cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiac troponin assays: a view from the clinical chemistry laboratory.

Many clinical chemistry laboratories perform troponin testing to aid in the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Laboratories must interact with clinicians to establish diagnostic cut points, achieve acceptable assay performance, and troubleshoot questionable findings. Here we present 3 hypothetical scenarios related to troponin testing in the clinical chemistry laboratory. Case Presentation 1: J.P. is an obese 55-year-old male with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease who presents to the emergency department with substernal chest pain that he attributes to a “large meal.” J.P. is pale and diaphoretic. An ECG shows tachycardia with normal sinus rhythm. J.P.’s troponin levels (decision limit >0.04 μg/L) at presentation and at 6 and 12 hours after presentation are 0.09, 4.41, and 19.62 μg/L, respectively. Cardiac troponin (cTn) has established itself firmly as the “gold standard” in the diagnosis of ACS. cTn should be measured in all patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of ACS, in conjunction with physical examination and ECG.1 Because of the specificity of cTn for myocardial damage, a single cTn above the decision limit, along with clinical evidence, is indicative of myocardial injury. However, serial testing can be useful, depending on clinical presentation and onset of symptoms. cTn is a protein complex, located along the thin filaments of myofibrils, that regulates the contraction of cardiac muscle. It is composed of 3 distinct gene products. cTnC binds calcium, cTnT attaches to tropomyosin on thin filaments, and cTnI inhibits actomyosin ATPase. Expression of each subunit is cardiac restricted. The cardiac isoforms of cTnI and cTnT have additional unique N-terminal amino acid sequences, which allows for specific antibody and assay development and detection of each component in the bloodstream. The diagnostic utilities of cTnI and cTnT are comparable. Most cTn assays are sandwich immunoassays that use either monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies. It is essential …
Executive Compensation Convexity and Firm Crash Risk

This paper demonstrates that executive compensation convexity, measured as the sensitivity of managerial equity compensation portfolios to stock volatility, predicts firm-specific crashes. A bottom-to-top decile change in compensation convexity results in a 21% increase in a firm's crash risk after controlling for managerial price-increasing incentives. In contrast, there is no robust evidence of a symmetric relation between compensation convexity and a firm's idiosyncratic positive jump risk. We exploit an exogenous shock to compensation convexity, arising from a change in the expensing treatment of executive stock options, in further supporting our interpretations within a natural experiment setting. Our results suggest that managerial equity compensation portfolios do not augment a firm's future idiosyncratic crash risk because they link managerial wealth to equity prices, but rather because they tie managerial wealth to the volatility of a firm's equity.
Behavior of Dry Sands Under Cyclic Loading

The stress-strain characteristics of dry sands under cyclic loading is described. Within the range of stress and acceleration studied, the soil deformation state primarily of shear deformation. While the volumetric compression of the soil always increases under cyclic loading, its contribution to the total strain remains small. The magnitude of the principal stress ratio, above which large strains may develop under vibration, is dependent on the confining pressure. At a low confining pressure (7 psi) this ratio is about 1/2 of the principal stress ratio for failure in static tests. At a higher confining pressure (20 psi), it is about 3/4 of the static ratio for foundation vibration problems, the strong influence of the confining pressure implies that a rather important size effect may arise. For two foundations of unequal size, loaded to equal unit pressure, the zone of stressed soil beneath the larger foundation would extend to a larger depth. The average confining pressure on the soil in this zone would also be greater.
A rapid method for the diagnosis of poisoning caused by the mushroom Lepiota morgani.

A rapid method for the diagnosis of Lepiota morgani poisoning is described. The method involves concentration and identification of spores from vomitus and stool samples. In tests this means of diagnosis has been completely successful. Plates are provided to aid in identification.
Late-phase investigational approaches for the treatment of relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia.

Introduction: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant hematologic disorder that affects more than 13,000 adults each year in the USA. Despite continued advances in the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of the disease and patient management, the cure rate for AML remains relatively low, largely due to a high rate of relapsed or refractory disease. Areas covered: The purpose of this review is to provide an understanding of the unmet needs in relapsed/refractory AML, and to assess promising investigational agents with ongoing or planned Phase III clinical trials. Expert opinion: Although the treatment of relapsed/refractory AML remains a challenge, numerous new chemotherapeutics are currently in development. Enrollment in clinical trials should be strongly considered for patients with relapsed/refractory disease, and emerging data may help identify new agents with significant activity in this setting.
Polarizable Interaction Model for Liquid, Supercritical, and Aqueous Ammonia.

