cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Smoothened in Mammary Gland Development and Breast Cancer.

The hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is a critical pathway for development and is known to influence proliferation, cell fate, morphogenesis, and stem cell self-renewal. Mutations activating Hh signaling have been found in a wide variety of cancers, and it is estimated that up to 25% of all tumors display misregulated Hh signaling. Smoothened (Smo), a seven pass transmembrane protein is the Hh signaling pathway9s primary effector and its sole non-redundant member. In a recent study, Smo was found to be over-expressed in 70% of ductal carcinom in-situ (DCIS) lesions and 30% of invasive breast carcinomas (IBC). Despite the implication of this protein in breast cancer, little is known about its role in normal mammary gland development.In order to understand the role of Smo in mammary gland development we have performed phenotypic analyses of a conditional mouse model expressing constitutively activated Smo under the control of a mammary gland selective Cre recombinase. We show that activation of the Hh pathway results in increased proliferation starting around five weeks of age that leads to a dramatic increase in branching and budding of the mammary gland at around ten weeks of age. In addition, immunostaining using the ductal markers Na-K-Cl Co-transporter 1 (NKCC1) and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) suggests alterations in cell fate. Finally, these mice exhibit changes in the stroma surrounding the mammary ducts including an increase in collagen deposition. Gene profiling studies show upregulation of several genes, including targets of the Notch pathway, in ten-week-old virgin mammary glands from the constitutively active conditional Smo mouse model when compared to control. Surprisingly, canonical downstream Hh target genes like Patched and Gli were not found to be upregulated. These data in conjunction with recent published studies suggest that Smo activation in the mammary gland may be acting via a non-canonical mechanism to produce the observed hyper-branched and budded phenotype. Preliminary studies indicate that Smoothened may be functioning as a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) via a pertussis-toxin sensitive mechanism. Interestingly, constituitive Smo activity does not appear to alter cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels as recently reported in Drosophila indicating that mammalian Smo may be acting via a different mechanism.In addition to these gain-of-function studies, experiments are underway utilizing a conditional null Smo mouse model (loss-of-function) to determine if there is a requirement for Hh pathway activation in normal mammary gland development. Preliminary analysis indicates that partial loss of Smo in mammary gland cells leads to impaired ductal elongation and reduced branching.Future studies will include the generation of mammary gland chimeras to study the possible paracrine interactions between Smo over-expressing and wild type cells. Additionally, experiments are under way to elucidate the mechanism of Smo9s GPCR function in the mammary gland. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 2164.
Data analysis and model comparison for the SAMPIE experiment

The operation of solar cells at high negative voltages in the ionospheric plasma is known to lead to arcing. Analytical and numerical models of the arcing process have been developed. These make specific predictions about the existence of several critical parameters for arcing to occur. Analysis of the Solar Array Module Plasma Interactions Experiment flight data from STS-62 was conducted to examine the relationships between the arcing rate and the various solar cell properties, environmental variables, and solar cell parameters. Many of the model predictions were confirmed qualitatively. These include the existence of a critical ion flux, a critical neutral density, a threshold voltage for arcing to occur and the scaling of the arc rate with work function.
Safety of Mesh for Vaginal Cystocele Repair: Analysis of National Patient Characteristics and Complications

Purpose: The use of mesh in vaginal cystocele repair has decreased. We analyzed the ACS NSQIP® (American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project) database to compare outcomes of repairs with and without mesh.Materials and Methods: CPT was used to identify patients who underwent cystocele repair with and without mesh from 2006 to 2013. Patient characteristics and complications were analyzed.Results: We identified 6,849 patients, of whom 5,667 (82.5%) underwent native tissue repair and 1,182 (17.5%) underwent repair with mesh. Patients who received mesh were older (mean ± SD age 64 ± 11 vs 60 ± 12 years, p <0.001) and more had comorbidities (56% vs 47%, p <0.001). Mean mesh vs nonmesh operative time (97 ± 67 vs 95 ± 53 minutes, p = 0.2) and mean length of stay (1.3 ± 2.4 vs 1.4 ± 1.3 days, p = 0.2) were similar in the 2 groups. Urinary tract infection was the most common complication in cases without vs with mesh (3.8% vs 3.5%). Mesh procedure rates of mortality (0% vs 0.3%, p = 0....
Simple technique for securing ureteral stents during urinary diversion [corrected].

