cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 5020: Genetic and epigenetic analysis of tumors in a zebrafish model of melanoma

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL The activating BRAF kinase mutation V600E occurs in ∼60% of human nevi and melanomas. A transgenic strain of zebrafish expressing BRAF-V600E under the control of the mitfa promoter on a p53 mutant background develops melanomas with 100% penetrance. Previously, we showed that a transposon-based vector, MiniCoopR, allows us to program melanocytes to express a candidate gene in a specialized zebrafish strain Tg(mitfa:BRAFV600E); mitfa-/-; p53-/-. This strain lacks melanocytes, but the lineage can be rescued by MiniCoopR injection at the 1-cell stage. This genetic system allows us to create cohorts of transgenic animals that express candidate genes and assay the effects on tumor development. Previous work identified two histone methyltransferases (HMTs), SETDB1 and SUV39H1, which cooperate with BRAF-V600E to accelerate the onset and severity of melanoma development. A number of HMTs display alterations in expression level or copy number in human cancers compared to normal tissues, and we tested a panel of methyltransferases using the MiniCoopR system. We hypothesize that HMTs promote tumorigenesis by altering the epigenetic program of melanocytes. In order to explore the effects on melanocyte specification and differentiation, we overexpressed and depleted candidate HMTs in zebrafish embryos and performed in situ hybridization for lineage-specific markers, such as crestin, sox10, mitfa, dct, and tyr. HMTs that exert specific developmental phenotypes were further characterized by performing chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Our goal is to correlate the processes affected in the developing embryo with the epigenetic program to elucidate the mechanism by which HMTs influence tumorigenesis. Additionally, we are developing a strain of zebrafish Tg(mitfa:BRAFV600E); mitfa-/-; alb-/-; p53-/-; Tg(mitfa:GFP) in which melanocytes rescued with MiniCoopR express GFP. These rescued melanocytes can be programmed to express candidate HMTs and allow us to visualize melanocyte and melanoma development in vivo. The work presented here will help correlate cancer phenotypes with specific chromatin-modifying enzymes that may be the basis for new drug development and biomarker discovery. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5020. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5020
Enhanced anti-influenza activity of a surfactant protein D and serum conglutinin fusion protein

We previously demonstrated that bovine serum conglutinin has markedly greater ability to inhibit influenza A virus (IAV) infectivity than other collectins. We now show that recombinant conglutinin ...
406 DETERMINING A BASELINE HEMOGLOBIN LEVEL FOR THE PREGNANT WOMEN POPULATION IN NAMAKKAL DISTRICT, INDIA.

Purpose of Study Anemia during pregnancy is an important risk factor that has been implicated in increased maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. In the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu, India, the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women has not yet been determined. A survey was administered to determine a baseline hemoglobin level for the pregnant women population in Namakkal district government hospitals. This project was performed as a part of a larger study conducted by MGR Medical University in Chennai, India. Methods Pregnant women visiting any of six government hospitals within Namakkal district were administered a survey to collect basic demographic information and assess risk factors for anemia. The survey included questions about patient age, education status, household income, pregnancy history, and personal medical history. As part of routine labwork, hemoglobin levels were measured using a cell counter. Analysis of data collected was performed using SPSS version 13.0 software. Results The mean hemoglobin count among surveyed women was 10.52 g/dL. There was no significant difference in hemoglobin count between different reproductive age groups, educational groups, or parity and gravida groups. It was observed that a significant proportion of the population who seek perinatal care at the government hospitals fall within the lower range of education and income. Conclusions The mean hemoglobin levels in Namakkal district fall within the range of normal values in India. Local programs providing nutritional counseling, and vitamin supplementation should be continued to maintain healthy hemoglobin levels within the pregnant women population. Individual and family education about health care and the importance of adequate nutrition during pregnancy are necessary to ensure proper maternal and child health.
Radiographic evaluation of positional atelectasis in sedated dogs breathing room air versus 100% oxygen.

This study documents the degree of positional atelectasis in sedated dogs receiving 100% oxygen (O2) versus room air. Initial lateral recumbency was determined by an orthopedic study and initial treatment (O2 or room air) was randomized. Each dog was maintained in lateral recumbency for 15 min, at which time ventrodorsal (VD) and opposite lateral thoracic radiographs were obtained. Each dog was then maintained in the opposite lateral recumbency and received the other treatment for 15 min, followed by a VD and opposite lateral radiograph. Radiographs were scored for severity of pulmonary pattern and mediastinal shift by 3 radiologists. Dogs breathing O2 had significantly higher scores than dogs breathing room air. If radiographically detectable dependent atelectasis is present, repeat thoracic images following manual positive ventilation and/or position change to the opposite lateral recumbency should be made to rule out the effect of O2 positional atelectasis and avoid misdiagnosis.
“Do you love me?”: The question of the queer child of psychoanalysis

