cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Floodplain aggradation and pedogenesis in a semiarid environment

Alluvial valley fills in the upper Republican River basin, southwestern Nebraska, provide evidence for processes of aggradation and pedogenesis on semiarid cut-and-fill floodplains. Sheetflow deposition on unchanneled valley floors represents an important mechanism of valley aggradation. Sheetflow deposits contain parallel to sub-parallel laminae and discontinuous lobate sedimentary structures. Rates of sediment deposition on cut-and-fill floodplains strongly determine the degree to which pedogenic features develop within aggrading alluvium. Three pedofacies common to semiarid alluvial deposits correspond with increasing aggradation rates: (1) cumulic soils; (2) multiple buried soils; and (3) no pedogenic features. Radiocarbon age determinations from alluvial fills indicate that floodplain aggradation greater than approximately 0.5 cm year−1 limits soil formation: this represents a threshold rate of pedogenic assimilation. Floodplain soils formed under aggradation rates lower than this exhibit a strong positive relationship between aggradation rate and total CaCO3 percent, and a negative relationship between aggradation rate and organic carbon percent. Recognizing the associations between pedogenic/sedimentologic features and floodplain aggradation rates can help interpret past rates of sediment transport, storage and deposition.
Preparation and characterization of head-to-head polymers. VIII. Head-to-head poly(vinyl cyclohexane)†

Head-to-head poly(vinyl cyclohexane) (H-H PVCH) was prepared from 2,3-diphenylbutadiene, which was polymerized by radical, 1,4 polymerization to poly(2,3-diphenylbutadiene) and then catalytically hydrogenated to H-H PVCH, H-H PVCH was also prepared by catalytic hydrogenation of H-H polystyrene (PS). The catalytic hydrogenations were carried out at an initial hydrogen pressure of 2000 psi and a temperature of 200°C. Some chemical, physical, and thermal properties of H-H PVCH were investigated and compared with the properties of atactic and isotactic head-to-tail (H-T) PVCH. The glass transition temperature of the H-H polymer was found to be 50°C lower than that of the atactic H-T polymer which indicates that the backbone chain has more flexibility. Both H-H and H-T PVCH showed comparable thermal stability. The temperature of the maximum rate of thermal degradation by differential thermogravimetric analysis was approximately 40°C higher than that of the corresponding polystyrenes.
Reducing effect of atmospheric refractive index fluctuations in beam propagation

Propagation using higher order Hermite-Gaussian modes in some cases is less sensitive to refractive index fluctuations than the lowest order Gaussian laser beam
On the benefits of the block-sparsity structure in sparse signal recovery

We study the problem of support recovery of block-sparse signals, where nonzero entries occur in clusters, via random noisy measurements. By drawing analogy between the problem of block-sparse signal recovery and the problem of communication over Gaussian multi-input and single-output multiple access channel, we derive the sufficient and necessary condition under which exact support recovery is possible. Based on the results, we show that block-sparse signals can reduce the number of measurements required for exact support recovery, by at least ‘1/(block size)’, compared to conventional or scalar-sparse signals. The minimum gain is guaranteed by increased signal to noise power ratio (SNR) and reduced effective number of entries (i.e., not individual elements but blocks) that are dominant at low SNR and at high SNR, respectively. When the correlation between the elements of each nonzero block is low, a larger gain than ‘1/(block size)’ is expected due to, so called, diversity effect, especially in the moderate and low SNR regime.
Recruitment of A20 by the C-terminal domain of NEMO suppresses NF-κB activation and autoinflammatory disease

