About

Richard Weiss is a Professor Emeritus at UCLA in the Department of History. His current research interests include the study of the influence of Alfred Adler in the United States and the experience of migration in American history. He earned his Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1966 and is a graduate of the Southern California Psychoanalytic Institute, completed in 1997. Weiss has contributed to the understanding of American cultural and social history through his publications, including 'The American Myth of Success: From Horatio Alger to Norman Vincent Peale' and co-editing 'The Great Fear: Race in the Mind of America.' His work also includes articles on racism during the era of industrialization and ethnicity and reform during the Depression years.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Pediatrics
• Gerontology
• Internal medicine
• Emergency medicine
• Developmental psychology
• Demography

Selected publications

• Endovascular management of femoral artery duplication with a proposed anatomical classification

  Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy · 2026-04-04

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Dysregulated Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Metabolism Is Associated With Right Ventricular Maladaptation in Pulmonary Vascular Disease

  Journal of the American Heart Association · 2025-05-22 · 7 citations

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) maladaptation to elevated pulmonary afterload is the primary determinant of outcomes in pulmonary artery (PA) hypertension; however, the pathobiological mechanisms underlying RV decompensation remain poorly understood. METHODS: We performed global untargeted metabolomics on plasma from 55 patients who underwent gold-standard RV-PA coupling measurements using multibeat pressure volume loop assessment in a single-center cohort and from 1027 patients with coupling surrogate measurements in a larger multicenter cohort, the PVDOMICS (Pulmonary Vascular Disease Phenomics) study. Age and sex-adjusted linear regression was performed to identify associations between metabolites and coupling metrics. Additionally, we performed a metabolic flux analysis using gene expression data from RV tissue in an independent cohort of 32 patients. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis was used to identify metabolites and reactions characteristic of the decompensated RV. RESULTS: RV-PA coupling was negatively associated with tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediate levels. Specifically, plasma α-ketoglutarate and fumarate were significantly associated with all coupling metrics in both cohorts. Metabolic flux analysis indicated that decompensated RVs exhibited aberrant TCA cycle activity, including reduced acetyl coenzyme A entry and increased lactate elimination, suggesting a shift from the TCA cycle toward glycolysis at the RV tissue level. CONCLUSIONS: We identify an association between circulating TCA cycle intermediate levels and RV-PA uncoupling in 2 independent cohorts, and dysregulated TCA cycle metabolism in decompensated PA hypertension RVs, suggesting that aberrant TCA cycle metabolism could represent a hallmark of RV maladaptation in PA hypertension. Further study of this pathway is warranted to develop novel biomarkers of RV function or RV-targeted therapies.

  PublisherDOI

• A Bayesian Hierarchical Longitudinal Model for Estimation of Central Visual Field Rates of Change in Glaucoma

  Translational Vision Science & Technology · 2025-09-16

  articleOpen access

  Purpose: Individual visual field (VF) sensitivities become unreliable at threshold sensitivities of 19 dB or less, limiting glaucoma monitoring. We evaluated longitudinal variability of central 10° VF measurements based on baseline sensitivity using a Bayesian hierarchical model. Methods: We included 124 glaucoma patients (124 eyes) with central or moderate-to-advanced VF damage, more than 2 years follow-up, and more than 4 central 10-2 VF tests. A Bayesian linear model estimated pointwise change rates, compared with simple linear regression (SLR). Simulations modeled average (-0.21 dB/year) and benchmark (-0.5 dB/year) slopes with residual standard deviations (SD) of 2, 4, 7, or 10 dB. Outcomes included pointwise residual SDs and proportions of significant slopes in cohort and simulations. Results: The average baseline 10-2 VF mean deviation, follow-up time, and median VF tests were 8.4 ± 5.4 dB, 4.6 ± 0.8 years, and 9 VF tests (range, 4-12 VF tests), respectively. The mean global slopes for Bayesian and SLR models were -0.21 and -0.36 dB/year. Residual SDs were markedly higher when baseline threshold sensitivities was 5 to 20 dB compared with 25 dB or greater. The Bayesian model identified more significant negative slopes, particularly at points with residual SD of less than 4 dB, relative to SLR. Conclusions: When baseline pointwise sensitivity is 5 to 20 dB, residual variability is very large, substantially reducing the ability to detect glaucoma progression. Translational Relevance: Visual field locations with sensitivity near or less than 20 dB demonstrate markedly greater variability over time; thus, excluding these points from visual field algorithms or analytical models could improve efficiency in detecting perimetric progression.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Association of Blood Pressure and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Rates of Thinning in Patients with Moderate to Advanced Glaucoma

