cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coinhibitory Pathways in the B7-CD28 Ligand-Receptor Family.

Immune responses need to be controlled for optimal protective immunity and tolerance. Coinhibitory pathways in the B7-CD28 family provide critical inhibitory signals that regulate immune homeostasis and defense and protect tissue integrity. These coinhibitory signals limit the strength and duration of immune responses, thereby curbing immune-mediated tissue damage, regulating resolution of inflammation, and maintaining tolerance to prevent autoimmunity. Tumors and microbes that cause chronic infections can exploit these coinhibitory pathways to establish an immunosuppressive microenvironment, hindering their eradication. Advances in understanding T cell coinhibitory pathways have stimulated a new era of immunotherapy with effective drugs to treat cancer, autoimmune and infectious diseases, and transplant rejection. In this review we discuss the current knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the coinhibitory functions of pathways in the B7-CD28 family, the diverse functional consequences of these inhibitory signals on immune responses, and the overlapping and unique functions of these key immunoregulatory pathways.
MORE ABOUT RESOURCES

This chapter reviews the consequences of imperfectly competitive resource and output markets, and their effects on the price and quantity purchased of the resources. Producers often purchase resources in markets that are not perfectly competitive. Under such circumstances, the quantity of a resource supplied varies with its price. An example is a labor union that controls the quantity of labor supplied to a firm at various wage rates. When the firm that buys the resources sells its output in markets that are under imperfect competition, the marginal revenue from the sale of the output is not equal to the price of the output. Consequently, the marginal revenue product of a resource—the product of the resource's marginal product and the marginal revenue of the output—declines very rapidly with the use of additional units of resource. It declines first of all because the marginal revenue declines with increases in output; and second because of the assumptions concerning the diminishing marginal productivity of the resource.
Connectivity Changes in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive movement disorder of the central nervous system characterized by widespread alterations in several non-motor aspects such as mood, sleep, olfactory, and cognition in addition to motor dysfunctions. Advanced neuroimaging using functional connectivity reconstruction of the human brain has provided a vast knowledge on the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this disorder, but this, however, does not cover the overall inter-/intra-individual variability of PD phenotypes. The present review is aimed at discussing to what extent the evidence provided by group-based neuroimaging analysis in this field of study (using seed-based, network-based, or graph theory approaches) may be generalized. In particular, we summarized the literature on the application of resting-state functional connectivity studies to explore different neural correlates of motor and non-motor symptoms of PD and the neural mechanisms involved in treatment effects: effects of levodopa or deep brain stimulation. The lesson learnt from one decade of studies provides consistent evidence on the role of the altered communication between the striato-frontal pathways as a marker of PD-related motor degeneration, whereas in the non-motor domain, several missing pieces of a complex puzzle are provided. However, the main target is to present a new era of intelligent neuroimaging applications, where automated multivariate analysis of functional connectivity data may be used for moving from group-level statistical results to personalized predictions in a clinical setting. Although in its relative infancy, the evidence gathered so far suggests a new era of clinical neuroimaging is starting.
Secondary Labor in the Meatpacking Industry: Demographic Change and Student Mobility in Rural Iowa Schools.

This article addresses the relationship between dual labor markets and rural schools in Iowa. Particular attention is paid to the demographic transformation ofschool districts in rural communities that host large meatpacking plants. Most meatpacking jobs are secondary sector jobs because they offer low wages and experience high injury rates and worker turnover. The industry'S ability to maintain these jobs depends on its ability to recruit sufficient workers to occupy them. As a result, meatpacking has become increasingly dependent on immigrant and refugee workers. The dependence on these workers has two consequences. Thefirst is that enrollments ofnon-English speaking students climb in rural schools that previously had little or no experience with minority and limited-English speaking populations. The second consequence is that employee turnover in the plants is reflected in school enrollment patterns. In order to illustrate this first situation, data from every rural Iowa school district associated with a large meatpacking plant are used. To illustrate the point about enrollment turnover, a case study from one community is used.
Abstract 365: Mobilizing prostate cancer cells from the endosteal niche by targeting the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA Metastatic prostate cancer cells preferentially home to bone, and skeletal metastases are present in approximately 90% of patients upon autopsy. Our lab was the first to show that prostate cancer cells compete with hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) for space within the endosteal niche. The HSC niche is located on the surface of endosteal osteoblasts, where HSCs are kept in a slow-cycling, protective state. The niche also provides prostate cancer cells with a chemoprotective environment in which they can remain dormant for an extended period of time, even decades. C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is required for HSC recruitment to the HSC niche. Osteoblasts secrete stromal cell derived factor 1 (SDF-1, also known as CXCL12), the ligand for CXCR4, which attracts HSCs to the niche via a chemotactic gradient. CXCR4 is also expressed by disseminated prostate cancer cells and is required for prostate cancer cells homing to bone. HSCs can be mobilized from the niche into the bloodstream physiologically via infection or stress and pharmacologically via proteins like granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) or small molecule inhibitors like AMD3100 (plerixafor). AMD3100, which antagonizes CXCR4, is capable of mobilizing both HSCs and prostate cancer cells from the niche. When combined with AMD3100, docetaxel (the standard of care for prostate cancer) is more effective at killing tumor cells than when given as a single agent. This indicates that mobilization of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) from the endosteal niche by targeting the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis might cause these cells to be more sensitive to chemotherapy in patients. This strategy would theoretically kill DTCs, which, when they become metastatic lesions, lead to most of the morbidity and mortality that affects prostate cancer patients. We are engaged in a Phase 0 clinical trial in metastatic prostate cancer patients to test this strategy in human patients. To complement the human trial, we are testing several CXCR4 inhibitors combined with G-CSF and docetaxel. We are able to detect CTCs in human patients, as well as CTCs and DTCs in mice via several techniques, and will use this technology as a readout for the clinical trial, as well as the preclinical studies. Citation Format: Kenneth C. Valkenburg, Kenneth J. Pienta. Mobilizing prostate cancer cells from the endosteal niche by targeting the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 365. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-365
Workflow Management Tools for Electronic Resources Management

