cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A CFD study on improving air flow uniformity in indoor plant factory system

Indoor plant factories are one of the alternative ways to meet the demands of food production for the increased urban dwellers. It enables growers to grow food crops consistently and locally with high quality. In an indoor plant factory, a forced convection based ventilation and circulation system is used to control the growing environment and maintain climate uniformity. Lettuce is a common leafy crop grown in indoor plant factories and an improper design could cause the tip burn of lettuces which usually occurs at inner and newly developing leaves with low transpiration rate due to the existence of a stagnant boundary layer under high transpiration demand. A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed and validated through simulating the growing environment in a single shelf production system. An improved air circulation system was designed and proposed to help providing a dynamic and uniform boundary layer which could help preventing tip burn occurrences in lettuce production. A perforated air tube with three rows of air jets was designed to provide vertical air flow down to the crop canopy surface. Four cases with the perforated air tubes were compared with a control treatment. The results indicated that the case with two perforated air tubes was able to provide an average air velocity of 0.42 m s−1 with a coefficient of variation of 44%, which was recommended as the optimal design of air circulation system among four cases in this study.
Functional and metabolic evidence of enhanced myocardial tolerance to ischemia and reperfusion with adenosine.

An isolated, isovolumetrically contracting rat heart preparation, perfused at constant flow, was used to test the hypothesis that adenosine treatment (100 μM) throughout the experiment could enhance the repletion of adenosine triphosphate and the recovery of ventricular function following 10 minutes of global, normothermic (37° C) ischemia. Left ventricular developed pressure was measured with an intraventricular balloon, and myocardial adenine nucleotides were measured from freeze-clamped tissues in a parallel series of experiments. The adenosine triphosphate level in the adenosine-treated hearts was not different from that of the untreated control hearts at the end of 30 minutes of equilibration but was significantly (p
Architecture of fully occupied GluA2 AMPA receptor - TARP complex elucidated by single particle cryo-electron microscopy

Fast excitatory neurotransmission in the mammalian central nervous system is largely carried out by AMPA-sensitive ionotropic glutamate receptors. Localized within the postsynaptic density of glutamatergic spines, AMPA receptors are composed of heterotetrameric receptor assemblies associated with auxiliary subunits, the most common of which are transmembrane AMPA-receptor regulatory proteins (TARPs). The association of TARPs with AMPA receptors modulates the kinetics of receptor gating and pharmacology, as well as trafficking. Here we report the cryo-EM structure of the homomeric GluA2 AMPA receptor saturated with TARP gamma 2 subunits, showing how the TARPs are arranged with four-fold symmetry around the ion channel domain, making extensive interactions with the M1, M2 and M4 TM helices. Poised like partially opened 'hands' underneath the two-fold symmetric ligand binding domain (LBD) 'clamshells', one pair of TARPs are juxtaposed near the LBD dimer interface, while the other pair are near the LBD dimer-dimer interface. The extracellular 'domains' of TARP are positioned to not only modulate LBD 'clamshell' closure, but also to affect conformational rearrangements of the LBD layer associated with receptor activation and desensitization, while the TARP transmembrane (TM) domains buttress the ion channel pore.
From Gene to Character: The Mode of Gene Action

The descriptive aspects of plant development are covered elsewhere in this series, so this chapter attempts only to present some principles and to establish a way of looking at development as the spinning out of a tapestry whose plan is laid down in the message of the genetic material.
Does Postsecondary Persistence in STEM Vary by Gender

The underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is often explained by women’s greater likelihood to leave STEM at each key juncture from elementary school into the workforce. It is important to examine this more closely and look for points in the pipeline where gender equity exists. This study uses nationally representative data from a recent cohort of college students to investigate thoroughly gender differences in STEM persistence. Results indicate that no significant gender differences in persistence exist. This finding holds among those in computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physical science, and for those in life science. Additionally, the results are unchanged if the sample is limited to degree earners and are robust to the inclusion of individual and institutional variables. Although it is clear that women are less likely to choose certain STEM majors, those who do are no less likely to earn a STEM degree.
Self‐disclosure flexibility, neuroticism, and effective interpersonal communication

This study examines the relationship between disclosure flexibility and a measure of psychological adjustment. In the first phase, a sex adjusted normative profile of appropriate disclosure in 20 social situations was generated based on the responses from a criterion group. Experimental subjects were then divided into high and low flexibility deviation groups across low, medium, and high levels of dispositional disclosure on the basis of how well their patterns of responses to the situations matched the normative profile. Results indicated a significant difference in neuroticism among the medium disclosers: subjects with low deviations from disclosure flexibility norms were significantly less neurotic than those with high deviations. The results are then discussed in terms of disclosure flexibility and the contextual determinants of the appropriateness of self‐disclosure. Disclosure flexibility was hypothesized to be an important mediator in the theoretical curvilinear relationship between self‐disclosure...
The Notion of Progress of an Afghan Woman in Society: Moving Beyond Foreign Aid