A polarizable model for ammonia is optimized based on the ab initio properties of the NH3 molecule and the NH3–NH3 and NH3–H2O dimers calculated at the MP2 level. For larger (NH3)m, NH3(H2O)n, and H2O(NH3)n clusters (m = 2–7 and n = 1–4), the model yields structural and binding energies in good agreement with ab initio calculations without further adjustments. It also reproduces the structure, density, heat of vaporization, self-diffusion coefficient, heat capacity, and isothermal compressibility of liquid ammonia at the boiling point. The model is further validated by calculating some of these properties at various temperatures and pressures spanning the liquid and supercritical phases of the fluid (up to 700 K and 200 MPa). The excellent transferability of the model suggests that it can be used to investigate properties of fluid ammonia under conditions for which experiments are not easy to perform. For aqueous ammonia solutions, the model yields liquid structures and densities in good agreement with ex...
A Nonpigmented Form of Gibberella Roseum Forma Cerealis on Corn in Indiana

(1964). A Nonpigmented Form of Gibberella Roseum Forma Cerealis on Corn in Indiana. Mycologia: Vol. 56, No. 1, pp. 110-113.
State of the State: NNP Program Update 2013

Findings from a spring 2013 survey of neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) program directors are presented and concerning trends identified. Implications of these findings, in combination with other external factors influencing the supply/demand ratio on the stability of the NNP workforce nationwide, a
Clinical Significance of Serum Zn,Cu,Fe,Cain Children with Obesity

The content of Zn,Cu,Fe,Ca in serum of 88 children with obesity and 50 normal children was studied in Fuzhou city.The results indicated that serum Zn level was much higher in children with obesitg than that in the normal children,while Fe,Cu,Ca level of children with obesity was the same as those of normal children.And in children with obesity,the ratio of Zn/Cu was lower than that in the normal group.These results suggested that the change of Zn was the most distinct among the trace elements in human body and Cu content relatively decrased.
Autovagotomy and gastric bezoar. A case report.

A large gastric bezoar associated with esophageal carcinoma that grossly and microscopically involved the vagus nerve is reported. This case again points out the association of vagotomy with formation of a gastric bezoar despite a normal gastric outlet.
Optimal tracers for parallel labeling experiments and 13 C metabolic flux analysis: A new precision and synergy scoring system

13C-Metabolic flux analysis (13C-MFA) is a widely used approach in metabolic engineering for quantifying intracellular metabolic fluxes. The precision of fluxes determined by 13C-MFA depends largely on the choice of isotopic tracers and the specific set of labeling measurements. A recent advance in the field is the use of parallel labeling experiments for improved flux precision and accuracy. However, as of today, no systemic methods exist for identifying optimal tracers for parallel labeling experiments. In this contribution, we have addressed this problem by introducing a new scoring system and evaluating thousands of different isotopic tracer schemes. Based on this extensive analysis we have identified optimal tracers for 13C-MFA. The best single tracers were doubly 13C-labeled glucose tracers, including [1,6-13C]glucose, [5,6-13C]glucose and [1,2-13C]glucose, which consistently produced the highest flux precision independent of the metabolic flux map (here, 100 random flux maps were evaluated). Moreover, we demonstrate that pure glucose tracers perform better overall than mixtures of glucose tracers. For parallel labeling experiments the optimal isotopic tracers were [1,6-13C]glucose and [1,2-13C]glucose. Combined analysis of [1,6-13C]glucose and [1,2-13C]glucose labeling data improved the flux precision score by nearly 20-fold compared to widely use tracer mixture 80% [1-13C]glucose +20% [U-13C]glucose.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Taint in Pinot noir: Detection and Consumer Rejection Thresholds of trans-2-Decenal

Brown marmorated stink bug contamination in grape clusters results in the addition of an aroma compound, trans-2-decenal (T2D), to wine. Described as a green, musty aroma, it is considered detrimental to wine quality. The main focus of this study was to estimate the detection threshold (DT) and consumer rejection threshold (CRT) of T2D in Pinot noir, determine T2D’s impact on wine quality, and investigate potential consumer segmentation. The two thresholds were measured using an ascending forced choice method of limits applied to a series of triangle and paired comparison tests, and were estimated with a psychometric function whose significance was based on a binomial distribution as well as on d′ values based on Thurstonian models. The method of quantitation resulted in different T2D threshold levels. The DT of the panel was estimated to be 0.51 μg/L T2D from a psychometric fit and between 1.92 and 4.80 μg/L T2D based on Thurstonian scaled values. Similarly, for CRT, the psychometric function resulted in a threshold of 13.0 and 0.05 μg/L and d′ values between 4.80 and 12.00 μg/L. Wines containing T2D above the CRT were described as green, musty, and less fruity by a professional wine-tasting panel. When potential consumer segmentation was examined on the basis of the DT and CRT data, there was no direct link between sensitivity and preference. Based on these findings, the use of the CRT is recommended when establishing consumer tolerance levels of T2D in wine. Additionally, the use of d′, which provides a more sensitive method of threshold estimation, seems more appropriate for compounds, such as T2D, that negatively affect wine quality.
Indirect detection of infinite-speed MAS solid-state NMR spectra

