cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Msx1 Mutations How Do They Cause Tooth Agenesis

Mutations in the transcription factors PAX9 and MSX1 cause selective tooth agenesis in humans. In tooth bud mesenchyme of mice, both proteins are required for the expression of Bmp4, which is the key signaling factor for progression to the next step of tooth development. We have previously shown that Pax9 can transactivate a 2.4-kb Bmp4 promoter construct, and that most tooth-agenesis-causing PAX9 mutations impair DNA binding and Bmp4 promoter activation. We also found that Msx1 by itself represses transcription from this proximal Bmp4 promoter, and that, in combination with Pax9, it acts as a potentiator of Pax9-induced Bmp4 transactivation. This synergism of Msx1 with Pax9 is significant, because it is currently the only documented mechanism for Msx1-mediated activation of Bmp4. In this study, we investigated whether the 5 known tooth-agenesis-causing MSX1 missense mutations disrupt this Pax9-potentiation effect, or if they lead to deficiencies in protein stability, protein-protein interactions, nuclear translocation, and DNA-binding. We found that none of the studied molecular mechanisms yielded a satisfactory explanation for the pathogenic effects of the Msx1 mutations, calling for an entirely different approach to the investigation of this step of odontogenesis on the molecular level.
Behavioral practices and mortality in women former college athletes and nonathletes.

In 1981–1982 we first studied the long-term health of women college graduates, college athletes, and a comparison group of nonathletes; the women’s average age was 39 years. In a 15-year follow-up we investigated changes in health, behavioral practices, and mortality. Smoking was a highly significant risk factor for mortality: The hazard ratio was 2.2. Other behavioral risk factors were ever-smoking and not currently engaging in regular exercise. Behavioral practices that include not smoking, doing regular exercise, and consuming moderate amounts of alcohol may lead to lower mortality.
Feedback for guiding reflection on teamwork practices

Effective communication in project teams is important, but not often taught. We explore how feedback might improve teamwork in a controlled experiment where groups interact through chat rooms. Collaborators who receive high feedback ratings use different language than poor collaborators (e.g. more words, fewer assents, and less affect-laden language). Further, feedback affects language use. This suggests that a system could use linguistic analysis to automatically provide and visualize feedback to teach teamwork. To this end, we present GroupMeter, a system that applies principles discovered in the experiment to provide feedback both from peers and from automated linguistic analysis.
Effective Intervention with Neglectful Families

The limited research on approaches to intervention with neglectful families is reviewed and guidelines for intervening with neglect are suggested. Most outcome studies have not employed experimenta...
Opioid thermal antinociception in rhesus monkeys : receptor mechanisms and temperature dependency

The antinociceptive effects of the opioid agonists etonitazene and alfentanil, as well as the agonist/antagonists nalbuphine, [(1)-beta-2'-hydroxy-2,9-dimethyl-5-phenyl-6,7-benzomorphan (GPA 1657)] and profadol were studied in the warm water (48 degrees and 55 degrees C) tail-withdrawal assay in rhesus monkeys. Etonitazene and alfentanil produced dose-dependent increases in tail-withdrawal latency up to the maximum possible latency of 20 sec in 48 degrees and 55 degrees C water. Nalbuphine, GPA 1657 and profadol produced the maximum possible effect only at 48 degrees C, and were ineffective at 55 degrees C. The opioid antagonist quadazocine produced a dose-dependent antagonism of all agonists except profadol. In a Schild plot analysis, apparent pA2 values for quadazocine with alfentanil, etonitazene and nalbuphine were homogeneous (7.3-7.7 mol/kg), suggesting their effects were probably mediated by mu opioid receptors. The apparent pA2 value for GPA 1657 was significantly lower (6.2 mol/kg), suggesting GPA 1657 may have produced antinociception by a non mu receptor-mediated mechanism. The selective delta antagonist naltrindole (0.32-1.0 mg/kg) antagonized the antinociceptive effect of GPA 1657. The kappa-selective antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI, 3.2 mg/kg) caused a small rightward shift in the GPA 1657 dose-effect curve. Nalbuphine, GPA 1657 or profadol produced a rightward shift in the alfentanil dose-effect curve in 55 degrees C water, consistent with possible low-efficacy mu agonist effects of these compounds. These studies suggest agonists may be differentiated based on antinociceptive effectiveness, receptor selectivity and intrinsic efficacy in the rhesus monkey tail-withdrawal procedure.
AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF PARAFOIL SECTIONS

In order to assist the numerical simulation community as well as the design community, this paper presents a basic wind tunnel investigation of parafoil sections. Force and moment data were obtained for twodimensional sections whose geometry showed variation in leading edge truncation, leading edge inlet and leading edge spanwise scalloping. Flow visualization studies were also performed. Results of the investigation show similar force and moment data and similar flow fields for a section with open, ramair inlets at the leading edge when compared with a section with a sealed leading edge. Less lift was measured for a parafoil section with a truncated leading edge when compared with a similar section with a rounded leading edge. Background
The Phylogeny of Bacillus cereus sensu lato.