  Ophthalmology Glaucoma · 2025-01-05 · 3 citations

  articleOpen access

  PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of baseline blood pressure (BP) on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) rates of change (RoCs) in glaucoma patients with central damage or moderate to severe disease. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred ten eyes with ≥ 4 RNFL OCT scans and ≥ 2 years of follow-up. METHODS: Global RNFL RoCs were modeled with a Bayesian hierarchical model with subject- and sector-level random effects. Influence of baseline systolic and diastolic BP measures and their interactions with intraocular pressure (IOP) on global RNFL RoCs was investigated in prognostic models adjusting for relevant baseline demographic and clinical measures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Magnitude and direction of coefficients for BP, IOP, and their interaction for prediction of global RNFL RoCs. One-sided Bayesian P values denote posterior probability that a regression coefficient is greater than or less than zero, with P < 0.025 or P > 0.975 defining significance. RESULTS: Average (standard deviation) 24-2 visual field mean deviation (MD) at baseline, follow-up time, and number of OCT scans were -8.8 (6.0) dB, 4.3 (0.5) years, and 8.3 (1.4), respectively. In multivariable analyses, female sex, Hispanic ethnicity (vs. White ethnicity), better baseline 24-2 MD, higher contrast sensitivity at 12 cycles per degree, presence of diabetes, and thicker central cornea predicted faster RNFL thinning. Adjusted for covariates, lower diastolic BP combined with higher IOP predicted faster RNFL RoCs. Parallel multivariable models incorporating systolic BP showed similar effects. Among various BP/IOP combinations, eyes with IOP at the 90th percentile and diastolic (systolic) BP at 10th percentile demonstrated the fastest RNFL thinning rates (-0.554 and -0.539 μm/year). CONCLUSIONS: Low BP and higher IOP at baseline predicted faster (worse) RNFL RoCs in glaucoma patients with central damage or moderate to advanced disease. Although there may be potential benefits to BP management in glaucoma patients, the therapeutic value of BP manipulation in glaucoma patients is yet to be established given the proven benefits of tight BP control in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

  PublisherDOI

• Molecular insights into treatment-resistant erectile dysfunction: staining patterns of human corpora cavernosa—a preliminary study

  Translational Andrology and Urology · 2025-11-01

  articleOpen access

  Background: Patients with end-stage erectile dysfunction (ED) who fail to respond to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors lack well-defined molecular targets for new pharmacologic therapies. To identify common expression patterns of key biomarkers in corpora cavernosa tissue from men undergoing penile prosthesis placement, thereby informing future drug development for treatment-resistant ED. Methods: Formalin-fixed corpora cavernosa specimens were collected intraoperatively from 14 men receiving penile prostheses for ED. Sections were immunohistochemically stained for Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK1/ROCK2), CD31 (endothelial marker), smooth muscle actin (SMA), and lysyl oxidase (LOX1). Staining intensity was graded under light microscopy on a 0 to +4 scale: 0 (negative), +1 (weak/mild), +2 (moderate), +3 (strong), and +4 (intense). Baseline demographics and comorbidities were recorded. Results: Older age, longer ED duration, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease were associated with higher ROCK1/2 expression. SMA staining was elevated in hypertensive patients and those with prolonged ED. Both current and former smokers showed increased CD31 expression, while LOX1 levels were highest in subjects with coronary artery disease. Across all samples, mean scores for ROCK1/2 and SMA exceeded those for CD31 and LOX1. Conclusions: This preliminary analysis reveals differential expression of four biomarkers in treatment-resistant ED associated with specific comorbidities. ROCK1/2- and SMA-driven pathways may represent promising targets for new ED therapies.

