cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and being overweight/obesity: New data and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Literature has suggested that ADHD may be associated with increased risk of obesity. If so, this would have important clinical implications. Objective To clarify the size of the association between ADHD and obesity and to evaluate key moderators of the association including medication, gender, age, and psychiatric comorbidity. Method Two preliminary studies are presented to supply critical additional data for the meta-analysis: a two-year longitudinal study of an ADHD case–control sample of 313 children aged 7–11, and a national survey study of 45,309 families in the United States using the 2012 National Survey of Children's Health. Formal meta-analysis was then conducted. The identification procedure yielded 43 studies, reporting 225 comparisons or effect sizes, studying 703,937 participants An overall effect size was estimated with a random effects model (after pooling within study using a modified fixed effects model). Effect size was then examined in relation to medication, gender, age, and psychiatric comorbidity. Results The new study of children revealed no reliable association of ADHD and body mass index at any age or time point. In the national survey, ADHD was associated with obesity only in adolescent girls but not in children or boys; this effect was statistically accounted for by covarying of depression and conduct disorder. In the meta-analysis, the composite effect size was OR = 1.22 (95% CI = 1.11–1.34); 22 studies provided effects with medication controlled, yielding a composite effect size of OR = 1.30 (95% CI = 1.12–1.50). Pooled across age the association without covariates was reliable in females (OR = 1.19 [1.01–1.41]) but not males (OR = 1.10 [0.95–1.23]) although males and females did not statistically differ. Pooled across gender, the association was significantly larger in adults (> 18 years) (OR = 1.37 [1.19–1.58]) than in youth (OR = 1.13 [1.00–1.27]), p = .04. Conclusions ADHD has a small overall association with obesity, but this effect is moderate in adults. The effect is likely to be of no clinical significance in children, possible clinical significance in adolescent girls with comorbid disorders, and of clinical relevance by adulthood.
Perovskite BaCeO 3 as a New Redox Host for Catalytic Pd Nanoparticles

We have examined the ability of a carefully chosen perovskite, BaCeO3, to act as a redox host for noble metals, notably Pd, in the hope of producing an “intelligent” catalyst where palladium is absorbed into the host lattice as ions under oxidative conditions and released as elemental Pd under reducing conditions. Pd-substituted perovskites BaCe 1-x Pd x O3- δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) were prepared by solid-state reactions in pure oxygen. The crystal structure was refined in the orthorhombic space group Pnma. Palladium was found to be driven in and out of the perovskite lattice upon repeated redox cycles by detailed XRD study. SEM/EDX revealed the formation of perovskite nanowires and nanorods when reducing Pd-substituted BaCeO3 up to 1000°C.
INFLUENCE OF LOCAL FATIGUE ON SPEED AND ACCURACY IN MOTOR LEARNING.

Abstract Four groups of subjects, each consisting of 30 male college students, were assigned either to the rho motor learning test (speed) or the pursuit rotor motor learning test (accuracy) under either control or experimental conditions. Practice on each task lasted approximately 30 min. and resulted in large amounts of learning. Interpolated severe local physical fatigue was induced by exercising the experimental groups on an arm ergometer halfway through the learning of each task. The experimental groups suffered a 40 percent decrement in performance as a result of the interpolated fatigue, but the amount of learning was not influenced.
Compensation by the Uninjured Arm After Brachial Plexus Injury

Background: The goals of this study were to assess how preoperative and postoperative patients use their uninjured arm to compensate for adult brachial plexus injury (BPI) and to determine whether the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire measures this compensation. Methods: Ten preoperative and 13 postoperative patients were enrolled in this qualitative-quantitative study. During the qualitative phase, patients were asked how they compensated because of BPI; responses were analyzed with grounded theory. During the quantitative phase, patients completed a standard-DASH reflecting the ability to do activities in any way using both arms as necessary, and a qualified-DASH reflecting their estimated ability to do activities using the uninjured arm the way they otherwise usually would. Two DASH scores were calculated (range, 0-100, higher = worse) and were compared with paired t tests. Results: There were 3 categories of compensation: using the uninjured arm more, exclusively, or to position the injured arm so that the hand (if functional) could be used. The mean standard-DASH and qualified-DASH scores, respectively, were 52 and 74 for preoperative patients (difference 22, P < .0001), and 41 and 64 for postoperative patients (difference 23, P = .0008). Conclusions: Patients with BPI report different types of compensation by the uninjured arm which can be discerned by the DASH.
Abstract 5212: Akt signaling enhances carcinoid cell secretion, migration, and invasion

