cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improved diagnostics through quantitative ultrasound imaging

Conventional B-mode imaging in ultrasound consists of displaying the log-compressed envelope of the backscattered signal. While clinical ultrasonic B-mode images have good spatial resolution, i.e., better than a millimeter, the contrast resolution of ultrasonic B-mode images is typically low. However, additional information is contained in the ultrasonic backscattered signal, which can be used to create images related to tissue microstructure. Because diagnosis of disease is typically based on histological examination of tissue microstructure, the ability to quantify and describe tissue microstructure through ultrasound may result in improved diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound. Tissue-mimicking phantoms and animal models of breast cancer were used to assess the ability of novel ultrasonic imaging techniques to quantify microstructure. Four parameters were extracted from the ultrasonic backscattered signal and related to the microstructure. The effective scatterer diameter (ESD) and the effective acoustic concentration (EAC) parameters were based on modeling the frequency dependence of the backscatter. The k parameter (which quantifies the periodicity of scatterer locations) and the μ parameter (which estimates the number of scatterers per resolution cell) were based on modeling the statistics of the backscattered envelope. Images constructed with these parameters resulted in an increase in contrast between diseased tissue and normal tissues but at the expense of spatial resolution. Specifically, in simulation, quantitative ultrasound (QUS) increased the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between targets and background by more than 10 times in some cases. Statistically significant differences were observed between three kinds of tumors using the ESD, EAC, and k parameters. QUS imaging was also improved with the addition of coded excitation. A novel coded excitation technique was used that improved the variance of estimates over conventional pulsing methods, e.g, the variance of ESD estimates were reduced by a factor of up to 10.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN TRACE ELEMENT NUTRITURE AND PROGRESSION OF HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS INFECTION

Immune function is highly dependent on nutritional status, since its large mass and high rate of cellular turnover make the immune system a major user of nutrients. Furthermore, there is enhanced nutrient utilization during acute and chronic infections, including HIV-1 infection. Glutathione (GSH), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and choline are among the nutrients required to support cellular immune function; we have found reduced intra and/or extracellular concentrations of GSH, Mg, and choline in patients with HIV-1 infection in a prior study (Skurnick et al., 1996). The current study assessed relationships among HIV-1 progression and several nutritional/biochemical variables including three essential elements—magnesium, copper and zinc.
The modification of secondary high molecular weight guayule rubber with metachloroperoxybenzoic acid

The epoxidation of secondary high molecular weight guayule rubber has been accomplished. The reaction is performed using metachloroperoxybenzoic acid as the epoxidation agent in various stoichiometric ratios including 5, 10, 20, and 50 mol %. The products were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, 1H- and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), differential scanning calorimetry, and elemental analysis. 1H-NMR is used quantitatively to calculate epoxidation levels that are compared to stoichiometry. DSC results record a linear relationship between percent epoxidation and Tg. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cutting Edge: The G-U Mismatch Glycosylase Methyl-CpG Binding Domain 4 Is Dispensable for Somatic Hypermutation and Class Switch Recombination

Affinity maturation of the humoral response is accomplished by somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination (CSR) of Ig genes. Activation-induced cytidine deaminase likely initiates these processes by deamination of cytidines in the V and switch regions of Ig genes. This activity is expected to produce G-U mismatches that can be substrates for MutS homolog 2/MutS homolog 6 heterodimers and for uracil DNA glycosylase. However, G-T and G-U mismatches are also substrates of the methyl-CpG binding domain 4 (Mbd4) glycosylase. To determine whether Mbd4 functions downstream of activation-induced cytidine deaminase activity, we examined somatic hypermutation and CSR in Mbd4−/− mice. In this study, we report that CSR, as analyzed by an in vitro switch assay and by in vivo immunizations, is unaffected in Mbd4−/− mice. In addition, the hypermutated JH2 to JH4 region in Peyer’s patch B cells showed no effects as a result of Mbd4 deficiency. These data indicate that the Mbd4 glycosylase does not significantly contribute to mechanisms of Ab diversification.
CENSUSING BOBCATS USING REMOTE CAMERAS

We estimated bobcat (Lynx rufus) density for 3 different locations in northern California using active infrared-triggered cameras. Using differences in pelage pattern as well as other physical characteristics, we identified individual bobcats from photographs, and used mark-recapture techniques to estimate population density. Camera density affected the precision of population estimates. The same population was estimated using camera densities of 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 cameras ⋅ km-2. Higher camera densities resulted in more captures and recaptures of bobcats and, conse- quently, in more precise density estimates. Similarly, the number of photo-captures and recaptures increased with increasing study duration. Increasing the area sampled resulted in the capture of more individuals but did not increase the percentage of recaptures. While some locations captured multiple bobcat photographs (e.g., 15 at 1 station), these photos tended to be recaptures of the same individual. There were no more than 2 individuals photo-captured at any 1 camera location. Bobcat density varied among habitat types as predicted. We estimated density as 0.27 bobcats ⋅ km-2 (s = 0.16) overall in an area in the northern Sacramento River Valley and as 0.35 bobcats ⋅ km-2 (s = 0.56) in a steep and rocky canyon within the area. At a 3rd site in the Coast Range, the estimate was 0.39 bobcats ⋅ km-2 (s = 1.44). Bobcats were more diurnal where human activity was less common. In addition, photo-capture was significantly higher along roads and trails without an attractant than it was off-trail with an attractant.
Defending Against Malicious USB Firmware with GoodUSB

