cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Critical role for mixed-lineage kinase 3 in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity

c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) activation plays a major role in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity. However, the exact mechanism of APAP-induced JNK activation is incompletely understood. It has been established that apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) regulates the late phase of APAP-induced JNK activation, but the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase that mediates the initial phase of APAP-induced JNK activation has not been identified. Oxidative stress produced during APAP metabolism causes JNK activation, which promotes mitochondrial dysfunction and results in the amplification of oxidative stress. Therefore, inhibition of the initial phase of JNK activation may be key to protection against APAP-induced liver injury. The goal of this study was to determine whether mixed-lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) mediates the initial, ASK1-independent phase of APAP-induced JNK activation and thus promotes drug-induced hepatotoxicity. We found that MLK3 was activated by oxidative stress and was required for JNK activation in response to oxidative stress. Loss of MLK3 attenuated APAP-induced JNK activation and hepatocyte death in vitro, independent of receptor-interacting protein 1. Moreover, JNK and glycogen synthase kinase 3β activation was significantly attenuated, and Mcl-1 degradation was inhibited in APAP-treated MLK3-knockout mice. Furthermore, we showed that loss of MLK3 increased expression of glutamate cysteine ligase, accelerated hepatic GSH recovery, and decreased production of reactive oxygen species after APAP treatment. MLK3-deficient mice were significantly protected from APAP-induced liver injury, compared with wild-type mice. Together, these studies establish a novel role for MLK3 in APAP-induced JNK activation and hepatotoxicity, and they suggest MLK3 as a possible target in the treatment of APAP-induced liver injury.
Oncogenic viruses and cancer

This special issue of the journal is dedicated to the important topic of oncogenic viruses and cancer. It contains seven review articles covering all known oncogenic viruses except for human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). These review articles are contributed by experts on specific viruses and their associated human cancers. Viruses account for about 20% of total human cancer cases. Although many viruses can cause various tumors in animals, only seven of them are associated with human cancers and are currently considered oncogenic viruses. These viruses include hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein Barr virus (EBV), human herpes virus 8 (HHV8), Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), and HTLV-1. HBV and HCV cause approximately 80% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common cancer of the liver. High-risk HPV strains are the major causes of cervical cancer and other ano-genital neoplasms as well as a significant proportion of head and neck tumors. EBV is associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and Burkitt’s lymphoma. HHV8 (also called Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus,KSHV) is responsible for Kaposi’s sarcoma often found in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). MCPyV causes Merkel cell carcinoma and HTLV-1 is the causative agent of adult T-cell lymphoma.
Automatic modeling of animatable virtual humans - a survey

Highly realistic virtual human models are rapidly becoming commonplace in computer graphics. These models, often represented by complex shape and requiring labor-intensive process, challenge the problem of automatic modeling. We study the problem and solutions to automatic modeling of animatable virtual humans. Methods for capturing the shape of real people, parameterization techniques for modeling static shape (the variety of human body shapes) and dynamic shape (how the body shape changes as it moves) of virtual humans are classified, summarized and compared. Finally, methods for clothed virtual humans are reviewed.
A PERSISTENT VIRUS INFECTION IN FELDMANNIA (PHAEOPHYCEAE)1

A virus infection is described within the unilocular sporangia of Feldmannia spn., a filamentous brown alga (Phaeophyceae). The alga is easily maintained in culture and vegetative growth is vigorous, but formation of icosahedral virions 150 nm in diameter completely displaces production of zoospores. The viruses, estimated at 1-5 × 10 6 per sporangium, are eventually released by rupture of the sporangial wall. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) isolated from the viruses can be readily digested with restriction endonucleases and consists of ca. 170 kbp of double-stranded DNA (...)
Recasting Dewey’s critique of the reflex-arc concept via a theory of anticipatory consciousness: implications for theories of perception

Abstract Dewey (1896) claimed that the word stimulus, if it is to be used in descriptions of organism–environment coordinations at all, should be used to refer, not to environmental events, but rather, to that aspect of the coordination specifying the state of affairs the coordination is striving to maintain. The present paper recasts Dewey’s critique by claiming that this specifying aspect of the coordination resides within a continuously generated, anticipatory body-in-the-environment “feel” that is not the result of afference. This theory of anticipatory consciousness is based primarily upon a synthesis of (1) Vandervert’s (1995) neuropositivistic integration of Lotka’s (1945) theoretical arguments regarding the prey-predator scenario, and Melzack’s (1992) empirical work on phantom limbs, and (2) research on a recently reported perceptual phenomenon known as the Phantom Array ( Hershberger, 1987 ), the existence of which supports the theory of anticipatory consciousness. This recasting of Dewey’s coordination-specifying “stimulus” is then used to reveal conceptual inadequacies that arise within representationalist theories of perception, for such theories tend to ignore Dewey’s critique and theorize perception to be a response to environmental stimuli. Such theorizing leads to the following inappropriate conclusions: (1) perception lags behind the world, (2) the perceiver’s view of the world is inherently inaccurate and incomplete, and (3) their exists a “physical” world of which we experience but appearances. The presented theory of anticipatory consciousness reveals that (1) the sequencing of perception is determined more by the control of body–environment relationships than by the moment of information transduction (i.e., transfer delays), (2) perceptual accuracy should be measured in terms of sensory-motor success versus the degree of correspondence between mental representations and the material world, and (3) the “objects” found in the world beyond the organism are not ontological, a priori “givens” in need of representation prior to entering phenomenology, but rather, are invariant thermodynamic “information structures” that find themselves “realized” within an organism’s field of control. Based on these arguments, it is then concluded that it is the material world, not perception, which qualifies as inference, and J. J. Gibson’s theory of direct perception, which does not demand the inference of a “material” world is, thus, the more parsimonious.
Depression as a mediator of the relation between family functioning and functional disability in youth with chronic headaches.

