cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Balance Recovery Reactions in recurrent non specific low back pain patients

Objectives: Altered movement strategy and postural control has been observed in Low Back Pain (LBP) patients. Objective of this study was to determine postural response following support surface translation, also correlations between postural response related measures and disability caused by LBP. Methods: 20 healthy subjects and 20 patients with recurrent non specific LBP participated in this study. They were instructed to stand on a moveable platform with each foot placed on a separate force plate. Platform was translated backward. Center of pressure (CoP) displacement data was derived and used for calculation of postural parameters. Reaction time, Latency, mean initial Velocity and peak displacement were used as measures of postural stability. Disability was assessed by the Oswestry Disability index (ODI) and Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ). Correlation between balance and disability measures were assesed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: Subjects with LBP had delayed reaction time, prolonged Latency and slower velocity compared to healthy subjects. Also, correlation between CoP measurments and physical function were poor. Discussion: This study reveald altered postural response against purturbation in patients with LBP and no association between CoP measures and disability.
Leading a Mock Trading Floor: Active-based Learning in a Business Context

A master teaching approach was used during a session of introductory finance to provide high impact teaching practices for a large class of 190 freshman business students. To teach financial markets, an active-based learning approach was used, and the students participated in a simulated New York Stock Exchange trading floor. Using volunteers as market specialists, students traded fictional shares and submitted a portfolio assignment after the trading session. Active-based learning generated excitement toward meaningful student engagement about financial markets.
Immobilized Lactase in Fluidized Bed Reactors for Treating Cheese Whey

We have successfully bonded lactase (and other enzymes) to dense particulate supports such as nickel oxide, stainless steel and alumina. The resulting immobilized lactase preparations were used in fluidized bed reactors to process raw cheese whey as well as lactose solutions. We have operated such reactors for weeks and encountered no difficulties with plugging or pressure drop, even when processing raw whey from which curd particles had not been completely removed. In contrast, fixed bed reactors quickly plugged, even with aqueous lactose solutions, probably due to the growth of microorganisms. Periodic disinfection of these columns with a commercial iodoform disinfectant caused no significant loss in enzymatic activity (1).
SF-36 health survey: tests of data quality, scaling assumptions, and reliability in a community sample of Chinese Americans.

Background.Chinese Americans are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States; however, language and cultural obstacles have challenged health workers and policy makers seeking to understand the health status and needs of this population.Objectives.This study is the first to use a l
Atomic transport in irradiated solids

Atomic transport in irradiated solids has been investigated in both the prompt and delayed regimes. Prompt effects are revealed on an atomic level through molecular dynamics computer simulations. It is demonstrated that for metals like gold, which have high atomic numbers and low melting points, thermal spikes play a primary role in the cascade dynamics and that concepts like melting and rapid quenching are useful descriptions. Surface effects in these metals are also discussed. For metals with higher melting points and lower atomic numbers, the cascade dynamics are determined almost exclusively by energetic collisions far above thermal energies. This is illustrated by simulations of cascades in NiAl. The effect of the high ordering energy in this intermetallic compound on the radiation-induced defect structure has also been studied. Atomic transport in the delayed regime is illustrated by two examples: an order-disorder alloy, Cu3Au, and an amorphous alloy, NiZr. The first example is used to illustrate various aspects of radiation enhanced diffusion (RED): ion beam mixing, diffusion kinetics, the effects of primary recoil spectrum, and the importance of chemical order. The second example illustrates that the basic theory of RED, which was developed to describe crystalline materials, appears to work adequately for amorphous metal alloys, suggesting that similar mechanisms may be operating. It is shown, however, that the kinetics of RED observed in amorphous alloys are not unique to point defect models.
The Deep History of Life: Nearly 4 billion years after they first evolved, microorganisms remain fundamental cogs in the highly interactive Earth system

The view down Lake Louise is easily one of North America's finest, with towering peaks framing crystalline blue waters. Standing along the lakeshore, I sense the same majesty as other hikers, but I also see something else—something equally grand, but in a different way. Our planet records its own history, written in sedimentary rocks deposited one layer on another through geologic time. In the mountains behind Lake Louise, then, I see a library, and if we know how to read its volumes, we can glimpse our world in formation.
PRDM16 Suppresses MLL1r Leukemia via Intrinsic Histone Methyltransferase Activity

PRDM16 is a transcription co-factor that plays critical roles in development of brown adipose tissue, as well as maintenance of adult hematopoietic and neural stem cells. Here we report that PRDM16 is a histone H3K4 methyltransferase on chromatin. Mutation in the N-terminal PR domain of PRDM16 abolishes the intrinsic enzymatic activity of PRDM16. We show that the methyltransferase activity of PRDM16 is required for specific suppression of MLL fusion protein-induced leukemogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic studies show that PRDM16 directly activates the SNAG family transcription factor Gfi1b, which in turn downregulates the HOXA gene cluster. Knockdown Gfi1b represses PRDM16-mediated tumor suppression, while Gfi1b overexpression mimics PRDM16 overexpression. In further support of the tumor suppressor function of PRDM16, silencing PRDM16 by DNA methylation is concomitant with MLL-AF9-induced leukemic transformation. Taken together, our study reveals a previously uncharacterized function of PRDM16 that depends on its PR domain activity.
Study on Pillow Effect in Lead-Free Reflow Process

