cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crystallographic snapshots of sulfur insertion by lipoyl synthase

Lipoyl synthase (LipA) catalyzes the insertion of two sulfur atoms at the unactivated C6 and C8 positions of a protein-bound octanoyl chain to produce the lipoyl cofactor. To activate its substrate for sulfur insertion, LipA uses a [4Fe-4S] cluster and S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) radical chemistry; the remainder of the reaction mechanism, especially the source of the sulfur, has been less clear. One controversial proposal involves the removal of sulfur from a second (auxiliary) [4Fe-4S] cluster on the enzyme, resulting in destruction of the cluster during each round of catalysis. Here, we present two high-resolution crystal structures of LipA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis: one in its resting state and one at an intermediate state during turnover. In the resting state, an auxiliary [4Fe-4S] cluster has an unusual serine ligation to one of the irons. After reaction with an octanoyllysine-containing 8-mer peptide substrate and 1 eq AdoMet, conditions that allow for the first sulfur insertion but not the second insertion, the serine ligand dissociates from the cluster, the iron ion is lost, and a sulfur atom that is still part of the cluster becomes covalently attached to C6 of the octanoyl substrate. This intermediate structure provides a clear picture of iron–sulfur cluster destruction in action, supporting the role of the auxiliary cluster as the sulfur source in the LipA reaction and describing a radical strategy for sulfur incorporation into completely unactivated substrates.
Training Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Interview Skills to Adolescents.

Adolescents’ verbal and nonverbal communication skills were compared before and after training in a workforce readiness training program, Language for Scholars (LFS), and a study skills program, Ideal Student Workshop (ISW). A cross-over design was used, ensuring that 44 adolescents received both programs and acted as their own control. The LFS program incorporated aspects of modeling, operationalized behaviors, performance, feedback, and self-regulatory goal setting. The active comparison ISW program taught study skill strategies. Adolescents participated in three interviews before (Pretest) and after both programs (Posttest 1, Posttest 2). Findings revealed that both adolescents’ verbal and nonverbal communication skills improved significantly immediately after completion of the LFS program only at Posttest 1 and Posttest 2. However, only nonverbal communication skills improved at Posttest 1 when comparing results between LFS and ISW. Findings suggest that both programs yielded some positive outcomes fo...
Role of Atypical p50:p50:Bcl-3 NFκlB Complex in Differentiation of Erythroid Cells.

We recently reported that mouse and human primary erythroid progenitor cells and erythroid cell lines synthesize and respond to Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α). The nuclear transcriptional control complex, NFκlB is central in signaling downstream from TNF-α; so we began to study the function of NFκlB in erythroid cells. We made three very interesting initial findings: 1) first we found that NFκlB binding to DNA increased very slowly in HCD57 erythroid cells treated with erythropoietin (EPO, the hormone required for red blood cell development). An inhibitory effect of adding a neutralizing antibody to TNF-α on EPO-stimulated NFκlB DNA suggested this increase in NFκlB was due to TNF-α rather than direct EPO signaling. 2) We also found that NFκlB binding to DNA increased 10-fold or greater during erythroid differentiation. We found greatly increased NFκlB DNA binding in HCD57 cells that differentiated due to over-expression of JunB, F-MEL induced by DMSO, or human UT7-EPO or murine HCD57 cells induced to differentiate with hemin. 3) Surprisingly, we found that the NFκlB DNA binding complex in mouse primary erythroid cells and the erythroid cells lines tested was almost exclusively composed of the atypical p50/p50/Bcl3 NFκlB rather than the canonical p65/p50 or the non-canonical p65/p52 NFκlB. When we begin to study the biological significance of this atypical NFκlB in EPO-mediated erythroid differentiation in vivo using genetic tools, we found marked deficiencies in the development of erythroid cells in either the nfkb1−/− mice (p50−/−) or the bcl3 −/− mice. The nfkb1−/− mice were mildly anemic. The number of red blood cells in the circulation of these mice was statistically lower than in control mice. The number of CFU-e was also reduced in nfkb1−/− mice. Using the Ter-119 and CD71 staining method, we noted that proerythroblasts and immature erythroid cells increased and mature erythroblasts decreased in either non-anemic bone marrow or anemic spleens of nfkb1−/− mice. Forward scatter of Ter-119+ cells also showed an increased size of the average immature erythroid cell in the bone a marrow of nfkb1 −/− mice, suggesting a block in differentiation and continued cell cycling of the immature erythroblasts. Similar erythroid defects were observed in the spleens of anemic bcl-3−/− mice. nfkb1−/− mice and bcl-3−/− mice are also apparently unable to produce new reticulocytes as effectively as wild type mice after induction of anemia. Our working hypothesis is without expression of either p50 or Bcl-3 NFκlB proteins, immature erythroid cells continue to proliferate and ineffectively differentiate. In summary, the atypical p50/p50/Bcl-3 NFκlB complex appears necessary for maximal differentiation of immature erythroid cells.
Governing Work and Welfare in a New Economy: European and American Experiments

