cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Managing a Group of Multiple Projects: Examining the Influence of Team Culture and Leader Competencies

We empirically investigated the importance of team culture in multiple project management settings, where one project manager leads multiple simultaneous projects. Surprisingly, findings show that team culture does not contribute significantly to the success of a project in a multiple-project management setting. Other factors, e.g., leader competencies, contribute more significantly to project success. We provide implications for individuals assigned to lead multiple projects concurrently.
Q-Learning Algorithms with Random Truncation Bounds and Applications to Effective Parallel Computing

Motivated by an important problem of load balancing in parallel comput- ing, this paper examines a modified algorithm to enhance Q-learning methods, espe- cially in asynchronous recursive procedures for self-adaptive load distribution at run- time. Unlike the existing projection method that utilizes a fixed region, our algorithm employs a sequence of growing truncation bounds to ensure the boundedness of the iterates. Convergence and rates of convergence of the proposed algorithm are estab- lished. This class of algorithms has broad applications in signal processing, learning, financial engineering, and other related fields.
Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Genome Programming during the Early Stages of Primary Infection of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

The early period of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection involves the dynamic expression of viral genes, which are temporally and epigenetically regulated. KSHV can effectively infect and persist in endothelial as well as human B cells with different gene expression patterns. To understand the temporal epigenetic changes which occur when KSHV infects the lymphocytic compartment, we infected human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and comprehensively analyzed the changes which occurred at the binding sites of virally encoded lytic as well as latent proteins along with epigenetic modifications across the KSHV genome during early primary infection. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays, we showed that the KSHV genome acquires a uniquely distinct histone modification pattern of methylation (H3K4me3, H3K9me3, and H3K27me3) and acetylation (H3Ac) during de novo infection of human PBMCs. This pattern showed that the epigenetic changes were temporally controlled. The binding profiles of KSHV latent protein LANA and the immediate early pro- teins RTA and K8 showed specific patterns at different times postinfection, which reflects the gene expression program. Further analysis demonstrated that KSHV can concurrently express lytic and latent genes which were associated with histone modifica- tions at these specific regions on the viral genome. We identified three KSHV genes, K3, ORF49, and ORF64, which exhibited different profiles of histone modifications during the early stages of PBMC infection. These studies established a distinct pattern of epigenetic modification which correlates with viral gene expression temporally regulated during the first 7 days of PBMC in- fection and provides clues to the regulatory program required for successful infection by KSHV of human PBMCs. IMPORTANCE Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) has been documented as one of the major contributors to mor- bidity and mortality in AIDS patients during the AIDS pandemic. During its life cycle, KSHV undergoes latent and lytic replica- tion. Typically, KSHV maintains a stringent preference for latent infection in the infected B cells. However, 1 to 5% of infected cells undergo spontaneous lytic reactivation. KSHV lytic replication and infection of new cells are likely to be critical for main- taining the population of infected cells which drive virus-associated pathogenesis. Here, we explored the temporal changes of crucial histone marks on the KSHV genome during early infection of human primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PB- MCs), which are a physiologically relevant system for monitoring primary infection. These results showed that KSHV possessed a distinct pattern of epigenetic marks during early infection of PBMCs. Further, KSHV concurrently expressed lytic and latent genes during this early period. These results now provide new evidence which contributes to understanding the molecular mech- anism that regulates viral gene expression during early infection.
Determination of surface shear viscosity via deep-channel flow with inertia

Results of an experimental and computational study of the flow in an annular region bounded by stationary inner and outer cylinders and driven by the rotation of the floor are presented. The top is a flat air/water interface, covered by an insoluble monolayer. We develop a technique to determine the surface shear viscosity from azimuthal velocity measurements at the interface which extends the range of surface shear viscosity that can be measured using a deep-channel viscometer in the usual Stokes flow regime by exploiting flow inertia. A Navier–Stokes-based model of bulk flow coupled to a Newtonian interface that has surface shear viscosity as the only interfacial property is developed. This is achieved by restricting the flow to regimes where the surface radial velocity vanishes. The use of inertia results in an improved signal-to-noise ratio of the azimuthal velocity measurements by an order of magnitude beyond that available in the Stokes flow limit. Measurements on vitamin K1 and stearic acid monolayers were performed, and their surface shear viscosities over a range of concentrations are determined and found to be in agreement with data in the literature.
Local-regional recurrence after surgery without postoperative irradiation for carcinomas of the major salivary glands: implications for adjuvant therapy.

