cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Lipopolysaccharide Structure in Monocyte Activation and Cytokine Secretion.

Background The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecule is composed of a hydrophobic lipid region (Lipid A), an oligosaccharide core, and an O-Antigen chain. Lipid A has been described as the molecular region responsible for inducing activation of immune cells. We hypothesize that the O-Antigen plays a critical role in the activation and responsiveness of mononuclear cell immune function. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy volunteers were stimulated with LPS, LPS with attenuated O-Antigen (RF5), or Lipid A (DPL), which lacks an O-Antigen. Selected cells were pretreated with a blocking antibody to CD14. Western blots were performed to determine activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) p38, ERK, and JNK at selected time-points. RNA was extracted for RT-PCR quantification of TNF-α and IL-10 gene transcription. Supernatants were harvested and analyzed by ELISA for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 10 (IL-10). Results LPS elicited maximal response, including phosphorylation of p38, ERK, and JNK, synthesis of TNF-α and IL-10 mRNA, and secretion of TNF-α and IL-10. Stimulation with RF5 activated the same pathways to a lesser degree. DPL led to increased phosphorylation of p38 and ERK and increased secretion of IL-10. CD14 blockade was associated with a significant decrease in cytokine secretion by LPS, and abolished cytokine secretion in cells stimulated with RF5 or DPL. Conclusions Structural variants of LPS activate monocytes differentially. The complete O-Antigen is important for maximal activation of MAPK, cytokine synthesis, and cytokine secretion. LPS with attenuated O-Antigen and Lipid A activate only certain components of these pathways. LPS with a complete O-Antigen stimulates cytokine secretion that is partially independent of CD14, but shortening or removal of the O-Antigen inhibits this secretion.
Introduction: Drug Courts in Operation

This introduction to the volume on drug treatment courts reviews, in brief, the history of the nation's recent “war on drugs,” underscoring oscillations between punitive and rehabilitation emphases with particular focus on the history of drug courts as a principal treatment alternative that integrates both rehabilitation and punitive aspects. Data on the extent both of drug use and abuse and of arrests for illicit use and abuse are reviewed, and the contents of the volume are adumbrated.
Jurassic Barrovian metamorphism in a western U.S. Cordilleran metamorphic core complex, Funeral Mountains, California

Large-magnitude retroarc shortening of Cretaceous age is well documented in the Sevier orogenic belt of the western United States, and has been associated with eastward Franciscan subduction that began in the Middle–Late Jurassic, but evidence for major Late Jurassic retroarc shortening has been lacking. Here we report new Lu-Hf garnet geochronology, pressure-temperature ( P - T ) paths, and 40 Ar/ 39 Ar thermochronology data that document tectonic burial of Late Jurassic age in a Barrovian metamorphic terrain, the Funeral Mountains metamorphic core complex, California, located in the hinterland of the Sevier orogenic belt. The P - T paths determined from growth-zoned garnets in upper greenschist facies pelitic schist show steep P - T trajectories consistent with metamorphism during thrust loading. The age of thrust loading is constrained by a five-point Lu-Hf garnet isochron to be 158.2 ± 2.6 Ma (2σ). Partial exhumation, recorded in 146–153 Ma 40 Ar/ 39 Ar muscovite cooling ages, closely followed garnet growth. Late Jurassic Barrovian metamorphism has not been previously recognized in Cordilleran metamorphic core complexes, possibly due to being obscured by Late Cretaceous to Tertiary deformation, magmatism, and metamorphism. This study finds that the period of large-magnitude crustal shortening in the retroarc extended into the Late Jurassic, and may have closely followed the formation of the coherent orogenic system associated with east-dipping Franciscan subduction.
The Status of WAC in Secondary Public Schools: What Do We Know?

It’s a cloudy Thursday morning in November, and the university writing center is humming. A peer tutor sits at a table near the center of the room, listening to a sophomore explain her essay assignment for a recreational therapy class while a second tutor helps a freshman fine tune his thesis statement for a research paper. In the far corner, a third tutor works at a computer, responding to an on-line submission from a student in a local high school’s creative writing class. The director is conferring with a member of the mathematics department on ways to include meaningful writing activities in an advanced calculus class. It’s a typical day at a college-level writing center, but it raises a question for educators. Are similar scenes occurring in our public secondary schools? As an awareness of the importance of writing as a means of learning has grown, the writing-across-the-curriculum (WAC) movement has gained momentum on college campuses. One response to this increased focus on the importance of writing in the learning process has been the establishment of writing centers at hundreds of colleges and universities. These centers are designed to serve the needs of both students and faculty and aim to support learning in all fields. While these programs have flourished in many post-secondary settings, formal WAC programs in general and writing centers in particular still seem to be something of an exception in secondary public schools; however, interest in these practices appears to be growing there as well. A number of publications show an increasing integration of WAC philosophy and strategies into secondary public school settings. Pamela Farrell’s The High School Writing Center: Establishing and Maintaining One not only provides practical information on designing and running writing labs in secondary schools, but also illustrates the variety of forms
APPLICATION OF MONTE-CARLO METHOD IN UNCERTAINTY EVALUATION FOR MEASUREMENT OF BOILER'S THERMAL EFFICIENCY