ABSTRACTThis segment of the Sharpest Tool in the Shed column explores three tools to aid libraries in the management of electronic resources. Electronic resources management is often multistep, time-consuming work riddled with almost identical workflows, and the tools discussed in this column provide ways to save time as well as handle work more efficiently. Drawing on research and conference presentations, this column will examine the workflow management tools Trello, Asana, and Planner.
Indirect Calorimetry: Is it Required to Maximize Patient Outcome from Nutritional Alimentation in the Long-Term Care Setting?

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: Determine the role of indirect calorimetry in long-term care. Patients (pts) in a long-term nursing care center (NCC) are at risk for the complications of malnutrition due to altered mental status & reduced mobility. This prospective study evaluated the effect of energy balance (EB) on nutrition-related complications, & determined the role of indirect calorimetry (IC) in the NCC. Pts residing in one NCC were included in the study if there was evidence of low albumin, pressure sores (PS), weight (wt) loss, actual/ideal body wt 150%, tubefeeding (TF), TPN, or mechanical ventilation. After 4 weeks (wks) of monitoring, pts were evaluated wkly by IC for 8 wks. Caloric requirements were defined by resting energy expenditure + 10–15% for activity. Monitors included daily temp, & stool frequency; wkly calorie count, Norton Scale (NS), wt, PS number/stage, prealbumin; & monthly Quality of Life measure by Minimum Data Set; analysis by Chi square test. Of the 110 pts screened, 41 met study criteria; 17 excluded for death, discharge, agitation, or refusal to participate. The 24 pts completing the study were 20.8% male with mean age of 77 (range 29-104), & could be grouped by EB. Group I (n=14), had positive EB for ± half of wk, 28% lost weight, 59.1% had increased risk of PS (lower NS score), & 14.3% developed PS. Group II (n=10), had negative EB for ± half of wks, 70% lost weight (p=0.05), 20% had increased risk of PS (lower NS)(p=0.07), & 40% developed PS(p=0.216). In Group II there was 70% noncompliance to IC due to advanced directives prohibiting TF, disbelief in cal ct, & desired wt loss in obese pts. Extrapolating study results (cost of PS, TF, & IC) over entire NCC system, identification & nutrition Rx of pts in negative EB should reduce PS incidence by half, with annual cost savings of $23 million. While IC identifies pts at risk for nutrition-related complications, its efficacy is limited by bias, & ethical concerns. Education of pts, families, & MD's regarding nutritional issues is needed to ensure positive EB through inexpensive TF/oral feeding, and to reduce the morbidity/expense of these complications
Split-Plot Designs - What, Why, and How

The past decade has seen rapid advances in the development of new methods for the design and analysis of split-plot experiments. Unfortunately, the value of these designs for industrial experimentation has not been fully appreciated. In this paper, we review recent developments and provide guidelines for the use of split-plot designs in industrial applications.
New Media Showcase

New Media Services is a relatively new unit of Kent State University Libraries and Media Services that provides technological and pedagogical support for instruction. Working closely with faculty, teaching assistants, and academic support staff, New Media Services supplies research, design, and production services and is engaged with a variety of technologies that support the Digital Library. Four types of projects are described here to illustrate the range of applications of new media technology.
Economic Stress in Fragile Families: Pathways to Parent and Child Maladjustment

