cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Concussion reporting behaviours of community college student-athletes and limits of transferring concussion knowledge during the stress of competition.

Concussion education for student-athletes is mandated by several states and is becoming an integral component of concussion management programmes; however, little is known about student-athlete concussion knowledge and self-reporting of suspected concussion. This study explored to what extent collegiate student-athletes are knowledgeable on the topic of concussion, the relationship between having concussion knowledge and reporting behaviours, and factors contributing to not reporting when education has been provided. Method Mixed method explanatory design. The Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey was administered to 986 community college student-athletes from 6 sports. Follow-up qualitative interviews were conducted using purposive sampling. Results Concussion knowledge scores positively correlated with number of times concussion education was received, but were not associated with reporting of concussion. Of respondents with a history of concussion, 64% stated that they reported all of their concussions. The highest ranked reason given for not reporting concussion was, “I was into the game/practice and didn9t realize I had a concussion at the time.” Qualitative analysis revealed physiologically related and attitudinal factors particular to competition that precluded participants’ identification and reporting of concussion. Conclusions Despite receiving concussion education, student-athletes may not be cognizant of a possible concussion particularly during the stress of competition. Results indicate that alternate methods of providing concussion education that can affect knowledge transfer should be explored: providing education in the settings where student-athletes practice and compete, incorporating a kinaesthetic or procedural learning approach to concussion education, and addressing the social and attitudinal aspects of concussion reporting.
THE PROTECTIVE ACTION OF TYPE I ANTIPNEUMOCOCCUS SERUM IN MICE : IV. THE PROZONE.

1. Type I antipneumococcus horse serum, in amounts exceeding a characteristic optimum, fails to protect mice against infection with the homologous type pneumococci. This failure is due to a marked inhibition of the phagocytic mechanism in the earlier stages of the infectious process. On the other hand, antipneumococcus rabbit serum in similar quantities does not inhibit phagocytosis, nor does it block the protection. 2. The experimental evidence suggests that the prozoning action of immune horse serum is due primarily to some characteristic property of the specific antibody and secondarily to an heterologous component of the serum, ineffective in itself but acting through the mediation of the antigen-antibody combination. This secondary factor may be a lipid.
Semi-parametric methods for personalized treatment selection and multi-state models.

SEMI-PARAMETRIC METHODS FOR PERSONALIZED TREATMENT SELECTION AND MULTISTATE MODELS Chathura Siriwardhana
Nonlinear parity-time-symmetric transition in finite-size synthetic photonic media

We study nonlinear finite-size parity-time symmetric optical couplers. In such systems, we predict nonlinear parity-time symmetric transition, regardless of the details of their geometry. Variety of periodic intensity patterns is formed in these couplers.
Repackaging the “Package Deal” Promoting Marriage for Low-Income Families by Targeting Paternal Identity and Reframing Marital Masculinity

In the 1996 overhaul of federal welfare legislation, Congress included provisions to promote employment, marriage, and responsible fatherhood to prevent poverty among low-income families. Little previous research has focused on how marriage promotion policies construct paternal identity. Drawing on data from an 18-month study of a federally funded relationship skills program for low-income, unmarried parents, I analyze how responsible fatherhood policies attempt to shape ideas of successful fatherhood and masculinity in the service of the government’s pro-marriage, antipoverty agenda. The program promoted a class-specific version of what I call marital masculinity, one that seeks to redefine marriageability for low-income men by claiming that marriage comes before financial success and encourages fathers to earn more. It did this by targeting fathers’ masculine identities in two ways: first, by emasculating fathers who only provide financially for their children, and second, by promoting a highly gendered...
Scale and the Evolutionarily Based Approximate Number System: An Exploratory Study.

ABSTRACTCrosscutting concepts such as scale, proportion, and quantity are recognised by U.S. science standards as a potential vehicle for students to integrate their scientific and mathematical knowledge; yet, U.S. students and adults trail their international peers in scale and measurement estimation. Culturally based knowledge of scale such as measurement units may be built on evolutionarily-based systems of number such as the approximate number system (ANS), which processes approximate representations of numerical magnitude. ANS is related to mathematical achievement in pre-school and early elementary students, but there is little research on ANS among older students or in science-related areas such as scale. Here, we investigate the relationship between ANS precision in public school U.S. seventh graders and their accuracy estimating the length of standard units of measurement in SI and U.S. customary units. We also explored the relationship between ANS and science and mathematics achievement. Accurac...
Soil and Forest: The Key Factors for Human Survival

From the past to the future, the development of human civilization has been closely related to the Earth's soil. However, we are now on the planet with the productive forces of soil resources that are gradually exhausting. In many agricultural areas, crop yields have been devastated by heavy soil erosion. Nitrogen fertilizers and fossil fuels in geological reservoirs tend to be scarce, resulting in both the increase of agricultural production costs and the increase of geopolitical conflict. Global warming, on the other hand, accelerates microbial greenhouse gases (GHG) released in soils and has a key role in recent climate change. In this paper, we show the challenges faced by human beings in the 21st century because of the direct and indirect responses of the soil expansion made by human past and future activities. We also stress that soil and forest are the future survival and development key factors for human beings. This global trend of development should be the recommendations for Taiwanese future development policy of land and forest.
Abstract 7: Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Deficiency Increases Renal ACE/ACE2 Ratio-Ang II-AT1R Expression In Male but not in Female Mice