Heavy spin-1/2 nuclides are known to possess very large chemical shift anisotropies that can challenge even the most advanced magic-angle-spinning (MAS) techniques. Wide manifolds of overlapping spinning sidebands and insufficient excitation bandwidths often obfuscate meaningful spectral information and force the use of static, low-resolution solid-state (SS)NMR methods for the characterization of materials. To address these issues, we have merged fast-magic-angle-turning (MAT) and dipolar heteronuclear multiple-quantum coherence (D-HMQC) experiments to obtain D-HMQC-MAT pulse sequences which enable the rapid acquisition of 2D SSNMR spectra that correlate isotropic 1H chemical shifts to the indirectly detected isotropic "infinite-MAS" spectra of heavy spin-1/2 nuclides. For these nuclides, the combination of fast MAS and 1H detection provides a high sensitivity, which rivals the DNP-enhanced ultra-wideline SSNMR. The new pulse sequences were used to determine the Pt coordination environments in a complex mixture of decomposition products of transplatin and in a metal-organic framework with Pt ions coordinated to the linker ligands.
Lifecourse socioeconomic conditions and mammographic breast density in African American, Hispanic, and white women

A39 Breast cancer risk varies by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES), but it is unclear whether similar variations exist for mammographic breast density, an important risk factor for breast cancer. We examined the associations of childhood and adult socioeconomic status (SES) and race/ethnicity with mammographic density in 144 women without breast cancer, born between 1959 and 1963 (average age at mammography = 41.8 ± 2.1). The sample consisted of 40.3% Hispanic, 33.3% non-Hispanic African American and 26.4% non-Hispanic white women. Maternal education, family income and parental occupation were assessed around the time of participants’ birth and enrollment into the New York City site of the National Collaborative Perinatal Project. Data on participants’ own education, occupation, household income, race/ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) were collected in a follow-up survey. We obtained participants’ most recent mammograms from the facilities where mammographic imaging was performed and evaluated the proportion of dense area (in percentage) using Cumulus software. We used multivariable linear regression model to investigate the above associations and to compare unadjusted and adjusted means of percent mammographic density across the SES and racial/ethnic groups. We found no statistically significant childhood or adult socioeconomic differences in percent mammographic density before and after adjustment for race/ethnicity and BMI. Similarly, percent mammographic density did not vary by race/ethnicity in the adjusted models. These data suggest that racial/ethnic and socioeconomic variations in breast cancer risk may not be reflected in mammographic breast density.
Formalizing Structured Control Flow Graphs

Structured programs are believed to be easier to understand, and compiler friendly [5, 10, 45]. However, compilers do not process the source programs directly; they instead work on control flow graphs (CFGs) of the programs. Unfortunately, there is little formalization of structured CFGs. This paper shows how the lack of formalization has led to varying interpretations of structured CFGs. The paper next presents new formalization of structured CFGs which eliminates the ambiguity. Structured CFGs gain importance as they ease compiler optimizations, decompilation, and help reduce the performance degradation caused by thread divergence on SIMD units. The paper elaborates on these benefits. It also shows that compilers, both front-ends and back-ends, may generate unstructured CFGs from structured program sources, which necessitates mechanisms to obtain structured CFGs from unstructured ones.
Risk Factors for Nocturnal Hypoglycemia in Insulin-treated Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Secondary Analysis of Observational Data Derived From an Integrated Clinical Trial Database

Abstract Purpose A trade-off exists in most diabetes therapies between the benefits of good glycemic control and the morbidity of hypoglycemia. Balancing these factors to achieve desired outcomes is a key consideration for personalized diabetes therapy. Hypoglycemia at night (nocturnal hypoglycemia [NH]) is a common but often under-reported problem in insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes. To better understand the risk for NH, we pooled data from multiple clinical trials of insulin treatment and specifically examined NH risk factors in relation to glycemic goals. Methods Of 53 randomized trials involving insulin treatment, 18 trials that collected NH data were included. Risk factors associated with NH were identified by using gradient-boosting methods. A proportional hazards model was used to quantify the hazard ratio (HR) for risk factors. By modeling with individual patient data, a patient-level NH risk score distribution was created. Finally, results of the model were used to quantify an adjustment to the glycemic goal that would fully offset each risk factor, all other factors being equal. Findings Data pooling resulted in the inclusion of 7341 patients with type 2 diabetes from 18 randomized clinical trials. In the mean 6-month treatment period, 43% of patients experienced at least 1 episode of NH (mean [SD], 1.1 [1.5] events/month). Reduction of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA 1c ) levels during the trial was a risk factor for NH (HR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.38-1.43] per –1% of HbA 1c ). Higher baseline HbA 1c level was a protective factor against NH (HR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.74–0.77] per +1% of HbA 1c ); and the adjustment to HbA 1c goal required to offset 1% higher baseline HbA 1c was –0.825%. Patient characteristics for risk of NH included older age (HR, 1.02 [95% CI, 1.01–1.02]) per 1-year increase), female sex (HR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.15–1.22]), black or African-American race (HR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.33–1.50] vs white race), longer diabetes duration (HR, 1.02 [95% CI, 1.01–1.02] per 1-year increase), diabetic nephropathy (HR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.27–1.54]), and concomitant sulfonylurea use (HR, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.05–1.15]). Asian race was associated with a lower risk of NH (HR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.48–0.53] vs white race); this finding could be offset with a 2.03% adjustment to the HbA 1c goal. Implications Data on NH are scarce. By pooling multiple clinical trials, this study was able to evaluate patient-level data. A quantitative understanding of the trade-off between individual risk factors for NH and glycemic reduction may help clinicians to personalize patients’ glycemic goals, while effectively managing NH risk. Limitations of the study include that patients were selected through inclusion/exclusion criteria and that patient compliance may be better in a trial setting. Validating the findings in the real world will be helpful.
Opportunities for Improving Population-Based Management of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Article, see p 1726 The epidemiology of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and AAA treatment have changed significantly since the beginning of the 21st century. The study by Laine et al1 in this issue of Circulation reports Finland’s national experience of AAA treatment and mortality from 2000 through 2014. They reported a 29% reduction in the incidence of ruptured AAAs and trends of improved operative mortality after AAA repair. These findings are consistent with population studies of other developed countries that have shown decreases in elective and ruptured AAA repairs and decreased prevalence of AAA with screening programs.2–4 Finland’s AAA-related mortality and ruptured AAA incidence trends are notable not only because of the nearly 30% reduction over the course of the study but also because these improvements occurred without the benefit of a national screening program. Thus, these trends most likely reflect decreased tobacco use in Finland, increased repair of intact AAA, and increased use of endovascular aneurysm repair. Although these observations are encouraging, they still fall short compared with countries having well-established screening …
A multi-scale cholera model linking between-host and within-host dynamics