Pillow-head effect is often discovered on fine pitch BGA/CSP in lead-free assembly process.Classify the effect based on physical character,study and experiment to find the cause of the formation of pillow-head effect,advise how to restrain the effect.All of these is based on the physical and chemical phenomena of fine pitch BGA/CSP assembly.
NUCLEAR MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION IMAGING IN ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION : WHICH TECHNIQUE IS BEST ?

PreviewAlthough diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction is usually based on the patient history and electrocardiographic findings, nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging has an important role in assessing myocardial damage and predicting patient prognosis. In this article, Dr Umfrid discusses the unique characteristics of technetium Tc 99m sestamibi that make it especially useful in managing acute myocardial infarction.
Design of a heated micro-cantilever optimized for thermo-capillary driven printing of molten polymer nanostructures

Abstract Here we present an atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilever design capable of patterning millions of polymer nanostructures with integrated mass flow sensing and control. The micro-cantilever has two embedded joule heaters connected via a microchannel, where thermo-capillary forces induced by the temperature gradient between heaters can deliver 40 ng of polymer to the tip. We used multi-physics finite element analysis to optimize the thermo-mechanical and thermo-fluidic performance of the device. A modal analysis of the cantilever vibration during operation show the resonant frequencies of the first four cantilever modes are sensitive to the location of the advancing polymer meniscus within the channel, where the frequency shifts by 1.7%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 1.8% for modes 1–4, respectively. The cantilever frequency shift thus provides a facile measure of mass flow rate within the channel. We further model the temperature rise in each heater, showing that the heaters can reach temperatures exceeding 400 °C with a temperature gradient along the channel between the two heaters tunable from −2,000,000 to 2,000,000 °C/m. Computational fluid dynamics simulations of molten polymer flowing in the microchannel shows the leading edge advances as t according to Washburn’s equation, and the velocity of the leading edge depends significantly on the imposed temperature gradient. Large temperature gradients in the direction of polymer imbibition serve to increase the leading edge velocity for faster channel filling, while large temperature gradients opposing capillary filling can decrease filling speeds, hold the leading edge still, and even reverse polymer flow. Thus, the cantilever tip can be inked, cleaned, and re-inked by controlling the temperature of the integrated heaters. The design presented here provides a platform for wafer scale polymer nanostructure fabrication with mass flow control required for nano-manufacturing complex polymer-based devices.
Intra- and inter-observer reliability of the Cobb measurement by chiropractic interns using digital evaluation methods.

It is important to create a body of evidence surrounding the reliability of certain diagnostic criteria. While the reliability of the Cobb measurement is well established with various licensed health care professionals, this study aims to determine the inter- and intra-observer reliability of the Cobb Measurement among chiropractic interns.Fourteen chiropractic interns analyzed 10 pre-selected digital spinal radiographs on a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) in two separate rounds of observation. The participants indicated their choice of end vertebra and Cobb Measurement in each round of observation. Agreement on vertebral levels selected was estimated using percentage agreement. Intra-observer reliability was estimated using the Pearson r correlation coefficient, and inter-observer correlation was estimated using the Inter-Class Coefficient (ICC).The range of percentage agreement on vertebral level selection was 0.36 - 0.79. The Pearson r correlation coefficient for round 1 and round 2 was 0.79. The ICC (3,1) was 0.79 (round 1), and 0.70 (round 2).Less than optimal agreement on end vertebrae selection was found between observers. Intra- and inter-observer reliability of the Cobb Measurement was 'excellent' (round 1) and 'good' (round 2).
Effect of angiotensin II on adrenal ascorbic acid.

Summary1. ACTH and angiotensin II clearly differ in their effects on adrenal ascorbic acid in hypophysectomized rats. ACTH depletes adrenal ascorbic acid, whereas angiotensin II does not. 2. This difference can be used to determine the presence of ACTH in biological fluids or extracts which stimulate steroidogenesis by the adrenal cortex.
Imaging of Orbital Trauma