Objective This retrospective chart review examined a mediation model of parent and family functioning, childhood depression, and functional disability in youth with chronic headaches. Specifically, we evaluated whether depression mediates the relations between protective parenting and functional disability and between family functioning and functional disability. Background Children and adolescents with chronic and recurrent headache report elevated symptoms of depression. Children with chronic pain conditions, including chronic headaches, have also been found to originate from families with greater conflict, poorer cohesion, and lower organizational structure, and impaired family functioning is associated with greater disability in youth with chronic pain. Methods Three hundred and eighty-two patients ages 5-17 years who underwent a multidisciplinary evaluation at a tertiary pediatric headache clinic were included in this study. Participants completed a pain intensity rating, the Children's Depression Inventory, and the Functional Disability Inventory. A parent completed the Family Relationship Index and the Adult Responses to Children's Symptoms questionnaires. Structural equation modeling was used to examine a mediation model and several alternative models. Results Mediation was not supported, but an alternative model with both direct and indirect pathways provided excellent fit to the data: χ2(1) = 0.745, P = .39; comparative fit index = 1.00, root mean square error of approximation = 0.00 (CI: 0.00–0.17). Family functioning (β = −0.19, P < .01) and protective parenting (β = 0.17, P < .01) were associated with depression, but not disability. Depression was linked to disability (β = 0.24, P < .01). There was an indirect pathway from family functioning to depression to disability (β = −0.05, P < .05). Conclusions Family context is an important variable to consider in youth with chronic headaches and disability. While many studies have identified family functioning and depressive symptoms as separately linked to functional impairment, to our knowledge, we are the first to demonstrate depression as an intermediary variable between family dysfunction and disability within the pediatric headache population.
Combination lithium and divalproex sodium in pediatric bipolarity.

Objective Lithium carbonate (Li) or divalproex sodium (DVPX) may be effective for some juveniles with bipolar disorder. Many youths with bipolar disorder do not respond to DVPX or Li monotherapy. An open-label study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of combination DVPX and Li therapy with youths diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Method Patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for bipolar I or bipolar II disorder, ages 5 to 17 years, were treated prospectively for up to 20 weeks with DVPX + Li. Assessments included the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Children's Depression Rating Scale–Revised (CDRS-R), and the Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS). The a priori definition of clinical remission utilized included four contiguous weekly ratings of YMRS ≤12.5, CDRS-R ≤40, CGAS ≥51, clinical stability, and no evidence of mood cycling. Results Ninety patients (66 males, 24 females) were treated. Significant improvement (p < .0001) in all outcome measures was observed by week 8 as well as at the end of study. The mean time in study was 11.3 weeks. Forty-seven percent (n = 42) met a priori criteria for remission. Conclusions Symptoms of mania and depression in juvenile bipolar disorder may be safely and effectively treated acutely with DVPX + Li.
Quadrupole field geometries for intense electron beam acceleration

High-intensity electron beams could be focused in low-frequency RF accelerators and induction linear accelerators by adding transverse components to the accelerating electric field. Calculations with a 3D code show that quasielectrostatic focusing is sufficient to transport kiloampere electron beams in RF accelerators and the high-energy sections of induction accelerators. The elimination of conventional magnetic focusing systems could lead to reductions in the volume and weight of high-current electron accelerators. Two novel quadrupole geometries are investigated: a periodic array of spherical electrodes with alternating displacements and a set of plate electrodes with elliptical apertures.
Lowering blood pressure with beta-blockers in combination with other renin-angiotensin system blockers in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes: results from the GEMINI Trial.