The three main species of the Bacillus cereus sensu lato, B. cereus, B. thuringiensis, and B. anthracis, were recognized and established by the early 1900s because they each exhibited distinct phenotypic traits. B. thuringiensis isolates and their parasporal crystal proteins have long been established as a natural pesticide and insect pathogen. B. anthracis, the etiological agent for anthrax, was used by Robert Koch in the 19th century as a model to develop the germ theory of disease, and B. cereus, a common soil organism, is also an occasional opportunistic pathogen of humans. In addition to these three historical species designations, are three less-recognized and -understood species: B. mycoides, B. weihenstephanensis, and B. pseudomycoides. All of these “species” combined comprise the Bacillus cereus sensu lato group. Despite these apparently clear phenotypic definitions, early molecular approaches to separate the first three by various DNA hybridization and 16S/23S ribosomal sequence analyses led to some “confusion” because there were limited differences to differentiate between these species. These and other results have led to frequent suggestions that a taxonomic change was warranted to reclassify this group to a single species. But the pathogenic properties of B. anthracis and the biopesticide applications of B. thuringiensis appear to “have outweighed pure taxonomic considerations” and the separate species categories are still being maintained. B. cereus sensu lato represents a classic example of a now common bacterial species taxonomic quandary.
Cyber-D&D Case Studies

To highlight the benefits and challenges associated with cyber-D&D and explore aspects of operational implementation, we present two case studies: one based on accounts of the Stuxnet intrusion that damaged Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities and the other a notional depiction of an espionage-motivated intrusion. The Stuxnet cyber-sabotage case showcases extensive use of offensive cyber-D&D at the technique, tactical, operational, and strategic levels. The fictional case study illustrates how elements of cyber-D&D can be used defensively against APT attempts at cyber espionage.
Trends in gluten research and its relationship to autoimmune and allergic diseases

Abstract Introduction Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, and causes an autoimmune response in celiac disease patients. Although the subject of considerable research, gluten research foci and future directions are largely unknown. Methods The MEDLINE search tool was used to evaluate research trends. For perspective, yearly publications on gluten and other celiac disease reactive proteins were compared to food allergy proteins research. Then the relationship of gluten publications to affiliated keywords was determined. The affiliated keywords belonged to one of several groups: grains, vitamins and minerals, interaction, autoimmunity, genetics, or enzymes. The yearly number of publications in the peer-reviewed medical literature was determined for each relationship from years 1960–2013. The relationships were graphed, and linear regression analysis was used to determine the rate of change in publications per year, and the coefficient of determination. Results Among celiac disease reactive proteins (gluten, gliadin, and glutenin) and selected food allergy proteins (ovalbumin, lysozyme, ovomucoid, and Ara h), gluten showed the greatest rate of increase in published medical research (+20.01 studies/year since 1996, r2=0.97). Additionally, there were sharp increases in the rate of gluten research publications per year in association with keywords ‘autoimmunity’ (+7.69 studies/year since 1997), ‘wheat’ (+6.08 studies/year since 1999), and ‘transglutaminase’ enzyme (+5.05 studies/year since 1995). The longest running moderate trend was research on ‘gluten’ and ‘antibodies’ (+2.50 studies/year, r2=0.92 since 1971). Conclusions Research on gluten as a reactive protein is of rapidly growing interest in the medical literature. MEDLINE is helpful to determine foci and future directions.
A Test of Directional Photo-Ionization Models of Second Harmonic Generation in Optical Fibers

In 1987 a theory for the generation of a macroscopic electron current based on directional photo-ionization was put forth.1 This model proposes that defect states within the fiber irradiated by a field and its harmonic could make single-photon and two-photon transitions to states above the mobility edge. The model predicts an interference effect between the two channels which results in a phase dependent anisotropy and the ejection of the electron with a preferred direction. This basic idea has been modified to better account for the location of defect states in the silica gap by increasing the order of the process.2
Rare-earth-element minerals in martian breccia meteorites NWA 7034 and 7533: Implications for fluid–rock interaction in the martian crust

