cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HSV ICP0 Inhibits TLR-Mediated NF-κB Response to TLR Signaling.

HSV infection activates a robust innate response through engagement of multiple pattern recognition receptors (PRR) including both TLR (TLR2 and TLR9) as well as non-TLR. Signaling events downstream of these receptors activate NF-κB and IRF3 responsive genes and initiate an innate inflammatory response aimed at controlling viral replication and spread. In this work, we studied immune suppressive activity of a replication-defective HSV virus and identified the immediate early protein ICP0 as a negative regulator of both NF-κB and IRF3 signaling. ICP0 possesses an ubiquitin E3 ligase function through its NH2 RING domain, as well as de-ubiquitinating activity through its association with the cellular de-ubiquitinating enzyme USP7 (HAUSP). We show that these two domains of ICP0 function independently to suppress IRF3 and NF-κB signaling, respectively and, in the process, effectively shut down host innate immunity to HSV infection. Although ICP0 inhibition of IRF3 has been reported, inhibition of TLR-mediated NF-κB response has not been previously described. We show that ICP0 globally inhibits NF-κB response to all TLR receptors as well as IL-1R. ICP0 exerts this activity by associating with USP7 and altering its cellular localization from a nuclear to cytoplasmic protein. In the cytosol, USP7 associates with and de-ubiquitinates TRAF6 and IKK-γ (NEMO), two signaling components of the TLR-mediated NF-κB pathway that are poly-ubiquitinated upon TLR activation. ICP-0 expression vectors harboring point mutations/deletions that target the RING domain E3 ligase function or compromise ICP-0 ability to bind USP7 would selectively inhibit its ability to interfere with either IRF3 or NF-kB signaling, respectively. In support of this, knockdown of endogenous USP7 by RNAi severely impaired ICP0-mediated inhibition of NF-κB response while leaving its capacity to inhibit IRF3 intact. In contrast, over-expression of USP-7 was sufficient to inhibit TLR-mediated NF-κB response. Ability of ICP-0 to inhibit both IRF3 and NF-κB signaling pathways, the former through its E3 ligase function and the latter through its association with USP-7, affords HSV comprehensive protection from host immunity during repeated cycles of lytic infection and reactivation from latency. The work also identifies a rare example of how two seemingly contradictory biologic functions resident within ICP0, namely ubiquitin E3 ligase activity at the NH2 terminus RING domain and de-ubiquitinating activity through association with USP-7, could cooperate to inhibit multiple signaling pathways necessary for efficient silencing of innate immunity. Finally, the work also identifies a previously unknown function for USP7 in regulating innate signaling beyond its known function as a regulator of p53.
Clinical Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The emphasis in this presentation will involve a discussion of tissue characteristics as potentially observed and recorded by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Several different pulse sequences are available to the NMR imaging physician and scientist. This results in a multitude of different NMR scan parameters each yielding significant tissue contrast differentiation, and it is essential to attempt to understand these differences on a theoretical and physical basis, as well as to extend this understanding to the biochemical and pathophysiological significance of the resulting changes in tissue contrast appearance. Assuming this is possible, a data base will be generated allowing the intelligent choice of pulse sequences and pulse sequence parameters which will yield maximum diagnostic information in minimal time and with minimal cost. This approach may lend itself to computer based diagnostic planning as a function of clinical presentation and be one valuable component of a logical diagnostic workup that is increasingly necessary as a result of the expansion of high technology medical applications in response to increasing regulatory control in many countries.
Sustainable campsite management in protected areas: A study of long-term ecological changes on campsites in the boundary waters canoe area wilderness, Minnesota, USA

Abstract Managers of protected natural areas seek to protect their natural conditions while providing opportunities for recreational visitation. Camping is an essential element of backcountry and wilderness recreation for a variety of protected natural areas in the U.S. and internationally. Furthermore, overnight visitors to protected areas spend a substantial portion of their time on campsites so their behaviors determine the nature and extent of resource impacts, and the quality of their recreational experiences can be affected by campsite conditions. The U.S. Forest Service manages nearly 2000 designated campsites in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This research assessed resource conditions on 81 wilderness campsites and paired undisturbed controls in 1982 and 2014 to quantify long-term ecological changes. A comprehensive array of physical, vegetative, and soil indicators were measured to identify long-term trends over 32 years of continuous campsite use. Our findings reveal substantial changes in area of vegetation cover, exposed soil, and soil erosion on campsites. Although mean campsite size is unchanged, the proportion of campsite area in the “core” has decreased, shifting some use and impact into peripheral “satellite” tenting areas just beyond campsite borders. The ecology of campsites has been significantly altered by a large reduction in number and cover of campsite trees. The number of campsite trees decreased by 44% from 1982 to 2014. Visitors are cutting both on- and off-site trees for firewood, and tree seedlings are rarely able to germinate and survive due to visitor activity. These findings reveal that older campsites are not stable. Long-term camping impacts that are ecologically, managerially, and experientially meaningful are occurring; these impacts could be minimized through more sustainable management practices. These include selecting more resistant sites, such as those with resistant rocky shorelines, and sloping terrain that constrains campsite expansion. Construction and maintenance of tenting sites can attract and spatially concentrate camping impact. Actions to halt tree cutting are also critical. Heavy long-term visitation in protected natural areas requires more sustainable and intensive visitor impact management actions.
Sampling in the Examination of Gene-Environmental Interactions Within a Neurodevelopmental Disorder Framework

