cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Topology and dimensions of pig coronary capillary network

To provide a morphometric basis for any mathematical modeling of the coronary vasculature, data on the network of coronary capillary blood vessels and the topology of the arteriolar supply and venular drainage relative to the capillaries are presented. The diameters, lengths, and branching patterns of the coronary capillary blood vessels in the right and left ventricles of four pigs were measured. The locations of the coronary arterioles and venules were identified, topological maps were constructed, and the mean functional length of capillaries connecting an arteriole to an adjacent venule was measured. The vasculature was fixed by perfusing the coronary vessels with a catalyzed polymer. After the polymer hardened, plugs of the myocardium were removed, sectioned, dehydrated, and cleared to render the capillary network visible in a light microscope. The capillaries then were traced by optical sectioning. We designated the capillaries as blood vessels of order number zero; we further designated the capillaries as those fed directly by arterioles (C0a), those drained directly into venules (C0v), and those capillary vessels connected to C0a and C0v. The capillaries are connected in patterns identified as Y, T, H, or hairpin and anastomosed through capillary cross-connections (Ccc). The Ccc vessels may connect adjacent capillaries or capillaries originating from different arterioles. The connection among the capillaries, arteries, and veins is presented in terms of a connectivity matrix. Combining the present data with those for the arterial and venous trees, we have obtained a complete set of statistical data of all the blood vessels of the heart of the pig. Such a data set will serve as the basis of coronary hemodynamics.
Think twice: A cognitive perspective of an antibiotic timeout intervention to improve antibiotic use

Abstract Objectives To understand clinicians’ impressions of and decision-making processes regarding an informatics-supported antibiotic timeout program to re-evaluate the appropriateness of continuing vancomycin and piperacillin/tazobactam. Methods We implemented a multi-pronged informatics intervention, based on Dual Process Theory, to prompt discontinuation of unwarranted vancomycin and piperacillin/tazobactam on or after day three in a large Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Two workflow changes were introduced to facilitate cognitive deliberation about continuing antibiotics at day three: (1) teams completed an electronic template note, and (2) a paper summary of clinical and antibiotic-related information was provided to clinical teams. Shortly after starting the intervention, six focus groups were conducted with users or potential users. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Iterative thematic analysis identified recurrent themes from feedback. Results Themes that emerged are represented by the following quotations: (1) captures and controls attention (“it reminds us to think about it”), (2) enhances informed and deliberative reasoning (“it makes you think twice”), (3) redirects decision direction (“…because [there was no indication] I just [discontinued] it without even trying”), (4) fosters autonomy and improves team empowerment (“the template… forces the team to really discuss it”), and (5) limits use of emotion-based heuristics (“my clinical concern is high enough I think they need more aggressive therapy…”). Conclusions Requiring template completion to continue antibiotics nudged clinicians to re-assess the appropriateness of specified antibiotics. Antibiotic timeouts can encourage deliberation on overprescribed antibiotics without substantially curtailing autonomy. An effective nudge should take into account clinician’s time, workflow, and thought processes.
Vitamin D and falls - the dosage conundrum

Falls are a major health problem in elderly individuals. Although intensive physical therapy and management of hazards in the home can reduce falls by 25%, long-term practicality limits their use. Interest in vitamin D as a medical therapy has led to many trials; however, results using daily oral doses of vitamin D have been inconsistent. In the past 5 years, studies on the effect of bolus doses of vitamin D have produced surprising results. Bolus doses of vitamin D, given annually (at a dose of 300,000 IU or 500,000 IU) or monthly (at a dose of 24,000 IU or 60,000 IU) - equivalent to approximate daily doses of 800 IU, 1400 IU and 2,000 IU - result in a significant increase in the number of falls and fractures associated with serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D greater than 40-45 ng/ml (equivalent to 100-112 nmol/l). These unexpected results show increased falls and fractures are adverse events related to vitamin D administration. Until further safety data is available, bolus dosing or daily doses should not exceed 3,000 IU and serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D should not exceed 40-45 ng/ml (equivalent to 100-112 nmol/l) in elderly individuals.
Clump Giant Distance to the Magellanic Clouds and Anomalous Colors in the Galactic Bulge.

