cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Still Not Equal: A Report from the Red States

This chapter considers how the LGBT movement might pursue legal equality — alongside lived equality — now that same-sex couples enjoy the freedom to marry across the United States. In particular, it focuses on the passage of antidiscrimination laws in swing states and red states. While this objective may sound familiar — perhaps even passe — the political dynamics and strategic dilemmas that it presents are unprecedented. As one activist admits, the challenges now facing LGBT people in swing states and red states are “unlike anything we’ve faced before.” The chapter begins by explaining why the LGBT movement is likely to turn “back to work” after marriage equality by focusing on the passage of antidiscrimination laws. Next, it argues that the LGBT movement will undergo two strategic shifts in pursuing this work — first, an increased investment in local rather than national lobbying, and second, an increased investment in red states and swing states, as opposed to blue states. Finally, the chapter claims that the LGBT movement will confront two strategic dilemmas in pursuing this work — whether to lobby for piecemeal bills or package deals, and how to use litigation and lobbying in ways that support each other. Without attempting to resolve the first dilemma, it argues that lobbyists must not entertain exemptions that apply only to claims brought by LGBT plaintiffs — or more broadly, any protections that fall short of what might reasonably be achieved through litigation under existing antidiscrimination laws.
ADAM12 Is a Novel Regulator of Tumor Angiogenesis via STAT3 Signaling.

ADAM12, (ADisintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 12), is upregulated in epithelial cancers and contributes to increased tumor proliferation, metastasis, and endocrine resistance. However, its role in tumor angiogenesis is unknown. Here, we report that ADAM12 is upregulated in the vessels of aggressive breast tumors and exerts key regulatory functions. ADAM12 significantly increases bFGF-mediated angiogenesis in vivo and ADAM12 levels are upregulated in tumors that have undergone a switch to the angiogenic phenotype. Importantly, ADAM12-overexpressing breast tumors display a higher microvessel density (MVD). Our goal was to identify the mechanisms by which tumor-associated ADAM12 promotes angiogenesis. ADAM12 expression in breast tumor cells correlated with a significant upregulation of proangiogenic factors such as VEGF and MMP-9 and downregulation of antiangiogenic factors such as Thrombospondin-1 (THBS1/TSP1) and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2). Co-culture with ADAM12-expressing tumor cells promoted endothelial cell (EC) recruitment and capillary tube formation. Conversely, downregulation of endogenous ADAM12 in breast cancer cell lines resulted in reduction of pro-angiogenic factors and EC recruitment. These ADAM12-mediated effects are driven by the activation of EGFR, STAT3 and Akt signaling. Blockade of EGFR/STAT3 or silencing of ADAM12 reversed the proangiogenic tumor phenotype, significantly downregulated pro-angiogenic mitogens and reduced EC recruitment. In human breast cancer tissues, ADAM12 expression was significantly positively correlated with pro-angiogenic factors including VEGF and MMP-9 but negatively associated with TSP1. Implications: These novel findings suggest that ADAM12 regulates EC function and facilitates a proangiogenic microenvironment in a STAT3-dependent manner. A combined approach of targeting ADAM12 and STAT3 signaling in breast cancer may represent a promising strategy to inhibit tumor neovascularization. Mol Cancer Res; 15(11); 1608–22. ©2017 AACR .
Chemotherapy with or Without Definitive Radiation Therapy in Inoperable Pancreatic Cancer

The LAP07 randomized trial calls into question the role of radiation therapy (RT) in the modern treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). However, advances in chemotherapy and RT limit application of the LAP07 results to current clinical practice. Here we utilize the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to evaluate the effects of RT in patients receiving chemotherapy for LAPC. Using the NCDB, patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) clinical stage T2–4, N0–1, M0 adenocarcinoma of the pancreas from 2004 to 2014 were analyzed. Patients were stratified into chemotherapy only (CT) and chemoradiation (CRT) cohorts. Patients undergoing definitive RT, defined as at least 20 fractions or ≥ 5 Gy per fraction [i.e., stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)] were included in the CRT cohort. Propensity-score matching (PSM) and landmark analysis were used to address selection bias and lead-time bias, respectively. 13,004 patients met inclusion criteria, of whom 7034 (54%) received CT and 5970 (46%) received CRT. After PSM, 5215 patients remained in each cohort. The CRT cohort demonstrated better overall survival (OS) compared with CT alone, with median and 1-year OS of 12 versus 10 months, and 50% and 41%, respectively (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, CRT was associated with superior OS with hazard ratio of 0.79 (95% confidence interval 0.76–0.83) compared with CT alone. In our series, addition of definitive radiotherapy to CT was associated with better OS when compared with CT alone in LAPC. Definitive radiotherapy should remain a treatment option for LAPC, but optimal selection criteria remain unclear.
Patients with anomalous aortic origin of the coronary artery remain at risk after surgical repair.