Understanding the roles of GxE in the pathogenesis of NDDs requires scientific rigor in each step of designing study methods, executing experiments, analyzing data, and reporting study results. Epidemiological and population-based sampling method should be applied that allow for the capture of the entire spectrum of both a given phenotype and the environmental risks. Both categorical and dimensional phenotypic characterization should be considered: they are rather complementary than exclusive. Direct environmental measurement at the level of the individual should be conducted with accurate, specific, and sensitive measures/biomarkers. To ascertain sample size that have sufficient power to detect modest effect sizes of GxE, datasharing and large-scale collaborations will set the stage for progress in understanding GxE in NDDs. And, finally, despite the challenges, there are important roles for RCTs in uncovering GxE. While such studies may be very difficult to design and implement, their potential for carefully and safely manipulating specific biological systems may rapidly move the field forward. With very few mechanisms understood at this time, even one replicable mechanistic GxE study will be a giant step forward in the field.
Decreasing Disparities in Child Development Assessment: Identifying and Discussing Possible Delays in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

ABSTRACT:Objective:To assess how staff at the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) address potential developmental delays and parent developmental concerns in children <5 years.Methods:A Web-based survey of Oregon WIC staff in nonadministrative roles assessed
Control-oriented turbine power model for a variable-geometry turbocharger

A control-oriented model for the variable-geometry turbocharger is critical for model-based variable-geometry turbocharger control design. Typically, the variable-geometry turbocharger turbine powe...
National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Dialysis Event Surveillance Report for 2014

Background and objectives Persons receiving outpatient hemodialysis are at risk for bloodstream and vascular access infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducts surveillance for these infections through the National Healthcare Safety Network. We summarize 2014 data submitted to National Healthcare Safety Network Dialysis Event Surveillance. Design, setting, participants, & measurements Dialysis facilities report three types of dialysis events (bloodstream infections; intravenous antimicrobial starts; and pus, redness, or increased swelling at the hemodialysis vascular access site). Denominator data consist of the number of hemodialysis outpatients treated at the facility during the first 2 working days of each month. We calculated dialysis event rates stratified by vascular access type (e.g., arteriovenous fistula, arteriovenous graft, or central venous catheter) and standardized infection ratios (comparing individual facility observed with predicted numbers of infections) for bloodstream infections. We described pathogens identified among bloodstream infections. Results A total of 6005 outpatient hemodialysis facilities reported dialysis event data for 2014 to the National Healthcare Safety Network. These facilities reported 160,971 dialysis events, including 29,516 bloodstream infections, 149,722 intravenous antimicrobial starts, and 38,310 pus, redness, or increased swelling at the hemodialysis vascular access site events; 22,576 (76.5%) bloodstream infections were considered vascular access related. Most bloodstream infections (63.0%) and access-related bloodstream infections (69.8%) occurred in patients with a central venous catheter. The rate of bloodstream infections per 100 patient-months was 0.64 (0.26 for arteriovenous fistula, 0.39 for arteriovenous graft, and 2.16 for central venous catheter). Other dialysis event rates were also highest among patients with a central venous catheter. Facility bloodstream infection standardized infection ratio distribution was positively skewed with a median of 0.84. Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated bloodstream infection pathogen (30.6%), and 39.5% of S. aureus isolates tested were resistant to methicillin. Conclusions The 2014 National Healthcare Safety Network Dialysis Event data represent nearly all United States outpatient dialysis facilities. Rates of infection and other dialysis events were highest among patients with a central venous catheter compared with other vascular access types. Surveillance data can help define the epidemiology of important infections in this patient population.
Meta-analysis of massive parallel reporter assays enables functional regulatory elements prediction

Deciphering the potential of non-coding loci to influence the regulation of nearby genes has been the subject of intense research, with important implications in understanding the genetic underpinnings of human diseases. Massively parallel reporter assays (MPRAs) can measure the activity of thousands of regulatory DNA sequences and their variants in a single experiment. With the increase in the number of MPRA datasets that are publically available, one can now develop functional-based models which, given a DNA sequence, predict its regulatory activity. Here we performed a comprehensive meta-analysis of several MPRA datasets in a variety of cellular contexts. We first applied an ensemble of methods to accurately predict the MPRA output in each context, and observed that the most predictive features are consistent across data sets. We then demonstrate that predictive models trained in one cellular context can be used to accurately predict MPRA output in another, with mild loss of accuracy attributed to features that depend on the cell type. Finally, we study the extent to which MPRA can assist with the identification of genetic modifications that are associated with transcriptional changes to nearby genes. Our analysis provides insight into how MPRA data can be leveraged to highlight functional regulatory regions throughout the genome and can guide efficient design of future MPRA experiments.
A Model of the Financial Firm