(2005). Governing Work and Welfare in a New Economy: European and American Experiments. Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 39, No. 1, pp. 273-275.
Semmelweis' Ghost: Student Learning Is in Our Hands: Implementing active learning in undergraduate science education is essential

Two significant and intertwined problems have been identified in undergraduate science education: poor learning outcomes and inadequate retention of students. Biology education reform movements have promoted increased student-centered learning to address these problems. Professional bodies including the National Research Council, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the National Science Foundation, and the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology have articulated both the need for reform and the necessary steps to achieve it. A move away from traditional lecture to active learning approaches is a centerpiece of these proposals, but the majority of science faculty have not made this shift. Most faculty were educated in the traditional way and have spent a number of years perfecting lecture design and delivery. And students generally respond well to clear, organized lectures. So why change?
CRT-200.10 Percutaneous Coronary Intervention In Patients With Ischemic Cardiomyopathy And Viable Myocardium: A Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography Study

The treatment of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy is still problematic.The choice of revascularization of these patients especially who have substantial viability is not widely implemented due to confusion about its benefit. This work aimed to evaluate prospectively the response of left
Which Regional Pain Rating Best Predicts Patient-Reported Improvement in Lumbar Radiculopathy?

Objective To determine the best regional pain score cutoff value that corresponds with patient-reported improvement in lumbosacral radiculopathy (LSR). Design Retrospective pooled data analysis from 3 randomized, controlled, multicenter trials using similar outcome assessments. All participants were exposed to interventions (epidural injections). Setting Military medical centers (6 U.S.A., 1 Germany) and large tertiary care hospitals (4 urban, 1 Veterans Affairs) between 2008 and 2014. Subjects A total of 352 active duty military personnel and civilians ≥ 18 years of age with LSR. Methods Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) with area under the curve (AUC) were calculated for 1-month outcomes for pain (numeric rating scale) using absolute and relative change in regional pain scores (back, leg) to predict clinical improvement (global perceived effect). Results Leg pain demonstrated greater predictive ability to identify clinical improvement compared to back pain for both absolute (ROC AUC [95% confidence interval (CI)] 0.855 [0.813, 0.896] vs. 0.753 [0.702, 0.805]; P < 0.001) and relative (AUC [95% CI]; 0.867 [0.826, 0.909] vs. 0.780 [0.729, 0.831]; P = 0.002) reduction in reported pain. Clinical improvement was best identified using a leg pain reduction threshold of ≥ 1.75 points (absolute) and ≥ 23.5% (relative). Conclusions Region-specific pain cutoff ratings predicted clinical improvement for patients with LSR. Cutoff points using newly identified, smaller reductions of 1.75 points and 23.5% more accurately predicted clinical improvement for LSR than conventionally used cutoffs (2 points and 30%). LSR patients report meaningful clinical improvement with smaller reductions in pain compared to other chronic pain diagnoses, suggesting LSR patients may have different expectations.
Application of the Pediatric Appropriate Use Criteria for Chest Pain.

Objectives To characterize the subgroup of outpatient pediatric patients presenting with chest pain and to determine the effectiveness of published pediatric appropriate use criteria (PAUC) to detect pathology. Study design The Pediatric Appropriate Use of Echocardiography study evaluated the use and yield of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) before and after PAUC release. Data were reviewed on patients ≤18 years of age who underwent TTE for chest pain. Indications were classified as appropriate (A), may be appropriate (M), and rarely appropriate (R) based on PAUC ratings, and findings were normal, incidental, or abnormal. Results Chest pain was the primary indication in 772 of 4562 outpatient TTE studies (17%) (median age 14 years, IQR 10-16) ordered during the study period: 458 of 772 before (59%) and 314 of 772 after (41 %) the release of PAUC with no change in appropriateness. In A indications (n = 654), 642 (98%) were normal, 5 (1%) had incidental findings, and 7 (1%) were abnormal. A and M detected 100% of all abnormal findings (A: n = 7; M: n = 6; R: n = 0), with an association between ratings and findings ( P .001). There was no association between R rating and any pathology. Conclusions There was no change in ordering patterns with publication of the PAUC. Despite the high rate of TTEs ordered for indications rated A, most studies were normal. Studies that detected pathology were performed for indications rated A or M, but not R. This study supports PAUC as a useful tool in pediatric chest pain evaluation that may subsequently improve the use of TTE.
HOW TO PUBLISH: ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS WITH JOURNAL EDITORS