Abstract Objectives Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) from the opposite sinus of Valsalva is a rare cardiac anomaly associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD). Single-center studies describe surgical repair as safe, although medium- and long-term effects on symptoms and risk of SCD remain unknown. We sought to describe outcomes of surgical repair of AAOCA. Methods We reviewed institutional records for patients who underwent AAOCA repair, from 2001 to 2016, at 2 affiliated institutions. Patients with associated heart disease were excluded. Results In total, 60 patients underwent AAOCA repair. Half of the patients (n = 30) had an anomalous left coronary artery arising from the right sinus of Valsalva and half had an anomalous right. Median age at surgery was 15.4 years (interquartile range, 11.9-17.9 years; range, 4 months to 68 years). The most common presenting symptoms were chest pain (n = 38; 63%) and shortness of breath (n = 17; 28%); aborted SCD was the presenting symptom in 4 patients (7%). Follow-up data were available for 54 patients (90%) over a median of 1.6 years. Of 53 patients with symptoms at presentation, 34 (64%) had complete resolution postoperatively. Postoperative mild or greater aortic insufficiency was present in 8 patients (17%) and moderate supravalvar aortic stenosis in 1 (2%). One patient required aortic valve replacement for aortic insufficiency. Two patients required reoperation for coronary stenosis at 3 months and 6 years postoperatively. Conclusions Surgical repair of AAOCA is generally safe and adverse events are rare. Restenosis, and even sudden cardiac events, can occur and long-term surveillance is critical. Multi-institutional collaboration is vital to identify at-risk subpopulations and refine current recommendations for long-term management.
Synthetic neural network calibration of a hyperspectral imaging camera

The use of machine learning algorithms is used extensively when analyzing and labeling image data. However, these techniques also offer additional post-processing advantages when they are used to calibrate sensor data. In this paper, a new calibration strategy for a Snapshot Hyperspectral Imaging Fourier Transform (SHIFT) spectrometer is discussed. The method, which is based on use of artificial neural networks, offers greater accuracy in both space and frequency when compared to conventional post-processing techniques. A theoretical model for the calibration procedure is presented, the laboratory data collection protocol is provided, and validation is conducted by measuring NIST-traceable spectral reflectance standards.
Sex differences in stress reactivity in arousal and attention systems

Women are more likely than men to suffer from psychiatric disorders with hyperarousal symptoms, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression. In contrast, women are less likely than men to be diagnosed with schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which share attentional impairments as a feature. Stressful events exacerbate symptoms of the aforementioned disorders. Thus, researchers are examining whether sex differences in stress responses bias women and men towards different psychopathology. Here we review the preclinical literature suggesting that, compared to males, females are more vulnerable to stress-induced hyperarousal, while they are more resilient to stress-induced attention deficits. Specifically described are sex differences in receptors for the stress neuropeptide, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), that render the locus coeruleus arousal system of females more vulnerable to stress and less adaptable to CRF hypersecretion, a condition found in patients with PTSD and depression. Studies on the protective effects of ovarian hormones against CRF-induced deficits in sustained attention are also detailed. Importantly, we highlight how comparing males and females in preclinical studies can lead to the development of novel therapeutics to improve treatments for psychiatric disorders in both women and men.
Recent Changes in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry: A Blueprint for the Future

To better understand the changes in the past 5 years on consultation-liaison (C-L) services in the United States, 119 university programs were surveyed. The return response was 64%. Of the 76 respondents, 32% had decreased funding, 54% no changes or stable finding, and 14% improved funding. Nonetheless, 57% of the programs reported funding difficulties as a major problem. Understaffing was reported by 51% of the programs. Liaison activities have ceased or are reduced in 70% of the programs; 15% reported an increase in liaison, particularly for transplantation. C-L services have been affected by illness acuity (68%), shorter hospital stays (79%), and older populations (54%). The diagnostic mix shows increases in HIV-related disorders, drug abuse, and delirium. The discussion includes recommendations for C-L services given these findings.
Improving the Sensory Characteristics of Reduced-Fat Cheese

In response to rapidly increasing consumer demand for reduced-fat foods since the mid to late 1970’s, numerous new dairy foods have emerged during the past decade (Dexheimer, 1992). For example, in 1991 alone 435 new reduced-fat dairy foods were introduced commercially. Almost 16% of these were cheeses. A variety of label descriptors are used on commercial low-fat dairy foods today. Examples include low-fat, reduced-fat, fat-free, non-fat, low-cholesterol etc. New labeling laws in the US specifically define each of the above terms and will dictate the terminology that may be used on low-fat products in the near future. Today, hard cheeses such as low-fat Cheddar are available mainly as one-third and one-half low-fat cheeses.
Prevalence of Metabolic Bone Disease in Tube-Fed Children Receiving Elemental Formula.