This study investigates mechanisms through which socioeconomic disadvantage impacts family and child functioning using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS), which includes 4,898 families followed from a child’s birth through age 9 (47.6% female). Analyses explored associations between economic stress at birth and age 1 and child conduct problems at age 9 and whether associations were sequentially mediated through age 3 maternal depression and age 5 observed harsh and positive parenting. Results revealed several significant direct associations. Lower mean income at birth and age 1 was associated with higher material hardship at age 1. Hardship was associated with increased risk of maternal depression at age 3. Maternal depression was associated with higher harsh/lower positive parenting at age 5. Higher harsh/lower positive parenting were associated with higher conduct problems at age 9. While indirect effects for the full series of pathways from income to conduct problems through three sequential meditators (hardship, maternal depression, harsh/positive parenting) were not significant, several specific indirect effects were significant. The effect from income to positive parenting through hardship and depression was significant. The effects of income on conduct problems through harsh and positive parenting were significant. The effect of income on depression through hardship was significant. Results suggest that effects of socioeconomic disadvantage on conduct problems are partially mediated by compromised parenting. Further, material hardship partially explained how lower income was associated with maternal depression and less optimal parenting. Implications for future studies investigating material hardship and impacts of disadvantage are discussed.
Sentimentalist Practical Reason and Self-Sacrifice

For obvious reasons sentimentalists have been hesitant to offer accounts of moral reasons for action: the whole idea at least initially smacks of rationalist notions of morality. But the sentimenta...
Penile Rehabilitation: The "Up"-date.

The purpose of this review is to review the penile rehabilitation literature published since the beginning of 2017. Specific emphasis was placed on determining how the new findings increase our understanding of the mechanisms leading to recovery of erectile function after pelvic surgery and to identify potential focus areas for future studies. A meta-analysis of penile rehabilitation after prostatectomy was published in early 2017 reporting that PDE-5 inhibitors, intracavernosal injection (ICI) therapy, and vacuum erection devices (VED) improved erectile function; however, the benefit was not observed after a washout period. Preclinical studies have identified potential regenerative therapies after cavernous nerve injury. While significant methodological challenges remain, recent literature suggests benefits to starting penile rehabilitation immediately after surgery, but not extending past 1 year postoperatively. The cost-benefit ratio of penile rehabilitation remains unclear; however, decreasing costs of PDE-5 inhibitors as well as improvements in characterizing post-surgical erectile dysfunction may help to personalize penile rehabilitation, improve outcomes, and improve the cost-benefit ratio. Better and more consistent trial design is needed to develop the optimal regimen(s) for restoring sexual function in men. Finally, future studies to translate promising preclinical regeneration therapies to humans are also needed.
Language policies, language rights, and sign languages: A critique of disability-based approaches

Among the focus of language policies addressing sign languages have been efforts to achieve official recognition for various national sign languages, coupled with the recognition of the language ri...
Solvatochromic and Ligand Effects in Ultrafast Intramolecular Electron Transfer in Fe-based Molecular Photosensitizers

Metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excited state lifetimes of [Fe(CN)4 (2,2’-bipyridine)]2- and [Fe(CN)4 (2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine)]2- exhibit strong solvent and ligand dependence. We conclude that these effects can be described with Marcus-like model where changes in the MLCT energy correspond directly to the changes in the electron transfer driving force and all the other factors (e.g. reorganization energy) can be considered constant.
Assessing wind power operating costs in the United States: Results from a survey of wind industry experts

This paper draws on a survey of wind industry professionals to clarify trends in the operational expenditures (OpEx) of U.S. land-based wind power plants. We find that average all-in lifetime OpEx has declined from approximately $80/kW-yr (∼$35/MWh) for projects built in the late 1990s to a level approaching $40/kW-yr (∼$11/MWh) for projects built in 2018. Turbine operations and maintenance costs represent the single largest component of overall OpEx and the primary source of cost reductions. We observe wide ranges of OpEx over time; respondents cite a range in average expected costs for recently commissioned projects from $33/kW-yr to $59/kW-yr. We also use historical OpEx learning rates, showing a 9% OpEx reduction for each doubling of global wind capacity, to project a further $5–$8/kW-yr reduction from 2018 to 2040. These findings suggest that continued OpEx reductions may contribute 10% or more of the expected reductions in land-based wind’s levelized cost of energy. Moreover, these estimates understate the importance of OpEx owing to the multiplicative effects through which operational advancements influence not only operations and maintenance costs but also component reliability, performance, and plant-level availability—thereby also affecting levelized costs by enhancing annual energy production and plant lifetimes. Given the limited quantity and comparability of previously available OpEx data, the trends reported here may inform OpEx assumptions used by electric planners, analysts, and modelers. The results may also provide useful benchmarks to the wind industry, helping developers and asset owners compare their expectations with historical experience and other industry projections.
Neurophysiological assessment of the motor and sensory spinal pathways in chronic spinal cord injury.

