cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
State of the art paper Lipid-lowering therapy in older persons

Numerous randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies and observational studies have shown that statins reduce mortality and major cardiovascular events in older high-risk persons with hypercholesterolemia. The Heart Protection Study showed that statins reduced mortality and major cardiovascular events in high-risk persons regardless of the initial level of serum lipids, age, or gender. The updated National Cholesterol Education Program III guidelines state that in very high-risk persons, a serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level of < 70 mg/dl (1.8 mmol/l) is a reasonable clinical strategy for moderately high-risk persons (2 or more risk factors and a 10-year risk for coronary artery disease of 10% to 20%), and the serum LDL cholesterol should be reduced to < 100 mg/dl (2.6 mmol/l). When LDL cholesterol-lowering drug therapy is used to treat high-risk persons or moderately high-risk persons, the serum LDL cholesterol should be reduced by at least 30% to 40%. The serum LDL cholesterol should be decreased to less than 160 mg/dl in persons at low risk for cardiovascular disease. Addition of other lipid-lowering drugs to statin therapy has not been demonstrated to further reduce cardiovascular events and mortality.
Humoral factors determining the blood pressure response to converting enzyme inhibition and calcium channel blockade.

Renin and catecholamine levels were determined in patients with mild to moderate hypertension before and after treatment with sustained release diltiazem or captopril and were correlated with the blood pressure response to these antihypertensives. Eight weeks of treatment with either agent led to equal decreases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Pretreatment plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma norepinephrine did not predict the blood pressure response to either agent. Diltiazem significantly increased both PRA and supine norepinephrine levels. However, in the diltiazem treated patients, there was no correlation between the change in plasma norepinephrine and the change in systolic or diastolic blood pressure. In contrast, there was a negative correlation (P less than .05) between the reactive rise in PRA and the decrease in systolic blood pressure. Thus, the antihypertensive response to a calcium channel blocker may be determined, in part, by the reactive response of pressor systems.
Functions and Mappings

A function f: X→ Y is open (closed) if and only if the image of each open (closed) set in X is open (closed) in Y.
DNA Vaccines Targeting Dendritic Cells for the Immunotherapy of Cancer

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) play a crucial role in the host’s immune response to cancer. The adoptive transfer of tumor-specific CTL can mediate the regression of established tumors in experimental animal models1 as well as in some patients with melanoma2. Recently, a number of genes encoding tumor-associated antigens (TAA) and their peptide products, which are recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes in the context of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, have been identified for both murine and human tumors3,4. These insights now need to be translated into the development and application of novel immunotherapies designed to elicit tumor antigen-specific T cells. Dendritic cells (DC) are believed to be critical for the induction of primary, cell-mediated immune responses5,6. Using freshly isolated, as well as, cultured DC pulsed with peptides constituting relevant CTL-defined epitopes, we and others have been able to induce protective and therapeutic antitumor immune responses in mouse tumor models7–13. Furthermore, autologous cultured human DC pulsed with synthetic melanoma peptides were able to stimulate antigen-specific CTL capable of lysing HLA-matched allogeneic melanoma cells that naturally express these epitopes in vitro 14–16. As an alternative to synthetic peptides, that may restrict the immune response to defined tumor-associated epitopes with known MHC restriction, the use of plasmid DNA or recombinant viruses encoding tumor-associated antigens has recently been investigated for the immunotherapy of cancer17–22. Direct inoculation of naked DNA into the skin or muscle of animals results in both humoral and cellular immune responses.
V OC overestimation from photoluminescence quantum yield in disordered absorber layers

We report the enhancement of photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) by sub-bandgap absorption and emission (for materials with PLQY below the radiative limit) as well as the complications that arise from using radiative efficiency to evaluate potential solar cell performance. When ideal step absorptivity is used to analyze PLQY in the presence of band tails, there is an overestimation in open circuit voltage that can reach magnitudes of 80mV in disordered materials. We present a simple technique to extract open circuit voltage from PLQY with band tails that is contact-free and amenable to rapid screening of materials.
129 KNOCKDOWN OF WBP1 DECREASES TROPHECTODERM FORMATION IN THE PRE-IMPLANTATION BOVINE EMBRYO