The Notion of Progress of an Afghan Woman in Society: Moving Beyond Foreign Aid by Hilda Grigorian MBA, University of La Verne, 2000 BS, University of La Verne, 1995 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Management Walden University June 2016 Abstract Since 2002, foreign aid has been invested to create social change in Afghanistan, but little is known about the impact on women in rural areas. This case study focused on a single Afghan woman in a rural province who received a foreign aid grant for building baking skills and broader economic development of 20 rural women. The theoretical framework was based on Haq and Sen’s development theory. Data were collected through in-depthSince 2002, foreign aid has been invested to create social change in Afghanistan, but little is known about the impact on women in rural areas. This case study focused on a single Afghan woman in a rural province who received a foreign aid grant for building baking skills and broader economic development of 20 rural women. The theoretical framework was based on Haq and Sen’s development theory. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with the key participant, her husband who was identified as the main source of support, and four female beneficiaries. These data were inductively coded and then subjected to thematic analysis. The primary findings of this study was that this foreign aid project succeeded in building skills for involved individuals; though wider spread of foreign aid benefits were limited by what is perceived as an inequitable distribution of assistance to rural areas, as well as Afghanistan’s political, cultural, economic, and security environment. Findings from all participants in this case study (n=6) supported Haq and Sen’s theoretical prediction that given the proper technical resources, an individual is capable of being self-reliant and avoiding poverty. The respondents concluded that short term change is attainable and beneficial, but will not be sustained without long-term cultural change regarding the roles of women and allocation of foreign aid. The social implications of this research may provide opportunities for Afghan community and women councils to conduct training for women with an objective to bring awareness of the importance of their participation in the economy. The findings will be compiled into a concept paper to be submitted to relevant ministries amid formulation of national capacity building policy for women in the rural areas. The Notion of Progress of an Afghan Woman in Society: Moving Beyond Foreign Aid
Dendritic and T Cell Subsets Correlate with the Development and Site of Acute GVHD Following Unrelated Cord Blood Transplantation. A Multivariate Analysis of Host, Graft, and Day+50 Immune Profile.

HLA-mismatched unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation (uUCBT) is a suitable option for those who lack HLA-matched sibling donors. Although UCB T cells mount significantly less cytotoxicity and cytokine response than adult T cells uUCBT can lead to significant aGVHD. We hypothesized that select features of T cell and dendritic cell (DC) reconstitution will correlate with the development of aGVHD. Here we report on 106 prospectively studied pediatric patients, all full donor chimera. Methods: On day +50 we determined by 4-color surface and ic. FACS the reconstitution of T cell subsets, lymphoid, and myeloid DC, and measured their homeostatic proliferation, activation state, and inducible cytokine secretion to correlate with the risk for developing aGVHD. Logistic regression models were created on variables with a univariate P value 1Ag and select patterns of T cell subset and DC reconstitution may identify those at risk for GVHD. UNIVARIATE AND MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF DAY+50 IMMUNE PROFILE AND THE RISK FOR DEVELOPING GRADE II–IV ACUTE GVHD
The Single Wire Ureteral Access Sheath, Both Safe and Economical.

Introduction. Novel disposable products for ureteroscopy are often inherently more expensive than conventional ones. For example, the Cook Flexor© Parallel™ (Flexor) access sheath is designed for ease and efficiency of gaining upper tract access with a solitary wire. We analyze the cost combinations, efficiency, and safety of disposable products utilized for upper tract access, including the Flexor and standard ureteral access sheath. Methods. We performed a retrospective review from January 2014 to October 2014 of patients undergoing URS for nephrolithiasis, who were prestented for various reasons (e.g., infection). Common combinations most utilized at our institution include “Classic,” “Flexor,” and “Standard.” Total costs per technique were calculated. Patient characteristics, operative parameters, and outcomes were compared among the groups. Results. The most commonly used technique involved a standard ureteral sheath and was the most expensive ($294). The second most utilized and least expensive combination involved the Flexor, saving up to $80 per case (27%). All access sheaths were placed successfully and without complications. There were no significant differences in operative time, blood loss, or complications. Conclusions. In prestented patients within this study, the Flexor combination was the most economical. Although the savings appear modest, long-term impact on costs can be substantial.
Time-dependent potential functions to stretch the time distributions of ion pulses ejected from EBIST