Receptor-induced NF-κB activation is controlled by NEMO, the NF-κB essential modulator. Hypomorphic NEMO mutations result in X-linked ectodermal dysplasia with anhidrosis and immunodeficiency, also referred to as NEMO syndrome. Here we describe a distinct group of patients with NEMO C-terminal deletion (ΔCT-NEMO) mutations. Individuals harboring these mutations develop inflammatory skin and intestinal disease in addition to ectodermal dysplasia with anhidrosis and immunodeficiency. Both primary cells from these patients, as well as reconstituted cell lines with this deletion, exhibited increased IκB kinase (IKK) activity and production of proinflammatory cytokines. Unlike previously described loss-of-function mutations, ΔCT-NEMO mutants promoted increased NF-κB activation in response to TNF and Toll-like receptor stimulation. Investigation of the underlying mechanisms revealed impaired interactions with A20, a negative regulator of NF-κB activation, leading to prolonged accumulation of K63-ubiquitinated RIP within the TNFR1 signaling complex. Recruitment of A20 to the C-terminal domain of NEMO represents a novel mechanism limiting NF-κB activation by NEMO, and its absence results in autoinflammatory disease.
Barbed Suture Is Associated With Increased Risk of Wound Infection After Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Literature addressing the risks of barbed suture in arthroplasty remains limited. No study to our knowledge has compared rates of wound infection between barbed and conventional suture after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). We hypothesized that barbed suture would be associated with an increased risk of wound infection in patients undergoing UKA. Methods Electronic records were retrieved for 1040 UKA procedures. Odds ratios with postoperative wound infection as the outcome and barbed suture as the exposure were calculated. Binary logistic regression corrected for age, gender, body mass index, operative time, and risk factors (smoking, diabetes, renal insufficiency, and immunosuppression). Barbed suture consisted of Quill #2 polydioxanone (or #0 Vicryl) for deep closure and Quill 2-0 Monoderm for subcuticular closure. Conventional suture consisted of #0 Vicryl for deep closure and subcuticular 2-0 Monocryl or staples for skin closure. Results A total of 839 procedures were included. Barbed suture was used in 333 surgeries, and conventional suture was used in 506. Eight cases of postoperative wound infection were identified. All infections occurred in the barbed suture cohort. Regression analysis revealed an association between subcuticular barbed suture and postoperative wound infection (odds ratio = 22.818, confidence interval = 2.69-2923.91; P = .0074). Conclusions The findings indicate that the use of barbed suture in subcuticular layer closure is associated with an increased risk of wound infection. This may be exacerbated by early intensive mobilization, commonly undertaken after UKA to permit rapid functional return. We recommend against the use of barbed suture for subcuticular layer closure in UKA.
Development: The Visible or the Invisible Hand?

The heightened interest of many economists in recent years in the subject of economic development has been accompanied by their recognition of the importance of the role of non-economic forces in the initiation and pursuit of development. The present article is an attempt to explore the power of some of these forces and the circumstances under which they operate. I shall give particular attention to nationalist ideology and leadership, owing to their pre-eminence among non-economic forces. Throughout, the focus will be on underdeveloped countries outside the Western Hemisphere and outside the Communist bloc.
Duodenal Ulcer Induced by MPTP (l-Methyl-4-Phenyl-1,2,3,6-Tetrahydropyridine):

AbstractExperiments in rats revealed that the parkinsonian drug l-methyl-4-phenyl-l,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) given in multiple daily doses either per os (p.o.) or subcutaneously (s.c.) induced in a dose-dependent manner solitary or double ("kissing") duodenal ulcers in the rat. MPTP also diminished cerebral concentrations of DOPAC and the duodenal ulcers were prevented by pretreat-ment with dopamine agonists (e.g., bromocriptine, lergotrile) or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., pargyline, 1-deprenyl). High doses of MPTP also caused gastric erosions and motility changes resembling parkinsonism (e.g., akinesia, rigidity, forward bending of trunk). This chemical decreased gastric secretion of acid and pepsin, as well as pancreatic bicarbonate, trypsin and amylase. Thus, MPTP causes duodenal ulcers that are possibly associated with impaired defense in the duodenal bulb (e.g., decreased availability of duodenal and pancreatic bicarbonate).
Electroclinical Features of Absence Epilepsy

Clinical and EEG features of absence seizures in 47 children with newly diagnosed, untreated childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) were analyzed using video-EEG recordings, in a study at University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand; British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; and Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Associations Between Religiosity, Perceived Social Support, and Stimulant Use in an Untreated Rural Sample in the U.S.A.

ABSTRACTBackground: Religiosity and perceived social support (SS) may serve as protective factors for more severe substance use in adults. Objectives: This study sought to examine whether aspects of religiosity and SS are associated with longitudinal reductions in stimulant use over three years in an untreated sample of rural drug users. Methods: Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit stimulant users (N = 710) from Arkansas, Kentucky, and Ohio. Follow-up interviews were conducted at 6-month intervals for 36 months. Results: Our bivariate findings indicate that higher religiosity was associated with lower odds and fewer days of methamphetamine and cocaine use. After controlling for covariates, higher religiosity was associated with fewer days of crack cocaine use, but more days of methamphetamine use among a small sample of users in the two final interviews. Higher SS from drug-users was also associated with higher odds and days of methamphetamine and powder cocaine use, while higher SS from nondru...
Congenital Hepatic Vascular Malformations

Congenital hepatic vascular malformations are rare entities that result in abnormal shunting of blood through the liver. Three different types of shunting can occur: arteriovenous (hepatic artery to hepatic vein), arterioportal (hepatic artery to portal vein) and portovenous (portal vein to hepatic vein). Malformations result from alterations in the formation of blood vessels during fetal development and can occur as an isolated abnormality or form a part of a systemic illness, such as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia in which all three types of shunting coexist. Clinical features depend on the type and extent of shunting.
Histopathologic and Biochemical Evidence for Mitochondrial Disease Among 279 Patients with Severe Statin Myopathy.