USB attacks are becoming more sophisticated. Rather than using USB devices solely as a delivery mechanism for host-side exploits, attackers are targeting the USB stack itself, embedding malicious code in device firmware to covertly request additional USB interfaces, providing unacknowledged and malicious functionality that lies outside the apparent purpose of the device. This allows for attacks such as BadUSB, where a USB storage device with malicious firmware is capable of covertly acting as a keyboard as well, allowing it to inject malicious scripts into the host machine. We observe that the root cause of such attacks is that the USB Stack exposes a set of unrestricted device privileges and note that the most reliable information about a device's capabilities comes from the end user's expectation of the device's functionality. We design and implement GoodUSB, a mediation architecture for the Linux USB Stack. We defend against BadUSB attacks by enforcing permissions based on user expectations of device functionality. GoodUSB includes a security image component to simplify use, and a honeypot mechanism for observing suspicious USB activities. GoodUSB introduces only 5.2% performance overhead compared to the unmodified Linux USB subsystem. It is an important step forward in defending against USB attacks and towards allowing the safe deployment of USB devices in the enterprise.
Approaches to Interactive Visualization of Large-scale Dynamic Astrophysical Environments

Dynamic astrophysical data require visualization methods that handle dozens of orders of magnitude in space and time. Continuous navigation across large scale ranges presents problems that challenge conventional methods of direct model representation and graphics rendering. In addition, the frequent need to accommodate multiple scales of time evolution, both across multiple spatial scales and within single spatial display scales, compounds the problem because direct time evolution methods may also prove inadequate.
Teaching Advanced Genetics Without Lectures

In an effort to increase student engagement and therefore student learning, an advanced genetics course was developed in which traditional lectures were eliminated. Instead, students were required to complete reading assignments before each class meeting, and those readings were then the topic of group discussion. Assigned readings alternated between text assignments and articles from the primary literature. Students were made accountable for their own preparation by the administration of a quiz at the start of each class. Group discussion of the topics engaged students in the learning process and readministration of the quiz at the end of class allowed them to benefit from the group interaction and understanding. Interspersing text readings and primary literature led to student understanding of how genetic knowledge is acquired and interpreted and how experimental detail leads to the construction of general models.
Tips and tricks for ORIF of displaced femoral neck fractures in the young adult patient

Femoral neck fractures in the young adult are a less common, but potentially functionally significant injury commonly occurring after high-energy trauma. The management goals of these injuries are the maintenance of a native hip joint absent avascular necrosis and nonunion. The primary determinant to this end is an anatomic reduction in displaced fractures with stable fixation. In this paper, the authors provide a set of technical tips and tricks to aid orthopedic surgeons in the surgical management of these injuries while reviewing the most recent literature available to inform clinical decision making. The paper includes the recommendations of the authors from the Denver Health Orthopaedic Trauma Service.
Application Research of Oil Palm (Elaies guineensis Jacq.) Wastes to Raw Materials for Pulp and Paper Industry and its Background in Malaysia

Malaysia enjoys an international reputation of rapid expansion with its oil palm (Elaies guineensis Jacq.) industry, reaching 1.36 million hectare of oil palm planted area in 1984 and is now attaching great importance to R & D on economical utilization of oil palm wastes.It is because palm oil occupies only about 17 wt% of overall biomass produced by the plant. The wastes consist of palm trunks, fronds, empty fruit bunches, press fruit fibers, shells and palni oil mill, effluent. Among them the first three by-products are considered to be the most promising starting materials for pulp and paper industry because of their easy collection, nonseasonal availability and sources for comparatively good fibers. The successful history and oil palm industry in Malaysia and the botany of the palm as well as the, research activity of Palm Oil Research Institute of Malaysia were also reviewed.
Renal Cell Cancer Invading the Inferior Vena Cava: Clinical Review and Anatomical Approach

AbstractRenal cell carcinoma invades the inferior vena cava in approximately 5 per cent of the patients. The only effective therapy for intravascular renal cell carcinoma is radical nephrectomy and complete removal of the tumor thrombus. To formulate a reasonable operative approach to intracaval renal cell carcinoma we have reviewed our experience with 6 cases as well as the experience of other investigators. In addition, we studied the collateral circulation of the renal veins as described by various anatomists, and to this information we have added our experience with inferior venacavography and with intraoperative and autopsy dissections. Herein we describe a new preoperative staging system for intravascular renal cell carcinoma. The operative approach to each stage is discussed in detail and beneficial intraoperative maneuvers are described and illustrated.
Force Fields for Carbohydrate–Divalent Cation Interactions

