cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sex-dependent effects of lead and prenatal stress on post-translational histone modifications in frontal cortex and hippocampus in the early postnatal brain

Environmental lead (Pb) exposure and prenatal stress (PS) are co-occurring risk factors for impaired cognition and other disorders/diseases in adulthood and target common biological substrates in the brain. Sex-dependent differences characterize the neurochemical and behavioral responses of the brain to Pb and PS and sexually dimorphic histone modifications have been reported to occur in at-risk brain regions (cortex and hippocampus) during development. The present study sought to examine levels and developmental timing of sexually dimorphic histone modifications (i.e., H3K9/14Ac and H3K9Me3) and the extent to which they may be altered by Pb±PS. Female C57/Bl6 mice were randomly assigned to receive distilled deionized drinking water containing 0 or 100ppm Pb acetate for 2 months prior to breeding and throughout lactation. Half of the dams in each group were exposed to restraint stress (PS, three restraint sessions in plastic cylindrical devices 3×/day at for 30min/day (1000, 1300, and 1600h)) from gestational day 11-19 or no stress (NS). At delivery (PND0) and postnatal day 6 (PND6), pups were euthanized and frontal cortex and hippocampus were removed, homogenized, and assayed for levels of H3K9/14Ac and H3K9Me3. Sex-dependent differences in both levels of histone modifications as well as the developmental trajectory of changes in these levels were observed in both structures and these parameters were differentially affected by Pb±PS in a sex and brain-region-dependent manner. Disruptions of these epigenetic processes by developmental Pb±PS may underlie some of the sex-dependent neurobehavioral differences previously observed in these animals.
The Mandatory Role of Lipid in the Interaction of Factors VIII and IX.

Summary1. An interaction between activated Factor IX and Factor VIII which is independent of Factor X has been confirmed using human reagents. The product, activated Factor VIII, is a very labile activity. 2. Lipid has been shown to be a mandatory cofactor in the interaction of Factor VIII and serum factors in the presence of thrombin.
Ensuring Quality and Standardizing Care for BMT Patients in an Expanding Program

s / Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 21 (2015) S374eS390 S384 Findings & Interpretation: Since adoption of this new algorithm only 3 of 45 patients have experienced side-effects (P1⁄40.04). One patient had severe nausea, one had severe diarrhea and one experienced paresthesias. Discussion & Implications: The new dosing algorithm has not had a negative impact on stem cell mobilization. Standard doses of plerixafor can cause severe gastro-intestinal disturbance in patients with low body weight. Adjustment for body weight can prevent most of these side-effects.
Synergy between Raf and BCL2 in abrogating the cytokine dependency of hematopoietic cells

The Raf oncoprotein plays critical roles in the transmission of mitogenic signals from cytokine receptors to the nucleus. There are three Raf family members: A-Raf, B-Raf and Raf-1. Conditionally active forms of the Raf proteins were created by ligating N-terminal truncated activated forms to the estrogen-receptor (ER) hormone-binding domain resulting in beta-estradiol-inducible constructs. We introduced these chimeric deltaRaf:ER oncoproteins into the murine FDC-P1 hematopoietic cell line. Two different types of cells were recovered after drug selection in medium containing either cytokine or beta-estradiol: (1) cytokine-dependent cells that expressed the deltaRaf:ER oncoproteins; and (2) Raf-responsive cells that grew in response to the deltaRaf:ER oncoprotein. Depending upon the particular deltaRaf:ER oncoprotein, cytokine-dependent cells were recovered 10(3) to 10(5) times more frequently than Raf-responsive cells. To determine whether BCL2 could synergize with the deltaRaf:ER oncoproteins and increase the frequency of cytokine-independent cells, cytokine-dependent deltaRaf:ER-expressing cells were infected with either a BCL2 containing retrovirus or an empty retroviral vector. BCL2 overexpression, by itself, did not relieve cytokine dependency of the parental cell line. However, BCL2 overexpression increased the frequency of Raf-responsive cells approximately five- to 100-fold. Cytokine-dependent deltaRaf:ER-infected cells entered the G1 phase of the cell cycle after cytokine withdrawal and entered S phase only after cytokine addition. Raf-responsive deltaRaf:ER cells entered the G1 phase of the cell cycle after estrogen deprivation and re-entered the cell cycle after addition of either IL-3 or the estrogen receptor antagonist tamoxifen which activates the deltaRaf:ER constructs. Expression of the BCL2 oncoprotein often delayed the exit from the S and G2/M phases demonstrating the protective effects BCL2 provided to these Raf and BCL2 infected cells. The deltaRaf:ER cells expressed the deltaRaf:ER proteins and downstream MEK and ERK activities after beta-estradiol treatment. Raf-responsive cells that were also infected with BCL2 expressed higher levels of BCL2 than the cells that were not infected with BCL2. Thus BCL2 can synergize with the activated Raf in the abrogation of cytokine dependency of certain hematopoietic cells. These cells will be useful in furthering our understanding of the roles of the Raf and BCL2 oncoproteins in hematopoietic cell growth, cell cycle progression and prevention of apoptosis.
Evaluation of a latex test for rapid detection of pneumococcal antigens in sputum.

