cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of pesticides and toxic substances on behavioral and morphological reproductive development: endocrine versus nonendocrine mechanisms

Exposure to toxic substances or pesticides during critical perinatal developmental periods can alter reproductive and central nervous system (CNS) function in a manner that does not compromise the growth and viability of the fetus but causes functional alterations that become apparent later in life. While some "CNS/behavioral teratogens" are mutagenic or alter cell division, other chemicals produce alterations of CNS development via endocrine-mediated mechanisms. The following discussion will focus on studies conducted primarily in our laboratory that describe how pesticides and toxic substances alter development of the reproductive and central nervous systems as a consequence of organizational or activational exposures. Abnormal behavior and morphology can result from exposure to endocrine-disrupting toxicants by altering organization of the CNS during critical stages of life or activation of behavior after puberty. Some of the toxicants that alter rodent sexual differentiation include xenoestrogens, antiandrogenic pesticides, and dioxin-like toxic substances. Chemicals that alter sex-linked nonreproductive and reproductive CNS development via nonhormonal mechanisms are also discussed in order to demonstrate that multiple mechanisms of action are involved in the development of behavioral abnormalities in pre- and perinatally exposed offspring. The fact that reproductive function (behavioral, biochemical, and morphological) can be altered via such a wide variety of mechanisms indicates that hazard identification in this area cannot rely solely on the detection of endocrine activity.
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-mediated epigenetic modifications elicit myeloid-derived suppressor cell activation via STAT3/S100A8.

MDSCs are potent immunosuppressive cells that are induced during inflammatory responses, as well as by cancers, to evade the anti-tumor immunity. We recently demonstrated that marijuana cannabinoids are potent inducers of MDSCs. In the current study, we investigated the epigenetic mechanisms through which THC, an exogenous cannabinoid, induces MDSCs and compared such MDSCs with the naive MDSCs found in BM of BL6 (WT) mice. Administration of THC into WT mice caused increased methylation at the promoter region of DNMT3a and DNMT3b in THC-induced MDSCs, which correlated with reduced expression of DNMT3a and DNMT3b. Furthermore, promoter region methylation was decreased at Arg1 and STAT3 in THC-induced MDSCs, and consequently, such MDSCs expressed higher levels of Arg1 and STAT3. In addition, THC-induced MDSCs secreted elevated levels of S100A8, a calcium-binding protein associated with accumulation of MDSCs in cancer models. Neutralization of S100A8 by use of anti-S100A8 (8H150) in vivo reduced the ability of THC to trigger MDSCs. Interestingly, the elevated S100A8 expression also promoted the suppressive function of MDSCs. Together, the current study demonstrates that THC mediates epigenetic changes to promote MDSC differentiation and function and that S100A8 plays a critical role in this process.
Remagnetization and fluids

Remagnetization, the acquisition of a secondary magnetization, is accepted as a widespread phenomenon in sedimentary rocks. The recognition that many sedimentary rocks were partially or completely remagnetized long after deposition has not only led to a reevaluation of the paleomagnetic data base [for example, Van der Voo, 1989], but has also led to a new application of paleomagnetism to other areas of Earth science. Most remagnetizations are caused by the precipitation of authigenic magnetic phases, the replacement of precursor minerals, or uplift and cooling after prolonged heating. Isolation of a secondary magnetization and comparison of the corresponding pole position to the apparent polar wander path, therefore, can provide essential constraints on the timing of secondary events. Many remagnetizations are tangible evidence of a chemical (for example, diagenetic) event caused by rock-fluid interactions, and recent studies have demonstrated the potential for using chemical remagnetizations to constrain the timing of diagenetic events.
Component-Part Screening Procedures Based on Multiparameter Measurements

A screening methodology based on measurements of several parameters is proposed. The methodology provides an improved semiquantitative basis for the selection and evaluation of screening criteria The method is devised 1) to yield a minimum number of parameters required for effective screening with a linear function, 2) to determine the gain in reliability obtained by screening on the basis of two parameters rather than one, three rather than two, etc., 3) to determine the parameters which may be interchanged for measurement or cost reasons without changing the effectiveness of the screening procedure, 4) to determine the probabilities of screening out a superior component and failing to screen out an inferior component, 5) to determine the costs associated with making the screen:rig procedure more stringent, 6) to permit modification of the screening criteria for small changes in component-part design, or lot characteristics; 7) to determine the effect of alternative failure criteria on the screening criteria, and 8) to indicate when practical screening cannot be achieved using a linear function of the parameters selected for measurement. The methodology is based on a combination of standard statistical techniques, and is novel only in maintaining a tractable analysis of the over-all problem of screening individual component parts by variables inspection.
Fault-Tolerant Transformerless Power Flow Controller Based-On ETO Light Converter

