories are influenced by the oldest and newest time layers. We support our findings by analysis in the limits of small and large ω.
3D Printing Super Strong Hydrogel for Artificial Meniscus

3D printing of artificial meniscus affords the great potential to overcome the supply shortage of transplantation; however, inferior mechanical properties pose as a huge roadblock for this potentia...
Traffic Network Equilibrium and the Environment

A traffic network equilibrium model is developed in which the users or travelers on the network are assumed to be multicriteria decision-makers with an explicit environmental criterion. The members of a class of traveler perceive their generalized cost on a route as a weighting of travel time, travel cost, and the emissions generated. The model allows the weights to be not only class-dependent but also link-dependent. The multiclass, multicriteria network equilibrium conditions are shown to satisfy a finite-dimensional variational inequality problem. Qualitative properties of the solution are obtained. A special case of the model is then used to obtain sharper results and to illustrate the relationship between the weights and the attainment of a desired environmental quality standard. An algorithm is proposed for the computation of the equilibrium pattern, along with convergence results, and then applied to solve a numerical example. The multiclass, multicriteria network equilibrium model is the first to incorporate an environmental criterion.
Impact of Patient Census and Admission Mortality on Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Attending Electronic Health Record Activity: A Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND Physicians may spend a significant amount of time using the electronic health record (EHR), but this is understudied in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The objective of this study is to quantify PICU attending physician EHR usage and determine its association with patient census and mortality scores. METHODS During the year 2016, total EHR, chart review, and documentation times of 7 PICU physicians were collected retrospectively utilizing an EHR-embedded time tracking software package. We examined associations between documentation times and patient census and maximum admission mortality scores. Odds ratios (ORs) are reported per 1-unit increase in patient census and mortality scores. RESULTS Overall, total daily EHR usage time (median time [hh:mm] [25th, 75th percentile]) was 2:10 (1:31, 3:08). For all hours (8 a.m.-8 a.m.), no strong association was noted between total EHR time, chart review, and documentation times and patient census, Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 (PIM2), or Pediatric Risk of Mortality 3 (PRISM3) scores. For regular hours (8 a.m.-7 p.m.), no strong association was noted between total EHR, chart review, and documentation times and patient census, PIM2, or PRISM3 scores. When patient census was higher, the odds of EHR after-hour usage (7 p.m.-8 a.m.) was higher (OR 1.262 [1.135, 1.403], p < 0.0001), but there were no increased odds with PIM2 (OR 1.090 [0.956, 1.242], p = 0.20) and PRISM3 (OR 1.010 [0.984, 1.036], p = 0.47) scores. A subset of physicians spent less time performing EHR-related tasks when patient census and admission mortality scores were elevated. CONCLUSION We performed a novel evaluation of physician EHR workflow in our PICU. Our pediatric critical care physicians spend approximately 2 hours (out of an expected 10-hour shift) each service day using the EHR, but there was no strong or consistent association between EHR usage and patient census or mortality scores. Future larger scale studies are needed to ensure validity of these results.
Tumor Responsive and Tunable Polymeric Platform for Optimized Delivery of Paclitaxel to Treat Glioblastoma.

Current interstitial therapies for glioblastoma can overcome the blood–brain barrier but fail to optimally release therapy at a rate that stalls cancer reoccurrence. To address this lapse, acetalat...
Infectious Risks Associated with Biologics Targeting Janus Kinase-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Signaling and Complement Pathway for Inflammatory Diseases

The recognition of the role of complement and Janus kinase (JAK)-dependent cytokines in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and immune-mediated disorders has revolutionized the treatment of a myriad of rheumatological and inflammatory diseases. C5 inhibitors and Janus kinase inhibitors have emerged as attractive therapeutic options. Because of the blockage of immune pathways, these targeted therapies carry an increased risk of infection. This article reviews the mechanism of action and the approved and off-label indications of the agents with most clinical experience within this drug classes. It discusses the associated risks of infection, proposing screening, prevention, and risk mitigation strategies.
Metalloglycosidase Mimics: Oxidative Cleavage of Saccharides Promoted by Multinuclear Copper Complexes under Physiological Conditions.