Queer children and LGBT youth often continue to find in the psychotherapeutic setting and the clinical literature an ill-prepared and even aversive reception. Suicidality among such children draws especially sharp attention to the need for better alternatives to current treatment modalities—the focus here is chiefly on the relational area, with its emphasis on the coupling norm and attachment theory—and, more broadly, for the further comprehensive development of queer- and LGBT-affirmative psychoanalytic theory and practice. In advocating for at-risk queer children, I also argue that the queer child is a meaningful transferential figure for the improved life-chances of psychoanalysis itself and for the enhanced role of psychoanalytic theory and practice in the realm of social transformation.
A workshop on formal methods education: held at Melbourne Florida in March 1998[5]

The 21st Century Engineering Consortium Workshop was devoted to educational issues in the area of formal methods. This article summarizes opinions and perspectives which emerged at the workshop and sketches a context for their assessment. There was broad agreement that advances in education are crucial to expanding formal methods practice. However, specific recommendations vary among interest groups and individuals. In this multi-faceted area, it is important to establish a framework for debating issues and presenting them to the broader community. Nowhere is this need greater than in discussions of education.
Elder Abuse and Neglect

Every year an alarming number of elders are abused and neglected. Studies estimate that between 3.2 and 27.5% of all elders worldwide are subjected to abuse or neglect. Elder abuse and neglect is defined as a known or intentional act by a caregiver or any other person that is harmful or poses serious risk of harm to persons aged 60 and older. Elder abuse and neglect can be detected by recognition of victim risk factors, perpetrator characteristics, and other warning signs. If abuse or neglect is suspected, the incident must be reported and investigated by various organizations and healthcare professionals. Elder abuse and neglect can be prevented by frequent assessment of all older adults by health professionals, via elder and caregiver education, and through the use of programs designed to reduce caregiver burden. Keywords: harm; quality of life; victim
Toward a Ghetto Nerd Framework

It was a cold and grey January day in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I entered the Harvard University campus (where I was attending a lecture by Howard Gardner) and I was suddenly reminded of the surreal journey that had brought me to this point. As a high school student, I had been told, and reminded, by my teachers that nobody from my barrio would ever write a book.
An investigation of impulsivity in young adults exhibiting body-focused repetitive behaviors

Abstract Prefatory research provides rationale for the body focused repetitive behavior cluster (BFRB; e.g. skin picking, nail biting), however little is known concerning the etiologies of these behaviors. While research suggests impulsivity impairment amongst several BFRBs, research has yet to examine multiple impulsivity domains or examine impulsivity within a nail biting or comorbid BFRB context. As such, this study sought to examine two facets to impulsivity (motor inhibition and delay discounting) amongst young adults exhibiting subclinical BFRBs (nail biting, skin picking, comorbid nail biting and skin picking). One hundred and thirty-two participants (37 demonstrating nail biting, 36 demonstrating skin picking, 19 demonstrating comorbid skin picking and nail biting, 40 controls) completed an assessment battery including self-reports (Monetary Choice Questionnaire, MCQ) and neurocognitive measures (Stop Signal Task, SST). Analyses revealed that individuals exhibiting comorbid BFRBs demonstrated significantly increased SST reaction time (controlling for stress) and stop signal delay (controlling for stress and medication use) compared to controls. Additionally, nail biters demonstrated significantly increased discounting (controlling for age) of MCQ medium and large rewards compared to controls. Group classification did not significantly predict remaining outcomes. Analyses indicated relationships between BFRB severity and task performance. Findings suggest important insights into the neurobiology of BFRBs.
A 5.5GHz 0.84TOPS/mm 2 neural network engine with stream architecture and resonant clock mesh

This paper presents an ultra-high-performance neural network engine fabricated in a 65nm CMOS technology. The 0.9mm2 core relies on an energy-efficient resonant clock mesh running at 5.5GHz to achieve 0.76 8-bit TOPS, improving throughput by over 4x, area efficiency by over 8×, and energy-delay-area product by over 1.8× compared to previous state-of-the-art neural network designs. Achieving a charge recovery rate of 63%, the resonant clock mesh enables the deployment of a deeply-pipelined stream architecture and high-speed stream buffers with a sub-5W power consumption.
Analysis of Social Interaction Narratives in Unaffected Siblings of Children with ASD Through Latent Dirichlet Allocation

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their unaffected siblings (US) are frequent targets of social bullying, which leads to severe physical, emotional, and social consequences. Understanding the risk factors is essential for developing preventative measures. We suggest that one such risk factor may be a difficulty to discriminate different biological body movements (BBM), a task that requires fast and flexible processing and interpretation of complex visual cues, especially during social interactions. Deficits in cognition of BBM have been reported in ASD. Since US display an autism endophenotype we expect that they will also display deficits in social interpretation of BBM. Methods. Participants: 8 US, 8 matched TD children, age 7–14; Tasks/Measurements: Social Blue Man Task: Narrative interpretation with a Latent Dirichlet Allocation [LDA] analysis; Social Experience Questionnaires with children and parents. Results. The US displayed as compared to TD: (i) low self-awareness of social bullying in contrast to high parental reports; (ii) reduced speed in identifying social cues; (iii) lower quality and repetitious wording in social interaction narratives (LDA). Conclusions. US demonstrate social endophenotype of autism reflected in delayed identification, interpretation and verbalization of social cues; these may constitute a high risk factor for becoming a victim of social bullying.
Validation of American Thyroid Association Ultrasound Risk Assessment of Thyroid Nodules Selected for Ultrasound Fine-Needle Aspiration.

