cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fungicide Resistance in Cucurbit Powdery Mildew: Experiences and Challenges

Fungicides are an important tool for managing cucurbit powdery mildew, which is a major production problem in many areas of the world (89). Application of fungicides is presently the principal practice in most cucurbit crops for managing powdery mildew. Fungicides that are systemic or have translaminar activity are needed to obtain adequate protection of abaxial leaf surfaces, where conditions are more favorable for development of the pathogen than on adaxial surfaces (Figs. 1 and 2) (80). Unfortunately, these fungicides generally have a high risk of developing resistance because they have specific modes of action, and powdery mildew fungi have a high potential for resistance development. This has been especially true for the predominate cucurbit powdery mildew fungus, Podosphaera (sect. Sphaerotheca) xanthii (Castagne) U. Braun & N. Shishkoff (also known as Sphaerotheca fusca (Fr.) S. Blumer and S. fuliginea (Schlechtend.:Fr.) Pollacci). Fungicide resistance is the stable, inheritable adjustment by a fungus to a fungicide, resulting in reduced sensitivity of the fungus to the fungicide. This ability is obtained through evolutionary processes. Systemic and translaminar fungicides are generally more at-risk for resistance development than contact fungicides because they typically have specific, single-site mode of action, which means they are active against only one point in one metabolic pathway in a pathogen. When resistance results from modification of a single major gene, pathogens are either resistant or sensitive to the pesticide, and disruptive selection occurs. Resistance in this case is seen as complete loss of disease control that cannot be regained by using higher rates or more frequent fungicide applications. This type of resistance is commonly referred to as “qualitative resistance” and is exemplified by resistance to benzimidazole fungicides, which results from a conformational change at the target site in various pathogens. When resistance results from modification of several interacting genes, pathogens exhibit a range in sensitivity to the fungicide depending on the number of gene changes. Variation in sensitivity within the population is continuous or unimodal, and selection occurs in a directional manner. Resistance in this case is seen as an erosion of disease control that can be regained by using higher rates or more frequent applications. Additional selection in the pathogen may eventually result in complete loss of control. This type is commonly referred to as “quantitative resistance” and is exemplified by resistance to demethylation inhibiting (DMI) fungicides. Several mechanisms of DMI resistance seem to be operating in plant pathogens based on the broad range of phenotypic sensitivities observed (32,48). Possible mechanisms, identified mainly through work with model fungal systems, include decreased accumulation of fungicide due to increased efflux or decreased uptake, deficiency in the target site, reduced affinity for the target site, tolerance of toxic sterols, detoxifi-
Specific oral tolerance induction in food allergy in children: efficacy and clinical patterns of reaction.

Background: Specific oral tolerance induction (SOTI) seems to be a promising treatment of food allergy. Specific oral tolerance induction and elimination diet were compared with respect to efficacy rate and patterns of clinical reaction. Methods: Children with challenge proven immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated cow’s milk (CM) allergy or hen’s egg (HE) allergy were randomly assigned to SOTI or elimination diet as a control group. Specific oral tolerance induction treatment was performed at home on a daily basis according to a study protocol with fresh CM or lyophilized HE protein. Re-evaluation of clinically relevant food allergy was performed by food challenge after a median of 21 months. Children in the SOTI group received a secondary elimination diet for 2 months prior to follow-up challenge to evaluate persistence of induced oral tolerance. Results: At follow-up challenge, nine of 25 children (36%) showed permanent tolerance in the SOTI group, three of 25 (12%) were tolerant with regular intake and four of 25 (16%) were partial responders. In the control group, seven of 20 children (35%) were tolerant. Allergen-specific immunoglobulin E decreased significantly both in children who developed natural tolerance during the elimination diet (P < 0.05) and in those with SOTI (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Specific oral tolerance induction seems a valid treatment option for patients with persistent food allergy. Indications may be given if avoidance cannot be guaranteed or for those who are eager to eat the food in question. Advantages of SOTI are the increased threshold dose for allergic reactions and the substantially reduced risk of severe allergic reactions after inadvertent ingestion of the allergen. However, careful monitoring during SOTI is mandatory.
Computer design and evaluation of single-sampling plans

Abstract This article describes two programs, developed by the University of DaytonSchool of Engineering, useful in designing and evaluating attribute single-sampling plans. The first program can be used to design single-sampling plans, given two points. The second program can be used to simultaneously evaluate up to five single-sampling plans. Both programs are written in FORTRAN IV, are interactive, are as machine-independent as possible, and require a minimum hardware configuration of IBM 360/40, OS(64K). Background information is given on the use of attribute single-sampling plans. The two programs are used to illustrate design and evaluation criteria important to the successful operation of schemes (such as prescribed by MIL-STD-105D) that depend upon attribute single-sampling plans for lot acceptance or rejection.
Slow Virus Infection: Replication and Mechanisms of Persistence of Visna Virus in Sheep