Static synchronous series compensator (SSSC) is one of the solid state flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices which is effective to control the active power flow across the transmission lines by altering or changing the characteristic impedance of the power line. However its widespread application is still limited by higher cost, series protection requirements, and low reliability. Attention is drawn to the issues of fault-tolerance and distributed design of the SSSC to achieve high reliability and lower cost. In this paper, a new 1-2 MVA modular ETO Light converter with low cost and high power density is introduced. Combined with modular air-cooled heat-pipe, modular digital interface, this modular converter has self-sensor, self-power and self-protection functions. The high voltage/current rating and control power self-generation enable the transformerless connection. Two fault-tolerant power flow controllers based on ETO Light converter are proposed. The SSSC operating principle and control strategies are introduced and discussed. The proposed protection scheme and SSSC controller operation is validated by simulation results. Full scale hardware demonstration is underway and experimental results will be presented in the final paper. Some experimental test results of ETO Light converter are also presented.
GROUP SIZE DOES NOT INFLUENCE GROWTH IN THE THERAPHOSID SPIDER HYSTEROCRATES GIGAS (ARANEAE, THERAPHOSIDAE, EUMENOPHORINAE)

Spiderlings of the theraphosid spider Hysterocrates gigas were reared for 12 weeks with a superabundance of prey solitarily and in groups of two and four to examine the influence of rearing group size on growth. This taxon was selected because observations made on captive populations indicate that Hysterocrates spp. tarantulas have an unusually high level of mutual tolerance and captive juveniles have been observed to feed cooperatively on large prey until several months old. Cannibalism was only observed in one instance, in a group of four. There was no significant effect of rearing group size on increase in body mass. There was a tendency for a greater asymmetry in final weight in dyads than in tetrads. No difference was found in the amount of time spent feeding by individuals between the different group sizes. Hence, benefits of group living in Hysterocrates gigas spiderlings were not evident in this study.
Imaging the biodistribution of systemic AA amyloidosis in mice using 125I-labeled protamine

1484 Objectives Amyloid deposits in brain and peripheral organs contain in addition to protein fibrils a high concentration of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG). Data suggest that the chemical structure of amyloid-associated heparan sulfate differs from that found ubiquitously in the extra-cellular matrix of all normal tissues rendering it a potential new biomarker for these pathologic deposits. Therefore, we have studied the biodistribution of the heparin-binding peptide protamine as a novel agent for amyloid imaging. Methods Synthetic protamine was purified by HPLC and the amino acid sequence confirmed by MS. 125I-labeled protamine (125I-protamine) was administered to mice with systemic AA amyloidosis or to amyloid-free animals and allowed to circulate for 1, 2, 4, 8 or 24 h. At each time point microSPECT/CT images were acquired and the tissue distribution of the radioactivity determined by gamma counting. Finally, 6 µm-thick tissue sections were prepared for autoradiography and histological evaluation. Results In disease-free mice the 125I-protamine was rapidly dehalogented and 125I- sequestered by the stomach which, with the thyroid was visible in SPECT images up to 8 h post-injection. In contrast, 125I-protamine when injected into AA mice was observed by SPECT within the liver, kidney, pancreas and spleen (sites of AA amyloid), where tissue:muscle ratios were at least 2-fold greater in mice with amyloid as compared to the WT animals, indicating specific retention of the p48 peptide by AA deposits. Micro-autoradiography confirmed that 125I-protamine preferentially associated with the AA amyloid deposits. In amyloid-free mice there was little accumulation of 125I-protamine in any organ or tissue. Conclusions These data indicate that even though HS is expressed in normal tissue, the heparin-reactive peptide protamine may be used for specific imaging of amyloid diseases. Research Support Supported by USPHS grant 1R01DK079984
Investigation on risk factors of children under 14 years old with asthma in Baoji city