The objective remains the modelling of the optimal behavior of financial institutions, with explicit attention given to regulatory constraints on operations. We develop a model of producer behavior where labor demand, physical capital demands and asset and liability holding decisions are simultaneously determined. The specification differs from previous neoclassical models (Benston [1965], Bell and Murphy [1968], Klein [1971], Towey [1974], Adar, Agmon and Orgler [1975], Mingo and Wolkowitz [1977], Mullineaux [1978], Benston, Hanweck and Humphrey [1982], Humphrey [1985], Gilligan, Smirlock, and Marshall [1984], Hunter and Timme [1986], Berger, Hanweck, and Humphrey [1987], Mester [1987], Noulas, Ray and Miller [1990], and Berger and Humphrey [1990]) in that it is based on a theory of intertemporal production introduced by Hicks [1946] and utilizes the user costs derived in Chapter 3 above. Our model is unique in that it considers regulatory controls through their effect on relative user costs. We employ the duality between the production possibility set and profit function to derive comparative statics yielding testable predictions, and to obtain the functional forms for the estimating equations.
Baboon Model of E. Coli Sepsis: Summary of Staging, Mechanism, and Diagnostic Markers

Septic shock can present a cruel paradox, for in spite of watchful care it occurs most often in the hospital. It occurs in a wide variety of patients ranging from premature neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis to the aged with burns limited to only 20 to 30% of the body surface. It affects 30,000 out of 1 million admissions per year in the VA system. Approximately half of these are due to gram-positive and the other half to gram-negative organisms. Approximately 15,000 of this group of 30,000 patients die [1]. This is in spite of diagnostic monitoring and treatment with appropriate antibiotics.
Criteria for Fibromyalgia: The American College of Rheumatology 1990 Criteria for the Classification of Fibromyalgia

Die vom ACR 1990 festgelegten diagnostischen Kriterien der Fibromyalgie umschreiben diese Erkrankung de facto als ein Syndrom, das durch diffuse Schmerzen sowie durch zahlreiche schmerzhafte Druckpunkte gekennzeichnet ist. Vorherrschend sind Schmerzen in der axialen Skelettmuskulatur, und als masgebende Symptome werden Mudigkeit, Steifigkeit sowie Schlafstorungen festgestellt. Eine Fibromyalgie last sich aufgrund einfacher Kriterien (diffuse Schmerzen und Vorliegen von 11 der insgesamt 18 schmerzhaften Druckpunkte) von ahnlichen Beschwerden in der Skelettmuskulatur unterscheiden. Zuverlassige Diagnosen sind ohne Berucksichtigung psychischer Merkmale und ohne Notwendigkeit von Labor- oder Rontgenuntersuchungen moglich. In diagnostischer Hinsicht weisen primare und sekundare bzw. begleitende Fibromyalgien keine Unterschiede auf. Deshalb kann und sollte eine Fibromyalgie auch bei Vorliegen anderer Erkrankungen der Skelettmuskulatur sowie bei Storungen auserhalb der Skelettmuskulatur diagnostiziert werden, d. h. sie stellt keine Ausschlusdiagnose dar. Die Diagnose ist einfach und absolut keine geheimnisvolle Angelegenheit: Sie erfordert lediglich anamnestische Daten sowie unkomplizierte korperliche Untersuchungsmetho¬den. Solche Untersuchungen sollten ebenso haufig vorgenommen werden wie Gelenkuntersuchungen.
Environmental health sciences education--a tool for achieving environmental equity and protecting children

Children are highly susceptible to deleterious effects of environmental toxins. Those who live in underserved communities may be particularly at risk because environmental pollution has been found to be disproportionately distributed among communities. Mounting evidence suggests that asthma rates are rising and that this disease can be caused or aggravated by air pollution. Although ambient air quality has generally improved, these improvements have not reached minority communities in equal proportions. This and other data has fueled the concept of environmental justice or environmental equity, which has led to community activism and government actions. One possible example of environmental inequity and its consequences is the Hunt's Point community, in the South Bronx, New York. This community experiences a high pollution burden with the siting of facilities that emit hazardous wastes into the air. Our approach to this problem has been the formation of mechanisms for bidirectional communication between community residents, government entities, and academic institutions such as Mount Sinai Medical Center. As a result of this experience, we believe that the key to achieving environmental health, especially in communities of color where many children are at risk, is to empower residents to take charge of their environment by providing relevant educational opportunities. Strategies for environmental health education include multitiered training approaches that include community residents, parent education, direct children education, and community education through professional counselors and train-the-trainer approaches. We propose that academic researchers must use community residents not just as subjects of our studies, but to increase our mutual understanding of environmental health, resulting in active participation of community members in research design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination of results in order to make intervention strategies more effective.
Fostering a Healthy AI Ecosystem for Radiology: Conclusions of the 2018 RSNA Summit on AI in Radiology.