Electron beam ion sources and traps (EBIST) produce and trap highly charged atomic ions with an electron beam of high current density. The ions are confined in the radial space-charge potential of the electron beam and a long square-shaped axial electrostatic potential well. An important field of application of EBIST is charge breeding of highly charged ions at radioactive ion beam facilities. There, highly charged radioactive isotopes are accelerated by particle accelerators for experiments in nuclear astrophysics and to study the structure of unstable nuclei. The width in time of the ion pulses ejected from EBIST can often contain too many ions for nuclear physics detection systems to efficiently detect all single radioactive isotopes or related events. Neglecting the influence of ion–ion collisions on the extraction rate, this publication derives, for different initial thermal energy distributions of the trapped ions, the time-dependent trap-opening functions to stretch the time distribution of ion pul...
Fundamental Linkages Between Activity Time Use and Subjective Well-Being for the Elderly Population: Joint Exploratory Analysis Framework for In-Home and Out-of-Home Activities

For elderly people (those 65 years of age or older), transportation mobility is critical to meeting activity engagement needs and maintaining life satisfaction and well-being. This paper explores the underlying correlation structure between activity time-use patterns and the degree of episode well-being (or happiness) of the elderly population. The research presented here was based on data from the 2009 Disability and Use of Time survey, which included senior couples with an average age of 68 years. The survey also recorded reported levels of episode well-being indicators related to calmness, happiness, frustration, worrying, tiredness, sadness, pleasantness, and pain. The latent class cluster analysis framework was used with the scores on these indicators to construct a composite degree of activity satisfaction experienced by an individual. These well-being measures estimated a set of regression models that jointly analyzed episode duration and satisfaction separately for in-home and out-of-home activiti...
Drug Resistance and the Tumor Suppressor p53: The Paradox of Wild-Type Genotype in Chemorefractory Cancers

The tumor suppressor p53 has a central role in drug-induced cell death. Its mutation in about 50% of all cancers is a source of drug resistance from the loss in apoptotic signaling, but loss of apoptosis is also found in many resistant tumors that retain wild-type p53 and this represents a paradox. Indeed, resistance seems to be substantially greater with wild-type p53 present as compared to mutant p53. From the perspective of response and survival in cancer patients, responses are observed independent of p53 gene status, but the 5-year survival rate is significantly greater when wild-type p53 is present. This indicates that an effort to increase the response rate in cancers having the wild-type p53 should translate into an increase in the survival rate. To accomplish this goal, an understanding of the mechanisms contributing to resistance in wild-type p53 cancers becomes important. These mechanisms are multifactorial and include loss in DNA damage recognition, alterations in post-translational modification of p53, failure to activate p53 due to target gene silencing, and failure to transrepress antiapoptotic genes.
A Metaphysical Hypothesis

T HE general objective of this paper is to state an hypothesis. This necessitates defining three particular words. The first word is science, meaning that type of mental activity which satisfies the following two conditions: (1) there must be orderly or systematic thinking and (2) there must be a definite subject-matter. The second word is presupposition, referring to the context in which a true or false proposition is stated. Presupposing is assuming (consciously or unconsciously) conditions necessary if the desired result is to be derived. An absolute presupposition is never subject to the question of truth or falsity as is a proposition. Science uses presuppositions as a basis for the derivation of logical effects and power to produce these logical effects does not depend upon the verifiability of the presuppositions. The third word is metaphysics, meaning here the discipline which concerns itself with the presuppositions underlying science. Metaphysics is an historical science in that its subject matter is the absolute presuppositions that have been made on certain past occasions.' Specifically the objective of this paper is to state a metaphysical hypothesis concerning the presuppositions of agricultural economics. It will be an historical statement of absolute presuppositions which have been and/or are being used by the "students" of agricultural economics. This hypothesis, just as any other, must meet the criterion of testability, i.e., it must be possible to specify the methods that one could use in substantiating or refuting the hypothesis. Verification of the hypothesis has important implications for the methods of research used in agricultural economics. A reference to social sciences is justified since agricultural economics is only one specific application of social science. As a dialectic example of the exposure of a presupposition, suppose for a moment that we were to confront an agricultural economist with the
Discovery of a Benzamide Derivative That Protects Pancreatic β-Cells against Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated pancreatic insulin-producing β-cell dysfunction and death are critical elements in the onset and progression of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Here, through cell-based high throughput screening we identified benzamide derivatives as a novel class of β-cell protective agents against ER stress-induced dysfunction and death. Through structure–activity relationship optimization, a 3-(N-piperidinyl)methylbenzamide derivative 13d markedly protects β-cells against ER stress-induced dysfunction and death with near 100% maximum rescue activity and an EC50 of 0.032 μM. Compound 13d alleviates ER stress in β-cells by suppressing ER stress-mediated activation of all three branches of unfolded protein response (UPR) and apoptotic genes. Finally, we show that 13d significantly lowers blood glucose levels and increases concomitant β-cell survival and number in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model. Identification of β-cell-protective small molecules against ER stress ...
Stable Green Perovskite Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers on Rigid and Flexible Substrates