We propose a multi-scale modeling framework to investigate the transmission dynamics of cholera. At the population level, we employ a SIR model for the between-host transmission of the disease. At the individual host level, we describe the evolution of the pathogen within the human body. The between-host and within-host dynamics are connected through an environmental equation that characterizes the growth of the pathogen and its interaction with the hosts outside the human body. We put a special emphasis on the within-host dynamics by making a distinction for each individual host. We conduct both mathematical analysis and numerical simulation for our model in order to explore various scenarios associated with cholera transmission and to better understand the complex, multi-scale disease dynamics.
The Effect of Subclinical Varicocele on Pregnancy Rates and Semen Parameters: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Current guidelines recommend against surgical repair of subclinical varicoceles (SCVs) for infertility; several studies demonstrate mixed fertility results after SCV correction. To determine whether surgical correction of SCV improves semen parameters and/or reproductive outcomes, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Seven biomedical literature databases were searched through January 2018 for studies that assessed reproductive outcomes and/or change in semen parameters in men with corrected SCV compared to either (1) uncorrected SCV or (2) corrected clinical varicocele. Estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Data were extracted from 13 studies involving 1357 men. Overall, the risk of bias for included studies was high and without a consistent SCV definition across studies. Surgical correction of SCV was associated with a minor increase in sperm density and total motile sperm count (TMSC) compared to uncorrected SCV. This increase in semen parameters is not clinically significant, as men prior to varicocelectomy were on average normospermic nor was correction of a SCV associated with an increase in pregnancy rates when compared to men with uncorrected SCV. Comparing corrected SCV to corrected clinical varicocele, SCV correction resulted in a smaller increase in TMSC but no difference in average annual pregnancy rate. The risk of bias within and heterogeneity between studies assessing SCV correction are high, yet overall very little clinical benefit is derived from SCV correction.
Neuropsychological Assessment and Intervention with Native Americans

Much of the attention given to significant Native American issues in the neuropsychology research literature is minimal (Dauphinais & King, 1992). In the past 30 years there has been a disappointing number of neuropsychological studies with this population. Studies began in the 1970s on subjects such as culture patterns of speech (Philipsen, 1972), cerebral speech lateralization (Scott, Hynd, Hunt, & Weed, 1979), addressing performance on the Bender-Gestalt (Taylor & Thweatt, 1972), and intellectual assessment in general (Hynd & Garcia, 1979). In the early 1980s studies focused mostly on performance differences on the Wechsler scales and hemispheric specialization of language (McKeever & Hunt, 1984; Mishra, 1982; Mishra, Lord, & Sabers, 1989; Zarske, & Moore, 1982). The 1990s have produced studies that are more reflective of bioethics (Carrese, & Rhodes, 1995), Native American elderly health status (Ferraro, Bercier, & Chelmiinski, 1997; Mercer, 1994), and access to health care (Anderson, Bastida, Kramer, Williams, & Wong, 1995; Bagley, Angel, Dilworth-Anderson, Liu, & Schinke, 1995; Myers, Kagawa-Singer, Kumanyika, Lex, & Markides, 1995; Norton & Manson, 1995).
Quantum Electrodynamics of Two-Level Atoms in 1D Configurations

Abstract Our previous surveys of the quantum electrodynamics of an ensemble of two-level atoms were concerned mostly with obtaining, by different techniques, the kernel of the dynamical equation of the excitation amplitude, interpreting physically the reducible and irreducible atomic self-energy and photonic propagator, and computing at initial time the values of the Cooperative Decay Rate (CDR) and the Cooperative Lamb Shift (CLS) for the most common geometric shapes that the ensemble of atoms occupy in space. Extensive numerical computations in 1D of the spatiotemporal distributions of the atomic polarization and of the difference in levels population of a system almost all initially inverted strongly suggested that the dynamics of the slab atomic ensemble in the linear regime of superradiance may best be treated by an eigenmode analysis. This method proved effective in obtaining both the time dependence of the atomic polarization and the spectral distribution of the emitted radiation from the slab. In this review, we examine the mathematical structure of these 1D eigenfunctions and show their applications in solving a number of physically interesting cases easily amenable to experimental verification.
Continuous Functions on Compact Sets