RSNA’s Summit on AI in Radiology identified several areas of opportunity for the organization to foster the adoption of artificial intelligence in radiology for the benefit of the patients we serve.
Smoking Social Norms Among Young Adults in New York City.

More than half of young adult (YA) (ages 18–26) smokers are non-daily smokers. While standard cessation methods are generally successful with adults and daily smokers, there is evidence that they are not as successful among non-daily smokers or young adults. Additionally, YA smokers are also in a transition period to regular smoking, making research on understanding how interpersonal and environmental factors affect this group of smokers critical. Randomized time location sampling was used to create a sample of New York City YA bar patrons between June and November 2013, who completed a self-administered survey (1,916 surveys). Questions were asked about perceived smoking social norms, stigma, behaviors, and demographics. Overall, almost half of the YA reported being current smokers (44.1%); one-third were non-daily smokers (36.7%) and less than ten percent were daily smokers (7.4%). Non-daily smokers compared with daily smokers had greater odds of believing New Yorkers disapproved of smoking [adjusted odds ratio (ORadj 1.76, 95 % CI 1.10–2.79)], keeping tobacco a secret from certain people (ORadj 1.84, 1.14–2.96) and feeling guilty when smoking (ORadj: 2.54; 1.45–4.45). Non-daily smokers had 41% lower odds of reporting how people who are important to you disapproved of smoking than daily smokers (ORadj: 0.59; 0.38–0.94). Further studies of interpersonal/environmental factors among YA smokers may support modifications to cessation programs that result in more successful YA quit attempts.
Metabolic reprogramming toward oxidative phosphorylation identifies a therapeutic target for mantle cell lymphoma

Metabolic reprogramming is linked to cancer cell growth and proliferation, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance in a multitude of cancers. Targeting dysregulated metabolic pathways to overcome resistance, an urgent clinical need in all relapsed/refractory cancers, remains difficult. Through genomic analyses of clinical specimens, we show that metabolic reprogramming toward oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glutaminolysis is associated with therapeutic resistance to the Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), a B cell lymphoma subtype with poor clinical outcomes. Inhibition of OXPHOS with a clinically applicable small molecule, IACS-010759, which targets complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, results in marked growth inhibition in vitro and in vivo in ibrutinib-resistant patient-derived cancer models. This work suggests that targeting metabolic pathways to subvert therapeutic resistance is a clinically viable approach to treat highly refractory malignancies.
Estimating contaminant distribution from finite sensor data: Perron Frobenious operator and ensemble Kalman Filtering

Abstract Accurate and rapid monitoring of indoor air quality is critical to ensure occupant safety in the built environment. This is especially important in events where hazardous substances are released, and prompt estimation of contaminant distribution will facilitate quick evacuation and control response. The built environment is usually equipped with a finite set of sensors that measure local concentration of contaminants. The goal is to use this streaming dataset to estimate the contaminant concentration distribution in the complete domain. We accomplish this by integrating two powerful concepts. We utilize an operator theoretic approach – specifically the Perron-Frobenius (P-F) operator – to model the contaminant transport. Previous work has shown that the PF approach is a fast, effective, and accurate paradigm for sensor placement and contaminant transport prediction. The PF approach is integrated with an Ensemble Kalman Filter to rapidly estimate contaminant distribution under unknown release scenarios, given minimal sensor data. The framework is illustrated for two scenarios: a 2D problem involving an office space, and a 3D problem involving a furnished hotel room. Both examples show that the contaminant distribution is accurately predicted within a few sensor measurement cycles. The general applicability of the framework is illustrated by testing the framework for multiple, unknown release locations. This approach provides a unified, extendable framework for rapid contaminant estimation.
Density-Dependent Habitat Selection: A Tool for More Effective Population Management

Habitats vary in quality and individuals choose them accordingly. Some species distribute themselves non-randomly among habitats so as to equalize the net reproductive rates of individuals in different habitats (Ideal Free Distribution). Habitat selectivity is greatest when population sizes are small.
UNIT 26.2 Combinatorial Recombination of Gene Fragments to Construct a Library of Chimeras