A latex agglutination test (Directigen) for detection of pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide antigens in sputum was evaluated in comparison to culture and Gram stain using 121 sputum specimens. The sensitivity, specificity and rate of agreement of the latex test compared to culture were 90 %, 79 % and 81 %, respectively. The results suggest that the latex test may be useful for detecting pneumococcal antigen in sputum.
"The President as a Character: A Narrative Analysis of USA TODAY and the New York Times Coverage of Drone Strikes during the Obama Presidency"

In this paper, I will examine the Obama administration's use of drone strikes through a narrative analysis of text from the news sources USA TODAY and The New York Times about how President Obama is specifically constructed as a narrative character. This study intends not to focus on Obama the president but instead a media source's representation of Obama through a narrative construct. This process illustrates the importance of connecting a socially significant topic, an important world leader and an interpretative research approach intended to highlight the complexity of character construction when understanding media representations. I will discuss these topics by first giving some background about drone strikes and the political and economic interests that help to shape media content in the U.S. Next, I will explain the importance of narrative when constructing understandings of media text and how those understanding help to formulate conclusions about the media discourse that flows freely through modern life. Then, I will give examples from the USA TODAY text that illustrate the findings about the construction of the character of President Obama. Finally, I will illustrate some conclusions and options for future research about drone strikes, narrative and media discourse.
Influence of Small Depth Cut on Grinding Surface Microstructure Damage and Mechanism

In view of grinding surface micro-structure damages under small depth cut,the connection between ground residual stress and micro-crack was theoretically analyzed.Surface residual stress and its cloud distribution were simulated under different ground conditions for 45 steel workpieces using finite element analysis,and then effects of grinding depth and cooling conditions on the grinding surface residual stress were discussed.At last,grinding experiments were conducted for 45 steel workpieces under different conditions to verify the simulation results by measuring the specimen surface residual stress.At the same time,the grinding surface microstructures with different grinding parameters were studied using SEM.The test results show that adopting appropriate grinding parameters and conditions can effectively reduce and avoid the grinding surface micro-structure damages.
Hepatic uptake of intact glutathione S-conjugate, inhibition by organic anions, and sinusoidal catabolism

To identify potential mechanisms for hepatic removal of circulating glutathione (GSH) conjugates, uptake and metabolism of S-2,4-dinitrophenylglutathione (DNP-SG) were examined in isolated perfused livers from rat and guinea pig. Guinea pig livers perfused with 5 mumol of DNP-SG in a recirculating system (50 microM initial concn) rapidly cleared the conjugate from the perfusate (half time 3.7 min), whereas clearance was considerably slower in rat liver (half time 35 min). Disappearance of DNP-SG from the perfusate was accompanied by a simultaneous appearance of DNP-SG and its metabolites in bile. Addition of acivicin, an inhibitor of gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT), to the perfusate resulted in a marked decrease in DNP-SG clearance by guinea pig liver but had no effect in rat liver, suggesting that in the guinea pig this process is largely dependent on sinusoidal gamma-GT activity. However, even in the presence of acivicin, rat and guinea pig livers removed nearly one-half of the administered DNP-SG from the recirculating perfusate over 30 min. High concentrations of DNP-SG were found in bile (up to 3.7 mM), indicating that the liver is capable of transporting the intact conjugate from the circulation. When rat livers were perfused with higher concentrations of DNP-SG (100 and 250 microM), biliary excretion of DNP-SG increased dose dependently, with concentrations in bile reaching 10 mM at the higher dose. This was accompanied by a dose-dependent choleresis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Pre-Implementation Review of Contracts, Prompts, and Reinforcement in SUD Continuing Care

The Contracts, Prompts, and Reinforcement (CPR) intervention has demonstrated an ability to increase the duration of continuing care participation following substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, resulting in improved treatment outcome. The current project was a qualitative pre-implementation study aimed at identifying barriers and facilitators to implementation of CPR using an evidence-based quality improvement (EBQI) approach. Formative evaluations were conducted with staff from residential SUD treatment programs across three VA sites, and key informant interviews were completed with opinion and program leaders. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach, which identified barriers and facilitators to implementation. Fidelity measures were developed for each of the core CPR components, and the research-focused treatment manual was rewritten to facilitate future implementation efforts with the design and content of the documents shaped by the findings of the qualitative analyses. Overall, data suggested that clinicians and administrators are receptive to the core components of CPR.
DC Arc Model Based on 3-D DC Arc Simulation