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in WBP1 has been previously associated with embryonic development to the blastocyst stage. WBP1 interacts with WW domain containing proteins including YAP1 from the hippo signalling pathway that is involved in trophectoderm (TE) formation. Here we tested whether reduction in mRNA abundance for WBP1 would reduce development to the blastocyst stage and formation of cells in the inner cell mass (ICM) and TE. Knockdown was performed using a GapmeR LNATM antisense oligonucleotide designed to target WBP1. A scrambled version of the same sequence was used as a control. Embryos were produced in vitro from slaughterhouse oocytes and bulls from Bos taurus and Bos indicus breeds. At 20 to 22 h after insemination (hpi), embryos were treated with 5 µM anti-WBP1 GapmeR (KD), 5 µM scrambled GapmeR (SC), or vehicle (CTL). At 72 to 75 hpi (the time of maximal WBP1 expression), groups of 18 to 20 embryos were collected from each treatment to evaluate WBP1 expression. Other cultured embryos (minimum of 50/treatment for each replicate) were cultured until Day 8 after insemination. Cleavage was assessed at Day 3 and blastocyst formation at Day 7 and 8. Embryos were collected at Day 8 to determine ICM and TE cell number by determining nuclear immunoreactive CDX2. All experiments were replicated 5 times. Fold change was calculated relative to the CTL group. Data were analysed by analysis of variance for gene expression and cell number, and through logistic regression for embryonic development. WBP1 expression was reduced (P = 0.04) in KD embryos compared to CTL (least squares means ± SEM: 1 ± 0.19 v. 0.64 ± 0.19 fold change) or SC (1.05 ± 0.19). There was no difference in expression between CTL and SC. Percent of embryos that cleaved was not affected by treatment (P > 0.05); however, percent of inseminated oocytes that became blastocysts tended to be lower in KD compared to CTL and SC at Day 7 (P = 0.09) [10.8 ± 2.8, 20 ± 3.0, and 16.3 ± 3.1% for KD, CTL, and SC, respectively] and 8 after insemination (P = 0.06) [13.7 ± 3.3, 24.2 ± 3.3, and 22.9 ± 3.6%]. Knockdown of WBP1 caused a reduction in number of total (P = 0.0004) and TE (P < 0.0001) cells with no effect on ICM cell number (P = 0.83). Total cell numbers for KD, SC, and CTL were 124.2 ± 6.4, 157.75 ± 7.4, and 124.28 ± 6.4 and numbers of TE cells were 59.7 ± 3.8, 90.0 ± 4.47, and 90.0 ± 4.4. Results show that reduction in mRNA for WBP1 decreases TE formation and tends to reduce competence of embryos to become blastocysts. This study was supported by USDA AFRI 2013–68004–20365.
Variational Models and Structural Stability

This chapter deals with variational techniques applied to the dynamics of mechanical and physical systems and processes. In Chapter 2 we have derived the equations of motion of continuum systems from conservation laws. Variational principles provide an alternative method of obtaining the equations of motion based on the calculus of variations. Also variational techniques are often used in modelling and analysis of new phenomena and constructing approximate methods for solving applied models.
Polish yers revisited

En la investigacio linguistica es corrent buscar una analisi unificada per a fenomes similars de llengues relacionades. En aquest treball, s’argumenta que fer-ho per a les alternaces vocaliques del polones i del rus seria un error. Encara que comparteixen propietats fonologiques notables, difereixen respecte a la seva prevalencia i la seva extensibilitat. Es presenta una analisi del polones en la qual les alternances vocaliques no son excepcionals i el blocatge excepcional de les alternances s’assoleix amb restriccions indexades lexicament. Aquesta es una analisi complementaria de la de Gouskova (2012) per al rus, que s’argumenta que es desitjable sobre la base d’una nova exploracio estadistica d’un corpus del lexico polones i les seves divergencies respecte a les tendencies per a mots analegs en rus.
Impact of multiple scatterers on coherent MIMO detection and angle estimation

A preliminary analysis of the impact of target multiple scatterers in the context of coherent Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) radar is performed. Expressions that describe the virtual array vector given the scattering characteristics, the auto-ambiguity function and cross-ambiguity function of the MIMO signals are given. The expressions show that multiple scatterers on a target and targets at other ranges can cause the constructed virtual array response to be a distorted version of the ideal Vandermonde vector response expected from a point target. The effect on angle estimation error is generally negligible for signals with wider null widths of the cross-ambiguity function near the zero delay point. An illustrative example is presented and the role of signal time-bandwidth product is discussed.
Use of an Open Port Sampling Interface Coupled to Electrospray Ionization for the On-Line Analysis of Organic Aerosol Particles

A simple design for an open port sampling interface coupled to electrospray ionization (OPSI-ESI) is presented for the analysis of organic aerosols. The design uses minimal modifications to a Bruker electrospray (ESI) emitter to create a continuous flow, self-aspirating open port sampling interface. Considerations are presented for introducing aerosol to the open port sampling interface including aerosol gas flow and solvent flow rates. The device has been demonstrated for use with an aerosol of nicotine as well as aerosol formed in the pyrolysis of biomass. Upon comparison with extractive electrospray ionization (EESI), this device has similar sensitivity with increased reproducibility by nearly a factor of three. The device has the form factor of a standard Bruker/Agilent ESI emitter and can be used without any further instrument modifications.
War and the Maternal Voice in Carmen Conde's Mientras los hombres mueren

In Mientras los hombres mueren, Carmen Conde speaks against war through a maternal voice that associates the masculine with violence, war and death and the feminine with nurturance, peace and life....
Stabilizing a High-Energy-Density Rechargeable Sodium Battery with a Solid Electrolyte