We report molecular dynamics simulations to study intermolecular interactions for carbohydrate-divalent cation complexes. We observed that common force fields from literature with standard Lorentz–Berthelot combining rules are unable to reproduce the experimental stability constants for model carbohydrate monomer (α-d-Allopyranose) and alkali earth metal cation (Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, or Ba2+) complexes. A modified combining rule with rescaled effective cross-interaction radius between cations and the hydroxyl oxygens on the carbohydrates was introduced to reproduce the experimental stability constants, which the preferential carbohydrate-cation complexing structures through the ax-eq-ax sequence of O-1, O-2, and O-3 on α-d-Allopyranose were also observed. The effective radius scaling factor obtained from (α-d-Allopyranose)–Ca2+ complexes was directly transferrable to the similar six-membered ring (α-d-Ribopyranose)–Ca2+ complexes; however, reparameterization for the scaling factor may be necessary for the fiv...
Biosocial responses to seasonal food stress in highland Peru.

This paper examines patterns of seasonal variation in food consumption and responses to food stress in the highland community of Nunoa, Peru. Dietary and anthropometric data collected from January through August of 1985 on a sample of 26 households (127 individuals) are analyzed. This study finds sharp seasonal differences in energy intake (pre-harvest = 1150 calories/day; post-harvest = 1519/day; p less than 0.01) associated with variation in the availability of locally-produced products (e.g., tubers and cereals). Seasonal energy reduction, however, does not uniformly affect all sectors of this population. Children experience little seasonal change in energy intake and have a more adequate pre-harvest diet and better nutritional status than adults. The responses used to "protect" children from energy stress and minimize the overall impact of seasonal food scarcity on this community include: 1) reduction of pre-harvest household caloric needs through emigration of adolescent and adult males, 2) preferential allocation of food to children during the pre-harvest period, 3) seasonal reduction of activity levels and the year-round use of children for many productive activities, and 4) seasonal changes in meal patterns that minimize post-prandial energy loss during periods of stress. Evaluation of similar data from other anthropological populations underscores the diversity of responses to seasonal change in food availability. Moreover, these data indicate that the protection of children from seasonal energy stress is more common than previously thought. Variation in adaptive responses to food stress appears to be dependent upon 1) the nature of the subsistence economy, 2) the relative contributions of children and adults to household production, and 3) the demographic structure of the population.
Lymphocyte Response to Transitional Cell Carcinoma: Peripheral Cytotoxicity and Local Tumor Infiltration

AbstractThe cytotoxicity of peripheral lymphocytes from patients with transitional cell carcinoma was evaluated and the results were compared to the degree of local lymphocytic infiltration in the bed of the primary tumor. Although a clear correlation was not established local lymphocytic infiltration was associated more commonly with tumor-related peripheral lymphocyte cytotoxicity.
Effect of feeding wet brewers grains to beef heifers on wintering performance, serum selenium and reproductive performance.

Wet brewers grains (WBG) were evaluated as a feed source for growing Angus heifers (201 kg, 313 d of age) during a 112-d wintering trial. Effects on growth, feed efficiency, serum Se and first breeding performance were examined. Three replications of four heifers each were fed the following diets: (1) corn silage with no protein supplement (CSNS); (2) corn silage plus 33.8% of the diet dry matter (DM) from WBG (CSWBG), and (3) WBG, corn and fescue hay at 62.2, 10.8 and 26.1% of diet DM, respectively (WBGCH). Average daily gains for heifers fed CSNS, CSWBG and WBGCH were .50, .73 and .56 kg/head (P less than .05), and DM:gain ratios were 9.52, 6.34 and 6.13 (P less than .05), respectively. Serum Se concentrations were higher (P less than .01) in heifers fed diets containing WBG than in heifers fed CSNS. Serum Se concentrations were also influenced by sampling time (P less than .01) and the diet x sampling time interaction (P less than .05). At the end of the trial, serum Se concentrations were .050, .085 and .105 ppm (P less than .01), respectively, for heifers on the three dietary treatments. Following a 66-d breeding period, 12 of 12 heifers fed CSNS and WBGCH diets and 10 of 12 heifers fed CSWBG were diagnosed pregnant and subsequently calved.
Tissue plasminogen activator: Comparison of dose and route of administration in a rabbit model of thromboembolic stroke

AbstractThe thrombolytic activity of tissue plasminogen activator was evaluated in a rabbit model of thromboembolic stroke using both various concentrations (3, 5, and 10 mg/kg; 20% bolus with the remaining 80% given over 30 min.) and routes of administration (intravenous versus regional intra-arterial). An autologous tin-tagged clot was embolized to the brain via the carotid artery. Tissue plasminogen activator was then given at the doses and routes noted (n = 3 in all groups). Thrombolytic activity was followed by serial x-rays of the tin-laden clot over a four-hour period. The brains were then removed and subjected to gross inspection. Only the intravenous dose of 5 mg/kg tissue plasminogen activator produced greater than 50% clot lysis in all animals. Doses of t-PA higher (10 mg/kg) or lower (3 mg/kg) than this were less effective in producing thrombolysis, demonstrating greater than 50% clot lysis in only one animal of each group. We conclude that in this model of thromboembolic stroke the intravenou...
Varicella susceptibility and validity of history among U.S. Coast Guard recruits: an outbreak-based study

