cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE MOLECULAR GENETIC BASIS OF MITOCHONDRIAL MALFUNCTION IN BLADDER TISSUE FOLLOWING OUTLET OBSTRUCTION

ABSTRACTPurpose:: Bladder dysfunction following partial outlet obstruction is a frequent consequence of benign prostatic hyperplasia and an increasingly common problem given the aging of the general population. Recent studies from this and other groups have begun to elucidate the molecular bases for the well described physiological malfunctions that characterize this clinical entity. We summarized and synthesized that information.Materials and Methods:: Using modern methods of molecular genetics, including real-time polymerase chain reaction, real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and others, as well as traditional experimental techniques such as electron microscopy we and others examined the transcriptional profile, morphology, etc of bladder smooth muscle mitochondria in experimental models of outlet obstruction.Results:: Data from many studies have demonstrated that aberrant gene expression in the mitochondrial and mitochondria related nuclear genetic systems underlies the loss of co...
Biofilm‐forming bacteria and quality of life improvement after sinus surgery

Background It remains unclear how much chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients with bacterial biofilms can benefit from functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). We aimed to evaluate whether biofilm-forming bacteria was associated with quality of life (QOL) improvement after FESS. Methods This retrospective cohort study included adult CRS patients who underwent FESS from 2008 to 2011. Sinus samples were taken to evaluate for biofilm-formation in vitro using a modified Calgary Biofilm Detection Assay. QOL was measured before FESS, and 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month after FESS using 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores. Patients’ characteristics and medications were collected. Clinical significant QOL change was defined as a difference of at least 0.5 standard deviation (SD) of baseline SNOT-22 score in the reference group. Results A total of 156 patients had complete data, and 15% had biofilm-forming bacteria (n = 24). Patients with biofilm-forming bacteria had significantly worse preoperative SNOT-22 scores compared to patients without biofilm-forming bacteria (48 ± 20 vs 38 ± 23, p = 0.048). Both groups had clinically significant QOL improvement after FESS, and the differences in their 1-month (23 ± 19 vs 17 ± 20) and 3-month (27 ± 18 vs 18 ± 19) post-FESS SNOT-22 scores were not significant. However, patients with biofilm-forming bacteria demonstrated significantly less QOL improvement than patients without biofilm-forming bacteria from pre-FESS to 6-month post-FESS visits after adjusting for clinical factors (35 ± 25 vs 14 ± 15; β-coefficient = 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13 to 1.28; p = 0.016). Conclusion CRS patients with biofilm-forming bacteria demonstrated clinically significant QOL improvement following FESS, but the degree of improvement was decreased overtime and became significantly worse than patients without biofilm-forming bacteria by 6-month follow-up. This QOL worsening was independent of other risk factors for CRS.
Educational investment, family context, and children's math and reading growth from kindergarten through the third grade

Drawing on longitudinal data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998–1999, this study used IRT modeling to operationalize a measure of parental educational investments based on Lareau's notion of concerted cultivation. It used multilevel piece-wise growth models regressing children's math and reading achievement from entry into kindergarten through the third grade on concerted cultivation and family context variables. The results indicate that educational investments are an important mediator of socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities, completely explaining the black-white reading gap at kindergarten entry and consistently explaining 20 percent to 60 percent and 30 percent to 50 percent of the black-white and Hispanic-white disparities in the growth parameters, respectively, and approximately 20 percent of the socioeconomic gradients. Notably, concerted cultivation played a more significant role in explaining racial/ethnic gaps in achievement than expected from Lareau's...
The Bottom Line: Corporate Performance and Gender Diversity in the C-Suite (2004-2008)

This report makes the bottom-line business case for gender diversity in the C-Suite (2004-2008). The companies are Fortune 500. The performance measures are ROS, ROIC, and ROE. The results are similar to those published by Catalyst Inc for gender diversity in Corporate Boards, using the same companies and years.
Mental Health Services for Chinese in a Community Health Center

Serious mental health problems exist within the Chinese population of the United States. This article describes one center's attempt to meet the psychiatric needs of both nonpsychotic and psychotic...
A software framework for simulation-based scientific investigations

