cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning Behind the Scenes: Perceptions and Observations of Role Modeling in Pediatric Residents’ Continuity Experience

Objective Little is known about what residents learn from "everyday" physician role models, who, in the course of their ordinary work, serve as real-life examples of residents' future roles. The purpose of this research was to analyze what and how pediatric residents learn through role modeling during their continuity experience. Design We conducted a case study of 10 third-year pediatric residents and their 10 continuity clinic preceptors (CCP) in a community-based continuity clinic. Data were derived from 5 months (100 hours) of direct observation in clinic; semistructured interviews with residents before and after observation; and semistructured interviews with CCPs after resident data were collected. Interview transcripts and notes from observation were inductively coded and thematically analyzed. Results From the residents' perspective, role modeling was an implicit and intentional learning strategy that was linked to routine clinical practice in continuity clinic. Residents learned, through modeling their CCPs, "how to talk" and "how to think things through." Residents did not directly report modeling professional behavior. For residents, learning through modeling was not contingent on CCPs' awareness of being a role model. Conclusions Role modeling is a nuanced, deliberate learning strategy that provides pediatric residents with templates for interpersonal communication and clinical decision making that have both immediate and long-term relevance. Understanding residents' perspective on role modeling, and how it aligns with their CCPs' perspective, presents opportunities for improving residents' learning experiences, faculty development, and future research.
Performance evaluation of different interpolation filters for asynchronous upsampling

Programmable transceivers are essential for efficient implementation of communication systems. This calls for implementation of various flexible signal processing blocks in the physical layer of a network. Rate conversion is an important functional block in programmable digital modems. In this paper, the implementation of an asynchronous interpolator for a digital modem is discussed and performances of three different types of interpolation filters are compared.
Immunocompetent mouse model of breast cancer for preclinical testing of EphA2-targeted therapy

EphA2, a receptor tyrosine kinase, is elevated in many invasive human breast cancers, and the majority of EphA2 remains unphosphorylated. The successful attachment of ligand EphrinA1 present on the surface of adjacent cells to EphA2 initiates EphA2 phosphorylation leading to its turnover. In vivo efficacy of various approaches targeting EphA2 for breast cancer therapy is usually evaluated in nude mice bearing human breast cancer xenografts. In order to establish an immunocompetent mouse model of breast cancer for EphA2-targeted therapies, we evaluated a mouse breast cancer cell line (MT1A2) for EphA2 expression and phosphorylation. Overexpression of EphA2 was observed in MT1A2 cells and the majority of it remained unphosphorylated signifying that EphA2 in MT1A2 cells behaved similar to that of human breast cancer cells. Human adenovirus subtype 5 (HAd5) vectors expressing secretory forms of EphrinA1 were used for in vitro and in vivo targeting of MT1A2-derived EphA2. MT1A2 cells infected with HAd-EphrinA1-Fc (HAd expressing extracellular domain of human EphrinA1 attached to Fc portion of human IgG1 heavy chain) induced EphA2 activation and its turnover. This led to inhibition in MT1A2 cell colony formation in soft agar and cell viability in monolayer culture. In addition, MT1A2 cells-infected with HAd-EphrinA1-Fc failed to form tumors in syngeneic FVB/n mice at least 32 days postinoculation. Moreover, intratumoral inoculation of FVB/n mice-bearing MT1A2-induced tumors with HAd-EphrinA1-Fc slowed the tumor growth and also resulted in the development of vector-specific immune response. These results indicate that FVB/n mice-bearing MT1A2-induced tumors could serve as an immunocompetent model of breast cancer for EphA2-targeted therapeutic strategies.
Experimental reduction of electron beam breakup instability using external coupled cavities

Experiments on electron beam transport through 10 RF cavities have shown that BBU growth can be reduced by 6 dB when seven internal beam cavities are coupled by coaxial cable to seven external dummy cavities. The experiment consists of 10 brass pillbox resonant cavities immersed in a solenoidal field. The first cavity has its TM/sub 110/ mode primed at 2.5 GHz by a microwave pulse from an external magnetron. A 200 A e-beam is injected into the transport cavity system by the long pulse MELBA generator (t=0.5-1.5 /spl mu/s, V=-0.7 to $0.8 MV, diode current =1-15 kA). Growth (/spl ap/36 dB) of the 2.5 GHz RF is observed between the 2nd and 10th cavities. When seven internal cavities (3rd-9th),coupled to seven identical external dummy cavities via coaxial microwave cable, the 2.5 GHz RF growth is reduced to about 30 dB average. These results are shown to be in general agreement with a model using equivalent circuits to determine degree of power sharing between cavities. Additional BBU growth experiments have been performed using 19 cavities with a propagation distance roughly twice that of the 10 cavity experiments. The experimental BBU growth has been found to scale with distance as expected using a discrete beam-mode coupled theory. >
Energy-based 6-DOF penetration depth computation for penalty-based haptic rendering algorithms