I demonstrate that the two unexpected results in the local universe—(1) anomalous intrinsic (V-I)0 colors of the clump giants and RR Lyrae stars in the Galactic center, and (2) very short distances to the Magellanic Clouds (LMC, SMC) as inferred from clump giants—are connected with each other. The (V-I)0 anomaly is partially resolved by using the photometry from phase II of the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE) rather than phase I. The need for V- or I-magnitude-based change in the bulge (V-I)0 is one option to explain the remaining color discrepancy. Such a change may originate in a coefficient of selective extinction AV/E(V-I) smaller than typically assumed. Application of the (V-I)0 correction (independent of its source) doubles the slope of the absolute magnitude-metallicity relation for clump giants, so that MI(RC) = -0.23 + 0.19 [Fe/H]. Consequently, the estimates of the clump distances to the LMC and SMC are affected. Udalski's distance modulus of μLMC = 18.18 ± 0.06 increases to 18.27 ± 0.07. The distance modulus to the SMC increases by 0.12 to μSMC = 18.77 ± 0.08. I argue that a more comprehensive assessment of the metallicity effect on MI(RC) is needed.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Presenting with Bilateral Alien Hand Syndrome (P4.055)

Objective: To describe a case of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) presenting with bilateral alien hand syndrome. Background: CJD is a rapidly progressive neurologic disorder that commonly presents with dementia. While unilateral alien limb phenomenon (ALP) is known to be a rare manifestation of CJD, this the first case report of bilateral alien hand syndrome as the presenting symptom. Methods: Case report Results: A 71-year-old right-handed female presented to the hospital with progressive neurologic decline and respiratory distress. Three months prior, she had developed involuntary movements of her left hand. She reported feeling as if it was not under her control, and would constantly grab it and hold it down with the right. At times she would not even recognize it as her own and eventually lost all control of the arm. Shortly afterwards, she developed similar symptoms in the right hand followed by vertigo, frequent falls and severe cognitive impairment. On examination, the patient was non-verbal and did not follow commands. A right-sided gaze preference was present along with diffuse hyperreflexia and hypertonia. Throughout the examination, the patient’s arms were constantly reaching out into the air with occasional semi-purposeful movements alternating with bizarre posturing. Evaluation included MRI brain, which revealed restricted diffusion changes in the basal ganglia, caudate and thalami bilaterally with asymmetric cortical ribboning in the right parietal region. A periodic pattern on EEG and increased concentration of CSF 14-3-3 protein further supported the diagnosis of CJD. The patient’s respiratory distress worsened and she expired one week after admission. Conclusion: ALP in the setting of CJD has been reported to most commonly involve the left hand, which may reflect a right hemispheric neglect-like syndrome. The reason for the bilateral hand involvement in our case is unclear but may represent a new variant of ALP in CJD. Disclosure: Dr. Michael has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tavee has nothing to disclose.
Basal Ganglia Disorders

Basal ganglia disorders, which include Parkinson Disease (PD), dystonia, Huntington disease (HD), and Tourrette Syndrome (TS), are a class of diseases defined by dysfunction of the subcortical circuits that regulate movement and posture. The most frequent of these diseases is PD, a hypokinetic condition. Most cases of PD are thought to be sporadic, but recent work has uncovered numerous genes as important genetic risk factors (designated PARK1–PARK18). Dystonia is a clinical syndrome with multiple causes. More than a dozen distinct genes have been described that can produce forms of primary dystonia. As a group, the dystonias lack neuropathological changes but are associated with abnormalities in brain connectivity and activation. HD is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, arising from an expanded CAG repeat in the Huntington gene and leads to degeneration of the basal ganglia and other structures, chorea and dementia. TS is thought to have a genetic basis, but the genes involved have remained, for the most part, elusive to identify. Together, these disorders represent a range of different pathologies that result in symptoms related to disordered movement.
A simulation study of a long axial field of view whole-body PET scanner using cylindrical and anthropomorphic phantoms

Clinical whole-body PET scanners mostly have an axial field of view (AFOV) ranging from 15–21 cm in length, which limits sensitivity and prevents the acquisition of whole-body dynamic images. We present results from a simulation study for a fully 3D, 2 meter long AFOV whole body PET scanner where we use cylindrical and anthropomorphic phantoms to characterize the count-rate performance using noise equivalent counts (NEC) as the metric. For whole-body scanners with a conventional AFOV, the NEC is generally expected to increase when data from larger ring differences is accepted. However, the lines of response with large ring difference values may encounter a large amount of tissue and attenuation, which may limit the number of trues detected without a concomitant reduction in scatter and randoms, thus limiting NEC. When the activity level in the phantom increases, the dead-time and randoms also increase significantly, eventually reducing the NEC performance as well. In this simulation study, the NEC was computed as a function of maximum acquired ring difference and activity for each phantom to find optimal performance parameters for our proposed scanner. Our simulation results show our proposed scanner performs 25–50 times better than existing clinical scanners in terms of NEC performance. With significant gains in sensitivity, a long AFOV scanner can potentially be used for whole body dynamic PET studies.
Application of semiempirical electronic structure theory to compute the force generated by a single surface-mounted switchable rotaxane

Herein we report a study of the switchable [3]rotaxane reported by Huang et al. (Appl Phys Lett 85(22):5391–5393, 1) that can be mounted to a surface to form a nanomechanical, linear, molecular motor. We demonstrate the application of semiempirical electronic structure theory to predict the average and instantaneous force generated by redox-induced ring shuttling. Detailed analysis of the geometric and electronic structure of the system reveals technical considerations essential to success of the approach. The force is found to be in the 100–200 pN range, consistent with published experimental estimates.
Differential Induction of Immunogenic Cell Death and Interferon Expression in Cancer Cells by Structured ssRNAs