Angiotensin II acting via Angiotensin II type 2 receptors (AT2Rs) is believed to be protective against blood pressure increase and affects renal function under pathophysiological condition. Recently we have observed that stimulation of AT2Rs in male obese Zucker rats has shifted the two opposing arms of renin angiotensin system (RAS) i.e. ACE-Ang II-AT1 vs ACE2/Ang-(1-7)-Mas. Evidence suggests that estrogen regulates RAS, including AT2R in female mice. We hypothesized that AT2R has a gender specific regulation of RAS. In the present study, we investigated the role of AT2Rs in regulating RAS components in male and female mice. Kidney cortex from AT2R knockout (AT2RKO) male and female mice and wild type (WT) with similar background (C57BL/6) of 20 weeks of age were used in the study. The cortical ACE expression (ng ACE/μg tissue) was significantly increased in AT2RKO mice (3±0.02) compared to WT males (1.9±0.02). LC/MS analysis of cortical tissue revealed that Ang II was also significantly increased in AT2RKO mice (WT: 31±3, AT2RKO: 47±3 fmoles/mg tissue). Deletion of AT2R significantly increased AT1R (204%, 204 of 100) expression and had no effect on renin activity compared to WT males. The cortical expression of ACE2 activity (WT: 113±8, AT2RKO: 40±11, RFU/min), Ang-(1-7) levels (WT: 7.3±1.4, AT2RKO: 3±0.8 fmoles/mg tissue) and Mas receptor (AT2RKO: 54±15, % of WT) was significantly decreased in AT2RKO males compared to WT. The cortical expression of the AT2R and MasR was 2-fold greater in WT females compared to WT male. The renin activity (WT: 32±2, AT2RKO: 21±0.3, RFU/min) and MasR expression (WT: 187.5±55, AT2KO: 47±9) was significantly decreased in AT2RKO females compared to the female WT. Interestingly, Ang-(1-7) level (WT: 5.7±0.7, AT2RKO 2.6±0.7 fmoles/mg tissue) was decreased but no changes in ACE or ACE2 activity was observed in AT2KO females compared to their WT, suggesting a role of non-ACE2 pathway. This study suggests that AT2R regulates ACE/ACE2 ratio-Ang II-AT1R expression negatively only in males, whereas in females, it regulates Ang-(1-7) potentially via non-ACE2 pathway. Such changes indicate a gender specific mechanisms potentially associated with AT2R-mediated regulation of renal function and blood pressure control.
A distinct mechanism of senescence activation in amnion epithelial cells by infection, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

PROBLEM We investigated p38MAPK activation-induced fetal membrane cell senescence in response to inflammation (tumour necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]) and infection (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]), factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth. METHOD OF STUDY Primary amnion epithelial cells (AECs) were exposed to TNF-α, 50 ng/mL and LPS, 100 ng/mL. Cigarette smoke extract (CSE), a known OS inducer, was used as positive control. AECs were cotreated with the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 to determine the effect of OS and p38MAPK. Western blot analysis was performed for active (Phospho-p38MAPK) and total p38MAPK. Senescence was determined by flow cytometry, and culture supernatants were tested for IL-6 using ELISA. RESULTS TNF-α, but not LPS, increased p38MAPK activation compared to untreated cells (P = .01). The number of senescent cells and senescence-associated IL-6 was higher in both TNF-α and LPS-treated cells compared to control (P = .001, P = .01, respectively). Antioxidant NAC inhibited p38MAPK activation by TNF-α. p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 reduced the development of senescence and IL-6 by TNF-α and LPS. CSE treatment validated our current data. CONCLUSION TNF-α caused OS-mediated p38MAPK induction, senescence, and IL-6 increase from AECs. LPS also induced senescence and IL-6 increase. Inflammatory and infectious factors may cause premature fetal cell senescence contributing to preterm birth pathophysiology.
Public Privates: Feminist Geographies of Mediated Spaces

Marcia R. England. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press, 2018. xxi and 189 pp., bibliography, index. $50.00 cloth (ISBN 978-1-4962-0580-3), $30.00 paper (ISBN 978-1-4962-0672-5), $30.00 electr...
Mycobacterial infection influences bone biomarker levels in patients with Crohn's disease.

Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) have higher risk for osteoporosis following decreased level of osteocalcin. We hypothesize that active inflammation following Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) infection results in elevation of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) and downregulation of active osteocalcin in CD patients and cow-disease model (Johne’s disease). In this study, we measured ucOC, active osteocalcin, and calcium levels in sera from 42 cattle (21 infected with MAP and 21 healthy cattle), 18 CD patients, and 20 controls. The level of ucOC in MAP+ bovine samples was higher than that in MAP− controls (318 ± 57.2 nmol/mL vs. 289 ± 95.8 nmol/mL, P > 0.05). Consequently, mean calcium level in bovine MAP+ was significantly higher than that in bovine-MAP− samples (9.98 ± 0.998 mg/dL vs. 7.65 ± 2.12 mg/dL, P < 0.05). Also, the level of ucOC was higher in CD-MAP+ than in CD-MAP− (561 ± 23.7 nmol/mL vs. 285 ± 19.6 nmol/mL, P < 0.05). Interestingly, the mean osteocalcin level in MAP+ bovine...
Nathan Crick, The Keys of Power: The Rhetoric and Politics of Transcendentalism. Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina Press, 2017. 240 pp. $49 (cloth), $49 (eBook).

The image we often have of Henry David Thoreau comes from his time at Walden Pond. Picturing his unkempt hair, scraggly beard, and steely eyes, we envision Thoreau retreating to nature to live deli...
PMPM: Prediction by Combining Multiple Partial Matches

The prediction by partial matching (PPM) algorithm has been well known for its high prediction accuracy. Recent proposals of PPM-like predictors confirm its effectiveness on branch prediction. In this paper, we introduce a new branch prediction algorithm, named Prediction by combining Multiple Partial Matches (PMPM). The PMPM algorithm selectively combines multiple matches instead of using the longest match as in PPM. We analyze the PPM and PMPM algorithms and show why PMPM is capable of making more accurate predictions than PPM. Based on PMPM, we propose both an idealistic predictor to push the limit of branch prediction accuracy and a realistic predictor for practical implementation. The simulation results show that the proposed PMPM predictors achieve higher prediction accuracy than the existing PPM-like branch predictors such as the TAGE predictor. In addition, we model the effect of ahead pipelining on our implementation and the results show that the accuracy loss is relatively small.
Ripple Effect Mapping Outcomes of a Childhood Obesity Prevention Program From Youth and Adult Dyads Using a Qualitative Approach: iCook 4-H.

Abstract Objective To describe the impact of the iCook 4-H intervention study based on data gathered through ripple effect mapping focus groups through an explorative approach. Design Youth–adult dyads responded about ways in which iCook had affected the individual, family, and community. Three questions were asked: (1) What were people doing differently as a result of iCook? (2) Who benefited from iCook and how? (3) Were there changes in the way community groups and institutions did things as a result of iCook? Setting Ripple effect mapping sessions took place across 5 states (Maine, Nebraska, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia). Participants Seventy dyad participants (n = 35 youth, n = 35 adults) from the iCook 4-H intervention. Main Outcome Measure Three core themes of iCook 4-H were assessed: cooking, eating, and playing together. Analysis Direct content analysis and word frequencies were used. Results Seven categories emerged: improved health, increased community involvement, increased knowledge, increased communication, changed motivation, financial mindfulness, and increased appreciation for family. An overarching theme that was determined was that learning new skills together through trying new things (cooking, eating, and playing) leads to positive individual family and community change. Conclusions and Implications Ripple effect mapping was effective in determining the perceived impact of iCook 4-H on oneself, family, and community.
Hockey Tough: Winning the Mental Game, by Saul L. Miller, Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL, 2016, 248 pp., $21.95 (Paperback, also available in eBook format), ISBN: 978-1-4925-0409-2

In Hockey Tough: Winning the Mental Game, Dr. Saul L. Miller highlights several strategies hockey players at any level (high school, college, and beyond), coaching staff, applied sport psychology p...
Home inequity: race, wealth, and housing in St. Louis since 1940

The persistence and severity of the gap between black and white wealth, and the role of housing discrimination in creating and sustaining this gap are both well documented. But given the chronologi...
Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging of the optic nerves in pediatric hydrocephalus

OBJECTIVE While conventional imaging can readily identify ventricular enlargement in hydrocephalus, structural changes that underlie microscopic tissue injury might be more difficult to capture. MRI-based diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) uses properties of water motion to uncover changes in the tissue microenvironment. The authors hypothesized that DTI can identify alterations in optic nerve microstructure in children with hydrocephalus. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed 21 children (< 18 years old) who underwent DTI before and after neurosurgical intervention for acute obstructive hydrocephalus from posterior fossa tumors. Their optic nerve quantitative DTI metrics of mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were compared to those of 21 age-matched healthy controls. RESULTS Patients with hydrocephalus had increased MD and decreased FA in bilateral optic nerves, compared to controls (p < 0.001). Normalization of bilateral optic nerve MD and FA on short-term follow-up (median 1 day) after neurosurgical intervention was observed, as was near-complete recovery of MD on long-term follow-up (median 1.8 years). CONCLUSIONS DTI was used to demonstrate reversible alterations of optic nerve microstructure in children presenting acutely with obstructive hydrocephalus. Alterations in optic nerve MD and FA returned to near-normal levels on short- and long-term follow-up, suggesting that surgical intervention can restore optic nerve tissue microstructure. This technique is a safe, noninvasive imaging tool that quantifies alterations of neural tissue, with a potential role for evaluation of pediatric hydrocephalus.
Hallazgos de videofluoroscopía en niños de 3 a 6 años con parálisis cerebral

Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) is frequently accompanied by feeding and swallowing disorders (FSD). An early diagnosis of FSD prevents numerous complications. Clinical assessment stands as the first approach to FSD, although it is insuficient to identify risk factors (laryngeal penetration and aspiration). For this purpose, a videofluoroscopic (VFC) evaluation is required. Objecti-ve: To describe and quantify VFC findings in a group of children with CP, aged 3 to 6 years, GMFCS I to V. Patients and Methods: 50 patients underwent a VFC after their Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) level was determined and no contraindications for the exam were identified. In addition, the researchers conducted an assessment to establish the presence of signs of unsafe and incompetent swallowing, food consistency tolerance, and mealtime positioning requirements, in order to allow a more comfortable VFC procedure. Results: There was male predominance, average age of 5 years, 78% GMFCS III-V. Up to 94% had one or more VFC alterations at some point of the exam. 28% had no chewing ability, being all the cases GMFCS V. Con-sidering the deglutition eficacy, the commonest alteration was residue in the vallecula (86%), while the most frequent for swallowing safety was posterior spillage in the oral phase (68%). 26% presented silent tracheal aspiration. In the esophageal phase the findings were poor esophageal transit (30%) and gastroesophageal reflux (8%). Conclusions: VFC identified potentially risks in every GMFCS level of children with CP. Some of the VFC alterations are silent, even in mild motor impairment cases.
Longitudinal Understanding of Child Maltreatment Report Risks.

Abstract Background Child maltreatment reports (CMR) are both common and strongly associated with various negative outcomes. Objective To examine CMR risks by child age, early childhood context, current/cumulative economic status (welfare receipt), race, and other risk factors with a longitudinal dataset. Participants and Setting The CAN sample included 2,111 children having a CMR ≤ age 3, suggestive of a harmful early childhood context. The AFDC sample included 1,923 children having AFDC but no CMR ≤ age 3, suggestive of early childhood protective factors despite poverty. Methods We estimated the CMR likelihood at each age from 1–17 years based on various risk factors while following up children from 1995–2009. Results During follow-up, CMR likelihoods were substantially higher for the CAN sample than for the AFDC sample. The age-CMR relationship was strongly negative for the CAN sample (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.86–0.88). This relationship was weaker for the AFDC sample (OR = 0.92, 0.89–0.95) and became non-significant for children who exited welfare. Current welfare receipt remained a strong predictor of CMR likelihoods for both CAN (OR = 2.32, 1.98–2.71) and AFDC (OR = 2.08, 1.61–2.68) samples. Prior welfare receipt moderately increased CMR likelihoods among those not currently on welfare. Controlling for other risk factors, White children had the highest likelihood of CMR. Other child and parent level vulnerabilities also increased CMR risk over time. Conclusions This study highlights the importance of longitudinal analytic approaches and the utility of cross-sector administrative data in improving our ability to understand and predict CMRs over time.
Effect of Geometry and Control on the Probability of Breakdown and Capacity at Freeway Merges

AbstractThis paper investigates the effect of geometric and operational features on freeway merge capacity by analyzing prebreakdown flow rates and using nonparametric and parametric (survival) ana...
Factors Associated with Urinary Iodine Concentration among Women of Reproductive Age, 20-49 Years Old, in Tanzania: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Universal salt iodization (USI) is the most feasible and cost-effective, and equitable, approach to prevent iodine deficiency. Severe maternal iodine deficiency during pregnancy is associated with serious adverse gestational and birth outcomes. Objectives The aim was to assess iodine status and identify independent factors associated with urinary iodine concentration (UIC) among women of reproductive age in Tanzania. Methods This was a weighted, population-based, cross-sectional study in 2985 women of reproductive age (20-49 y) in Tanzania who participated in the Demographic and Health Surveys in 2015-2016 (DHS 2015-2016) and had measured UIC. Multivariable generalized linear regression was used to identify potential factors that were associated with UIC. Results The median UICs among women consuming inadequately iodized salt (93.6 μg/L; 25th and 75th percentiles: 43.1, 197.9 μg/L) and women in the lowest socioeconomic status (92.3 μg/L; 45.6, 194.4 μg/L) were below the WHO-recommended ranges (≥150 μg/L for pregnant women and ≥100 μg/L for nonpregnant women). The results of multivariable models indicated that pregnant women had 1.21 μg/L lower UIC than nonpregnant women (β = -1.21; 95% CI: -3.42, -0.12), breastfeeding women had 1.02 μg/L lower UIC than nonbreastfeeding women (β = -1.02; 95% CI: -2.25, -0.27), and women with no education had a 1.88 μg/L lower UIC compared with those with secondary/highest education (β = -1.88; 95% CI: -4.58, -0.36). Women consuming inadequately iodized salt had 6.55 μg/L lower UIC than those consuming adequately iodized salt (β = -6.55; 95% CI: -9.24, -4.33). The median UIC varied substantially across geographic zones, ranging from 83.2 μg/L (45.9, 165.3) in the Western region to 347.8 μg/L (185.0, 479.8) in the Eastern region. Conclusions Our findings indicated a great heterogeneity in median UIC across regions of Tanzania among women of reproductive age. Poverty, consuming inadequately iodized salt, and lack of education appeared to be the driving factors for lower UIC in Tanzania.
Role of School Psychology Professional Organizations in Promoting and Protecting Child Rights