Recombination of distantly related and nonrelated genes is difficult using traditional PCR-based techniques, and truncation-based methods result in a large proportion of nonviable sequences due to frame shifts, deletions, and insertions. This unit describes a method for creating libraries of chimeras through combinatorial assembly of gene fragments. It allows the experimenter to recombine genes of any identity and to select the sites where recombination takes place. Combinatorial recombination is achieved by generating gene fragments with specific overhangs, or sticky ends. The overhangs permit the fragments to be ligated in the correct order while allowing independent assortment of blocks with identical overhangs. Genes of any identity can be recombined so long as they share 3 to 5 base pairs of identity at the desired recombination sites. Simple adaptations of the method allow incorporation of specific gene fragments. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 61:26.2.1-26.2.20. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: chimera; recombination; directed evolution; protein design; library creation; combinatorial library
Blockchain in Health Data Systems: A Survey

There has been increasing interest in connecting disjointed Electronic Medical Records, mobile health data, and related health data systems for the purpose of improving preventative and precision medicine, while also providing individuals with greater access and control to their data. Blockchains provide data transparency, immutability, and decentralized trust – making them a promising solution to the interoperability and security issues faced by such health data systems. Several papers have proposed the use of blockchain technology in healthcare to determine its viability as a solution and to identify potential applications and challenges. We build upon their work by 1) presenting implementation details related to blockchain applications in health data systems, 2) discussing the security, privacy, and performance trade-offs of each, and 3) identifying a set of research questions regarding the use of blockchain technology in health data systems. We find that blockchain-based healthcare research should place greater emphasis on real-world deployments and testing, smart-contract security, efficient and usable audit tools, blockchain governance, and adherence to healthcare data regulations and standards.
Computer-delivered personalized feedback intervention for hazardous drinkers with elevated anxiety sensitivity: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Integrated treatments for hazardous drinking and anxiety/depression are virtually nonexistent. Anxiety sensitivity is a common mechanism for both anxiety/depression and hazardous drinking. This art...
Open Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in a Patient with Double Inferior Vena Cava

Open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm with associated iliac artery occlusive disease in the presence of double inferior vena cava was performed with preservation of left-sided vena cava. Anomalies of IVC and technical difficulties associated with open repair in patients with anomalies of IVC are described.
Paget's Disease in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Is Associated With Greater In-Hospital Lengths of Stay, Costs, and Complications.

Abstract Background There are few well-powered studies investigating the association of Paget’s disease of bone on patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study utilized a nationwide database to determine whether Paget’s patients undergoing primary THA are associated with higher rates of (1) lengths of stay (LOS); (2) costs; and (3) complications (medical/surgical and implant-related). Methods Using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and Current Procedural Terminology codes, Paget’s patients undergoing primary THA were identified and matched to non-Paget’s patients in a 1:5 ratio by age, sex, and comorbidities utilizing the PearlDiver database. This resulted in 21,714 patients in Paget’s (n = 3619) and non-Paget’s (n = 18,095) cohorts. Outcomes assessed included LOS, episode-of-care costs, medical/surgical complications, and implant-related complications. A P value less than .003 was considered statistically significant. Results Compared to the matched cohort, Paget’s patients undergoing primary THA had significantly longer LOS (P Conclusion We found that Paget’s was associated with higher rates of LOS, costs, and complications. Although there was an association found, the risk appears reasonably low compared to the matched cohort. The study can be utilized by orthopedic professionals to counsel and educate these patients of potential complications which may occur following their procedure.
Bacterial Production of Barley Stripe Mosaic Virus Biotemplates for Palladium Nanoparticle Growth

Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) has recently been proposed as an attractive biotemplate for direct metallic nanomaterial synthesis as it interacts with metal precursors through multiple mechanism...
Sequencing of Argonaute-bound miRNA/mRNA hybrids reveals regulation of the unfolded protein response by microRNA-320a

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are short non-coding RNAs widely implicated in gene regulation. Most metazoan miRNAs utilize the RNase III enzymes Drosha and Dicer for biogenesis. One notable exception is the RNA polymerase II transcription start sites (TSS) miRNAs whose biogenesis does not require Drosha. The functional importance of the TSS-miRNA biogenesis is uncertain. To better understand the function of TSS-miRNAs, we applied a modified Crosslinking, Ligation, and Sequencing of Hybrids on Argonaute (AGO-qCLASH) to identify the targets for TSS-miRNAs in HCT116 colorectal cancer cells with or without DROSHA knockout. We observed that miR-320a hybrids dominate in TSS-miRNA hybrids identified by AGO-qCLASH. Targets for miR-320a are enriched in the eIF2 signaling pathway, a downstream component of the unfolded protein response. Consistently, in miR-320a mimic- and antagomir- transfected cells, differentially expressed genes are enriched in eIF2 signaling. Within the AGO-qCLASH data, we identified the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone Calnexin as a direct miR-320a target, thus connecting miR-320a to the unfolded protein response. During ER stress, but not amino acid deprivation, miR-320a up-regulates ATF4, a critical transcription factor for resolving ER stress. Our study investigates the targetome of the TSS-miRNAs in colorectal cancer cells and establishes miR-320a as a regulator of unfolded protein response.
Switching Current Density of Perpendicular Magnetization by Spin-Orbit Torque

