cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feeding Green Fire

Aldo Leopold’s experience with a dying wolf and vision of ‘green ﬁre’ has led to green ﬁre becoming a ubiquitous signiﬁer of environmental concerns, while also understood as carrying a spiritual signiﬁcance. To explore this conjunction, I put Leopold in dialogue with aspects of Native American philosophy and science, and ecologically minded theologians and philosophers Mary Daly and Val Plumwood, ﬁnding a common theme of integrity. To understand the symbolic signiﬁcance of green ﬁre, I employ a method drawn from Jungian studies, ampliﬁcation, ﬁnding parallel refer¬ences to green ﬁre in the theology of Hildegard of Bingen, alchemical symbolism, contemporary art, poetry, and popular culture, the nature writing of Robin Wall Kimmerer, and discourses and practices around biotechnology. These parallels similarly reveal green ﬁre to be a symbol of that integral life/death force, linked in turn to ‘Mother Earth’ or ‘Mother Nature’.
Socio-Rhetorical Interpretation: Textures of a Text and its Reception:

The meaning of a text does not reside alone in the creative genius of its author; there is a complex correlation between a text and the contexts in which a text has been read and reread, including ...
Relation between metal environment and antiferromagnetic interactions in binuclear copper complexes, and crystal structures of Cu2Cl2O4N2C20H20, Cu2O8N4C20H20, and Cu2O4N2C28H26

For copper(II) dimers, a correlation between antiferromagnetic interaction and metal environment is demonstrated, and this correlation is strong enough to be used in the solution of three crystal structures.
A practical realization of parallel disks

Several models of parallel disks are found in the literature. These models have been proposed to alleviate the I/O bottleneck arising in handling voluminous data. These models have the general theme of assuming multiple disks. For instance the parallel disk systems (PDS) model assumes D disks and a single computer. It is also assumed that a block of data from each of the D disks can be fetched into the main memory in one parallel I/O operation. In this paper we present a more practical model for multiple disks and evaluate it experimentally. This model is called a parallel machine with disks (PMD). A PMD can be thought of as a realization of the PDS model. A PMD can also be considered as a special case of the hierarchical memory models proposed in the literature. We investigate the sorting problem on the new model. Our analysis demonstrates the practicality of the PMD. We also present experimental confirmation of this assertion with data from our implementations.
WEAVING DEPLOYMENT ASPECTS INTO DOMAIN-SPECIFIC MODELS ⁄

Domain-specific models increase the level of abstraction used to develop large-scale component-based systems. Model-driven development (MDD) approaches (e.g., Model-Integrated Computing and Model-Driven Architecture) emphasize the use of models at all stages of system development. Decomposing problems using MDD approaches may result in a separation of the artifacts in a way that impedes comprehension. For example, a single concern (such as deployment of a distributed system) may crosscut different orthogonal activities (such as component specification, interaction, packaging and planning). To keep track of all entities associated with a component, and to ensure that the constraints for the system as a whole are not violated, a purely model-driven approach imposes extra effort, thereby negating some of the benefits of MDD. This paper provides three contributions to the study of applying aspect-oriented techniques to address the crosscutting challenges of model-driven component-based distributed systems development. First, we identify the sources of crosscutting concerns that typically arise in model-driven development of component-based systems. Second, we describe how aspect-oriented model weaving helps modularize these crosscutting concerns using model transformations. Third, we describe how we have applied model weaving using a tool called the Constraint-Specification Aspect Weaver (C-SAW) in the context of the Platform-Independent Component Modeling Language (PICML), which is a domain-specific modeling language for developing component-based systems. A case study of a joint-emergency response system is presented to express the challenges in modeling a typical distributed system. Our experience shows that model weaving is an effective and scalable technique for dealing with crosscutting aspects of component-based systems development.
Intracellular trafficking of influenza virus: clinical implications for molecular medicine.

The trafficking and processing steps that occur in cells that are infected with influenza virus play a crucial role in the outcome of infection. These steps are targets for new and future anti-viral drugs, and can affect the relative virulence of the virus and its ability to cause disease. The virus first binds to its host cell via specific sialic acid residues, which can control the species tropism of the virus. The internalisation of the virus, into the nucleus of the cell, is dependent on a low pH, and this process is therapeutically targeted by the drug amantadine. Following replication, the newly formed viral genomes leave the nucleus and assemble into infectious particles at the plasma membrane. The targeting and processing of the various viral components at this late stage of the infectious cycle can have a major effect on the ability of the virus to spread and cause disease in its host. Finally, the release of viruses is dependent on the enzyme neuraminidase (NA), and this function has recently been targeted by the NA inhibitors, a new generation of drugs against influenza virus.
Family-based health needs along the Texas-Mexico border.

