cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Introduction to research topic - brain connectivity analysis: investigating brain disorders. Part 2: original research articles.

Although the review articles discussed in part 1 (Introduction to research topic – Brain connectivity analysis: investigating brain disorders. Part 1: the review articles) give a nice overview of the scope of brain connectivity analysis as applied to brain disorders, the original research papers included in this collection enable the reader to see how one actually goes about employing such analyses on real data sets. In these articles we see the specific steps that are necessary to perform each particular connectivity analysis. We believe that these articles will be especially useful as guides for other researchers attempting brain connectivity analyses.
Strengthening nursing education to improve end-of-life care

Abstract As the members of the health care team who spend the most time with patients who are facing the end of life, nurses are aware of the need for improved end-of-life care and have identified resources to achieve that goal by improving education.
Microscopic description of the antihistamine substances benadryl and pyribenzamine.

The optical crystallographic properties of benadryl and pyribenzamine have been described, together with significant microchemical reactions with platinic chloride reagent.
On the Manipulation of Nanoscale Self-Assembly by Elastic Field

Morphological and compositional self-assembly can be manipulated by the long-range elastic field. This paper gives a universal formulation that determines the dependence of energetically favored orientation of those self-assembled structures on the elastic interaction. Elasticity anisotropy can lead to symmetry breaking and herringbone structures. A layered substrate can tune the feature size by modulus mismatch, or tune the orientation if the layers have different orientation preference, or guide the self-assembly by embedded structures. A closed-form result is derived for elastically isotropic layers by using Dundurs parameters. The self-assembled structures can also be affected by a nonuniform residual stress field or external force field. Higher order (nonlinear) perturbation theory, coupling between morphology and composition, and other issues are also addressed in the discussion.
Parallel Quicksort using fetch-and-add

A parallelization of the Quicksort algorithm that is suitable for execution on a shared memory multiprocessor with an efficient implementation of the fetch-and-add operation is presented. The partitioning phase of Quicksort, which has been considered a serial bottleneck, is cooperatively executed in parallel by many processors through the use of fetch-and-add. The parallel algorithm maintains the in-place nature of Quicksort, thereby allowing internal sorting of large arrays. A class of fetch-and-add-based algorithms for dynamically scheduling processors to subproblems is presented. Adaptive scheduling algorithms in this class have low overhead and achieve effective processor load balancing. The basic algorithm is shown to execute in an average of O(log(N)) time on an N-processor PRAM (parallel random-access machine) assuming a constant-time fetch-and-add. Estimated speedups, based on simulations, are also presented for cases when the number of items to be sorted is much greater than the number of processors. >
Growing evidence to support early intervention in early onset bipolar disorder

Despite evidence that offspring of parents with bipolar disorder (BD) are four times as likely to develop a mood disorder than children without a family history of BD [1], it appears that many clin...
Bit-split string-matching engines for intrusion detection and prevention

Network Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems have emerged as one of the most effective ways of providing security to those connected to the network and at the heart of almost every modern intrusion detection system is a string-matching algorithm. String matching is one of the most critical elements because it allows for the system to make decisions based not just on the headers, but the actual content flowing through the network. Unfortunately, checking every byte of every packet to see if it matches one of a set of thousands of strings becomes a computationally intensive task as network speeds grow into the tens, and eventually hundreds, of gigabits/second. To keep up with these speeds, a specialized device is required, one that can maintain tight bounds on worst-case performance, that can be updated with new rules without interrupting operation, and one that is efficient enough that it could be included on-chip with existing network chips or even into wireless devices. We have developed an approach that relies on a special purpose architecture that executes novel string matching algorithms specially optimized for implementation in our design. We show how the problem can be solved by converting the large database of strings into many tiny state machines, each of which searches for a portion of the rules and a portion of the bits of each rule. Through the careful codesign and optimization of our architecture with a new string-matching algorithm, we show that it is possible to build a system that is 10 times more efficient than the currently best known approaches.
Evolution of data management

Computers can now store all forms of information: records, documents, images, sound recordings, videos, scientific data, and many new data formats. Society has made great strides in capturing, storing, managing, analyzing, and visualizing this data. These tasks are generically called data management. This article sketches the evolution of data management systems. There have been six distinct phases in data management. Initially, data was manually processed. The next step used punched-card equipment and electromechanical machines to sort and tabulate millions of records. The third phase stored data on magnetic tape and used stored-program computers to perform batch processing on sequential files. The fourth phase introduced the concept of a database schema and on-line navigational access to the data. The fifth step automated access to relational databases and added distributed and client server processing. We are now in the early stages of sixth-generation systems that store richer data types, notably documents, images, voice, and video data. These sixth-generation systems are the storage engines for the emerging Internet and intranets. Early data management systems automated traditional information processing. Today they allow fast, reliable, and secure access to globally distributed data. Tomorrow's systems will access and summarize richer forms of data. It is argued that multimedia databases will be a cornerstone of cyberspace.
Filter Design With Low Complexity Coefficients

We introduce a heuristic for designing filters that have low complexity coefficients, as measured by the total number of nonzeros digits in the binary or canonic signed digit (CSD) representations of the filter coefficients, while still meeting a set of design specifications, such as limits on frequency response magnitude, phase, and group delay. Numerical examples show that the method is able to attain very low complexity designs with only modest relaxation of the specifications.
Inference of Marine Stratus Cloud Optical Depths from Satellite Measurements: Does 1D Theory Apply?