This thesis provides a design and development of a software architecture and programming framework that enables domain-oriented scientific investigations to be more easily developed and productively applied. The key research concept is the representation and automation of scientific studies by capturing common methods for experimentation, analysis and evaluation used in simulation science. Such methods include parameter studies, optimization, uncertainty analysis, and sensitivity analysis. While the framework provides a generic way to conduct investigation on an arbitrary simulation, its intended use is to be extended to develop a domain computational environment. The framework hides the access to distributed system resources and the multithreaded execution. A prototype of such a framework called ODESSI (Open Domain-oriented Environment for Simulation-based Scientific Investigation, pronounced odyssey) is developed and evaluated on realistic problems in human neuroscience and computational chemistry domains. ODESSI was inspired by our domain problems encountered in the computational modeling of human head electromagnetic for conductivity analysis and source localization. In this thesis we provide tools and methods to solve state of the art problems in head modeling. In particular, we developed an efficient and robust HPC solver for the forward problem and a generic robust HPC solver for bEIT (bounded Electrical Impedance Tomography) inverse problem to estimate the head tissue conductivities. Also we formulated a method to include skull inhomogeneity and other skull variation in the head model based on information obtained from experimental studies. ODESSI as a framework is used to demonstrate the research ideas in this neuroscience domain and the domain investigations results are discussed in this thesis. ODESSI supports both the processing of investigation activities as well as manage its evolving record of information, results, and provenance.
Influence of gestational weight gain and BMI on cesarean delivery risk in adolescent pregnancies.

Influence of gestational weight gain and BMI on cesarean delivery risk in adolescent pregnancies
Differentiation of Speech Delay and Global Developmental Delay in Children Using DTI Tractography-Based Connectome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Pure speech delay is a common developmental disorder which, according to some estimates, affects 5%–8% of the population. Speech delay may not only be an isolated condition but also can be part of a broader condition such as global developmental delay. The present study investigated whether diffusion tensor imaging tractography-based connectome can differentiate global developmental delay from speech delay in young children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve children with pure speech delay (39.1 ± 20.9 months of age, 9 boys), 14 children with global developmental delay (39.3 ± 18.2 months of age, 12 boys), and 10 children with typical development (38.5 ± 20.5 months of age, 7 boys) underwent 3T DTI. For each subject, whole-brain connectome analysis was performed by using 116 cortical ROIs. The following network metrics were measured at individual regions: strength (number of the shortest paths), efficiency (measures of global and local integration), cluster coefficient (a measure of local aggregation), and betweeness (a measure of centrality). RESULTS: Compared with typical development, global and local efficiency were significantly reduced in both global developmental delay and speech delay (P 83% ± 4% to discriminate global developmental delay from speech delay. CONCLUSIONS: The network abnormalities identified in the present study may underlie the neurocognitive and behavioral consequences commonly identified in children with global developmental delay and speech delay. Further validation studies in larger samples are required.
Microporous Alumino-Silicate Gels Synthesized by Sol-Gel Method

Microporous alumino-silicate gels were prepared by the sol-gel method. The Al cations were incorporated into these systems by mixing an aluminum nitrate solution into silica water based sols under controlled pH conditions. The micro structure as well as the form of the products are influenced by the amount of Al additives. Al cations have significant effects on the properties of silica sols and gels. The alumino-silicate gel has micro porosity with surface area as high as 300 m2/g even after calcining at 900 °C for one hour. Strong negative charge is found on these alumino-silicate surfaces in aqueous solution indicating the Al cations have been substituted isomorphically into the Si sites in the framework of silica.
Spinal cord reconstitution with homologous neural grafts enables robust corticospinal regeneration

The corticospinal tract (CST) is the most important motor system in humans, yet robust regeneration of this projection after spinal cord injury (SCI) has not been accomplished. In murine models of SCI, we report robust corticospinal axon regeneration, functional synapse formation and improved skilled forelimb function after grafting multipotent neural progenitor cells into sites of SCI. Corticospinal regeneration requires grafts to be driven toward caudalized (spinal cord), rather than rostralized, fates. Fully mature caudalized neural grafts also support corticospinal regeneration. Moreover, corticospinal axons can emerge from neural grafts and regenerate beyond the lesion, a process that is potentially related to the attenuation of the glial scar. Rat corticospinal axons also regenerate into human donor grafts of caudal spinal cord identity. Collectively, these findings indicate that spinal cord 'replacement' with homologous neural stem cells enables robust regeneration of the corticospinal projection within and beyond spinal cord lesion sites, achieving a major unmet goal of SCI research and offering new possibilities for clinical translation.
Studies with Antigens. IV. Purification of Extracts of Grass Pollens

Summary1. Fractionation of aqueous grass-pollen extracts with water-miscible organic liquids promotes purification of these extracts. 2. Precipitation of extracts purified by the above treatment with high concentrations of sulfates affords further purification.
Clinical Workflow Considerations for Implementation of Continuous-Bed-Motion PET/CT

Within the last 3 y, a new type of technology has emerged for PET imaging that uses a continuous-bed-motion (CBM) acquisition. For technologists, this type of acquisition requires some modifications of the standard approach to PET protocols and imaging workflows. There are several key aspects of CBM that technologists need to learn and understand when transitioning from traditional step-and-shoot PET imaging to this new technology, including differences in acquisition type, image quality, and protocol setup as well as the impact that CBM can have on workflow. This article explains how CBM differs from step and shoot and focuses on the issues critical for technologists to know when first using this technology.
Discriminative predicate path mining for fact checking in knowledge graphs