Background Previous studies suggest normal mineral status in children receiving elemental formula. However, a recent multicenter survey described 51 children who developed hypophosphatemia and bone disease while receiving elemental formula. Our aim is to determine the prevalence of metabolic bone disease in children receiving extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid-based formula. Methods We established a retrospective cohort using an institutional database of tube-fed children. We defined a "confirmed case" as a child with biochemical and radiographic evidence of bone disease (rickets and/or low-trauma fractures). We defined a "suspected case" as a child who had biochemical evidence and/or radiographic evidence of bone disease but with incomplete data during the review period. Results A total of 102 tube-fed children receiving elemental or semi-elemental formula were identified. The four elemental and semi-elemental formulas evaluated were Neocate®, EleCare®, Pregestimil®, and Alimentum®. Not all children had complete monitoring data performed during the review period. Of the children receiving Neocate who had monitoring data (46%), 23% developed hypophosphatemia and radiographic abnormalities (fractures or rickets), which resolved with phosphorus supplementation and/or change in the formula brand. Conclusions We estimate that at least 11% and up to 23% of all tube-fed children receiving Neocate develop metabolic bone disease. Based upon the estimated prevalence, we recommend cautious use of this formula with monitoring for evolving bone disease in this population.
The Surprise Question Can Be Used to Identify Heart Failure Patients in the Emergency Department Who Would Benefit From Palliative Care

Abstract Context Heart failure (HF) is associated with symptom exacerbations and risk of mortality after an emergency department (ED) visit. Although emergency physicians (EPs) treat symptoms of HF, often the opportunity to connect with palliative care is missed. The "surprise question" (SQ) "Would you be surprised if this patient died in the next 12 months?" is a simple tool to identify patients at risk for 12-month mortality. Objectives The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of the SQ when used by EPs to assess patients with HF. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study in which clinicians applied the SQ to patients presenting to the ED with symptoms of HF. Chart review and review of death records were completed. The primary outcome was accuracy of the surprise question to predict 12-month mortality. A univariate analysis for potential predictors of 12-month mortality was performed. Results During the study period, 199 patients were identified, and complete data were available for 97% of observations (n = 193). The one-year mortality was 29%. EPs reported that "they would not be surprised" if the patient died within the next 12 months in 53% of cases. 42.7% of these patients died within 12 months compared to 13.3% in the "would be surprised" group. There was a strong association with death in the "not surprised" group (odds ratio 4.85, 95% CI 2.34–9.98, P Conclusion The SQ screening tool can assist ED providers in identifying HF patients that would benefit from early palliative care involvement.
Intraventricular Hemorrhage Severity as a Predictor of Outcome in Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background/Objective: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) extension after spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) is an independent predictor of worse outcome. However, there is a paucity of data looking at the degree of IVH severity and its impact on outcome. This study addresses the contribution of IVH severity to outcome at time of hospital discharge after sICH. Methods: Two hundred and ten patients were included in the study. Baseline demographic and radiologic characteristics were abstracted. First available CT scans were reviewed for hematoma volume and location, IVH extension and presence of hydrocephalus (HCP). IVH severity was calculated using Graeb scale. Multivariate logistic regression models were developed to investigate the association of IVH severity with poor outcomes at hospital discharge, defined as modified Rankin scale score (mRS) >3. Results: Fifty-three percent of patients had IVH extension while 18% had surgical procedures done. Poor outcome (mRS >3) was seen for 56% of patients. Median IVH extension severity on the Graeb scale was two. Presence of IVH was associated with poor outcome in univariate and multivariate analysis (p < 0.005). Compared to patients with no IVH, IVH severity influenced outcome only when Graeb scores were ≥5 (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 0.49-3.23, p = 0.63, and OR = 2.9, 95% CI, 1.1-7.6, p = 0.03 for Graeb <5 and ≥5, respectively. Conclusions: Higher IVH severity (defined as Graeb score ≥5) is associated with worse outcome at time of hospital discharge, while lower IVH severity (Graeb scores 1-4) has similar outcomes to patients without IVH. IVH severity should be used in favor of IVH presence for prognostication purposes.
Validating the Stopping Opioids after Surgery (SOS) score for sustained postoperative prescription opioid use in spine surgical patients.

Abstract BACKGROUND CONTEXT The opioid epidemic has increased scrutiny of health-care practices and care episodes, such as surgery, that increase the risk of opioid dependence. The Stopping Opioids after Surgery (SOS) score to predict sustained prescription opioid use was previously developed within a population of patients receiving general surgery, orthopedic, and urologic procedures. Notably, the performance for this score has not been assessed in a spine surgical cohort. PURPOSE We sought to validate the SOS score in a series of patients undergoing cervical and lumbar spine surgery, including inpatient and outpatient cohorts. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective review at two academic medical centers and three community hospitals. OUTCOME MEASURES Sustained prescription opioid use was defined as opioid prescription without interruption for 90 days or longer following surgery. METHODS The performance of the SOS score was assessed in the study population by calculating the c-statistic, receiver-operating curve, and observed rates of sustained prescription opioid use. RESULTS Among 7,027 patients included in this study, 2,374 (33.8%) underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion and 4,653 (66.2%) underwent surgery for lumbar disc herniation. The median age was 46 (interquartile range=38.0–53.5). Overall, 604 patients (8.6%) had prolonged opioid prescription. The c-statistic of the risk score was 0.764. The sensitivity of the score at the low risk cutoff of 30 was 0.72. At the high-risk cutoff of 60, the specificity was 0.99. The observed risk (95% confidence interval) of prolonged opioid prescription was 3.6% (3.1–4.2) in the low-risk group (scores 60). CONCLUSIONS We have validated the use of a clinically relevant bedside risk score for sustained prescription opioid use after spine surgery. The score's ease of use, combined with its exceptional performance, renders it a valuable tool for spine care providers in counseling patients and determining appropriate postdischarge management to prevent sustained opioid use.
Dominant toxicity of ALS-FTD-associated CHCHD10S59L is mediated by TDP-43 and PINK1