  PublisherDOI

• Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Rates of Change

  Ophthalmology Glaucoma · 2025-03-04 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  PURPOSE: To compare retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness rates of change and their variability between 2 commercial OCT devices. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-four glaucoma eyes (94 patients) with central damage or moderate to advanced glaucoma with ≥ 2 years of follow-up and ≥ 4 pairs of OCT scans. METHODS: A bivariate longitudinal Bayesian model was designed to compare inferences on RNFL rates of change from the 2 devices, both globally and in 12 clock hour sectors. Optic nerve OCT scans were acquired with Spectralis and Cirrus OCT devices in the same session. We inspected longitudinal RNFL profile plots from both OCT devices for all subjects across all sectors and globally. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The rates of change, longitudinal variances, and proportions of significant negative and positive slopes (slope < 0 or > 0 μm/year and 1-sided P < 0.025, respectively) were compared between the devices. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) baseline 24-2 visual field mean deviation and median (range) follow-up time were -8.2 (5.5) dB and 4.5 (2.2-6.7) years, respectively. The mean (95% credible interval [CrI]) estimated global baseline RNFL thickness for Spectralis and Cirrus OCTs were 61.5 (58.6-64.1) and 65.3 (63.2-67.4) μm, respectively. The global RNFL rates of change for Spectralis and Cirrus OCTs were -0.70 μm/year (95% CrI = -0.88 to -0.51 μm/year) and -0.45 μm/year (95% confidence interval = -0.63 to -0.27 μm/year) and were significantly faster for Spectralis compared to Cirrus OCT (difference = -0.24 μm/year, 95% CrI -0.45 to -0.04 μm/year, P < 0.001) as were sectoral rates in 5 out of 12 sectors. Higher proportions of significant negative RNFL rates of change were found with Spectralis OCT globally and in clock hour sectors 2 to 6 and 8 to 10 (corresponding to nasal, inferonasal, inferotemporal, and temporal regions). The proportions of significant positive rates of change were small (0%-3%) across sectors and similar between the devices. CONCLUSIONS: Spectralis OCT rates of RNFL change were faster compared to those from Cirrus OCT. Spectralis OCT detected a higher proportion of significant negative rates globally and in some sectors. OCT devices are not comparable regarding detection of change in eyes with central damage or moderate to advanced glaucoma. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

  PublisherDOI

• Factors Associated With Short Term Outcomes After Pyeloplasty in the Pediatric Population

  Urology · 2025-02-17 · 1 citations

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Drivers of kelp forest refugia during successive disturbance events

  Journal of Ecology · 2025-06-13 · 4 citations

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Increased ocean temperatures have led to large‐scale declines in many ecologically important species, including kelp forests. Spatial heterogeneity across seascapes could protect kelp individuals and small populations from thermal stress and nutrient limitation. Habitat features within upwelling regions may facilitate the transport of deep, cold water into shallow systems, but little is known about the spatiotemporal occurrence or stability of these climate refugia. Kelp in climate refugia may, however, also experience other stressors, such as overgrazing by kelp herbivores, reducing their effectiveness. Here, we use high‐resolution kelp canopy maps generated from CubeSat constellation data to characterize kelp persistence in northern California following a dramatic decline in kelp abundance due to increased temperature and nutrient limitation during a severe marine heatwave and continued intense grazing pressure by purple sea urchins. Kelp persistence was associated with local areas of relatively cool water temperature and seascape features such as shallow depths and low‐complexity bathymetry, which may have provided refuge from overgrazing. However, a very small percentage of kelp forests in the region exhibited high persistence, with many forests present in only one or two of the 9 years studied. Most kelp patches were not spatially stable over time. Initially, kelp presence aligned with climate refugia, but as overgrazing emerged as the dominant driver of kelp distributions post‐2019, kelp shifted to areas that offered protection from grazing pressure. Synthesis . Cooler areas with localized upwelling acted as climate refugia during the increased ocean temperatures from the 2014–2016 marine heatwave, supporting nutrient‐rich environments and mitigating heat stress for kelp forests. However, these temperature refugia often did not spatially overlap with areas providing protection from grazing pressure, leaving kelp forests vulnerable to future warming even within temperature refugia if grazing pressure remains high.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Comparative Effectiveness of Long-Acting Lipoglycopeptides vs Standard-of-Care Antibiotics in Serious Bacterial Infections