Abstract The validity of plane-parallel (1D) radiative transfer theory for cloudy atmospheres is examined by directly comparing calculated and observed visible reflectances for one month of Global Area Coverage Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer satellite observations of marine stratus cloud layers off the coasts of California, Peru, and Angola. Marine stratus are an excellent testbed, as they arguably are the closest to plane-parallel found in nature. Optical depths in a 1D radiative transfer model are adjusted so that 1D model reflectances match those observed at nadir on a pixel-by-pixel basis. The 1D cloud optical depth distributions are then used in the plane-parallel model to generate reflectance distributions for different sun–earth–satellite viewing geometries. These reflectance distributions are directly compared with the observations. Separate analyses are performed for overcast and broken cloud layers as identified by the spatial coherence method. When 1D reflectances are directly compare...
Algorithmic and Complexity Results for Cutting Planes Derived from Maximal Lattice-Free Convex Sets

We study a mixed integer linear program with m integer variables and k nonnegative continuous variables in the form of the relaxation of the corner polyhedron that was introduced by Andersen, Louveaux, Weismantel and Wolsey [Inequalities from two rows of a simplex tableau, Proc. IPCO 2007, LNCS, vol. 4513, Springer, pp. 1{15]. We describe the facets of this mixed integer linear program via the extreme points of a well-dened polyhedron. We then utilize this description to give polynomial time algorithms to derive valid inequalities with optimal lp norm for arbitrary, but xed m. For the case of m = 2, we give a renement and a new proof of a characterization of the facets by Cornu ejols and Margot [ On the facets of mixed integer programs with two integer variables and two constraints, Math. Programming 120 (2009), 429{456]. The key point of our approach is that the conditions are much more explicit and can be tested in a more direct manner, removing the need for a reduction algorithm. These results allow us to show that the relaxed corner polyhedron has only polynomially many facets.
Generations, Cohorts, and Conformity

This paper offers further analyses of data generated by a survey question that has been studied in some earlier reports (Duncan, Schuman, and Duncan, 1973; Duncan, 1975; Duncan and Duncan, 1978).
Advances in Control of Onion Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Cabbage

Onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), feeding injury results in discoloration and a rough texture on cabbage, Brassica oleracea capitata (L.), leaves, and damage may occur deep inside the head. It has become a key pest of cabbage in the United States and many other countries. Previous studies have indicated poor control using insecticides. The present study identified imidacloprid drenches and sprays of acetamiprid, dimethoate, spinosad, and imidacloprid as insecticides that performed better than the industry standard, lambda-cyhalothrin. However, additional tests with foliar sprays of dimethoate and acetamiprid indicated there was not an ideal crop stage (precupping, cupping, or postcupping) at which either insecticide could be applied for reliable control of T. tabaci, possibly because of multiple flights of thrips into the crop or the asynchrony of flights and susceptible crop stages. In tests in a commercial field, a soil drench of imidacloprid 4 wk after transplanting reduced the number of damaged leaves in the head by 32%, whereas five sprays of acetamiprid reduced damage by 51%. Combining both insecticide regimes reduced damage by 85%, but resulted in a very costly management program. Cabbage varieties varied considerably in susceptibility with some having negligible thrips injury, regardless of being treated with an insecticide. Planting date affected susceptibility of cabbage to some degree, but not as much as other tactics. Overall, these studies indicate that increased emphasis should be placed on breeding cabbages to be resistant to T. tabaci as the foundation for its management.
Behavioral Adaptation in Prokaryotes

Many prokaryotes carry out some form of behavior, defined as cellular movement that is responsive to environmental information. The movement may consist of swimming, swarming or gliding; the cells may use external flagella, internal flagella or other as yet unidentified motor organelles; the stimulus may consist of organic chemicals, inorganic chemicals, pH, light, temperature, available energy, etc. I will not attempt to cover all known versions of this behavior, but will instead concentrate on the chemotactic response of free-swimming flagellated bacteria. The emphasis will be on Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium, as they have been the most extensively studied. For further information on the subject of bacterial motility and taxis, see review references listed at the end of this paper.
What Do Women's Advertised Mate Preferences Reveal? An Analysis of Video Dating Profiles

