cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Defining anxious depression: a review of the literature

The diagnosis of anxious depression is presently inconsistent. The many different definitions of anxious depression have complicated its diagnosis, leading to clinical confusion and inconsistencies in the literature. This article reviewed the extant literature in order to identify the varying definitions of anxious depression, which were then compared using Feighner's diagnostic criteria. Notably, these suggest a different clinical picture of patients with anxious depression. For instance, relying on The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnoses yields a clinical picture of a comparatively mild or transient disorder; in contrast, using dimensional criteria such as DSM criteria combined with additional rating scales-most commonly the anxiety somatization factor score from the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)-yields a more serious clinical picture. The evidence reviewed here suggests that defining anxious depression in a dimensional manner may be the most useful and clinically relevant way of differentiating it from other types of mood and anxiety disorders, and of highlighting the most clinically significant differences between patients with anxious depression versus depression or anxiety alone.
Obesity Predicts Differential Response to Cancer Prevention Interventions Among African Americans

Wellness for African Americans Through Churches was a randomized trial that tested the effectiveness of tailored print and video (TPV) and/or lay health advisors (LHA) at increasing recreational physical activity (RPA), fruit and vegetable (FV normal and overweight individuals receiving the LHA intervention increased RPA more, whereas obese individuals responded better to TPV. For CRC screening, the interaction term was not significant; weight alone was related to screening at follow-up (p = .049), with obese individuals reporting less screening. These results suggest that weight tailoring may improve the effectiveness of behavior change interventions.
Receptor Cross-Talk Spatially Restricts p-ERK during TLR4 Stimulation of Autoreactive B Cells

To maintain tolerance, autoreactive B cells must regulate signal transduction from the BCR and TLRs. We recently identified that dendritic cells and macrophages regulate autoreactive cells during TLR4 activation by releasing IL-6 and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L). These cytokines selectively repress Ab secretion from autoreactive, but not antigenically naive, B cells. How IL-6 and sCD40L repress autoantibody production is unknown. In this work, we show that IL-6 and sCD40L are required for low-affinity/avidity autoreactive B cells to maintain tolerance through a mechanism involving receptor cross-talk between the BCR, TLR4, and the IL-6R or CD40. We show that acute signaling through IL-6R or CD40 integrates with chronic BCR-mediated ERK activation to restrict p-ERK from the nucleus and represses TLR4-induced Blimp-1 and XBP-1 expression. Tolerance is disrupted in 2-12H/MRL/lpr mice where IL-6 and sCD40L fail to spatially restrict p-ERK and fail to repress TLR4-induced Ig secretion. In the case of CD40, acute signaling in B cells from 2-12H/MRL/lpr mice is intact, but the chronic activation of p-ERK emanating from the BCR is attenuated. Re-establishing chronically active ERK through retroviral expression of constitutively active MEK1 restores tolerance upon sCD40L, but not IL-6, stimulation, indicating that regulation by IL-6 requires another signaling effector. These data define the molecular basis for the regulation of low-affinity autoreactive B cells during TLR4 stimulation; they explain how autoreactive but not naive B cells are repressed by IL-6 and sCD40L; and they identify B cell defects in lupus-prone mice that lead to TLR4-induced autoantibody production.
Augmented urban planning workbench: overlaying drawings, physical models and digital simulation

There is a problem in the spatial and temporal separation between the varying forms of representation used in urban design. Sketches, physical models, and more recently computational simulation, while each serving a useful purpose, tend to be incompatible forms of representation. The contemporary designer is required assimilate these divergent media into a single mental construct and in so doing is distracted from the central process of design. We propose an augmented reality workbench called "Luminous Table" that attempts to address this issue by integrating multiple forms of physical and digital representations. 2D drawings, 3D physical models, and digital simulation are overlaid into a single information space in order to support the urban design process. We describe how the system was used in a graduate design course and discuss how the simultaneous use of physical and digital media allowed for a more holistic design approach. We also discuss the need for future technical improvements.
Taking immunosuppressive medications effectively (TIMELink): a pilot randomized controlled trial in adult kidney transplant recipients

Background Immunosuppressive medication non-adherence is one of the most prevalent but preventable causes of poor outcomes in adult renal transplant recipients, yet there is a paucity of studies testing interventions in this area. Methods Using a randomized controlled trial design, 30 adult renal transplant recipients were screened for medication non-adherence using electronic monitoring. Fifteen non-adherent participants were randomized to receive either a continuous self-improvement intervention or attention control management. The six-month continuous self-improvement intervention involved the participant and clinical nurse specialist collaboratively identifying the person's life routines, important people, and possible solutions to enhance medication taking. The participant then received individual monthly medication taking feedback delivered via a graphic printout of daily medication taking generated from electronic monitoring. Results The mean medication adherence score for the continuous self-improvement intervention group (n = 8) was statistically significantly higher than the attention control group's (n = 5) mean medication adherence score (p = 0.03). The continuous self-improvement intervention effect size (Cohen's d) was large at 1.4. Participants' perceptions of the intervention were highly favorable. Conclusions The continuous self-improvement intervention shows promise as an effective and feasible approach to improve medication adherence in adult renal transplant recipients. A fully-powered study with a diverse sample is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Targeting diphtheria toxin to growth factor receptors.