Carcinoid tumors are slow growing neuroendocrine tumors characterized by the secretion of peptides and biogenic amines such as serotonin (5-HT) and TGF-β. Although relatively indolent, carcinoid tumors of the GI tract can metastasize to the liver and release secretory products into the systemic circulation resulting in the carcinoid syndrome. PI3K/Akt signaling is increased in carcinoid tumors and is hypothesized to promote carcinoid progression. The purpose of our current study was to delineate the role of Akt signaling in carcinoid cell secretion, migration, and invasion using the BON cell line, derived from a human pancreatic carcinoid tumor. Methods. i.) BON cells were transfected with either non-targeting control shRNA (BON shControl) or shRNA to PTEN (BON shPTEN), the natural inhibitor of Akt activation. Conditioned media was collected from BON shControl and shPTEN cells and assessed for 5-HT and TGF-β by ELISA. Western blots were performed to assess changes in the expression of 5-HT and TGF-β. ii.) Scratch and Boyden chamber assays were performed to compare the migration and invasion, respectively, of BON shControl and shPTEN cells. The protein levels of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers E-cadherin, a cell adhesion protein, and snail were assessed in both cell groups with western blot. Cells were injected into the pancreas of athymic nude mice and liver metastases were assessed via immunofluorescence. Results. i.) Knockdown of PTEN increased the secretion of 5-HT and TGF-β from BON cells. Compared to control, lysates from BON shPTEN cells displayed increased expression of tryptophan hydroxylase, the rate limiting enzyme of 5-HT biosynthesis, and TGF-β. ii.) Compared to BON shControl cells, BON shPTEN cells exhibited a 3.2- and a 1.6-fold increase in migration at 24 h and 48 h, respectively. At 24 h BON shPTEN cells displayed an 8-fold increase in invasion, while at 48 h a 2.6-fold increase in invasion was noted compared to BON shControl cells. Knockdown of PTEN in BON cells significantly decreased E-cadherin expression, whereas snail expression was increased. BON shPTEN and BON shControl cells formed liver metastases in 60% and 10% of mice, respectively. Conclusions. The Akt pathway enhances carcinoid cell secretion and metastatic potential by increasing expression and synthesis of secretory products and by altering expression of EMT markers, respectively. In addition to promoting metastasis, Akt signaling may also contribute to carcinoid syndrome. These results suggest that targeting Akt signaling may provide a dual strategy to decrease peptide secretion and inhibit carcinoid cell invasion. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5212.
Lack of effect of actinomycin D on aldosterone induced antinatriuresis when administered after the hormone.

SummaryActinomycin D was administered at varying times after the administration of aldosterone to rats in order to determine if this inhibitor would either enhance or prolong the antinatriuretic action of aldosterone. No such effects were found, thus it would appear that an actinomycin D sensitive “represser” is not involved in terminating the sodium retaining action of the adrenocortical steroid hormone, aldosterone.
Eect of Finite-rate Chemical Reactions on Turbulence in Hypersonic Turbulent Boundary Layers

We conduct direct numerical simulations of reacting turbulent boundary layers to study the eects of finite-rate chemistry on turbulence as well as turbulence-chemistry interaction. It is found that turbulence fluctuations have a relative large influence on the dissociation reaction, while have a subtle influence on the recombination reaction. The influence of chemical reactions on temperature fluctuation variance, Reynolds stresses and turbulence kinetic energy is analyzed, and the results are compared with the non-reacting case. We find that the recombination reaction enhances turbulence, while the dissociation reaction damps turbulence. Chemical reactions influence the velocity field mainly by the heat of reaction, which causes volumetric flow expansion/contraction. The correlation of temperature fluctuation and fluctuation in species composition is significantly enhanced, and temperature fluctuations cause large fluctuations in species composition.
The Taxonomic Significance of Sporogenous Basal Cells in the Uredinales

(1949). The Taxonomic Significance of Sporogenous Basal Cells in the Uredinales. Mycologia: Vol. 41, No. 5, pp. 523-526.
Treatment of ADHD in Youth with Epilepsy (I15.006)

Objective: To study the effectiveness and potential side effects associated with stimulant medication for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in a clinical sample of youth with epilepsy. Background: Youth with epilepsy are at risk for ADHD. Historically, physicians have been reluctant to treat ADHD in youth with epilepsy based on concern that stimulant medication may lower the seizure threshold. Methods: Youth comprising the sample were diagnosed with ADHD via comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation and referred for treatment. Response to stimulant medication for the treatment of ADHD was monitored via symptom reduction on the Conners - Third Edition: Parent Rating Scale, Short Form (Conner’s 3), which was administered to caregivers prior to initiation of treatment and following dosage titration to achieve therapeutic efficacy. Stimulant medication side effects were examined with the Side Effects Rating Scale (SERS) prior to treatment and following dosage titration. Seizure frequency was ascertained via parent report. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare symptom reduction and side effects between the two time points. Results: Patients (N=20) demonstrated significant reduction in symptoms of inattention following treatment with stimulant medication (Conner’s 3 Inattention mean T-score=64.38) as compared to baseline (Conner’s 3 Inattention mean T-score=83.38, p<.0001), as well as significant reduction in symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity following treatment with stimulant medication (Conner’s 3 Hyperactivity/Impulsivity mean T-score=59.38) as compared to baseline (Conner’s 3 Hyperactivity/Impulsivity mean T-score=76.06, p<.0001). No increase in seizure frequency was reported for any patient. There was a significant reduction in side effects following treatment with stimulant medication (SERS mean total score=27.53) as compared to baseline (SERS mean total score=41.65, p=.0012). Conclusion. The results of this analysis contribute to a growing body of evidence in support of the effectiveness of stimulant medication, without seizure exacerbation, for the treatment of ADHD in youth with epilepsy. Disclosure: Dr. Lally has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kral has nothing to disclose. Dr. Boan has nothing to disclose.
Effective multi-base scalar multiplication algorithm with side-channel attack resistance