The value of using stents through ureteroileal anastomosis in otherwise healthy patients remains controversial and is decided by the surgeon. The use of very inexpensive infant feeding tubes that provide excellent drainage and stenting is preferred. These feeding tubes can be secured easily and reliably with the technique described herein
Evaluating Claims to Avoid Pseudoscientific and Unproven Practices in Special Education

Special education professionals are charged with using evidence-based practices, but various unproven, disproven, and pseudoscientific interventions continue to proliferate. Unproven and ineffective interventions emerge and are adopted for various reasons. Ineffective interventions are inevitably harmful and require professionals to adopt a conservative approach that both minimizes potential for harm and maximizes potential for educational benefit. This is fundamental to the evidence-based movement, but special education professionals may not recognize and avoid ineffective interventions. This article aims to improve recognition of potentially ineffective interventions by shedding light on aspects of science, pseudoscience, and some mistakes frequently made in evaluating claims of intervention effectiveness. By becoming familiar with the distinctions between science and pseudoscience, and by developing an understanding of how errors in thinking are used to promote and defend interventions unsupported by empirical evidence, special education professionals can better protect their students with disabilities from potential harms associated with ineffective practices... ...Pseudoscience typically is associated with grandiose claims that are not supported by evidence or, in some cases, in direct opposition with evidence. Science is conservative and therefore more likely to result in gradual changes that are informed by the collection of facts. Whereas science values open-mindedness and results in changes in belief based on new evidence, pseudoscience typically is dogmatic in the face of new evidence. Promoters of pseudoscientific interventions typically use convoluted language and borrow jargon to appear more credible (e.g., "brain-based learning"), but scientists use precise terminology with explicit procedures conducive to verification by independent researchers. And while scientists seek out and value criticism from their peers, pseudoscientists view critics as adversaries and often work alone. Language: en
Optimizing Resurfacing Schedules to Maximize Value of Information in UWSNs

In Underwater Sensor Networks (UWSNs) with high volume of data recording activity, a mobile sink such as a Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) can be used to offload data from the sensor nodes. When the AUV approaches the underwater node, it can use high data rate optical communication. However, the data is not considered delivered when it was transferred from the sensor node to the AUV, but when the AUV had resurfaced and transferred the data to the sink. If the data is not time sensitive, it is sufficient for the AUV to resurface only once at the end of its data collection path. However, for time-sensitive data, it is more advantageous for the AUV to resurface multiple times during its path, and upload the data collected since the previous resurfacing. Thus, a resurfacing schedule needs to complement the path planning process. In this paper we are using the metric of Value of Information (VoI) as the optimization criteria to capture the time- sensitive nature of collected information. We propose a genetic algorithm based approach to determine the resurfacing schedule for an AUV which is already provided with the sequence of nodes to be visited.
Solitary Confinement Exposure and Capital Inmate Misconduct

This study assesses whether capital inmates exposed to short-term solitary confinement (SC) continue to engage in physical violence and misconduct while incarcerated post-exposure. Using archival longitudinal data collected by a large prison system in Texas, the current study intends to reveal patterns behind prisoner misconduct examining complete disciplinary records for all capital inmates (N = 1236). According to the results, age, gender, race, gang affiliations and priors are associated with prisoner misconduct. On average, capital inmates exposed to solitary confinement are more likely to manifest continuity in misconduct during their stay in prison.
After Admission: From College Access to College Success

(2009). After Admission: From College Access to College Success. The Journal of Higher Education: Vol. 80, No. 1, pp. 117-119.
Predicting Engineering Student Attrition Risk Using a Probabilistic Neural Network and Comparing Results with a Backpropagation Neural Network and Logistic Regression

As the need for engineers continues to increase, a growing focus has been placed on recruiting students into the field of engineering and retaining the students who select engineering as their field of study. As a result of this concentration on student retention, numerous studies have been conducted to identify, understand, and confirm relationships between student attributes and attrition. Methods of prediction have also been evaluated and compared. Utilizing the attributes found in previous studies to have correlation with student attrition, this study considers the results of three different prediction methods—logistic regression, a multi-layer perceptron artificial neural network, and a probabilistic neural network (PNN)—to predict engineering student retention at a case study university. The purpose of this study was to introduce the PNN to the study of engineering student retention prediction and compare the results of the PNN to other commonly used methods in this field of study. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and overall results for each method are reported, compared, and discussed as the major contribution of this paper.
Multi-stakeholder internet governance: successes and opportunities

ABSTRACTThis paper highlights some of the successes, challenges, and opportunities of the multi-stakeholder approach to Internet governance, based upon the authors’ experiences in the NTIA, the U.S. government agency responsible for spearheading many of the U.S. government’s internet governance initiatives. It identifies key areas upon which the internet community can focus as it strives to improve the multi-stakeholder approach and adapt it to other areas of internet governance and policy.
Laparoscopic Total Pancreatectomy for Chronic Pancreatitis.