BACKGROUND Statins have well-known benefits in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, however, 7-29% of patients develop muscle side effects and up to 0.5% develop severe symptoms. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with severe statin-induced myopathy (SM); however, there is a paucity of systematic studies in affected individuals. OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to combine clinical and laboratory features with quantitative biochemical and histopathologic studies of skeletal muscle biopsies from SM cases to determine what proportion could be attributed to mitochondrial dysfunction and how many of these had primary respiratory chain defects. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on patient records derived from 279 SM patients whose muscle biopsies were referred to our clinical diagnostic laboratory for analysis. Clinical, histopathologic and biochemical features were compared with two myopathic control groups unexposed to statins: individuals with idiopathic mitochondrial myopathy (MMP; n = 94) and with unknown metabolic myopathy (UMP; n = 86); normal controls were unavailable for this record review study. RESULTS More SM patients had significantly elevated plasma CK than in the other two groups (p < 0.01). A subset of SM patients (67 of 279; 24%) had histopathologic and/or electron microscopic (EM) evidence for mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle; more cases were identified by EM than by histochemical analysis. Of 279 cases, 29 (10%) were confirmed to have respiratory chain defects by biochemical analysis; 4 of these had mitochondrial abnormalities by EM. An additional 20 cases had mitochondrial abnormalities by EM without a biochemical diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Both primary and secondary mitochondrial dysfunction was found in subsets of SM patients. The fact that respiratory chain defects were not found in most cases with histopathologic mitochondrial abnormalities does not rule out primary mitochondrial disease in these cases, however, it is more likely that secondary effects on mitochondrial structure and function have occurred; molecular analysis may be helpful only in a small number of cases.
The Modal Equivalence Rules of the Port-Royal Logic

The Port-Royal Logic includes a brief discussion of modal propositions, containing several mnemonic devices for rules of equivalence governing the possibility, necessity, impossibility, and contingency of propositions. When the mnemonics are decoded, it can be seen that these rules treat possibility and contingency as formally equivalent modes. The aim of this paper is twofold: to show that this identification of possibility and contingency follows from the Logic’s formal treatment of those modes; and to show that such a treatment of these modes conflicts with claims the authors make in other contexts. In particular, the equivalence of possibility and contingency conflicts with the Cartesian principle that whatever is clearly and distinctly conceivable is possible—a principle that Arnauld and Nicole explicitly endorse elsewhere in the Logic. Why, then, would the authors adopt such equivalence rules? The paper concludes with a discussion of the historical precedents for these rules: they were a standard fe...
Modification of Attitudes of Regular Education Preservice Teachers toward Visually Impaired Students

This study compared the effectiveness of two intervention strategies on the attitudes of regular education preservice teachers toward visually impaired students. One group received cognitive inform...
Efficacy of laryngectomy alone for treatment of locally advanced laryngeal cancer: A stage- and subsite-specific survival analysis.

OBJECTIVE Total laryngectomy is a well-established treatment for locally advanced laryngeal cancer. Evidence for the benefit of post-operative radiotherapy after laryngectomy in patients with locally advanced primaries and N0 or N1 nodal disease is limited. This study aimed to determine whether total laryngectomy alone is adequate therapy for certain patient subgroups with locally advanced laryngeal cancer. DESIGN We performed a retrospective survival analysis of patients in the surveillance epidemiology and end results (SEER) database with locally advanced laryngeal cancer between 2004 and 2012. OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome measure was overall survival. RESULTS For all patients with T3-4aN0-1 tumours, overall survival was worse for those treated with laryngectomy only when compared using the Kaplan-Meier with a log-rank test and when accounting for demographic and tumour data using a Cox multivariate regression. Other independent predictors of poor survival included age >65 years old, Medicaid or uninsured payor status, supraglottic primary and N1 nodal disease. Stage- and subsite-specific analysis revealed that patients with T4a primary tumours, N1 nodal disease and supraglottic subsite had worse overall survival when treated with laryngectomy alone. Alternatively, patients with T3 primary tumours, N0 nodal disease, glottic subsite had equivalent overall survival and disease-specific survival when treated with laryngectomy alone vs laryngectomy with post-operative radiotherapy. CONCLUSION Locally advanced laryngeal cancer patients with T3 primaries, no nodal disease or primaries of the glottis may not benefit from post-operative radiotherapy when treated with primary total laryngectomy.
New Identifications of the CCH Radical in Planetary Nebulae: A Connection to C60?