Objective: The aim of this study was to validate the American Thyroid Association (ATA) sonographic risk assessment of thyroid nodules. Methods: The ATA sonographic risk assessment was prospectively applied to 206 thyroid nodules selected for ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (US-FNA), and analyzed with The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC), as well as surgical pathology for the subset undergoing surgical excision. Results: The analysis included 206 thyroid nodules averaging 2.4 cm (range 1–7 cm; standard error of the mean 0.07). Using the ATA US pattern risk assessment, nodules were classified as high (4%), intermediate (31%), low (38%), and very low (26%) risk of malignancy. Nodule size was inversely correlated with sonographic risk assessment, as lower risk nodules were larger on average (p < 0.0001). Malignancy rates determined by cytology/surgical pathology were high 100%, intermediate 11%, low 8%, and very low 2%, which were closely aligned with ATA malignancy risk ...
Going Out Of Business Sale

With the publication of volume 30, no. 4 (Taxonomic Index to Volumes 21-30), Tulane Studies in Geology anbd Paleontology will cease publication. At this time all numbers are still in print, although a few are becoming scarce.
Lattice Models of Bacterial Nucleoids

Mesoscale molecular modeling is providing a new window into the inner workings of living cells. Modeling of genomes, however, remains a technical challenge, due to their large size and complexity. We describe a lattice method for rapid generation of bacterial nucleoid models that integrates experimental data from a variety of biophysical techniques and provides a starting point for simulation and hypothesis generation. The current method builds models of a circular bacterial genome with supercoiled plectonemes, packed within the small space of the bacterial cell. Lattice models are generated for Mycoplasma genitalium and Escherichia coli nucleoids, and used to simulate interaction data. The method is rapid enough to allow generation of multiple models when analyzing structure/function relationships, and we demonstrate use of the lattice models in creation of an all-atom representation of an entire cell.
Tensor Component and Matrix Notations

Derivations and presentations of results in this book will appear in the tensor components, or in the related matrix notation. In the tensor component or subscript notation, vectors or first-order tensors are denoted by lower case italics with a single letter subscript, such as \( {n_i} \) or \( {\nu_j} \), while second, third and fourth-order tensors are written as \( {\varepsilon_{\textit{ij}}},\,\,{ \in_{\textit{ijk}}},\,\,{L_{\textit{ijkl}}} \), with the number of subscripts indicating the order or rank R of the tensor. The subscripts have a certain assigned range of values, which is i, j,… = 1, 2, 3, or \( \rho = 3 \) for tensorial quantities in the Cartesian coordinates \( {x_i} \). The number of tensor components is \( N = {R^{\rho }} \). It is then convenient to write the components of a first, second or fourth order tensors as \( {(3} \times {1),}\,\,{(3} \times {3)}\,\,{\text{\; or (9}} \times {9)} \) arrays, which need not conform to the rules of matrix algebra. The third order tensor can be displayed in three \( {(3} \times {3)} \) arrays.
Whether Patients Want It or Not, Physician Recommendations Will Convince Them to Accept HIV Testing.

Physicians are not routinely offering patients HIV testing, partly due to perceived patient discomfort with discussing HIV. This study assessed patients’ comfort level and whether physician recomme...
Adherence to HIV Treatment as Prevention and Preexposure Prophylaxis

Presently, among the estimated near 15 million people living with HIV (PLWH) worldwide in need of antiretroviral therapy (ART), only 54 % have access to ART and, among those with access, some 40 % are unable to achieve high levels of adherence. For over a decade, reasons for ART nonadherence and strategies to promote adequate adherence have been under evaluation, generating numerous models of ART adherence and a host of intervention approaches evaluated in diverse populations. This chapter reviews this literature as well as recent guidelines for the promotion of engagement in HIV care and ART adherence, with special emphasis on application to treatment as prevention (TasP), which relies on high enough rates of ART access and adherence to prevent onward HIV transmission through durably suppressed viral load. Similarly, this chapter also draws out the behavioral pathways underlying the use of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) – ARV (antiretroviral) medications for use among HIV-negative persons. Potential strategies for support extrapolated from available evidence gathered to date are identified, and notes of caution provided.
Shoulder Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Rotator Interval