Although minimally invasive pancreatectomy has been performed increasingly for pancreatic malignancies, many authors feel that a history of pancreatitis is a contraindication to either laparoscopic or robotic-assisted pancreatectomy. Shown here is a video (Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/SLE/A172) of a laparoscopic total pancreatectomy with splenectomy for chronic pancreatitis. This patient was denied auto-islet cell transplantation because of insurance restraints. In total, 4 laparoscopic total pancreatectomies have been attempted and completed. Indications for laparoscopic total pancreatectomy have been 2 for diffuse intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, 1 for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and the above-mentioned patient. No patient suffered a biliary leak, and the average length of stay was 5 days (range, 4 to 8 d). History of pancreatitis is a relative contraindication to minimally invasive pancreatectomy. It should be performed by surgeons with expertise in both open and minimally invasive pancreatic surgery.
Negative auxiliaries and absent expletives in Texas vernacular English

Abstract Drawing on thought from sociolinguistics and theoretical and historical pragmatics, this paper argues that Negative Inversion (NI) sentences such as Can't nobody beat them are the diachronic descendants of Modal Existential (ME) sentences such as There can't nobody beat them. The expletive subject of the ME has undergone a deletion process in the twentieth century, leaving behind what is now considered to be the NI. This diachronic understanding enables a clear account of the so-called “definiteness effects” (Milsark, 1974) associated with the present NI. The paper makes a significant contribution here to the empirical understanding of the construction as well. It has been universally maintained since Labov et al. (1968) that NIs prohibit definite subjects, much like Milsark's characterization of there-existential sentences. I show, however, that definite subjects are accepted, but that they are restricted by pragmatic constraints: the same ones, it turns out, that Ward and Birner (1995) have shown to constrain the appearance of definite subjects in there-existentials.
Exploring the Role of the Third Active Site Metal Ion in DNA Polymerase η with QM/MM Free Energy Simulations

The enzyme human DNA polymerase η (Pol η) is critical for bypassing lesions during DNA replication. In addition to the two Mg2+ ions aligning the active site, experiments suggest that a third Mg2+ ion could play an essential catalytic role. Herein the role of this third metal ion is investigated with quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) free energy simulations of the phosphoryl transfer reaction and a proposed self-activating proton transfer from the incoming nucleotide to the pyrophosphate leaving group. The simulations with only two metal ions in the active site support a sequential mechanism, with phosphoryl transfer followed by relatively fast proton transfer. The simulations with three metal ions in the active site suggest that the third metal ion may play a catalytic role through electrostatic interactions with the leaving group. These electrostatic interactions stabilize the product, making the phosphoryl transfer reaction more thermodynamically favorable with a lower free energy barrier...
Geochronology in Granulites

Techniques are now available to obtain high precision age information on a variety of metamorphic minerals such as zircon, garnet, monazite, sphene, rutile, hornblende, micas, apatite and feldspars. These ages provide valuable information on the timing of geologic events and duration of processes. In order to provide a valid interpretation for these mineral ages it is essential to have some knowledge of the closure temperatures. By combining the ages with the closure temperatures and the maximum temperatures reached during metamorphism it is generally possible to decide whether the ages give information on the prograde or retrograde metamorphic path. Quantitative pressure-temperature-time paths of metamorphism can be constructed when age data are combined carefully with temperature, pressure and textural data.
Single-Dose Tetracycline Labeling for Bone Histomorphometry

A single oral dose of tetracycline deposits in bone and is readily identified with fluorescence microscopy. Two such time-spaced labels can be used to determine bone dynamic features. This is as accurate as conventional three-day labeling periods. The simplicity, improved compliance, and substantial reduction in time it takes to prepare a patient for bone biopsy all appear to be advantageous when compared with current recommendations.
Defederalizing Partnership Break-ups

This Article discusses an important aspect of the collision of state partnership law with federal bankruptcy law as both apply to bankrupt partners. Partnership rules deal with agency costs among partners that result from the bankruptcy by providing for the dissociation of the bankrupt partner. However, the Bankruptcy Code's general non-enforcement of "ipso facto" clauses mandates continuation of the debtor as a partner and invalidates sub-market-value buyouts of the debtor's interest. This Article argues that state partnership law should control. Even if the Bankruptcy Code properly refuses to enforce ipso facto clauses generally, the rationale for non-enforcement does not apply to dissociation of bankrupt partners. Moreover, application of federal bankruptcy law has other costs, including creating perverse incentives to resort to bankruptcy, frustrating the agency- cost-reducing objectives of partnership law and, more generally, blocking potential benefits from customized contracts and state law evolution and variation.
Northstar: an interactive data science system

In order to democratize data science, we need to fundamentally rethink the current analytics stack, from the user interface to the "guts." Most importantly, enabling a broader range of users to unfold the potential of (their) data requires a change in the interface and the "protection" we offer them. On the one hand, visual interfaces for data science have to be intuitive, easy, and interactive to reach users without a strong background in computer science or statistics. On the other hand, we need to protect users from making false discoveries. Furthermore, it requires that technically involved (and often boring) tasks have to be automatically done by the system so that the user can focus on contributing their domain expertise to the problem. In this paper, we present Northstar, the Interactive Data Science System, which we have developed over the last 4 years to explore designs that make advanced analytics and model building more accessible.
Single crystal growth and magnetic properties of the mixed valent Yb containing Zintl phase, Yb14MgSb11

Large crystals of Yb14MgSb11 were grown through a Sn flux method. Magnetic susceptibility measurements yield an effective magnetic moment of 3.4(1) μB, revealing the presence of both divalent and trivalent Yb in Yb14MgSb11. Previously assumed to only contain Yb2+ as in Yb14MnSb11, the mixed valency demonstrates that Yb14MgSb11 is a Zintl phase.
An exploration of the deleterious effects of hyperoxemia on the morbidity and mortality of hospitalized adult patients.