In order to avoid complex calculation of the partial derivatives in traditional uncertainty evaluation,and easily to evaluate uncertainty in measurement of regular performance test,a model for evaluating uncertainty in measurement of boiler's thermal efficiency has been established on the basis of Monte-Carlo numerical simulation method,and relevant calculation programme being compiled on the platfrom of Microsoft Excel.The said method has been used to analyse the demonstration case in "performance test code for utility boilers"(GB10184-88),the uncertainty obtained is close to that given in the standard.The influence of error change in the input parameters upon uncertainty in measurement of boiler efficiency has been analysed,results show that the most affecting factors are discharged flue gas temperature,calorific value of the fuel coal,and ash content of the fuel coal etc..In order to reduce the uncertainty of test results,it is necessary to reduce the error of these parameters.
Study on the efficacy of 10% ethylene oxide in pest control in the laboratory and field

Objective To study the efficacy of the mixed gas (10% ethylene oxide and 90% carbon dioxide) in pest control. Methods Poisoning of the target pests was achieved by direct inhalation of the gas and the poisoning time and the death process of the pests were observed, with simulated field test and container on-site verification implemented. Results Fumigation with sulfuryl fluoride at a concentration of 100 g/m3 killed the 3 kinds of harmful pests in the laboratory with KT50 within 71 min, and KT50 was within 163 min at a concentration of 50 g/m3. In the laboratory and simulated field trials,the kill rate of target pests was 100% at a given concentration and duration, which was in line with the results in the laboratory. The 24 hour mortality rate of the test target pests in the laboratory and field reached 100%. Conclusion There is a relationship between the dose and the duration of action in terms of the efficacy of the mixed gas (10% ethylene oxide and 90% carbon dioxide) in killing the target pests, providing a scientific basis for setting the correct dosage and time of container fumigation.
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia: A Comprehensive Clinical Review

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a profoundly dangerous, potentially lethal, immunologically mediated adverse drug reaction to unfractionated heparin or, less commonly, to low-molecular weight heparin. In this comprehensive review, the authors highlight heparin-induced thrombocytopenia's risk factors, clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnostic principles, and treatment. The authors place special emphasis on the management of patients requiring procedures using cardiopulmonary bypass or interventions in the catheterization laboratory. Clinical vigilance of this disease process is important to ensure its recognition, diagnosis, and treatment. Misdiagnosis of the syndrome, as well as misunderstanding of the disease process, continues to contribute to its morbidity and mortality.
Trends Toward the Future in Physical Activity Programming

ABSTRACTIn the wake of multiple activity program eliminations and frequent downgrading of activity programs nationwide, the question to be addressed is how we can draw upon our interdisciplinary, intergenerational, and intercultural understandings of human movement to construct physical activity programs for the future that might withstand the test of time. The perspective of this article is that while physical activity programming of the one-size-fits-all monolithic scale may be superfluous to the needs of many universities, superlative programs cleverly crafted around philosophical principles that are near and dear to a particular institution could be the wave of the future. The problem is how to conceive and incubate programs of appropriate size and appealing content that will flourish as an integral feature of the academic mission.
The abundance of cis-acting loci leading to differential allele expression in F1 mice and their relationship to loci harboring genes affecting complex traits

Genome-wide surveys have detected cis-acting quantitative trait loci altering levels of RNA transcripts (RNA-eQTLs) by associating SNV alleles to transcript levels. However, the sensitivity and specificity of detection of cis- expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) by genetic approaches, reliant as it is on measurements of transcript levels in recombinant inbred strains or offspring from arranged crosses, is unknown, as is their relationship to QTL’s for complex phenotypes. We used transcriptome-wide differential allele expression (DAE) to detect cis-eQTLs in forebrain and kidney from reciprocal crosses between three mouse inbred strains, 129S1/SvlmJ, DBA/2J, and CAST/EiJ and C57BL/6 J. Two of these crosses were previously characterized for cis-eQTLs and QTLs for various complex phenotypes by genetic analysis of recombinant inbred (RI) strains. 5.4 %, 1.9 % and 1.5 % of genes assayed in forebrain of B6/129SF1, B6/DBAF1, and B6/CASTF1 mice, respectively, showed differential allelic expression, indicative of cis-acting alleles at these genes. Moreover, the majority of DAE QTLs were observed to be tissue-specific with only a small fraction showing cis-effects in both tissues. Comparing DAE QTLs in F1 mice to cis-eQTLs previously mapped in RI strains we observed that many of the cis-eQTLs were not confirmed by DAE. Additionally several novel DAE-QTLs not identified as cis-eQTLs were identified suggesting that there are differences in sensitivity and specificity for QTL detection between the two methodologies. Strain specific DAE QTLs in B6/DBAF1 mice were located in excess at candidate genes for alcohol use disorders, seizures, and angiogenesis previously implicated by genetic linkage in C57BL/6J × DBA/2JF2 mice or BXD RI strains. Via a survey for differential allele expression in F1 mice, a substantial proportion of genes were found to have alleles altering expression in cis-acting fashion. Comparing forebrain and kidney, many or most of these alleles were tissue-specific in action. The identification of strain specific DAE QTLs, can assist in assessment of candidate genes located within the large intervals associated with trait QTLs.
Algal composition of microbiotic crusts from the Central Desert of Baja California, Mexico