Traditional fact checking by experts and analysts cannot keep pace with the volume of newly created information. It is important and necessary, therefore, to enhance our ability to computationally determine whether some statement of fact is true or false. We view this problem as a link-prediction task in a knowledge graph, and present a discriminative path-based method for fact checking in knowledge graphs that incorporates connectivity, type information, and predicate interactions. Given a statement S of the form (subject, predicate, object), for example, (Chicago, capitalOf, Illinois), our approach mines discriminative paths that alternatively define the generalized statement (U.S. city, predicate, U.S. state) and uses the mined rules to evaluate the veracity of statement S . We evaluate our approach by examining thousands of claims related to history, geography, biology, and politics using a public, million node knowledge graph extracted from Wikipedia and PubMedDB. Not only does our approach significantly outperform related models, we also find that the discriminative predicate path model is easily interpretable and provides sensible reasons for the final determination.
THE HISTORY BEHIND THE RECENT PROSPERITY OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY IN BRAZIL

96 800x600 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Calibri;} Social psychology is currently thriving in Brazil. Yet just 45 years ago, social psychology was virtually absent as a viable discipline in Brazilian universities and in public life. This paper presents a brief commentary on the development of social psychology in Brazil in recent history. Examples are given of relevant courses presented in Brazil prior to this period by physicians, anthropologists and sociologists—none by social psychologists. The influence of journalists and novelists is cited as well in the provision of groundwork for social psychology in Brazil. The first graduate programs in social psychology were established in the early 1970’s. The Brazilian Association of Social Psychology was established in 1980, and its flagship journal at the same time. The political turmoil surrounding the military dictatorship (1964-1985), and the audacious founding of Brasilia (1960) provided conditions for the development of social psychological analyses of an important major nation in the process of transformation.
Synthesis of Graphene Nanoribbons via the Topochemical Polymerization and Subsequent Aromatization of a Diacetylene Precursor

Summary We have developed a synthetic approach to graphene nanoribbons by using butadiyne-containing monomers that are initially converted to polydiacetylenes via topochemical polymerization in the crystal. Subsequent aromatization of the isolated polydiacetylenes at surprisingly mild temperatures affords graphene nanoribbons ∼1.36 nm in width with a 1.4 eV bandgap. These transformations take place solely in the solid state, in contrast to published on-surface or in-solution methods. This synthetic approach is well suited for electronic-device fabrication processes because it requires only UV light or heating and no external chemical reagents.
Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination

Abstract Self-determination in human behavior is based in autonomous motivation, which encompasses both intrinsic motivation and integrated extrinsic motivation . Intrinsic motivation involves doing an activity without the necessity of external prompts or rewards because it is interesting and satisfies the basic psychological needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Extrinsic motivation involves doing an activity because it leads to some separate outcome such as a reward, approval from others, or the avoidance of punishment. Intrinsic motivation is invariantly autonomous, but extrinsic motivation varies in its degree of autonomy. Extrinsic motivation becomes autonomous through the processes of internalization and integration. Both intrinsic motivation and integrated extrinsic motivation can be facilitated in homes, schools, workplace, athletic fields, and clinical settings that are interpersonally supportive—that is, where people's perspectives are acknowledged and they are encouraged to experiment, allowed to try their own solutions to problems, provided with choice, and responded to when they initiate. Under such supportive conditions individuals are more engaged and persistent, perform more effectively, and display higher levels of psychological health and well-being.
BEAM: A computational workflow system for managing and modeling material characterization data in HPC environments

Abstract Improvements in scientific instrumentation allow imaging at mesoscopic to atomic length scales, many spectroscopic modes, and now—with the rise of multimodal acquisition systems and the associated processing capability—the era of multidimensional, informationally dense data sets has arrived. Technical issues in these combinatorial scientific fields are exacerbated by computational challenges best summarized as a necessity for drastic improvement in the capability to transfer, store, and analyze large volumes of data. The Bellerophon Environment for Analysis of Materials (BEAM) platform provides material scientists the capability to directly leverage the integrated computational and analytical power of High Performance Computing (HPC) to perform scalable data analysis and simulation via an intuitive, cross-platform client user interface. This framework delivers authenticated, “push-button” execution of complex user workflows that deploy data analysis algorithms and computational simulations utilizing the converged compute-and-data infrastructure at Oak Ridge National Laboratory's (ORNL) Compute and Data Environment for Science (CADES) and HPC environments like Titan at the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF). In this work we address the underlying HPC needs for characterization in the material science community, elaborate how BEAM's design and infrastructure tackle those needs, and present a small sub-set of user cases where scientists utilized BEAM across a broad range of analytical techniques and analysis modes.
Molecular phylogenetics of Atlantic Shield Platynectes diving beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae): a first glance at the evolution of the genus in the Amazon Basin