Abstract Mutations in coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain containing 10 (CHCHD10) are a genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and/or frontotemporal dementia (ALS-FTD). To elucidate how mutations in CHCHD10 induce disease, we generated a Drosophila melanogaster model of CHCHD10-mediated ALS-FTD. Expression of CHCHD10S59L in Drosophila caused gain-of-function toxicity in eyes, motor neurons, and muscles, in addition to mitochondrial defects in flies and HeLa cells. TDP-43 and PINK1 formed two axes, driving the mutant-dependent phenotypes. CHCHD10S59L expression increased TDP-43 insolubility and mitochondrial translocation. Blocking mitochondrial translocation with a peptide inhibitor reduced CHCHD10S59L-mediated toxicity. PINK1 knockdown rescued CHCHD10S59L-mediated phenotypes in Drosophila and HeLa cells. The two PINK1 substrates mitofusin and mitofilin were genetic modifiers of this phenotype. Mitofusin agonists reversed the CHCHD10S59L-induced phenotypes in Drosophila and HeLa cells and increased ATP production in Drosophila expressing C9orf72 with expanded GGGGCC repeats. Two peptides inhibitors of PINK1 mitigated the mitochondrial defects introduced by CHCHD10S59L expression. These findings indicate that TDP-43 mitochondrial translocation and chronic activation of PINK1-mediated pathways by CHCHD10S59L generate dominant toxicity. Therefore, inhibiting PINK1 activity may provide a therapeutic strategy for CHCHD10-associated disease. One Sentence Summary Inhibition of TDP-43 mitochondrial translocation or PINK1 kinase activity mitigates CHCHD10S59L-mediated mitochondrial toxicity.
Avoidance of vitamin D deficiency to slow the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vitamin D deficiency, which impedes good immune function, is common during winter and spring in regions of high latitude. There is good evidence that vitamin D deficiency contributes to the seasonal increase of virus infections of the respiratory tract, from the common cold to influenza, and now possibly also COVID-19. This communication explores key factors that make it more likely, particularly in combination, that individuals are vitamin D deficient. These factors include old age, obesity, dark skin tone and common genetic variants that impede vitamin D status. Precision nutrition is an approach that aims to consider known personal risk factors and health circumstances to provide more effective nutrition guidance in health and disease. In regard to avoiding vitamin D deficiency, people with excess body fat, a dark skin tone or older age usually need to use a moderately dosed daily vitamin D supplement, particularly those living in a high-latitude region, getting little ultraviolet B exposure due to air pollution or staying mostly indoors. Carriers of the GC (group-specific component) rs4588 AA genotype also are more likely to become deficient. Very high-dosed supplements with more than 4000 IU vitamin D are rarely needed or justified. A state-by-state Mendelian randomisation analysis of excess COVID-19 mortality of African-Americans in the USA shows a greater disparity in northern states than in southern states. It is conceivable that vitamin D adequacy denies the virus easy footholds and thereby slows spreading of the contagion. This finding should drive home the message that vitamin D supplementation is particularly important for individuals with dark skin tones. Vitamin D deficiency, even for a few months during the winter and spring season, must be rigorously remedied because of its many adverse health impacts that include decreased life expectancy and increased mortality. Slowing the spread of COVID-19 would be an added bonus.
Abstract IA09: Challenges in the identification of inherited risk of ovarian cancer

We have come a long way since the 1990s in our understanding of inherited risk and in the genetic testing options that are available to our patients. Despite the clear benefits of identifying inherited risk, there are many barriers in place to genetic testing, and most women with ovarian cancer are still not undergoing these tests. The need for genetic testing currently exceeds the availability of genetic counselors, and creative solutions will need to be explored. The Stand Up To Cancer Ovarian Cancer Dream Team is conducting the MAGENTA (MAking GENetic Testing Accessible) trial. MAGENTA utilizes genetic testing at home with a mailed kit, electronic results delivery, and telephonic genetic counseling. This and other ideas will have to be explored in order to increase genetic testing rates. With the recent publication of SOLO-1 demonstrating a large benefit for PARP inhibitor maintenance therapy in the primary setting for women with advanced BRCA-mutated OC, identifying germline and somatic BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations at the time of diagnosis is paramount and likely to soon be considered standard of care for treatment planning. The most optimal method for detecting both germline and somatic mutations is currently up for debate. Our University of Washington Department of Laboratory Medicine is currently offering tumor and germline sequencing in parallel using both tumor and blood samples, allowing for simultaneous detection of germline and somatic mutations, with methods optimized for each approach. Data from this ongoing project will be presented. Finally, in order to optimize the identification of inherited risk, we need to better understand which genes are implicated in ovarian cancer risk and treatment response. The advent of multiplex gene testing has allowed us to detect mutations in many genes using a single test, increasing efficiency and decreasing costs. The primary downside of multiplex testing is that as more genes are sequenced, the likelihood of identifying uncertain results also increases, either in the form of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) or damaging mutations in genes with uncertain contributions to cancer risk. Available data on risks of ovarian cancer with mutations in genes other than BRCA1 and BRCA2 will be reviewed. Citation Format: Barbara M. Norquist. Challenges in the identification of inherited risk of ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr IA09.
Self-Directed Learning among Internal Medicine Residents in the Information Age.