Background The population in the Texas–Mexico border is rapidly increasing and exacerbating a number of public health problems and healthcare services. The needs of this area have been predominantly assessed through a professional lens. To better inform public policy and serve the area, this study assessed the needs of families living along the Texas–Mexico border. Methods Approximately 2000 households along the Texas–Mexico border were interviewed for their basic demographic information and health needs. Results It was found that children’s healthcare services were the highest reported need among families along the border. The probability of reporting healthcare needs increased by 43% among families with children under the age of 5, whereas the probability of reporting healthcare needs decreased by 40% among families with children 13 and older. Conclusion The findings from this study suggest child healthcare services, particularly for families with young children, is the most pressing need of the area.
Rapid body size decline in Alaskan Pleistocene horses before extinction

About 70% of North American large mammal species were lost at the end of the Pleistocene epoch. The causes of this extinction--the role of humans versus that of climate--have been the focus of much controversy. Horses have figured centrally in that debate, because equid species dominated North American late Pleistocene faunas in terms of abundance, geographical distribution, and species variety, yet none survived into the Holocene epoch. The timing of these equid regional extinctions and accompanying evolutionary changes are poorly known. In an attempt to document better the decline and demise of two Alaskan Pleistocene equids, I selected a large number of fossils from the latest Pleistocene for radiocarbon dating. Here I show that horses underwent a rapid decline in body size before extinction, and I propose that the size decline and subsequent regional extinction at 12,500 radiocarbon years before present are best attributed to a coincident climatic/vegetational shift. The present data do not support human overkill and several other proposed extinction causes, and also show that large mammal species responded somewhat individualistically to climate changes at the end of the Pleistocene.
A Phase I Study of Intraperitoneal Interferon-α2band Intravenouscis-Platinum plus Cyclophosphamide Chemotherapy in Patients with Untreated Stage III Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Pilot Study

Abstract Previous clinical investigations using interferons (IFNs) have shown activity against epithelial ovarian cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose of intraperitoneal (ip) IFN-α 2b which could be administered in combination with intravenous (iv) cis -platinum plus cyclophosphamide chemotherapy. After comprehensive surgical staging and maximal cytoreduction, previously untreated patients with primary ovarian adenocarcinoma were entered at one of five IFN dose levels. IFN-α 2b (5–30 × 10 6 units) was administered ip on Day 1 (±Day 8). cis -Platinum (75 mg/m 2 ) plus cyclophosphamide (750 mg/m 2 ) were administered iv on Day 2 with prophylactic hydration and antiemetics. Courses were repeated every 3 weeks for 8 cycles. Adverse effects were recorded using standard Gynecologic Oncology Group toxicity scales. Fifteen patients with mean age 56 years (range 43–73) were entered and received a combined total of 100 treatment cycles. Catheter-related complications occurred in 8 patients, and in three cases lead to catheter removal and discontinuation of ip therapy. Two patients experienced grade 2–3 nephrotoxicity and 1 experienced grade 2 peripheral neuropathy. There was a single episode of chemical peritonitis. Myelosuppression was the dose-limiting toxicity with grade 3–4 leukopenia complicating 6, 5, 12, 11, and 17 cycles at dose levels 1–5, respectively. No patient completed planned treatment without interruption or dose reduction. Planned cis -platinum dose intensity was most compromised at the fifth IFN-α 2b dose level. The maximum tolerated dose of IFN-α 2b was determined to be 20 × 10 6 units repeated on Days 1 and 8 of this 21-day cis -platinum plus cyclophosphamide chemotherapy cycle.
Reconfiguration and management in Wireless Sensor Networks

The next generation of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) will need to be sustainable in the field. Sustainability presents a number of management difficulties. Among these challenges is field programmability. Future WSNs will consist of nodes with different architectures, capabilities, and operating systems. Current solutions for reprogramming WSNs either require homogenous networks or substantial overhead. Our node management layer, Trigger, can wirelessly reconfigure heterogeneous nodes when only a few parameters need to be changed. Our method has a manageable processor overhead while significantly decreasing network traffic. Trigger provides field-programmability to the WSN. This reconfiguration can simply rectify node-management tasks like sensor drift in a node. Furthermore, Trigger contains an abstraction of node context. This means Trigger can make local decisions about policy (like power management). Trigger is an easy, lightweight method to change program and node parameters and to manage node policy.
Maternal Methadone Dose, Placental Methadone Concentrations, and Neonatal Outcomes