Purpose: To determine factors predictive of local-regional recurrence (LRR) after surgery alone for carcinomas of the major salivary glands in an attempt to evaluate the potential role of postoperative radiation therapy. Methods and Materials: Between 1960 and 2004, 207 patients with carcinomas of the major salivary glands were treated with definitive surgery without postoperative radiation therapy. Histology was: 67 mucoepidermoid (32%), 50 adenoid cystic (24%), 34 acinic cell (16%), 23 malignant mixed (11%), 16 adenocarcinoma (8%), 6 oncocytic (3%), 6 myoepithelial (3%), and 5 other (2%). Distribution of pathologic T-stage was: 54 T1 (26%), 83 T2 (40%), 46 T3 (22%), and 24 T4 (12%). Sixty patients (29%) had microscopically positive margins. Median follow-up was 6.1 years (range, 0.5–18.7 years). Results: The 5-year and 10-year estimates of local-regional control were 86% and 74%, respectively. A Cox proportional hazard model identified pathologic lymph node metastasis (hazard ratio [HR], 4.8; p = 0.001), high histologic grade (HR, 4.2; p = 0.003), positive margins (HR, 2.6; p = 0.03), and T3–4 disease (HR, 2.0; p = 0.04) as independent predictors of LRR. The presence of any one of these factors was associated with 10-year local-regional control rates of 37% to 63%. Conclusion: Lymph node metastasis, high tumor grade, positive margins, and T3–4 stage predict for significant rates of LRR after surgery for carcinomas of the major salivary glands. Postoperative radiation therapy should be considered for patients with these disease characteristics.
Cultural Influences on Styles of Handling Interpersonal Conflicts: Comparisons Among Jordanian, Turkish, and U.S. Managers

This study reports the results of surveys of conflict management styles of 215 Turkish and 134 Jordanian managers. Managers in both countries showed a resemblance to each other, and to their U.S. counterparts, in reporting a clear preference for the collaborative style in handling conflicts. The two countries differed both from each other and the U.S. in preferences for the remaining styles, notably forcing and accommodation. Conflict management styles were also found to be affected by the position of the other party, i.e., whether he/she is a subordinate, superior, or peer in both countries. Once again, differences between the two Mideastern countries were as marked as differences between them and the U.S. The paper discusses the theoretical and practical implications of these findings for comparative management.
Communication and Patient Safety

Faulty communication is among the most common underlying causes of medical error and frequently erodes the doctor-patient relationship. Communication should be understood in the broadest sense, including nonverbal, oral, and written. This chapter reviews the most common mechanisms responsible for communication failures and recommends specific routines to minimize or avoid them altogether.
Control of surface alkyl catalysis with thiolate monolayers

Self-assembled monolayers of organic thiolates were used to control the selectivity of parallel reactions of a single alkyl reaction intermediate, resulting in a dramatic decrease in the rate of 1-hexene hydrogenation and a sharp increase in the selectivity of isomerization. Isotope tracing experiments verified the participation of surface H/D in the hydroisomerization reaction on both the coated and uncoated catalysts. These results strongly suggest that surface crowding affects not only the precursor state for olefin hydrogenation, as previously demonstrated, but also the reactivity of the intermediate alkyl species. Furthermore, the hydrogenation rate for internal olefins was reduced to an even greater extent by the monolayer, consistent with steric limitations playing a strong role in the regioselectivity of hydrogenation reactions.
A Fractured Rock Geophysical Toolbox Method Selection Tool.

F.D. Day-Lewis (corresponding author), U.S. Geological Survey, 11 Sherman Place, Unit 5015, Storrs CT 06269, daylewis@usgs.gov C.D. Johnson, U.S. Geological Survey, 11 Sherman Place, Unit 5015, Storrs CT 06269, cjohnson@usgs.gov L.D. Slater, Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University Newark, 101 Warren Street, Smith 135, Newark NJ 07102, lslater@andromeda.rutgers.edu J.L. Robinson, Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University Newark, 101 Warren Street, Smith 135, Newark NJ 07102, judyr@pegasus.rutgers.edu J.H. Williams, U.S. Geological Survey, New York Water Science Center, 425 Jordan Rd., Troy, NY 12180, jhwillia@usgs.gov C.L. Boyden, Former intern, U.S. Geological Survey, 11 Sherman Place, Unit 5015, Storrs CT 06269, clynetteboyden@gmail.com D. Werkema, Environmental Sciences Division, Characterization and Monitoring Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, 944 E. Harmon Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89119, werkema.d@epa.gov J.W. Lane, Jr., U.S. Geological Survey, 11 Sherman Place, Unit 5015, Storrs CT 06269, jwlane@usgs.gov Conflict of interest: None
Public Tax Dollars for Private Suburban Development: A First Report on a National Phenomenon