Objectives The revolution in information technology and a rapidly expanding evidence base are changing residency training. Understanding the habits and preferences of trainees' self-directed learning (SDL) has never been more important. Our goal was to provide a contemporary description of residents' SDL practices. Methods Internal medicine residents at four university-affiliated programs were surveyed in Spring 2017. Residents estimated the number of hours in their typical week spent in SDL on service and after hours when on inpatient and noninpatient rotations, how often they used specific educational resources for SDL, and the percentage of time that they used four different modes to access resources. Results Of 384 residents, a total of 254 (66%) responded. Residents spent more total hours in SDL on noninpatient services (median 11, interquartile range 8-17) than on inpatient services (median 7, interquartile range 4-10) and the same median number of hours in SDL on clinical duty as off hours for both inpatient (median 3 hours) and noninpatient (median 5 hours) rotations. Nearly all of the respondents (99%) reported using online point-of-care resources for SDL at least once per week. Most (77%) never used printed textbooks. Desktop/laptop was the most commonly used (47% of the time) medium to access resources. Conclusions Although the resident learning environment and resource use are changing, residents engage in as much or more time in SDL as in previous studies, with a large proportion occurring during clinical service. Understanding residents' current SDL habits will better prepare educators to support and guide our trainees.
No Choice but to Be Essential: Expanding Dimensions of Precarity During COVID-19

Under COVID-19, low-wage service sector workers found themselves as essential workers vulnerable to intensified precarity. Based on in-depth interviews with a sample of 52 low-wage service workers ...
Assessment of Intelligibility in Children with Velopharyngeal Insufficiency: The Relationship between Intelligibility in Context Scale and Experimental Measures.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical application of the Intelligibility in Context Scale (ICS) instrument in children with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). This study investigated the relationship between clinical speech outcomes and parental reports of speech intelligibility across various communicative partners. METHODS The ICS was completed by the parents of 20 English-speaking children aged 4-12 years diagnosed with VPI. The parents were asked to rate their children's speech intelligibility across communication partners using a 5-point scale. Clinical metrics obtained using standard clinical transcription on the Picture-Cued SNAP-R Test were: (1) percentage of consonants correct (PCC), (2) percentage of vowels correct (PVC), and (3) percentage of phonemes correct (PPC). Nasalance from nasometer data was included as an indirect measure of nasality. Intelligibility scores obtained from naive listener's transcriptions and speech-language pathologists' (SLP) ratings were compared with the ICS results. RESULT Greater PCC, PPC, PVC, and transcription-based intelligibility values were significantly associated with higher ICS values, respectively (r[20] = 0.84, 0.82, 0.51, and 0.70, respectively; p < 0.05 in all cases). There was a negative and significant correlation between ICS mean scores and SLP ratings of intelligibility (r = -0.74; p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between ICS values and nasalance scores (r[20] = -0.28; p = 0.22). CONCLUSION The high correlations obtained between the ICS with PCC and PPC measures indicate that articulation accuracy has had a great impact on parents' decision-making regarding intelligibility in this population. Significant agreement among ICS scores with naive listener transcriptions and clinical ratings supports use of the ICS in practice.
Experiencing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: children, peace communication and socialization

Sesame Street serves as one of the most well-studied and prominent children's television programs we have witnessed in the United States (U.S.). While the global aspirations of this production may ...
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death: Keeping the Newborn Safe in Hospital and at Home

Sudden unexpected infant death is a leading cause of death in infancy. Both safe sleep practices and breastfeeding can help decrease the risk, although the current practice of educating parents about the recommendations has not resulted in universal adherence. Prenatal counseling provides opportunities to discuss recommendations as well as troubleshoot common barriers to breastfeeding and safe infant sleep with goals to gradually change attitudes, address social norms, and prepare new parents. A conversational, motivational approach to discussions about the importance of safe sleep and continued breastfeeding, with explanations as to the reasoning behind these recommendations, can help parents incorporate optimal practices into their lifestyles in a way that is sustainable for adherence.
A Resident Morbidity and Mortality Conference Curriculum to Teach Identification of Cognitive Biases, Errors, and Debiasing Strategies