Objective To investigate the risk factors for children asthma in Baoji city. Method A two-stage stratified cluster random sampling survey methods was used to select 1 029 children under 14 years old from Jintai district,Weibin district and Chencang district in Baoji city for investigating on risk factors of children asthma,χ2 test and non-conditional Logistic Regression were used to analyse factors of asthma. Results Univariate analysis showed that the personal history of drug allergy,family history of allergies,cesarean section,room decoration,etc,27factors at total were statistically significant(P0.05);Multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis presented that in the case of no cold or flu,children had sneezing,runny nose,nasal congestion,nasal itching or eye itching phenomenon,and repeated skin itching or joint flexor side rash,allergic rhinitis,allergic symptoms or similar allergies after eating some foods,caesarean,plus protein food within six months,history of using antibiotics,room wall using paint,doors and windows were made from plastic steel,coolingwith natural ventilation in summer,feculae bombycis pillow were independent risk factors for asthma(P0.05);Heater useing in winter heating,ventilation or cooling using fans in summer and down duvets were protective factors of asthma(P0.05). Conclusion There are many risk factors of childhood asthma,children with asthma should avoid exposuring to risk factors,breastfeed was recommended for infants under 6months;It is great significance for the prevention and control of children asthma.
Engineering Xeno-Free Microcarriers with Recombinant Vitronectin, Albumin and UV Irradiation for Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Bioprocessing.

The development of platforms for the expansion and directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in large quantities under xeno-free conditions is a key step toward the realization of envisioned stem cell-based therapies. Microcarrier bioreactors afford great surface-to-volume ratio, scalability and customization with typical densities of 1 × 106 to 1 × 107 cells/mL or higher. In this study, a simple and inexpensive method was established for generating microcarriers without animal-derived components. While coating polystyrene beads with vitronectin alone did not support the culture of hPSCs in stirred suspension, the inclusion of recombinant human serum albumin and UV irradiation led to enhanced seeding efficiency and retention while cells grew more than 20-fold per passage for multiple successive passages and without loss of cell pluripotency. Human PSCs expanded on microcarriers were coaxed to trilineage differentiation demonstrating that this system can be used for the self-renewal ...
Memory Upgrade: Insights into Primed Adaptation by CRISPR-Cas Immune Systems

Recently, Kunne et al. (2016) demonstrated that degradation products of Cas3 obtained during CRISPR interference fuel priming. In this issue of Molecular Cell, Xue et al. (2016) highlight the conformational changes in Cascade that underpin the priming process when interference is blocked.
Three-dimensional lattice matching of epitaxially embedded nanoparticles

Abstract For a given degree of in-plane lattice mismatch between a two-dimensional (2D) epitaxial layer and a substrate ( ϵ IP * ), there is a critical thickness above which interfacial defects form to relax the elastic strain energy. Here, we extend the 2D lattice-matching conditions to three-dimensions in order to predict the critical size beyond which epitaxially encased nanoparticles, characterized by both ϵ IP * and out-of-plane lattice mismatch ( ϵ OP * ), relax by dislocation formation. The critical particle length ( L c ) at which defect formation proceeds is determined by balancing the reduction in elastic energy associated with dislocation introduction with the corresponding increase in defect energy. Our results, which use a modified Eshelby inclusion technique for an embedded, arbitrarily-faceted nanoparticle, provide new insight to the nanoepitaxy of low dimensional structures, especially quantum dots and nanoprecipitates. By engineering ϵ IP * and ϵ OP * , the predi c ted L c for nanoparticles can be increased to well beyond the case of encapsulation in a homogenous matrix. For the case of truncated pyramidal shaped InAs, L c ~ 10.8 nm when fully embedded in GaAs ( ϵ IP * = ϵ OP * = - 0.072 ); 16.4 nm when the particle is grown on GaAs, but capped with InSb ( ϵ IP * = - 0.072 and ϵ OP * =+0.065); and a maximum of 18.4 nm if capped with an alloy corresponding to ϵ OP * =+0.037. The effect, which we term “3D Poisson-stabilization” provides a means to increase the epitaxial strain tolerance in epitaxial heterostructures by tailoring ϵ OP * .
Physiology of the parasympathetic nervous system of the lung

