cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protein Synthesis and Memory

One of the more generally accepted ideas in the neurobiology of memory is that the synaptic alterations that accompany new learning often depend on de novo protein synthesis. A large body of work supports this notion and experimental approaches include the measurement of experience-dependent gene expression as well as assessing the behavioral effects of manipulations directed at altering the synthesis of specific gene products or the processes of transcription and translation more generally. Recent work in this area has also focused on the requirement for new protein after a previously stored memory has been recalled.
Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice: Application to Neonatal Resuscitation.

Introduction This curriculum includes two simulation cases for neonatal resuscitation training using the rapid cycle deliberate practice (RCDP) technique. RCDP is a simulation-based curriculum that...
Patient and family caregiver perceptions of a cancer-related in-home Reiki experience.

174Background: Complementary care modalities are needed for residential patients and family caregivers, in addition to traditional cancer treatments, to effectively alleviate associated symptoms. Reiki is one of the biofield energy modalities which is generally known to provide non-invasive, non-pharmacological, and beneficial relaxation. It has been commonly practiced to cancer patients in clinical and cancer support facilities. However, little is known about providing Reiki at home especially by informal caregivers. This study aims to describe and understand the perceptions of an in-home Reiki practice as experienced by patients with cancer and their family caregivers. Research Question: What are the perceptions of patients and caregivers of their experiences with an in-home Reiki practice? Methods: A descriptive phenomenological approach (Husserl) was used to explore the perceptions of cancer patients and family caregivers of an in-home Reiki practice through narratives of six dyads of participants; si...
Quantifying Diastolic Function: From E-Waves as Triangles to Physiologic Contours via the ‘Geometric Method’

Conventional echocardiographic diastolic function (DF) assessment approximates transmitral flow velocity contours (Doppler E-waves) as triangles, with peak (Epeak), acceleration time (AT), and deceleration time (DT) as indexes. These metrics have limited value because they are unable to characterize the underlying physiology. The parametrized diastolic filling (PDF) formalism provides a physiologic, kinematic mechanism based characterization of DF by extracting chamber stiffness (k), relaxation (c), and load (x o ) from E-wave contours. We derive the mathematical relationship between the PDF parameters and Epeak, AT, DT and thereby introduce the geometric method (GM) that computes the PDF parameters using Epeak, AT, and DT as input. Numerical experiments validated GM by analysis of 208 E-waves from 31 datasets spanning the full range of clinical diastolic function. GM yielded indistinguishable average parameter values per subject vs. the gold-standard PDF method (k: R2 = 0.94, c: R2 = 0.95, x o : R2 = 0.95, p < 0.01 all parameters). Additionally, inter-rater reliability for GM-determined parameters was excellent (k: ICC = 0.956 c: ICC = 0.944, x o : ICC = 0.993). Results indicate that E-wave symmetry (AT/DT) may comprise a new index of DF. By employing indexes (Epeak, AT, DT) that are already in standard clinical use the GM capitalizes on the power of the PDF method to quantify DF in terms of physiologic chamber properties.
Clinical Development of Sunitinib Malate

Sunitinib malate (SUTENT®, SU11248, Pfizer Inc.) is an oral multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor with antiangiogenic and antitumor activity. RTKs are transmembrane proteins, the dysregulated activity of which has been linked to the growth and metastatic spread of human cancers. Sunitinib has shown efficacy in phase II and phase III trials of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). The phase III study in imatinib-resistant or -intolerant GIST patients was unblinded early when the planned interim analysis revealed a significant time to progression advantage for sunitinib compared with placebo (27.3 weeks vs 6.4 weeks; P≪0.0001). In the recently reported phase III comparison of first-line sunitinib and interferon alfa (IFN-α) in metastatic RCC patients, treatment with sunitinib also resulted in a significantly longer progression-free survival than IFN-α (11 vs 5 months; P0.001). Sunitinib is well tolerated and has a consistent, predictable safety profile. The most common treatment-related adverse events reported in the clinical program have been fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. Fatigue was not commonly associated with treatment discontinuation. Gastrointestinal toxicities were generally manageable. Encouraging results from single-agent studies in other tumor types such as metastatic breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer have led to planned and ongoing investigations of this agent in firstand second-line combination studies in these and other common solid tumor types.
Abstract 2602: Results of Atrioventricular Valve Surgery following Modified Fontan Operation. The Mayo Clinic 36 Year Experience

Atrioventricular (AV) valve surgery after Fontan operation is a marker of poor outcome. Systemic AV valve issues are dealt with prior to Fontan operation. But, there are scant long-term data for patients that had AV valve surgery after Fontan. We evaluated early and late results of AV valve surgery after Fontan operation. Variables traditionally known to correlate with poor outcome, and current health status of survivors were assessed. All patients who underwent AV valve surgery after Fontan operation were identified from the Mayo Clinic Fontan database (1972–2008). Records were abstracted for preoperative, operative, and postoperative data. All patients not known to be deceased were sent health status questionnaires. A total of 61 patients (28 females) with a modified Fontan operation had subsequent AV valve surgery. Median age at operation was 14 years (2 – 41 years). The AV valve was replaced in 23 (38%) and the remaining had repair. Median duration between Fontan and AV valve surgery was 4.7 years (
Proteomics and Cancer Epidemiology