This chapter examines the role of school psychology professional organizations in promoting and protecting the rights of the child. Although individual school psychologists have continuous opportunities to advocate for child rights within practice, research, training, and local policy, professional organizations have a critical role in advocacy and policy making on a broader level and are uniquely positioned to influence the regulation of school psychology and treatment of children at structural levels (local, national, regional, international). To illustrate the potential role of professional organizations that represent school psychologists, we asked leaders of the International School Psychology Association (ISPA), the School Psychology Division (Division 16) of the American Psychological Association (APA), and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) (We selected APA-Division 16 & NASP to illustrate work by national organizations, recognizing that they only represent efforts in one country. We encourage readers across the world to ask these same questions from the leaders of their respective national organizations) to address the following questions about their respective organizations: What is your organization’s vision as it relates to promoting and protecting child rights? Currently, how is your vision for child rights integrated and respected in the following aspects of your organization’s initiatives: Ethics; Research; Professional Development & Practice; Policy; and Training, Certification & Licensure? For the future, how do you envision strengthening your organization’s commitment and support for advancing child rights within your organization’s initiatives? Is there a strategy, condition or orientation worthy of consideration for advancing child rights in the profession through organizational approaches that you consider to be of catalytic or game-changing nature? How can your organization collaborate with other professional organizations, particularly those represented in this chapter, to advance child rights through school psychology?
Fournier's Gangrene in Females: Presentation and Management at a Tertiary Center.

Abstract Objective To report and compare presentation and management of Fournier's Gangrene (FG) in female vs male patients at a single tertiary care center. Methods Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, treatments and outcomes were summarized and compared between males and females who were treated for FG from 2011 to 2018 at a single institution. Results Of the 143 patients treated for FG at our institution, 33 (23%) were female. Female patients were predominantly white (82%), with a median (IQR) age of 55 (46, 59). Median female boby mass index (BMI) was 42.1 (32, 50.4). Female patients’ wound cultures were polymicrobial mix of gram positive and gram negative organisms. Median number of debridements for females was 2 ( 1 , 3 ). The most common anatomic region of gangrene involvement in females was labia (76%) followed by perineum (55%) and gluteus/buttocks (42%). Mortality rate during initial admission was 6% for females. Female patients had a higher median BMI than males (42.1 vs 33.7 respectively; P = .003). FG severity index, length of hospital stay, number of debridements, and wound cultures were comparable to males. The surgical team managing initial debridements differed with females managed primarily by general surgery and males primarily by urology. Mortality rate was comparable to men (6% vs 7%, P >.05). Conclusion Female patients with FG have greater BMI but similar clinical presentation, microbiologic characteristics and mortality rate compared to men. Urologists have little involvement during initial management for females at our institution.
P90 Consumer Use of Food Labels Increases as “Clean Label” Trend Continues

Background The “clean label” trend has driven the food industry towards the production of new food products increasingly marketed to consumers looking for wholesome, nutritious, and minimally processed foods. While the number of “clean labels” continue to grow, the term has not been clearly defined and food manufacturers use a range of food labeling strategies to communicate that their products are “natural” and “free-from” industrial ingredients. Objective To better understand trends in “clean label” use and resultant food purchasing behaviors, this study examines consumer use of food labels to identify whether food label usage has increased in recent years, and which parts of the food label are used most often when evaluating packaged foods. Study Design, Setting, Participants Computer-aided telephone interviews were collected annually over 3 years (2017-2019) in a random, representative sample of Vermont residents (n = 1847). Measurable Outcome/Analysis Respondents were asked about their use of nutrition facts panels, ingredient lists, front of package claims (natural, low sodium), and labels related to food production practices (organic, non-GMO) when evaluating food products. The Mantel-Haenszel test of linear trends (P Results The use of all 4 label categories significantly increased from 2017 to 2019, while the proportion of respondents stating that they did not read food labels decreased. Reading of ingredient lists (86%) and nutrition panels (85%) were more frequently reported compared to front of package (74%) and production practice (72%) label claims. Conclusions Food label usage is increasing in general, and consumers are increasingly reading both front of package claims (organic, natural, low sodium) and back of package information (ingredients, nutrition facts panel). As consumer demand for “clean label” products increases, more research is needed to better understand the health impacts of such products and the best methods for labeling them.
IP6 selectively inhibits proliferation, causes G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and induces apoptosis in human breast cancer cells

