cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lifelong learning for acquiring the wisdom of the crowd

Predictive models play a key role for inference and decision making in crowdsourcing. We present methods that can be used to guide the collection of data for enhancing the competency of such predictive models while using the models to provide a base crowdsourcing service. We focus on the challenge of ideally balancing the goals of collecting data over time for learning and for improving task performance with the cost of workers' contributions over the lifetime of the operation of a system. We introduce the use of distributions over a set of predictive models to represent uncertainty about the dynamics of the world. We employ a novel Monte Carlo algorithm to reason simultaneously about uncertainty about the world dynamics and the progression of task solution as workers are hired over time to optimize hiring decisions. We evaluate the methodology with experiments on a challenging citizen-science problem, demonstrating how it balances exploration and exploitation over the lifetime of a crowdsourcing system.
Parosteal osteosarcoma of the posterior aspect of the distal part of the femur. Oncological and functional results following a new resection technique.

Background: Parosteal osteosarcoma is a low-grade malignant bone tumor that arises from the surface of the metaphysis of long bones. Parosteal osteosarcoma is usually well differentiated and displays a low propensity to metastasize. Wide resection of a parosteal osteosarcoma has been shown to provide a relatively risk-free method of preventing local recurrence. We propose a new method of resection of parosteal osteosarcomas located in the popliteal paraosseous space of the distal part of the femur. This method involves resection of the mass through separate medial and lateral incisions, which allows for wide margins yet limits the amount of dissection of the soft tissues and the neurovascular bundle. Methods: Six patients with parosteal osteosarcoma located on the posterior aspect of the distal part of the femur underwent resection of the lesion and reconstruction with a posterior hemicortical allograft through dual medial and lateral incisions. The patients were evaluated with regard to pain, postoperative function, union of the allograft (osteosynthesis), and the prevalence of local recurrence. Results: The average time until the last follow-up assessment was 4.3 years. No metastases developed, and there were no local recurrences. All patients were free of disease at the last follow-up evaluation. Postoperatively, the average range of motion of the knee was 0 to 122 degrees. Five of the six patients were free of pain at the time of the latest follow-up. Five of the six patients returned to their preoperative active functional status. Conclusions: We recommend resection of a parosteal osteosarcoma located on the posterior surface of the femur through separate medial and lateral incisions. This approach provides minimal dissection of the neurovascular bundle but ample exposure for reconstruction with a hemicortical allograft.
Evaluating Gene and Cell Therapy

Cardiac imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), and ultrasound have seen major advances over the past 3 decades. In the clinical setting, these modalities can provide outstanding data regarding organ structure and physiologic function. However, as molecular medicine transitions from bench to bedside in the forms of gene and cellular therapies, novel, noninvasive imaging technologies need to be developed to monitor and evaluate the efficacy of these treatments at the genetic and biochemical levels. This need has given rise to a new and rapidly evolving discipline called “molecular imaging.”1
Abstract 4268: Interleukin-27 inhibits angiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Interleukin-27 (IL-27), the newest member of the IL-6/IL-12 family, is secreted by antigen presenting cells and has anti-tumor activity through its activation of the JAK-STAT pathway. Transcriptional factors STAT1 and STAT3 have been implicated in the balance of tumor suppressor and oncogenic functions. Angiogenesis is a critical process during carcinogenesis. We investigated the role of IL-27 in tumor angiogenesis in lung cancer. Human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs), genetically modified HBEC to over express Snail and K-ras (HBEC-Snail, HBEC-K-ras), and human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) lines (A549, H2122) were treated with IL-27 at multiple time points. Phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3 measured by Western Blot after IL-27 exposure demonstrated activation of both pathways in these cell lines. Protein production of an important pro-angiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), was measured by ELISA and Western analysis. After exposure to IL-27, there was a 60-80% decrease in VEGF protein expression of VEGF by ELISA (confirmed by Western analysis in the NSCLC lines but not in the HBECs or their genetically modified derivatives). The IL-27 down regulation of VEGF was not increased by the addition of a STAT3 inhibitor. In summary, IL-27 inhibits VEGF production in NSCLC through a mechanism independent of STAT3, suggesting that STAT1 may play a dominant role in IL-27 mediated angiogenesis suppression. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4268. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4268
Effect of temperature preconditioning on ovary freezing tolerance of fully opened peach flowers

One year old peach trees, chilled for eight to ten weeks at 5°C, were placed in a cold (15°C day, 5°C night) or warm (30°C day, 20°C night) growth chamber prior to bud break to study the influence of long-term low temperature preconditioning on freezing tolerance of flower ovaries. The trees bloomed after four weeks in the cold chamber and two weeks in the warm chamber. Ovary freezing tolerances were determined by either freezing whole flowering trees or detached flowers. When whole trees were frozen, ovaries of cold- grown ‘Junegold’ survived a freezing temperature of -4.0°C, but were killed at -4.5CC. Also, ovaries of cold-grown ‘Junegold’ were hardier than those of warm-grown trees, with differences in ovary freezing survival ranging from 13% at -4.0°C to 35% at -3.0°C. However, the difference in T50 of the ovaries between the warm-grown and the cold-grown flowers was only 0.38°C. Moreover, the cold acclimation potential for ovaries of ‘Junegold’ peach was lower than that of leaves and stems by at leas...
A Diagnostic Scheme for Detection, Isolation and Estimation of Electrochemical Faults in Lithium-Ion Cells

