cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disciplinary Infractions Behind Bars: An Exploration of Importation and Deprivation Theories

Using data from one Midwestern state, this article investigates whether or not characteristics of importation and deprivation serve as predictors of receipt of institutional disciplinary infractions. The results of the logistic regression analyses indicate that both importation and deprivation factors were significant indicators of having received disciplinary infractions. Specifically, among 585 adult male inmates, data reveal that two importation measures and two deprivation measures were significant predictors of receipt of any disciplinary infractions. An inmate’s gang membership status and conviction for a sex offense are also found to have been significant indicators of having or not having received at least one serious disciplinary infraction. Policy implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
Genomically preserved plants and their nomenclature

Species that hybridize to form allopolyploids may become extinct, yet may be discovered and characterized through the continued existence and expression of their genomes in their allopolyploid descendants. For purposes of nomenclature, these genomically preserved plants (GPPs) form a third category of plants, along with recent plants and fossils, with which they share certain kinds of characters. GPPs are essential to understanding the phylogeny of some species complexes and can be included as OTUs in phenetic and phylogenetic analyses. A means to provide for the naming, description, and typification of taxa of genomically preserved plants needs to be included in the International code of botanical nomenclature.
The Zenith of Separation of Powers Theory: The Federal Convention of 1787

Government regarded as a piece of machinery, instead of a natural growth, is naturally valued in proportion to its capacity for favouring progress. The weights are represented by the different powers in the system. The ruler ... is always trying to increase the strength of the executive, and the people to diminish it. The problem is to equalise the two forces .. . Power, wealth, and position tend to concentrate themselves; but a skilful legislator may reduce the conflict to a perpetual drawn battle, and a perfect constitutional government will resemble the celebrated situation in Sheridan's 'Critic' where the three duellists each threaten each other with drawn swords, and each is unable to strike. The ideal state is a permanent deadlock.2
Study on Vehicle Emission Pollution Based on WebGIS

In order to realize visualization description,analysis and evaluation of the vehicle emission,an attempt was made to design an urban vehicle emission analysis system,which combines the vehicle exhaust emission model and the emission dispersion models with the WebGIS.This system simulates the dispersion of vehicle emission in cities by 200 m×200 m griding and gives output in the layer of GIS.The relationship among pollution,weather,road and traffic conditions can be intuitively identified.Comparison between the real results and the simulation ones shows that the proposed system achieves good correlation and can be employed as a forecasting and controlling visualization tool for environment-friendly traffic analysis,assessment and control.
Resistance of Blattella germanica to three insecticides in Chongqing city

Objective To investigate the susceptibility of Blattella germanica to commonly used insecticides in Chongqing city.Methods The insecticide film contact method recommended by the WHO was used to determine the susceptibility of B.germanica to insecticides.Results The mean resistance rates(R / S) of B.germanica to beta-cypermethrin,propoxur and acephate were 2.64,3.99 and 3.32 respectively.Conclusion B.germanica in Chongqing have developed low resistance to beta-cypermethrin,propoxur and acephate.
Regional variations in percutaneous absorption.

BACKGROUND In its simplest definition, percutaneous absorption (PA) is the amount of substance that passes through the stratum corneum compared with the amount applied. The study of the PA of substances is relevant to the fields of dermatopharmacology and occupational medicine. The quantity and rate in which a given chemical absorbs through the skin depend on a multitude of variables. One obvious determinant of PA is the application site. This overview summarizes currently available data on the topic of regional variations in PA and possibly suggests a direction for future research efforts. METHODS Searches were performed in Medline and EMBASE. Extensive bibliographical research was performed in order to identify additional relevant data sets using Web of Science. Results were screened for inclusion of more than one anatomical site, the use of validated methods, and the use of human subjects. RESULTS We identified eight relevant studies, from which we present data. CONCLUSION Determining regional variations in PA is a complex yet critically important task. Current data sets are scarce and inadequate for drawing complete conclusions, but the data seem to suggest increased PA in the forehead and genital skin compared with other anatomical regions. It is our hope that, with the advent of new technologies, an anatomical PA map will begin to emerge from the data. Such descriptive understanding will guide investigation into the mechanisms involved in determining anatomical site differences in PA.
A second look at first significant digit histogram restoration

We analyze a class of first significant digit (FSD) histogram restoration techniques designed to cover up traces of previous JPEG compressions under a minimum cost constraint. We argue that such minimal distortion mappings introduce strong artifacts to the distribution of DCT coefficients, which become particularly prevalent in the domain of second significant digits (SSDs). Empirical findings from large image databases give insight into SSD distributions of DCT coefficients of natural images and demonstrate how images that underwent FSD histogram restoration deviate from natural images.
The novel p53 target TNFAIP8 variant 2 is increased in cancer and offsets p53-dependent tumor suppression

Tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 8 (TNFAIP8) is a stress-response gene that has been associated with cancer, but no studies have differentiated among or defined the regulation or function of any of its several recently described expression variants. We found that TNFAIP8 variant 2 (v2) is overexpressed in multiple human cancers, whereas other variants are commonly downregulated in cancer (v1) or minimally expressed in cancer or normal tissue (v3-v6). Silencing v2 in cancer cells induces p53-independent inhibition of DNA synthesis, widespread binding of p53, and induction of target genes and p53-dependent cell cycle arrest and DNA damage sensitization. Cell cycle arrest induced by v2 silencing requires p53-dependent induction of p21. In response to the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin, p53 regulates v2 through binding to an intragenic enhancer, together indicating that p53 and v2 engage in complex reciprocal regulation. We propose that TNFAIP8 v2 promotes human cancer by broadly repressing p53 function, in essence offsetting p53-dependent tumor suppression.
IGFBP3 Modulates Lung Tumorigenesis and Cell Growth through IGF1 Signaling.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) modulates cell growth through IGF-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Reports suggest that the serum levels of IGFBP3 are associated with various cancers and that IGFBP3 expression is significantly decreased in cisplatin (CDDP)-resistant lung cancer cells. Based on these findings, we investigated whether Igfbp3 deficiency accelerates mouse lung tumorigenesis and if expression of IGFBP3 enhances CDDP response by focusing on the IGF1 signaling cascade. To this end, an Igfbp3-null mouse model was generated in combination with KrasG12D to compare the tumor burden. Then, IGF-dependent signaling was assessed after expressing wild-type or a mutant IGFBP3 without IGF binding capacity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Finally, the treatment response to CDDP chemotherapy was evaluated under conditions of IGFBP3 overexpression. Igfbp3-null mice had increased lung tumor burden (>2-fold) and only half of human lung cancer cells survived after expression of IGFBP3, which corresponded to increased cleaved caspase-3 (10-fold), inactivation of IGF1 and MAPK signaling. In addition, overexpression of IGFBP3 increased susceptibility to CDDP treatment in lung cancer cells. These results, for the first time, demonstrate that IGFBP3 mediates lung cancer progression in a KrasG12D mouse model. Furthermore, overexpression of IGFBP3 induced apoptosis and enhanced cisplatin response in vitro and confirmed that the suppression is in part by blocking IGF1 signaling.Implications: These findings reveal that IGFBP3 is effective in lung cancer cells with high IGF1 signaling activity and imply that relevant biomarkers are essential in selecting lung cancer patients for IGF1-targeted therapy. Mol Cancer Res; 15(7); 896-904. ©2017 AACR.
Efficient Linear MIMO Adaptive Inverse Control

Abstract Adaptive inverse control is an automatic control-system design method which "learns" over time how to control a particular dynamic system. This simple controller design approach can achieve very precise control of minimum- and nonminimum-phase systems, even with poor a priori knowledge of the plant dynamics. A problem with adaptive inverse control in its current state is that the learning algorithms for MIMO and nonlinear systems are very slow. This paper addresses some results concerning a new way to perform adaptive inverse control of linear MIMO systems which learns very quickly. An example is presented to demonstrate the dramatic speedup.
A Differential–Developmental Model (DDM): Mental Speed, Attention Lapses, and General Intelligence (g)

The aim of this paper is to provide a parsimonious account of developmental and individual differences in intelligence (measured as g). The paper proposes a Differential–Developmental Model (DDM), which focuses on factors common to intelligence and cognitive development (e.g., mental speed and attention lapses). It also proposes a complementary method based on Jensen’s box, a chronometric device. The device systematically varies task complexity, and separates two components of mental speed that differentially predict intelligence and cognitive development (reaction time and movement time). The paper reviews key assumptions of DDM, preliminary findings relevant to DDM, and future research on DDM.
Causal inference methods to study gastric tube use in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Objective: To estimate effects of gastric tube (G-tube) on survival and quality of life (QOL) in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) correcting for confounding by indication inherent in nonrandomized observational data. Methods: To complement a recent causal inference analysis, which concluded that G-tube placement increases the hazard of death, permanent assisted ventilation, or tracheostomy by 28%, we fit causal inference models on a different sample of 481 patients with ALS enrolled in a recent clinical trial of ceftriaxone. Forward selection identified predictors of G-tube placement. Effects of G-tube on survival and QOL were estimated using structural nested models and marginal structural models, accounting for predictors of G-tube treatment. Results: Forced vital capacity and the total score and bulbar subscale of the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale best predicted G-tube placement. Correcting for these confounders, G-tube placement decreased survival time by 46% ( p p = 0.078). Sensitivity survival analyses varied in significance, but none revealed a survival benefit. Conclusions: In the absence of randomization, causal inference methods are necessary to correct for time-varying confounding. G-tube placement may have a negative effect on survival with no QOL-related benefit for people with ALS. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to further evaluate the efficacy of this widely used intervention. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00349622. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class III evidence that for patients with ALS, G-tube placement decreases survival time and does not affect QOL.
The Anatomy of Clinical Judgments

