cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A role for low-abundance miRNAs in colon cancer: the miR-206/Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) axis.

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are short non-coding RNAs that affect the expression of genes involved in normal physiology, but that also become dysregulated in cancer development. In the latter context, studies to date have focused on high-abundance miRNAs and their targets. We hypothesized that among the pool of low-abundance miRNAs are some with the potential to impact crucial oncogenic signaling networks in colon cancer.
Spectral information divergence for hyperspectral image analysis

The authors propose an information theoretic criterion, called spectral information divergence (SID) for spectral similarity and discriminability. It is derived from the concept of divergence arising in information theory and can be used to describe the statistics of a spectrum. Unlike spectral angle mapper (SAM) which extracts geometric features between two spectra, SID views each pixel spectrum as a random variable and then measures the discrepancy of probabilistic behaviors between two spectra. In order to evaluate SID, SAM is used for comparison via hyperspectral data. Experimental results show that SID can characterise spectral similarity and variability more effectively than SAM.
Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication During Gastrostomy Tube Placement and Noninvasive Ventilation May Improve Survival in Type I and Severe Type II Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Progressive respiratory muscle weakness with bulbar involvement is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in type I and severe type II spinal muscular atrophy. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation techniques coupled with laparoscopic gastrointestinal procedures may allow for improved morbidity and mortality. The authors present a series of 7 spinal muscular atrophy patients (6 type I and 1 severe type II) who successfully underwent laparoscopic gastrostomy tube insertion coupled with Nissen fundoplication and early postoperative extubation using noninvasive positive pressure ventilation techniques. The authors measured the length of survival and the frequencies of pneumonia and hospitalization before and after surgery as outcomes of these new surgical and medical interventions. All 7 patients had respiratory symptoms (unmanageable oropharyngeal secretions, cough, pneumonia), difficulty feeding, and weight loss. Six patients had documented reflux via diagnostic testing preoperatively. Five patients were on noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and other supportive respiratory therapies prior to surgery. All 7 patients survived the procedures. By August 2006, 5 patients with type I and 1 with severe type II spinal muscular atrophy were alive and medically stable at home 1.5 months to 41 months post-op. One patient with type I expired approximately 5 months post-op due to obstructive apnea. This case series demonstrates that laparoscopic gastrostomy tube placement coupled with Nissen fundoplication and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation can be successfully used as a treatment option to allow for early postoperative extubation and to optimize quality of life in type I and severe type II spinal muscular atrophy patients.
Lower bounds on t(n, k) from linear inequalities

The linear inequality method for covering codes is used to improve the lower bounds of t(n, k), the smallest covering radius of any (n, k) binary linear code. To make better use of the strength of this method, the relation between the covering radius of a code and the minimum distance of its dual code is studied. The authors obtained 65 improved lower bounds for t(n, k) within the range of n >
Ambient measurements of metal-containing PM2.5 in an urban environment using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Abstract Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was used to measure the distribution of seven species in individual ambient aerosol particles during an 8-day period from 26 August to 2 September 2002 at the Pittsburgh Aerosol Supersite. Particle hit rates were on the order of 10 −4 –10 −5 for Al, Ca, Cr, Cu, Mg, Mn, and Na. Weekly average concentrations between 29 and 720 ng m −3 are reported along with conservative threshold detection limits for individual particles between 15 and 184 fg, depending on the element. Hourly concentrations are reported for Ca, Mg, and Na; Mg concentrations are found to be somewhat correlated with both Ca and Na, while Ca and Na appear uncorrelated. A representative example of measured Mg particle masses illustrates that the detection threshold poses a limitation in this data set, which could be rectified in future implementations. Finally, the presence of multi-element particles in the data set suggest the use of high-sensitivity, wide-range echelle spectrometers for particle source apportionment and determination of associations between elements.
Tutorial: Analysis of simulation output to compare alternatives

A fundamental use for system simulation is to predict system performance in new situations or with new systems designs. In other words, the analyst uses simulation to aid in answering "what if" questions. We say that simulation is used to compare alternatives. This tutorial assumes that the simultation output is stochastic and has a distribution that is unknown to the analyst. The tutorial presents a method for making comparisons by either ranking alternatives or selecting the best alternative with respect to a single output performance measure. To increase the effectiveness of the comparisons, these methods consider the use of the variance reduction technique of common random numbers.
Switching myelination on and off.