During a varicella outbreak among U.S. Coast Guard recruits, we examined varicella susceptibility serologically and evaluated validity of disease history. Recruits completed a questionnaire to obtain information on demographics, history of varicella disease, and varicella vaccination. Serological testing for varicella-zoster virus immunoglobulin G antibodies was conducted using an enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. Among 513 recruits, 21 (4.1%) were seronegative to varicella-zoster virus. Recruits born in Puerto Rico were more likely than recruits born in the U.S. states to be susceptible (prevalence ratio, 4.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.4%, 13.1%). A positive disease history was highly predictive of positive serology (99.1%); however, 73% of those with a negative or uncertain history were also immune. Four (19%) susceptible recruits reported a positive varicella history. Although immunity among recruits was high, varicella outbreaks may occur in closed adult settings due to the high risks of exposure and transmission. Varicella vaccination can prevent these costly, disruptive outbreaks.
Hobbes and his Context

This book — as its title suggests — is about the political ideas of Thomas Hobbes and his contemporaries. Hobbes’ Leviathan is, of course, one of the greatest classics of political philosophy in the English language. It has much to say that is relevant to problems with which people have struggled through the ages, and which are still of the utmost concern today. It poses questions and offers answers on the nature of state power, and on the rights of women, minorities, and individuals. It is also, perhaps, the most stylishly written work of political theory in any language.
The Art of Teacher Talk: Examining Intersections of the Strands of Scientific Proficiencies and Inquiry

This research examined how a teacher’s discussion of the strands of scientific proficiencies changed over the course of an inquiry cycle as students engaged in a complex, technology-enhanced inquiry learning environment called PlantingScience (PS). Our research is descriptive in nature and attempts to deconstruct the complexity of teacher talk in the classroom as related to the strands of science proficiency. For this study, we used an exploratory sequential mixed methods design. First, the research team watched twenty recorded PS science lessons, transcribed the teacher’s comments about inquiry, and identified each class/lab’s phase of inquiry. Then, the research team coded the teacher’s transcribed inquiry comments. By using both the scientific proficiency and inquiry lenses to examine one teacher’s orchestration, our findings detail the art of teacher talk for promoting the four strands of scientific proficiencies through the phases of inquiry. As students transitioned through each phase of inquiry, the teacher emphasized the strands of scientific proficiency differently, but all strands were present. Since teachers play a vital role in developing students’ understanding of science as both content and practice, this research helps recognize and describe strategies promoting greater scientific proficiency in students.
Aflatoxin B 1 and Deoxynivalenol contamination of dairy feeds and presence of Aflatoxin M 1 contamination in milk from smallholder dairy systems in Nakuru, Kenya

Mycotoxins are metabolites produced by phytopathogenic and spoilage fungi in animal feed as a result of poor storage. The mycotoxins can also originate in the field and are excreted in milk when dairy animals consume such feeds, posing a public health risk concern. The aim of this study was to conduct a risk assessment in the informal sub-value chains of rural and peri-urban dairy systems in Nakuru County, by determining the prevalence and quantity levels of mycotoxins in animal feeds and milk. A total of 74 animal feed samples and 120 milk samples were simultaneously collected from individual cows and actors in the informal dairy value chain. Feed samples were analyzed for Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and Deoxynivalenol (DON) while milk samples were analyzed for Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) using commercial Enzyme Linked Immune Sorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Aflatoxin B1 contamination levels in 56 % (41/74) of the animal feeds exceeded the European Union (EU) limits of 5 μg/kg ranging between 0 and 147.86 μg/kg. Deoxynivalenol (DON) was identified in 63 % (27/43) of all the animal feeds ranging between 0 and 179.89 μg/kg. In the peri-urban dairy system, 48.5 % (33/68) of the milk samples were contaminated with the AFM1 concentration above the EU regulation of 0.05 μg/L ranging between 0.017 and 0.083 μg/L. All milk samples from the rural dairy system had AFM1 contamination levels below the EU limits of 0.05 μg/L ranging between 0 and 0.041 μg/L. Linear regression model showed significant association of abiotic factors; pH, water activity and moisture content of animal feed with AFB1 and DON contamination of the animal feeds. The results obtained from this study indicate that the peri-urban dairy farms, where intensive management predominate face the challenge of quality feeds, and one contributing factor is the on-farm production and handling of animal feeds.
Communities and workforce development

Workforce development policies and practices in the United States have changed over the years. This book focuses on adjustments in the delivery of workforce development services since the passage o...
Double-Layer Separate Ventricular Activation Patterns During Ventricular Tachycardia Associated With Myocarditis.