Biochemical, genetic and X-ray crystallographic analysis of diphtheria toxin have demonstrated that the native toxin is composed of three structural domains that function in an ordered fashion to intoxicate a eukaryotic cell. With the knowledge that, if delivered to the cytosol, a single molecule of the catalytic domain is lethal for the cell, we have used recombinant DNA methods to genetically replace the native toxin receptor binding domain with a series of growth factors. The resulting diphtheria toxin-related cytokine fusion proteins, or fusion toxins bind to their respective receptors, are internalized by receptor-mediated endocytosis, and efficiently eliminate target cell populations by the adenosine diphosphate ribosylation of elongation factor 2. Based upon the results of preclinical studies, DAB486IL-2, DAB389IL-2 and DAB389EGF have, or are in the process of being evaluated in Phase I/II clinical trials. To date, administration of the diphtheria toxin-based fusion proteins targeted toward the high affinity IL-2 receptor have been found to be safe, well tolerated, and capable of inducing remission in refractory hematologic malignancies.
Long range prediction and reduced feedback for mobile radio adaptive OFDM systems

Adaptive orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (AOFDM) modulation is a promising technique for achieving high data rates required for wireless multimedia services. To accomplish efficient adaptive channel loading, the channel state information (CSI) needs to be fed back to the transmitter. Since the fading channel varies rapidly for fast vehicle speeds, long range fading prediction (LRP) is required for mobile radio AOFDM to insure reliable adaptation. We use past channel observations to predict future CST and perform adaptive bit and power allocation for the OFDM system. We derive the minimum mean-square-error (MMSE) long-range channel prediction that utilizes the time and frequency domain correlation functions of the Rayleigh fading channel. Since the channel statistics are usually unknown, robust prediction methods that do not require the knowledge of the correlation functions are developed. Statistical model of the prediction error is created and used in the design of reliable adaptive modulation. In addition, several methods that significantly reduce the feedback load for mobile radio AOFDM systems are developed and compared. We use a standard sum-of-sinusoids model and our realistic physical model to validate performance of proposed methods. Simulation results demonstrate reliable performance and robustness of the proposed techniques, thus validating feasibility of AOFDM for rapidly varying mobile radio channels
A serum factor(s) after small bowel resection induces intestinal epithelial cell proliferation: effects of timing, site, and extent of resection.

Abstract Background/purpose After small bowel resection (SBR), serum induces proliferation in rat intestinal epithelial cells (RIEC-6). This study was designed to elucidate the effects of postoperative time interval, site, and magnitude of SBR on RIEC-6 proliferation. Methods Serum was collected from rats at various times after a 75% mid-SBR or sham operation and added to RIEC-6 cells and growth determined over 5 days. In other experiments, cell growth was recorded in the presence of serum from rats after 25%, 50%, or 75% SBR, or after jejunal or ileal SBR. Results SBR serum enhanced RIEC-6 cell proliferation as early as 12 hours after resection. The extent of SBR directly correlated with the level of adaptation; however, the effects on cell growth by the serum were similar. SBR serum induced proliferation equally after either proximal or distal resection. Conclusions Serum contains a factor that stimulates intestinal cell proliferation soon after SBR but independent of the degree or site of intestinal resection. Although humoral factor(s) play a role in the early induction of enterocyte proliferation after SBR, further modulation of adaptation to varied lengths or sites of intestinal resection are probably governed by mechanisms independent of factors that circulate in the serum.
The Cyclical Behavior of the Real Term Structure and Consumption Growth

A complete markets consumption-based asset pricing model predicts that the behavior of expected real yields on nominally risk free bonds should be closely related to expected consumption growth, adjusted by the variance of consumption growth. In this paper, expected real yields and expected consumption growth are identified using time series models, and the stylized facts about real yields, consumption growth, and their variability over the business cycle are examined. The principal results are: (1) Real yields are substantially more persistent than consumption growth. Nevertheless (2) Variation of real yields and consumption growth over the business cycle are qualitatively similar. They are both positively correlated with the cyclical component of the natural logarithm of output, and contrary to the predictions in Breeden (1986) and Donaldson, Johnsen, and Mehra (1990)), the levels of the real yield curve and expected consumption growth are higher at (ex post) cycle peaks than at (ex post) troughs. (3) The co-movements of the actual data are broadly consistent with the properties of a simple, trend-stationary real business cycle model where cycle turning points are inherently unpredictable.
Phospholipid-Calcium Relations at the Sarcolemma of the Cardiac Cell