Schwann cells are remarkably plastic cells that can both form and stably maintain myelin sheaths around axons and also rapidly dedifferentiate upon injury. New findings (Parkinson, D.B., A. Bhaskaran, P. Arthur-Farraj, L.A. Noon, A. Woodhoo, A.C. Lloyd, M.L. Feltri, L. Wrabetz, A. Behrens, R. Mirsky, and K.R. Jessen. 2008. J. Cell Biol. 181:625–637) indicate that the transition between these distinct states of differentiation is directed by the transcription factor Krox-20, which promotes and maintains myelination, and c-Jun, which antagonizes it. Cross-inhibition of these transcription factors serves to switch Schwann cells between the myelinated and dedifferentiated phenotypes, respectively.
HOLE BURNING LINE SHAPES IN A TWO-DIMENSIONAL GLASS A MODEL FOR HOLE BURNING LINE SHAPES OF MOLECULES ON SURFACES

A method for calculating the low temperature, hole burning line shapes of molecules in a two-dimensional glass in presented. An extension of the standard dynamic model for three-dimensional glasses is employed. A calculation of the 2-D spatial average with the proper correlation function description predicts non-Lorentzian hole profiles (narrower near the peak, broader in the wings) due to the reduction in dimensionality. A steeper power law, Δν=aTb, is predicted for two-dimensional linewidths, compared to standard three-dimensional results. These results are in qualitative agreement with recent experiments of molecules on surfaces.
Bile Acids and Colon Cancer: Future Prospectives

At St. Mark’s Hospital, London, we believe that colorectal carcinogenesis is a multistage process (Morson, 1974; Hill et al, 1978) and that prevention of the disease might be achieved by interfering with any of those stages. Thus, our approach has been to try to identify high-risk patient groups and to monitor those persons as intensively as resources allow in order to prevent or to diagnose the disease at an early stage; the alternative of mass screening is expensive in time and resources and is highly invasive in the vast majority of the population, who are probably at very low risk of the disease. The first priority must therefore be to identify the persons at greatest risk.
Synthesis and reactivity of molybdenum(0) complexes containing sterically expanded arene ligands

Abstract Synthesis of a series of sterically expanded arenes, containing one or more 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,1,4,4-tetramethyl substituents, was accomplished in high yield utilizing classic Friedel–Crafts alkylation conditions. Metallation of these arenes with molybdenum was accomplished via reflux of Mo(CO)6 in a mixed solvent combination in the presence of the ligand. The (η6-arene)Mo(CO)3 complexes were isolated in reasonable yields (45–60%) and characterized through a combination of 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry. The crystallographic data reveal the ability to tune the steric profile of the arene through judicious ligand choice. Ligand electronics can also be modified to some degree, though to a lesser extent than the steric congestion about the metal center. Computational analysis of the arene complexes corroborate the observed trend of increasing electron donation by the arene as the steric bulk increases. Reactivity of selected Mo complexes highlight the dramatic change in stability substitution imparts on the compounds, as the least sterically congested complex undergoes fastest arene exchange while the bulkiest ligand results in a compound indefinitely stable in neat arene under identical conditions. Attempts at determining whether this substitution chemistry is driven by thermodynamic or kinetic factors were explored computationally and align with systems that have been examined previously. These studies introduce a family of tunable, sterically congested arene ligands that may find value as new supports in the preparation of a range of metal–arene complexes.
Using Hybrid Schedules to Safely Outperform Classical Polyhedral Schedules

The Polyhedral model is a mathematical framework for programs with affine control loops that enables complex pro-gram transformations such as loop permutation and loop tiling to achieve parallelism, data locality and energy efficiency.Polyhedral schedules are widely used by popular polyhedral compilers such as AlphaZ[5] and PLuTo[2][3] to represent program execution orders. They use barriers to enforce the correct order of execution and usually synchronizations happen more than necessarily.Current research([4, 1]) reveals the merit of combining the classical polyhedral schedules and partially ordered schedules manually written by hands with highly target dependent point-wise synchronization mechanisms. However, derivation of a hybrid schedule is tedious and error-prone due to the possibility of deadlocks. Its deviation from any existing standard representation makes program verication the sole responsibility of the programmer.We propose techniques to automate the derivation, verification and code-generation of hybrid schedules. We also demonstrate the convenience and utility of such techniques in resolving the complications associated with current hybrid schedules.
Review of the Genus Rhabdopterus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in America North of Mexico

The genus Rhabdopterus Lefevre, 1885, is revised for America north of Mexico. A key to the males of the 7 included species is presented. Females cannot be identified accurately unless associated with males. R. angustipenis n. sp., is described from Florida. R. blatchleyi Bowditch is removed from synonymy. R. spiculatus Barber and Colaspis weisei Schaeffer are synonomized with R. praetextus (Say). The male characters most useful in species identification are the form of the hind tibiae and the form of the aedeagus. Both characters are figured for each species.
Epidemiological Analysis of Primary and Secondary School Students Poor Vision in Meizhou City in 2008