Parasympathetic nerves play an important role in modulating smooth muscle tone and mucus secretion in the airways. This modulation can occur through a variety of afferent inputs, from the central nervous system, at parasympathetic ganglia, and on post-ganglionic efferent fibres themselves. Abnormalities at any of these sites could, and in some patients probably do, contribute to the abnormalities in smooth muscle contraction and mucus secretion that characterize a number of airway diseases, including asthma. Because these pathways play little or no role in the exaggerated bronchoconstrictor responses in many patients, however, an abnormality of the parasympathetic pathway cannot be the sole explanation for abnormal airway hyperresponsiveness.
Extrapolating Scientific Data from Animals to Humans in Behavioral Toxicology and Behavioral Pharmacology

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses some of the factors that can contribute to successful animal modeling. The chapter also elaborates limitations of animal models in predicting human behavioral responses to chemical exposure. Differences between the effects of chemicals that interact with behavior in different species can arise at a number of levels, including the way in which an animal processes the chemical, physiological and biochemical substrates with which the chemical interacts, or species differences in behavior, which may be genetic, learned, or imposed by the investigator's procedures for behavioral measurement. In addition to metabolic differences across species and strains, animals may also differ in basic physiological and biochemical substrates. In human subjects, Atropine, a muscarinic blocking agent, dilates the human pupil, but is without effect on the nicotinic receptors controlling pupil dilation in birds. This chapter suggests some areas into which behavioral toxicologists and behavioral pharmacologists might direct their research as the field of molecular biology continues to develop. The chapter also explains the factors that control the extrapolation of data from animals to humans and suggests some ways to deal with the information.
Exploration of the impact of nearby sources on urban atmospheric inversions using large eddy simulation

The Indianapolis Flux Experiment (INFLUX) aims to quantify and improve the effectiveness of inferring greenhouse gas (GHG) source strengths from downstream concentration measurements in urban environments. Mesoscale models such as the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model can provide realistic depictions of planetary boundary layer (PBL) structure and flow fields at horizontal grid lengths (Δ x ) down to a few km. Nevertheless, a number of potential sources of error exist in the use of mesoscale models for urban inversions, including accurate representation of the dispersion of GHGs by turbulence close to a point source. Here we evaluate the predictive skill of a 1-km chemistry-adapted WRF (WRF-Chem) simulation of daytime CO2 transport from an Indianapolis power plant for a single INFLUX case (28 September 2013). We compare the simulated plume release on domains at different resolutions, as well as on a domain run in large eddy simulation (LES) mode, enabling us to study the impact of both spatial resolution and parameterization of PBL turbulence on the transport of CO2. Sensitivity tests demonstrate that much of the difference between 1-km mesoscale and 111-m LES plumes, including substantially lower maximum concentrations in the mesoscale simulation, is due to the different horizontal resolutions. However, resolution is insufficient to account for the slower rate of ascent of the LES plume with downwind distance, which results in much higher surface concentrations for the LES plume in the near-field but a near absence of tracer aloft. Physics sensitivity experiments and theoretical analytical models demonstrate that this effect is an inherent problem with the parameterization of turbulent transport in the mesoscale PBL scheme. A simple transformation is proposed that may be applied to mesoscale model concentration footprints to correct for their near-field biases. Implications for longer-term source inversion are discussed.
Subpixel target detection in hyperspectral images with local matched filtering in SLIC superpixels

In subpixel-target detection in hyperspectral images, there is well-documented current interest for identifying preferred background covariance matrix estimates to be used in the formation of matched-filter detectors. The traditional approach suggests global covariance matrix estimates, calculated upon all the image pixels, while several recent works suggest locally formed matched filters within image segments. In this work, we propose local matched filters from background covariance matrices calculated within SLIC-superpixels of the image. Our simulation studies illustrate that the proposed SLIC-based matched-filter (SLIC-MF) detector attains performance superior to that of contemporary alternatives that employ different, globally or locally estimated, background statistics.
Characterizing nitinol wire bond strength in silicone for artificial skin muscles

