cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Potential Conflict between Preserving Regional Plant Diversity and Biotic Resistance to an Invasive Grass, Microstegium vimineum

The relevance of diversity-biotic resistance studies to conservation of biodiversity could be improved by simultaneously examining the drivers of regional diversity and their effects on local species diversity and invasion. Using path analysis, I examined direct and indirect effects of various abiotic factors (i.e., flooding, treefall gaps, soil texture, proximity to roads, and stand age) on plant species richness, floristic quality (a proxy for regional plant diversity), and the abundance of a non-native invasive grass, Microstegium vimineum, in 117 3.14-m2 plots within four stands of mesic floodplain forests in northern Mississippi. Results of this study showed a significant negative effect of species richness on M. vimineum abundance in year two. However, species richness varied in response to flooding and gaps, and the positive indirect effects of flooding and gaps on M. vimineum abundance mediated through reductions in species richness in fall 2008 were not nearly as great as the positive direct effects of these disturbances on M. vimineum abundance. In contrast to species richness, floristic quality (weighted mean fidelity to mesic forests or wetlands minus fidelity to anthropogenically disturbed areas) responded positively to gaps in flooded areas and was not affected by M. vimineum. Altogether, these results suggest that the same factors that reduce biotic resistance have even greater direct positive effects on the abundance of an invasive grass and native floodplain specialists. Control of M. vimineum in mature floodplain forest ecosystems should be done selectively to avoid collateral damage of native floodplain specialists.
Impaired respiratory function and heightened pulmonary inflammation in episodic binge ethanol intoxication and burn injury.

Clinical data indicate that cutaneous burn injuries covering greater than 10% of the total body surface area are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, in which pulmonary complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), contribute to nearly half of all patient deaths. Approximately 50% of burn patients are intoxicated at the time of hospital admission, which increases days on ventilators by 3-fold, and doubles the length of hospitalization, compared to non-intoxicated burn patients. The most common drinking pattern in the United States is binge drinking, where an individual rapidly consumes alcoholic beverages (4 for women, 5 for men) in 2 h. An estimated 38 million Americans binge drink, often several times per month. Experimental data demonstrate that a single binge-ethanol exposure, prior to scald injury, impairs innate and adaptive immune responses, thereby enhancing infection susceptibility and amplifying pulmonary inflammation, neutrophil infiltration, and edema, and is associated with increased mortality. Since these characteristics are similar to those observed in ARDS burn patients, our study objective was to determine whether ethanol intoxication and burn injury and the subsequent pulmonary congestion affect physiological parameters of lung function, using non-invasive and unrestrained plethysmography in a murine model system. Furthermore, to mirror young adult binge-drinking patterns, and to determine the effect of multiple ethanol exposures on pulmonary inflammation, we utilized an episodic binge-ethanol exposure regimen, where mice were exposed to ethanol for a total of 6 days (3 days ethanol, 4 days rest, 3 days ethanol) prior to burn injury. Our analyses demonstrate mice exposed to episodic binge ethanol and burn injury have higher mortality, increased pulmonary congestion and neutrophil infiltration, elevated neutrophil chemoattractants, and respiratory dysfunction, compared to burn or ethanol intoxication alone. Overall, our study identifies plethysmography as a useful tool for characterizing respiratory function in a murine burn model and for future identification of therapeutic compounds capable of restoring pulmonary functionality.
Body mass index modulates blood pressure heritability: the Family Blood Pressure Program.

High blood pressure (BP) contributes to 12.8% (or 7.5 million) of deaths worldwide.1 Although BP traits have a substantial genetic component (heritability estimates ranging 31%–68%),2 only a small fraction of the BP variation has been explained by significant single nucleotide polymorphisms identified through genome-wide association studies.3–11 The high prevalence of obesity (44.1% of black, 32.8% of White, and 37.9% of Hispanic American adults are obese (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30kg/m2)),12 coupled with reports of significant interactions between genes and BMI from candidate gene and twin studies of BP,13–20 has inspired large-scale systematic investigations of gene–obesity interactions. However, meta-analyses of genome-wide association study results using massive sample sizes have yet to identify any genome-wide significant (P ≤ 5×10−8) single nucleotide polymorphism–BMI interactions. We investigated whether large and racially diverse family studies provided any evidence for gene–BMI interactions in hypertension pathophysiology and whether the shape (unimodal, linear increasing, linear decreasing) of this interaction was race dependent. Specifically, we investigated the BP heritability dependence on BMI using 4,153 black, 1,538 Asian, 4,013 White, and 2,199 Hispanic American participants from the Family Blood Pressure Program (FBPP). Within each of 10 race and network subgroups, we employed the Shi and Rao21 generalized variance components model to allow the polygenic component, and hence BP heritability, to vary by BMI level. We modeled 2 polygenic–BMI interaction functions (linear and Gaussian) to permit a variety of heritability curve shapes (increasing, decreasing, unimodal) for each of 4 BP traits (systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and pulse pressure (PP)). The resulting heritability curves may provide insight into the genetic and environmental architecture of BP and is an important first step in exploring the existence and shape of gene–BMI interactions.
The Effect of Dietary Protein Level on Threonine Dehydrogenase Activity in Chickens

