cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
STMN1 is Overexpressed in Adrenocortical Carcinoma and Promotes a More Aggressive Phenotype In Vitro

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy with a poor prognosis and few therapeutic options. Stathmin1 (STMN1) is a cytosolic protein involved in microtubule dynamics through inhibition of tubulin polymerization and promotion of microtubule depolymerization, which has been implicated in carcinogenesis and aggressive behavior in multiple epithelial malignancies. We aimed to evaluate expression of STMN1 in ACC and to elucidate how this may contribute to its malignant phenotype. STMN1 was identified by RNA sequencing as a highly differentially expressed gene in human ACC samples compared with benign adrenal tumors. Expression was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of a tissue microarray (TMA) from two independent cohorts. The biologic relevance of STMN1 was investigated in NCI-H295R cells by lentivirus-mediated silencing. Differential gene expression demonstrated an eightfold increase in STMN1 messenger RNA (mRNA) in malignant compared with benign adrenal tissue. IHC showed significantly higher expression of STMN1 protein in ACC compared with normal and benign tissues. STMN1 knockdown in an ACC cell line resulted in decreased cell viability, cell-cycle arrest at G0/G1, and increased apoptosis in serum-starved conditions compared with scramble short hairpin RNA (shRNA) controls. STMN1 knockdown also decreased migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth compared with controls. STMN1 is overexpressed in human ACC samples, and knockdown of this target in vitro resulted in a less aggressive phenotype of ACC, particularly under serum-starved conditions. Further study is needed to investigate the feasibility of interfering with STMN1 as a potential therapeutic target.
Decomposition of seawater-irrigated halophytes : implications for potential carbon storage

Seawater-irrigated halophytes are a non-traditional crop that may serve to offset anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions through long-term carbon storage. To assess the feasibility of storing carbon as cultivated halophyte residues in coastal desert soils, the decay rate, microbial activity and microbial decomposer abundance of post-harvest residues were investigated for three potential halophyte crops. Decay rates were determined by measuring weight loss from residues in litterbags in both the field and laboratory. The effect of incorporating residues into the soil was examined by locating litterbags both on and below the soil surface. Microbial decomposition activity was measured as the CO2 efflux from residue amended soil columns in the greenhouse. The abundance of bacteria, fungi, and nematodes was assessed in decomposing residues using litterbags in the field. The three halophytes decomposed at rates similar to those of conventional, non-saline residues (0.20–0.30% d-1) whether placed on the surface or buried at 30 cm. Residue type affected microbial activity in soil columns during the first 21 days, but decomposition was similar for the three halophytes thereafter. Residue type affected the abundance of nematodes, but not of bacterial and fungal decomposers. Because the rate of halophyte residue decay and the number of microbial decomposers associated with the residues are similar to those of fresh water systems, there appears to be no advantage in storing carbon as plant residue in this saline agricultural system.
Triaxial states of light nucleides

The triaxial shapes of the first excited state of16O and of the ground states of24Mg and32S are studied in detail. Multipartite nucleon—nucleon interaction potentials, coupling Wigner central forces to Majorana exchange forces with both having Gaussian radial dependence, are employed in a variational calculation carried out in a Cartesian harmonic oscillator basis of states.
A Comparison of Estimation Methods for Hydraulic Conductivity Functions from Field Data

Concern over the environmental impact of contaminated groundwater has motivated research aimed at developing improved, physically based models of transport processes in heterogeneous media. Large scale dispersion of contaminants is produced to a large degree by the spatial variability of the hydraulic properties of the media. Thus, in order to model transport processes, extensive field experiments providing three dimensional measurements of hydraulic properties are required. Estimation of the hydraulic parameters has been called the “Achilles’ heel” of groundwater modeling because of the difficulty in inferring the distributed (and highly variable) hydraulic parameters from discrete data. We consider here two methods for estimating hydraulic conductivity. The first method is the commonly used kriging (after D.G. Krige [11]) method. Kriging is a minimum-mean- squared-error technique which is equivalent to optimal spatial linear estimation [4]. The second method is a regularized least squares, whose penalty term is suggested in [9] in the context of photon emission tomography.
Space Systems Engineering

A space system consists of a complex set of synergistically related components that together satisfy a coherent set of requirements derived from a set of needs. The objective of systems engineering is to design, develop, deploy, operate, and dispose of a system that meets the user’s needs, defined in terms of technical or performance specifications and constraints such as cost, schedule, and risk that constitute a set of system-level requirements.
Anomalous Sex Chromosome Systems