This paper explores the use of Mello-Roos taxes in California. These property tax-like taxes, originally a means of giving local governments an alternative way to raise revenue in the aftermath of Proposition 13, are also in use in four other states (Arizona, Hawaii, Illinois, and New Mexico) and on the agenda of at least one more (Washington). In practice, Mello-Roos taxes are primarily a means of providing private developers, usually of suburban housing, with tax-free financing for key infrastructure. Related mechanisms (namely benefit assessments) are used in the same way all over the country (e.g., Florida, New Jersey, Texas). Despite the prevalence of Mello-Roos taxes (covering up to 90% of new development in California) and their kin, their magnitude (in 2004 alone, these taxes secured $1.7 billion in bonds issued in California), and their broad implications for the use of public funds and the nature of local democracy, there has not been a single extended study of these taxes. This paper begins to fill that lacuna by describing how these taxes were actually used in California in 2003; this analysis is embedded in a larger normative discussion of local government law, considering these taxes from the two dominant theoretical perspectives. These taxes can be viewed as a benign and efficient way to provide services citizens want (i.e., as part of a Tiebout dynamic) or as another way in which local democracy as the exercise of self-government for the common good is being undermined. Both perspectives are plausible in the abstract; the Tiebout hypothesis can be tested empirically by looking to whether Mello-Roos taxes are capitalized into home price by purchasers. It has already been recognized in the literature that Mello-Roos taxes provide an especially good candidate for full capitalization, though the analysis actually done has been limited. The original results of this paper strongly suggest that Mello-Roos taxes are not nearly fully capitalized, thereby undermining the Tiebout narrative and indicating that these taxes undermine local democratic ideals without any concomitant efficiency gains.
Freight management

Freight terminals represent a major problem in the transportation industry's ability to provide good freight service. Terminal control systems utilizing computers and detection devices are being developed in order to improve the efficiency of terminal operations. Motor carrier and air freight terminals utilize cathode ray tube devices to transfer data to and from a central computer or other freight terminals. The larger rail and marine terminal utilize minicomputer controlled systems which often incorporate automatic car identification scanners. Three significant terminal systems are being, or have recently been, developed: a Chicago area rail terminal information system; an intermodal railroad piggyback terminal control system; and a marine terminal control system. In addition to providing operational control, terminal control systems provide management with statistical analysis capabilities unattainable in the past. Chief among these is performance measurement which further improves the efficiency of terminal operations.
Consequences of Body Size for Fecundity in the Predatory Stinkbug, Podisus maculiventris (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Body size was strongly correlated with rate of egg production among females of Podisus maculiventris (Say) reared in the laboratory. Larger females laid eggs at younger ages, laid eggs more frequently, and laid more eggs per bout of oviposition than did smaller females. Coupled with seasonal patterns of adult body size in stands of goldenrod ( Solidago spp.) near Ithaca, N.Y., these results suggest that during the first 30 days of adult life the relatively small females of P. maculiventris that mature in late summer have only two-thirds the reproductive capacity of females maturing in early summer.
Spectral imaging to visualize higher-order genomic organization

A concern in the field of genomics is the proper interpretation of large, high-throughput sequencing datasets. The use of DNA FISH followed by high-content microscopy is a valuable tool for validation and contextualization of frequently occurring gene pairing events at the single-cell level identified by deep sequencing. However, these techniques possess certain limitations. Firstly, they do not permit the study of colocalization of many gene loci simultaneously. Secondly, the direct assessment of the relative position of many clustered gene loci within their respective chromosome territories is impossible. Thus, methods are required to advance the study of higher-order nuclear and cellular organization. Here, we describe a multiplexed DNA FISH technique combined with indirect immunofluorescence to study the relative position of 6 distinct genomic or cellular structures. This can be achieved in a single hybridization step using spectral imaging during image acquisition and linear unmixing. Here, we detail the use of this method to quantify gene pairing between highly expressed spliceosomal genes and compare these data to randomly positioned in silico simulated gene clusters. This is a potentially universally applicable approach for the validation of 3C-based technologies, deep imaging of spatial organization within the nucleus and global cellular organization.
Flashover mechanism of silicone rubber composite insulators

Conventional porcelain and glass insulators have hydrophilic surfaces, so they have poor contamination flashover resistance. Silicone rubber composite insulators have hydrophobic surfaces and their hydrophobicity can migrate into the surface contaminant layers, so their contamination flashover resistance is excellent. Up to now, the contamination flashover mechanism of conventional insulators has been studied in detail, but the study on composite ones is seldom. In this paper, the flashover mechanism of composite insulators was analyzed and their DC contamination flashover model with a flashover channel constituted by many series short arcs and narrow water ribbons was put forward. The model reveals that the cathode and anode drop of short arcs and the high resistance of water ribbons cause the high flashover voltage of composite insulators, and it also reflects the characteristic of this kind of insulator that the current is low and the voltage is high just before the flashover.
Power Distribution Network: Frequency Domain Analysis

This chapter covers power-supply design. It turns out that power supplies source both DC and AC current. That a DC power supply sources AC current is surprising, but is a consequence of the fact that signal-value changes are an AC phenomenon. As a result, a DC power supply is actually modeled in the frequency domain.
Comorbid Social Phobia and Major Depressive Disorder: the Influence of Remission from Depression on Quality of Life and Functioning

