cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Renal Failure in Sickle Cell Disease: Prevalence, Predictors of Disease, Mortality and Effect on Length of Hospital Stay

Renal dysfunction in sickle cell disease is not only a chronic comorbidity but also a mortality risk factor. Though renal dysfunction starts early in life in sickle cell patients, the predictors that can identify sickle cell disease patients at risk of developing renal dysfunction is not known. We used the Truven Health MarketScan® Medicaid Databases from 2007 to 2012. Incidence of new acute renal failure (ARF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) was calculated in this cohort. There were 9481 patients with a diagnosis of sickle cell disease accounting for 64,201 hospital admissions, during the study period. Both ARF and CKD were associated with higher risk of inpatient mortality, longer duration of the hospital stay and expensive hospitalizations. The yearly incidence of new ARF in sickle cell disease patients was 1.4% and annual CKD incidence was 1.3%. The annual rate of new ARF and CKD in the control group was 0.4 and 0.6%, respectively. The most important predictors of new CKD were proteinuria, ARF and hypertension. Chronic kidney disease, hypertension and sickle cell crisis were the most important predictors of new ARF. The annual rate of incidences of ARF and CKD were 2- to 3-fold higher in sickle cell disease compared to the non sickle cell disease group. Besides the common risk factors for renal disease in the general population, it is imperative to monitor the sickle cell disease patients with more severe disease to prevent them from developing renal dysfunction.
The feasibility of counting songbirds using unmanned aerial vehicles

ABSTRACT Obtaining unbiased survey data for vocal bird species is inherently challenging due to observer biases, habitat coverage biases, and logistical constraints. We propose that combining bioacoustic monitoring with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology could reduce some of these biases and allow bird surveys to be conducted in less accessible areas. We tested the feasibility of the UAV approach to songbird surveys using a low-cost quadcopter with a simple, lightweight recorder suspended 8 m below the vehicle. In a field experiment using playback of bird recordings, we found that small variations in UAV altitude (it hovered at 28, 48, and 68 m) didn't have a significant effect on detections by the recorder attached to the UAV, and we found that the detection radius of our equipment was comparable with detection radii of standard point counts. We then field tested our equipment, comparing songbird detections from our UAV-mounted recorder with standard point-count data from 51 count stations. We foun...
Immunogenicity of Class I HLA but not preformed low MFI donor specific antibodies correlates with outcomes after first renal transplantation

Abstract Background The role of low levels of circulating donor specific antibodies (DSA) producing negative flow cytometry cross match is not completely defined. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical significance of preexisting low levels of class I DSAs in flow cytometry cross match (FC CM) negative first kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Methods All of the KTRs ( n = 41) had low levels of anti-class I antibodies only. The kidney transplant outcome was evaluated by the development of a deleterious effect (DE) in recipients in the study cohort (Group 1: DE +, Group 2: DE-). Positivity for DE was determined based on the following criteria: biopsy proven transplant glomerulopathy (TG), de novo development of DSAs, increasing MFI values for preexisting DSAs, and the development of biopsy proven AMR. Anti-HLA antibodies were tested using single antigen Luminex technology. The HLAMatchmaker computer algorithm was used for the immunogenicity analysis of antibody verified (AbVer) mismatched eplets (MME) at the HLA-A and B loci. Results The results of this study showed that the number of AbVer MME is larger ( P = 0.03) in the group of KTR who developed DE. We also demonstrated that the number of AbVer MME is a strong predictor of post-transplant DE. These results indicate that persistent weakly reactive DSA is not a significant risk factor for the development of post-transplant DE and that recipients with such antibodies can be successfully transplanted. Conclusions Immunogenicity of AbVer MME at HLA-A and B loci is strong predictor of post-transplant increases of the MFI values of preexisting or de novo developed DSA in the FC CM negative first KTR. Avoiding of transplants with more than eleven Class I AbVer MMEs may be the optimal approach to reduce the risk of kidney graft failure.
The messenger matters: Pollinator functional group influences mating system dynamics.

The incredible diversity of plant mating systems has fuelled research in evolutionary biology for over a century. Currently, there is broad concern about the impact of rapidly changing pollinator communities on plant populations. Very few studies, however, examine patterns and mechanisms associated with multiple paternity from cross-pollen loads. Often, foraging pollinators collect a mixed pollen load that may result in the deposition of pollen from different sires to receptive stigmas. Coincident deposition of self- and cross-pollen leads to interesting mating system dynamics and has been investigated in numerous species. But, mixed pollen loads often consist of a diversity of cross-pollen and result in multiple sires of seeds within a fruit. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Rhodes, Fant, and Skogen (2017) examine how pollinator identity and spatial isolation influence multiple paternity within fruits of a self-incompatible evening primrose. The authors demonstrate that pollen pool diversity varies between two pollinator types, hawkmoths and diurnal solitary bees. Further, progeny from more isolated plants were less likely to have multiple sires regardless of the pollinator type. Moving forward, studies of mating system dynamics should consider the implications of multiple paternity and move beyond the self- and cross-pollination paradigm. Rhodes et al. (2017) demonstrate the importance of understanding the roles that functionally diverse pollinators play in mating system dynamics.
Simple and efficient analyses of micro-architected cellular elastic-plastic materials with tubular members