This study examines the bonding force between Nitinol wire and silicone polymer. The purpose is to understand the feasibility and limitations of using nitinol wire as an actuator in artificial skin. This study improves upon previous work, which studied silicone embedded nitinol and expands its scope by looking deeper into the wire/polymer configuration, and manufacturing process which can lead to air bubbles at the wire/silicone interface. Prior results were less consistent due to the presence of tiny bubbles in samples, which lead to variable maximum pulling forces between tests. This study addresses this issue, and improves the manufacturing process, so that the capacity of the bonding between wires and polymers can be increased.This is accomplished by using an injection molding method preceded by a vacuum stage.When samples are manufactured and tested with the improved method there is a significant improvement in the strength and consistency of results. A maximum pull force improvement of 32% was seen in the vacuum prepared samples. This lays the foundation for developing computer simulations of the artificial skin using experimentally verified data. Future work will continue to address the manufacturing process, material variants, as well as checking the effect of different wire diameters and materials. All this data will go into developing a predictive numerical model using commercial finite element analysis software, which will assist in the creation of more complex shapes of controllable artificial skin. These complex wire/polymer configurations will be used to address current biomedical issues, such as facial paralysis, and assisting burn victims, or in humanoid robotics.
Selenoproteins in the Endoplasmic Reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an organelle which is present in all eukaryotic cells. The ER is a major compartment where protein folding, glycosylation, and disulfide bond formation occur. Selenocysteine containing proteins (selenoproteins) are a subgroup of thiol oxidoreductases. Recent studies demonstrated that 7 of 25 known human selenoproteins, Sep15, SelM, SelT, D2, SelS, SelK, and SelN, reside in the ER. Thus, ER-associated redox processes are dependent on selenoproteins, and consequently, on selenocysteine biosynthesis and overall selenium status of the cell. At the same time, ER selenoproteins include the least characterized human selenoproteins. In this chapter, we summarize recent results on the ER selenoproteome.
Cancer Prevention in the United States

The steps undertaken in the United States for cancer prevention are reviewed, especially those relating to smoking, and obesity prevention and healthy nutrition. It is concluded that the knowledge and tools to prevent many cancers and cancer deaths now exist. Cancer prevention interventions, if fully implemented, could potentially prevent several hundred thousand cancer deaths per year. If this is to be achieved, much of the emphasis should be on children as most prevention interventions are most useful when deployed early in life. Consistent application of cancer prevention may not occur without effective interventions at the individual, clinical, community, and policy levels. This is a public health challenge at national and local levels.
Criterion of Interfacial Fracture on Tensile Adhesive Joint

The present investigation was undertaken to verify the criterion of the interfacial bond failure. The time-temperature superposition, the failure envelope, the dependence of the tensile bond strength on the degree of crystallinity and the fractography of the interfacial region of the adhesive were observed by the use of steel-nylon 12-steel cross lap joint. The ultimate tensile properties of the joint were found to be associated with the viscoelastic nature of the adhesive rather than with a thermodynamic criterion. The experimental results suggest that the Mises hypothesis can be applied to the tensile adhesive joint as the fracture criterion.
Limited Rate Distributed Weight-Balancing and Average Consensus Over Digraphs

Distributed quantized weight-balancing and average consensus over fixed digraphs are considered. A digraph with non-negative weights associated to its edges is weight-balanced if, for each node, the sum of the weights of its out-going edges is equal to that of its incoming edges. This paper proposes and analyzes the first distributed algorithm that solves the weight-balancing problem using only finite rate and simplex communications among nodes (compliant to the directed nature of the graph edges). Asymptotic convergence of the scheme is proved and a convergence rate analysis is provided. Building on this result, a novel distributed algorithm is proposed that solves the average consensus problem over digraphs, using, at each iteration, finite rate simplex communications between adjacent nodes -- some bits for the weight-balancing problem, other for the average consensus. Convergence of the proposed quantized consensus algorithm to the average of the real (i.e., unquantized) agent's initial values is proved, both almost surely and in $r$th mean for all positive integer $r$. Finally, numerical results validate our theoretical findings.
Effects of Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary Intervention on Comprehension-Related Outcomes for Ninth Graders With Low Reading Comprehension

This experimental study examined the efficacy of a multicomponent reading intervention compared to a business-as-usual comparison condition on the reading comprehension and content area vocabulary ...
Consumer Technology for Sleep-Disordered Breathing: a Review of the Landscape

The consumer market for devices that quantify sleep is quickly evolving. We conducted a review of the consumer technology available for sleep disorders, including its potential and limitations to screen obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). There are many commercial devices claiming to objectively measure sleep, but only a few are tested rigorously in research. We critically review the technology available, including its overall ability to provide objective measures of sleep (total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), sleep latency (SL), wake after sleep onset (WASO)), and to estimate apnea-hypopnea indexes in OSA patients. Although consumer devices performed similarly to standard actigraphy, they still overestimated TST and SE, and underestimated WASO and SL. Biomotion sensors and mattress-based devices showed potential for use as an OSA screening tool. However, research in the sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) population is limited, needs further external validation, and should be implemented in the course of multiple days.
Comparison of Malnutrition Screening Tools for Use in Hospitalized Older Adults (OR36-02-19)