A total of 66 algal species representing 32 genera were recovered from soils of 10 sites in the Catavina region of the Central Desert of Baja California, Mexico. The most common species encountered were the cyanophytes Nostoc commune and Schizothrix calcicola , the chlorophyte Myrmecia astigmatica , and the diatoms Hantzschia amphioxys, Hantzschia amphyoxys f. capitata, Luticola cohnii, Luticola mutica , and Pinnularia borealis var. scalarts . Nine species not found in any previous studies of North American desert soils were present in our study sites, including 3 taxa new to science: Cylindrocystis brebissonii var. deserti , var. nov.; Elakatothrix obtusata , sp. nov.; and Fasciculochloris mexicana , sp. nov. Attempts to correlate species composition with soil chemical and physical parameters were unsuccessful apart from a pH effect on cyanobacterial distribution. Overall composition of the soil algal community in the Catavina region is distinct from other desert sites we have studies, although some cosmopolitan desert soil taxa were present.
Abstract 5435: A bioluminescent assay for measuring glucose uptake

Glucose management is a key biological process. In adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, decreased rates of glucose uptake commonly associated with diabetes mellitus lead to chronic hyperglycemia and a wide array of physiological damage. In contrast, the overexpression of glucose transporters in cancer cells results in increased rates of glucose uptake to support their high rates of proliferation. Thus, activators and inhibitors of glucose uptake are useful for both diabetes management and anticancer therapies. The standard method of assaying glucose uptake involves addition of a radioactive glucose analog (2-deoxyglucose) and measurement of the accumulation of the stable and impermeable phosphorylated derivative, 2-deoxyglucose-6-phosphate (2DG6P). However, radioactive assays are laborious, costly, and require special handling of radioactive materials and waste. A simpler assay can be made by measuring the production of NADPH through the oxidation of 2DG6P by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. We have developed a bioluminescent glucose uptake assay that is both rapid and convenient and exhibits a larger signal window than comparable fluorescent or colorimetric approaches. The utility of this assay will be demonstrated with both cancer cells and insulin-sensitive 3T3L1 adipocytes and L6 myotubes. Citation Format: Michael P. Valley, Mary Sobol, Jolanta Vidugiriene, James J. Cali. A bioluminescent assay for measuring glucose uptake. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 5435. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-5435
A prospective comparison of UroVysion FISH and urine cytology in bladder cancer detection

UroVysion fluorescence in situ hybridization (uFISH) was reported to have superior sensitivity to urine cytology. However uFISH studies are limited by varying definitions of what is considered a positive result, absence of histopathology and small sample size. The aim of our study was to better determine the performance characteristics of uFISH and urine cytology by overcoming some of the deficiencies of the current literature. Intraoperative bladder wash cytology and uFISH were collected prospectively on all patients. Strict definitions for positivity of uFISH and cytology were determined before initiating the study. A re-review of false-negative uFISH specimens was performed to analyze potential sources of error. Sixteen bladder tumors embedded in paraffin were analyzed by uFISH and compared with the result in the urine. One hundred and twenty-nine specimens were analyzed. Sensitivity was 67% and 69% (p = 0.54); specificity was 72% and 76% (p = 1.0), for uFISH and cytology, respectively. Thirty-two false negative uFISH samples were re-reviewed. Low grade tumors often showed cells with abnormal morphology and patchy DAPI staining but diploid chromosomal counts and a few high grade tumors had tetraploid counts but less than needed to interpret uFISH as positive. uFISH study of the tumors revealed three categories; positive in both tumor and urine (9), negative in both tumor and urine (5) and positive in tumor but negative in urine (2). In a pathologically-confirmed analysis of bladder washed urine specimens, uFISH does not outperform urine cytology in cancer detection.
Different Practice Models