Introduction of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has provided means to study non-invasively corticospinal functions in humans. The purpose of the present study was to obtain an objective evaluation of spinal cord functions in spinal cord injury (SCI) subjects using TMS, multichannel surface EMG and somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEP). Multichannel surface EMG recording was performed during reinforcement manoeuvres and during vibratory tonic reflex. Twenty-five post-traumatic clinically incomplete (ambulatory, AMB, and non-ambulatory, nAMB) SCI subjects were studied and compared to a control group of seven subjects. After preliminary analysis of neurophysiological studies they were divided into four groups according to presence or absence of motor-evoked potentials (MEP) in response to TMS in muscles below the level of the lesion and according to their ability to ambulate. TMS was delivered at vertex at 100% intensity and recorded from the large muscles of the upper and lower limbs. Surface EMG was recorded during reinforcement manoeuvres (RM) in the leg muscles and EMG activity was scored. SSEP were recorded at T12, L2, L4 and SI spinous processes and at Cz' on the scalp following tibial nerve stimulation at popliteal fossa. The prevalence of EMG responses during RM was higher in group with present MEPs (AMB/MEP+ and nAMB/MEP+) than in the group without MEPs. The group with present MEPs also showed better preserved functions of the ascending tracts compared to subjects without MEPs. Groups with present MEPs had 5/10 normal, 2/10 abnormal and 3/10 absent cortical SSEPs, whereas groups without MEPs showed 1/11 normal, 4/11 abnormal and 6/11 absent cortical SSEPs. Sustained function of ascending tracts was also positively correlated with preserved ability to ambulate. It was concluded that TMS in combination with multichannel surface EMG monitoring and sensory evoked potentials may prove feasible in assessing the functional capacity of the spinal cord after spinal cord lesion.
Reflections on C4 Photosynthesis and Plant Productivity

Food and agricultural productivity have been fashionable subjects since increases in oil prices forced recognition of the relationship between energy expenditure and intensive agriculture, and several years of failure of the monsoons in Southeast Asia revealed the fragility of balances between food surplus and food deficits. A prominent theme in all discussions of increased plant productivity is the importance of increasing or preventing inhibition of photo-synthetic efficiency. It is important, therefore, to examine relationships between growth regulators and photosynthesis and to place in perspective claims being made on connections between photosynthesis research and crop yields.
Operative Technique and Workflow of Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery With Pre-existing Cochlear Implants.

Background Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in patients with pre-existing cochlear implants (CIs) poses various challenges. We previously reported successful magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based, microelectrode recording (MER)-guided subthalamic DBS surgery in a patient with a pre-existing CI. Other case reports have described various DBS procedures in patients with pre-existing CIs using different techniques, leading to varying issues to address. A standardized operative technique and workflow for DBS surgery in the setting of pre-existing CIs is much needed. Objective To provide a standardized operative technique and workflow for DBS lead placement in the setting of pre-existing CIs. Methods Our operative technique is MRI-based and MER-guided, following a workflow involving coordination with a neurotology team to remove and re-implant the internal magnets of the CIs in order to safely perform DBS lead placement, altogether within a 24-h time frame. Intraoperative nonverbal communication with the patient is easily possible using a computer monitor. Results A 65-yr old woman with a 10-yr history of craniocervical dystonia and pre-existing bilateral CIs underwent successful bilateral pallidal DBS surgery at our institution. No merging errors or difficulties in targeting globus pallidus internus were experienced. Also, inactivated CIs do not interfere with MER nor with stimulation, and intraoperative communication with the patient using a computer monitor proved feasible and satisfactory. Conclusion DBS procedures are safe and feasible in patients with pre-existing CIs if precautions are taken following our workflow.
Chapter 21 – Testing of Adenoviral Vector Gene Transfer Products: FDA Expectations

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the agency requirements and guidelines for drug development of adenoviral-containing products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assessment of safety and ultimately effectiveness of adenovirus containing products involves thorough evaluation of the information contained in the Investigational New Drug Application (IND), and any supporting information cross-referenced to another IND or drug master file. Many factors contribute to development of FDA recommendations and requirements for characterization of adenovirus vectors. The FDA receives input and feedback from a variety of sources in formulating recommendations regarding adenovirus manufacturing and characterization. The recommendations may change with advances in technology and through accumulating experience. FDA considers the potential risks and benefits of each vector product and each proposed clinical trial when making its recommendations. The FDA is cognizant of the need for flexibility in its recommendations and will consider many factors, including the intended target population, the seriousness of the disease under study, the potential benefits and risks from the investigational product, when advising sponsors about their adenovirus development program.
Disparate effects of gonadal steroid hormones on plasma and liver mRNA levels of insulin-like growth factor-I and vitellogenin in the tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus

The tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, exhibits a sexually dimorphic pattern of growth, males growing larger than females. We examined the effects of E2 and DHT on the GH/IGF-I axis and on VTG production in the tilapia. Sexually mature tilapia were injected with 5 μg g body weight of E2 (males) or DHT (females) every 5 days for a total of 3 injections. Female tilapia had significantly higher plasma GH levels than males. However, plasma and liver mRNA levels of IGF-I were significantly lower in females than in males, whereas VTG levels in both the plasma and liver mRNA were significantly higher in females than in males. Although significant amounts of VTG were detected in control males (8 ± 0.3 μg ml), the levels in control females (3000 ± 500 μg ml) were about 400 times higher than in males. Males treated with E2 exhibited a female-like GH/IGF-I profile. That is, they had significantly elevated levels of plasma GH with lower plasma IGF-I and liver IGF-I mRNA levels. Estradiol treatment significantly elevated both plasma and liver mRNA VTG levels. Dihydrotestosterone treatment in females induced a male-like GH/IGF-I profile: plasma GH levels were significantly reduced, whereas plasma and liver IGF-I mRNA levels were significantly elevated. Both plasma and liver mRNA levels of VTG were not altered by DHT treatment. Pituitary GH mRNA levels were similar in all treatment groups. These results clearly indicate that estrogens and androgens feminize and masculinize the GH/IGF-I axis, respectively.
Health Disparities in Germline Genetic Testing for Cancer Susceptibility

Despite advances in testing for heritable cancer susceptibility gene mutations, health disparities persist. We review racial/ethnic and socioeconomic factors that affect access to genetic counseling and testing, which may influence the validity of results among diverse populations and the clinical utility of genetic testing. Differential access to genetic testing among racial/ethnic minorities including Hispanics and blacks compared with whites drives disparities in the clinical validity of results: specifically, variants of unknown significance (VUS) are notably more prevalent in minorities. Deficiencies in results interpretation by patients and providers are common with VUS, which may engender disparities in clinical utility. There is evidence of racial/ethnic disparities in genetic testing access and the clinical validity of results, which are threats to the clinical utility of testing for all populations. Concerted efforts are needed to decrease disparities in germline cancer genetic testing and results’ interpretation and management.
Drinking from a Firehose: Continual Learning with Web-scale Natural Language.

Continual learning systems will interact with humans, with each other, and with the physical world through time -- and continue to learn and adapt as they do. An important open problem for continual learning is a large-scale benchmark that enables realistic evaluation of algorithms. In this paper, we study a natural setting for continual learning on a massive scale. We introduce the problem of personalized online language learning (POLL), which involves fitting personalized language models to a population of users that evolves over time. To facilitate research on POLL, we collect massive datasets of Twitter posts. These datasets, Firehose10M and Firehose100M, comprise 100 million tweets, posted by one million users over six years. Enabled by the Firehose datasets, we present a rigorous evaluation of continual learning algorithms on an unprecedented scale. Based on this analysis, we develop a simple algorithm for continual gradient descent (ConGraD) that outperforms prior continual learning methods on the Firehose datasets as well as earlier benchmarks. Collectively, the POLL problem setting, the Firehose datasets, and the ConGraD algorithm enable a complete benchmark for reproducible research on web-scale continual learning.
A pilot study using geospatial analysis to identify hot-spot of populations utilizing services at university based counseling centers.

Our pilot study tests whether university counseling centers (UCC) can apply the concept of cluster analysis, and geospatial analysis to identify clusters of “hot spots”. Participants: Study partici...
Neonatal intestinal dysbiosis.

The initial colonization of the neonatal intestinal tract is influenced by delivery mode, feeding, the maternal microbiota, and a host of environmental factors. After birth, the composition of the infant’s microbiota undergoes a series of significant changes particularly in the first weeks and months of life ultimately developing into a more stable and diverse adult-like population in childhood. Intestinal dysbiosis is an alteration in the intestinal microbiota associated with disease and appears to be common in neonates. The consequences of intestinal dysbiosis are uncertain, but strong circumstantial evidence and limited confirmations of causality suggest that dysbiosis early in life can influence the health of the infant acutely, as well as contribute to disease susceptibility later in life.
Designing Artificial Cells towards a New Generation of Biosensors

The combination of biological and synthetic materials has great potential to generate new types of biosensors. Toward this goal, recent advances in artificial cell development have demonstrated the capacity to detect a variety of analytes and environmental changes by encapsulating genetically encoded sensors within bilayer membranes, expanding the contexts within which biologically based sensing can operate. This chassis not only acts as a container for cell-free sensors, but can also play an active role in artificial cell sensing by serving as an additional gate mediating the transfer of environmental information. Here, we focus on recent progress toward stimuli-responsive artificial cells and discuss strategies for membrane functionalization in order to expand cell-free biosensing capabilities and applications.
Association of Polypharmacy and Potentially Inappropriate Medications With Physical Functional Impairments in Older Adults With Cancer.