Modern cytological investigations have firmly established the conclusion that in mammals the male is always heterogametic, or has an XX/XY sex determination system. Many earlier reports of XO males prove to be erroneous. The sizes of the X and the Y may vary considerably, but rarely are the two morphologically indistinguishable. Ohno et al. (1964) concluded that the X chromosome of the eutherian mammals constitutes approximately 5% of the genome, regardless of the diploid number. In species with numerous autosomes (such as the dog), the X may be the longest element. In species with low diploid numbers, such as many bats, the X may be among the shortest elements. Exceptional cases occur when the X chromosome carries a large amount of constitutive heterochromatin, such as the Chinese hamster and the European field vole Microtus agrestis. As far as the functional protion (euchromatin) of the X chromosome is concerned, the genetic content of the X in relation to the entire genome is remarkably constant.
What is a Logical Constant

The main question discussed by Sommers — what is a logical constant? — leads him to develop what he considers a simple and uniform account of the logical constants, one that sharply distinguishes logical and descriptive elements of sentences.
Electrophotoluminescence in a Rigid 3-Methyl Pentane Solution of N,N,N’ , N’-Tetramethyl-p-Phenylenediamine at 77K

During studies to refine the model of the electrophotoluminescence phenomenon in photoionized solutions of N,N,N’,N’-Tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine at 77K, a previously unreported contribution to the total recombination luminescence has been uncovered. Characteristics of the group of recombinations giving rise to this luminescence are described, and compared and contrasted with those of the recombinations which involve the biphotonically produced trapped electrons previously reported in this system. The results suggest that a compact charge-pair is responsible for the new luminescence.
Overall survival in older patients with cancer

Objectives A growing number of patients with cancer are older adults. We sought to identify the predictors for overall survival (OS) in older adults with solid tumour and haematological malignancies between January 2013 and December 2016. Methods Retrospective cohort study. A comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed, with a median follow-up of 12.8 months. Analysis: univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Results In this study, among the 455 patients with last follow-up date or date of death, 152 (33.4%) died during the follow-up. The median follow-up is 12.8 months (range 0.2–51.1 months) and the median OS is 20.5 months (range 0.3–44.5 months). Among all older patients with cancer, predictors of OS included male gender, cancer stage, malnutrition, history of smoking, heavy alcohol use, frailty, weight loss, major depression, low body weight and nursing home residence. Traditional performance scores (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS)) were predictors of OS. Independent predictors included age >85 years and haematological malignancies. Among solid tumours (n=311) in addition to the above predictors, comorbidity, gait speed and vitamin D deficiency were associated with OS. Conclusions We identified specific geriatric factors associated with OS in older patients with cancer, and comparable in predictive ability to traditional performance scores such as KPS and ECOG. Prospective studies will be necessary to confirm our findings.
Comparison of philosophical concerns between professionals and the public regarding two psychiatric treatments.

Background: Psychiatric interventions are a contested area in medicine, not only because of their history of abuses, but also because their therapeutic goal is to affect emotions, thoughts, beliefs...
A review of histiostomatid mites associated with scolytine bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), with a description of Histiostoma shiramba sp. n. (Acari: Histiostomatidae) from galleries of the Sakhalin-fir bark beetle Polygraphus proximus

Associations of scolytine bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) and histiostomatid mites (Acari: Histiostomatidae) are reviewed. Histiostomatids are associated with a total of 62 described species of bark beetles in 31 countries of the world, except for South America and Antarctica (262 non-redundant records). Non-accidental records include 21 mite species in the genus Histiostoma and 5 species in the Bonomoia / Probonomoia generic complex. The biological role of histiostomatids associated with bark beetles is largely unknown and needs further investigation. Available observations suggest that histiostomatids living in bark beetle galleries may feed on different fungi, including those pathogenic to the tree host and/or may serve as food supplement for developing bark beetle larvae (e.g., the fungal genus Ophiostoma ). However, based on their mouthpart morphology, instead of feeding on fungi directly, histiostomatids may reduce fungal population sizes by releasing fungicides produced by their opisthonotal glands. Both feeding and phoretic stages of the mites commonly vector considerable numbers of fungal spores or conidia, including those of phloem-infesting, blue stain fungi (e.g., Ophiostoma , Ceratocystis , and Alternaria ). Here we describe all developmental stages of a new species of the genus Histiostoma , belonging to the piceae -species group that includes many mite species associated with bark beetles. The new species, Histiostoma shiramba sp. n. , was found in the galleries of the Sakhalin-fir bark beetle, Polygraphus proximus , an invasive pest that is quickly spreading outside of its native range in the Eastern Palaearctic, causing large-scale destruction of fir forests. We emend the following names ( nom. emend. ) to agree in gender with the generic name Histiostoma (gender neuter): Histiostoma capillatum , H. conjunctum , H. hungaricum , H. indetonsum , H. irinum , H. longisetum , H. margaritatum , H. medium , H. ovale , H. pannonicum , H. serratum , H. sordidum , H. spinosum , H. sylvestre , H. varium , H. virginianum . The name Histiostoma scheucheri is emended to Histiostoma scheucherae .
Coming to terms with the era of AIDS: attitudes of physicians in U.S. residency programs.