Existing penalty-based haptic rendering approaches compute penetration depth in strictly translational sense and cannot properly take object rotation into account. We aim to provide a theoretical foundation for computing the penetration depth on the group of rigid-body motions SE(3). We propose a penalty-based six-degrees-of-freedom (6-DOF) haptic rendering algorithm based on determining the closest-point projection of the inadmissible configuration onto the set of admissible configurations. Energy is used to define the metric on the configuration space. Once the projection is found the 6-DOF wrench can be computed. The configuration space is locally represented with exponential coordinates to make the algorithm more efficient. Numerical examples compare the proposed algorithm with the existing approaches and show its advantages.
ON STEADY AND UNSTEADY SHIP WAVE PATTERNS

The properties of steady and unsteady ship waves propagating on a free surface discretized with panels are studied. The wave propagation is characterized by an explicit discrete dispersion relation which allows the systematic analysis of the distortion of the wave pattern due to discretization and the derivation of a stability criterion to be met by the numerical algorithm. The conclusions of the study are applied to a panel method used for the computation of steady and time-harmonic free-surface flows past elementary singularities and a ship hull.
A framework for developing intelligent real-time scheduling systems: Research Articles

The authors describe the adaptation of a hierarchical management-control framework to the design of intelligent real-time scheduling systems. Originally developed for the analysis of organizations where dynamics are governed solely by the reactions of human decision makers, the control framework provides insights concerning design requirements for decision systems that react in human-like fashion within narrow domains of expertise. The framework emphasizes the dynamic balance of autonomy and decentralization required to achieve planned goals within a hierarchical organization. Applying this framework, design specifications for knowledge-based scheduling systems are developed, which are responsive to organizational dynamics as required for schedule control and replanning. An illustration is given that addresses kitchen scheduling in full-service restaurants. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 16: 385–408, 2006.
Effects of indomethacin prophylaxis timing on intraventricular haemorrhage and patent ductus arteriosus in extremely low birth weight infants

Objective Indomethacin prophylaxis (IP) reduces the risk of intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants. However, the optimal time to administer IP has not been determined. We hypothesised that IP at ≤6 h is associated with a lower incidence of IVH or death than if administered at >6–24 h of age. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of extremely low birth weight infants (≤1000 g birth weight) treated in the neonatal intensive care units in the Neonatal Research Network from 2003 to 2010 and who received IP in the first 24 h of age. Infants were dichotomised based upon receipt of IP at ≤6 or >6–24 h of age. The primary outcomes were IVH alone and IVH or death. Secondary outcomes were PDA alone and PDA or death. We used multivariable analyses to determine associations between the age of IP and the study outcomes expressed as an OR and 95% CI. Results IP was given at ≤6 h to 2340 infants and at >6–24 h to 1915 infants. Infants given IP at ≤6 h had more antenatal steroid exposure, more inborn and less cardiopulmonary resuscitation (p 6–24 h (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.98). Conclusions IP at ≤6 h of age is not associated with less IVH or death, but is associated with less PDA receiving treatment/ligation or death.
Faraday rotation and ellipticity in electron inversion layers of Si MOS structures

We report the first observation of Faraday rotation and ellipticity in the two-dimensional electron gas in the surface of p-type (100) Si. 2The surface densities were varied between 1.06x1012 and 2.3x1012cm−2. The Faraday rotation changes sign and the ellipticity has a maximum at the cyclotron resonance magnetic field. Both the density dependence of the mass enhancement and the magnetic field dependence of the relaxation time were observed in the Faraday rotation. From the data measured near cyclotron resonance we obtained an effective mass m = 0.19 m and a relaxation time of 6x10s for a surface density of 2.3x1012ecm−2.
Histoire et intégration des communautés: le cas du Burkina-Faso

On est aujourdhui en passe, grâce aux efforts de generations dhistoriens, au Burkina comme ailleurs en Afrique, de dresser un tableau deja a fort complet, meme sil y a encore beaucoup a faire, de lhistoire ancienne des groupes, des communautes. On a bien avance les connaissances sur lhistoire ancienne, sur lhistoire des traumatismes et des metissages de toute nature de lepoque coloniale, et aujourdhui sur lhistoire des temps de lindependance: histoire rurale, histoire des villes, histoire des echanges fondamentaux et des ? ux et re? ux entre ville et campagne, histoire des migrations, histoire economique et politique, histoire des femmes aussi, etc. (cf. bibliographie indicative), meme si beaucoup de ces travaux nont pas ete publies. Le Burkina-Faso, en de? nitive, est un des pays de lAfrique francophone ou la connaissance et la re? exion historiques ont le plus progresse. Nous en sommes aujourdhui a la troisieme generation dhistoriens, puisque le Burki-nabe Joseph Ki-Zerbo fut le premier historien africain francophone a avoir propose, a lepoque, et en depit du faible nombre de travaux pre-existants, une magistrale histoire generale de lAfrique qui fait encore autorite.
Multidimensional measure of display clutter and pilot performance for advanced head-up display.