NSF [AST-1515568, AST-1140030]; NSF University Radio Observatories (URO) program [AST-1140030]
A Machine Learning Recommender System to Tailor Preference Assessments to Enhance Person-Centered Care Among Nursing Home Residents

Background and objectives Nursing homes (NHs) using the Preferences for Everyday Living Inventory (PELI-NH) to assess important preferences and provide person-centered care find the number of items (72) to be a barrier to using the assessment. Research design and methods Using a sample of n = 255 NH resident responses to the PELI-NH, we used the 16 preference items from the MDS 3.0 Section F to develop a machine learning recommender system to identify additional PELI-NH items that may be important to specific residents. Much like the Netflix recommender system, our system is based on the concept of collaborative filtering whereby insights and predictions (e.g., filters) are created using the interests and preferences of many users. The algorithm identifies multiple sets of "you might also like" patterns called association rules, based upon responses to the 16 MDS preferences that recommends an additional set of preferences with a high likelihood of being important to a specific resident. Results In the evaluation of the combined apriori and logistic regression approach, we obtained a high recall performance (i.e., the ratio of correctly predicted preferences compared with all predicted preferences and nonpreferences) and high precision (i.e., the ratio of correctly predicted rules with respect to the rules predicted to be true) of 80.2% and 79.2%, respectively. Discussion and implications The recommender system successfully provides guidance on how to best tailor the preference items asked of residents and can support preference capture in busy clinical environments, contributing to the feasibility of delivering person-centered care.
An intuitive muscle-computer interface using ultrasound sensing and Markovian state transitions

In recent work regarding gesture recognition and muscle computer interfaces, ultrasound-based sensing strategies have been demonstrated as a viable alternative to the pervasive surface electromyography (sEMG) modality. However, in order to facilitate switching between available gestures, both sEMG and ultrasound-based strategies have traditionally relied on unintuitive control mechanisms. The most common among these are: requiring the users to return to rest as an intermediary state between motions; mode switching through co-contraction or other ad-hoc user input; and switching based on muscle activations that are functionally unrelated to the desired motion. The unintuitive nature of such control has historically led to increased user frustration, and is often cited a major reason for device abandonment in the prosthetic control setting. In this work, we propose using an approach inspired by Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) with a novel continuous gesture recognition mechanism, for ultrasound-based sensing. We empirically calculate the average classification accuracy of our novel method during non-transitionary periods to be 99%. We then demonstrate that including predictions made during transition periods reduces this value to 69% Finally, by encoding the temporal dependency of the system within a Hidden Markov Model framework, we show that we can reduce the error caused by the instability of predictions during transitions, measured as the normalized Levenshtein distance from the true ordering, by approximately 98.8%.
Evolving Perspectives on Anthropoidea

The history of Anthropoidea is the history of primatology in a microcosm. Anthropoidea, Order Primates, Semiorder Haplorhini, Suborder, Anthropoidea is a particularly useful lens through which to focus on the history of primatology because from its roots in pre-evolutionary classifications, through its polyphyletic status under Simpsonian systematics, to its current conception as a monophyletic group, Anthropoidea has persisted as a “natural” group with relatively stable content. This essay examines how this common content has been imbued with different meanings by changing conceptions of classification and explanation in biology. In addition, just as studies of anthropoid phylogeny provide insight into extant anthropoids themselves, this essay aims to provide insight into the roots of current ideas about anthropoid origins. Thus, this brief survey provides historical background, placing the work of our colleagues in historical perspective, and examines the foundations of what we believe about anthropoid evolution today.
Recruitment process outsourcing and recruiter and hiring firm characteristics: A two study investigation.

Abstract. Recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) is rapidly expanding across the globe. However, understanding of its effects on job applicants remains limited. Using signaling theory, we examined t...
Exploring intercity passengers’ attitudes and loyalty to intercity passenger rail: Evidence from an on-board survey

Abstract The journey to access a passenger rail station has been found to be an important factor in determining whether passengers choose rail as a transport mode alternative. Along with access to rail services, several factors make a transportation system more competitive and appealing to passengers and can influence users' loyalty to the service, such as fare level, service frequency, the quality of the waiting environment, and in-vehicle amenities. However, intercity passengers' attitudes and intentions to travel by rail are not fully understood to date. This paper explores loyalty to intercity passenger rail by i) assessing intercity passengers' attitudes towards intercity rail and other transportation modes for intercity travel through the use of a multi-attribute attitude model and ii) modeling passengers' intention to ride the train in the short and long terms through the use of a bivariate ordered probit model. The proposed methodology is demonstrated in the context of an intercity rail service in the Midwest using data from an on-board survey. The findings of this study suggest that attitudes towards transportation modes for intercity trips can vary by level of access to a rail line. For example, intercity train was found to be the most favorable mode for riders who traveled less than two miles to access a station. Furthermore, available parking facilities near the train stations and on-board amenities, such as space for storing luggage and the availability of bike-cars and other services, can positively affect riders’ intention to use the train. It was also found that specific population groups, such as captive riders and riders who drive less than 100 miles per week, were more likely to ride the train in the future. The results of this study can help intercity rail operators identify the aspects of rail service that can be enhanced to attract more ridership and maximize customer retention.
Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Association between Glycemic Status and Body Composition in Men: A Population-Based Study