The effects of β-blockade in addition to more specific renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers on blood pressure (BP) in patients with diabetes are described. After washout of medications other than angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, patients were titrated to a BP level <130/80 mm Hg using therapy with carvedilol 6.25 to 25 mg bid (n=498) or metoprolol tartrate 50 to 200 mg bid (n=737). At the end of the β-blocker titration period, a BP level <130/80 mm Hg was achieved in 37% of carvedilol-treated and 36% of metoprolol-treated participants who continued to receive a renin-angiotensin system blocker. In the approximately 60% of participants in whom a BP level <130/80 mm Hg was not attained with renin-angiotensin system blockade plus β-blockade, hydrochlorothiazide was added in 43% and 44% of carvedilol and metoprolol groups, respectively; 25% (both arms) also required a calcium channel blocker. Among those in whom goal BP was not achieved, 42% of carvedilol- and 40% of metoprolol-treated participants were not titrated to the highest dose of β-blocker. The use of carvedilol compared with metoprolol did not effect glycemic control.
Efficiency of Laboratory Steam Deodorization in Quantitative Recovery of Aliphatic Delta-Lactones from Butteroil

Abstract Numerous techniques have been employed for isolating aliphatic lactones from milk fat. These include steam deodorization (3, 10); methanol extraction (1); molecular distillation (1, 4); silicic acid column chromatography (2, 5); and thin-layer chromatography (5, 6, 11). Laboratory steam deodorization has been shown to be an effective method in stripping the lactones and methyl ketones from butteroil to improve the flavor stability. Tharp (10) found that deodorization for 3 hr at 125 C and 5.0 ± 0.5 mm Hg was sufficient to generate and completely eliminate the coconut (lactone) flavor from milk fat. In a recent study, Nelson et al. (7) presented preliminary evidence that a statistically significant improvement in flavor stability of butteroil was achieved after 2 hr at 145 ± 5 C and 0.02 mm Hg. Similarly, Patton (8) utilized steam stripping at 125–200 C under pressures of 1–20 mm Hg for 1–3 hr to eliminate the non-oxidative off-flavors during heat treatment and storage of milk fat.
Microbiologic Surveillance Using Nasal Cultures Alone Is Sufficient for Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates in Neonates

During an outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the neonatal intensive care units at two hospitals, we assessed several sites for detection of MRSA colonization. Nasal cultures found 32 of 33 MRSA-colonized patients (97%). Rectal cultures detected 29% of 24 MRSA-colonized patients identified by paired rectal and nasal samples and axillary samples found 22% of 9 MRSA-colonized patients identified by axillary samples paired with nasal swabs. There were no positive umbilical samples.
Heterozygotes as Intermediates of Bacteriophage Recombination

The specificity of the interaction between the complementary strands of DNA molecules provides an attractive way of thinking about the structure of the joint between the two parental contributions of a recombinant DNA molecule. Several lines of evidence demonstrate that heteroduplex regions, in which one strand of DNA is contributed by one of the parental molecules and its complementary strand by the other, are a prominent feature of the primary products of genetic recombination.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in a Patient With Presumptive Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome II

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is an increasingly described form of transient cardiomyopathy in which patients develop a distinct left ventricular apical ballooning typically following a significan...
The Use of Asynchronous Discussion: Creating a Text of Talk

Asynchronous discussion allows students to read and respond "out-oftime." This form of online discussion, as experienced in a college literacy course, creates a text of talk that has the potential to be reflective given the freedom participants have in their response time. However, students often struggle with reflection. Instructors need to structure discussion online so that it becomes a forum for communication as well as critical thinking. They also need to view writing online as both process (discussion) and product (document to be assessed).
Enhancement of flavor aversion conditioning in weanling but not adult rats by prior conditioning to an odor

In four experiments, we tested the effect of signaled and unsignaled preexposure to the US on conditioning of a taste aversion to saccharin, which was induced by pairing the saccharin (CS) with lithium chloride (US). Rats of two ages were tested, weanlings 21 days old at the time of conditioning and adults 60–80 days old at the time of conditioning. The procedures generally were designed to minimize the deleterious effects of US preexposure on conditioning in adults. In Experiment 1, preexposure to a US signaled by a novel odor (banana) facilitated conditioning in the weanlings but not in the adults. In Experiments 2A and 2B, these results were completely replicated. Only the weanlings were tested in the final experiment, in which it was determined that saccharin-LiCl conditioning was again facilitated by a prior pairing of the banana odor and LiCl, but only if the LiCl doses (.15M or.30 M) were the same for the signaled US preexposure and for the taste-aversion conditioning itself. In all of these experiments, a conditioned aversion to saccharin paired with LiCl was enhanced by prior pairing of an unrelated odor with LiCl, in the weanlings but not the adults. These results agree with others in suggesting that during the first three postnatal weeks rats may have a special disposition for cross-modal transfer.
Oxidized LDL induces the expression of ALBP/aP2 mRNA and protein in human THP-1 macrophages