Solution processed thin film organo-metal halide perovskites are gaining attention as attractive material prospects for low cost visible and near-infrared lasers while benefiting from recent large investments in photovoltaics of this micro/nanocrystalline material class. A number of reports have demonstrated optically pumped laser action in various optical resonator configurations at comparative low thresholds that might ultimately be compatible with corresponding injection currents required for junction lasers. One major question, however, is the inherent material robustness and stability of the perovskites under what are much higher optical and electronic excitation conditions than encountered in photovoltaics, yet typical in the technologically mature epitaxially grown III–V compound semiconductor lasers. Here we assess CH(NH2)2PbBr3 (FAPbBr3) solid thin films embedded within two sputtered planar dielectric HfO2/SiO2 distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) in green perovskite vertical-cavity surface-emitti...
Propensity for cis-Proline Formation in Unfolded Proteins

In unfolded proteins, peptide bonds involving Pro residues exist in equilibrium between the minor cis and major trans conformations. Folded proteins predominantly contain trans-Pro bonds, and slow cis-trans Pro isomerization in the unfolded state is often found to be a rate-limiting step in protein folding. Moreover, kinases and phosphatases that act upon Ser/Thr-Pro motifs exhibit preferential recognition of either the cis- or trans-Pro conformer. Here, NMR spectra obtained at both atmospheric and high pressures indicate that the population of cis-Pro falls well below previous estimates, an effect attributed to the use of short peptides with charged termini in most prior model studies. For the intrinsically disordered protein α-synuclein, cis-Pro populations at all of its five X-Pro bonds are less than 5 %, with only modest ionic strength dependence and no detectable effect of the previously demonstrated interaction between the N- and C-terminal halves of the protein. Comparison to small peptides with the same amino-acid sequence indicates that peptides, particularly those with unblocked, oppositely charged amino and carboxyl end groups, strongly overestimate the amount of cis-Pro.
Substance use patterns and in-hospital care of adolescents and young adults attending music concerts.

Few studies describe medical complaints and substance use patterns related to attending music concerts. As such, the objective of this study is to describe patient demographics, substance use and intoxication patterns, and medical interventions provided to adolescents and young adults assessed in an emergency department (ED) for complaints directly related to concert attendance. A retrospective chart review of patients 13–30 years old who were transported to the ED directly from music concerts between January 2011 and December 2015 was conducted. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze patient demographic, intervention, and substance use data. There were 115 concerts identified, of which 48 (42%) were linked to 142 relevant ED visits; the total number of attendees at each concert is unknown. The mean age of the 142 described patients was 19.5 years (SD 3.3) with 72% < 21 and 33% < 18; 71% of patients were female and 96% of visits were substance-use related. Mean blood alcohol level was 242 mg/dL (range 104–412, SD 70). Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores ranged from 3 to 15, with a mean of 14. Two patients required intubation and 61% of patients received interventions, including medications (47%), intravenous fluids (46%), specialty consultation (20%), restraints (14%), imaging (6%), and laceration repair (3%). Attendance at pop and electronic dance music concerts was associated with the widest ranges of GCS scores (8–15 and 6–14 respectively), mass casualty incident declarations, and among the highest mean blood alcohol levels (246 and 244 mg/dL, respectively). Substance use is the predominant reason for music concert related ED visits and patients may have serious levels of intoxication, receiving multiple medical interventions. These data demonstrate the need for additional large-scale studies to confirm trends and increase awareness of this important public health problem.
71 – Endovascular Research: Stents

The need to perform vessel reconstruction without disruption of tissue planes has led to a variety of innovative alternatives to conventional open surgical bypass procedures. The biological reaction to endoprosthesis is a phenomenon that occurs when host tissue responds to the presence of foreign material. The characteristics of endoprosthetic biomaterials determine the nature and extent of immediate and long-term responses. In stents, a thin layer of metal oxide, which varies depending on the composition of the material and industrial processing used in the surface finishing, provides the ultimate interface between the stent and host tissue. Examples of such materials are evident in the Palmaz stent and Z stent, and in numerous inferior vena cava filters, which are composed of stainless steel; nitinol is used in Wallstents and Mediloy is used in the Medivent stent. As technology improves, so must the necessary standardization of research techniques used to evaluate biocompatibility, tissue reaction, and patency following the procedure. Any new clinical intervention must first be thoroughly investigated at the laboratory level. Flow models may be employed to examine the feasibility of a new technique, followed by animal models to assess safety and clinical trials to help evaluate the efficacy for widespread use.
THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN RELATION TO THE CHANGING IMAGE OF MAN