Activation of the RNA-sensing pattern recognition receptor (PRR) in cancer cells leads to cell death and cytokine expression. This cancer cell death releases tumor antigens and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that induce anti-tumor immunity. However, these cytokines and DAMPs also cause adverse inflammatory and thrombotic complications that can limit the overall therapeutic benefits of PRR-targeting anti-cancer therapies. To overcome this problem, we generated and evaluated two novel and distinct ssRNA molecules (immunogenic cell-killing RNA [ICR]2 and ICR4). ICR2 and ICR4 differentially stimulated cell death and PRR signaling pathways and induced different patterns of cytokine expression in cancer and innate immune cells. Interestingly, DAMPs released from ICR2- and ICR4-treated cancer cells had distinct patterns of stimulation of innate immune receptors and coagulation. Finally, ICR2 and ICR4 inhibited in vivo tumor growth as effectively as poly(I:C). ICR2 and ICR4 are potential therapeutic agents that differentially induce cell death, immune stimulation, and coagulation when introduced into tumors.
Evaluation of a Nerve Fusion Technique With Polyethylene Glycol in a Delayed Setting After Nerve Injury.

Purpose Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been hypothesized to restore axonal continuity using an in vivo rat sciatic nerve injury model when nerve repair occurs within minutes after nerve injury. We hypothesized that PEG could restore axonal continuity when nerve repair was delayed. Methods The left sciatic nerves of female Sprague-Dawley rats were transected and repaired in an end-to-end fashion using standard microsurgical techniques at 3 time points (1, 8, and 24 hours) after injury. Polyethylene glycol was delivered to the neurorrhaphy in the experimental group. Post-repair compound action potentials were immediately recorded after repair. Animals underwent behavioral assessments at 3 days and 1 week after surgery using the sciatic functional index test. The animals were sacrificed at 1 week to obtain axon counts. Results The PEG-treated nerves had improved compound action potential conduction and animals treated with PEG had improved sciatic function index. Compound action potential conduction was restored in PEG-fused rats when nerves were repaired at 1, 8, and 24 hours. In the control groups, no compound action potential conduction was restored when nerves were repaired. Sciatic functional index was superior in PEG-fused rats at 3 and 7 days after surgery compared with control groups at all 3 time points of nerve repair. Distal motor and sensory axon counts were higher in the PEG-treated rats. Conclusions Polyethylene glycol fusion is a new adjunct for nerve repair that allows rapid restoration of axonal continuity. It effective when delayed nerve repair is performed. Clinical relevance Nerve repair with application of PEG is a potential therapy that may have efficacy in a clinical setting. It is an experimental therapy that needs more investigation as well as clinical trials.
Energy drinks and escalation in drug use severity: An emergent hazard to adolescent health

Abstract The aim of the current study is to determine whether energy drink consumption contributes to drug use and, more specifically, an escalation in the severity of drug use. We first examine the association between energy drink use and hard drug use, and subsequently investigate whether soft drug use mediates this relationship. Potential moderating influences are also investigated by testing whether the degree of mediation varies by age, gender, and race. The current study uses a nationally representative sample of 8th (ages 13–14), 10th (ages 15–16), and 12th (ages 17–18) grade adolescents from the 2015 Monitoring the Future survey. Negative binomial regression is employed to examine associations between energy drink consumption and soft and hard drug use. Mediation results indicate that energy drink consumption is significantly associated with increased soft drug use, which is, in turn, associated with significant increases in hard drug use. This cascading effect of energy drink consumption on drug use appears to be stronger among younger females and older males. Results for the moderating effect of race are mixed. Energy drinks appear to pose an important threat to adolescent health in the form of soft and hard drug use. The United States may want to consider adopting energy drink policies similar to European countries and Canada, which require warning labels on beverages with high caffeine content.
Inpatient bed management to improve care delivery

We consider the problem of partitioning clinical services in hospitals into groups with the goal of efficiently allocating existing inpatient beds. At the strategic level, there are two major possibilities: pooling versus focusing. Pooling the bed capacity allows one to achieve an overall high occupancy level for a fixed number of beds. On the other hand, focusing by dividing the capacity into groups with restricted access may offer increased efficiency and better resource utilization. We derive a two-stage schema to address the 3-fold problem: 1) how many groups of services to form; 2) how many beds to allocate to each group; and 3) how to partition services among the groups. Stage 1 uses cluster analysis utilizing the similarity principle for possible advantages of economies of scale, coupled with queueing-based optimization models to obtain a set of candidate groups. Stage 2 incorporates utility/benefit functions to optimize the partitions and allocation of beds. Three full-scale examples demonstrate the flexibility and diverse application of our framework with managerial insights for different utility optimization goals and queueing systems.
Do health information technology investments impact hospital financial performance and productivity