Abstract In a novel way, nature evolves cellular structures to obtain mechanically efficient materials. Natural cellular materials combine low weight with superior mechanical properties to provide optimum strength and stiffness at low density such as trabecular bone, hornbill bird beaks, and bird wing bones. Inspired by these naturally architected cellular materials, humankind has also developed lightweight cellular materials for a broad range of applications consisting of structural components, energy absorption, heat exchange, and biomaterials. In this paper we present a highly efficient computational method to predict the bulk elastic-plastic homogenized mechanical properties of low-mass metallic systems with architected cellular microstructures. The proposed methodology provides a computational framework for the analysis, design, and topology optimization of such cellular materials. With a view for Direct Numerical Simulation of a cellular solid or structure with millions of cellular members, and considering the plausible deformations in each member, each such member is sought to be modeled by using only one or only a very few nonlinear three-dimensional (3D) beam elements with 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) at each of the 2 nodes of the element, and the nonlinear coupling of axial-torsional-bidirectional bending deformations is considered for each element. The effect of plasticity in each member is included using the mechanism of plastic hinges which may form at any point(s) along the length of each element or member. To make Direct Numerical Simulation of a micro-latticed cellular solid possible for its eventual applications, the tangent stiffness matrix for a spatial beam element undergoing large elastic-plastic deformation is explicitly derived using a Reissner-type mixed variational principle in the co-rotational updated Lagrangian reference frame. In order to avoid the inversion of the Jacobian matrix, a Newton homotopy method is employed to solve the tangent-stiffness equations. We are developing a code called CELLS/LIDS [CELLular Structures/Large Inelastic DeformationS] providing the capabilities to study the variation of the mechanical properties of the low-mass metallic cellular structures by changing their topology. Thus, due to the efficiency of this method we propose to employ it for topology optimization design, and for impact/energy absorption analyses of elastic-plastic micro-cellular structures, and then micro-architecting them for desired elastic-plastic properties.
Wireless Power Transfer

Abstract This chapter covers different methods of wireless power transfer (WPT) with the main focus on weakly coupled inductive WPT systems. Such systems are increasingly getting popular due to the advantages they bring compared with wired power transfer. A typical two-coil inductive WPT system is analyzed, and the system parameters such as magnetic link efficiency are derived. Various WPT resonance topologies for both primary (transmitter) and secondary (receiver) coils are reviewed. Main elements of the system including high-frequency (MHz region) inverters such as class-D and class-E are explained. The WPT systems with multiple coils in primary, secondary, or in between them are covered. And the effects of coil size, shape, and alignment on the link efficiency are studied. The chapter concludes by exploring various coil components such as winding type, ferrite pad, and metal shielding plate for high-frequency and high-quality-factor coils.
UV Dose Governs UV-Polymerized Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Modulus

Polyacrylamide (PAA) hydrogels have become a widely used tool whose easily tunable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, thermostability, and chemical inertness make them invaluable in many biological applications, such as cell mechanosensitivity studies. Currently, preparation of PAA gels involves mixtures of acrylamide, bisacrylamide, a source of free radicals, and a chemical stabilizer. This method, while generally well accepted, has its drawbacks: long polymerization times, unstable and toxic reagents, and tedious preparation. Alternatively, PAA gels could be made by free radical polymerization (FRP) using ultraviolet (UV) photopolymerization, a method which is quicker, less tedious, and less toxic. Here, we describe a simple strategy based on total UV energy for determining the optimal UV crosslinking conditions that lead to optimal hydrogel modulus.
Cortical thickness patterns as state biomarker of anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE Only few studies have investigated cortical thickness in anorexia nervosa (AN), and it is unclear whether patterns of altered cortical thickness can be identified as biomarkers for AN. METHOD Cortical thickness was measured in 19 adult women with restricting-type AN, 24 individuals recovered from restricting-type AN (REC-AN) and 24 healthy controls. Those individuals with current or recovered from AN had previously shown altered regional cortical volumes across orbitofrontal cortex and insula. A linear relevance vector machine-learning algorithm estimated patterns of regional thickness across 24 subdivisions of those regions. RESULTS Region-based analysis showed higher cortical thickness in AN and REC-AN, compared to controls, in the right medial orbital (olfactory) sulcus, and greater cortical thickness for short insular gyri in REC-AN versus controls bilaterally. The machine-learning algorithm identified a pattern of relatively higher right orbital, right insular and left middle frontal cortical thickness, but lower left orbital, right middle and inferior frontal, and bilateral superior frontal cortical thickness specific to AN versus controls (74% specificity and 74% sensitivity, χ2 p < .004); predicted probabilities differed significantly between AN and controls (p < .023). No pattern significantly distinguished the REC-AN group from controls. CONCLUSIONS Higher cortical thickness in medial orbitofrontal cortex and insula probably contributes to higher gray matter volume in AN in those regions. The machine-learning algorithm identified a mixed pattern of mostly higher orbital and insular, but relatively lower superior frontal cortical thickness in individuals with current AN. These novel results suggest that regional cortical thickness patterns could be state markers for AN.
Classification with incomplete functional covariates

Abstract We consider the problem of functional classification when the covariate may be unavailable (unobservable) on some subsets of its domain. Given the observed fragments of the functional covariates, we propose a strongly consistent nonparametric classifier based on local averaging.
Structural changes and digestibility of waxy maize starch debranched by different levels of pullulanase.