Assessing traumatic orbital injuries is an important challenge for radiologists; this assessment is even more difficult when the orbital injury is associated with injuries involving multiple organs. Common posttraumatic orbital injuries include anterior chamber injuries, injuries to the lens, open-globe injuries, ocular detachments, intraorbital foreign bodies, carotid cavernous fistula, and optic nerve injuries. Radiographic examination of the orbits is rarely performed. Ultrasonography (US) can be very useful for evaluating the globe and its contents; however, US is contraindicated if a ruptured globe is suspected. Magnetic resonance imaging may be difficult to perform emergently; it is contraindicated if there is a possibility that a metallic intraorbital foreign body is present. Computed tomography (CT) is considered to be the top choice for evaluating orbital trauma. The best protocol is to obtain thin-section axial CT scans, then to perform multiplanar reformation. When evaluating a patient with an orbital injury, the radiologist should do the following: (a) evaluate the bony orbit for fractures, note any herniations of orbital contents, and pay particular attention to the orbital apex; (b) evaluate the anterior chamber; (c) evaluate the position of the lens (the lens may be displaced, and it may be either completely or partially dislocated); (d) evaluate the posterior segment of the globe, look for bleeds or abnormal fluid collections, and evaluate for radiopaque or radiolucent foreign bodies; and (e) evaluate the ophthalmic veins and the optic nerve complex, especially the orbital apex.
Evaluation of jaundice in children beyond the neonatal period

Jaundice is an important sign of acute and chronic liver diseases in children and adolescents. The spectrum of aetiologies is broad and differs from those presenting in neonates. Chronic liver disease may not present with jaundice until late in the disease. In contrast, acute onset jaundice may be a sign of severe liver disease which may progress to fulminant liver failure. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and evaluation of liver synthetic function will identify serious conditions that require referral to specialised units for assessment and consideration of liver transplantation. This review provides a systematic approach to the evaluation of jaundice in children and adolescents and an overview of the differential diagnoses.
Changing Faith: The Dynamics and Consequences of Americans’ Shifting Religious Identities

Alexis de Tocqueville attributed the fluidity of Americans’ religion to religious freedom. Darren Sherkat studies religion in a more ethnically diverse America, arguing that, today, the religious l...
Frontal Lobe Damage and Memory

Skin conductance responses (SCRs) were recorded in a patient with frontal lobe damage and in normal control subjects while attempting recognition of famous and unfamiliar faces.
BRAF exon 15 mutations in pediatric renal stromal tumors: prevalence in metanephric stromal tumors

Metanephric stromal tumors (MSTs) are rare renal stromal tumors that predominantly affect children. They belong to the metanephric family of tumors, along with metanephric adenofibroma and metanephric adenoma. The previous documentation of BRAF exon 15 mutations in 88% of metanephric adenomas and in isolated cases of metanephric adenofibroma prompted us to investigate the prevalence of these mutations in MSTs and in other pediatric renal stromal tumors. In this study, 17 MSTs, 22 congenital mesoblastic nephromas, and 6 ossifying renal tumors of infancy were selected for BRAF exon 15 testing. Tumor genomic DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue, followed by polymerase chain reaction amplification and Sanger dideoxy sequencing with primers flanking the BRAF exon 15 gene. BRAF exon 15 mutations were found in 11 (65%) of the 17 cases of MST, all corresponding to a thymidine-to-adenine substitution at codon 600 (BRAF V600E). All other renal stromal tumors tested were negative for BRAF exon 15 mutations. In conclusion, BRAF V600E mutations are encountered in most MSTs, supporting a link with other metanephric tumors and suggesting a clonal event possibly affecting primordial renal cells. In addition, BRAF V600E mutations have been associated with oncogene-induced senescence in other benign tumors, providing clues to the pathogenesis of metanephric neoplasms in keeping with their overall benign behavior. Our results also suggest a potential diagnostic use for BRAF exon 15 mutations in differentiating MSTs from other pediatric renal stromal tumors, particularly in limited samples.
Sub-picture based rate control algorithm for achieving real time encoding and improved video quality for H.264 HD encoder on embedded video SOCs

In this paper we present a rate control algorithm to control the encoded picture size in a video sequence within a specified maximum limit. The need to control the encoded picture size arises in several video applications; (i) video conferencing to ensure the glass to glass delay is within acceptable conversational delay, (ii) video encoders complying with H.241 MTU packetization constraints to ensure that for all pictures real-time encoding can be achieved. The proposed rate control algorithm adjusts the quantization scale at the end of every row in the video sequence. Bits consumed by the already encoded macroblocks are monitored and the quantization scale is increased if the bits consumed are more than the average bits per macroblock as determined by the maximum encoded picture constraint. It is shown that in a video encoder complying with H.241 MTU packetization constraints the picture encoding time does not always meet the real-time encoding constraint. However, by using the proposed rate control algorithm in the video encoder (complying with H.241 MTU packetization constraints) it is shown that the encoding time for all pictures always meets the real-time constraint. Additionally, it is also shown that using the proposed rate control enables improvement in overall video quality. For sequence #3 the PSNR was increased by 3.8 dB and the DMOS was decreased by 44 points when the proposed rate control algorithm was used compared to the previous rate control algorithm indicating significant video quality improvements1. Thus with our proposed algorithm the dual requirements of (i) real-time encoding and (ii) improved video quality, are both simultaneously achieved.
Never social and entrepreneurial enough? Exploring the identity work of social entrepreneurs from a psychoanalytic perspective:

Building on an analysis of interviews with 61 social entrepreneurs, the study offers a more fine-grained exploration of the identity work of social entrepreneurs from a psychoanalytic, particularly...
Security-Aware Design for V2V Communication

In this chapter, the security-aware design methodology is further applied to Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communications with the Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) technology. DSRC enables the development of many safety applications such as forward collision avoidance, lane change warning (blind spot warning), and left turn assist (Harding et al. Vehicle-to-vehicle communications: readiness of V2V technology for application, 2014, [11]).
ARES Modeling of High-foot Implosions (NNSA Milestone #5466)

In summary, ARES “capsule only” simulations demonstrate results of applying an ASC code to a suite of high-foot ICF implosion experiments. While a capability to apply an asymmetric FDS drive to the capsule-only model using add-on Python routines exists, it was not exercised here. The ARES simulation results resemble the results from HYDRA simulations documented in A. Kritcher, et al., Phys. Plasmas, 23, 052709 (2016). Namely, 1D simulation and data are in reasonable agreement for the lowest velocity experiments, but diverge from each other at higher velocities.
Development of a Safe and Scalable Process for the Preparation of Allyl Glyoxalate

While conversion of dialkyl tartrate esters to the corresponding glyoxalic acid esters has been well-documented, large scale application of some common laboratory protocols presents a myriad of challenges. The low cost, high availability, and predictable reactivity of sodium periodate make it an attractive choice for synthetic chemistry applications; the resulting solid byproducts, however, have a high thermal potential and therefore must be handled with care during cleanup and disposal, especially on large scale. Successful demonstration of the synthesis of glyoxaldehydes by oxidative cleavage of tartrate esters with sodium periodate is discussed herein. Furthermore, this account describes the process safety/engineering investigation carried out to ensure a robust and safe process for the scale manufacture of allyl glyoxalate via sodium periodate-mediated cleavage of diallyl tartrate.
Coenzyme Q10 for statin-associated myalgia

We read with great interest the article by Tan and Barry[1][1] about coenzyme Q10 supplementation in the management of statin-associated myalgia (SAM) and believe that the authors omitted clinically relevant information. We use coenzyme Q10 supplementation in our practice and believe it plays a role
Management of Pacemaker Patients — Basic Concepts

Management of patients who require implantation of a pacemaker involves knowledge of the basic rhythmic disturbance and a decision concerning whether to pace in the single chamber atrial or ventricular modes, the AV universal mode or the physiologically responsive mode. Once implanted long term observation in the pacemaker clinic and by transtelephonic monitoring (TTM) is required. Extensive knowledge of the operation and eccentricities of a variety of pulse generators is required as is knowledge of the behaviour of the model pacemaker implanted. Pacemakers should be implanted for the diagnosis of heart block but only when sinus node dysfunction is associated with symptoms. An implanted pacemaker should not be competitive with the chamber that it paces so that dual chamber pacemakers should sense in both chambers.
Familiar voice recognition: Patterns and parameters. Part I. Recognition of backward voices

Abstract: In a further attempt to determine whether the same acoustic parameters contribute equally to the recognition of familiar voices, or whether different cues are important for different voices, samples of 30 famous male voices were altered in speaking rate, a parameter known to be important in the voice recognition process. Voice samples were presented in normal, rate-expanded, and rate-compressed conditions. Seventy-two listeners selected one of six possible responses for each item. Some voices were easily recognized, while others were not, both in the expanded and the compressed conditions. This finding suggested that information about speaking rate is not equally important for all voices. Furthermore, an attempt to regress data from this and from a previous experiment (in which recognition scores were obtained on famous voices presented backward) against nine vocal characteristics (including speaking rate) resulted in a maximum R2 value of 0.479, further supporting the conclusion that different cues are important for recognizing different voices.
Abstract 5599: Noninvasive genomic profiling of cerebral spinal fluid in breast cancer patient with leptomeningeal disease

Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) involves the dissemination of tumor cells from the primary breast tumors into the membranes surrounding the central nervous system and spinal cords. LMD occurs in about 5% of breast cancer patients and is associated with very poor survival. The genomic evolution of LMD in breast cancer patients has remained difficult to study, in part due to technical challenges in collecting longitudinal biopsy samples from the central nervous system. Liquid biopsies of the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) may provide a unique opportunity to profile circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and has not been compared directly to non-invasive monitoring of ctDNA in blood samples. Furthermore, most non-invasive ctDNA profiling methods are limited to a targeted set of genes and have not allowed unbiased whole-genome profiling. To address these limitations, we developed an unbiased method for ctDNA analysis called PEGASUS (Plasma Exome and Genome Analysis by Size-selection and Unbiased Sequencing) that enables whole-genome sequencing of copy number aberrations and somatic mutations from ctDNA. We applied PEGASUS to sequence matched blood samples and CSF from 10 breast cancer patients with LMD. Quantitation of ctDNA levels showed that ctDNA was detected in CSF samples from 9/10 patients, while blood ctDNA was detected in only 1 LMD patient with extensive metastatic disease. Whole-genome copy number profiling at 220kb resolution and mutational profiling of a 2000 cancer gene panel of the matched CSF and blood samples was performed in 10 LMD patients using PEGASUS. Our data identified aneuploid copy number aberrations and somatic mutations (range: 11-25) in the CSF of 7 patients, including mutations in known driver genes such as BRAF, RB1, TP53 and amplifications of MYC and ERBB2. In contrast the matched blood samples showed only diploid copy number profiles and no detectable somatic mutations in 9/10 LMD patients. In one patient with extensive cranial metastatic disease with matched CSF and blood ctDNA, we found a high concordance in copy number profiles (R= 0.75) and modest concordance of somatic mutations (59.5%), but also additional CNAs and mutations that were specific to the CSF. Collectively, these data show that genomic profiling of ctDNA in CSF is technically feasible for patients with LMD, and provides a major advantage over blood ctDNA which cannot be detected in mostcases. Citation Format: Masahiro Oikawa, Naveen Ramesh, Emi Sei, Shanshan Bai, Min Hu, de Groot F. John, Murthy Rshmi, Barbara O9Brien, Nicholas Navin. Noninvasive genomic profiling of cerebral spinal fluid in breast cancer patient with leptomeningeal disease [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5599.
The epidemiology of carcinoid tumors of small and large intestine in USA: A national inpatient sample analysis (2009-2014).

e16188Background: Carcinoid tumors (CTs) are the most common type of neuroendocrine tumor. About two-thirds of all carcinoid tumors appear in the gastrointestinal system, particularly in the intest...
Relational memory is associated with academic achievement in preadolescent children

Abstract Objectives Cognitive functions supported by the hippocampus, including relational memory and the implementation of effective learning strategies, are purported to be vital to academic success. Yet there is little evidence tying performance on standardized measures of academic achievement to performance on hippocampal-dependent tasks. Methods This study tested the association between relational memory performance and academic achievement. Preadolescent participants (N = 181; mean age = 8.7 years; 97 females) completed the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement, 2nd edition (KTEA-II) along with the Mnemonic Similarity Task (MST) and a task designed to assess both spatial relational memory and the resolution of memory for highly similar studied objects. A subset of participants (n = 40) completed an additional spatial reconstruction relational memory task. Results While performance on the MST and object memory resolution were not significantly associated with academic achievement, relational memory performance was positively associated with mathematics, written language, and overall academic achievement. The association between relational memory and academic achievement remained significant even after controlling for demographic factors including age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Conclusions These findings suggest that the processes underlying relational memory performance are critical for academic success during preadolescence.
Validation of a Cyber Bullying and Victimization Measure Among Elementary School-Aged Children

Drastic increases in access to and use of technology among younger children has given rise to concerns about their exposure to cyber forms of bullying and victimization. However, few validated measures exist for accurately capturing younger children’s involvement. To this end, the purpose of the present study is to investigate the validity of a cyberbullying and victimization measure. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the construct validity of the European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire on a sample of 841 3rd through 5th grade students that was previously validated on 7th–10th grade adolescents. Findings suggest that this measure may adequately capture younger children’s exposure to cyber victimization but may be less sensitive to capturing their perpetration of cyber bullying. Study findings also provide some support that cyber bullying may represent a unique form of bullying that is distinct from traditional forms. Implications for social work practice with children and adolescents are discussed in light of the need for accurate and reliable assessment tools for practitioners.
Reference Drag Update Scheme in Shuttle Entry Guidance Using Range Allocator for Tight Constraints