Background Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) are prevalent in older adults with cancer, but their associations with physical function are not often studied. This study examined the associations of polypharmacy and PIMs with physical function in older adults with cancer, and determined the optimal cutoff value for the number of medications most strongly associated with physical functional impairment. Methods This cross-sectional analysis used baseline data from a randomized study enrolling patients aged ≥70 years with advanced cancer starting a new systemic cancer treatment. We categorized PIM using 2015 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria. Three validated physical function measures were used to assess patient-reported impairments: activities of daily living (ADL) scale, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scale, and the Older Americans Resources and Services Physical Health (OARS PH) survey. Optimal cutoff value for number of medications was determined by the Youden index. Separate multivariate logistic regressions were then performed to examine associations of polypharmacy and PIMs with physical function measures. Results Among 439 patients (mean age, 76.9 years), the Youden index identified ≥8 medications as the optimal cutoff value for polypharmacy; 43% were taking ≥8 medications and 62% were taking ≥1 PIMs. On multivariate analysis, taking ≥8 medications was associated with impairment in ADL (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.64; 95% CI, 1.01-2.58) and OARS PH (aOR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.01-2.98). PIMs were associated with impairments in IADL (aOR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.09-2.73) and OARS PH (aOR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.15-3.37). A cutoff of 5 medications was not associated with any of the physical function measures. Conclusions Physical function, an important component of outcomes for older adults with cancer, is cross-sectionally associated with polypharmacy (defined as ≥8 medications) and with PIMs. Future studies should evaluate the association of polypharmacy with functional outcomes in this population in a longitudinal fashion.
Preclinical Dysphagia in Community Dwelling Older Adults: What Should We Look For?

Purpose Traditionally, etiology of dysphagia is thought to be related to multiple medical diagnoses including stroke, head and neck cancer, degenerative neurological conditions, and so forth. Howev...
From imperialism to inpatient care: Work differences of Filipino and White registered nurses in the United States and implications for COVID‐19 through an intersectional lens

In the United States, nursing is the largest healthcare profession, with over 3.2 million registered nurses (RNs) nationwide and comprised of mostly women. Foreign-trained RNs make up 15 percent of the RN workforce. For over half a century, the U.S. healthcare industry has recruited these RNs in response to nurse shortages in hospitals and nursing homes. Philippines-trained RNs make up 1 out of 20 RNs in this country and continue to be the largest group of foreign-trained nurses today. Recently, the news media has publicized the many deaths of Filipino RNs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Given the imperial historical ties between these two countries in the context of the nursing profession and the enduring labor inequities that persist, this nationally representative study is one of the few to our knowledge to not only quantitatively examine the current work differences in characteristics and experiences of Philippines-trained RNs and U.S.-trained white RNs practicing in the United States today, but to also do so from an intersectionality lens. The overall aim of this paper is to illuminate how these differences may serve as potential factors contributing to the disproportionate number of Filipino nurses' COVID-19 related vulnerability and deaths in the workplace.
pre-mRNA spatial distributions suggest that splicing can occur post-transcriptionally

Splicing is the molecular process by which introns are removed from pre-mRNA and exons are joined together to form the sequence of the mature mRNA. While the biochemical steps of splicing have been largely worked out, the ordering and spatial distribution of these steps, especially in relation to the transcriptional process itself, remain controversial. Here, we use single molecule RNA FISH together with expansion microscopy to measure the spatial distribution of nascent and partially spliced transcripts in mammalian cells, allowing us to infer the order in which an intron is transcribed and spliced out of the pre-mRNA. We show that 4 out of 4 genes we interrogated exhibit clear post-transcriptional splicing of at least one intron, and that introns can be spliced in any order. Expansion microscopy further revealed the presence of a transcription site proximal zone in which the motion of RNA is slower than in the nucleoplasm. Full length pre-mRNA undergo continuous splicing as they move through this zone after transcription. Upon leaving this zone, some genes9 transcripts localize to speckles during the process of splicing while others appear to traffic freely through the nucleus without localizing to any other nuclear compartment. Our results suggest a model in which transcription and splicing are largely independent, and the existence of a slow moving zone around the transcription site allows for the unification of co-transcriptional and post-transcriptional models of splicing.
A pasting lemma for Lipschitz functions

We give a necessary and sufficient condition ensuring that any function which is separately Lipschitz on two fixed compact sets is Lipschitz on their union.
Book Review, Behind Closed Doors: IRBs and the Making of Ethical Research

Laura Stark's book, Behind Closed Doors: IRBs and the Making of Ethical Research (published by the University of Chicago Press in paperback in 2012), is not as sexy as the book's title would lead y...
The Poetics and Politics of Diaspora: Transatlantic Musings