The mammalian heart controls its force development by two general mechanisms: (1) The Frank-Starling response to changing preload which involves a change in diastolic fiber length, and (2) a change of contractile state in which force changes without a primary change in the relation of sarcomeric myofilaments to each other. There is evidence (Allen and Kentish, 1985) that the Frank-Starling response might involve changes in intracellular calcium (Ca) distribution and/or myofilament sensitivity that may affect force, but the primary event is the length change. In contrast, the second mechanism, change in contractile state, is primarily dependent on alterations in cellular Ca flux and exchange. The characteristics of this flux and exchange have been the focus of my laboratory at UCLA for the past 20 years. This paper will present a brief review of the current state of our knowledge with emphasis on the possible role of phospholipid in the sarcolemmal membrane in the regulation of Ca binding and exchange.
Abstract 293: Regulation of inhibitor of differentiation 1 (Id1) by PKC signaling in the intestinal epithelium

Increasing evidence supports a role for protein kinase C (PKC) signaling in regulation of intestinal epithelial self-renewal, and alterations in PKC isozyme expression/activity have been broadly linked to intestinal carcinogenesis. PKCα, which exhibits growth inhibitory and tumor suppressor properties in the intestine, is lost early during intestinal tumor development. To gain further insight into the tumor suppressive effects of PKCα signaling, we explored the consequences of restoration of PKCα expression in DLD-1 human colon cancer cells by microarray analysis. The most downregulated known gene in PKCα-expressing DLD-1 cells was inhibitor of differentiation 1 (Id1), a member of the Id family of dominant negative antagonists of bHLH transcription factors that has cell cycle stimulatory functions and has been associated with tumorigenesis in a number of systems. Suppression of Id1 protein by PKCα in colon cancer cells was confirmed by Western blot analysis in a panel of cell lines including DLD-1, HCT116, FET, FET/DNR, and GEO. Notably, activation of PKC/PKCα in non-transformed IEC-18 intestinal crypt cells also resulted in rapid and profound downregulation of Id1 mRNA and protein, pointing to a role for PKCα in Id1 regulation in the normal intestinal epithelium. PKC-induced suppression of Id1 was found to occur via an ERK/MAPK-dependent, PI3K-independent mechanism. Manipulation of Id1 levels in normal and transformed intestinal cells demonstrated its ability to affect two key cell cycle targets of PKCα, the potent mitogen cyclin D1 and the cdk inhibitor p21 Waf1/Cip1 . Knockdown of Id1 consistently decreased steady-state levels of cyclin D1, while overexpression of the factor resulted in reduced levels of p21 Waf1/Cip1 . Thus, Id1 appears to control the expression of important cell cycle regulators in intestinal cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of normal intestinal mucosa further demonstrated that PKCα activation, which occurs precisely at the point of growth arrest in the mid/upper crypt, coincides with marked downregulation of Id1 in vivo. Conversely, loss of PKCα in intestinal tumors is associated with Id1 overexpression. Ongoing studies are focused on delineating the link between the tumor suppressor functions of PKCα and its inhibitory effects on Id1 expression in intestinal cells. Supported by NIH grants DK54909, DK60632, CA16506, and CA113048. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 293.
Tradition and Medicine on the Wings of a Fly

This study examines the pre-modern debate surrounding a strange Islamic prophetic tradition (ḥadīṯ) that commands to fully immerse a fly that has fallen into a drink, “for in one of its wings there is poison and in the other a cure”. Studying different discussions of the hadith from the 3th/9th to the 9th/15th centuries reveals the variety of ways Muslim scholars negotiated the substantial tension between the competing authorities of prophetic tradition and the Greco-Islamic scientific tradition. Finally, I propose a possible explanation for the idea of a poison and cure on flies’ wings in Greco-Roman medical discussions of the Spanish fly.Cette etude a pour objet le debat premoderne sur une etrange tradition prophetique islamique (ḥadīṯ) qui enjoint d’immerger entierement une mouche tombee dans une boisson “car une de ses ailes contient un poison et l’autre un remede”. L’analyse de differentes discussions du hadith depuis le III e/IX e siecle jusqu’au IX e/XV e siecle montre la diversite des approches des erudits musulmans pour affronter la tension substantielle entre l’autorite de la tradition prophetique et celle de la tradition scientifique greco-islamique. Enfin, je propose une explication possible a l’idee de poison et de remede sur les ailes des mouches dans les debats medicaux greco-romains sur la mouche espagnole.
Optimal Control of Aeroacoustic Flows: Transpiration Boundary Control