DC arc flash hazard assessment is a mounting concern with the recent development of large-scale photovoltaic arrays and dc buses. Currently, there are few methods available to model dc arcs and are largely based on historical arc tests, which may not be suitable for modern dc applications. In order to provide a suitable method to predict dc arc flash properties in power systems, new dc arc model development is necessary. Historically, model development was constrained by time consuming and limited laboratory arc flash tests. This paper proposes a new dc arc model based on 3-D dc arc simulation that is capable of providing comparable results to available lab testing.
Excision of Thoracic Chondrosarcoma: Case Report and Review of Literature

Chondrosarcomas are cartilage-matrix-forming tumors that make up 20-27% of primary malignant bone tumors and are the third most common primary bone malignancy after multiple myelomas and osteosarcomas. Radiographic assessment of this condition includes plain radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging for tumor characterization and delineation of intraosseous and extraosseous involvement. Most chondrosarcomas are refractory to chemotherapy and radiation therapy; therefore, wide en bloc surgical excision offers the best chance for cure. Chondrosarcomas frequently affect the pelvis and upper and lower extremities. In rare instances, the chest wall can be involved, with chondrosarcomas occurring in the ribs, sternum, anterior costosternal junction, and posterior costotransverse junction. In this article, we present a patient with thoracic chondrosarcoma centered at the left T7 costotransverse joint with effacement of the left T7-T8 neuroforamen. We also detail our operative technique of wide en bloc chondrosarcoma excision and review current literature on this topic.
The Pretensions of Theory, the Necessity of Pluralism, and Terminological Promiscuity

Given the polemic atmosphere, not to mention pretentiousness, now surrounding the very phrase “literary theory,” some clarification is in order. As far back as 1918, H. L. Mencken found it intriguing when literary criticism went beyond the criticism of literature and began to criticize the modes of criticism themselves. He would presumably have found it even more intriguing that the field has in recent years been heavily occupied with theories of literary theory itself, although, having noticed that “a professor must have a theory, as a dog must have fleas” (5), he would not have been surprised.
Manufacturer-Supplier Relationships

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship that trust and commitment have on long-term orientation in manufacturer-supplier relationships. We propose that trust leads to commitment in manufacturer-supplier relationships and that both trust and commitment produce a long-term orientation by the seller firm. Our premise is that when manufacturer-supplier relationships are characterized by sufficient levels of trust and commitment, a long-term orientation will follow.
IveGot1: Reporting and Tracking Invasive Species in Florida

Several agencies and programs within the state of Florida formed the Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (Everglades CISMA) to collaborate and share information about the invasive species that threaten the region's ecosystems. In 2010, the Everglades CISMA contracted with the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health (Bugwood) to implement EDDMapS as the database to store and share data collected by their programs and to develop and maintain a website and a smartphone application designed for professionals and citizen scientists to report invasive species. The project, IveGot1, has been a categorical success and has become a model for invasive species reporting nationwide. As of May 2015, members had submitted 3481 website records, 1178 smartphone records, and 248,571 records from bulk data-uploads.
Temporal Analysis of PP2A Phosphatase Activity During Insulin Stimulation Using a Direct Activity Probe

Protein serine/threonine phosphatases (PSPs) are ubiquitously expressed in mammalian cells. In particular, PP2A accounts for up to 1% of the total protein within cells. Despite clear evidence for the role of PP2A in cellular signaling, there is a lack of information concerning the magnitude and temporal dynamics of PP2A catalytic activity during insulin stimulation. Herein, we describe the development of a direct, fluorescent activity probe capable of reporting on global changes in PP2A enzymatic activity in unfractionated cell lysates. Utilizing this new probe, we profiled the magnitude as well as temporal dynamics of PP2A activity during insulin stimulation of liver hepatocytes. These results provide direct evidence for the rapid response of PP2A catalytic activity to extracellular stimulation, as well as insight into the complex regulation of phosphorylation levels by opposing kinase and phosphatase activities within the cell. This study provides a new tool for investigating the chemical biology of PSPs.
Finite Element Study of Elastic Wave Interaction with Cracks

Ultrasonic means have been used for the nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of a wide variety of mechanical properties in solid materials. Defects such as cracks and inclusions act as sources of wave scattering when illuminated by an incident pulse through reflection, diffraction and mode conversion. Interaction of elastic waves with cracks provides all the needed information relative to inverse characterization of the defects which has not been thoroughly solved yet. Fully understanding these interactions will provide more knowledge for implementing inverse algorithms.
Estimating Reduced Consumption for Dynamic Demand Response

Growing demand is straining our existing electricity generation facilities and requires active participation of the utility and the consumers to achieve energy sustainability. One of the most effective and widely used ways to achieve this goal in the smart grid is demand response (DR), whereby consumers reduce their electricity consumption in response to a request sent from the utility whenever it anticipates a peak in demand. To successfully plan and implement demand response, the utility requires reliable estimate of reduced consumption during DR. This also helps in optimal selection of consumers and curtailment strategies during DR. While much work has been done on predicting normal consumption, reduced consumption prediction is an open problem that is under-studied. In this paper, we introduce and formalize the problem of reduced consumption prediction, and discuss the challenges associated with it. We also describe computational methods that use historical DR data as well as pre-DR conditions to make such predictions. Our experiments are conducted in the real-world setting of a university campus microgrid, and our preliminary results set the foundation for more detailed modeling.
Effects of Music on Pulse Rates and Work Output of Short Duration