Summary The cycling performance at 60°C of a Na 2 MnFe(CN) 6 /Na cell with a ceramic solid electrolyte is compared with that of a cell with an organic-liquid electrolyte operating at room temperature. Analysis of the electrode-electrolyte interfaces after charge-discharge cycling showed that a sodium-metal anode that wets the solid electrolyte can be plated and stripped reversibly dendrite free and that the dissolution of the cyano-perovskite Na 2 MnFe(CN) 6 cathode that occurs with an organic-liquid electrolyte is eliminated with the utilization of the solid electrolyte. This demonstration indicates that a high-energy-density and low-cost sodium rechargeable battery can be competitive for large-scale electric energy storage where both the anode and cathode problems are solved in an all-solid-state battery.
Polymer Valence Isomerism: Poly(Dewar-o-xylylene)s

Poly(o-xylylene) (POX) has long been a challenging synthetic target despite its simple structure and potentially useful physical properties. In this report, we demonstrate a valence isomer strategy that leads to the formation of high molecular weight POX via an intermediate polymer of a unique structure, namely poly(Dewar-o-xylylene) (PDOX). We show that the free radical polymerization of highly strained Dewar-o-xylylene (DOX) monomer afforded PDOX, a material with a high density of Dewar benzene units in the backbone through ring-retaining propagation. The thermal- and photoinduced isomerizations of PDOX to produce POX were investigated. This chemistry yields POXs that are difficult to obtain using traditional methods. Moreover, it also provides a potential entry into new reconfigurable materials featuring highly efficient postpolymerization main chain structural transformations.
The Buzz Metric: A Graph-based Method for Quantifying Productive Congestion in Generative Space Planning for Architecture

This paper describes a novel simulation method for measuring the amount of buzz or productive congestion in an interior architectural space. This “buzz metric” first predicts the amount and distrib...
Acid-Sensing Ion Channels (ASICs) and pH in Synapse Physiology

Although brain pH is tightly controlled, it can be more dynamic than commonly appreciated. Physiological fluctuations in extracellular pH provide ample opportunity for protons to influence synaptic signaling. A number of synaptic proteins are modified by extracellular pH. Of these, the acid sensing ion channels (ASICs) are gated by extracellular protons and thus they may be particularly well suited to respond to synaptic pH. Here we review extracellular pH changes that accompany neural activity, the synaptic localization of ASICs, and their known effects on synapse function. Results from manipulating ASICs in mice suggest important roles for synaptic ASICs in behavior and neurological disease.
Assessment of an Alternative Cohort Model For Part-Time Students in an Educational Leadership Program.

This study examined the effectiveness, of an alternative cohort model, designed primarily for part-time doctoral students in an educational leadership program. Results of a survey, student evaluati...
Myocardial glutamate dehydrogenase activity.

Glutamic dehydrogenase (GDH) has not been thought to play an important role in cardiac metabolism in the past. Aspartate aminotransferase was shown to mediate glutamate utilization by mitochondria and there was thought to be little GDH activity in heart mitochondria.1 However, the studies of Godinot et al showed that this enzyme could be purified from pig heart mitochondria and had different properties from the enzyme of beef liver mitochondria.2 Takala et al showed that the perfused rat heart produced ammonia and this appeared to come from GDH rather than the purine nucleotide cycle.3 Ammonia production was stimulated when the perfused heart was working. Studies using pig heart mitochondria indicated that glutamate was oxidized via glutamate dehydrogenase when the mitochondria were oxidizing certain substrates.4 Studies by Nuutinen et al showed that rat heart mitochondria readily formed ammonia from glutamate.5
Frailty Cost: Economic Impact of Frailty in the Elective Surgical Patient.

Background Frailty in the surgical patient has been associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and failure to rescue. However, there is little understanding of the economic impact of frailty. Study Design A prospective database of elective surgery patients at an academic medical center was used to create a modified version of the Risk Analysis Index (RAI), a validated frailty index. This included 10,257 patients undergoing elective operations from 2016 to 2017. Patients were classified as not frail (RAI = 0), somewhat frail (RAI = 1 to 10), or significantly frail (RAI > 10). Cost, revenue, and income data were procured from the finance department. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results Frail patients were more likely to be older (65 years vs 50 years; p Conclusions Although a significant number of data exist on the impact of frailty in the surgical patient, the economic impacts have only limited description in the literature. Here we demonstrate that frailty, independent of age, has a detrimental financial impact on cost and hospital income in elective surgery.
Progress in organic functional group analysis: 1960

Abstract This review is a continuation of the preceding one, 1 without any duplication of references. It is based entirely on the examination of reprints received from the individual authors during the year. Therefore a great number of papers published in 1959, in addition to those covering 1960, have been included. As before, microscale determinations dealing with approximately 0.1 meq. sample are covered thoroughly in the text. Macro scale (> 1 meq.) and ultra micro scale (approx. 1 μeq.) determinations of interest are mentioned.
Characterization of immune responses to anti-PD-1 mono and combination immunotherapy in hematopoietic humanized mice implanted with tumor xenografts