The influence of the age and immune status of the host on the slow replication and persistence of visna virus in sheep was studied. Twenty-five randomly bred fetal American lambs were inoculated intracerebrally with visna virus. Eight of these fetuses were immunosuppressed by thymectomy and antiserum to lymphocytes before inoculation. Fetuses were sacrificed sequentially, and tissues were processed for viral quantitation. No exponential increase of virus occurred in either the normal or immunosuppressed fetuses, and virus was recovered mainly by explanation of tissues. This finding indicated that the viral genome was present in tissue cells but that the extent of replication in the early phase of infection was restricted by factors unassociated with maturation or immune status of the host. In addition, virus isolated from the peripheral blood leukocytes of a sheep one year after inoculation was antigenically distinct from the plaque-purified virus used for inoculation. This distinction suggested that a major antigenic shift of the agent had occurred and provided another mechanism for the maintenance of the persistent infection.
Hyperglycaemia-induced cardiomyocyte death is mediated via MCP-1 production and induction of a novel zinc-finger protein MCPIP.

Aims Cardiomyocyte apoptosis contributes to the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. How the elevated glucose levels associated with diabetes cause cell death is unknown. Here we report that high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte death is mediated via monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) production and induction of a novel zinc-finger protein. Methods and results H9c2 cardiomyoblasts treated with 28 mmol/L glucose were evaluated for MCP-1 production and induction of the zinc-finger protein, MCP-1-induced protein (MCPIP). Disruptors of MCP-1 interaction with its receptor, CCR2, and knockdown of MCPIP with siRNA were used to determine if MCP-1 and MCPIP mediate glucose-induced cell death. The molecular mechanisms were evaluated by assessing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and autophagy. Key findings were confirmed in isolated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Glucose treatment of H9c2 cardiomyoblasts and isolated cardiomyocytes caused MCP-1 production, MCPIP induction, ROS production, ER stress, autophagy, and cell death. Treatment with CCR2 antagonists and knockdown of MCPIP attenuated glucose-induced ROS production, ER stress, autophagy, and cell death. Inhibition of ROS with 1400 W, tiron, and cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles attenuated ER stress, autophagy, and cell death. Specific inhibitors of ER stress and knockdown of IRE-1 attenuated glucose-induced autophagy and cell death. Inhibitors of autophagy and knockdown of beclin-1 attenuated glucose-induced death. Conclusion Glucose-induced cardiomyocyte death is mediated via MCP-1 production and MCPIP induction, which causes sequential events—ROS production, ER stress, autophagy, and cell death.
Inhibition of cellular transformation by triphenylmethane: a novel chemopreventive agent.

Triphenylmethane (TPM) was found to inhibit 3-methylcholanthrene-induced neoplastic transformation of 10T1/2 cells in a dose-dependent manner (ED& = 2.8 /xM). This activity was independent of any effect on intercellular communication and did not appear to be directly related to the general antioxidant properties of TPM as measured by cellular thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. Triphenylmethanol (TPMOL) and diphenylmethane also inhibited transformation {ED^ = 6.9 and 90 /JM respectively). TPM had no effect on the proliferation of exponentially growing cells. At higher concentrations TPM and its analogues enhanced plating efficiency of cells indicating no significant toxicity for these compounds at levels up to 50 /JVL The inhibitory effects of TPM on transformation were reversible when TPM was removed from the medium. While TPM had no effect on the growth of fully transformed cell lines, it was able to inhibit the growth of 1/3 neoplastic foci in the presence (but not absence) of 10T1/2 cells. TPM was found to stimulate protein kinase C (PKC) activity for both crude C3H10T1/2 cytosoiic PKC and purified PKC obtained from rat brain. The ability of TPM to stimulate PKC activity appeared to be dependent on [CaCl2] and the order of reagent addition in the assay. Tamoxifen, a structurally related compound to TPM, was also found to enhance PKC activity over the same concentration range but was less potent than TPM. The biological effects of TPM and related compounds indicate that they function in a manner distinct from other highly unsaturated transformation inhibitors such as carotenoids and retinoids. The inability of triphenylene to inhibit transformation suggests that a reactive methyl carbon may be essential for activity.
Topology independent controller design for networked systems

In this paper we present a method for synthesis of decentralized controllers for systems interconnected on a graph. We develop a synthesis procedure which will achieve a specified level of performance for any graph topology satisfying given degree bounds, independent of the size of the graph. We also give an analysis condition which gives an upper bound on the performance achieved for all such topologies. The methods reduce to computation via semidefinite programming, and the size of the resulting optimization problem does not grow with the size of the graph.
Horizontal life table characteristics of the malaria vectors Anopheles culicifacies and Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae)

