cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake during Infancy with Dental Caries in 6-year-olds

To examine whether sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake during infancy is associated with dental caries by age 6, a longitudinal analysis of 1,274 U.S. children was conducted using data from the 2005–2007 Infant Feeding Practices Study II and the 2012 Follow-up Study at 6 years of age. The exposure variables were maternal-reported SSB intakes during infancy (i.e., any SSB intake during infancy, age at SSB introduction during infancy, and average frequency of SSB intake during 10–12 months of age). The outcome variable was maternal-reported dental caries of their 6-year-old in his/her lifetime. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for associations of SSB intake during infancy with having dental caries among 6-year-olds after controlling for baseline characteristics of children and mothers and child’s tooth brushing habits and sweet food intake at follow-up. Based on maternal recall, almost 40% of 6-year-olds had dental caries in their lifetime. Adjusted odds of having dental caries was significantly associated with higher frequency of SSB intake during 10–12 months (aOR=1.83 for ≥3 times/week, vs. none). Any SSB intake during infancy and age at SSB introduction during infancy were not associated with dental caries. In conclusion, frequent SSB intake during 10–12 months of age significantly increased the likelihood of having dental caries among 6-year-olds. Late infancy may be an important time for mothers to establish healthy beverage practices for their children. These findings can be used to inform efforts to reduce dental caries among chil dren.
A Compressed Breadth-First Search for Satisfiability

Leading algorithms for Boolean satisfiability (SAT) are based on either a depth-first tree traversal of the search space (the DLL procedure [6]) or resolution (the DP procedure [7]). In thiswork we introduce a variant of Breadth-First Search (BFS) based on the ability of Zero-Suppressed Binary Decision Diagrams (ZDDs) to compactly represent sparse or structured collections of subsets. While a BFS may require an exponential amount of memory, our new algorithm performs BFS directly with an implicit representation and achieves unconventional reductions in the search space.We empirically evaluate our implementation on classical SAT instances difficult for DLL/DP solvers. Our main result is the empirical ?(n4) runtime for holen instances, on which DLL solvers require exponential time.
Neuropsychological effects of treatments for adults with cancer: a meta-analysis and review of the literature

A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate possible neuropsychological effects of treatments for cancer in adults. A search revealed 30 studies, encompassing 29 eligible samples, and leading to inclusion of a total of 838 patients and control participants. A total of 173 effect sizes (Cohen's d) were extracted across 7 cognitive domains and as assessed in the literature via 3 methods of comparison (post-treatment compared with normative data, controls, or baseline performance). Statistically significant negative effect sizes were found consistently across both normative and control methods of comparison for executive function, verbal memory, and motor function. The largest effects were for executive function and verbal memory normative comparisons (-.93 and -.91, respectively). When limiting the sample of studies in the analyses to only those with relatively "less severe" diagnoses and treatments, the effects remained. While these results point toward some specific cognitive effects of systemic cancer therapies in general, no clear clinical implications can yet be drawn from these results. More research is needed to clarify which treatments may produce cognitive decrements, the size of those effects, and their duration, while ruling out a wide variety of possible mediating or moderating variables.
An experimental investigation of the transient characteristics on a flat-plate heat pipe during startup and shutdown operations

This work presents an experimental investigation of the thermal performance of a flatplate heat pipe during startup and shutdown operations. Using the analytical model developed in a previously study, analytical and experimental results on the effect of input power and cooling heat transfer coefficient on the thermal performance of the heat pipe are presented and discussed. The results indicate that the wick in the evaporator section provides the largest resistance to the heat transfer process followed by the wick in the condenser section. It is found that the heat transfer coefficient has an insignificant effect on the maximum temperature difference across the heat pipe where this difference refers to the maximum difference on the outside surfaces of the flat-plate heat pipe. However, as expected, the input heat flux has a substantial effect on the temperature rise where the temperature rise refers to the temperature increase on the outside surface of the heat pipe. It is found that the temperature difference across the heat pipe depends mainly on the input power. The heat transfer coefficient strongly affects the time it takes to reach steady state while input power has a substantially smaller effect. Empirical correlations for the maximum temperature rise, the maximum temperature difference and the time constants are obtained. The experimental results are compared with the analytical results and are found to be in very good agreement.@S0022-1481~00!01803-X#
Hesperornis escapes plesiosaur attack

Abstract Evidence from the Pierre Shale (Late Cretaceous) of South Dakota is presented for an attack on a juvenile Hesperornis by a polycotylid plesiosaur. The wound healed and the Hesperornis grew to maturity. Evidence of survival provides our best information about predator prey interactions in the fossil record but are rare for birds where survival is an unlikely outcome.
A method for determining the in vivo stability of Drosophila alcohol dehydrogenase (E.C.1.1.1.1.).