The rotator interval is important in shoulder stability and movement. The rotator interval is enclosed in the triangular area bordered by the subscapularis anteroinferiorly, supraspinatus posterosuperiorly, and the coracoid process medially. The rotator interval contains the long head of the biceps tendon, coracohumeral ligament, superior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL), and the middle glenohumeral ligament (MGHL). The rotator interval contains multiple static stabilizers of the shoulder, and its integrity is important for anterior and inferior stability of the shoulder, especially when the shoulder is adducted. Furthermore, external rotation of the shoulder is altered with rotator interval pathology. For surgical intervention to have success, an intimate understanding of the rotator interval structures is necessary. Rotator Interval Anatomy The rotator interval of the shoulder is the area defined by the subscapularis anteroinferiorly, the supraspinatus posterosuperiorly, and the coracoid process medially. The long head of the biceps tendon traversing in the bicipital groove exits the joint just lateral to the insertion of the subscapularis tendon on the lesser tuberosity (Fig. 1a). The coracohumeral ligament originates from the proximal third of the dorsolateral aspect of the base of the coracoid process and runs on the bursal side of the SGHL, inserting mostly on the greater tuberosity and to a lesser extent on the lesser tuberosity (Ferrari 1990; Burkhart et al. 1993; Jost et al. 2000; Fig. 1a). The superior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL) originates from the glenoid labrum, frequently with the long head of the biceps tendon (Jost et al. 2000; Fig. 1b). The SGHL fibers insert mainly into the lesser tuberosity and also form a band around the biceps tendon and insert into the greater tuberosity contributing to the roof of biceps sling (Ferrari 1990; Burkhart et al. 1993; Jost et al. 2000; Werner et al. 2000; Kask et al. 2010; Fig. 2). During its course, the SGHL borders the biceps anteriorly (Figs. 1b, 2, 3a–d). The MGHL commonly originates in the anterosuperior aspect of the labrum or the supraglenoid tubercle (SGT). The MGHL then inserts onto the inferior aspect of the lesser tuberosity (Ferrari 1990; Jost et al. 2000; Pouliart and Gagey 2005; Kask et al. 2010; Felli et al. 2012). As it enters the shoulder joint in the bicipital groove, the long head of the biceps tendon has a sling formed around it consisting of the supraspinatus, subscapularis, SGHL, and coracohumeral ligament (Fig. 3). The medial aspect of the sling consists of from deep to superficial the SGHL, coracohumeral ligament, and subscapularis tendon, respectively. The lateral aspect of the sling from deep to superficial consists of the SGHL, deep coracohumeral ligament, supraspinatus tendon, and superficial *Email: johnpeggers@gmail.com Sports Injuries DOI 10.1007/978-3-642-36801-1_10-1 # Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013
Exploring the relationship betweenweb application development tools and security

How should software engineers choose which tools to use to develop secure web applications? Different developers have different opinions regarding which language, framework, or vulnerability-finding tool tends to yield more secure software than another; some believe that there is no difference at all between such tools. This paper adds quantitative data to the discussion and debate. We use manual source code review and an automated black-box penetration testing tool to find security vulnerabilities in 9 implementations of the same web application in 3 different programming languages. We explore the relationship between programming languages and number of vulnerabilities, and between framework support for security concerns and the number of vulnerabilities. We also compare the vulnerabilities found by manual source code review and automated black-box penetration testing. Our findings are: (1) we do not find a relationship between choice of programming language and application security, (2) automatic framework protection mechanisms, such as for CSRF and session management, appear to be effective at precluding vulnerabilities, while manual protection mechanisms provide little value, and (3) manual source code review is more effective than automated black-box testing, but testing is complementary.
Solid-Fluid Systems with Large Specific Interfacial Area

The interfacial heat transfer rate for a solid-fluid system with an interfacial area A sf and a local (varying over the surface) surface-convection heat flux q sf = q ku is $$ {Q_{sf}} = {Q_{ku}} = {A_{sf}}{\left\langle {{q_{sf}}} \right\rangle _D} $$ (5.1)
From health-persona to societal health

In this position paper, we propose an approach for Web Observatories that builds on using social media, personal data, and sensors to build Persona for an individual, but also use this data and the concept of Focused Micro Blogs (FMB) for situation detection, helping individual using situation action rules, and finally gaining insights for obtaining insights about society. We demonstrate this in a concrete use case of fitness and health care related sensors for building health persona and using this for understanding societal health issues.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Study Objectives:Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and related advanced fibrosis. We studied the treatment of OSA with continuous positive ai...
Impostorism: An evolutionary concept analysis.