Pullulanase is able to debranch amylopectin and result in higher resistant starch (RS) content in waxy maize starch. Different levels of pullulanase have been used to debranch waxy maize starch in the literature, but the changes of structure during debranching are unknown. In this study, waxy maize starch (25% solids) was cooked and debranched with different levels of pullulanase. The structure of waxy maize starch during debranching was investigated and the digestibility of the debranched products was measured. When pullulanase activity was increased, more amylopectin was debranched in same debranching time, and the degree of crystallinity and the RS content were increased. With longer debranching time, more linear chains were cleaved and crystallized to B-type crystalline structure at 25 °C. More than 80% of waxy maize starch could be debranched by pullulanase. After the debranched starches were crystallized at 25 °C for 24 h, the RS content was increased to 70.7%.
Diversification, Financial Performance, and Stability of Foodservice Firms:

Diversification has been shown to improve the financial performance and increase the stability of firms in the manufacturing industry. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between diversification and financial performance and stability in the foodservice industry. Rumelt's (1974) strategic diversification measure was utilized and modified to analyze the financial performance and stability of 73 sample foodservice firms from 1988 to 1991. The statistical tests showed no significant relationship between diversification and financial performance and stability of foodservice firms over the entire period. However, when the time frame was divided into two subperiods, before and during the recent recession, significant differences in market performance and accounting stability were found between diversified and undiversified groups. Business cycle does affect the relationship between diversification and the performance and stability of foodservice firms.
Feasibility of Power and Methanol Production by an Entrained-Flow Coal Gasification System

Sustainability metrics, a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment, and a technoeconomic evaluation are presented for an optimized entrained-flow coal oxy-combustion plant with carbon capture to produc...
Learning Content Recommender System for Instructors of Programming Courses

In this paper, we present a course-adaptive recommender system that assists instructors of programming courses in selecting the most relevant learning materials. The recommender system deduces the envisioned structure of a specific course using program examples prepared by the course instructor and recommends learning content items adapting to instructor’s intentions. We also present a study that assessed the quality of recommendations using datasets collected from different courses.
Adhesion of Fungal Propagules

Adhesion is a well established phenomenon that occurs during the normal growth of organisms within their environments. This review will present recent literature which is pertinent to our understanding how adhesion occurs across a broad spectrum of organisms, to our current knowledge of the chemistry of adhesives, and in particular to the significance of adhesion to the fungal infection process. The pathogens Colletotrichum graminicola and Erysiphe graminis will provide examples of adhesion and its relevance to the infection process as they represent both necrotrophic and biotrophic pathogens with very different requirements for their survival and success as pathogens.
Metabolomics Tools to Study Links Between Pollution and Human Health: an Exposomics Perspective

Metabolomics (and exposomics) as disciplines provide an unprecedented opportunity to delve into the chemical space of our environmental health and pollution landscape in the most comprehensible and high throughput manner. Ranging from diet, drugs and medications, personal care and hygiene products, cosmetics, microbiome-derived chemicals, volatile organic carbons, breathe volatiles, gases, pollutants, metals, modified endogenous metabolites, and other industrial chemicals are all represented in this chemical ecosystem which we collectively call as exposures. Approaches such as innovations in sampling and sample preparation and extraction, to analytical instrumentation, computational strategies, and bioinformatic interrogation of the datasets, continue to explode in this hot area of research. Particularly, numerous high throughput and newly developed high resolution (HR)/accurate mass (AM)–mass-spectrometry (MS)-based platforms have begun to be instrumental in capturing this chemical space around us, be it volatiles, aerosols, synthetic chemicals, or dissolved organics, in the context of environmental health (i.e., pollution) and human health (and disease). In this review, I summarize the most recently developed, relevant, updated and important analytical platforms (from mass spectrometry to spectroscopy), informatics resources, tools, databases, and strategies in metabolomics research that hold promise as tool kits for exposomics research for superior understanding of human health and disease status.
AM-Band: An Asymmetrical Multi-Band model for arterial traffic signal coordination