Abstract An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of dietary protein level on the specific activity of hepatic L-threonine dehydrogenase in young growing chicks. Six replicate pens of seven Leghorn chicks were fed semipurified diets containing 23, 27, or 32% CP with identical relative proportions of amino acids in each protein group. Body weights and feed consumption were measured for 3 d, and hepatic mitochondria were isolated for assay of threonine dehydrogenase (TDH) activity. Weight gains and feed efficiency increased at each level of protein supplementation, but feed consumption was not affected by protein level. The specific activity of threonine dehydrogenase in isolated liver mitochondria was significantly (P
Biophysical characterization of SipA, an actin-binding protein from Salmonella enterica

An essential step in the pathogenesis of Salmonella enterica infections is bacterial entry into non-phagocytic cells of the intestinal epithelium. Proteins injected by Salmonella into host cells stimulate cellular responses that lead to extensive actin cytoskeleton reorganization and subsequent bacterial uptake. One of these proteins, SipA, modulates actin dynamics by directly binding to F-actin. We have biophysically characterized a C-terminal fragment, SipA446–684, which has previously been shown to retain activity. Our results show that SipA446–684 exhibits an elongated shape with a predominantly helical conformation and predict the existence of a coiled-coil domain. We suggest that the protein is able to span two adjacent actin monomers in a filament and propose a model that is consistent with the observed effects of SipA446–684 on actin dynamics and F-actin stability and morphology.
Some Strategies for Left Feminists (and Their Male Allies) in the Age of Obama

The election of Barack Obama in November 2008 gave rise to passionate celebrations, at least in some parts of the country. Here is one account (by the President of Barnard College): Outside the gat...
In vitro generation of human pluripotent stem cell derived lung organoids

Cell behavior has traditionally been studied in the lab in two-dimensional situations, where cells are grown in thin layers on cell-culture dishes. However, most cells in the body exist in a three-dimensional environment as part of complex tissues and organs, and so researchers have been attempting to re-create these environments in the lab. To date, several such ‘organoids’ have been successfully generated, including models of the human intestine, stomach, brain and liver. These organoids can mimic the responses of real tissues and can be used to investigate how organs form, change with disease, and how they might respond to potential therapies. Here, Dye et al. developed a new three-dimensional model of the human lung by coaxing human stem cells to become specific types of cells that then formed complex tissues in a petri dish. To make these lung organoids, Dye et al. manipulated several of the signaling pathways that control the formation of organs during the development of animal embryos. First, the stem cells were instructed to form a type of tissue called endoderm, which is found in early embryos and gives rise to the lung, liver and other several other internal organs. Then, Dye et al. activated two important developmental pathways that are known to make endoderm form three-dimensional intestinal tissue. However, by inhibiting two other key developmental pathways at the same time, the endoderm became tissue that resembles the early lung found in embryos instead. This early lung-like tissue formed three-dimensional spherical structures as it developed. The next challenge was to make these structures develop into lung tissue. Dye et al. worked out a method to do this, which involved exposing the cells to additional proteins that are involved in lung development. The resulting lung organoids survived in laboratory cultures for over 100 days and developed into well-organized structures that contain many of the types of cells found in the lung. Further analysis revealed the gene activity in the lung organoids resembles that of the lung of a developing human fetus, suggesting that lung organoids grown in the dish are not fully mature. Dye et al.'s findings provide a new approach for creating human lung organoids in culture that may open up new avenues for investigating lung development and diseases.
Understanding the Enemy

In this issue of Science Translational Medicine, Tanas and colleagues describe a disease-defining genetic alteration for the vascular cancer epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE). The resulting EHE-associated fusion gene encodes an aberrantly expressed putative transcription factor. This molecular information is the latest in a series of genetic discoveries that aid in cancer diagnosis and may pave the way to targeted therapeutic agents.
Media Representation of Human Trafficking in Three Liberal Democracies, 2000-2005

This study examines whether the media have represented a broad range of ideas in their coverage of human trafficking. Theories of media framing and media coverage of foreign policy suggest that viewpoints on trafficking will have been voiced mostly by official and other establishment sources. From a content analysis of the coverage of human trafficking in six quality newspapers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, I show that only a limited range of viewpoints have been presented. The coverage has presented the view that criminal activity has been the primary cause for trafficking and that the main way to combat trafficking is to build on current policy. While the coverage has served to legitimize the views and decisions of established policymakers, it also has marginalized alternative viewpoints and criticism of government policy. The American media are somewhat less likely to cover the official view, while the British and Canadian media are more likely to cover both the official view and alternative news.
Gas dispersion in volume-cycled tube flow. I. Theory.