Let E be a normed vector space (over the real or the complex numbers). We can define the notion of Cauchy sequence in E as we did for real sequences, and also the notion of convergent sequence (having a limit). If every Cauchy sequence converges, then E is said to be complete, and is also called a Banach space. A closed subspace of a Banach space is complete, hence it is also a Banach space.
PHENOTYPIC EXPRESSION OF MAMMALIAN AND FOREIGN PROCARYOTIC GENES CLONED IN BACILLUS SUBTILIS

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a study in which the expression plasmid pPL608 was constructed in a laboratory to facilitate the cloning of foreign genes pPL608. pPL608 consists of DNA from three sources: (1) the replicon and neomycin-resistance gene from pUB110, (2) a chromosomal CAT gene from bacillus pumilus that is inducible by chloramphenicol, and (3) a SPO2 phage promoter. Phenotypic expression of the cloned genes into pPL608 from mouse, E. coli, and Tn9 is dependent on the presence of the SPO2 promoter. The E. coli trp genes reside on a 2.8 kb HindIII fragment. The fragment complements mutations in the bacillus subtilis trp D, C, and F genes. The E. coli trp fragment was inserted into the unique HindIII site on pPL608, which apparently is located within the pPL608 CAT gene. As a result, the expression of the CAT gene was inactivated while the expression of the E. coli trp C gene became inducible by chloramphenicol. The mouse DHFR and the Tn9 CAT genes were cloned into the unique PstI site on pPL608. Expression of the mouse DHFR gene results in cells resistant to trimethoprim. The DHFR activity in extracts of these cells is inhibited 93% by 10-6 M methotrexate but is not inhibited by 10-6 M trimethoprim. This inhibition pattern is characteristic of the mammalian DHFR. Expression of the DHFR gene is not inducible by chloramphenicol, and cells remain resistant to chloramphenicol.
Non-Alignment and Beyond: India’s Interest in Latin America, 1961–1972

Between 1961 and 1972, Latin America came to capture India’s diplomatic imagination. Officials within India’s Ministry of External Affairs identified strengthened ties with the region as a way to a...
Abstract WP150: Autophagy Regulates NLRP3 Inflammasome in Cerebral Ischemia With Comorbid Stress: A Protective Mechanism of Progesterone

Introduction: Exposure to stress primes microglia and the NLRP3 inflammasome, resulting in an exaggerated inflammatory response to a secondary insult such as stroke. NLRP3-mediated inflammation can...
Linking ‘omics’ to function unlocks the biotech potential of non-model fungi

Abstract Nonmodel fungi are increasingly used in biotechnology, spanning medical, industrial, and even agricultural applications. Long-read sequencing technologies have led to a rapid rise in the number of high-quality sequenced fungal genomes and transcriptomes available for study. This information, coupled with bioinformatic analyses, allows access to a striking variety of potential genes to target for downstream characterization and incorporation into bioproduction strategies. However, nonmodel organisms are notoriously difficult to cultivate and genetically modify, limiting the speed at which in silico discoveries can be tested and translated into application. It is critical to combine sequencing information and systems biology to guide both genetic engineering and heterologous expression strategies to harness the biotech potential of nonmodel fungi. This review highlights recent examples where bioinformatics was used to identify genes and pathways of interest that were later exploited to produce biotechnologically important secondary metabolites, transporters, and lignocellulose-active enzymes. We also highlight opportunities where modern approaches, such as genome-scale models and genome editing, may be used to rapidly improve our understanding of nonmodel fungi and fully exploit them for synthetic biology and biotechnology applications.
Sensitivity analysis of a multibranched light guide for real time hyperspectral imaging systems.

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a spectroscopic technique which captures images at a high contrast over a wide range of wavelengths to show pixel specific composition. Traditional uses of HSI include: satellite imagery, food distribution quality control and digital archaeological reconstruction. Our lab has focused on developing applications of HSI fluorescence imaging systems to study molecule-specific detection for rapid cell signaling events or real-time endoscopic screening. Previously, we have developed a prototype spectral light source, using our modified imaging technique, excitationscanning hyperspectral imaging (HIFEX), coupled to a commercial colonoscope for feasibility testing. The 16 wavelength LED array was combined, using a multi-branched solid light guide, to couple to the scope’s optical input. The prototype acquired a spectral scan at near video-rate speeds (~8 fps). The prototype could operate at very rapid wavelength switch speeds, limited to the on/off rates of the LEDs (~10 μs), but imaging speed was limited due to optical transmission losses (~98%) through the solid light guide. Here we present a continuation of our previous work in performing an in-depth analysis of the solid light guide to optimize the optical intensity throughput. The parameters evaluated include: LED intensity input, geometry (branch curvature and combination) and light propagation using outer claddings. Simulations were conducted using a Monte Carlo ray tracing software (TracePro). Results show that transmission within the branched light guide may be optimized through LED focusing lenses, bend radii and smooth tangential branch merges. Future work will test a new fabricated light guide from the optimized model framework.
Thermal Sustainability: Renovation of Imperial Thermae in Late Antiquity