To raise the safety and efficiency of algorithm on Elliptic Curve Cryptography( ECC), a new multi-base scalar multiplication algorithm was presented based on original side-channel attack and scalar multiplication algorithm. In order to enhance the algorithm's security, random number and the masking technology of base point were introduced to hide the related side-channel informations of the algorithm. Meanwhile, fast point halving and the multi-base representation of scalar were conbined to improve the algorithm's efficiency. According to security analysis, the algorithm can resist various side-channel attacks well. Results of the actual experiments also show that the efficiency of the new method was improved about 36%-42% over the Purohit's method and about 8%- 11% over the Lai's method( LAI Z, ZHANG Z, TAO D. Algorithm for directly computing 7P elliptic curves and its application[J]. Journal of Computer Applications, 2013,33( 7) : 1870- 1874.)on the elliptic curves recommended by National Institute of Standards and Technology( NIST) including NIST B-163, NIST B-233, NIST B-283, when the number of pre-computation points were 2 and 5 respectively. The new algorithm can be applied to the domains of smart cards and other limited storage resources, making it more secure and efficient to the encryption and decryption of sensitive data.
Investigation on public and government response to public health emergencies among urban residents in Guangdong Province

Objective To investigate public and government response to public health emergencies among urban residents in Guangdong,and provide scientific basis for developing government strategies of health education and promotion. Methods Permanent residents in Yuexiu District,Liwan District in Guangzhou and Luohu District in Shenzhen were chosen by quota sampling and interviewed with a self-designed questionnaire. Results The three traditional media( television,newspapers,radio) and network were contributed to 85. 1% of role for information dissemination in public health emergencies. 42. 8% of residents felt nervous and insecure,18. 5% of them were calm. 93. 4% of them decreased their outdoor activities and changed their dwelling environment and living habits. 76. 7% of the public believed that government response during influenza A( H1N1) epidemic were more effectively than those responses during SARS period. Conclusion Residents' response to public health emergencies tended to be rational,but most of their psychological feelings were still nervous and insecure. To improve this situation,appropriate measures of propaganda and intervention should be taken among different age groups.
Bichromatic coherent excitation: application to the excitation of mesospheric sodium

A new scheme for coherently pumping two-photon transitions is demonstrated theoretically-It is shown that a total inversion can be achieved by using a pair of bichromatic ultrashort pulses tuned close to an intermediate resonance. The proximity of the intermediate resonance greatly enhances the efficiency of the process, making it possible to reach total inversion with energy densities of the order of microjoules per square centimeter. At the same time, the resonance conditions are controlled in such a way that at no time a dipole moment is created (the off-diagonal elements corresponding to dipole transitions remain <0.1).
Transitioning Students from a Preceptor Based Model to a Patient Focused Clinical Experience

• Comparison of student pre and post evaluation scores reflected an overall improvement in their knowledge base in regards to the preoperative care of a patient, the OR nurse’s role; post-operative pain and nausea & vomiting; thermoregulation, and monitoring of the post anesthesia patient. • Students expressed very positive remarks towards the new opportunities available in this process. • At least five of these students who experienced the new process applied and were accepted into positions in the OR internship. • The program continues to develop as new insight is gained by the follow-up data gathered from the students. IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROBLEM BACKGROUND
A molecular isotope record of climate variability and vegetation response in southwestern North America during mid-Pleistocene glacial/interglacial cycles

Climate variability during Pleistocene glacial/interglacial transitions is well documented in marine and ice-sheet isotopic records, but terrestrial records showing the continental response to these transitions are scarce, especially for earlier in the Pleistocene. Cyclic intervals of warm interglacial and cold glacial conditions preserved in terrestrial records such as lake sediments provide opportunities to probe the biosphere's response to climate change. In this study, we track climate and plant type changes, specifically the presence of C3 and C4 plants, using the abundance and δ13C signatures of leaf waxes in paleolacustrine sediments from Valles Caldera in New Mexico. Through these changes, we assess the response of vegetation to climate variability in southwestern North America through two mid-Pleistocene glacial/interglacial transitions (Marine Isotope Stage [MIS] 14/13 and 12/11). Leaf wax data show that the C3 forest taxa were dominant through the entire record whereas C4 plants, better adapted to warm conditions and competitive under water stress, are favored during warming and extended arid periods during interglacials. The δ13C signature in leaf wax n-alkanes suggests that C4 plants persisted in the watershed throughout the interglacials and that some summer rainfall (which is required to support C4 grasses) was maintained even during prolonged dry periods. The abundance and carbon isotope composition of leaf waxes together with new MBT/CBT (methylation index of branched tetraethers/cyclization index of branched tetraethers) temperature data confirm warmer and more arid conditions during MIS 13 than during MIS 11, in spite of relatively low greenhouse gas concentrations during MIS 13. This suggests that variations in incoming solar radiation have played a major role in regulating the surface temperature, regional hydrological systems and vegetation in southwestern North America, likely through changes in the North American Monsoon coupled with variations in the location of the mid-latitude westerlies.
Audience Reactions to the Different Aspects of Nollywood Movies