A rapid and accurate method of measuring the relative in vivo stability of Drosophila alcohol dehydrogenase is presented. The potential of this technique for examining posttranslational control of in vivo enzyme concentrations is discussed.
Effect of Sulfanilamide upon the Shwartzman Phenomenon and upon the Growth of Meningococci in Vitro

The manner in which sulfanilamide or prontosil exert their therapeutic effect is unknown. Long and Bliss1 have suggested that these drugs exert their action by virtue of the ability to enhance the phagocytic activity of the leukocytes. Gross, Cooper and Peebles,2 and Weinberg, Mellon and Shinn,3 however, were unable to demonstrate any increased phagocytosis in treated experimental animals. Gay and Clark4 believe that the drugs exert a bacteriostatic action upon the micro-organisms, thereby protecting the leukocytes and allowing them to set up a defense against invasion. Osgood and Brownlee,5 using bone marrow cultures, concluded that sulfanilamide exerted its effect against beta hemolytic streptococci, chiefly by neutralization of hemotoxins formed, in addition to some bacteriostatic effect upon the organisms. Hemmens and Dack,6 however, dispute this, and Huntington7 was unable to demonstrate any effect of sulfanilamide upon fibrinolysis or formation of erythrogenic toxin in vitro, and he failed to inactivate small amounts of toxin. Subsequently, Osgood and Powell8 found that sulfanilamide in concentration of 1:1000 or less did not inactivate in vitro significant amounts of the hemotoxins of the beta hemolytic streptococcus, hemolytic Staphylococcus aureus, Cl. oedematis maligni, Cl. tetani, or B. perfringins, nor did sulfanilamide significantly affect the course of intoxication in guinea pigs elicited with as little as 1 MLD of diphtheric or tetanus toxin. By means of the phenomenon of local skin reactivity (Shwartzman phenomenon) the activity and neutralization of certain bacterial toxins can be determined. Therefore, it was decided to ascertain the influence of sulfanilamide and prontosil upon the Shwartzman phenomenon elicited by means of meningococcus "agar washings" filtrates. Meningococcus was selected because it produces a stabile potent toxin for the Shwartzman phenomenon, and favorable experimental and clinical effects of sulfanilamide have been reported with this organism as well as with the beta hemolytic streptococcus. Furthermore, for elucidation of the results studies were made on the effect of the drugs upon the growth of meningococcus in vitro.
Diabetes mellitus in the elderly.

In the newly diagnosed asymptomatic patient, the primary aim of treatment is avoidance of iatrogenic problems. However, elderly diabetics with blurred vision, weight loss, unexplained fatigue, or persistent vaginal infection may respond to reduction of plasma glucose. Revised diagnostic criteria and management strategies applicable to this patient population are reviewed.
Staphylococcus aureus Protein A Mediates Interspecies Interactions at the Cell Surface of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

ABSTRACT While considerable research has focused on the properties of individual bacteria, relatively little is known about how microbial interspecies interactions alter bacterial behaviors and pathogenesis. Staphylococcus aureus frequently coinfects with other pathogens in a range of different infectious diseases. For example, coinfection by S. aureus with Pseudomonas aeruginosa occurs commonly in people with cystic fibrosis and is associated with higher lung disease morbidity and mortality. S. aureus secretes numerous exoproducts that are known to interact with host tissues, influencing inflammatory responses. The abundantly secreted S. aureus staphylococcal protein A (SpA) binds a range of human glycoproteins, immunoglobulins, and other molecules, with diverse effects on the host, including inhibition of phagocytosis of S. aureus cells. However, the potential effects of SpA and other S. aureus exoproducts on coinfecting bacteria have not been explored. Here, we show that S. aureus-secreted products, including SpA, significantly alter two behaviors associated with persistent infection. We found that SpA inhibited biofilm formation by specific P. aeruginosa clinical isolates, and it also inhibited phagocytosis by neutrophils of all isolates tested. Our results indicate that these effects were mediated by binding to at least two P. aeruginosa cell surface structures—type IV pili and the exopolysaccharide Psl—that confer attachment to surfaces and to other bacterial cells. Thus, we found that the role of a well-studied S. aureus exoproduct, SpA, extends well beyond interactions with the host immune system. Secreted SpA alters multiple persistence-associated behaviors of another common microbial community member, likely influencing cocolonization and coinfection with other microbes. IMPORTANCE Bacteria rarely exist in isolation, whether on human tissues or in the environment, and they frequently coinfect with other microbes. However, relatively little is known about how microbial interspecies interactions alter bacterial behaviors and pathogenesis. We identified a novel interaction between two bacterial species that frequently infect together—Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We show that the S. aureus-secreted protein staphylococcal protein A (SpA), which is well-known for interacting with host targets, also binds to specific P. aeruginosa cell surface molecules and alters two persistence-associated P. aeruginosa behaviors: biofilm formation and uptake by host immune cells. Because S. aureus frequently precedes P. aeruginosa in chronic infections, these findings reveal how microbial community interactions can impact persistence and host interactions during coinfections.
TEM Analyses of Chaetognath Reproductive Organs