Complete horizontal life tables were compiled for replicated cohorts of laboratory-adapted Anopheles culicifacies and An. stephensi , held under controlled insectary conditions of 28 ± 2°C, 70 ± 10% RH and 16L:8D photoperiod. An. culicifacies had higher immature survivorship, but required a longer period to complete larval development. Life expectancy at emergence for female An. culicifacies was 12.2 days, significantly longer than for female An. stephensi , which was 8.1 days. Conversely, An. culicifacies males were shorter-lived (6.8 days) than were An. stephensi males (8.0 days). Life expectancy for females at 10 days (the hypothetical minimal age for the completion of Plasmodium sporogony at experimental temperatures) was 5.5 and 2.7 days for An. culicifacies and An. stephensi , respectively. The net reproductive rates, mean generation times and instantaneous rates of increase were, respectively, 51.2, 25.6 and 0.153 for An. culicifacies and 45.2, 19.9 and 0.190 for An. stephensi . Results are discussed in the context of malaria transmission and genetical control.
Rethinking Political Power: The Case of the French Doctrinaires

Although the French Doctrinaires built up one of the most important political theories of the 19th century and had a decisive influence on Tocqueville, Marx, and J. S. Mill, they have remained largely unknown in the English-speaking world. This article examines the Doctrinaires’ theory of political power by concentrating on Francois Guizot’s Des moyens de gouvernement et d’opposition dans l’etat actuel de la France(On the Means of Government and Opposition in the Current State of France) and Prosper de Barante’s Des communes et de l’aristocratie(On the Communes and the Aristocracy), both published in 1821. Special attention is paid to Guizot’s rejection of laissez-faire and his critique of Rousseau. I then present Guizot’s theory of the ‘new means of government’ that stressed the importance of communication between government and society. Guizot predicted that the growth of liberty would be accompanied by a simultaneous extension of state power and understood that the development of representative governm...
Large high resolution displays for co-located collaborative sensemaking: Display usage and territoriality

From an exploratory user study using a fictional textual intelligence analysis task on a large, high-resolution vertical display, we investigated how pairs of users interact with the display to construct spatial schemas and externalize information, as well as how they establish shared and private territories. We investigated users' space management strategies depending on the design philosophy of the user interface (visualization- or document-centric). We classified the types of territorial behavior exhibited in terms of how the users interacted with information on the display (integrated or independent workspaces). Next, we examined how territorial behavior impacted the common ground between the pairs of users. Finally, we offer design suggestions for building future co-located collaborative visual analytics tools for use on large, high-resolution vertical displays.
Theory of Aquatic Effects

The theory of aquatic effects must of necessity start with a description of the theory of the movements in large bodies of water. In this connection, the mechanisms of waves, currents, tides and of turbidity currents are of prime importance and will be described in some detail (Sec. 6.2). This will constitute a necessary preamble to any theory of aquatic effects. Another preliminary discussion (Sec. 6.3) will have to deal with a description of the various agents that may be active in subaquatic geomorphology.
Simplified Approach to the Propagation of Polarized Light in Anisotropic Media—Application to Liquid Crystals*

When a single complex variable χ is used to specify the ellipse of polarization of light passing through an anisotropic medium, a first-order, second-degree, ordinary differential equation (Riccati’s equation) governs the evolution of χ with distance along the direction of propagation. In this differential equation the properties of the medium are represented by the elements nij of its N-matrix, which was first introduced by Jones. Its solution χ(z,χ0) represents a trajectory in the complex plane which is traversed as the distance z is increased, starting from an initial polarization χ0 at z = 0. A stereographic projection onto a tangent sphere produces the corresponding trajectory in the more-familiar Poincare-sphere representation. The function χ(z,χ0) has been determined for propagation along (i) an arbitrary direction in a homogeneous anisotropic medium, and (ii) the helical axis of a cholesteric liquid crystal. The solution in the first case provides a unified law that leads to all the rules for the use of the Poincare sphere. For axial propagation in a cholesteric liquid crystal, it is found that two orthogonal polarizations are privileged in that the axes of their ellipses are forced to remain in alignment with the principal axes of birefringence of the molecular planes. The general solution (that satisfies the conditions of propagation) shows that the ellipse of polarization never repeats itself. As to the two parameters of the ellipse, the ellipticity is shown to be periodic with periodicity shorter than the pitch of the helical structure and the azimuth is aperiodic.
Moving Beyond “Bookish Knowledge”: Using Film-Based Assignments to Promote Deep Learning

This article investigates the effectiveness of a film-based assignment given to adult learners in a graduate-level group counseling class. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four students; data analysis suggested film-based assignments may promote deep approaches to learning (DALs). Participants indicated the assignment helped them draw connections between the film and the course material as well as helped make course concepts more concrete and applicable to their professional settings. The article also presents instructional design strategies for incorporating film-based assignments in adult learning settings.
Oxidative pentose phosphate pathway inhibition is a key determinant of antimalarial induced cancer cell death