This article juxtaposes two audiences-Nigerians in Nigeria and Nigerians in South Africa in order to ascertain how they perceive favorite aspects and disliked aspects of Nigerian movie productions, popularly known as Nollywood. The results indicate that the two groups favor the depiction of Nigerian/African cultures over other themes; yet, Nigerians in South Africa disfavor the reality of Nollywood movies. The disliked aspects of these films were repetition, poor quality and the supernatural. Grounded in reception analysis and mirroring McLuhan’s hot-cool model, the analysis indicates that the quality of Nollywood movies impacts how audiences decode the movies. Findings suggest that for those living outside of Nigeria, nostalgia leads them to seek movies that allow them to escape into a Nigeria that never was.
siRNA-Induced Transient Silencing of PTEN Expression Enhances Human Hematopoietic Cell Engraftment in NOD/SCID/γcnull Mice and Increases Gene Transduction Efficiency.

PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue) has been implicated as a regulator of murine hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal. In mice, PTEN deletion initially results in a transient expansion of HSC numbers, but the HSC pool subsequently becomes depleted. Therefore, constitutive down-modulation of PTEN would not be desirable for stem cell expansion, however transient depletion of PTEN activity could be beneficial for transplantation and gene therapy applications. Little is understood regarding the role of PTEN in human HSC regulation. We studied the impact of transient inhibition of PTEN expression in human CD34+ cells on their cell cycle profile, their susceptibility to retroviral transduction, their proliferative potential in vitro, and their ability to repopulate NOD/ SCID/γ c null mice. Human G-CSF-mobilized CD34+ cells were transfected with PTEN siRNA (PTEN1 or PTEN2) or control siRNA. Forty-eight hours later PTEN expression was inhibited by 73–100% (PTEN1) and 64–97% (PTEN2) compared to CD34+ cells transfected with control siRNA as measured by real-time RT-PCR. Reduced PTEN protein levels were confirmed by Western blot. Compared to control siRNA treated CD34+ cells, PTEN-silenced CD34+ cells showed a significant decrease in the proportion of cells in the G0 phase of the cell cycle (PTEN1: 10.9%; PTEN2: 13.0%; control: 19.5%; p −/− (NOD/SCID/γ c null ) mice. A total of 25 NOD/SCID/γ c null mice were transplanted with PTEN or control siRNA treated CD34+ cells immediately after nucleofection (PTEN1 n=10; PTEN2 n=5; control n=10) and 9 additional mice were transplanted with untreated human CD34+ cells. Mice transplanted with PTEN1 siRNA- or PTEN2 siRNA-treated CD34+ cells had increased percentages of human cell engraftment as determined by flow cytometry for human CD45 compared to mice transplanted with control siRNA-treated CD34+ cells or untreated CD34+ cells (PTEN1: 37.6%; PTEN2: 38.1%; control: 19.7%; untreated: 19.2%, p = 0.03). NOD/ SCID/γ c null mice transplanted with PTEN1 and PTEN2 siRNA-treated CD34+ cells showed no statistically significant differences in human lymphoid (CD3+, CD20+) or myeloid (CD15+) differentiation compared to control mice but a trend favoring an increased representation of myeloid (CD15+) cells was noted in PTEN1-treated mice (PTEN1: 41.7%; control: 18.8%, p = 0.06). None of these mice developed myeloproliferative disorders or leukemias. Overall, these data suggest that PTEN plays an important role in governing transitions between the quiescent and activated states of primitive human hematopoietic cells, and the transient inhibition of PTEN expression in these cells results in improved retroviral transduction efficiencies and increased engraftment. This approach may find clinical applications in gene therapy for inherited disorders and in adult cord blood stem cell transplantation where the number of HSC is limited.
Embracing Subjective Assessment Practices: Recommendations for Art Educators

I am concerned that assessment of art is by nature subjective and because of that, not really accountable. When you force it into some sort of truly objective form it then (however accountable) bec...
Migration, local identity and change in Tianjin tone sandhi