We consider the optimal boundary control of aeroacoustic noise governed by the two-dimensional unsteady compressible Euler equations. The control is the time and space varying wall-normal velocity (transpiration velocity) on a subset of a solid wall. The objective functional to be minimized is a measure of acoustic amplitude. Optimal transpiration boundary control of aeroacoustic noise introduces challenges beyond those encountered in direct aeroacoustic simulations or in many other optimization problems governed by compressible Euler equations. One nontrivial issue that arises in our optimal control problem is the formulation and implementation of transpiration boundary conditions. Since we allow suction and blowing on the boundary, portions of the boundary may change from inflow to outflow, or vice versa, and different numbers of boundary conditions must be imposed depending on whether a boundary portion is an inflow or an outflow boundary. Another important issue is the derivation of adjoint equations, which are needed for the computation of the gradient of the objective function with respect to the control. Among other things, this is influenced by the choice of boundary conditions for the compressible Euler equations. This paper describes our approaches to meet these challenges and presents first results for two model problems. These problems are designed to validate our transpiration boundary conditions and their implementation, study the accuracy of gradient computations, and assess the performance of the computed controls.
A Quantitative Assessment of Low Back Pain in Dentistry

Abstract Previous research has shown that work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) caused by overexertion, awkward postures and repetitive motion are common among dental professionals. Literature suggests that the prevalence of general musculoskeletal discomfort ranges between 64 and 93 percent. Combined with a flexed cervical spine, dentists may experience the demands of high precision work and sustained static loading in the back, neck and shoulders. The primary means of assessing these disorders in dentistry has been through empirical studies using self-reporting and non-quantitative observational studies. This research provides a quantitative means of assessing mechanical/physical risk indicators of low back pain (LBP) in dentistry. A motion tracking system was employed to quantify posture variations of twelve professional dentists as four specific dental procedures (cavity preparation, tooth extraction, mirror check, and application and removal of a dental dam clamps) were performed using a patient simulator in a laboratory controlled environment. Four independent variables (IVs were general posture, precision, line of vision, and grip type. The dependent variables (DVs) were three lumbar spine intervertebral ranges of motion (ROM) - flexion, lateral flexion and axial rotation. Eight of 32 trials were analyzed. Four ranges of motion limits were assessed – the action limit (AL), maximal permissible limit (MPL), safe working range/zone (SWZ) limit, and risk of injury (ROI) limit. The focus is on the results of the seated/standing posture for the assessed four ROM limits. The MANOVA showed there were no significant 2, 3 or 4-way interactions and that only the precision variable was statistically significant (p
Role of HCO3- ions in depolarizing GABAA receptor-mediated responses in pyramidal cells of rat hippocampus

1. Activation of GABAA receptors can produce both hyperpolarizing and depolarizing responses in CA1 pyramidal cells. The hyperpolarizing response is mediated by a Cl- conductance, but the ionic basis of the depolarizing response is not clear. We compared the GABAA receptor-mediated depolarizations induced by synaptically released gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA; depolarizing inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (dIPSPs)] with those produced by exogenous GABA (depolarizing GABA responses). Short trains of high-frequency (200 Hz) stimuli were used to generate dIPSPs. We found that dIPSPs generated by trains of stimuli and depolarizing responses to exogenous GABA were accompanied by a conductance increase and had a similar reversal potential, indicating a similar ionic basis for both responses. 2. We wished to determine whether an HCO3- current contributed to the GABAA-mediated depolarizations. We found that dIPSPs and depolarizing GABA responses were sensitive to perfusion with HCO3(-)-free medium. Interpretation of these data was complicated by the mixed nature of the responses: dIPSPs were invariably accompanied by conventional, Cl(-)-mediated fast hyperpolarizing IPSPs (fIPSPs), and response to exogenous GABA usually consisted of biphasic hyperpolarizing and depolarizing responses. However, it was sometimes possible to elicit responses to GABA that appeared purely depolarizing (monophasic depolarizing GABA responses). 3. We analyzed monophasic depolarizing GABA responses and found no change in reversal potential when slices were perfused with HCO(3-)-free medium. We also made whole-cell recordings from CA1 pyramidal cells, attempting to reduce [HCO3-]i, and compared the reversal potential for monophasic depolarizing GABA responses with similar responses recorded with fine intracellular microelectrodes. We found no difference in reversal potential. We also examined effects of the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide (ACTZ) on depolarizing GABA responses. ACTZ reduced these responses but did not change their reversal potential. 4. Effects of HCO(3-)-free medium were not specific to GABAA receptor-mediated responses. GABAB receptor-mediated slow IPSPs (sIPSPs) were also reduced, as were excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs). Analyses of field potentials and spontaneous fIPSPs suggested a decrease in presynaptic excitability during perfusion with HCO(3-)-free medium. In addition, pyramidal cells showed decreased input resistance when perfused with HCO(3-)-free medium. 5. The sensitivity of GABAA receptor-mediated depolarizations to HCO(3-)-free medium can be explained by a decrease in presynaptic excitability and an increased resting conductance in postsynaptic neurons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Family medicine should shape reform, not vice versa.

By lending their support to the concept of the patient-centered medical home (PCMH), a construct that lacks the hallmarks of good primary care, the primary care specialties are at risk of wasting an opportunity to revolutionize health care.
Adherence to antidepressant medication: patient-centered shared decision making communication to improve adherence.