The success of agents that reverse T-cell inhibitory signals, such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies, has reinvigorated cancer immunotherapy research. However, since only a minority of patients respond to single-agent therapies, methods to test the potential anti-tumor activity of rational combination therapies are still needed. Conventional murine xenograft models have been hampered by their immune-compromised status; thus, we developed a hematopoietic humanized mouse model, hu-CB-BRGS, and used it to study anti-tumor human immune responses to triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line and patient-derived colorectal cancer (CRC) xenografts (PDX). BALB/c-Rag2nullIl2rγnullSIRPαNOD (BRGS) pups were humanized through transplantation of cord blood (CB)-derived CD34+ cells. Mice were evaluated for human chimerism in the blood and assigned into experimental untreated or nivolumab groups based on chimerism. TNBC cell lines or tumor tissue from established CRC PDX models were implanted into both flanks of humanized mice and treatments ensued once tumors reached a volume of ~150mm3. Tumors were measured twice weekly. At end of study, immune organs and tumors were collected for immunological assessment. Humanized PDX models were successfully established with a high frequency of tumor engraftment. Humanized mice treated with anti-PD-1 exhibited increased anti-tumor human T-cell responses coupled with decreased Treg and myeloid populations that correlated with tumor growth inhibition. Combination therapies with anti-PD-1 treatment in TNBC-bearing mice reduced tumor growth in multi-drug cohorts. Finally, as observed in human colorectal patients, anti-PD-1 therapy had a strong response to a microsatellite-high CRC PDX that correlated with a higher number of human CD8+ IFNγ+ T cells in the tumor. Hu-CB-BRGS mice represent an in vivo model to study immune checkpoint blockade to human tumors. The human immune system in the mice is inherently suppressed, similar to a tumor microenvironment, and thus allows growth of human tumors. However, the suppression can be released by anti-PD-1 therapies and inhibit tumor growth of some tumors. The model offers ample access to lymph and tumor cells for in-depth immunological analysis. The tumor growth inhibition correlates with increased CD8 IFNγ+ tumor infiltrating T cells. These hu-CB-BRGS mice provide a relevant preclinical animal model to facilitate prioritization of hypothesis-driven combination immunotherapies.
Role of biogeochemistry in efficient shale oil and gas production

Abstract The advent and advancement in hydraulic fracturing techniques have resulted in the rapid growth of unconventional shale oil and gas production over the last couple of decades. Unlike conventional hydrocarbon systems, these shale formations serve as both the source and reservoir and therefore are directly drilled into for hydrocarbon production. Studies in different shale basins have revealed that these reservoirs are geologically complex, heterogeneous, and every play is unique. Therefore, for efficient hydrocarbon recovery, physicochemical, and mechanical attributes of individual shale reservoir need to be taken into account. Even after significant technological advancements, we are still struggling to understand the spatiotemporal variations in type and amount of hydrocarbon produced within a single basin, rapid declines in hydrocarbon production, and the low fracturing fluid recovery rates. In this review article, we briefly summarize how biogeochemical tools can be used to 1) understand variations in the quantity of organic matter (OM) that ultimately controls production of hydrocarbon, 2) determine variations in the quality of OM that ultimately controls the quality and type of hydrocarbons generated, 3) predict the fracturing potential of rock, and 4) increase efficiency of hydrocarbon production by controlling the water-rock-microbe interactions that ensue after hydraulic fracturing fluids are injected into the shale reservoirs. A better understanding and utilization of these biogeochemical processes and tools will help identify sweet spots for shale gas drilling, increase hydrocarbon recovery and open up the possibility of engineering the hydraulic fracturing fluids to enhance recovery and life of these shale reservoirs.
Ozone Added Spark Assisted Compression Ignition

The mixed-mode engine combustion strategy where some combination of spark-assisted compression ignition (SACI) and pure advanced compression ignition (ACI) are used at part-load operation with exclusive spark-ignited (SI) combustion used for high power-density conditions has the potential to increase efficiency and decrease pollutant emissions. However, controlling combustion and switching between different modes of mixed-mode operation is inherently challenging. This chapter proposes to use ozone (O3)—a powerful oxidizing chemical agent—to maintain stable and knock-free combustion across the load-speed map. The impact of 0–50 ppm intake seeded O3 on performance, and emissions characteristics was explored in a single-cylinder, optically accessible, research engine operated under lean SACI conditions with two different in-cylinder conditions, (1) partially stratified (double injection—early and late injection) and (2) homogeneous (single early injection). O3 addition promotes end gas auto-ignition by enhancing the gasoline reactivity, which thereby enabled stable auto-ignition with less initial charge heating. Hence O3 addition could stabilize engine combustion relative to similar conditions without O3. The addition of ozone has been found to reduce specific fuel consumption by up to 9%, with an overall improvement in the combustion stability compared to similar conditions without O3. For the lowest loads, the effect of adding O3 was most substantial. Specific NOx emissions also dropped by up to 30% because a higher fraction of the fuel burned was due to auto-ignition of the end gas. Measurement of in-cylinder O3 concentrations using UV light absorption technique showed that rapid decomposition of O3 into molecular (O2) and atomic oxygen (O) concurred with the onset of low-temperature heat release (LTHR). The newly formed O from O3 decomposition initiated fuel hydrogen abstraction reactions responsible for early onset of LTHR. At the beginning of high-temperature heat release (HTHR), end gas temperatures ranged from 840 to 900 K, which is about 200 K cooler than those found in previous studies where intake charge heating or extensive retained residuals were used to preheat the charge. An included analysis indicates that in order to achieve optimal auto-ignition in our engine, the spark deflagration was needed to add 10–40 J of additional thermal energy to the end gas. We have leveraged these results to broaden our understanding of O3 addition to different load-speed conditions that we believe can facilitate multiple modes (SI, ACI, SACI, etc.) of combustion.
Feeling Like an Imposter: The Effect of Perceived Classroom Competition on the Daily Psychological Experiences of First-Generation College Students:

Many college students intend to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers but quickly abandon these goals when confronted with notoriously competitive STEM courses that often...
The effect of follicular phase length on cycle outcomes and endometrial development in gonadotrophin ovarian stimulation/intrauterine insemination cycles

Abstract Research question Does a shorter follicular phase length (FPL) affect cycle outcomes and endometrial development among women undergoing gonadotrophin ovarian stimulation/intrauterine insemination (OS/IUI)? Design Retrospective cohort study of 4773 OS/IUI cycles among 2054 patients. FPL was analysed first continuously, then dichotomously using an arbitrary cut-off at the 15th percentile (8 days) to divide cycles into shorter and longer FPL groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to further analyse the impact of FPL on all outcomes. Primary outcomes included clinical pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, multiple pregnancy and non-viable (ectopic/biochemical) pregnancy rates (CPR, SABR, MPR and NVPR, respectively). Secondary outcomes included endometrial thickness. All analyses controlled for age, day 3 FSH and body mass index. Results When analysing FPL continuously, CPR increased by 6.0% (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.06, 95% CI 1.03–1.09, P Conclusions The data suggest that in gonadotrophin OS/IUI cycles, FPL might impact both chance of clinical pregnancy and endometrial thickness, independent of maternal age and ovarian reserve.
Strategies of Flexible Accumulation and Perceived Employment Insecurity: Is There a Connection?:

Existing research on perceived employment insecurity tends to focus on perceptions of job insecurity (a worker’s perception of how vulnerable their position is with their current employer). This st...
Heart Rate Variability in College Football Players throughout Preseason Camp in the Heat.

We aimed to characterize cardiac-autonomic responses to a 13-day preseason camp in the heat among an American college football team. Players were categorized as linemen (n=10) and non-linemen (n=18). RHR, natural logarithm of the root-mean square of successive differences multiplied by twenty (LnRMSSD), and subjective wellbeing (LnWellness) were acquired daily. Effect sizes±90% confidence interval showed that for linemen, LnRMSSD decreased (moderate) on day 2 (71.2±10.4) and increased (moderate) on day 12 (87.1±11.2) relative to day 1 (77.9±11.2) while RHR decreased (small–moderate) on days 6, 7, and 12 (67.7±9.3–70.4±5.5 b∙min-1) relative to day 1 (77.1±10.1 b∙min-1). For non-linemen, LnRMSSD increased (small–large) on days 3–5, 7, 12, and 13 (83.4±6.8–87.6±8.5) relative to day 1 (80.0±6.5) while RHR decreased (small–large) on days 3–9, 12, and 13 (62.1±5.2–67.9±8.1 b∙min-1) relative to day 1 (70.8±6.2 b∙min-1). Decrements in LnWellness were observed on days 4–10 and 13 for linemen (moderate) and on days 6–9, 12, and 13 for non-linemen (small–moderate). Despite reductions in LnWellness, cardiac-autonomic parameters demonstrated responses consistent with heat-acclimation, which possibly attenuated fatigue-related decrements.
Abstract 4963: Notch1 non-canonical pathway drives breast cancer stem cell function

Current treatment of triple negative breast cancer is hindered by a high incidence of chemoresistance (30-50%). The prevailing theory is that resistance and subsequent recurrence is driven by cancer stem cells. Unfortunately, the functional characterization of cancer stem cells at the molecular level is still incomplete. We show here, that within the canonical breast cancer stem cell population (CD24low/CD44+/ESA+) of triple negative breast cancer cells, a subset of cells characterized by high Notch1 expression possesses the tumor-initiating and chemoresistance properties associated with cancer stem cells. Moreover, the tumor initiating property of these Notch1-high expressing breast cancer stem cells is mediated by the repression of SIRT1. We also demonstrate that Notch1 represses SIRT1 through a non-canonical, cleavage independent pathway via PI3K/Akt/mTORC2. Strikingly, the repression of SIRT1 obviates the requirement for high Notch1 expression. These findings provide the first functional mechanistic requirements for breast cancer stem cell tumor initiation and chemoresistance. Our results also identify a novel non-canonical Notch1 signaling pathway regulating breast cancer stem cell function. We postulate that this pathway can be exploited as a potential therapeutic strategy to eradicate cancer stem cells and reduce the incidence of chemoresistance and recurrence. Citation Format: Lufei Sui, Suming Wang, Danielle Sim, Randolph S. Watnick. Notch1 non-canonical pathway drives breast cancer stem cell function [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 4963.
Anxiety sensitivity and social anxiety in adults with psychodermatological symptoms.