Four variable disyllabic tone sandhi patterns are traditionally identified in Tianjin (Li & Liu 1985). The present study focuses on two of these tone sandhi variables, referred to as (FF) and (FL) after their input patterns of ‘falling falling’ (HL.HL) and ‘falling low’ (HL.LL) respectively. The data are drawn from 76 sociolinguistic interviews conducted in Tianjin in 2014-16. In line with other reports (Shi & Wang 2004, Gao & Lu 2003), the study indicates that (FF) has decreased in frequency over time, while (FL) has increased in frequency. But the social motivations for the rise and the decline of these variables have not previously been investigated. I propose that the social motivations of the changes might be interaction of Standardization and Tianjin community’s effort to keep local identity, especially at the period when a large number of migrants rushed into the city. (FF) displays a linear decrease of the local variant in apparent time, probably due to its status as a stereotype (Labov, 1972) of ‘old-fashioned’ Tianjin identity and speech (Han 1993). Different from (FF), (FL) has never been stigmatized, so it is available for ‘recycling’ (Dubois & Horvath 2000) as a positive marker (Labov, 1972) of ‘new’ Tianjin identity.
Structure and expression of growth hormone- releasing hormone (GHRH) genes

The neurohumoral regulation of growth hormone secretion is mediated in part by two hypothalamic peptides, somatostatin and growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Although somatostatin, a peptide possessing inhibitory activity for growth hormone release, was one of the first of the hypothalamic releasing or release-inhibiting factors to be chemically characterized (Brazeau et al. 1973), a positively acting growth hormone-releasing factor was not unequivocally identified until 1982 (Guillemin et al. 1982; Rivier et al. 1982). The initial isolation of GHRH was facilitated by the existence of human tumors ectopically producing growth hormone-releasing activity (Frohman and Szabo 1981; Cronin et al. 1982), and it was from two tumors of this type that human GHRH was characterized as colinear peptides of 40 or 44 amino acids. Subsequently, the identity of this structure with that of GHRH of human hypothalamic origin (Ling et al. 1984) and the similarity of this structure with that of GHRH of rat hypothalamic origin (Spiess et al. 1983) were verified. The biology of GHRH action has been the topic of several recent reviews (Wehrenberg et al. 1985; Frohman and Jansson 1986; Gelato and Merriam 1986), and is further considered in other chapters within this volume.
Motor unit number estimation in asymptomatic familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews that sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative disease of motor neurones, resulting in progressive loss of voluntary muscle strength. It is probable that familial ALS is genetically heterogeneous and can be caused by mutations in more than one gene. Individuals, who are known SOD1 mutation carriers, constitute a unique opportunity to study pre-clinical ALS. The chapter discusses that patients with substantial chronic denervation could maintain normal muscle twitch tension until loss of about 70%–80% of motor units occur when collateral reinnervation was unable to provide further compensation. This indicates that considerable (>70%) motor neurone loss could occur before the onset of symptoms or weakness in ALS patients. It reviews that in order to determine if significant loss of motor neurones occur years before the onset of disease, a cross-sectional study is performed at risk asymptomatic individuals— that is, no neurological symptoms or signs as determined by a neurologist.
Comparative virion structures of human herpesviruses

The herpesvirus family consists of a group of viruses distinguished by the large size of their linear double-stranded DNA genomes (∼130–250 kbp) and a common architecture of infectious particles (Fig. 3.1) (Chiu and Rixon, ; Gibson, ; Steven and Spear, 1997). Indeed, before the birth of molecular biology and the availability of genomic sequencing, the common hallmark structural features shared by these viruses were the most important criteria for the classification of a herpesvirus (Roizman and Pellett, 2001). All herpesviruses identified to date, which include eight different types that are known to infect human, and more than 170 other viruses that are found in animals as well as in fish and amphibians (Roizman and Pellett, 2001), exhibit identical structural design as illustrated using human cytomegalovirus shown in Fig. 3.1. These viruses have a highly ordered icosahedral-shape nucleocapsid of about 125–130 nm in diameter, which encases the viral DNA genome. The nucleocapsid is surrounded by a partially ordered proteinaceous layer called the tegument, which in turn is enclosed within the envelope, a polymorphic lipid bilayer containing multiple copies of more than 10 different kinds of viral glycoproteins that are responsible for viral attachment and entry to host cells.
Weighted Composite Order-Statistics Filters

In this paper, we investigate methods for optimal morphological pattern recognition. The task of optimal pattern recognition is posed as a solution to a hypothesis testing problem. A minimum probability of error decision rule—maximum a posteriori filter—is sought. The classical solution to the minimum probability of error hypothesis testing problem, in the presence of independent and identically distributed noise degradation, is provided by template matching (TM). A modification of this task, seeking a solution to the minimum probability of error hypothesis testing problem, in the presence of composite (mixed) independent and identically distributed noise degradation, is demonstrated to be given by weighted composite template matching (WCTM). As a consequence of our investigation, the relationship of the order-statistics filter (OSF) and TM—in both the standard as well as the weighted and composite implementations—is established. This relationship is based on the thresholded cross-correlation representation of the OSF. The optimal order and weights of the OSF for pattern recognition are subsequently derived. An additional outcome of this representation is a fast method for the implementation of the OSF.
Impact of primary breast cancer therapy on energetic capacity and body composition.