AbstractPart III of this ‘How to Publish’ symposium will include a 35 minute round table discussion session beginning with identification of participants available to facilitate discussions. Participants will include editors-in chief, deputy and/or, associate editors from the following journals: Journals of Gerontology-Series A: Medical Sciences; Journals of Gerontology-Series B: Psychological and Social Sciences; Innovations in Aging, The Gerontologist, Gerontology and Geriatrics Education, European Journal of Ageing, Journal of Aging and Social Policy, Research on Aging, and Journal of Applied Gerontology. Participants will provide journal specific information and answer questions related to podium presentation topics and others raised, e.g., writing strategies for specific journals, how editorial decisions are made, etc. Representatives from Oxford University Press will also be available to discuss in greater detail strategies for assessing and maximizing the impact of published work. Attendees will be encouraged to visit as many tables as they are able during this time.
Underwater Click Vocalizations by a California Sea Lion: Effects of Visibility

A 2 yr. old captive sea lion (Zalophus californianus) presented with a discrimination task permitting little visibility of the targets gradually increased the frequency with which it made a series of underwater clicks. Further tests revealed that the amount of clicking elicited was inversely related to the degree of visibility and that the animal was incapable of discriminating between inanimate targets of different size and sound-reflecting characteristics on the basis of active sonar alone.
Contrast enhancement of pump-probe optical coherence tomography (PP-OCT) based molecular imaging using methylene blue loaded PLGA particles (Conference Presentation)

Atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque accumulates on the inner wall of arteries, is often recognized as a precursor to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the most common causes of death in the US. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an intravascular optical diagnosis tool, which can be used to obtain high resolution morphological images of atherosclerotic plaque. However, atherosclerotic plaque components, such as macrophages, can be misclassified due to their signal similarities to fibrin accumulations, cholesterol crystals and microcalcifications. To overcome these challenges, we develop a biocompatible contrast agent to enhance molecular imaging of a Pump-Probe OCT (PPOCT) system. Methylene blue (MB) was encapsulated into poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) particles by an emulsion/solvent evaporation technique. Fabrication parameters were controlled to synthesize particles with desired properties such as: size, encapsulation efficiency, degradation rate, and particle surface functionalization. The encapsulation of MB protects it from the enzymatic reduction to leuco-methylene blue (92.8 % protection), and reduces the singlet oxygen generation by the excited MB molecules by 78.3%. Likewise, the PLGA shells improve the OCT signal by enhancing the scattering of light. The surface of particles was modified with ligands that can target molecular biomarkers involved in atherosclerotic plaque formation such as vascular cell adhesion molecules (VCAM-1) and apoptotic macrophages. This modification is expected to enhance tissue selectivity, provides detailed information on the local biochemistry and yields visualization of pathological processes. PLGA-based contrast agents were tested in human postmortem artery sections to study particles permeability as a function of particle size and its molecular selectivity.
Rural Influence on the Use of Transition Practices by Preschool Teachers.

Early childhood transition services for children play a vital role in their successful entry to school; however, little is known regarding factors that may impact the use of various important trans...
In Pursuit of a Nuclear Factor Influencing Mitochondrial Genome Configuration in a Higher Plant

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is the condition in which a plant is unable to shed viable pollen as a consequence of mitochondrial mutations. The dominant mitochondrial mutations described to cause CMS in various crop species can be compensated for by the action of nuclear fertility restorer (suppressor) genes, thus providing an important system to study nuclear-mitochondrial interactions (Hanson, 1991; Schnable and Wise, 1998). In all cases studied so far, CMS-associated mitochondrial mutations create novel open reading frames (ORFs) (Dewey et al., 1986; Young and Hanson, 1987; Kohler et al., 1991; Laver et al., 1991; Singh and Brown, 1991; Johns et al., 1992; Krishnasamy and Makaroff, 1993). The translation products from these ORFs presumably interfere with pollen development, although the mechanisms by which this disruption occurs are still unknown.
Christ, the Power and Possibility of God in St. Anselm of Canterbury

In this article I examine the modal theism of St. Anselm of Canterbury, arguing that the person of the divine Son plays an important role in how Anselm thinks about God’s power and possibilities. Beginning with his first major theological work, the Monologion, I show how Anselm’s characterizes God’s knowledge of creation, not in the traditional, Augustinian terms of an intellectual divine “idea,” but in the comparatively more linguistic terms of a divine “locutio” or “utterance.” I go on to argue that this sets Anselm up for a somewhat unique modal theology, one in which God is best understood as acting and creating, not against the backdrop of an already defined and existing domain of possibilities, but in a way that makes him the inventor and creator of his own possibilities. In the second part of the article, I turn to Anselm’s influential work of Christology, Cur Deus Homo, to examine how his “theistic actualism” is paralleled in select aspects of his account of the divine Son’s Incarnation in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Synthesis of complex rare earth nanostructures using in situ liquid cell transmission electron microscopy

