cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Reducing the Dose of Stavudine on Body Composition, Bone Density, and Markers of Mitochondrial Toxicity in HIV-Infected Subjects: Answers and Questions

baseline) was not detected by patients or by whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scanning. The issues and questions raised by this study are truly diverse. First, that such a detailed and all-encompassing study as this could be accomplished provides testimony to the commitment of the investigators to more fully understand the toxicities of stavudine. Although some may question the need for such a study of stavudine, with newer and less-toxic nucleoside analogues replacing it in many cases, many HIV-infected persons in the global epidemic will likely be prescribed stavudine because the worldwide frequency of anemia precludes the routine use of zidovudine. The need to better understand the efficacy and toxicities of alternative dosing of stavudine remains critically important. Unpublished communications from international centers suggest that toxicities associated with the nucleosides, such as stavudine, are significantly problematic in continuing antiretroviral therapy in many locales. Of the participants enrolled in this
Novel graphics processing unit-based parallel algorithms for understanding species diversity in forests

The mechanisms which lead to high tree species diversity in forests are not yet fully understood. One of the leading theories is that the natural enemies' interaction can give rise to a survival advantage for rare tree species over more common species. One way of exploring such observations is through the use of individual based modeling. An individual-based model (IBM) is a bottom up simulation where the bulk dynamics emerge from the interaction of individual constituents. Due to their emergent nature, IBMs are population sensitive where achieving a high degree of accuracy is synonymous with matching system population sizes. Consequently such models may run into the millions of individuals and become computationally intensive. Here the computing power of graphics processing units (GPUs) is used to overcome this computation limitation. The algorithms developed here for GPUs allow this model to be scaled into the millions of individuals and run on standard desktop computers. This effectively puts supercomputing power at the fingertips of researchers, students, and forest management services alike. The parallel implementation developed here was compared against a serial implementation running on the central processing unit. The results show a significant perfomance gain for the parallel implementation while maintaining statistical accuracy. This shows that realistically sized models can be efficiently executed on inexpensive mass-market desktop computer hardware.
Lasers and Brains: Complex Systems with Low-Dimensional Attractors

The quantification of complex dynamical phenomena associated with motions on strange attractors has made available a tool of considerable power for the analysis of systems which display aperiodic or apparently random temporal behavior. Until recently, aperiodic phenomena were described primarily in terms of snapshots of time sequences, power spectra, or correlation functions. These made possible some qualitative or pictorial analyses but did not provide simple numerical criteria suitable for more quantitative studies. During the past decade, spectral studies have made possible the identification of a few characteristic routes to apparently chaotic behavior in hydrodynamic[l–3], chemical [4], optical [5–7, 16, 29], and electronic [8, 9] systems. There were very strong indications that the complex motions, characterized by broadband spectra, to which these routes led, were in fact motions on strange attractors.
Analysis of Proteinogenic Amino Acid and Starch Labeling by 2D NMR

Comprehensive analysis of isotopic labeling patterns of metabolites in proteinogenic amino acids and starch for plant systems lay in the powerful tool of 2-Dimensional [(1)H, (13)C] Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (2D NMR) spectroscopy. From (13)C-labeling experiments, 2D NMR provides information on the labeling of particular carbon positions, which contributes to the quantification of positional isotope isomers (isotopomer). 2D Heteronuclear Single Quantum Correlation (HSQC) NMR distinguishes particularly between the labeling patterns of adjacent carbon atoms, and leads to a characteristic enrichment of each carbon atom of amino acids and glucosyl and mannosyl units present in hydrolysates of glycosylated protein. Furthermore, this technique can quantitatively classify differences in glucosyl units of starch hydrolysate and of protein hydrolysate of plant biomass. Therefore, the 2D HSQC NMR method uses proteinogenic amino acids and starch to provide an understanding of carbon distribution of compartmentalization in the plant system. NMR has the advantage of minimal sample handle without separate individual compounds prior to analysis, for example multiple isotopomers can be detected, and their distribution extracted quantitatively from a single 2D HSQC NMR spectrum. The peak structure obtained from the HSQC experiment show multiplet patterns, which are directly related to isotopomer balancing. These abundances can be translated to maximum information on the metabolic flux analysis. Detailed methods for the extractions of protein, oil, soluble sugars, and starch, hydrolysis of proteinogenic amino acid and starch, and NMR preparation using soybean embryos cultured in vitro as a model plant systems are reported in this text. In addition, this chapter includes procedures to obtain the relative intensity of 16 amino acids and glucosyl units from protein hydrolysate and the glucosyl units of starch hydrolysate of soybean embryos in 2D HSQC NMR spectra.
Motion control of a soft-actuated modular manipulator