Profiling of differentially expressed proteins is perhaps the most important and useful approach in developing tools for risk assessment in a population, diagnostic screening, and therapeutics. Proteomic markers have potential for identifying individuals at high risk of developing cancer; however, these markers have not been extensively used in cancer epidemiologic studies. Several markers have to be clinically validated. In this chapter, methods used in proteomic analysis of clinical samples, challenges in the proteomics and cancer epidemiology, and their potential solutions are discussed.
Late Gadolinium Enhancement in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Preserved Systolic Function.

Abstract Background A high proportion of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have evidence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Objectives This study sought to assess the incremental prognostic utility of LGE in patients with HCM. Methods We studied 1,423 consecutive low-/intermediate-risk patients with HCM (age ≥18 years) with preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (mean age 66 ± 14 years, 60% men) who underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) (including dimensions and LV outflow tract gradients) and CMR (including LGE as a % of LV mass) at our center between January 2008 and December 2015. The primary composite endpoint was sudden cardiac death (SCD) and appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator discharge. The percent 5-year SCD risk score was calculated. Results The mean 5-year SCD risk score was 2.3 ± 2.0. Mean maximal LV outflow tract gradient (TTE) was 70 ± 55 mm Hg (median 74 mm Hg [interquartile range (IQR): 10 to 67 mm Hg]); indexed LV mass and LGE (both on CMR) were 91 ± 10 g/m2 and 8.4 ± 12% (IQR: 0% to 19%); 50% had LGE on CMR. Of these, 458 were nonobstructive and 965 were obstructive (of which 686 were underwent myectomy). At 4.7 ± 2.0 years of follow-up, 60 (4%) met the composite endpoint. On quadratic spline analysis, LGE ≥15% was associated with increased risk of composite events. In the obstructive subgroup, on competing risk regression analysis, ≥15% LGE (subhazard ratio: 3.04 [95% confidence interval: 1.48 to 6.10]) was associated with a higher rate and myectomy (subhazard ratio: 0.44 [95% confidence interval: 0.20 to 0.76]) was associated with a lower rate of composite endpoints (both p Conclusions In low-/intermediate-risk adult patients with HCM (obstructive, myectomy, and nonobstructive subgroups) with preserved systolic function, %LGE was significantly associated with a higher rate of composite endpoint, providing incremental prognostic utility.
Vitamin D and associated perinatal-neonatal outcomes among extremely low-birth-weight infants.

To evaluate vitamin D inadequacy among extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW, 30 ng/mL, respectively). Associations between 25(OH)D and perinatal–neonatal outcomes were determined by multivariable regression, adjusted for covariates that differ in the bivariate analysis. Of the 60 ELBW infants enrolled, 13 (22%) were vitamin D deficient, 15 (25%) were insufficient, and 32 (53%) were adequate. 25(OH)D levels were positively associated with fetal growth restriction and prolonged rupture of the membranes. Vitamin D inadequacy was frequent among ELBW infants. Circulating vitamin D concentrations were significantly associated with perinatal outcomes in this contemporary cohort.
Self-medication Hypothesis and Family Socialization Theory: Examining Independent and Common Mechanisms Responsible for Binge Drinking.

For many, binge drinking behaviors start early and become a persistent pattern of use throughout the lifespan. In an effort to strengthen understanding of etiology, this study considered the mechanisms from the self-medication hypothesis and family socialization theory. The goal was to identify whether emotional distress is a potential shared mechanism that accounts for the development of binge drinking in different developmental periods. This study used the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) dataset to examine binge drinking across time for n = 9,421 participants ranging in age from 11 to 18 (M = 15.39, SD = 1.62) at Wave I and ranging from 24 to 32 (M = 28.09, SD = 1.61) at Wave IV of the study. Using an autoregressive cross-lagged model, I examined how parent-child closeness, depressive symptoms, and binge drinking were related over three developmental periods. In examining cross-sectional and longitudinal relations, depressive symptoms were significantly related to binge drinking more often than parent-child closeness; however, results indicated the self-medication model may primarily account for concurrent drinking behaviors rather than long-term. The family socialization theory was indicated to account for some variability above and beyond the self-medication hypothesis. No indirect association between binge drinking and the parent-child relationship was detected through depressive symptoms, failing to support a shared mechanism between the two theories. The results provide support for a multifaceted assessment process for substance using clients, and support the use of Multisystemic Family Therapy, Multidimensional Family Therapy, and perhaps Attachment-Based Family Therapy.
Abstract 387: Lymphatic Endothelial Cells Derived Exosomes Promote Neolymphangiogenesis After Injury

Neolymphangiogenesis after myocardial infarction (MI) has been extensively documented; however the source of new lymphatic vessels (LVs) is still unknown. It has been described that new LVs may der...
Differentials in demographic responses to annual price variations in pre-revolutionary France: a comparison of rich and poor areas in Rouen, 1681 to 1787.