BACKGROUND: Few investigations have used placenta as an alternative matrix to detect in utero drug exposure, despite its availability at the time of birth and the large amount of sample. Methadone-maintained opioid-dependent pregnant women provide a unique opportunity to examine the placental disposition of methadone and metabolite [2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP)], to explore their correlations with maternal methadone dose and neonatal outcomes, and to test the ability to detect in utero exposure to illicit drugs. METHODS: We calculated the correlations of placental methadone and EDDP concentrations and their correlations with maternal methadone doses and neonatal outcomes. Cocaine- and opiate-positive placenta results were compared with the results for meconium samples and for urine samples collected throughout gestation. RESULTS: Positive correlations were found between placental methadone and EDDP concentrations ( r = 0.685), and between methadone concentration and methadone dose at delivery ( r = 0.542), mean daily dose ( r = 0.554), mean third-trimester dose ( r = 0.591), and cumulative daily dose ( r = 0.639). The EDDP/methadone concentration ratio was negatively correlated with cumulative daily dose ( r = −0.541) and positively correlated with peak neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) score ( r = 0.513). Placental EDDP concentration was negatively correlated with newborn head circumference ( r = −0.579). Cocaine and opiate use was detected in far fewer placenta samples than in thrice-weekly urine and meconium samples, a result suggesting a short detection window for placenta. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative methadone and EDDP measurement may predict NAS severity. The placenta reflects in utero drug exposure for a shorter time than meconium but may be useful when meconium is unavailable or if documentation of recent exposure is needed.
Census of Monogyne and Polygyne Laboratory Colonies Illuminates Dynamics of Population Growth in Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

One hundred and three laboratory colonies of the eastern subterranean termite. Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar). ranging from 4 mo to 9 yr of age, were destructively sampled, and the numbers of eggs and other life stages were counted. Polygyny was maintained in 9.7% (n = 31) of the groups censused at four months, whereas monogyny was the only condition found thereafter. Polyandry was recorded in 17% of colonies sampled over a 2-yr period. Colonies set up with multiple males/females achieved similar rates of progeny (numbers, caste proportions, and biomass) compared with colonies initiated by a single royal pair. The soldier caste was present at the 4-mo census, whereas nymphs and neotenics first occurred in 2-yr-old groups. Primary queens reached a mean body mass of 7.06 mg (SD 2.4) after 2 yr and did not gain considerable weight between 2 and 4 yr. Two 6-yr-old queens weighed 17 and 18 mg, respectively, and produced the highest number of eggs per day. A simple computer model of colony growth, using both egg-laying rates obtained from our census and hypothetical egg-laying rates, revealed that the expected number of larvae matched the numbers censused in colonies up to 2 yr of age, although worker numbers were consistently overestimated. The data indicate that a monogyne colony of R. flavipes could not attain the population size occasionally described in field studies. Extrapolating laboratory data and potential reproductive mechanisms that can account for field data are discussed.
Relationship between Head Size and Latency of the Auditory Brainstem Response: Le Rapport qui existe entre le volume de la těle et la latence des réponses auditives du tronc cérébral

This investigation examines the relationship between the head size of 22 normally hearing individuals and the latency of their respective auditory brainstem responses (ABR). The absolute latency of wave V and the I-V interpeak interval were examined in 12 female and 10 male subjects with varying head sizes. Strong positive correlations were obtained between head size and the latency of both wave V and the I-V interpeak interval. The evidence suggests that this relationship is based upon subject differences in brain size which is reflected in head size. Head size appears to be an important source of intersubject variability which should be considered in order to increase the clinical usefulness of the ABR.Cette recherche etudie le rapport qui existe entre le volume de la těte et la latence des reponses auditives du tronc cerebral (ABR) chez 22 individus possedant une ouie normale. Nous avons etudie la latence absolue de l'onde V et Pintervalle entre pics des ondes I-V chez 12 femmes et 10 hommes dont le vo...
Employment Guarantee Scheme and Child Health Outcome: Evidence from MGNREGA Using Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Several studies have examined the effect of employment guarantee schemes on various aspects of participants’ welfare including its role as social safety net. However, the literature is sparse in regards to its effect on children’s health outcomes, as well as the gender discrimination aspect of it. Using survey data from the IHDS 2012, this paper aims to fill these gaps in the literature by analyzing the role of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in influencing children’s health outcomes as proxied by their height and weight. The analysis employs the quasi-experimental technique of Propensity Score Matching to provide causal interpretations. The results suggest that there is evidence, especially for female children, that household participation in NREGA has beneficial impact on health outcomes.
Laboratory Studies on the Dissemination of a Granulosis Virus by Healthy Adults of the Indianmeal Moth, Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Healthy adult males of the Indianmeal moth (IMM), Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), were contaminated with a bentonite/granulosis (GV) dust when attracted to the source by a pheromone lure. Surface contamination of males was transferred to adult females during copulation, and larval food was subsequently contaminated by females during oviposition. The F1 generation of larvae acquired viral disease. Although several routes of virus transfer from adults to larvae may take place, the most effective transmission occurred when young larvae fed on cadavers of contaminated moths or when only a small quantity of larval food was available for contamination and ingestion. Fifty-two percent of the introduced larvae that fed on GV-contaminated adult male IMM cadavers and 44% that fed on female moths that had been contaminated by males during copulation developed patent virus infections. However, only 12 to 32% of the F1 progenies of the GV-contaminated female moths acquired patent infections. Data were highly variable. Results confirmed similar laboratory studies conducted by others with Trogoderma glabrum and the protozoan, Mattesia trogodermae .
User-Defined Functions

Workflows often have sequences of common steps repeated within or across scripts. Functions allow programmers to group related steps of code, name them, and reuse them by calling them by name. This chapter discusses defining functions with required and optional parameters, returning values from functions, organizing code with functions, and managing variables inside and outside of functions.
Antibody-based neuronal and axonal delivery vectors for targeted ligand delivery.