MAXBAND and MULTIBAND are two well-recognized methods for arterial signal control. In this paper, an Asymmetrical Multi-BAND (AM-BAND) model is developed by relaxing the symmetrical progression band requirement in MULTIBAND. Such a relaxation allows the AM-BAND model to better utilize the available green times in each direction and to provide additional opportunities for vehicular progression. Similar to MULTIBAND, the proposed AM-BAND model is formulated as a mixed-integer linear program. However, in AM-BAND the green bands in each directional section of the arterials do not have to be symmetrical with respect to the progression line. The performance of the AM-BAND model is evaluated for two arterial network data using the AIMSUN microscopic traffic simulation tool. The optimal signal coordination plans are computed by the IBM CPLEX Optimization Studio and compared with signal timing plans generated by AM-BAND, MULTIBAND, and MAXBAND. Simulation results indicate that the traffic signal coordination plans generated by AM-BAND can provide significant benefits compared to those generated by MAXBAND and MULTIBAND.
Violation of Ekman Balance in the Eastern Pacific ITCZ Boundary Layer

AbstractThe intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is one of the most striking features of Earth’s climate system, often forming a narrow band of convection over many oceanic regions, especially in ...
Sociodemographic characteristics as predictors of outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study.

503Background: It has been established that race, insurance status, and socioeconomic class play an important role in predicting health care outcomes. However, the impact of these factors has yet t...
Multisensory Audiovisual Processing in Children With a Sensory Processing Disorder (I): Behavioral and Electrophysiological Indices Under Speeded Response Conditions

Background Maladaptive reactivity to sensory inputs is commonly observed in neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism, ADHD). Little is known, however, about the underlying neural mechanisms. For some children, atypical sensory reactivity is the primary complaint, despite absence of another identifiable neurodevelopmental diagnosis. Studying Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) may well provide a window into the neuropathology of these symptoms. It has been proposed that a deficit in sensory integration underlies the SPD phenotype, but objective quantification of sensory integration is lacking. Here we used neural and behavioral measures of multisensory integration (MSI), which would be affected by impaired sensory integration and for which there are well accepted objective measures, to test whether failure to integrate across the senses is associated with atypical sensory reactivity in SPD. An autism group served to determine if observed differences were unique to SPD. Methods We tested whether children aged 6-16 years with SPD (N = 14) integrate multisensory inputs differently from age-matched typically developing controls (TD: N = 54), or from children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD: N = 44). Participants performed a simple reaction-time task to the occurrence of auditory, visual, and audiovisual stimuli presented in random order, while high-density recordings of electrical brain activity were made. Results Children with SPD showed large reductions in the extent to which they benefited from multisensory inputs compared to TDs. The ASD group showed similarly reduced response speeding to multisensory relative to unisensory inputs. Neural evidence for MSI was seen across all three groups, with the multisensory response differing from the sum of the unisensory responses. Post hoc tests suggested the possibility of enhanced MSI in SPD in timeframes consistent with cortical sensory registration (∼60 ms), followed by reduced MSI during a timeframe consistent with object formation (∼130 ms). The ASD group also showed reduced MSI in the later timeframe. Conclusion Children with SPD showed reduction in their ability to benefit from redundant audio-visual inputs, similar to children with ASD. Neurophysiological recordings, on the other hand, showed that major indices of MSI were largely intact, although post hoc testing pointed to periods of potential differential processing. While these exploratory electrophysiological observations point to potential sensory-perceptual differences in multisensory processing in SPD, it remains equally plausible at this stage that later attentional processing differences may yet prove responsible for the multisensory behavioral deficits uncovered here.
The philanthropic-corporate-state complex: imperial strategies of dispossession from the ‘Green Revolution’ to the ‘Gene Revolution’

From the ‘Green Revolution’ to the ‘Gene Revolution’, the ultimate aim of promoting new technologies on a colossal scale is to make agricultural inputs and outputs essential commodities, create the...
Activated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induce Recovery Following Stroke Via Regulation of Inflammation and Oligodendrogenesis

Background Brain repair mechanisms fail to promote recovery after stroke, and approaches to induce brain regeneration are scarce. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are thought to be a promising therapeutic option. However, their efficacy is not fully elucidated, and the mechanism underlying their effect is not known. Methods and Results The middle cerebral artery occlusion model was utilized to determine the efficacy of interferon-γ-activated mesenchymal stem cells (aMSCγ) as an acute therapy for stroke. Here we show that treatment with aMSCγ is a more potent therapy for stroke than naive MSC. aMSCγ treatment results in significant functional recovery assessed by the modified neurological severity score and open-field analysis compared with vehicle-treated animals. aMSCγ-treated animals showed significant reductions in infarct size and inhibition of microglial activation. The aMSCγ treatment suppressed the hypoxia-induced microglial proinflammatory phenotype more effectively than treatment with naive MSC. Importantly, treatment with aMSCγ induced recruitment and differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells to myelin-producing oligodendrocytes in vivo. To elucidate the mechanism underlying high efficacy of aMSCγ therapy, we examined the secretome of aMSCγ and compared it to that of naive MSC. Intriguingly, we found that aMSCγ but not nMSC upregulated neuron-glia antigen 2, an important extracellular signal and a hallmark protein of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Conclusions These results suggest that activation of MSC with interferon-γ induces a potent proregenerative, promyelinating, and anti-inflammatory phenotype of these cells, which increases the potency of aMSCγ as an effective therapy for ischemic stroke.
Nutrition strategies for evaluating postnatal growth failure in preterm babies