This study sought to evaluate the associations between changes in glycemic status and changes in total body (TB), trunk, and appendicular fat (FM) and lean mass (LM) in men. A population-based study of men aged 20⁻66 years at baseline were included in cross-sectional (n = 430) and three-year longitudinal (n = 411) analyses. Prediabetes was defined as fasting glucose 100⁻125 mg/dL. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) was determined by: self-reported diabetes, current anti-diabetic drug use (insulin/oral hypoglycemic agents), fasting glucose (≥126 mg/dL), or non-fasting glucose (≥200 mg/dL). Body composition was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Longitudinal analyses showed that changes in TB FM and LM, and appendicular LM differed among glycemic groups. Normoglycemic men who converted to prediabetes lost more TB and appendicular LM than men who remained normoglycemic (all, p < 0.05). Normoglycemic or prediabetic men who developed T2D had a greater loss of TB and appendicular LM than men who remained normoglycemic (both, p < 0.05). T2D men had greater gains in TB FM and greater losses in TB and appendicular LM than men who remained normoglycemic (all, p < 0.05). Dysglycemia is associated with adverse changes in TB and appendicular LM.
Estimation of population size in entropic perspective

Nonparametric estimation of population size is a long standing and difficult problem. It is difficult because, particularly from a likelihood perspective, the underlying distribution could vary gre...
Training and Availability of Braille Transcribers in the United States

A survey of braille transcribers in 40 states found that braille production systems rely on volunteers and hence that braille transcription is not considered a bona fide career. Issues of certifica...
Age-dependent dysregulation of redox genes may contribute to fibrotic pulmonary disease susceptibility.

Abstract Aging is associated with enhanced oxidative stress and increased susceptibility to numerous diseases. This relationship is particularly striking with respect to the incidence of fibrotic lung disease. To identify potential mechanisms underlying the association between aging and susceptibility to fibrotic lung disease we analyzed transcriptome data from 342 disease-free human lung samples as a function of donor age. Our analysis reveals that aging in lung is accompanied by modest yet progressive changes in genes modulating redox homeostasis, the TGF-beta 1 signaling axis, and the extracellular matrix (ECM), pointing to an aging lung functional network (ALFN). Further, the transcriptional changes we document are tissue-specific, with age-dependent gene expression patterns differing across organ systems. Our findings suggest that the age-associated increased incidence of fibrotic pulmonary disease occurs in the context of tissue-specific, age-dependent transcriptional changes. Understanding the relationship between age-associated gene expression and susceptibility to fibrotic pulmonary disease may allow for more accurate risk stratification and effective therapeutic interventions within this challenging clinical space.
Diversity and Its Limits in Electoral Politics: The Case of North Carolina

Since the election of President Barack Obama in 2008 as U.S. President, the argument has been that the changing demography of the U.S. population and voters (e.g.-youth, race, gender, ethnicity) will result in successive electoral dominance by the Democratic Party. Despite electoral victories in these states, the Democratic Party and President Obama have lost political ground to the Republican Party in the most recent presidential (2012) and mid-term campaigns (2014) in the state of North Carolina. This paper examines the challenges to political participation by this growing electorate of demographically diverse voters while explaining the expansion of Republican Party in the state of North Carolina. The City of Greensboro, North Carolina serves as a current test of the assumptions that equate diversity with inevitable Democratic Party victory.
An alternate state in mind: the effect of CPA exam credit-hour requirements and economic competitiveness on state-level exam candidate pools and pass rates

ABSTRACTState Boards of Accountancy and other regulators monitor state-wide sit and pass rates on the CPA exam in fulfilling their mission to protect the public. These metrics can prompt important ...
Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) for Zebrafish Culture

Abstract The aquaculture systems used for zebrafish research are typically recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) that consist of tanks, circulation pumps, aeration/degassing apparatus, mechanical filters, biological filters, and UV disinfection units. These zebrafish culture systems are often complex and require knowledgeable and experienced culturists to maintain a consistently successful aquatic research environment. This chapter is an introduction to the wide variety of apparatus that comprise aquaculture research systems for zebrafish with an emphasis on the distinguishing characteristics of important components, the advantages and disadvantages of those components, and important hints for the aquatic technicians that maintain them.
Advances in the evaluation and management of cortical/cerebral visual impairment in children

Cortical/cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is the most frequent cause of pediatric visual impairment in developed countries and is increasing in prevalence in developing nations. The most common underlying etiology is hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, particularly in premature children. Other causes include seizures, hydrocephalus, trauma, and infections. Because of neurologic comorbidities, children with CVI often present challenges in diagnosis and characterization of visual deficits. Caregiver questionnaires may aid in assessment of visual functioning, while newer types of neuroimaging, including functional neuroimaging and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging, may provide further insights on structure-function relationships. Genetic testing may assist in identification of underlying genetic or metabolic syndromes. Although no standard therapy for pediatric CVI exists, advances in care of preterm children and those with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy may in future reduce the incidence of this disorder. In addition, various methods of visual stimulation and stem cells have been advocated as treatment for pediatric CVI. Future controlled trials using standardized methods of visual assessment are necessary to establish whether these interventions are superior to observation. Practitioners should work with families and teachers of children with CVI to optimize their environment for visual functioning. Comorbid ocular and systemic disorders, which are common, should be managed appropriately.
Immunocytochemical localization of transforming growth factor alpha, epidermal growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptor in the cat endometrium and placenta.