Aim The aim of this study was to explore the concept of impostorism as applied to nursing and other disciplines. Background Impostorism has not been well defined or studied in nursing. Researchers have not studied connections between role transition stress of new graduates and impostorism, despite evidence that nursing students experience impostorism during undergraduate studies. Design Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis was the method used in this study. Data sources The databases used were Academic Search Complete, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Health and Psychosocial Instruments, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, PsycARTICLES, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, and Dissertations and Theses databases. Review methods All nursing-specific citations were included in the literature sample. Of the remaining non-nursing citations, stratified random sampling provided 28 non-nursing citations. An additional purposive sampling of seminal impostorism publications resulted in 46 resources for analysis. Results Concept analysis revealed that key attributes of impostorism include fear of failure and difficulty accepting praise. Impostorism antecedents relate to personality, attribution, family, workplace, and sociodemographic variables. According to concept analysis, a conceptual definition emerges of impostorism as a subjective, inaccurate self-assessment involving feelings of intellectual and professional incompetence and fraudulence despite external evidence of success. Conclusion Impostorism has undergone evolutionary changes in various disciplines. However, the nursing discipline needs more research related to nurses' experiences with impostorism in the workplace.
Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy: A Review of the Evolution of Management in Children.

BackgroundHistorically, there has been uncertainty in the treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) in children. Although management always begins with medical therapy, the decision to offe...
Comparative pharmacokinetic and biodistribution study of two distinct squalene-containing oil-in-water emulsion adjuvants in H5N1 influenza vaccines.

Abstract Background In recent years, there has been great interest from academia, industry and government scientists for an increased understanding of the mode of action of vaccine adjuvants to characterize the safety and efficacy of vaccines. In this context, pharmacokinetic (PK) and biodistribution studies are useful for quantifying the concentration of vaccine adjuvants in mechanistically or toxicologically relevant target tissues. Methods In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the PK and biodistribution profile of radiolabeled squalene for up to 336 h (14 days) after intramuscular injection of mice with adjuvanted H5N1 influenza vaccines. The evaluated adjuvants included an experimental-grade squalene-in-water (SQ/W) emulsion (AddaVax®) and an adjuvant system (AS03®) that contained squalene and α-tocopherol in the oil phase of the emulsion. Results The half-life of the initial exponential decay from quadriceps muscle was 1.5 h for AS03 versus 12.9 h for AddaVax. At early time points (1–6 h), there was about a 10-fold higher concentration of labeled squalene in draining lymph nodes following AS03 injection compared to AddaVax. The area-under-concentration curve up to 336 h (AUC0-336hr) and peak concentration of squalene in spleen (immune organ) was about 1.7-fold higher following injection of AS03 than AddaVax. The peak systemic tissue concentration of squalene from the two adjuvants, with or without antigen, remained below 1% of injected dose for toxicologically relevant target tissues, such as spinal cord, brain, and kidney. The pharmacokinetics of AS03 was unaffected by the presence of H5N1 antigen. Conclusions This study demonstrates a rapid decline of AS03 from the quadriceps muscles of mice as compared to conventional SQ/W emulsion adjuvant, with an increased transfer to mechanistically relevant tissues such as local lymph nodes. Systemic tissue exposure to potential toxicological target tissues was very low.
Microsurgical Management of Intracranial Aneurysms After Failed Flow Diversion.

Background Flow diversion has become increasingly popular for treatment of cerebral aneurysms in the past few years. In an increasing number of patients with aneurysms, flow diversion (FD) has failed, with a paucity of reported data regarding salvage treatment for these challenging cases. Methods We present a multicenter series of 13 aneurysms for which FD failed and that were subsequently treated with open surgery. We also present a review of the reported data regarding operative management of aneurysms after unsuccessful FD. Results Twelve patients with 13 aneurysms were included in the present study. All 12 patients had undergone surgery after FD because of persistent aneurysm filling, mass effect, or aneurysm rupture. The patients underwent aneurysm clipping and parent vessel reconstruction, decompression of the aneurysm mass, occlusion of proximal flow to the aneurysm, or aneurysm trapping with or without extracranial–intracranial artery bypass. Conclusions Aneurysms for which FD fails present a variety of unique and challenging management situations that will likely be encountered with increased frequency, given the popularity of FD. Microsurgical salvage options require individualized care tailored to the underlying pathological features, patient characteristics, and surgical expertise.
Characterization of Arbuckle-basement wastewater disposal system, Payne County, Northern Oklahoma

AbstractOver the past eight years, north-central Oklahoma has experienced a significant increase in seismicity. Although the disposal of large volumes of wastewater into the Arbuckle Group basement...
STING signaling and host defense against microbial infection