Improvement of the safety and reliability of the Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery operation is one of the key tasks for advanced Battery Management Systems (BMSs). It is critical for BMSs to be able to diagnose battery electrochemical faults that can potentially lead to catastrophic failures. In this paper, an observer-based fault diagnosis scheme is presented that can detect, isolate and estimate some internal electrochemical faults. The scheme uses a reduced-order electrochemical-thermal model for a Li-ion battery cell. The paper first presents a modeling framework where the electrochemical faults are modeled as parametric faults. Then, multiple sliding mode observers are incorporated in the diagnostic scheme. The design and selection of the observer gains as well as the convergence of the observers are verified theoretically via Lyapunov’s direct method. Finally, the performance of the observer-based diagnostic scheme is illustrated via simulation studies.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Abstract PL03-03: Designing p300/CBP histone acetyltransferase inhibitors for cancer.

The transcriptional coactivator p300/CBP catalyzes protein lysine acetylation on histones and other proteins and has been implicated in a wide array of physiologic and pathologic processes including cancer. In contrast to HDACS, methyltransferases, and bromodomains, it has historically been difficult to identify drug-like small molecules as potent histone acetyltransferase inhibitors. We will discuss our longstanding effort to design selective p300/CBP acetyltransferase inhibitors using enzymologic and structural considerations. We will provide current pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of our most recent p300/CBP inhibitors and future directions related to anticancer therapies. We will also highlight the use of protein microarrays as a tool to understand the regulation and substrate profile of p300/CBP protein acetylation. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):PL03-03. Citation Format: Philip A. Cole. Designing p300/CBP histone acetyltransferase inhibitors for cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr PL03-03.
Ecology of Elasmopalpus lignosellus Parasite Complex on Peanuts in Texas

Thirteen species of parasites were identified from Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) on peanuts in Texas. Means of 8.55, 5.21, and 4.98% parasitism were recorded from medium-larval, large-larval, and pupal stages, respectively, from 1975 to 1977. The dominant medium-larval parasite was Orgilus elasmopalpi Muesebeck (4.53% parasitism), followed by Apanteles sp. (1.46% parasitism), and Pristomerus spinator (F.) (0.73% parasitism). The dominant large-larval parasite was O. elasmopalpi (3.06% parasitism), with P. spinator (1.07% parasitism) second. The dominant pupal parasite was Invreia deceptor Grissell and Schauff (3.47% parasitism), with no pupal parasitism detected in the first generation. Parasites not previously reported from E. lignosellus include Orgilus nitidus Muesebeck, Macrocentrus sp., Agathis sp., and Geron aridus Painter. Parasitism was density independent and had little impact on E. lignosellus populations. Examination of all E. lignosellus parasite studies led to the conclusion that tachinid parasitism, an important component of E. lignosellus parasitism on many crops, is rare on peanuts. Restriction of tachinids from E. lignosellus parasites on peanuts is a result of larval behavior associated with plant growth form and larval feeding damage.
Taphonomy and paleobiological implications of Middle Devonian (Eifelian) nautiloid concentrates, Alaska

Significant accumulations of microscopic nautiloids in Devonian carbonate grainstones are reported for the first time from the fossil record. Small-sized nautiloids belonging to three or four taxa are the predominant skeletal components in shell concentrates that are nine m thick. The nautiloids have an average length <6 mm and an average diameter <2 mm, are densely packed, and moderately well sorted with rare evidence of grading, imbrication, or alignment. Association with abundant massive stromatoporoids and colonial corals indicates that the nautiloid communities inhabited a shallow-marine reefal environment. The extraordinary abundance of small-sized nautiloids, their high density and concentration, as well as the thickness and repeated occurrence of the nautiloid grainstones in the reefal sequence suggest that a combination of biological (group spawning and mass mortality) processes and physical (storm-related) phenomena were associated with the production, concentration, and preservation of an unusually high abundance of small adult and juvenile nautiloids. The inferred life history strategies of these Devonian nautiloids suggest significant differences from the modern Nautilus but remarkable similarities with belemnites, ammonites, and modern coleoids.
Frenet Frame-Based Generalized Space Curve Representation for Pose-Invariant Classification and Recognition of 3-D Face