Purpose: To examine factors associated with residents’ willingness to provide care to persons with AIDS.
On Dark Energy and Quantum Gravity

Realizing dark energy and the observed de Sitter spacetime in quantum gravity has proven to be obstructed in most every usual approach. We argue that additional degrees of freedom of the left- and right-movers in string theory and a resulting doubled, non-commutatively generalized geometric formulation thereof can lead to an effective model of dark energy consistent with de Sitter spacetime. In this approach, the curvature of the canonically conjugate dual space provides for the dark energy inducing a positive cosmological constant in the observed spacetime, whereas the size of the above dual space is the gravitational constant in the same observed de Sitter spacetime. As a hallmark relation owing to a unique feature of string theory which relates short distances to long distances, the cosmological constant scale, the Planck scale, and the effective TeV-sized particle physics scale must satisfy a see-saw-like formula---precisely the generic prediction of certain stringy cosmic brane type models.
The impact of race and socioeconomic status on outcomes for HPV-associated squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

e18103Background: The socioeconomic factors affecting outcomes of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) are poorly characterized. Methods: A cus...
Doctoral Students’ Perspectives on Their Doctoral Dissertations

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this article was to examine Kinesiology Doctoral Students’ (DS) perspectives on issues related to their dissertation experiences. Using the Kinesiology Doctoral Student (KDS)...
OnabotulinumtoxinA wear-off in chronic migraine, observational cohort study.

Abstract Introduction The current standard-of-care protocol for OnabotulinumtoxinA (BoNTA) injections consists of fixed-site injections every 12 weeks. This pattern is based on clinical practice and extrapolated from BoNTA injections for other, non-migraine-related indications. It is unclear if this protocol is optimal for chronic migraine. In clinical practice, migraine patients frequently describe a period of increased headache frequency and intensity in the few weeks preceding their next injections. In order to evaluate the duration of the clinical effect of BoNTA injections in chronic migraine, we studied the variation in headache frequency on a weekly basis during the 12-week period following treatment in a cohort of migraine patients. Method 38 consecutive subjects were enrolled from an outpatient headache clinic, and asked to keep daily headache journals. 24 completed headache journals were analyzed. Headache frequency, duration and severity, as well as intake of symptomatic headache medications were recorded and compared among the different weeks. Results The time-response plot following BoNTA injection was roughly U-shaped, with 3 distinct phases: an induction phase, a maximum efficacy phase, and a wear-off phase. The time-response plot revealed that the wear-off commenced around the eighth week post injection. The mean difference in the number of headache days per week between the first and the eighth week was 1.8 (95% CI [0.670–2.830], p = 0.003). Conclusion The effect of BoNTA injections on chronic migraines was not uniform throughout a 12-week period. A window of vulnerability to migraine attacks exist in the beginning and end of each cycle.
Associations Between Residents' Personal Behaviors and Wellness: A National Survey of Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents.

Objective To investigate associations between activities residents reported doing to support their own well-being and perceived experience of burnout and mental health problems. Design A single-group, multi-institutional cross-sectional survey explored physician well-being using six questions. Self-report of burnout was the primary outcome of the original analysis. This secondary analysis aims to understand whether self-report of burnout and other problems (depression, binge drinking, eating disorder, drug use, etc.) differed based on residents’ personal practices (e.g., hobbies, recreational activities, substance use). Activities done at least twice a week were considered “regular” activities. Chi-squared tests examined the associations between these activities and the likelihood of residents reporting any problem. Setting An anonymous, voluntary, electronic questionnaire was distributed at the time of the Council on Resident Education in OBGYN (CREOG) examination in 2017. Participants Among 5376 US OBGYN residents, 4999 (93%) provided consent and completed complete data for the analysis. Results Of 5376 residents offered the survey, 4999 (93%) residents provided complete data for the analysis. The majority, 3065 (61.3%) reported experiencing at least one wellness issue. When queried about the activities residents did to support their own well-being, most of the activities did not improve reported wellness, but rather had no association, or a negative association with well-being. Among the common regular activities, only exercise was associated with a reduction in self-reporting of problems (OR 0.68, p Conclusions Most activities that OBGYN residents reported doing to support their own wellbeing were not associated with reduced reporting of burnout or mental health problems, except for exercise. Alcohol use was commonly reported and is associated with increased reporting of burnout or other mental health problems.
Motion Reveal Emotions: Identifying Emotions From Human Walk Using Chest Mounted Smartphone