This study was undertaken to determine the immunocytochemical localization of transforming growth factor α, epidermal growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptor in the endometrium of ovariectomized cats treated with oestradiol-17β and/or progesterone and in the endometrium and placenta of pregnant cats. Specific immunostaining was observed for all three antibodies. Moderate immunostaining for transforming growth factor α was observed in the epithelium of ovariectomized and oestrogen-treated cats. Dark epithelial staining was observed throughout pregnancy. The epithelial cells in progesterone-treated and peri-implantation animals contained dense deposits of reaction product, which were not reduced in intensity when immunoabsorbed antiserum was used. For epidermal growth factor, light--moderate epithelial staining was observed in ovariectomized and steroid-treated animals, and this increased in pregnant cats. Stromal staining for both the transforming and the epidermal growth factors was limited in steroid-treated animals and increased as pregnancy continued. Dark staining for epidermal growth factor receptor was observed in the epithelium and stroma in all the animals studied. The tips of surface epithelial convolutions in the non-implantation sites were always more darkly stained than in other regions of the surface epithelium. Staining in the placental trophoblast was limited to the syncytiotrophoblast for the two growth factors and the cytotrophoblast for the receptor during most of pregnancy and was absent late in pregnancy. The placental maternal giant cells contained specific immunoreactivity for all the immunogens from the middle of pregnancy to term. This study demonstrates that the two growth factors and the epidermal growth factor receptor are present in the endometrium and placenta of cats and suggests that these growth factors may play an autocrine/paracrine role during reproduction
Smoking-cessation pharmacotherapy for patients with stroke and TIA: Systematic review.

Abstract Data regarding the efficacy and safety of smoking-cessation pharmacotherapy after stroke are lacking. We systematically reviewed data on this topic by searching Medline, Cochrane, and Clinicaltrials.gov to identify randomized clinical trials (RCT) and observational studies that assessed the efficacy and safety of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), varenicline, and bupropion in patients with stroke and TIA. We included studies that reported rates of smoking cessation, worsening or recurrent cerebrovascular disease, seizures, or neuropsychiatric events. We identified 2 RCTs and 6 observational studies; 3 included ischemic stroke and TIA, 2 subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and 3 did not specify. Four studies assessed efficacy; cessation rates ranged from 33% to 66% with pharmacological therapy combined with behavioral interventions versus 15% to 46% without, but no individual study demonstrated a statistically significant benefit. Safety data for varenicline and buopropion in ischemic stroke were scarce. Patients with SAH who received NRT had more seizures (9% vs 2%; P = 0.024) and delirium (19% vs 7%; P = 0.006) in one study, but less frequent vasospasm in 3 studies. In conclusion, combined with behavioral interventions, smoking-cessation therapies resulted in numerically higher cessation rates. Limited safety data may prompt caution regarding seizures and delirium in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Parents of Children with Sickle Cell Disease Are Interested in Preimplantation Genetic Testing.

Objective To evaluate awareness of and attitudes toward preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for sickle cell disease (SCD) among parents of children with SCD. Study design Parents of children with SCD were given an educational handbook on PGT before a routine SCD clinic visit. After their clinic visit, parents were asked to complete an anonymous survey. Results Of 83 patents approached, 67 (81%) completed the survey. Only 16 of the 67 parents (24%) were previously aware of PGT for SCD. After our clinic-based education, 65 of the 67 parents (97%) indicated that it was important or very important for parents of children with SCD to know about PGT. Among parents interested in having more children, 29 of 32 (91%) would personally consider using PGT if covered by insurance. Conclusions Parents of children with SCD are generally not aware of PGT. When educated in clinic, parents viewed information on PGT as valuable. Pediatricians and other health care professionals should inform parents of children with SCD about this reproductive option.
Microneedle-Mediated Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Airway Allergy in Mice

Subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy (SCIT) qualifies as a promising approach for the permanent cure of IgE-mediated airway allergies, which can often manifest into allergic rhinitis and other allergic respiratory diseases. SCIT entails repeated administration of a high allergen dose into the subcutaneous (sc) region using a hypodermic needle for many (3-5) years, which is inconvenient and painful and reduces patient compliance. To overcome these limitations, we hypothesized that microneedles (MNs), which are minimally invasive and painless, could provide a novel approach for allergen desensitization by depositing the allergen into the superficial layers of the skin. To test this hypothesis, we compared MNs and SCIT for allergen desensitization in a mouse model of ovalbumin (Ova)-induced airway allergy. Mice were first made allergic to Ova and then treated with MNs coated with Ova (with or without CpG as an adjuvant) or via SCIT-Ova + alum (subcutaneous Ova + alum injections) for comparison. Treatment with coated MNs significantly induced Ova-specific serum IgG antibodies in a manner comparable to SCIT-Ova + alum-treated group. To test the efficacy against allergen challenge, treated mice were challenged with Ova via the nasal route. Coated MNs with Ova and CpG (MN-Ova + CpG) considerably suppressed the airway inflammation in allergic mice, evidenced by downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-5 and IL-13), upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and activation of Ova-specific immune response in bronchoalveolar (BAL) fluid. The therapeutic capacity of MN-based allergy treatment was further validated by the reduction in eosinophil and mast cell infiltration in the lung tissues of mice treated with MN-Ova + CpG, and low deposition of mucus inside their lung bronchioles. Overall, coated MNs ameliorated the symptoms of airway allergy in mice similar to SCIT and could provide a novel means of painless allergen-specific immunotherapy.
Machine learning lattice constants of zircon-group minerals MXO4

For tetragonal zircon-type structures, the stoichiometry, ionic radii, and electronegativities of alloying elements affect lattice constants, a and c. Lattice distortions have significant impacts on the stability, electronic structure, ionic conductivity, and thus materials performance. Here, we develop the Gaussian process regression (GPR) model to elucidate statistical relationships among ionic radii, electronegativities, and lattice constants for zircon-group minerals MXO4 compounds with 100 samples. The modeling approach shows a high degree of accuracy and stability, contributing to efficient and low-cost estimations of lattice constants, which can be employed in further computational studies on materials behavior.
Voluntary binge-patterned alcohol drinking and sex-specific influences on monoamine-related neurochemical signatures in the mouse gut and brain.

BACKGROUND Altered monoamine (i.e., serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine) activity following episodes of alcohol abuse plays key roles not only in the motivation to ingest ethanol, but also physiological dysfunction related to its misuse. Although monoamine activity is essential for physiological processes that require coordinated communication across the gut-brain axis (GBA), relatively little is known about how alcohol misuse may affect monoamine levels across the GBA. Therefore, we evaluated monoamine activity across the mouse gut and brain following episodes of binge-patterned ethanol drinking. METHODS Monoamine and select metabolite neurochemical concentrations were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography in gut and brain regions of female and male C57BL/6J mice following "Drinking in the Dark" (DID), a binge-patterned ethanol ingestion paradigm. RESULTS First, we found that alcohol access had an overall small effect on gut monoamine-related neurochemical concentrations, primarily influencing dopamine activity. Second, neurochemical patterns between the small intestine and the striatum were correlated, adding to recent evidence of modulatory activity between these areas. Third, although alcohol access robustly influenced activity in brain areas in the mesolimbic dopamine system, binge exposure also influenced monoaminergic activity in the hypothalamic region. Finally, sex differences were observed in the concentrations of neurochemicals within the gut, which was particularly pronounced in the small intestine. CONCLUSION Together, these data provide insights into the influence of alcohol abuse and biological sex on monoamine-related neurochemical changes across the GBA, which could have important implications for GBA function and dysfunction.
Seventh IEEE International Conference on Data Mining Workshops - Title

The following topics are dealt with: data mining in Web 2.0 environment; knowledge-discovery from multimedia data and multimedia applications; mining and management of biological data; data mining in medicine; optimization-based data mining techniques; high performance data mining; mining graphs and complex structures; data mining on uncertain data; data streaming mining and management; spatial and spatio-temporal data mining.
Telehealth use in emergency care during coronavirus disease 2019: a systematic review

Objective The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has presented emergency departments (EDs) with many challenges to address the acute care needs of patients. Many EDs have leveraged telehealth to innovatively respond to these challenges. This review describes the landscape of telehealth initiatives in emergency care that have been described during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Methods We conducted a comprehensive, systematic review of the literature using PubMed, supplemented by a review of the gray literature (ie, non-peer reviewed), with input from subject matter experts to identify telehealth initiatives in emergency care during coronavirus disease 2019. We categorized types of telehealth use based on purpose and user characteristics. Results We included 27 papers from our review of the medical literature and another 8 sources from gray literature review. The vast majority of studies (32/35) were descriptive in nature, with the additional inclusion of 2 cohort studies and one randomized clinical trial. There were 5 categories of ED telehealth use during the pandemic: (1) pre-ED evaluation and screening, (2) within ED (including as a means of limiting staff and patient exposure and facilitating consultation with specialists), (3) post-ED discharge monitoring and treatment, (4) educating trainees and health care workers, and (5) coordinating resources and patient care. Conclusion Telehealth has been used in a variety of manners during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, enabling innovation in emergency care delivery. The findings from this study can be used by institutions to consider how telehealth may address challenges in emergency care during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and beyond. Because few studies included cost data and given the variability in institutional resources, how organizations implement telehealth programs will likely vary. Future work should further explore barriers and facilitators of innovation, and the impact on care delivery and patient outcomes.
Not Monsters After All: How Political Deliberation Can Build Moral Communities Amidst Deep Difference