For clinicians, primary care physicians (PCPs), and other health professionals treating patients with any ailment, including depression, the first task in addressing nonadherence to treatment is to detect it. Patients conceal treatment nonadherence because it is a socially undesirable behavior, and patients want their clinicians or PCPs to think that they are “good” patients. They may hope that their clinicians will be understanding, but assume that clinicians will adopt a judgmental attitude. There is evidence that, as a result of these psychological barriers, self-report and physician interview assessments have poor correlation with adherence as measured by virtually any other methodology. Three studies have been conducted that dramatically indicate the force of this need to conceal nonadherence.
Identification of mustelids using mitochondrial DNA and non-invasive sampling

, mitochondrial DNA, mtDNA, mustelids, non-invasivesampling,wolverineOne of the most fundamental issues in conservationbiology is the determination of species distributionand richness. Many species, including forest carni-vores, are elusive and secretive, making it difﬁcult orimpossible to make even basic conservation decisionson listing, delisting, or threat status. Non-invasivesampling of hairs left on hair snares can substan-tially increase our detection of such species. In anextension of a nationwide project using hair snaresacross 12 states to identify lynx (
Meet the New Media, Same as the Old Media: Real Lessons from China's Digital Copyright Industries

Some commentators argue that China, with its piracy-beleaguered content industries, is ideally positioned to leapfrog the West in “post-scarcity, post-copyright” business models. This short essay puts those claims to the test by examining a decade of developments in China’s video/film, music, and book publishing industries. Those developments suggest Chinese content producers and even online intermediaries increasingly embrace monetization models based on copyright and exclusion.
Advances in Imaging: Brain Tumors to Alzheimer's Disease.

Professor Black and colleagues have been working to improve thequality and sensitivity of imaging in the early detection of conditionsfrom brain tumors to Alzheimer’s disease to enhance treatment protocolsand patient management. Professor Black et al introduced nanoparticlesto improve MRI imaging. These nanoparticles consist of poly(b-L- malic acid (PMLA)) conjugates with monoclonal antibodies((mAbs)) and Gd-DOTA. These are known as MRI nano-imagingagents (NIA). Most importantly, they can penetrate the endothelialblood-brain barrier (BBB) to reach brain tumors (primary or metastasis).This is effective in cases of brain tumors or breast cancer orother cancers such as lung cancer and gastric cancer having HER2and/or EGFR positive crossing BBB. By the covalent conjugation ofMR contrast (NIA), the MRI virtual biopsy can differentiate braintumors from infections or other brain pathological conditions. Thebrain’s intrinsic natural fl uorescence such as NADH, FAD, lipopigmentsand porphyrin in the brain tissue can be identifi ed by using timeresolved fl uorescence spectroscopy (TRFS) which is operated throughthe use of ultra-short laser. TRFS produces various color bands todifferentiate the tumor from normal brain tissue in real time andregisters the data on a 3D map. This is signifi cant, as this will provide agreatly improved assessment methodology of tissue type. Consequently,this will potentially result in shorter operation times as well as moresatisfactory tumor removal. In the detection of Alzheimer disease,amyloid plaque is deposited in retina tissue (including the RGC, RNFLand inner plexiform layer) which can produce a fl uorescence effectby using curcumin as a contrast. This is then shown by human retinaamyloid imaging device. Immunotherapies with glatiramer acetate(GA) have been shown to reduce amyloid deposits in brain andretinal AB deposits in mice. The study of advanced imagingtechnology and techniques including NIA, TRFS and the detection ofamyloid plaque in Alzheimer disease are very important approaches tocreate a new era for diagnostic and therapeutic management of braintumors and other cancers (HER2 and/or EGFR positive). This pioneeringwork by Professor Black, and colleagues, gives rise to a new hopefor cancer patients for targeted therapy and for immunotherapies inAlzheimer’s disease.
DNA methylation and expression of stress related genes in PBMC of MDD patients with and without serious suicidal ideation

Stress plays an important role in major depressive disorder (MDD) and is one of the state dependent factors in suicidal behavior. A dysfunctional hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is a common feature in this disorder. The involvement of environmental factors has added additional complexity to understanding depression or suicidal behavior. In this regard, epigenetic regulation has been considered a mechanistic interface between environmental stress stimuli and altered functioning of underlying gene network that may increase susceptibility to depression or suicidal behavior. The present study examined whether epigenetic modifications of stress related genes are associated with MDD and whether there are differences in these epigenetic marks between depressed individuals with and without serious suicidal ideation. Using MeDIP analysis in genomic DNA isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of healthy controls (n = 20), MDD patients with (n = 14) or without serious suicidal ideation (n = 10), we studied methylation of the stress-associated genes, Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 3 Group C Member 1 (NR3C1), FK506 Binding Protein 5 (FKBP5), Corticotropin Releasing Hormone Binding Protein (CRHBP), and Corticotropin Releasing Hormone Receptor 1 (CRHR1). In addition, we determined their transcript levels in RNAs isolated from the same PBMC. We found that BDNF, FKBP5, CRHBP, and NR3C1 gene promoters were significantly hypermethylated in MDD patients with and without suicidal ideation. We also found concomitant reductions in expression of BDNF, FKBP5 transcript variants (1, 2 and 3), and NR3C1 genes in these patients, suggesting that promoter hypermethylation in these genes may functionally be associated with their observed downregulation in MDD patients. In a secondary analysis, methylation of these genes was compared between MDD patients with or without serious suicidal ideation and controls. The MDD with serious suicidal ideation were significantly different from controls while the MDD without were not, although MDD with or without suicidal ideation were not different from each other, likely owning to a relatively small sample size. Thus, our findings underline the importance of epigenetic modifications of stress-associated genes in depression and, possibly, suicidal behavior, which, in future, needs to be confirmed in a larger patient population.
Agile Composition of Compliant Data Analytics Platforms