Degradation of saccharides is relevant to the design of catalytic therapeutics, the production of biofuels, inhibition of biofilms, as well as other applications in chemical biology. Herein, we rep...
Effect of atorvastatin on lipogenic, inflammatory and thrombogenic markers in women with the metabolic syndrome.

Abstract Background and aim Specific drug therapy to target the underlying proinflammatory and prothrombotic state in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) is lacking. We sought to study the effect of high-intensity atorvastatin on markers of lipogenesis, inflammation and thrombogenesis, in women with MS in the absence of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Methods and results This randomized double-blinded controlled trial included 88 women with MS (according to National Cholesterol Education Panel Adult Treatment Panel III criteria) and low atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk. Participants were randomized to receive atorvastatin 80 mg or matching placebo. Thrombogenic, lipogenic and inflammatory markers were collected at the time of enrollment, after a 6-week dietary run-in phase (time of randomization), and at 6- and 12-weeks after randomization. At 6 weeks post-randomization, there was significant reduction in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein-B (Apo-B) and Apo-B/Apo-A1 ratio in the atorvastatin arm compared to placebo. This difference persisted at 12-weeks post randomization. There was no significant difference in fasting blood glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, serum leptin, Apo-A1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and platelet activity. A significant increase in vascular adhesion molecule 1 at 6 and 12 weeks was seen within the atorvastatin arm. No difference was observed in blood pressure and waist circumference. Conclusions In conclusion, high-intensity atorvastatin has an early and significant impact on lipoproteins and apolipoproteins but did not lower inflammatory, thrombogenic or biomarkers of platelet activity and aggregation in women with MS. The use of statins for primary prevention in these patients should be further explored.
Metabolic diagnoses of recurrent stone formers: temporal, geographic and gender differences

Metabolic factors underlying the recent increase in stone prevalence over the past decades are not well understood. Herein, we evaluate temporal, geographic and gender-specific trends in metabolic ...
Profound Treg perturbations correlate with COVID-19 severity

The hallmark of severe COVID-19 disease has been an uncontrolled inflammatory response, resulting from poorly understood immunological dysfunction. We explored the hypothesis that perturbations in FoxP3+ T regulatory cells (Treg), key enforcers of immune homeostasis, contribute to COVID-19 pathology. Cytometric and transcriptomic profiling revealed a distinct Treg phenotype in severe COVID-19 patients, with an increase in both Treg proportions and intracellular levels of the lineage-defining transcription factor FoxP3, which correlated with poor outcomes. Accordingly, these Tregs over-expressed a range of suppressive effectors, but also pro-inflammatory molecules like IL32. Most strikingly, they acquired similarity to tumor-infiltrating Tregs, known to suppress local anti-tumor responses. These traits were most marked in acute patients with severe disease, but persisted somewhat in convalescent patients. These results suggest that Tregs may play nefarious roles in COVID-19, via suppressing anti-viral T cell responses during the severe phase of the disease, and/or via a direct pro-inflammatory role.
Chronic kidney disease stage stratifies short- and long-term outcomes after aortic root replacement.