Background: Preterm (PT) infants with postnatal growth failure (PNGF) has been shown to impact long term morbidity. Current post-natal care and nutritional support in PT infants is unable to match the in-utero environment for optimal growth. The ideal growth velocity (GV) would simulate intrauterine GV at an optimal range. Maximizing GV during the NICU stay by adequate nutrition to prevent PNGF and avoiding the need for catch-up growth later, is a priority for all neonatal clinicians. Very early human milk fortification may improve early protein …
Chapter 18 – Microstructure Informatics

Accelerated design and development of new advanced materials with improved performance characteristics and their successful insertion in engineering practice are largely hindered by the lack of a rigorous mathematical framework for the robust generation of microstructure informatics relevant to the specific application. In this chapter, we describe a set of novel data-driven, computationally efficient protocols that are capable of accelerating significantly the process of building the necessary microstructure informatics for a targeted application. Specific applications in establishing processing–structure–property linkages are discussed as representative examples of how data science can potentially transform the current practices in the materials design and development arena.
Yellow and purple nutsedge and coffee senna as hosts of common plant nematodes in Florida.

Yellow (Cyperus esculentus) and purple (C. rotundus) nutsedges, and coffee senna (Senna occidentalis) are common weeds in the southern USA and each have been reported as alternative hosts for plant-parasitic nematodes. Our objective was to determine the host suitability of these weeds to plant-parasitic nematodes common in Florida agriculture and turfgrass systems. The root-knot nematode (RKN) species tested included Meloidogyne arenaria, M. enterolobii, M. floridensis, M. graminis, M. hapla, M. incognita, and M. javanica. The host status of sting nematode, Belonolaimus longicaudatus, was also evaluated, but only on the nutsedge species. All RKN species evaluated reproduced on both nutsedge species and had a reproductive factor greater than one, except for M. graminis on yellow nutsedge. However, only M. hapla, M. javanica, and M. graminis induced visual galls on yellow nutsedge and only M. graminis caused galling on purple nutsedge. Meloidogyne arenaria and M. graminis reproduced at a greater rate on purple nutsedge than on yellow nutsedge. Both nutsedge species were good hosts to B. longicaudatus. Coffee senna was a host to M. enterolobii, a poor host to M. incognita, and nonhost to the other RKN species evaluated.
A mini review on thermally conductive polymers and polymer-based composites

Abstract The continuous trend of miniaturization leads to unprecedented power densities within electronic devices, which also becomes the bottleneck of the device performance. Effective cooling of electronic devices is critical and polymer-based materials may play an important role in this important direction, with advantages such as low cost, corrosion resistance, light weight, and flexibility. For thermal management applications, the intrinsically low thermal conductivities of amorphous polymers can be dramatically enhanced with strain-induced crystallization and ultra-high-conductivity fillers. In this mini review, some advancements in this field are summarized and discussed, followed by a prospective on future directions.
What faculty write versus what students see? Perspectives on multiple-choice questions using Bloom's taxonomy.

Using revised Bloom’s taxonomy, some medical educators assume they can write multiple choice questions (MCQs) that specifically assess higher (analyze, apply) versus lower-order (recall) learning. ...
Infant precursors of executive function in Down syndrome.

Background Although early features of infant cognition are predictive of executive function (EF) in typically developing (TD) children, there is little information regarding the developmental origins of EF in neurogenetic conditions, such as Down syndrome (DS). Methods The current study compared the performance of infants with and without DS on three dimensions that are hypothesised EF precursors: visual engagement, attention shifting and action planning. Additionally, the relationship between these EF precursors at Time 1 and EF performance at Time 2 (6 months later) was examined in the DS group. Participants were 36 infants with DS, M chronological age = 12.65 months, SD = 2.11; M developmental age = 8.84 months, SD = 2.22, and 36 TD infants, M chronological age = 8.62, SD = 3.06; M developmental age = 8.64 months, SD = 3.40. Results Infants with DS visually engaged with objects for longer durations and demonstrated challenges with action planning compared with TD infants at Time 1. Attention shifting at Time 1 significantly predicted EF performance at Time 2 in the DS group. Conclusions This study provides evidence that an early atypical presentation of EF precursors is detectable during infancy in DS and is predictive of subsequent EF performance. These findings contribute to the identification of areas of early cognitive risk in DS and can inform future interventions in this population.
Breast Tissue Composition-Why It Matters and How Can We Measure It More Accurately in Epidemiology Studies.