OBJECTIVE To investigate the visual acuity of primary and secondary school students in Meizhou City and provide scientific basis for poor vision control and prevention.METHODS According to the"National student common diseases comprehensive control program", using the standard logarithmic visual chart to check the vision status of students.RESULTS The poor vision rate of primary and secondary school students was 34.29% in Meizhou City in 2008.The poor vision rate of urban students was 57.01% and rural students was 30.10%, The severe poor vision rate for 46.70%, mode rate for 29.50% and mild for 23.80% .The poor vision rate of senior middle school students was higher than junior middle school students, junior middle school students was higher than primary school students and urban students was higher than rural students.CONCLUSION The poor vision rate of primary and secondary school students increased with study phase in Meizhou City.The strategies should focus on health education, myopia prevention and treatment, reduce the poor vision rate lower rate of students, improve student health.
RELATIONSHIP OF COPING STYLES,SELF CONSISTENCY AND CONGRUENCE TO MENTAL HEALTH IN CERTAIN SPECIAL WORK ARMYMEN

Objective To explore the relationship between coping style,self consistency and congruence,and mental health in certain special work armymen.Methods A total of 12 042 armymen were selected with the method of cluster sampling,and were valuated by coping style scale,Self-Consistency and Congruence Scale,and Symptom checklist-90(SCL-90).Results The most frequently used coping styles by these armymen were problems solving(0.67±0.28),seeking help(0.56±0.25),avoidance(0.55±0.24),rationalization(0.55±0.21),fantasy(0.42±0.22),self-blame(0.26±0.18).The officers used more problem-solving coping style(F =126.97,P0.01),and less other immature coping styles than did the soldiers.Soldiers of ≥5 year age used more problem solving and seeking help while less the rest 4 factors than did one-year soldiers.The total scores of self consistency and congruence and total mean scores of SCL-90 were negatively correlatcd with resolving problem and seeking help factors in coping style(P0.01) and positively correlated with other factors(P0.01).Conclusion The choice of the coping style in certain armymen was influenced by the status of mental health,self consistency and congruence,and there are different coping styles according to different service age,and rank of the subjects.
Book and Resource Reviews

Reviews the book "Learner-Centered Theory and Practice in Distance Education: Cases From Higher Education," by Thomas M. Duffy and Jamie R. Kirkley.
Mathematical Modeling of Batch Heating of Liquids in a Microwave Cavity

Using a heat generation term that exponentially decayed from the surface into the liquid, the energy and flow equations were solved to successfully predict temperatures inside a cylindrical container of liquid in a microwave cavity (oven). A recirculation pattern was setup where the warmer liquid near the surface was rising due to higher rate of heating. Transient temperature profiles were almost linear. The radial temperature profiles were almost uniform, with slight increase toward the wall. The axial temperatures increased with height showing stratification. The uniformity of heating slowly decreased with time due to the spatially varying rate of heat generation.
Impact of sulfate aerosols on short-wave albedo of clouds: A field study

Publisher Summary On a regional scale, the indirect effect of aerosols is investigated by analyzing the impact of anthropogenic sulfur emissions on the microstructure and short-wave albedo of clouds formed at a mountain-top location, and simultaneously observing these clouds by AVHRR (advanced high resolution radiometer) aboard the NOAA (national oceanographic and atmospheric administration) satellites. The aerosol content of the cloud forming air mass is analyzed for size and morphology by electron microscopy and X-ray energy spectrometer. The ionic composition of cloud water is measured together with meteorological parameters. The thickness of the overlying clouds and the 48 h back trajectories of air masses are determined from on site measurements and hybrid single particle Lagarangian integrated trajectory (HY-SPLIT) model. The short-wave albedo of clouds determined from in situ measurements decreased with an increase in cloud water pH, which was largely affected by the sulfate concentration in the cloud forming air mass. For six coincidental cloud events, the AVHRR retrieved cloud albedo agreed well with those determined from in situ microphysical measurements, the correlation coefficient being 0.95. These findings indicate that the sulfate contents of air masses are capable of influencing the shortwave albedo of thin, continental clouds.
The Bone Marrow Origin of Lymphoid Primary Follicle Small Lymphocytes

Only recently has the morphology of lymphoid tissue been clarified in terms of cell population dynamics and migration streams. Gowans and Knight (1) described in the rat a population of small lymphocytes which recirculate between the blood stream and lymphatics, passing into lymph nodes through the walls of specialized blood vessels, the postcapillary venules (2). This population of cells is represented histologically by the diffuse cortex of the lymph nodes and the periarterlolar white sheath of the spleen; these areas contain the major portion of labelled immigrant thoracic duct lymphocytes and are specifically depleted upon chronic drainage of thoracic duct lymph (3). These have been termed “thymus-dependent areas”, since the same pattern of depletion is seen in animals thymectomlzed early in life (4,5,6). The migration of cells from the thymus has also been shown to be restricted to these areas (7).
Can We Make Causal Inferences About the Influence of Children’s Naturally Existing Social Networks on Their School Motivation?