Sensitive data such as health records and financialtransactions are increasingly being stored and processed inthe cloud. Correspondingly, laws and regulations have beenestablished to protect such data. For a cloud-based analyticsservice provider, it is of paramount importance to protect thesensitive information contained in customer data, while runninganalytics on it. While there exist a plethora of technologies tosafeguard data, regulatory rules are not always defined in cleartechnical terms, and different regulations may impose different(or sometimes conflicting) rules on the analytics platform. Therefore, it remains a challenge in developing a platform that cansupport various security and compliance-enabling mechanisms, in a agile fashion, to reduce maintenance effort as well asimproving scalability and performance. To address this challenge, we introduce the design and implementationof a cloud-based middleware platform that supportson-demand composition and configuration of security mechanismsto ease regulatory compliance enablement. We discussat length our experiences and lessons learned from using ourplatform to deploy secure analytics systems at IBM and highlightthe benefits of our approach by discussing the performanceimpact and trade-offs of different security mechanisms withrespect to regulatory compliance.
The Obverse of Dissonance is Inconsistency

Dissonance theorists’ perverse use of the word “obverse” is illustrated and discussed, and paths by which they may reduce dissonance are suggested.
Determining the Analytic Framework

Before the inputs needed for a budget-impact analysis for a new drug can be determined and their values derived and before the computer model can be designed to perform the analysis, an analytic framework must be established. The analytic framework provides the overall approach to the analysis, and its components are described in this chapter. This framework might vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from budget holder to budget holder within the same jurisdiction. Design of the analytic framework requires an understanding of jurisdiction requirements for a budget-impact analysis. Also required is an understanding of the health system and the relationship between the characteristics of the health system and how the new drug will affect the budget for a specific health plan or region. The introduction of a new drug can affect the budget in multiple ways. The most important components to understand for a jurisdiction when constructing a budget-impact analysis are the eligible population, the potential use of the drug in the treatment pathway, and the budget holder cost perspective and time horizon. Once these are understood, model specifications can be prepared to guide the analysis.
Studying Professional Identity in Software Engineering

I am investigating the role of undergraduate formation of professional identity during the school-to-work transition of software engineers, with emphasis on the senior capstone experience. The social construct of professional identity represents the sense of connection between an individual and their profession. Professional identity is linked to persistence and to decreased likelihood of burnout. Improving our understanding of the influence of professional identity formation during the school-to-work transition may inform teaching practices earlier in the undergraduate program, and may aid organizations in adjusting how they work with hiring new graduates.
Evolution and mechanics of mixed phospholipid fibrinogen monolayers

All mammals depend on lung surfactant (LS) to reduce surface tension at the alveolar interface and facilitate respiration. The inactivation of LS in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is generally accompanied by elevated levels of fibrinogen and other blood plasma proteins in the alveolar space. Motivated by the mechanical role fibrinogen may play in LS inactivation, we measure the interfacial rheology of mixed monolayers of fibrinogen and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), the main constituent of LS, and compare these to the single species monolayers. We find DPPC to be ineffective at displacing preadsorbed fibrinogen, which gives the resulting mixed monolayer a strongly elastic shear response. By contrast, how effectively a pre-existing DPPC monolayer prevents fibrinogen adsorption depends upon its surface pressure. At low DPPC surface pressures, fibrinogen penetrates DPPC monolayers, imparting a mixed viscoelastic shear response. At higher initial DPPC surface pressures, this response becomes increasingly viscous-dominated, and the monolayer retains a more fluid, DPPC-like character. Fluorescence microscopy reveals that the mixed monolayers exhibit qualitatively different morphologies. Fibrinogen has a strong, albeit preparation-dependent, mechanical effect on phospholipid monolayers, which may contribute to LS inactivation and disorders such as ARDS.
Experiential robot learning with deep neural networks