Richard Cabot, one of the most celebrated of American diagnosticians, labelled his attempts to anatomize the process of diffential diagnosis “a very dangerous topic — dangerous to the reputation of physicians for wisdom. … Physicians are naturally reluctant on such matters, slow to put their thoughts to paper, and very suspicious of any attempts to tabulate their methods of reasoning” ([8], p. 19).
Spatio-temporal consistency of transthoracic ARFI-derived metrics of myocardial function

Cardiac function has traditionally been studied using pressure-volume (PV) loop analysis. PV loops can be used to derive functional indices such as end-systolic pressure volume relationship (ESPVR)—a measure of myocardial contractility, end-diastolic pressure volume relationship (EDPVR) — a measure of myocardial compliance and relaxation time constant (τ) — a measure of left ventricular relaxation. However, PV loop analysis is largely an invasive proedure; it requires catherization and only provides a global assessment of cardiac function. Transthoracic ARFI (TTE ARFI) has been shown to capture the dynamic trends of myocardial stiffness over the cardiac cycle in a noninvasive manner. In this work we explore the potential of using myocardial stiffness measurements made using TTE ARFI to derive functional indices similar to the ones measured using PV loops. We studied parameters impacting the spatio-temporal stability and reliability of TTE ARFI-derived measures of myocardial function.
28 Development of a systematic approach to reduce the likelihood of patient harm associated with anticoagulant therapy

Purpose Coumadin identified by Institute for Safe Medication Practice as high–risk medication with narrow therapeutic window and high risk of life threatening adverse effects Anticoagulants identified as one of the top five drug types associated with patient safety incidents Maintaining INR in recommended therapeutic ranges reducing the incidence of adverse effects Improve INR–TTR(time in therapeutic range) in patients managed through the Coumadin Clinic Comply with nationally established INR goal guidelines Methods Develop routine order sets Define team roles/expectations Develop point–of–care resource optimising access to INR testing. Educational program targeting stakeholders Monthly meeting auditing patients with goal analysis utilising tracking tools Review of process/outcome measures. Intervene for change utilising PDSA methodology PDSA Cycle 1: Retrospective data collection–2008 No systematic approach in place/data regarding patient TTR not available No structured staff/patient education program PDSA Cycle 2: Implement changes Web–based software purchased Structured approach to INR management implemented including stakeholder education program PDSA Cycle 3: Problem monitoring/notifying overdue INR patients Team member roles/responsibilities redefined ‘Buddy system’ implemented to monitor/notify overdue patients Results TTR increased from 66%-2008 to 79%-2013 following implementation of structured policies/programs Re–implementation of education program, revision of policy/procedures TTR increased to 80% Jan–May–2015 Optimized point–of–care for INR testing–office finger–stick/remote laboratory testing/home monitoring Increased INR home monitoring Conclusion With development of systematic approach to high risk patients on anticoagulation therapy, using a web–based software program, significant changes were evident: Improved patient follow–up, communication, decrease in overdue patient numbers Increased percentage of patients’ within INR range Approach driven by the PDSA CQI methodology
Judging on thin ice: the effects of group membership on evaluation

Employment, legal and social settings often expect the objective evaluation of others regardless of race, sex or other group identification. Such objectivity may be undermined by group membership that is difficult to detect. In this paper we exploit an institutional feature of figure skating, namely that figure skaters possess individual styles and technique, rather than their performance being influenced by club-specific characteristics, which allows us to identify the role of favouritism in a context where it is intended to be excluded. We can identify judges being influenced by group identity, in this case club membership and exhibiting favouritism for club members. We discuss the implications of our findings for rule which would help limit the role of favouritism in decision-making.
Energy and Area Efficiency in Neuromorphic Computing for Resource Constrained Devices

Resource constrained devices are the building blocks of the internet of things (IoT) era. Since the idea behind IoT is to develop an interconnected environment where the devices are tiny enough to operate with limited resources, several control systems have been built to maintain low energy and area consumption while operating as IoT edge devices. Several researchers have begun work on implementing control systems built from resource constrained devices using machine learning. However, there are many ways such devices can achieve lower power consumption and area utilization while maximizing application efficiency. Spiky neuromorphic computing (SNC) is an emerging paradigm that can be leveraged in resource constrained devices for several emerging applications. While delivering the benefits of machine learning, SNC also helps minimize power consumption. For example, low energy memory devices (memristors) are often used to achieve low power operation and also help in reducing system area. In total, we anticipate SNC will provide computational efficiency approaching that of deep learning while using low power, resource constrained devices.
DroidMiner: Automated Mining and Characterization of Fine-grained Malicious Behaviors in Android Applications