Introduction The morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference has long been a part of the education of residents of all specialties in the United States, yet its structure is variable across training p...
iSAM: Personalizing an Artificial Intelligence Model for Emotion with Pleasure-Arousal-Dominance in Immersive Virtual Reality

Emotion, a crucial element of mental health, is not often explored in the field of immersive Virtual Reality (iVR). Enabling personalized affective iVR experiences may be incredibly useful for the expansion and evaluation of serious games. To further this direction of research, we present a playable iVR experience in which the user evaluates the emotion of images through an immersive Self-Assessment Manikin (iSAM). This game explores a pilot system for enabling efficient online fine-tuning of a user’s Pleasure-Arousal-Dominance (PAD) emotional model using personalized deep-learning. We discuss adapting the International Affective Picture system (IAPs), in which our Artificial Intelligence (AI) model responds with a personalized image after learning from ten user supplied answers during an iVR session. Lastly, we evaluated our iVR experience with an initial pilot study of four users. Our preliminary results suggest that iSAM can successfully learn from user affect to better predict a ‘happy’ personalized image than static base model.
Temporal Sequencing of Mental Health Symptom Severity and Suicidal Ideation in Post-9/11 Men and Women Veterans Who Recently Separated from the Military

BackgroundDespite some evidence for gender differences in associations between military veterans’ mental health and suicidal ideation (SI), gender-specific prospective studies are lacking. The aims...
Adjoints of projective transformations and face-figures of convex polytopes

By using a basic formula concerning the adjoint of a projective transformation, it is shown how the projective structure of a face-figure of a polytope P can be described in terms of the boundary structure of P’s polar.
Improved Accretion Disk Models of Continuum Emission from Active Galactic Nuclei

We present calculations of the spectra of black hole accretion disks which may power Active Galactic Nuclei. We use a simple model which is more realistic than previous ones in two important ways. Firstly, we have accounted for the dominance of electron scattering opacity in the disk, by approximating the locally emerging flux with low-gravity non-LTE stellar atmospheres. This disk spectrum constructed with stellar atmospheres is harder than the disk spectrum from a sum of blackbodies. It also shows a moderately strong Lyman limit absorption edge, up to 0.25 dex in depth. Such an edge appears to have been observed in several intermediate redshift quasars. The Balmer absorption edge is somewhat weaker.
Modeller: generation and refinement of homology-based protein structure models.

Publisher Summary Functional characterization of a protein sequence is one of the most frequent problems in biology. This task is usually facilitated by accurate three-dimensional (3D) structure of the studied protein. In the absence of an experimentally determined structure, comparative or homology modeling can sometimes provide a useful 3D model for a protein (target) that is related to at least one known protein structure (template). A 3D structure of proteins from the same family is more conserved than their primary sequences. Therefore, if similarity between two proteins is detectable at the sequence level, structural similarity can usually be assumed. Comparative modeling usually starts by searching the Protein Data Bank (PDB) of known protein structures using the target sequence as the query. This search is generally done by comparing the target sequence with the sequence of each of the structures in the database. Comparative modeling consists of five steps: (1) search for related protein structures, (2) selection of one or more templates, (3) target–template alignment, (4) model building, and (5) model evaluation. If the model is not satisfactory, some or all of the steps can be repeated. There are several computer programs and Web servers that automate the comparative modeling process. The first Web server for automated comparative modeling was the Swiss-Model server, followed by CPHModels and ModWeb. These servers accept a sequence from a user and return an all-atom comparative model when possible.
The influence of medical and legal authorities on deaths facilitated by physicians.

This study investigated whether two widely publicized cases of deaths facilitated by physicians were followed by significant peaks in mortality. In March, 1991, Timothy Quill, MD, published a controversial editorial describing the physician-assisted suicide (PAS) of his 45-year-old, female leukemia patient. In a landmark decision in December 1990, the Missouri Supreme Court allowed removal of life support for Nancy Cruzan, a comatose accident victim. Correcting for trends and seasonal fluctuations, the authors examined: (1) U.S. leukemia mortality in the period centered on Quill's editorial, and (2) mortality from accident/coma combinations in the period centered on the Missouri Supreme Court's decision on Cruzan. Female leukemia deaths rose 11.3% above the expected rate (p < .01) just after Quill's article was published. The more closely the decedent matched Quill's patient, the greater the peak, with the largest peak (33.9%) evident for female leukemia patients in their 40s, who were long-term residents of smaller communities (p < .05). Five possible explanations for the findings were assessed, leading to the conclusion that Quill's editorial elicited an increase in mortality. The involvement of physicians in this increase is supported by analysis of the Cruzan case. This showed a mortality peak of 57% for accident/coma patients following the court decision.
Fermi surface properties of low-concentration Ce x La 1-x B 6 : de Haas-van Alphen