Abstract In this study, we examine the associations between health information technology expenses, intermediate business processes, hospital financial performance and productivity. Research using hospital financial data prior to the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act is limited. Using Definitive Healthcare data, we find that health information technology expenses, including information technology operating expense and capital expense, are positively associated with hospitals' return on assets and productivity. In addition, investments also generate effects via hospital's intermediate business processes, such as electronic health records (EHR) adoption, and quality measures. Our findings suggest that hospitals' health information technology investments involving intermediate business processes are associated with positive financial performance and productivity following the implementation of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act.
Evaluating the quality of mid-sized city parks: a replication and extension of the Public Space Index

The current study evaluates the quality of 60 city parks in Northwest Florida, using the Public Space Index developed by Vikas Mehta. This index combines the following five dimensions of public space: inclusiveness, safety, comfort, pleasurability and meaningful activities. It uses 40 variables to score public spaces across these five dimensions. The analysis serves as a replication and extension of the PSI in a mid-sized city environment. The findings attest to the utility of this methodological tool for the study of public space across urban environments, on a larger scale, and across disciplines. However, the discussion and implications suggest the limitations of the PSI for use in smaller cities and less urban environments. The study concludes with specific suggestions for adapting the measures of the PSI to more appropriately capture the quality of public space in these settings.
Prevalence of Sexual Violence and its Association with Depression among Male and Female Patients with Risky Drug Use in Urban Federally Qualified Health Centers.

Sexual violence (SV) is common; however, the prevalence of SV and its long term sequela vary geographically and among subpopulations within the USA. As such, the aims of this study are the following: (1) to determine the prevalence of SV, (2) to identify correlates of SV, and (3) to determine if SV is associated with depression among male and female risky drug users in urban Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Los Angeles. This study includes adult patients of five urban FQHCs who self-reported risky drug use. We identified survivors of SV and those experiencing depression through survey questions that queried, before or after age 18, “Were you ever sexually assaulted, molested or raped?” and with the RAND Mental Health Index (MHI-5). We utilized Pearson’s chi-square tests to assess predictors of SV and logistic regression to assess for an association between SV and depression. Data collection took place from February 2011 to November 2012. Of the 334 study patients, 49% of females and 25% of males reported surviving SV. Exposure to SV, (both before 18 years of age and after 18 years of age) was the strongest predictor of depression among men and women in this study (OR 4.7, p < 0.05). These data demonstrate that sexual violence is prevalent in this urban FQHC population and is strongly associated with depression. Providers should consider screening both men and women with risky drug use for SV while health systems should continue to align mental health and primary care services to appropriately care for these extremely vulnerable patients. Trial Registration Clinical Trials. gov ID NCT01942876, Protocol ID DESPR DA022445, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
Gas kinematics in FIRE simulated galaxies compared to spatially unresolved HI observations.

The shape of a galaxy's spatially unresolved, globally integrated 21-cm emission line depends on its internal gas kinematics: galaxies with rotationally supported gas discs produce double-horned profiles with steep wings, while galaxies with dispersion-supported gas produce Gaussian-like profiles with sloped wings. Using mock observations of simulated galaxies from the FIRE project, we show that one can therefore constrain a galaxy's gas kinematics from its unresolved 21-cm line profile. In particular, we find that the kurtosis of the 21-cm line increases with decreasing V/σ and that this trend is robust across a wide range of masses, signal-to-noise ratios, and inclinations. We then quantify the shapes of 21-cm line profiles from a morphologically unbiased sample of ~2000 low-redshift, HI-detected galaxies with M star = 107-11 M☉ and compare to the simulated galaxies. At M star ≳ 1010 M☉, both the observed and simulated galaxies produce double-horned profiles with low kurtosis and steep wings, consistent with rotationally supported discs. Both the observed and simulated line profiles become more Gaussian like (higher kurtosis and less-steep wings) at lower masses, indicating increased dispersion support. However, the simulated galaxies transition from rotational to dispersion support more strongly: at M star 108-10 M, most of the simulations produce more Gaussian-like profiles than typical observed galaxies with similar mass, indicating that gas in the low-mass simulated galaxies is, on average, overly dispersion supported. Most of the lower-mass-simulated galaxies also have somewhat lower gas fractions than the median of the observed population. The simulations nevertheless reproduce the observed line-width baryonic Tully-Fisher relation, which is insensitive to rotational versus dispersion support.
Abstract 19539: Associations of Soluble CD14, Interleukin-6, C-Reactive Protein and Leukocyte Count With Insulin Resistance and Incident Diabetes in Older Adults