Abstract This study was made to discover what aftereffect music had on pulse rates and work output of short duration. Pulse rates and bicycle ergometer riding times of 15 subjects were measured after three experimental conditions: fast music, slow music, and no music. Statistical procedures, using the analysis of variance, indicated no significant difference among the effects of the three experimental conditions on the measured variables.
Immune Mediator Pharmacogenomics: TCL1A SNPs and Estrogen-Dependent Regulation of Inflammation

This review describes the important functional implications of TCL1A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) discovered during pharmacogenomic studies of aromatase inhibitor-induced musculoskeletal adverse events that were subsequently shown to influence the expression of cytokines, chemokines, toll-like receptors (TLR), and NF-κB in a SNP and estrogen-dependent fashion. Functional genomic studies of these SNPs led to the discovery of novel mechanisms that may contribute to disease pathophysiology and which may also increase our understanding of pharmacogenomic aspects of regulation of the expression of inflammatory mediators. Specifically, TCL1A expression was induced by estrogens in a SNP-dependent fashion, resulting in downstream effects on the expression of immune mediators that included IL17RA, IL17A, CCR6, CCL20 TLR2, TLR7, TLR9, TLR10 and NF-κB. These observations have potential implications for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis-a disease for which two thirds of patients are women. Strikingly, this genomic phenomenon could be "reversed" by estrogen receptor antagonist treatment-once again in a SNP-dependent, i.e., in a pharmacogenomic fashion. Specifically, differential SNP-dependent effects on estrogen receptor binding to estrogen response elements before and after estrogen receptor blockade might be associated with mechanisms underlying the SNP genotype and estrogen-dependent regulation of TCL1A and the expression of downstream immune mediators. Furthermore, this SNP and estrogen-dependent phenotypic response could be "reversed" by SERM treatment. These observations could potentially open the way to understand, predict and even pharmacologically manipulate the expression of selected immune mediators in a SNP-dependent fashion.
Type IV collagen, laminin, and fibronectin promote the adhesion and migration of rabbit lens epithelial cells in vitro.

PURPOSE To assess the ability of basement membrane and extracellular matrix proteins to promote rabbit lens epithelial cell adhesion and migration, which may play a role in the development of secondary cataract. METHODS Rabbit lens epithelial cells were isolated and grown in tissue culture for use in standardized assays to study adhesion and migration of rabbit lens epithelial cells in response to type IV collagen, laminin, fibronectin, and ovalbumin. RESULTS Under these conditions, the adhesion of rabbit lens epithelial cells to surfaces coated with varying concentrations of type IV collagen, laminin, and fibronectin was shown to be dependent on concentration. Rabbit lens epithelial cells did not adhere to ovalbumin-coated surfaces at any concentration tested. Type IV collagen promotes maximal in vitro adhesion of rabbit lens epithelial cells at lower coating concentrations in comparison to laminin and fibronectin. In cell migration experiments, fibronectin promoted maximal migration at lower concentrations in comparison with laminin and type IV collagen. This was shown both in haptotaxis experiments (the migration of cells to surfaces coated with protein) and in chemotaxis experiments (the migration of cells to attractants in solution). Lens epithelial cells did not migrate in response to ovalbumin under the conditions of this study. CONCLUSION The results of these studies indicate that adhesion and migration of lens epithelial cells occurs in response to the lens capsule proteins type IV collagen and laminin and in response to fibronectin, a protein found in the lens during embryologic development. Because fibronectin plays a role in the embryologic development of the lens but is not normally present in the adult lens, the possible introduction of fibronectin into the eye after surgery may play a critical role in the posterior migration of lens epithelial cells and the development of posterior capsular opacification or secondary cataract.
Savoring Sweet: Sugars in Infant and Toddler Feeding