The adipocyte lipid-binding protein (ALBP/aP2) belongs to a multigene family of fatty acid and retinoid transport proteins. This protein is abundantly expressed in the cytoplasm and nuclear region of adipocytes and is postulated to serve as a lipid shuttle, solubilizing hydrophobic fatty acids and delivering them to the appropriate metabolic system for utilization. This report demonstrates that human cholesterol-loaded THP-1 macrophages express ALBP/aP2 and that its expression can be stimulated by oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL). The increase in mRNA expression was paralleled by a similar increase in ALBP/aP2 protein. The increase in ALBP/aP2 mRNA and protein in oxLDL-stimulated THP-1 macrophages is concentration and time dependent and is inhibited by treatment of the cells with an antioxidant inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), and with protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors bisindolylmaleimide I and Ro-31-8220. These results suggest that activation of both NF-kappaB and PKC signaling pathways is necessary for oxLDL-induced ALBP/aP2 gene expression in THP-1 macrophages and that the upregulation of the fatty acid carrier may be a necessary event in foam cell formation.
Risk of injury in basketball, football, and soccer players, ages 15 years and older, 2003-2007.

Context: A major challenge in the field of sports injury epidemiology is identifying the appropriate denominators for injury rates. Objective: To characterize risk of injury from participation in basketball, football, and soccer in the United States, using hours of participation as the measure of exposure, and to compare these rates with those derived using population estimates in the denominator. Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Setting: United States, 2003–2007. Participants: People ages 15 years and older who experienced an emergency department–treated injury while playing basketball, football, or soccer. Main Outcome Measure(s): Rates of emergency department–treated injuries resulting from participation in basketball, football, or soccer. Injury rates were calculated for people ages 15 and older for the years 2003–2007 using the U.S. population and hours of participation as the denominators. The risk of injury associated with each of these sports was compared for all participants and by sex. Re...
Secured Credit, Control Rights and Options

Changes in bankruptcy practice require a reexamination of the incentives of secured lenders. Traditionally, such lenders were viewed as favoring liquidating distressed businesses, even when such liquidation would be inefficient. Through devices such as revolving credit facilities, senior lenders have extensive control over the operations of financially troubled companies before a bankruptcy petition is filed. This control provides the lender with two options. One is a real option on the continued operation of the business. The lender can exercise this option to sell the enterprise in whole or in part or to revamp operations. A second is a financial option. Through the use of a prearranged bankruptcy, the secured lender can effectively convert its debt into equity while extinguishing the interests of equity holders. The secured lender can exercise both options, changing the course of the firm's operations and converting its debt claim into an equity interest. When the rights of the senior lender are viewed as a set of options, one cannot conclude on an a priori basis that the senior is overly favorable toward liquidation.
Alterations due to dilution and anticoagulant effects in hematologic analysis of rodent blood samples on the Sysmex XT-2000iV.

Background Clinical pathology of rodents is hindered by sample volume limitations. A single whole heparinized blood sample is often submitted for hematologic and clinical chemistry analysis in exploratory research settings, and sample dilution may be required. Published information on the potential impact of sample dilution and heparin use on hematology variables in rodents is sparse. Objectives The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of sample dilution and of anticoagulant on hematologic analysis of mouse and rat blood samples on the Sysmex XT-2000iV. Methods Mice and rats were obtained from various ends of study research projects, and whole blood was collected via terminal cardiocentesis in lithium heparin, and additionally in EDTA when paired samples were obtained from rats. Hematology analytes were measured on the Sysmex XT-2000iV straight and diluted from ×2 to ×5. Results Significant differences between heparinized samples analyzed straight vs diluted were found for MCV and MCHC, with a bias for several additional variables. Significant differences between paired heparinized and EDTA-anticoagulated samples at each dilution point were found for most variables, with the largest differences found in platelet count. Evidence of platelet clumping presumably due to heparin exposure was noted in numerous samples. Conclusions Dilution-induced changes occur in some hematologic variables and may render dilution unacceptable in the exploratory research environment. Many variables, most notably platelet count, differ based on the anticoagulant used, and values from heparinized vs EDTA-anticoagulated samples should not be directly compared.
Transition from Student to Teacher: Preservice Teachers’ Beliefs and Practices:

This literature review examines research focusing on preservice music teachers’ developing beliefs about teaching and the ways those beliefs influence their practices. Dewey’s theory of experience ...
Effect of Hypercapnic Acidosis and of Hypoxia on Adrenal Catecholamine Output of the Spinal Dog.

ConclusionIn 8 spinal dogs adrenal blood flow and adrenal catecholamine output (ACO) were measured. Hypoxia (PaO2 36 mm Hg) without acidosis did not change significantly ACO, while hypercapnic acidosis (PaCO2 127, pH 6.93) produced a significant increase in ACO. These findings confirm previous observations indicating that acidosis more than hypoxia stimulates catecholamine release.
The Media Power and the Judicial Supervision

Due to the spread instrumental capital, the media has a soft power that can match any other social powers. That's why our mass media, as the mouthpiece of the Party-and-government, can be successful in the judicial supervision. Just like a two-edge sword, the media power can ensure the fairness of judicature or break the fairness of judicature if proper or improper supervisions. So we should establish the independence of the media and judicature and keep a balance between the media supervision and the judicial impartiality.
Quantitative studies in fetal electrocardiography: I. Prenatal prediction of the condition of the infant at birth (Apgar rating)☆

Abstract A method is proposed for the prenatal prediction of the condition of the infant of birth (Apgar rating), using the calculation of a multiple linear regression equation. The variables are measurable or known prenatally, plus an estimated birth weight. The normality of the fetal ECG complex is the most important variable of those used; birth weight and weeks' gestation favor the mature infant as opposed to the premature; maternal systolic blood pressure and parity have negative coefficients, the larger their values the lower the predicted Apgar rating. Since the coefficient of determination at this step is 0.41, a substantial part of the variability in Apgar ratings is accounted for.
A chromosomal female with hemophilia A.