The state-of-the-art methods in classifying 3-D representation of the face involve challenges in extracting representative features directly from the large volume of facial data. These methods mostly ignore the effect of pose distortions on 3-D facial data and entail heavy computations as well as manual processing steps. This work proposes a novel Frenet frame-based generalized space curve representation method for 3-D pose-invariant face and facial expression recognition and classification. Three-dimensional facial curves are extracted from either frontal or synthetically posed 3-D facial data to derive the proposed Frenet frame-based features. A mathematical framework shows the proof of pose invariance property for the features. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated in two recognition tasks: 3-D face recognition (3D-FR) and 3-D facial expression recognition (3D-FER) using benchmarked 3-D datasets. The proposed framework yields 96% rank-I recognition rate for 3D-FR and 91.4% area under ROC curves for six basic 3D-FER. The performance evaluation also shows that the proposed mathematical framework yields pose-invariant 3D-FR and 3D-FER for a wide range of pose angles. This pose invariance property of the Frenet frame-based features alleviates the need for an expensive 3-D face registration in the preprocessing step, which, in turn, enables a faster processing time. The evaluation results further suggest that the proposed method is not only computationally efficient and versatile, but also offers competitive performance when compared with the existing state-of-the-art methods reported for either 3D-FR or 3D-FER.
Research development of new hydrogen production by solar energy

Theory and applications of hydrogen production by solar water splitting are analyzed in this paper. Their disadvantages and two advisable ways of improving their efficiency are introduced at the same time. Solar hydrogen production by a two-step water-splitting thermochemical cycle is presented. The outlook of future study is also given here.
Penetrating wounds of the neck: principles and some controversies.

Since delayed surgical treatment of major vascular and esophageal injuries results in higher morbidity and mortality, exploratory operations are appropriate when such injuries are suspected, even though preoperative studies are inconclusive. A systematic approach to the management of penetrating wounds of the base of the neck is outlined.
HDAC6 Deacetylates HMGN2 to Regulate Stat5a Activity and Breast Cancer Growth.

Stat5a is a transcription factor utilized by several cytokine/hormone receptor signaling pathways that promotes transcription of genes associated with proliferation, differentiation, and survival of cancer cells. However, there are currently no clinically approved therapies that directly target Stat5a, despite ample evidence that it contributes to breast cancer pathogenesis. Here, deacetylation of the Stat5a coactivator and chromatin-remodeling protein HMGN2 on lysine residue K2 by HDAC6 promotes Stat5a-mediated transcription and breast cancer growth. HDAC6 inhibition both in vitro and in vivo enhances HMGN2 acetylation with a concomitant reduction in Stat5a-mediated signaling, resulting in an inhibition of breast cancer growth. Furthermore, HMGN2 is highly acetylated at K2 in normal human breast tissue, but is deacetylated in primary breast tumors and lymph node metastases, suggesting that targeting HMGN2 deacetylation is a viable treatment for breast cancer. Together, these results reveal a novel mechanism by which HDAC6 activity promotes the transcription of Stat5a target genes and demonstrate utility of HDAC6 inhibition for breast cancer therapy. Implications: HMGN2 deacetylation enhances Stat5a transcriptional activity, thereby regulating prolactin-induced gene transcription and breast cancer growth. Mol Cancer Res; 14(10); 994–1008. ©2016 AACR .
Aminergic and Peptidergic Neuromodulation in Crustacea

Biogenic amines and peptides can act both as circulating neurohormones and as classical central and peripheral neurotransmitters. This article reviews some of the variety of roles played by amines and peptides in crustacean nervous systems. Cardiac, stomatogastric and postural systems are used to illustrate: (1) the functional versatility of amines and peptides; (2) the molecular basis of their actions; (3) the coexistence of amines and peptides with other bioactive compounds; and (4) the developmental expression of amine and peptide phenotypes. We will deal in detail with the postural neuromuscular system of the lobster, Homarus americanus . Physiological and pharmacological experiments have shown that the biogenic amines serotonin and octopamine are capable of regulating posture by direct neurohormonal actions on the muscles and by central actions that alter motoneuronal output. We have localized serotonin to identified neurones in the lobster ventral nerve cord and have shown further that the pentapeptide proctolin coexists with the amine in these cells. Such neuronesprovide a convenient system in which to study the functional interactions between peptide and amine cotransmitters. In addition, the serotonin and proctolin phenotypes of these cells are first expressed at widely different times in development. This presents the possibility of studying the regulation of these two transmitter phenotypes in a system that is readily amenable to experimental manipulation.
Screening for high blood pressure: a review of the evidence for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Abstract Context In 1996, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended screening adults for hypertension. Since that time, the published literature on hypertension has expanded rapidly, necessitating a new examination of the evidence supporting screening. Objective Update the 1996 evidence review on screening for hypertension. Data sources The 1996 Guide to Clinical Preventive Services , recent systematic reviews, and focused searches of MEDLINE were used to identify new evidence relevant to detecting and treating hypertension. Study selection When a good quality, recent systematic review was available, it was used to summarize previous research; MEDLINE was searched only for more recent articles. Two authors reviewed abstracts (and full texts, if necessary) of potentially relevant articles to determine if they should be included. Data extraction One author extracted data from included studies into evidence tables. Data synthesis Hypertension can be effectively detected through office measurement of blood pressure. Treatment of elevated blood pressure in adults can reduce cardiovascular events. The magnitude of risk reduction depends on the degree of hypertension and the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors. Available studies have found no important adverse effects on psychological well-being and mixed effects on the absenteeism rates of adults who are screened and labeled as being hypertensive. Conclusions Substantial indirect evidence supports the effectiveness of screening adults to detect hypertension and treating them to reduce cardiovascular disease.
The healthy living partnerships to prevent diabetes and the diabetes prevention program: a comparison of year 1 and 2 intervention results