SummaryNeotropical diving beetles of the genus Platynectes are distributed across Central America, the Andes and different Precambrian shields in the Amazon Basin. Species from the northern Guiana Shield form a monophyletic clade, yet the phylogenetic relationships of the eastern Atlantic Shield species remain unknown. Here, we augmented an existing molecular dataset with a species from the Atlantic Shield that was not previously sampled. We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships and estimated divergence times to understand the evolution of lineages dwelling in this region. The newly sampled specimens from the Atlantic Shield are recovered as sister taxa to Guiana Shield species. The dating analyses suggest a split between these two lineages in the late Oligocene to mid-Miocene, contemporary with the Miocenic geological remodeling of the Amazon Basin. Additional sampling in the Atlantic and Central Brazilian Shields will be determinant to test the monophyly of Platynectes species distributed in thes...
Reflow-oven-processing of pressureless sintered-silver interconnects

Abstract A method was developed to pressurelessly fabricate strong and consistent sinterable-silver joints or interconnects using reflow oven heating. Circular sinterable-silver interconnects, having nominal diameter of 5 mm and 0.1 mm thickness were stencil printed, contact-dried, and then pressurelessly sinter-bonded to Au-plated direct copper bonded ceramic substrates at 250 °C in ambient air. That sintering was done in either a reflow oven or a convective oven (latter being a conventional heating source for processing sinterable-silver). Consistently strong (>40 MPa) interconnects were produced with reflow oven heating and were as strong as those produced with convective oven heating. This is significant because reflow oven technology affords better potential for continuous mass production and it was shown that strong sintered-silver bonds can indeed be achieved with its use.
Association of breast cancer disease free survival (DFS) with omeprazole use.

e12544Background: Recent studies indicated that aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) modulators - such as omeprazole - decrease breast cancer cell invasion among mice with estrogen receptor negative (ER...
Technetium-99m-exametazime: pitfalls in preparation and quality control

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the drug exametazine (Cretec or hexamethylenepropylene-amineoxime) for use in preparation of a {sup 99m}Tc-chelate suitable for human use. This radiopharmaceutical is indicated for detection of altered regional cerebral perfusion in patients with stoke. Unlike the majority of radiopharmaceuticals containing stannous ion (Sn{sup 2+}), which can be prepared by addition of varying volumes and activities of ({sup 99m}Tc)pertechnetate, successful preparation of {sup 99m}Tc-exametazime requires careful control of both volume and activity. The necessity for careful control of the final chemical concentration and radioconcentration is based on the minimal amount of Sn{sup 2+} ion present.
A Result on Ext Over Kac–Moody Algebras

We prove the following result for a not necessarily symmetrizable Kac–Moody algebra: Let x,y ∈ W with x ≥ y, and let λ ∈ P+. If n=l(x)-l(y), then Ext C(λ) n (M(x·λ),L(y·λ))=1.
Evolutionary consequences of postglacial colonization of fresh water by primitively anadromous fishes

Anadromous fish breed in fresh water and spend most of their life cycle in the ocean. Thus, they have ample opportunity to colonize fresh water, which is favored when the cost of migration exceeds the value of marine food resources. Deglaciation of the boreal Holarctic has created countless opportunities to colonize fresh water, where strongly contrasting environmental conditions have favored rapid endemic radiation. We focus on radiation of the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), but review radiation of lampreys (Petro-myzontiformes), several salmonids (char, trout, salmon, whitefish), rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), and other groups.
A Mechanistic Review of Cigarette Smoke and Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a complex disease stemming from both genetic abnormalities and environmental insults, is the most common form of visual impairment in elderly individuals of the Western world. Many potential etiologies are linked to AMD, but smoking is the leading environmental insult associated with this maculopathy. Smoke-induced damage is mediated in part through direct oxidation, depletion of antioxidants, complement activation, and vascular transmutations. Clinically, these mechanisms manifest themselves as keystones of atrophic AMD: retinal pigment epithelium degeneration, formation of extracellular deposits such as drusen, and thickening of Bruch’s membrane. Furthermore, smoking induces angiogenesis and choroidal neovascularization, advancing the course of the disease to late-stage AMD. Further exploration of the biological processes affected by cigarette smoke exposure will provide greater insight into the pathogenesis of AMD.
Androgen influence on lymphocyte gene expression.