Architectural sustainability was a time-honoured practice in the ancient world, seen through evidence of cyclical repair, renovation, and restoration of essential infrastructure. In so doing, the resilience of monuments and by extension, of cities themselves, was guaranteed into the long term. Thermae, or baths of extraordinary size, were erected during the Roman Empire’s ambitious Imperial period. In the wake of the social and economic upheavals of the 3rd century, however, most of them became redundant by the 4th. But against the odds, a select group of Imperial-period baths continued to provide bathing facilities to the public throughout this turbulent period. Archaeological evidence reveals their transformation into ‘summer baths’, of which a few survive. Through their sustainability — a phenomenon confirmed by evidence of substantial repair — a narrative of resilience may be recorded. This article relies on the surviving archaeological material of these ruins — in particular, their campaigns of renovation — to argue not only for a rationale of sustainability in the ancient world, but also to introduce the concept of architectural resilience as a practice as old as the profession of building itself. While spoliated inscriptions and contemporary authors identify 17 summer baths in the Late Roman world, the five surviving structures in Sbeitla (Tunisia), Thuburbo Majus (Tunisia), Madaurus (Algeria), Fordongianus (Sardinia), and Aphrodisias (Turkey) bear witness to an understanding of thermal sustainability in Late Antiquity that prioritized conservation of heating and water resources, attuned bathers’ activity to climate, and maintained these civic centres as sites of cultural and aesthetic value.
A retrospective cohort study of plasma exchange in central nervous system demyelinating events in children.

Abstract Background Plasma exchange (PLEX) may improve recovery of acute central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating events related to multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), transverse myelitis (TM), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and MOG-antibody associated demyelination (MOG) if recovery with pulse steroids (PS) is incomplete. Although there is a single randomized controlled trial in adults, there are limited case series in children. We aimed to describe the effectiveness and safety of PLEX in children with acute events of MS, NMOSD, TM, ADEM, and MOG with limited improvement after PS. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of children with acute CNS demyelinating events seen at a single tertiary referral center who received PLEX as a second- or third-line therapy between 2006 and 2018. Through chart review of clinical notes, presence of clinical improvement by physician assessment was recorded pre- and post-PS and pre- and post-PLEX. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were collected pre- and post-PLEX. We evaluated the number who improved clinically with PLEX and compared pre- and post-PLEX EDSS with Wilcoxon matched pairs signed-rank test. Results 26 patients followed at the Pediatric MS Center at the University of California, San Francisco received PLEX for acute events of MS (n = 15), NMOSD (n = 7), MOG (n = 2), TM (n = 1), and ADEM (n = 1). At time of PLEX initiation, median age was 13.5 years (range 3–17) and median time between the acute event onset and PLEX initiation was 22 days (range 3–94). 14 of 24 patients had documented clinical improvement after PS. Of those who improved during PS (n = 14), 13 had additional improvement after PLEX. Of those with no improvement after PS (n = 10), 8 improved after PLEX. 16 of 26 patients had pre- and post-PLEX EDSS scores available. Median pre-PLEX EDSS score was 4.0 (range 3.0–8.0), and median post-PLEX EDSS score was 3.75 (range 0–8.0) (p = 0.062). 5 patients had improved EDSS scores by 1 or more points. Adverse events during PLEX included hypotension (n = 3), nausea (n = 2), headache (n = 2), hypocalcemia (n = 2), hypofibrinogenemia (n = 2), thrombocytopenia (n = 1), spinal cord hemorrhage (n = 1), acute non-occlusive thrombosis of internal jugular vein (n = 1), occlusion of the central line (n = 1), edema of the neck (n = 1), and gastrointestinal discomfort (n = 1). Conclusions PLEX is an overall well-tolerated second-line treatment option for pediatric patients with severe acute CNS demyelinating events with limited response to PS.
Hispanics, Mental Health, and Discriminating Policies: Brief Report:

Hispanics, the largest minority group in the United States, are a heterogeneous group that contains a large portion of immigrants from Latin America. Recently, anti-immigrant policies and anti-Hispanic discriminatory practices have heightened at state and national levels. These policies and practices serve to endanger the mental health of Hispanics and play a major role in health care disparities. Positive correlations have been found between chronic discrimination and depression as well as other comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and substance use, and physical disorders. This report provides an overview of the changes in law/policy in recent history that negatively affect the well-being of Hispanics. Recommendations for health care professionals, educators, and researchers are presented.
Biogeography and Diversity of Multi-Trophic Root Zone Microbiomes in Michigan Apple Orchards: Analysis of Rootstock, Scion, and Local Growing Region

Soil is a highly heterogeneous environment with many physical and chemical factors that are expected to vary within and across fruit orchards, and many of these factors also drive changes in the so...
The Paradoxical Roles of Orphan Nuclear Receptor 4A (NR4A) in Cancer.