Many dermatology patients experience social anxiety symptoms; however, few studies have investigated vulnerabilities contributing to this distress. Anxiety sensitivity (AS), or the fear of the consequences of anxiety, warrants consideration given its association with social anxiety and dermatological symptoms, respectively. The purpose of this investigation was to investigate the role of AS in social anxiety symptoms in two samples of adults with psychodermatological conditions. AS social, but not physical or cognitive, concerns were hypothesized to demonstrate unique associations with social anxiety symptoms after controlling for relevant variables. Participants completed self-report measures online (Study 1) or in-person (Study 2). Study 1 included 164 participants with active skin conditions (Mage = 31.88; 69.5% female; 83.5% White), and Study 2 included 63 dermatology outpatients (Mage = 51.49; 70.7% female; 65% White). Results revealed AS social concerns was a unique factor contributing to social anxiety symptoms in both samples. This study demonstrates replication, and the findings suggest heightened concerns about the negative consequences related to visible skin conditions may worsen social anxiety symptoms in individuals with psychodermatological conditions. Despite limitations, this study informs the conceptualization of co-occurring psychological and dermatological conditions and highlights the need to evaluate the efficacy of brief AS interventions among patients with psychodermatological conditions.
Technology-Based Fall Risk Assessments for Older Adults in Low-Income Settings: Protocol for a Cross-sectional Study.

Background: One-third of older adults have maladaptive fall risk appraisal (FRA), a condition in which there is a discrepancy between the level of fear of falling (FOF) and physiological fall risk (balance performance). Older adults who overestimate their physiological fall risk and report a high FOF are less likely to participate in physical activity. Limited data suggest that the association among FOF, body composition, and physical activity intensity differs by fear severity. Objective: This study aims to examine the associations among FRA, body composition, and physical activity using assistive health technology, including the BTrackS balance system, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and activity monitoring devices. This study also aims to examine the feasibility of recruitment and acceptability of technologies and procedures for use among older adults in low-income settings. Methods: This cross-sectional study will be conducted in older adults’ homes or apartments in low-income settings in Central Florida, United States. Following consent, participants will be contacted, and our team will visit them twice. The first visit includes questionnaire completion (eg, sociodemographic or FOF) and balance performance test using the BTrackS balance system. The participants will be stratified by the FRA matrix. In addition, they will perform hand grip strength and dynamic balance performance tests. Participants will then be asked to wear the ActiGraph GT9X Link wireless activity monitor on the nondominant wrist for 7 consecutive days. The second visit includes body composition testing and a structured interview about the acceptability of the technologies and procedures. Results: Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board of the University of Central Florida (protocol number 2189; September 10, 2020). As of December 2020, participation enrollment is ongoing and the results are expected to be published in Summer 2022. Conclusions: Accurate FRA is essential for implementing physical activity programs, especially in older adults with low income. This study will provide data for developing technology-based fall risk assessments to improve participation in physical activity, thus enhancing healthy longevity among older adults in low-income settings. Trial Registration:
Regaining relevance: IPE and a changing global political economy

Mainstream American international political economy (IPE) has gradually lost relevance as a framework for understanding developments in the global political economy. It offers little help for under...
Analysis of local protein accumulation kinetics by live-cell imaging in yeast systems

Summary Microscopy-based analysis of protein accumulation at a given subcellular location in real time provides invaluable insights into the function of a protein in a specific process. Here, we describe a detailed protocol for determining protein accumulation kinetics at the division site in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This protocol can be adapted for the analysis of any protein involved in any process as long as the protein is localized to a discrete region of the cell. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Okada et al. (2021) and Okada et al. (2019) .
The Association of Preinfection Daily Oral Anticoagulation Use and All-Cause in Hospital Mortality From Novel Coronavirus 2019 at 21 Days: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objectives: Practices regarding anticoagulation use in coronavirus disease 2019 focus primarily on its efficacy in the critically ill without a clear understanding of when to begin anticoagulation We sought to understand the association of preinfection daily oral anticoagulation use and the short-term mortality of patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 Design: Retrospective chart review Setting: Large health system with high coronavirus disease 2019 prevalence Patients: Patients 60 years or older admitted to the hospital with positive coronavirus disease 2019 polymerase chain reaction test Interventions: We compared both those on warfarin and those on a direct oral anticoagulant prior to admission and throughout disease course with those who were never exposed to an oral anticoagulant Results: Our primary outcome was inhospital mortality at 21 days from the first coronavirus disease 2019 test ordered Patients in the direct oral anticoagulant group (n = 104) were found to have significantly lower 21-day all-cause in hospital mortality than patients in the control group (n = 894) both prior to adjustment (14 4% vs 23 8%;odds ratio, 0 57 [0 29-0 92];p = 0 03) and after controlling for age, gender, and comorbidities (odds ratio, 0 44 [0 20-0 90];p = 0 033) Patients on warfarin (n = 28) were found to have an elevated unadjusted mortality rate of 32% versus 23 8% in the control group (odds ratio, 1 51 [0 64-3 31];p = 0 31) After adjustment, a reduction in mortality was observed but not found to be statistically significant (odds ratio, 0 29 [0 02-1 62];p = 0 24) There was no statistical difference noted in the number of bleeding events in each group Conclusions: In this retrospective cohort study evaluating oral anticoagulant use among patients with coronavirus disease 2019, we found that patients who are on daily oral anticoagulation at the time of infection and throughout their disease course had significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality at 21 days Validation of these findings should be performed on population-based levels While research regarding anticoagulation algorithms is ongoing, we believe these results support future randomized control trials to understand the efficacy and risk of the use of early oral anticoagulation
Grievances, Opportunity and Protest in Four Arab States