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) enables analysis of subcellular organization. It is especially useful for describing the diverse array of cell types in the gonads and embryos of marine invertebrates. Here, I describe methods for preserving and embedding the reproductive organs of marine arrow worms for TEM, including procedures for staining thick sections for light microscopy and thin sections for TEM.
Ethanol inhibition of spontaneous calcium release from isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum of alcoholic rats

Ethanol is a well-recognized cause of muscle damage in humans. In vitro, ethanol decreases muscle fiber twitch tension by a mechanism unrelated to the electrical events of the motor endplates or muscle surface membranes. One possible explanation for this effect is a primary ethanol effect on calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Ethanol has been shown to progressively decrease a form of calcium release from isolated SR vesicles seen in vitro in the presence of high phosphate concentrations ("spontaneous calcium release"). In this study, ethanol is shown to have similar inhibiting effects on spontaneous calcium release from sarcoplasmic reticulum isolated from alcoholic rats and from pair-fed controls. This suggests that membrane adaptation to chronic ethanol exposure, such as has been described for brain and liver membranes, does not produce tolerance to ethanol effects on spontaneous calcium release in sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Methodologic approaches to evaluating new highly sensitive diagnostic tests: avoiding overdiagnosis

A major contributor to the rising problem of overdiagnosis, with the subsequent risk of overtreatment, is the development of highly sensitive diagnostic technologies that challenge and sometimes expand existing disease definitions. Whereas such technologies might help to identify new or milder
Microphase Separation in Organic Polymers Containing Ions

In recent years there has been a considerable amount of interest in a new class of polymeric materials consisting of copolymers of olefins and carboxylic acids, the hydrocarbon being the major constituent. It has been found that the properties of these materials undergo profound alterations when the carboxylic acid groups are neutralized to form various salts. In particular, the optical clarity, tensile strength, impact resistance and melt viscosity greatly increase upon neutralization. Studies carried out on such materials in these laboratories1,2 as well as others3 indicate that the phenomenon of microphase separation occurs with the dispersed phase consisting of ionic aggregates or domains, probably less than 100A in size. A related system, consisting of polyethylene modified by the inclusion of phosphonic acid side groups has been recently studied1,4 and apparently exhibits microphase separation at high phosphonic acid contents even without ionization. In this case the dispersed phase consists of hydrogen bonded aggregates of phosphonic acid groups.
A Systematic Review of Telemedicine in Autism Spectrum Disorders

This paper provides a comprehensive and systematic review of telemedicine use in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 36 articles met inclusion criteria and comprise the final study sample. A majority of the articles included in this review (33) are pilot studies, single-case designs, or case studies/case reports. Three surveys and one randomized controlled trial were also included. Included literature generally supports the feasibility and potential effectiveness of using telemedicine to increase access to autism evaluations and specialist expertise as well as to deliver a variety of interventions to individuals with ASD and/or their caregivers and families. However, methodological rigor in some studies is insufficient to support strong conclusions about impact. There is a need for larger, randomized trials to better determine impact.
Chapter 12 – Dehydration

Dehydration is one of the oldest methods of food preservation. The modern food industry uses drying operations to create a wide range of food products. Storage of dried products requires an understanding of the water activity and their sorption properties. Moisture diffusion during drying is governed by the complex internal structure of the food, often requiring experimental determination of drying rate curves. The dryer design involves use of heat and mass balances. Some of the common dehydration systems used in the food industry include tray dryers, tunnel dryers, puff dryers, fluidized bed dryers, spray dryers and freeze dryers. Heat and mass transfer calculations are useful in estimating drying time.
Quantitative Phase Microscopy of Biological Cell Dynamics by Wide-Field Digital Interferometry

Interferometric phase measurements of wide-field images of biological cells provide a quantitative tool for cell biology, as well as for medical diagnosis and monitoring. Visualizing rapid dynamic cell phenomena by interferometric phase microscopy can be performed at very fast rates of up to several thousands of full frames per second, while retaining high resolution and contrast to enable measurements of fine cellular features. With this approach, no special sample preparation, staining, or fluorescent labeling is required, and the resulting phase profiles yield the optical path delay profile of the cell with sub-nanometer accuracy. In spite of these unique advantages, interferometric phase microscopy has not been widely applied for recording the dynamic behavior of live cells compared to other traditional phase microscopy methods such as phase contrast and differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy, which are label free but inherently qualitative. Recent developments in the field of interferometric phase microscopy are likely to result in a change in this situation in the near future. Through careful consideration of the capabilities and limitations of interferometric phase microscopy, important new contributions in the fields of cell biology and biomedicine will be realized. This chapter presents the current state of the art of interferometric phase microscopy of biological cell dynamics, the open questions in this area, and specific solutions developed in our laboratory.
Sara (the smuggler): Choreographing a Transparent Archive