Targeted ligand delivery(TLD)or selective delivery of cargo to peripheral axonal and neuronal compartments is a usefu strategy for several unmet clinical and preclinical needs relevant to the health and diseases of peripheral nervous system(PNS).Potentially,PNS organization and architecture can be
MAPPING NANTUCKET PINE TIP MOTH (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE) PHENOLOGY IN GEORGIA

Thermal requirements for the Nantucket pine tip moth (NPTM), Rhyacionia frustrana (Comstock), to complete one generation were estimated using published data and new observations representing six unique combinations of location and year. Estimates ranged from 690 degree-days (DD) to 818 DD using a lower threshold of 9.5° C and an upper threshold of 33.5° C. Selected values within the range of estimates were used along with historical temperature data to produce maps of NPTM phenology in Georgia. The map based on the midpoint of the range of estimates (754 DD) was most closely compatible with previous observations of NPTM phenology and major physiographic boundaries. With an estimated mean thermal requirement of 754 DD, the NPTM will complete two to four generations per year in Georgia. This study demonstrates a technique that could be applied to map the phenology of any multivoltine insect for which data on thermal requirements for development are available.
Loss of a trans-splicing nad1 intron from Geraniaceae and transfer of the maturase gene matR to the nucleus in Pelargonium

The mitochondrial nad1 gene of seed plants has a complex structure, including four introns in cis or trans configurations and a maturase gene (matR) hosted within the final intron. In the geranium family (Geraniaceae), however, sequencing of representative species revealed that three of the four introns, including one in a trans configuration and another that hosts matR, were lost from the nad1 gene in their common ancestor. Despite the loss of the host intron, matR has been retained as a freestanding gene in most genera of the family, indicating that this maturase has additional functions beyond the splicing of its host intron. In the common ancestor of Pelargonium, matR was transferred to the nuclear genome, where it was split into two unlinked genes that encode either its reverse transcriptase or maturase domain. Both nuclear genes are transcribed and contain predicted mitochondrial targeting signals, suggesting that they express functional proteins that are imported into mitochondria. The nuclear localization and split domain structure of matR in the Pelargonium nuclear genome offers a unique opportunity to assess the function of these two domains using transgenic approaches.
Nonlinear PET parametric image reconstruction with MRI information using kernel method

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a functional imaging modality widely used in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. It is highly sensitive, but suffers from relatively poor spatial resolution, as compared with anatomical imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). With the recent development of combined PET/MR systems, we can improve the PET image quality by incorporating MR information. Previously we have used kernel learning to embed MR information in static PET reconstruction and direct Patlak reconstruction. Here we extend this method to direct reconstruction of nonlinear parameters in a compartment model by using the alternating direction of multiplier method (ADMM) algorithm. Simulation studies show that the proposed method can produce superior parametric images compared with existing methods.
Perioperative antibiotic use in diabetic patients: A retrospective review of 670 surgeries

Summary Purpose Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has a high incidence in diabetic patients, with a reported incidence up to 21%. In severe cases of CTS, patients may undergo carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery, which involves the risk of infection and other complications. To decrease the risk of infection, some physicians provide prophylactic antibiotics. Our study examines the effects of prophylactic antibiotic use, especially in a high-risk, diabetic population. Methods A total of 469 CTR surgeries performed by plastic surgery specialists were reviewed for diabetic status at the time of surgery and perioperative antibiotic use. Postoperative infections occurring at the surgical site were recorded. Associations between perioperative antibiotic use and infection in diabetics and nondiabetics were then analyzed. Results No significant decrease in infection rate was seen in those who were given perioperative antibiotic use. This relationship held true for diabetics as well. Conclusions No benefit of antibiotic use during CTR surgery was seen. There was, however, a trend toward a protective effect in patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, suggesting that such patients may benefit from perioperative antibiotic use. Level of Evidence III (Retrospective cohort study), Therapeutic
Small and Adrift with Self-Control: Using the Environment to Improve Autonomy