The first line of host defense against infectious agents involves activation of innate immune signaling pathways that recognize specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Key triggers of innate immune signaling are now known to include microbial-specific nucleic acid, which is rapidly detected in the cytosol of the cell. For example, RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) have evolved to detect viral RNA species and to activate the production of host defense molecules and cytokines that stimulate adaptive immune responses. In addition, host defense countermeasures, including the production of type I interferons (IFNs), can also be triggered by microbial DNA from bacteria, viruses and perhaps parasites and are regulated by the cytosolic sensor, stimulator of interferon genes (STING). STING-dependent signaling is initiated by cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) generated by intracellular bacteria following infection. CDNs can also be synthesized by a cellular synthase, cGAS, following interaction with invasive cytosolic self-DNA or microbial DNA species. The importance of STING signaling in host defense is evident since numerous pathogens have developed strategies to prevent STING function. Here, we review the relevance of STING-controlled innate immune signaling in host defense against pathogen invasion, including microbial endeavors to subvert this critical process.
History and theoretical underpinnings of exposure therapy

Abstract The practice of exposure therapy has evolved over time in conjunction with shifts in the theory that is used to explain how and why it is effective. The purpose of this chapter is to provide the reader with foundational knowledge of the history and theoretical underpinnings of exposure therapy so as to aid in successful treatment delivery. First, the theory and procedure of systematic desensitization, considered a precursor to modern exposure therapy, are presented. The habituation and inhibitory learning models of exposure therapy are then described. For each, we discuss how theory influences the clinical practice of exposure therapy under the given model. Lastly, we review some of the key considerations for conducting exposure therapy with children and adolescents as related to the inhibitory learning model.
Community Approaches To Recycling Plastics

In this paper, the existing vacuum in small scale community approaches to recycling plastics is highlighted and how they can enable a scaled implementation of plastics recycling is discussed. A greater understanding of these approaches will establish the need to implement small-scale processes that benefit the environment and create economic opportunities to support the livelihoods of such communities. Considerations for implementing these small-scale processes are discussed.
Quantitative assessment of eddy viscosity rans models for turbulent mixed convection in a differentially heated plane channel

Abstract Turbulent mixed convection between two vertical, infinite parallel plates at different temperatures is studied using various two-equation turbulence models. The numerical simulations are performed at a turbulent Reynolds number of Reτ = 150 and a Grashof number of Gr = 9.6 × 105. Comparisons are made against the highly trusted DNS results. Consistent with the DNS approach, the current simulations are performed using constant properties and the Boussinesq approximation to predict the influence of buoyancy. Previous studies have provided assessments of two-equation turbulence models for various scenarios, but often rely on a qualitative “eye” test in order to determine the most appropriate model to predict a given flow. This study aims to provide a new form of quantitative assessment that accounts for both the physics captured by the turbulence model as well as the magnitude of the system response quantities (SRQ) using a modified symmetric mean absolute percent error (SMAPE) method. This method is designed to be approachable to researchers at any level and can be applied to system response quantities from multiple research fields. Uncertainty quantification is also performed to determine the discretization error for each turbulence model. Recommendations are made as to which turbulence models best capture the physics – hydrodynamically and thermally – using both local and global validation metrics. Lastly, a sensitivity analysis is performed on the damping functions used in the most accurate models. This underpins the potential of model developments and adjustments most worth pursuing for buoyant flows. Overall, this framework provides a more physics-based comparative analysis of the selected turbulence models.
A Social Work Education Grounded in Human Rights

In response to a mandate to advance human rights through social work education, this article focuses on the curricular redesign and program evaluation of one MSW Program. The program’s specialization focused on advanced social work practice with individuals, families, and communities grounded in social justice and human rights. A pre-experimental one-group posttest-only program evaluation design was implemented. Multiple assessment instruments were used to measure human rights exposure in social work education, as well as a human rights lens and engagement in social work practice among 93 graduating MSW students from a public university with suburban and urban campus locations. How the program applied a human rights-based approach to social work field education will also be discussed. Findings suggest that a human rights exposure in course work and practicum is related to students’ practice lens and engagement. The imperative is now to train social work students to address complex social issues through human rights exposure, engagement, and lens as we prepare for a post-pandemic world. Recommendations are provided to strengthen academic leadership and research in this area and empower students to drive a paradigm shift in the profession.
The Dynamics of Hurricane Risk Perception: Real-Time Evidence from the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season

Findings are reported from two field studies that measured the evolution of coastal residents’ risk perceptions and preparation plans as two hurricanes — Isaac and Sandy — were approaching the United States coast during the 2012 hurricane season. The data suggest that residents threatened by such storms had a poor understanding of the threat posed by the storms; they over-estimated the likelihood that their homes would be subject to hurricane-force wind conditions, but under-estimated the potential damage that such winds could cause, and they misconstrued the greatest threat as coming from wind rather than water. These misperceptions translated into preparation actions that were not well commensurate with the nature and scale of the threat they faced, with residents being well prepared for a modest wind event of short duration but not for a significant wind-and-water catastrophe. Possible causes of the biases and policy implications for improving hurricane warning communication are discussed.
Evidence of spin in systematic reviews of interventions from the top 5 general medical journals: Overview of reviews