A basic understanding of the different types of practice models and where the money to run a practice comes from is important for any surgeon. Surgical practices are unique, but are in general funded by a third party (hospital or health system for example) or self-funded (pure private practice). There are advantages and disadvantages as well as risks and rewards associated with each type of practice. Surgeons generate revenue mostly by operating and seeing patients. Relative Value Units (RVUs) are used to guide reimbursement and to assess productivity. Surgeons should have a working knowledge of how RVUs are assigned and the RVUs associated with the procedures they do most commonly. As a surgeon’s career evolves, many of us take on new leadership opportunities. There are leadership skills and traits that can and should be developed for those who wish to succeed in their leadership endeavors.
Bayesian generalized kernel inference for occupancy map prediction

We consider the problem of building accurate and descriptive 3D occupancy maps of an environment from sparse and noisy range sensor data. We seek to accomplish this task by constructing a predictive model online and inferring the occupancy probability of regions we have not directly observed. We propose a novel algorithm leveraging recent advances in data structures for mapping, sparse kernels, and Bayesian nonparametric inference. The resulting inference model has several desirable properties in comparison to existing methods, including speed of computation, the ability to be recursively updated without approximation, and consistency between batch and online inference. The method also reverts to the use of a specified prior state when insufficient relevant training data exist to predict the occupancy probability of a query point, a property which is attractive for motion planning and exploration applications with mobile robots.
Pharmacologic treatment of impotence.

Revue de l'anatomie, de la vascularisation et de l'innervation du penis, de la physiologie et de la pharmacologie de l'erection, des aspects hormonaux de la physiologie de l'erection, de la dysfonction sexuelle induite par les medicaments, du traitement endocrinien et du traitement pharmacologique autonomique de la dysfonction erectile, du traitement intracorporeal
Prevalence of Predialysis Kidney Disease in Disadvantaged Populations in Developed Countries: United States

Summary Disparities in the incidence, risk factors, and treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease are well documented, disproportionately affecting racial/ethnic minorities and persons with low socioeconomic status. The black–white disparities in the prevalence of CKD in the United States have primarily been observed in those with advanced CKD, which may be due to faster rate of progression of kidney dysfunction and an apparent survival advantage among blacks with late-stage CKD. A similar phenomenon has been observed among Hispanic patients, resulting in higher incidence and prevalence of end-stage renal disease than non-Hispanic whites. Assessment of racial disparities in CKD among other smaller minority groups is limited by the lack of adequate longitudinal data and heterogeneity of the individual population, thus further epidemiologic research is warranted. The underlying mechanisms of racial/ethnic disparities in CKD outcomes are complex and include genetic, biologic, socioeconomic, environmental, psychosocial, and cultural factors, as well as patient, provider, and health care system factors that affect access and quality of care.
Development of a single-phase thermosiphon for cold collection and storage of radiative cooling

Abstract A single-phase thermosiphon is developed for cold collection and storage of radiative cooling. Compared to the conventional nocturnal radiative cooling systems that use an electric pump to drive the heat transfer fluid, the proposed single-phase thermosiphon uses the buoyancy force to drive heat transfer fluid. This solution does not require electricity, therefore improving the net gain of the radiative cooling system. A single-phase thermosiphon was built, which consists of a flat panel, a cold collection tank, a water return tube, and a water distribution tank. Considering that outdoor radiative cooling flux is constantly changing (i.e. uncontrollable), an indoor testing facility was developed to provide a controllable cooling flux (comparable to a radiative cooling flux of 100 W/m2) for the evaluation of thermosiphon performance. The testing apparatus is a chilled aluminum flat plate that has a controlled air gap separation relative to the flat panel surface of the thermosiphon to emulate radiative cooling. With an average of 105 W/m2 cooling flux, the 18 liters of water in the thermosiphon was cooled to an average temperature of 12.5 °C from an initial temperature of 22.2 °C in 2 h, with a cold collection efficiency of 96.8%. The results obtained have demonstrated the feasibility of using a single-phase thermosiphon for cold collection and storage of radiative cooling. Additionally, the effects of the thermosiphon operation conditions, such as tilt angle of the flat panel, initial water temperature, and cooling energy flux, on the performance have been experimentally investigated. Modular design of the single-phase thermosiphon gives flexibility for its scalability. A radiative cooling system with multiple thermosiphon modules is expected to play an important role in cooling buildings and power plant condensers.
Learning with the Labyrinth: Creating Reflective Space in Higher Education, by J. Sellers and B. Moss

Jan Sellers and Bernard Moss explore the role of the labyrinth as an approach to transformative learning through this edited text, Learning with the Labyrinth: Creating Reflective Space in Higher E...
Is BMI a risk factor for active surveillance progression in patients with prostate cancer diagnosed by MRI-Trus fusion biopsy?