How does one choreograph a life? Sara (the smuggler) is an hour-long embodied monologue of Bay Area dance luminary and Contraband founder Sara Shelton Mann, conceived and crafted by Keith Hennessey for Mann’s 70th birthday. The work shares not an individual artist’s life so much as how life’s choreography writes an archive to be navigated, survived, and lived through.
Analysis of temperature dependent forward characteristics of Ni/ β-Ga2O3 Schottky diodes

In this paper, the temperature dependence of the turn-on characteristics of Schottky barrier diodes fabricated on oriented n-type β-Ga2O3 is reported. The barrier height (qΦbn) and ideality factor (n) for Ni- β-Ga2O3 was found to be 1.08 ± 0.05 eV and 1.19 respectively at room temperature. The effective Richardson constant (A **) is determined to be 42.96 A cm−2 K−2, in close agreement with the theoretical value. At low temperatures (85–273 K), the current–voltage characteristics reveal a strong temperature dependence of Schottky barrier heights and ideality factors and a corresponding deviation from the barrier height extracted from capacitance–voltage measurements. A detailed analysis is presented, which suggest that these effects can be attributed to a large barrier inhomogeneity at metal/β-Ga2O3 interfaces, possibly resulting from interfacial defects, which can be modeled using a potential fluctuation model.
Autonomous navigation in dynamic social environments using Multi-Policy Decision Making

In dynamic environments crowded with people, robot motion planning becomes difficult due to the complex and tightly-coupled interactions between agents. Trajectory planning methods, supported by models of typical human behavior and personal space, often produce reasonable behavior. However, they do not account for the future closed-loop interactions of other agents with the trajectory being constructed. As a consequence, the trajectories are unable to anticipate cooperative interactions (such as a human yielding), or adverse interactions (such as the robot blocking the way). In this paper, we propose a new method for navigation amongst pedestrians in which the trajectory of the robot is not explicitly planned, but instead, a planning process selects one of a set of closed-loop behaviors whose utility can be predicted through forward simulation. In particular, we extend Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) [1] to this domain using the closed-loop behaviors Go-Solo, Follow-other, and Stop. By dynamically switching between these policies, we show that we can improve the performance of the robot as measured by utility functions that reward task completion and penalize inconvenience to other agents. Our evaluation includes extensive results in simulation and real-world experiments.
Shifting Paradigms of Language and Identities: My Personal Journey of English Learning, Teaching and Researching

This article depicts the journey of English language learning, teaching, and researching of an English language learner, and the shift of her language paradigms and identities along with her personal experiences. The author’s attitude to language and her lenses of perceiving English shift constantly as she understands deeper and explores further in the language realm. Normal 0 false false false EN-US ZH-CN X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
Caution: Living in New Orleans Is Hazardous to Your Health: So Is Everywhere Else in the United States

The Geological and Meteorological Risks of Living in the United States:It is impossible to find a livable locale in the United States that is free from earthquakes, flooding, hurricanes, landslides, tornadoes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, or windstorms. Thus, we take steps in many instances to minimize the risks, such as through structural improvements like levees, or warning systems as in Tornado Alley, and response efforts.The preventative steps will not always be effective, and with respect to risks such as earthquakes and hurricanes, have design limits as well. We should not therefore delude ourselves in thinking of absolute safety, but on the other hand, we should not forgive negligence that coalesces with natural risks to magnify the impacts and damages.
"You should be more Active": Social control changes based on parents' desire