Paired martian breccia meteorites, Northwest Africa (NWA) 7034 and 7533, are the first martian rocks found to contain rare-earth-element (REE) phosphates and silicates. The most common occurrence is as clusters of anhedral monazite-(Ce) inclusions in apatite. Occasionally, zoned, irregular merrillite inclusions are also present in apatite. Monazite-bearing apatite is sometimes associated with alkali-feldspar and Fe-oxide. Apatite near merrillite and monazite generally contains more F and OH (F-rich region) than the main chlorapatite host and forms irregular boundaries with the main host. Locally, the composition of F-rich regions can reach pure fluorapatite. The chlorapatite hosts are similar in composition to isolated apatite without monazite inclusions, and to euhedral apatite in lithic clasts. The U–Th-total Pb ages of monazite in three apatite are 1.0±0.4Ga (2σ), 1.1±0.5Ga (2σ), and 2.8±0.7Ga (2σ), confirming a martian origin. The texture and composition of monazite inclusions are mostly consistent with their formation by the dissolution of apatite and/or merrillite by fluid at elevated temperatures (>100 °C). In NWA 7034, we observed a monazite-chevkinite-perrierite-bearing benmoreite or trachyandesite clast. Anhedral monazite and chevkinite-perrierite grains occur in a matrix of sub-micrometer REE-phases and silicates inside the clast. Monazite-(Ce) and -(Nd) and chevkinite-perrierite-(Ce) and -(Nd) display unusual La and Ce depletion relative to Sm and Nd. In addition, one xenotime-(Y)-bearing pyrite-ilmenite-zircon clast with small amounts of feldspar and augite occurs in NWA 7034. One xenotime crystal was observed at the edge of an altered zircon grain, and a cluster of xenotime crystals resides in a mixture of alteration materials. Pyrite, ilmenite, and zircon in this clast are all highly altered, zircon being the most likely source of Y and HREE now present in xenotime. The association of xenotime with zircon, low U and Th contents, and the low Yb content relative to Gd and Dy in xenotime suggest the possible formation of xenotime as a byproduct of fluid–zircon reactions. On the basis of relatively fresh apatite grains and lithic clasts in the same samples, we propose that the fluid–rock/mineral reactions occurred in the source rocks before their inclusion in NWA 7034 and 7533. Additionally, monazite-bearing apatite and REE-mineral-bearing clasts are possibly derived from different crustal origins. Thus, our results imply the wide-occurrence of hydrothermal fluids in the martian crust at 1 Ga or older, which were probably induced by impacts or large igneous intrusions.
Chitosan for the delivery of antibiotics

Abstract Bacterial or fungal infections can be a devastating complication acquired after environmental exposure to microorganisms, especially after injury, surgery, hospitalization, or implantation of biomaterials. The development of antibiotic-resistant strains of microorganisms provides further complications to treatment, as well as the formation of biofilm in tissue or on implanted biomaterials. Delivery of antibiotics systemically or locally can treat or prevent infection, but improved delivery systems are required for optimal release profile and efficacy. The natural biopolymer chitosan has been used in many forms, including films, coatings, beads, and hydrogels to deliver antibiotics and antimicrobials. This chapter reviews current research on chitosan for antibiotic delivery and provides general methods for assessing antibiotic release from chitosan biomaterials.
Seismo-Acoustic Benchmark Problems Involving Sloping Fluid–Solid Interfaces

The accuracy of the seismo-acoustic parabolic equation is tested for problems involving sloping fluid–solid interfaces. The fluid may correspond to the ocean or a sediment layer that only supports compressional waves. The solid may correspond to ice cover or a sediment layer that supports compressional and shear waves. The approach involves approximating the medium in terms of a series of range-independent regions, using a parabolic wave equation to propagate the field through each region, and applying single-scattering approximations to obtain transmitted fields across the vertical interfaces between regions. The accuracy of the parabolic equation method for range-dependent problems in seismo-acoustics was previously tested in the small slope limit. It is tested here for problems involving larger slopes using a finite-element model to generate reference solutions.
Computing with evidence

We present a new evidence taxonomy that, when combined with a set of inclusion criteria, enable drug experts to specify what their confidence in a drug mechanism assertion would be if it were supported by a specific set of evidence. We discuss our experience applying the taxonomy to representing drug-mechanism evidence for 16 active pharmaceutical ingredients including six members of the HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitor family (statins). All evidence was collected and entered into the Drug-Interaction Knowledge Base (DIKB); a system that can provide customized views of a body of drug-mechanism knowledge to users who do not agree about the inferential value of particular evidence types. We provide specific examples of how the DIKB's evidence model can flag when a particular use of evidence should be re-evaluated because its related conjectures are no longer valid. We also present the algorithm that the DIKB uses to identify patterns of evidence support that are indicative of fallacious reasoning by the evidence-base curators.
Survival benefits in colorectal adenocarcinoma with the use of metformin among a black diabetic inner city population.