Most existing malicious Android app detection approaches rely on manually selected detection heuristics, features, and models. In this paper, we describe a new, complementary system, called DroidMiner, which uses static analysis to automatically mine malicious program logic from known Android malware, abstracts this logic into a sequence of threat modalities, and then seeks out these threat modality patterns in other unknown (or newly published) Android apps. We formalize a two-level behavioral graph representation used to capture Android app program logic, and design new techniques to identify and label elements of the graph that capture malicious behavioral patterns (or malicious modalities). After the automatic learning of these malicious behavioral models, DroidMiner can scan a new Android app to (i) determine whether it contains malicious modalities, (ii) diagnose the malware family to which it is most closely associated, (iii) and provide further evidence as to why the app is considered to be malicious by including a concise description of identified malicious behaviors. We evaluate DroidMiner using 2,466 malicious apps, identified from a corpus of over 67,000 third-party market Android apps, plus an additional set of over 10,000 official market Android apps. Using this set of real-world apps, we demonstrate that DroidMiner achieves a 95.3% detection rate, with only a 0.4% false positive rate. We further evaluate DroidMiner’s ability to classify malicious apps under their proper family labels, and measure its label accuracy at 92%.
Conventional and Human Insulin: Complications of Insulin Therapy in Children

The management of complications of insulin therapy, such as lipoatrophy, allergic reactions, insulin resistance, and insulin edema, is outlined. Human and animal insulin preparations currently available in the United States are discussed, highlighting the comparative costs and indications for use.
Physics, Instrumentation, and Radiation Protection

The underlying principles of nuclear medicine imaging involve the use of unsealed sources of radioactivity which are administered in the form of radiopharmaceuticals; the ionizing radiations which accompany the decay of the administered radioactivity can be detected and measured with specially designed instruments (e.g., survey meters, gamma cameras). In order to appreciate the scientific and technical basis of nuclear medicine imaging, this chapter reviews atomic and nuclear structure, radioactivity and radioactive decay, and interactions of radiation with matter. This is followed by a discussion of techniques for detection and measurement of radiation, design and operating principles of detection and imaging instruments, instrument quality control, and radiation protection.
Alphastat Regulation of Intracellular Acid-Base State?

Research of the last 10 years has greatly clarified the regulation of a nonequilibrium intracellular pH by the identification of the active acid extrusion processes principally involved (Roos and Boron 1981). This decade has also broadened our horizons as to what variable is being regulated in the extracellular blood compartment. From studies of how changing body temperature affects the pH of blood, we have learned that the regulation of the extracellular space for most organisms is not one of maintenance of constant pH; instead as shown in Fig. 1, the regulated pH characteristic of each body temperature is found to decrease as temperature increases (Howell et al. 1970; Reeves 1977). Since blood pH now is demonstrated to be only a dependent, secondary variable, the question arises as to what is the primary regulated acid-base variable.
Patterns of Aggressive Behaviors Across Mental Health in Sixth Graders.

School-based violence is a current public concern in the United States. One factor that can impact school-based violence that has gained much attention is mental health status. To better inform pub...
Thrombectomy Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke due to Middle Cerebral Artery M2 Occlusion with Stent-Retriever, Aspiration, and MERCI: Multi-Center Experience (P5.251)

Objective: To compare the outcome for the contemporary techniques and devices used for thrombectomy of AIS patients due to MCA M2 occlusion. Background: Recent trials demonstrated that mechanical thrombectomy improve functional outcome in anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1 segment. However, such data regarding AIS due to MCA M2 segment ELVO is limited. Analysis of the STAR, SWIFT, and SWIFT-PRIME trials found thrombectomy in MCA M2 occlusion to be feasible in achieving successful reperfusion. The most optimal technique and/or device used for such reperfusion is not clearly defined. We aim to compare the outcome for the contemporary techniques and devices used for thrombectomy of AIS patients due to MCA M2 ELVO. Design/Methods: A retrospective review of AIS patients with MCA M2 ELVO receiving thrombectomy from three tertiary care academic medical centers was conducted. Thrombectomy technique and thrombectomy device utilized were recorded. Outcomes were successful angiographic reperfusion (TICI ≥2b), favorable modified Rankin Scale (mRS≤2) at 90 days, and rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). Results: From October 1999 through June 2016, 253 AIS patients underwent thrombectomy for MCA M2 ELVO. Thrombectomy methods utilized were Stent-retriever (n=118), Aspiration only [manual or Penumbra device] (n=83), and MERCI retriever (n=52). Table 1 shows rate of outcomes measured. There was no difference in baseline NIHSS or in stroke onset to groin puncture time. Stent-retriever group versus Aspiration group showed a significantly higher recanalization rate(89.8% vs 75.3%, p=0.007), lower sICH rate(4.5% vs 15.8%, p=0.008), and favorable 90-day mRS(54.3% vs 35.2%, p=0.029). Stent-retriever group versus MERCI group showed a significantly higher recanalization rate(89.8% vs 54.8%, p Conclusions: Thrombectomy for AIS patients with MCA M2 ELVO with Stent-retriever appears to be feasible with a significantly higher rate of recanalization, lower sICH rate, and favorable 90-day mRS when compared to Aspiration and MERCI. Disclosure: Dr. Atchaneeyasakul has nothing to disclose. Dr. Malik has nothing to disclose. Dr. Yavagal has received personal compensation for activities with Medtronic and Guidepoint as a consultant. Dr. Bouslama has nothing to disclose. Dr. Haussen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kenmuir has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jadhav has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jovin has received personal compensation for activities with Codman and Neuravi as a consultant. Dr. Jovin has received compensation for serving on Anaconda, Silk Road, Blockade Medical. Dr. Nogueira has nothing to disclose.
Long-term Safety of Crisaborole Ointment 2% in Children and Adults With Mild-to-Moderate Atopic Dermatitis