This study examined women's video dating profiles to determine what their advertised mate preferences revealed about their mate value and relationship interests. Women created a one-minute long vid...
Discussion: Government Regulations and Market Performance—Problems in Research, and Future Roles for Agricultural Cooperatives

Professor Peter Helmberger has prepared an interesting paper on "Future Roles for Agricultural Cooperatives." I agree with much in Professor Helmberger's paper-especially his emphasis on the importance of recognizing that cooperatives operate in a world of imperfect competition, that they need better statistical information to help determine trends, and that they confront a number of major problems brought about by today's changing economic and social environments. I found some statements in the paper, however, questionable. On one hand, the author suggests the application of such economic concepts as "optimal distribution of organizations" and "survivor technique." On the other hand, we find the following among his statements: "Reform or revolt," when referring to forces motivating the organization of cooperatives; reference in his discussion of legal forms of organization to "profitseeking corporations of various kinds, and cooperatives"; and "The power to tax is indeed the power to destroy." With respect to these statements, I would like to observe: 1. It, no doubt, was true 90 years ago, or for that matter at the turn of the century, that ideas of "reform and revolt" characterized the motives behind the organization of a number of cooperatives. Since World War I, however, there is little question but that the basic motives back of starting most agricultural cooperatives were improving and maintaining, not reforming or revolting against, the existing economic system. Certainly many cooperatives are motivated by dire realities, not just dire expectations. I also would add that more basic than motives is the question: Does cooperative leadership have the ability to organize properly and plan business ventures that meet a realistic economic need?
Immunofluorescence of human adenovirus type 12 in various cell types.

SummaryBy means of immunofluorescence, the sequence of accumulation of antigenic components of the adenovirus cycle was studied in a variety of cells of primate and non-primate origin after infection with adenovirus type 12 (A-12). Structural viral antigens were seen only in primate cells, and most clearly in human fetal kidney, following the appearance of the early antigens. Structural viral antigen was found in a smaller proportion of monkey cells than human cells, even though a high proportion of monkey cells elaborated large amounts of the early antigens. In non-primate cells, rabbit, hamster, rat and mouse cells readily produced early antigens after infection with A-12, but few cells with early antigen were demonstrable in chick cells, and none in Earle L cells. Among A-12 transformed cell lines, and A-12 induced hamster tumor lines in culture, considerable variation in the continuous elaboration of early antigens was found, with a rabbit transformed line and some hamster tumors producing moderate am...
Epidemiological characteristics of gonorrhea and syphilis in Beitang District of Wuxi City from 2005-2012

[Objective]To understand the epidemic characteristics of gonorrhea and syphilis in Beitang District of Wuxi City from 2005-2012,and provide a basis for developing strategies for its prevention and control in the future. [Methods]The epidemic report data of gonorrhea and syphilis in Beitang District collected from the disease surveillance information reporting system were analyzed.[Results] A total of 936 cases of gonorrhea were reported in Beitang District from 2005-2012,the average annual incidence rate was 32. 93 /100 000. And 1 326 cases of syphilis were reported,the average annual incidence rate was 46. 64 /100 000. The incidence of gonorrhea decreased from 86. 87 /100 000 in 2005 to 3. 24 /100 000 in 2012. However,the syphilis incidence increased first from 30. 77 /100 000 in 2005 to 60. 87 /100 000 in 2010,then decreased to 29. 78 /100 000 in 2012. Most reported gonorrhea cases were people aged 20-39 years. However,the 20-49 years age group was the majority in reported syphilis cases. In staging,syphilis cases were dominated by latent,stage II and stage I,respectively accounted for 39. 22%,36. 80%,22. 02% of the total cases.[Conclusion]The incidence of gonorrhea decreased from 2005-2012 in Beitang District,the incidence of syphilis increased first and then decreased. Sexually active young people are the focus of prevention work. Effective prevention and control strategies are required to control the prevalence of gonorrhea and syphilis.
A MODEL-BASED ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON BORO RICE YIELD IN BANGLADESH

Rice is the main food crop in densely populated Bangladesh. Regional climatic variations can play an important role in rice productivity. For example, excessive heat or extremely cool conditions disrupt normal plant physiological processes and cause plant injury which, in turn, results in reduction of yield. In this study, the climatic crop productivity model YIELD has been applied to calculate rice productivity for the boro rice growing season (December/January-May) in Bangladesh under changing climatic conditions. The model estimates climatic influences on various rice plant-growth parameters. YIELD was tuned and validated to Bangladesh's environment to represent appropriate agroecological conditions. The model was run using long-term average climate data of 12 meteorological stations located in the major rice-growing regions in Bangladesh to establish baseline estimates of yield. For the climate change study, 20 scenarios were created by synthetically fluctuating thermal and solar climates in Banglades...
TRIBOLOGY OF MAGNETIC HEAD·MEDIUM INTERFACE