We assessed the association of metformin use with survival in colorectal cancer in a population consists mostly of African-American and Afro-Caribbean patients. We identified 585 colorectal cancer patients, 167 (28.6%) and 418 (71.5%) were as diabetic (DM) and nondiabetic, respectively. The diagnosis of diabetes did not impact cancer survival or extent of disease. Overall, DMs with metformin use (D+M+) have better overall survival than both DMs without metformin use (D+M∼) and nondiabetics (D∼M∼), with a mean survival of 109.9 months compared with 95.7 and 106.1 months, respectively (log-rank p < 0.05). The use of metformin shows significant reduction of risk of mortality compared with nonusers (hazard ratio: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.15–0.81; p = 0.01). Use of insulin and status of diabetes did not have a significant impact on overall cancer survival.
p-type doping efficiency in CdTe: Influence of second phase formation

Cadmium telluride (CdTe) high purity, bulk, crystal ingots doped with phosphorus were grown by the vertical Bridgman melt growth technique to understand and improve dopant solubility and activation. Large net carrier densities have been reproducibly obtained from as-grown ingots, indicating successful incorporation of dopants into the lattice. However, net carrier density values are orders of magnitude lower than the solubility of P in CdTe as reported in literature, 1018/cm3 to 1019/cm3 [J. H. Greenberg, J. Cryst. Growth 161, 1-11 (1996) and R. B. Hall and H. H. Woodbury, J. Appl. Phys. 39(12), 5361-5365 (1968)], despite comparable starting charge dopant densities. Growth conditions, such as melt stoichiometry and post growth cooling, are shown to have significant impacts on dopant solubility. This study demonstrates that a significant portion of the dopant becomes incorporated into second phase defects as compounds of cadmium and phosphorous, such as cadmium phosphide, which inhibits dopant incorporation into the lattice and limits maximum attainable net carrier density in bulk crystals. Here, we present an extensive study on the characteristics of these second phase defects in relation to their composition and formation kinetics while providing a pathway to minimize their formation and enhance solubility.
Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s, Frontotemporal, Lewy Body, and Vascular Dementias

This article reviews the current evidence base for biomarkers of the most common causes of dementia in later life: Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal lobar degenerations, Lewy body dementias, and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. Biomarkers are objectively measurable indicators of normal physiology, pathological processes, or response to an intervention. Ideally, they are sensitive, specific, easy to obtain, and closely reflect the underlying biological processes of interest. While such markers are well established and in broad clinical use for common disorders in general medicine (e.g., thallium stress tests for coronary artery disease or serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine for renal failure), analogous, validated markers for AD or other common dementias are limited, although biomarkers in research settings and specialty dementia clinics are progressing toward clinical use. By way of introducing current and future biomarkers for dementias of later life, this article will benefit the practicing clinician by increasing awareness of the availability and utility of current and emerging biomarkers in dementia diagnosis and prognosis and for monitoring new disease-modifying therapeutics that arrive in the clinic over the coming decade.
Dietary Cholesterol Intake Is Not Associated with Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in the Framingham Offspring Study

Identification of diet and lifestyle risk factors for prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is of great importance. The specific role of dietary cholesterol (DC) in T2DM risk is unclear. This study uses data from 2192 Framingham Offspring Study subjects to estimate the effects of DC alone and in combination with markers of a healthy diet and other lifestyle factors on fasting glucose and risk of T2DM or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) over 20 years of follow-up. Dietary data were derived from two sets of three-day food records. Statistical methods included mixed linear regression and Cox proportional hazard’s modeling to adjust for confounding. There were no statistically significant differences in glucose levels over 20 years of follow-up across DC intake categories (<200, 200–<300, and ≥300 mg/day) and no increased risk of T2DM/IFG associated with higher intakes. The HR for T2DM/IFG associated with consumption of ≥300 mg/day of DC was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.68–1.10). In contrast, subjects with lower intakes of fish, whole grains, and fiber had higher T2DM/IFG risk. DC consumption was not associated with fasting glucose levels or risk of T2DM/IFG over 20 years of follow-up.
Quiet breathing in hindlimb casted mice.

Abstract The hindlimb casting model was developed to study skeletal muscle reloading following a period of unloading. It is unknown if ventilation parameters of mice are affected by the casting model. We tested the hypothesis that hindlimb casted mice have similar ventilatory patterns compared to mice with the casts removed. Male CD-1 mice underwent 14 days of hindlimb immobilization via plaster casting. Breathing parameters were obtained utilizing unrestrained barometric plethysmography (UBP). Breathing traces were analyzed with Ponemah software for breathing frequency, tidal volume (TV), and minute ventilation (MV). Frequency, TV and MV did not show any differences in quiet breathing patterns during or post-casting in mice. Thus, the hindlimb casting model does not complicate breathing during and after casting and should not interfere with the unloading and reloading of skeletal muscle.
Transient global amnesia: Minor inconvenience or early warning sign?