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to: develop a multidimensional measure of display clutter for advanced head-up displays (HUDs) incorporating enhanced and synthetic vision; assess the influence of HUD configuration on perceptions of display clutter, workload, and flight performance; model clutter scores in terms of visual display properties; and model flight performance in terms of subjective and objective clutter indices. METHODS: In a flight simulator, 18 pilots with different levels of flight experience flew approaches divided into three segments. Three HUD configuration sets were presented under two levels of flight workload. Pilot ratings of overall display clutter, its underlying dimensions, and mental workload were recorded along with flight performance measures. Display image analysis software was used to measure visual properties of the HUDs. RESULTS: The multidimensional measure of clutter showed internal consistency with overall perceived clutter. Calculated clutter scores were sensitive to HUD configurations and in agreement with a priori display classifications. There was a trend for the extremes of display clutter to cause higher workload and less stable performance due to cognitive complexity and a lack of information for high and low clutter displays, respectively. Multiple linear regression models of perceived clutter were developed based on HUD visual properties with predictive utility. Models of flight performance based on the clutter score and workload ratings were also developed, but with less predictive power. DISCUSSION: Measures and models of display clutter are expected to be applicable to the evaluation of a range of display concepts.
Convective transport and scavenging of peroxides by thunderstorms observed over the central U.S. during DC3

One of the objectives of the Deep Convective Clouds and Chemistry (DC3) field experiment was to determine the scavenging of soluble trace gases by thunderstorms. We present an analysis of scavenging of hydrogen peroxide (H_2O_2) and methyl hydrogen peroxide (CH_3OOH) from six DC3 cases that occurred in Oklahoma and northeast Colorado. Estimates of H_2O_2 scavenging efficiencies are comparable to previous studies ranging from 79 to 97% with relative uncertainties of 5–25%. CH_3OOH scavenging efficiencies ranged from 12 to 84% with relative uncertainties of 18–558%. The wide range of CH_3OOH scavenging efficiencies is surprising, as previous studies suggested that CH_3OOH scavenging efficiencies would be <10%. Cloud chemistry model simulations of one DC3 storm produced CH_3OOH scavenging efficiencies of 26–61% depending on the ice retention factor of CH_3OOH during cloud drop freezing, suggesting ice physics impacts CH_3OOH scavenging. The highest CH_3OOH scavenging efficiencies occurred in two severe thunderstorms, but there is no obvious correlation between the CH_3OOH scavenging efficiency and the storm thermodynamic environment. We found a moderate correlation between the estimated entrainment rates and CH_3OOH scavenging efficiencies. Changes in gas-phase chemistry due to lightning production of nitric oxide and aqueous-phase chemistry have little effect on CH_3OOH scavenging efficiencies. To determine why CH_3OOH can be substantially removed from storms, future studies should examine effects of entrainment rate, retention of CH_3OOH in frozen cloud particles during drop freezing, and lightning-NO_x production.
The Nature of Information Utilization in Local Organizations

Among the issues facing research on the use of information, are three fundamental questions: What exactly constitutes utilization; What social, political, and related factors influence utilization; and Does the nature of utilization change over time?
Autonomous and Non-autonomous Defects Underlie Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in BRAF-Mutant hiPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes

Germline mutations in BRAF cause cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFCS), whereby 40% of patients develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). As the role of the RAS/MAPK pathway in HCM pathogenesis is unclear, we generated a human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) model for CFCS from three patients with activating BRAF mutations. By cell sorting for SIRPα and CD90, we generated a method to examine hiPSC-derived cell type-specific phenotypes and cellular interactions underpinning HCM. BRAF-mutant SIRPα(+)/CD90(-) cardiomyocytes displayed cellular hypertrophy, pro-hypertrophic gene expression, and intrinsic calcium-handling defects. BRAF-mutant SIRPα(-)/CD90(+) cells, which were fibroblast-like, exhibited a pro-fibrotic phenotype and partially modulated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) paracrine signaling. Inhibition of TGFβ or RAS/MAPK signaling rescued the hypertrophic phenotype. Thus, cell autonomous and non-autonomous defects underlie HCM due to BRAF mutations. TGFβ inhibition may be a useful therapeutic option for patients with HCM due to RASopathies or other etiologies.
The Land of the Elephant Kings: Space, Territory, and Ideology in the Seleucid Empire. By Paul J. Kosmin. (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2014. Pp. xv, 423. $49.95.)

Sandwiched between the conquest of the Achaemenid Persian Empire by Alexander the Great and the rise of Rome and Parthia, the Seleucid Empire was the largest of the Hellenistic kingdoms and in many...
Aluminum Nitride cross-sectional Lamé mode resonators with 260 MHz lithographic tuning capability and high kt 2 > 4%

We experimentally demonstrate Aluminum Nitride (AlN) cross-sectional Lame mode resonators (CLMRs) operating in the microwave frequency range and showing high Qkt2 products (FoM) in excess of 85. Such feature enables low motional resistance (Rm) values (37 Ω) in CLMRs characterized by low static capacitance (Co) approaching 66 fF. In addition, the ability of CLMRs to simultaneously achieve high kt2 (> 4%) and a lithographic frequency tunability (> 260 MHz around 900 MHz) is experimentally demonstrated, for the first time, in this work. Such important feature renders CLMRs promising candidates to replace off-chip Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) devices in lithographically defined filters for next-generation wireless communication platforms.
Increasing Emergency Department Visits for Anaphylaxis, 2005-2014