During the first years of life, the sweetness of sugars has a capacity to hinder or to help in laying a strong nutritional foundation for food preferences that often extend over a lifetime. Aside from supplying 4 g/kcal of energy, sugars are non-nutritive. However, sugars have a powerful attribute, sweetness, which strongly influences human food preference. A child's first relationship with sweet taste begins even before birth and continues to evolve throughout complementary feeding. The sweetness of breastmilk encourages consumption and soothes the neonate. Conversely, inappropriate introduction of non-milk solids and beverages that are sweet at 0-4 months of age raises the newborn's risk for later obesity and may discourage the acceptance of other bitter or sour foods. Although cereals, fruits, 100% fruit juices, and some grains have naturally occurring sugars that impart sweet flavor notes, there is no clear role for added sugars between 6 and 12 months of age. Yet, 60% of infants are introduced to foods and beverages containing added sugars, threatening diet quality. Pairing foods with naturally occurring sugars, such as fruits, with foods that tend to be resisted initially, such as vegetables, can mask bitterness and promote acceptance. Utilizing the infants' extraordinary capacity for sensory-motor exploration is another strategy to expose them repeatedly to challenging tastes and flavors. The transitional year, as breast milk and infant formula are withdrawn, is a time when nutritional needs are high and diet quality often precarious. Rapid growth, along with brain and cognitive development, demand high-quality nutrition. Snacks are necessary both for energy and valuable nutrients. However, the selection of snack foods often exposes toddlers to items that offer concentrated energy with low nutrient value. Recent trends suggest a rapid fall in added sugars among infants and toddlers. Parenting practices that use small amounts of sugars to promote nutrient-rich foods from all 5 food groups can enhance rather than hinder their child's emerging dietary pattern.
An embeddable algorithm for gunshot detection

A pre-processing algorithm for the detection of shotguns has been implemented using the General Cross-correlation (GCC) method. The relationship between Sound Pressure Level (SPL) and distance for different gunshot sounds are studied to determine whether the sound is loud enough to be detected as a gunshot at a certain distance range. The shotgun sound pattern received is made to correlate with a unique shotgun filter which is extracted from the muzzle blast pattern of a reference shotgun. In this paper, a brief description of detection approach is presented along with the corresponding simulation results.
Causal effects of cardiovascular risk factors on onset of major age-related diseases: A time-to-event Mendelian randomization study.

Backgrounds Elucidating the causal effects of common intermediate risk factors on the onset of age-related diseases is indispensable for developing prevention and intervention procedures.
Sense-making, Socialization, and Stigma: Exploring Narratives Told in Families About Mental Illness

Guided by Communicated Narrative Sense-making Theory (CNSM), the current study investigated mental illness (MI) narratives told within families and the lessons younger members learned from these stories. Individual, semi-structured interviews with young adults (N = 24) revealed that family members, mainly parents, share stories about the MIs of individual family members and narratives reflected themes of struggle and caution. Participants reported learning important lessons from these MI narratives (i.e., MI awareness, importance of understanding MI). Findings illuminate the ways family narratives about MI teach younger members lessons and expectations for managing MI despite sometimes reinforcing MI stigma. Limitations, future directions, and implications for narrative interventions are also discussed.
Early plants and the rise of mud

The geological record of our planet provides evidence for a handful of ways in which life has fundamentally altered processes and environments at Earth's surface. It was the evolution of photosynthesis nearly 2.5 billion years ago that oxygenated the atmosphere and oceans ( 1 ), greatly increasing the spectrum of minerals found in rocks ( 2 ). Over the past 250 million years, the production of mineral skeletons by algae in the oceans transformed the way in which sediments accumulate in marine basins ( 3 ). On page 1022 of this issue, McMahon and Davies ( 4 ) illustrate how plants, too, have left an indelible mark in the geological record, their signature written in mud.
Case 79: Not Another Corneal Abrasion

It is 9 p.m., and you are the attending anesthesiologist in a university hospital and on your last case. With 20 min to go, you are asked to see a female patient in the ward that has undergone a thyroidectomy about 8 h previously. She is complaining of a sore eye. You send your resident to go and see her.
Layered P2- type novel Na0.7Ni0.3Mn0.59Co0.1Cu0.01O2 cathode material for high-capacity & stable rechargeable sodium ion battery

Abstract Sodium ion battery (SIB) technology is a promising technology for energy storage systems. Due to the abundance of sodium in nature and lower cost, it can be a viable alternative to the current Lithium ion battery (LIB) technology. In this research article P2-type layered sodium ion transition metal oxide Na0.7Ni0.3Mn0.59Co0.1Cu0.01O2 cathode material was synthesized using a citric acid assisted sol-gel method. It provided a very good reversible discharge capacity and better capacity retention than the state-of-the- art SIB. XRD pattern confirmed the successful insertion of copper ions in the lattice structure of Na-Ni-Co-Mn layered oxide. This material exhibited a high reversible capacity of 150 mAh/gm vs Na+ as the counter electrode when discharged through the voltage window of 4–1.5 V. The lesser polarization loss during cycling of the proposed cathode material helped to retain 94% of its maximum discharge capacity even after 80 cycles.
Contemporary Evaluation of Breast Lymph Nodes in Anatomic Pathology