ABSTRACT The meaning of the quality of life is discussed in relation to the image of man which undergoes changes with cultural evolution. The mechanism of cultural change is explained in terms of a system of five postulates which together specify how the human mind interacts with the environment. The human mind, which initiates human actions based on models of reality, is subjected to the feedback from the environment as these actions are embedded in reality space. This constant process of interaction between the human mind and the environment explains why and how cultural change takes place, including the rise and fall of a Weltanschaunung. The image of man changes with cultural change because this same process of interaction forces the human mind to constantly cultivate new ways of employing information. A theory of cultural change thus developed is applied to interpret the evolution of Western culture under the influence of the Newtonian view of the world. An increasing attention now being given to the quality of life is interpreted in terms of the quantity-quality transformation of human action in this culture which has led to the emergence of a new organic view of the world.
Real-Time Automated Evaluation of COLREGS-Constrained Interactions Between Autonomous Surface Vessels and Human Operated Vessels in Collaborative Human-Machine Partnering Missions

This paper explores an extension of the real-time evaluation of COLREGS-based collision avoidance interactions between autonomous surface vessels and human-operated surface vessels. Our previous work developed the algorithms that evaluate and quantify a ship's compliance with the collision regulations, safety, and mission efficiencies with respect to the overall goal(s). Our previous work is extended in this paper by establishing a light-weight program to assign penalties to offenders of safety or protocol violations during human-machine collaborative on-water interactions. Vessels interacting in this DARPA-sponsored Aquaticus mission are grouped into teams consisting of both human and robot counterparts. These teams play a “capture the flag” like game while being required to obey the maritime collision avoidance regulations. This paper is a first step in the field toward evaluating collision avoidance rules in the context of a human or robotic vehicle cheating the COLREGS against its opponent to gain a mission advantage. The problem is representative of interactions likely seen on the open ocean using a combination of autonomous and human-operated multi-vehicle collision avoidance interactions to larger scale maritime vessel traffic interactions operating under COLREGS protocol constraints. The vessels deploy in a distributed collaborative pattern to compete against the opposing team. Upon detection of a violation, the offending vessel(s) are required to complete their penalty actions prior to being allowed to proceed in their mission goal. Human offenders are able to be linked to haptic devices that give real-time feedback using vibrations or similar queuing.
Dedicated Energy Crop Supply Chain and Associated Feedstock Transportation Emissions: A Case Study of Tennessee

and Bradly Wilson This study minimizes total cost for single-feedstock supply chains of two dedicated energy crops, perennial switchgrass and biomass sorghum, in Tennessee using a spatial optimization model. Greenhouse gas emissions from the transport of feedstock to the conversion facility were estimated for respective feedstock supply chains. Results show that different demand for land types from two feedstocks and the geographically diverse landscape across the state affect the economics of bioenergy crops supply chains and feedstock transportation emissions. Switchgrass is more suitable than biomass sorghum for biofuel production in Tennessee based on the supply chains cost and feedstock hauling emissions.
Safety and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) in metastatic renal cell cancer (RCC) and urothelial cancer (UC) patients (pts) with pre-existing autoimmune disorders (AD).

653Background: The pivotal clinical trials of CPI generally excluded pts with AD given concern for serious exacerbations. There is limited data on the safety and efficacy of CPI in this population....
Parental and peer social support is associated with healthier physical activity behaviors in adolescents: a cross-sectional analysis of Texas School Physical Activity and Nutrition (TX SPAN) data.

Parental and peer support can influence children’s physical activity; however, these associations have not been fully examined in a multi-ethnic population across early and late adolescence. The objective of this study was to examine associations between perceived parental/peer social support, perceived parental disapproval for not exercising, and physical activity/screen time behaviors among a multi-ethnic sample of adolescents. The Texas School Physical Activity and Nutrition (TX SPAN) survey is a cross-sectional statewide probability-based survey, used to assess obesity-related behaviors such as diet and physical activity. The SPAN 2009–2011 study measured 8th and 11th grade students using a self-report questionnaire with established psychometric properties, along with objectively measured height and weight. Associations were examined using multiple logistic and linear regression. For every 1-point increase in parental physical activity support, adolescents had 1.14 higher odds of engaging in five or more days of moderate physical activity per week (p < 0.001), and 1.12 higher odds of engaging in three or more days of vigorous physical activity per week (p < 0.001). For every 1-point increase in peer physical activity support, adolescents had 1.17 higher odds of engaging in five or more days of moderate physical activity per week (p < 0.001), and 1.15 higher odds of engaging in three or more days of vigorous physical activity per week (p < 0.001). Parental and peer social support is associated with positive physical activity behaviors in adolescents. Strategies to focus on parent and peer support should be integral to intervention programs designed to increase physical activity in adolescents in middle and high schools.
CHA2DS2-VASc score predicts 30-day readmission due to thromboembolic complications following cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: insights from US National Readmissions Database.