Background: The roles of fat mass expansion and inflammation in insulin resistance and diabetes are well recognized. Experiments show that sCD14, an acute phase protein released by the liver or secreted by macrophages, modulates inflammatory activity and insulin resistance. Whether sCD14 is a risk factor for clinical dysglycemia, and how this association compares to other markers of inflammation, has not been studied. Methods: We investigated associations of sCD14, IL-6, CRP and total WBC with insulin resistance (QUICKI, HOMA2-IR) and incident diabetes in the Cardiovascular Health Study, a population-based cohort of adults ≥65 years. Since the mostly white original cohort (1989) and black supplemental cohort (1992) had different extents of f/u glucose ascertainment, analyses were race-stratified. Linear and Cox regression models adjusted for age, sex, BMI, SBP, HTN medication, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, eGFR, estrogen, CVD and CHF. Results: There were 5380 subjects not on baseline anti-glycemic therapy (age 73±6, 58% women, 14% black). After adjustment, sCD14 showed associations with both insulin resistance measures in whites but not blacks (Table). IL-6, CRP and WBC were associated with one or both measures in both race groups, but were strongest for WBC. These associations persisted after joint inclusion for all markers except sCD14 (not shown). After f/u through 2011, 376 (whites) and 84 (blacks) diabetes cases occurred. sCD14 was not associated with diabetes in whites or blacks (Table). IL-6, CRP and WBC were associated with diabetes in whites but not blacks, again strongest for WBC. After joint inclusion, these persisted for CRP and WBC but not IL-6. Conclusions: In older adults, sCD14 was associated with insulin resistance, but not incident diabetes, in whites, whereas IL-6, CRP and WBC were associated with both outcomes in whites, but only insulin resistance in the smaller black subgroup. WBC emerged as the strongest determinant of dysglycemic risk.
SELF-SELECTED IDENTITY AND SOCIAL CAPITAL IN SOCIAL NETWORK SITES

Social network sites can provide a person with the freedom to represent themselves in various ways, thus exhibiting multiple variations of their identity. Research states that an individual’s identity is self-monitored depending on the contextual situation that they are in. This ability is affected by their use of technology. We argue that social network sites are a particularly unique environment that can affect an individual’s representation of their identity, thus increasing the likelihood of producing perverse social capital. Current research has addressed how productive social capital can be gained in social network sites; however, limited research has addressed the issue of perverse social capital, especially in social network sites. We examine how technology affects an individual’s selected self-identity, as measured through their self-monitoring ability, and how this altered behavior leads to productive or perverse social capital in social network sites.
Intracorporeal Pressure Monitoring During Artificial Penile Erection

AbstractIn an effort to determine if artificial penile erection has any harmful effect in children intracorporeal pressures were measured in 12 boys (mean age 18 months) with mid shaft hypospadias. Using a solid state intracompartmental pressure monitoring system, intracorporeal pressures were obtained during full penile erection and after removal of the tourniquet at detumescence. The mean intracorporeal pressure obtained was 85.9 mm. Hg during erection and 21.6 mm. Hg at detumescence. The systemic arterial pressure obtained was 102 mm. Hg at full erection. The pressure studies would suggest that the intracorporeal pressures achieved during full artificial erection would not be harmful to the cavernosal tissue in the hypospadiae child.
Physics of Electron Arc Therapy

Electron arc therapy is the application of a long, narrow strip beam of electrons to a superficial treatment volume as the gantry of the linear accelerator is rotated through an arc about the patient. Like photon arc therapy, the dose to a point within the treatment volume is the summation of dose contributions from the electron beam during each degree of arc; however, unlike photon arc therapy, the treatment volume is not irradiated continuously during the entire arc. In this respect, electron arc therapy is similar to moving strip photon therapy in that the irradiating strip is moved sequentially across the treatment surface. Electron arc therapy is ideally suited to the treatment of large superficial volumes in portions of the body having a cylindrical shape such as the thorax, abdomen, arms, or legs, and is less well suited to spherical or ellipsoidal surfaces such as the head.
Applications of Organic Geochemistry for Quaternary Research

Stratigraphic correlation can be accomplished using a variety of physical, chemical, and paleontological methods. The success of different approaches depends upon the nature of the preserved geologic record, the details required by the stratigraphic analysis, and the resolving power of the technique(s) employed. Classical stratigraphie methods include lithostratigraphy and biostratigraphy, which employ properties of the rocks or fossils that usually remain unchanged since burial. Chemical stratigraphie methods rely upon properties that may or may not change during burial. Current uses of stable isotope data (e.g., carbon, oxygen, strontium) rely upon the assumption (usually testable) that paleochemical information is preserved since the time of burial. At the other extreme, however, unstable isotope data are employed as time-stratigraphic tools because of their known time-dependent properties. Because of their firmly calibrated radioactive half-lives, these techniques are considered as the most reliable correlation or numerical dating tools (Colman et al., 1987), though their accuracy in specific cases must always be evaluated by consideration of possible diagenetic effects on the observed parent or daughter abundances. A third category of chemical stratigraphie tool is represented by those molecular chemical properties that do change with time but in a manner that, in principle, can be calibrated well enough to be useful for stratigraphie
Treatment Planning for Adults with ADHD

This chapter presents how to personalize a treatment plan for an adult with ADHD. Treatment goals should be personalized, and appropriate treatment approaches chosen. The chapter reviews: how to prioritize core ADHD versus other self-regulatory challenges; the major dimensions of distress that clinical care should address; what medication is and is not likely to impact; factors that can be changed to improve cognitive performance and ability to engage; how to recognize when non-medication supports are indicated; principles for mitigating the effects of organizational challenges or difficulty establishing habits; options for optimizing environmental accommodation at school, work, or home; and the importance of adapting treatment goals and plans over time.
Buspirone for the treatment of anxiety-related symptoms in Angelman syndrome: a case series.