The magnetic recording process is accomplished by relative motion between magnetic media against a stationary (audio and data processing) or rotating (audio, video and data processing) read/write magnetic head (Camras, 1988;Jorgensen, 1988;Mee and Daniel, 1990). (Because a rotating head can be moved at a greater speed than a heavy roll of tape, much higher data rates can be achieved in a rotating head drive than a linear tape drive.) The heads in modern magnetic storage systems are designed so that they develop hydrodynamic (self-acting) air bearing under steady operating condition. Formation of air bearing minimizes the head-medium contact. Physical contact between the medium, and the head occurs during starts and stops. In modern high-end data-storage tape and disk drives, the head-to-medium separation is on the order of 0.1 to 0.3 i.un, and the head and medium surfaces have roughness on the order of 2 to 10 nm rms (Bhushan, 1990,Bhushan,1992a). The need for higher and higher recording densities requires that surfaces be as smooth as possible and flying height be as low as possible. Smoother surfaces lead to increase in adhesion, friction, and interface temperatures and closer flying heights lead to occasional rubbing of high asperities and increased wear. Friction and wear issues are resolved by appropriate selection of interface materials and lubricants, by controlling the dynamics of the head and medium and the environment. A fundamental understanding of the tribology of magnetic head-medium interface becomes crucial for the continued growth of magnetic storage industry which is currently a $80 billion a year industry.
The Varieties of Self-Transcendent Experience:

Various forms of self-loss have been described as aspects of mental illness (e.g., depersonalization disorder), but might self-loss also be related to mental health? In this integrative review and ...
Analyzing Hardware Based Malware Detectors

Detection of malicious software at the hardware level is emerging as an effective solution to increasing security threats. Hardware based detectors rely on Machine Learning(ML) classifiers to detect malware-like execution pattern based on Hardware Performance Counters(HPC) information at run-time. The effectiveness of these learning methods mainly relies on the information provided by expensive-to-implement limited number of HPC. This paper is the first attempt to thoroughly analyze various robust machine learning methods to classify benign and malware applications. Given the limited availability of HPC the analysis results help guiding architectural decision on what hardware performance counters are needed most to effectively improve ML classification accuracy. For software implementation we fully implemented these classifier at OS Kernel to understand various software overheads. The software implementation of these classifiers are found to be relatively slow with the execution time in the range of milliseconds, order of magnitude higher than the latency needed to capture malware at run-time. This is calling for hardware accelerated implementation of these algorithms. For hardware implementation, we have synthesized the studied classifier models on FPGA to compare various design parameters including logic area, power, and latency. The results show that while complex ML classifier such as MultiLayerPerceptron and logistics are achieving close to 90% accuracy, after taking into consideration their implementation overheads, they perform worst in terms of PDP, accuracy/area and latency compared to simpler but slightly less accurate rule based and tree based classifiers. Our results further show OneR to be the most cost-effective classifier with more than 80% accuracy and fast execution time of less than 10ns, achieving highest accuracy per logic area, while mainly relying on only a single branch-instruction HPC information.
Differential evolution of tissue mean transit time, relative blood volume and flow deficits in acute ischemic stroke

P28 Background and Aim: The presence of a perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) volume deficit greater than diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) volume predicts the presence of salvageable tissue. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the evolution of various parameters of perfusion within the ischemic volume using serial MR imaging during the first 48 hours after stroke. Method: Five patients with middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory ischemic stroke were imaged (echoplanar DWI, PWI, MR angiography) within 6–10 hours of stroke onset, then at 15–18 hours, 22–24 hours and 48 hours. No patient received thrombolytic or neuro-protective agents. Results: Four of the 5 patients had a MCA occlusion on the initial MR angiogram. Recanalization of the MCA was observed by the second scan in one patient and by the fourth scan in the remaining 3 patients. Significant DWI and tissue mean transit time (tMTT) volume mismatch (>75%) was observed in 4 patients and moderate mismatch in 1 patient on the initial scan. A significant mismatch between DWI and tMTT volume (>70%) was observed in 2 patients by the second and third scan. By the fourth scan no patient had a significant DWI and tMTT volume mismatch. Significant mismatch (>50%) between DWI and relative blood volume/ relative blood flow (rCBV/rCBF) volume was observed in 3 of the 5 patients on the initial scan. Matched DWI and rCBV was observed by the third scan in all patients. Matched DWI and rCBF was observed by the second scan in all patients. A decrease in the size of the tMTT volume prior to the recanalization of the MCA was likely due to opening of collateral channels but the most dramatic decrease in the size of tMTT volume occurred following recanalization of the MCA. Conclusion: The serial changes in tMTT, rCBV, rCBF progress at different rates following acute ischemic stroke. These results have implications for future studies basing thrombolytic therapy on DWI/PWI. We caution that treatment based only on a tMTT/DWI mismatch may overestimate the size of the salvageable tissue.
Achalasia in a Patient Undergoing Hematologic Stem Cell Transplant After Exposure to Tacrolimus