124Background: MRI−TRUS fusion biopsy (FBx) use in the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) results in a more accurate assessment of disease burden and has increasingly been incorporated into urologic practice. In addition, with more men choosing active surveillance (AS) and the reports of increased PCa aggressiveness with obesity, we wanted to study the impact of obesity on the risk of PCa progression in men on AS diagnosed and followed by MRI and MRI−TRUS FBx. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on a prospectively maintained database of all men who underwent MRI−TRUS FBx at our institution from January 2007 to May 2015. Patient demographics, clinical data, imaging, pathology, treatment and outcomes were recorded. Patients who enrolled on AS were stratified by BMI into normal weight (BMI 18.5−24.9), overweight (BMI 25.0−29.9), and obese (BMI ≥ 30.0). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: 204 men were enrolled in AS. Within the AS cohort, 51 (25%) had a normal weight, 10...
Optimal range observability maneuvers of a spacecraft formation using angles-only navigation

Abstract The work presented in this paper leverages existing progress in angles-only navigation to develop optimal range observability maneuvers and trajectory planning methods for spacecraft formations under constrained relative orbital motion. Relative motion is modeled in the Clohessy-Wiltshire frame for proximity operations of multiple chaser spacecraft about a non-cooperative resident-space-object (RSO). The objective of the optimization is to maximize range observability of the RSO from each of the chaser spacecraft in the formation. Each chaser spacecraft transfers between an initial and a final trajectory with respect to the RSO on an intermediate trajectory. Optimal range observability is sought during the transfer. A two-burn impulsive maneuver pair is used to 1) take the chaser spacecraft from the initial to the transfer trajectory and 2) to acquire the final trajectory. By parameterizing the relative states of each chaser using relative orbit elements, the system of equations governing the optimization problem is expressed in terms of a single time varying relative orbital element per spacecraft, per target trajectory. The free parameters are constrained in terms of the fuel used per burn, collision avoidance with the RSO, and collision avoidance with other members of the formation. Lighting (eclipse) and field of view (optical) obstructions by neighboring celestial bodies are considered as well. A representative scenario for a single spacecraft is presented for ease of visualization and to illustrate the cost and constraints in a single 3D map. The method presented hereafter has been extended to a formation of arbitrary cardinality; however, the results shown are those of a three-spacecraft formation. Examples are then given for distinctive formations of three spacecraft. For each example, the optimal burns are determined given the initial and target trajectories of each member in the formation.
The John Street Methodist Church: An Archaeological Excavation with Native American Cooperation

During construction work at the historic John Street Methodist Church in Lower Manhattan in New York city, workers found human bones near the foundation wall of the church. The minister and church leaders voluntarily halted the project so that archaeological work could be undertaken. Since the property had the potential to contain Native American or European American burials, the City Archaeology Program and the American Indian Community House undertook a joint excavation of the site. This was the first time in New York City that Native Americans worked on an archaeological excavation. No other human remains were found, but many artifacts from the mid-19th century were uncovered. The artifacts provide glimpses into the social behavior of the congregation.
Chromium Therapy for Insulin Resistance Associated with HIV-Disease

Objective. With the advent of highly active anti-retroviral therapy, HIV disease has become a chronic condition, but with a number of metabolic complications including insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and hypertension and an increased incidence of atherosclerosis. The aim of the current study was to test the safety and efficacy of chromium picolinate for HIV- associated insulin resistance. Materials/Methods: The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with subjects receiving 500μg of chromium picolinate or placebo twice daily for two months. HIV- infected subjects were selected based on a fasting concentration of plasma glucose greater than 5.5mmol/L or a plasma glucose concentration of greater than 7.7mmol/L (but less than 11mmol/L) 2h after oral ingestion of 75g of glucose. Insulin sensitivity was assessed with a hyper-insulinemic-euglycemic clamp and glucose tolerance was assessed with the oral glucose tolerance test. Subjects were monitored closely for alterations in viral load, CD4+ cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit, kidney and liver function, and fasting lipid profiles. Results: Forty-three subjects were enrolled and 39 completed the protocol (20 in the chromium-supplemented and 19 in the placebo arm). Following chromium-supplementation, there were no significant changes in either insulin sensitivity or glucose tolerance. There was a significant improvement in serum HDL cholesterol concentration in the group supplemented with chromium. Conclusions: Chromium picolinate supplementation at this level was well-tolerated, but overall was not an effective therapy for insulin resistance in these HIV-infected subjects.
Data Models and Structures of Kernels of DR

In the dimensionality reduction processing, observed data have two different types. In the first type, the data set consists of high-dimensional vectors, which represent the objects of interest. In the second type, the data describe the similarities (or dissimilarities) of objects that cannot be digitized or hidden. The output of a DR processing with an input of the first type is a low-dimensional data set, having the same cardinality as the input and preserving the similarities of the input. When the input is of the second type, the output is a configuration of the input similarities. In Section 1 of this chapter, we discuss the models of input data and the constraints on output data. In Sections 2, we discuss the construction of the kernels in DR methods.
Bullying Victimization among LGBTQ Youth: Current and Future Directions.