Children exhibit learning behaviors such as repeatedly conversing with and asking their parents, or adults, about intriguing things. Our aim is to enable this behavior in robots, particularly Curiosity. We lay ground to a methodology that enables and facilitates that kind of open-ended learning. In this paper, we propose a method called Experiential Robot Learning to develop open-ended, developmental robotics by leveraging Deep Learning techniques. Our work aims at creating agents capable of continuous self-improvement through autonomous learning, using neural networks. Artificial Neural Networks have been around for decades. In the past few years, however, they attracted substantial attention by outperforming traditional Machine Learning approaches in accuracy and flexibility. We investigate the concept of interactive coaching, where a robot can ask "what is this called" when a previously unknown object is encountered. Secondly, we investigate the capability of a robot to move around a new object and view it from several perspectives. A physical humanoid platform, NAO robot, is used to evaluate our method. The robot communicates in natural language with a human coach to identify and label known and unknown objects. In the first experiment set, a human presents 3 objects to NAO's camera. In the second set, NAO autonomously walks around 13 objects to see them from all angles. Results show that the robot autonomously expands its own knowledgebase by learning to recognize new objects and generalize learnings, through human coaching.
Changes in the Association of Rising Infective Endocarditis With Mortality in People Who Inject Drugs

This study assesses the association of infective endocarditis with mortality from 1999 to 2016 among people who inject drugs in the United States.
Identifying Models of the Octave Projective Plane

We provide a convenient identification between two models of the projective plane over the alternative field of octaves: Aslaksen's coordinate approach and the classic approach via Jordan algebras. We do this by modifying a 1949 lemma of P. Jordan.
Reproduction of Myxoviruses

The myxovirus group consists of the influenza viruses of man and animals. The designation was originally suggested (Andrewes et al., 1955) for a group of viruses which exhibited affinity for certain mucoid substances, and included mumps and Newcastle disease viruses (NDV) in addition to influenza viruses. It was recognized subsequently that the former two viruses should be separated into a distinct group because of numerous differences in structure and replication between them and the influenza viruses (Waterson, 1962), and the term paramyxovirus has been adopted for the group which includes these agents. Thus, the myxovirus group (sometimes referred to as orthomyxoviruses; Melnick, 1973) as presently constituted contains only the influenza viruses. As described in sect. 2, among the polypeptides of the influenza virion are two distinct surface polypeptides with hemagglutinin and neuraminidase activities and an internal ribonucleoprotein (RNP). The antigenicity of these polypeptides has provided a basis for the classification of influenza viruses into types, subtypes, and strains. Table 1 indicates the system of classification and lists some of the strains in common use.
Rheumatological Manifestations of Gastrointestinal Disease

The prevalence of rheumatic symptoms consonant with colopathies of elderly is impressive. Musculoskeletal manifestations are well-recognized complications of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and many rheumatological diseases also present with GI manifestations. The pathophysiology of rheumatological manifestations may involve increased intestinal permeability in specific GI disorders causing a “leaky gut” situation whereby antigenic material crosses the gut wall and produces antibodies that cross-react with host antigens and exhibit systemic symptoms. The GI disorders such as reactive arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, various liver disorders, pancreatic carcinoma, celiac disease, Whipple’s disease, jejunoileal bypass arthritis present with a myriad of rheumatological manifestations. Some of them run parallel with the disease while others are independent of the GI disease activity. Diagnosis becomes a challenge in the geriatric population as presentations may be atypical in addition to the coexistence of other musculoskeletal problems.
Geohazards in Social Systems: An Insurance Matrix Approach

The principle goal of the chapter is to explore ways of solving social accounting matrices (SAMs) that may be useful for estimating the impact of natural and other disasters and the effectiveness of recovery programs. To this end my chapter introduces a model to assess the way in which disasters affect social actors and propagate through society. It adopts findings from disaster research and anthropology, to embody social transactions in an insurance accounting matrix. This assumes that the predisaster secular and spatial structure of any economy is a reflection, at least in part, of the various uncertainties associated with regular production, transportation, financing, daily survival, and so on. These may result in formal expenditures — as with insurance or stocks, or informal effort — such as maintaining social networks. Each measures the opportunity cost against other income. With a major disturbance, the proportion of failed transactions is increased beyond the capability of these afforded precautions to cushion the impacts, resulting in a “disaster” or even a “catastrophe”.
Automatic analysis of microblogging data to aid in emergency management

Microblogging platforms like Twitter, in the recent years, have become one of the important sources of information for a wide spectrum of users. As a result, these platforms have become great resou...
Association between stunting and early childhood development among children aged 36-59 months in South Asia.