Social control (SC) is a regulatory influence used by one individual to get another to perform a desired behavior (Lewis & Butterfield, 2005). For physical activity (PA), parents appeared to use SC to prompt PA in response to a lapse by their children (Wilson & Spink, 2010). Given the importance of the behavior being ‘desired’, this study examined whether this desire would impact parents’ use of SC for PA on a week-to-week basis. Parents (N=55) completed two online surveys approximately one week apart. The average age of the children that parents reported was 6.7 years old (SD=4.3) with 22 boys and 33 girls. In the initial survey, parents reported whether they wanted their child’s PA to increase (n=19), decrease (n=0) or stay the same (n=36). Parents also reported the SC they used during the past week (Wilson & Spink, 2010). Social control was separated into three types: positive (encouraging), collaborative (active together) and negative (nagging). A 2 (time) by 2 (desire) MANOVA was performed to assess changes in the three types of SC. The MANOVA approached significance (p=.057) with a time by desire interaction emerging for positive SC (p=.012), and approaching significance for collaborative (p=.059) and negative SC (p=.087). For positive SC, parents who desired their child to stay the same their use of this type of SC (p=.02) while those who desired an increase in PA remained constant (p=.16). Similarly, for collaborative SC, those who desired their child to stay the same showed a decrease in SC use (p=.06) and parents who desired an increase remained constant (p=.32). No changes were evident with negative SC. These findings provide support for importance of parents’ desire for their child to perform PA and further supports the conceptualization of SC being exerted for ‘desired’ behaviors.
Gas Station Pricing Game: A Lesson in Engineering Economics and Business Strategies.

One of the more difficult concepts to teach in engineering economics is the determination of price and marketing tactics. We have developed a gas station game that provides practical experience to students in this respect. We found that within ten iterations of this game, students start to understand the mechanism of price determination and market economy.
Assessing Simulation, Virtual Reality, and Television Modalities in Clinical Training

Abstract Background High-fidelity simulation (sim) centers can accommodate large groups of observers through virtual reality (VR) observation. This study compared three learning modalities: active participation, VR observation, and television (TV) observation. Method We used Immersive Tendencies and Presence questionnaires to measure subjective presence across modalities. Using a within-subjects A–B–A design, we measured 58 subjects three times during a three-part unfolding sim. An All-Sim track (sim→sim→sim) established baseline presence of sim participants. A–B–A tracks comprise VR tracks (VR→TV→VR), which were counterbalanced by TV tracks (TV→VR→TV). Results A two-way analysis of covariance revealed significant effect of track across scenarios. All-sim presence was greatest, followed by VR, with TV being least. Conclusion Findings suggest that VR observation mirrors active participation more closely than does TV observation. For further investigations, we proposed presence versus learning performance as well as VR observation for sim center collaborations.
Keeping Validity in Cite: Web Resources Cited In Select Washington Law Reviews, 2001-03

In the current electronic world, legal research is becoming increasingly susceptible to information loss or "link rot". The matter was first studied Mary Rumsey to determine link stability, i.e., whether the link cited in a scholarly work contained the same information years later. The article is a follow up study focused on URLs cited in Washington law reviews in 2001, 2002, and 2003. The study shows that web citation increased over those years, and more of those links are dying as time goes on. But there are greater issues at stake when the scholarly community moves to internet sources, most particularly the reliability of web content, and the computer literacy of those trying to access these sources. The article also provides a glimpse into the way that authors use internet sources and the credibility law review editors give these internet sources.
Chronic hypoxia in development selectively alters the activities of key enzymes of glucose oxidative metabolism in brain regions.

The immature brain is more resistant to hypoxia/ischemia than the mature brain. Although chronic hypoxia can induce adaptive-changes on the developing brain, the mechanisms underlying such adaptive changes are poorly understood. To further elucidate some of the adaptive changes during postnatal hypoxia, we determined the activities of four enzymes of glucose oxidative metabolism in eight brain regions of hypoxic and normoxic rats. Litters of Sprague-Dawley rats were put into the hypoxic chamber (oxygen level maintained at 9.5%) with their dams starting on day 3 postnatal (P3). Age-matched normoxic rats were use as control animals. In P10 hypoxic rats, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in cerebral cortex, striatum, olfactory bulb, hippocampus, hypothalamus, pons and medulla, and cerebellum was significantly increased (by 100%–370%) compared to those in P10 normoxic rats. In P10 hypoxic rats, hexokinase (HK) activity in hypothalamus, hippocampus, olfactory bulb, midbrain, and cerebral cortex was significantly decreased (by 15%–30%). Neither α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDHC, which is believed to have an important role in the regulation of the tricarboxylic acid [TCA] cycle flux) nor citrate synthase (CS) activity was significantly decreased in the eight regions of P10 hypoxic rats compared to those in P10 normoxic rats. In P30 hypoxic rats, LDH activity was only increased in striatum (by 19%), whereas HK activity was only significantly decreased (by 30%) in this region. However, KGDHC activity was significantly decreased in olfactory bulb, hippocampus, hypothalamus, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum (by 20%–40%) in P30 hypoxic rats compared to those in P30 normoxic rats. Similarly, CS activity was decreased, but only in olfactory bulb, hypothalamus, and midbrain (by 9%–21%) in P30 hypoxic rats. Our results suggest that at least some of the mechanisms underlying the hypoxia-induced changes in activities of glycolytic enzymes implicate the upregulation of HIF-1. Moreover, our observation that chronic postnatal hypoxia induces differential effects on brain glycolytic and TCA cycle enzymes may have pathophysiological implications (e.g., decreased in energy metabolism) in childhood diseases (e.g., sudden infant death syndrome) in which hypoxia plays a role.
Comparative anatomy of phospholipase A2 structures.