When researchers try to characterize the role of peer influences in child development, they find themselves caught between two extremes. Five decades ago, the dominant position was that the role of peers was almost negligible. The important influences that shaped children’s development were all considered to come from adults, and mainly from parents and teachers. There was little empirical research on the developmental impact of peers. For the most part, children’s relationships with other children were considered to be outcomes of healthy development and diagnostic indicators of their social functioning. This position has been almost completely reversed in recent years. Today, parents and teachers seem to be convinced that peer relationships exert strong effects on children’s academic motivation, their behavior in the classroom, and their academic success. Researchers have re-discovered theorists’ claims that relationships with age-mates constitute important socialization influences (e.g., Baldwin, Piaget, Vygotski), and have come to re-appreciate the corresponding empirical contributions from the 1930s (e.g., Sherif, Parten, Moreno; see Renshaw, 1981). Today, some theorists even insist that the most important bonds shaping children’s development are with peers and that influences from adults are comparably small (e.g., Harris, 1998). Consistent with such claims, studies continue to reveal strong correlations between children and their peers, and experimental studies document the potential causal influences from peers. Amid these extremes, some researchers point out the need for a more balanced position (Berndt & Murphy, 2002; Jaccard, Blanton, & Dodge, 2005;
STAT3 Controls Neutrophil Progenitor Growth and Differentiation During Emergency Granulopoiesis.

Abstract 3619 Poster Board III-555 Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) controls neutrophil production in the bone marrow under steady state conditions and during demand-driven hematopoiesis occurring in response to infection. STAT3 is a principal signaling molecule activated by the G-CSF receptor (G-CSFR). We previously reported that STAT3 has an important role in demand-driven granulopoiesis, although its cellular and molecular mechanisms have been unclear. To address this, we investigated STAT3 function in emergency granulopoiesis stimulated by G-CSF administration or infection with Listeria monocytogenes , which is restrained by the G-CSF response pathway in vivo . Our results show that STAT3-deficiency renders hematopoietic stem cells and myeloid progenitors refractory to the proliferation-inducing effects of G-CSF or Listeria monocytogenes infection. STAT3-deficient myeloid progenitors have a cell autonomous defect in G-CSF-responsive cell cycle progression and undergo delayed granulocyte maturation relative to wild type cells. To define STAT3 target pathways in granulocytic progenitors, we investigated the expression of CCAAT enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) beta, a transcription factor that is necessary for G-CSF-driven emergency granulopoiesis. We found that STAT3 directly regulates G-CSF-responsive C/EBPbeta expression by binding to Cebpb promoter. Moreover, we show that STAT3 and C/EBPbeta co-regulate c-Myc during emergency granulopoiesis. These results place STAT3 as a crucial G-CSF-responsive signal transducer during demand-driven granulopoiesis, through its regulation of critical transcription factors in developing granulocytes. Disclosures: Zhang: Amgen: Research Funding. Nguyen-Jackson: Amgen: Research Funding. Watowich: Amgen, Inc: Research Funding.
Overexpression of N1-acetylpolyamine oxidase (PAO) in human lung cancer cells alters cellular response to specific antitumor polyamine analogues: Mechanism for drug resistance

5084 The critical nature of polyamines in cell growth and the frequent dysregulation of their metabolism in cancer have led to the targeting of the polyamine metabolic pathway as an antitumor strategy. Importantly, recent molecular characterization of each of the polyamine catabolic enzymes and their potential to profoundly alter drug response has propelled considerable interest into understanding their role in modulating tumor cell sensitivity to the antitumor polyamine analogues. Analogue-induced oxidation of the natural polyamines by PAO and the newly discovered spermine oxidase, SMO(PAOh1), has been implicated in the cytotoxic response of solid tumor types to specific polyamine analogues. But the potential that oxidase activity may lead to drug resistance by detoxifying the antitumor analogues has received less attention. Here we examine the substrate specificity of recombinant human PAO with respect to the natural polyamines and various antitumor analogues and examine the effects of overexpression of human PAO in the analogue-sensitive A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell line. The results indicate that PAO, in addition to effectively oxidizing N1-acetylspermine and N1-acetylspermidine, also rapidly oxidizes several symmetrically and unsymmetrically substituted antitumor polyamine analogues, including N1, N11-bis(ethyl)norspermine (BENSpm), N1-ethyl-N11-(cyclopropyl)methyl-4,8,diazaundecane (CPENSpm), N1-ethyl-N11-(cycloheptyl)methyl-4,8,diazaundecane (CHENSpm), and (S)-N1-(2-methyl-1-butyl)-N11 -ethyl-4,8,diazaundecane (IPENSpm). When overexpressed in A549 cells, PAO oxidizes each of the analogues, reduces their intracellular accumulation, blocks the downstream apoptotic events common in response to treatment with these agents, and confers significant resistance to each of these compounds. By contrast, the response to representative oligoamine polyamine analogues that are not PAO substrates is not altered by PAO overexpression. These results suggest a mechanism of resistance to specific antitumor polyamine analogues and provide insight into means for improving the design and use of new agents with greater clinical potential.
Criminal energetics: A theory of antisocial enhancement and criminal attenuation