A mathematical theory is derived for the dispersion of a contaminant bolus introduced into a fully developed volume-cycled oscillatory pipe flow. The convection-diffusion equation is solved for a tracer gas bolus by expressing the local concentration field as a series expansion of derivatives of the area-averaged concentration. The local, as well as the area-averaged, concentration is determined for a uniform initial slug or Gaussian bolus. The effect of various flow parameters such as Womersley parameter, Schmidt number, and tidal volume is investigated. The overall dispersion is characterized by a time-averaged effective diffusion coefficient, which for long duration coincides with previous dispersion theories based on a constant linear axial concentration profile. The effective diffusion coefficient can be determined from the local time history of concentration, independent of the spatial location or the initial tracer bolus. Furthermore the local peaks of the concentration-time curve follow a decaying curve dictated by the time-averaged effective diffusion coefficient. Thus the theory is directly applicable for dispersion measurements in oscillatory tube flows, a basis for the pulmonary airways application, as shown by Gaver et al. (J. Appl. Physiol. 72: 321–331, 1992).
Assessment of Sequential PET/MRI in Comparison With PET/CT of Pediatric Lymphoma: A Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to compare the diagnostic performance of sequential 18F-FDG PET/MRI (PET/MRI) and 18F-FDG PET/CT (PET/CT) in a pediatric cohort with lymphoma for lesion detection, lesion classification, and disease staging; quantification of FDG uptake; and radiation dose. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. For this prospective study of 25 pediatric patients with lymphoma, 40 PET/CT and PET/MRI examinations were performed after a single-injection dual-time-point imaging protocol. Lesions detected, lesion classification, Ann Arbor stage, and radiation dose were tabulated for each examination, and statistical evaluations were performed to compare the modalities. Quantification of standardized uptake values (SUVs) was performed for all lesions. All available examinations and clinical history were used as the reference standard. RESULTS. No statistically significant differences between PET/MRI and PET/CT were observed in lesion detection rates, lesion classification, or Ann Arbor staging. Fifty-f...
Ventral rectopexy for rectal procidentia

The main objective of this section is a detailed review of the new approach to rectal procidentia: minimally invasive nerve-sparing ventral rectopexy, laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR), robotic ventral rectopexy (RVR), and its contextual relevance in the surgical treatment of rectal and pelvic organ prolapse. A brief review of rectal prolapse is offered outlining the main perineal and abdominal surgical approaches to its treatment. Further details regarding LVR and its effectiveness in treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, fecal incontinence, and constipation will be reviewed as it applies to external rectal prolapse (ERP) and internal rectal prolapse (IRP). Details regarding the implications of the type of mesh used and complication profile will be covered.
Boll Weevils Captured at Socastee, South Carolina, in 1970, in Wing Traps Placed Around Fields with and without Growing Cotton

When wing traps were placed around isolated fields with and without growing cotton, the numbers of Anthonomus grandis Boheman that were captured were. correlated with the traps at both fields regardless of the presence of cotton. The numbers of weevils observed in the cotton field were not correlated with the numbers of weevils captured on the traps.
Ambient Air Processing Causes Light Soaking Effects in Inverted Organic Solar Cells Employing Conjugated Polyelectrolyte Electron Transfer Layer

Inverted polymer:fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cells employing a conjugated polyelectrolyte electron transfer layer display light soaking effects as the oxygen adsorbed on indium tin oxide (ITO) during an ambient air device processing induces interface charge trap states in the conjugated polyelectrolyte layer and reduces its interface dipole. The light soaking populates the trap states with photoexcited electrons and reinstates the electric dipole, leading to a recovery of efficient charge extraction and normal illuminated current–voltage characteristics consequently. The identified effect of adsorbed oxygen not only enables a remedy of the light soaking issue of the inverted solar cells via hydrogen plasma treatment of ITO but also suggests the importance of properly handling adsorbed oxygen species on ITO for achieving high performance organic devices based on ITO substrates in general.
Proton Irradiation Effects on Scandium Oxide/Gallium Nitride MOS Diodes