Abstract Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a clinical diagnosis and is often a diagnosis of exclusion. However, despite the benign nature of this condition, it has been associated with underlying life-threatening medical conditions (e.g., myocardial infarction, dissecting aortic aneurysm, arrhythmias). Our case report highlights the importance of early recognition of those with cardiovascular risk factors who present with acute onset altered mental status to look for underlying medical comorbidities.
Building e-Governance for Development: A Framework for National and Donor Action

As noted in a related paper, information and communication technologies have a valuable potential to help meet good governance goals in developing countries. Yet that potential remains largely untapped to date. Why? Because of poor human, organisational and technological infrastructure and because of the inappropriate approaches taken by donors, vendors and governments. This paper hopes to point the way forward by describing the contents of a National e-Governance Initiative (NeGI) for developing countries that would address the problems of the past and would grasp the opportunities provided for governance by the new connectivity. Over a short- to medium-term timeframe, an NeGI aims to help deliver the following outcomes: • Awareness and commitment to e-governance at a high level. • A set of key e-governance institutions that can strategically plan and facilitate e-governance projects. • New laws and regulations that enable e-governance. • A national e-Governance Strategy. • The operational capacities to implement e-governance pilot projects. • A set of e-governance pilot projects focused on 'networked government'. The paper places a particular emphasis on the potential contribution of donor agencies to such an Initiative. Principles, impacts, risks, priorities and other issues relating to e-governance initiatives are also described.
Drug Use, Appearance- and Performance-Enhancing

Appearance- and performance-enhancing drugs (APEDs) include a wide range of illegal substances such as anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) and legal substances such as nutritional supplements. Body image disturbance is believed to play a pivotal role in the onset, maintenance, and psychopathology of APED use. However, this role is complicated by the heterogeneity in body image ideals among men and the lack of data on women who use APEDs. The effects of this heterogeneity can be found in different profiles of body image disturbance and patterns of APED use. This article summarizes extant theory and discusses implications for psychopathology and body image research in the future.
Characterization of TDP-43 RRM2 Partially Folded States and Their Significance to ALS Pathogenesis.

Abstract The human protein TDP-43 is a major component of the cellular aggregates found in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases. Insoluble cytoplasmic aggregates isolated from the brain of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration patients contain ubiquitinated, hyperphosphorylated, and N-terminally truncated TDP-43. Truncated fragments of TDP-43 identified from patient tissues contain part of the second RNA recognition motif (RRM2) and the disordered C-terminus, indicating that both domains can be involved in aggregation and toxicity. Here, we focus on RRM2. Using all-atom replica-averaged metadynamics simulations with NMR chemical shift restraints, we characterized the atomic structure of non-native states of RRM2, sparsely populated under native conditions. These structures reveal the exposure to the solvent of aggregation-prone peptide regions, normally buried in the native state, supporting a role in aggregation for the partially folded states of RRM2.
MAKING A CASE FOR CARDIO-RHEUMATOLOGY: THE DIFFICULT INTERPLAY BETWEEN ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME AND ACUTE SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has many effects on the cardiovascular system with overlapping clinical presentations that can potentially lead to delayed diagnosis. A 42-year old female with poorly controlled SLE on chronic steroids presented with chest pain. The initial ECG showed diffuse ST
Acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibition regulates microtubule dynamics and intracellular transport in cystic fibrosis epithelial cells.

The use of high-dose ibuprofen as an anti-inflammatory therapy in cystic fibrosis (CF) has been shown to be an effective intervention although use is limited due to potential adverse events. Identi...
Hiding in Plain Sight

Liberalization of postal administrations worldwide has taken different forms. In the United States, the opening of the postal market to the private sector, much like “The Purloined Letter,” by Edgar Allan Poe, is hiding in plain sight.
Quantifying Pesticide Exposure Risk for Monarch Caterpillars on Milkweeds Bordering Agricultural Land

Monarch butterflies are undergoing a long-term population decline, which has led to a search for potential causes underlying this pattern. One poorly studied factor is exposure to non-target pesticides on their primary host-plant, the common milkweed A. syriaca, during larval development. This species frequently grows near agricultural fields in the Midwestern U.S., but the spectrum of pesticides encountered by monarch caterpillars on milkweed leaves is unknown. Further, it is unclear whether pesticide exposure can be avoided by isolating restored milkweed patches at sites far from cropland. Over two years, we analyzed 1,543 milkweed leaves across seven sites in northwestern Indiana for the presence and concentration of a range of commonly used agricultural insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. Additionally, we tested the ability of local (i.e., nearest linear distance to crop field) and landscape-level (i.e., % of corn/soybean in 1 km radius) variables to predict the presence of pesticides on focal milkweeds. Overall, we detected 14 pesticides—4 insecticides, 4 herbicides, 6 fungicides—on milkweeds that varied widely in their prevalence and concentration. The neonicotinoid clothianidin, the only pesticide for which toxicity data are available in monarchs, was detected in 15-25% of plants in June with nearly 60% of milkweeds at some sites testing positive (mean conc. = 0.71 and 0.48 ng/g in 2015 and 2016, respectively); however, no samples from July or August contained clothianidin. The related neonicotinoid thiamethoxam and the pyrethroid deltamethrin were detected in most (>75%) samples throughout the season, but only in the second year of the study. For thiamethoxam, isolating milkweeds 50-100 m from the nearest corn or soybean field tended to decrease the concentration and likelihood of detecting residues, whereas landscape composition surrounding milkweed sites had comparatively weak predictive power. These data suggest that monarch caterpillars frequently consume a diversity of pesticides in their diet; the lethal or sublethal impacts of this exposure remain to be tested.
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor is a tumor suppressor-like gene in glioblastoma.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays an important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and also in pathophysiology. For example, the interplay between the gut microbiome and microbially derived AhR ligands protects against inflammation along the gut–brain axis. The AhR and its ligands also inhibit colon carcinogenesis, but it has been reported that the AhR and its ligand kynurenine enhance glioblastoma (GBM). In this study, using both established and patient-derived GBM cells, we re-examined the role of kynurenine and the AhR in GBM, observing that kynurenine does not modulate AhR-mediated gene expression and does not affect invasion of GBM cells. Therefore, using an array of approaches, including ChIP, quantitative real-time PCR, and cell migration assays, we primarily focused on investigating the role of the AhR in GBM at the functional molecular and genomic levels. The results of transient and stable CRISPR/Cas9-mediated AhR knockdown in GBM cells indicated that loss of AhR enhances GBM tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model, increases GBM cell invasion, and up-regulates expression of pro-invasion/pro-migration genes, as determined by ingenuity pathway analysis of RNA-Seq data. We conclude that the AhR is a tumor suppressor–like gene in GBM; future studies are required to investigate whether the AhR could be a potential drug target for treating patients with GBM who express this receptor.
The cost-effectiveness of lipid lowering for primary cardiovascular prevention in chronic kidney disease: moving beyond statins.