Introduction: Malungaje: Toward a Poetics of Diaspora 1. Dislocation and Re/membering: Ndongo and D'Aguiar Write the Middle Passage 2. Dislocation and Double Consciousness in Kamau Brathwaite: The Poet as Guinea-bird 3. Speaking Truth, Speaking Power: Of "Immigrants," Immanence, and Linton Kwesi Johnson's "Street 66" 4. Exile's Half-Life, Exile's Dead End: The Conundrum of Relocation in Equatoguinean Literature 5. Marcando Territorio (Marking Territory): Location as Project and Process in Colombia. Conclusion.
America's Fight Over Water: The Environmental and Political Effects of Large-Scale Water Systems

Part One: Departures 1. Introduction 2. Political and Environmental Sociology: The Mobias Strip of Society and Nature 3. Water in the American West Part Two: Investigations 4. In the Beginning There was Boulder: A Natural Menace Becomes a Natural Resource 5. Grand Coulee: 'Mightiest Thing Ever Built by Man' 6. Glen Canyon: Last of the High Dams 7. Conclusion: Toward an Arrival. Maps. References.
Increasing mammography and breast self‐examination in African American women using the witness project™ model

Abstract Background. The five‐year survival rate for African American women with breast cancer is notably lower than the rate for white women; thus, appropriate cancer education and screening efforts are needed to increase mammography and breast self‐examination practices by African American women. Methods. The Witness Project™ is a theory‐based intervention designed to provide culturally sensitive messages, from African American breast cancer survivors, in churches and community organizations. These messages emphasize the importance of early detection to improve survival. Results. Intervention research in eastern Arkansas with 204 African American women demonstrated a significant increase in the practice of breast self‐examination (p < 0.001) and mammography (p < 0.001) after participation in the Witness Project. There was no significant difference between the pre‐and postintervention scores for scaled items for the health‐belief model and locus of control. Conclusions. Results demonstrate that culturall...
Precision Top Mass Measurements vs. Yukawa Unification Predictions

How accurately should the top quark mass be measured in order to test theoretical predictions? A possible answer is presented within a particular theoretical framework, that of top-bottom-tau Yukawa unification in a supersymmetric SO(10) grand unified theory. Yukawa unification, and the uncertainties in its $m_t$ prediction, are introduced by analogy to gauge unification and the uncertainties in the predictions of $sin^2\theta_W$ or $\alpha_3(m_Z)$. There are two sources of uncertainty in this framework: ``removable'' uncertainties due to physics at the electroweak and supersymmetry-breaking scales, and ``irremovable'' ones from physics at and above the unification scale. The latter are precisely the model-dependent effects which would shed light on the nature of the unified model, so they may be regarded as a (model-dependent) part of the prediction rather than as uncertainties. The removable sources are estimated first using current experimental bounds, and then using plausible guesses for the bounds that may be available within roughly a decade: they are not likely to be reduced below roughly $\pm 1 GeV$. That is the level at which such unified theories will be testable against future experimental determinations of the top mass.
Optimal hedging in an extended binomial market under transaction costs

We develop an approach to optimal hedging of a contingent claim under proportional transaction costs in a discrete time financial market model which extends the binomial market model with transaction costs. Our model relaxes the binomial assumption on the stock price ratios to the case where the stock price ratio distribution has bounded support. Non-self-financing hedging strategies are studied to construct an optimal hedge for an investor who takes a short position in a European contingent claim settled by delivery. We develop the theoretical basis for our optimal hedging approach, extending results obtained in our previous work. Specifically, we derive a no-arbitrage option price interval and establish properties of the non-self-financing strategies and their residuals. Based on the theoretical foundation, we develop a computational algorithm for optimizing an investor relevant criterion over the set of admissible non-self-financing hedging strategies. We demonstrate the applicability of our approach u...
Spectral Analysis of the Lyα Forest in a Cold Dark Matter Cosmology

We simulate the Lyα forest in a standard cold dark matter universe using a two-level hierarchical grid code to evolve the dark and baryonic matter components self-consistently. We solve the time-dependent ionization equations for hydrogen and helium, adopting Haardt & Madau's recent estimate for the metagalactic UV radiation background. We compare our simulation results with the measured properties of the Lyα forest by constructing synthetic spectra and analyzing them using an automated procedure to identify, deblend, and fit Voigt line profiles to the absorption features. The H I column density and Doppler parameter distributions that we obtain agree closely with those measured by the Keck Observatory's High Resolution Eschelle Spectrograph (HIRES) and earlier high spectral resolution observations over the column density range 1012 cm-2 3.5). We also compare with measured values of the intergalactic He II opacity. Our results require an He II ionizing background lower than the Haardt & Madau estimate by a factor of 4, corresponding to a soft intrinsic QSO spectrum, with αQ ≈ 1.8-2.
Shape of concentration-response curves between long-term particulate matter exposure and morbidities of chronic bronchitis: a review of epidemiological evidence