This paper examines recent research on bullying victimization among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth to identify critical issues and advocate for future research priorities. Recent studies have begun to document the importance of bullying in general, and bias-based bullying (rooted in stigma) in particular, on the health and well-being of this vulnerable subgroup of adolescents, as well as drivers of disparities. Current research demonstrates the importance of multiple, overlapping identities, key difference among LGBTQ youth, and the role of protective factors for youth who are the targets of bullying. Researchers, clinicians, and those working with and on behalf of LGBTQ youth must measure and acknowledge the multiple reasons for which LGBTQ youth are the targets of bullying. Intervention and prevention efforts should focus on improving the supportiveness of the climates within which LGBTQ youth live.
Payer Type, Race/Ethnicity, and the Timing of Surgical Management of Urinary Stone Disease.

Abstract Purpose: Surgery for upper tract urinary stone disease is often reserved for symptomatic patients and those whose stone does not spontaneously pass after a trial of passage. Our objective ...
In vivo molecular chronotyping, circadian misalignment, and high rates of depression in young adults.

Abstract Background Young adults are disproportionately affected by depression and related mental disorders. Circadian misalignment (a phase advance or delay in the body's internal clock timing) is thought to exert adverse effects on downstream physiological processes regulating mood. Circadian disruption may represent an additional, under-appreciated risk factor affecting young adults. Here, we test the hypothesis that depression in young adults is associated with circadian misalignment—the lack of concordance between an individual's endogenous rhythm and their external social and academic environment. Methods We screened 528 individuals for morningness-eveningness diurnal preference and sleep-wake chronotype. We selected individuals with extreme scores (n = 130) for estimation of circadian phase by measuring clock gene mRNA oscillations in hair follicles (a peripheral clock). Using an independent, data-driven cluster analysis, we define the circadian misalignment of both advanced- and delayed-phase individuals from clock gene mRNA expression levels. We compare depression (BDI-II), anxiety (STAI), social jetlag, sleep duration, and sleep disturbance (PROMIS) scores between misaligned individuals and control individuals of intermediate chronotype (n = 173). Results We demonstrate that depression scores in young adults are significantly higher in individuals with circadian phase delays and in individuals with a mismatch between circadian behavioral phenotypes and circadian molecular phase. Evening-type individuals with circadian phase delays are 20 times more likely and mismatched individuals are 5–8 times more likely to be depressed than control individuals. Sleep disturbance shows a similar relationship with circadian phenotypes, but the mood effects described in this study are independent of sleep duration, social jetlag and gender. Limitations Our study examined peripheral clock genes that represents a circadian rhythm potentially influenced by both intrinsic and external, environmental factors. Our study population spanned a limited age-group and our results cannot distinguish between cause and effect of circadian, sleep and mood variables. Conclusions Our study validates previous theoretical predictions of circadian effects on mood disorders and highlights a critical, hidden risk factor affecting mood in young adults—circadian disruption.
Effects of Evolocumab on the ApoA1 Remnant Ratio: A Pooled Analysis of Phase 3 Studies.

The apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) remnant ratio has been identified as an independent cardiovascular (CV) risk factor. Higher apoA1 remnant ratios may predict lower CV risk in some patients. This analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of evolocumab on the change from baseline in the apoA1 remnant ratio compared with placebo. This pooled post hoc analysis included 2464 patients with mixed dyslipidemia treated with evolocumab 140 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W) or 420 mg once monthly (QM) in three phase 3 evolocumab trials. The apoA1 remnant ratio was calculated by dividing apoA1 by the difference between non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). ApoA1 remnant ratio strata were generated using previously published tertile ( 6.8) and partitioning categories ( 6.0). The baseline apoA1 remnant ratio in evolocumab and placebo treatment arms was 7.1 and 7.3, respectively. At week 12, evolocumab 140 mg Q2W and 420 mg QM increased the apoA1 remnant ratio by 25.0% and 33.6%, respectively, versus placebo (p 3.6, and 4.7), those with higher week 12 apoA1 remnant ratios were significantly more likely to have also achieved a target non-HDL-C level of 50 years of age, the proportion of patients at apoA1 remnant ratio thresholds 6.0 at baseline shifted toward or remained at higher thresholds at week 12. This post hoc analysis suggests that evolocumab increases the apoA1 remnant ratio. Amgen Inc. Plain language summary available for this article.
Troubleshooting Hypoxemia After Placement of an Extraglottic Airway.