Sjogren’s syndrome is an insidious and currently incurable autoimmune disorder occurring primarily in women, and associated with an extensive lymphocyte accumulation in the lacrimal gland, an immune-mediated destruction and/or dysfunction of acinar and ductal epithelial cells, a precipitous decrease in tear secretion and severe dry eye.1,2 Recently, we discovered that androgen administration to the female MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) and NZB/NZW F1 mouse models of Sjogren’s syndrome causes a dramatic suppression of the inflammation in, and a significant increase in the functional activity of, lacrimal glands.3 However, the precise mechanism(s) underlying this hormone action is unknown.
Effect of Chemical Composition on the Nanoscale Ordering Transformations of Physical Mixtures of Pd and Cu Nanoparticles

The nanoscale composition and structure of alloy catalysts affect their performance in heterogeneous catalysis. In particular, previous reports indicated that PdCu nanoparticles are more efficient as catalysts in fuel cell reactions than monometallic Pd catalysts. To understand the structural transformations of PdCu nanoalloys, real-time in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction was used to examine the temperature-induced evolution of physical mixtures of Pd and Cu nanoparticles. Ex situ transmission electron microscopy measurements provide additional information about the size, phase, composition, and ordering of the nanoparticle mixtures. The results for PdCu mixtures of composition 1 : 1 and 3 : 1 supported on SiO2 are presented in detail here. The annealing procedure involved two stages: (a) isothermal annealing at 450°C and (b) ramped annealing from 450°C to 750°C, both in forming gas atmospheres. We found the ordered B2 phase to be formed at 450°C in all compositions studied. Ramped annealing of PdCu 1 : 1 mixtures from 450°C to 750°C leads to the transformation of the B2 phase into two different alloys, one rich in Cu and the other rich in Pd. This structural evolution bears the signature of spinodal decomposition and is different from that of PdCu bulk alloys. In PdCu 3 : 1 mixtures, the B2 phase dominates after isothermal annealing at 450°C, but a significant disordered alloy fcc phase is also formed. During annealing at 750°C, the disordered fcc phase grows at the expense of the B2 phase. These findings are important for the understanding of thermal activation of PdCu nanocatalysts for fuel cells.
Genome-wide markers reveal a complex evolutionary history involving divergence and introgression in the Abert’s squirrel (Sciurus aberti) species group

Genetic introgression between divergent lineages is now considered more common than previously appreciated, with potentially important consequences for adaptation and speciation. Introgression is often asymmetric between populations and patterns can vary for different types of loci (nuclear vs. organellar), complicating phylogeographic reconstruction. The taxonomy of the ecologically specialized Abert’s squirrel species group has been controversial, and previous studies based on mitochondrial data have not fully resolved the evolutionary relationships among populations. Moreover, while these studies identified potential areas of secondary contact between divergent lineages, the possibility for introgression has not been tested. We used RAD-seq to unravel the complex evolutionary history of the Abert’s squirrel species group. Although some of our findings reinforce inferences based on mitochondrial data, we also find significant areas of discordance. Discordant signals generally arise from previously undetected introgression between divergent populations that differentially affected variation at mitochondrial and nuclear loci. Most notably, our results support earlier claims (disputed by mitochondrial data) that S. aberti kaibabensis, found only on the north rim of the Grand Canyon, is highly divergent from other populations. However, we also detected introgression of S. aberti kaibabensis DNA into other S. aberti populations, which likely accounts for the previously inferred close genetic relationship between this population and those south of the Grand Canyon. Overall, the evolutionary history of Abert’s squirrels appears to be shaped largely by divergence during periods of habitat isolation. However, we also found evidence for interbreeding during periods of secondary contact resulting in introgression, with variable effects on mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Our results support the emerging view that populations often diversify under scenarios involving both divergence in isolation and gene flow during secondary contact, and highlight the value of genome-wide datasets for resolving such complex evolutionary histories.
Body-focused repetitive behaviors: More prevalent than once thought?

Abstract Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), such as hair pulling, skin picking, and nail biting are common habits, but their pathological manifestations have been considered rare. Growing evidence suggests pathological forms of these behaviors can be conceptualized as a class of related disorders. However, few previous studies have examined the collective prevalence of related pathological BFRBs. The current study examined the self-reported prevalence of current (past month) subclinical and pathological BFRBs in a large (n = 4335) sample of college students. The study also examined the chronicity and impact of these behaviors. Results showed that 59.55% of the sample reported occasionally engaging in subclinical BFRBs, and 12.27% met criteria for a pathological BFRB, suggesting these conditions may be quite common. Of the various BFRB topographies, cheek biting was the most common. Both subclinical and pathological BFRBs tended to be chronic (i.e., occurring for longer than 1 year). Although persons with pathological BFRBs were distressed about their behavior, few experienced functional impairment or sought help for the behavior. Implications of these findings for the conceptualization and treatment of body-focused repetitive behaviors are discussed.
Implications for Chromatin Biology in Toxicology

Abstract A variety of early-life environmental exposures induce persistent epigenetic alterations, termed “epigenetic reprogramming,” which can cause changes in phenotype and disease susceptibility. It's becoming clear that phenotypic changes, such as congenital abnormalities, appearance, and behavior, may not present themselves after an initial insult, but instead, the initial insult induces epigenetic alterations that poise the genome to respond aberrantly to later-life challenges such as hormone exposure or dietary changes, culminating in increased risk of disease. Utilizing epigenomic alterations to identify individuals at increased disease risk is a current goal in the field, as is understanding the mechanisms responsible for epigenetic reprogramming. Understanding epigenetic reprogramming holds promise for the development of biomarkers of exposure and disease risk and new targets for interventions. Here, we describe mechanisms that contribute to epigenetic reprogramming of histone modifications in response to environmental exposures. Normal biological processes also involve changes in epigenetic histone modifications, including development and aging. Exploring epigenetic plasticity in normal physiological settings may also reveal how this plasticity creates a vulnerability to environmental exposures.
Antiplatelet Therapy in Cardiovascular Disease