Soft pneumatic actuators can allow robotic manipulators to interact safely in complex environments in close proximity to humans, but work still needs to be done controlling them more effectively. We explore this area by introducing a 2-degree of freedom (DoF) universal joint module actuated by three reverse Pneumatic Artificial Muscles (rPAMs) and an associated geometric Jacobian-enhanced iterative sliding mode controller. After demonstrating the effectiveness of this controller, we combine two of these modules to form a 4-DoF soft actuated manipulator. To control this modular manipulation system, we propose two controllers: a direct inverse kinematic (IK) controller and an end-effector geometric Jacobian controller. Though both controllers were validated to function effectively, the Jacobian controller was more precise (especially under payload) while the IK controller was more accurate.
Job Analysis: The First Step in Selecting and Training Salespeople

Most sales management textbooks ignore or barely mention the subject of job analysis. In actual practice the decision as to what constitutes proper work standards for salespeople is frequently left to their immediate supervisors. The purpose of this paper is to discuss 1) the procedures for conducting a job analysis, 2) the proper uses of a job analysis and 3) the importance of the job analysis in effective sales management, particularly in selecting and training sales people.
An Evaluation of Invasive Fungal Sinusitis Outcomes Following Frozen Section Guided Surgical Debridement

Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis is an aggressive mycosis of the nasal cavity with frequent extension to adjacent facial and cranial structures. Pathologically, invasive fungal rhinosinusitis is defined as infiltration of fungal organisms within mucosal tissue, blood vessels, or intracranial structures. These infections typically occur in immunocompromised individuals, such as hematologic malignancy patients, uncontrolled diabetics, or transplant patients. Prognosis is typically …
Environmental Agents and Epigenetics

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the evidence that associates epigenetic mechanisms with the toxic and carcinogenic effects of certain environmental agents. Many of these chemicals have been shown to modify the same or similar epigenetic marks found in patients with disease states associated with that agent. For example, the increase in global DNA hypomethylation levels and promoter specific hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes in response to arsenic exposure is consistent with the observed promoter specific hypermethylation and widespread loss in DNA methylation levels exhibited by cancer cells. Exposure to environmental factors such as metals, the semi-metal selenium, peroxisome proliferators, radiation, particulate matter, tobacco smoke, benzene, endocrine disruptors, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, perturb global and gene-specific DNA methylation levels as well as histone posttranslational modifications. Although the mechanism(s) by which these chemicals perturb the epigenome is unknown, many studies suggest an alteration in the expression and/or activity of enzymes that modify DNA and histone tails such as DNA methyltransferases and histone methyltransferases, deacetylases, and demethylases. Therefore, the evidence emphasizes the importance of applying to toxicological research the understanding that genotoxic mechanisms are not the sole mechanism underlying the changes in gene expression leading to cancer and other disease states.
Introduction: Michael Thomas Sadler and ‘the Revival of the Aristocratic Paternalist Ideal’

This book is a study of the revival of paternalism and its implications for the development of social policy in early Nineteenth–Century Britain. It focuses on the period 1815 to 1833, during which attention shifted from foreign to domestic issues and demands for reform – social, political and economic – invigorated political debate. To many historians, this is the age of liberalism, characterized by the ‘triumph of individualism’ and the popularization of political economy and utilitarian, laissez–faire thinking. In the face of the country’s transition from a predominantly rural, agricultural and community-based society to an industrial, urban, capitalist nation–state, eighteenthcentury ideas about hierarchical responsibility, deference and reciprocal obligation seem anachronistic. Yet, it will be argued here, that paternalist thinking remained crucial to the discussion and formulation of social policy in this period. As the term ‘revival’ suggests, this was not just a continuation of eighteenth-century ideas, however, it was a resurgence of paternalist thinking that had far more significance than simply nostalgia for the past or a reactionary response to the rise of the new economy. By focusing on the paternal responsibilities of government and parliament, the early nineteenthcentury paternalists sought to accommodate the changing social and political climate. In the tradition of protectionism, they looked to the state for solutions to social as well as economic problems. This substitution of governmental for familial and community responsibility not only distinguishes nineteenth– from eighteenth–century paternalist thought, but is important to understanding the paternalist origins of the Victorian collectivist state.
Evaluation of Virulence Gene Expression Patterns in Acinetobacter baumannii Using Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Array.