A number of research studies have attempted to translate the behavioral lifestyle intervention delivered in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). To compare the active interventions of two trials, Diabetes Prevention Program DPP and Healthy Living Partnerships to Prevent Diabetes (HELP PD), after 1 and 2 years of intervention. DPP included 3234 adults with prediabetes randomized to intensive lifestyle intervention, metformin, troglitazone, or placebo. The lifestyle intervention, professionally delivered to individuals in a clinical setting, focused on diet and increased physical activity. HELP PD, a community-based translation of DPP, included 301 adults randomized to receive intensive lifestyle intervention or enhanced usual care. Mean weight-losses at 1 year (6.9 kg in DPP, 6.4 kg in HELP PD) and 2 years (5.5 kg in DPP, 4.4 kg in HELP PD) were similar across studies. Reductions in glucose were also similar across studies at both time points (5.2 mg/dL in DPP and 4.1 mg/dL in HELP PD at 1 year; 1.8 mg/dL and 1.6 mg/dL at 2 years). HELP PD participants achieved larger reductions in triglycerides at 1 and 2 years (38.4 mg/dL and 34.9 mg/dL, respectively) than DPP participants (24.8 mg/dL and 22.4 mg/dL). High-density lipoprotein decreased in HELP PD participants at year 1 (−0.6 mg/dL) and increased in DPP (1.2 mg/dL) but there were no significant differences in year 2. HELP PD, a community model for diabetes prevention, was similar to DPP in reducing body weight and lowering blood glucose, both important risk factors that should be controlled to reduce risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
A 0.2-1.45-GHz Subsampling Fractional-$N$ Digital MDLL With Zero-Offset Aperture PD-Based Spur Cancellation and In Situ Static Phase Offset Detection

A digital fractional-N subsampling multiplying delay-locked loop is proposed in this paper. A zero phase-offset latch-based aperture phase detector is introduced in a reference spur cancellation loop to precisely cancel any static phase offset (SPO) between the injected reference and the digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) phases. An in situ detection scheme is employed to directly measure this phase offset accurately by obviating the requirement of a high-speed off-chip measurement setup. Moreover, a mathematical expression is derived for the calculation of reference spur generated from a given SPO. A uniformly distributed switched capacitor-based DCO frequency tuning achieves highly linear gain. The chip prototype is fabricated in a 1.2-V supply, 65-nm LP CMOS technology and covers an output frequency range of 0.2-1.45 GHz while occupying a core area of 0.054 mm 2 . Measured phase noise at 1.4175 GHz is -95 dBc/Hz at 100-kHz offset, which is 9 dB lower than in phase-locked loop mode of operation.
p53 Homolog TAp63 elicits apoptosis in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) B-Cells,

Abstract 3894 p63 is a p53 homolog whose function depends on the cellular context. The full-length TAp63 variant may carry an anti-oncogenic potential in solid tumor models, where it mediates Ras-induced cellular senescence, antagonizes tumorigenesis and suppresses the development of metastases. In hepatoma cells TAp63 is involved in activation of both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways. By contrast, ΔNp63, an amino-terminally truncated p63 variant, is oncogenic in tumors of squamous cell origin. TAp63 is the predominantly expressed p63 isoform in lymphoid malignancies. Increased expression of TAp63 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma confers an unfavorable prognosis. In CLL TAp63 was shown to mediate B-cell homing to the bone marrow, thus possibly contributing to apoptosis evasion. We studied expression of p63 in CLL and determined whether p63 plays a role in CLL B-cell survival and sensitivity to chemotherapy. We enrolled 25 previously untreated subjects with B-CLL at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center (Lebanon, NH). CLL B-cells were isolated from peripheral blood with standard Ficoll-Hypaque technique and purified using a B-cell (CLL) Isolation Kit. Small interfering RNA against p63 were delivered using Lonza Nucleofector with transfection efficiency of 20–50% and viability of 60–80% at 24 h. Viability was enhanced when cells were cocultured with “feeder cells”. To test sensitivity to chemotherapy, cells were treated with 10 μM chlorambucil and 5 μM fludarabine for 48–72 h. For apoptosis analysis cells were stained with Annexin V and 7-AAD and assayed by flow cytometry. Five lymph node tissues were analyzed for p63 expression by immunohistochemistry using a mouse monoclonal p63 antibody (clone 4A4). Of 25 CLL patients 15 were males (60%). Median age was 61 years. Median follow up was 3 years. Most patients presented in Rai stage 0–1 (92%). TAp63 mRNA transcripts were expressed in all CLL samples, while ΔNp63 variant was not detected. TAp63α was the predominantly expressed splicing variant. A C-terminally truncated TAp63γ variant was detected at a low level. TAp63 mRNA transcript levels were higher in CLL B-cells than in normal B-cells, but 10- to 100-fold lower than in high-grade lymphoma cell lines. Of five lymph nodes analyzed, weak nuclear p63 staining was detected in one. In this small cohort, p63 expression in the peripheral blood CLL B-cells did not correlate with ZAP-70 expression. CD38-positive (>30%) CLL samples expressed higher TAp63 mRNA transcript levels (p Thus, TAp63α is the predominantly expressed p63 variant in the peripheral blood CLL cells. TAp63a contributes to the intrinsic apoptosis program in CLL and may play a role in sensitizing CLL B-cells to standard chemotherapy drugs. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Development and Mechanistic Study of Quinoline-Directed Acyl C–O Bond Activation and Alkene Oxyacylation Reactions