Objectives Malnutrition is a common problem in geriatric patients that often goes unrecognized. Undernutrition is a primary health concern for older adults due to associations with increased mortality, complications, and length of hospital stay. Yet, there is no consensus on which malnutrition screening tool should be used for hospitalized older adults. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine which screening tool is best to rapidly detect malnutrition in hospitalized older adults so that patient outcomes may be improved.
On the cracks normal to shape memory alloy/elastic material interfaces

Abstract Theoretical and numerical analyses are performed to investigate the behavior of a crack propagating perpendicularly to a perfectly bonded bi-material interface. The bi-material system is composed of a linear elastic material in which the interface crack is initially located bonded to a shape memory alloy. Utilizing a continuum thermodynamics-based constitutive model for the shape memory alloys, the effects of different material and operational parameters, such as maximum transformation strain, relative martensitic Young’s modulus, and temperature, on the crack propagation behavior and the crack tip transformation zone are explored. Novel closed-form solutions are presented to obtain both the shape of the martensitic transformation zone and the strain energy density around the crack tip. The validity of the theoretical solutions is examined and discussed by comparing to comparable finite element results. The crack propagation behavior is analyzed based on both the critical stress intensity factor and the critical strain energy density criteria. The presented results provide a primary understanding of how the failure mechanism can be controlled in smart composites including SMA components by tuning of the material and operational parameters.
Contested Child Protection Policies

This chapter discusses the tension over recent decades in child welfare policy in the United States between two conflicting value systems, one focusing on parent and group rights over children, and the other focusing on child rights to grow up with nurturing parental care. It describes the leading legal and policy movements that have promoted keeping children with the family of origin and in the racial, ethnic and national group of origin. It contrasts these with some laws and policies that have instead prioritized protecting children against abuse and neglect, and placing them with nurturing parents including in adoption. It situates domestic US child welfare policy debates within the larger international context.
What is Needed for Evidence-Based Dietary Recommendations for Migraine: A Call to Action for Nutrition and Microbiome Research.

Background The gastrointestinal symptoms of migraine attacks have invited numerous dietary hypotheses for migraine etiology through the centuries. Substantial efforts have been dedicated to identifying dietary interventions for migraine attack prevention, with limited success. Meanwhile, mounting evidence suggests that the reverse relationship may also exist - that the biological mechanisms of migraine may influence dietary intake. More likely, the truth involves some combination of both, where the disease influences food intake, and the foods eaten impact the manifestations of the disease. In addition, the gut's microbiota is increasingly suspected to influence the migraine brain via the gut-brain axis, though these hypotheses remain largely unsubstantiated. Objective This paper presents an overview of the strength of existing evidence for food-based dietary interventions for migraine, noting that there is frequently evidence to suggest that a dietary risk factor for migraine exists but no evidence for how to best intervene; in fact, our intuitive assumptions on interventions are being challenged with new evidence. We then look to the future for promising avenues of research, notably the gut microbiome. Conclusion The evidence supports a call to action for high-quality dietary and microbiome research in migraine, both to substantiate hypothesized relationships and build the evidence base regarding nutrition's potential impact on migraine attack prevention and treatment.
The Delta-4 fibrosis score (D4FS): A novel fibrosis score in chronic hepatitis D