An eight year old female is presented with hemophilia A with hemorrhagic symptoms since three months of age. Family studies revealed sex linked transmission through the maternal lineage. Chromosome analysis revealed a normal complement with two X chromosomes. Possible genetic mechanisms for this apparent homozygous hemophilic state derived from a carrier woman and normal father are presented.
Spin Dynamics of 3He in Aerogel

We report continuous-wave NMR measurements on superfluid 3 He contained inside high porosity aerogel at 3.24 MPa, in a 28.4 mT magnetic field, and down to 0.9 mK. Three different purities of 3 He were used: pure 3 He, 3 He with enough 4 He to replace the first localized layer, and 3 He with enough 4 He to replace both localized layers. Below 2.26mK, the NMR spectrum does not consist of a single Lorentzian, but a distribution of NMR resonant frequencies both above and below the Larmor frequency, ω L . Upon cooling, the component of the spectrum at frequencies below the Larmor frequency moves to higher frequencies over a narrow temperature range and does not return to ω < ω L upon warming. The higher frequency component of the spectrum displays two resolvable peaks which become a complex structure upon removal of the localized 3 He spins. The spectrum changes as the magnetic field is rotated about the axis of the aerogel sample, indicating that the 3 He is able to detect a preferred direction in the aerogel. The shape of the spectrum shows no rotation or magnetic field hysteresis. We find that the average frequency shifts of our NMR spectra do not depend on the presence of the localized 3 He spins. These frequency shifts and the presence of a temperature-independent magnetization for the liquid 3 He suggest that the aerogel stabilizes a single equal-spin-pairing state in our experiments.
Energy management integrated circuits for wireless power transmission

Wireless power transmission is one of the few viable techniques to power up implantable medical devices (IMDs) across the skin without any direct electrical contact between the energy source and the IMD. There are also other wirelessly powered applications with various levels of power requirements from nanowatts in wireless sensors and radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags, milliwatts in near-field communication (NFC), watts in mobile electronics, and kilowatts in electric vehicles. High power transfer efficiency (PTE), robustness against nearby objects and coil misalignments, and extended power transfer range are highly desired in all of these applications.
Giant voltage modulation of magnetic anisotropy in strained heavy metal/magnet/insulator heterostructures

Ab initio electronic structure calculations reveal that epitaxial strain has a dramatic effect on the voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) in Ta/FeCo/MgO junctions. Strain can give rise to a wide range of novel VCMA behaviors where the MA can change from a $\ensuremath{\vee}$- to a $\ensuremath{\wedge}$-shape electric-field dependence with giant VCMA coefficients which are asymmetric under voltage reversal. The underlying mechanism is the interplay of the strain- and electric-field-induced changes in the spin-orbit coupled $d$ states at the interfaces and the strain-induced modification of the dielectric constant of MgO. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of highly sensitive VCMA through strain engineering, which may provide a viable avenue for tailoring magnetoelectric properties for spintronic applications.
Appropriating Democratic Discourse in North Africa

Political actors across the globe often use the language of democracy, but they do not all use the same language. Drawing on content analysis of 1935 speeches given between 2000 and 2010, this study examines how five North African autocrats appropriated the global discursive form of democracy by altering its content. These leaders proposed that the special circumstances of each country preclude any one-size-fits-all global definition of democracy, whose imposition in their countries, they claim, would be inappropriate, ineffective, or dangerous. Through their speeches, these rulers redefined democracy by engaging in active ideological work, weaving together discourses that combined global norms, state interests, and local values. This suggests that, in addition to being a benchmark by which to measure modes of governance, ‘democracy’ is also a language game played between actors on a global stage. By synthesizing theoretical frameworks drawn from world polity and social movement studies traditions, this s...
Psychosocial Factors and Behaviors in African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study.