ObjectivesAngelman syndrome (AS) is a neurogenetic disorder associated with impaired expression of the ubiquitin-protein ligase E3A gene on chromosome 15. AS results in intellectual disability with limited expressive language, epilepsy, ataxia, sleep impairment, and problematic behavior which may in
Searching for coding sequences in the mammalian genome: the H-2K region of the mouse MHC is replete with genes expressed in embryos.

Abstract We have searched for expressed genes in 170 kb of cosmid cloned DNA from the H-2K region of the mouse MHC. This region is known to contain two genes, H-2K and K2. We identified unique/low copy sequences evenly spaced along the cloned DNA, and used these as probes to search for conserved sequences in Southern blots from a variety of mammalian species. The majority of the unique sequences were found to have homologues and most of these were associated with CpG non-methylated islands. Northern blot analysis and isolation of clones from 5.5 and 10.5-day embryo cDNA libraries showed five additional genes encoded in the H-2K region. Four of these are abundant in embryos; the fifth is exclusively expressed in lymphoid cells. Our data indicate a minimum of seven genes in 170 kb, an unexpectedly high gene density. These results differ from two recent studies where similar lengths of cloned DNA were examined for expressed genes, and only one, or a part of one gene was found. The combined data suggest that the spatial organization of genes in the mammalian genome may not be random.
Tuning PNIPAm self-assembly and thermoresponse: roles of hydrophobic end-groups and hydrophilic comonomer

Modifications to the aqueous solution self-assembly and thermoresponsive properties of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) can be achieved by hydrophobic end-group functionalization and incorporation of hydrophilic N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMA) repeat units. Although these variations have been studied separately in the past, the simultaneous effects of both modifications have not been investigated systematically. Herein, we report the synthesis of six NIPAM and DMA based statistical, ABA triblock, and ABABA pentablock copolymers using reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, each containing one or two dodecyl hydrocarbon end-groups. Assembly into nanoscale particles and thermoresponsive properties in phosphate buffered saline were studied using light scattering and diffusion ordered NMR spectroscopy. Cloud points (Tcp) remained between 30–45 °C, notwithstanding hydrophobic modification. Copolymers with two alkyl tails assembled into flower-like micelles below the Tcp. The monofunctional statistical copolymer formed a core–shell assembly and the monofunctional ABA and ABABA polymers were molecularly dissolved. Above the Tcp, reversible precipitation was observed in all systems except for the monofunctional ABABA pentablock, which unexpectedly formed uniform large (>100 nm diameter) aggregates interpreted as mesoglobules. These results demonstrate surprising and delicately balanced tradeoffs between short non-polar end groups and tailored hydrophobicity in the nanoscale self-assembly of PNIPAm based copolymers in water near the lower critical solution temperature.
Single-cell RNA sequencing for the study of lupus nephritis

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has recently undergone rapid advances in the development of this technology, leading to high throughput and accelerating discovery in many biological systems and diseases. The single-cell resolution of the technique allows for the investigation of heterogeneity in cell populations, and the pinpointing of pathological populations contributing to disease. Here we review the development of scRNA-seq technology and the analysis that has evolved with the ever-increasing throughput. Finally, we highlight recent applications of scRNA-seq to understand the molecular pathogenesis of lupus and lupus nephritis.
Metallization of fluid hydrogen at 140 GPa (1.4 Mbar) by shock compression

Shock compression was used to produce the first observation of a metallic state of condensed hydrogen. The conditions of metallization are a pressure of 140 GPa (1.4 Mbar), 0.6 g/cm\(^3\) (ninefold compression of initial liquid-H\(_2\) density), and 3000 K. The relatively modest temperature generated by a reverberating shock wave produced the metallic state in a warm fluid at a lower pressure than expected previously for the crystallographically ordered solid at low temperatures. The relatively large sample diameter of 25 mm permitted measurement of electrical conductivity. The experimental technique and data analysis are described.
Experimental Search for the Beta-Decay of the π + Meson

The possibility that nuclear beta-decay is associated with the beta-decay of the meson, formed during an intermediate step, has long been of interest in the development of meson theories. To explain nuclear beta-decay, the beta-decay rate for the $\ensuremath{\pi}$-meson should be comparable to its $\ensuremath{\mu}$-deay rate. The present investigation is an attempt to detect other than $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\mu}$ events for ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ mesons which stop in G-5 400 and 600 micron emulsions. The result is one or zero $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{-}e$ event compared to 1419 $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\mu}$ events for mesons satisfying certain selection criteria.
Role of the carotid chemoreceptors in insulin-mediated sympathoexcitation in humans.