ABSTRACTAccording to the Centers for Disease Control's recently devised National Strategy for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria, Acinetobacter baumannii is a “serious” threat level pathogen. A. baumannii's notoriety stems from the fact that a large number of modern strains are multidrug resistant and persist in the hospital setting, thus causing numerous deaths per year. It is imperative that research focus on a more fundamental understanding of the factors responsible for the success of A. baumannii. Toward this end, our group investigated virulence gene expression patterns in a recently characterized wound isolate, AB5075, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction array. Notably, several genes showed statistically significant upregulation at 37°C compared to 25°C; MviM, Wbbj, CarO, and certain genes of the Bas, Bar, and Csu operons. Additionally, we found that in vitro biofilm formation by Csu transposon insertion mutant strains is attenuated. These findings validate previous reports ...
Kanner, Asperger, and Frankl: A third man at the genesis of the autism diagnosis:

Scholars have long speculated about how Kanner and Asperger's descriptions of autistic behavior appeared just 1 year apart in America and Austria even as World War II had severed communication between the two countries. Both conspiracy and serendipity have been alleged, but a simpler explanation has now emerged. Autistic knowledge crossed the Atlantic with Georg Frankl-a previously unrecognized "man in the middle" who followed his fiance to America. The evidence presented here fills in many blanks and suggests both Kanner and Asperger benefited from Frankl's insight. He was a guiding force for both men: unseen until now because he left very little in the way of published papers. To the end of their lives, Kanner and Asperger described their conditions as separate and distinct. Today, they are both part of the Autism Spectrum in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). This article explains how and why Kanner and Asperger saw their descriptions as different. It makes the case that Georg Frankl helped both men see autism as we know it today and first saw the breadth of that continuum.
Attitude: How We Learn to Inhabit the Future

It is common knowledge that young persons are different from older ones, and not just in the ways they look and behave. They also differ in how they think. This is not simply a matter of being more or less expert at intellectual tasks; often such differences are negligible. Adulthood is a matter of being differently cognitively organized and motivated, especially in relation to time. It’s surprising how little these differences have been studied scientifically. This essay is about the fundamentally cognitive ways that older people differ from their younger selves. It’s about being grown up.
Intravital Microscopy of the Lung

Real time high quality imaging of intra-thoracic organs with sufficient resolution to study microcirculatory dynamics, inflammatory cell trafficking, and cellular and subcellular events during physiologic circulatory and breathing conditions remains a high priority in pulmonary and cardiovascular research. Recent technological developments especially in the area of two-photonmicroscopy (TPM) offer enhanced resolution and dEeper penetration under the organ surface, thus allowing sampling of areas of interest to biologists and physiologists. Furthermore, with TPM one can image sub-cellular and molecular events in real time, such as protein trafficking, enzyme activation, and reactive oxygen species generation, which are pertinent to the pathogenesis of many diseases of interest to the research community. The application of TPM to organs in the thoracic cavity, and especially the lung has been hampered by cardiorespiratory motion and new techniques to mitigate these limitations have been developed. In this chapter, we will describe intravital imaging techniques applied to the lung through a historical perspective, and highlight several recent practical applications of these approaches.
Generating usable electric power while sensing glucose

Herein a system capable of simultaneously sensing glucose and harnessing sufficient energy to power a digital device is presented. This system is powered by an enzymatic glucose biofuel cell consisting of pyroloquinoline quinone glucose dehydrogenase-modified bioanode and bilirubin oxidase-modified biocathode. The electrical parameters from a single biofuel cell were amplified to 1.4 V using a charge pump circuit consisting of a capacitive element that senses glucose. Furthermore, a steady output DC supply of 3.2 V was obtained by interfacing a step-up DC convertor circuit to the charge pump circuit. Such a system simultaneously senses glucose and harnesses energy in the presence of various glucose concentrations. The self-powered glucose biosensor exhibited an improved sensitivity of 86.42 Hz/cm2 mM with a linear range extending to 20 mM when operating a digital device simultaneously. This is a 3.7-fold increase in sensor sensitivity when compared with previous self-powered glucose biosensors. This novel self-powered glucose biosensing system shows a promising future for powering implantable devices and assessing patient health.
Abstract GS5-06: A U.S. food and drug administration pooled analysis of outcomes of older women with hormone-receptor positive metastatic breast cancer treated with a CDK4/6 inhibitor as initial endocrine based therapy