Emotion recognition via gait analysis is an active and key area of research because of its significant academic and commercial potential. With recent developments in hardware technology, the use of inertial sensors allows researchers to effectively capture the human motion data for gait analysis. To this end, the aim of this paper is to identify emotions from the inertial signals of human gait recorded by means of body mounted smartphones. We extracted a manually-crafted set of features computed from the human inertial gait data which are used to train and precisely predict the human emotions. Specifically, we collected the inertial gait data of 40 volunteers by means of smartphone’s on-board inertial measurement units (3D accelerometer, 3D gyroscope) attached at the chest in six basic emotions including sad, happy, anger, surprise, disgust and fear . Using stride based segmentation, the raw signals are first decomposed into individual strides. For each stride, a set of 296 spectro-temporal features are computed, which are fed into two supervised learning predictors namely Support Vector Machines and Random Forest. The classification results obtained with the proposed methodology and validated with k-fold validation procedure show classification accuracy of 95% for binary emotions and 86% for all six categories of emotions.
Immunotoxicity of an Electrochemically Fluorinated Aqueous Film-Forming Foam

Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) are complex per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)-containing mixtures used extensively as fire suppressants. AFFF-impacted groundwater and surface water have contaminated drinking water with PFASs in many communities, raising concerns about health effects from drinking water exposures. As individual PFASs have been identified as immune hazards, the immunotoxicity of complex PFAS mixtures is also a concern. Adult female and male C57BL/6 mice were given a commercial AFFF formulation for 10 days via gavage; administered dose was based on combined content of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) measured in the formulation (0, 1.88, 3.75, 7.5, or 10 mg PFOS+PFOA/kg body weight). A PFOA positive control of 7.5 mg/kg body weight was also given. Compared with the 0 mg/kg group, the following changes were noted: Body weights of males exposed to 7.5 and 10 mg PFOS+PFOA/kg were reduced by 15%, on average; female body weights did not differ. Average relative liver weights were increased 50%-200% in males and 37.5%-193% in females and liver peroxisome proliferation was increased 2- to 12-fold in all doses of both sexes. Antigen-specific antibody production was suppressed, on average, by 13% in males and by 12.4% in females across all doses. Spleen cellularity and lymphocyte subpopulations did not differ by dose for either sex. Our data indicate that though this complex PFAS mixture contained fairly low PFOA content, it induced changes in C57BL/6 mice similar to changes induced by PFOA alone, likely due to the presence of PFOS and many other PFASs.
Observation of an Unexpected n-Type Semiconducting Behavior in the New Ternary Zintl Phase Eu3InAs3

The ternary arsenides Eu3InAs3 and Sr3InAs3 have been obtained by reactions of the elements in In flux at 1373 K. Structure elucidation by single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that Eu3InAs3 and...
Superficial anatomy of the neonatal cerebrum — an ultrasonographic roadmap

Neurosonography is an essential imaging modality for assessing the neonatal brain, particularly as a screening tool to evaluate intracranial hemorrhage, hydrocephalus and periventricular leukomalacia. The primary advantages of neurosonography include portability, accessibility and lack of ionizing radiation. Its main limitations are intrinsic operator dependence and the need for an open fontanelle. Neurosonographic imaging acquisition is typically performed by placing a sector transducer over the anterior fontanelle and following sagittal and coronal sweeps. The sensitivity of neurosonography has markedly improved thanks to the adoption of modern imaging equipment, the use of dedicated head probes, and the employment of advanced diagnostic US techniques. These developments have facilitated more descriptive identification of specific cerebral anatomical details, improving understanding of the cerebral anatomy by conventional US. Such knowledge is fundamental for enhanced diagnostic sensitivity and is a key to understanding pathological states. Furthermore, familiarity with normal anatomy is crucial for understanding pathological states. Our primary goal in this review was to supplement these technological developments with a roadmap to the cerebral landscape. We accomplish this by presenting a systematic approach to using routine US for consistent identification of the most crucial cerebral landmarks, reviewing their relationship with adjacent structures, and briefly describing their primary function.
‘Civility’ and the Civilizing Project

Calls for civility have been on the rise recently, as have presumptions that civility is both an academic virtue and a prerequisite for rational engagement and discussion among those who disagree. ...
Transitioning to college: Impact of high school librarians

Abstract High schools try to help their students become college-career ready. Information literacy is part of that picture, although the role of teacher librarians is less clear. While the value of librarians within the education environment has been demonstrated, less research about the transferability between high school and higher education was evident. The research question emerged: what relationship exists between the presence of a high school teacher librarian and freshmen college students' academic success? To answer this question, this study examined five years of a large comprehensive university's freshmen data about their course load, the first semester GPA, and information about the high school from which they graduated: its Title I status and the presence of a high school librarian. The study found that the presence of a high school librarian employed at least half time is significantly correlated with college freshmen's grade point average, However, more explicit attention and support needs to be given to students in Title I schools.
Clinicopathological findings of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm in a 10-year-old girl presenting with pruritus, a case report and concise review