A 62-year-old woman with a history of myocarditis developed a sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) refractory to amiodarone. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed that the left ventricle (LV) was severely dilated with a normal LV wall thickness and LV ejection fraction of <25%. She underwent an electrophysiological study and catheter ablation of VT. The VT exhibited a right bundle branch block and right inferior-axis QRS morphology with a cycle length of 540 ms (Figure 1). It was noted that there was a QS pattern in leads I and aVL and the QRS duration was 240 ms, suggesting an epicardial VT origin. Activation mapping during the VT was performed in the LV with a 7.5F, 3.5-mm tip irrigated ablation catheter (Navistar ThermoCool, Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, CA), revealing a centrifugal activation pattern from the midlateral LV wall where a far-field ventricular prepotential …
Measures of depression and anxiety in women with hyperemesis gravidarum are flawed

Commentary on: Mitchell-Jones N, Gallos I, Farren J, et al. Psychological morbidity associated with hyperemesis gravidarum: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BJOG . 2017;124:20-30. Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) is common, occurring in up to 91% of pregnant women. The most severe form, hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), occurs in as many as 2% of pregnant women. HG has been associated with significant psychological morbidity, and Mitchell-Jones et al provide the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the published data on depression and anxiety in pregnancies …
Opening up the black box: looking for a more capacious version of capacity in global health partnerships

Some versions of capacity building construe the goal of North‒South partnerships as rendering African laboratories, doctors, scientists, and universities indistinguishable from their counterparts i...
Transfer of Learning from Practicing Microvascular Anastomosis on Silastic Tubes to Rat Abdominal Aorta.

Objective Learning to perform microvascular anastomosis is difficult. Laboratory practice models using artificial vessels are frequently used for this purpose. However, the efficacy of such practice models has not been objectively assessed for the performance of microvascular anastomosis during live surgical settings. This study was conducted to assess the transfer of learning from practicing microvascular anastomosis on tubes to anastomosing rat abdominal aorta. Methods Ten surgeons without any experience in microvascular anastomosis were randomly assigned to an experimental or a control group. Both groups received didactic and visual training on end-to-end microvascular anastomosis. The experimental group received 24 sessions of hands-on training on microanastomosis using Silastic tubes. Next, both groups underwent recall tests on weeks 1, 2, and 8 after training. The recall test consisted of completing an end-to-end anastomosis on the rat's abdominal aorta. Anastomosis score, the time to complete the anastomosis, and the average time to place 1 stitch on the vessel perimeter were compared between the 2 groups. Results Compared with the control group, the experimental group did significantly better in terms of anastomosis score, total time, and per-stitch time. The measured variables showed stability and did not change significantly between the 3 recall tests. Conclusion The skill of microvascular anastomosis is transferred from practicing on Silastic tubes to rat's abdominal aorta. Considering the relative advantages of Silastic tubes to live rodent surgeries, such as lower cost and absence of ethical issues, our results support the widespread use of Silastic tubes in training programs for microvascular anastomosis.
Blockchain Technology: Applications in Health Care.

Blockchain technology has gained substantial attention in recent years with increased interest in several diverse fields, including the healthcare industry. Blockchain offers a secure, distributed database that can operate without a central authority or administrator. Blockchain uses a distributed, peer-to-peer network to make a continuous, growing list of ordered records called blocks to form a digital ledger. Each transaction, represented in a cryptographically signed block, is then automatically validated by the network itself. Blockchain has also garnered interest as a platform to improve the authenticity and transparency of healthcare data through many use cases, from maintaining permissions in electronic health records (EHR) to streamlining claims processing. In this article, we describe the basics of blockchain and illustrate current and future applications of this technology within the healthcare industry. Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency and payment system first introduced in 2008, is one of the most well-known implementations of blockchain.1 The transfer of digital assets, such as bitcoin, within a blockchain is initiated when a seller or payer submits a transaction (Figure [A]).2 These transactions are broadcasted to every peer connected to the blockchain network where clients, called miners, use a cryptographic algorithm to validate the transaction. This validation solves 2 key problems that previously existed with digital currency exchange: ensuring that the digital asset exists and that it has not already been spent. A transaction is said to be valid if a miner deems it is well formed (the input and output contain only the fields that are defined in the protocol), and the outputs it attempts to transfer exist. Miners are not certified and can be anyone who volunteers to invest their resources. The incentive for miners comes in the form of the bitcoin, which are generated and rewarded to the miners for every block of transactions validated. …
Platinum Binds Proteins in the Endoplasmic Reticulum of S. cerevisiae and Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Pt(II)-based anticancer drugs are widely used in the treatment of a variety of cancers, but their clinical efficacy is hindered by undesirable side effects and resistance. While much research has focused on Pt(II) drug interactions with DNA, there is increasing interest in proteins as alternative targets and contributors to cytotoxic and resistance mechanisms. Here, we describe a chemical proteomic method for isolation and identification of cellular protein targets of platinum compounds using Pt(II) reagents that have been modified for participation in the 1,3 dipolar cycloaddition “click” reaction. Using this method to visualize and enrich for targets, we identified 152 proteins in Pt(II)-treated Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Of interest was the identification of multiple proteins involved in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, which has been proposed to be an important cytoplasmic mediator of apoptosis in response to cisplatin treatment. Consistent with possible direct targeting of this pathway,...
Model Misspecifications and Bootstrap Parameter Recovery in PLS-SEM and CBSEM-Based Exploratory Modeling