Background Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening systemic allergic reaction. Studies suggest that the incidence of anaphylaxis is increasing; however, recent trends in emergency department (ED) visits for anaphylaxis in the United States have not been studied. Objective To examine trends in the incidence and rates of anaphylaxis-related ED visits from 2005 through 2014. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from a national administrative claims database including commercially insured and Medicare Advantage patients. We identified all ED visits for anaphylaxis and calculated rates as number of anaphylaxis-related ED visits per 100,000 enrollees. Rates were compared over time and by age and trigger. Results During the 10-year time period, 56,212 ED visits for anaphylaxis were identified. The median (interquartile range) age was 36 (17-52 years) years, and 58% were female. Most cases (57%) were due to unspecified triggers, 27% were associated with food, 12% were medication related, and 4% were due to insect venom. The overall rate of anaphylaxis per 100,000 enrollees increased by 101%, from 14.2 in 2005 to 28.6 in 2014 ( P P P P Conclusions ED visits for anaphylaxis increased between 2005 and 2014. Increases in ED visits were greatest among children.
Serious and Unstable Condition: Financing America’s Health Care

(1992). Serious and Unstable Condition: Financing America’s Health Care. Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 26, No. 3, pp. 921-923.
The Performance of the Polls

Nick Moon examines the performance of the opinion polls measuring voting intentions at the 2015 election, one of the worst ever for Britain’s pollsters. He assesses the scale of the polls’ failure, putting it into its historical context, and discusses evidence that a persistent bias may have existed in the polls for many years; he also commends the speed of the industry enquiry into the causes of the failure, and points out reasons to believe that polling has not stopped working altogether. Further, Moon considers the extent to which the polls may have influenced the course of the election, and the impact of the much-increased scale of constituency polling.
PI3 Kinase, Phospholipase C (PLC)-γ, and RasGRPs Act Cooperatively to Activate the Ras-Extracellular-Related Kinase (ERK) Pathway in Response to Cytokines in Normal and Kras Mutant Myeloid Cells.

Abstract Abstract 2512 Poster Board II-489 Introduction: KRAS is the most common gain-of-function mutation in human cancer and occur in some myeloid malignancies. Despite extensive data implicating aberrant responsiveness to cytokines in the pathogenesis of myeloid leukemias with hyperactive Ras, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. We investigated the biochemical basis of hypersensitivity to granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-3, and stem cell factor (SCF) in primary cells from Mx1-Cre, KrasG12D mice. Methods: We utilized conventional biochemical techniques, phospho-specific flow cytometry, and small molecule inhibitors to interrogate signaling downstream of the activated GM-CSF and c-Kit receptors. Results: We found that endogenous KrasG12D expression deregulates multiple effectors in primary myeloid lineage cells. Although Ras-GTP levels are markedly elevated in bone marrow cells from KrasG12D mice, these cells only fully activate the Raf/MEK/ERK cascade upon cytokine stimulation. We used a “chemical genetic” strategy to explore the biochemical mechanism linking the activated GM-CSF receptor to oncogenic K-RasG12D and ERK. Surprisingly, inhibitors of type I PI3 kinases (PI-90, PI-103) as well as a p110 γ/α isoform inhibitor (AS605240) interfered with GM-CSF and SCF induced Ras/MAPK activation in wild-type and KrasG12D myeloid cells. These effects of PI3 kinase are mediated through activation of PLC-γ and the RasGRP guanine nucleotide exchange factors. Functional studies confirmed that inhibiting PI3 kinase or PLC-γ blocked KrasG12D-mediated myeloid progenitor colony growth. This PI3 kinase/PLC-γ module also functions downstream of the activated c-kit receptor in lineage- cKit+ Sca1+ (LSK) cells in SCF-induced ERK activation. Conclusions: PI3 kinase, PLC-γ, and RasGRPs function upstream of normal and oncogenic K-Ras to efficiently activate the Raf/MEK/ERK cascade in primary hematopoietic cells. These data infer that PI3 kinase is both an important upstream regulator as well as a major downstream effector of Ras-GTP. Significance: Targeting PI3 kinase in hematologic cancers characterized by hyperactive Ras may have unanticipated biochemical and functional consequences in malignant and normal hematopoietic cells. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Effects of lateral confinement in natural and leveed reaches of a gravel-bed river: Snake River, Wyoming, USA†