Energy and cost efficient synthesis pathways are important for the production, processing, and recycling of rare earth metals necessary for a range of advanced energy and environmental applications. In this work, we present results of successful in situ liquid cell transmission electron microscopy production and imaging of rare earth element nanostructure synthesis, from aqueous salt solutions, via radiolysis due to exposure to a 200 keV electron beam. Nucleation, growth, and crystallization processes for nanostructures formed in yttrium(III) nitrate hydrate (Y(NO3)3·4H2O), europium(III) chloride hydrate (EuCl3·6H2O), and lanthanum(III) chloride hydrate (LaCl3·7H2O) solutions are discussed. In situ electron diffraction analysis in a closed microfluidic configuration indicated that rare earth metal, salt, and metal oxide structures were synthesized. Real-time imaging of nanostructure formation was compared in closed cell and flow cell configurations. Notably, this work also includes the first known collection of automated crystal orientation mapping data through liquid using a microfluidic transmission electron microscope stage, which permits the deconvolution of amorphous and crystalline features (orientation and interfaces) inside the resulting nanostructures.
83. THE CAROLINAS COLLABORATIVE: HOW A PEDIATRIC RESIDENCY TRAINING PROGRAM COLLABORATIVE IMPROVED COMMUNITY HEALTH AND ADVOCACY CURRICULA

Background The Carolinas Collaborative (CC) is a cohesive network of advocacy leaders and representatives from all 8 pediatric academic institutions in North and South Carolina. Upon the founding of the CC, each institution had disparate levels of established advocacy curricula. Over the course of two years, the CC member programs worked together to improve their advocacy curricula via bi-weekly conference calls and quarterly meetings. Institutions saw an improvement in their curricula over time, and the advocacy programs involved in the CC became stronger and more developed through their involvement in the CC. Objective To explore the impact of a multi-state advocacy-training collaborative upon community health and advocacy curricula using the American Academy of Pediatrics Community Pediatrics Training Initiative (CPTI) Community Health and Advocacy Mapping Profile (CHAMP) Mapping tool. Our hypothesis was that the collaborative would positively impact the curricular content for each program and lead to deeper and broader learning and assessment. Design/Methods Each of the 8 training programs of the CC completed the CPTI CHAMP Mapping tool at the outset of the collaborative in August of 2016, identifying which of the 35 learning objectives for Community Health and Advocacy Training were addressed in their residency program's curriculum, and an assessment of the level of learning expected for each taught objective according to Miller's Pyramid (Knows, Knows How, Shows How, Does). Each program repeated the CHAMP Mapping exercise in April of 2018. We assessed both changes in the number of objectives taught, and increases in the level of learning expected per Miller's Pyramid. Results Compared to the 2016, the total number of CHAMP objectives taught by each program increased by 2018, from 31 to 32 of the 35 total. This number was not statistically significant. The level of learning assessed in 2016, defined by the number of objectives that met “Shows How” or “Does” showed a statistically significant increase by 2018 whether compared to all 35 CHAMP objectives (Curriculum Index, p=0.00007), or to the specific CHAMP objectives taught by each program (Robustness Index, p=.0002) (FIGURE 1). Conclusion Involvement in a multi-institutional Residency Training Collaborative can improve the quality and depth of Community Health and Advocacy education for residents. Both the breadth and depth of curricula improved, but the changes in level of learning, as defined by Miller's Pyramid, were the most significant.
Focused Research Infrastructure for Postgraduate Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellows Increases Dissemination of Scholarly Work.

Background Many fellows in clinically driven subspecialties may have difficulty completing and publishing their scholarly projects due to lack of prior experience in research, selection of projects that are difficult to complete during fellowship, or mentorship challenges. This may be particularly true in pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) because research time may be longitudinally integrated with clinical rotations, rather than blocked as is common in other subspecialties. We describe the creation and outcomes of a structured program to increase academic productivity of PEM fellows. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of scholarly productivity (publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentation at national meetings) for PEM fellows over 17 years in one fellowship program, before and after the implementation of a structured program. We reviewed obstacles to publication for prior fellow projects when developing the curriculum. Our multifaceted program consisted of milestone development, four in-person committee meetings, and abstract and manuscript development workshops. We utilized existing faculty members, most of whom were junior faculty, as committee members. Our primary outcome was the percentage of fellows who were first authors for peer-reviewed publications for their fellowship projects. National conference presentations were the secondary outcome. Results Data for 76 PEM fellows were eligible for analysis: 44 (58%) before and 32 after programmatic implementation. There was a statistically significant increase in the percentage of fellows who published their studies (32% vs. 63%; odds ratio [OR] = 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4 to 9.3) after programmatic implementation. There were no differences in conference presentations (45% vs. 63%; OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 0.8-5.1) after implementation. Conclusions Utilizing a small group of existing, predominantly junior faculty members, we created a structured program that enhanced PEM fellows' scholarly productivity and increased publications. We believe that this model is sustainable for and generalizable to other PEM fellowship programs.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: predictors of respiratory impairment at disease diagnosis