Numerous studies have assessed the concentration-response (C-R) relationships between long-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) and mortality from cardiopulmonary diseases, but few studies have evaluated the C-R relationships between PM exposure and morbidity of chronic respiratory diseases or their symptoms, and to date no systematic review has been published on the characteristics of the C-R curves between PM exposure and respiratory disease morbidity. Screening of all available studies in Medline identified ten studies with figures or scatter plots showing the C-R relationships between PM exposure and chronic bronchitis or chronic cough/phlegm. The C-R relationships showed ballistic 'S' shaped curves, linear in the low to moderate PM range and flattening out in the high PM range. Moreover, the shape and level of the C-R curves differed markedly between susceptible and nonsusceptible populations. New evidence from a prospective cohort study confirmed that the C-R relationship between PM reduction and beneficial effects on respiratory health may be due to the decreased incidence of respiratory symptoms and increased recovery in individuals with symptoms of bronchitis. Additional studies are needed to assess the C-R relationships between different PM contents and chronic health parameters, especially in geographic areas with high PM pollution and in more susceptible populations. Evidence from prospective cohort studies in developing countries with areas of high PM pollution may help evaluate the burden of chronic respiratory disease attributable to PM pollution and air quality standards.
Alternating copolymerization of dihydrocoumarin and epoxides catalyzed by chromium salen complexes: a new route to functional polyesters

We report the alternating ring-opening copolymerization of dihydrocoumarin with epoxides catalyzed by chromium(III) salen complexes. This process provides access to a range of perfectly alternating polyesters with high molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions. Atactic poly(cyclohexene dihydrocoumarate) and poly(cyclopentene dihydrocoumarate) were found to be semi-crystalline by differential scanning calorimetry.
Intensities in Inorganic Complexes

A method for calculating the intensity of ${d}^{n}$ electronic transitions in inorganic complexes is developed and subsequently applied to the computation of the intensity of the visible absorption bands of Ti(III) and Cu(II) complexes. The observed and calculated oscillator strengths are in good agreement.
Free gastro-omental flap reconstruction of the complex, irradiated pharyngeal wound.

Background Reconstruction of the complex pharyngeal wound after radiotherapy presents a surgical challenge. Methods Evaluation of the gastro-omental flap in the reconstruction of the pharynx and overlying soft tissue after local flap failure. Results A 70-year-old patient underwent a total laryngectomy and radical neck dissection after 70 Gy of external beam radiotherapy for an advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the pyriform sinus. Postoperatively, a large pharyngocutaneous fistula developed. Attempted closure with a pectoralis major flap was unsuccessful. A tubed gastro-omental free flap based on the right gastroepiploic vessels was used to reconstruct the pharynx. The accompanying greater omentum was skin grafted after filling the large soft tissue defect in the neck. The wounds healed primarily, and oral alimentation was resumed on the seventh postoperative day. Conclusions The gastro-omental flap is a versatile composite flap which can provide mucosal lining as well as abundant soft tissue. It should be considered a secondary option in irradiated, complex pharyngeal wounds when local flaps are not available to be used in conjunction with free jujunal transfer. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 19: 68–71, 1997.
Using more activities to address health disparities: local health departments and their "top executives".

OBJECTIVE: Local health departments (LHDs) are expected to address health disparities. Little is known, however, about what factors influence the activities used by an LHD in addressing health disparities. The objective of this study was to examine factors such as an LHD's leader, jurisdiction, and organizational characteristics that could be considered to influence the approaches used within LHDs to address health disparities. DESIGN: We used a cross-sectional, 2-level, mixed linear model with secondary LHD data nested within states. National data were used, depicting activities conducted by LHDs. STUDY POPULATION: The sample consisted of the 2332 LHDs that responded to the National Association of County and City Health Officials's 2008 National Profile of LHDs Survey. MEASURES: The activities used by LHDs in addressing health disparities were depicted as respondents indicating that they had employed 0 to 8 types of the activities listed in the Profile Survey in relation to addressing disparities. RESULTS: Local health departments significantly vary in the number of types of activities used in addressing health disparities. Significant associations exist between more types of health disparities activities used by LHDs and LHDs having a "top executive" with more education, clinical training, and/or less than 5 years of experience as the LHD's top executive. Local health departments with a jurisdiction that is urban, with a higher percentage of black residents, with a higher percentage of Hispanic residents, with higher per capita LHD expenditures, and/or that has conducted a community health assessment in last 3 years were also significantly associated with higher numbers of types of health disparities activities used. CONCLUSIONS: Local context and the characteristics of an LHD's top executive appear to be important factors related to the activities used to address health disparities across LHDs. A focus on the competencies and development of LHD leaders may be important in promoting LHD engagement in a wider range of approaches toward reducing disparities.