Introduction There are limited reports on the association of psychosocial factors with unhealthy behaviors, which are key mediators in the psychosocial–cardiovascular disease pathway. The Jackson Heart Study was used to examine the associations of multiple psychosocial factors with behaviors among African Americans. Methods The Jackson Heart Study is a prospective, cohort study of cardiovascular disease among African Americans recruited from the Jackson, MS, metropolitan area between 2000 and 2004. Between 2015 and 2016, multivariable regression was used to analyze the cross-sectional associations of baseline negative affect (cynicism, anger-in, anger-out, and depressive symptoms) and stressors (global stress, Weekly Stress Inventory-event, Weekly Stress Inventory-impact, and major life events) with the odds of current smoking and mean differences in dietary fat intake, physical activity, and hours of sleep. Results Men were more likely to smoke than women ( p p p =0.001). In fully adjusted models, each negative affect and stress measure was significantly associated with an increased odds of current smoking. For example, the odds of smoking increased by 14% for each 1-SD increase in cynical distrust score (OR=1.14, 95% CI=1.01, 1.27) in the fully adjusted model. Further, each negative affect and stress measure (except anger-out) was significantly associated with fewer hours of sleep in fully adjusted models. Conclusions Using a large sample of African Americans, this study found that multiple psychosocial risk factors were associated with unhealthy behaviors that are prevalent among this population.
Host γd T cells Exacerbate Experimental Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease through Activation of Host Antigen Presenting Cells.

Large numbers of T cells bearing γd T cell receptors are present in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) target tissues. We investigated the potential role of host γd T cells during acute GVHD in a well-characterized GVHD model following full intensity conditioning (11 Gy TBI). BM and spleen T cells from BALB/c (H2 d ) donors were transplanted into wild type (wt) B6, as T cell deficient B6 (as −/−) or γd T cell deficient B6 (γd −/−) hosts. γd −/− hosts demonstrated significantly better day 35 survival (85%) than wt (40%) or as−/− hosts (18%) (P 4 vs. 5.1 ± 1.2 x 10 4 , P + donor T cells expanded four times more in recipients of DCs co-cultured with γd T cells than in recipients of control DCs and serum levels of TNF-a were significantly higher (36.7 + 6.8 vs. 21.3 + 3.7 pg/ml, P
A Multimedia Self-management Intervention to Prepare Cancer Patients and Family Caregivers for Lung Surgery and Postoperative Recovery

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a multimedia self-management (MSM) intervention to prepare patients and family caregivers for lung surgery. Patients and Methods This is a quasi-experimental, 2-group, sequential enrollment pilot study of a 4-session multimedia intervention (audio/visual + print) to enhance self-management and quality of life (QOL) for patients and family caregivers. The intervention, Preparing for Lung Surgery , begins before surgery, and continues through hospitalization and discharge, with 2 telephone support sessions after discharge. Outcomes were assessed before surgery (preintervention), at discharge, and 2 to 4 weeks postdischarge (postintervention). Patient outcomes were assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (QOL), MD Anderson Symptom Inventory and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Pulmonary Symptom Index (symptoms), self-efficacy, surgery-related knowledge, and patient activation. Family caregiver outcomes included City of Hope-QOL-Family (QOL), Caregiver Burden Scale, and knowledge. Paired t tests were used for exploratory evaluations of score changes from pre- to postintervention. Results Sixty participants (38 patients, 22 family caregivers) enrolled in the study (70% accrual). Postintervention scores were significantly improved for patients' emotional QOL ( P = .001). Trends for improvements were observed for patient self-efficacy, surgery-related knowledge, and activation. Family caregivers' surgery-related knowledge was significantly improved ( P = .02). Overall, participants were highly satisfied with the acceptability/usability of the intervention (3.6-3.7 of 4.0). Conclusion A standardized MSM intervention was feasible and acceptable in supporting readiness and preparedness for lung surgery and postoperative recovery. A larger randomized trial is needed to verify the impact of the MSM intervention on patient/family caregiver outcomes and health care resource use.
Optimizing enrichment of campylobacter on poultry

SUMMARY Poultry meat represents the primary source of Campylobacter-associated foodborne illness. Current methods set forth by USDA-FSIS for qualitative detection of Campylobacter from poultry involve selective enrichment to enhance recovery of cells. Due to the time and expense associated with these methods, there is a demand for more effective and economical methods of analysis. This research was conducted in efforts to optimize selective enrichment of Campylobacter, while reducing time and cost associated with detection. The objectives of this study were to optimize selective enrichment of Campylobacter by evaluating growth of Campylobacter jejuni throughout 48 h in various modified enrichment media, and to compare detection of Campylobacter from poultry rinse samples after enrichment in optimized media. Growth of C. jejuni in Brucella-Fructose-1, 6-bisphosphate (FBP) was improved (P ≤ 0.05) at 12, 24, and 48 hours. Evaluation of modified Brucella broth demonstrated improved growth (P ≤ 0.05) of C. jejuni at both 12 h and 48 h compared to Bolton’s enrichment broth base incorporated with inhibitors. Enrichment of poultry rinse samples in modified Brucella for 12 h also showed improved detection (P ≤ 0.05) of natural levels of Campylobacter on carcasses compared to enrichment in blood-free Bolton’s enrichment broth. Finally, cost analysis revealed that preparing one liter of modified Brucella medium can prove more economical without impacting recovery. The results of this study provide the industry with improved methods for enrichment and detection of Campylobacter, while also reducing the cost associated with analysis.
Effect of Moisture on the Thermoresponsive Properties of Binary Mixtures of Monoglycerides for Triggerable Drug Delivery Systems