Despite immense interest in using antimalarials as autophagy inhibitors to treat cancer, it remains unclear whether these agents act predominantly via autophagy inhibition or whether other pathways direct their anti-cancer properties. By comparing the treatment effects of the antimalarials chloroquine (CQ) and quinacrine (Q) on KRAS mutant lung cancer cells, we demonstrate that inhibition of the oxidative arm of the pentose phosphate pathway (oxPPP) is required for antimalarial induced apoptosis. Despite inhibiting autophagy, neither CQ treatment nor RNAi against autophagy regulators (ATGs) promote cell death. In contrast, Q triggers high levels of apoptosis, both in vitro and in vivo, and this phenotype requires both autophagy inhibition and p53-dependent inhibition of the oxPPP. Simultaneous genetic targeting of the oxPPP and autophagy is sufficient to trigger apoptosis in lung cancer cells, including cells lacking p53. Thus, in addition to reduced autophagy, oxPPP inhibition serves as an important determinant of antimalarial cytotoxicity in cancer cells.
Molecular variability elicits a tunable switch with discrete neuromodulatory response phenotypes

Recent single cell studies show extensive molecular variability underlying cellular responses. We evaluated the impact of molecular variability in the expression of cell signaling components and ion channels on electrophysiological excitability and neuromodulation. We employed a computational approach that integrated neuropeptide receptor-mediated signaling with electrophysiology. We simulated a population of neurons in which expression levels of a neuropeptide receptor and multiple ion channels were simultaneously varied within a physiological range. We analyzed the effects of variation on the electrophysiological response to a neuropeptide stimulus. Our results revealed distinct response patterns associated with low versus high receptor levels. Neurons with low receptor levels showed increased excitability and neurons with high receptor levels showed reduced excitability. These response patterns were separated by a narrow receptor level range forming a separatrix. The position of this separatrix was dependent on the expression levels of multiple ion channels. To assess the relative contributions of receptor and ion channel levels to the response profiles, we categorized the responses into six phenotypes based on response kinetics and magnitude. We applied several multivariate statistical approaches and found that receptor and channel expression levels influence the neuromodulation response phenotype through a complex though systematic mapping. Our analyses extended our understanding of how cellular responses to neuromodulation vary as a function of molecular expression. Our study showed that receptor expression and biophysical state interact with distinct relative contributions to neuronal excitability.
Ordinary Differential Operators

The basic theory of second-order ordinary differential operators, largely due to Hermann Weyl, is summarized in this chapter.
Multifunctional-layered materials for creating membrane-restricted nanodomains and nanoscale imaging

Experimental platform that allows precise spatial positioning of biomolecules with an exquisite control at nanometer length scales is a valuable tool to study the molecular mechanisms of membrane bound signaling. Using micromachined thin film gold (Au) in layered architecture, it is possible to add both optical and biochemical functionalities in in vitro. Towards this goal, here, I show that docking of complementary DNA tethered giant phospholiposomes on Au surface can create membrane-restricted nanodomains. These nanodomains are critical features to dissect molecular choreography of membrane signaling complexes. The excited surface plasmon resonance modes of Au allow label-free imaging at diffraction-limited resolution of stably docked DNA tethered phospholiposomes, and lipid-detergent bicelle structures. Such multifunctional building block enables realizing rigorously controlled in vitro set-up to model membrane anchored biological signaling, besides serving as an optical tool for nanoscale imaging.
Out of the Lab and into the Archives: A Method for Testing Psychological Explanations of Political Decision Making

International relations scholars have long debated the usefulness of two main competing models of the foreign policy decision making process, the rational and the psychological. However, there have been few efforts at direct empirical testing in historical cases, largely because both models are so underpredictive that the question has been thought methodologically intractable. In consequence, most work in the field has relied on one or the other of these models, usually ignoring the other. This pessimism is misplaced; although certain hurdles must be overcome, successful competitive testing of decision making theories is possible. This article constructs a method capable of distinguishing the two models in historical cases, and uses it to test for psychological effects on German foreign policy decision making in the Moroccan Crisis of 1905-1906. The findings in this case support the psychological theories, although much wider testing is needed to establish the relative validity of the competing approaches.
Syncope-Like Seizures in Panayiotopoulos Syndrome

Researchers at St Thomas’ Hospital, London, and Leeds General Infirmary, UK studied prospectively the clinical features of syncope-like epileptic seizures (SLES) and their frequency in children aged 1 – 15 years with Panayiotopoulos syndrome (PS) who were referred for an EEG.
Systematic identification of cooperation between DNA binding proteins in 3D space