Abstract Background Chronic Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection results in the most severe form of viral hepatitis with a rapid progression to cirrhosis. However, non-invasive fibrosis tests that can accurately predict cirrhosis have not been adequately validated. We aimed to develop a clinically useful non-invasive score that can accurately detect cirrhosis. Material and methods Patients with chronic HDV diagnosed by liver histology or serum PCR were evaluated. Data regarding demographics, laboratory, imaging, vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE), and liver biopsy were collected. The total cohort was randomized into a training and validation cohort. The training cohort was used to develop a novel score, the Delta-4 fibrosis score (D4FS) which was then compared to other non-invasive tests in the validation cohort by area under receiver operating characteristics (AUROC). Results 77 patients with chronic HDV were evaluated: mean age 42.6 (SD:11.1) years, 59.7% male, and 57.1% Asian. The total cohort was then separated into a training (n = 45) and validation (n = 32) cohort with no significant differences in terms of clinical characteristics between the two. From the training cohort, the D4FS was derived from variables of statistical and clinical interest (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), platelet count, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and liver stiffness measurement (LSM)). The D4FS demonstrated the best AUROC in the validation cohort (0.94) followed by VCTE (0.90), FIB-4 (0.86), APRI (0.81), and AAR (0.71). Discussion The D4FS is a clinically useful non-invasive fibrosis score that can accurately detect cirrhosis in patients with chronic HDV infection. Further studies should be performed to further validate clinical utility.
Chapter 3 – Detectors for Fiber Optics

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of detector terminology. It also illustrates detailed description of the types of detectors used extensively in fiber optics. It also discusses the avalanche photodiodes, photodiode arrays, Schottky-barrier photodiodes, metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) detectors, and resonant-cavity photodetectors along with some noise sources in datacom receivers and their impact on the detection electronics. Detectors are an integral part of all fiber optic communication systems. They demodulate optical signals by converting the optical variations into electrical variations, which are subsequently amplified and further processed. However, for such applications, the detectors must satisfy some stringent requirements such as high sensitivity at operating wavelengths, high-response speed, and minimum noise. The detector should also be compact in size, use low biasing voltages, and be reliable under operating conditions. There are many different types of optical detectors available, which are sensitive over the entire optical spectra, the infrared, and the ultraviolet. The fiber optic communication systems most commonly use solid state semiconductor devices, such as the PIN photodiode. It is almost exclusively used in transceivers.
Looking for Insight, Transformation, and Learning in Online Talk

Edited by Paulus, T. M. and Wise, A. F. (2019). New York, NY: Routledge. ISBN: 978-1-138-24057-5The Internet has become a ubiquitous part of modern life, with 90% of adults in the U.S. regularly us...
Pre-existing intratumoral CD8 T cells substantially contribute to control tumors following therapeutic anti-CD40 and polyI:C based vaccination

ABSTRACT Background Dendritic cells are potently activated by the synergistic action of CD40 stimulation in conjunction with signaling through toll like receptors, subsequently activating antigen specific T cells. Cancer vaccines targeting the activation of dendritic cells in this manner show promise in murine models and are being developed for human cancer patients. While vaccine efficacy has been established, further investigation is needed to understand the mechanism of tumor control and how vaccination alters tumor infiltrating immune cells. Methods Mice bearing established murine melanoma tumors were vaccinated with agonist anti-CD40, polyI:C, and tumor antigen. Intratumoral T cell numbers, differentiation state, proliferation, and survival were assessed by flow cytometry. T cell effector function was measured both within the tumor and ex vivo by flow cytometry. T cell trafficking was blocked to examine changes to intratumoral T cells present at the time of vaccination. Results Vaccination led to increased intratumoral T cell numbers and delayed tumor growth. Expansion of T cells and tumor control did not require trafficking of T cells from the periphery. The increase in intratumoral T cells was associated with an acute burst in proliferation but not changes in viability. Intratumoral T cells had lower PD-1 and Eomes expression but were less functional after vaccination on a per cell basis. However, the increased intratumoral T cell numbers yielded increased effector T cells per tumor. Conclusions Pre-infiltrated CD8 T cells are responsive to CD40/TLR-mediated vaccination and sufficient for vaccination to delay tumor growth when additional T cell trafficking is blocked. This indicates that the existing T cell response and intratumoral DC could be critical for vaccination efficacy. This also suggests that circulating T cells may not be an appropriate biomarker for vaccination efficacy.
Differential item functioning analysis for the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire among heterosexual and sexual minority men.