Background: With recent FDA approvals of inhibitors of Cyclin Dependent Kinases 4 and 6 (CDK 4/6) in combination with endocrine therapy for the treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC), an increasing number of older adults will be treated with this class of agents. An improved understanding of the safety and efficacy of CDK 4/6 inhibitors in this population is important to inform clinical decision making for the treatment of older patients. Methods: Data from two prospective randomized controlled studies (n=1334) of different CDK 4/6 inhibitors in combination with an aromatase inhibitor for the initial treatment of postmenopausal patients with hormone-receptor positive MBC were pooled and analyzed. The effect of age on progression free survival (PFS) was explored using Kaplan Meier (KM) estimates and a Cox-proportional hazard model. Safety analysis included adverse events up to 30 days after last administration of drug based on standardized adverse event datasets. Results: Age was balanced between the two studies, and between treatment arms within each study. The median age of women was 62 (range 23-91). Of the 1334 total patients, 42% were ≥65, and 24% were ≥ 70. For patients ≥70 who were treated with a CDK4/6 inhibitor in combination with an aromatase inhibitor, the estimated PFS was not reached (95% CI: 25.1months, NR) vs an estimated 18 months (95% CI: 13.8, 31.3) for those treated only with an aromatase inhibitor. For patients Safety was evaluated in the 778 patients who received at least one dose of CDK4/6 inhibitor. Conclusions: This exploratory analysis suggests the use of a CDK4/6 inhibitor in combination with an aromatase inhibitor for the first line treatment of HR+ MBC in older women results in similar efficacy benefit as seen in younger women. Although incidence and severity of Grade 1-4 adverse reactions appeared similar between age groups, greater serious adverse events and discontinuations occurred in patients ≥65. The inclusion of greater numbers of patients ≥70, in clinical trials will further inform clinicians about the safety and efficacy of CDK4/6 inhibitors in older adults. Citation Format: Singh H, Howie LJ, Bloomquist E, Wedam S, Amiri-Kordestani L, Tang S, Sridhara R, Ibrahim A, Goldberg K, McKee A, Beaver JA, Pazdur R. A U.S. food and drug administration pooled analysis of outcomes of older women with hormone-receptor positive metastatic breast cancer treated with a CDK4/6 inhibitor as initial endocrine based therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr GS5-06.
Multiscale Chemical Imaging of Complex Biological and Archaeological Materials

Raman chemical imaging provides powerful and general means to chemically characterize biological and synthetic materials under complex experimental conditions. For biological materials, we describe several techniques for investigating in-vivo processes spanning size ranges from single cells to complex multicellular organisms. Because these experimental approaches are non-invasive, Raman chemical imaging allows monitoring of dynamic processes in living systems including, for example, the study of the early stages of bone formation. We also describe large-scale Raman-based imaging techniques, including approaches for analyzing samples exhibiting complex shapes and irregular heterogeneous surface topographies. We further demonstrate how correlative Raman-SEM/EDS approaches can be applied to collect complementary information from complex biological and archaeological samples regarding structural complexity, elemental composition, and short-range chemical bonding parameters.
Facile synthesis of 10 nm surface clean TiB2 nanoparticles

Abstract Nanoscale titanium diborides (TiB2) can be utilized in numerous applications ranging from wear resistant coating to conducting polymers. However, a surface-clean TiB2 nanoparticles with less than 10 nm in size is not currently available in either commercial or literature. Here we report a novel yet scalable synthesis of ultra-fine and uniform size TiB2 nanoparticles (less than 10 nm) by magnesio-reduction of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and boron trioxide (B2O3) in a eutectic lithium chloride/potassium chloride (LiCl/KCl) molten salt. The TiB2 nanoparticle is confined to the nanoscale owing to the partial dissolution of magnesium (Mg) and B2O3 in the molten salts which resulted in reduction on the surface of the TiO2 nanoparticles. The TiB2 nanoparticles size was statistically determined to be 8.1 ± 1.4 nm by analyzing transmission electron microscopic (TEM) images obtained from several samples. High resolution TEM and X-ray diffraction (XRD) study confirm the presence of the surface-clean TiB2 nanoparticles. This novel, simple, and scalable approach has a tremendous potentials for large volume production of ultrafine TiB2 nanoparticles to serve wide range of industries.
Essay #13: The Logic of ‘Unless’

This brief essay explores the logic of the connective ‘unless’, as in the example of a person just bitten by a poisonous snake, i.e. ‘He will die unless he gets treatment’. The essay explores the connection between ‘unless’ and ‘or’. Just as there is a distinction between a strong and a weak sense of ‘or’, there is also a corresponding distinction between a strong and a weak sense of ‘unless’. The weak ‘or’ means ‘p or q, or both’, whereas the strong ‘or’ means ‘p or q, but not both.’ Another issue explored in the essay is the connection between the connective ‘unless’ and both the corresponding conditional, and that conditional’s inverse, where the inverse of ‘if p then q’ is ‘if not p then not q’. The essay demonstrates the somewhat surprising result that in the case of the weak ‘unless’ statement, the order of the terms can be reversed without changing the truth-value of the statement.
An unstable locus in soybeans.

Investigation of a variegated condition in the soybean variety Lincoln indicates instability at the Y locus. Leaf sectors of chlorophyll-less yellow tissue occur in distinct heritable patterns; some leaves have small flecks of yellow tissue (late occurring mutations) and others possess large areas or whole leaflets (early occurring mutations).
Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy in Prostate Cancer: Rationale, History, and Outcomes