For a number of years our laboratory has been interested in phospholipases A2, especially those that are neurotoxic. Within the last year or two we have begun to direct our interest to nontoxic phospholipases that are of importance in human health. The goal of our presentation is to set the stage for you, and to introduce you to many of the terms and concepts that will be given in other presentations of this symposium. Many of these will deal with enzyme mechanisms, enzyme regulation, enzyme activation and so forth, and will be given by researchers actively involved in these areas. A full appreciation of their presentations will be facilitated by an understanding of the detailed structural anatomy of phospholipases A2.
Mean coordination and topological constraints in chalcogenide network glasses

Abstract: This chapter discusses the general ideas of mean coordination and topological constraints that have been successfully applied to chalcogenide glasses in the last few decades. The chapter first reviews the basic principles of mean coordination and the early discovery of the rigidity percolation theory. Experimental confirmations are presented along with the limitations of the model stemming from the ideal network assumption. Modification of the model are reviewed and critically discussed. The chapter then presents recent modeling advances accounting for the temperature dependence of topological constraints.
Hsieh Liang-tso and the Analects of Confucius: Humane Learning as a Religious Quest . By Thomas W. Selover. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005. Oxford University Press, 2005. xi, 183 pp. $39.95 (cloth).

Hsieh Liang-tso is the first volume to explore Chinese traditions in the Academy Series sponsored by Oxford and the American Academy of Religion. Most previous titles in the series focus on Christianity, which perhaps explains Selover’s attention to the perspectives of comparative religions and comparative theology in his introduction. There he briefly traces the history of the issues concerning the religious dimensions of the Chinese literati tradition and outlines a comparative framework for approaching eleventh-century Chinese thought. Inspired by Robert Neville’s Beyond the Masks of God, Selover focuses in the introduction on four themes—scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. This framework, however, does not figure prominently until the conclusion. [excerpt]
Neurodevelopmental disease genes implicated by de novo mutation and copy number variation morbidity.

We combined de novo mutation (DNM) data from 10,927 individuals with developmental delay and autism to identify 253 candidate neurodevelopmental disease genes with an excess of missense and/or likely gene-disruptive (LGD) mutations. Of these genes, 124 reach exome-wide significance (P < 5 × 10−7) for DNM. Intersecting these results with copy number variation (CNV) morbidity data shows an enrichment for genomic disorder regions (30/253, likelihood ratio (LR) +1.85, P = 0.0017). We identify genes with an excess of missense DNMs overlapping deletion syndromes (for example, KIF1A and the 2q37 deletion) as well as duplication syndromes, such as recurrent MAPK3 missense mutations within the chromosome 16p11.2 duplication, recurrent CHD4 missense DNMs in the 12p13 duplication region, and recurrent WDFY4 missense DNMs in the 10q11.23 duplication region. Network analyses of genes showing an excess of DNMs highlights functional networks, including cell-specific enrichments in the D1+ and D2+ spiny neurons of the striatum. Analysis of ~10,000 cases of developmental delay and autism identifies 253 candidate neurodevelopmental disease genes. Network analysis highlights cell-specific enrichments of disease-related genes in the D1+ and D2+ spiny neurons of the striatum.
THE USE OF MULTIMODAL MRI AND COMPUTATIONAL APPROACHES TO INFORM NOVEL INTERVENTIONS FOR AGING AND MOOD DISORDERS: Session 102

Abstract Advances in neuroimaging methods and computational approaches provide an unprecedented opportunity to advance our understanding of the role of specific brain networks involved in cognitive and affective expressions of normal aging, major depression and bipolar disorder. In addition, these sophisticated neuroscience approaches can provide distinct targets for novel interventions for cognitive and affective symptoms. This session will present the results of state-of-the-art neuroimaging and computational approaches in normal aging, late-life major depression, and middle-aged and older adults suffering from bipolar disorder. First, Dr. Wang will present results using a novel analytic approach to combine structural and functional MRI data to measure compensatory mechanisms in older adults. In addition, she will relate this measure of brain compensatory mechanisms to exercise. Second, Dr. Victoria will use computational modeling of performance data and task-based fMRI data from a reversal learning task to parse the role of affective salience and reward functions in older adults and older adults with late-life depression. Third, Dr. Gunning will present data using a novel computational approach that is reliant on machine learning of resting state fMRI scans to classify older adults with into neurobiologically-defined subtypes of depression. Next, Dr. Blumberg will present data from multimodal MRI collected in older adults suffering from bipolar disorder and show abnormalities in systems involved in emotion regulation including gray and white matter decreases in ventral prefrontal cortex and in the white matter connections to the amygdala. The session will conclude with a discussion that integrates the findings from the four speakers with a focus on specific ways these approaches can inform novel interventions targeting specific brain network functions to improve cognitive and mood symptoms in older adults.
Blocks in ASEP with step-Bernoulli initial condition