Entry guidance with an improved drag profile update method is presented. The guidance method is a variation of Shuttle entry guidance in which the parameters that define the drag profile are modified to make the drag profile smooth and easier to customize. In general, in order to account for off-nominal entry conditions and ensure the vehicle flies the correct range, the nominal reference drag profile is modified online utilizing a first order approximation. This new profile is then used to calculate a reference drag command in the subsequent guidance algorithm cycle. Typical implementations of Shuttle entry guidance modify the drag profile using only one variable to shift the profile by a constant value. The methods by which the drag profile is updated are changed in order to provide multiple perturbation options. In providing multiple drag profile update parameters, an allocator is implemented with a vector of weights as a design variable. The resulting algorithm seeks to leverage the high-TRL Shuttle entry guidance routine by making minimal modifications to the implementation, while increasing robustness to dispersions under tight constraints. A discussion of drag profile design, including allocator parameter selection, is explored. Results for two highly constrained examples are presented, demonstrating the utility of this method.
Intestinal Immune Conditioning with Helminths Employs Host T Helper 2 (Th2) Pathway to Induce Mixed Chimerism and Regulate Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Mixed hematopoietic chimerism is proven to lead to immune tolerance after bone marrow transplant (BMT) and can reduce graft-vs-host disease (GVHD)-related mortality. It can be achieved with chemotherapeutic agents or strategies that block activation of donor or depletion of host T cells. Immune conditioning with helminthic commensals regulate the host immune system and promotes a transient mixed chimerism. Conditioning with helminths induces IL4 production via host Th2 pathway and regulates GVHD while preserving graft-versus-tumor effect. IL4 signals through IL4 receptor (IL4R) and STAT6. We hypothesize that induction of host Th2 pathway is critical for achieving mixed chimerism by intestinal immune conditioning Methods We evaluated the role of host Th2 signaling in the establishment of mixed chimerism in an MHC I/II major mismatch (H2b→H2d) model of BMT using total body irradiation (TBI). Three weeks after infection with mouse nematode h. polygyrus-bakeri (Hpb), GVHD was induced via delivery of T cell-depleted bone marrow (TCD-BM) and splenic T cells from uninfected WT C57BL/6 (MHC:H2b) donors into lethally-irradiated WT BALB/c, IL4 -/-, IL4Rα-/- and STAT6-/- recipients (MHC: H2d). Percentage of donor vs recipient T cells, GVHD-mediated inflammation in the colon and lung, and survival of mice were assessed Results In 3 models of disruption of the Th2 pathway, we demonstrated that host Th2 signaling is essential for establishing mixed chimerism. Helminth infection promotes mixed chimerism in WT BALB/c BMT recipients; recipient T cells constitute 3-5% of peripheral population at 6 days post-BMT in infected mice, and Fig 1 ). Helminths regulate GVHD-related inflammation in lungs and the colon of WT BALB/c recipients (p Fig 2 ). Helminth infection did not promote survival of Th2-/- BMT recipients; all mice died of lethal GVHD, in contrast to WT BALB/c BMT recipients (P Conclusions Immune conditioning with helminths promotes mixed chimerism after TBI and regulates lethal GVHD following BMT. The host Th2 pathway is critical for achieving this mixed chimerism and regulation of GVHD, and induction of CTLA4 is partially dependent on Th2 signaling.
Immigration Stress among Recent Latino Immigrants: The Protective Role of Social Support and Religious Social Capital.

ABSTRACTReligious institutions can be a source of support for recent Latino immigrants struggling to adjust to a new culture. For undocumented immigrants, who are often marginalized from other formal institutions, they may symbolize a place of refuge and hope through supportive social networks that mitigate common challenges such as social isolation and other forms of immigration stress. This cross-sectional study examined the impact of religious social capital and social support on immigration stress among documented and undocumented recent Latino immigrants (N = 408). Religious social capital was associated with higher levels of social support, while social support was protective against immigration stress. Social support mediated associations between religious social capital and immigration stress, but only among undocumented immigrants. Findings suggest religious social capital may be a particularly useful resource for undocumented immigrants, aiding in the provision of social support and in decreasin...
Targeting MDM2 for novel molecular therapy: Beyond oncology

The murine double minute 2 (MDM2) oncogene exerts major oncogenic activities in human cancers; it is not only the best-documented negative regulator of the p53 tumor suppressor, but also exerts p53-independent activities. There is an increasing interest in developing MDM2-based targeted therapies. Several classes of MDM2 inhibitors have been evaluated in preclinical models, with a few entering clinical trials, mainly for cancer therapy. However, noncarcinogenic roles for MDM2 have also been identified, demonstrating that MDM2 is involved in many chronic diseases and conditions such as inflammation and autoimmune diseases, dementia and neurodegenerative diseases, heart failure and cardiovascular diseases, nephropathy, diabetes, obesity, and sterility. MDM2 inhibitors have been shown to have promising therapeutic efficacy for treating inflammation and other nonmalignant diseases in preclinical evaluations. Therefore, targeting MDM2 may represent a promising approach for treating and preventing these nonmalignant diseases. In addition, a better understanding of how MDM2 works in nonmalignant diseases may provide new biomarkers for their diagnosis, prognostic prediction, and monitoring of therapeutic outcome. In this review article, we pay special attention to the recent findings related to the roles of MDM2 in the pathogenesis of several nonmalignant diseases, the therapeutic potential of its downregulation or inhibition, and its use as a biomarker.
Differences in the Microbial Community and Resistome Structures of Feces from Preweaned Calves and Lactating Dairy Cows in Commercial Dairy Herds.