Background and purpose To explore the deleterious effects of hyperoxia due to liberal oxygen use and clarify the significance of overuse and effects on morbidity and mortality in adult hospitalized patients. This literature review is also intended to bring awareness to nurse practitioners regarding the iatrogenic harm caused by excessive oxygenation and promote individualized patient care. Methods A review of existing literature was conducted using PubMed and CINAHL databases. The keywords "hyperoxia", "hyperoxemia", "oxygen toxicity," and "excessive oxygenation" were used to yield articles for consideration. Results Of the six studies compared for this review, five identified positive correlations between hyperoxia and adverse outcomes. The sixth study found no significant differences in morbidity or mortality with the use of liberal oxygenation versus a more conventional approach. Conclusions Overwhelming evidence suggests that states of hyperoxemia lead to increased mortality and morbidity. However, there is considerable variability on the threshold at which hyperoxia occurs. Further research is required to define levels of hyperoxia to better protect patients from iatrogenic harm. Implications for practice Nurse practitioners in all specialties can increase awareness of the dangers of excessive oxygenation and effect a change in practice through education.
Assessment of Modeling Uncertainties Using a Multistart Optimization Tool for Surface Complexation Equilibrium Parameters (MUSE)

The MUlti-start optimization algorithm for Surface complexation Equilibrium (MUSE) algorithm has been developed to optimize the fitting of thermodynamic constants for surface complexation modeling (SCM). Although there is a plethora of software to perform data fitting and determine intrinsic equilibrium constants, the algorithms used are highly dependent on initial values and choice of parameters. This limits their transferability to model other systems, for example, reactive transport processes. With this in mind, a hybridized optimization approach, based on a multistart algorithm combined with a local optimizer, has been developed to allow the simultaneous optimization of SCM parameters and to assess the sensitivity of these parameters to changes in the model assumptions. In this study, the CD–MUSIC formalism with a Basic Stern electrostatic model is utilized to model chromate adsorption on ferrihydrite, although the MUSE algorithm can be applied to any adsorption data set and be implemented in any mode...
Long-term follow-up of total shoulder replacement surgery with inset glenoid implants for arthritis with deficient bone.

Background Total shoulder replacement surgery has been a successful treatment for patients with shoulder arthritis. However, long-term results are limited by complications such as glenoid loosening, wear, and instability. Also, glenoid bone deficiency limits available treatment options and outcomes. Successful short-term outcomes have been reported previously using inset glenoid implants for deficient arthritic bone, but long-term outcomes have not been reported using this technique. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 21 of 24 consecutive patients treated with inset glenoid implants for severe glenohumeral joint arthritis with bone deficiency with prospectively collected data. Inclusion criteria were patients with shoulder arthritis and severe glenoid bone deficiency, defined by perpendicular glenoid vault depth less than 15 mm. No bone grafts were used. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and after surgery with physical examination, radiographic studies, and outcome measures. There were 10 males and 11 females, 17 cases with osteoarthritis and 4 with inflammatory arthritis, and 5 patients with rotator cuff tears (3 full thickness and 2 partial tears). Mean age was 68 years. Results There were no surgical complications. At a mean follow-up of 8.7 years, there were statistically significant improvements (P Conclusions This study documents the long-term efficacy and safety of total shoulder replacement surgery with inset glenoid implants used to reconstruct deficient, arthritic glenoid bone.
InSb Nanostructures as selective absorbers in the Short and Mid-Wave Infrared

We demonstrated through a series of electromagnetic simulations and FTIR measurements a proof of concept for using vertically aligned arrays of InSb nanostructures as devices for selective SWIR and MWIR light absorption.
Determining the predictors for ease of sleep while on aircraft: Regression and qualitative analyses

Abstract Background Factors predicting passengers’ ability to fall asleep and levels of sleep anxiety, while traveling on a commercial flight, are investigated through a two-study mixed design. Methods Data collected from approximately 400 participants contributed to the development and validation of multiple regression equations and model fit analysis; and participants responded to related open-ended questions. Results Regression equations yielded between two to seven predictors and predicted between 6.7% and 27.7% of the variance, ps Discussion As the field of commercial aviation continues growing, researching and understanding passengers' experiences and perceptions is crucial to the success of the industry as consumers ultimately drive the market. Passengers’ perceptions of sleep quality on commercial aircraft is a key factor influencing their traveling decision. Therefore, a better understanding of this phenomenon can provide crucial information to future passengers, airline companies, regulatory agencies, and manufacturers, potentially influencing the future success of the aviation industry.
Clinical Features of Group A Streptococcus in Children with Pharyngitis: Carriers versus Acute Infection