An examination of the annual responses of vital events to variations in wheat prices among groups of parishes in the city of Rouen from 1681 to 1787 reveals significant differences between rich and poor parishes in the strength of the preventive check. The urban poor respond to a price increase by dramatically decreasing fertility, while the fertility of the urban wealthy is virtually unaffected. An increase in prices is associated with relatively large increases in mortality, suggesting a strong positive check. However, little difference can be found between the rich and poor areas in the magnitude or timing of mortality responses to price variations.
Pre-release quality/potency evaluation of 1241 cord blood units (CBU) by segment testing: cb banks need to interpret the segment results and provide recommendations to transplant centers (TC).

Background & Aim To evaluate the impact of cryopreservation and storage on CBU quality/potency, segment evaluation is performed prior to release for transplant. Although FACT provides broad guidelines, interpretation of CBU segment results remains a challenge for TC. Our aim was to evaluate the NCBP segment tests and review algorithm, so we can provide clear recommendations to TC. Methods, Results & Conclusion Segment is the integral tubing of the freezing bag that contains a small amount of product. NCBP CBU processed with the AXP system have 3 segments: routinely, the first is used for identity testing by HLA typing and the second for quality/potency analysis. Potency can also be evaluated on the first segment. We compared CBU pre-cryopreservation potency values to second segment results for 1633 segments of 1241 CBU provided for transplant (period 01/2009-10/2018). Of those, 168 CBU had also first segment tested. Segment viability (viab) results (Table 1) and recovery of CD34+ cells and CFU (Table 2) allow us to set ”acceptable ranges”: results outside these ranges need to be repeated, or TC has to be notified. Potency indicators varied slightly between first and second segment; both correlated strongly with pre-cryopreservation results (Table 3). FACT pre-release specifications (Tables 1 and 2) were met in all 1633 segments except 4 (0.2%) which had lower CD34+ viab; of those, 3 were from CBU stored in two bags and the second bag's segment had CD34+ viab >95%, indicating technical problems with the first sample; for the fourth, no additional sample was available for re-testing. Our Report now indicates “CBU identity is confirmed and quality/potency indicators are satisfactory.” Segment testing requires expertise in handling and result evaluation. Pre-release segment evaluation of a representative number of CBU (3% of the NCBP Search Inventory) shows high CD34+ viab and consistently high recovery of CD34+ cells and CFU. Further, segment results correlate strongly with pre-cryopreservation values. The analysis shows that bank processes are under control and laboratory results are reproducible, for HPC, CB to be used in transplant and expansion studies. CB banks need to develop acceptable ranges for segment results based on their own data, beyond FACT guidelines, to support product release or further evaluation. CB banks need to interpret their segment results and provide guidance to TC on the quality of the products.
Use of Endoscopic Ultrasound to Guide Adalimumab Treatment in Perianal Crohn's Disease Results in Faster Fistula Healing

Background Perianal disease is a manifestation of Crohn's disease (CD) that has poor long-term treatment outcomes. The aim was to determine if rectal endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided therapy with adalimumab (ADA) can improve outcomes for patients with perianal fistulizing CD. Methods This is a randomized prospective study comparing serial EUS guidance of fistula treatment versus standard of care in fistulizing perianal CD. At enrollment, all patients underwent a rectal EUS and an EUA with seton placement and/or I&D. Treatment was maximized with immunomodulators, antibiotics, and ADA induction. Surgical interventions were determined by the surgeon's discretion in the control group and assisted by every 12th week EUS in the intervention group. Primary and secondary endpoints where complete drainage cessation at week 48 was fistula status per EUS, respectively. Results Twenty patients were enrolled: 11 control and 9 EUS guidance. At 24 weeks, 7/9 (78%) in EUS group and 3/11 (27%) in control group had drainage cessation (P = 0.04). This significant difference was lost at week 48 (P = 0.44). Three patients in the EUS and 1 in the control group had additional surgical intervention. Those in the EUS group had more rapid escalation of ADA dosing (P = 0.003). There was no difference in the change in PDAI at week 48 versus baseline (P = 0.81). Conclusions Rectal EUS-guided ADA therapy for CD perianal fistulas showed an initial benefit at 24 weeks, which was lost at week 48. This is likely due to small sample size and higher fistula closure in the controls. However, the faster rate of fistula resolution is a clinically significant finding.
“Go Home, Purūravas”: Heterodox Rhetoric of a Late Rigvedic Dialogue Hymn

ABSTRACTThis essay attempts to de-link the study of the Rigveda from both colonial philology and ongoing Hindu nationalist projects. It brings the rhetoric of form, especially as theorized by Kenne...
Mitochondrial Structural Changes in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Retinopathy.