Because of high risk of cardiovascular disease, patients with chronic kidney disease may benefit from cholesterol-lowering therapy beyond statins. A cost-effectiveness analysis of adding ezetimibe to high-dose statins for primary cardiovascular disease prevention in patients with non–dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease found treatment with ezetimibe to be cost-effective for many patients with chronic kidney disease. We describe the importance of this topic and explain key assumptions necessary for the investigators to arrive at their conclusions.
Coaching our coaches: How online learning can address the gap in preparing K-12 instructional coaches

Abstract This paper examines why educators in an online coaching program sought professional development and how learning experiences fostered professional growth. A qualitative case study was employed to highlight four participant experiences. Findings demonstrate that educators prioritized the need to define and organize their work as coaches. While the social nature of learning was instrumental, the job-embedded nature of coursework was foundational to grounding inquiry in authentic problems of practice. Together, these experiences enabled participants to flexibly map learning to their specific school context(s). Implications address future designs of professional learning for educators.
Modal delay and bandwidth measurements of few-mode fibers for short-distance communications

Recently it has been shown that standard single-mode fibers, which support two LP modes around 850 nm, can yield high modal bandwidth with graded-index profile design. A transmission system using such fibers along with 850 nm single mode VCSEL transceivers offers a potentially cost-effective high-bandwidth solution for data center applications and future high-speed short distance communications. The system reach highly depends on the modal bandwidth of the fiber. In this context, it is of interest to explore the characterization method of the modal bandwidth of two-mode and few-mode fibers, especially if the method can be simpler than traditional methods used for 50-μm core multimode fiber. To address this issue, we propose a simple and robust method for two-mode and few-mode fiber modal delay and bandwidth measurements using frequency domain method. An analytical transfer function model was formulated and achieved excellent agreement with experimental results. The model allows one to extract the modal delay based on one single measurement, regardless of the launch condition. The transfer function and hence modal bandwidth with arbitrary launch condition can be calculated, from which we define a worst-case modal bandwidth that can gauge the fiber modal bandwidth under general conditions. The analytical model is also generalized to consider higher-order modes and additional bandwidth degradation effects. Through the detailed study, we show that the simple frequency domain measurement method as facilitated by the analytical model can deliver a full set of modal delay and modal bandwidth information that otherwise requires more complex method like differential mode delay measurements.
Critical Care Ultrasound Education

As the use of goal-directed ultrasound becomes widespread in the ICU, properly educating and training providers is crucial to ensuring quality care. The continued development of effective standardized program requirements and curriculums is very important, as is further developing and defining issues of certification and accreditation. All educational efforts should incorporate a variety of different modalities, including web-based curriculums, didactic training, the use of medical simulation, and image review by teachers experienced in critical care ultrasound. Ongoing review processes should be in place to ensure continued quality.
Acute necrotizing encephalopathy

Acute necrotizing encephalopathy(ANE)is a rare type of acute encephalopathy which occurs secondary to virus infection.Individuals who suffer from ANE usually have an exaggerated immune response to various viral infections.The pathologic change is focal vascular injury which leads to destruction of the blood-brain barrier and vascular permeability that cause brain edema, petechial hemorrhage, and necrosis.The imageological changes of ANE have diagnostic significance which show multifocal, symmetric brain lesions including bilateral thalamus 100% involving.Intravenous glucocorticoids, immunoglobulin, and plasmapheresis should be effective for treatment. Key words: Acute necrotizing encephalopathy; Diagnosis; Treatment
Medical considerations in delusion of pregnancy: a systematic review.