Background Among children with pharyngitis who test positive for group A Streptococcus (GAS), 10%-25% are GAS carriers. Current laboratory methods cannot distinguish acute infection from colonization. Methods We examined 2 separate longitudinal studies of children with symptomatic pharyngitis associated with a positive GAS throat culture (illness culture). In cohort 1, children presented with pharyngitis symptoms to a clinician, then had follow-up cultures at regular intervals. In cohort 2, throat cultures were performed at regular intervals and with pharyngitis symptoms. Illness cultures were categorized as acute infection or carrier based on follow-up culture results. In cohort 2, carriers were further categorized as a GAS carrier with a new emm-type or a GAS carrier with a previous emm-type based on typing data from prior culture results. For each cohort, symptoms were compared at the time of illness culture between carriers and those with acute infection. Results Cohort 1 (N = 75 illness cultures): 87% of the children were classified as acutely infected versus 13% carriers. Carriers were more likely to have upper respiratory (URI) symptoms [odds ratio (OR): 5.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4-22.1], headache (OR: 6.0; 95% CI: 1.2-40.5) or vomiting (OR: 5.5; 95% CI: 1.2-24.5). Cohort 2 (N = 122 illness cultures): 79% were acutely infected and 21% were carriers. Children determined to be carriers with a previous detected emm-type were more likely to have URI symptoms compared with those with acquisition of a new emm-type. Conclusions Children with symptomatic pharyngitis and GAS on throat culture identified as carriers were more likely to present with URI and atypical symptoms than children who were acutely infected.
Variation in physician-directed immunohistochemistry screening among women with endometrial cancer.

Objective Immunohistochemistry screening is a reliable method for identifying women with endometrial cancer who are at risk for Lynch syndrome, but clinical workflows used to implement immunohistochemistry screening protocols can vary by institution. The goal of this study was to investigate variation in performance of immunohistochemistry screening when a physician order is required. Methods Retrospective study from an integrated healthcare system with a risk-based immunohistochemistry screening policy for Lynch syndrome from January 2015 to December 2016. Immunohistochemistry screening was indicated for all women with endometrial cancer aged Results There were 1399 eligible patients in the study. With a required physician order, immunohistochemistry screening rates (20% overall, 34% aged Conclusions Immunohistochemistry screening rates in women with endometrial cancer were lower in our health system compared with prior reports in the literature, and there were variations in screening performance according to patient age, race, and body mass index. Requiring a physician order for immunohistochemistry screening likely creates a barrier in screening uptake, therefore automated immunohistochemistry screening is recommended.
Quantifying Thermo-Electro-Mechanics for Manipulation and Rotation of single Dielectric particles under Laser Illumination

Spatially varying thermoelectric field around nanoparticles in laser-induced thermal gradients is derived for the first time. The proposed theory is experimentally validated for optical trapping, rotation, and pulling of dielectric nanoparticles.
SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, Lymphatic vessels, lymph, and lymphology

[Editorial] Lymphatic vessels and lymph are a missing link in SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies. Based on well-established principles of lymphatic function and dysfunction and a neglected literature, this article highlights promising directions for future research and clinical exploration.
Perspectives of pregnant and breastfeeding women on longitudinal clinical studies that require non-invasive biospecimen collection – a qualitative study

Investigation of the microbiome during early life has stimulated an increasing number of cohort studies in pregnant and breastfeeding women that require non-invasive biospecimen collection. The objective of this study was to explore pregnant and breastfeeding women’s perspectives on longitudinal clinical studies that require non-invasive biospecimen collection and how they relate to study logistics and research participation. We completed in-depth semi-structured interviews with 40 women who were either pregnant (n = 20) or breastfeeding (n = 20) to identify their understanding of longitudinal clinical research, the motivations and barriers to their participation in such research, and their preferences for providing non-invasive biospecimen samples. Perspectives on research participation were focused on breastfeeding and perinatal education. Participants cited direct benefits of research participation that included flexible childcare, lactation support, and incentives and compensation. Healthcare providers, physician offices, and social media were cited as credible sources and channels for recruitment. Participants viewed lengthy study visits and child protection as the primary barriers to research participation. The barriers to biospecimen collection were centered on stool sampling, inadequate instructions, and drop-off convenience. Women in this study were interested in participating in clinical studies that require non-invasive biospecimen collection, and motivations to participate center on breastfeeding and the potential to make a scientific contribution that helps others. Effectively recruiting pregnant or breastfeeding participants for longitudinal microbiome studies requires protocols that account for participant interests and consideration for their time.
Understanding Twinning-Detwinning Behavior of Unalloyed Mg During Low-Cycle Fatigue Using High Energy X-ray Diffraction