At the core of proper mitochondrial functionality is the maintenance of its structure and morphology. Physical changes in mitochondrial structure alter metabolic pathways inside mitochondria, affect mitochondrial turnover, disturb mitochondrial dynamics, and promote mitochondrial fragmentation, ultimately triggering apoptosis. In high glucose condition, increased mitochondrial fragmentation contributes to apoptotic death in retinal vascular and Muller cells. Although alterations in mitochondrial morphology have been detected in several diabetic tissues, it remains to be established in the vascular cells of the diabetic retina. From a mechanistic standpoint, our current work supports the notion that increased expression of fission genes and decreased expression of fusion genes are involved in promoting excessive mitochondrial fragmentation. While mechanistic insights are only beginning to reveal how high glucose alters mitochondrial morphology, the consequences are clearly seen as release of cytochrome c from fragmented mitochondria triggers apoptosis. Current findings raise the prospect of targeting excessive mitochondrial fragmentation as a potential therapeutic strategy for treatment of diabetic retinopathy. While biochemical and epigenetic changes have been reported to be associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, this review focuses on alterations in mitochondrial morphology, and their impact on mitochondrial function and pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.
“Female Voices on Ink”: The Sexual Politics of Petitions in Colonial Igboland, 1892–1960

While historians have, of course, employed a host of documentary sources in reconstructing the colonial history of Nigeria, few have used petitions to understand the dynamic negotiations that occur...
Sexist Slurs: Reinforcing Feminine Stereotypes Online

Social media platforms are accused repeatedly of creating environments in which women are bullied and harassed. We argue that online aggression toward women aims to reinforce traditional feminine norms and stereotypes. In a mixed methods study, we find that this type of aggression on Twitter is common and extensive and that it can spread far beyond the original target. We locate over 2.9 million tweets in one week that contain instances of gendered insults (e.g., “bitch,” “cunt,” “slut,” or “whore”)—averaging 419,000 sexist slurs per day. The vast majority of these tweets are negative in sentiment. We analyze the social networks of the conversations that ensue in several cases and demonstrate how the use of “replies,” “retweets,” and “likes” can further victimize a target. Additionally, we develop a sentiment classifier that we use in a regression analysis to compare the negativity of sexist messages. We find that words in a message that reinforce feminine stereotypes inflate the negative sentiment of tweets to a significant and sizeable degree. These terms include those insulting someone’s appearance (e.g., “ugly”), intellect (e.g., “stupid”), sexual experience (e.g., “promiscuous”), mental stability (e.g., “crazy”), and age (“old”). Messages enforcing beauty norms tend to be particularly negative. In sum, hostile, sexist tweets are strategic in nature. They aim to promote traditional, cultural beliefs about femininity, such as beauty ideals, and they shame victims by accusing them of falling short of these standards.
Viral Kinetics and Outcomes of Adenovirus Reactivation Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant or CAR-T Cell Therapy

Adenovirus (AdV) viremia occurs in up to 10% of patients following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). Although AdV disease can be severe and associated with high mortality among those with pneumonia or disseminated disease, little is known about the viral kinetics of AdV and the natural history of untreated viremia following HCT or CAR-T cell therapy. Cidofovir is the only available therapy for AdV and is associated with significant toxicity. Thus, establishing an optimal threshold for pre-emptive therapy is urgently needed. To bridge this gap in knowledge, we conducted a retrospective study of 18 allogeneic HCT or CAR-T cell recipients with documented AdV viremia treated at our center between 12/2014 and 7/2019. Median follow up time was 102 days (IQR 56 - 318). The median absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) at time of AdV reactivation was 425 (IQR 124 - 695) for HCT and 425 (IQR 410 – 440) for CAR-T cell patients. 12/18 (67%) of the patients received corticosteroids within 30d prior to AdV (median prednisone dose 33.75 mg/d). The median time to AdV reactivation after HCT was 176 days (IQR 77 - 424), and after CAR-T cell was 366 days (IQR 173 to 558). Median initial VL was 1100 copies/mL (IQR 263 – 4000). Median peak viral load was 79,550 copies/mL (IQR 2,225 - 243,750). 11 (61%) patients received cidofovir therapy, even though, except for 2 cases of possible cystitis, 16/18 (89%) were asymptomatic at the time of AdV viremia. Median duration of viremia was 23 days for treated and 13 days for untreated patients. Among treated patients, median duration of viremia was shorter when treatment was initiated at viral loads All-cause mortality was 44%. Median time to death after AdV diagnosis was 59 days. Only 1 of 7 (14%) patients (included 5 untreated patients) with peak viremia The median AdV DNA level prior to initiation of therapy was 126,000 copies/mL (IQR, 7200-610,500). The median duration of treatment was 16 days (IQR 9 - 34). 4/11 (36%) patients treated with cidofovir had acute kidney injury (AKI) while on therapy. Median cumulative cidofovir dose was higher in patients who developed AKI vs those who did not, but this finding didn't reach statistical significance (25 vs 15mg/kg; P=0.18). In conclusion, AdV viremia is associated with high all-cause mortality, especially among those with viral loads >10,000 copies/mL. Delaying initiation of therapy until AdV ≥10,000 copies/mL is associated with more protracted viremia and longer courses of antivirals with associated nephrotoxicity. Although larger studies are needed, an AdV viral load >10,000 copies/mL following allogeneic HCT and CAR-T cell is a reasonable cutoff for initiation of pre-emptive antiviral therapy
Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction/Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion

Inducible laryngeal obstruction (also known as vocal cord dysfunction and paradoxical vocal fold motion) is a heterogeneous disease process that manifests as the sensation of airway restriction at the level of the upper airway but can also occur in conjunction with voice disorders and laryngeal irritative symptoms such as throat clearing and cough. The demographic affected by this disease includes all ages from adolescence to adulthood and affects all genders. In general, there are non-exercise-induced and exercise-induced variants. The classic diagnostic finding is inappropriate vocal fold adduction during inspiration observed during laryngoscopy when symptomatic. However, patients can be observed with symptoms in the absence of overt glottic narrowing or limitation of airflow. The diagnosis is generally made by history and supported by response to behavioral therapy typically in the form of respiratory retraining. There are many confounding or contributing diagnoses which support the use of a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment. Due to the lack of widely used objective diagnostic and outcome metrics, behavioral, medical, and surgical treatments are largely unproven. As a result, the disease presents significant opportunity for future developments in its understanding and management.
Energetic analysis and optimization of a bi-modal rolling-flying vehicle

This paper presents an energetics analysis of a bi-modal vehicle that is capable of rolling and flying. The vehicle under consideration combines the mobility and maneuverability of rotary wing flight with the efficiency of rolling locomotion. The energetics analysis uses blade element momentum theory and an electromechanical motor model to predict the electrical power consumption of the propulsion system and the maximum range of the vehicle. The performance of the rolling-flying vehicle (RFV) is compared to that of a conventional quadrotor, with the RFV having a cost of transport approximately one tenth that of the quadrotor. Analysis demonstrates that rolling locomotion provides an additional degree of control which permits optimizing the vehicle’s operation to either maximize range or minimize power. Simulations reveal a complex dependence of power on vehicle velocity and angle of attack, which informs the optimization strategy. Methods for optimization are discussed. This optimization strategy negates the need for an explicit locomotion mode decision as the transition from rolling to flying occurs naturally as a byproduct of the optimization.
Masked by Trust: Bias in Library Discovery

Masked by Trust: Bias in Library Discovery is concise, thoughtfully written, and will be useful for practitioners working in any area of the library, at any point in their career. In six chapters, ...
Chapter 8 – Environmental combustion considerations

Several forms of combustion-generated air pollutants and their mechanisms of formation and reduction are presented. These include photochemical smog, oxides of nitrogen, sulfur oxides, and carbon particulates (soot). Finally, the stratospheric ozone balance problem is examined along with the catalytic cycles of HOx, NOx, and ClOx.
An Optimal Flow Admission and Routing Control Policy for Resource Constrained Networks

Overloaded network devices are becoming an increasing problem especially in resource limited networks with the continuous and rapid increase of wireless devices and the huge volume of data generated. Admission and routing control policy at a network device can be used to balance the goals of maximizing throughput and ensuring sufficient resources for high priority flows. In this paper we formulate the admission and routing control problem of two types of flows where one has a higher priority than the other as a Markov decision problem. We characterize the optimal admission and routing policy, and show that it is a state-dependent threshold type policy. Furthermore, we conduct extensive numerical experiments to gain more insight into the behavior of the optimal policy under different systems' parameters. While dynamic programming can be used to solve such problems, the large size of the state space makes it untractable and too resource intensive to run on wireless devices. Therefore, we propose a fast heuristic that exploits the structure of the optimal policy. We empirically show that the heuristic performs very well with an average reward deviation of 1.4% from the optimal while being orders of magnitude faster than the optimal policy. We further generalize the heuristic for the general case of a system with n (n>2) types of flows.
The Context-Dependence of Social Norms in Evaluations of Racially-Derogatory Political Messages among Blacks and Whites

Theories of race norms suggest that, except for prejudiced people, individuals should recognize and reject racially derogatory speech. The increase in derogation in politics, including by non-white candidates, suggests more complexity. We argue that the application of norms can be context dependent. Specifically, the race of the observer and the race of the speaker are critical to understanding when and how norms work: a history of discrimination allows Black voters to recognize derogation independent of contextual cues, but white voters rely on a speaker’s race to determine whether speech is derogatory. We test this theory using four experiments that compare reactions of white and Black respondents to white, Black, and Muslim candidates. The results confirm that Black voters are more likely to recognize and penalize racial derogation regardless of the race of the derogator, while white votes tend to recognize and penalize derogation only when issued by white candidates.
High-Throughput Discovery of Targeted, Minimally Complex Peptide Surfaces for Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Culture