In-plane current-induced strong dampinglike spin-orbit torque (SOT) can enable sub-nanosecond switching of thin-film nanomagnets for nonvolatile magnetic storage [1] . Enormous efforts have been made on developing energy-efficient, high-endurance, integration-friendly spin current generators (SCGs) [2] , [3] that can provide high dampinglike SOT efficiency $\left( {\xi _{DL}^j} \right)$ . This is mainly motivated by the fact that $\xi _{DL}^j$ of a SCG/ferromagnet (FM) heterostructure directly connects to the density of the critical switching current inside the SCG layer ( j c ) and thus the total switching current ( I c , the sum of the currents in the SCG and the FM layers) that will define the energy efficiency $\left( { \propto I_{\text{c}}^2} \right)$ , the scalability (the transistor dimension ∝ I c ), and the endurance (electro-immigration $ \propto I_{\text{c}}^2$ ) of spin-orbit torque magnetic tunnel junctions (SOT-MTJs).
Association of Antenatal Corticosteroid Exposure and Infant Survival at 22 and 23 Weeks.

Objective In 2014, the leading obstetric societies published an executive summary of a joint workshop to establish obstetric interventions to be considered for periviable births. Antenatal corticosteroid administration between 220/7 and 226/7 weeks was not recommended given existing evidence. We sought to evaluate whether antenatal steroid exposure was associated with improved survival among resuscitated newborns delivered between 22 and 23 weeks of gestation. Study design We conducted a population-based cohort study of all resuscitated livebirths delivered between 220/7 and 236/7 weeks of gestation in the United States during 2009 to 2014 utilizing National Center for Health Statistics data. The primary outcome was rate of survival to 1 year of life (YOL) between infant cohorts based on antenatal steroid exposure. Multivariable logistic regression estimated the association of antenatal steroid exposure on survival outcomes. Results In the United States between 2009 and 2014, there were 2,635 and 7,992 infants who received postnatal resuscitation after delivery between 220/7 to 226/7 and 230/7 to 236/7 weeks of gestation, respectively. Few infants born at 22 (15.9%) and 23 (26.0%) weeks of gestation received antenatal corticosteroids (ANCS). Among resuscitated neonates, survival to 1 YOL was 45.2 versus 27.8% (adjusted relative risk [aRR]: 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-2.1) and 57.9 versus 47.7% (aRR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1-1.5) for infants exposed to ANCS compared with those not exposed at 22 and 23 weeks of gestation, respectively. When stratified by 100 g birth weight category, ANCS were associated with survival among neonates weighing 500 to 599 g (aRR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3-2.9) and 600 to 699 g (aRR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.6) at 22 weeks. Conclusion Exposure to ANCS was associated with higher survival rates to 1 YOL among resuscitated infants born at 22 and 23 weeks. National guidelines recommending against ANCS utilization at 22 weeks should be re-evaluated given emerging evidence of benefit. Key points · Exposure to antenatal steroids was associated with higher survival rates at 22 and 23 weeks of gestation.. · Women exposed to antenatal steroids were more likely to have an adverse outcome.. · The association between steroids and survival was observed among infants with birth weights > 500 g..
Incentivizing wellness through community supported agriculture: Reflections on shareholder impacts of an employer-based CSA voucher program

Community supported agriculture (CSA) programs are emerging as popular consumer options for pro­duce acquisition. While many researchers have dis­cussed the impacts of CSA on economies, commu­nities, and the environment, others are interested in documenting how produce-based CSA shapes health. In this paper, we evaluate whether and to what extent CSA incentive programs, funded by diverse employer groups in central Kentucky 2015–2018, impact shareholder wellness. To evaluate impact, we use two distinct types of data: we com­pare shareholders’ perceived frequency of food lifestyle behaviors from pre- and post-season sur­veys, and we examine anonymized medical claims from a subset of these participants to determine if CSA participation impacts short-run usage of medical services. From survey data, we observed statistically significant changes in some shareholder behaviors. For instance, CSA shareholders per­ceived that they consumed vegetable salads more often while decreasing their intake of processed foods and snacks. From medical claims data, share­holders are billed less in diet-related medical claims following CSA participation compared to a control group from the same employer organization. In short, we find that CSA is generally beneficial and participants view their experience as providing motivation to reshape their relationship to food. We conclude by offering strategies for institutions and organizations to effectively develop and support CSA incentive programs.
Lens type tunability in fluidic adaptive lens