LF Eichenfield, RS Call, DW Forsha. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;77(4):641–649.e5 To evaluate the long-term safety of topical 2% crisaborole ointment in patients with atopic dermatitis who are at least 2 years of age or older. A total of 517 subjects at least 2 years of age or older who had completed a 28-day phase 3 clinical trial for topical 2% crisaborole (AD-301, AD-302) were included in this open-label, follow-on study to assess long-term safety of the medication. A total of 59.6% were children, 28.2% were adolescents, and 12.2% were …
Mindfulness, Nonattachment, and the Feeling-Action Relationship

The present research had two objectives. It sought to examine whether traits related to mindful awareness and nonattachment could be distinguished. It also sought to compare both sets of traits with respect to their ability to dissociate relations between feelings and actions. To examine processes of this type in a fine-grained manner, two studies (total N = 296; 69.93% female; 87.16% Caucasian; M age = 19.13) developed procedures capable of differentiating affective reactions and their intensity from the behaviors that could result from such feelings. In these situation judgment paradigms, participants were first asked to imagine themselves in a series of evocative situations (e.g., a romantic partner cheating on them). For each situation, individuals then rated how intensely they would experience the targeted feeling (e.g., anger) and how likely they would be to engage in a corresponding action (e.g., an aggressive one). Multilevel analyses of these responses revealed that both mindfulness (Study 1 p = .005; Study 2 p = .045) and nonattachment (Study 1 p < .001; Study 2 p < .001) moderated the feeling-action relationship such that it was less coupled among participants possessing the relevant traits, but this modulatory influence was more robust for nonattachment. The methods, which build on emotional simulations and multilevel modeling, provide a paradigm for studying reactions to situations as well as feeling-action relationships. Additionally, the results provide insights into both mindfulness and nonattachment and the manner in which they are likely to function within emotional contexts.
Regional Anesthesia in Patients on Anticoagulation Therapies—Evidence-Based Recommendations

Anticoagulant use among patients is prevalent and increasing. It is important for anesthesiologists to be aware of patients on anticoagulants while performing regional anesthesia. In recent years, the FDA has approved many new anticoagulants. With new drugs coming to the market, new side effect profiles should be considered when treating patients, especially when using regional anesthesia. Both ASRA and European agencies have laid out recommendations regarding anticoagulant use and neuraxial/regional techniques. Regarding newer anticoagulants, the guidelines for discontinuation prior to neuraxial injection are based on pharmacokinetics, including half-life duration for each drug. While each clinical scenario requires an individualized approach, general guidelines can serve as a starting point to help with anesthetic planning and potentially improve patient safety in this evolving field.
The Dead Chick

In the poem The Dead Chick, the author reflects on life, death, brevity, and the unknowable.
Investigating users' requirements: computer-based anatomy learning modules for multiple user test beds.

Objective: User data and information about anatomy education were used to guide development of a learning environment that is efficient and effective. The research question focused on how to design instructional software suitable for the educational goals of different groups of users of the Visible Human data set. The ultimate goal of the study was to provide options for students and teachers to use different anatomy learning modules corresponding to key topics, for course work and professional training. Design: The research used both qualitative and quantitative methods. It was driven by the belief that good instructional design must address learning context information and pedagogic content information. The data collection emphasized measurement of users' perspectives, experience, and demands in anatomy learning. Measurement: Users' requirements elicited from 12 focus groups were combined and rated by 11 researchers. Collective data were sorted and analyzed by use of multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. Results: A set of functions and features in high demand across all groups of users was suggested by the results. However, several subgroups of users shared distinct demands. The design of the learning modules will encompass both unified core components and user-specific applications. The design templates will allow sufficient flexibility for dynamic insertion of different learning applications for different users. Conclusion: This study describes how users' requirements, associated with users' learning experiences, were systematically collected and analyzed and then transformed into guidelines informing the iterative design of multiple learning modules. Information about learning challenges and processes was gathered to define essential anatomy teaching strategies. A prototype instrument to design and polish the Visible Human user interface system is currently being developed using ideas and feedback from users.
Toxicity of azoles towards the anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process