Background: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) increases survival and improves patients (pts) quality of life. A decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC) or maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) have been used to define the timing to initiate NIV. Aims: To identify predicting factors of respiratory impairment with formal criteria for the start of NIV (FVC≤70 in % of predicted value or PImax Methods: Clinical data regarding to pts diagnosed with ALS were reviewed. Demographic and clinical parameters were compared to pulmonary function tests, dividing the pts between those with FVC≤70 or >70 and PImax Results: 53 patients were selected, 28 (53%) males, mean age at diagnosis 66. 21 pts (40%) had FVC≤70; 37 pts (70%) had PImax 70 (21 months VS 34; p=0,03); there was no statistically significant difference between the groups with PImax Conclusion: Disease presentation at older ages and with bulbar symptoms may correlate with early respiratory impairment suggesting the need for early referral to pulmonology.
Siamese Networks for Weakly Supervised Human Activity Recognition

Deep learning has been successfully applied to human activity recognition. However, training deep neural networks requires explicitly labeled data which is difficult to acquire. In this paper, we present a model with multiple siamese networks that are trained by using only the information about the similarity between pairs of data samples without knowing the explicit labels. The trained model maps the activity data samples into fixed size representation vectors such that the distance between the vectors in the representation space approximates the similarity of the data samples in the input space. Thus, the trained model can work as a metric for a wide range of different clustering algorithms. The training process minimizes a similarity loss function that forces the distance metric to be small for pairs of samples from the same kind of activity, and large for pairs of samples from different kinds of activities. We evaluate the model on three datasets to verify its effectiveness in segmentation and recognition of continuous human activity sequences.
Promoting Self-Advocacy Through Persuasive Writing for English Learners With Learning Disabilities:

Constructing written text in English can be a challenging endeavor for all students, but it holds particular challenges for English Language Learners (ELLs) with learning disabilities (LD). For thi...
An exploratory descriptive study of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction: Examining potential risk and protective factors in advanced nurse practitioners.

Background Larger patient caseloads and increased workplace responsibility for nurse practitioners (NPs) may exacerbate factors leading to compassion fatigue (CF). Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze the rate of burnout in practicing NPs by looking at contributing factors that play a role in CF and compassion satisfaction (CS). Methods A NP social media platform was used to distribute a survey to a convenience sample of 208 NPs. Data included the Professional Quality of Life Scale V (ProQOL V) tool, demographic data, and protective factor questions. The data were dissected for CF and protective factors of CS. Results The relationship of mindfulness practices and levels of CS was statistically significant. The relationship between support from family, coworkers, and administration and levels of CS was also found statistically significant. A large association was found between the correlation of burnout and support from coworkers. Implications for practice Findings showed an average to high level of CS with a low-to-average burnout rate among the NPs surveyed. There was a direct impact between the amount of support participants received from individual support systems and their level of CS. These findings could be beneficial for new NP graduates in establishing a sense of community while reducing the risk for burnout.
THE EFFECTS OF INTERNAL JUGULAR VEIN COMPRESSION FOR PRESERVING WHITE MATTER INTEGRITY IN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYERS COMPARISON OF HIGH VS LOW

Background:Repetitive head impacts experienced during competitive sports contribute to neurologic changes over the course of a season. Internal jugular vein compression, by means of an externally w...
Potential Locations for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders-A Functional Connectivity Study.

Objectives: Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is an emerging tool for treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Exploring new stimulation targets may improve the efficacy of NIBS for ASD. Materials and Methods: We first conducted a meta-analysis on 170 functional magnetic resonance imaging studies to identify ASD-associated brain regions. We then performed resting-state functional connectivity analysis in 70 individuals with ASD to investigate brain surface regions correlated with these ASD-associated regions to identify potential NIBS targets for ASD. Results: We found that the medial prefrontal cortex, angular gyrus, dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex, inferior frontal gyrus, superior parietal lobe, postcentral gyrus, precentral gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, superior temporal sulcus, lateral occipital cortex, and supplementary motor area are potential locations for NIBS in ASD. Conclusion: Our findings may shed light on the development of new NIBS targets for ASD.
Osteoarthritis physical activity care pathway (OA-PCP): results of a feasibility trial.

To obtain information on feasibility and acceptability, as well as preliminary data on efficacy, of an Osteoarthritis Physical activity Care Pathway (OA-PCP). This was a single group pilot study involving 60 participants with symptomatic, physician diagnosed knee or hip OA, recruited from primary care clinics. Participants self-reported completing less than 150 min per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at baseline. The 3-month OA-PCP intervention involved 3 physical activity (PA) coaching calls (focused on goal setting), three check-in emails and linkage with community-based or online resources to support PA. Efficacy outcomes were collected at baseline and 4-month follow-up. The primary efficacy outcome was minutes of MVPA, assessed via accelerometer. Secondary outcomes included minutes of light intensity activity, sedentary minutes, step counts, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) pain and function subscales. Participants were also asked to rate the helpfulness of the OA-PCP intervention on a scale of 0–10. Differences in efficacy outcomes between baseline and 4-month follow-up were assessed using paired t-tests. Among participants beginning the study, 88% completed follow-up assessments and ≥ 90% completed each of the intervention calls. Average daily minutes of MVPA was 8.0 at baseline (standard deviation (SD) = 9.9) and 8.9 at follow-up (SD = 12.1, p = 0.515). There were no statistically significant changes in light intensity activity, sedentary time or step counts. The mean WOMAC pain score improved from 8.1 (SD = 3.6) at baseline to 6.2 (SD = 3.8) at follow-up (p < 0.001); the mean WOMAC function score improved from 26.2 (SD = 13.2) to 20.2 (SD = 12.5; p < 0.001). The mean rating of helpfulness was 7.6 (SD = 2.5). Results supported the feasibility and acceptability of the study, and participants reported clinically relevant improvements in pain and function. PA metrics did not improve substantially. Based on these results and participant feedback, modifications including enhanced self-monitoring are being made to increase the impact of the OA-PCP intervention on PA behavior. NCT03780400 , December 19, 2018.
Open Repair of the Superior Mesenteric Artery Aneurysm