About 10 years ago, the first studies supporting the hypothesis that the response of prostate cancer to radiation was similar to that of slow-proliferating normal tissues were published. However, hypofractionation has been a common practice throughout radiotherapy history, mainly in western countries. The results of both experimental and clinical studies suggest that the α/β ratio for prostate cancer cells is lower than the α/β ratio for late-responding cells of the rectum and the bladder. This particularity allows the therapeutic window to be increased through the use of hypofractionated schemes. It has also been possible to establish, based on late toxicity results, that hypofractionated regimens are safe, and even without the use of IMRT or IGRT technology, the slight increases in acute toxicity found in some studies has been well tolerated. Nevertheless, to date, hypofractionation has not proved to be superior to conventionally fractionated therapy in terms of tumor control. Hypofractionation studies have so far been limited by their relatively short follow-up, a modest increase in dose per fraction (usually 2.5–3 Gy), and the difficulty to establish comparisons among different radiation techniques, hypofractionation schemes, and toxicity scales.
Thyroid cancer risk in airline cockpit and cabin crew: a meta-analysis

Airline crew are exposed to ionizing radiation as part of their occupation and have a documented increased risk of melanoma and cataracts. However, whether their occupation predisposes them to an increased risk of thyroid cancer is not established. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the risk of thyroid cancer in airline cockpit and cabin crew compared with the general population. The MEDLINE database accessed via PubMed and Cochrane Database were searched. We included cohort studies reporting the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) or standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of thyroid cancers in any flight-based occupation. Of the 1777 citations retrieved in PubMed, eight studies with a total of 243,088 aircrew members and over 3,334,114 person-years of follow-up were included in this meta-analysis. No relevant studies were identified on Cochrane Database. The overall summary SIR of participants in any flight-based occupation was 1.11 (95% CI, 0.79–1.57; p = 0.613; 6 records). The summary SIR for cockpit crew was 1.21 (95% CI, 0.75–1.95; p = 0.383; 4 records) and the summary SIR for cabin crew was 1.00 (95% CI, 0.60–1.66; p = 0.646; 2 records). The overall summary standardized mortality ratio for airline crew was 1.19 (95% CI, 0.59–2.39; p = 0.773; 2 records). Airline crew were not found to have a significantly elevated risk of thyroid cancer incidence or mortality relative to the general population. Future research should capitalize on the growing occupational cohort dataset and employ innovative methods to quantify lifetime radiation exposure to further assess thyroid cancer risk in airline crew.
Gaps in communication between cancer patients and healthcare providers: symptom distress and patients’ intentions to disclose

Good communication between patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) is an important contributor to patient well-being. Few studies have focused on the gaps in communication between patients and HCPs about symptoms. This study examined patients’ perspectives on symptom distress, intention to discuss symptoms, and actual symptom discussion in medical oncology visits. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Ninety-four patients provided demographic and clinical information and completed the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. Patients also answered questions about their plans for communication—and after the visit, their actual communication—with their medical team about their symptoms. Patients reported many symptoms by questionnaire; however, they did not plan to discuss—nor actually discussed—most of their symptoms with their HCPs. For all symptoms, fewer than 42% of patients with the symptom intended to discuss it (except for lack of energy and pain) and less than 50% actually discussed the symptom. For bothersome symptoms, less than 42% of those with the symptom intended to discuss it (except for lack of energy) and less than 40% actually discussed the symptom. Psychological symptoms were endorsed by 24–41% of patients, depending on the symptom; however, of those endorsing a symptom, most did not discuss it with an HCP. Results of this study support the perception of communication gaps between patients and HCPs about symptoms. Better understanding of these gaps is needed to ensure that patient-centered care is delivered and that patients’ symptoms can be appropriately managed in oncology clinics.
Integrating Model-Based Approaches Into a Neuroscience Curriculum—An Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Course in Engineering