The stability to proton radiation of GaN metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) diodes fabricated using the novel gate dielectric Sc2O3 was investigated. The MOS diodes were fabricated by depositing the dielectric with molecular beam epitaxy onto MOCVD-grown GaN on sapphire. The stability of GaN Schottky diodes was also investigated for comparison. Current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V), were employed to monitor any change in the electrical characteristics of the diodes. Preliminary testing indicates that the GaN-based diodes are in fact affected by proton irradiation, but only at fairly high doses. Doses equivalent to 10 years in low earth orbit, ~5×109 cm−2, produce a decrease in the reverse breakdown field in both Schottky and MOS diodes. However, even after irradiation, the GaN MOS diodes showed twice the reverse breakdown voltage of non-irradiated Schottky diodes. Further, while the Schottky diodes showed reduced forward breakdown voltage, the MOS diodes showed no change in forward breakdown. These results suggest that the oxide/GaN interface is stable and is not being damaged by the radiation. The change in reverse breakdown is most likely due to generation of damage in the GaN resulting in the formation of shallow donors.
Effectiveness of an Afterschool-Based Aggression Management Program for Elementary Students

A school-community partnership team implemented an aggression management curriculum in an afterschool program as an early-intervention strategy at the upper elementary level. Although statistically significant differences in physical or psychological aggression were not found, the partnership team gained a better understanding of evidence-based programs and collaborative interventions. This article presents implications for school counselors, community partners, and the health/social services team. It also offers program improvements and other approaches for addressing bullying.
Intellectual Humility and Morality as Consultee-Centered Consultation Epistemologies

ABSTRACTLittle research examines how epistemological constructs affect the consultation process in schools. We consider how the epistemological constructs of (a) intellectual humility and (b) moral foundations may moderate the effectiveness of consultee-centered consultation. We define the constructs and provide examples of their potential influences on consultee-centered consultation. Then we provide four areas of investigation for future research on the epistemologies of school-based consultation.
Symmetric temporal patterns in cortical spike trains during performance of a short-term memory task.

AbstractThe trion model is a highly structured representation of cortical organizationl which predicts families of symmetric spatial-temporal firing patterns inherent in cortical activity. The symmetries of these inherent firing patterns are used by the brain in short-term memory to perform higher level computations. In the present study, symmetric temporal patterns were searched for in spike trains recorded from cells in parietal cortex of a monkey performing a short-term memory task. A new method of analysis was used to map neuronal firing into sequences of integers representing relative levels of firing rate about the mean (i.e. -1, 0 and 1). The results of this analysis show families of patterns related by symmetry operations. These operations are: i. the interchanging of all the + l’s and -l’s in a given pattern sequence (CT symmetry), ii. the inverting of the temporal sequence of the mapping (T symmetry)1 and iii. the combination of the two previous operations (CT symmetry). Patterns of a given fami...
Lowering the cost of psychiatric care. An experimental brief-stay unit with the nurse as therapist.

This paper reports a four-year experience and includes follow-up data from the operation of a novel inpatient general hospital unit. The two main features of the unit are: a relatively brief duration of hospitalization; and the employment of nursing staff as therapists in exactly the way residents are usually used.The inpatient stay is considered to be a special opportunity for organizing important changes in the life styles and living arrangements of patients. It is also a time for making careful observations of behaviours and treatment trials. Daily interviews are conducted, including family members and other relevant persons.The nurse-therapists are trained to perform individual and family therapy as well as to organize all the social and environmental contacts. They conduct groups and behaviour therapies and are in charge of the planning for discharge.The patients here differ little from those in other general hospital units and the follow-up data show results to be at least as good as those reported ...
Aligning policy and practice in science, technology and innovation to deliver the intended socio-economic results: the case of assistive technology

This paper recommends that science, technology and innovation (STI) policies intending to address socio-economic problems, properly align their chosen implementation system to the intended solution's requirements. Society typically relies on the industrial sector to supply product and service innovations through the free market system. In cases of free market failure representing national interests governments may apply alternative innovation systems. The procurement contract system delivers tangible products meeting pre-determined performance criteria (e.g., military weapons; orphan drugs). The exploratory grant system delivers conceptual discoveries advancing the state of science (e.g., scholarly publications). The field of assistive technology (AT) exemplifies those social problems requiring technology-based solutions, for which governments around the globe consistently and inappropriately apply the exploratory grant system. The example reflects a broader government bias towards applied scientific research by the academic sector, at the expense of delivering practical solutions through engineering development and industrial production by the private sector.
Wood versus Water: Timber Plantations in Semiarid South Africa

South Africa, the largest industrial roundwood producer in Africa, is a water-scarce country. To ensure adequate water for all South Africans, the post-apartheid government has made a radical shift in water policy, under which timber plantations are now categorized as streamflow reduction activities requiring licenses and incurring water charges. At present the water charges are low and not directly affecting operations, butthe new policy raises questions about water use efficiency of forestry land uses, particularly plantation forestry.
Patterns of Psychotropic Medication at Admission for Youth in Residential Care