5189 Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy in women and constitutes 30% of all cancers reported in the U.S., and approximately 44,000 women die of breast cancer per year despite the introduction of newer anticancer drugs. Most of the currently used chemotherapeutic agents do not discriminate between normal and tumor cells. As a result, new drug development approaches are aimed at developing compounds or testing natural products that specifically attack tumor cells, while sparing normal cells. Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is a polyphosphorylated carbohydrate naturally occurring in a great majority of plants, particularly cereals and legumes, and virtually all mammalian cells, with a striking efficacy against various cancers. IP6 reduces cell proliferation and induces differentiation of malignant cells, restores immune system, acts synergistically with conventional chemotherapy and controls cancer metastases in vitro. Here, the specificity of anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of IP6 in human breast cancer cells and in the non-transformed MCF-10A human breast epithelial cells was investigated. IP6 treatment (50 μM to 2.0 mM) resulted in a significant growth inhibition and G1 arrest of tumorigenic MCF-7 and MBA-MB-231 cells, while the proliferation of MCF-10A cells was not affected. In mechanistic studies, IP6 exposure resulted in significant induction of p27Kip1, and marked reduction of pRb phosphorylation. Although IP6 has been shown to affect various signaling pathways, such as PI3-K/Akt, MEK/Erk1/2, and PKC, by inhibiting the survival/pro-proliferative and stimulating the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic molecules, it appears that this action is mediated by PKC δ, as we previously reported. Additionally, IP6 causes a time- and dose-dependent apoptotic death, assessed by TUNEL staining and status of PARP protein, and PKC δ seems to be important mediator in IP6-induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells as well. This appears to be a novel molecular mechanism implicated in IP6 mode of action. Because of the possible role of IP6 either as an adjuvant or as an “alternative” to current chemotherapy for breast cancer, further investigation is warranted.
Tractography-Pathology Correlations in Traumatic Brain Injury: A TRACK-TBI Study.

Diffusion tractography magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can infer changes in network connectivity in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), but the pathological substrates of disconnected trac...
Exploratory Analyses for Missing Data in Meta-Analyses and Meta-Regression: A Tutorial.

OBJECTIVES In this tutorial, we examine methods for exploring missingness in a dataset in ways that can help to identify the sources and extent of missingness, as well as clarify gaps in evidence. METHODS Using raw data from a meta-analysis of substance abuse interventions, we demonstrate the use of exploratory missingness analysis (EMA) including techniques for numerical summaries and visual displays of missing data. RESULTS These techniques examine the patterns of missing covariates in meta-analysis data and the relationships among variables with missing data and observed variables including the effect size. The case study shows complex relationships among missingness and other potential covariates in meta-regression, highlighting gaps in the evidence base. CONCLUSION Meta-analysts could often benefit by employing some form of EMA as they encounter missing data.
Identification and characterization of MAM03055A: A novel bivalent sigma-2 receptor/TMEM97 ligand with cytotoxic activity.

Abstract Sigma-2 receptor/transmembrane protein 97 (TMEM97) is upregulated in cancer cells compared to normal cells. Traditional sigma-2 receptor agonists induce apoptosis and autophagy, making them of interest in cancer therapy. Recently, we reported a novel metabolically stimulative function of the sigma-2 receptor, showing increased 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction and stimulation of glycolytic hallmarks. 6-Substituted analogs of the canonical sigma-2 receptor antagonist, 6-acetyl-3-(4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one (SN79), produce both metabolically stimulative and cytotoxic effects. Here, we compare the activities of two related compounds: 6-amino-3-(4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one (CM571), the 6-amino derivative of SN79, which binds with high affinity to both sigma-1 and sigma-2 receptors, and 1,3-bis(3-(4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]oxazol-6-yl)thiourea (MAM03055A), a homo-bivalent dimer of CM571. MAM03055A resulted from the degradation of 3-(4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)-6-isothiocyanatobenzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one (CM572), the cytotoxic 6-isothiocyanato SN79 derivative. MAM03055A exhibited high affinity and strong preference for sigma-2 receptors (sigma-1 Ki = 3371 nM; sigma-2 receptor Ki = 55.9 nM). Functionally, MAM03055A treatment potently induced cell death in SK-N-SH neuroblastoma, MDA-MB-231 breast, and both SW48 and SW480 colorectal cancer cell lines, causing proapoptotic BH3 interacting-domain death agonist (BID) cleavage in SK-N-SH cells. Conversely, CM571 induced metabolic stimulation. CM571 bound reversibly to both receptors, while MAM03055A bound pseudo-irreversibly to sigma-2 receptors and caused residual cytotoxic activity after acute exposure and removal of the compound from the media. Interestingly, MAM03055A induced a time-dependent loss of sigma-2 receptor/TMEM97 protein from cells, whereas monomer CM571 had no effect on receptor levels. These results suggest that monovalent and bivalent sigma-2 receptor ligands in this series interact differently with the receptor, thus resulting in divergent effects.
Book Review: Cohn, S.L. (Ed.). Decision Making in Perioperative Medicine: Clinical Pearls. (New York: McGraw-Hill), 2021. ISBN: 978-1-260-46810-6.