The intramolecular addition of both an alkoxy and acyl substituent across an alkene, oxyacylation of alkenes, using rhodium catalyzed C–O bond activation of an 8-quinolinyl ester is described. Our unsuccessful attempts at intramolecular carboacylation of ketones via C–C bond activation ultimately informed our choice to pursue and develop the intramolecular oxyacylation of alkenes via quinoline-directed C–O bond activation. We provide a full account of our catalyst discovery, substrate scope, and mechanistic experiments for quinoline-directed alkene oxyacylation.
Conventional Agricultural Production Systems and Soil Functions

Different cropping systems offer both positive and negative effects for soil ecosystem services. The direction of these effects will depend on the management practices used for a given system. Good management practices, which include crop rotations, cover crops, and reduced tillage, will yield positive economic and environmental benefits to soil ecosystems. Such management will yield high sustainability and productivity along with healthy soil. In general, conventional agricultural production systems are chemical- and tillage-intense, and as such soil health in these systems is not optimal. These systems tend to degrade soil health because they lead to poor biological, chemical, and physical properties.
Very Sparse Graphs

We hold to the view proposed in the original papers of Erdos and Renyi that the random graph G(n, p) evolves as p increases from empty to full. In its early stages — much like natural evolution — the behaviors are relatively simple to describe. For the random graph, early stages means up to p 1/n. As we are viewing the random graph through only a first order lens we shall actually go a bit further in this section. We summarize the results of Section 3.1 – 3.5 with Theorem 3.0.8.
USING A VIDEO SELF-MODELING STRATEGY TO ENHANCE READING OUTCOMES AMONG STUDENTS WITH OR AT RISK OF SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITIES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Most students with learning disabilities struggle to be effective readers. The video self-modeling (VSM) strategy has been considered an evidence-based practice that can be used to enhance academic and behavioral performance among students who have special needs. However, few studies have explored the utility of the VSM strategy to enhance reading achievement for students with or at risk of specific learning disabilities (SLD). Thus, this systematic review was conducted to determine the effectiveness of utilizing the VSM strategy to promote reading outcomes among students with or at risk of being diagnosed with SLD. Five studies were located and reviewed. The results identified the VSM strategy as a promising practice that can be adopted by schools to support struggling readers; however, much remains to be done to ensure positive reading outcomes for students with or at risk of having SLD.
CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing for Treatment of Atherogenic Dyslipidemia

Although human genetics has resulted in the identification of novel lipid-related genes that can be targeted for the prevention of atherosclerotic vascular disease, medications targeting these genes or their protein products have short-term effects and require frequent administration during the course of the lifetime for maximal benefit. Genome-editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR-associated 9) have the potential to permanently alter genes in the body and produce long-term and even lifelong protection against atherosclerosis. In this review, we discuss recent advances in genome-editing technologies and early proof-of-concept studies of somatic in vivo genome editing in mice that highlight the potential of genome editing to target disease-related genes in patients, which would establish a novel therapeutic paradigm for atherosclerosis.
Chronic kidney disease: Intensive blood pressure reduction lowers mortality in CKD.

Hypertension is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the optimal blood pressure (BP) target in patients with stage 3–5 CKD is unclear. Now, a meta-analysis reports that more-intensive BP control is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality compared with less-intensive BP goals in this high-risk population.
“My mind kept creeping back… this relationship can’t last”: Developing self-awareness of monogamous bias

Therapists who identify as monogamous can hold implicit beliefs about the nature of relationships. Such biases can overshadow the therapeutic process and impede consensually non-monogamous clients ...
Astrocytes, an active player in Aicardi-Goutières syndrome.

Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome (AGS) is an early-onset, autoimmune and genetically heterogeneous disorder with severe neurologic injury. Molecular studies have established that autosomal recessive mutations in one of the following genes are causative: TREX1, RNASEH2A, RNASEH2B, RNASEH2C, SAMHD1, ADAR1 and IFIH1/MDA5. The phenotypic presentation and pathophysiology of AGS is associated with over-production of the cytokine Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) and its downstream signaling, characterized as type I interferonopathy. Astrocytes are one of the major source of IFN in the central nervous system (CNS) and it is proposed that they could be key players in AGS pathology. Astrocytes are the most ubiquitous glial cell in the CNS and perform a number of crucial and complex functions ranging from formation of blood-brain barrier, maintaining ionic homeostasis, metabolic support to synapse formation and elimination in healthy CNS. Involvement of astrocytic dysfunction in neurological diseases-Alexander's disease, Epilepsy, Alzheimer's and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-has been well-established. It is now known that compromised astrocytic function can contribute to CNS abnormalities and severe neurodegeneration, nevertheless, its contribution in AGS is unclear. The current review discusses known molecular and cellular pathways for AGS mutations and how it stimulates IFN-α signaling. We shed light on how astrocytes might be key players in the phenotypic presentations of AGS and emphasize the cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous role of astrocytes. Understanding the contribution of astrocytes will help reveal mechanisms underlying interferonopathy and develop targeted astrocyte specific therapeutic treatments in AGS.
Molecular Theory of Vibrational Energy Relaxation in Gases and Liquids

Vibrational energy relaxation (VER) in liquids (1), in part because of its fundamental significance for solution chemical reaction dynamics (2), is a process, which despite its venerable history (3), continues to be of interest (4).
Dosage adjustments for antibacterials in obese patients: applying clinical pharmacokinetics.

Obesity is associated with physiological changes that can alter the pharmacokinetic parameters of many drugs. Vancomycin and the aminoglycosides are the only antibacterials that have been extensively investigated in the obese population. The apparent volume of distribution (Vd) and total body clearance of vancomycin are increased in obese patients and have a better correlation with total bodyweight (TBW) than with ideal bodyweight (IBW). The Vd of aminoglycosides is increased in obesity and can be estimated from an adjusted body-weight that accounts for a fraction of the excess bodyweight (TBW — IBW). These observed changes in pharmacokinetic parameters of vancomycin and aminoglycosides in obese patients may necessitate a deviation from the commonly recommended dosages administered to non-obese individuals. There are limited data regarding the pharmacokinetics of other antibacterial classes in obese patients. The available information for Cephalosporins suggests that dosages may need to be increased in obese patients in order to obtain similar serum and tissue concentrations as in non-obese patients. Additional pharmacokinetic studies of other antibacterial classes are required in this special patient population.
Can Cross-Race Mentoring Help Minority Students and Break Down Prejudice? Mentoring Experiences in Higher Education

i CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION 1 CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW 4 Mentoring 4 Interracial Mentoring 10 Considering the Forms of Contemporary Racism 14 Conclusion 20 CHAPTER III: THE THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK 23 Introduction 23 Contemporary US Racism Theories 23 Intergroup Contact Hypothesis 30 Additional Optimal Conditions in Light of Contemporary US Racism 35 Hypotheses 44 CHAPTER IV: RESEARCH DESIGN 45 Purpose and Significance 45 Site and Participant Selection 47 Sampling Frame 48 Interviews 51 Data Analysis 53 CHAPTER V: FINDINGS 61 Successful Cross-Race Mentoring Experiences 62 Expectations and Perceptions 63 The Mentoring Relationship 67 The Racial Component 75 Medium Success with Interracial Mentoring Relationships 83
An inverse spectral method to localize discordant alternans regions on the heart from body surface measurements

Spatially discordant T-wave alternans (TWA) has been shown to be linked to the genesis of ventricular fibrillation. Identification of discordant TWA through spatial characterization of TWA patterns in the heart has the potential to improve sudden cardiac death risk stratification. In this paper we present a method to solve a new variant of the inverse problem in electrocardiography that is tailored to estimate the TWA regions on the heart from non-invasive measurements on the body surface. We evaluate our method using both body surface potentials synthesized from heart surface potentials generated with ECGSIM and from potentials measured on a canine heart, and we show that this method detects the main regions in the heart undergoing TWA.
The expression of cholecystokinin and vasopressin binding sites in the developing mammalian brain: a comparative study

9 Introduction 10 Materials and Methods 12 Results 14 Discussion 20 Acknowledgements 24 Literature Cited 24 CHAPTER TWO. ONTOGENY OF CHOLECYSTOKININ BINDING SITES IN THE LABORATORY RAT HINDBRAIN 48 Abstract 48 Introduction 49 Materials and Methods 50 Results 53 Discussion 58 Acknowledgements 62 References 6248 Introduction 49 Materials and Methods 50 Results 53 Discussion 58 Acknowledgements 62 References 62
Embedding Experiments: Staking Causal Inference in Authentic Educational Contexts