Abstract The case presented here highlights the feasibility of using an extraglottic airway device as a conduit for delivering high levels of lifesaving positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP), as well as other means of combating recalcitrant hypoxia. The case also highlights the merit of an approach to the hypoxic patient with an in-situ extraglottic airway device based not only on deciding if the device is functioning to maintain a patent airway, but also, simultaneously considering the patient's physiology. A 71 year old male suffered an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Part of his resuscitation included placement of a dual-balloon extraglottic airway device by EMS. He was hypoxic, but the device seemed to be providing for a patent airway without an air leak. There was also a favorable end-tidal carbon dioxide waveform. The flight team chose to the leave the device in place. PEEP was up-titrated to 17 cmH20 without issue. Sigh breaths, as well as breath holds, were also able to be delivered. The patient's hypoxia improved over the course of the patient's transport, and he ultimately did well.
Civil Society Transformed: International Aid to New Political Parties in the Czech Republic and Slovakia

How do international nonprofit organizations influence political party formation in new democracies? Despite recent analyses of external influences on economic restructuring, less attention has been paid to international assistance to political parties. Contrary to the scholarly literature stressing preexisting socioeconomic cleavages, I argue that new parties may emerge around political cleavages during rapid change; international assistance may encourage new parties to adopt organizational forms and issue areas lacking historical precedent, which are subsequently adapted to mobilize domestic public support. To demonstrate this claim, I contrast assistance by U.S. political party affiliates to parties in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where similar revolutionary movements emerged in the name of “civil society” in 1989 but diverged, with a Western market-oriented party in the Czech Republic and populist semidemocratic party in Slovakia winning subsequent elections. The divergent paths highlight the limits to applying Western models of party organization across contexts and the need for democratic actors to be strengthened beyond founding elections.
Synthesis of [70]Azafulleriods: Investigations of azide addition to C{sub 70}

Treatment of C{sub 70} with (2-methoxyethoxy)methyl azide gives rise to three out of a possible six triazoline isomers, showing chemoselectivity as well as regioselectivity. The major product arose from addition of azide to the double bond of C{sub 70} possessing the greatest local curvature. Selective thermolysis of the least stable triazoline, the one resulting from addition to the least curved [6,6] double bond, allowed solution of the structure of the three isomers. Thermolysis of the triazoline isomers produced mixtures of C{sub 70}, azafulleroids, and fulleroaziridines. 14 refs., 1 fig.
The Effects of Virtual Reality Learning Environments on Improving the Retention, Comprehension, and Motivation of Medical School Students

As Virtual Reality (VR) technologies have become affordable, portable, and realistic, the use of VR for education is becoming a reality. However, while VR environments are novel and interesting, this project studies if learning medical concepts in a VR environment truly improves the retention, comprehension, and motivation of medical school students. This paper presents the key results of a literature review of the current corpus of studies on these topics. The review revealed a modest number of peer-reviewed studies that assessed the retention, comprehension, and motivation of adult learners using VR in medical education. However, these studies presented several insights summarized in this paper. Additional research needs to be done on this topic to prove the efficacy and validity of this new medium for medical training and instruction. This paper also presents avenues for future research and describes a study that the researchers plan to conduct following this literature review.
Online Active Safety for Robotic Manipulators

Future manufacturing environments will see an increased need for cooperation between humans and machines. In this paper we propose a method that allows industrial manipulators to safely operate around humans. This approach guarantees that the manipulator will never collide with human operators while performing its normal tasks. This is done in an near-optimal way by considering how forward reachable sets of human operators grow with time, and by continuously updating these reachable sets based on current position estimates of the operators near the robot. An implicit active set invariance filter is then used to constrain the system—in a minimally invasive way—to stay in the complement of that forward reachable set. We demonstrate this approach in simulation on an industrial robotic arm: the ABB IRB 6640.
Risk perception, media exposure, and visitor’s behavior responses to Florida Red Tide

Florida’s Red Tide outbreak, a major environmental disturbance in 2018, not only garnered nationwide attention but also affected both in-state and out-of-state visitors. Guided by the Social Amplif...
Examining the Impact of COVID-19 on Parental Stress: A Study of Foster Parents.

The overarching purpose of this exploratory study was to understand how foster parents’ parenting-related stress levels have changed over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the role of sociodemographic characteristics in exacerbating risk for increased stress. Participants were electronically surveyed about their pre- and post-pandemic parenting-related stress, using an adapted version of the parenting stress scale. Nine-hundred and ninety foster parents (N = 990) participated in the study. Overall, foster parents reported significant increases along three specific domains of stress—namely, parenting stress, lack of control, and parental satisfaction (reverse-scored). Analyses for group differences on the post-only scores indicated that foster parents who are not married, or who report poorer mental health (i.e., “good”, versus “very good” or “excellent”) or financial circumstances (i.e., as indicated by not reliably having more income than expenses) may face increased risk for exacerbated stress during this pandemic. Findings from this study indicate that parental stress-levels among foster parents have increased since the start of COVID-19. These findings are not only troubling for foster caregivers, but may also have implications for the youth in their care. Ultimately, results from this study indicate the need to better support foster parents, in general, and during public health crises, specifically.
Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes

A new syndrome associated with a deficiency of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and a short open-time of the AChR channel in a 5 year-old girl with myasthenic symptoms since birth is reported from the Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
Boulevard Sandwiches, Inc. (A)