Purpose: Delusions of pregnancy are associated with functional impairment and psychological distress. Previous works have focused on characterizing their etiology and identifying contributory social and cultural factors. The purpose of this review is to give an overview of the literature on medical or surgical comorbidities associated with delusions of pregnancy.Methods: We searched Google Scholar, PubMed, and PsycInfo using the terms "pregnancy delusion," "delusional pregnancy," "pseudocyesis", and "false/pseudo/phantom/spurious pregnancy" to identify all published cases of delusional pregnancies. We included cases in which medical or surgical factors might have contributed to the delusion. We extracted the following information from selected case reports: patient age, psychiatric diagnoses, medications, medical comorbidities, somatic complaints, treatment, and outcome.Results: We found that 23 of 140 cases (16.4%) were potentially influenced by concomitant medical or surgical conditions including gallstones, abdominal tumors, hyperprolactinemia, constipation, a tubal cyst, and esophageal achalasia. Medical or surgical treatment was pursued in 15 of these 23 cases, followed by mitigation of the delusion in ten cases.Conclusions: We emphasize the importance of a thorough workup including physical and gynecological examinations in patients presenting with a delusion of pregnancy. Clinicians should recognize and overcome potential barriers to undertaking comprehensive assessments in order to prevent delays in management and treatment of underlying medical or surgical conditions.
Burkholderia sp. SSG is a broad-spectrum antagonist against plant diseases caused by diverse pathogens

Abstract SSG, a Burkholderia isolate recovered from boxwood leaves, has many genes and gene clusters coding plant growth promoting traits and antagonistic activity against plant pathogens. It has been demonstrated that this bacterial isolate is a potent biofertilizer for boxwood and an effective biocontrol agent against boxwood blight. In this study we evaluated SSG against 21 additional pathogens including six bacteria, nine fungi and six Phytophthora species using dual culture assays, and against twelve diseases in planta under controlled environment. SSG suppressed all fungal and Phytophthora species, and five of the six Gram negative bacteria in dual culture. SSG provided the most consistent control to bacterial blight of geranium caused by Xanthomonas campestriscampestriscampestriscampestris at 41% to 58%, and to pansy leaf spot by Colletotrichum fructicola at 30% to 32% across all three treatment timings from 1 day before inoculation (dbi) to 3 days after inoculation (dai). Among the six other diseases evaluated for multiple treatment timings, SSG provided the greatest control at 1 dbi to two diseases with hydrangea anthracnose by C. gloeosporioides at 67% and rhododendron Ramorum blight by Phytophhtora ramorum at 54%. The best SSG control of pansy gray mold by Botrytis cinerea was 67% at 1 wbi while that of tomato spotted wilt virus of impatiens was 53% at 2 wbi. When plants were treated with SSG only at one timing of 1 dbi, the best disease control was observed on Phytophthora blight of annual vinca by P. nicotianae at 95%, followed by pansy leaf spot by Alternaria tenuissima at 60%, Phytophthora blight of bell pepper by P. capsici at 56%, and Volutella blight of boxwood by Pseudonectria rouselliana at 44%. Further investigations into its efficacy for control of two root/crown rot diseases are warranted. Nevertheless, this study demonstrates that SSG is a promising broad-spectrum biocontrol agent for a variety of plant diseases caused by diverse pathogens.
Comfort, Mobility, and Durability Assessment of a Wearable IMU System for EVA Suits

Improving the design of spacesuits to reduce the rate of musculoskeletal injury to the wearer proves challenging due to the inability to observe human motion inside the suit. Past efforts have investigated the use of wearable inertial sensors to observe the motion of the wearer relative to the suit. However, none of these investigated the potential for the sensors themselves to interfere with human motion inside the suit. Additionally, these past systems were found to fail frequently in the harsh in-suit environment. The authors are developing a new in-suit wearable inertial sensor system in order to address the shortcomings faced by previous efforts. The current work describes two test campaigns to evaluate the comfort, mobility, and durability of the new system. Methods and data analysis plans are presented for each test campaign along with pilot study results for the comfort and mobility tests. These tests serve not only to provide verification of the performance of the new system, but also have the potential to allow conclusions to be made about past work using similar devices. The work advances the development of a reliable tool for observing human motion inside the spacesuit, which facilitates the design of safer suits that will be needed for planetary extravehicular activity.
Correlations in the Lyα Forest: Testing the Gravitational Instability Paradigm

We investigate correlations between the long wavelength fluctuations and the small-scale power in the Lyα forest. We show that such correlations can be used to discriminate between fluctuations induced by large-scale structure and those produced by nongravitational processes such as fluctuations in the continuum of the quasar. The correlations observed in Q1422+231 are in agreement with the predictions of numerical simulations, indicating that nongravitational fluctuations on large scales have to be small compared to those induced by the large-scale structure of the universe, contributing less than 10% (95% confidence) of the observed power. We also show the sensitivity of such statistics to the equation of state of the gas and its mean temperature.
Attention: Theory, Principles, Models and Applications