To identify the ways teachers and educational systems can improve learning, researchers need to make causal inferences. Analyses of existing datasets play an important role in detecting causal patterns, but conducting experiments also plays an indispensable role in this research. In this article, we advocate for experiments to be embedded in real educational contexts, allowing researchers to test whether interventions such as a learning activity, new technology, or advising strategy elicit reliable improvements in authentic student behaviours and educational outcomes. Embedded experiments, wherein theoretically relevant variables are systematically manipulated in real learning contexts, carry strong benefits for making causal inferences, particularly when allied with the data-rich resources of contemporary e-learning environments. Toward this goal, we offer a field guide to embedded experimentation, reviewing experimental design choices, addressing ethical concerns, discussing the importance of involving teachers, and reviewing how interventions can be deployed in a variety of contexts, at a range of scales. Causal inference is a critical component of a field that aims to improve student learning; including experimentation alongside analyses of existing data in learning analytics is the most compelling way to test causal claims.
Author citations and the indexer

Sylvia Coates explores the potentially fraught matter of how to handle author citations in the index, looking first at the extensive guidelines followed by US publishers, and then briefly consideri...
Transferable Skills vs. Homecourt Advantage: A Comparison of Real Asset Performance by Externally and Internally Hired CEOs

Overall, we find that CEOs appointed from inside the firms deliver greater cumulative and more persistent performance than those hired from outside the firms. We attribute this to insiders having a home court advantage, from years of accumulated firm-specific experience. This advantage is rarely transferable, as their persistent superior performance is rarely repeated in another firm. The size of this advantage could be large, as we find the performance of the insiders to be no worse, often better, than outsiders even when we isolate situations in which firms are distressed, insiders are disadvantaged, and outsiders are empowered. Our evidence fails to support the notion that general skills are increasingly more valuable, and the shortage of CEOs with these skills causes the observed rise in CEO pay.
Frankenstein Returns (review of "Frankenstein Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley. Annotated for Scientiest, Engineers, and Creators of All Kinds") [Book Reviews]

In 2018, much attention was paid to the 200th anniversary of the publication of one of the most popular novels in the English language, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Her achievement is the more remarkable in that it occurred when there were very few known English female authors. Indeed, when the book appeared it carried no author’s name. Popular from the start, it went through several editions and revisions — the writer was revealed to the public in the second edition. She was the wife of the renowned poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and had started writing the book at age 18; it came out two years later. It’s interesting that the first major science fiction novel was written by a woman and perhaps significant that it presents a dark vision of scientific experimentation. That M.I.T. has chosen to bring out a new heavily annotated edition at this moment in history is both appropriate and not surprising. We are in an age of hyper-sensitivity to issues of technological hubris as well as fear of the unintended consequences of technology. Who hasn’t heard of “Frankenfood” — genetically modified nourishment, which in our more paranoid moments, we imagine having been created by mad scientists in industrial laboratories who are poisoning our bodies and environment. And our present concern over the possibility of “designer babies” has close parallels in the novel’s plot. Virtually every other page of this edition carries footnotes, which were provided by a team of around 30 professors, grad students, sci-fi writers, and post docs. In addition, the book concludes with seven critical essays — some of them quite provocative — which will be an aid to any professor who chooses to assign this book designed for classroom study by undergraduates in STEM courses. Strange to say, despite its publisher and subject matter none of the contributors is from M.I.T. The three principal editors are at Arizona State University. There are now several other 200th anniversary editions in print, including one from Literary Folio that includes facsimiles of the 1818 and 1831 editions.
A comprehensive review on logo literature: research topics, findings, and future directions

ABSTRACTLogos as a visual cue can help firms communicate their unique identities and capture consumers’ attention. Despite the importance and prevalent use of logos, the logo literature remains fra...
The interaction of helium with alpha-quartz

A detailed method of calculating the three-dimensional interaction of gas atoms with solid surfaces has been developed in order to provide a quantitative means of determining atmospheric evolution and global distribution on exospheric planetary bodies. The computational method involves accurate structural models of the surface and subsurface, and numerical solution of 60-dimensional differential equations of motion in a Monte Carlo calculation of the collision process. Preliminary results for the He-alpha-quartz system are described.
Detection of carcinogen-induced bladder cancer by fluorocoxib A

Conventional cystoscopy can detect advanced stages of bladder cancer; however, it has limitations to detect bladder cancer at the early stages. Fluorocoxib A, a rhodamine-conjugated analog of indomethacin, is a novel fluorescent imaging agent that selectively targets cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-expressing cancers. In this study, we have used a carcinogen N-butyl-N-4-hydroxybutyl nitrosamine (BBN)-induced bladder cancer immunocompetent mouse B6D2F1 model that resembles human high-grade invasive urothelial carcinoma. We evaluated the ability of fluorocoxib A to detect the progression of carcinogen-induced bladder cancer in mice. Fluorocoxib A uptake by bladder tumors was detected ex vivo using IVIS optical imaging system and Cox-2 expression was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and western blotting analysis. After ex vivo imaging, the progression of bladder carcinogenesis from normal urothelium to hyperplasia, carcinoma-in-situ and carcinoma with increased Ki67 and decreased uroplakin-1A expression was confirmed by histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. The specific uptake of fluorocoxib A correlated with increased Cox-2 expression in progressing bladder cancer. In conclusion, fluorocoxib A detected the progression of bladder carcinogenesis in a mouse model with selective uptake in Cox-2-expressing bladder hyperplasia, CIS and carcinoma by 4- and 8-fold, respectively, as compared to normal bladder urothelium, where no fluorocoxib A was detected. Fluorocoxib A is a targeted optical imaging agent that could be applied for the detection of Cox-2 expressing human bladder cancer.
An easy way to evaluate software for your PDA.