The three-orphan nuclear receptor 4A genes are induced by diverse stressors and stimuli, and there is increasing evidence that NR4A1 (Nur77), NR4A2 (Nurr1), and NR4A3 (Nor1) play an important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and in pathophysiology. In blood-derived tumors (leukemias and lymphomas), NR4A expression is low and NR4A1-/-/NR4A3-/- double knockout mice rapidly develop acute myelocytic leukemia, suggesting that these receptors exhibit tumor suppressor activity. Treatment of leukemia and most lymphoma cells with drugs that induce expression of NR4A1and NR4A3 enhances apoptosis, and this represents a potential clinical application for treating this disease. In contrast, most solid tumor-derived cell lines express high levels of NR4A1 and NR4A2, and both receptors exhibit pro-oncogenic activities in solid tumors, whereas NR4A3 exhibits tumor-specific activities. Initial studies with retinoids and apoptosis-inducing agents demonstrated that their cytotoxic activity is NR4A1 dependent and involved drug-induced nuclear export of NR4A1 and formation of a mitochondrial proapoptotic NR4A1-bcl-2 complex. Drug-induced nuclear export of NR4A1 has been reported for many agents/biologics and involves interactions with multiple mitochondrial and extramitochondrial factors to induce apoptosis. Synthetic ligands for NR4A1, NR4A2, and NR4A3 have been identified, and among these compounds, bis-indole derived (CDIM) NR4A1 ligands primarily act on nuclear NR4A1 to inhibit NR4A1-regulated pro-oncogenic pathways/genes and similar results have been observed for CDIMs that bind NR4A2. Based on results of laboratory animal studies development of NR4A inducers (blood-derived cancers) and NR4A1/NR4A2 antagonists (solid tumors) may be promising for cancer therapy and also for enhancing immune surveillance.
Congenital CMV Screening in Infants with Failed Newborn Hearing Screens

Background: Congenital CMV (cCMV) infection is a leading cause of non-genetic sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Although cCMV infection can lead to a range of manifestations, including microcephaly and neurodevelopmental delay, SNHL may be the only initial finding in 15% of infants with cCMV. Diagnosing cCMV requires detecting the virus during the first 21 days of life, and can be hampered by lack of clinician awareness and absence of routine patient follow-up within the testing window. A cCMV diagnosis provides families with information regarding prognosis, need for additional neurodevelopmental screening, and can eliminate the need for …
Developing Your Program’s Substance Misuse Minor/Concentration

A meaningful body of literature promotes greater exposure of social work students to educational content concerning substance misuse. This EndNotes piece identifies the rationale for social work pr...
A computational model of glioma reveals opposing, stiffness-sensitive effects of leaky vasculature and tumor growth on tissue mechanical stress and porosity

A biphasic computational model of a growing, vascularized glioma within brain tissue was developed to account for unique features of gliomas, including soft surrounding brain tissue, their low stiffness relative to brain tissue, and a lack of draining lymphatics. This model is the first to couple nonlinear tissue deformation with porosity and tissue hydraulic conductivity to study the mechanical interaction of leaky vasculature and solid growth in an embedded glioma. The present model showed that leaky vasculature and elevated interstitial fluid pressure produce tensile stress within the tumor in opposition to the compressive stress produced by tumor growth. This tensile effect was more pronounced in softer tissue and resulted in a compressive stress concentration at the tumor rim that increased when tumor was softer than host. Aside from generating solid stress, fluid pressure-driven tissue deformation decreased the effective stiffness of the tumor while growth increased it, potentially leading to elevated stiffness in the tumor rim. A novel prediction of reduced porosity at the tumor rim was corroborated by direct comparison with estimates from our in vivo imaging studies. Antiangiogenic and radiation therapy were simulated by varying vascular leakiness and tissue hydraulic conductivity. These led to greater solid compression and interstitial pressure in the tumor, respectively, the former of which may promote tumor infiltration of the host. Our findings suggest that vascular leakiness has an important influence on in vivo solid stress, stiffness, and porosity fields in gliomas given their unique mechanical microenvironment.
Snoring and depression symptoms in pregnant women.

Abstract Objective Pregnant patients are vulnerable to both depression and sleep-disordered breathing, and both convey risks for maternal and fetal outcomes. Previous research has indicated that sleep-disordered breathing is associated with depression, but further information related to the risk of depression based on timing of onset of snoring is needed. Design When presenting to clinic for their initial prenatal visit, pregnant patients completed a packet of questionnaires, which included measures related to depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) and snoring. Habitual snoring was defined as snoring 3 or more nights per week. Results In total, 1367 women were included and 34.1% reported habitual snoring, either chronic (24.4%) or pregnancy-onset (9.8%), with increased frequency of pregnancy-onset habitual snoring in later stages of pregnancy. Unadjusted analyses suggested increased odds of depressive symptoms in chronic and pregnancy-onset habitual snoring groups relative to nonsnorers (odds ratio [OR]: 2.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39, 2.92, P Conclusions Maternal snoring may be a risk factor for prenatal depressive symptoms. Pregnancy-onset habitual snoring confers additional risk for depression compared to not snoring during pregnancy.
User Capabilities and Limitations

The interface designer must either already have the knowledge about what the user can or cannot do, and what the user needs and wants, or have the means available to ascertain that knowledge. This is far more easily said than done. It is complicated by the fact that there are so many different types or categories of users (Section 3.2).
Application of meta- and para-Phenylenediamine as Enhanced Oxime Ligation Catalysts for Protein Labeling, PEGylation, Immobilization, and Release.