Cohn’s work fills a void in the perioperative care literature by providing a concise, comprehensive, practical, and authoritative guide to the medical management of common periprocedural issues and scenarios [...]
Session Rating of Perceived Exertion (sRPE) Load and Training Impulse Are Strongly Correlated to GPS-Derived Measures of External Load in NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Athletes.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether session rating of perceived exertion-derived training load (sRPE-TL) correlates with GPS-derived measures of external load in National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I female soccer athletes. Methods: Twenty-one NCAA Division 1 collegiate women’s soccer athletes (11 starters, 10 non-starters; 65.1 ± 7.2 kg, 168.4 ± 7.9 cm, 20.3 ± 1.5 yrs) volunteered to take part in this study. Data for this study were collected over the course of 16 weeks during the 2018 NCAA women’s soccer season. External load and heart rate (HR) data were collected during each training session and match during the season. At least 30 min after the end of an activity (e.g., match or practice), athletes were prompted to complete a questionnaire reporting their perceived exertion for the session. sRPE-TL was calculated at the end of the season by multiplying perceived exertion by the respective session duration. Results: sRPE-TL was very strongly correlated with total distance, distance covered in velocity zones 1–3, the number of accelerations in zones 4 and 5, total PlayerLoad™, and PlayerLoad™. For internal load, sRPE-TL correlated very strongly (0.70 ≤ |r| < 0.90) with Edward’s and Bannister’s TRIMP and strongly (0.50 ≤ |r| < 0.70) with duration spent in in heart rate zones 5 and 6 (80–90% and 90–100% max HR, respectively) while correlations with maximum HR (bpm), mean HR (bpm), and mean HR (%) and sRPE-TL were moderate (0.30 ≤ |r| < 0.50). Conclusions: In NCAA Division I women soccer, sRPE-TL is strongly associated with external measures of workload. These relationships were stronger during match play, with acceleration load and total distance exhibiting the strongest relationship with sRPE-TL.
Bandwidth enhancement of dipole antennas using parasitic elements

Dipole antennas have a limited bandwidth which restricts their use to narrow bandwidth applications. To improve the functionality of a dipole antenna, additional wire elements can be added to the dipole antenna to increase the impedance matching and bandwidth. Three different wire dipole antennas are designed and compared using the computational electromagnetic software FEKO to determine how the additional wire elements affect the impedance matching, reflection coefficient, bandwidth, and gain. The results show a 37.5% improvement in the bandwidth without sacrificing the gain and radiation pattern of the antenna.
Angiotensin II and Coronary Sympathetic Vasodilation

To the Editor: Saino et al1 and Lyons et al2 published provocative findings regarding the vascular level interaction of the sympathetic and renin-angiotensin systems. Both authors present possible mechanisms for their observations based on literature evidence and their own observations of the ability of angiotensin to enhance sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction. In addition to the possibilities they presented we would like to suggest that there is the potential that the enhanced vasoconstriction is being mediated by angiotensin per se, which in the presence of catecholamines is being transformed from a subpressor to pressor effect.3 4 Such a possibility is …
In vitro effects of Emko on Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis.

Abstract The increasing incidence of venereal infections by Neisseria gonorrhoeae prompted the search for a readily available preventive agent. A commercially available contraceptive was tested in vitro against N. gonorrhoeae cultured from symptomatic patients. Concentrations of 1 per cent were lethal at an exposure time of one minute. Dilutions of contraceptive up to 1:10,240 also inhibited the growth of Trichomonas vaginalis . This in vitro testing suggests that the contraceptive foam may be effective in the in vivo situation to prevent the spread of venereal infection.
CARPEL FACTORY, a Dicer Homolog, and HEN1, a Novel Protein, Act in microRNA Metabolism in Arabidopsis thaliana

Abstract Background: In metazoans, microRNAs, or miRNAs, constitute a growing family of small regulatory RNAs that are usually 19–25 nucleotides in length. They are processed from longer precursor RNAs that fold into stem-loop structures by the ribonuclease Dicer and are thought to regulate gene expression by base pairing with RNAs of protein-coding genes. In Arabidopsis thaliana , mutations in CARPEL FACTORY ( CAF ), a Dicer homolog, and those in a novel gene, HEN1 , result in similar, multifaceted developmental defects, suggesting a similar function of the two genes, possibly in miRNA metabolism. Results: To investigate the potential functions of CAF and HEN1 in miRNA metabolism, we aimed to isolate miRNAs from Arabidopsis and examine their accumulation during plant development in wild-type plants and in hen1-1 and caf-1 mutant plants. We have isolated 11 miRNAs, some of which have potential homologs in tobacco, rice, and maize. The putative precursors of these miRNAs have the capacity to form stable stem-loop structures. The accumulation of these miRNAs appears to be spatially or temporally controlled in plant development, and their abundance is greatly reduced in caf-1 and hen1-1 mutants. HEN1 homologs are found in bacterial, fungal, and metazoan genomes. Conclusions: miRNAs are present in both plant and animal kingdoms. An evolutionarily conserved mechanism involving a protein, known as Dicer in animals and CAF in Arabidopsis , operates in miRNA metabolism. HEN1 is a new player in miRNA accumulation in Arabidopsis , and HEN1 homologs in metazoans may have a similar function. The developmental defects associated with caf-1 and hen1-1 mutations and the patterns of miRNA accumulation suggest that miRNAs play fundamental roles in plant development.
Rise velocity of a Taylor bubble in a train of such bubbles in a flowing liquid