BACKGROUND: Azoles are an important class of compounds that are widely used as corrosion inhibitors in aircraft de‐icing agents, cooling towers, semiconductor manufacturing and household dishwashing detergents. They also are important moieties in pharmaceutical drugs and fungicides. Azoles are widespread emerging contaminants occurring frequently in water bodies. Azole compounds can potentially cause inhibition towards key biological processes in natural ecosystems and wastewater treatment processes. Of particular concern is the inhibition of azoles to the nitrification process (aerobic oxidation of ammonium). This study investigated the acute toxicity of azole compounds towards the anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) process, which is an important environmental biotechnology gaining traction for nutrient‐nitrogen removal during wastewater treatment. In this study, using batch bioassay techniques, the anammox toxicity of eight commonly occurring azole compounds was evaluated. RESULTS: The results show that 1H‐benzotriazole and 5‐methyl‐1H‐benzotriazole had the highest inhibitory effect on the anammox process, causing 50% decrease in anammox activity (IC₅₀) at concentrations of 19.6 and 17.8 mg L⁻¹, respectively. 1H‐imidazole caused less severe toxicity with an IC₅₀ of 79.4 mg L⁻¹. The other azole compounds were either nontoxic (1H‐pyrazole, 1H‐1,2,4‐triazole and 1‐methyl‐pyrazole) or at best mildly toxic (1H‐benzotriazole‐5‐carboxylic acid and 3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazole) towards the anammox bacteria at the concentrations tested. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that most azole compounds tested displayed mild to low or no toxicity towards the anammox bacteria. The anammox bacteria were found to be far less sensitive to azoles compared to nitrifying bacteria. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of Psychological Stability and EEG-Based Control Efficacy of Infants by Stimulation Technique-Infant Car Seat Seating Environment

Infant car seats provide safety and comfort to infants seated in cars. Nonetheless, these seats will fail to provide comfort unless infants adapt themselves to the seats. To resolve such problems, various types of infant car seats have been rolled out in the market, which combine the effects of vibration and sound, etc. However, it is unclear whether the infants are seated in these car seats longer than in existing car seats, due to their psychological stability, anxiety, or curiosity towards such novelties. In this study, we analyzed EEG-based psychological stability through various techniques of stimulation applied by infant car seats and proposed new stimulation techniques that will allow infants to be seated in infant car seats for prolonged periods of time, in a psychologically stable state. These techniques can be used in various fields, such as neurofeedback therapy, in the period ahead.
Paul’s “Armor of God” Discussion: A Pneumatological Engagement with a Critical Formation Text:

The aim of this article is a treatment of Ephesians 6:10–20 that is both exegetically responsible and existentially impactful. After identifying some of the key earmarks of what I consider to be an...
HIRA, a DiGeorge Syndrome Candidate Gene, Confers Proper Chromatin Accessibility on HSCs and Supports All Stages of Hematopoiesis

HIRA is a histone chaperone that deposits the histone variant H3.3 in transcriptionally active genes. In DiGeorge syndromes, a DNA stretch encompassing HIRA is deleted. The syndromes manifest varied abnormalities, including immunodeficiency and thrombocytopenia. HIRA is essential in mice, as total knockout (KO) results in early embryonic death. However, the role of HIRA in hematopoiesis is poorly understood. We investigate hematopoietic cell-specific Hira deletion in mice and show that it dramatically reduces bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), resulting in anemia, thrombocytopenia, and lymphocytopenia. In contrast, fetal hematopoiesis is normal in Hira-KO mice, although fetal HSCs lack the reconstitution capacity. Transcriptome analysis reveals that HIRA is required for expression of many transcription factors and signaling molecules critical for HSCs. ATAC-seq analysis demonstrates that HIRA establishes HSC-specific DNA accessibility, including the SPIB/PU.1 sites. Together, HIRA provides a chromatin environment essential for HSCs, thereby steering their development and survival.
X-Ray Diffraction and Electron Microscopy Studies of the Size Effects on Pressure-Induced Phase Transitions in CdS Nanocrystals