Social phobia (SP) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are frequently concurrent, which negatively affects quality of life (QOL), functioning, and depressive symptom severity. We hypothesized individuals with comorbid SP and MDD (MDD + SP) would have worse treatment outcomes than those with MDD alone (MDDnoSP), but that both groups would have significant responses to treatment, and those who achieved MDD remission would have the best increases in QOL and functioning. We analyzed data for 2280 adults who received citalopram monotherapy in phase 1 of the NIH-funded Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study. Participants (82 MDD + SP and 2198 MDDnoSP) with complete entry and exit scores across QOL, functioning, and depressive symptom severity were examined. MDD remission status following treatment was determined. Patient-reported QOL and functioning scores were classified as within-normal or severely-impaired. No significant between-group differences were observed across all outcomes at entry or exit. Both groups experienced significant improvements in QOL and functioning (all p values .77). Although non-significant, the MDD + SP group was more likely to achieve within-normal scores and MDD remission post-treatment. Findings were interesting as we initially expected the MDD + SP participants to have worse outcomes, yet those with MDD alone had a more chronic course. Regardless, participants who were able to achieve MDD remission post-treatment had significantly better improvements in QOL and functioning. Accordingly, researchers and clinicians should utilize QOL and functioning measures when examining treatment effectiveness, while also considering the role of remission from major depressive disorder on quality of life.
Black Middle Class in the Post-Civil Rights Era

In the United States, middle-class status is often associated with improved opportunities and life circumstances. However, for middle-class African Americans, race and class intersect to create a more complex middle-class experience. Middle-class African Americans may navigate a number of important issues including persistent racism and discrimination, limited access to financial resources, fragile neighborhood circumstances, and disproportionately high intergenerational downward mobility rates. These experiences can shape their cultural repertoires and their perceptions of the American opportunity structure. Their case is important for understanding the position of middle-class racial minorities in the United States. Keywords: African American; class; inequality; mobility
Melanocytic Nevi and the Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Oncogene-Induced Senescence

Melanocytic nevi represent benign clonal proliferations of the melanocytes in the skin that usually remain stable in size and behavior or disappear during life. Infrequently, melanocytic nevi undergo malignant transformation to melanoma. Understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying oncogene-induced senescence should help identify pathways underlying melanoma development, leading to the development of new strategies for melanoma prevention and early detection.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) in Adolescents

The rates of STI are highest among adolescents compared to other age populations. There are five major principles for prevention of STI:
Faithful Bodies: Performing Religion and Race in the Puritan Atlantic. By Heather Miyano Kopelson. (New York, NY: New York University Press, 2014. Pp. xi, 416. $45.00.)

The author of this study makes an important contribution to a growing conversation about race and religion in the puritan Atlantic world. She casts doubt on the conventional wisdom that, by the sev...
Using the Lego mindstorms NXT robot kit in an introduction to C programming class

We all know that teaching an introductory programming class is hard, and that one of the most difficult parts is motivating freshmen to do the work in a timely manner. For the past 5 years, the C programming class at UNH has been using the Lego Mindstorms robot kit in a series of lab exercises that make programming more fun, and at the same time reinforce the basic concepts discussed in lecture. This is done using a variant of the C language, NXC, developed by John Hansen [1] for these robots. In this workshop, participants will be introduced to the robots and the NXC (Not eXactly C) programming language. An overview of a set of lab exercises will be given, and a hands-on activity using the robots will be included. Participants should have some background in C programming to best appreciate the workshop.
Abstract 940: Identification of Palbociclib response signature across indications

Cellular proliferation is dependent on an orderly movement through the various phases of cell cycle. Progression through the G1 phase in particular requires phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein which in turn releases E2F transcription factors resulting in transcriptional activation of response gene necessary for progression into S-phase. The cyclin D-CDK4/6 signaling pathway represent a critical regulatory pathway controlling transition from G1 into S-phase and greater than 90% of human tumors have mutations in this pathway. Palbociclib is a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitor of Cdk4/6. In human tumor xenograft models, Palbociclib has significant antitumor activities. The clinical activities of Palbociclib have also be demonstrated in the phase II PALOMA-1 trial for dramatic efficacy of postmenopausal patients with locally advanced or newly diagnosed estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer in combination with letrozole. To better understand the molecular mechanisms of Palbociclib response, we have identified a common set of gene signatures for ER+ BC as well as melanoma models. The physiological role of these genes regulated by Palbociclib is associated with DNA replication and repair, cell cycle, signal transduction, and Mitosis. Many of these genes have been previously identified as E2F signatures. In this study, we are aiming to expand this analysis to include two additional indications including Head and Neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) as well as squamous cell lung carcinoma (Sq lung) using Illumina RNASeq technology platform. Results from these studies will be presented and core Palbo-response signature will be discussed. In addition, we will also present the pharmacological effects of Letrozole on the gene expression changes for these core signatures in ER+ BC models. Citation Format: Xianxian Zheng, Mark Ozeck, Zhou Zhu, Keith Ching, David Shields, James Hardwick, Paul Rejto, Todd VanArsdale. Identification of Palbociclib response signature across indications. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 940. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-940
Trigger Point Injections