Carla Thomas, the owner of Boulevard Sandwiches, is preparing to meet with Alan Philips, the new manager of Boulevard Sandwiches, Inc., Unit No. 2, in mid-December 2017. The primary purpose of this meeting is to finalize the 2018 operating plan for the location, as well as to conduct sensitivity analysis related to the assumptions included in the budget. Thomas has decided that, due to the growth of her business, she can no longer continue to manage the operation as she did when there were only a couple of locations, so she is in the process of implementing a more formal and extensive planning and budgeting process. This case may be used as a stand-alone case on budgeting, or it may be paired with "Boulevard Sandwiches, Inc. (B)" (UVA-C-2434) in a module on budgeting and strategic profitability analysis or flexible budgeting. Excerpt UVA-C-2433 Jan. 14, 2020 Boulevard Sandwiches, Inc. (A) Carla Thomas pulled into the parking lot of Boulevard Sandwiches, Inc., Unit No. 2. It was a beautiful day in mid-December 2017, and she was scheduled to meet with Alan Philips, the new manager of Unit No. 2, to finalize the 2018 profit plan for the Unit No. 2 sandwich shop. She hoped this meeting would be a good first step toward increasing sales and improving profitability at all her sandwich shop locations. Background Unit No. 2 was one of four sandwich shops owned by Thomas. She opened her first sandwich shop in 2007 in downtown Sandown, Virginia. She managed this shop for three years, experimenting with menus, pricing strategies, and customer-service concepts. Her goal was to create the biggest and best sandwich shop in the city—one that was known for a pleasant atmosphere; fast and courteous service; high-quality, freshly prepared sandwiches; and reasonable prices. As with many other sandwich shops, the menu was posted on the wall, and customers went through a line to place their orders, pick up their beverages, and pay the cashier. Customers' orders were then prepared by employees in a small kitchen area and brought to their tables by servers. . . .
To Disappear a City

For all the remedies that have been proposed for cities in distress, what has yet to be proposed is to make a city disappear. This Article explores such a proposal. Specifically, the Article will entertain the idea that a combination of Chapter 9 bankruptcy and disincorporation can be used to address municipal insolvency.
Single EV analysis (sEVA) of mutated proteins allows detection of stage 1 pancreatic cancer

Tumor cell derived extracellular vesicles (EV) are being explored as circulating biomarkers for cancer detection. Up to now however, clinical results have been mixed for a number of reasons including the predominant use of bulk measurements, the inability to differentiate tumor from host cell derived vesicles, the general absence of uniquely identifying biomarkers and the unknown frequency of stochastically distributed biomarkers into single circulating vesicles. We hypothesized that a single EV analysis (sEVA) technique could potentially improve diagnostic accuracy necessary to detect early cancers but the actual biomarker frequency and practical detection limits are currently unknown. Using pancreatic cancer, we carefully analyzed the composition of putative cancer markers in 11 established and new patient derived models. In parental PDAC cells positive for KRASmut and/or P53mut proteins only [~]40% of EVs were also positive (range: 30-64%). This rate of positivity increased to 57% when additional PDAC biomarkers were considered (MUC1, EGFR, FG-P4OH) in cell lines. In a blinded study involving 16 patients with surgically proven stage 1 PDAC, KRASmut and P53mut protein was detectable at much lower levels, generally in < 0.1% of vesicles. With the analytical capabilities of sEVA however, 15 of the 16 patients with stage 1 PDAC expressed low levels of biomarker positive EV. Using a modeling approach, we estimate that the current PDAC detection limit is at [~]0.1 cm3 tumor volume, below clinical imaging capabilities. These findings establish the potential for single-EV analysis for early cancer detection.
Advances in understanding the molecular basis of the first steps in color vision

Serving as one of our primary environmental inputs, vision is the most sophisticated sensory system in humans. Here, we present recent findings derived from energetics, genetics and physiology that provide a more advanced understanding of color perception in mammals. Energetics of cis–trans isomerization of 11-cis-retinal accounts for color perception in the narrow region of the electromagnetic spectrum and how human eyes can absorb light in the near infrared (IR) range. Structural homology models of visual pigments reveal complex interactions of the protein moieties with the light sensitive chromophore 11-cis-retinal and that certain color blinding mutations impair secondary structural elements of these G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Finally, we identify unsolved critical aspects of color tuning that require future investigation.
Sub-band rate and power control for wireless OFDM systems

Adaptive resource allocation with water-filling has been considered to be an efficient way of increasing data throughput for multicarrier systems. However, the water-filling technique usually requires perfect channel state information; thus, its application is very limited in wireless environments where only partial channel knowledge is available at the transmitter. A sub-band rate and power control algorithm is proposed as a sub-optimal scheme of resource allocation for wireless OFDM systems. We analyze the effect of Doppler frequency in the sub-band rate and power control algorithm and show the capacity increase with the proposed algorithm. We also extend the algorithm to multiuser cases. For both single and multiuser cases, the rate and power control is evaluated in two senses: ergodic capacity and outage probability.