Cooperation between DNA-binding proteins (DBPs) such as transcription factors and chromatin remodeling enzymes plays a pivotal role in regulating gene expression and other biological processes. Such cooperation is often via interaction between DBPs that bind to loci located distal in the linear genome but close in the 3D space, referred as trans-cooperation. Due to the lack of 3D chromosomal structure, identification of DBP cooperation has been limited to those binding to neighbor regions in the linear genome, referred as cis-cooperation. Here we present the first study that integrates protein ChIP-seq and Hi-C data to systematically identify both cis- and trans-cooperation between DBPs. We developed a new network model that allows identification of cooperation between multiple DBPs and reveals cell type specific or independent regulations. Particularly interesting, we have retrieved many known and previously unknown trans-cooperation between DBPs in the chromosomal loops that may be a key factor for influencing 3D chromosomal structure. The software is available at http://wanglab.ucsd.edu/star/DBPnet/index.html.
378 INTRAVENOUS IMMUNOGLOBULIN THERAPY FOR HIV-AUTOIMMUNE THROMBOCYTOPENIA BEFORE PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION IN A PATIENT WITH A NON-ST-ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION.

Purpose We describe a case of a patient with a NSTEMI, HIV, and autoimmune-related thrombocytopenia. To our knowledge, no reported cases exist of concurrent management of these three conditions. Methods This report was prospectively conducted via patient management and chart review of the VA Medical Center database. Results A 60-year-old HIV-positive male presented in the ER with a 6-day history of intermittent throat pain radiating to his upper chest at rest. He has a history of chronic HIV-related thrombocytopenia, multiple atherogenic risk factors, and anxiety disorder. Although ECG showed no ischemic changes, his troponin I peaked at 0.16 ng/mL. He was placed on aspirin, nitroglycerin, amlodipine, metoprolol, and simvastatin. Due to persistent atypical symptoms despite maximal medical therapy, an objective assessment of ischemia was sought with an exercise echocardiogram. During this test, the patient developed symptoms and akinesis of the inferior wall at a submaximal heart rate and workload. He was recommended and agreed to undergo cardiac catheterization. Subsequently, he began 5 days of IV gammaglobulin (0.2 g/kg/d) therapy; his platelets increased from 35 to 76 K/mm3. He was then placed on heparin the day prior to the intervention. A POBA was successfully performed on proximal and mid-RCA stenoses. Post-PCI angiography showed a reduction from ≈90% to 0% of both lesions. He was maintained on heparin for an additional day; no clopidogrel was administered. The patient9s clinical course was uncomplicated, and he was asymptomatic at discharge. Conclusion As treatments improve and mortality decreases, HIV patients are more likely to suffer from traditional chronic diseases affecting the general population, including CAD. As illustrated in this case and in other immunosuppressed states, HIV patients may present with atypical angina. Moreover, HIV patients may be at higher risk for CAD due to the immune-mediated inflammatory effects of the disease. In fact, it has been postulated that HIV and antiretroviral therapy may be risk factors for CAD. These patients will also be at higher risk for invasive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. In this patient, HIV-related thrombocytopenia complicated management due to increased risk of worsening thrombocytopenia and bleeding with standard of care anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy. Additionally, IVIG treatment prior to cardiac catheterization has been reported to increase thrombosis and the risk of ACS in thrombocytopenic patients. This case report suggests that IVIG is a therapeutic alternative in patients with HIV-related thrombocytopenia and an ACS who need treatment with heparin and aspirin in anticipation of PCI.
Ethical Citizenship, the Liberalism of the British Idealists, and Diverse Societies

The post mortem for liberalism has been written many times but, to paraphrase Mark Twain, the patient refuses to cooperate and somehow exhibits signs of vitality. Nevertheless, liberalism confronts new challenges, in theory and in practice. In theory, communitarians and multiculturalists have provided serious challenges to liberal orthodoxy. Meanwhile, increasing diversity within liberal societies, along with the forces of globalization, have provided serious practical dilemmas. As serious as the practical and theoretical challenges are, a spirited defence of liberty is still at hand and will be offered.
Genomic Analysis of Serial Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Samples Suggests That Epigenetic Changes, Rather Than Clonal Evolution, May Drive the Progression of This Leukemia

Abstract Abstract 4563 The clinical course of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is heterogeneous, with some patients requiring treatment relatively soon after diagnosis and others having indolent disease for many years. Some patients with indolent disease, however may develop more aggressive disease over time that requires therapy. To identify genetic and epigenetic changes that associate with the transition from indolent to aggressive disease, we used genomic methods to analyze sequential samples obtained from 19 CLL patients evaluated at the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center who ultimately required treatment, as per iwCLL guidelines. For all patients, the first time point sample collection (SC1) was obtained within 1 year post-diagnosis and the second time point sample collection (SC2) was obtained within 1 year before treatment. We performed whole-exome sequencing (Agilent 50Mb capture, 100×) and methylation (450K) array analyses on leukemia cells and germline DNA. Somatic allele frequencies ranged from In summary, our results imply that CLL progression can occur in the absence of somatic mutations, but rather may reflect non-stochastic alterations in the epigenome altering RNA expression. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The Geological Wealth of Richmond, Virginia