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are effective agents used for prevention of graft-vs-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant or for organ rejection in solid-organ transplant. However, CNIs have a wide range of adverse effects that may necessitate changing to another CNI or immunosuppressive agent. We report a case of acute myeloid leukemia in which achalasia developed after exposure to tacrolimus, as revealed by esophagram results. The patient's symptoms and signs were ameliorated after a change to cyclosporine. This case is the first in the literature to reveal achalasia associated with tacrolimus. Achalasia should be part of a differential diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal symptoms in patients undergoing transplant, and changing to another CNI may be a useful therapeutic intervention.
Implications of noise insertion mechanisms of different countermeasures against side-channel attacks

In this paper, the security implications of the noise insertion characteristics of different countermeasures against power analysis attacks are investigated. Through optimizing the selection of the type and sequence of the inserted noise, the security of a cryptographic circuit that has multiple countermeasures with varying noise insertion mechanisms can be improved. As demonstrated in this work, if the additive non-white noise and multiplicative noise are sequentially inserted into a cryptographic circuit, the correlation coefficient between the actual power dissipation of the cryptographic circuit and monitored power dissipation can be reduced over 37.6% under the same amount of inserted noise.
“Meta-Talk” as a Composition Tool: Promoting Reflective Dialogue During the Drafting Process

AbstractThis article argues for expanded opportunities for metalinguistic dialogue and written response rounds in order to better understand students' needs. Encouraging students to reflect on their compositions can invite multiple stylistic approaches and inform a more participatory composition process. The writing explores theoretical underpinnings, makes a case for metalinguistic dialogue, and remarks on the use of written exchanges between students and teachers.
Personality Differences between Christian and Secular College Students

Evangelicals almost routinely assume that the personalities of Christians are different from those of non-Christians, but there is little objective evidence for this assertion. The Guilford-Zimmerm...
Simulation Training for Operational Medicine Providers (STOMP): Design and Implementation of a Novel Comprehensive Skills-Based Curriculum for Military General Medical Officers.

Background Fifty percent of graduating U.S. Navy post-graduate year (PGY)-1 physicians will practice in the operational environment before returning to residency training. However, current internship structure is less rotational and focuses more on specialty-specific training. Therefore, these physicians may not be fully prepared for this primary care role. Methods Based on the U.S. Navy privileges for General Medical Officers, a comprehensive didactic and simulation curriculum was developed. Twenty-three procedural skill competencies (SK) and five validated standardized patient (SP) scenarios were identified. During the SK portion, learners reviewed instructional videos, read reference materials, and practiced with partial task trainers before small-group sessions with subject matter experts (SME). Separate SP round-robin sessions were conducted and feedback provided by SMEs and SPs. Learners demonstrated competency or were remediated. Results One hundred and three PGY-1 trainees participated over 2 yr. All trainees met requirements during the SK phase. During the SP phase, seven learners required remediation. All learners ultimately met requirements for privileging. Conclusion The Simulation Training for Operational Medicine Providers curriculum for future General Medical Officers is an effective tool for primary care skill training and credentialing. Plans for export to other Graduate Medical Education sites are underway and further evaluation of skills retention is warranted.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON SEMICOMPLETABLE MOORE SPACES

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses some observations on semicompletable Moore spaces. A Moore space satisfying Rudin's Axiom 1 is said to be semicomplete. The spaces are of particular interest being metacompact and separable respectively. The statement that the development of G for the Moore space S satisfies Axiom C at the point P means that for each open set D containing P, there exists an n such that each element of Gn that intersects an element of Gn containing P is contained in D. A Moore space is completable if it has a development having the Cauchy-sequential separation property and monotonic Cauchy-sequential separation property. The statement that G has the (monotonie) Cauchy-sequential separation property means that G is strong and if α is a (monotonie) G-Cauchy sequence, which is G-interior to the open set D, then for each n, there exists an R ɛ Gn such that α is G-interior to R and every (monotonie) G-Cauchy sequence having a final segment in R is G-interior to D.
Essay #11: The Ancestral Relation Without Classes

From the very beginnings of modern logic there has been an interest in offering an analysis of the concept of the ancestral relation. Frege offered one such in 1879, as did Peirce, Dedekind and W.V.O. Quine. This long tradition of logicians have explicated the ancestral relation in terms of classes. In Quine’s view the introduction of quantification over classes brings with it a new power of expression, namely the ability to translate the schema ‘x is an ancestor of y’. Part of the purpose of this essay is to make the point that Quine’s analysis is at best an explication or rational reconstruction of the ancestral relation, in that it asserts too much. In sum, Quine’s analysis is too broad, in that it asserts that one’s ancestors to be a member of many larger classes than just classes of one’s ancestors.
GABA A Receptor Synaptic Functions