Theories are uncertain and evolving in exploratory research. This uncertainty can manifest itself in SEM studies either at the measurement or structural level, or both, and result in model misspecifications. Researchers often favor the use of PLS-SEM over CBSEM in exploratory research due to its tractability, flexibility, and its ability to avoid factor indeterminacy. While these strengths of PLS-SEM are undoubtedly appealing, empirical support regarding the robustness of model parameters under conditions of model misspecifications is lacking. This Monte Carlo study evaluates the efficiency and accuracy of bootstrap parameter recovery by PLS-SEM, CBSEM, and the Bollen-Stine methods under various conditions of measurement and structural misspecification effect sizes, sample sizes, and data distributions. Results point to the favorability of PLS-SEM in exploratory modeling when structural parameters are of interest, while CBSEM and Bollen-Stine methods are appealing when the focus is at the measurement level. A two-pronged strategy is advisable when theoretical uncertainty exists both at the measurement and structural levels.
Commentary on Fraser et al. (2018): Evidence base for harm reduction services—the urban–rural divide

The evidence base for scaling-up hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment and harm reduction services within rural communities is limited, and requires a better understanding of the socio-cultural context and operational issues for these distinct settings. Best practices from US urban centers, where most implementation research has been focused, do not necessarily translate to sparsely populated rural areas, where HCV and harm reduction services are limited and fragmented.
10 How to Write a Grant Proposal

The engine of America’s clinical investigation enterprise is fueled by grants. In fact, so is some of medical education, by virtue of government and foundation grant funding for educational programs. One of the big surprises I encountered upon leaving rural practice and entering academic medicine in 1978 was the discovery that there was no pool of money to fund my salary. Is short, I was expected to bring in almost all my ­support. Although there were other sources, such as private philanthropy and endowments, for most of us in the United States, funding the salary that supports our teaching efforts meant seeing patients or writing successful grant proposals. Things have not changed over the past 3+ decades. An academic appointment is not a meal ticket; it is a hunting license.
The modeling of bubbly flows around naval surface ships at high Reynolds numbers

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the simulations of the bubbly flow around a naval combatant at a quasi-full-scale Reynolds number that incorporate all the model improvements. The numerical predictions of the steady bubbly flow around naval combatant DTMB-5415 at Reynolds number, Re = 108 and zero Froude number are presented in the chapter. A monodisperse bubble source, Db = l60 μm, at an arbitrary location upstream of the ship are used in the simulations. The objective of these simulations is to address numerical and modeling issues. In addition to the usual forces on the bubble phase, a bubble-to-bubble contact pressure model is introduced in the chapter. The contact pressure model always pushes bubbles away from the local maximum of void fraction. Because the most important maximum of void fraction is located approximately one bubble radius from the wall, this model may tend to push one half of a bubble toward the wall and the other half away from it.
Hormones and Clinical Anxiety An Imbalanced Neuromodulation of Attention

In this chapter, a model of neuroses will be developed that suggests that clinical anxiety is an outcome of an interaction between associative conditioning and individual differences in the functioning of the neuroendocrine system. The model takes as an assumption that there is a synergism between these two factors and that each alone is largely insufficient to produce clinical neuroses. More broadly, this interaction can be conveyed by the following equation: $$ neuroses = conditioning \times neurohormones $$
Evaluation of a novel elastic respiratory motion correction algorithm on quantification and image quality in abdomino-thoracic PET/CT

Our aim is to evaluate in phantom and patient studies a recently developed elastic motion debluring (EMDB) technique which makes use of all the acquired PET data and compare its performance to other conventional techniques such as phase based gating (PBG) and HDChest (HDC) both of which use fractions of the acquired data. Comparisons were made with respect to static whole-body (SWB) images with no motion correction. Methods: A phantom simulating respiratory motion of the thorax with lung lesions (5 spheres with ID=10- 28 mm) was scanned with 0, 1, 2, and 3 cm motion. Four reconstructions were performed: SWB, PBG, HDC, and EMDB. For PBG, the average (PBGave) and maximum bin (PBGmax) were used. To compare the reconstructions, the ratios of SUVmax (RSmax), SUVpeak (RSpeak), and CNR (RCNR) were calculated with respect to SWB. Additionally, 46 patients with lung or liver tumors 0.54 HDC > 0.41 PBGmax > 0.31 PBGave). Similar results were seen in patient studies. The SUVmax/SUVpeak were higher by 19.3/11.1% EMDB, 21.6/13.9% HDC, 22.8/12.8% PBGave, and 45.6/26.8% PBGmax compared to SWB. Lung/liver noise increased EMDB (3/15%), HDC (35/56%), PBGave (100/170%), and PBGmax (146/219%). CNR increased in lung/liver tumors only for EMDB (18/13%), and decreased for HDC (-14/-23%), PBGave (-39/-63%), and PBGmax (-18/-46%). Average radiologist scores of image quality were SWB (4.0 ± 0.8) > EMDB (3.7 ± 1.0) > HDC (3.1 ± 1.0) > PBG (1.5 ± 0.7). Conclusion: The EMDB algorithm had the least increase in image noise, improved lesion CNR, and had the highest overall image quality score.
Colorism Embodied: Skin Tone and Psychosocial Well-Being in Adolescence