This study examined the effects of natural and anthropogenic changes in confining margin width by applying remote sensing techniques — fusing LiDAR topography with image-derived bathymetry — over a large spatial extent: 58 km of the Snake River, WY. Fused DEM's from 2007 and 2012 were differenced to quantify changes in the volume of stored sediment, develop morphological sediment budgets, and infer spatial gradients in bed material transport. Our study spanned two similar reaches that were subject to different controls on confining margin width: natural terraces vs. artificial levees. Channel planform in reaches with similar slope and confining margin width differed depending on whether the margins were natural or anthropogenic. Theeffects of tributaries also differed between the two reaches. Generally, the natural reach featured greater confining margin widths and was depositional, whereas artificial lateral constriction in the leveed reach produced a sediment budget that was closer to balanced. Although our remote sensing methods provided topographic data over a large area, net volumetric changes were not statistically significant due to the uncertainty associated with bed elevation estimates. We therefore focused on along-channel spatial differences in bed material transport rather than absolute volumes of sediment. To complement indirect estimates of sediment transport derived by morphological sediment budgeting, we collected field data on bed mobility through a tracer study. Surface and subsurface grain size measurements were combined with bed mobility observations to calculate armoring and dimensionless sediment transport ratios, which indicated that sediment supply exceeded transport capacity in the natural reach and vice versa in the leveed reach. We hypothesize that constriction by levees induced an initial phase of incision and bed armoring. Because levees prevented bank erosion, the channel excavated sediment by migrating rapidly across therestricted braidplain and eroding bars and islands.
A 1.5–45-GHz High-Power 2-D Distributed Voltage-Controlled Attenuator

We present the development of an ultra-wideband and 1-W voltage-controlled attenuator (VCA) using a 0.15- $\mu \text{m}$ enhancement mode gallium arsenide pseudomorphic high-electron mobility transistor technology. For the first time, a 2-D stacked field-effect transistor configuration is employed in a distributed VCA to simultaneously achieve wide bandwidth, high power, high dynamic range, and low insertion loss. The systematic design methodology is proposed, and a VCA prototype is fabricated and measured for verification. The monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) VCA exhibits a measured insertion loss of 1.9–5.5 dB from 1.5–45 GHz. The measured highest input 1-dB power compression point ( $P_{\mathrm {1dB}}$ ) is 30 dBm with a dynamic range of 26 dB. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper reports the highest bandwidth and $P_{\mathrm {1dB}}$ of a single MMIC VCA while still maintaining excellent performance regarding dynamic range, insertion loss, and chip size.
Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors Associated with Blood Lead Levels Among Mexican-American Children and Adolescents in the United States

Objective.This study was designed to assess demographic and socioeconomic differences in blood lead levels (BLLs) among Mexican-American children and adolescents in the United States.Methods.We ana...
Kinetics of Magnesium Deposition and Stripping from Non-Aqueous Electrolytes

Three previously reported non-aqueous electrolyte solutions were investigated electrochemically to determine the kinetics of the Mg deposition–dissolution process as well as the resulting morphology after Mg-ion reduction onto a bulk metal working electrode. Of the solutions examined, the 1.2 M ((CF3)2CH3)COMgCl and 0.2 M AlCl3 in THF solution (F6-t-butoxide) shows the lowest Tafel slope of 26.4 mV/dec, followed by 0.5 M RPhOMgCl and 0.25 M AlCl3 where R = 2,4,6-Me3 in THF (2,4,6-Me3 phenolate, 32.1 mV/dec) and 0.4 M PhMgCl and 0.2 M AlCl3 in THF (APC, 56.2 mV/dec). The fluorinated alkoxide results in complete magnesium coverage of the working electrode, with the metal growing along the [100] direction, orthogonal to the electrode surface. This behavior is contrary to the aromatic-based electrolyte solutions, which show less crystalline Mg deposits and incomplete surface coverage. Through a combination of electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electrochemical methods, we show that this sporadic depos...
Composition and diversity of ground-layer vegetation in silvicultural openings of southern Indiana forests

Abstract Between 1993 and 1995 we sampled ground-layer vegetation on 150 plots in Facus-Acer saccharum/Arisaema Mesic Slope and Quercus alba-Acer saccharum/Parthenocissus Dry-Mesic Slope forests to determine how the understory of these forests responded to forest management. Four different stand types, clear-cuts (2–12 ha), group-selection openings (0.1–1.6 ha), single-tree selection openings (0.005–0.013 ha) and uncut 80–100 y-old reference stands were sampled. There was little relationship between the percent cover of most ecological species groups and opening age or size on either mesic or dry-mesic slopes. While clear-cuts and group-selection openings had significantly greater cover of several ecological species groups (used to classify mesic and dry-mesic slopes) than reference stands, single-tree selection openings did not differ significantly from reference stands in the cover of any ecological species group. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that more ground-layer species were significantly c...
Curcuminoid Content and Safety-Related Markers of Quality of Turmeric Dietary Supplements Sold in an Urban Retail Marketplace in the United States

Scope Turmeric is a top selling dietary supplement (DS) in the United States with rapidly expanding usage. Therefore, turmeric DS formulations available for sale in an urban US retail marketplace are analyzed, and point of sale information is related to measures of quality relevant to safety. Methods and results Eighty-seven unique turmeric DS are identified; a majority (94%) contained turmeric-derived curcuminoid extracts (TD-CE), which are combined with other bioactives in 47% of products, including piperine (24%), an additive that could alter the metabolism of concurrent medications. While curcuminoid content is within 80% of anticipated for a majority of products analyzed (n = 35), curcuminoid composition (% curcumin) did not meet US Pharmacopeia (USP) criteria for TD-CE in 59% and is suggestive of possible unlabeled use of synthetic curcumin in some. Lead content is associated with the inclusion of turmeric root and exceeded USP limits in one product. Residues of toxic class 1 or 2 solvents, which are not needed for TD-CE isolation, are present in 71% of products, although quantified levels were within USP-specified limits. Conclusion Assessment of turmeric DS quality at point of sale is difficult for consumers and may best be managed in partnership with knowledgeable healthcare professionals.
Congenital renal arteriovenous malformation: Angiography in its diagnosis