The crystallization behavior and temperature-dependent phase transition of monoglycerides have been utilized to develop thermal-sensitive drug delivery systems. The presence of excess water has been reported to influence the phase transition. The present study investigates the effect of moisture on the thermal behavior of binary blends of monoglycerides. Various compositions (0–100 wt%) of glyceryl monooleate (GMO) and glyceryl monostearate (GMS) were prepared by fusion method, and exposed to varying relative humidity (RH) levels (0–100%). The moisture uptakes, sorption isotherm, and the thermal behavior of GMO-GMS samples were analyzed using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The in vitro nifedipine (NF) release was studied at 37 and 42°C. Samples of GMO-GMS (25:75, 50:50, and 75:25 wt%) stored at 97%RH at 25°C for 3 weeks increased in weight by 14.0, 14.7, and 15.8%, respectively. Despite such high moisture uptake, the GMO-GMS matrices maintained crystalline structure. The melting point (T m) and heat of fusion (ΔH f) of the samples were reduced as the amount of moisture in the matrices increased. However, the heat of fusion calculated on dry basis remained constant at 139.4 ± 1.25, 102.7 ± 1.14, and 46.7 ± 1.16 J/g for GMO-GMS 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25 wt%, respectively. The comparison of the XRD measurements of the dry samples with those containing 30% water confirmed the preserved crystalline arrangement in the matrices. This study indicates that despite the high moisture uptakes, the GMO-GMS matrices retained their crystalline properties and provided temperature-dependent drug release indicating the potential application for thermoresponsive local drug delivery systems.
PARAFAC-based multilinear subspace clustering for tensor data

Subspace clustering has become an increasingly popular data analysis and machine learning method, whose main assumption is that data are generated from a union of linear subspaces modeling. While successful in many applications these methods do not take into account the multilinear structure of data such as images and video. Prompted by this observation, the present work introduces a multilinear subspace clustering scheme that exploits the structure of the data, and its performance is evaluated on synthetic and real datasets against state-of-the-art subspace clustering algorithms.
First-order reversal curve of the magnetostructural phase transition in FeTe

Author(s): Frampton, MK; Crocker, J; Gilbert, DA; Curro, N; Liu, K; Schneeloch, JA; Gu, GD; Zieve, RJ | Abstract: We apply the first-order reversal curve (FORC) method, adapted from studies of ferromagnetic materials, to the magnetostructural phase transition of Fe1+yTe. FORC measurements reveal two features in the hysteretic phase transition, even in samples where traditional temperature measurements display only a single transition. For Fe1.13Te, the influence of magnetic field suggests that the main feature is primarily structural while a smaller, slightly higher-temperature transition is magnetic in origin. By contrast, Fe1.03Te has a single transition which shows a uniform response to magnetic field, indicating a stronger coupling of the magnetic and structural phase transitions. We also introduce uniaxial stress, which spreads the distribution width without changing the underlying energy barrier of the transformation. The work shows how FORC can help disentangle the roles of the magnetic and structural phase transitions in FeTe.
Blocking for Single-Stage Resource Sharing

The design and management of communication networks involve the allocation of network resources, especially the capacity of transmission links, for transporting the information generated by communication terminals. This chapter focuses on the sharing of transmission links, whereas the same theory can be applied to other problems, such as the sharing of memory and processors.
Relationship breakup disclosures and media ideologies on Facebook

After relationship breakups, people must make difficult decisions about whether and how to convey this change in a networked environment. To understand and characterize behaviors around breakup dis...
A systematic review of peer-supported interventions for health promotion and disease prevention.

Abstract Prior research has examined peer programs with respect to specific peer roles (e.g.; peer support) or specific health/wellness domains (e.g.; exercise/diet), or have aggregated effects across roles and domains. We sought to conduct a systematic review that categorizes and assesses the effects of peer interventions to promote health and wellness by peer role, intervention type, and outcomes. We use evidence mapping to visually catalog and synthesize the existing research. We searched PubMed and WorldCat databases (2005 to 2015) and New York Academy of Medicine Grey Literature Report (1999 to 2016) for English-language randomized control trials. We extracted study design, study participants, type of intervention(s), peer role(s), outcomes assessed and measures used, and effects from 116 randomized controlled trials. Maps were created to provide a visual display of the evidence by intervention type, peer role, outcome type, and significant vs null or negative effects. There are more null than positive effects across peer interventions, with notable exceptions: group-based interventions that use peers as educators or group facilitators commonly improve knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions; peer educators also commonly improved social health/connectedness and engagement. Dyadic peer support influenced behavior change and peer counseling shows promising effects on physical health outcomes. Programs seeking to use peers in public health campaigns can use evidence maps to identify interventions that have previously demonstrated beneficial effects. Those seeking to produce health outcomes may benefit from identifying the mechanisms by which they expect their program to produce these effects and associated proximal outcomes for future evaluations. PROSPERO registration number Although we attempted to register our protocol with PROSPERO, we did not meet eligibility criteria because we were past the data collection phase. The full PROSPERO-aligned protocol is available from the authors.
Optimal Run Strategies in Monte Carlo Iterated Fission Source Simulations