Using data from the Arab Barometer, we assess the protest participation between 2005-08 in Algeria, Jordan, Morocco, and Yemen. We find protests were common during the years preceding the Arab Spring and the riskier form of protesting (marching in a demonstration) was approximately 1.5 to 2 times as common as the less risky form of protest (signing a petition), despite the dangers of voicing dissent in authoritarian regimes. We propose grievance and opportunity explanations of why people protested. We find support for economic grievance arguments connecting protest to income and corruption, but not to macro-economic policies. We find support for political grievance arguments connecting protest to exclusion from power and desire for democracy. We also find support for the argument that people are most likely to protest when they do not fear government reprisals. None of the arguments, however, have significant explanatory power in more than two of the four countries, suggesting that even in seemingly similar authoritarian regimes, people protest for different reasons. The propensity to seek a single explanation should be resisted.
Channelized Active Noise Elimination (CANE) with envelope Delta Sigma modulation

Digital switching-mode power amplifiers (PA) based on bit-stream modulations such as Delta Sigma Modulations (DSM) have been studied as a potential solution to overcome the trade-off between the power efficiency and the signal linearity of RF PAs. FIR filtering has been introduced to suppress the quantization noise near signal band for those transmitters based on a combination of multiple power amplifiers. In this paper, the Channelized Active Noise Elimination (CANE) technique is proposed to implement the FIR filtering concept into the Envelope Delta Sigma Modulation (EDSM) scheme so that the low pass characteristics of the FIR filter is upconverted carrier to form a band pass filter. The advantage of CANE comparing to conventional FIR filtering is its small bandwidth, low sampling rate requirement and arbitrary carrier frequency and filter bandwidth selections. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Acute neurological deficit after minor trauma in an infant with achondroplasia and cervicomedullary compression: Case report and review of the literature

CHONDROPLASIA is an autosomal-dominant disorder of skeletal maturation resulting from a gene muta- tion in the fibroblast growth factor receptor located on chromosome 4. 9 The gene mutation results in abnormal endochondral bone formation, 17 and its incidence ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 in 10,000 live births. 11 Abnormal bone formation in patients with achondroplasia can result in foramen magnum stenosis along with stenosis involving other parts of the neuraxis. 6 Stenosis at the fora- men magnum, when symptomatic, can cause apnea, neuro- logical deficits, and sudden death in patients with achon- droplasia. 2,12,13 Mortality rates can approach 7.5% in the 1st year of life and 2.5% in patients between 1 and 4 years of age. 5 Cervicomedullary compression at the foramen magnum in patients with achondroplasia can be associated with apnea, neurological deficits, and sudden death. Decompressive operations are often performed in symptomatic patients. In asymptomatic patients, the indications for prophylactic decompression are controversial. The authors present the case of a previously neurologically intact 4-month-old girl with achondroplasia who presented with severe hemiparesis after a low-velocity motor vehicle accident. Imaging studies demonstrated osseous compression of the medulla and upper cer- vical spinal cord with associated parenchymal signal changes. To the authors' knowledge this is the first reported case of a new neurological deficit after a minor trauma in this patient population. The authors review the relevant literature, focusing on the indications for cervicomedullary decompression in infants with achondroplasia. They propose that asymptomatic patients with achondroplasia and osseous compression at the foramen magnum should be offered prophy- lactic surgery if T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging signal changes in the spinal cord are observed. Prophylactic surgery can be considered an option in patients whose imaging studies do not show signal changes in the spinal cord but demonstrate significant osseous compression and absence of visible subarachnoid spaces. (DOI: 10.3171/PED-07/08/152) KEY WORDSachondroplasiacervicomedullary compressionpediatric neurosurgery
Ketogenic diet : Effects on expression of kindled seizures and behavior in adult rats