We present information theoretic search strategies for single and multi-robot teams to localize the source of a chemical spill in turbulent flows. In this work, robots rely on sporadic and intermittent sensor readings to synthesize information maximizing exploration strategies. Using the spatial distribution of the sensor readings, robots construct a belief distribution for the source location. Motion strategies are designed to maximize the change in entropy of this belief distribution. In addition, we show how a geophysical description of the environmental dynamics can improve existing motion control strategies. This is especially true when process and vehicle dynamics are intricately coupled with the environmental dynamics. We conclude with a summary of current efforts in robotic tracking of coherent structures in geophysical flows. Since coherent structures enables the prediction and estimation of the environmental dynamics, we discuss how this geophysical perspective can result in improved control strategies for autonomous systems.
The Current Status of Molecular Xenomonitoring for Lymphatic Filariasis and Onchocerciasis

The capacity of vector insect surveillance to provide estimates of pathogen prevalence and transmission potential has long been recognized within the global communities tasked with eliminating lymphatic filariasis (LF), the underlying cause of elephantiasis and hydrocele, and onchocerciasis (river blindness). Initially restricted to the practice of dissection, the potential of vector monitoring has grown due to the advent of molecular methods capable of increasing the sensitivity and throughput of testing. However, despite such advancement, operational research gaps remain. If insufficiently addressed, these gaps will reduce the utility of molecular xenomonitoring (MX) for onchocerciasis as elimination efforts expand into Africa. Similarly, such shortcomings will limit the programmatic usefulness of MX for LF, resulting in this technique's significant underutilization.
Weight effects of antidiabetic agents

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Obesity and diabetes are on the rise, which remains a continuous health concern worldwide. It is important to consider weight effects of antidiabetic agents prior to initiatio...
Endosonographic Staging of Esophageal Cancer.

Background:Endosonography (ES) is an important tool for staging malignant esophageal cancer with the TNM staging classification. ES is a safe procedure and an accurate method of staging tumor invas...
DYNAMIN GTPASE IS STIMULATED BY CROSSLINKING THROUGH THE C-TERMINAL PROLINE-RICH DOMAIN

Dynamin is a 100 kDa GTPase required for endocytic-coated vesicle formation. Recombinant human neuronal dynamin (dynamin-1) was used for monoclonal antibody (mAb) production. Two mAbs, designated hudy-2 (for human dynamin) and hudy-4, were chosen for further study based on their differential ability to recognize dynamin-1 and its non-neuronal isoform, dynamin-2. Both bind to the proline-rich C-terminal domain (PRD) of dynamin and inhibit the ability of microtubules and grb2 to stimulate GTPase activity. Hudy-4 binds to an epitope within the last 20 amino acids of dynamin-1 and has no effect on its intrinsic GTPase activity. Hudy-2 binds to an epitope within amino acids 822-838 that is common to dynamin-1 and dynamin-2. Hudy-2 stimulates dynamin's intrinsic GTPase activity in a manner proportional to the valency of the immunoglobulin (Ig) G. Crosslinking IgGs with secondary antibodies caused a 2-fold increase in GTPase activity, while F(ab)s were inactive. Importantly, our findings suggest that the stimulation of dynamin GTPase activity by multivalent proteins which bind in vitro to the PRD may not be a valid criterion on its own for assessing the in vivo functional significance of these interactions.
A simple metric for a complex outcome: proposing a sustainment index for health indicators.

Sustainability is, at least in principle, an important criterion for evaluating global health and development programs. The absence of shared metrics for success or achievements in sustainability is however critically lacking. We propose a simple metric, free of causal inference, which can be used to test different empirical models for the sustainment of health outcomes. We follow the suggestion of Chambers and use “sustainment” to refer to the verifiable and measured extent to which a health indicator has evolved over time. The sustainment index of a health indicator (Y) advanced by a program is based on a simple-to-calculate approximation of the derivative of Y over time (T0: baseline, T1: endline, and T2: post-project), based on the ratio of the slope of YT1-T2 over YT0-T1. SI(Y) = 1+ (YT1-T2 / YT0-T1). This construct provides three clear benchmarks: SI = 0, when the health indicator returns to baseline value post-project (YT2 = YT0); SI = 1, when the endline-post-project trend is a plateau; and SI = 2, when the progress slope during program is uninterrupted post-program. We find strong correlation (r2 = 0.922) between the SI and independent practitioners’ rating of indicator trends. The SI shows different levels of achieved sustainment for a range of indicators in a published ex-post sustainability study. And we find that the SI can be computed for large national datasets for two types of indicators. The Sustainment Index has limitations and conditions of applicability, but it can be applied to different datasets and studies to provide a reliable dependent measure of the level of sustainment of health outcomes from one period of time to the next. The Index will need additional testing, and future evaluation-research work will need to consider index performance under different situations. The Sustainment Index has the potential to provide a standard metric to build evidence through more systematic research on sustainment and sustainability.
Are biologists getting the mathematical training they need in college

Several major organizations have recommended revisions to mathematics requirements for biology majors. To determine whether these changes would benefit future biologists, we investigated mathematics use in research biology. We surveyed prominent journals in high and low math-use areas for articles referencing the use of quantitative methods. In addition, we conducted a large-scale survey of research biologists within these fields about their use of, and training in, mathematics and statistics. We then performed follow-up interviews with a purposeful sample of respondents. Our results indicate that biologists need a base in descriptive and inferential statistics and mathematical modeling, including some concepts from calculus, focused on conceptual understanding rather than computational accuracy, followed by differentiated programs of study in mathematics and statistics, depending on intended discipline within biology. Comparison of our findings with the recommended requirements from major stakeholder groups indicates some alignment but also some discrepancies. © 2018 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(6):612-618, 2018.
Noninvasive noncontact speckle contrast diffuse correlation tomography of cerebral blood flow in rats.