Most of the chemical inhibition in the brain is mediated by ionotropic and metabotropic receptors for the small amino acid neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The ionotropic (GABAARs) receptors constitute a Cl−- and HCO3−-permeable ion pore that usually inhibits neurons when activated. There is a wealth of specificity in the cellular localization and molecular assembly of the GABAARs. This specificity also relates to the synaptic targeting of the principal cells by diverse GABAergic interneurons. GABAARs are also found outside synapses, where they can be activated by ambient levels of the transmitter, thus producing an ‘always on,’ or tonic, form of inhibition. But the role of the GABAergic system in the brain goes far beyond inhibition. The activity of individual cells in a network can be effectively synchronized when the cells are emerging together from a common inhibition. Moreover, if high Cl− concentrations are present inside the cells, the activation of GABAARs will tend to increase neuronal excitability instead of dampening it. Insights into the complexity of GABAergic inhibition will provide answers to many intriguing questions about brain function in health and disease.
Cellular Mechanisms of Peptide Processing: Focus on α-Amidation

It is now well accepted that a vast array of peptides play essential roles in intercellular communication in both the nervous and endocrine systems. Many neurons contain both a classical neurotransmitter and a peptide (Krieger, 1983; Jones & Hendry, 1986). While we know a great deal about the control mechanisms affecting neuronal synthesis, storage and secretion of classical neurotransmitters such as the catecholamines and acetylcholine, we know relatively little about the precise way in which neuronal peptides are regulated. Our lack of knowledge concerning the mechanisms by which the synthesis, storage and secretion of bioactive peptides can be manipulated stems in large part from the relative lack of knowledge about the specific enzymes involved in converting inactive peptide precursors into their final bioactive products.
The Potential of CAR T Cell Therapy in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer has a dismal prognosis and effective treatment options are limited. It is projected to be the second most common cause of cancer related mortality in the United States by 2030 and there is urgent unmet need for novel systemic treatment options. Immunotherapy with antibodies targeting PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4 has not shown clinical activity in unselected pancreatic cancer, emphasizing the need for combination immunotherapy approaches or other therapeutic strategies. As such, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy represents an emerging therapeutic option for pancreatic cancer. This modality utilizes genetically engineered T cells that are redirected to specific cancer-associated antigens to elicit potent cytotoxic activity. This review summarizes the available preclinical data and highlights early phase clinical trials using CAR T cell approaches in pancreatic cancer, a disease state that is gaining attention as a conduit for cell therapy. Future directions in application of CAR T cell therapy are also considered including its ability to be directed against novel epitopes and combined with other therapeutic regimens.
YAP is involved in replenishment of granule cell progenitors following injury to the neonatal cerebellum

ABSTRACT The cerebellum (CB) undergoes major rapid growth during the third trimester and early neonatal stage in humans, making it vulnerable to injuries in pre-term babies. Experiments in mice have revealed a remarkable ability of the neonatal CB to recover from injuries around birth. In particular, recovery following irradiation-induced ablation of granule cell precursors (GCPs) involves adaptive reprogramming of Nestin-expressing glial progenitors (NEPs). Sonic hedgehog signaling is required for the initial step in NEP reprogramming; however, the full spectrum of developmental signaling pathways that promote NEP-driven regeneration is not known. Since the growth regulatory Hippo pathway has been implicated in the repair of several tissue types, we tested whether Hippo signaling is involved in regeneration of the CB. Using mouse models, we found that the Hippo pathway transcriptional co-activator YAP (Yes-associated protein) but not TAZ (transcriptional coactivator with PDZ binding motif) is required in NEPs for full recovery of the CB following irradiation one day after birth. The size of the adult CB, and in particular the internal granule cell layer produced by GCPs, is significantly reduced in mutants, and the organization of Purkinje cells and Bergmann glial fibers is disrupted. Surprisingly, the initial proliferative response of Yap mutant NEPs to irradiation is normal and the cells migrate to the GCP niche, but then undergo increased cell death. Loss of Yap in NEPs or GCPs during normal development leads to only mild defects in differentiation. Moreover, loss of Taz does not abrogate regeneration of GCPs by Yap mutant NEPs or alter development of the cerebellum. Our study provides new insights into the molecular signaling underlying postnatal cerebellar development and regeneration.
Preventing unnecessary tympanostomy tube placement in children.