Abstract Two patients with renal arteriovenous malformations are presented along with the distinct changes shown by urography, arteriography, and pharmacoangiography. The relevant roentgen signs in such patients include multiple small cobblestone-like indentations caused by well-formed vascular channels projecting into the collecting structures, no angiographic or urographic evidence of a mass displacing the intrarenal vessels or collecting structures, normal sized arteries and veins leading to and from the malformation, and a decrease in size of the malformation after intra-arterial infusion of epinephrine. These patients may have flank pain or hematuria later in life or may remain asymptomatic. A complete urographic and angiographic examination will help to determine the appropriate therapy. Corrective surgery is usually reserved for symptomatic patients and, when indicated, require only surgical ligation of the vessels feeding and draining the malformation.
Natural Medicines are Natural Pesticides

I did not believe Bruce Ames (1983) when he said we consumed 10,000 times more natural pesticides than synthetic pesticide residues, so I set out trying to disprove him. But then I learned that tannins were viricidal and essential oils were antiseptic and that tannins and essential oils may constitute up to 10% of the dry weight of such culinary herbs as Oregano (Duke, 1992c) meaning that many herbs and spices contain 100,000 parts per million (ppm) natural pesticides or biocides. Spices from Allium (chives, garlic, leek, onion, etc.) to Zingiber (ginger) are well-endowed with phytochemicals which have proven medicinal and pesticidal properties.
Lithographic and Related Microelectrode Fabrication Techniques

This paper describes the uses of microelectronics processing technology in the design and fabrication of small-dimension electrodes. The scope of the paper is taken to include microelectrodes with a single active area (microbands, microsquares) and with multiple active areas (paired microbands, microarrays, interdigitated arrays). The two principal electronics processing technologies employed are (a) techniques for deposition of thin films of metals and insulators, which are used mainly for preparation of microband electrodes, and (b) techniques that produce miniaturized patterns of electrodes, i.e., photolithography. The range of electrochemical studies possible with these devices is very large. Examples of chemical results are given.
Differences in anticipatory versus reactive stress to social evaluative threat in adults versus adolescents with autism

Social evaluative threat is a potent activator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis in typically developing (TD) populations. Studies have shown that children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show a blunted cortisol response to this type of stressor; yet, a previous study in adults with ASD reported a more prototypical stress response. The current study compared 24 adolescents and 17 adults with ASD to investigate a possible developmental lag in autism resulting in a more adaptive stress response to social evaluation with development. Participants were exposed to the trier social stress test (TSST), and salivary cortisol was collected before and after stress induction. Multilevel modeling revealed that relative to adolescents, young adults with ASD evidenced a significant increase in cortisol in response to anticipatory stress, and 23.5% were classified as anticipatory responders. Adolescents, however, had a significant change in slope in response to the TSST, with 37.5% classified as reactive responders. In both groups, the majority of participants did not have a robust stress response to the TSST as would be expected in TD participants. Findings suggest significant differences in the cortisol trajectory; adults with ASD were more likely to show an anticipatory response to being socially evaluated, which was maintained throughout the stressor, whereas the adolescents had a more reactive response pattern with no anticipatory response. Further research is needed to determine if such patterns are adaptive or deleterious, and to determine underlying factors that may contribute to distinct stress profiles and to the overall diminished stress responses. Autism Res 2018, 11: 1276-1285. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Many individuals have increased stress when being socially evaluated. The current study shows that adults with ASD have increased stress in anticipation of a task in which individuals are required to give a speech to unfamiliar raters, while adolescents with ASD tend to show a stress response only during the task itself. Further research is necessary to understand whether developmental influences on stress response in ASD have significant impacts on other areas of functioning often affected by stress.
Culture, Language and Identity: English-Tamil in Colonial India, 1750–1900 / Language, Culture, and Power: English-Tamil in Modern India, 1900 to Present Day

Nearly two decades ago, the British Council in Chennai undertook a project with a scholarly collective to investigate how the West was represented in South Indian literatures. The result was the pu...
Blockade of the OGF-OGFr pathway in diabetic bone.

ABSTRACTPurpose: This research investigated the presence and integrity of the opioid growth factor (OGF)—opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) regulatory pathway in type 1 diabetic (T1D) rats, and i...
Don't We Need Something More in These Extraordinary Times? Response to the Commentaries.