Abstract Continuous and longitudinal imaging of cerebral blood flow (CBF) variations provide vital information to investigate pathophysiology and interventions for a variety of neurological and cerebral diseases. An innovative noncontact speckle contrast diffuse correlation tomography (scDCT) system was downscaled and adapted for noninvasive imaging of CBF distributions in rat brain through intact scalp and skull. Algorithms for 2D mapping and 3D image reconstruction of CBF distributions were developed and optimized. The continuous imaging capability of the system was shown by imaging global CBF increases during CO2 inhalations and regional CBF decreases across two hemispheres during sequential unilateral and bilateral common carotid artery ligations. The longitudinal imaging capability was demonstrated by imaging CBF variations over a long recovery period of 14 days after an acute stroke. Compared to the 2D mapping method, the 3D imaging method reduces partial volume effects, but needs more computation time for image reconstruction. Results from this study generally agree with those reported in the literature using similar protocols to induce CBF changes in rats. The scDCT enables a relatively large penetration depth (up to ∼10 mm), which is sufficient for transcranial brain measurements in small animals and human neonates. Ultimately, we expect to provide a noninvasive noncontact cerebral imager for basic neuroscience research in small animal models and clinical applications in human neonates.
Clinical EEG slowing correlates with delirium severity and predicts poor clinical outcomes

Objective To determine which findings on routine clinical EEGs correlate with delirium severity across various presentations and to determine whether EEG findings independently predict important clinical outcomes. Methods We prospectively studied a cohort of nonintubated inpatients undergoing EEG for evaluation of altered mental status. Patients were assessed for delirium within 1 hour of EEG with the 3-Minute Diagnostic Interview for Confusion Assessment Method (3D-CAM) and 3D-CAM severity score. EEGs were interpreted clinically by neurophysiologists, and reports were reviewed to identify features such as theta or delta slowing and triphasic waves. Generalized linear models were used to quantify associations among EEG findings, delirium, and clinical outcomes, including length of stay, Glasgow Outcome Scale scores, and mortality. Results We evaluated 200 patients (median age 60 years, IQR 48.5–72 years); 121 (60.5%) met delirium criteria. The EEG finding most strongly associated with delirium presence was a composite of generalized theta or delta slowing (odds ratio 10.3, 95% confidence interval 5.3–20.1). The prevalence of slowing correlated not only with overall delirium severity (R2 = 0.907) but also with the severity of each feature assessed by CAM-based delirium algorithms. Slowing was common in delirium even with normal arousal. EEG slowing was associated with longer hospitalizations, worse functional outcomes, and increased mortality, even after adjustment for delirium presence or severity. Conclusions Generalized slowing on routine clinical EEG strongly correlates with delirium and may be a valuable biomarker for delirium severity. In addition, generalized EEG slowing should trigger elevated concern for the prognosis of patients with altered mental status.
Do Social Movements Encourage Young People to Run for Office? Evidence from the 2014 Sunflower Movement in Taiwan:

The 2014 Sunflower Movement led to rising political participation among young Taiwanese. Hence, opposition parties and civic groups created programs to support young candidates running in the villa...
Prevalence and Outcomes of Pediatric In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Associated With Pulmonary Hypertension.