Abstract Objective In 2013 the American Academy of Otolaryngology published tympanostomy tube guidelines for children; Action Statement 6 recommends against tube placement without middle ear effusion (MEE) at time of assessment. To date, little research has directly evaluated this recommendation in reducing the need for ear tubes. We evaluated the effectiveness of this recommendation and potential risk factors that influence the success of watchful waiting. Methods Retrospective chart review collecting demographics, daycare status, smoking exposure, and time of year of visit. Children aged 6 months to 12 years without MEE on presentation, but with 3 or more episodes of acute otitis media (AOM) in 6 months or 4 or more episodes in 12 months, were assigned to watchful waiting (WW) treatment. These patients were followed every 4 months or returned sooner with additional infections. Any continued AOM, or MEE on follow up leading to tube placement, defined WW failure. Results 123 patients met criteria, with 81 still in WW to date (66% success rate). 42 children failed WW and received tympanostomy tubes (34% failure rate). There were no statistically significant associations between age, race, gender, smoking exposure, daycare, or month of presentation between children who failed WW compared to children receiving tubes. Conclusions Tympanostomy tube guidelines mitigate unnecessary tube placement in a majority of children with recurrent AOM without MEE. To our knowledge, this is the first study supporting the 2013 recommendations, with a 66% success rate. Additionally, no significant associations between modifying risk factors in those who failed watchful waiting were identified.
A Simple Tactic for Purchasing French Oak Barrels

This paper identifies a cost-minimizing tactic for U.S. wineries when buying French oak barrels. An otherwise trivial decision is potentially confounded by wineries’ order timing choice and exchange rate risk. Using an intuitive model, which applies exchange rate futures prices and sixteen years of price data for a specific custom-made French oak barrel, we provide a general decision rule. The simple strategy of taking the early order discount dominates all alternative strategies and would have saved wineries nearly $78,000 compared to the more traditional ordering timeframe. Interestingly, using futures market prices does not improve the cost savings. “In wine, there’s truth.” Pliny the Elder, Natural History Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will spill, and the wineskins will be ruined. Instead, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved." Matthew,9:17.
Treatment of Insomnia in Parkinson’s Disease

Many patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have poor quality sleep, characterized by short sleep duration, sleep fragmentation, and a subjective sense of having slept poorly. Although in some cases, specific sleep disorders (sleep apnea, periodic leg movements with or without restless legs syndrome) may cause such sleep disturbance, in many cases patients sleep poorly without such specific identifiable causes. This may reflect the neurodegenerative processes associated with the disease per se. Non-pharmacologic options can always be attempted, but for many patients, however, pharmacologic interventions remain the mainstay of treatment. This chapter will review both diagnostic and treatment considerations for insomnia in PD.
Saleh Model and Digital Predistortion for Power Amplifiers in Wireless Communications Using the Third-Order Intercept Point

This paper presents a novel approach for estimating the Saleh model’s parameters using the gain and third-order intercept point (IP3) of a power amplifier. The IP3 is a widely used technical parameter for describing the nonlinearity of the power amplifier in wireless communications. The proposed approach minimizes an objective function of error between the third-order Taylor series and the Saleh Amplitude-to-Amplitude (AM/AM) model. This approach of the parameters estimation is also used for identifying the Digital Predistortion (DPD) to compensate for the memoryless AM/AM nonlinear distortion of power amplifiers in wireless communications. Finally, the Saleh model accuracy and DPD linearization are validated based on the WCDMA measurement signal.
A New Method for Studying Statistical Learning in Young Children.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether a new oculomotor serial reaction time (RT) task revealed statistical sequence learning in young children. Method We used eye tracking to m...
A Psychometric Analysis of the Brief Self-Control Scale:

The Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS) is a widely used measure of self-control, a construct associated with beneficial psychological outcomes. Several studies have investigated the psychometric properties of the BSCS but have failed to reach consensus. This has resulted in an unstable and ambiguous understanding of the scale and its psychometric properties. The current study sought resolution by implementing scale evaluation approaches guided by modern psychometric literature. Additionally, our goal was to provide a more comprehensive item analysis via the item response theory (IRT) framework. Results from the current study support both unidimensional and multidimensional factor structures for the 13-item version of the BSCS. The addition of an IRT analysis provided a new perspective on item- and test-level functioning. The goal of a more defensible psychometric grounding for the BSCS is to promote greater consistency, stability, and trust in future results.
Prostate-directed radiation therapy and overall survival for men with M1a prostate cancer.

101Background: A recent randomized controlled trial demonstrated that radiation therapy to the prostate improves overall survival for men with newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer with a low ...
Impact of cervical stenosis on multiple sclerosis lesion distribution in the spinal cord.