In this response to the open peer commentaries for “Clinical Ethicists Awakened: Addressing Two Generations of Clinical Ethics Issues Involving Undocumented Patients,” I respond to two main issues....
Body composition in head and neck cancer patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiation.

e20531 Background: We report results of a randomized pilot study assessing the impact of amifostine and a low weight tailored resistance exercise (LWTRE) on body composition in head and neck cancer...
Decoupling of Nrf2 Expression Promotes Mesenchymal State Maintenance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Epithelial mesenchymal transition is a common mechanism leading to metastatic dissemination and cancer progression. In an effort to better understand this process we found an intersection of Nrf2/NLE2F2 (Nrf2), epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metabolic alterations using multiple in vitro and in vivo approaches. Nrf2 is a key transcription factor controlling the expression of redox regulators to establish cellular redox homeostasis. Nrf2 has been shown to exert both cancer inhibitory and stimulatory activities. Using multiple isogenic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, we observed a reduction of Nrf2 protein and activity in a prometastatic mesenchymal cell state and increased reactive oxygen species. Knockdown of Nrf2 promoted a mesenchymal phenotype and reduced glycolytic, TCA cycle and lipogenic output from both glucose and glutamine in the isogenic cell models; while overexpression of Nrf2 promoted a more epithelial phenotype and metabolic reactivation. In both Nrf2 knockout mice and in NSCLC patient samples, Nrf2low was co-correlated with markedly decreased expression of glycolytic, lipogenic, and mesenchymal RNAs. Conversely, Nrf2high was associated with partial mesenchymal epithelial transition and increased expression of metabolic RNAs. The impact of Nrf2 on epithelial and mesenchymal cancer cell states and metabolic output provide an additional context to Nrf2 function in cancer initiation and progression, with implications for therapeutic inhibition of Nrf2 in cancer treatment.
ON THE QUANTITATIVE FORMULATION OF THE HUMAN REWARD FUNCTION: Part II. Applications

The mathematical expression of the reward function introduced in Paper I is used in evaluating the dependence of reward on the variety of available experiences, as well as in analyzing the rationale of certain actions aimed at indirect reward maximization. A person can affect the reward content of events by influencing his own estimate of their frequency of occurrence. Hostile acts without any expected direct benefit, or interest in other people's misfortunes can be understood as aiming at such indirect reward enhancement.
Late Mortality and Relapse Following HLA-Identical Sibling Donor Marrow Transplantation for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

We studied the incidence and reasons for late failure following allogeneic transplantation for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Three-hundred thirty-five adult patients (median age 37, 229 chronic, 62 accelerated, 44 blastic phase) who underwent allogeneic marrow transplantation from HLA identical siblings at 7 institutions from 1984 – 1995 following preparation with busulfan and cyclophosphamide (BuCy2), the most commonly used regimen in this circumstance. Cyclosporine or tacrolimus-based regimens were used to prevent graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD). Median follow-up of surviving patients exceeded 14 years. Of 182 patients alive and free of leukemia at 3 years, 77.0% (95% CI: 65 to 83.6%) survive at 18 years and 61.9% (95% CI: 52.1 – 70.3%) survive without relapse. Twenty-seven (42.2%) of the 64 total relapses occurred beyond 3 years. Death occurred less frequently (P<.001) and the interval from relapse to death was longer (P=.01) in patients who relapsed late compared to those who relapsed early. The hazard rate for relapse fell rapidly from year 1 through 5, then remained low but constant through year 15. The cumulative incidence of late (beyond 3 years) relapse for patients alive and free of disease at 3 years was 22.8%.. The cumulative incidence of non-relapse mortality was 18.1% for those alive and leukemia-free at 3 years and in the 36 patients who died beyond 3 years, the primary cause of death was chronic GVHD in 11, relapse in 7, new malignancy in 6, organ failure in 6 (pulmonary in 4) and infection in 2. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that advanced disease stage (HR 2.75, P=.001) and older age (HR 1.39, P = .032) were associated with diminished LFS of patients alive and free of disease at 3 years. Overall survival was also adversely influenced by older age (HR 3.86, P < .001) and advanced stage (HR 1.54, P=.024). Advanced disease phase was associated with a higher incidence of late relapse (HR ≥ 2.50, P=.039) and late NRM (HR 3.18, P=.008). Acute GVHD and short interval from diagnosis to transplant influenced early, but not late failure. Chronic GVHD was associated with lower incidence of late relapse (HR=.30, P=.002) but did not significantly influence survival or LFS. Overall, nearly 2 of every 5 patients alive and free of leukemia at 3 years died or relapsed over the subsequent 15 years. No plateau in LFS was seen. ![Figure][1] Figure [1]: pending:yes
Mutualism in the Marrow.