Platelet activation and aggregation is a critical mediator of thrombosis in atherosclerotic vascular disease, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in most regions of the world, and antiplatelet therapy is an essential part of the treatment of acute coronary syndromes and stable coronary artery disease. Drugs that inhibit platelet function block key receptors or signaling pathways involved in platelet activation at sites of vessel injury including the cyclooxygenase-thromboxane pathway (aspirin), ADP signaling (P2Y12 receptor antagonists), thrombin signaling (PAR-1 receptor antagonists), or aggregation such as the fibrinogen receptor integrin α2bβ3 (glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists). Knowledge of the therapeutic application of these drugs is aided in many cases by large, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials that have established the efficacy and safety profile of these treatments. This chapter will review the role of platelets in cardiovascular disease, the pharmacology of antiplatelet drugs, and the clinical evidence that guides their use.
A CRISPR Screen Identifies LAPTM4A and TM9SF Proteins as Glycolipid-Regulating Factors

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are produced by various GSL-synthesizing enzymes, but post-translational regulation of these enzymes is incompletely understood. To address this knowledge disparity, we focused on biosynthesis of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), the Shiga toxin (STx) receptor, and performed a genome-wide CRISPR/CAS9 knockout screen in HeLa cells using STx1-mediated cytotoxicity. We identified various genes including sphingolipid-related genes and membrane-trafficking genes. In addition, we found two proteins, LAPTM4A and TM9SF2, for which physiological roles remain elusive. Disruption of either LAPTM4A or TM9SF2 genes reduced Gb3 biosynthesis, resulting in accumulation of its precursor, lactosylceramide. Loss of LAPTM4A decreased endogenous Gb3 synthase activity in a post-transcriptional mechanism, whereas loss of TM9SF2 did not affect Gb3 synthase activity but instead disrupted localization of Gb3 synthase. Furthermore, the Gb3-regulating activity of TM9SF2 was conserved in the TM9SF family. These results provide mechanistic insight into the post-translational regulation of the activity and localization of Gb3 synthase.
Ecosystem Services Provided by Prairie Wetlands in Northern Rangelands

On the Ground • Wetlands add significant ecosystem services to rangeland. These services include: sediment capture; groundwater recharge and discharge; stock water processing and purification; habitat and forage for plants and animals, including livestock; and climate protection via carbon storage. Services from wetlands occur at multiple scales, from local to global. • These services are lost when wetlands are permanently drained. Strategic management of wetlands in rangeland can sustain most services, diversify and improve ranch income, lower the costs of livestock production, and provide benefits to society beyond the ranch boundary.
Effects of Sugammadex on Time of First Postoperative Bowel Movement: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract Objective To determine whether time to first postoperative bowel movement after intraperitoneal surgery differs among neuromuscular blockade reversal with either anticholinesterase/anticholinergic combination vs sugammadex. Patients and Methods Sugammadex was introduced to our practice in October 2016. Patients were identified who underwent intraperitoneal surgery between January 1, through June 30, 2016, and January 1 through June 30, 2017, and received aminosteroid neuromuscular blockade for paralysis. Reversal was initiated with neostigmine, coadministered with glycopyrrolate (neostigmine/glycopyrrolate) for control participants and sugammadex for patients. Time to first bowel movement was determined from nursing documentation for study cohorts (2016 and 2017). We compared times to first bowel movement between cases and controls using raw and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analyses. Results In the 2016 cohort, 2583 received neostigmine/glycopyrrolate. Of 2750 patients in 2017, sugammadex reversal technique was administered to 1500 patients and neostigmine/glycopyrrolate to 1250 participants. Without weighting, the groups were relatively balanced for most baseline characteristics, and after IPTW, all standardized differences were Conclusion Patients undergoing intraperitoneal surgery who had aminosteroid neuromuscular blockade reversal with sugammadex had earlier first postoperative bowel movement than patients with reversal through neostigmine/glycopyrrolate.
Modeling and Analysis of Conflicting Information Propagation in a Finite Time Horizon