Contribution: This paper demonstrates curricular modules that incorporate engineering model-based approaches, including concepts related to circuits, systems, modeling, electrophysiology, programming, and software tutorials that enhance learning in undergraduate neuroscience courses. These modules can also be integrated into other neuroscience courses. Background: Educators in biological and physical sciences urge incorporation of computation and engineering approaches into biology. Model-based approaches can provide insights into neural function; prior studies show these are increasingly being used in research in biology. Reports about their integration in undergraduate neuroscience curricula, however, are scarce. There is also a lack of suitable courses to satisfy engineering students’ interest in the challenges in the growing area of neural sciences. Intended Outcomes: (1) Improved student learning in interdisciplinary neuroscience; (2) enhanced teaching by neuroscience faculty; (3) research preparation of undergraduates; and 4) increased interdisciplinary interactions. Application Design: An interdisciplinary undergraduate neuroscience course that incorporates computation and model-based approaches and has both software- and wet-lab components, was designed and co-taught by colleges of engineering and arts and science. Findings: Model-based content improved learning in neuroscience for three distinct groups: 1) undergraduates; 2) Ph.D. students; and 3) post-doctoral researchers and faculty. Moreover, the importance of the content and the utility of the software in enhancing student learning was rated highly by all these groups, suggesting a critical role for engineering in shaping the neuroscience curriculum. The model for cross-training also helped facilitate interdisciplinary research collaborations.
NEUROINFLAMMATORY GENE EXPRESSION IN HIPPOCAMPUS IN MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Background Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric disease for which available medications are often not effective. Full remission from depression is achieved by less than 50 percent of patients using medications that mainly target serotonin or norepinephrine systems (Berton and Nestler, 2006; Rush et al., 2006). The economic burden of depression in the U.S., along with comorbid conditions, is estimated at over $170B and depressive disorders are the leading contributors to global burden of disease (Greenberg et al., 2015; Whiteford et al., 2013). The high prevalence of MDD and modest response to existing therapies compels efforts to better understand and treat the disorder. One promising avenue of research suggests that decreases in hippocampal volume with increasing duration of depression results from a decrease in neurogenesis or altered gene expression (Sheline et al., 1996, Cobb et al., 2013). Methods Tissue punches from the dentate gyrus were collected from 23 subjects (MDD, medication-free) and 23 demographically-matched normal controls. Of the 23 subjects with MDD, 17 died by suicide and 17 had multiple depressive episodes. High quality total RNA, RNA Quality Index > 6, was isolated and whole transcriptome paired-end shotgun sequencing was performed using an Illumina NextSeq. 500. For each sample, raw RNA-seq reads (adapter-trimmed fastq files) were aligned to the Ensembl GRCh38 human reference genome using GSNAP (Genomic Short-read-Nucleotide Alignment Program). Differential gene expression was determined using cuffdiff, and core biological processes, molecular networks, and pathways pathologically disrupted in MDD were identified using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Results For each sample, 37 to 112 million reads were obtained and 64 to 96% were mapped successfully to the human genome, with most samples mapping above 85%. ‘Cuffdiff’ analysis in the Tuxedo suite revealed 30 significant genes differentially expressed in all MDD compared to controls (Lumenogix™, FDR Discussion The key finding in the primary MDD dataset as well as in the subsets is the overrepresentation of neuroinflammation related genes. Inflammatory and neurogenesis-related (ERK/MAPK) signaling pathways were significantly altered in the hippocampal dentate gyrus in MDD, with cytokine signaling and inflammatory pathways preferentially altered in MDD-suicide vs. MDD-non-suicide. Together this suggests that neuroinflammation, mediated by microglia and astrocytes may play a crucial role in major depressive disorder. These findings suggest a novel approach by seeking targets for new treatment of MDD that includes anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
Pattern recognition framework using asynchronous discrete binary data for condition and damage assessment in plate-like structures:

Recent advances in energy harvesting technologies have led to the evolution of self-powered structural health monitoring techniques that are energy-efficient. Concurrent to the emergence of self-po...
Variation among seven genotypes of Lycopersicon esculentum and 36 accessions of L. hirsutum for interspecific crossability

To improve the efficiency of introgressing genes from Lycopersicon hirsutum (H) into L. esculentum (E), environmental and genetic variation for the number of progeny per fruit from E × H crosses was quantified. Over three dates in a year, 36 H accessions were crossed to seven E accessions in a greenhouse. The proportion of total variation for the number of E × H progeny per fruit due to environment (dates, location, and error), H accession, E accession, interactions between E and H, and interactions between accessions and environments was 0.42, 0.26, 0.12, 0.11, and 0.09, respectively. Sampling greater numbers of fruit on a single date improved the efficiency of recovering progeny more than increased sampling over time. The specific combination of E and H parents can profoundly affect the number of E × H progeny recovered and therefore the efficiency of gene introgression. Accessions of H from the southern edge of the species' natural geographic range generally yielded few to zero progeny per fruit in crosses with E. In contrast to the southern H accessions, most northern accessions produced greater than 40 E × H progeny per fruit. Most genes within H should be readily accessible for tomato breeding but genes that are found only in southern H accessions may be challenging to introgress.
Mode-I dynamic fracture initiation toughness using torsion load

Abstract An experimental and numerical approach is proposed to determine the dynamic fracture initiation toughness of materials from a cylindrical specimen with spiral surface crack subjected to dynamic torsional load using a torsional Hopkinson bar apparatus. The torsion load creates predominantly tensile stress perpendicular to the spiral crack of the specimen, resulting in nominally Mode I conditions. The torque applied to the specimen is measured by strain gages attached to the bar and the time at which the crack propagation initiated is measured using stereo imaging and stereo digital image correlation. Using the measured torque and the time of fracture as input, a commercial FE package, ABAQUS, is utilized to analyze the spiral crack and numerically extract the dynamic fracture parameters. A 3D format of the dynamic interaction integral method is utilized to calculate the three components of the applied dynamic stress intensity factors. The result demonstrates that the spiral crack-torsional loading configuration indeed generates nominally Mode I conditions and can be used to measure the dynamic fracture initiation toughness. To demonstrate the proposed method, three aluminum alloys; Al 7050-T6, Al 2024-T3, and Al 6061-T6, were experimentally studied. The results are consistent, repeatable and in good agreement with literature data.
Aventuras de una noche y compromisos de largo plazo. Aprobación presidencial de Sebastián Pinera en Chile, 2009-2014