The de Haas\char21{}van Alphen (dHvA) effect is used to study angular-dependent extremal areas of the Fermi surfaces and effective masses of ${\mathrm{Ce}}_{x}{\mathrm{La}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{B}}_{6}$ alloys for x between 0 and 0.05. The dHvA signals from these alloys are observed to change from that arising from the normal two-spin metal, ${\mathrm{LaB}}_{6},$ to a single-spin sheet signal at $x=0.05.$
A Possible Role for the Covalent Heme−Protein Linkage in Cytochrome c Revealed via Comparison of N-Acetylmicroperoxidase-8 and a Synthetic, Monohistidine-Coordinated Heme Peptide†

N-Acetylmicroperoxidase-8 (1) contains heme and residues 14−21 of horse mitochondrial cytochrome c (cyt c). The two thioether bonds linking protein to heme in cyt c are present in 1, and the native axial ligand His-18 remains coordinated to iron. As an approach to probing structural or functional roles played by the double covalent heme−protein linkage in cyt c, we have initiated a study in which the properties of 1 are compared with those of a synthetic mono-His coordinated heme peptide containing a single covalent linkage (2). One consequence of the greater conformational restriction imposed on peptide conformation in 1 is that His−Fe(III) coordination is ∼1.4 kcal/mol more favorable in 1 than in 2. This highlights a clear advantage conferred to cyt c by having two covalent heme−protein linkages rather than one: greater thermodynamic stability of the protein fold. EPR (11 K) and resonance Raman (298 K) studies reveal that 1 and 2 exhibit a thermal high-spin/low-spin ferric equilibrium but that low-spin...
The structures of cyclopentadienyl(phenylacetylido)bis(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium(II) and cyclopentadienyl(carbonyl)bis(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium(II) tetraphenylborate: Comparison of metalligand π-interactions

Abstract The structures of Ru(C5H5)(C2C6H5)[P(6H5)3]2, I, and [Ru(C5H5)(CO)[P(C6H5)3]2][B(C6H5)4], II, have been determined by X-ray diffraction methods at −162 °C. Complex I crystallizes with four molecules in space group C2h5-P21/c of the monoclinic system in a cell dimensions: a = 11.256(2)A,b = 17.139(3)A,c = 22.084(4)A, and β = 118.52(1)°. The structure has been refined to and R index on F2 of 0.046 for 6214 observations and 441 variables. The carbonyl cation, complex II, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2h5-P21/a, with four formula units in a cell of dimensions a = 26.413(6), b = 14.953(7), c = 12.747(3)A, β = 96.40(1)°. The structure of II has been refined to an R index on F2 of 0.069 for 10,072 observations and 641 variables. In complexes I and II the central Ru atom is in a distorted octahedral environment, with the cyclopentadienyl ring assuming three coordination sites trans to the two phosphines and either the acetylide or the carbonyl ligand. The Ru C(acetylido) distance in complex I is 2.016(3)Awhile in complex II the Ru C(carbonyl) distance is 1.869(2)A. Examination of the structural data and comparison with other Ru(II) complexes suggest little if any metal ligand dπ-pπ interaction in the metal alkynyl complex, whereas the carbonyl complex displays extensive π-bonding.
Dimethylgold(III) complexes. Synthesis of several compounds with AuC2S2 coordination. The crystal and molecular structure of [(CH3)2AuSC2H5]2

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of several new dimethylgold(III) complexes are reported along with the X-ray crystal structure of [(CH 3 2 AuSC 2 H 5 ] 2 . The latter compound crystallizes in a triclinic space group P 1 , a = 6.193(1) A, b = 7.852(1) A, c = 14.614(3) A, α = 92.36(1)°, β = 93.99(2)°, γ = 92.19(1)°, Z = 2 with V = 707.88(23) A 3 . This dimer shows a syn -endo Au 2 (SR) 2 rhombus with a 141.3° dihedral angle. Refinement gave R = 0.078 with a Au⋯Au distance of 3.457(3) A. General procedures are reported for the synthesis of dithioate complexes of (CH 3 ) 2 Au III . New compounds are reported are: (CH 3 ) 2 AuS 2 P(CH 3 ) 2 ; (CH 3 ) 2 AuS 2 P(OC 2 H 5 ) 2 ; (CH 3 ) 2 AuS 2 P(C 6 H 5 )(OC 2 H 5 ); (CH 3 ) 2 Au[CH 3 C(S)CH(S)OC 2 H 5 ]; (CH 3 ) 2 AuS 2 COC 2 H 5 ; (CH 3 ) 2 AuS 2 CC 6 H 5 ; (CH 3 ) 2 Au[(CH 3 ) 2 P(S)NP(S)(CH 3 ) 2 ]; [(C 2 H 5 ) 4 N][(CH 3 ) 2 AuS 2 C 2 (CN) 2 ].
Phospholipase C-β2 interacts with mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3

Phospholipase C (PLC)-β enzymes (isoenzymes β1–β4) are activated by G protein subunits, leading to the generation of intracellular messengers which mobilize calcium and activate protein kinase C. It has recently been recognized that these enzymes interact with and are regulated by proteins other than G proteins. Using the yeast two-hybrid technique to screen a leukocyte library we identified mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MKK3) as a partner of PLC-β2. The interaction was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation assays which indicated that MKK3 interacts with PLC-β2, but not with other PLC-βs. PLC-β2 interacted weakly with MKK6, which is related to MKK3, but not with the other MKK3 tested. The region of PLC-β2 involved in the interaction with MKK3 was mapped to the C-terminus of PLC-β2. p38MAPK also co-immunoprecipitated with PLC-β2. The data suggest that PLC-β2 serves an unappreciated role assembling components of the p38MAPK signaling module.
Duration of retrograde amnesia as a function of electroconvulsive shock intensity