Embodiment is a salient marker of the human experience. Th e physical constraints of our body and the ability of our mind to actively refl ect on our body as we are interacting in the world shape our mental images of the world-our thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. In the absence of a physical body, there is no mind, and in the absence of a functioning mind, we are unable to perceive the world. Our abilities to self-refl ect and make self-appraisals, including those based on our physical appearances, play an integral role in identity development and help defi ne who we are as persons. Feelings of satisfaction and self-consciousness about our bodies infl uence the way we experience and perceive the world throughout the course of our lives, but especially during specifi c developmental periods such as adolescence. Moreover, these feelings take on especially important roles during specifi c developmental periods, including adolescence.
Heightened Pleading Standards for Defendants: A Case Study of Court-Counting Precedent

In over a thousand cases, federal courts have considered whether the heightened pleading standards imposed on plaintiffs in Twombly and Iqbal also apply to the affirmative defenses raised in defendant’s answers. Courts are split, and alongside the usual textual and policy arguments they offer, a less expected consideration is often raised: the fact that a majority of other courts have decided the same way. Court-counting precedent, as we call this kind of reasoning, requires justification, not least because—as we find here—judges get their count wrong a full third of the time. This Article—based on a study of 1,141 federal opinions decided in the ten years after Twombly—does two things. It provides the first comprehensive answer to an important doctrinal question: what pleading standard do federal courts apply to defendants—and how has that standard varied over time and across the country? Second, the Article reveals that judges deciding this issue have engaged in court-counting a surprising 27% of the time. Given the previously unacknowledged importance of court-counting precedent in the lower federal courts, this Article asks whether and when it is warranted.
Dangers of Diagnostic Overshadowing.

Dangers of Diagnostic Overshadowing Though Michael’s primary progressive multiple sclerosis was diagnosed when he was 42 and forced him to retire at 50, he continued to live a rich life. But like m...
Evaluation of 1.2 kV SiC MOSFETs in Modular Multilevel Cascaded H-Bridge Three-Phase Inverter for Medium Voltage Grid Applications

This paper describes a study evaluating 1.2 kV SiC MOSFETs in modular multilevel cascaded H-bridge (CHB) three-phase inverter for medium voltage ac grid applications. The main purpose of this topology is to remove the need of a bulk 60 Hz transformer that is normally used to step up the output signal of a voltage source inverter to the medium voltage level. Using SiC devices (1. 2 kV ~ 6.5 kV SiC MOSFETs), with their high breakdown voltage, enables the system to meet and withstand the medium voltage stress, with a minimized number of cascaded modules. The SiC-based power electronics, when used in the presented topology, they significantly reduce the complexity usually faced when Si devices are used to meet the medium voltage level and the power scalability. The simulation and preliminary experimental results, on a low-voltage prototype, verifies the nine-level CHB topology that is presented in this paper.
Realizing the ZPD in Second Language Education: The Complementary Contributions of Dynamic Assessment and Mediated Development

Vygotsky’s (1978, 1987) notion of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) brings into focus the dialectical nature of interactional processes that provoke second language (L2) learner development. Two areas of L2 sociocultural theory (SCT-L2) scholarship that draw upon the ZPD as a framework for organizing instructional interactions are Dynamic Assessment (DA), wherein mediator-learner interaction functions to diagnose learner maturing abilities (Poehner, 2008), and Mediated Development (MD), an interactional framework that fosters learner capacity to understand and employ L2 concepts within communicative activities (Poehner and Infante, 2017). We argue that DA foregrounds assessing learner emerging abilities without losing sight of their development through instruction, while MD shows how appropriate instruction has to include assessing the learner. This paper extends the argument that ZPD activity represents the dialectical relation between teaching and assessing through analysis of transcribed classroom interaction that supports the perspective that DA and MD can function together as part of a coherent L2 SCT pedagogy.
Living with an invisible illness: a qualitative study exploring the lived experiences of female children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Many chronic illnesses are self-evident. However, disorders like congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are invisible to the naked eye and unnoticeable to others. Therefore, invisible illness is often a shared, misconstrued experience for children with CAH, their caregivers, and the medical community. This experience, along with its lack of awareness and added stigma, may impact overall quality of life (QOL) of such individuals. To facilitate our understanding of QOL of children with CAH, we must first explore their subjective experiences. This study aimed to capture their lived experiences and provide recommendations to support children with CAH. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 female children with CAH between 7 and 18 years and their caregivers. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, checked for accuracy, and independently coded by the first and second author. Content analysis was used to organize data so that codes could be condensed into categories and themes. Differences around code, category, and theme description were reconciled. Participants’ experiences were described in five themes: (1) Making sense of the situation; (2) Emotional and psychological impact of an invisible illness; (3) Normalcy; (4) Disclosure of diagnosis; and (5) Improving the care of children with CAH Exploring children’s views about living with an invisible illness illuminated individual aspects contributing to our in-depth understanding of experiences of children with CAH. Ongoing education and awareness of CAH is necessary to help mitigate the stigma associated with living with CAH.
Simplification of Dimensional Analysis