In 2010, Sebastian Pinera (2010-2014) became the first rightwing President of Chile after the dictatorship. His approval fluctuated significantly, experiencing an overall downward decline. Under favorable economic conditions, declining presidential approval must be explained by things other than economic vote. Using logistic regression models and predicted probabilities based on presidential approval polls, we test four hypotheses on the determinants of approval for Pinera: a punishment vote against the Concertacion, support tied to economic performance, issue-based support, and the cost of ruling. There is evidence in support of each of the four hypotheses. Although voting for Pinera might have been a one-night stand, economic vote determinants and, to a lesser extent, issue salience and the cost of ruling explain presidential approval under Pinera.
Scalable Representation Learning for Long-Term Augmented Reality-Based Information Delivery in Collaborative Human-Robot Perception

Augmented reality (AR)-based information delivery has been attracting an increasing attention in the past few years to improve communication in human-robot teaming. In the long-term use of AR systems for collaborative human-robot perception, one of the biggest challenges is to perform place and scene matching under long-term environmental changes, such as dramatic variations in lighting, weather and vegetation across different times of the day, months, and seasons. To address this challenge, we introduce a novel representation learning approach that learns a scalable long-term representation model that can be used for place and scene matching in various long-term conditions. Our approach is formulated as a regularized optimization problem, which selects the most representative scene templates in different scenarios to construct a scalable representation of the same place that can exhibit significant long-term environment changes. Our approach adaptively learns to select a small subset of the templates to construct the representation model, based on a user-defined representativeness threshold, which makes the learned model highly scalable to the long-term variations in real-world applications. To solve the formulated optimization problem, a new algorithmic solver is designed, which is theoretically guaranteed to converge to the global optima. Experiments are conducted using two large-scale benchmark datasets, which have demonstrated the superior performance of our approach for long-term place and scene matching.
Full State Feedback Foiling Control for America’s Cup Catamarans

This article proposes a flight control system for hydrofoiling catamaran sailboats. The main goal was to create a control system that could replace or guide the crew in the tracking of a commanded ride height. The control system exploits the coordination between the main lift source surface, the daggerboard foil, and the stabilization surfaces, the rudder foils. Compared with conventional aircraft, the daggerboard foil is the primary stabilization surface unlike a wing or the flaps of an aircraft. Both the model and the sea trials revealed a high potential sensitivity of the closed-loop systems to wave disturbances. This sensitivity arises from both the hydrodynamic effect of the waves on the foils and the noise in the ride height estimates due to the waves’ random water height variation. We describe the full state feedback (FSF) controller, for which the linear–quadratic regulator (LQR) theory-based gains were initially adopted and then modified with manual tuning, so that the developed system was able to perform almost as well as the highly trained helmsmen. Ancillary components of the control system, such as the ride height estimator, are also described.
Dynamical System Implementations of Sparse Bayesian Learning

Despite its state of the art performance in many applications, the sparse Bayesian learning (SBL) procedure can be expensive to implement, limiting its use in practice. In this paper, we use the locally competitive algorithm (LCA) framework to develop two continuous time dynamical systems whose trajectories converge to a minimum of the SBL objective. The resulting systems are neurally feasible and can be implemented using primitives from analog electronics, potentially opening the SBL procedure to new applications.
Repurposing leflunomide for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: a phase 1 study.

The inexpensive, well-tolerated, immunomodulatory agent leflunomide, used extensively for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, has been shown to produce significant activity against multiple myel...
A Question of Time: Sociotemporality in Academic Libraries

The clock and calendar regulate many library activities, but the seasonal and temporal dimensions of libraries are largely unexplored. Intrigued by observations of colleagues’ temporal attitudes and behavior, the authors drew on the work of sociologist Eviatar Zerubavel to investigate the perceptions of time, schedules, and urgency among professional library personnel. The data showed almost no statistically significant relationships between demographic categories and the employee’s approach to time; however, multiple significant relationships existed between the latter and the employee’s department. These findings can help academic librarians understand—and bridge—differences among themselves to build more vigorous organizations.
Particle tracking of nanoparticles in soft matter

Recent advances in optical microscopy instrumentation and processing techniques have led to imaging that both breaks the diffraction barrier and enables sub-pixel resolution. This enhanced resolution has expanded the capabilities of particle tracking to nanoscale processes in soft matter including biomolecular, colloidal, and polymeric materials. This tutorial provides a basic understanding of particle tracking instrumentation, the fundamentals of tracking analysis, and potential sources of error and bias inherent in analyzing particle tracking. Finally, we provide a brief outlook for the future of particle tracking through the lens of machine learning.
Accelerating quantitative MR imaging with the incorporation of B1 compensation using deep learning