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the presence of spin in SRs of interventions from the top-5 general medical journals, as well as to investigate characteristics of SRs that were associated with spin in the abstract. Study design and Setting This overview of reviews included a random sample of full-published SRs with meta-analysis. Selected journals were: 1) Lancet; 2) Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA); 3) British Medical Journal (BMJ); 4) Annals of Internal Medicine (AIM); and 5) JAMA Internal Medicine. The electronic search on each selected journal website and on PubMed covered the period from January 2011 to November 2017. Methodological quality of the included SRs was assessed through the AMSTAR-2 checklist (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews). Data selection, extraction and quality assessment were performed in duplicate. Descriptive analysis was performed. We used a seven-item SPIN checklist to assess spin in the abstracts and full texts. Two linear regression models were built to investigate the association between the presence of spin in the abstract and full text with some characteristics of the SRs. Results 196 SRs were included (total of 11,881,507 participants), from which 32 were from JAMA Internal Medicine, 39 from BMJ, 40 from Lancet, 42 from JAMA and 43 from AIM. The assessment of SRs methodological quality resulted in 152 SRs with critically low overall confidence, 37 with low, 6 with moderate and only 1 high overall confidence. The journals presented from 1 to 4 items of spin (out of 7), ranging from 84% to 100% in abstracts and 51% to 81% in full texts. Higher levels of spin in the abstracts were associated with critically low methodological quality reviews (s 0.22; 95% CI 0.14, 0.63). The main limitation of this study was the exclusion of the New England Journal of Medicine. Conclusions More than half of full texts and most of abstracts presented spin, with the latter associated with reviews methodological quality. Ultimately, the flaws could only be directed to the authors, journal editors and reviewers.
Acute effects of endothelin receptor antagonists on hepatic hemodynamics of cirrhotic and noncirrhotic rats.

Hepatic and circulating endothelin-1 (ET-1) are increased in patients with cirrhosis and in cirrhotic animals. However, the distinct roles of ET receptor subtypes ETA and ETB in cirrhosis and porta...
Gastrointestinal actions of metoclopramide. An experimental study.

Summary The gastrointestinal actions of metoclopramide [ N -(diethylaminoethyl)-2-methoxy-4-amino-5-chlorobenz amide] have been investigated in experimental animals. This compound was found to stimulate gastric contractile activity in anesthetized and unanesthetized dogs and to accelerate stomach emptying in rats and monkeys. No significant increase in gastric acid secretion could be demonstrated in either rat or dog. The gastric motor stimulation was antagonized by anti cholinergics and morphine, but was not blocked by vagotomy or a ganglionic blocking drug. The action of metoclopramide appears to involve activation of intramural cholinergic neurons respon sible for modifying gastric motility but notacid secretion, either by a direct stimulation or by removal of inhibitory influences.
Magnetic field penetration depth of polycrystalline (Y,Gd)Ba2Cu3O7, grain-aligned YBa2Cu3O7, and single-crystal Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8.

The magnetic field penetration depths /lambda/(/ital T/) of the title compounds are determined from high-field (/ital H/=2.5 to 5 T) magnetization /ital M/ versus applied magnetic field /ital H/ isotherms, by use of a new method of data analysis in the region /ital H//sub /ital c/1//much lt/H/much lt/H/sub c2/ where /ital M/ is reversible and linear in the logarithm of /ital H/. All of the /lambda/(/ital T/) results are consistent with behavior expected from BCS theory, indicating a nodeless superconducting order parameter. The magnitudes of /lambda/(0) are similar to reported values obtained using independent methods.
Urodynamic studies in the normal menstrual cycle: The relationship between hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and the urethral pressure profile

The influence of endogenous gonadal steroids on the urethral pressure profile (UPP) was studied in 27 healthy nulliparous women with the normal ovulatory cycles. The UPP and hormonal values were recorded in the follicular phase, at midcycle, and early and late in the luteal phase. Simultaneous urethrocystometry was performed by means of the microtransducer technique, according to a precise standardized methodology. The parameters of the UPP, as defined by the Standardization Committee of the International Continence Society, and the area under the urethral closure pressure curve (integrated pressure) were calculated. Reproducibility of the UPP measurements was evaluated. In addition to a basal body temperature (BBT) chart, serum levels of 17 beta-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin were measured at each study session in order to confirm a normal ovulatory pattern for that cycle and for comparison with the urodynamic parameters. The mean values and standard deviation of the UPP parameters in healthy nulliparous women in the supine and sitting positions are presented. Values of the pressure measurements obtained during one menstrual cycle did not change systemically with the hormonal alterations. At midcycle and early in the luteal phase, however, and anatomic and functional lengths of the urethra were consistently increased over those found in the early follicular and late luteal phases. The data suggest a causal relationship between the changes in serum E2 concentrations and the changes in urethral length.
Abstract P017: Serum N-Carboxymethyl-Lysine and Risk of Mortality in Older Adults