This paper extends work by Tracy and Widom on blocks in the asymmetric simple exclusion process (ASEP) to the case of step-Bernoulli initial condition. We consider the probability that a particle at site $x$ is the beginning of a block of $L$ consecutive particles at time $t$ in ASEP with step-Bernoulli initial condition. A Fredholm determinant representation for this probability is derived, and the asymptotics are computed for the KPZ regime.
Using Cognition to Predict the Ability to Understand Medical Treatment in Brain and Metastatic Cancer

Objective To determine if cognition can be used to identify persons with cancer at high risk for the impaired ability to understand treatment decisions. Methods The association between understanding treatment decisions and cognition was examined using data from 181 participants across four groups: 67 with brain metastasis, 41 with metastatic cancer that has not spread to the brain, 27 with malignant glioma, and 46 healthy controls. All diagnoses were made by board-certified oncologists and were verified histologically. Results Results indicated that numerous cognitive functions were associated with the ability to understand treatment decisions in persons with cancer. The following proportion of participants demonstrated impaired understanding of treatment decisions in our three patient groups: approximately 51% malignant glioma, approximately 46% brain metastasis, and approximately 24% metastatic cancer. In a combined brain cancer group, we were able to use cognitive performance to predict the impaired ability to understand treatment decisions. Conclusions An impaired ability to understand treatment decisions is prevalent in persons with brain cancer and persons with metastatic cancer. Performance on a brief cognitive battery can be used to help clinicians identify patients at particular risk for impaired medical decision making.
Resource evaluation framework for total knee arthroplasty.

Purpose This article describes a framework for evaluating efficiency of OR procedures incorporating time measurement, personnel activity, and resource utilization using traditional industrial engineering tools of time study and work sampling. Methods The framework measures time using time studies of OR procedures and work sampling of personnel activities, ultimately classified as value-added or non-value-added. Statistical methods ensure that the collected samples meet adequate levels of confidence and accuracy. Resource utilization is captured through documentation of instrument trays used, defects in instruments, and trash weight and classification at the conclusion of surgeries. Findings A case study comprising 12 observations of total knee arthroplasty surgeries illustrates the use of the framework. The framework allows researchers to compare time, personnel, and resource utilization simultaneously within the OR setting. Practical implications The framework provides a holistic evaluation of methods, instrumentation and resources, and staffing levels and allows researchers to identify areas for efficiency improvement. Originality/value The methods presented in this article are rooted in traditional industrial engineering work measurement methods but are applied to a healthcare setting in order to efficiently identify areas for improvement including time, personnel, and processes in operating rooms.
Effects of Formalin Fixation on Trace Element Concentrations in Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Tissues

Odontocetes are considered ideal sentinel species to monitor environmental trace element concentrations. Although frozen tissues are preferable for trace element analysis, formalin-fixed tissues are often the only samples available; however, it is uncertain whether formalin fixation alters tissue trace element concentrations. To explore whether formalin-fixed tissues could be utilized for toxicology studies, concentrations of 14 trace elements (arsenic [As], cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead, selenium, tin, vanadium, and zinc [Zn]) were measured in frozen and formalin-fixed bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) tissues following short-term (6 wk; tissues: blubber, liver, and lung) and long-term preservation (3-7 yr; tissues: blubber, brain, kidney, liver, lung, and skin) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Following both short-term and long-term preservation, there were significant differences in tissue trace element concentrations between preservation methods. Some trace elements were found in greater concentrations in frozen tissues compared with formalin-fixed tissues, suggesting leaching (e.g., mean As concentrations were between 1.4 and 7.6 times greater in frozen tissues). In contrast, other trace elements were found in greater concentrations in formalin-fixed tissues compared with frozen tissues, suggesting contamination (e.g., mean Zn concentrations were up to 8.7 times higher in some formalin-fixed tissues). Our results suggest that it may be possible to account for the effects of formalin fixation for some trace elements, but leaching and contamination should be carefully considered. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1149-1164. © 2020 SETAC.
Intestinal microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolites are predictive of Ah receptor activity