Determine whether the CHA2DS2-VASc score predicts rates of hospitalization associated with thromboembolic complications (TEC) in the 30, 60, and 90 days following cardioversion (CV) for atrial fibrillation (AF). The 2014 National Readmissions Database was analyzed to identify readmissions following the index hospitalization for AF and CV. A CHA2DS2-VASc score was calculated for each patient from diagnosis codes associated with the index admission. The primary outcome was the incidence of readmission due to TEC in the 30, 60, and 90 days after CV stratified by CHA2DS2-VASc scores ≤ 1, 2–3, and ≥ 4; the secondary outcome was specific clinical risk factors independently associated with TEC within 30 days of CV. A total of 109,420 weighted index admissions for AF and CV were identified in between January 1, 2014, and November 30, 2014. Of these, 16,535 (15.1%) had a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0–1, 39,544 (36.1%) had a score of 2–3, and 53,340 (48.8%) had a score of ≥ 4. Readmission due to TEC occurred in 48 (0.29%), 167 (0.42%), and 394 (0.74%) patients with CHA2DS2-VASc scores ≤ 1, 2–3, and ≥ 4, respectively, in the 90-day period after CV. The only significant predictor for 30-day TEC-associated readmission after CV was age > 65 years old. This study demonstrated the utility of CHA2DS2-VASc score in predicting TEC-associated readmission rate following CV and the temporal relationship of TEC to CV. Patients > 65 years old without other comorbidities may benefit from 30-day OAC following successful CV irrespective of the duration of AF episodes.
Health-Related Quality of Life Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults: The Burden of Health Disparities in 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Data

Abstract Purpose: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures assess the burdens imposed by mental and physical health problems. We studied whether HRQoL disparities existed among lesbian, gay,...
Defective Responses of Uremic Platelets in ADP-Induced Platelet Aggregation.

Nitrogenous uremic products in the blood have been considered responsible for uremia-related platelet dysfunction. Recent studies suggest uremic platelets are defective in thromboxane A2 metabolism, independent of plasma factors. In order to gain a better view on platelet dysfunction in uremia, we generated an animal model in rat by ligating bilaterally kidney hilar structure offset with a capillary tube (16- to 18-gauge) with a success rate of 72.2%. The resulted experimental uremic rats display elevated serum BUN and creatinine levels (112.7 ± 67.29 mg/dL, n =14, and 3.27 ± 0.95 mg/dL, n =14, respectively) on Day 7 after kidney ligation, compared to those sham operated controls (BUN: 16.7 ± 5.77 mg/dL, n =14, creatinine: 0.65 ± 0.33 mg/dL, n =14). Pathological examination of kidney sections from ligated rats reveals distended renal pelvis and dilated distal tubules with limited ischemic changes of tubular wall cells, consistent with hydronephrotic features. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR of whole kidney mRNA shows dramatic increase of kidney-injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) and reduced aquaporin-2 (Aqp2) message levels, indicating renal injuries by obstruction. Functions of uremic platelets were analyzed by an optical platelet aggregometer using separated platelets supplemented with control or uremic plasma after washing, in response to various concentrations of ADP. Uremic platelets in their homogeneous plasma (Platelet Uremic /Plasma Uremic ) demonstrated reduced aggregation in all ADP concentrations tested, with significant reductions at 5 and 10 uM of ADP (45.8 ± 11.9%, n =12, and 48.7 ± 12.0 %, n =12, respectively), compared to those of control platelets in control plasma (Platelet Control /Plasma Control , 56.6 ± 10.1%, n =12, and 60.8 ± 7.9%, n =12, respectively). In plasma-exchanged aggregation studies, heterogeneous uremic or control plasma were used to resuspend control or uremic platelets. When control platelets supplemented with uremic plasma (Platelet Control /Plasma Uremic ) and induced to aggregate with ADP, percentage aggregation achieved were reduced significantly at low concentrations of ADP (2.5 and 1.25 uM) to levels of 35.5 ± 13.9%, n =12, and 19.3 ± 16.9%, n =12, respectively, suggesting suppressing effects of uremic plasma on platelet aggregation. When platelets from uremic rats were tested in control plasma (Platelet Uremic /Plasma Control ), aggregation was also decreased significantly at lower ADP concentration (1.25uM), to 18.7 ± 12.2%, n =12, compared with that of Platelet Control /Plasma Control (34.7 ± 14.4%, n =12), revealing a hindered response of uremic platelets when activated by lower concentrations of exogenous ADP. Since our data from RT-PCR of platelet-derived total RNA did not support any reductions in the expression levels of platelet ADP receptor P2Y12 in uremic rats, the above response pattern of uremic platelets may suggest a decreased ADP storage or release during activation and warrant further investigations.
Identification of the first noncompetitive SARM1 inhibitors