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are compounds formed by the non-enzymatic glycation of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, and are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of diseases across multiple organ systems. Carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) is a dominant AGE found in tissue proteins and in the circulation, and a commonly used AGE biomarker. Only a few epidemiological studies have evaluated the association between circulating CML and mortality risk, and none have evaluated the association between CML and cause-specific non-CVD mortality. We measured CML by ELISA on serum specimens collected from 3,373 Cardiovascular Health Study participants in 1996. Participants were followed for death through 2010, and cause of death was classified using death certificates, medical records, and proxy interview. We used Cox regression to estimate the relative risk of total and cause-specific mortality associated with circulating CML, adjusting for confounders (Models 1 & 2) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as a potential mediator (Model 3). We tested whether sex or diabetes modified the association between CML and mortality. The mean age among participants was 78 years and 60% were women. The mean CML level among participants was 629 ng/mL. Over median follow-up of 10 years, 2,322 deaths occurred (73.4 per 1,000 person-years). After adjustment for confounders (Models 1 & 2), CML was associated with an increased risk of death from CVD, dementia, infection, fracture/trauma, and renal failure (Table). Aside from renal failure, adjustment for eGFR attenuated the HR estimates modestly. There was no evidence for effect modification of the association of CML and all-cause mortality risk by sex or diabetes. In a cohort of community-dwelling older individuals, elevated circulating CML was associated with increased risk of mortality from cardiovascular causes, dementia, infection, fracture/trauma, and renal failure. A portion of the increased risk may be mediated through decreased renal function.
Thyroid hormone differentially regulates rat intestinal brush border enzyme gene expression

Abstract Thyroid hormone [triiodothyronine (T 3 )] has been shown to play a critical role in the growth and maturation of the mammalian small intestine, but its mechanism of action has not been well studied. In the current study, an animal model of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism was used to study the effects of T 3 on the small intestine. Adult rats were treated with propylthiouracil for a 6-week period and then given injections of either saline (hypothyroid) or 30 μg/100 g body wt of T 3 (hyperthyroid). Northern blot analyses showed marked differential regulation of brush border enzyme gene expression. Lactase messenger RNA (mRNA) levels decreased approximately 75% along the length of the small intestine, whereas sucrase levels were unchanged. The intestinal alkaline phosphatase mRNA species were upregulated by T 3 , especially the 3-kilobase band, which increased most dramatically in jejunum. Further experiments showed significant levels of both the α-1 and β-1 T 3 receptor mRNAs within the small intestinal mucosa. Histological examination showed that T 3 treatment causes marked villus hyperplasia throughout the length of the small intestine. These results provide insight into the mechanism by which T 3 exerts its influence on the growth and differentiation of the intestinal epithelium.
Acute Adrenal Insufficiency Mimicking Septic Shock: A Case Report

Acute adrenal insufficiency is an unusual problem that may mimic overwhelming sepsis. Elevated cardiac output and low systemic vascular resistance in a patient with known risk factors should alert clinicians to the possibility of that condition.
Modeling Surface Texture in the Peripheral Milling Process Using Neural Network, Spline, and Fractal Methods with Evidence of Chaos

Modeling texture of milled surfaces using analytic methods requires explicit knowledge of a large number of variables some of which change during machining. These include dynamically changing tool runout, deflection, workpiece material properties, displacement of the workpiece within its fixture and others. Due to the complexity of all factors combined, an alternative approach is presented utilizing the ability of neural networks and fractals to implicitly account for these combined conditions. In the initial model, predicted surface points are first connected using splines to model 3D surface maps. Results are presented over varying several cutting parameters. Then, replacing splines, an improved fractal method is presented that determines fractal characteristics of milled surfaces to model more representative surface profiles on a small scale. The fractal character of surfaces as manifested by the fractal dimension provides evidence of chaos in milling.
Effect of Configuration Pitching Motion on Twin Tail Buffet Response

The effect of dynamic pitch-up motion of delta wing on twin-tail buffet response is investigated. The computational model consists of a delta wing-twin tail configuration. The computations are carried out on a dynamic multi-block grid structure. This multidisciplinary problem is solved using three sets of equations which consists of the unsteady Navier-Stokes equations, the aeroelastic equations, and the grid displacement equations. The configuration is pitched-up from zero up to 60 deg. angle of attack, and the freestream Mach number and Reynolds number are 0.3 and 1.25 million, respectively. With the twin tail fixed as rigid surfaces and with no-forced pitch-up motion, the problem is solved for the initial flow conditions. Next, the problem is solved for the twin-tail response for uncoupled bending and torsional vibrations due to the unsteady loads on the twin tail and due to the forced pitch-up motion. The dynamic pitch-up problem is also solved for the flow response with the twin tail kept rigid. The configuration is investigated for inboard position of the twin tail which corresponds to a separation distance between the twin tail of 33% wing chord. The computed results are compared with the available experimental data.