Commensal microbiota-dependent tryptophan catabolism within the gastrointestinal tract is known to exert profound effects upon host physiology, including the maintenance of epithelial barrier and immune function. A number of abundant microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolites exhibit activation potential for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Gene expression facilitated by AHR activation through the presence of dietary or microbiota-generated metabolites can influence gastrointestinal homeostasis and confer protection from intestinal challenges. Utilizing untargeted mass spectrometry-based metabolomics profiling, combined with AHR activity screening assays, we identify four previously unrecognized tryptophan metabolites, present in mouse cecal contents and human stool, with the capacity to activate AHR. Using GC/MS and LC/MS platforms, quantification of these novel AHR activators, along with previously established AHR-activating tryptophan metabolites, was achieved, providing a relative order of abundance. Using physiologically relevant concentrations and quantitative gene expression analyses, the relative efficacy of these tryptophan metabolites with regard to mouse or human AHR activation potential is examined. These data reveal indole, 2-oxindole, indole-3-acetic acid and kynurenic acid as the dominant AHR activators in mouse cecal contents and human stool from participants on a controlled diet. Here we provide the first documentation of the relative abundance and AHR activation potential of a panel of microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolites. Furthermore, these data reveal the human AHR to be more sensitive, at physiologically relevant concentrations, to tryptophan metabolite activation than mouse AHR. Additionally, correlation analyses indicate a relationship linking major tryptophan metabolite abundance with AHR activity, suggesting these cecal/fecal metabolites represent biomarkers of intestinal AHR activity.
Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell sheet therapy: A new frontier in drug delivery systems.

The evolution of drug discovery exploded in the early 20th century with the advent of critical scientific advancements in organic chemistry, chemical analysis, and purification. Early drug generations focused largely on symptom control and pain management, effective targets for small-molecule drugs. Recently, the attention in drug discovery has shifted to pursuit of radical cures. Cell therapy presents the ideal attributes of a promising new drug, targeting specific tissues based on chemotactic cues and modulating secretion of instructive regenerative molecules in response to dynamic signaling from disease environments. To actuate the therapeutic potential of cell therapy toward worldwide clinical use, cell delivery methods that can effectively localize and engraft mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with high disease-site fidelity and enable dynamic MSC bioactive function are paramount. In this review, we discuss the evolution of cell therapies with a focus on stem cell advantages, as well as the limitations to these therapies. This review aims to introduce cell sheet technology as a breakthrough cell therapy with demonstrated therapeutic success across indications for heart, liver, and kidney tissue regeneration. Opportunities and anticipated clinical impacts of cell sheet technology using MSCs are discussed.
Generic and Disease-specific Health-related Quality of Life in Pediatric Intestinal Failure.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to assess overall and disease-specific health-related quality of life (hrQOL) in patients with pediatric intestinal failure (PIF) and caregivers and elucidate differences from healthy and chronic gastrointestinal (GI) illness cohorts. METHODS Cross-sectional study of patients with PIF and their caregivers managed at a multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation program using the PedsQL Generic Core and the Gastrointestinal Symptoms Module to assess generic and disease-specific hrQOL, respectively. These data were compared to established healthy and chronic GI disease controls. RESULTS A total of 53 patients (mean age 6.2 ± 3.9 years) and their caregivers were studied. Patients reported lower generic hrQOL than healthy children (73.0 vs 83.84, P < 0.001), but no difference from patients with chronic GI disease (73.0 vs 77.79). In contrast, PIF caregivers perceived similar generic hrQOL compared to a healthy cohort (78.9 vs 82.70), but higher when compared to the GI disease cohort (78.9 vs 72.74, P < 0.01). Patients with PIF and caregivers reported lower psychosocial health scores than healthy controls. Patients and caregivers reported similar disease-specific hrQOL to a cohort with chronic GI disease but significantly lower disease-specific hrQOL than a healthy cohort (P < 0.001 both groups). CONCLUSIONS Patients with PIF and their caregivers have disparate perceptions of generic hrQOL when compared to healthy and chronic GI disease controls. Both patients and caregivers, however, had significantly lower scores in psychosocial health than healthy controls. In addition, disease-specific hrQOL was substantially lower than healthy controls for PIF patients and caregivers. Further investigation to expand on these findings and identify modifiable variables to improve the psychosocial health score and disease-specific factors would be of high value.
Ellipsis requires syntactic and semantic identity. Evidence from Fragment Questions in Spanish

Based on novel data from an understudied type of ellipsis in Spanish-which I refer to as Fragment Questions -I argue for the need of both semantic and syntactic identity conditions to license ellipsis. In particular the TP is subject to syntactic identity, and the domain above that is subject to semantic identity. Fragment Questions are elliptical sentences interpreted as wh-questions. They have a follow-up meaning and, unlike other types of sentential ellipsis, they require a wh-phrase to go unpronounced, although there's no explicit wh-question or wh-phrase in the antecedent. In this paper, I analyze Fragment Questions as the result of ellipsis of a wh-question from which a Contrastive Topic has moved.