Objectives Management of the axilla in breast cancer patients has evolved considerably since the introduction of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in the 1990s. Several new clinical and technological developments in the last decade warrant special consideration due to their impact on pathology practice. Methods This review covers the SLN biopsy procedure, issues in the histopathologic and molecular diagnosis of the SLN, and most importantly, evidence from recent practice-changing clinical trials. Results ACOSOG Z0011, IBCSG 23-01, and AMAROS trials have shown that early-stage breast cancer patients who have limited metastatic involvement of the SLNs do not benefit from completion axillary dissections. Conclusions It is not necessary for pathologists to search for all small metastases to predict non-SLN involvement, regional recurrence, or death due to disease. Processing should be designed with the goal of detecting macrometastases. Multiple levels, routine immunohistochemistry, and molecular testing are not recommended.
Escherichia coli O157:H7 survival and growth on lettuce is altered by the presence of epiphytic bacteria.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 can survive in low numbers in soil and on plants. Occasionally, conditions may occur in the field that lead to contamination of produce. Survival of enteric pathogens in the field is controlled to a certain extent by complex interactions with indigenous soilborne and seedborne epiphytes. Identifying these interactions may assist in developing strategies to improve produce safety. Two epiphytes were isolated from pathogen-contaminated plants that interact differently with E. coli O157:H7. Wausteria paucula enhanced the survival of E. coli O157:H7 six-fold on lettuce foliage grown from coinoculated lettuce seed. In contrast, Enterobacter asburiae decreased E. coli O157:H7 survival 20- to 30-fold on foliage. Competition also occurred in the rhizosphere and in plant exudate. This competition may be the result of E. asburiae utilization of several of the carbon and nitrogen substrates typically present in exudate and also used by E. coli O157:H7. Hence, competition observed on the plan...
Survey of Personal Care Products in the United States

In 2013, the United States had a population of ~316 million people, increasing 2.4% from 2010, with 13.7% of the population 65 years or older. Coupled with population growth and an aging population is an increase in the development and use of personal care products (PCPs). With 4.7% of global freshwater resources in the United States, freshwater resources and services are influenced by increasing abundance of PCPs which have been detected in freshwaters throughout the United States. Though a majority of the studies on PCPs in freshwaters globally have been conducted in the United States, a predictive understanding of PCP abundance and fate remains lacking. Compounds commonly detected in US freshwaters at high detection frequencies (>50%) include antimicrobials, fragrances, insect repellants, and UV blockers.
Immunology of Head and Neck Cancer

Patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck region frequently have cell-mediated immune defects and anergy, which progress with disease. T lymphocytopenia and dysfunction, monocyte dysfunction, prostaglandins, antigen-antibody complexes, serum and cell suppressive factors, radiation therapy and poor nutrition with zinc deficiency all play a role. However, cell-mediated immunoreactivity to tumour is manifest in the majority of patients in blood and regional nodes, and in the tumour itself by tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes. Lymphocytes from these sources cloned in the presence of interleukin-2 ± tumour extracts show relatively specific cytotoxicity against squamous cell cancer. Humoral immunity is intact, and increased IgA levels and antibodies reactive to tumour antigens are common. Tumour-associated antigens detected in tumour and serum include carcinoembryonic antigen, tumour polypeptide antigen, squamous cell cancer antigen, tumour antigen-4 and various mucin antigens. The mucin antigens, in particular, elicit T cell cytotoxicity.
The Link Between Romantic Disengagement and Facebook Addiction: Where Does Relationship Commitment Fit In?

AbstractWhy do couples affirming to stay together until their last breath get physically and/or emotionally disengaged? The contemporary era offers many technological indulgences that can potential...
Cardiovascular effects of hemoglobin response in patients receiving epoetin alfa and oral iron in heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction

Background Previous data from a recently conducted prospective, single blind randomized clinical trial among community dwelling older patients with heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) and anemia randomized to treatment with epoetin alfa (erythro- poiesis-stimulating agents, ESA) vs. placebo did not demonstrate significant benefits of therapy regarding left ventricular (LV) structure, functional capacity, or quality of life (QOL). However, several patients randomized to the treatment arm were non-responders with a subop- timal increase in hemoglobin. All patients in the trial also received oral ferrous gluconate, which could have contributed to increases in he- moglobin observed in those receiving placebo. Accordingly, we performed an analysis separating patients into responders vs. non-responders in order to determine if measured improvement in anemia would have any effect on clinical endpoints. Methods A total of 56 patients (age 77 ± 11 years, 68% female) were recruited who had anemia defined as a hemoglobin of ≤ 12 g/dL (average, 10.4 ± 1 g/dL) with HFPEF defined as having NHANES-CHF (National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey: Congestive Heart Failure) criteria score of ≥ 3 and an ejection fraction of > 40% (average EF = 63% ± 15%). Patients were randomly allocated to receive either ESA and ferrous gluconate or ferrous gluconate only. In this analysis, a responder was defined as a patient with an increase of 1 g/dL in the first 4 weeks of the trial. Re- sults Nineteen subjects were classified as responders compared to 33 non-responders. While the average hemoglobin increased signifi- cantly at the end of 6 months for responders (1.8 ± 0.3 vs. 0.8 ± 0.2 g/dL, P = 0.004), 50% of the subjects assigned to ESA were non-responders. Left ventricular function including ejection fraction (P = 0.32) and end diastolic volume (P = 0.59) was unchanged in res- ponders compared to non-responders. Responders also showed no significant improvements in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, Six Minute Walk Test (6 MWT) and peak VO2. Though QOL improved significantly within each group, there was no difference between the two. Conclusions A significant hemoglobin response to anemia treatment with ESA and oral iron does not lead to differences in LV re- modeling, functional status, or QOL. Additionally, a significant percent of older adults with HFPEF and anemia do not respond to ESA ther- apy. Given the results of this small trial, it appears as though using objective improvements in anemia as a marker in older adult subjects with HFPEF does not have significant clinical utility.
Synthesis of β-iodo-α-(hydroxyalkyl)acrylates: a convenient and stereoselective reaction