OBJECTIVES In adult in-hospital cardiac arrest, pulmonary hypertension is associated with worse outcomes, but pulmonary hypertension-associated in-hospital cardiac arrest has not been well studied in children. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension among children with in-hospital cardiac arrest and its impact on outcomes. DESIGN Retrospective single-center cohort study. SETTING PICU of a quaternary care, academic children's hospital. PATIENTS Children (<18 yr old) receiving greater than or equal to 1 minute of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) for an index in-hospital cardiac arrest with an echocardiogram in the 48 hours preceding in-hospital cardiac arrest, excluding those with cyanotic congenital heart disease. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Of 284 in-hospital cardiac arrest subjects, 57 (20%) had evaluable echocardiograms, which were analyzed by a cardiologist blinded to patient characteristics. Pulmonary hypertension was present in 20 of 57 (35%); nine of 20 (45%) had no prior pulmonary hypertension history. Children with pulmonary hypertension had worse right ventricular systolic function, measured by fractional area change (p = 0.005) and right ventricular global longitudinal strain (p = 0.046); more right ventricular dilation (p = 0.010); and better left ventricular systolic function (p = 0.001). Children with pulmonary hypertension were more likely to have abnormal baseline functional status and a history of chronic lung disease or acyanotic congenital heart disease and less likely to have sepsis or acute kidney injury. Children with pulmonary hypertension were more likely to have an initial rhythm of pulseless electrical activity or asystole and were more frequently treated with inhaled nitric oxide (80% vs 32%; p < 0.001) at the time of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. On multivariable analysis, pulmonary hypertension was not associated with event survival (14/20 [70%] vs 24/37 [65%]; adjusted odds ratio, 1.30 [CI95, 0.25-6.69]; p = 0.77) or survival to discharge (8/20 [40%] vs 10/37 [27%]; adjusted odds ratio, 1.17 [CI95, 0.22-6.44]; p = 0.85). CONCLUSIONS Pulmonary hypertension physiology preceding pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest may be more common than previously described. Among this cohort with a high frequency of inhaled nitric oxide treatment during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, pulmonary hypertension was not associated with survival outcomes.
Suicide exposure in transgender and gender diverse adults.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study is to examine the psychological effects of suicide exposure for Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) adults. Method Using data from a national online survey of 2784 self-identified TGD adults, the current study investigated the prevalence of suicide death and suicide attempt exposure and demographic and mental health correlates. Results Nearly sixty percent of the sample (57.9%) reported they were close to at least one person who attempted suicide, and more than a quarter of the sample reported they were close to at least one person who died by suicide. Exposure to either the suicide attempt or death of another individual was related to multiple indicators of psychological distress. Conclusions Exposure to the suicidal behavior of close others is prevalent in TGD individuals: over half of participants were close to someone who attempted suicide, more than in population-based studies of suicide exposure. Exposure appears to have a potential effect on recent indicators of psychological distress and suicide risk, which is important to consider when working in TGD communities.
FGF23 and bone disease

Abstract Bone provides structure and support for the body, protecting organs and providing levers for movement, but it is also an important metabolic organ. Osteocytes within mineralized bone regulate bone formation and resorption and also act as endocrine cells, producing fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) in response to phosphate and 1,25(OH)2vitamin D. Diseases of FGF23 excess highlight the role of phosphate wasting on bone demineralization in the context of FGF23 excess. However, in vitro studies suggest that FGF23, alone and in conjunction with its cofactor Klotho, may also have direct effects on bone biology. The development of neutralizing antibodies to FGF23 opens the door for new options in the treatment of diseases of hypophosphatemic rickets; these antibodies also offer new opportunities to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of FGF23 on bone.
Vaginal delivery of vaccines.

Abstract Recent estimates suggest that one in two sexually active individuals will acquire a sexually transmitted infection by age 25, an alarming statistic that amounts to over 1 million new infections per day worldwide. Vaccination against STIs is highly desirable for alleviating this global burden of disease. Vaginal immunization is a promising strategy to combat transmission via the vaginal mucosa. The vagina is typically considered a poor inductive site for common correlates of adaptive immunity. However, emerging evidence suggests that immune tolerance may be overcome by precisely engineered vaccination schemes that orchestrate cell-mediated immunity and establish tissue resident memory immune cells. In this review, we will discuss the unique immunological milieu of the vaginal mucosa and our current understanding of correlates of pathogenesis and protection for several common STIs. We then present a summary of recent vaginal vaccine studies and explore the role that mucosal adjuvants and delivery systems play in enhancing protection according to requisite features of immunity. Finally, we offer perspectives on the challenges and future directions of vaginal vaccine delivery, discussing remaining physiological barriers and innovative vaccine formulations that may overcome them.
A Day at the Beach: Enabling Coastal Water Quality Prediction with High-Frequency Sampling and Data-Driven Models.

To reduce the incidence of recreational waterborne illness, fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) are measured to assess water quality and inform beach management. Recently, predictive FIB models have bee...
Educational Psychology Is Evolving to Accommodate Technology, Multiple Disciplines, and Twenty-First-Century Skills.

This article covers recent research activities in educational psychology that have an interdisciplinary emphasis and that accommodate twenty-first-century skills in addition to the traditional foundations of literacy, numeracy, science, reasoning (problem-solving), and academic subject matter. We emphasize digital technologies because they are capable of tracking learning data in rich detail and reliably delivering interventions that are tailored to individual learners in particular sociocultural contexts. This is a departure from inflexible pedagogical approaches that previously have been routinely adopted in most classrooms and other contexts of instruction with no precise record of learning and instructional activities. A good design of educational technology embraces the principles of learning science, identifies the basic types of learning that are needed, implements relevant technological affordances, and accommodates feedback from different stakeholders. This article covers research in literacy, collaborative problem-solving, motivation, emotion, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) areas. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Psychology, Volume 73 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
MAPK inhibition via MEK, EGFR, or erbB-2 leads to return of estrogen-dependence and anti-estrogen response in ERα- breast cancer