We examined the contribution of the carotid chemoreceptors to insulin-mediated increases in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in healthy humans. We hypothesized that reductions in carotid ch...
Environmental Effect Assessment of Organic PBT Compounds

PBT is the abbreviation of persistent, bioaccumulating and toxic compounds (materials); vPvB chemicals are very persistent, very bioaccumulating compounds. Both type of materials exist for a longer period in the environment. These all are persistent organic pollutants (POP) that disperse in the environment and exert effect on distant territories too. PBT or vPvB? Difference is not so sharp in the reality. Dangers source from bioaccumulation and/or biomagnification (multiplicative effect) after or during bioaccumulation period. Scientifiic and civil communities have to think on acceptability of these chemicals else more than half of existing compounds should be excluded from daily usage. There are additional dangers of chronic exposure that can cause unrequested side effects, destroy integrity of endocrine system and can be hardly measured by conventional tests. We composed a preliminary PBT assessment methodology as a possible first approach to determine the PBT properties of an organic compound with the aspect of determining direction of further investigations. Importance and application of PBT assessment: we can predict the real danger of compounds not tested yet without additional costs and in short time considered to be as an advantage of the approach, especially in case of non-existing data. This method is more exact than traditional ones because applying just risk factors can be overt based on precautionary principles. An overt application of risk factors can restrict the broad application of a compound. Assessing existence of PBT danger as a part of hazard evaluation of compounds are based on PBT aspects that can be done with help of (Q)SAR-models (Quantitative/Qualitative Structure Activity Relationship) and/or applying PBT-vPvB criteria and/or EPIWIN and additional programs in case of non-existing experimental and monitoring data. We consider some aspects of REACH (new European chemical regulation) requirements too.
New spectrum of COVID-19 manifestations in children: Kawasaki-like syndrome and hyperinflammatory response.

Since late April 2020, data regarding Kawasaki-like syndrome and hyperinflammatory response in children associated with COVID-19 has rapidly emerged. Much remains unknown about the risk factors, pathogenesis, prognosis, and specific therapy for this emerging manifestation of COVID-19 known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). MIS-C is rare and early recognition is crucial though no standardized treatment guideline have been established. Worldwide collaboration will be important as more cases are recognized going forward.
Characterization of Disinformation Networks Using Graph Embeddings and Opinion Mining

Global social media networks' omnipresent access, real time responsiveness and ability to connect with and influence people have been responsible for these networks' sweeping growth. However, as an unintended consequence, these defining characteristics helped create a powerful new technology for spread of propaganda and false information. We present a novel approach for characterizing disinformation networks on social media and distinguishing between different network roles using graph embeddings and hierarchical clustering. In addition, using topic filtering, we correlate the node characterization results with proxy opinion estimates. We plan to study opinion dynamics using signal processing on graphs approaches using longer-timescale social media datasets with the goal to model and infer influence among users in social media networks.
Patience is a virtue: Multiple preoperative visits are associated with decreased recurrence in pediatric pilonidal disease

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE This study aimed to compare preoperative management strategies for patients undergoing trephination for pilonidal disease and evaluate risk factors for recurrence. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of children undergoing index surgical treatment with trephination for pilonidal disease between September 2017 and April 2019. Intraoperative and postoperative management were standardized. Demographic and perioperative data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS One-hundred twenty patients were identified with a median follow-up time of 7.5 months (interquartile range 4.1-13.2 months). Overall, 24 (20%) patients had a postoperative recurrence of pilonidal disease. Patients with multiple preoperative surgery clinic visits were less likely to have recurrent disease compared to those seen only once preoperatively (11% vs 26%, p = 0.040). Compared to patients without recurrence, those who recurred went to the operating room sooner from the time of initial surgical consultation (32 days vs 54 days, p < 0.001). Perioperative antibiotics, history of acute infection, and prior drainage procedures were not risk factors for recurrence. CONCLUSIONS Multiple preoperative clinic visits are associated with a lower recurrence rate in children undergoing trephination for pilonidal disease. An increased duration of preoperative medical management may be responsible for this finding. Prospective study is needed to confirm these findings and identify additional factors that influence recurrence. TYPE OF STUDY Treatment Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III (Retrospective Comparative).
An integrated framework for automatic ontology learning from unstructured repair text data for effective fault detection and isolation in automotive domain