Sterile Alpha and Toll Interleukin Receptor Motif-containing protein 1 (SARM1) is a key therapeutic target for diseases that exhibit Wallerian-like degeneration; Wallerian degeneration is characterized by degeneration of the axon distal to the site of injury. These diseases include traumatic brain injury, peripheral neuropathy, and neurodegenerative diseases. SARM1 promotes neurodegeneration by catalyzing the hydrolysis of NAD+ to form a mixture of ADPR and cADPR. Notably, SARM1 knockdown prevents degeneration, indicating that SARM1 inhibitors will likely be efficacious in treating these diseases. Consistent with this hypothesis is the observation that NAD+ supplementation is axoprotective. To identify compounds that block the NAD+ hydrolase activity of SARM1, we developed and performed a high-throughput screen (HTS). This HTS assay exploits an NAD+ analog, etheno-NAD+ (ENAD) that fluoresces upon cleavage of the nicotinamide moiety. From this screen, we identified berberine chloride and zinc chloride as the first noncompetitive inhibitors of SARM1. Though modest in potency, the noncompetitive mode of inhibition, suggests the presence of an allosteric binding pocket on SARM1 that can be targeted for future therapeutic development. Additionally, zinc inhibition and site-directed mutagenesis reveals that cysteines 629 and 635 are critical for SARM1 catalysis, highlighting these sites for the design of inhibitors targeting SARM1.
Post-renal transplant malignancies: Opportunities for prevention and early screening.

Abstract Goal of the review While transplant recipients are aware of increased malignancy risk, there is little consensus on the preventative measures. The goal of this review is to bring available preventative measures to light and prompt more research to be done with ultimate goal of developing an individualized prevention plan for each patient based on risk factors and available screening tools. Introduction Transplant surgery offers patients with end-stage renal disease a longer life expectancy with help of immunosuppressive therapies. Nonetheless, life-long immunosuppression comes at a cost of post-renal transplant malignancies, which have become the leading cause of morbidity in this patient group. Discussion Post-renal transplant cancers can develop through either de novo, by donor-related transmission, or recurrence of recipient's pre-transplant cancer. While immunosuppressive therapy is considered to be the leading cause, weakened immunosurveillance of neoplastic cells and inadequate immune response against oncogenic viruses also plays an important role. The most common cancers seen in renal transplant patients are skin cancers and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Risk factors for skin cancers have are ultraviolet light, human papilloma virus infection, and use of cyclosporin and azathioprine. Numerous viral infections have been associated with transplant-related malignancies post-transplant. Conclusion While lowering of immunosuppressive therapy remains the treatment of choice, it may lead to graft failure. Given some of the presented malignancies have modifiable risk factors and options for screening, clinical outcomes can be improved. Limiting skin exposure, dermatologic screening, and prophylactic retinoids can help lower the incidence rate of skin malignancy. Endoscopic screening for renal transplant patients can help identify gastric adenocarcinoma early and improve survival rates. Some of the post-transplant malignancies have been responsive to anti-viral treatment.
PROTRIP: Probabilistic Risk-Aware Optimal Transit Planner

Optimal routing in urban transit networks, where variable congestion levels often lead to stochastic travel times, is usually studied with the least expected travel time (LET) as the performance criteria under the assumption of travel time independence on different road segments. However, a LET path might be subjected to high variability of travel time and therefore might not be desirable to transit users seeking a predictable arrival time. Further, there exists a spatial correlation in urban travel times due to the cascading effect of congestion across the road network. In this work, we propose a methodology and a tool that, given an origin-destination pair, a travel time budget, and a measure of the passenger’s tolerance for uncertainty, provide the optimal online route choice in a transit network by balancing the objectives of maximizing on-time arrival probability and minimizing expected travel time. Our framework takes into account the correlation between travel time of different edges along a route and updates downstream distributions by taking advantage of upstream real-time information. We demonstrate the utility and performance of our algorithm with the help of realistic numerical experiments conducted on a fixed-route bus system that serves the residents of the Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area.
High-Entropy Ultra-High-Temperature Borides and Carbides: A New Class of Materials for Extreme Environments

Herein, we critically evaluate computational and experimental studies in the emerging field of high-entropy ultra-high-temperature ceramics. High-entropy ultra-high-temperature ceramics are candida...
Basics of Western Blotting

Every cell contains several proteins. How do we identify every protein in the cell? This question vexed many scientists until the introduction of the procedure known as protein blotting or Western blotting. Cells obtained from tissues or cells grown outside the human body in a plastic flask are first busted to release its contents. The cell contents, which include a mixture of proteins, are first separated from each other according to the protein’s size on a gel using a procedure called gel electrophoresis. The usefulness of the high separating power of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was limited because the gel matrix’s separated proteins were difficult to access with antibodies or other probes. Also, the gel is fragile and can be easily broken when handled. Therefore, there was a need to transfer the gel’s proteins to more stable support that could be accessed easily with antibodies. This is where the procedure of western protein became a powerful and important procedure for studying proteins following electrophoresis, particularly proteins that are of low abundance. The transfer produced a replica of the protein pattern in the gel to membrane support. This allowed analysis of specific proteins on the membrane using antibodies in a procedure called immunoblotting. Since the inception of this protocol in 1979, protein blotting has evolved greatly. The scientific community is now confronted with a variety of ways and means to carry out this transfer.
Parenting, Studying and Working at Home in a Foreign Country: How International Student Mothers in the US Use Screen Media For and With Their Young Children: Parenting, Studying and Working at Home in a Foreign Country