In this paper, we have demonstrated a fluidic adaptive lens with not only wide focal length adjustability but also lens type tunability. The versatile bio-inspired fluidic adaptive lens could lead to significant reduction in the size, weight, cost, and complexity of optical systems, major savings in lens inventory, and much extended functionality that can be incorporated into the systems. Therefore, the technology has the potential to create a paradigm shift in the design and realization of optical systems.
Culture of Quiescence

Professor Bogus argues that there is a strongly enforced taboo within the Rhode Island legal culture against criticizing the state's governmental institutions, particularly its courts. The targets and enforcers of this taboo are one and the same - lawyers and judges. The essay describes eight examples, spanning nearly two decades, in which judges or lawyers attempted to punish others for statements deemed critical of the Rhode Island legal system. In some instances, critical statements were made in the public marketplace of ideas. One example concerns comments that Professor Alan Dershowitz of the Harvard Law School made in a book; another concerns comments that Professor Bogus himself made in a newspaper op-ed. Other examples involve statements that lawyers made during the course of litigation, such as a motion requesting that a judge recuse himself. Punishments ranged from writing to the perceived offender's employer to imposing serious and unwarranted sanctions against perceived offenders. The taboo permeates the entire legal culture and affects both state and federal courts. Professor Bogus argues that this culture - in which criticism is considered professional treason and punished by both courts and colleagues - diminishes the Rhode Island legal system. He argues that the culture is unlikely to change unless lawyers acknowledge the problem and work collectively for reform.
Post-fire changes in net shortwave radiation along a latitudinal gradient in boreal North America

Understanding how a changing boreal fire regime is likely to influence regional climate requires detailed information about fire effects on the surface radiation budget. We used time series of satellite observations of surface albedo from 2000–2011 and fire perimeters since 1970 to study post-fire changes in surface net shortwave radiation along a latitudinal transect in central Canada. Fire-induced surface shortwave forcing (SSF) integrated over an annual cycle for the first 30 years after fire was similar (−4.1 W m−2 with a 95% confidence interval of −4.5 to −3.7 W m−2) between southern and northern boreal regions. The lack of a latitudinal difference in SSF was caused by counteracting latitudinal trends in seasonal contributions. Spring (March, April, and May) SSF increased with latitude, from −7.2 W m−2 in the south to −10.1 W m−2in the north, primarily because of delayed snow melt, which amplified albedo differences between unburned forests and recovering stands. In contrast, winter incoming solar radiation and summer albedo change decreased from south to north, resulting in a decreasing latitudinal trend in winter and summer SSF. Vegetation recovery was slower in the north, leading to smaller increases in summer albedo during the first decade after fire, and a prolonged phase of elevated spring albedo during the second decade. Our results indicate that fires reduce surface net shortwave radiation considerably for many boreal forest ecosystems in North America, providing further evidence that disturbance-mediated shifts in surface energy exchange need to be considered in efforts to manage these forests for climate change mitigation.
Abstract 16770: Effect of Locomotor Muscle Afferent Feedback Inhibition on Cardiac Power During Submaximal Exercise in Heart Failure

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) patients demonstrate increased locomotor muscle afferent neural feedback during exercise which is known to influence the exercise pressor response. The influence of this feedback on central hemodynamics during exercise in HF remains less clear. Hypothesis: We investigated whether inhibition of locomotor muscle afferent feedback during submaximal constant-load exercise influences cardiac power in HF. Methods: Nine HF (age 60±2 yrs; EF, 27±2%; NYHA class, 2±1) and 9 matched control (CTL; age 63±2 yrs) completed 5 min of submaximal constant-work cycling (65% peak power) with intrathecal fentanyl (FEN; impairing cephalad projection of opioid receptor sensitive afferents) or sham, on separate days in random order. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and oxygen consumption (VO2) were measured at rest and during exercise. Cardiac power (VO2 x MAP) was calculated. Assessment for cephalad migration of fentanyl was conducted by hypercapnic ventilatory response with no dif...
Electron Beam Exposure of Thermal Control Paints on Carbon-Carbon and Carbon-Polyimide Composites

Carbon‐carbon and carbon‐polyimide composites are being considered for use as radiator face sheets or fins for space radiator applications. Several traditional white thermal control paints are being considered for the surface of the composite face sheets or fins. One threat to radiator performance is high energy electrons. The durability of the thermal control paints applied to the carbon‐carbon and carbon‐polyimide composites was evaluated after extended exposure to 4.5 MeV electrons. Electron exposure was conducted under argon utilizing a Mylar™ bag enclosure. Solar absorptance and infrared emittance was evaluated before and after exposure to identify optical properties degradation. Adhesion of the paints to the carbon‐carbon and carbon‐polyimide composite substrates was also of interest. Adhesion was evaluated on pristine and electron beam exposed coupons using a variation of the ASTM D‐3359 tape test. Results of the optical properties evaluation and the adhesion tape tests are summarized.
The BP neural networks with data clustering enhancement-an emerging optimization tool