(1977). The Geological Wealth of Richmond, Virginia. Rocks & Minerals: Vol. 52, No. 5, pp. 246-249.
Treating just-right symptoms in geriatric obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Byline: Natalie. Noel, Phillip. Seibell, Joshua. Nadeau, Eric. Storch Sir, Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by considerable clinical heterogeneity; one common symptom includes “just right” phenomenon in which the affected individual compulsively repeats or delays a behavior until it feels “right” to discontinue the ritual and/or proceed with the next behavior. Although exposure and response prevention (ERP) and pharmacological therapy utilizing antidepressants have demonstrated efficacy,[sup][1] most studies have been conducted in samples with mean age of approximately 35 years, in which treatment has been conducted in a nonintensive format among patients who are not treatment resistant.[sup][2] There is little empirical support for treatment modifications specific to geriatric patients who exhibit OCD symptoms; as such, we report on a 68-year-old male “Douglas” (pseudonym) who was treated with ERP in a partial hospitalization program. This program included 21 h of ERP/week, 4 h of group therapy/week, and 2 h of ERP homework. Douglas' sertraline dose was increased from 50 mg to 200 mg, which he felt further contributed to his mood improvement and ability to engage in ERP. Douglas, a retired, married man from the southeastern United States with no prior ERP treatment, began experiencing “just right” symptoms during adolescence, manifesting in behaviors including tapping, avoidance, and repeating. He counted (to no specific number) while tapping his zipper and other fasteners on his pants such as his belt. He completed this ritual every time he voluntarily and involuntarily touched the groin region of his pants, including going to the restroom, dressing, or undressing, and laying his hands in his lap when sitting. To reduce the frequency of urination, Douglas avoided consuming liquids. His “just right” obsession generalized to other motor movements. For example, he would repeat his steps, put lids on containers and bottles, and stand or sit only when it felt right. Due to Douglas' rituals, it took approximately 45 min to unfasten his pants and urinate. Douglas experienced pain from restricting or delaying urination and experienced urinary incontinence, necessitating the use of adult diapers. Douglas' symptoms worsened after retiring. Due to his fear of stigma, should his condition be known, he hid his OCD symptoms from his colleagues and family, including his wife; however, eventually, his symptoms began to impact his marriage and his functioning in many areas, including sleeping, dressing, and leaving his home. Douglas' symptom severity was measured using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS);[sup][3] an assessment of OCD symptom severity with scores ranging from 0 to 40. On presentation, Douglas received a Y-BOCS score of 33, indicating severe symptoms. His treatment duration lasted over 7 weeks. …
Affinity Pulldown of Biotinylated RNA for Detection of Protein-RNA Complexes

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have recently emerged as crucial players in the regulation of gene expression. The interactions of RBPs with target mRNAs control the levels of gene products by altering different regulatory steps, including pre-mRNA splicing and maturation, nuclear mRNA export, and mRNA stability and translation (Glisovic et al., 2008). There are several methodologies available today to identify RNAs bound to specific RBPs; some detect only recombinant molecules in vitro, others detect recombinant and endogenous molecules, while others detect only endogenous molecules. Examples include systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), biotinylated RNA pulldown assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), RNA footprinting analysis, and various UV crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP) methods such as CLIP, PAR-CLIP, and iCLIP (Popova et al., 2015). Here, we describe a simple and informative method to study and identify the RNA region of interaction between an RBP and its target transcript (Panda et al., 2014 and 2016). Its reproducibility and ease of use make this protocol a fast and useful method to identify interactions between RBPs and specific RNAs.
Angiographic and interventional management of spontaneous coronary artery dissections: When less is more, or "When 'Better' flow is the enemy of good flow".

Key Points Conservative management of SCAD in clinically stable patients with non-flow limiting lesions in major arteries is associated with favorable outcomes A careful, methodical approach to pursuing PCI in patients with SCAD is warranted Peripartum patients with SCAD appear to be at higher risk for technical complications; interventions in these patients should be performed by highly experienced operators
Modeling of an Inertially Stabilized Camera System Using Gimbal Platform