Abstract Although energy is the currency of all life forms and energy is an underlying factor for physical and mental performance, its role in antisocial behavior has yet to be articulated. In this paper, we consider the role of energy in shaping antisocial and criminal careers and suggest that much like other forms of performance/productivity some criminal offenders are more energetic and therefore more virulent than others over the life-course. Specifically, we argue that energy is an enhancement and attenuator to an antisocial career and draw upon a diverse literature merging basic research on aging and energy production in human physiology and merge these findings with principles from the career criminal paradigm in criminology. Finally, we lay forth a set of research pathways, especially ways in which energy can be assessed, that can forge stronger links between the science of energetics and criminality.
Renal risk stratification in left ventricular assist device therapy.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy has greatly reduced mortality for patients with advanced heart failure (HF), both as a bridge to heart transplantation and as des...
Equine mesenchymal stromal cells from different tissue sources display comparable immune-related gene expression profiles in response to interferon gamma (IFN)-γ

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have the therapeutic potential to decrease inflammation due to their immunomodulatory properties. They can be isolated from various tissue sources such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, and blood, but it is unknown how the tissue source of origin affects the responses of MSC to inflammatory stimuli. Here, we conceptually addressed this question by evaluating the immune-related gene expression profiles of equine MSC from different tissue sources in response to interferon gamma (IFN-γ) stimulation, with the goal to determine if there is a preferable MSC source for clinical application in an inflammatory environment. The salient findings from this initial study were that the baseline expression of all immune related genes analyzed, with the exception of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), was variable in MSC depending on tissue source. Following IFN-γ stimulation, however, gene expression profiles became more similar across all tissue sources, suggesting that MSC from different sources will likely respond similarly in an inflammatory environment when used clinically.
Activity Tracking's Newest Companion: Pulse Wave Velocity.

See related article, pp [503–510][1] Chances are you or someone you know is wearing a device to monitor their physical activity. Sales of consumer physical activity monitor watches have skyrocketed from 15 million in 2014 to 65 million in 2017.1 This explosion in physical activity monitoring is
Immune Disorders of the Gastrointestinal Tract and Liver

Immune disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and hepatobiliary systems comprise a diverse group of illnesses which share in common certain overlapping and yet distinctive expressions of cellular and humoral immunity. As is evident from material contained in this article, controversy and disparate results frequently characterize the study of immune mechanisms in a given disease process. Nonetheless, advances in quantitation of specific immunocyte function and phenotypic expression have greatly facilitated the depth of understanding of the immune process related to these disorders. Challenges for future clinical investigation of these disorders are to characterize cell-specific target antigens to which immunologic attack is directed and to unravel the immunogenetic mechanisms that trigger and direct immune-mediated injury to host tissues. It is anticipated that continued investigation of immune disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and liver will clarify pathogenetic mechanisms and thus permit formulation of rational and effective therapies.
Taxonomic revisions within Embiotocidae (Teleostei, Perciformes) based on molecular phylogenetics

Embiotocidae, a unique family within the Perciformes that has evolved a complex viviparous natural history, has lacked full resolution and strong support in several interspecific relationships until recently. Here we propose three taxonomic revisions within embiotocid surfperches based on recent molecular phylogenetic analyses that robustly resolve all interspecific relationship in the Eastern Pacific species: Hypsurus caryi (Agassiz, 1853) resurrected to its original name Embiotoca caryi Agassiz, 1853, Rhacochilus vacca (Girard, 1855) shifted into the genus Phanerodon Girard, 1854, and Hyperprosopon anale Agassiz, 1861 separated into the available genus Hypocritichthys Gill, 1862. The proposed changes would leave three previously paraphyletic groups monophyletic (Embiotoca, Hyperprosopon, and Phanerodon) and would maintain the current number of genera at 13.
Dietary Restriction, Starvation, Compensatory Growth – ‘ Short-Term Fasting Does Not Kill You: It Can Make You Stronger ’

In natural systems, short-term food deprivation (dietary restriction, DR; calorie restriction, CR) occurs frequently and animals have developed strategies to cope with this situation. This process has been in the focus of many ecological and aquacultural studies and will be discussed in this chapter. In general, life history theory assumes trade-offs in resource allocation among growth, self-maintenance and reproduction; complimentarily, evolutionary theory expresses the general expectation that DR will often result in improved survival probability, and extended life span. The response to DR is species-specific and often even specific to subpopulations or clones, and several aquatic species respond to DR with reduced life span and fecundity. In the case of life span extension, one major mechanism appears to be increased stress resistances which can even be passed to succeeding generations, most likely via epigenetic mechanisms. In model organisms, but not yet in fishes or aquatic invertebrates, major signaling pathways have been identified. Provided these mechanisms are better understood in fish and invertebrate species, broodstocks can intentionally be improved, instead of using the stochastic genetic approach.
Annotation of Variant Data from High-Throughput DNA Sequencing from Tumor Specimens: Filtering Strategies to Identify Driver Mutations