It is well understood that twinning during deformation plays an important role in deformation of Mg and its alloys [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. In hexagonal close packed (HCP) Mg alloys, the dominant deformation mode at room temperature is slip on the basal (0001) plane Mg [9, 10]. The other slip systems—prismatic slip, pyramidal slip, and pyramidal slip—require much higher stresses to activate during deformation [11]. Mechanical twinning allows for grains to easily deform along their c-axis [12] and has been the focus of significant, active research [e.g., 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23].
Chromatin Reprogramming via Contact Guidance-Induced Nuclear Deformation Promotes Stem Cell Differentiation

Using chromatin packing macromolecular crowding (CPMC) model predictions and nanoscale imaging and sequencing studies, we demonstrate that micropillar structures enhance osteogenic differentiation by decreasing chromatin packing scaling in hMSCs and consequently increasing lineage-specific responsiveness.
Mobile assessment of decisions to drink in young adults: Examining the role of incentives and disincentives.

Background Research on decision-making (DM) biases in persons with alcohol use disorder (AUD) have largely relied on behavioral economic DM tasks, which do not assess the dynamic multitude of factors associated with real-world decisions about drinking. The current study extends the literature on DM and alcohol use by using a mobile daily diary approach to investigate if, and how, real-world incentives and disincentives are associated with actual drinking decisions in college students. Methods Current drinking and lifetime alcohol problems were assessed in 104 young adults (61.5% female, 84.5% White) who used a mobile daily diary to respond to questions about drinking decisions from the day prior for a 14-day period. Mobile prompts assessed daily data on the timing of drinking decisions, alcohol quantity initially decided to drink, quantity actually decided to drink, and the incentives that influenced drinking decisions. Results Users of the app reported high usability, high compliance rates were observed, and incentive responses were reduced to three subtypes: alcohol, social/party, and mood. Daily mobile measures of drinking quantity were strongly correlated with self-reported drinking 2-weeks prior to the daily assessment. Lifetime alcohol problems were positively related to the average quantity decided to drink per event, drinking more than initially decided, and higher levels of self-reported drinking-decision incentives. "Alcohol" and "social/party" incentives were positively related to the quantity the participant decided to drink at drinking events. Mood incentives and disincentives showed little to no significant relationships with drinking decisions. Conclusions The results suggest that mobile data collection can be useful for assessing aspects of real-world drinking decisions and the influence of multiple drinking decision incentives.
Isolation of transcriptionally regulated sequences associated with neuronal and non-neuronal cell interactions.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the use of differential hybridization to identify DNA sequences encoding proteins associated with the regeneration of injured rat sciatic nerve. In addition, it describes the characterization of one of the isolated proteins, which is involved in neuronal/non-neuronal cell interactions, to illustrate the power of this approach. There are two general approaches toward identifying the proteins involved in nerve regeneration. The first of these is to study the expression and localization, during nerve regeneration of proteins that are identified in other systems. Another approach is to identify proteins, which change their rates of protein synthesis during nerve regeneration. This leads to the identification of several proteins whose role in nerve regeneration is not yet identified. The chapter describes an extension of the second approach, and it takes advantage of techniques that use nucleic acids instead of proteins to identify sequences whose expression is regulated during nerve regeneration. This procedure successfully identified a number of known and unknown cDNA sequences, the expression of which were either induced or repressed after nerve injury. The association of this protein with myelin, as well as the growth-arrested state of cells suggests an important role for this protein in neuron-glia interactions.
Patient reported outcomes after incisional hernia repair-establishing the ventral hernia recurrence inventory.

Abstract Background Assessing incisional hernia recurrence typically requires a clinical encounter. We sought to determine if patient-reported outcomes (PROs) could detect long-term recurrence. Methods Adult patients 1 to 5 years after incisional hernia repair were prospectively asked about recurrence, bulge, and pain at the original repair site. Using dynamic abdominal sonography for hernia to detect recurrence, performance of each PRO was determined. Multivariable regression was used to evaluate PRO association with recurrence. Results Fifty-two patients enrolled with follow-up time 46 ± 13 months. A patient-reported bulge was 85% sensitive, and 81% specific to detect recurrence. Patients reporting no bulge and no pain had 0% chance of recurrence. In multivariable analysis, patients reporting a bulge were 18 times more likely to have a recurrence than those without (95% confidence interval, 3.7 to 90.0; P Conclusions This preliminary study demonstrates that PROs offer a promising means of detecting long-term recurrence after incisional hernia repair, which can help facilitate quality improvement and research efforts.
Elementary Children's School Friendship: A Comparison of Peer Assessment Methodologies.