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) as defined by Travell and Simons is characterized by trigger points (TrP), limited ROM of the affected muscle(s), and neurologic symptoms (autonomic, proprioceptive) (Simons DG, Travell JG, Postgrad Med 73:66–108, 1983). The diagnosis of MPS is based on the presence of 1 or more trigger points. Trigger points (TrP) can be latent or active (Simons DG, Travell JG, Postgrad Med 73:66–108, 1983). Latent TrP are associated with stiffness and restricted ROM but no pain unless palpated. Active TrP produce a referred pain pattern specific to that muscle spontaneously and when the TrP is palpated. The physical findings for diagnosis of a myofascial trigger point are (1) palpation of a tender nodule in a taut band, (2) a referred pain pattern specific for the muscle, (3) a local twitch response (LTR) with snapping palpation or triggering with needle, and (4) restricted ROM (Travell J, Simons DG, Myofascial pain and dysfunction: the trigger point manual, vol 1. Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1983).
Carrie Mae Weems: Writing A Universal African American History

Implicit in the comparison between Krugerand Weems is the notion that Kruger, as a whiteartist, is free to explore the representativepossibilities of her work, while Weems, as a blackartist, should stick with her "personal narratives" ofrace and gender. Weems has very publicly andexplicitly voiced her frustration with suchreductionist characterizations of her work. Afterwinning the prestigious MacArthur fellowship in2013, she explained that her "disadvantage [as awoman of color], when I am viewed by the world Iam viewed only in relation to my black subjectivity,even though I am a very complex woman… [Mywork] is partially about race, but considerablymore."(Macfound) Weems, like so many blackartists, has often been reduced to a racial type by theelite art world. Weems in no way is trying to shedher African American identity; rather, she isattempting to embed her race as one aspect of hercomplex and intersectional identity. Carrie Mae Weems: Writing a Universal African American History by Edward Maza is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
Dynamics and Morphology of Nanoparticle-Linked Polymers Elucidated by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance.

Nanoparticles are frequently modified with polymer layers to control their physical and chemical properties, but little is understood about the morphology and dynamics of these polymer layers. We report here an NMR-based investigation of a model polymer-modified nanoparticle, using multiple NMR techniques including 1H NMR, diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY), total correlation spectroscopy (TOCSY), and T2 relaxometry to characterize the dynamics of the nanoparticle–polymer interface. Using 5 nm detonation nanodiamond covalently linked to poly(allylamine) hydrochloride as a model system, we demonstrate the use of NMR to distinguish between free and bound polymer and to characterize the degree to which the segments of the nanoparticle-wrapping polymer are mobile (loops and tails) versus immobile (trains). Our results show that the polymer-wrapped nanoparticle contains a large fraction of highly mobile polymer segments, implying that the polymer extends well into solution away from the nanoparticle surface...
Intel Optane™ technology as differentiator for internet of everything and fog computing

Traditional network and cloud solutions cannot address effectively the infrastructure and data architecture challenges introduced by the emergence of the Internet of Everything (IoE). IoE creates unprecedented volume of complex data which must be stored, transferred, processed and analyzed in real time for time sensitive applications. Indeed, most of the applications in IoE domain (autonomous driving, health monitoring, banking, industrial control systems …) are time and quality of service sensitive and need new solutions for data integrity and data availability for successful decision. At Intel, we are working on new computer paradigm and storage technologies such as Intel® Optane™ SSDs and Intel® 3D NAND SSDs that can address some of these challenges. With Intel® Optane™, it is now possible to create a high performance and real time available Software-Defined Infrastructure (SDI) by enabling full dis-aggregate and pool of the underlying hardware resources, creating distributed memory/storage imperatives and giving research community and enterprise the performance and capabilities to benefit from revolutionary technologies such as Fog Computing and Artificial Intelligence by dynamically assigning compute, storage and network resource in real-time time sensitive workloads. In this keynote, we will discuss data storage, availability, integrity, quality of service and movement in this compute paradigm shift. We will also touch on how it impacts mobile edge, fog computing and cloud infrastructures. We will then conclude with the challenges and opportunities this new solution will bring.
Theoretical Aspects of Living Systems: Philosophical Pitfalls and Dynamic Constructs

We come now, in this last part of the book, to a partial synthesis of the information that we have reviewed earlier. We do so with some trepidation, fully recognizing the impossibility of satisfactorily reducing the complexities involved to a comprehensive general theory.
Characteristics of Patients with Heart Failure Undergoing Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation.