Emerging mobile applications enable people to connect with one another more easily than ever, which causes networked systems, e.g. , online social networks (OSN) and Internet-of-Things (IoT), to grow rapidly in size, and become more complex in structure. In these systems, different, even conflicting information , e.g. , rumor v.s. truth, and malware v.s. security patches, can compete with each other during their propagation over individual connections. For such information pairs, in which a desired information kills its undesired counterpart on contact, an interesting yet challenging question is when and how fast the undesired information dies out . To answer this question, we propose a Susceptible-Infectious-Cured (SIC) propagation model, which captures short-term competitions between the two pieces of information, and define extinction time and half-life time , as two pivots in time, to quantify the dying speed of the undesired information. Our analysis revealed the impact of network topology and initial conditions on the lifetime of the undesired information. In particular, we find that, the Cheeger constant that measures the edge expansion property of a network steers the scaling law of the lifetime with respect to the network size, and the vertex eccentricities that are easier to compute provide accurate estimation of the lifetime. Our analysis also sheds light on where to inject the desired information, such that its undesired counterpart can be eliminated faster.
A Privileged Point of View: Effects of Subjective Socioeconomic Status on Naïve Realism and Political Division:

In the United States, both economic inequality and political conflict are on the rise. We investigated whether subjective socioeconomic status (SSS) may help explain why these dual patterns emerge....
Gait and Plantar Sensation Changes Following Massage and Textured Insole Application in Patients After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract Background Gait impairments following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may contribute to reinjury or future osteoarthritis development. Recently, plantar cutaneous sensation deficits have been reported post-ACLR. These sensory deficits may influence gait and represent a mechanism through which to improve gait. Research question Can established sensory interventions change sensation and gait in patients after ACLR and compared to healthy adults? Methods Twenty-two adults (n = 11 post-ACLR, age:20.5 ± 1.9years, body mass index[BMI]:24.5 ± 3.6 kg/m2; n = 11 healthy, age:20.7 ± 1.4years, BMI:23.3 ± 2.7 kg/m2) completed two sessions separated by 48 h. Gait and plantar cutaneous sensation were assessed pre- and post-intervention (massage or textured insoles). Gait analysis was completed using 3D motion capture at 1.4 m/s ± 5% and standard inverse dynamics analysis. Plantar cutaneous sensation was assessed using Semmes Weinstein Monofilaments with a 4−2-1 stepping algorithm at the plantar aspect of the first metatarsal head, base of the fifth metatarsal, and lateral and medial malleoli. Plantar massage was a 5-minute massage to both feet. Textured insoles (coarse grit sandpaper) were worn while walking. Biomechanical data were assessed via mixed-models, repeated measures ANOVAs and 90 % confidence intervals. Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests and Mann-Whitney U tests evaluated plantar cutaneous sensation within and between groups, respectively. Results Knee adduction moment was lower in the ACLR versus the contralateral limb pre-massage. The vGRF was lower during the first half of stance but greater during the second half of stance in the ACLR versus the control group post-massage. Massage improved ACLR limb sensation over the first metatarsal head (P = 0.042) and medial malleolus (P = 0.027). Textured insole application improved ACLR limb sensation over the first (P = 0.043) and fifth (P = 0.027) metatarsals and medial malleolus (P = 0.028). Significance Plantar massage and textured insoles improved plantar cutaneous sensation in the ACLR limb. Neither intervention influenced gait. Improving plantar sensation may be beneficial for patients after ACLR; however, sensory interventions to improve gait are necessary.
U.S. Shale-Oil Hubbert Production Peak: Civilization's Ultimate Energy Forecast

This paper, in the form of a treatise, estimates a U.S. shale-oil production trend forecast and explores potential consequences of that trend on U.S. and World macroeconomic conditions and growth prospects. It explains the economics of the Hubbert curve including a literature review both pro and con. It explains the relationship of shale-oil and shale-gas. It falsifies various U.S. shale-oil trend hypotheses using logic and econometrics. It then presents oil price expectations based on an analyses of entropy-economic relationships, physical energy characteristics, new-institutional economic theories of OPEC, and OPEC+ game-theoretic plays. Covid-19, OPEC+ and macro-economic principles are analyzed for their potential market changing effects using Schwartzian futurology methodology. A comparison of the current global civilization to past civilizations is also carried out.
Editorial Commentary: Neuraxial Anesthesia Improves Pain After Hip Arthroscopy but Risks Ambulatory Discharge Delay.

Abstract Hip arthroscopy continues to be one of the fastest-growing orthopaedic procedures nationally, and pain control following these procedures can be challenging. As regional anesthesia techniques for this population have shown to have limited benefits, pain management for hip arthroscopy focused on multimodal analgesia and preventive analgesia, interventions that reduce postoperative hyperalgesia. The use of neuraxial anesthesia such as spinal and epidural anesthesia, established preventive analgesic anesthetic techniques, has demonstrated to improve postoperative pain in orthopaedic surgery when compared with general anesthesia. This promising finding highlights that despite potential disadvantages of neuraxial anesthesia, such as a small risk for complications or delayed resolution of the neuraxial block that could delay discharge, neuraxial anesthesia could be a suitable anesthetic technique for ambulatory orthopaedic surgery.
Closed-Loop BCI for the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Prof. Shanechi and team submitted a project about developing neurofeedback to help patients with neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression. Their project won third place in the BCI Award 2019. In this chapter, we interviewed Prof. Shanechi and two other members of her team about their project. We asked about why their research is important for patients, how their system operates and might be adapted to real-world use, remaining challenges, and new work from their group and other groups.
Identifying Risk Factors of Upper Extremity Injuries in Collegiate Baseball Players: A Pilot Study