The use of next-generation sequencing technologies has enabled the analysis of a wide spectrum of somatic mutations in tumors. This analysis can be carried out using various strategies including the use of small panels of focused, clinically actionable genes, large panels of cancer-related genes, whole exomes, and the entire genome. One of the main goals in these analyses is to identify key mutations in these tumors that drive the oncogenic process. Depending on the gene, mutations can have altering effects, such as loss of function mutations in tumor suppressor genes, to mutations that activate genes such as kinases involved with cell cycle progression or proliferation. Once the sequencing process is complete, and the alignment of the large collection of reads to the reference genome and variant calling has been carried out, one is left with a large collection of variants. The challenge then becomes assigning where the variant resides in the genome with respect to coding regions, splice site regions, regulatory regions, and what potential functional effect these variants may have on the resulting protein. Other helpful information includes determining if the variant has been identified before, and if so, the tumor type associated with the variant. In addition, if the tumor profiling experiment is not conducted with a matched specimen representing the inherited genome, various tools are helpful to determine if the variant is likely to be an inherited polymorphism or a somatic event. In this chapter, we review the various tools available for annotating variants to assist in filtering down and prioritizing the hundreds to thousands of variants down to the key variants likely to be driver mutations and relevant to the tumor being profiled.
Automated Subdaily Sampling of Cyanobacterial Toxins on a Buoy Reveals New Temporal Patterns in Toxin Dynamics

Temporal variability of toxins produced by cyanobacteria in lakes is relatively unknown at time scales relevant to public health (i.e., hourly). In this study, a water quality monitoring buoy was outfitted with an automated water sampler taking preserved samples every 6 h for 68.75 days over a drinking water intake. A total of 251 samples were analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry for 21 cyanotoxin congeners in 5 classes producing 5020 data points. Microcystins (MCs) were the most abundant toxins measured (mean ± sd = 3.9 ± 3.3 μg/L) followed by cyanopeptolins (CPs) (1.1 ± 1.5 μg/L), anabaenopeptins (APs) (1.0 ± 0.6 μg/L), anatoxin-a (AT-A) (0.03 ± 0.06 μg/L), and microginin-690 (MG-690) (0.002 ± 0.01 μg/L). Advanced time series analyses uncovered patterns in cyanotoxin production. The velocity of cyanotoxin concentration varied from −0.7 to 0.9 μg/L/h with a maximum positive velocity just prior to peak toxin concentration during nonbloom periods. A backward-looking moving window of variance analysis detec...
Factors associated with disease self-efficacy in individuals aging with a disability.

Self-management of a disability consists of treatment adherence, obtaining information about the disease and treatment options, caring for oneself, participating in decisions, and maintaining socia...
Garbage In, Garbage Out

Calculating the prevalence and rate of routine (i.e., non-medically necessary) circumcision in infants and children requires an understanding of hospital and physician billing and coding (including such practices as bundling and DRGs), as well as medical practice conventions. These appear to vary depending on locale, insurance coverage (or lack thereof), coding and billing competence, and the level of sophistication and accuracy of data recording, reporting, and analysis in a given entity—be it hospital, insurance company, or government agency. Using data from New York's Medicaid program, this paper will demonstrate the difficulty of collecting valid service and cost data for routine circumcision. It will also show how both states and insurers consistently under-report both the frequency and cost of circumcision. Finally, it will suggest some implications of this under-reporting for advocates working to end non-therapeutic circumcision in the United States.
Predictors of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis and influenza vaccination during pregnancy among full-term deliveries in a medically underserved population.

Abstract Objective To evaluate predictors of vaccination among women who received tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccination (Tdap), influenza vaccination, and Tdap and influenza vaccinations. Study Design In a retrospective cohort study of all full-term (≥37 weeks gestation) deliveries between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2018 at a single, safety-net institution, we used multinomial logistic regression models to compare predictors of vaccination among women who received Tdap only, influenza only, and both Tdap and influenza vaccines. Results Among 3132 full-term deliveries, women were primarily non-Hispanic black (67.5%), between the ages of 21–34 (65.3%), and multiparous (76.0%). The rates of only influenza or Tdap vaccination were 10.3% and 21.6%, respectively; 43.3% of women received both vaccines, and 24.9% of women did not receive either vaccine. In the adjusted models, Hispanic ethnicity was positively associated with receipt of all types of vaccination and non-Spanish language interpreter use was positively associated with receipt of Tdap vaccination and Tdap and influenza vaccination. A parity of greater than three and inadequate and unknown prenatal care adequacy were negative predictors of all types of vaccination. Pre-existing hypertension was negatively associated with Tdap vaccination, and HIV-positive status was negatively associated with influenza vaccination and Tdap and influenza vaccination. Conclusion Compared to the national rate of both Tdap and influenza vaccination (32.8%), a higher proportion of women received both vaccines in our study population. Vaccine uptake may be affected by race/ethnicity, use of interpreter services, parity, pre-existing comorbidities, and prenatal care adequacy. The lower rate of influenza vaccination compared to Tdap vaccination suggests that other factors, such as vaccine hesitancy and mistrust, may be differentially impacting influenza vaccination uptake in our predominantly minority population. Future provider and public health approaches to vaccine promotion should incorporate culturally appropriate strategies that address vaccine-related beliefs and misconceptions.
Age-specific seasonal associations between acute exposure to PM2.5 sources and cardiorespiratory hospital admissions in California