The present paper examines enhancements to a backpropagation (BP) neural networks to use them efficiently in the optimization problems. A BP algorithm was extended with the aim of improving both the network training and its generalization capability. A clustering algorithm was implemented by using the Euclidean distances technique; clustering the input patterns in n-dimensional space provides increased efficiency in terms of computational time required to train the network, and better network performance in generalizing new input patterns. This improved function approximation capability of BP networks is proposed to use in optimization problems to avoid expensive exact analysis of the system for objective and constraint evaluations during each cycle of optimization process.
Assembly of the MreB-associated cytoskeletal ring of Escherichia coli

The Escherichia coli actin homologue MreB is part of a helical cytoskeletal structure that winds around the cell between the two poles. It has been shown that MreB redistributes during the cell cycle to form circumferential ring structures that flank the cytokinetic FtsZ ring and appear to be associated with division and segregation of the helical cytoskeleton. We show here that the MreB cytoskeletal ring also contains the MreC, MreD, Pbp2 and RodA proteins. Assembly of MreB, MreC, MreD and Pbp2 into the ring structure required the FtsZ ring but no other known components of the cell division machinery, whereas assembly of RodA into the cytoskeletal ring required one or more additional septasomal components. Strikingly, MreB, MreC, MreD and RodA were each able to independently assemble into the cytoskeletal ring and coiled cytoskeletal structures in the absence of any of the other ring components. This excludes the possibility that one or more of these proteins acts as a scaffold for incorporation of the other proteins into these structures. In contrast, incorporation of Pbp2 required the presence of MreC, which may provide a docking site for Pbp2 entry.
Links Between Disorganized Attachment Classification and Clinical Symptoms in School-Aged Children

Research examining the links between disorganized attachment and clinical symptoms largely has neglected middle childhood due to lack of available measurement tools. The few studies that have examined these links in other developmental phases have found higher clinical symptoms in disorganized individuals. Our study extended this research by using a recently-developed attachment interview measure ideally suited to evaluate disorganized attachment in middle childhood. We examined concurrent associations among disorganized attachment in 8–12 year old children and symptoms of psychopathology theoretically hypothesized for their links with disorganized attachment. Using child- and parent-reports, we measured symptoms of depression, social anxiety, shyness, inattention, and thought problems. During our two-session study, 97 children completed the Child Attachment Interview, and children and parents completed clinical questionnaires. Results suggested that disorganized attachment was associated with higher child reports of depressive symptoms and shyness, and with parent-reports of social anxiety, inattention, and thought problems, and that disorganized children are more likely to have symptoms that meet clinical criteria. Implications for the relation of attachment to psychopathology are discussed.
Prevention by nifedipine of cold pressor-induced decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction

To examine the effects of nifedipine on changes in ventricular function produced by cold, the cold pressor test was administered to eight patients with angiographically documented coronary artery disease. Radionuclide ventriculograms were obtained at baseline and during the cold pressor stimulus both before and after administration of nifedipine, 10 mg buccally; thus, four serial radionuclide ventriculograms were obtained per patient. The cold pressor stimulus did not produce any significant difference in the mean (± standard deviation) peak rate-pressure product during the control or nifedipine test (10,900 ± 3,390 versus 10,600 ± 3,700). However, the increase in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.05) and the peak systolic blood pressure achieved (p In patients with obstructive coronary artery disease, nifedipine abolished the decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction observed during the control cold pressor test and may be of value to protect patients from cold-induced left ventricular dysfunction. The mechanism may be a combination of coronary artery vasodilation and systolic unloading of the left ventricle.
Kaposi's sarcoma metastatic to the CNS.

• Metastatic lesions of the CNS developed in two male patients with disseminated Kaposi's sarcoma. One patient was a homosexual, but the second patient had no apparent risk factors for disseminated Kaposi's sarcoma. These cases indicate that CNS involvement by tumor should be suspected in patients with Kaposi's sarcoma who exhibit abnormal neurologic signs or symptoms.
An analytical theory of resonant scattering of SH waves by thin overground structures

Scattering of SH waves in a half-space with simple overground structures is studied analytically. For two-dimensional structures, such as shells, shear walls and a slab-bridge over a river, the method of matched asymptotics is used for sinusoidal waves long compared to the thickness of the structures. Resonance features are deduced analytically and calculated numerically for various incidences and other parameters.
Temperature dependence of the Oregonator model for the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction

It is well known that temperature plays an important role in the chemical dynamics of Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reactions. The five-step Oregonator model of the BZ reaction has been elaborated here to investigate the temperature effect. The bifurcation dynamics has been calculated in the phase space spanned by initial reagents concentration ratio, stoichiometric factor and temperature. The combination of activation energies of the individual reaction steps governs the dependence of oscillation period and amplitude with temperature. The analysis reveals the existence of temperature limits beyond which no oscillations occur.