This paper develops a camera gimbal platform for stabilization and tracking purposes. The main focus of this research is analytical modeling of an inertially stabilized platform with the prediction of the angular stability. The mechanical model of the platform includes, moment of inertia, motor drive, and performance of the gyro to measure the disturbances of the platform. The gimbal/motor system is developed and simulated and feedback control scheme is designed to stabilize and maintain the line of sight (LOS) for tracking purposes. The model integrates a PI2 controller using a PID-I approach for the system stability. The effect of vibration induced disturbance in the system is investigated to simulate the realistic behavior of an inertially stabilized platform. The simulation results of the four types of commercial gyros are presented to calculate the required values for stability purposes. The results from the simulation generated the performance limits chart describing the working condition of the low cost sensors vs the high cost sensors. As the vibration level increased, the performance of the highest quality sensor greatly decreased. This verifies the value and necessity of modeling and simulating to understand the component trade studies to ensure correct sensor selection for the desired application.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
The Steady-State Approximation: Catalysis

This chapter discusses the steady-state approximation. One-step reactions between stable molecules are very rare. This is only natural as a stable molecule is, by definition, quite unreactive, and complicated rearrangements of bonds are usually required to go from reactants to products. This means that most directly observed reactions do not proceed in a single elementary step. Instead, a sequence of elementary steps is necessary and reactants or products of these are not the stable reactants or products but are highly reactive intermediates that shall be called active centers. Active centers may be of several different chemical types such as free radicals, free ions, solvated ions, complexes at surfaces, complexes in a homogeneous phase, and complexes with enzymes. Many active centers may be involved in a given reaction. Yet it is found that the advancement of the reaction can still be described by means of a single parameter — the extent of reaction. If this is the case, the reaction is said to be single.
Perioperative neurologic complications during spinal fusion surgery: incidence and trends

Abstract Background Context Perioperative neurologic complications after spine surgery may increase morbidity and health-care costs related to the procedure. Purpose We estimate the national incidence of perioperative neurologic complications following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), posterior cervical fusion, and thoracolumbar fusion procedures using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) data from 1999 to 2011. Additionally, we identify risk factors for developing perioperative neurologic complications and the effects of these injuries on quantifiable patient outcomes. Study Design A cross-sectional study was carried out. Patient Sample All patients included in the NIS databases from 1999 to 2011 comprised the sample. Outcome Measures The primary outcome evaluated was the incidence of new neurologic deficits following elective spine surgery. Secondary outcomes evaluated include length of hospital stay, total hospital charges, hospital mortality rate, and discharge disposition. Methods A retrospective analysis of the NIS databases from the years 1999 to 2011 was conducted to identify the proportion of patients who underwent ACDFs, posterior cervical fusions, and thoracolumbar fusions who also developed perioperative neurologic complications. Statistical analyses were also conducted to identify statistically significant differences in demographics and outcomes between patients who did and did not develop perioperative neurologic complications. Results From 1999 to 2011, the total national incidence of perioperative neurologic deficits following elective ACDFs, posterior cervical fusions, and thoracolumbar fusions was 0.82%, which equates to a total of 15,066 patients who experienced these complications. The annual incidence rate of perioperative neurologic deficits has increased 54.41%, from 0.68% in the year 1999 to 1.05% in the year 2011. Additionally, the total number of procedures performed increased from 82,167 in 1999 to 186,353 in the year 2011. Perioperative neurologic deficits were associated with longer lengths of stay (9.68 days vs. 2.59 days; p Conclusions The incidence rate of perioperative neurologic deficits associated with elective spine surgery documented in the NIS has increased over the time period from 1999 to 2011. The number of elective spine procedures performed has also increased over the same time period. Finally, outcomes data indicate that occurrence of perioperative neurologic complications is associated with increased rates of morbidity and mortality, as well as increased health-care use and cost. These trends indicate that the perioperative neurologic complications following spine surgery represent a growing problem in today's health-care system; further study is warranted to prevent and treat these complications to improve patient care and reduce health-care use and cost.
Validity of My Vocational Situation for Homemakers and Displaced Homemakers.

This study investigated the validity of My Vocational Situation for adult females. The participants were members of homemaker clubs and clients of displaced homemaker centers. The validity of the i...
Off grid PV system for hydrogen production using methanol electrolysis and an optimal management strategy

In this paper, we present a modeling and simulation study of an Off grid PV system for hydrogen production using methanol electrolysis process. A design of this PV system is proposed taking into account the minimum value of methanol electrolysis cell power input. Mathematical models of each component of the system are presented. Using a semi-empirical relationship between hydrogen production rate and power consumption, hydrogen production at 80°C and 4M concentration is estimated. Optimal energy and hydrogen management strategy is investigated to achieve high system efficiency. Case studies are carried out on two tilts of PV array: horizontal and tilted at 36°. In the simulation, real data of solar irradiation of Algiers site are used. Simulation results show that the system with tilted PV array presents performances better than system with horizontal PV array where produced hydrogen amount is lower.
Renal hemodynamic effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist are mediated by nitric oxide but not prostaglandin.

The incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), is known for responding to dietary fat and carbohydrate. It elicits effects on pancreas, gut, and brain to stabilize blood glucose levels. We ...
From research to daily clinical practice: what are the challenges in "translation"?

Article-at-a-Glance Background Translating research findings into sustainable improvements in clinical and patient outcomes remains a substantial obstacle to improving the quality and safety of care. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality funded two initiatives to assess strategies for improvements—Translating Research into Practice (TRIP). The TRIP II initiative supported 13 quality improvement projects. Surveying the TRIP II Studies The principal investigators (PIs) of the 13 projects were surveyed regarding encountered barriers to implementation at 6 months and 18 months (when they were also asked about solutions). Results Seven of the 13 PIs responded to the survey at both times—6 and 18 months. For each project stage—Select a TRIP focus and develop intervention strategies (Stage 1), Conduct the intervention (Stage 2), and Measure the Impact (Stage 3)—barriers were described, and field-tested solutions were provided. For example, for Stage 2, if the target audience lacked buy-in and would not participate, solutions would be to get up-front buy-in from all staff, not just leaders; address root causes of problems; use opinion leaders and incentives; plan interventions ahead and provide make-up videos; and accept that targets vary in their readiness to change. Discussion The framework and examples provided should help overcome challenges in any work in which research findings are applied to clinical practice.
A comparison of CS majors and non-CS majors attitudes and practices regarding password strength

This paper describes the results of a study designed to compare perceptions and practices regarding password strength among college students. In particular, the study compares perceived and actual email password strengths of computer science majors with those of other majors, as well as attitudes regarding the importance of password safety. Based on existing literature on password strength measures, a simple algorithm is presented for evaluating password strength based on reported password characteristics. The results indicate that there exists a statistically significant difference between computer science majors and non-CS majors, but not between beginning and advanced computer science majors. In general, students' perceptions of their own password strengths are weakly correlated to the actual computed password strength.
A Method for Tracking Implementation Strategies: An Exemplar Implementing Measurement-Based Care in Community Behavioral Health Clinics

Implementation experts suggest tailoring strategies to the intended context may enhance outcomes. However, it remains unclear which strategies are best suited to address specific barriers to implementation, in part because few measurement methods exist that adhere to recommendations for reporting. In the context of a dynamic cluster randomized trial comparing a standardized to tailored approach to implementing measurement-based care (MBC), this study aimed to (a) describe a method for tracking implementation strategies, (b) demonstrate the method by tracking strategies generated by teams tasked with implementing MBC at their clinics in the tailored condition, and (c) conduct preliminary examinations of the relation between strategy use and implementation outcomes (i.e., self-reported fidelity to MBC). The method consisted of a coding form based on Proctor, Powell, and McMillen (2013) implementation strategy reporting guidelines and Powell et al.'s (2012) taxonomy to facilitate specification of the strategies. A trained research specialist coded digitally recorded implementation team meetings. The method allowed for the following characterization of strategy use. Each site generated 39 unique strategies across an average of six meetings in five months. There was little variability in the use of types of implementation strategies across sites with the following order of prevalence: quality management (50.00%), restructuring (16.53%), communication (15.68%), education (8.90%), planning (7.20%), and financing (1.69%). We identified a new category of strategies not captured by the existing taxonomy, labeled "communication." There was no evidence that number of implementation strategies enacted was statistically significantly associated with changes in self-reported fidelity to MBC-however, financing strategies were associated with increased fidelity. This method has the capacity to yield rich data that will inform investigations into tailored implementation approaches.
Overexpression of adhesion molecules and barrier molecules is associated with differential infiltration of immune cells in non-small cell lung cancer

Immunotherapy is emerging as a promising option for lung cancer treatment. Various endothelial adhesion molecules, such as integrin and selectin, as well as various cellular barrier molecules such as desmosome and tight junctions, regulate T-cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. However, little is known regarding how these molecules affect immune cells in patients with lung cancer. We demonstrated for the first time that overexpression of endothelial adhesion molecules and cellular barrier molecule genes was linked to differential infiltration of particular immune cells in non-small cell lung cancer. Overexpression of endothelial adhesion molecule genes is associated with significantly lower infiltration of activated CD4 and CD8 T-cells, but higher infiltration of activated B-cells and regulatory T-cells. In contrast, overexpression of desmosome genes was correlated with significantly higher infiltration of activated CD4 and CD8 T-cells, but lower infiltration of activated B-cells and regulatory T-cells in lung adenocarcinoma. This inverse relation of immune cells aligns with previous studies of tumor-infiltrating B-cells inhibiting T-cell activation. Although overexpression of endothelial adhesion molecule or cellular barrier molecule genes alone was not predictive of overall survival in our sample, these genetic signatures may serve as biomarkers of immune exclusion, or resistance to T-cell mediated immunotherapy.