Abstract Numerous studies have explored the relationships between short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and morbidity. However, few studies have investigated which PM2.5 sources and constituents contribute to the health associations, and even fewer studies are available which explored age or seasonal effect modification for the associations between PM2.5 sources and health. We explored age-specific associations between short-term exposure to PM2.5 chemical constituents and its sources, and hospital admissions in California. We linked hospital admission data (n = 1,679,094) with PM2.5 chemical constituents and source apportionment data for eight sites in California for the period of 2002–2009. Site-specific source apportionment was conducted using Positive Matrix Factorization, and five PM2.5 sources were commonly identified in most sites (biomass burning, soil, secondary ammonium nitrate, secondary ammonium sulfate, and vehicular emissions). Age-stratified Poisson time-series regression was conducted for each site, and the health risk estimates were combined to generate overall age-specific associations with cardiovascular- and respiratory-related hospital admissions. We further conducted seasonal interaction models to assess seasonal effect modification. An interquartile range increase in PM2.5 vehicular emissions was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular-related hospital admission at lag 0 (1.32% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.16, 2.49]) for elderly people (≥65 years old). Exposure to PM2.5 vehicular emissions increased the risk of respiratory-related hospitalizations at lag 2 (3.58% [95% CI: 0.90, 6.33]) for children (0–18 years old). Risk estimates of PM2.5 total mass, vehicular emissions, and its related constituents (e.g., iron) for respiratory admissions were higher in the warm season among children. Heterogeneous seasonal estimates were not observed for other age groups. Our results suggest that short-term exposures to several PM2.5 sources and their related constituents are more harmful than exposures to other pollutants, particularly for children in summer. Identifying toxic sources is important for developing effective interventions and protecting susceptible populations.
Neutron irradiation-induced microstructure damage in ultra-high temperature ceramic TiC

Abstract Titanium carbide (TiC) is an ultra-high temperature ceramic with potential as a structural material candidate for advanced reactor concepts. However, the irradiation tolerance of TiC is not well understood. Here, we reveal the key irradiation damage microstructure degradation processes in TiC using mixed spectrum neutron irradiations at dose of ∼2 displacements per atom (dpa) at temperatures of ∼220, 620, and 1115 °C, combined with state-of-art microstructure characterization using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM). The helium injection (∼65 atomic parts per million) produced by neutron transmutation also occurred in the sample. TiC was observed to form irradiation-induced interstitial-type dislocation loops and He-stabilized cavities. At 220 and 620 °C, the analysis of the electron diffraction patterns, rel-rod imaging and HRTEM revealed that the dislocation loops were faulted Frank loops with Burgers vector bFrank = 1/3 lying on {111} planes. A detailed Burgers vector identification performed by the g.b technique revealed that the dislocation loops forming at 1115 °C were unfaulted, edge-type, with Burgers vectors b = a and a/2 with corresponding {100} and {110} habit planes. Using continuum mechanics, we estimated the critical radius at which a faulted dislocation loop transitions to a perfect loop to be 9 nm. Further, no amorphization occurred in TiC under-investigated irradiation conditions while macroscopic swelling under point defect swelling regime was observed. He-stabilized cavities were detected at 1115 °C, but not at lower temperature irradiation. These observations indicate the onset of long-range vacancy migration in TiC occurs between 620 and 1115 °C.
Schematron-based Semantic Constraints Specification Framework and Validation Rules Engine for JSON

Business data is a critical asset for organizations. Data quality issues can creep in at multiple stages during the creation and processing of the business data. Syntax and semantic validation of business data at inception and during processing are of utmost importance to mitigate financial and other types of risks. Currently, XML is a predominant format for business data. XML has a mature syntax and semantic constraint specification standards and validation toolset. JSON is an emerging format for business data. It has a relatively mature syntax specification standard and a variety of validation tools but it lacks a common semantic/co-constraints specification standard and reusable validation toolset. This research developed a system to overcome these serious limitations. The system consists of a) an ISO/IEC 19757– 3 Schematron compliant framework to specify the semantic constraints in JSON itself and b) a JavaScript-based reusable and extensible validation component. The semantic constraints specification framework can be leveraged to specify arbitrarily complex constraints whereas the validation tool can be used as a standalone component or can be embedded in other data processing enterprise systems as a module. Together this system can be used as a test bed for further research in the area of semantic validation for JSON data. This paper will describe in detail the first component while briefly touching upon the second component.
Which Surgical Specialist Should Perform Metabolic Bariatric Surgery in Children and Adolescents