Preweaned dairy calves and lactating dairy cows are known reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. To further understand the differences in the resistomes and microbial communities between the ...
Effective-medium theory of open-orbit inclusions

We extend the effective-medium approximation for the electrical conductivity of a heterogeneous material to a nonsymmetric effective conductivity tensor. We apply it to a binary mixture of oriented crystallites in which one component has open orbits and the other does not. We calculate the transverse magnetoresistance as a function of field strength and orientation. The open-orbit magnetoresistance peaks that would be observed in a homogeneous sample persist in the mixture, but are broader and smaller. Nevertheless, when the product of the volume fraction $f$ of the open-orbit component and ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{c}\ensuremath{\tau}$ is greater than unity, the peak height increases quadratically with field strength.
Chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP) and its applications

Abstract Chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP) is a valuable method to map the genomic binding profile of chromatin-associated RNAs, such as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs). ChIRP was initially designed by Chu and colleagues to investigate RNA bound DNA using affinity-probes to a target RNA, and its application has been recently extended to also identify RNAs and proteins that interact with the target RNA. Since its original development in 2011, ChIRP has been increasingly used in various fields of biological research which has, in turn, resulted in an enhanced understanding of the dynamics of RNA-chromatin interactions and their roles in health and diseases. This chapter describes the methodology and applications of ChIRP.
Firm type variation in the cost of risk management

Abstract This paper explores how the cost of risk management varies with firm characteristics, offering the first comparison between private, public, and family-owned firms. It exploits a natural experiment in highway procurement, which features diverse firms with common exposure to commodity risk. The Kansas government began to insure highway paving firms against oil price risk in 2006. The analysis compares Kansas to Iowa, which has an otherwise similar highway procurement system but never introduced such a policy. Using data from 1998 to 2012, I show that the policy reduced average bid sensitivity to oil price volatility. Private firms with high credit risk and low industry diversification exhibit the most risk pass-through, while public firms exhibit no pass-through. Family-owned firms do not have a higher than average cost of risk. Financial constraints and distress costs appear to best explain the cost of risk management, rather than risk aversion, information, or agency problems.
Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) Increase Foot Contact Surface Area on Challenging Substrates During Terrestrial Locomotion.

Animals live in heterogeneous environments must navigate in order to forage or capture food, defend territories, and locate mates. These heterogeneous environments have a variety of substrates that differ in their roughness, texture, and other properties, all of which may alter locomotor performance. Despite such natural variation in substrate, many studies on locomotion use noncompliant surfaces that either are unrepresentative of the range of substrates experienced by species or underestimate maximal locomotor capabilities. The goal of this study was to determine the role of forefeet and hindfeet on substrates with different properties during walking in a generalized sprawling tetrapod, the tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum). Adult salamanders (n = 4, SVL = 11.2-14.6 cm) walked across level dry sand (DS), semi-soft plaster of Paris (PoP), wet sand (WS), and a hard, noncompliant surface (table)-substrates that vary in compliance. Trials were filmed in dorsal and anterior views. Videos were analyzed to determine the number of digits and surface area of each foot in contact with the substrate. The surface area of the forelimbs contacting the substrate was significantly greater on DS and PoP than on WS and the table. The surface area of the hindlimbs contacting the substrate was significantly greater on DS than on all other substrates. There were no significant differences in the time that the fore- or hindfeet were in contact with the substrate as determined by the number of digits. We conclude that salamanders modulate the use of their feet depending on the substrate, particularly on DS which is known to increase the mechanical work and energy expended during locomotion owing to the fluid nature of its loose particles. More studies are needed to test a wider range of substrates and to incorporate behavioral data from field studies to get a better understanding of how salamanders are affected by different substrates in their natural environment.
Expeditious synthesis of aromatic-free piperidinium-functionalized polyethylene as alkaline anion exchange membranes

Alkaline anion exchange membranes (AAEMs) with high hydroxide conductivity and good alkaline stability are essential for the development of anion exchange membrane fuel cells to generate clean energy by converting renewable fuels to electricity. Polyethylene-based AAEMs with excellent properties can be prepared via sequential ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and hydrogenation of cyclooctene derivatives. However, one of the major limitations of this approach is the complicated multi-step synthesis of functionalized cyclooctene monomers. Herein, we report that piperidinium-functionalized cyclooctene monomers can be easily prepared via the photocatalytic hydroamination of cyclooctadiene with piperidine in a one-pot, two-step process to produce high-performance AAEMs. Possible alkaline-degradation pathways of the resultant polymers were analyzed using spectroscopic analysis and dispersion-inclusive hybrid density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Quite interestingly, our theoretical calculations indicate that local backbone morphology—which can potentially change the Hofmann elimination reaction rate constant by more than four orders of magnitude—is another important consideration in the rational design of stable high-performance AAEMs.
The Relationship Between a Student’s Success in First-Semester General Chemistry and Their Mathematics Fluency, Profile, and Performance on Common Questions