The struggle to thrive as a productive student researcher, an attentive parent, and a caring partner can be difficult, particularly for international student parents who are far from home and also possibly burdened with complex cultural expectations, interpersonal dynamics, and institutional biases. Using uses and gratifications theory as a framing mechanism, we describe interviews with twelve international student mothers in the United States who are primary caregivers of children between six months to five years old, focusing on the context of their use of screen media content and devices, the gratifications they seek from their children's use of screen media devices, and the differences in their perceptions about the use of screen media as an educated, non-US parent. Our findings give an initial account of the role of screen based technology in their domestic life with young children, and the limitations of their technological experience. We present four opportunities for designing for this population including technologies for positive distraction, interactive language aids, playful acquaintance tools, and anonymous peer networks for parent support. We conclude by formulating future promising avenues of research in this design space.
Deletion of two genes improves heterologous secretion of fungal lignin-degrading heme peroxidases in S. cerevisiae

Efficient, large-scale heterologous production of enzymes is a crucial component of the biomass valorization industry. Whereas cellulose utilization has been successful in applications such as bioethanol, its counterpart lignin remains significantly underutilized despite being an abundant potential source of aromatic commodity chemicals. Fungal lignin-degrading heme peroxidases are thought to be the major agents responsible for lignin depolymerization in nature, but their large-scale production remains inaccessible due to the genetic intractability of basidiomycete fungi and the challenges in the heterologous production of these enzymes. In this study, we employ a strain engineering approach based on functional genomics to identify mutants of the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae with enhanced heterologous production of lignin-degrading heme peroxidases. We show that our screening method coupling an activity-based readout with fluorescence-assisted cell sorting enables identification of two single null mutants of S. cerevisiae, pmt2 and cyt2, with up to 11-fold improved secretion of a versatile peroxidase from the lignin-degrading fungus Pleurotus eryngii. We demonstrate that the double deletion strain pmt2cyt2 displays positive epistasis, improving and even enabling production of members from all three classes of lignin-degrading fungal peroxidases. We anticipate that these mutant strains will be broadly applicable for improved heterologous production of this biotechnologically important class of enzymes.
A Dual Method for Constructing Multi-material Solids from Ray-Reps

A ray-rep is an approximation of a solid using a grid of parallel rays; intervals along the ray denote various materials comprising the solid. Ray-reps have a variety of applications in computer graphics and mechanical engineering. Given a ray-rep, this paper focuses on the problem of generating a single polygonal mesh that bounds the materials forming the solid. Most investigations of this problem has focused on the two-material case. These primal methods typically build an approximating volume by connecting intersection points on the ray-rep to form curves and surfaces. In this paper, we describe a new, more flexible method that constructs polygonal approximations using a dual method. In the two-material case with normal data, this dual method typically produces better approximations than existing primal methods. In contrast to existing methods, our dual method also generalizes to three or more materials and produces reasonable polygonal approximations from ray-reps.
Functional Neurosurgery with MR-Guided HIFU

Transcranial magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound (TcMRgFUS) has recently entered clinical trials for functional neurosurgery. This novel methodology is noninvasive and does not use radioactivity or ionizing radiation. TcMRgFUS integrates advanced MR image acquisition modes for precise anatomical information, local temperature maps, and tissue stiffness, with complex computer-controlled large phased array ultrasound transducers. It provides treatment monitoring and closed-loop therapy control by precisely focusing ultrasound energy to a desired target deep inside the brain while leaving collateral structures unaltered. As a noninvasive alternative to traditional neurosurgery, TcMRgFUS has the potential of treating a variety of chronic therapy-resistant neurological diseases, such as neuropathic pain, movement disorders, tinnitus, and epilepsy, which makes it certainly attractive.
Autistic Behaviors Among Girls with Fragile X Syndrome

Reports of autistic behaviors were examined for 30 school-age girls with fragile X (fraX) and 31 age- and IQ-matched controls through a structured interview administered to each girl's parent(s). IQ scores were obtained for each participant; anxiety, neuroanatomical, and molecular-genetic data were derived for girls with fraX. Girls with fraX had significantly more autistic behaviors than controls. These behaviors were qualitatively similar to those reported for boys with fraX, but were not correlated with IQ. Anxiety in girls with fraX was positively correlated with abnormal social and communication behaviors; posterior cerebellar vermis area was negatively correlated with measures of communication and stereotypic/restricted behaviors. Severity of stereotypic/restricted behaviors was negatively correlated with the prevalence of active non-fraX chromosomes. Thus anxiety and posterior cerebellar area measures had distinct associations with subsets of autistic behaviors; these associations may have important implications for understanding the neurobiology of autism.