# Background Repetitive pitching places tremendous forces on the shoulder and elbow which can lead to upper extremity (UE) or lower extremity (LE) overuse injuries. # Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate pre-season physical measurements in collegiate baseball players and track in-season baseball throwing volume to determine which factors may predict throwing overuse injuries. # Study Design Retrospective Cohort study. # Methods Baseline preseason mobility, strength, endurance, and perception of function were measured in 17 collegiate baseball pitchers. Participants were then followed during the course of the season to collect rate of individual exposure, estimated pitch volume, and rating of perceived exertion in order to determine if changes in workload contributed to risk of injury using an Acute-to-Chronic Workload ratio (ACWR). # Results Participants developing an injury had greater shoulder internal rotator strength (p=0.04) and grip strength in a neutral position (p=0.03). A significant relationship was identified between ACWR and UE injuries (p <0.001). Athletes with an ACWR above or below 33% were 8.3 (CI~95~ 1.8-54.1) times more likely to suffer a throwing overuse injury occurring to the upper or lower extremity in the subsequent week. # Conclusion ACWR change in a positive or negative direction by 33% was the primary predictor of subsequent injury. This finding may assist sports medicine clinicians by using this threshold when tracking pitch volume to ensure a safe progression in workload during a baseball season to reduce the risk of sustaining overuse upper or lower extremity injuries. # Level of Evidence 3b
The Virtue of Hospitality: Gülen’s Understanding

This chapter offers an analysis of the emergence and importance of hospitality within the Hizmet movement. While undeniably affirming the importance of tolerance in a world filled with intolerance, its understanding of tolerance can be seen as entailing a call to persons to practice and promote the far more robust virtue of hospitality and a range of related virtues. It is argued that the Hizmet movement is best understood as a virtue-based movement of social interactions and practices. The influence of Islam and Sufism on the Hizmet conception of the virtues in general and hospitality in particular is developed. It is argued that the dialogue, educational, and service intiatives of the Hizmet movement are best understood through the lens of virtue formation and promotion directed to human development and peace.
IL-2 Induces STAT4 Activation in Primary NK Cells and NK Cell Lines, But Not in T Cells

IL-2 exerts potent but distinct functional effects on two critical cell populations of the immune system, T cells and NK cells. Whereas IL-2 leads to proliferation in both cell types, it enhances cytotoxicity primarily in NK cells. In both T cells and NK cells, IL-2 induces the activation of STAT1, STAT3, and STAT5. Given this similarity in intracellular signaling, the mechanism underlying the distinct response to IL-2 in T cells and NK cells is not clear. In this study, we show that in primary NK cells and NK cell lines, in addition to the activation of STAT1 and STAT5, IL-2 induces tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT4, a STAT previously reported to be activated only in response to IL-12 and IFN-alpha. This activation of STAT4 in response to IL-2 is not due to the autocrine production of IL-12 or IFN-alpha. STAT4 activated in response to IL-2 is able to bind to a STAT-binding DNA sequence, suggesting that in NK cells IL-2 is capable of activating target genes through phosphorylation of STAT4. IL-2 induces the activation of Jak2 uniquely in NK cells, which may underlie the ability of IL-2 to activate STAT4 only in these cells. Although the activation of STAT4 in response to IL-2 occurs in primary resting and activated NK cells, it does not occur in primary resting T cells or mitogen-activated T cells. The unique activation of the STAT4-signaling pathway in NK cells may underlie the distinct functional effect of IL-2 on this cell population.
Progress in understanding the pathogenesis of the anemia of chronic disease.

Improved understanding of the inflammatory response and the identification and characterization of the specific cytokines involved, as well as improved understanding of erythropoiesis, and the availability of recombinant human growth factors such as EPO, have greatly enhanced our appreciation of the pathogenesis of ACD by allowing development of a number of informative models for studying this syndrome. It appears that a variety of cytokines are involved in all aspects of the pathogenesis of ACD, from the inhibition of erythroid progenitors and EPO production to impairment of iron release. A schematic of the contributions of some of these cytokines to the development of ACD is shown in Fig 6. The exact biochemical mechanisms by which these effects occur is still to be determined. The progress outlined in this report has allowed us to develop a more precise understanding of the pathogenesis of this common and important clinical syndrome. In 1983, Hansen subtitled a review of ACD "A Bag of Unsolved Questions." Although this description is still accurate, our understanding of ACD has now developed to the point where we can offer a more defined subtitle: "A Bag of Cytokines."