Abstract Effects of different ECS intensities on the duration of retrograde amnesia in rats following single trial avoidance learning in a step-down situation were studied. High intensity ECS produced an amnesia which lasted throughout the longest retention interval tested (48 hr). Low intensity ECS only produced a temporary amnesia. Retention was depressed at 1 hr following footshock, but had returned 23 hr later. The effectiveness of ECS appears to depend not only on the time of administration following learning, but on the intensity of the interference.
Proteolysis of the zona pellucida by acrosin: The nature of the hydrolysis products

Boar sperm acrosin was previously shown to hydrolyze the porcine zona pellucida in a specific and limited fashion. The action of acrosin on its presumed physiological substrate was investigated further in terms of the hydrolysis products formed. Peptide mapping experiments of zona pellucida glycoprotein families using acrosin demonstrated the formation of several products 2-4K smaller than the original susceptible families. When zona pellucida hydrolysates were examined with gel filtration, the hydrolysis products were associated in large macromolecular aggregates. These observations suggest that zona pellucida solubilization by acrosin may not be a relevant criterion for assessing acrosin's role in sperm penetration of the zona pellucida.
Controller complexity for active control of turbulent boundary-layer noise from panels

An experimental study of feedback controller complexity vs noise reduction performance for active structural acoustic control of turbulent-boundary-layer (TBL)-induced sound radiation from a panel is described. The reduction of total radiated sound power as a function of the number of actuators, sensors, and controller cost function on a mock aircraft sidewall subjected to TBL excitation are discussed. The results demonstrate total radiated sound power reductions of 15 dB at resonances and 10 dB integrated over 150-1000 Hz for a three-actuator and 15-sensor case. The controller configuration was then simplified to one actuator and four sensors (summed outputs) and was found to produce 10-15-dB reductions in sound power at resonances and 9 dB integrated over the control bandwidth. This result demonstrates the potential for achieving significant reductions in radiated sound power with a relatively simple actuator/sensor topology.
GeoTools: An android phone application in geology

GeoTools is an Android application that can carry out several tasks essential in geological field studies. By employing the accelerometer in the Android phone, the application turns the handset into a pocket transit compass by which users can measure directions, strike and dip of a bedding plane, or trend and plunge of a fold. The application integrates functionalities of photo taking, videotaping, audio recording, and note writing with GPS coordinates to track the location at which each datum was taken. A time-stamped file name is shared by the various types of data taken at the same location. Data collected at different locations are named in a chronological sequence. At the end of each set of operations, GeoTools also automatically generates an XML file to summarize the characteristics of data being collected corresponding to a specific location. In this way, GeoTools allows geologists to use a multimedia approach to document their field observations with a clear data organization scheme in one handy gadget.
Review of Ravitch "National Standards"

I assume that Diane Ravitch is someone who is as deeply committed to a fair and socially just education as I am--even when our political and educational agendas may differ--I also assume that re-stratification and fostering the power of the conservative restoration is not what she wants either. Thus, I do urge you to read this book, but perhaps for different reasons: to see it as a cautionary tale and then to watch as the public policies that are justified under its rhetorical umbrella and that are actually implemented on the ground go in uncomfortable directions.
Inactivation of Escherichia coli K‐12 in Apple Juice Using Combination of High‐Pressure Homogenization and Chitosan

Apple juice and apple cider were inoculated with Escherichia coli K-12 and processed using a high-pressure homogenizer to study bacterial inactivation. Seven levels of pressure ranging from 50 to 350 MPa were used in the high-pressure homogenizer. Two types of chitosan (regular and water soluble) with 2 levels of concentration 0.01% and 0.1% were investigated for synergistic effect with high-pressure homogenization for the bacterial inactivation. E. coli K-12 inactivation was evaluated as a function of homogenizing pressure at different concentration of 2 types of chitosan in apple juice and cider. High-pressure homogenization (HPH) induced significant inactivation in the range of 100 to 200 MPa, while thermal inactivation was the primary factor for the bacterial inactivation above 250 MPa. Significant (P < 0.05) 2-way interactions involving pressure and type of substrate or pressure and chitosan concentration were observed during the study. The homogenization pressure and the incremental quantity of chitosan (both types) acted synergistically with the pressure to give higher inactivation. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher inactivation was observed in apple juice than apple cider at same homogenizing pressure. No effect of type of chitosan was observed on the bacterial inactivation.
On the asymptotic permutational normality of certain weighted measures of correlation

Abstract A martingale approach is used to establish the asymptotic normality of a class of weighted correlation statistics, including the statistic proposed by Salama and Quade (1982).