OBJECTIVES Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is prevalent in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery, and it negatively impacts procedural outcomes; however, its influence on the outcomes of aortic surgery has not been well studied. This study aims to elucidate the importance of CKD on the outcomes of aortic root replacement (ARR). METHODS Patients who underwent ARR between 2005 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed (n = 882). Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria: Group 1 [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, n = 421); Group 2 (eGFR = 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2, n = 424); and Group 3 (eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2, n = 37). To reduce potential confounding, a propensity score matching was also performed between Group 1 and the combined group of Group 2 and Group 3. The primary end point was 10-year survival. Secondary end points were in-hospital mortality and perioperative morbidity. RESULTS Severe CKD patients presented with more advanced overall chronic and acute illnesses. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significant correlation between CKD stage and 10-year survival (log-rank P < 0.001). The number of events for Group 1 was 15, Group 2 was 49 and Group 3 was 11 in 10 years. Group 3 had significantly higher in-hospital mortality (13.5% vs 3.5% in Group 2 vs 0.7% in Group 1, P < 0.001) and stroke (8.1% vs 7.1% vs 1.2%, P < 0.001) as well as introduction to new dialysis (27.0% vs 5.4% vs 1.7%, P < 0.001). eGFR was shown to be an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.96-0.99). Comparison between propensity matched groups showed similar postoperative outcomes, and eGFR was still identified as a predictor of mortality (hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-0.99). CONCLUSIONS Higher stage in CKD negatively impacts the long-term survival in patients who are undergoing ARR.
Pros and Cons of Performing Early Endoscopy in Geriatric Patients Admitted with Non-variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Analysis of the US National Inpatient Database.

Age greater than 65 years is a well-defined risk factor for increased mortality in patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVGIB). Endoscopy is indicated in most patients at any age but presents unique risks in the elderly cohort, and ideal timing is unclear. This study examined the association between outcomes and early (within 24 h) esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) among elderly patients with NVGIB. All patients over age 65 admitted primarily for NVGIB who underwent EGD were included from the National Inpatient Sample 2016–2017. Clinical outcomes stratified by early EGD versus late EGD were compared after adjustment for comorbidities and bleeding severity using inverse probability of treatment weighting with survey-adjusted linear and logistic regression. Out of estimated 625,530 admissions with a primary diagnosis of NVGIB, 120,835 met eligibility criteria; 24,830 underwent early EGD. Mean length of stay and total charges decreased by 1.17 days (95%CI 1.04–1.30, P < 0.001) and $5717.24 (95%CI 4034.57–7399.91, P < 0.001), respectively, in the early EGD group. Early EGD increased the odds ratio of death 1.32 (95%CI 1.06–1.64, P 0.01) and transfer to other hospitals 1.48 (95%CI 1.22–1.81, P < 0.001). No change was seen in the requirement for surgery or angiography. Rates of discharge to a nursing facility or home health were similar. In a comprehensive cohort of geriatric patients with NVGIB, early EGD is associated with decreased hospital stay and charges, but also with increased mortality and inter-hospital transfer. Further research is needed to determine the optimal management of this vulnerable population.
Abstract 329: Targeting an emerging oncogenic biomarker, heparanase

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), major components in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of all tissue types, maintain ECM structural integrity and regulate cellular signaling via binding with ECM components and protein ligands such as growth factors and chemokines. Heparanase, the only known enzyme that can cleave the heparan sulfate (HS) side chains of HSPGs, regulates many cellular processes including ECM remodeling and homeostasis of cell-associated HS, and controls the bioavailability and activity of molecules attached to HS. The expression of heparanase is significantly elevated in almost all cancer types, and increased heparanase activity is mostly linked with increased angiogenesis, metastasis, and shortened post-surgery survival. Our research focuses on the development of molecular tools that can target and visualize the spatiotemporal activities of heparanase in both cells and living organisms. We have applied our molecular probes of heparanase towards cancer diagnostics and drug discovery. Citation Format: Lina Cui. Targeting an emerging oncogenic biomarker, heparanase [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 329.
Sexually dimorphic interplay between anxiety-related phenotype and fear memory extinction