Human pluripotent stem cells harbor an unlimited capacity to generate therapeutically relevant cells for applications in regenerative medicine. However, to utilize these cells in the clinic, scalable culture systems that activate defined receptors and signaling pathways to sustain stem cell self-renewal are required; and synthetic materials offer considerable promise to meet these needs. De novo development of materials that target novel pathways has been stymied by a limited understanding of critical receptor interactions maintaining pluripotency. Here, we identify peptide agonists for the human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) laminin receptor and pluripotency regulator, α6-integrin, through unbiased, library-based panning strategies. Biophysical characterization of adhesion suggests that identified peptides bind hPSCs through α6-integrin with sub-μM dissociation constants similar to laminin. By harnessing a high-throughput microculture platform, we developed predictive guidelines for presenting these integrin-targeting peptides alongside canonical binding motifs at optimal stoichiometries to generate nascent culture surfaces. Finally, when presented as self-assembled monolayers, predicted peptide combinations supported hPSC expansion, highlighting how unbiased screens can accelerate the discovery of targeted biomaterials.
Mechanistic Convergence Across Initiation Sites for RAN Translation in Fragile X Associated Tremor Ataxia Syndrome

Repeat associated non-AUG (RAN) initiated translation of FMR1 5’ UTR CGG repeats produces toxic homo-polymeric proteins that accumulate within ubiquitinated inclusions in Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) patient brains and model systems. The most abundant RAN product, FMRpolyG, initiates predominantly at an ACG codon located 5’ to the repeat. Methods to accurately measure FMRpolyG in FXTAS patients are lacking. Here we used data dependent acquisition (DDA) and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) mass spectrometry coupled with stable isotope labeled standard peptides (SIS) to identify potential signature FMRpolyG fragments in patient cells and tissues. Following immunoprecipitation enrichment, we detected FMRpolyG signature peptides by PRM in transfected cells, FXTAS human samples and patient derived stem cells, but not in controls. Surprisingly, we identified two amino-terminal peptides: Ac-MEAPLPGGVR, initiating at an ACG, and Ac-TEAPLPGGVR, initiating at a GUG, along with evidence for RAN translation initiation within the CGG repeat itself. Initiation at all three sites was upregulated in response to cellular stress, downregulated following eIF1 overexpression and dependent on the initiation factor helicase, eIF4A. Use of the two initiation sites upstream of the repeat decreased following loss of the eIF2 alternative factor eIF2A. These data demonstrate that FMRpolyG is quantifiable in human samples and that RAN translation on FMR1 initiates via similar mechanisms at both near-cognate codons and within the repeat itself through processes dependent on available initiation factors and the cellular environment.
A rare case of microblading-induced preseptal cellulitis.

Cosmetic tattooing has gained popularity over the past several decades. Microblading is a method of semipermanent eyebrow tattooing that has become mainstream in recent years. With this technique, individuals are provided with eyebrow pigment that lasts longer and is more convenient than the traditional eyebrow pencil. Other forms of semipermanent makeup include lip blush, eyebrow tattoos, eyeliner tattoos, freckle tattoos, and scar camouflage. Infection is a rare but major complication of cosmetic tattooing that is rarely documented in the literature. Here, we report a case of preseptal cellulitis secondary to microblading in a middle-aged woman with sickle cell disease (SCD).
Video killed the multiple-choice quiz: capturing pharmacy students' literature searching skills using a screencast video assignment.

Background: In a flipped, required first-year drug information course, students were taught the systematic approach to answering drug information questions, commonly utilized resources, and literature searching. As co-coordinator, a librarian taught three weeks of the course focused on mobile applications, development of literature searching skills, and practicing in PubMed. Course assignments were redesigned in 2019 based on assessment best practices and replaced weekly multiple-choice quizzes used in prior iterations of the course. Case Presentation: Following two weeks of literature searching instruction, students were assigned a drug information question that would serve as the impetus for the search they conducted. Students (n=66) had one week to practice and record a screencast video of their search in PubMed. Students narrated their video with an explanation of the actions being performed and were assessed using a twenty-point rubric created by the course coordinator and librarian. The librarian also created general feedback videos for each question by recording screencasts while performing the literature searches and clarifying troublesome aspects for students. The librarian spent about twenty-four hours grading and six hours writing scripts, recording, and editing feedback videos. Conclusion: Most students performed well on the assignment and few experienced technical difficulties. Instructors will use this assignment and feedback method in the future. Screencast videos proved an innovative way to assess student knowledge and to provide feedback on literature searching assignments. This method is transferrable to any medical education setting and could be used across all health professions to improve information literacy skills.
Access to National Security Information under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act

Nations throughout the world permit executive officials to maintain secrecy in matters touching “national security.” And secrecy’s potential for eroding democratic values is growing as conceptions of national security expand. The U.S. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) offers tools to resist that trend. The present paper, prepared for an International Symposium on “Freedom of Information and Governmental Transparency,” examines FOIA practice in national-security cases. Although U.S. courts do not always pursue their FOIA responsibilities aggressively, they frequently succeed in forcing the release of significant, previously classified material. An active judicial check on national security secrecy therefore is not impractical. The disappointments of judicial oversight result primarily from misplaced reverence for executive expertise, a misconception that legislation can address. Judicial oversight of unjustified secrecy is feasible and legitimate, even in highly sensitive national security matters.
Adaptability Theory Analysis of the Genotype-Phenotype Relationship