Objectives Previous studies have shown benefit of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure(HF). This study aims to study characteristics of patients with heart failure undergoing catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed 269 consecutive patients with mean age of 61 years who underwent catheter ablation for AF. 64 patients (24%) had known history of Stage C heart failure including both Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and preserved ejection fraction. We compared baseline characteristics at the time of ablation and procedure outcomes between patients who had known heart failure to those who did not. Results At the time of the procedure, patients with HF had significantly higher body mass index (34.4vs32.3 p=0.0432), CHADS2Vasc score (2.6 vs 1.8 p Conclusion Patients with HF undergoing catheter ablation of AF tend to have more risk factors for recurrence but after adjustment for risk factors, the recurrence rates were similar at 3 months and 1 year.
A Prospective Cohort Study of Postdischarge Opioid Practices After Radical Prostatectomy: The ORIOLES Initiative.

Opioid pain medications are overprescribed, but few data are available to help in appropriate tailoring of postdischarge opioid prescriptions after surgery. Prior studies are retrospective and based on incomplete responses ( 80% of patients and compare open and robotic surgery. A total of 205 adult patients were enrolled, with 100% completing follow-up. In units of oral morphine equivalents (OMEQ), a median of 225mg was prescribed and 22.5mg used. There was no difference by surgical approach or among patients with a history of pain-related diagnoses. Overall, 77% of postdischarge opioid medication was unused, with 84% of patients requiring ≤112.5mg OMEQ. Only 9% of patients appropriately disposed of leftover medication. Approximately 5% reported continued incisional pain due to surgery at 30d, but none required continued opioid medication use. Prescribing more opioids was independently associated with greater opioid use in adjusted models. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this report, we looked at opioid medication use following discharge after radical prostatectomy. We found that 77% of opioid pain medication prescribed was unused, with 84% of patients using less than half of their prescription. Prescribing more opioids was associated with greater use; only 9% of patients appropriately disposed of leftover medication.
Long-term follow-up in a Chinese child with congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia due to a StAR gene mutation

Congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia (CLAH) is an extremely rare and the most severe form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Typical features include disorder of sex development, early-onset adrenal crisis and enlarged adrenal glands with fatty accumulation. We report a case of CLAH caused by mutations in the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) gene. The patient had typical early-onset adrenal crisis at 2 months of age. She had normal-appearing female genitalia and a karyotype of 46, XY. The serum cortisol and adrenal steroids levels were always nearly undetectable, but the adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were extremely high. Genetic analysis revealed compound heterozygous mutations at c. 229C > T (p.Q77X) in exon 3 and c. 722C > T (p.Q258X) in exon 7 of the StAR gene. The former mutation was previously detected in only two other Chinese CLAH patients. Both mutations cause truncation of the StAR protein. The case reported here appears to be a classic example of CLAH with very small adrenal glands and is the second reported CLAH case with small adrenal glands thus far. In a 15-year follow-up, the patient’s height was approximately average for females before age 4 and fell to − 1 SDS at 10 years of age. Her bone age was similar to her chronological age from age 4 to age 15 years. In conclusion, this is a classic case of CLAH with exceptionally small adrenal glands. Q77X mutation seems to be more common in Chinese CLAH patients. Additionally, this is the first report of the growth pattern associated with CLAH after a 15-year follow-up.
Sleep quality and its association with fatigue, symptom burden, and mood in patients with advanced cancer in a phase 1 clinic.

9624 Background: Limited data exist about sleep quality (SQ) in patients (pts) on phase 1 clinical trials. Poor SQ is often not captured as an adverse event (AE) and its association with fatigue, o...
PBRM1 Loss in Kidney Cancer Unbalances the Kidney Lineage Master Transcription Factor Hub to Repress Terminal Epithelial Fates

PBRM1 is the 2nd-most frequently deleted and mutated gene in clear cell renal cell cancers (RCC). How this loss promotes malignancy is poorly understood. PBRM1 is a subunit of the PBAF coactivator complex that transcription factors recruit to reposition nucleosomes for gene activation. Identifying transcription factors using PBRM1/PBAF might therefore indicate gene expression programs repressed by PBRM1 loss. We therefore used affinity-purification mass spectrometry to identify, in unbiased fashion, transcription factors recruiting PBRM1 in kidney lineage cells. These unbiased proteomic analyses identified PAX8, a master transcription factor essential for kidney epithelial fates, as the most prominent PBRM1 interaction partner. Reverse proteomic analyses of the PAX8 protein hub confirmed recruitment specifically of PBRM1/PBAF, and not the BAF coactivator complex. More conspicuous in the PAX8 hub in RCC cells, however, were several corepressors, e.g. DNMT1, which oppose coactivators to repress instead of activate genes. Accordingly, key PAX8 target genes, e.g., GATA3, LHX1, WT1, and >500 other kidney epithelial genes, were repressed and hyper-methylated in RCC versus normal kidney, with the greatest repression in cases with bi-allelic PBRM1 inactivation. PBRM1 re-introduction into RCC cells, or depletion of the corepressor DNMT1 using a clinical drug decitabine, rebalanced both composition and function of the PAX8 transcription factor hub toward coactivators, activating terminal epithelial fates in vitro and in vivo. Thus, PBRM1 coactivator loss skews composition of the PAX8 kidney lineage master transcription factor hub toward corepressors and repression instead of activation of kidney epithelial-fates. Sensitivity of the transcription factor hub to coactivator/corepressor stoichiometry, however, also enables correction by pharmacologic corepressor inhibition.
Assessment of Acute Serum Iron, Non-Transferrin-Bound Iron, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms with 3-Week Consumption of Iron-Enriched Aspergillus oryzae Compared with Ferrous Sulfate.

Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a widespread nutritional deficiency, and iron supplementation, especially with ferrous sulfate (FeSO4), is the most common strategy to treat IDA; however, compliance is often poor with daily FeSO4 owing to negative side effects. In a previous study, iron from iron-enriched Aspergillus oryzae [Ultimine® Koji Iron (ULT)] was absorbed similarly to FeSO4. Objectives The main objective of this study was to assess the safety of consuming ULT in terms of increasing non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI) and gastrointestinal distress. Methods Young female participants (n = 16) with serum ferritin <40 μg/L were randomly assigned to a double-blind, 9-wk crossover study with a 3-wk placebo/washout period between treatments. Oral FeSO 4 and ULT supplements containing 65 mg Fe were administered daily for 21 consecutive days. On day 1, serum iron (SI), percentage transferrin saturation (%TS), and NTBI were measured for 8 h on the first day of iron consumption. Changes in biochemical indicators were evaluated after 3 wk consumption. Side effects questionnaires were completed weekly on 2 randomly selected weekdays and 1 weekend day for the entire study. Results SI, %TS, and NTBI were all markedly higher during hours 2-8 (P < 0.001) with FeSO4 than with ULT. Oxidative stress, inflammatory, and kidney and liver function markers remained unchanged with both supplementations compared with placebo. Changes in iron status markers were not significantly different among the 3 treatments. Individual or global side effects were not significantly different among all treatments. Even when common side effects of nausea, constipation, and diarrhea were combined, FeSO4 treatment had a significantly higher effect than ULT (P = 0.04) and placebo (P = 0.004) only at week 3, but the difference was not significant between ULT and placebo. Conclusions Low NTBI production and fewer common gastrointestinal side effects with ULT suggest that it is a safe oral iron supplement to treat IDA. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04018300.
DetEdit: A graphical user interface for annotating and editing events detected in long-term acoustic monitoring data

Passive acoustic monitoring has become an important data collection method, yielding massive datasets replete with biological, environmental and anthropogenic information. Automated signal detectors and classifiers are needed to identify events within these datasets, such as the presence of species-specific sounds or anthropogenic noise. These automated methods, however, are rarely a complete substitute for expert analyst review. The ability to visualize and annotate acoustic events efficiently can enhance scientific insights from large, previously intractable datasets. A MATLAB-based graphical user interface, called DetEdit, was developed to accelerate the editing and annotating of automated detections from extensive acoustic datasets. This tool is highly-configurable and multipurpose, with uses ranging from annotation and classification of individual signals or signal-clusters and evaluation of signal properties, to identification of false detections and false positive rate estimation. DetEdit allows users to step through acoustic events, displaying a range of signal features, including time series of received levels, long-term spectral averages, time intervals between detections, and scatter plots of peak frequency, RMS, and peak-to-peak received levels. Additionally, it displays either individual, or averaged sound pressure waveforms, and power spectra within each acoustic event. These views simultaneously provide analysts with signal-level detail and encounter-level context. DetEdit creates datasets of signal labels for further analyses, such as training classifiers and quantifying occurrence, abundances, or trends. Although designed for evaluating underwater-recorded odontocete echolocation click detections, DetEdit can be adapted to almost any stereotyped impulsive signal. Our software package complements available tools for the bioacoustic community and is provided open source at https://github.com/MarineBioAcousticsRC/DetEdit.
Small Improvements in an Urban Food Environment Resulted in No Changes in Diet Among Residents.

Living in a low-income neighborhood with low access to healthy food retailers is associated with increased risk for chronic disease. The U.S. Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) provides resources to support the development of infrastructure to improve neighborhood food environments. This natural experiment examined a HFFI funded food hub that was designed to be implemented by a community development corporation in an urban neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio. It was intended to increase access to affordable, local, and healthy foods; establish programs to increase social connections and support for healthy eating; and create job opportunities for residents. We used a quasi-experimental, longitudinal design to externally evaluate food hub implementation and its impact on changes to the built and social environment and dietary patterns among residents living in the intervention neighborhood (n = 179) versus those in a comparison (n = 150) neighborhood. Overall, many of the food hub components were not implemented fully, and dose and reach of the executed food hub components was low. There were statistically significant improvements in observed availability of healthy foods in the intervention neighborhood versus the comparison neighborhood. There were no changes over time in diet quality scores, total caloric intake, or fruit and vegetable intake in the intervention neighborhood. In conclusion, low dose implementation of a food hub led to small improvements in availability of healthy foods but not in dietary patterns. Findings highlight challenges to implementing a food hub in neighborhoods with low access to healthy food retailers.
Effect of chiropractics combined with swimming therapy on neonatal neurobehavioral development