This observational study was designed to measure baseline energy parameters and body composition in early-stage breast cancer patients, and to follow changes during and after various modalities of treatment. This will provide information to aid in the development of individualized physical activity intervention strategies. Patients with newly diagnosed stage 0–III breast cancer were enrolled into three cohorts: A (local therapy alone), B (endocrine therapy), or C (chemotherapy with or without endocrine therapy). At baseline, 6 months, and 12 months, subjects underwent a stationary bicycle protocol to assess power generation and DEXA to assess body composition. Eighty-three patients enrolled. Patients had low and variable levels of power generation at baseline (mean power per kilogram lean mass 1.55 W/kg, SD 0.88). Power normalized to lean body mass (W/kg) decreased significantly, and similarly, by 6 months in cohorts B (1.42–1.04 W/kg, p = 0.008) and C (1.53–1.18 W/kg, p < 0.001). In all cohorts, there was no recovery of power generation by 12 months. Cohort C lost lean body mass (− 1.5 kg, p = 0.007), while cohort B maintained lean body mass (− 0.2 kg, p = 0.68), despite a similar trajectory in loss of power. Seven patients developed sarcopenia during the study period, including four patients who did not receive any chemotherapy (cohort B). The stationary bike protocol was feasible, easy, and acceptable to patients as a way to measure energetic capacity in a clinical setting. Early-stage breast cancer patients had low and variable levels of power generation, which worsened following primary therapy and did not show evidence of ‘spontaneous recovery’ by 12 months. Effective physical activity interventions will need to be personalized, accounting for both baseline ability and the effect of treatment.
Tunable Fluorescence from a Responsive Hyperbranched Polymer with Spatially Arranged Fluorophore Arrays

In the present study, a water-soluble hyperbranched polymer platform that contained a Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) array and exhibited varied fluorescence in response to solvent, light, and CN- anion stimuli was constructed. The use of chain-growth copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition polymerization (CuAACP) enabled accurate control of the ratio and distance of three incorporated fluorophores, coumarin (Cou), nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD), and photoswitchable spiropyran (SP), that could be reversibly transformed into the red-emitting merocyanine (MC) state. Within the FRET system, the energy flow from Cou to MC was significantly enhanced by the introduction of NBD as a central fluorophore relay. Moreover, the energy-transfer efficiency was increased by changing the solvent from tetrahydrofuran to more polar water; this was accompanied by a clear color change and fluorescence behavior. These correlations of polymer composition and solvent polarity to the FRET efficiency were finally applied to the effective detection of CN- anion; thus demonstrating a function of this polymer as a CN- sensor.
Racial and gender disparities in the incidence of anal cancer: analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS).

Background Racial and gender disparities have been shown in other gastrointestinal cancers. However, there is a paucity of data on racial and gender disparities in anal cancer (AC). The aim of this study was to assess racial and gender disparities among patients with AC. Methods We analyzed data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2011 database of patients diagnosed with AC with age ≥18. Demographic data including age, race and gender were assessed. Patients were stratified based on race and gender. Log binomial regression was used to generate risk ratios. Results A total of 6,013,105 patients were assessed and 1,956 (0.03%) patients had AC. Female patients were more at risk of developing AC [relative risk (RR): 1.14, P=0.02]. Whites and Blacks had the highest incidence followed by Asians/Pacific Islanders. Black males had increased risk of AC (RR: 1.43, P<0.01). Amongst Hispanics; both males (RR: 0.69, P=0.05) and females (RR: 0.46, P<0.0001) had decreased risk of developing AC. Finally, we saw that Asian females had a much lower risk of developing AC (RR: 0.33, P<0.01). Conclusions Racial disparities and gender differences exist in the incidence of AC. Potential causes for this disparity are disparate access to healthcare, lack of education, and lack of awareness. Greater understanding of the racial disparity in AC can help identify at risk population and eventually lead to improved preventative measures to ultimately reduce the incidence of AC.
Natural forms of vitamin E and metabolites-regulation of cancer cell death and underlying mechanisms

The disappointing results from large clinical studies of α-tocopherol (αT), the major form of vitamin E in tissues, for prevention of chronic diseases including cancer have cast doubt on not only αT but also other forms of vitamin E regarding their role in preventing carcinogenesis. However, basic research has shown that specific forms of vitamin E such as γ-tocopherol (γT), δ-tocopherol (δT), γ-tocotrienol (γTE) and δ-tocotrienol (δTE) can inhibit the growth and induce death of many types of cancer cells, and are capable of suppressing cancer development in preclinical cancer models. For these activities, these vitamin E forms are much stronger than αT. Further, recent research revealed novel anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of vitamin E metabolites including 13'-carboxychromanols. This review focuses on anti-proliferation and induction of death in cancer cells by vitamin E forms and metabolites, and discuss mechanisms underlying these anticancer activities. The existing in vitro and in vivo evidence indicates that γT, δT, tocotrienols and 13'-carboxychromanols have anti-cancer activities via modulating key signaling or mediators that regulate cell death and tumor progression, such as eicosanoids, NF-κB, STAT3, PI3K, and sphingolipid metabolism. These results provide useful scientific rationales and mechanistic understanding for further translation of basic discoveries to the clinic with respect to potential use of these vitamin E forms and metabolites for cancer prevention and therapy. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(4):495-506, 2019.
Membrane Mechanics in Living Cells