High levels of psychotropic medication use and polypharmacy are common for emotionally and behaviorally troubled youth entering residential care. Polypharmacy has often been characterized as an especially serious problem in this vulnerable population. Latent Class Analysis was used to identify medication subgroups for 636 youth in an intensive residential program. Additionally, auxiliary analyses (e.g., diagnoses, demographics, expressed problem behaviors) were used to identify the personal and behavioral attributes associated with individuals in each of the latent classes. Three distinct medication patterns emerged: low/no psychotropic medication, the combination of antidepressant and antipsychotic medications, and multiple psychotropic medications. The latent classes were significantly different from one another on 12 of the 14 variables, helping explicate how patient and clinical characteristics underlie patterns of psychotropic medication use. Findings of this study, combined with additional research, hold promise for leading to improved, youth-centered prescribing practices. Our findings also highlight the need for careful monitoring of the types and range of medications that some youth are prescribed, and research on how youth with certain background characteristics are more likely to get prescribed multiple psychotropic medications. For youth experiencing higher levels of psychotropic polypharmacy, medication regimens need thoughtful reassessment using the principle of sufficiency as the foundation for medication management.
The Bundled Care Disruption

The new administration and Congress will wrestle with the Affordable Care Act and options. In the meantime, several reimbursement programs designed to disrupt current approaches to patient care delivery continue, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services bundled payment program. Chief nurse executives must prepare to advance processes and care models that align with bundled payments and the broader ambition to eliminate care variation.
Engaging School Mental Health Professionals to Deliver Evidence-Based Interventions to Hispanic Families:

Research has demonstrated that a number of evidence-based programs can be effectively implemented in different community settings, such as schools, to target Hispanic youth and their families; however, successful implementation of such programs represents a challenge for practitioners. This article describes experiences and strategies associated with recruiting, training, and supervising school mental health professionals in the school-based implementation of an evidence-based, family-centered prevention program for Hispanic families. School mental health professionals were recruited and given intensive training, weekly supervision for adherence monitoring, and ongoing technical assistance, in addition to intervention manuals and materials. We emphasize how strategies based on the prevention program itself were used to recruit, engage, and train school mental health professionals to deliver a family-based evidence-based program, blending research and practice in a large public school system. Implications of lessons learned are discussed, as well as the specific strategies to overcome challenges when engaging and training community partners in delivering a manualized intervention with rigorous adherence to the program.
OCT4 and SOX2 Work as Transcriptional Activators in Reprogramming Human Fibroblasts.

SOX2 and OCT4, in conjunction with KLF4 and cMYC, are sufficient to reprogram human fibroblasts to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), but it is unclear if they function as transcriptional activators or as repressors. We now show that, like OCT4, SOX2 functions as a transcriptional activator. We substituted SOX2-VP16 (a strong activator) for wild-type (WT) SOX2, and we saw an increase in the efficiency and rate of reprogramming, whereas the SOX2-HP1 fusion (a strong repressor) eliminated reprogramming. We report that, at an early stage of reprogramming, virtually all DNA-bound OCT4, SOX2, and SOX2-VP16 were embedded in putative enhancers, about half of which were created de novo. Those associated with SOX2-VP16 were, on average, stronger than those bearing WT SOX2. Many newly created putative enhancers were transient, and many transcription factor locations on DNA changed as reprogramming progressed. These results are consistent with the idea that, during reprogramming, there is an intermediate state that is distinct from both parental cells and iPSCs.
Has Society Grown More Hostile Towards Conservative Christians? Evidence from ANES Surveys

Several conservative Christian activists have complained of increasing hatred directed towards them and a majority of Christians today believe that persecution against them has increased in the United States. To date there has not been an empirical assessment of whether there are increasing levels of anti-Christian animosity with two groups as representative of conservative Christians: Christian fundamentalists and evangelicals. Levels of anti-Christian hostility has not significantly risen over the past few decades, however those with this hostility have become wealthier. Furthermore, there has not been a coalescing or lessening of support for conservative Christians by other Christians, as seen in the persistent level of mildly negative score by progressive Christians. One may envision hostility against conservative Christians in the twentieth century as something possessed by highly educated progressives with cultural influence but little ability to punish conservative Christians economically. The ability to threaten conservative Christians’ material well-being and the lack of support of conservative Christians by other Christians augments those with hostility towards conservative Christians in the twenty-first century. Conservative Christians are incorrect asserting that Christian hostility recently dramatically increased but may be correct in asserting that they face more problems due to that hostility.
Using 21st century video prompting technology to facilitate the independence of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Barriers in acquiring, maintaining, and generalizing daily living skills are factors that contribute to discrepancies in independent living outcomes among transition age youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Acquisition and generalization of daily living skills empowers transition age youth and young adults with disabilities to meet their own needs with minimal reliance on others. Infusing the use of technology as a self-prompting device facilitates the acquisition of tasks that may not be otherwise attainable. In this study, self-directed video prompting on an iPad with the My Pictures Talk application was used to help young adults with IDD in a postsecondary program acquire daily living skills in a single subject, multiple probe across subjects design. The effects of the intervention on generalization to tasks that were one, two, and three components different were also assessed. Results demonstrated a functional relationship between the introduction of the intervention and improvement in skill performance.
scHiCNorm: a software package to eliminate systematic biases in single-cell Hi-C data.