Abstract Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) are rare cystic lesions with low malignant potential making up approximately 2–3% of all primary pancreatic neoplasms in both pediatric and adult patients combined. While malignant pancreatic tumors are extremely rare in children, SPNs are one of the more common pancreatic neoplasms in this age group. Although most SPNs have a benign course with excellent long-term prognosis, they do have the potential to behave aggressively. Most children with SPN present with a palpable abdominal mass or abdominal pain. Here we describe an unusual presentation of SPN in a pediatric patient who did not have either of these findings but instead presented only with a two-month history of pruritus. We incorporate clinical, imaging, cytologic, and histologic data to make an accurate diagnosis of SPN in a 10-year-old female with an unusual presentation. Review of the literature failed to find a similar presentation of this tumor.
Tribute to Judith Trent

Since 1988, when I edited the first American Behavioral Scientist issue on the presidential campaign—for that issue, and for every presidential campaign cycle up to 2020, the first article of my Am...
Resource sharing and resource sparing, understanding the role of production intensity and farm practices in resource use in shrimp aquaculture

Abstract Aquaculture production is an important part of the global food supply and has equaled or surpassed fisheries production as the main source of aquatic foods. Aquaculture is a resource intensive practice that can use large amounts of land, water, energy, and cause pollution and degradation to the local environment. Intensive production practices have been criticized in the past for causing environmental harm; however recent studies have suggested that resource use may decrease with increasing production intensities at the farm level. Here we used a conceptual farm to access the impact of a few key production parameters on land, water, and energy use. A series of calculations were conducted at various production intensities with modifications made to the type of feed used and water exchange rate. The resulting relationships were then modeled with production intensity. Additionally, the effect of various feedstuffs on embodied resource coefficients was examined through varying protein and carbohydrate feedstuffs. Land and water use were found to have an asymptotic relationship with production intensity, with the most important factor in land use being production intensity and the most important factor in water use being the water exchange rate. Energy use was found to be higher with a diet that has fish meal as a protein source and at higher water exchange rates. The most land intensive diets used for shrimp contained high fish meal with rice as carbohydrate feedstuffs (0.550 ha/tonne). The most water intensive diet was no fish meal with corn as a carbohydrate (1863 m3/tonne), and the most energy intensive diet was high fish meal with corn as a carbohydrate (11.73 GJ/tonne). The results herein suggest that intensifying shrimp aquaculture could save resources based on per tonne of production basis.
Impact of Plant-Based Diet on PSA Level: Data From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Abstract Objective To determine the potential association between plant-based dietary content and PSA levels among men enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods Data on demographics, diet, and PSA levels was acquired from the NHANES database. Plant-based diet index (PDI) and healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI) were calculated using food frequency questionnaires. A higher score on PDI and hPDI indicates higher consumption of plant foods or healthy plant foods, respectively. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between elevated PSA, clinical variables, demographics, and plant-based diet indices. Results A total of 1399 men were included in the final cohort. Median age of participants was 54 [46-63] years. Median PSA level was 0.9 [0.6-1.5] ng/dL, and 69 (4.9%) men had a PSA level ≥4 ng/dL. Although there was no association between elevated PSA and PDI, on multivariable analysis patients with higher consumption of healthy plant-based diet (high hPDI scores) had a decreased probability of having an elevated PSA (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.24-0.95; P = .034). Conclusion There is a significant association between increased consumption of a healthy plant-based diet and lower PSA levels. This finding may be incorporated into the shared-decision making process with patients to promote healthier lifestyle choices to reduce the likelihood of prostate biopsy and potential treatment-related morbidity.
State of Contradiction: The Singapore Model and its Others

Singapore is widely touted as a model of urban development and planning. Hoping to emulate the city-state’s post-independence achievements, government leaders, policy makers, and planners from acro...
Reducing tobacco use in substance use treatment: An intervention to promote tobacco-free grounds.

Abstract Background People in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment experience disproportionate rates of tobacco use. California has prioritized smoking cessation among these individuals through the Tobacco-Free for Recovery Initiative, which includes an intervention aimed at supporting programs in implementing tobacco-free grounds. The current study examined changes in client smoking prevalence, tobacco use behaviors, and receipt of cessation services among the first seven programs participating in the initiative. Methods Residential treatment program clients completed cross-sectional surveys at the start of the intervention (baseline: n = 249), at an interim timepoint post-baseline (interim: n = 275), and at the end of the intervention 15 months later (post-intervention: n = 219). All participants reported smoking status. Current smokers reported tobacco use behaviors, and both current smokers and those who quit in treatment reported receipt of cessation services. Univariate analyses explored differences across the three timepoints and multivariate logistic regression assessed change from baseline to interim and baseline to post-intervention. Results Client smoking prevalence decreased from 54.2% at pre- to 26.6% at post-intervention (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.13, 0.45). Current smokers and those who quit while in treatment reported an increase in NRT/pharmacotherapy (11.9% vs. 25.2%; AOR = 3.02, CI = 1.24, 7.35). When comparing baseline to the interim timepoint (a timepoint before the COVID-19 pandemic), data analyses also demonstrated a significant decrease in smoking prevalence (54.2% vs. 41.8%; AOR = 0.62, CI = 0.42, 0.92) and increase in NRT/pharmacotherapy (11.9% vs. 24.5%; AOR = 3.68, CI = 1.11, 12.19). Conclusion An intervention to promote tobacco-free grounds implemented in residential SUD programs was associated with a significant reduction in client smoking and an increase in NRT/pharmacotherapy. These associations were observed both before the COVID-19 pandemic and in the early stages of the pandemic, suggesting that they may be due to the intervention rather than to the pandemic.
Matched Sampling for Causal Effects