Political deliberation typically aims to improve the legitimacy of collective decisions. This article proposes a different function for deliberation, which is both more modest but nevertheless critical in public life: the legitimation not of decisions, but of fellow citizens. This outcome is especially important in polarized societies, where what divides citizens is not only differences in conceptions of the good, but also the perception that the other side is not motivated by any good at all. Drawing on the work of Hans-Georg Gadamer and Charles Taylor as well as on an empirical study of political dialogue between university students after the 2016 election in the United States, I show how a particular form of political dialogue can help interlocuters recognize the conceptions of the good that motivate others’ views. Such learning can help create what Taylor suggests is necessary for diverse democracies: a shared understanding that does not obscure and in fact brings to the fore principled and significant divisions. Such recognition has the potential to diminish support for violence and the disenfranchisement of political opponents.
Mental performance and mental health services in sport: a call for interprofessional competence and collaboration

The provision of holistic care for athletes often involves interprofessional teams with specialists to support athletic performance and overall wellness. Yet, regarding psychological support, some have advocated for a single professional to attain both a certified mental performance consultant (CMPC) credential and any type of mental health license (e.g., Licensed Psychologist [LP], Licensed Social Worker [LSW], or Licensed Professional Counselor [LPC]) to address the mental performance and mental health needs of athletes. Unfortunately, this approach may hinder interprofessional collaboration and ignore distinctions between CMPCS and other types of mental health professionals. Alternatively, CMPCs and various types of mental health professionals may work together on interprofessional psychological support teams. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the distinct historical and theoretical foundations of mental performance consulting, clinical psychology, social work, and professional counseling in sport contexts to serve as a resource for enhancing interprofessional competence within such teams. The distinct training pathways of CMPCs, LPs, LSWs, and LPCs are outlined with attention to how each can serve a valuable role on an interprofessional support team for athletes. Applications of the World Health Organization's framework for interprofessional education and collaborative practice (IPECP) to psychological support teams in sport contexts is discussed.
Proteome-wide screening for mitogen-activated protein kinase docking motifs and interactors

ABSTRACT Essential functions of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) depend on their capacity to selectively phosphorylate a limited repertoire of substrates. MAPKs harbor a conserved groove located outside of the catalytic cleft that binds to short linear sequence motifs found in substrates and regulators. However, the weak and transient nature of these “docking” interactions poses a challenge to defining MAPK interactomes and associated sequence motifs. Here, we describe a yeast-based genetic screening pipeline to evaluate large collections of MAPK docking sequences in parallel. Using this platform we analyzed a combinatorial library based on the docking sequences from the MAPK kinases MKK6 and MKK7, defining features critical for binding to the stress-activated MAPKs JNK1 and p38α. We subsequently screened a library consisting of ~12,000 sequences from the human proteome, revealing a large number of MAPK-selective interactors, including many not conforming to previously defined docking motifs. Analysis of p38α/JNK1 exchange mutants identified specific docking groove residues mediating selective binding. Finally, we verified that docking sequences identified in the screen could function in substrate recruitment in vitro and in cultured cells. Collectively, these studies establish an approach for characterization of MAPK docking sequences and provide a resource for future investigation of signaling downstream of p38 and JNK MAP kinases.
The effects of in-situ emulsion formation and superficial velocity on foam performance in high-permeability porous media

Abstract Foam has been considered as a mobility control agent for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) applications in heterogeneous and fractured reservoirs. Foam enhances sweep efficiency by enabling the injected gas to flow from high-permeability to low-permeability regions. The foam injection velocity is an essential factor affecting foam mobility control and flow behavior. Furthermore, the presence of remaining oil adversely impacts foam generation leading to a failure in governing mobility control. In this study, foam performance in establishing mobility control effect and favorable apparent viscosity was experimentally investigated under a range of total superficial velocities in the presence and absence of crude oil during foam propagation in high permeability sand packs representing a propped fracture network. In the absence of oil, a pronounced effect of total superficial velocity on the mobility control performance was observed at the transition foam quality regime. Co-injection of oil and foam led to noticeable foam destabilization, as expected. However, a further increase in oil fractional flow resulted in larger overall flow resistance. We found that the formation of in-situ surfactant/oil emulsion contributed to the high apparent viscosity exhibited at the steady-state condition. These findings suggest that the steady-state flow resistance established during foam flooding at high oil saturations should be interpreted as the mobility control effect resulting from emulsion formation rather than the development of strong foam.