Atherosclerotic saccular superior mesenteric artery aneurysm was resected in a 42-year-old male. The patient had associated celiac artery occlusive disease with gastroduodenal artery serving as a large collateral.
Acute beetroot juice supplementation improves exercise tolerance and cycling efficiency in adults with obesity.

BACKGROUND Exercise training improves health outcomes in individuals with obesity (IO); however, it remains challenging for IO to adhere to exercise. Thus, it is critical to identify novel strategies that improve exercise tolerance (ET) and adherence in IO. Beetroot juice (BRJ), high in inorganic dietary nitrate, consistently improves exercise performance in athletes, individuals with cardiopulmonary diseases, and nonobese lean individuals. These improvements may be explained by reduced oxygen uptake (VO2 ) during exercise, enhanced blood flow, and greater mitochondrial efficiency. To date, we are aware of no studies that have compared the effects of BRJ, sodium nitrate (NaNO3), and nitrate-depleted BRJ (PLA) for improving ET and cardiometabolic health in IO. PURPOSE Determine if BRJ improves ET, exercise efficiency (EE), and cardiometabolic health in IO and identify possible mechanisms of action. METHODS Vascular hemodynamic, submaximal- and maximal-exercise VO2 , and time to exhaustion (TTE) were assessed in 16 participants 2.5 hr following consumption of: 1) BRJ, 2) NaNO3 , 3) PLA, or 4) CON. RESULTS A significant treatment effect was observed for submaximal exercise VO2 (p = .003), and TTE (p < .001). Post hoc analyses revealed lower VO2 during submaximal exercise in BRJ compared to PLA (p = .009) NaNO3 (p = .042) and CON (0.009), equating to an average improvement of ~ 7% with BRJ. TTE was greater for BRJ compared to other treatment arms, PLA (p = .008), NaNO3 (p = .038), and CON (p=<0.001), equating to ~ 15% improvement with BRJ. No significant changes were observed for other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Consumption of BRJ improved EE during submaximal exercise by 7%, and TTE by 15% compared to other conditions. These results suggest that BRJ may improve EE and exercise tolerance in IO.
Automated single-shot sensorless adaptive optics on a multimodal imaging platform using computational adaptive optics

Multimodal imaging systems are designed to extract complementary multifaceted information from biological samples; sensorless adaptive optics (AO) seeks to extend their capabilities by estimating the wavefront from image-derived information. Typical sensorless AO techniques need the acquisition of several volumes for optimization. We present a novel single-shot closed-loop sensorless AO technique demonstrated on a label-free multimodal imaging system consisting of optical coherence, two-photon fast fluorescence lifetime imaging, and second harmonic generation microscopy. The wavefront is sensed by performing computational AO on an initial OCM volume that is translated to the deformable mirror to improve the image quality of all modalities in real-time.
Is there a standardized practice for the development of international ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease treatment guidelines?

Background Guidelines are published by international gastroenterology societies regarding the management of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) to help clinicians to provide high-quality patient care. We examined the guidelines for the quality and strength of evidence used to develop the recommendations, methods for grading evidence, differences in disease-specific recommendations, conflicts of interest, and plans for guideline updates. Methods A systematic search was performed on PubMed using "ulcerative colitis," "Crohn's disease," and "guidelines" in April 2019. International gastroenterology society websites were searched for UC- and CD-specific guidelines. Guidelines from 12 societies were examined by two authors. Chi-squared tests were used for comparing evidence-level grades, strength of recommendations, and reported conflicts of interest. Linear-regression modeling was used to evaluate the relationship between the number of authors and the number of recommendations in a given guideline. Results Of 28 guidelines reviewed, 25 (89%) used a total of three different systems to grade the level of evidence and 2 (7%) used an unknown system. Three (11%) reviewed guidelines did not provide a conflict-of-interest statement, while three (11%) provided a timeline for guideline updates. Of 1,265 total statements examined, 246 (19%) reported no grade of evidence quality or explicitly stated that the recommendation was based on "expert opinion." One hundred and thirty-five (22%) UC recommendations were noted to be "weak/conditional" and 95 (16%) did not have a recommendation strength. Two hundred and forty-two (37%) CD recommendations were noted to be "weak/conditional" and 151 (23%) did not have a recommendation strength. Conclusion The majority of UC and CD guidelines are based on a low/very low quality of evidence and are further weakened due to the lack of homogeneity in specific aspects of management recommendations as well as conflicts of interest.
Mobile Task Offloading Under Unreliable Edge Performance