Reliability is a special case of a biologically more fundamental ability—which I call transformability. The substance of the analysis of reliability was: reliable information processing, insofar as it is based on redundancy, requires an increase in the actual magnitudes of the entropies H(ω) and H(ω|ω*). It also increases the effectiveness of adaptability by increasing the difference between these two entropies. One of the objectives of this chapter is to show that the gradual transformability of biological structure and function is also based on redundancies which increase the actual magnitudes. The most important example is the transformability of the phenotype in response to genetic variation. This is clearly the sine qua non for effective evolutionary adaptation.
The College Pathways of Foreign-Born and Native-Born Latina/o College Students at Four-Year Institutions.

With the continued growth of Latinas/os in higher education, it has become more important than ever for university leaders, administrators, and policy makers to understand the complex factors that lead to their participation and success. It is also important to acknowledge that a good proportion of these Latina/o students are foreign-born. This study explores key differences between foreign-born and native-born Latinas/os as they enter four-year institutions in key areas such as academic preparation and reasons for choosing college. Employing longitudinal trends data from the CIRP Freshman survey, we utilize chi-square analysis to explore differences across key groups (by place of birth and gender) over three decades. Our results suggest that foreign-born Latinas/os lag behind their peers in academic preparation, have greater concerns over financing college, and are likely to choose college due to low tuition. Our findings demonstrate each group’s unique profile upon entering four-year institutions and provide a historic glimpse of how these student populations have changed over three decades.
Oligosaccharides of Human Milk: III. ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A NEW HEXASACCHARIDE, LACTO-N-HEXAOSE

Abstract A new hexasaccharide, lacto-N-hexaose, was isolated from human milk and characterized as having this structure. [see PDF for sequence]
Lipophilicity in PK design: methyl, ethyl, futile.

Lipophilicity, often expressed as distribution coefficients (log D) in octanol/water, is an important physicochemical parameter influencing processes such as oral absorption, brain uptake and various pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Increasing log D values increases oral absorption, plasma protein binding and volume of distribution. However, more lipophilic compounds also become more vulnerable to P450 metabolism, leading to higher clearance. Molecular size and hydrogen bonding capacity are two other properties often considered as important for membrane permeation and pharmacokinetics. Interrelationships among these physicochemical properties are discussed. Increasing size (molecular weight) often gives higher potency, but inevitably also leads to either higher lipophilicity, and hence poorer dissolution/solubility, or to more hydrogen bonding capacity, which limits oral absorption. Differences in optimal properties between gastrointestinal absorption and uptake into the brain are addressed. Special attention is given to the desired lipophilicity of CNS drugs. In examples using β-blockers, Ca channel antagonists and peptidic renin inhibitors we will demonstrate how potency and pharmacokinetic properties need to be balanced.
Empirical Modeling of Perceived Presence in Virtual Environments Using Sequential Experimentation Techniques

Investigations of perceived presence in a virtual environment (VE) consist primarily of single studies examining only a few independent variables at once. A series of three studies was conducted to test a ratio-scale measure of presence and to examine the first- and second-order effects of eleven VE system parameters on perceived presence. Sequential experimentation techniques were used to build an integrated empirical model using polynomial regression. The resulting primary predictors of perceived presence using a head-mounted display included field of view, sound, and head-tracking. Secondary predictors included visual display resolution, texture-mapping, stereopsis, and scene update rate. The procedures and limitations of sequential experimentation, and its application to the examination of perceived presence in a VE are discussed. It is concluded that sequential experimentation is a useful tool for examining perceived presence, but the subjective nature of this phenomenon and individual differences ca...
Necessity of Emergency Medical Care for Patients with Epilepsy Presenting with Typical Seizures (P5.050)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if there is a group of patients with known epilepsy that present to the emergency department (ED) unnecessarily for typical breakthrough seizures. BACKGROUND: Typical breakthrough seizures in a known epilepsy patient do not require further emergent work-up and medication adjustments can be made safely in the outpatient setting. DESIGN/METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients presenting with seizure to our tertiary medical center. One hundred ninety-seven charts were reviewed. Ninety-seven patients with new-onset seizure, new seizure type, status epilepticus, secondary injuries from the seizure, or secondary medical problems were excluded. One-hundred patients met our criteria, having known epilepsy and presenting with a typical breakthrough seizure without other illness or medical problem. RESULTS: Forty-eight percent of patients had convulsive events, 10% had unresponsive events, and for 42% of patients, the type of seizure was not documented. Forty-two percent had their seizure at home, 13% in public, 13% in a health-care setting, and 32% in an undocumented setting. Six percent were transported to the ED by private vehicle, 49% by emergency medical services, and 45% by unknown means. Thirty-three percent had brain imaging done in the ED. Eighty-nine percent of patients were discharged and 11% were admitted to the hospital. When divided by the two separate ED sites, 94% of the patients at the Main Campus ED and 79% of the patients at University Hospital East ED were discharged. Neurology residents are available to evaluate patients at the Main Campus ED. Patients at the other ED site, however, are often admitted just to be seen by a neurologist. CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of patients with known epilepsy presenting to the ED with a typical breakthrough seizure were able to be discharged home safely. These findings highlight the unnecessary ED visits and healthcare costs associated with typical breakthrough seizures. Disclosure: Dr. Rust has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shneker has received personal compensation for activities with Supernous. Dr. Shneker has received research support from UCB Pharma, GlaxoSmithKline Inc., Eisai Inc., Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, and SK Life Sciences.
In-vitro steady and pulsatile flow visualization of the normal mitral valve