2515 The estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) status of a breast tumor is very important, with ERα+ tumors responding to anti-estrogen therapy and having a better prognosis. In ERα- tumors, overexpression/amplification/hyperactivation of the erbB family leads to increased downstream signaling including hyperactivation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) compared to ERα+ tumors. Using cell line models that mimic this elevated growth factor signaling by EGFR and erbB-2 in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, we have previously shown that hyperactivation of downstream p42/44 MAPK results in the reversible loss of ERα expression. Recently, we established a MAPK gene profile from these cell line models which accurately predicts ERα- breast cancer further demonstrating the link between hyperactive MAPK and the ERα- phenotype. In this study, we set out to ascertain the role of these mechanisms in established ERα- breast cancer cell lines and in ERα- tumor specimens. In ERα- cell lines with overexpression of EGFR or erbB-2 and a dependence upon MAPK for proliferation, re-expression of ERα upon MAPK inhibition correlated with a restoration of estrogen-dependence and anti-estrogen sensitivity. However, in a cell line with no dependence on MAPK for proliferation, the re-expressed ERα could not restore anti-estrogen sensitivity. Interestingly, in ERα- breast cancer cell lines with a basal rather than luminal phenotype, MAPK inhibition could not restore ERα expression suggesting that more permanent repression mechanisms such as ERα promoter hypermethylation are responsible for the ERα- phenotype in these cell types. Dissociated tumor cell cultures established from ERα- tumors confirm the ability of MAPK inhibition to restore ERα expression in ERα- tumors. In addition to direct MAPK inhibition, upstream inhibition of the overexpressed EGFR with gefitinib or erbB-2 with trastuzamab were equally effective in restoring ERα expression. Importantly, re-expression of ERα restored both estrogen dependence and anti-estrogen sensitivity. These data suggest that we need to alter our interpretation of ERα status - rather than thinking of ERα expression as being positive or negative, we need to think of it as a dynamic event that is strongly impacted by other cellular signaling pathways. Collectively, these data support our hypothesis that there exists a population of ERα- tumors where upregulated growth factor signaling is directly involved in the generation of the ERα- phenotype by repressing ERα expression and that further, this reversible downregulation may be targeted clinically such that this repression can be reversed by inhibiting MAPK, resulting in re-expression of ERα and restoration of tamoxifen sensitivity.
Nondestructive Characterization of Materials: Applications for Humanitarian Demining

The threat to mankind due to landmines is extensive and diverse. Humanitarian demining (removal of landmines outside of the time of military operations) is an occupation that contains great risks. This paper is intended to review the problem, the costs associated with solving the problem, an overview of current demining methods, and a brief review of some nondestructive characterization methods that may aid in improving humanitarian demining activities.
Probing the Role of Ser-48 in the Regulation of Deinococcus radiodurans ADP Glucose Pyrophosphorylase

ADPGlucose Pyrophosphorylase (ADPG PPase) is an allosterically regulated enzyme that serves as the rate-limiting step of starch synthesis in plants and glycogen synthesis in bacteria. Because starc...
Should Issuers be on the Hook for Laddering? An Empirical Analysis of the IPO Market Manipulation Litigation

Under Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, firms making public offerings of securities are strictly liable to investors for any material misstatements in the registration statements that accompany those offers. This strict liability regime is premised on the notion that issuers are best placed to avoid misstatements in the registration statement. Section 11 gives other potential defendants a "due diligence" defense to reflect their lesser ability to ensure the accuracy of the registration statement. The recent spate of "laddering" lawsuits alleging manipulation of the aftermarket for certain stocks issued in "hot" initial public offerings (IPOs) presents a role-reversal in that underwriters, rather than issuers, are alleged to be the principal wrongdoers. This paper compares a randomly selected sample of the defendant-issuers in the IPO laddering lawsuits with a matched sample of IPO firms not included in the laddering litigation. We find few differences between the sued firms and the match firms that would suggest that the issuers are culpable for laddering schemes. These findings call into question - at least under some circumstances - the deterrent value of the strict liability regime of Section 11 for corporate issuers. We propose a due diligence defense for issuers for statements in the registration statement relating to situations in which the primary wrongdoer is not the issuer.
High performance index build algorithms for intranet search engines

There has been a substantial amount of research on high-performance algorithms for constructing an inverted text index. However, constructing the inverted index in a intranet search engine is only the final step in a more complicated index build process. Among other things, this process requires an analysis of all the data being indexed to compute measures like PageRank. The time to perform this global analysis step is significant compared to the time to construct the inverted index, yet it has not received much attention in the research literature. In this paper, we describe how the use of slightly outdated information from global analysis and a fast index construction algorithm based on radix sorting can be combined in a novel way to significantly speed up the index build process without sacrificing search quality.