Summary We build a software package scHiCNorm that uses zero-inflated and hurdle models to remove biases from single-cell Hi-C data. Our evaluations prove that our models can effectively eliminate systematic biases for single-cell Hi-C data, which better reveal cell-to-cell variances in terms of chromosomal structures. Availability and implementation scHiCNorm is available at http://dna.cs.miami.edu/scHiCNorm/. Perl scripts are provided that can generate bias features. Pre-built bias features for human (hg19 and hg38) and mouse (mm9 and mm10) are available to download. R scripts can be downloaded to remove biases. Contact zheng.wang@miami.edu. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Intermittent metabolic switching, neuroplasticity and brain health

During evolution, individuals whose brains and bodies functioned well in a fasted state were successful in acquiring food, enabling their survival and reproduction. With fasting and extended exercise, liver glycogen stores are depleted and ketones are produced from adipose-cell-derived fatty acids. This metabolic switch in cellular fuel source is accompanied by cellular and molecular adaptations of neural networks in the brain that enhance their functionality and bolster their resistance to stress, injury and disease. Here, we consider how intermittent metabolic switching, repeating cycles of a metabolic challenge that induces ketosis (fasting and/or exercise) followed by a recovery period (eating, resting and sleeping), may optimize brain function and resilience throughout the lifespan, with a focus on the neuronal circuits involved in cognition and mood. Such metabolic switching impacts multiple signalling pathways that promote neuroplasticity and resistance of the brain to injury and disease.
A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You can be More Creative

(2002). A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You can be More Creative. Quality Management Journal: Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 77-78.
Readability of information on colonoscopy preparation on the internet.

Background: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has decreased in recent years, due in large part to increased screening, particularly through colonoscopy. This study aimed to examine the level of readability of information on colonoscopy preparation written on 100 websites that were found via an internet search.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the content of the first 100 websites in English found via an internet search were analyzed using established readability scales. Websites were compared based on whether they had a commercial or non-commercial URL extension.Results: The majority of websites were found to have information of a difficult reading level. Less than 10% of websites had an easy reading level. Readability did not differ significantly based on URL extension.Conclusion: The information currently posted on the internet regarding preparation for colonoscopy is written at a difficult reading level. If information presented was both accurate and easier to read, it could benefit a greater proportion of the general public and help inform decisions about preparing for a colonoscopy.
Analisis Pengaruh Kepuasan Pelanggan Terhadap Loyalitas Pelanggan pada Fish Streat Cabang Tebet

Competition in business today is getting tougher. To attract buyers is not enough just rely on products and quality of the goods, but also required services that can provide satisfaction to customers. The hope with the satisfaction, there will be customer loyalty, and end up gaining profits in the business. This study aims to determine the effect of customer satisfaction on customer loyalty Fish Streat Branch Tebet. By using quantitative methods, data collection through observation methods, interviews, documentation and questionnaires distributed to 86 respondents. Based on questionnaires distributed to 86 respondents, obtained the results of calculation of correlation coefficient of 0.753 means shows there is a strong influence between customer satisfaction with customer loyalty. The result of calculation coefficient of determination, customer satisfaction to customer loyalty that is equal to 0,567% and the rest influenced by other factor not explained in this research. The regression coefficient test shows that Y = -3.240 + 1.219 X, indicating that there is a decrease in customer loyalty of -3.240, if customer satisfaction equal to 0 and every increase / decrease in customer satisfaction of 1, then can increase / decrease customer loyalty of 1,219 . Keywords: Customer Satisfaction, Customer Loyalty
Physical stabilization of proteins in aqueous solution.

The formulation scientist’s key goal is to achieve long-term stability of a drug compound. In the case of protein drugs, stabilization means not only maintaining the native chemical structure, but the native secondary and higher order structures necessary for biological activity (Cleland et al., 1993; Manning et al., 1989). Denaturation, as it is defined in this context, will be the process of forming any non-native physical or chemical state of the protein. Physical and chemical denat-urations are often accompanied by covalent and non-covalent aggregates that not only can destroy the activity of the drug, but also cause adverse side effects (Carpenter and Chang, 1996; Thornton and Ballow, 1993). Without the ability to stabilize native protein structures, even the most efficacious protein therapeutics will fail to make viable drug products.
Corticosteroids and the Immune Response