Considerable simplification results when following steps are used singly or in combination: (1) special arrangement of variables in determinant form; (2) selection of repeating variables to represent dynamic, kinematic and geometric variables; dimensional analysis provides partial solution without revealing inner phenomena; dimensionless coefficients used to obtain similarity between model and prototype; example given of analyzing drag on ship.
Cannabinoid CB1 Receptors in the Intestinal Epithelium Are Required for Acute Western-Diet Preferences in Mice.

The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the intake of palatable food. For example, endocannabinoid signaling in the upper small-intestinal epithelium is increased (i) in rats after tasting dietary fats, which promotes intake of fats, and (ii) in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity, which promotes overeating via impaired nutrient-induced gut–brain satiation signaling. We now utilized a combination of genetic, pharmacological, and behavioral approaches to identify roles for cannabinoid CB1Rs in upper small-intestinal epithelium in preferences for a western-style diet (WD, high-fat/sucrose) versus a standard rodent diet (SD, low-fat/no sucrose). Mice were maintained on SD in automated feeding chambers. During testing, mice were given simultaneous access to SD and WD, and intakes were recorded. Mice displayed large preferences for the WD, which were inhibited by systemic pretreatment with the cannabinoid CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist, AM251, for up to 3 h. We next used our novel intestinal epithelium-specific conditional cannabinoid CB1R-deficient mice (IntCB1−/−) to investigate if intestinal CB1Rs are necessary for WD preferences. Similar to AM251 treatment, preferences for WD were largely absent in IntCB1−/− mice when compared to control mice for up to 6 h. Together, these data suggest that CB1Rs in the murine intestinal epithelium are required for acute WD preferences.
El Inca de Durand. Bibliografía anotada sobre el Inca Garcilaso de la Vega en la obra de José Durand

El presente trabajo bibliografico reune la obra garcilacista del profesor peruano Jose Duran (1925-1990). No incluyo las resenas de libros ni los articulos aparecidos en periodicos o suplementos culturales, salvo tres excepciones.
Dileptonic scalar dark matter and exotic leptons

Abstract A simple scenario of long-lived dark matter is presented. Assuming lepton number (L) conservation with Dirac neutrinos, the neutral component of an S U ( 2 ) L scalar triplet with L = 2 is a suitable candidate, which decays to two neutrinos. Exotic leptons with L = − 1 may also play a role, and act as anchors for small seesaw Dirac neutrino masses.
A Cascade of Care for Alcohol Use Disorder: Using 2015-2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data to Identify Gaps in Care

ABSTRACT Background Although effective treatments exist, alcohol use disorder (AUD) is undertreated. We used a cascade of care framework to understand gaps in care between diagnosis and treatment for persons with AUD. Methods Using 2015-2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data, we evaluated the following steps in the cascade of care: 1) prevalence of adults with AUD; 2) proportion of adults who utilized health care in the past 12 months; 3) were screened about alcohol use; 4) received a brief intervention about alcohol misuse; 5) received information about treatment for alcohol misuse; and 6) proportion of persons with AUD who received treatment. Analyses were stratified by AUD severity. Results Of the 171,766 persons included in the sample, weighted prevalence of AUD was 7.9% (95% CI 7.7-8.0%). Persons with AUD utilized health care settings at similar rates as those without AUD. Cascades of care showed the majority of individuals with AUD utilized health care and were screened about alcohol use, but the percent who received the subsequent steps of care decreased substantially. For those with severe AUD, 83.5% (CI: 78.3%-88.7%) utilized health care in the past 12 months, 73.5% (CI: 68.1%-78.9%) were screened for alcohol use, 22.7% (CI: 19.4%-26.0%) received a brief intervention, 12.4% (CI: 10%-14.7%) received information about treatment, and 20.5% (CI: 18%-23.1%) were treated for AUD. The greatest decrease in the care continuum occurred from screening to brief intervention and referral to treatment. More persons with severe AUD received treatment than were referred, indicating other pathways to treatment outside of the healthcare system. Conclusions Persons with AUD utilize health care at high rates and are frequently screened about alcohol use, but few receive treatment. Health care settings-particularly primary care settings-represent a prime opportunity to implement pharmacologic treatment for AUD to improve outcomes in this high-risk population.