The combination of fluid and mechanical properties exhibited by cell membranes enables a wealth of physical phenomena, many of which also have biological functions. A recent study in Cell (Shi et al., 2018) now shows that membrane tension in the cell may not be as simple as it first seemed.
Specialized Task Assignment and the Learning Curve

By building on the analytical model of Zhang (2003) and Hughes et al. (2005), we demonstrate that learning effects are a critical component of task assignment decisions. Just as broad task assignment can result in the benefit of complementarity, specialized task assignment can produce efficiency gains from learning. Since there remains considerable discussion regarding the true shape and slope of the learning curve, we develop a flexible model which allows managers to vary the learning input when forming decisions regarding employee task assignment. Our results merge the substantial literature on the learning curve with the growing debate over proper task assignment.
Long‐term trajectories of fractional component change in the Northern Great Basin, USA

The need to monitor change in sagebrush steppe is urgent due to the increasing impacts of climate change, shifting fire regimes, and management practices on ecosystem health. Remote sensing provides a cost‐effective and reliable method for monitoring change through time and attributing changes to drivers. We report an automated method of mapping rangeland fractional component cover over a large portion of the Northern Great Basin, USA, from 1986 to 2016 using a dense Landsat imagery time series. Our method improved upon the traditional change vector method by considering the legacy of change at each pixel. We evaluate cover trends stratified by climate bin and assess spatial and temporal relationships with climate variables. Finally, we statistically evaluate the minimum time density needed to accurately characterize temporal patterns and relationships with climate drivers. Over the 30‐yr period, shrub cover declined and bare ground increased. While few pixels had >10% cover change, a large majority had at least some change. All fractional components had significant spatial relationships with water year precipitation (WYPRCP), maximum temperature (WYTMAX), and minimum temperature (WYTMIN) in all years. Shrub and sagebrush cover in particular respond positively to warming WYTMIN, resulting from the largest increases in WYTMIN being in the coolest and wettest areas, and respond negatively to warming WYTMAX because the largest increases in WYTMAX are in the warmest and driest areas. The trade‐off of lowering temporal density against removing cloud‐contaminated years is justified as temporal density appears to have only a modest impact on trends and climate relationships until n ≤ 6, but multi‐year gaps are proportionally more influential. Gradual change analysis is likely to be less sensitive to n than abrupt change. These data can be used to answer critical questions regarding the influence of climate change and the suitability of management practices.
Effect of isotropic and anisotropic porous microstructure on electrochemical performance of Li ion battery cathodes: An experimental and computational study

Abstract Liquid electrolyte mass transport is a major limitation affecting high-power Li ion batteries. Fast discharging causes Li salt depletion in the current collector region of the cathode which produces overpotential in the electrolyte and consequently a drop of cell voltage to below the cut-off voltage, especially at higher electrode thickness and discharge rate. In this study, through experiment and simulation, we have investigated the effect of electrode thickness, mass loading, discharge rate and tortuosity on electrolyte mass transport and final derived areal capacity and specific energy for electrodes having isotropic (normal tape casting) and anisotropic (freeze tape casting) porous microstructure. The macroporous channels in freeze tape cast electrodes facilitate Li salt transport and reduce the Li salt mass transport limitations even at high electrode thickness and discharge rates, and high electrode tortuosity. Computer simulations show that freeze tape cast electrodes may be fully discharged up to 750 μm thickness at 1 C rate compared to 300 μm for normal tape cast electrodes with the same mass loading. Freeze tape cast electrodes also show stable maximum areal capacity for C rates about double the maximum C rates of their normal tape cast electrode counterparts with the same mass loading.
An Examination of Public Discourse on Human Gene Editing Using Natural Language Processing

This research aims to explore the different ways in which scientists, ethicists, journalists, and commissions speak to the public about new gene-editing technologies. The research collected more th...
Whole exome sequencing in the UK Biobank reveals risk gene SLC2A1 and biological insights for major depressive disorder

Abstract Nearly two hundred common-variant depression risk loci have been identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS)1–4. However, the impact of rare coding variants on depression remains poorly understood. Here, we present the largest to date exome analysis of depression based on 320,356 UK Biobank participants. We show that the burden of rare disruptive coding variants in loss-of-function intolerant genes is significantly associated with depression risk. Among 30 genes with false discovery rate (FDR)
Next-Generation Sequencing for Pathogen Detection and Identification