Ability to efficiently extinguish fear memories is critical for individual well-being, and extinction impairments are commonly observed in a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions. Efficient extinction is also a critical component of exposure therapy, the most widely utilized form of treatment for anxiety and trauma/stressor-related disorders. While individual as well as sex-related differences in extinction are recognized, their neurobiological underpinnings remain unclear. To examine neurobehavioral and molecular features that may contribute to the efficacy of fear memory extinction in genetically similar subjects raised in the same conditions, extinction learning was analyzed in the cohorts of inbred wild-type male and female mice. We showed that unlike memory acquisition, anxiety status of the animals appeared to significantly influence extinction. Interestingly, the effect was sex-specific: the level of anxiety-related behavior inversely correlated with extinction efficacy in male mice only. Significant difference in hippocampal expression of anxiolytic Corticotropin Releasing Hormone Receptor 2 (CRHR2) between the male, but not female animals differing in extinction efficacy, suggests that CRHR2 may serve as a key factor underlying sexually dimorphic interplay between anxiety and fear memory extinction. Our results emphasize the need for tailoring treatment strategies for anxiety and fear-related disorders in accordance with the patient sex and identify specific neurobehavioral and molecular features potentially important for such adjustments. Significance StatementFear memory extinction is a gradual diminishment of fear due to the learning that previously fearful context is now safe. Impaired or inefficient extinction has long been associated with anxiety and trauma/stressor-related disorders. Despite strong interest in therapeutic extinction enhancement, the progress has been limited due to insufficient understanding of the mechanisms regulating extinction efficacy and, especially, their sex-related features. This study showed notable sex differences in relation between fear memory extinction and anxiety-related behavior and identified likely molecular underpinnings of such differences. These findings should significantly improve our understanding of neurobehavioral and molecular factors regulating extinction. Furthermore, they could contribute to novel strategies of extinction augmentation and predictive assessments of extinction efficacy in accordance with the subjects sex.
An analytical model for prediction of denudation zone width in laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing

Abstract Accurately modeling the physics of laser-powder interaction is needed for predicting the probabilities of performance-limiting defects in parts additively manufactured using laser powder bed fusion. In this paper, we present an analytical model for rapid prediction of denudation width in laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process. The model is based on the force balance analysis for a powder particle sitting on top of the powder bed. The model relates the laser power and laser scan speed to the vapor jet speed and consequently to the inward entrainment gas velocity. The effects of laser power and laser speed on denudation width are investigated and compared with experimental data. In addition, a criterion for the onset of denudation is presented which accounts for chamber gas, powder particle size and density. The results show that for a given laser power the denudation width increases as the laser speed decreases.
Na-22, Ne-E, extinct radioactive anomalies and unsupported Ar-40

The possibility that the origin of extinct radioactivities depended on their living long enough for grains to form in the expanding nucleosynthetic envelope, rather than on their living long enough for meteorites to form, is examined. As an example, the interpretation of Na-22 as a detectable extinct radioactivity, with a half life of only 2.6 years, is explored and related to Ne-22 occurrence. Similar arguments involving He-4, Ar-40, K-40, K-41, and calcium, titanium, chromium, manganese, iron, nickel, and cobalt isotopes are briefly presented.
Internal Properties of the Scales

A survey of the research literature and observations of infants and children in day-care centers allowed us to construct a measurement instrument, discussed in detail in the last chapter. In this chapter, the administration of these scales to two separate samples, the procedures used in this administration, and the results that led to a revised version of the scales are described. The empirical aspects of the scale construction are presented in order to demonstrate that the scales (1) provide a reasonable means for observing individual differences in infants’ and young children’s emotional behavior in day-care settings; (2) are reliable (that is, different observers can use them and obtain similar results); (3) possess psychometric validity; and (4) generate information about specific emotions rather than general arousal.
Toward the tight bound of the stretch factor of Delaunay triangulations

In this paper, we investigate the tight bound of the stretch factor of the Delaunay triangulation by studying the stretch factor of the chain (Xia 2011). We define a sequence Γ = (Γ1,Γ2,Γ3, . . .) where Γi is the maximum stretch factor of a chain of i circles, and show that Γ is strictly increasing. We then present an improved lower bound of 1.5932 for the stretch factors of the Delaunay triangulation. This bound is derived from a sequence of chains sharing a set of properties. We conjecture that these properties are also shared by a chain with the worst stretch factor.
The discovery and development of atorvastatin, a potent novel hypolipidemic agent.