Meta- and para-phenylenediamines have recently been shown to catalyze oxime and hydrazone ligation reactions at rates much faster than aniline, a commonly used catalyst. Here, we demonstrate how these new catalysts can be used in a generally applicable procedure for fluorescent labeling, PEGylation, immobilization, and release of aldehyde- and ketone- functionalized proteins. The chemical orthogonality of phenylenediamine-catalyzed oxime ligation versus copper-catalyzed click reaction has also been harnessed for simultaneous dual labeling of bifunctional proteins containing both aldehyde and alkyne groups in high yield. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: oxime ligation; hydrazone ligation; meta-phenylenediamine; para-phenylenediamine; dual protein labeling
Networks, Crowds, and Markets: Networks in Their Surrounding Contexts

In Chapter 3 we considered some of the typical structures that characterize social networks, and some of the typical processes that affect the formation of links in the network. Our discussion in Chapter 3 focused primarily on the network as an object of study in itself, relatively independent of the broader world in which it exists. However, the contexts in which a social network is embedded will generally have significant effects on its structure. Each individual in a social network has a distinctive set of personal characteristics, and similarities and compatibilities between two people's characteristics can strongly influence whether a link forms between them. Each individual also engages in a set of behaviors and activities that can shape the formation of links within the network. These considerations suggest what we mean by a network's surrounding contexts : factors that exist outside the nodes and edges of a networks, but which nonetheless affect how the network's structure evolves. In this chapter we consider how such effects operate and what they imply about the structure of social networks. Among other observations, we will find that the surrounding contexts affecting a network's formation can, to some extent, be viewed in network terms. By expanding the network to represent the contexts together with the individuals, we will see in fact that several different processes of network formation can be described in a common framework. Homophily One of the most basic notions governing the structure of social networks is homophily – the principle that we tend to be similar to our friends. Typically, your friends don't look like a random sample of the underlying population.
Partial resolution and reconstitution of the subunits of the clathrin-coated vesicle proton ATPase responsible for Ca2+-activated ATP hydrolysis.

The clathrin-coated vesicle proton-translocating complex is composed of a maximum of eight major polypeptides. Of these potential subunits, only the 17-kDa component, which is a proton pore, has been defined functionally (Sun, S.Z., Xie, X. S., and Stone, D. K. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 14790-14794). ATPase-and proton-pumping activities of the 200-fold purified proton-translocating complex are supported by Mg2+, whereas Ca2+ will only activate ATP hydrolysis. Like Mg2+-activated ATPase activity, Ca2+-supported ATP hydrolysis is inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide, NO3-, and an inhibitory antibody and is stimulated by Cl- and phosphatidylserine. Thus, Ca2+ prevents coupling of ATPase activity to vectoral proton movement, and Ca2+-activated ATPase activity is a partial reaction useful for analyzing the subunit structure required for ATP hydrolysis. The 530-kDa holoenzyme was dissociated with 3 M urea and subcomplexes, and isolated subunits were partially resolved by glycerol gradient centrifugation. No combination of these components yielded Mg2+-activated ATPase or proton pumping. Ca2+-activated ATP hydrolysis was not catalyzed by a subcomplex containing the 70- and 58-kDa subunits but was restored by recombination of the 70-, 58-, 40-, and 33-kDa polypeptides, indicating that these are subunits of the clathrin-coated vesicle proton pump which are necessary for ATP hydrolysis.
Heart rate variability in non-apneic snorers and controls before and after continuous positive airway pressure

Background We hypothesized that sympathetic nervous system activity (SNSA) is increased and parasympathetic nervous system activity (PNSA) is decreased during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in non-apneic, otherwise healthy, snoring individuals compared to control. Moreover, we hypothesized that these alterations in snoring individuals would be more evident during non-snoring than snoring when compared to control.
An indirect variable structure model reference adaptive control applied to the speed control of a three-phase induction motor

An indirect approach to the variable structure model reference adaptive control (VS-MRAC) is proposed. This approach is applied to the speed control of a three-phase induction motor. In the direct approach, the switching laws are designed for the parameters of the controller, and in this case the main difficulty is to find the bounds, which must be used in the control laws. On the other hand, in the indirect approach, the switching laws are designed for the plant parameters, which are uncertain, but their bounds can be easily found, since they are related to physical parameters of the system. The idea is to design an indirect variable structure approach and to apply it to the speed control of a three-phase induction motor.