This study compared four methods of assessing children's friendships-peer nominations, peer ratings, reciprocal peer nominations, and social networking. A total of 174 children between first and th...
Stimulating ‘green’ technological innovation: An analysis of alternative policy mechanisms

As our understanding of human impacts on the environment has increased, it has become clear that we need to move toward a closed-loop industrial society in order to avoid undesirable health and ecosystem consequences. Achievement of this goal depends on radical technological innovation in both products and processes. This paper explores how to design public policy mechanisms to stimulate rather than impede pollution-preventing technological innovation. It begins with a discussion of the role of government in civilian technology development and diffusion. It then sets out six design criteria for policy to promote ‘green’ technology innovation. Based on this set of design criteria, the article assesses the potential and limitations of current U.S. policy approaches to stimulate technological innovation that moves us toward a minimal waste society. The main conclusions of this assessment are as follows. Over the past decade, the U.S. environmental policy system has experienced a variety of reforms and new initiatives, many aimed directly at promoting environmentally-friendly technological change. The strengths of these reforms are to increase the information that the private sector has about the magnitude and cost of their environmental impacts and to allow greater flexibility in the technologies that firms choose to meet environmental regulations and goals. Because of these reforms, firms are likely to undertake technological innovation for the environment in situations with clear short-term economic benefits, i.e. to capture the much heralded win-win potential of environmental regulation. However, these reforms have significant weaknesses as well. Unless policy provides stronger political or economic incentives and clearer signals about future environmental performance requirements, we are unlikely to be able to drive technological innovation in industries where the pay-off is more longterm or uncertain, and thus will make only limited progress toward the goal of a minimal waste society.
Impact of Increasing Inter-pregnancy Interval on Maternal and Infant Health

Short inter-pregnancy intervals (IPIs) have been associated with adverse maternal and infant health outcomes in the literature. However, many studies in this area have been lacking in quality and appropriate control for confounders known to be associated with both short IPIs and poor outcomes. The objective of this systematic review was to assess this relationship using more rigorous criteria, based on GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology. We found too few higher-quality studies of the impact of IPIs (measured as the time between the birth of a previous child and conception of the next child) on maternal health to reach conclusions about maternal nutrition, morbidity or mortality. However, the evidence for infant effects justified meta-analyses. We found significant impacts of short IPIs for extreme preterm birth [<6 m adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.58 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.40, 1.78], 6-11 m aOR: 1.23 [1.03, 1.46]], moderate preterm birth (<6 m aOR: 1.41 [1.20, 1.65], 6-11 m aOR: 1.09 [1.01, 1.18]), low birthweight (<6 m aOR: 1.44 [1.30, 1.61], 6-11 m aOR: 1.12 [1.08, 1.17]), stillbirth (aOR: 1.35 [1.07, 1.71] and early neonatal death (aOR: 1.29 [1.02, 1.64]) outcomes largely in high- and moderate-income countries. It is likely these effects would be greater in settings with poorer maternal health and nutrition. Future research in these settings is recommended. This is particularly important in developing countries, where often the pattern is to start childbearing at a young age, have all desired children quickly and then control fertility through permanent contraception, thereby contracting women's fertile years and potentially increasing their exposure to the ill effects of very short IPIs.
Activation of Distinct Motor Cortex Regions During Ipsilateral and Contralateral Finger Movements

Previous studies have shown that unilateral finger movements are normally accompanied by a small activation in ipsilateral motor cortex. The magnitude of this activation has been shown to be altered in a number of conditions, particularly in association with stroke recovery. The site of this activation, however, has received limited attention. To address this question, functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to study precentral gyrus activation in six control and three stroke patients during right index finger tapping, then during left index finger tapping. In each hemisphere, the most significantly activated site (P < 0.001 required) was identified during ipsilateral and during contralateral finger tapping. In the motor cortex of each hemisphere, the site activated during use of the ipsilateral hand differed from that found during use of the contralateral hand. Among the 11 control hemispheres showing significant activation during both motor tasks, the site for ipsilateral hand representation (relative to contralateral hand site in the same hemisphere) was significantly shifted ventrally in all 11 hemispheres (mean, 11 mm), laterally in 10/11 hemispheres (mean, 12 mm), and anteriorly in 8/11 hemispheres (mean, 10 mm). In 6 of 11 hemispheres, tapping of the contralateral finger simultaneously activated both the ipsilateral and the contralateral finger sites, suggesting bilateral motor control by the ipsilateral finger site. The sites activated during ipsilateral and contralateral hand movement showed similar differences in the unaffected hemisphere of stroke patients. The region of motor cortex activated during ipsilateral hand movements is spatially distinct from that identified during contralateral hand movements.
The Role of FL Departments: Enabling and Fostering Ubiquitous Use of Languages.