In recent years, investigations of the phase transition behavior of semiconducting nanoparticles under high pressure has attracted increasing attention due to their potential applications in sensors, electronics, and optics. However, current understanding of how the size of nanoparticles influences this pressure-dependent property is somewhat lacking. In particular, phase behaviors of semiconducting CdS nanoparticles under high pressure have not been extensively reported. Therefore, in this work, CdS nanoparticles of different sizes are used as a model system to investigate particle size effects on high-pressure-induced phase transition behaviors. In particular, 7.5, 10.6, and 39.7 nm spherical CdS nanoparticles are synthesized and subjected to controlled high pressures up to 15 GPa in a diamond anvil cell. Analysis of all three nanoparticles using in-situ synchrotron wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) data shows that phase transitions from wurtzite to rocksalt occur at higher pressures than for bulk material. Bulk modulus calculations not only show that the wurtzite CdS nanomaterial is more compressible than rocksalt, but also that the compressibility of CdS nanoparticles depends on their particle size. Furthermore, sintering of spherical nanoparticles into nanorods was observed for the 7.5 nm CdS nanoparticles. Our results provide new insights into the fundamental properties of nanoparticles under high pressure that will inform designs of new nanomaterial structures for emerging applications.
Treatment of insulin resistance in obesity-associated type 2 diabetes mellitus through adiponectin gene therapy

Global rise in obesity-associated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has led to a major healthcare crisis. Development of efficient treatments to treat the underlying chronic inflammation in obesity-associated T2DM, is an unmet medical need. To this end, we have developed a plasmid adiponectin (pADN) based nanomedicine for the treatment of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Adiponectin is a potent anti-inflammatory/anti-diabetic adipokine, which is downregulated in obesity. In this study, nanomicelles comprising chitosan conjugated to oleic acid and adipose homing peptide (AHP) were developed to deliver pADN to adipocytes. Cationic chitosan-oleic-AHP micelles were 112 nm in size, encapsulated 93% of pADN and protected gene cargo from DNase I mediated enzymatic degradation. In vitro, the nanomicellar formulation significantly increased adiponectin production compared to free plasmid as well as standard transfecting agent FuGENE®HD. Single dose subcutaneous administration of pADN-chitosan-oleic-AHP to obese-diabetic rats, resulted in improved insulin sensitivity for up to 6 weeks, which matched the glucose disposal ability of healthy rats. Serum adiponectin level in pADN-chitosan-oleic-AHP treated rats was comparable to healthy rats for up to 3 weeks post treatment. Overall, the results indicate that pADN-chitosan-oleic-AHP based therapy is a promising treatment approach for obesity-associated T2DM.
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Receptor Antagonists (Gepants) for the Acute Treatment of Nausea in Episodic Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective To synthesize the evidence on the efficacy of calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonists (gepants) from all clinical trials addressing nausea treatment for episodic migraine. Introduction Nausea is one of the most bothersome symptoms in patients with migraine. The most bothersome symptom is part of the outcomes explored in clinical trials. Methods Published clinical trials for this project were identified via searches of 4 bibliographic databases: PubMed (includes MEDLINE), Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Individual search strategies included terms related to calcitonin gene-related peptide, nausea, and vomiting. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the overall efficacy of gepants for nausea treatment. Heterogeneity, publication bias, small-study bias, and potential confounders were explored using Galbraith plot, sensitivity analysis, meta-regression, and Egger's regression tests. Cumulative meta-analysis was done to detect temporal trend from accumulating trials. Results The meta-analysis involved 23,008 participants in 65 clinical trials from 14 published articles; 10,770 subjects participated in gepant treatment arms while 12,238 subjects participated in placebo or non-gepant arms (85% females, mean age 41 years in both arms). Nearly all studies used a 2-hour incidence of nausea as an outcome measure. An overall combined effect size with an odds ratio of 1.29 (95% CI 1.18, 1.40, P = .001; I2 = 42.8%) showed the efficacy of gepants for the treatment of nausea in episodic migraine. Galbraith plot demonstrated that 98.4% of studies were within 2 standard deviations from the regression line, indicating lack of significant heterogeneity and outliers. Meta-analysis results were robust to sensitivity analysis, small-study bias, and publication bias (Kendall's Tau -0.09, P = .29; Egger's regression P = .67). Meta-regression showed that both age and sex ratio were not confounding the meta-analysis (omnibus P = .69). Cumulative meta-analysis indicated that the effect size remained stable for studies conducted after 2011, with accumulating evidence continuing to favor efficacy of gepants for the treatment of nausea in episodic migraine. Conclusion There is sufficient evidence to support the efficacy of gepants for the treatment of nausea in episodic migraine. Future research may focus on examining this efficacy in under-represented patient populations (males, older age groups) and in chronic migraine.
Cellular and molecular effects of hyperglycemia on ion channels in vascular smooth muscle

Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide. This devastating disease dramatically increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disorders. A hallmark metabolic abnormality in diabetes is hyperglycemia, which contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular complications. These cardiovascular complications are, at least in part, related to hyperglycemia-induced molecular and cellular changes in the cells making up blood vessels. Whereas the mechanisms mediating endothelial dysfunction during hyperglycemia have been extensively examined, much less is known about how hyperglycemia impacts vascular smooth muscle function. Vascular smooth muscle function is exquisitely regulated by many ion channels, including several members of the potassium (K+) channel superfamily and voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ channels. Modulation of vascular smooth muscle ion channels function by hyperglycemia is emerging as a key contributor to vascular dysfunction in diabetes. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how diabetic hyperglycemia modulates the activity of these ion channels in vascular smooth muscle. We examine underlying mechanisms, general properties, and physiological relevance in the context of myogenic tone and vascular reactivity.
Origin of agricultural plant pathogens: Diversity and pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia fungi associated with native prairie grasses in the Sandhills of Nebraska