Part I. The Early Years and the Influence of William G. Cochran: 1. William G. Cochran's contributions to the design, analysis, and evaluation of observational studies 2. Controlling bias in observational studies: a review William G. Cochran Part II. Univariate Matching Methods and the Dangers of Regression Adjustment: 3. Matching to remove bias in observational studies 4. The use of matched sampling and regression adjustment to remove bias in observational studies 5. Assignment to treatment group on the basis of a covariate Part III. Basic Theory of Multivariate Matching: 6. Multivariate matching methods that are equal percent bias reducing, I: Some examples 7. Multivariate matching methods that are equal percent bias reducing, II: Maximums on bias reduction for fixed sample sizes 8. Using multivariate matched sampling and regression adjustment to control bias in observational studies 9. Bias reduction using Mahalanobis-metric matching Part IV. Fundamentals of Propensity Score Matching: 10. The central role of the propensity score in observational studies for causal effects Paul R. Rosenbaum 11. Assessing sensitivity to an unobserved binary covariate in an observational study with binary outcome Paul R. Rosenbaum 12. Reducing bias in observational studies using subclassification on the propensity score Paul R. Rosenbaum 13. Constructing a control group using multivariate matched sampling methods that incorporate the propensity score Paul Rosenbaum 14. The bias due to incomplete matching Paul R. Rosenbaum Part V: Affinely Invariant Matching Methods with Ellipsoidally Symmetric Distributions, Theory and Methodology: 15. Affinely invariant matching methods with ellipsoidal distributions Neal Thomas 16. Characterizing the effect of matching using linear propensity score methods with normal distributions Neal Thomas 17. Matching using estimated propensity scores: relating theory to practice Neal Thomas 18. Combining propensity score matching with additional adjustments for prognostic covariates Part VI. Some Applied Contributions: 19. Causal inference in retrospective studies Paul Holland 20. The design of the New York school choice scholarships program evaluation Jennifer Hill and Neal Thomas 21. Estimating and using propensity scores with partially missing data Ralph D'Agostino Jr. 22. Using propensity scores to help design observational studies: application to the tobacco litigation Part VII. Some Focused Applications: 23. Criminality, aggression and intelligence in XYY and XXY men H. A. Witkin 24. Practical implications of modes of statistical inference for causal effects and the critical role of the assignment mechanism 25. In utero exposure to phenobarbital and intelligence deficits in adult men June Reinisch, Stephanie Sanders, and Erik Mortensen 26. Estimating causal effects from large data sets using propensity scores 27. On estimating the causal effects of DNR orders Martin McIntosh.
Novel celastrol derivatives inhibit the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma patient-derived xenografts

// Wei Wei 1 , Song Wu 1,2 , Xiaolin Wang 1 , Chris Kin-Wai Sun 1 , Xiaoyang Yang 1 , Xinrui Yan 3 , Mei-Sze Chua 1 and Samuel So 1 1 Asian Liver Center, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 2 School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P. R. China 3 Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford University, Stanford, CA Correspondence: Mei-Sze Chua, email: // Keywords : celastrol derivatives, molecular chaperone, targeted therapy Received : April 25, 2014 Accepted : July 10, 2014 Published : July 10, 2014 Abstract The molecular co-chaperone CDC37 is over-expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, where it functions with HSP90 to regulate the activity of protein kinases in multiple oncogenic signaling pathways that contribute towards hepatocarcinogenesis. Disruption of these signaling pathways via inhibition of HSP90/CDC37 interaction is therefore a rational therapeutic approach. We evaluated the anti-tumor effects of celastrol, pristimerin, and two novel derivatives (cel-D2, and cel-D7) on HCC cell lines in vitro and on orthotopic HCC patient-derived xenografts in vivo. All four compounds preferentially inhibited viability of HCC cells in vitro ,and significantly inhibited the growth of three orthotopic HCC patient-derived xenografts in vivo ; with the novel derivatives cel-D2 and cel-D7 exhibiting lower toxicity. All four compounds also induced cell apoptosis; and promoted degradation and inhibited phosphorylation of protein kinases in the Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. We demonstrated that HSP90/CDC37 antagonists are potentially broad spectrum agents that might be beneficial for treating the heterogeneous subtypes of HCC, either as monotherapy, or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.
Byd of China: Electrifying the World's Automotive Market