Offloading resource-hungry tasks from mobile devices to an edge server has been explored recently to improve task com- pletion time as well as save battery energy. The low la- tency computing resource from edge servers are a perfect companion to realize such task offloading. However, edge servers may su er from unreliable performance due to its rapid workload variation and reliance on intermittent re- newable energy. Further, batteries in mobile devices make online optimum offloading decisions challenging since it in- tertwines offloading decisions across di erent tasks. In this paper, we propose a deep Q-learning based task offloading solution, DeepTO, for online task offloading. DeepTO learns edge server performance in a model-free manner and takes future battery needs of the mobile device into account. Us- ing a simulation-based evaluation, we show that DeepTO can perform close to the optimum solution that has com- plete future knowledge.
Understanding and Assessing Cultural Intelligence: Maximum-Performance and Typical-Performance Approaches.

Cultural intelligence is one’s ability to adapt when confronted with problems arising in interactions with people or artifacts of diverse cultures. In this study, we conduct an initial construct-validation and assessment of a maximum-performance test of cultural intelligence. We assess the psychometric properties of the test and also correlate the test with other measures with which it might be expected there would be some connection. We found that our test was internally consistent and correlated significantly with maximum-performance tests of abilities but generally less or not at all with typical-performance tests, including cultural intelligence and openness to experience. However, our test appears to be distinct in what it measures from the other tests of cognitive abilities. The results lead us to suggest that cultural intelligence may have both maximum-performance and typical-performance aspects.
Development, feasibility, acceptability and preliminary evaluation of the internet and mobile phone-based BSHAPE intervention for Immigrant survivors of cumulative trauma.

Abstract Background Cumulative trauma exposures can have a profound effect on women's health and well-being. Black immigrant women are disproportionately affected by cumulative trauma experiences that place them at risk for multiple health issues such as reproductive sexual health problems and HIV, or mental health problems such as PTSD. The trauma-informed internet and mobile phone-based Being Safe, Healthy, and Positively Empowered (BSHAPE) intervention was designed to comprehensively assess for cumulative traumatic experiences, for current safety, and to address women's co-occurring healthcare needs through educational, psychoeducational, and mindfulness-based stress-reduction components. Purpose This paper describes the development, feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary evaluation of the computer and phone delivered BSHAPE intervention among adult Black immigrant women survivors of cumulative trauma. Method Seventy women participated in the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary evaluation of BSHAPE, with outcomes assessed at post-intervention. The feasibility and acceptability outcomes assessed were enrollment, adherence, and perceptions of the intervention. Preliminary evaluation outcomes included perceived stress, stress management, trauma coping self-efficacy, mindfulness, mental health (MH), HIV/STI risk, general empowerment, and empowerment related to safety. Conclusions Findings suggest that a BSHAPE intervention is feasible and acceptable. Overall, women reported satisfaction with BSHAPE and provided suggestions for improvement. Women showed significant reduction in perceptions of stress, improved stress-management, enhanced self-efficacy, reduced HIV/STI risk, and improved MH, overall empowerment, as well as empowerment related to safety. The findings of this study will be useful in further refining BSHAPE and testing it in a full-scale randomized controlled trial. Trial Registration: NCT03664362
Clinical Syndromes and Pathology in Humans

Although plague infection of man can assume many and protean clinical forms, the most common presentation, bubonic plague, in its typical clinical picture is so distinctive that both physicians and patients in endemic areas have little difficulty recognizing this disease. During an incubation period of 2–8 days following the bite of an infected flea, bacteria proliferate in the regional lymph nodes. Patients are typically affected by sudden onset of fever, chills, weakness, and headache. Usually at the same time, after a few hours, or on the next day, patients notice the bubo, which is signaled by intense pain in one anatomic region of lymph nodes, usually the groin, axilla, or neck. A swelling evolves in this area that is so tender that the patients typically avoid any motion that would provoke tenderness of the affected lymph nodes. For example, if the bubo is in a femoral area, the patients will characteristically flex, abduct, and externally rotate the hip to relieve pressure on the area and will walk with a limp. When the bubo is in an axilla, the patients will abduct the shoulder or hold the arm in a splint. When a bubo is cervical in location, patients will tilt their heads to the opposite side. This extreme tenderness of the buboes naturally causes patients to resist physicians’ attempts to palpate and aspirate their buboes.
Staying on message: design principles for controlling nonspecific responses to siRNA