Cross-talk between hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and the HSC niche is likely important in hematopoiesis but not well demonstrated. Now in Cell Stem Cell, Chen et al. (2019) describe how specialized endothelial cells regulate hematopoietic stem cell maintenance and how hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells facilitate vascular regeneration in return.
Examining the Links Between Received Network Support and Marital Quality Among Mothers of Children with ASD: A Longitudinal Mediation Analysis

Employing a cohort sequential design and multilevel modeling, the direct and indirect effects (via depressed mood, emotional wellbeing, and perceived support) of received network support on marital quality were assessed over a 7-year period (child age 7-14) on 96 married or cohabiting mothers of children with ASD. Findings indicated several significant direct and indirect effects affecting change within mothers over time, with effects varying by whether the support source was a spouse or partner, family members, or friends. In addition, one moderated mediation effect was noted, with the indirect effect of received spousal support on marital quality via perceived spousal support retaining significance only at low and moderate levels of child problem behavior severity. Study strengths, limitations, and clinical implications are discussed.
Subseasonal Midlatitude Prediction Skill Following QBO-MJO Activity

Abstract. The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is known to force extratropical weather days-to-weeks following an MJO event through excitation of stationary Rossby waves, tropical-extratropical teleconnections. Prior research has demonstrated that this tropically forced midlatitude response leads to increased prediction skill on subseasonal to seasonal (S2S) timescales. Furthermore, the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO) has been shown to possibly alter these teleconnections through modulation of the MJO itself and the atmospheric basic state upon which the Rossby waves propagate. This implies that the MJO-QBO relationship may affect midlatitude circulation prediction skill on S2S timescales. In this study, we quantify midlatitude circulation sensitivity and prediction skill following active MJOs and QBOs across the Northern Hemisphere on S2S timescales through an examination of the 500 hPa geopotential height field. First, a comparison of the spatial distribution of Northern Hemisphere sensitivity to the MJO during different QBO phases is performed for ERA-Interim reanalysis and ECMWF and NCEP hindcasts. Secondly, differences in prediction skill in ECMWF and NCEP hindcasts are quantified following MJO-QBO activity. We find that regions across the Pacific, North America and the Atlantic exhibit increased prediction skill following MJO-QBO activity, but these regions are not always collocated with the locations most sensitive to the MJO under a particular QBO state. Both hindcast systems demonstrate enhanced prediction skill 7–14 days following active MJO events during strong QBO periods compared to MJO events during neutral QBO periods.
Systemic Proteome Alterations Linked to Early Stage Pancreatic Cancer in Diabetic Patients

Background: Diabetes is a risk factor associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and new adult-onset diabetes can be an early sign of pancreatic malignancy. Development of blood-based biomarkers to identify diabetic patients who warrant imaging tests for cancer detection may represent a realistic approach to facilitate earlier diagnosis of PDAC in a risk population. Methods: A spectral library-based proteomic platform was applied to interrogate biomarker candidates in plasma samples from clinically well-defined diabetic cohorts with and without PDAC. Random forest algorithm was used for prediction model building and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to evaluate the prediction probability of potential biomarker panels. Results: Several biomarker panels were cross-validated in the context of detection of PDAC within a diabetic background. In combination with carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), the panel, which consisted of apolipoprotein A-IV (APOA4), monocyte differentiation antigen CD14 (CD14), tetranectin (CLEC3B), gelsolin (GSN), histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG), inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H3 (ITIH3), plasma kallikrein (KLKB1), leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG1), pigment epithelium-derived factor (SERPINF1), plasma protease C1 inhibitor (SERPING1), and metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 (TIMP1), demonstrated an area under curve (AUC) of 0.85 and a two-fold increase in detection accuracy compared to CA19-9 alone. The study further evaluated the correlations of protein candidates and their influences on the performance of biomarker panels. Conclusions: Proteomics-based multiplex biomarker panels improved the detection accuracy for diagnosis of early stage PDAC in diabetic patients.
Immigration Patterns and History of Mexican-origin Latin@s in the Midwest: Educational Implications and Future Considerations

The accelerated growth of the Latin@ population in the United States in the last few decades represents one of the most significant demographic changes in the nation. Alongside this population shift, some other trends have started to emerge: the Latin@ population, especially Mexican-origin people, has begun to move and settle outside traditional large cities (Murillo & Villenas, 1997; Stamps & Bohon, 2006). The numbers of Mexican-origin Latin@s concentrated in so-called “gateway” states, such as California and Texas, have started to decline and populations of immigrants settling in non-traditional destinations are now growing (Passel & Zimmerman 2001; Zuniga & Hernandez-Leon, 2005). This demographic flow has been referred to in academic literature as the new Latino diaspora (Murillo & Villenas, 1997) or new Latino destinations (Suro & Singer, 2002). Against this background, this essay explores the literature with a focus on the history of Mexican-origin Latin@ presence in the Midwest, as well as the more recent immigration trends of this population in the region. The essay aims to extend current understandings of Latin@ immigration patterns in the Midwest, analyze their implications for education and policy, and offer additional questions and considerations for future research in the field. A nuanced examination of these facts will help us to better understand the significance of the Mexican-origin Latin@ presence in the Midwest, the vulnerable status of this group over the years, and the need to recognize this population as an asset, not a liability, in the present and future considerations of the United States as a nation.
Detecting Emerging COVID-19 Community Outbreaks at High Spatiotemporal Resolution — New York City, June 2020

Abstract To quickly detect hotspots, the New York City Health Department launched a SARS-CoV-2 percent positivity cluster detection system using census tract resolution and the SaTScan prospective Poisson-based space-time scan statistic. Soon after implementation, this system prompted an investigation identifying a gathering with inadequate social distancing where viral transmission likely occurred.