In an effort to investigate the factors that lead to success in general chemistry, the Math-Up Skills Test (MUST) and common questions were used along with a student characteristic questionnaire. The MUST is a 20-item instrument to measure mathematics fluency, which is done without a calculator with a 15-min time limit. It has been shown as a valid predictor of successful grades in general chemistry I and II (grades of A, B, or C). A large amount of data was collected from 1020 general chemistry students from six southwestern universities, including MUST score, demographic questions, common examination questions, and course performance as measured by final exams and course grades. The common questions were drawn from databases that had established statistics, reliability, and validity. Six topics were chosen for the first-semester common questions: the combined gas laws, frequency and wavelength of light, unit conversions, stoichiometry, enthalpy, and limiting reagents. Two questions were selected for each topic, one algorithmic (mathematical) and one conceptual. Relationships among the variables were investigated by statistical analysis to generate linear and logistic regression models to predict student success. An interesting finding was the strong relationship between the average course grade and number of common questions answered correctly. The predictability of identifying at-risk students was analyzed for the MUST and the common questions. Respective correlations with the course grade were established. The study concluded that the common questions were the better predictor of success but that the MUST can more effectively be used to predict class performance because it can be given as a single-use test early in the semester.
Not FIT for Use: Fecal Immunochemical Testing in the Inpatient and Emergency Settings.

Abstract Background Fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) is widely used for colorectal cancer screening, its only indication. Its effect on clinical decision-making beyond screening is unknown. We studied the use of FIT in emergency and inpatient settings and its impact on patient care. Methods Using electronic medical records, we reviewed all non-ambulatory FITs performed from November 2017 to October 2019 at a tertiary care community hospital. We collected data on demographics, indications, gastroenterology consultations, and endoscopic procedures. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the effect of FIT on gastroenterology consultation and endoscopy. Results We identified 550 patients with at least 1 FIT test. Only 3 FITs (0.5%) were performed for colorectal cancer screening. FITs were primarily ordered from the emergency department (45.3%) or inpatient hospital floor (42.2%). Anemia (44.0%), followed by gastrointestinal bleeding (40.9%), were the most common indications. FIT was positive in 253 patients (46.0%), and gastroenterology consultation was obtained for 47.4% (n = 120), compared with 14.5% (n = 43) of the 297 FIT-negative patients (odds ratio 3.28; 95% confidence interval, 2.23-4.82, P Conclusions Nearly all emergency department and inpatient FIT use was inappropriate. FIT resulted in more gastroenterology consultation but was not independently associated with inpatient endoscopy.
Reconfigurable coupled-line bandpass filter with electrically actuated liquid-metal tuning

Electrocapillary actuation is presented as a novel liquid-metal tuning mechanism in a reconfigurable radio-frequency device. Applying a voltage directly across the liquid-liquid interface between a liquid-metal slug and an electrolytic carrier fluid locally alters the surface tension, creating a pressure imbalance between the liquid metal and the electrolyte. Trapping the bulk of the liquid metal in a reservoir creates a “stretching” effect that elongates the liquid-metal tuning element in response to a low-voltage electrical signal. A prototype tunable coupled-line bandpass filter that uses this technique to achieve frequency tuning is demonstrated.
On the Ontology and Origin of Species

Metaphysics and the Origin of Species. Michael T. Ghiselin. State University of New York Press, Albany, NY, 1997. 389 pp. $75. ISBN 0-7914-3467-2. Paper, $24.95. ISBN 0-7914-3468-0 Metaphysics and the Origin of Species is the culmination of the author9s three-decade campaign for the idea that biological species are individuals, not classes. Burian describes it as "deep, difficult, and of foundational importance," deserving serious attention from everyone interested in biological ontology and questions in evolution, cladistics, and systematics.
The Last Phase of STAPP: An Example of a Typical Interview

The male patient whose fourth STAPP interview was described in Chapter 7 continued working hard during his therapy. Although the transference had been positive and had been dealt with appropriately by pointing out the parent-transference connections, the patient managed to avoid bringing up some of his antagonistic and angry feelings which he felt for his father.
"Good Reason to Believe": Widespread Constitutional Violations in the Course of Immigration Enforcement and the Case for Revisiting Lopez-Mendoza

In 1984 the Supreme Court held in INS v. Lopez-Mendoza that the exclusionary rule did not ordinarily apply to respondents in immigration proceedings. However, the Court suggested that its opinion about the applicability of the exclusionary rule might change if constitutional violations by immigration officers became a widespread problem. First, this paper proposes that constitutional violations by immigration officers have become both geographically and institutionally widespread in the years since Lopez-Mendoza. Second, this paper argues that immigration law and the practice of immigration enforcement have changed fundamentally in the twenty-four years since Lopez-Mendoza was decided, undermining the assumptions on which the majority in 1984 based its arguments against the use of the exclusionary rule. The paper therefore concludes that, in the modern context, remaining faithful to Lopez-Mendoza requires the reintroduction of the exclusionary rule in immigration proceedings.