Abstract Objective: To determine whether demyelinating lesions attributable to multiple sclerosis (MS) occur more commonly in regions of pre-existing cervical stenosis (CS). Design/Methods: One hundred comorbid MS/CS patients and 100 MS-only controls were identified via ICD codes and radiology reports from a retrospective chart review of the records of the University of Pennsylvania Hospital System (UPHS) from January 1st, 2009 to December 31st, 2018. For each patient, axial and sagittal T2 sequences of cervical MRI scans were examined. The cervical cord was split into 7 equal segments comprising the disc space and half of each adjacent vertebral body. Each segment was assessed for the presence of MS lesions and grade 2 CS or higher by previously published criteria. Lesions which were concerning for spondylotic-related signal change based on imaging characteristics were excluded (n=6, 3.2%). Clinical data was extracted from the electronic medical record. Results: Average age at the time of MRI was 57.0 +/- 10.5 years and average time with MS diagnosis was 15.3 +/- 9.2 years. The majority of patients had a diagnosis of relapse-remitting MS (81.0%) and the F:M ratio was 3.5. Eighty-five percent of patients were on treatment at the time of MRI, most often glatiramer acetate (35.0%). Spinal segments with at least grade 2 stenosis were significantly associated with the presence of an MS lesion in the same segment (χ2 = 19.0, p Conclusions: Our data suggest there is a significant association between segments of spinal cord with at least moderate CS and segments with MS lesions. Further analysis is required to assess if cervical stenosis is a causative or aggravating factor in multiple sclerosis.
Delayed removal of a percutaneous left ventricular assist device for patients undergoing catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia is associated with increased 90-day mortality.

Assess if timing of removal of a percutaneous left ventricular assist device (pLVAD) after ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation alters patient outcomes. Sixty-nine patients underwent pLVAD support. Patients were divided into early (< 24 h, n = 43) and delayed (≥ 24 h, n = 26) removal groups after ablation. Factors for delayed pLVAD removal and predictors of 90-day mortality were analyzed. The delayed removal group had lower LVEF (27.1 ± 9.3% vs. 20.6 ± 5.4%, p = 0.002), greater percentage LVEF < 25% (58.1% vs. 84.6%, p = 0.02), and more VT storm (41.9% vs. 96.2%, p < 0.001). Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced in 9/69 (13%), with incidence higher in delayed removal group (27% vs. 5%, p = 0.002). VT storm (OR = 34.72, 95% CI, 4.30–280.33; p = 0.001), LVEF < 25% (OR = 3.95, 95% CI, 1.16–13.48; p = 0.03), and VF induced during ablation (OR = 9.25, 95% CI, 1.71–50.0; p = 0.01) were associated with delayed pLVAD removal in univariate analysis. Delayed pLVAD removal had a significantly higher 90-day mortality rate (2.3% vs 30.2%; p < 0.001). Univariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed delayed pLVAD removal was a significant predictor of 90-day mortality. Prolonged pLVAD insertion (≥ 24 h) after VT ablation was associated with VT storm, LVEF < 25%, and VF induced during ablation. Delayed pLVAD removal was a significant predictor of 90-day mortality in patients undergoing VT ablation.
Evolution of ESG Reporting Frameworks

In response to increasing investor demand for non-financial information from companies, a number of sustainability accounting frameworks have evolved to improve standardized disclosure of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) information. These frameworks have created more consistent, readily available, and easily interpreted information for investors to assess the sustainability impact of capital allocation choices. The data that is easy to collect and disclose is, however, far less valuable than information that must be gleaned through complicated processes, extensive due diligence, collaborations with subject-matter experts, and serendipitous insights. ESG frameworks thus face a difficult trade-off between standardized information that is widely demanded and cheaply supplied versus nuanced and esoteric information required to form the basis of strategies capable of delivering market outperformance. Investors seeking ESG-derived alpha must thus look beyond these standardized data sources and frameworks for their deeper and more idiosyncratic analyses.
Meta-Signer: Metagenomic Signature Identifier based onrank aggregation of features

The advance of metagenomic studies provides the opportunity to identify microbial taxa that are associated with human diseases. Multiple methods exist for the association analysis. However, the results could be inconsistent, presenting challenges in interpreting the host-microbiome interactions. To address this issue, we develop Meta-Signer, a novel Meta genomic Sign ature Identifi er tool based on rank aggregation of features identified from multiple machine learning models including Random Forest, Support Vector Machines, Logistic Regression, and Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Networks. Meta-Signer generates ranked taxa lists by training individual machine learning models over multiple training partitions and aggregates the ranked lists into a single list by an optimization procedure to represent the most informative and robust microbial features. A User will receive speedy assessment on the predictive performance of each ma-chine learning model using different numbers of the ranked features and determine the final models to be used for evaluation on external datasets. Meta-Signer is user-friendly and customizable, allowing users to explore their datasets quickly and efficiently.
A Survey of Arizona Pharmacists to Identify Opportunities to Enhance Pharmacists’ Competitiveness in a Tightening Labor Market:

Background:The pharmacy profession has experienced dramatic shifts in scopes of practice, services offered, and employment opportunities over the last couple decades. At the same time, the number o...
Highlights from the 2021 Conference of the International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses.

During a difficult year in which connection with colleagues has been severely disrupted, attendance at the annual conference of the International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISPN) ...