Stress is a powerful stimulus to glucocorticoid (“steroid”) production. Glucocorticoids, in turn, have important effects on the immune system. In principle, one could develop the theme; stress → steroid production → immune modulation. In practice, however, one should recognize that most of our knowledge of the effects of glucocorticosteroids on the immune response comes from pharmacological studies where exogenous steroids are given and where their effects on the immune system are then measured. Stress is omitted.
Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology

The science of neuroanatomy and the basis of description of the brain presuppose that behavior is a reflection of that structure (Adams, 1984; Adams & Sidman, 1968; Carpenter, 1976; Goss, 1973; Nieuwenhuys, Vougd, & Van Huijzen, 1979; Williams, 1975). Although the complex function of the brain has not allowed a point-by-point assignment of specific characteristics as once hoped, much of gross function is understood and can be localized. The revolution in imaging in the past few years has allowed observation of the living brain and furthered this understanding. To know the brain’s basic anatomy, nomenclature, and techniques used to obtain images of that anatomy is necessary for its prudent exploration.
Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of clofarabine with high-dose cytarabine for treatment of relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML).

e19009Background: There is no standard reinduction regimen for adults with R/R AML. Clofarabine with high-dose cytarabine (Clo-HiDAC) is commonly used, but limited data exists to support its effica...
PW 0698 Empowering states to prevent motor vehicle injuries—tools from the CDC

Every day in the United States, over 100 people are killed and thousands more injured in motor vehicle crashes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control works to prevent motor vehicle crash injuries and their resulting public health and economic burden. In traffic safety, translating research findings into actionable products is a top priority. In the U.S., many of the traffic safety strategies are implemented at the state level. One focus of CDC’s Transportation Safety Team is to create tools and products to empower states, decision makers, and partners to make data-driven and evidence-based decisions for prevention. These tools address a range of state needs and include an online cost-effectiveness calculator, implementation guides for community, tribal, and state programs, a mobility planning tool for older adults, and fact sheets covering a range of topics. As one example, the older adult mobility planning tool was created to help older adults, beginning at age 60, plan for future mobility changes that might increase their risk for motor vehicle crashes and falls. The planning tool was developed based on the trans-theoretical stages of change and iterative testing with older adults. The tool helps older adults think through how they will remain injury free and mobile as they age. This presentation will provide an overview of recent trends in motor vehicle crash injuries and deaths in the United States, CDC’s role in road safety, and of the various CDC tools, prevention products, and state implementation efforts. CDC’s Transportation Safety Team encourages the use of proven strategies for motor vehicle crash injury prevention. Supporting motor vehicle injury prevention in the U.S. ultimately supports global road safety targets including the Decade of Action for Road Safety and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development targets 3.6 and 11.2.
In Theory: Memory as an Affective Archive

This chapter focuses on methodology in the field of affect studies. The discussion focuses on three contemporary studies of affective epistemology and traces this epistemology back to its intellectual foremothers in addition to linking it to Eve Sedgwick’s notion of “reparative reading.” The three case studies that exemplify what I call “reparative writing” include Jean Halley’s The Parallel Lives of Women and Cows: Meat Markets, Anne Cvetkovich’s Depression: A Public Feeling, and Elspeth Probyn’s Blush: Faces of Shame. Each author draws on personal memories as crucial sources of material in much the same way that they draw on more standard archival materials, thereby demonstrating their use of an “affective archive.”
Intracranial Hypotension and Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak

Review of the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and management of headache secondary to intracranial hypotension.
Does physician engagement affect satisfaction of patients or resident physicians

Purpose: This study examined whether change in physician engagement affected outpatient or resident physician satisfaction using common US measures. Methods: Surveys were administered by Advisory Board Survey Solutions for staff physician engagement, Press Ganey for Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CGCAHPS) for outpatient satisfaction, and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) for the ACGME Resident/Fellow Survey. Survey sample sizes were 685, 697, and 763 for physician engagement and 621, 625, and 618 for resident satisfaction in 2014-2016, respectively; only respondents were available for CGCAHPS (24,302, 34,328, and 43,100 for 2014-2016, respectively). Two groups were analyzed across 3 years: (1) percentage of "engaged" staff physicians versus percentage of outpatient top box scores for physician communication, and (2) percentage of "engaged" staff physicians versus percentage of residents "positive" on program evaluation. For resident evaluation of faculty, the number of programs that met/exceeded ACGME national compliance scores were compared. Univariate chi-squared tests compared data between 2014, 2015, and 2016. Results: For 2014-2016, "engaged" physicians increased from 34% (169/497) to 44% (227/515) to 48% (260/542) (P<0.001) whereas CGCAHPS top box scores for physician communication remained unchanged at 90.9% (22,091/24,302), 90.8% (31,088/34,328), and 90.9% (39,178/43,100) (P=0.869). For the second group, "engaged" physicians increased from 33% (204/617) to 46% (318/692) to 50% (351/701) (P<0.001) and residents "positive" on program evaluation increased from 86% (534/618) in 2014 to 89% (556/624) in 2015 and 89% (550/615) in 2016 (P=0.174). The number of specialties that met/exceeded national compliance for all five faculty evaluation items grew from 44% (11/25) in 2014 to 68% (17/25) in 2015 and 64% (16/25) in 2016 (P=0.182). Conclusion: For our medical group, improvement in physician engagement across time did not coincide with meaningful change in the outpatient experience with physician communication or resident satisfaction with program and faculty.
Addressing Childhood Obesity at Every Well-child Visit – a Systems Approach to Incorporating Screening, Prevention, and Treatment into the Primary Care Office Visit