Abstract A real-life hierarchical classification system is developed to automatically extract a domain ontology from repair data collected during the warranty period of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), e.g. automotive. Given the complex nature of products, failures may occur impacting consumers and to limit their adverse effect it is critical to react through effective fault detection and isolation. The key fault signals, such as failed parts, their associated symptoms, and the repair actions are latent in repair data. The overwhelming size of real-life data makes it impossible to read and curate a domain ontology manually in a reasonable time. In our work, a hierarchical classification system firstly classifies key phrases into technical and non-technical classes. Secondly, the technical phrases are classified into part, symptom, or action classes. Our system is deployed as a prototype and its performance is validated using real-life data. The system achieved the average F1 score of 0.82 and the new ontology is used in fault detection and isolation in seven different fault models.
Intergenerational Learning in the Family as an Informal Learning Process: A Review of the Literature

As an informal learning process, intergenerational learning in the family acts as a mechanism for the reciprocal transmission of knowledge between youth and adults. This scoping review of the liter...
ATM and ATR Activation Through Crosstalk Between DNA Damage Response Pathways

Cells losing the ability to self-regulate in response to damage are a hallmark of cancer. When a cell encounters damage, regulatory pathways estimate the severity of damage and promote repair, cell cycle arrest, or apoptosis. This decision-making process would be remarkable if it were based on the total amount of damage in the cell, but because damage detection pathways vary in the rate and intensity with which they promote pro-apoptotic factors, the cell's real challenge is to reconcile dissimilar signals. Crosstalk between repair pathways, crosstalk between pro-apoptotic signaling kinases, and signals induced by damage by-products complicate the process further. The cell's response to [Formula: see text] and UV radiation neatly illustrates this concept. While these forms of radiation produce lesions associated with two different pro-apoptotic signaling kinases, ATM and ATR, recent experiments show that ATM and ATR react to both forms of radiation. To simulate the pro-apoptotic signal induced by [Formula: see text] and UV radiation, we construct a mathematical model that includes three modes of crosstalk between ATM and ATR signaling pathways: positive feedback between ATM/ATR and repair proteins, ATM and ATR mutual upregulation, and changes in lesion topology induced by replication stress or repair. We calibrate the model to agree with 21 experimental claims about ATM and ATR crosstalk. We alter the model by adding or removing specific processes and then examine the effects of each process on ATM/ATR crosstalk by recording which claims the altered model violates. Not only is this the first mathematical model of ATM/ATR crosstalk, it provides a strong argument for treating pro-apoptotic signaling as a holistic effort rather than attributing it to a single dominant kinase.
Genome reorganization in Tetrahymena

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a discussion of the genome reorganization in tetrahymena. In many respects tetrahymena is an ideal organism for molecular biological investigations. The concept of reorganization and elimination of DNA sequences as a developmental mechanism for producing stable changes in cell lineages was a prominent idea during the early part of this century. Genome reorganization as a developmen tal process is now well established, but it is not a major feature of most developmental programs. Among the ciliates, however, genome reorganization is a way of life. These organisms have a dual nuclear system. Each cell possesses one or more micronuclei and one or more macronuclei. The macronuclei are responsible for gene expression during the vegetative growth of the cell and the micronuclei are functional during the sexual phase of its life cycle. As pointed out by Gorovsky, tetrahymena affords a unique opportunity to investigate the functions and interactions of germline and somatic nuclei. In the sphere of the dominant role of genome reorganization in the life cycle of the ciliates, tetrahymena is a logical choice for an in-depth study of this process. Tetrahymena, like the hypotrichs, undergoes substantial genome reorganization during conjugation. The micronuclei of tetrahymena contain five chromosomes, which can be observed during meiosis and cytologically, the chromosomes all appear to be in the same size range. The best characterized case of genome reorganization in tetrahymena is the removal of the rRNA gene from an integrated site in the micronuclear chromosome and its rearrangement into a 21-kb palindrome in the macronucleus.
Bumps and pumps, SERCA 1999.

"There appeared lately at the clinic for cutaneous diseases a patient whose skin presented the following extraordinary manifestations: the whole surface, with the exception of the palms and soles, the genitals, and some portions of the flexor aspects of the arms, was thickly occupied by a variety of lesions which may be thus analyzed: minute papules, medium papules, larger papules, elongated, horny papules, and smooth, flattened blackish papules (bumps, bumps and more bumps). There is a nearly universal pruritis (itching) which leads to almost incessant violent scratching. An intolerable stench is given off by the patient, especially from the lower legs, characteristic of decomposing epithelium. The clothes are saturated with it. The horrible odor emanating from the skin has lately kept him from free intercourse with his fellow-men. What disease do all these extraordinary and multiple manifestations represent? It is easy to trace the intimate connection between the various lesions by their progressive development from the minute primary papule to the largest masses of horn-like concretion. The disease is then, evidently, in all its phases a keratosis, or modified cornification of the epithelial layers. It is also evident that its starting point is in or about the follicular openings. The anatomical characteristics suggest the adoption of the more appropriate name: keratosis follicularis." —excerpted from James White, 1889 (ref. 1)