This article describes an approach to critically evaluating PDA medical applications for practicality, applicability and usefulness in medical practices.
Increased Cortical Thickness in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder Following Antidepressant Treatment.

BackgroundConsidering the slow-acting properties of traditional antidepressants, an important challenge in the field is the identification of early treatment response biomarkers. Reduced cortical t...
Education, race/ethnicity, and causes of premature mortality among middle-aged adults in 4 US urban communities: Results from CARDIA, 1985-2017

Objectives. To assess causes of premature death and whether race/ethnicity or education is more strongly and independently associated with premature mortality in a diverse sample of middle-aged adu...
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Bridge to Durable Mechanical Circulatory Support: An Analysis of the STS-INTERMACS Database

Background: Limited data are available regarding the outcomes of patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) who undergo durable mechanical circulatory support implantation (dM...
Problem opioid use and HIV primary care engagement among hospitalized people who use drugs and/or alcohol

There is growing public health concern around the potential impact of the opioid crisis on efforts to eradicate HIV. This secondary analysis seeks to determine if those who report opioids as their primary problem drug compared to those who report other drugs and/or alcohol differ in engagement in HIV primary care among a sample of hospitalized people with HIV (PWH) who use drugs and/or alcohol, a traditionally marginalized and difficult to engage population key to ending the HIV epidemic. A total of 801 participants (67% male; 75% Black, non-Hispanic; mean age 44.2) with uncontrolled HIV and reported drug and/or alcohol use were recruited from 11 hospitals around the U.S. in cities with high HIV prevalence from 2012 to 2014 for a multisite clinical trial to improve HIV viral suppression. A generalized linear model compared those who reported opioids as their primary problem drug to those who reported other problem drugs and/or alcohol on their previous engagement in HIV primary care, controlling for age, sex, race, education, income, any previous drug and/or alcohol treatment, length of time since diagnosis, and study site. A total of 95 (11.9%) participants reported opioids as their primary problem drug. In adjusted models, those who reported opioids were significantly less likely to have ever engaged in HIV primary care than those who reported no problem drug use (adjusted risk ratio, ARR = 0.84, 95% Confidence Interval, CI 0.73, 0.98), stimulants (ARR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.74, 0.95), and polydrug use but no alcohol (ARR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.68, 0.93). While not statistically significant, the trend in the estimates of the remaining drug and/or alcohol categories (alcohol, cannabis, polydrug use with alcohol, and [but excluding the estimate for] other), point to a similar phenomena—those who identify opioids as their primary problem drug are engaging in HIV primary care less. These findings suggest that for hospitalized PWH who use drugs and/or alcohol, tailored and expanded efforts are especially needed to link those who report problem opioid use to HIV primary care. Trial registration This study was funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant: U10-DA01372011 (Project HOPE—Hospital Visit as Opportunity for Prevention and Engagement for HIV-Infected Drug Users; Metsch); which is also a registered clinical trial under the Clinical Trials Network (CTN-0049). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.
Experimental Investigation of Green Roof Impact on Buildings Energy in Hot Climate

Green roofs are a layer that effectively working on blocks of solar radiation from entering the building's structure below partially. Its work as a passive cooling technique, and have the potential to reduce the high surface temperature of conventional roofs because of the soil thermal resistance, evapotranspiration, and several effects for foliage shading. This affects the heat flux flow of the roof that in turn influences the indoor thermal conditions and the building energy demand. The research goals are to test the influence of the green roof on reducing heat transfer to the interior of heavy structural buildings. The experimental part was done to examine the effect of the green roof and compare it with a standard roof under influence of ambient air temperature, solar radiation, and wind speed and test the effect of the green roof on reducing heat transfer inside the building. The model site was at the Diwanyah city (Latitude: 31.9868 and Longitude: 44.9215), the engineering college campus, Qadisiyah University. The experimental setup includes two cubicles, with equal internal volume values (163cm * 163cm * 105cm). The experimental results showed for the period 5-8 September 2019. The maximum zone temperature was 46.4 °C for traditional roof and 37.06 °C for the green roof at 3:24 p.m. The results showed that the maximum internal temperature was 46.97 °C and 36.42 °C for the traditional roof and green roof respectively at 3 p.m. Also, the results for period 18-21 July 2019 noted that the zone temperature decreased by 7.5 °C and the maximum temperature of the internal traditional standard roof’s surface is 45.66 °C and 37.41 °C for the green roof.