Abstract The search for potent and efficacious inhibitors of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase (HMGRI) was the focus of considerable research in the 1980s. Building on the discovery of the fungal metabolite-derived inhibitors, mevastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin and simvastatin, a number of totally synthetic inhibitors were discovered and developed. This manuscript describes the discovery and development of one of those synthetic inhibitors, atovastatin calcium, currently marketed in the United States as LIPITOR R . This inhibitor was designed based in part on molecular modeling comparisons of the structures of the fungal metabolites and other synthetically derived inhibitors. In addition to development of the structure-activity relationships which led to atorvastatin calcium, another critical aspect of the development of this area was the parallel improvement in the chemistry required to prepare compounds of the increased synthetic complexity needed to potently inhibit this enzyme. Ultimately, the development of several chiral syntheses of enantiomerically pure atorvastatin calcium was accomplished through a collaborative efTort between discovery and development. The impact of the progress of the required chemistry as well as external factors on internal decision-making with regards to the development of atorvastatin calcium will be discussed.
Hopfield-style neural networks and the TSP

We describe the results of our travelling salesman problem (TSP) neural model, using a linearization of the Hopfield model and an orthogonal projection onto the feasible subspace, including the definition of a region of parameter space that ensures exclusive convergence to tours. Our TSP results are relatively good for up to 30 cities, achieving a large number of optimal tours, but scaling remains a problem. For a particular 100 city problem the results are not very good, giving tours that are 80-90% longer than the optimal tour. We compare the performance of the network to the sequential nearest city algorithm, and provide several ideas for improving the performance of the network, including a divide and conquer approach. The relationship of TSP networks to lateral inhibition networks is also described. >
TH-EF-BRB-08: An Efficient and Continuous Surface Reconstruction Method On Point Cloud Captured by a 3D Surface Imaging System

Purpose: Surface photogrammetry-based systems (e.g., VisionRT, C-Rad) are gaining increasing acceptance for patient localization and motion monitoring in radiotherapy. The purpose of this work is to accurately and efficiently reconstruct a continuous surface from noisy point clouds captured by a VisionRT system with high-speed-image-capture capability. In contrast to the conventional approach of explicit/discrete meshing-type scheme that is often error-prone, our method yields a continuous representation of the underlying patient surface, which is particularly advantageous for subsequent surface registration and motion tracking. Methods: We developed a level-set based surface reconstruction method by optimizing a regularized fitting energy from the noisy point cloud from VisionRT. This approach offers additional robustness to noise and missing measurements caused by view occlusion. We applied an efficient narrowband evolving scheme and significantly reduced the time-complexity by one order of magnitude. Validation was performed on surface data from a lung cancer patient during CT-simulation by comparing the local geometry of our reconstructed surface against that of the skin surface from CT, within comparable ROIs in the chest area based on mean curvature distributions. Results: Our method successfully reconstructed a continuous and smooth surface, with the missing region reasonably filled. We obtained two similar mean curvature distributions from both reconstructed surface and CT surface, with empirical mean and standard deviation of (µ = −2.7E-3mm−1, σ = 7.0E-3mm−1) and (µ = −2.5E-3mm−1, σ = 5.3E-3 mm−1), respectively. The similarity of those two distributions demonstrated the ability of our method in preserving local geometry of the reconstructed surface. Conclusion: We have proposed an efficient and accurate surface reconstruction method on point cloud from VisionRT. The proposed method has generated a continuous representation of the underlying patient surface with good robustness against noise and missing measurement. It serves as an important first step for further development of motion tracking methods during radiotherapy. NIH 5R01CA169102-02