As the incidence of obesity has risen in North American children and adolescents, there has been a concomitant rise in the number of pediatric patients who undergo metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS). Over the past 3 decades there has been a three-fold increase in the incidence of childhood obesity [1]. For adolescents age 12 to 19 years, the prevalence of obesity and extreme obesity is estimated at 20.5% and 7.8% respectively, and for children as young as 6 to 11 years of age it is estimated to be 17.5% and 5.6% [2]. While metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has a proven record of success in the treatment of adults with morbid obesity, it is only over the past decade or so that we have seen a similar rise in literature supporting MBS for the pediatric population. Adolescents undergoing MBS exhibit similar improvements in obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes type II, hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea [3–7]. For the most part, the result of MBS mirror the successes seen in adult populations, and a growing body of evidence similarly supports a multidisciplinary approach to MBS in pediatric patients. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Pediatric Committee continues to put out pediatric-specific recommendations for MBS programs with respect to how a program is staffed. With respect to the surgeon performing the procedures, it recommends a “moderate volume metabolic and bariatric surgeon, either adult or pediatric, and a transition plan into an adult program [8].” The question we will consider in this review is whether the training background of that surgical specialist affects outcomes, and whether it makes a difference if that is a pediatric general surgeon or an adult surgeon with minimally invasive surgical (MIS) training?
Building Belarasa Habits in the Postmillenial Generation

This research is a qualitative research with a case study method approach that aims to find out the efforts to build belarasa habits, various forms of belarasa, and the impact of carrying out belarasa or compassion carried out by students of Darma Cendika Catholic University scholarship recipients from academic scholarship Aquinas. Thus, students of Darma Cendika Catholic University who received scholarships from academic scholarship Aquinas as many as 105 students were the subject of this research. Data collection methods use observation, interviews, and documentation. In data analysis using data reduction methods, data presentation, and inference. The results of this study showed that 1) 77% of the scholarship students from Academic Scholarship Aquinas consistently build attitudes and actions carried out through a six-step practice of habituation to build belarasa; 2) found various forms of belarasa, such as providing direct assistance in the form of goods, establishing cooperation to create business opportunities, providing inspiration; 3) the impact after doing belarasa can be felt both for yourself and the environment. The impact for one another is the existence of mental satisfaction or life satisfaction and encourages life to be more able to be grateful so that it becomes happy because it can do so, such as spontaneously being able to give thanks, can pray for those who suffer, can make decisions to provide assistance in what form. The impact for the environment is to form an environment around where scholarship students live felt more positive because it starts from him who develops sensitivity to be more able to carry out belarasa so that it can be transmitted to others around him, building networks by forming cooperation with institutions or other parties.
Familial Burden and Other Clinical Factors Associated With Various Types of Cancer in Individuals With Lynch Syndrome

Background & Aims Lynch syndrome (LS) is associated with increased risks of various gastrointestinal, gynecologic, genitourinary, and other cancers. Many clinical practice guidelines recommend that LS carriers' screening strategies be devised based on their family history of various cancers, in addition to age-, sex-, and gene-specific considerations. The aim of this study was to examine the association between family history and other clinical factors with LS carriers' histories of various cancers. Methods Two cohorts of LS carriers were analyzed: a laboratory-based cohort of consecutively ascertained individuals undergoing germline LS testing and a clinic-based cohort of LS carriers undergoing clinical care at an academic medical center. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess clinical factors associated with LS carriers' histories of various cancers/neoplasms. Familial burden was defined as LS carriers' aggregate number of first-/second-degree relatives with a history of a given malignancy. Results Multivariable analysis of the laboratory-based cohort (3828 LS carriers) identified familial burden as being incrementally associated with LS carriers' personal history of endometrial (odds ratio [OR], 1.37 per affected first-/second-degree relative; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–1.56), urinary tract (OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 2.02–3.67), small bowel (OR, 3.17; 95% CI, 1.65–6.12), gastric (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.24–3.02), and pancreaticobiliary cancers (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.21–3.65) and sebaceous neoplasms (OR, 7.39; 95% CI, 2.71–20.15). Multivariable analysis of the clinic-based cohort (607 LS carriers) confirmed a significant association of familial burden of endometrial and urinary tract cancers. Conclusions Familial burden – in addition to age, sex, and specific LS gene – should be used to assess LS carriers' risks of specific cancers and guide decision-making about organ-specific surveillance.