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) attracts attention due to its support to quantitative image analysis and data driven medicine. However, the application of quantitative MRI is severely limited by the long data acquisition time required by repetitive image acquisition and measurement of field map. Inspired by recent development of artificial intelligence, we propose a deep learning strategy to accelerate the acquisition of quantitative MRI, where every quantitative T1 map is derived from two highly undersampled variable-contrast images with radiofrequency field inhomogeneity automatically compensated. In a multi-step framework, variable-contrast images are first jointly reconstructed from incoherently undersampled images using convolutional neural networks; then T1 map and B1 map are predicted from reconstructed images employing deep learning. Thus, the acceleration includes undersampling in every input image, a reduction in the number of variable contrast images, as well as a waiver of B1 map measurement. The strategy is validated in T1 mapping of cartilage. Acquired with a consistent imaging protocol, 1224 image sets from 51 subjects are used for the training of the prediction models, and 288 image sets from 12 subjects are used for testing. High degree of acceleration is achieved with image fidelity well maintained. The proposed method can be broadly applied to quantify other tissue properties (e.g. T2, T1ρ) as well.
Abstract 14784: Sleep Moderates the Association Between Arterial Stiffness and Blood Pressure Variability

Introduction: Both arterial stiffness and short-term blood pressure variability (BPV) are important subclinical biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Evidence is accumulating that poor sleep ...
Rhabdomyolysis and complement—once again, epithelial cells take center stage

Rhabdomyolysis is frequently associated with kidney injury. Unfortunately, there are no specific treatments for this condition, and patient care primarily consists of supportive measures. In this edition of Kidney International, Boudhabhay et al. demonstrate that myoglobin released from injured skeletal muscle cells triggers tubulointerstitial complement activation. In a mouse model of the disease, interventions that scavenged free heme or that prevented complement activation ameliorated kidney injury, raising the possibility that these strategies may be effective treatments for the condition.
Is the Rescission of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Justified by the Results of Cost-Benefit Analysis?

On September 5, 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (“DACA”). The program was created in 2012 and it has been evaluated as an overall success. Members of both political parties and business leaders have criticized its rescission. In light of this controversy, what are the benefits and costs associated with the rescission of DACA? This article argues that the Trump Administration’s rescission of DACA is not justified based on three different accounts of a cost-benefit analysis. First, it evaluates the manner in which the Trump Administration’s decision was made, targeting how it was implemented (namely, its procedural terms), and how it increased litigation, uncertainty, and the lack of uniformity within immigration law generally. Second, it assesses the costs and benefits of the policy decision, focusing on the substantive effects of the rescission. Third, it examines the rescission using the normative approach of cost-benefit analysis, arguing that this method should not discount moral considerations.
Statin and Icosapent Ethyl Use and Lipid Control in US Adults with Diabetes According to DM Risk Groups, Sex and Ethnicity in the NIH Precision Medicine Initiative All of Us Study

Abstract Objective Data on statin therapy intensity and icosapent ethyl use among adults with diabetes mellitus (DM) are limited. We studied statin intensity and icosapent ethyl use with lipid levels among US adults with DM across risk groups, sex and ethnicity. Methods Among adults ≥18 years of age with DM from the NIH Precision Medicine Initiative All of Us Study, we categorized risk groups as 1) low risk with ≤1 DM risk factor, 2) high risk with ≥2 DM risk factors, and 3) DM with known ASCVD. Risk factors included age >60 years, hypertension, LDL-C ≥160 mg/dL, cigarette smoking, and HDL-C Results Our 42,064 participants with DM included 27.1% non-Hispanic black and 21.7% Hispanic. Inadequate statin use and improperly controlled LDL-C remain common, with 33.8% of people on high-intensity statins having LDL-C levels ≥100 mg/dL. Additionally, 1.7% of those with TG levels ≥150 mg/dL were on icosapent ethyl. Conclusions Guideline-recommended use of high intensity statins among our higher risk DM patients is lacking, with many having inadequately controlled LDL-C levels. Moreover, icosapent ethyl use remains low, even among those with high TG levels. Further provider and patient education need to be prioritized— especially among those at highest risk.
HTSH supprimiert die HCG-Freisetzung der Terminplazenta in vitro: Einfluß auf die De-novo-Synthese?

In fruheren Untersuchungen (Wurfel et al. 1990) konnten wir nachweisen, das humanes Thyreotropin (hTSH) in der Lage ist, die Freisetzung von humanem Choriongonadotropin (hCG) aus dem Termintrophoblasten zeit- und dosisabhangig zu supprimieren. Die vorliegende Untersuchung geht der Frage nach, ob es sich hierbei nur um eine verminderte und/oder um eine Reduktion der hCG-Synthese handelt.