Early-life body size has been consistently associated with breast cancer risk. The direction of the association changes over time, with high birth weight, smaller adolescent body size, and adult weight gain all increasing breast cancer risk. There is also a clear positive association between larger body size and increased breast adipose tissue measured by mammograms, but less is known about how body size changes across life stages affect stromal and epithelial breast tissue. Using breast tissue slides from women with benign breast disease, Oh and colleagues applied machine learning methods to evaluate body size across the life course and adipose, epithelial, and stromal tissue concentrations in adulthood. They found consistent patterns for higher adipose and lower stromal tissue concentrations with larger childhood and adult body size at age 18 years. They reported lower levels of epithelial tissue with larger body size at 18 years, but not at other time periods. Additional studies examining how body size at different life stages may affect breast tissue composition will be important. Noninvasive methods that can provide measures of breast tissue composition may offer potential ways forward to ensure generalizability, and repeated measurements by life stage. See related article by Oh et al., p. 608
Some Thoughts on Chapter “Case Formulation in the Behavioral Tradition: Meyer, Turkat, Lane, Bruch, and Sturmey” by Giovanni Maria Ruggiero, Gabriele Caselli and Sandra Sassaroli

This brief commentary addresses four points that arise from the chapter “Case Formulation in the Behavioral Tradition: Meyer, Turkat, Lane, Bruch, and Sturmey” by Giovanni Maria Ruggiero, Gabriele Caselli and Sandra Sassaroli. These are What is meant be “sharing a case formulation”; what is the relationship between case formulation and therapeutic relationship; what is the behavioral the conception of cognition and meta-cognition in behavioral case formulation; and, finally, what is the self-managed life?
Blocking the BKCa channel induces NF-κB nuclear translocation by increasing nuclear calcium concentration.

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) transcriptionally regulates several genes involved in initiating uterine contractions. A key factor controlling NF-κB activity is its translocation to the nucleus. In myometrial smooth muscle cells (MSMCs), this translocation can be stimulated by the inflammatory molecule lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or by blocking the potassium calcium-activated channel subfamily M alpha 1 (KCNMA1 or BKCa) with paxilline (PAX). Here, we sought to determine the mechanism by which blocking BKCa causes NF-κB-p65 translocation to the nucleus in MSMCs. We show that LPS- and PAX-induced NF-κB-p65 translocation are similar in that neither depend on several mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, but both require increased intracellular calcium (Ca2+). However, the nuclear transport inhibitor wheat germ agglutinin prevented NF-κB-p65 nuclear translocation in response to LPS but not in response to PAX. Blocking BKCa located on the plasma membrane resulted in a transient NF-κB-p65 nuclear translocation that was not sufficient to induce expression of its transcriptional target, suggesting a role for intracellular BKCa. We report that BKCa also localizes to the nucleus and that blocking nuclear BKCa results in an increase in nuclear Ca2+ in MSMCs. Together, these data suggest that BKCa localized on the nuclear membrane plays a key role in regulating nuclear Ca2+ and NF-κB-p65 nuclear translocation in MSMCs.
Lymphofollicular Hyperplastic Responses in Ectopic Locations: Trachoma as a Paradigm

Like the ubiquitous butler in many a trite murder mystery, the germinal center of organized lymphoid tissue has long been suspected of playing a central role in the mystery of the immune response to antigenic stimulus. In this situation also, extensive detective work by numerous investigators has produced an almost compelling body of circumstantial evidence to implicate the germinal center, if not as one of the principals, then at least as an important accomplice. As its name implies, the germinal center was long considered to be a hyperactive focus of general lymphopoiesis, and more recently it has been implicated as a center for antigen localization and retention (1,2) or alternatively as the seat of immunologic memory (3,4).
Left Atrial Decompression Pump for Severe Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Theoretical and Clinical Considerations

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to provide insight into the potential for left atrium (LA) to aortic mechanical circulatory support as a treatment for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Background Although HFpEF arises from different etiologies, 1 hallmark of all forms of this syndrome is a small or minimally-dilated left ventricle (LV). Consequently, the use of traditional mechanical circulatory support in end-stage patients has been difficult. In contrast, HFpEF is also characterized by a large LA. Methods Hemodynamic characteristics of 4 distinct HFpEF phenotypes were characterized from the published data: 1) hypertrophic cardiomyopathies; 2) infiltrative diseases; 3) nonhypertrophic HFpEF; and 4) HFpEF with common cardiovascular comorbidities (e.g., hypertension). Employing a previously-described cardiovascular simulation, the effects of a low-flow, micropump-based LA decompression device were modeled. The effect of sourcing blood from the LV versus the LA was compared. Results For all HFpEF phenotypes, mechanical circulatory support significantly increased cardiac output, provided a mild increase in blood pressure, and markedly reduced pulmonary and LA pressures. LV sourcing of blood reduced LV end-systolic volume into a range likely to induce suction. With LA sourcing, however, LV end-systolic volume increased compared with baseline. Due to pre-existing LA enlargement, LA volumes remained sufficiently elevated, thus minimizing the risk of suction. Conclusions This theoretical analysis suggests that a strategy involving pumping blood from the LA to the arterial system may provide a viable option for end-stage HFpEF. Special considerations apply to each of the 4 types of HFpEF phenotypes described. Finally, an HFpEF-specific clinical profile scoring system (such as that of INTERMACS [Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support]) would aid in the selection of patients with the appropriate risk–benefit ratio for implantation of an active pump.
Chapter 2.1 Computer simulation of adsorption on amorphous oxide surfaces