Stunting (length-for-age z score < -2) before 2 years of age has shown associations with poor child developmental indicators, but information at the population level is scarce in South Asia, the region with the highest burden of stunting. We examined associations between z scores (i.e., height for age [HAZ], weight for age [WAZ], and weight for height [WHZ]) and undernutrition (i.e., stunting [HAZ < -2], wasting [WHZ < -2], and underweight [WAZ < -2]) with learning/cognition and social-emotional development among children 36-59 months of age. Data from Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys in Bangladesh (n = 8,659), Bhutan (n = 2,038), Nepal (n = 2,253), and Pakistan (Punjab n = 11,369 and Sindh n = 6,718) were used. Children were considered developmentally "on-track" in learning/cognition or social-emotional domains if they met specific early child development criteria. Meta-analysis was conducted to examine regional associations, adjusting for socio-economic status, early childhood education, and quality of care. In a pooled sample, on-track learning/cognition development was positively associated with HAZ (OR = 1.17, 95% CI [1.07, 1.27]) and WAZ (OR = 1.18, 95% CI [1.07, 1.31]) and negatively associated with stunting (OR = 0.72, 95% CI [0.60, 0.86]) and underweight (OR = 0.75, 95% CI [0.66, 0.86]) but not associated with WHZ or wasting. On-track development of social-emotional domain was not associated with any z scores or undernutrition indicators. Across several countries of South Asia, stunted children were less likely to be developmentally "on track" for learning/cognition. It is likely that interventions that prevent stunting may benefit child development, leading to significant individual and societal gains given the large burden of child stunting in regions like South Asia.
Autoinflammation: Past, Present, and Future

The concept of autoinflammation arose from the recognition of monogenic disorders with seemingly unprovoked inflammation without the high-titer autoantibodies or antigen-specific T cells seen in classic autoimmune diseases. During the first decade of the ‘autoinflammatory era’, a clear connection was established between autoinflammatory disease and the innate immune system, with targeted therapies providing a powerful affirmation of mechanistic hypotheses. Although the ‘inflammasomopathies’, which are associated with marked interleukin (IL)-1β production, were some of the earliest recognized autoinflammatory diseases, it soon became clear that autoinflammation can be caused by a variety of genetic lesions affecting a range of innate immune pathways, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation and type I interferon production. The advent of next-generation sequencing has resulted in the discovery of multiple new diseases, genes, and pathways, while genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have shed light on the pathogenesis of genetically complex autoinflammatory diseases, such as Behcet disease. During the next decade, the universe of autoinflammatory diseases will continue to expand, but it is likely that distinctions between clinical disease and normal variation will blur, and that treatments developed for autoinflammation will be applied to a much broader range of human illnesses.
Erythroid aplasia after halothane hepatitis. Report of a case.

A patient with hepatitis after 2 exposures of Halothane anesthesia developed fever, jaundice, hematemesis, hypoprothrombinemia and hemolysis. Further progression of disease eventuated in a phase of bone marrow failure, a rare complication of hepatitis. A perusal of the literature on this subject implicates the hepatitis virus, autoantibodies and/or the injured liver cell itself in the causation of this process. The case discussed represented the noninfectious category, and involved only the erythroid elements. A spontaneous remission occurred.
A Growing BCG Lesion

Frequency of severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) varies from 1:50–60,000 in countries without high rates of consanguinity to 1:7500 in countries with high rates of consanguinity
Innovation Based Learning on a Massive Scale

MOOCs and Innovation-Based Learning (IBL) models are efficient individually, but they also contain points of friction that limit their potential. Our research team has developed a synergistic learning model that combines the scale and accessibility of MOOCs with the innovative thinking, research, and development of IBL. Together, these two models benefit one another. This new learning model has the potential to alter the current higher education system by creating an opportunity for massive open online collaboration to solve today’s vexing problems. The following describes how MOOCs and IBL, in combination, benefit and enhance higher education’s potential.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and Risk of Gastric, Colorectal, Liver, and Pancreatic Cancers in a Community-Based Population.

INTRODUCTION:Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used for gastrointestinal disorders; given they increase the systemic levels of gastrin, a trophic hormone, there is a concern about their carcinogenicity. This study evaluated the associations PPI use and the risks of gastrointestinal cancers
Orthotopic Heart Transplantation in the Diabetic Patient, are We Still Worried? A Review of 952 Consecutive Patients

Purpose Diabetes is common in heart failure patients and almost a quarter of heart transplant (HTx) recipients are diabetic at 1-year post transplant. The effect of diabetes on transplant outcomes is conflicting. The goal of this study was to examine the impact of diabetes on post-transplant outcomes at a large single center. Methods We divided 952 patients at our center transplanted from 2010 to 2018 into those with (n = 274) and without pre-transplant diabetes (n = 578). The diabetic patients were further divided: tight glucose control (HbA1c 7.0; n = 23) Demographic data and outcomes were compared between groups. Results There was no significant difference between groups in 1-year survival, freedom from cardiac allograft vasculopathy, non-fatal major cardiac events, rejection, new-onset dialysis, or infection. There was a trend towards worse 1-year survival in the relaxed glucose control group compared with the tight control group (82.6 v 94.1%; p=0.35). There was no difference in other outcomes between groups. Conclusion While pre-transplant diabetes is often considered an important factor in selecting appropriate heart transplant candidates, this large single-center analysis does not demonstrate an association between pre-transplant diabetes and post-transplant outcomes, regardless of the adequacy of glucose control.