The role and importance of critical parameters, such as cardiac output, ventricular pressure, and papillary muscle position, on mitral valve behaviour and on the development of the ventricular flow field are studied. Steady and pulsatile flow visualization experiments demonstrate that the main factor which affects the ventricular function is the papillary muscle position. By controlling regurgitation, it can change the cardiac output, as well as the ventricular pressure. A qualitative agreement is found between a color Doppler ultrasound flow field and those obtained by flow visualization. >
Concentration-Dependent Diversifcation Effects of Free Cholesterol Loading on Macrophage Viability and Polarization

Background/Aims: The accumulation of free cholesterol in atherosclerotic lesions has been well documented in both animals and humans. In studying the relevance of free cholesterol buildup in atherosclerosis, contradictory results have been generated, indicating that free cholesterol produces both pro- and anti-atherosclerosis effects in macrophages. This inconsistency might stem from the examination of only select concentrations of free cholesterol. In the present study, we sought to investigate the implication of excess free cholesterol loading in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis across a broad concentration range from (in µg/ml) 0 to 60. Methods: Macrophage viability was determined by measuring formazan formation and flow cytometry viable cell counting. The polarization of M1 and M2 macrophages was differentiated by FACS (Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting) assay. The secretion of IL-1β in macrophage culture medium was measured by ELISA kit. Macrophage apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry using a TUNEL kit. Results: Macrophage viability was increased at the treatment of lower concentrations of free cholesterol from (in µg/ml) 0 to 20, but gradually decreased at higher concentrations from 20 to 60. Lower free cholesterol loading induced anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage polarization. The activation of the PPARγ (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma) nuclear factor underscored the stimulation of this M2 phenotype. Nevertheless, higher levels of free cholesterol resulted in pro-inflammatory M1 activation. Moreover, with the application of higher free cholesterol concentrations, macrophage apoptosis and secretion of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β increased significantly. Conclusion: These results for the first time demonstrate that free cholesterol could render concentration-dependent diversification effects on macrophage viability, polarization, apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine secretions, thereby reconciling the pros and cons of free cholesterol buildup in macrophages to the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis.
Physics design requirements for the Tokamak Physics Experiment (TPX)

The design of TPX is driven by physics requirements that follow from its mission. The tokamak and heating systems provide the performance and profile controls needed to study advanced steady state tokamak operating modes. The magnetic control systems provide substantial flexibility for the study of regimes with high beta and bootstrap current. The divertor is designed for high steady state power and particle exhaust.
Corrections to “Admissibility of estimators of the probability of unobserved outcomes”

where f ( x n p) (n! /Hixp!) oo x~ ; = [ L pi Since (2.6) must be true for all p our approach is to i teratively examine (2.6) for particular choices of p. We will show that the validity of (2.6) for each particular p implies the equali ty of G and E for certain sample points. Also as we consider all our p choices we will cover all sample points. Let p(O, r) = (1 0, O/r, . . . , O/r, 0,. . .) be a parameter point and define
Self-Relevance and Purchase Goals: Mapping a Consumer Decision:

The purpose of this research is to introduce a cognitive mapping methodology designed to explore the goal structures that are activated by a consumer’s experienced feelings of self-relevance or involvement with a product or service. In particular, the authors examine how a consumer’s enduring involvement with a product class (greeting cards) and specific decision situations affect the content and structure of the activated purchase goals in a consumer’s decision map. As compared to enduring involvement, the decision situation more strongly affected the content of the goals in the decision maps. The authors conclude with a discussion of the implications of the method and the results for consumer behavior and marketing strategy research.
The Presence of Linear Wavelike Modes in a Zonally Symmetric Model of the Tropical Atmosphere

The linear, zonally symmetric modes of the basic state of a Hadley cell are examined. It is found that the inclusion of the divergent basic state leads to the formation of a new class of slowly oscillating modes, some of which have periods in the range of 40-50 days. The modes have many features in common with the observed tropical 40-50-day oscillation; however, an explanation for the observed fluctuations in convective cloudiness remains a topic for future work.