Case which examines the rise of a Chinese auto company and its challenge to Western competitors through its electric car line.
Spatial standard observer for visual technology

The spatial standard observer (SSO) was developed in response to a need for a simple, practical tool for measurement of visibility and discriminability of spatial patterns. The SSO is a highly simplified model of human spatial vision, based on data collected in a large cooperative multi-lab project known as ModelFest. It incorporates only a few essential components, such as a local contrast transformation, contrast sensitivity junction, local masking, and local pooling. The SSO may be useful in a wide variety of applications, such as evaluating vision from unmanned aerial vehicles, measuring visibility of damage to aircraft and to the shuttle arbiter, predicting outcomes of corrective laser eye surgery, inspection of displays during the manufacturing process, estimation of the quality of compressed digital video, evaluation of legibility of text, and predicting discriminability of icons or symbols in a graphical user interface.
Technology-Based Interventions in Social Work Practice: A Systematic Review of Mental Health Interventions

Despite concerns around the use of technology-based interventions, they are increasingly being employed by social workers as a direct practice methodology to address the mental health needs of vulnerable clients. Researchers have highlighted the importance of using innovative technologies within social work practice, yet little has been done to summarize the evidence and collectively assess findings. In this systematic review, we describe accounts of technology-based mental health interventions delivered by social workers over the past 10 years. Results highlight the impacts of these tools and summarize advantages and disadvantages to utilizing technologies as a method for delivering or facilitating interventions.
Identification of Hedgehog Pathway Components by RNAi in Drosophila Cultured Cells

Classical genetic screens can be limited by the selectivity of mutational targeting, the complexities of anatomically based phenotypic analysis, or difficulties in subsequent gene identification. Focusing on signaling response to the secreted morphogen Hedgehog (Hh), we used RNA interference (RNAi) and a quantitative cultured cell assay to systematically screen functional roles of all kinases and phosphatases, and subsequently 43% of predicted Drosophila genes. Two gene products reported to function in Wingless (Wg) signaling were identified as Hh pathway components: a cell surface protein (Dally-like protein) required for Hh signal reception, and casein kinase 1α, a candidate tumor suppressor that regulates basal activities of both Hh and Wg pathways. This type of cultured cell–based functional genomics approach may be useful in the systematic analysis of other biological processes.
The effect of propylthiouracil and temperature on avian thyroid activity

Abstract High ambient temperatures cause a reduction in thyroid gland size of chickens but propylthiouracil (PTU) treatment produces an increase in gland size regardless of temperature. This increase in size after PTU treatment during high temperature is evident after 7 days of PTU treatment but not after 14 days of treatment. Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase is activated in the thyroid gland with PTU treatment during high temperatures with no alteration in activity in the pituitary. These results suggest that the pituitary is not activated by TRH during periods of high ambient temperature and the thyrotrophs may release TSH in direct response to lowered serum thyroid levels produced by PTU treatment.
Sensitivity of Uncinula necator to Benomyl, Triadimefon, Myclobutanil, and Fenarimol in California.

Sensitivity of Uncinula necator subcultures to benomyl and the demethylation-inhibiting (DMI) fungicides triadimefon, myclobutanil, and fenarimol was assessed in 1993, 1994, and 1995 with leaf disk bioassays. In 1993, 1994, and 1995, 81.8, 96, and 96.7% of the subcultures, respectively, did not grow on leaf disks treated with 30 mg of benomyl per liter, whereas growth of the remaining subcultures was inhibited by more than 90%. Median EC50 values of triadimefon, myclobutanil, and fenarimol decreased from 1993 to 1994, and those of triadimefon decreased again from 1994 to 1995. In the same period, median EC50 values of all three DMI fungicides increased in a vineyard never exposed to DMI fungicides. The highest means and ranges of EC50 values found were those of triadimefon. Means and ranges were lower for myclobutanil and lowest for fenarimol, reflecting differences in inherent activities of the fungicides and po-tential for development of resistance. Pairwise correlations between EC50 values of each DMI fungicide were positive and confirmed earlier indications of cross resistance.
Circumventricular Organs: Gateways to the Brain Role Of Circumventricular Organs (CVO) In Neuroendocrine Responses: Interactions Of Cvo And The Magnocellular Neuroendocrine System In Different Reproductive States