Introduction Gundersen Health System is a large multi-specialty group clinic and hospital system based in La Crosse, Wisconsin. We serve over 35,000 children in the Southwestern Wisconsin, Northeast Iowa, and Southeastern Minnesota region. Over 40% of our pediatric patients are overweight or obese. Historically, we have had a fragmented system for addressing obesity in children. Providers have found it challenging to incorporate the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for addressing obesity (Barlow, 2007) into well child visits. This project provides a standard workflow for well child visits to ensure measurement of BMI and blood pressure, help providers address 5-2-1-0 messages, and help patients set healthy living goals. Methods In response to the need to standardize care for all children and impact …
Two-Language, Two-Paradigm Introductory Computing Curriculum Model and Its Implementation

This paper analyzes difficulties with the introduction of object-oriented concepts in introductory computing education and then proposes a two-language, two-paradigm curriculum model that alleviates such difficulties. Our two-language, two-paradigm curriculum model begins with teaching imperative programming using Python programming language, continues with teaching object-oriented computing using Java, and concludes with teaching object-oriented data structures with Java.
Outcomes of kidney retransplantation after graft loss as a result of BK virus nephropathy in the era of newer immunosuppressant agents

We conducted this study using the updated 2005-2016 Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database to assess clinical outcomes of retransplant after allograft loss as a result of BK virus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN). Three hundred forty-one patients had first graft failure as a result of BKVAN, whereas 13 260 had first graft failure as a result of other causes. At median follow-up time of 4.70 years after the second kidney transplant, death-censored graft survival at 5 years for the second renal allograft was 90.6% for the BK group and 83.9% for the non-BK group. In adjusted analysis, there was no difference in death-censored graft survival (P = .11), acute rejection (P = .49), and patient survival (P = .13) between the 2 groups. When we further compared death-censored graft survival among the specific causes for first graft failure, the BK group had better graft survival than patients who had prior allograft failure as a result of acute rejection (P < .001) or disease recurrence (P = .003), but survival was similar to those with chronic allograft nephropathy (P = .06) and other causes (P = .05). The better allograft survival in the BK group over acute rejection and disease recurrence remained after adjusting for potential confounders. History of allograft loss as a result of BKVAN should not be a contraindication to retransplant among candidates who are otherwise acceptable.
Is There a Role for Device Therapies in Resistant Hypertension?: The CON Side

In this piece, I will argue that device-based therapies for resistant hypertension (RH), although interesting and meritorious of further study, do not yet deserve a prominent role in the management of patients with RH. This argument is on the basis of the limited availability of controlled studies using devices, the cost and uncertain long-term effectiveness of device modalities, and the successful track record of medical therapy. First, let me define the demand for advanced therapies in RH. RH is defined as the BP of a hypertensive patient that remains above goal despite the concurrent use of three antihypertensive agents of different classes, preferably including a blocker of the renin-angiotensin system, a calcium channel blocker, and a thiazide-type diuretic (1). The prevalence of RH in the general hypertensive population is 12%–18%, on the basis of office BP measurements >140/90 mm Hg (1), an estimate that is expected to increase by approximately 2% when the 130/80 mm Hg threshold is applied to high-risk patients (2). Approximately one third of these patients have normal 24-hour BP (1), and a sizable portion is nonadherent to prescribed medications; therefore, approximately 5%–10% of hypertensive patients would ultimately qualify as having true RH. The current approach to the treatment of RH calls for adequate dosing of complementary medications, preferential use of long-acting thiazide diuretics ( e.g ., chlorthalidone), and the addition of a mineralocorticoid antagonist ( e.g ., spironolactone) (1). When such a strategy is used, BP goal is achieved in up to 90% of patients (3). Hence, about 0.5%–1% of hypertensive patients (approximately 750,000–1.5 million adults in the United States) would benefit from alternative approaches to treatment, such as referral to hypertension specialists for more advanced drug combinations or the use of device therapies. I acknowledge the importance of treatment nonadherence and medication intolerance in RH. Nonadherence is …