The Sandhills of Nebraska is a complex ecosystem, covering 50,000 km2 in central and western Nebraska and predominantly of virgin grassland. Grasslands are the most widespread vegetation in the U.S. and once dominated regions are currently cultivated croplands, so it stands to reason that some of the current plant pathogens of cultivated crops originated from grasslands, particularly soilborne plant pathogens. The anamorphic genus Rhizoctonia includes genetically diverse organisms that are known to be necrotrophic fungal pathogens, saprophytes, mycorrhiza of orchids, and biocontrol agents. This study aimed to evaluate the diversity of Rhizoctonia spp. on four native grasses in the Sandhills of Nebraska and determine pathogenicity to native grasses and soybean. In 2016 and 2017, a total of 84 samples were collected from 11 sites in the Sandhills, located in eight counties of Nebraska. The samples included soil and symptomatic roots from the four dominant native grasses: sand bluestem, little bluestem, prairie sandreed, and needle-and-thread. Obtained were 17 Rhizoctonia-like isolates identified, including five isolates of binucleate Rhizoctonia AG-F; two isolates each from binucleate Rhizoctonia AG-B, AG-C, and AG-K, Rhizoctonia solani AGs: AG-3, and AG-4; one isolate of binucleate Rhizoctonia AG-L, and one isolate of R. zeae. Disease severity was assessed for representative isolates of each AG in a greenhouse assay using sand bluestem, needle-and-thread, and soybean; prairie sandreed and little bluestem were unable to germinate under artificial conditions. On native grasses, all but two isolates were either mildly aggressive (causing 5-21% disease severity) or aggressive (21-35% disease severity). Among those, three isolates were cross-pathogenic on soybean, with R. solani AG-4 shown to be highly aggressive (86% disease severity). Thus, it is presumed that Rhizoctonia spp. are native to the sandhills grasslands and an emerging pathogen of crops cultivated may have survived in the soil and originate from grasslands.
The Effects of Interpersonal Support on Treatment Outcomes Using Cognitive Processing Therapy

Although there has been research connecting PTSD and social support, there has been little research on effects of treatment, especially in military samples. The current study examined the relationship between these variables over the course of PTSD treatment and assessed differences based on treatment modality (i.e. group versus individual). Participants were 322 active duty service members in a randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of group and individual Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) treatment modalities and were assessed for PTSD symptoms and social support both prior to and upon completion treatment. Cross-lagged regression models were used to examine stability and lagged effects between PTSD severity and dimensions of social support from pre- to post-treatment. Lower levels of pre-treatment PTSD severity were associated with higher levels of post-treatment social support across all three subscales (all b ’s at least -.15, p < .02). The only significant difference based on treatment modality was a stronger relationship between pre- and post-treatment PTSD severity for those who received group CPT compared to participants who received individual CPT, consistent with previous findings. Recommendations for improving social support during PTSD treatment through modalities, such as family-centered models or social skills training, are discussed.
Rapid development of renal failure following simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation in two siblings with primary hyperoxaluria type I due to c.473C>T(p.Ser158Leu) genotype

Abstract Primary hyperoxaluria type I (pH I) is a rare genetic disorder that leads to end stage kidney disease (ESKD) due to excessive deposition of calcium oxalate in the kidney. Simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation (LKTx) has been advocated as the treatment of choice for patients with pH I who have progressive renal disease. However, early renal failure secondary to oxalate deposition following simultaneous LKTx may occur. Here we report two siblings with pH I due to a homozygous c.473C>T (p.Ser158Leu) pathogenic variant in the alanine-glyoxylate and serine‑pyruvate aminotransferase gene who underwent simultaneous LKTx for ESKD during early adulthood. Both had an early recurrence of oxalosis leading to loss of the kidney graft. The first sibling had a successful repeat kidney transplantation 13 months after the initial procedure. Sequential transplantation of the liver followed by kidney is to be considered for patients with pH I presenting with severe phenotypes. Kidney graft failure following simultaneous LKTx deprives other patients with ESKD of the opportunity to get a kidney transplant.
Closing the structure-to-function gap for LRRK2

Variations in the LRRK2 gene represent one of the strongest genetic factors for Parkinson's disease (PD). It has become clear that structural knowledge of the encoded large multidomain LRRK2 protein will cast light on its biological function. The new study from Myasnikov, Zhu, et al. provides a high-resolution structure of the full-length LRRK2.