Objective To explore the effect of chiropractics combined with swimming therapy on neonatal neurobehavioral development.Methods 116 healthy full-term neonates born in our hospital were divided into a study group and a control group.The study group received chiropractics combined with swimming therapy after bathing,while the control group received bathing alone.All the neonates were assessed by the NBNA scale on days 1,5,and 42 after birth.Results The NBNA score was higher in the study group than in the control group on days 5 and42 (P＜0.05).Conclusions Chiropractics combined with swimming therapy plays a marked role in acceleration of neonatal neurobehavioral development,thus it is worth popularizing clinically. Key words: Neonates; Chiropractics; Swimming therapy; Neurobehavioral development
Making Sense of Food System Transformation in Mexico

Abstract Mexico is in the grips of a public health crisis related to its changing food system, characterized by dramatic increases in diet-related illness. Ideas on how to reverse these trends stretch from top-down nutrition education to demands for regulation of the food and beverage industry. Taking a different approach, this paper focuses on the perspectives and practices of rural Oaxacans, drawn from qualitative research conducted in seven communities over six years. We find an emergent critique of the contemporary capitalist food system rooted in embodied engagements with food production, preparation, consumption, and community history. We analyze these findings through the lens of Gramsci’s concept of ‘good sense,’ understood as the critical-thinking basis for revolutionary transformation among subaltern classes. We situate this idea within literature on embodied knowledge and visceral politics, suggesting that such ideas and perceptions have the potential to challenge the growing hegemony of the corporate food system in Mexico and contribute to broader social movements in defense of Oaxacan land and life.
Immunomodulatory drug- and proteasome inhibitor-backbone regimens in the treatment of relapsed multiple myeloma: an evidence-based review.

Recent advances and drug approvals in the last decade have substantially changed the landscape of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), which not only improved outcomes for patients but ...
Pain Prevalence, Chronicity and Impact Within Subpopulations Based on Both Hispanic Ancestry and Race: United States, 2010-2017.

Abstract We provide national surveillance estimates of pain chronicity, severity and impact in adult subpopulations defined by both Hispanic Ancestry and Race. Data are from 144,434 adults who completed validated questionnaires in the 2010–2017 National Health Interview Survey asking about pain status within the last 3 (N = 84,664) or 6 months (N = 59,770). Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between pain and ethnicity/race. Compared to White Puerto Rican participants, White participants with Central/South American and Mexican ancestry had reduced odds of reporting Category 3–4 pain and High-Impact Chronic Pain (HICP), while those of Cuban ancestry had reduced odds of only HICP - eg, White participants with Mexican ancestry had 32% lower odds of having Category 3-4 pain and 50% lower odds of having HICP. While no differences were seen between White Puerto Rican and White Non-Hispanic participants for Category 3-4 pain, White Non-Hispanics had 40% lower odds of reporting HICP. Asian Non-Hispanic and Black Non-Hispanic participants had significantly lower odds of reporting Category 3-4 pain and HICP compared to White Puerto Rican participants, eg, Black Non-Hispanic participants had 26% lower odds off having Category 3-4 pain and 42% lower odds of having HICP. Perspective: By examining pain status in discrete demographic groups based on Hispanic Ancestry and Race, this report further documents substantial difference in health status among underserved populations and provides a baseline for continuing surveillance research on pain, with the eventual goal of eliminating disparities in pain assessment and treatment.
Time as Kinship

Climate change is often discussed in terms of linear units of time. This essay covers the meaning of linear time and its implications for how climate change is narrated. There are concerns about how narrating climate change in this way can eclipse issues of justice in the energy transition. There are of course different ways of telling time. This essay provides a narration of climate change inspired by particular Indigenous scholars and writers. These conceptions of time narrate time through kinship, not linearity. One implication is that issues of justice are inseparable from the experience of climate change.
From “Fast Friends” to True Friends: Can a Contact Intervention Promote Friendships in Middle School?

The protective role of friendships in middle school is well established, yet no research to date has examined how to build friendships among middle school peers. In the present research, we adapted the Fast Friends procedure for inducing interpersonal closeness to promote friendships among students (n = 301) in middle school. Given the growing diversity in the K-12 population and the benefits of cross-ethnic friendships for ethnic majority and minority youth, we examined whether the intervention was equally effective at fostering same- and cross-ethnic friendships. Results indicated that the intervention successfully increased interpersonal closeness and friendships for participants in both same- and cross-ethnic conditions. Implications for using Fast Friends to promote the healthy social development of adolescent youth are discussed.