Abstract An efficient one-pot, three-component coupling reaction for the synthesis of β-iodo-α-(hydroxyalkyl) acrylates has been developed. As the iodine source as well as the Lewis acid mediator, diethyl aluminium iodide undergoes a Michael-type addition with methyl propynoate to form an active β-iodo allenolate intermediate, which in turn attacks various aldehydes or ketones to afford β-iodo Baylis–Hillman adducts in excellent yields with high Z-selectivity.
A generalized algorithm for duration and convexity of option-embedded bonds: a correction

This note is intended to clarify an error in our first definition involving the valuation of the convertible callable as a portfolio of a long pure convertible bond and a short call in Homaifar and...
An Eye Simulation for Training in the Use of Ophthalmologic Equipment and Corneal Foreign Body Removal Techniques.

Purpose This simulation curriculum is structured to teach the use of common eye assessment equipment and corneal foreign removal techniques using harvested cow eye models, the ophthalmologic burr, and the hollow-bore needle. Methods This curriculum involves using one self-assessment (SA) station and three skills stations. The skill stations teach the use of the iCareTonometer, Woods Lamp, and Slit Lamp, and train corneal foreign body removal using a burr and hollow-bore needle. Results Sixteen first, second, and third-year (PGY 1-3) residents of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Emergency Medicine participated. 100% indicated this should be an annual training with 87% indicating this was highly realistic. There was a 44% Pre-Sim to 94% Post-Sim SA for improvement with iCareTonometer skill. There was a 7% Pre-Sim to 100% post-Sim SA for improvement with Slit-Lamp skill. There was a 32% Pre-Sim to 100% Post-Sim SA improvement with Woods Lamp skill. For CFB removal, there was a 13% Pre-Sim to 94% Post-Sim SA for improvement with burr and hollow-bore needle skill. Conclusion The self-assessments indicated that this simulation was successful in leading these emergency medicine residents to attaining enhanced self-assessed competencies in the use of common eye assessment equipment and for corneal foreign body removal using the burr and the hollow-bore needle. To establish curriculum globalization, reliability, and competency, larger test groups will have to be studied and objective qualified testers will need to assess competencies.
Women in academic medicine leadership: correlation between sex of medical school deans and affiliated academic hospital system CEOs

Background Women are currently under-represented in ‘C-suite’ leadership positions at academic medical centres, including medical school deans, department chairs and hospital chief executive officers (CEOs). There are many potential reasons for the low percentage of women in academic medical leadership, including lack of mentorship and sponsorship, increased non-work responsibilities compared with men, implicit bias, and others. Methods We collected data from 136 fully accredited US allopathic medical schools regarding sex of the medical school dean and sex of the CEO of the largest academic medical centre/teaching hospital affiliate. Schools where students rotate at non-academic centres were excluded from the final analysis, leaving 124 schools where we investigated the relationship between sex of US medical school dean and affiliated academic medical centre CEO. Results 16.9% of current medical school deans and 17.7% of affiliated academic medical centre CEOs were female. Systems with one female leader were significantly (6.25-fold, 95% CI 2.22 to 17.56, p=0.001) more likely to have a second female leader, regardless of geographical region or institution type (public vs private). Conclusions There is a significant positive association between medical school dean and affiliated academic hospital centre CEO sex. There are many potential factors that could contribute to this positive association, including mentorship, sponsorship and medical system consciousness about gender equity, among others. This relationship is important to recognise as we strive for more gender parity for women in positions of leadership in academic medicine.
BeePhon: A Web-Application for Beehive Audio Exploration

Honey bees are dying at an alarming rate due to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Monitoring honey beehives using the audio and video recordings obtained from the beehives has been made possible with the availability of embedded systems such as Raspberry Pis. Conveniently analyzing a large number of audio files obtained from the hives is challenging but can provide an opportunity to learn about the behavior of the bees. BeePhon is a system of tools developed to enable exploratory analysis of audio recordings, taken from inside honey beehives, and efficiently annotate them. It primarily consists of a web-application user interface for performing Nonnegative Matrix Factorization (NMF). Labeled data and components are stored in a database and can be used to improve subsequent decompositions. Using this system we annotated over 2000 audio files in four months.
Evaluation of an in vitro bioassay for the detection of purified ricin and castor bean in beverages and liquid food matrices