Summary: Purpose: Despite use of the ketogenic diet (KD) for >75 years its effectiveness or mechanism of action has been examined in few animal studies. Using the kindling model of epilepsy, we tested the anticonvulsant effectiveness and behavioral consequences of an experimental KD in adult rats. Methods: Rats fully kindled from the amygdala were divided into KD-fed or standard rat diet-fed groups; diet treatment continued for 5 weeks. The KD approximated at 4:l (“classic”) ketogenic diet and consisted (by weight) of 70% fat, 14% protein, no carbohydrate, and appropriate vitamins, minerals and fiber; 92% of energy provided was contributed by fat and 8% was contributed by protein. Afterdischarge threshold and duration (ADT, ADD) and stage 5 seizure threshold and duration (ST, SD) were assessed weekly for 5 weeks. During week 3, learning and memory were tested by the water maze and the behavioral response to a novel environment was assessed by the open field test. Results: Rats receiving the KD became ketonemic and had weight gains similar to those of control rats. As compared with rats receiving a standard diet, those fed the KD had an elevated ADT and ST for the first 2 weeks of treatment. The control and KD-fed groups did not differ with regard to ADD or SD at any time during the study, and both groups performed similarly in the water maze and open field test. Conclusions: In the kindling model, the KD afforded transient protection against the focal generation of kindled seizures but not seizure spread. Rats that received the KD did not perform differently from control-fed rats on spatial learning or exploratory behavior tasks. Our results provide a promising model for study of the anticonvulsant mechanisms of ketosis.
Durability Evaluation of Concrete Crack Repair Systems

Concrete cracking in highway bridges is a major problem because it not only accelerates the rate of deterioration, but it also can reduce the structural strength of the bridge. Crack repair systems have been developed to address this problem. For repairing structural cracks, six repair materials were evaluated for durability. The repair materials include one cementitious system, one modified cementitious system, two epoxy-based systems, and two high-molecular-weight methacrylate (HMWM) repair products. Each product was applied according to its manufacturer's directions to repair beams with crack widths of 0.51 mm (0.02 in.), 6.35 mm (0.25 in.), and 12.70 mm (0.50 in.). The specimens are subjected to a standard freezing and thawing test followed by fatigue testing to failure. In general, epoxies and HMWMs performed the best. However, individual products varied significantly. Specimens repaired with the cementitious system were unable to resist any significant amount of fatigue-loading cycles.
Assessment of Pretend Play in Preschool-Aged Children: Validation and Factor Analysis of the Affect in Play Scale–Preschool Version

The Affect in Play Scale–Preschool (APS–P) and Affect in Play Scale–Preschool–Brief Rating (APS–P–BR) versions assess cognitive and affective play processes during a 5-min standardized play task. In this study, construct validity, external validity, and factor analyses for each scale were examined in 107 preschoolers. Reliability and validity were supported. Unlike results found with school-aged samples, positive affect loaded with the cognitive variables on factor analyses of the APS–P and APS–P–BR, suggesting that negative and undefined affect might represent a separate factor in preschool-aged children. Developmental significance and implications for use of the 2 scoring versions are discussed.
Three-dimensional heat transfer effects during the growth of LiCaAlF6 in a modified Bridgman furnace

Abstract A novel process modification, the simultaneous growth of three cylindrical Cr:LiCaAlf 6 (Cr:LiCAF) crystals grown from a common seed in a vertical Bridgman furnace of rectangular cross section, is assessed using computational modeling. The analysis employs the FIDAP finite-element package and accounts for three-dimensional, steady-state, conductive heat transfer throughout the system. The induction heating system is rigorously simulated via solution of Maxwell's equations. The implementation of realistic thermal boundary conditions and furnace details is shown to be important. Furnace design features are assessed through calculations, and simulations indicate expected growth conditions to be favorable. In addition, the validity of using ampoules containing “dummy” charges for experimental furnace characterization measurements is examined through test computations.
On iterative methods for solving nonlinear least squares problems over convex sets

Nonlinear least squares problems over convex sets inR n are treated here by iterative methods which extend the classical Newton, gradient and steepest descent methods and the methods studied recently by Pereyra and the author. Applications are given to nonlinear least squares problems under linear constraint, and to linear and nonlinear inequalities.
Spectral tuning of deep red cone pigments.

Visual pigments are G-protein-coupled receptors that provide a critical interface between organisms and their external environment. Natural selection has generated vertebrate pigments that absorb light from the far-UV (360 nm) to the deep red (630 nm) while using a single chromophore, in either the A1 (11-cis-retinal) or A2 (11-cis-3,4-dehydroretinal) form. The fact that a single chromophore can be manipulated to have an absorption maximum across such an extended spectral region is remarkable. The mechanisms of wavelength regulation remain to be fully revealed, and one of the least well-understood mechanisms is that associated with the deep red pigments. We investigate theoretically the hypothesis that deep red cone pigments select a 6-s-trans conformation of the retinal chromophore ring geometry. This conformation is in contrast to the 6-s-cis ring geometry observed in rhodopsin and, through model chromophore studies, the vast majority of visual pigments. Nomographic spectral analysis of 294 A1 and A2 co...