  JAMA Network Open · 2025-05-21 · 6 citations

  articleOpen access

  Importance: Serious bacterial infections such as bacteremia, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and septic arthritis typically require prolonged intravenous antibiotics. Long-acting lipoglycopeptides (laLGPs), such as dalbavancin and oritavancin, offer extended treatment intervals for gram-positive infections that may benefit populations with barriers to traditional treatment, including persons who use drugs (PWUD individuals). Objective: To assess the effectiveness of laLGPs in managing serious bacterial infections in both PWUD and non-PWUD populations compared with standard-of-care (SOC) antibiotics. Design, Setting, and Participants: This comparative effectiveness study using a target trial emulation framework included data extracted from the US Cerner Real World Data platform. Individuals hospitalized and discharged for serious bacterial infections between October 1, 2015, and October 1, 2022, were included in the analysis. Data were analyzed from July 7, 2023, to February 28, 2025. Intervention: Receipt of an laLGP (dalbavancin or oritavancin) vs SOC antibiotics. Main Outcome and Measures: The primary outcome measure was a composite of readmission, emergency department visit, and inpatient death or discharge to hospice within 90 days post discharge from the index admission. Analyses were stratified by PWUD and non-PWUD status. Clone censor weighting was used to emulate a per-protocol analysis. Hazard ratios (HR) of time to the composite event and 95% CIs were calculated using bootstrapping. Results: Among 42 067 included individuals, median age was 61 (IQR, 47-73) years, 24 704 were male (58.7%), and 5047 (12.0%) were classified as PWUD. laLGPs were prescribed in 825 individuals (2.0%). There was no statistically significant difference in the composite outcome between the laLGP and SOC groups in both the PWUD (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.88-1.13) and non-PWUD (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.86-1.00) participants. Conclusions and Relevance: In this study of laLGPs vs SOC, findings suggested that laLGPs were effective as step-down treatment of serious gram-positive bacterial infections, offering comparable outcomes to those of SOC antibiotics in PWUD and non-PWUD individuals. Clinicians may consider laLGPs as alternative step-down options to SOC antibiotics for the treatment of serious gram-positive bacterial infections.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• (190) Molecular Insights Into Treatment-Resistant Erectile Dysfunction: Staining Patterns of Human Corpora Cavernosa

  The Journal of Sexual Medicine · 2025-11-01

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition that affects millions of men globally and significantly impairs quality of life. Although PDE5 inhibitors have revolutionized the management of ED, they fail to produce effective results in 30–35% of patients and do not address the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. The RhoA/Rho-kinase (ROCK) pathway plays a key role in maintaining penile flaccidity. Lysyl oxidase (LOX1), a protein associated with oxidative stress and fibrosis, correlates with BMI. CD31, a marker of vascular endothelium, serves as a useful indicator for quantifying microvascular density. Alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), a mediator of fibrogenesis, is a well-documented contributor to structural changes in ED. Objective This study aims to identify common expression patterns of potential therapeutic targets-ROCK1/2, LOX1, CD31, and α-SMA in patients with end-stage erectile dysfunction (ED) undergoing penile prosthesis placement. The goal is to aid in establishing future pharmacologic targets for ED in patients unresponsive to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor therapy. Methods Formalin-fixed human corpora cavernosa specimens from 14 patients with ED undergoing penile prosthesis placement were collected during surgery. These specimens were stained to detect expression of biomarkers, including rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK1/ROCK2), CD31 (endothelial cell marker), smooth muscle actin (SMA), and lysyl oxidase (LOX1), using specific antibodies. The intensity of immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was assessed under light microscopy and scored on a multi-point scale: +1 (weak/mild), +2 (moderate), +3 (strong), +4 (intense), or 0 (negative). Results Baseline characteristics were collected for all patients. Findings indicate that older patients with a longer duration of erectile dysfunction, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease exhibited increased expression of ROCK 1/2. SMA expression was elevated in patients with hypertension and long-standing ED. Both current and former smokers showed increased CD31 expression, while patients with coronary artery disease had elevated LOX1 expression. Overall, ROCK and SMA expression levels were higher across all tissue samples compared to CD31 and LOX1. Conclusions In this preliminary study, we showcase varying expression of 4 biomarkers based on different comorbidities that can be pharmacologic targets for erectile dysfunction. Disclosure No

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Recent grants

• NIH Grant T32AI007370

  NIH · $4.5M · 2016

• NIH Grant R29GM050011

  NIH · $501k · 1999

Frequent coauthors

• Pamina M. Gorbach

  University of California, Los Angeles

  37 shared

• Eduardo Perelstein

  Cornell University

  36 shared

• D A Faherty

  La Roche College

  36 shared

• L. Weiss

  Cornell University

  36 shared

• A. Constantinescu

  36 shared

• Isabel Roberti

  36 shared

• Erica Christen

  Feinstein Institute for Medical Research

  36 shared

• Howard Trachtman

  Michigan United

  36 shared

Education

• Ph.D., Statistics

  University of Minnesota Twin Cities

  1989

• M.S., Statistics

  University of Minnesota Twin Cities

  1987

• B.Math, Mathematics

  University of Minnesota Twin Cities

  1984