AbstractThe method of successive generations used in Monte Carlo simulations of nuclear reactor models is known to suffer from intergenerational correlation between the spatial locations of fission sites. One consequence of the spatial correlation is that the convergence rate of the variance of the mean for a tally becomes worse than O(N–1). In this work, we consider how the true variance can be minimized given a total amount of work available as a function of the number of source particles per generation, the number of active/discarded generations, and the number of independent simulations. We demonstrate through both analysis and simulation that under certain conditions the solution time for highly correlated reactor problems may be significantly reduced either by running an ensemble of multiple independent simulations or simply by increasing the generation size to the extent that it is practical. However, if too many simulations or too large a generation size is used, the large fraction of source parti...
OR38 Antibody mediated rejection in heart transplantation: Looking beyond HLA to non HLA targets

Aim Non-HLA antibody monitoring using endothelial crossmatch (XM-ONE®) and Angiotensin Type I Receptor (AT1R) antibody tests was performed to determine efficacy of therapeutic plasma exchange in the treatment of antibody mediated rejection (AMR) in two heart transplant recipients. Methods AMR was diagnosed on biopsy using ISHLT criteria including C4d and C3d staining via immunofluorescence. Multiple Luminex® immunoassays were used to confirm the absence of donor specific HLA antibody (DSA). XM-ONE® kits were used to isolate endothelial cell precursors from surrogate donor whole blood and to detect IgG endothelial cell reactive antibodies (Absorber AB). The threshold for a positive crossmatch was a ratio >1.3 over negative control serum (50 Median Channel Shift). AT1R specific antibodies (AT1R-Ab) were detected using an ELISA (CellTrend) and the threshold for positivity was >17 U/ml. Results Analysis of AT1R-Ab levels and endothelial crossmatch results were correlated to ISHLT biopsy results and allograft function following AMR treatment with alternate day plasmapheresis and low dose IVIg. AT1R-Ab levels remained strongly positive throughout treatment for both patients. XM-ONE® crossmatch reactivity decreased and correlated with improved function and a reduction in C4d and C3d immunofluorescence in both patients. Conclusion These results suggest heart recipients with biopsy proven AMR in the absence of donor specific HLA antibody may be the result of non-HLA specific antibodies. Multiple non-HLA antibody assays may be needed to monitored efficacy of AMR treatment.
Is Seeing Believing: Notes on Clinical Recovery

A persistent phenomenon in the neurological clinic is that patients who experience mild to severe cerebral damage and who show at the onset serious behavioral deficits usually recover some, if not all, of the lost function. While this is an enormous benefit to the patient, for which all are thankful, it is downright disconcerting to the neuropsychologist, who is trying to identify steady-state changes in behavior that are traceable to specific neurological lesions.
The lottery, educatiion, and the southern states: a measure of utility in per pupil expenditures among lottery states in the south

State operated lotteries have recently been asserted by public administrators and academicians as panaceas for eradicating revenue disparities existing across public school districts in the American states. The purpose of this research project is to empirically confirm the accusations against attributing credibility to this social intervention program because educational disparity portrays a grave injustice in the U.S. Pooled time series cross sectional analysis is the methodology mechanism employed to test the data in this research project. This study found that lotteries, since their inception, despite expressed high regards, display insufficient significance in generating revenue for educational programs in the southern states. One highly probable reason for the lottery’s insignificant effect in generating educational revenue is the idea of fungibility. One of the major limitations of this study is the small sample size of only using southern states to test the theory that lotteries contribute significantly to educational expenditures in the southern states of America. Using pooled time series cross sectional analysis of all fifty states is a highly recommended approach for future studies concerned with assessing the impact of lotteries on public education expenditures.
The 2016 Presidential Election Popular-Electoral Vote Difference

This paper provides models to forecast the popular vote for each of the two major political party candidates in the 2016 US presidential election and to explain the Electoral College outcome. One day prior to the election, the authors published forecasts online (https://finpolicy.georgetown.edu/) predicting Secretary Hillary Clinton would receive between 50.49 and 51.78 percent of the two-party popular vote. These forecasts were developed from economic and political models adapted from the work of Ray Fair. The final, certified vote count shows that Clinton’s share of the two-party popular vote was 51.11 percent. For the second time in the current century, the winner of the popular vote was not elected to the Presidency. Given the difference between the winners of the popular vote and the electoral vote, the authors developed a state-by-state, cross-sectional probit model to explain Donald Trump’s Electoral College victory, based on voters’ economic, racial, and educational characteristics