The potential use of ricin as a biological weapon in food highlights the necessity for the development of food-specific detection methods. Current methods for the detection of ricin consist of various immunoassays, which detect only one subunit of the ricin toxin and therefore may not be indicative of a biologically active molecule. An in vivo assay, such as a mouse bioassay, can indicate the biological activity of the toxin; however, this method is not feasible for laboratories that do not have animal testing facilities. The purpose of this study was to develop an in vitro assay for the detection of biologically active ricin in beverages and liquid foods. Acidic and high-protein beverages were spiked with either purified ricin or ground castor beans and added to cultured human Jurkat cells. After an overnight incubation, the supernatant was tested for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity with a colorimetric assay. LDH was released from the cytosol upon cell damage and was positively correlated with cell death. Ricin was detectable in all the matrices tested, with a sensitivity of 10 to 100 pg/ml. Biologically active ricin was detectable in all the matrices incubated with ground castor bean material. This method provides a confirmatory way to detect biologically active ricin that can be utilized by laboratories lacking animal facilities.
Mercator: A Pipeline For Multi-Method, Unsupervised Visualization And Distance Generation

Summary Unsupervised machine learning provides tools for researchers to uncover latent patterns in large-scale data, based on calculated distances between observations. Methods to visualize high-dimensional data based on these distances can elucidate subtypes and interactions within multi-dimensional and high-throughput data. However, researchers can select from a vast number of distance metrics and visualizations, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Mercator R package facilitates selection of a biologically meaningful distance from 10 metrics, together appropriate for binary, categorical, and continuous data, and visualization with 5 standard and high-dimensional graphics tools. Mercator provides a user-friendly pipeline for informaticians or biologists to perform unsupervised analyses, from exploratory pattern recognition to production of publication-quality graphics. Availability Mercator is freely available at the Comprehensive R Archive Network (https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/Mercator/index.html).
Comparison of Cancer Morbidity and Mortality Between Developed Countries, Developing Countries, and China

This article aims to analyze the morbidity and mortality of common cancers in developed and developing regions, compare the results, and find the popular tumours in China. Relevant data are based on GLOBOCAN 2018. According to the data analysis, lung cancer and breast cancer are the first and second most frequent malignant tumours in developed and developing countries. The developed countries have the highest mortality rates in lung cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, and oesophageal cancer. Developing countries have the highest mortality rates in lung cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, and gastric cancer. In China, the morbidity and mortality of lung cancer rank first, and the morbidity and mortality of lung cancer and liver cancer are higher than those of developing countries and developed countries. The mortality rate of breast cancer in China is much lower than that of developed countries and other developing countries. It is estimated that by 2040, cancers with top morbidity numbers in China will be lung cancer, stomach cancer, and liver cancer. The results present significant differences in the morbidity and mortality of distinct cancer types across different regions. The main malignant tumours are lung cancer, stomach cancer, and liver cancer that threaten the health of the Chinese population. The impact of these cancer types will rapidly deteriorate in the next few decades. This study supplies essential insights for controlling these cancer types in China.
A Qualitative Exploration of College Students’ Perceptions of Cyberbullying

This study facilitates understanding of college students’ current and previous experiences with cyberbullying and negative social media experiences using an exploratory, qualitative design. Participants were 16 undergraduate freshman or sophomores (9 women, 7 men) at a medium-sized, United States university. A 13 question, semi-structured interview probed participants’ past and present experiences with cyberbullying. Iterative, thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Codes were clustered together based on similarity, then grouped into hierarchical themes. First, participants considered cyberbullying to be a grey area, and their definitions of cyberbullying varied considerably. Almost all participants indicated that they experienced and witnessed the most cyberbullying during adolescence. Third, participants mentioned screens and fake personas as mechanisms through which aggressors could distance themselves from victims, empowering individuals to disengage from the harm they were causing. Last, participants described a lack of education and knowledge about cyberbullying resources. Results have policy implications including the need to educate young people about cyberbullying, and, importantly, how to report cyberbully attacks.
Do pharmacokinetics justify dose-optimization for loss of response to Vedolizumab in IBD?

Knowledge surrounding therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in inflammatory bowel disease is growing, especially for tumor necrosis factor-? inhibitors class of drugs. Yet, TDM for the ?4?7 integrin antibody vedolizumab (VDZ) has not been equally established, as real-life data on VDZ pharmacokinetics, VDZ drug level and treatment response are scarce. We summarize the @GIJournal discussion held on July 14, 2021 during which the article by Ungar et al. “Dose-optimization for loss-of-response to vedolizumab - pharmacokinetics and immune mechanisms” was critically reviewed by our expert Dr. Aline Charabaty (AC), and moderated by Dr. Asad ur Rahman (AR).