Abstract Over the past decade, the field of genomics has seen such drastic improvements in sequencing chemistries that high-throughput sequencing, or next-generation sequencing (NGS), is being applied to generate data across many disciplines. NGS instruments are becoming less expensive, faster, and smaller, and therefore are being adopted in an increasing number of laboratories, including clinical laboratories. Thus far, clinical use of NGS has been mostly focused on the human genome, for purposes such as characterizing the molecular basis of cancer or for diagnosing and understanding the basis of rare genetic disorders. There are, however, an increasing number of examples whereby NGS is employed to discover novel pathogens, and these cases provide precedent for the use of NGS in microbial diagnostics. NGS has many advantages over traditional microbial diagnostic methods, such as unbiased rather than pathogen-specific protocols, ability to detect fastidious or non-culturable organisms, and ability to detect co-infections. One of the most impressive advantages of NGS is that it requires little or no prior knowledge of the pathogen, unlike many other diagnostic assays; therefore for pathogen discovery, NGS is very valuable. However, despite these advantages, there are challenges involved in implementing NGS for routine clinical microbiological diagnosis. We discuss these advantages and challenges in the context of recently described research studies.
Vertebrobasilar Ischemia: Embolic and Low-Flow Mechanisms

A 51-year-old male experienced over a period of 6 months a major stroke and several transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) of vertebrobasilar distribution. The original episode consisted of loss of balance, loss of coordination, and loss of the left visual field while driving a bus, which resulted in a road accident. Since then, he had experienced four additional episodes of aphasia and paraparesis lasting for 4–5 h. A diagnosis of vertebral artery dissection was made at the local hospital and he was placed on Coumadin. Concomitant diagnoses were hypertension, non-insulin-dependent diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia. In spite of adequate international normalized ratio (INR) levels, his symptoms continued and he was referred to us.
Hyperentanglement and femtosecond parametric down-conversion

Summary form only given. Entanglement has proven to be an important resource in generating completely new optical states that can be used in quantum information processing, secure communication, and precise optical measurement. The transition from this theoretical notion to experimental reality is often a challenging step, however. One of the most accessible sources of entangled-photon states is a nonlinear optical process called spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC), in which an-optical crystal illuminated by a laser beam spontaneously generates pairs of photons. We present a formalism that incorporates the hyper-entangled nature of the quantum state generated via SPDC. The key to providing an adequate physical description of ultrafast parametric down conversion is to consider the initial entangled state in its entirety including the interplay among the different quantum variables.
Use of ground-based coronal data to predict the date of solar-cycle maximum

Prediction of the exact date of the maximum of the 11-year solar activity cycle is a matter of disagreement among solar scientists and of some importance to satellite operators, space-system designers, etc. Most predictions are based on physical conditions occurring at or before the solar-cycle minimum preceding the maximum in question. However, another indicator of the timing of the maximum occurs early in the rise phase of the solar cycle. A study of the variation over two previous solar cycles of coronal emission features in Fe xiv from the National Solar Observatory at Sacramento Peak has shown that, prior to solar maximum, emission features appear above 50° latitude in both hemispheres and begin to move towards the poles at a rate of 8° to 11° of latitude per year. This motion is maintained for a period of 3 or 4 years, at which time the emission features disappear near the poles. This phenomenon has been referred to as the `Rush to the Poles'. These observations show that the maximum of solar activity, as seen in the sunspot number, occurs approximately 19 ± 2 months before the features reach the poles. In 1997, Fe xiv emission features appeared near 55° latitude, and began to move towards the poles. Using the above historical data from cycles 21 and 22, we will see how the use of progressively more data from cycle 23 affects the prediction of the date of solar maximum. The principal conclusion is that the date of solar maximum for cycle 23 could be predicted to within 6 months as early as 1997. For solar cycle 24, when this phenomenon first becomes apparent later this decade, the average parameters for cycles 21–23 can be used to predict the date of solar maximum.
Taurine: An Essential Nutrient for the Cat

Cats fed a purified diet containing purified casein as the source of protein develop retinal degeneration due to the lack of taurine in the diet. To test whether cats can synthesize this sulfur amino acid from sulfate or cystine, radioisotopes of these substances were injected into taurine-depleted and control cats. Sulfate did not serve as a precursor for taurine synthesis, whereas cystine underwent only a moderate conversion to taurine. This is in keeping with the low level of cysteinesulfinic acid (CSA) decarboxylase activity in cat liver. There was no difference between the activity of CSA decarboxylase in tissues from control cats and that in tissues from taurine-depleted cats. The pattern of tissue accumulation of [35S]taurine and from [35S]cystine also indicated that tissues from taurine-depleted cats do not synthesize [35S]taurine more rapidly than tissues from control cats. The data did not indicate a difference in taurine uptake by tissues of control and deficient cats, but progressive accumulation in deficient cats suggested that the turnover rate of taurine is decreased by the deficiency. Since supplementation of the purified diet with cysteine has been found previously to be inadequate to prevent progressive taurine depletion of the retina and its subsequent degeneration and since conversion of sulfur compounds to taurine in vivo is inadequate, taurine can be considered an essential nutrient for the cat.