Publisher Summary The understanding of adsorption on amorphous oxide surfaces is important because the surfaces of almost all high specific surface area adsorbents are strongly heterogeneous. This means that isotherms, heats, and other characteristics of adsorption on those surfaces deviate considerably from what is expected on theoretical grounds for homogeneous surfaces, which can be either single faces of ideal crystals or more idealized, absolutely smooth surfaces. Evidently, the degree of adsorption heterogeneity in a given system depends upon both the adsorbent and the adsorbate. For the simplest molecules like argon, it is generally believed that the adsorption heterogeneity is often just a manifestation of the irregularity of the surface atomic structure. To carry out computer simulations of physical adsorption on an amorphous oxide, the irregular (amorphous) atomic structure at its surface has to be simulated. This may be done in several ways. One of these directly models the formation of vitreous silica from the liquid. The first stage of this procedure is a molecular dynamics computer simulation of liquid SiO2, which presupposes an adequate modeling of the essentially covalent forces between constituent atoms. Thus, this chapter first reviews the modeling of these interatomic forces. The next stage can consist of the simulation of rapid cooling (quenching) of this liquid. This, as well as other methods of computer simulation of amorphous oxide surfaces, is discussed in this chapter.
Anomalous inferior vena cava with azygos continuation (infrahepatic interruption of the inferior vena cava). Report of 15 new cases.

Summary Fifteen new cases of anomalous inferior vena cava with azygos or hemiazygos continuation are presented, together with a review of 26 cases previously published. The incidence of this anomaly approximates 0.6 per cent in patients with congenital heart defects. The commonly encountered cardiac defects include cor biloculare, atrioventricular canal, anomalously connecting pulmonary veins, double outflow right ventricle, large atrial septal defect, pulmonary stenosis or atresia, or combinations of these. Abnormal positions of the heart and abdominal viscera are often present. An antemortem diagnosis can be established by cardiac catheterization or angiocardiography. A typical “candy cane” appearance of the anomalous venous pathway occurs when angiocardiography is performed from the leg veins. The most common pattern is azygos continuation with normal position of the heart and abdominal viscera. There is no evident relationship between the subtypes of this anomaly and the intracardiac defects that may be present. The embryologic development of the venous system is discussed, particularly in regard to the origin of the anomalies under discussion. Anomalous inferior vena cava with azygos or hemiazygos continuation is best interpreted as interruption or failure of fusion of the hepatic and prerenal segments of the inferior vena cava, combined with persistence of either the right lumbar azygos vein or left lumbar hemiazygos vein. Thus, a better term for the anomaly would be “infrahepatic interruption of the inferior vena cava with azygos (hemiazygos) continuation.”
Mechanisms and Functions of Serotonin Neuronal Systems

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) was discovered to be present in brain in 1953 and soon thereafter was correctly postulated to serve as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator. The original mapping of serotonin neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) in the 1960s provided some insight into their possible physiological roles.1 The development of drugs that modify serotonin function in specific ways has helped in understanding the numerous functions of serotonin neurons and their operation.
Covering in hypercubes

In this paper we propose a semi-distributed self-diagnostic algorithm for Hypercube networks which is based on the use of a combinatorial structure known as the Hadamard matrix. We propose a model for providing fault- tolerance to the diagnostic scheme and to analyze the performance of the proposed diagnostic scheme. This analysis provides a tradeoff between the complexity of the algorithm and its level of fault-tolerance. However, the optimal solution to the diagnostic problem with desired level of fault- tolerance is shown to be related to the problem of finding the covering radius of a binary code which is a NP-hard problem for the Hypercube networks. We discuss various cases for n=8, 16, 32. However, for achieving a level of about 50% fault-tolerance for the proposed diagnostic scheme, we provide an optimal solution valid for all Hypercube networks.
Analysis of antibody responses to phenotypically distinct lentiviruses.