Explication de la divergence des resultats obtenus par Fernandes et al. (1983) et par Nicklin et al. (1962)
Wet Modes of Submerged Structures—Part 2: Applications

Using the wet mode methodology described in Part I of this paper, we examine the harmonic response of an elastic shell in an infinite acoustic medium subjected to an incident pressure wave. Both surface and far field responses are studied utilizing this computational procedure. We investigate the sensitivity of response with respect to changes in frequency of oscillation of the system and geometry of the submerged structure. In addition, we compare the wet modes of the system and in vacuo modes of the structure. The propagation of the surface velocity wet modes to the far field is illustrated. The contribution of the individual modes to the far field pressure and surface velocities as a function of frequency and location is presented.
Wind tunnel calibration of 5-hole pressure probes for application to wind turbines

A method to quantify the local inflow vector on a rotating turbine blade using a 5-hole static pressure probe was developed at the National Wind Technology Center. The technique permits quantification of dynamic pressure, angle-of-attack and cross-flow-angle to magnitudes of {+-} 40{degree} in any inflow direction parallel to the probe centerline. A description of the static and dynamic calibration procedure, iteration sequence for data reduction, and field results are included.
Site-bond percolation by position-space renormalization group

Abstract Site-bond percolation is studied in two dimensions using a recently developed position-space renormalization group. The phase boundary is controlled by a single fixed point, consistent with universality between site and bond percolation. We calculate the scaling powers y p and y h .
Strain Differences in the Behavioral Responses of Female Guinea Pigs To Alpha-Estradiol Benzoate and Progesterone 1)

Using females from the highly inbred strains 2 and 13 and from a genetically heterogeneous stock (strain T), five measures of sexual behavior were investigated tfor the consistency with which they are displayed by each strain when equal and different quantities of α-estradiol benzoate are followed by a constant amount of progesterone. The five measures were 1) latency of estrus, 2) duration of estrus, 3) duration of the maximum lordosis, 4) frequency of male-like mounting, and 5) per cent of animals brought into heat by the treatment. From strain to strain there are consistent differences in the five measures. Strain 2 females show the shortest latencies, the longest duration of estrus, the least male-like mounting behavior, and the highest responsiveness to the estrogen. Their maximum lordosis which is intermediate in length is exhibited during the third hour of heat. Strain T females are characterized by long latencies, relatively short heat periods, and are intermediate with respect to mounting behavior and their responsiveness to α-estradiol benzoate. Their mean maximum lordosis is shortest and is exhibited during the first hour of heat. Strain 13 females display a latency and duration of heat similar to those which characterize the strain T females, but more male-like mounting than the other animals. They are least responsive to the estrogen. The mean maximum lordosis which is longest in this strain appears during the second hour of heat. The sexual vigor of strains 2 and 13 is greater than that of the strain T females. This order is opposite that in males from the same strains. The relatively vigorous sexual behavior of the inbred females is postulated to be of value for the perpetuation of these strains. Latency varied inversely and duration of heat directly with increases in the amount of α-estradiol benzoate, although with respect to the length of time that vigorous lordoses were elicited, above-threshold quantities were without effect on the response. Duration of lordosis and the frequency of mounting were not effected by changes in the amount of hormone. In general, therefore, the principle established for the male, that supra-liminal quantities of gonadal hormone do not alter the characteristic pattern of the behavior, can be extended to the female. The distinction between responsiveness to the hormone and vigor of the reaction is discussed.
Factors associated with esophageal stricture formation after endoscopic mucosal resection for neoplastic Barrett's esophagus

Background EMR for early neoplastic Barrett's esophagus is gaining favor over esophagectomy. Esophageal stricture development has been reported as a common complication of EMR, photodynamic therapy, and combination endoscopic therapy. Objective To determine clinical and procedural predictors of symptomatic stricture formation after EMR. Design Retrospective analysis. Setting Tertiary-care referral university hospital. Patients Data were retrospectively reviewed on 73 patients at our institution who underwent EMR monotherapy for Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia or intramucosal cancer since January 2006. Intervention EMR. Main Outcome Measurements Symptomatic esophageal stricture formation. Results Symptomatic esophageal stricture formation was noted in 24.7% of patients undergoing EMR. Stricture formation on univariate analysis was associated with percentage of circumference of esophageal lumen resected, total pieces resected, number of EMR sessions, and tobacco use. A threshold effect was found at 50% of esophageal circumference resected (66.7% vs 27.2% developed strictures above and below the threshold, respectively; P = .004). A 25-pack-year or greater history of tobacco use had a threshold effect on esophageal stricture formation (77.8% vs 7.2% developed strictures above and below the threshold, respectively; P = .02). In multivariate analysis, resection of >50% of the circumference was strongly associated with stricture formation (odds ratio [OR] 4.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27-13.7). A 25-pack-year or greater history of tobacco use also trended toward stricture formation (OR 3.33; 95% CI, 0.929-12.1). Limitations Retrospective design, sample size. Conclusion Resection of at least 50% of the esophageal mucosal circumference is strongly associated with stricture formation. Patients with strong histories of tobacco use also may be more likely to develop esophageal strictures following EMR.