SUMMARY 1. Magnocellular neurons, which release oxytocin (OT) or vasopressin (VP) into the circulation in response to hyperosmolality, hypovolaemia and cholecystokinin (CCK), undergo a resetting during pregnancy and lactation that involves circumventricular organs. 2. During gestation, there is a similar lowering of the osmotic thresholds for stimulation of OT and VP release, whereas the responsiveness of both neuroendocrine systems to hyperosmolality is attenuated by lactation. These osmotic changes in the magnocellular system are mediated by depletion of hormone (OT) stores in the neurohypophysis (lactation), as well as by alterations in afferent stimulation via pathways involving the subfornical organ, organum vasculosum lamina terminalis and median preoptic nucleus. 3. During gestation, both the VP and OT systems are reset such that the expanded blood volume is maintained and defended as ‘normal’ in response to hypovlaemia. Thus, in virgin animals, only a 0–5% reduction in blood volume is needed to activate VP release, whereas 23–25% is required for stimulation of the oxytocinergic system. Thereafter, incremental changes in plasma levels of both hormones with increasing loss in blood volume are similar in virgin and pregnant animals. However, during lactation, the apparent hypovolaemic threshold for both hormones becomes significantly elevated to 20.4% (VP) and > 25% (OT) blood volume depletion, resulting in a decreased responsiveness of the magnocellular system to hypovolaemia. 4. The OT response to CCK is attenuated in lactating animals and circulating VP is unaffected in pregnant rats given the peptide.
The hydrogen abstraction from ethane with a hydrogen radical as examined with ab initio and density functional theory methods

Abstract Hydrogen radical abstraction from ethane with a hydrogen radical was studied with several ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) methods. In all computational studies, the 6-311G(2 d ,2 p ) Gaussian basis set was used. These computational methods have been proved to be very difficult to compute and many otherwise reliable computational methods failed to generate an acceptable reaction barrier. This computational study was performed in order to select appropriate methods for handling these chemical systems. Several ab initio and DFT methods were evaluated and suitable computational approaches that should generate accurate computational results were suggested.
Towards an understanding of the adjuvant action of aluminium

The efficacy of vaccines depends on the presence of an adjuvant in conjunction with the antigen. Of these adjuvants, the ones that contain aluminium, which were first discovered empirically in 1926, are currently the most widely used. However, a detailed understanding of their mechanism of action has only started to be revealed. In this Timeline article, we briefly describe the initial discovery of aluminium adjuvants and discuss historically important advances. We also summarize recent progress in the field and discuss their implications and the remaining questions on how these adjuvants work.
Delayed spectrum of two-level resonance fluorescence

We compute the time-dependent spectrum of fluorescence by two-level atoms after a strong resonant exciting laser pulse is turned off abruptly. The behavior of the "delayed" three-peaked spectrum is shown to be dependent on the natural lifetime of the upper state and on the bandwidth of the interferometer used in the measurement. A prompt increase in the central-peak intensity and an oscillating decay in the two side peaks are predicted to occur immediately after the laser is turned off. These are manifestations of the "undressing" of the atomic states. Our calculation permits consideration of the question of the speed of the undressing and its observation.
A novel ATP-dependent conformation in p97 N-D1 fragment revealed by crystal structures of disease-related mutants.

Mutations in p97, a major cytosolic AAA (ATPases associated with a variety of cellular activities) chaperone, cause inclusion body myopathy associated with Paget's disease of the bone and frontotemporal dementia (IBMPFD). IBMPFD mutants have single amino-acid substitutions at the interface between the N-terminal domain (N-domain) and the adjacent AAA domain (D1), resulting in a reduced affinity for ADP. The structures of p97 N–D1 fragments bearing IBMPFD mutations adopt an atypical N-domain conformation in the presence of Mg2+·ATPγS, which is reversible by ADP, showing for the first time the nucleotide-dependent conformational change of the N-domain. The transition from the ADP- to the ATPγS-bound state is accompanied by a loop-to-helix conversion in the N–D1 linker and by an apparent re-ordering in the N-terminal region of p97. X-ray scattering experiments suggest that wild-type p97 subunits undergo a similar nucleotide-dependent N-domain conformational change. We propose that IBMPFD mutations alter the timing of the transition between nucleotide states by destabilizing the ADP-bound form and consequently interfere with the interactions between the N-domains and their substrates.
The traveling Indian gallery, Part two

A short three-act play interrogates George Catlin’s highly popular 19th century traveling Indian Gallery, examining Catlin’s paintings, and his use of Native Americans as actors in his plays.
Steroid binding alterations in tissue compartments of the vagina of control and neonatally diethylstilbestrol-treated adult mice

Steroid binding in both the vaginal epithelium and the vaginal fibromuscular wall (FMW) was compared in control and neonatally estrogen-treated mice. Neonatal treatment with a low dose of the estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) had no significant effect on adult estrogen binding within the assayed vaginal compartments; however, this treatment caused a 2-fold increase in the level of cytosolic progestin binding in the vaginal FMW over that in vehicle-treated mice. This low neonatal dose did not affect the level of progestin binding in the vaginal epithelium. In contrast, neonatal treatment with a larger dose of DES caused marked increases in cytosolic progestin binding, decreases in cytosolic estrogen binding, and increases in nuclear estrogen binding within the FMW. Furthermore, as a result of the changes in specific binding induced by the neonatal DES treatment, the degree of the estrogen binding within in each tissue shifted from a predominantly cytosolic site to a nuclear one.