In this article the author discusses aspects of the possible contributions by foreign language departments regarding internationalizing the curriculum of U.S. higher education. He is critical of the lack of preparation by college students to study foreign languages as well as the curricula being incompatible with the students' needs. Also investigated is foreign language departments' expansion of their own departmental curricula to foster the use of several languages throughout higher education.
Parental background of male homosexuals and heterosexuals.

Conflicting descriptions of parents of homosexuals compared to those of heterosexuals have typically been reported. The most frequently noted pattern for homosexuals includes a close-binding, controlling mother and a detached, rejecting father. Because the majority of studies have examined emotionally disturbed patients, and have contained significant methodological and sampling inadequacies, the present research evaluated nonclinical homosexual and heterosexual groups by means of systematically developed objective questionnaires. The data for the total samples indicated that homosexuals (N= 307) described their fathers and mothers as more rejecting and less loving and that they were less close to their fathers than heterosexuals (N= 138). For subsamples of homosexuals and heterosexuals scoring low on neuroticism, however, no significant differences in family relations were found. Differences in parent similarity were also considerably reduced when homosexuals and heterosexuals low on neuroticism were compared. Homosexuals low on femininity, in addition, reported negative behavior for fathers but not for mothers. The importance of considering the general level of adjustment among nonclinical subjects and the degree of masculinity of subjects was supported by the findings in the present study. The overall results, in addition, cast serious doubt on the prevalent assumption that negative parental behavior, especially of mothers, plays a critical role in differentiating the backgrounds of homosexuals and heterosexuals.
Circadian rhythms: Eyes of the clock

Abstract The daily light–dark cycle synchronizes the internal circadian clock with the outside world. Blind organisms maintain this light-induced entrainment, suggesting the existence of a non-visual phototransduction pathway. The photoreceptor is unknown, but several intriguing candidates have recently come to light.
Fast, low-dose patient localization on TomoTherapy via topogram registration

Purpose: To investigate a protocol which efficiently localizes TomoTherapy patients with a scout imaging (topogram) mode that can be used with or instead of 3D megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) imaging. Methods: The process presented here is twofold: (a) The acquisition of the topogram using the TomoTherapy MV imaging system and (b) the generation of a digitally reconstructed topogram (DRT) derived from a standard kV CT simulation data set. The unique geometric characteristics of the current TomoTherapy imaging system were explored both theoretically and by acquiring topograms of anthropomorphic phantoms and comparing these images to DRT images. The performance of the MV topogram imaging system in terms of image quality, dose incurred to the patient, and acquisition time was investigated using ionization chamber and radiographic film measurements. Results: The time required to acquire a clinically usable topogram, limited by the maximum couch speed of 4.0 cm s − 1 , was 12.5 s for a 50 cm long field. The patient dose was less than 1% of that delivered by a helical MVCT scan. Further refinements within the current TomoTherapy system, most notably decreasing the imaging beam repetition rate during MV topogram acquisition, would further reduce the topogram dose to less than 25 μ Gy per scan without compromising image quality. Conclusions: Topogram localization on TomoTherapy is a fast and low-dose alternative to 3D MVCT localization. A protocol designed that exclusively utilized MV topograms would result in a 30-fold reduction in imaging time and a 100-fold reduction in dose from localization scans using the current TomoTherapy workflow.
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and cancer

A 27-year-old white woman with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) associated with a rare but distinctive ovarian tumor, the sex cord tumor with annular tubules (SCTAT), is discussed. Pertinent oral manifestations of PJS and chemotherapy complications are illustrated by the case report. Traditionally, patients exhibiting PJS have not been considered at increased risk of cancer development. This case, coupled with a review of the recent literature, suggests that these patients are, indeed, at increased risk of malignant lesions of several organ systems.
VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT THROUGH INTEGRATED TRANSPORTATION ANALYSIS

Vulnerability assessment is the analysis of a system for weaknesses that could be exploited and the determination of the probability of an attack on those weaknesses. Transportation vulnerability assessment is concerned with our transportation system. Highway, bridge, airport, rail, transit, and intermodal infrastructure are part of our transportation system. Automobiles, trucks, airplanes, trains, and transit vehicles are part of our transportation system. People of all walks of life, in every city and state, are part of our transportation system. Vulnerability assessment includes people involved in all modes of our transportation system at all levels of government and the private sector. Because our responsibility is as extensive as it is essential and enduring, vulnerability assessment is critical if we are to use our resources to provide safe, secure, and reliable transportation. Described is the vulnerability-assessment process in use in New Mexico and its relationship to integrated transportation an...
2. Some Global Results for Asymptotically Simple Space-Times

A uniqueness theorem for Minkowski space and de Sitter space associated with the occurrence of null lines (inextendible globally achronal null geodesics) is presented. This result is obtained as a consequence of the null splitting theorem, which is also discussed.