Short interfering RNAs (siRNA) are routinely used in the laboratory to induce targeted gene silencing by RNA interference, and increasingly, this technology is being translated to the clinic. However, there are multiple mechanisms by which siRNA may be recognized by receptors of the innate immune system, including both endosomal Toll-like receptors and cytoplasmic receptors. Signaling through these receptors may induce multiple nonspecific effects, including general reductions in gene expression and the production of type I interferons and inflammatory cytokines, which can lead to systemic inflammation in vivo. The pattern of immune activation varies depending upon the types of cells and receptors that are stimulated by a particular siRNA. Although we are still discovering the mechanisms by which these recognition events occur, our current understanding provides useful guidelines for avoiding immune activation. In this minireview, we present a design-based approach for developing siRNA-based experiments and therapies that evade innate immune recognition and control nonspecific effects. We describe strategies and trade-offs related to siRNA design considerations including the choice of siRNA target sequence, chemical modifications to the RNA backbone and the influence of the delivery method on immune activation. Finally, we provide suggestions for conducting appropriate controls for siRNA experiments, because some commonly employed strategies do not adequately account for known nonspecific effects and can lead to misinterpretation of the data. By incorporating these principles into siRNA design, it is generally possible to control nonspecific effects, and doing so will help to best utilize this powerful technology for both basic science and therapeutics.
Immersive Visualization of Cellular Structures

Bioimaging is an immensely powerful tool in biomedical research that aids the understanding of cellular structures and the molecular events in the cell. Understanding the biological functions within the cell requires an in-depth understanding of all the diverse functions of the microscopic structures and the molecular interactions between macromolecules in their natural environment. Traditionally, cell biologists have used light microscopy techniques to study topographical characterization of cell surfaces. The optical properties of a light microscope give occasion to a blurring phenomenon similar to the one with a conventional microscope with the result that images are characterized by low resolution and magnification. We address the challenging task of enhancing the image produced by a light microscope by reconstructing a stack of monoscopic images from a light microscope to produce a single image with inferential and useful information than that obtained at the best focus level. We believe such an approach will enable a wider base of microscope users to take advantage of light microscope imaging in biological research.
A PILOT STUDY ON THE STRENGTH OF 5NI-CR-MO-V STEEL COLUMNS

These tests were part of an over-all study of the residual stresses in, and the column strength of, welded built-up and rolled heat-treated A514 steel columns. the present investigation on 5Ni−Cr−Mo−V steel extended the previous work on A514 steel columns. The test program consisted of one 10WF112 column tested in the “flat-end” condition, a stub-column test, seven standard tension-coupon tests, ten compression-coupon tests, and two sets of residual-stress measurements at two separate positions along the column. Results show that the stress-strain relationship of this high-toughness alloy steel can be well represented by the Ramberg-Osgood equation, and the column strength can be predicted by using the tangent-modulus concept.
Maximum Achievable Capacity Gain through Traffic Load Balancing in Cellular Radio Networks: A Practical Perspective

An analytical framework is developed showing the maximum possible capacity gain through load balancing in cellular radio networks. Performance of the best-known scheme, namely, load balancing with selective borrowing (LBSB), is also analyzed for comparison purpose. Through an example of 3-tier cellular architecture it is demonstrated that the maximum achievable capacity gain of an ideal load balancing scheme could be as much as 70%. In an identical scenario, the LBSB scheme achieves a gain only up to 30%.
The Space Shuttle

Two decades ago, the space age dawned, and we were awakened to a realm of technological possibilities beyond any we had imagined. Since that time, we have linked continents with communication satellites, sent probes to other planets, and seen men on the moon. And, although we have made achievements that were almost inconceivable 30 years ago, we are still far from realising our potential for a future in space.
Decision support for offering load-side Regulation Service reserves in competitive power markets

This paper, (i) quantifies the ability of Smart Buildings to provide electric power Regulation Service (RS) given the characteristics of the building's flexible loads and the expected costs from occupant utility loss and imperfect tracking of System Operator RS requests, and (ii) develops an optimization-based decision support model to assist Smart Building Operators (SBO) willing to offer RS reserves in the Hour Ahead Power Market. The model incorporates minimal Regulation Service tracking performance constraints required by current market rule contractual requirements. To quantify these probabilistic constraints, we develop a Normal Distribution Approximation to the dynamic mean of the discrete time M/M/∞ queue of active appliance loads conditional upon the SBO's price directed control aimed at activating appliance loads. Finally, analytic estimates of performance statistics and properties of the dynamic optimal control used in tracking real time System Operator RS requests are developed and used in the decision support model. Numerical results are provided for elaboration purposes.
Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis Secondary to an Intraluminal Web—A Case Report

A thirty-four-year-old man presented with symptoms of carotid occlusive disease. Work-up revealed 90% stenosis of the left internal carotid artery, which was found to be caused by a heretofore undescribed web of the carotid artery. The patient was treated with operative excision of the web and patch angio plasty of the carotid artery.
Mesomorphic Transition Metal Complexes 3. Smectic and Nematic Nickel Dithienes

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of the first nematic transition metal complex and of smectic complexes of the dithiene type are described.