We discuss two general concepts of attention: (1) As a filter of selective attention that selects and admits channels of information from the environment to be processed; (2) as a resource to enabl...
‘He is just getting old, you know’: the role of cultural and health beliefs in shaping the help-seeking process of family members caring for persons with dementia in Vietnam

This study aims to examine the help-seeking process of family caregivers for persons with dementia (PWD) in Vietnam, and how health and cultural beliefs shape this process.Twenty family caregivers ...
The relationship between conventional clinical assessments and momentary assessments of symptoms and functioning in schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A systematic review

Abstract Background Symptoms and functioning are critical dimensions in those with schizophrenia and are typically measured using validated conventional clinical assessments. Researchers and clinicians have begun to use real-time digital methods, such as ecological momentary assessment (EMA), to assess symptoms and functioning in the moment and outside of traditional hospital and laboratory settings, which may yield more naturalistic data. Although digital methods have advantages, it is unclear whether these momentary assessments capture core aspects of symptoms and functioning. Objective This systematic literature review aimed to evaluate the association between conventional clinical and momentary-based assessments of functioning and symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia. Methods Studies were included if they met the following criteria: (1) written or translated into English; (2) peer-reviewed; (3) included primary quantitative data; (4) 60% of the clinical sample included persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders; (5) included a clinical assessment of functioning and/or symptoms; (6) included active momentary assessment and/or passive data; and (7) assessed the relationship between the momentary and conventional clinical assessments. Results A total of 49 studies (87 analyses) were included. Conventional clinical assessments of functioning and positive, negative, and depressive symptoms were related to momentary assessments of these symptom domains. Passive data was beneficial for assessing negative symptoms, but research is warranted for other domains. Conclusions The reviewed studies highlight the utility of EMA methodologies to collect detailed data on symptoms and functioning. Such data is being used to develop more sophisticated models of schizophrenia to enhance our understanding of important mechanisms and develop targeted interventions.
Adverse Effects of Medications on Micronutrient Status: From Evidence to Guidelines

Recent dietary reference intake workshops focusing on nutrient requirements in chronic disease populations have called attention to the potential adverse effects of chronic medication use on micron...
Neuromuscular treatment approach for women with chronic pelvic pain syndrome improving pelvic pain and functionality.

AIMS Reporting the effects of treating underlying myofascial dysfunction and neuropathic pain in women with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). METHODS Retrospective longitudinal study of 186 women with CPPS treated with ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks and trigger point injections to pelvic floor muscles alongside pelvic floor physical therapy once weekly for 6 weeks in an outpatient setting. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Functional Pelvic Pain Scale (FPPS) questionnaires quantified pain and function in the pelvis. Working, intercourse, sleeping, walking, running, lifting, bladder, and bowel were the function categories. Statistical significance was established by p value less than .05 in paired two-sample t-test. RESULTS VAS improved by 2.14 where average VAS before treatment was 6.61 (standard deviation [SD] 2.45; p < .05, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.26-6.96) and average VAS after treatment was 4.47 (SD 2.71; p < .05, 95% CI = 4.08-4.86). Total FPPS decreased by 3.38 from 11.26 (SD 6.51; p < .05, 95% CI = 10.32-12.19) before treatment to 7.88 (SD 6.22; p < .05, 95% CI = 6.99-8.78) after treatment. Working, intercourse, and sleeping accounted for the highest statistically significant improvement. CONCLUSION Findings support the success of the comprehensive treatment protocol. Patients who had persistent symptoms after a full course of pelvic floor physical therapy experienced improvements in pain levels and function once it was combined with ultrasound-guided nerve blocks and trigger point injections, interactively treating underlying neuromuscular dysfunction.
Entrepreneurship Education in Higher Education: A Review of the US Context

This chapter considers the contemporary experience of entrepreneurship education in the United States (US), within Higher Education. Over the last forty years entrepreneurship has grown explosively across the higher education landscape, from just a few universities with the occasional class in the late 1970s, to entire schools and colleges of entrepreneurship today (Morris, Kuratko and Cornwall, 2013a). The US has arguably one of the most developed approaches to entrepreneurship education in its university system worldwide and this has been achieved without extensive educational policy intervention by individual States, or by the Federal government (Kuratko, 2005). This chapter focuses on the development of entrepreneurship education over time in the US. It explores how the subject grew, how it changed, and how it became embedded across the higher education system. As well as exploring this history the chapter considers contemporary entrepreneurship education in the US. In this part of the chapter the focus is on components that seem unique to the US context. The chapter concludes by considering where entrepreneurship education is headed next, what developments might be expected, and how entrepreneurship education research can contribute to this development.