To define the immune responses against phenotypically and pathogenically distinct lentiviruses, we used an immunoblotting assay to study antibodies to viral proteins of ovine lentivirus (OvLV) in 16 experimentally and 12 naturally infected sheep. Two distinct phenotypes of OvLV were used to experimentally infect lambs: strain 85/34, a "rapid/high" isolate which rapidly induced lysis in infected primary macrophage cultures and replicated to relatively high titers, and strains 84/28 and 85/14, "slow/low" isolates which induced slowly progressive syncytia with minimal lysis in vitro and replicated only to low titers in the same cell type. Serum antibodies against four major viral structural proteins, gp105, p25, p16, and p14, were detected. In a longitudinal study of experimentally infected lambs, the antibody to p25 (major gag protein) usually appeared first (average, about 3 weeks postinoculation [p.i.]) and was followed in about 2 weeks by p16, p14, and gp105 almost simultaneously. Six of 16 animals did not develop anti-p14 antibody by the time of necropsy at 9 to 29 weeks p.i. Two of 10 lambs which developed antibody to p14 had the antibody only transiently from 3 to 8 or 13 weeks p.i. and lost it by the time of necropsy at 21 or 22 weeks p.i. In contrast, antibodies to the other three structural proteins remained fairly constant until the time of necropsy. There were differences in the antibody responses of the experimentally infected lambs to the two phenotypes of OvLV. Seven of 10 (70%) lambs which were inoculated with the rapid/high strain developed antibody to p14, whereas only 17% of the lambs inoculated with the slow/low strains had antibody to this protein. In the longitudinal study, no decline was observed in the activity of any specific antibody such as that which occurs with anti-p24 antibody in human immunodeficiency virus infection, except in the case of anti-p14 antibody in two lambs. There were no significant differences in antibody titers against p25, p16, and p14 in final blood samples between rapid/high virus- and slow/low virus-infected groups. However, the rapid/high virus-infected group developed a fivefold-higher geometric mean titer of anti-env product (gp 105) antibody than did the slow/low virus-infected group (P </= 0.1). Antibody titers to all major structural proteins, except p14, in the naturally infected sheep were markedly lower than those in experimentally induced OvLV infections (P </= 0.01). The failure of the slow/low virus-infected group to develop anti-p14 antibody may suggest diminished viral replication in vivo or a failure of the host to recognize p14 in the slow/low virus-infected group. Since the geometric mean antibody titer to gp105 was threefold higher in lambs with lymphoid interstitial pneumonia than in those without lesions and since no differences were observed in the titers of other antiviral antibodies between these groups, we found no evidence to suggest that levels of such antibodies correlated with protection from OvLV-induced disease.
Two-nucleon pick-up from spin-12 targets (II). 89Y

Abstract The angular distributions for the 89Y(p, t), (p, τ), and (d, α) reactions are compared to DWBA predictions and to the data for the 90Zr(p, t) and (d, α) reactions. Several new spins are assigned to levels of 87Y. A weak coupling model is tested by the comparison between the reactions on 89Y and 90Zr, and found to fail. The (d, α) reaction is found to populate strongly levels at excitation energies of 2.70 MeV and 3.07 MeV in 87Sr, corresponding roughly in Q-value and strength to states formed in ths 88Sr(d, α)86Rb reaction.
Bureaucratic choice and nonoptimal provision of public goods: Theory and evidence

Local governments' allocation decisions are modeled in the context of a slack maximizing bureaucrat who produces public goods according to a production function that includes both provision and the constituents' socio-economic characteristics. To gain a better understanding of the determinants of slack, comparative statics and an empirical study of Illinois municipalities are conducted. The indirect output distance function provides efficiency scores upon which we regress several variables, representing socio-economic characteristics, costs and competition measures. We find that slack or inefficient behavior is associated with richer communities, lower education levels and a lack of competition for residents among municipalities.
Conceptual Issues in Modern Human Origins Research

Conceptual Issues in Modern Human Origins Research. G. A. Clark and C. M. Willermet. eds. Hawthorne, NY: Aldine De Gruyter, 1997.508 pp.
Representations of Shape during Mental Rotation.

How is shape represented during spatial tasks such as mental rotation? This research investigated the format of mental representations of 3-D shapes during mental rotation. Specifically, we tested the extent to which visual information, such as color, is represented during mental rotation using methods ranging from reaction time studies, verbal protocol analysis, and eyetracking. Another set of studies examined whether people use piecemeal or holistic strategies to rotate complex objects. Results show that individuals with good rotation ability do not represent color during mental rotation and rotate whole shapes; whereas poor rotators do represent color and rotate individual pieces of the shape using piecemeal strategies. This work contributes to theories about cognitive shape processing by showing that different information processing strategies may be one cause of individual differences in mentally rotation performance.
Synthesis and optical studies of L-methionine oligopeptides in solution.

A series of L-methionine oligomers [BOC-(Met)n-OMe] (n = 2–7) and the corresponding diastereomeric di- and tripeptides were synthesized using the mixed anhydride method. Oligomers prepared in this manner were optically pure and were obtained in reasonable yield. Preliminary optical examination of the peptides suggests that secondary structures may begin forming in the pentamer or hexamer in trifluoroethanol. BOC-(Met)4-OMe and BOC-(Met)5-OMe were also synthesized using an insoluble resin containing BOC-L-methionine as the nitrophenol active ester.
Presidential silence, C. Everett Koop, and the surgeon general's report on AIDS

On October 22, 1986, C. Everett Koop released the Surgeon General's Report on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. This essay examines that report as a rhetorical watershed in the national dialogue about AIDS. We suggest that this report—and the media attention that attended it—dramatically shifted the socio‐political environment concerning AIDS and contextual‐izfd Reagan's silence concerning the disease as a lack of presidential leadership on the issue.