Sexual minority (SM) men are at a higher risk for eating disorders and related issues, relative to heterosexual men. However, it is currently unknown whether commonly used measures of eating pathology are appropriate to use among diverse groups of men. Determining the unique functioning of existing assessments may help better and more accurately understand eating disorder pathology within this population. The present study examined differences in item endorsement between sexual orientation in the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) through differential item functioning (DIF). Heterosexual and SM men (N = 703) completed the EDE-Q and a demographic questionnaire. EDE-Q scores were examined for clinically significant DIF based on participants’ self-reported sexual orientation (e.g., heterosexual men vs SM men). SM men reported higher EDE-Q symptom composite scores than heterosexual men. DIF was observed for all EDE-Q items relative to the global score; however, only one item met clinical significance (EDE-Q #19; ∆R2 ≥ 0.13). Results suggest that SM men experience greater levels of ED pathology than heterosexual men. While the EDE-Q is a commonly used measure of eating pathology, findings suggest that sexual orientation bias may impact many items on the EDE-Q. However, results from this study indicated that only one item introduces bias that has clinical implications. Additional research is needed to further explore and replicate this finding among more diverse samples of SM and heterosexual men. Level III, case–control analytic study.
Mist chamber extraction for improved diagnosis of Meloidogyne spp. from golf course bermudagrass.

Meloidogyne spp. are among the most damaging plant-parasitic nematodes to golf course bermudagrass in the southern United States. Diagnostic samples processed by centrifugal flotation often recovered only low numbers of vermiform Meloidogyne spp. life stages (J2 and males) from soil, while roots were found to be heavily infested by sedentary life stages. Therefore, the University of Florida Nematode Assay Lab (NAL) evaluated mist extraction from turf plugs as a method for diagnosis of Meloidogyne spp. from golf course bermudagrass. Soil and turf plugs were obtained from 596 golf course bermudagrass small plots from multiple locations and cultivars over several years, and vermiform Meloidogyne spp. extracted from 100 cm3 of soil by centrifugal flotation and by mist chamber extraction from four 3.8-cm-diam. turf plugs were compared. Additionally, both extraction methods were performed on 431 golf course bermudagrass diagnostic samples received by the NAL from Florida, 36 golf course bermudagrass diagnostic samples from Texas, and 34 golf course bentgrass/bluegrass samples from California. In the small plots, and the bermudagrass samples from Florida and Texas, mist extraction had higher detection and recovery rates of vermiform Meloidogyne spp. than did centrifugal flotation. However, centrifugal flotation had higher detection and recovery rates than mist extraction from bentgrass/bluegrass samples from California. Mist extraction from turf plugs is superior to centrifugal flotation from soil for diagnosis of Meloidogyne spp. on golf course bermudagrass, but not on golf course bentgrass and bluegrass.
Lingual Hamartomas: Clinical Characteristics, Diagnostic Evaluation, Treatment, and Outcomes

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To further clinically characterize lingual hamartomas, and to consolidate literature by analyzing clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and outcomes. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective chart review and literature review. METHODS Case series from 1989 to 2020 at a tertiary pediatric center; follow-up ranging from 2 months to 12 years. Patient demographics, clinical presentations, physical examination findings, surgical pathology, operative methods, pre-operative imaging, and follow-up. A review of English-language literature from 1945 to 2020 was conducted. RESULTS Seven patients (four male, three female) with nine lingual hamartomas were identified. Average age at surgical excision was 7.9 months (SD 3.5 months, range 3 to 14 months). Follow-up ranged from 2 months to 12 years, with all patients having no recurrence. Physical examination identified five pedunculated hamartomas and two sessile hamartomas. One patient had a neck CT, one had neck ultrasound, and two had facial MRIs. CT and ultrasounds confirmed presence of cervical thyroid. MRI suggested no muscular invasion for one patient, whereas motion artifact obscured findings for the other patient. Most patients who presented with dysphagia or poor weight gain achieved post-surgical improvement. The present cases combined with the literature review identified 57 patients with 63 lingual hamartomas. CONCLUSIONS Lingual hamartomas appear as hypovascular pedunculated masses near the foramen cecum. There is no demographic predisposition, and most are identified during infancy. Imaging is not necessary, unless there is concern for lingual thyroid, in which case thyroid ultrasound should be performed. Surgical excision is curative, with dysphagia resolution and low likelihood for recurrence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2080-E2088, 2021.
Motivators for Cannabis Use Among Young Adults in Outpatient Psychiatric Care: A Qualitative Study:

Cannabis use is prevalent among youth with mental illness, despite the increased risk of exacerbating psychiatric symptoms. The rapidly changing legality of cannabis has contributed to its normaliz...
Grid resolution requirement for resolving rare and high intensity wall-shear stress events in direct numerical simulations

Wall-shear stress becomes more intermittent as the Reynolds number (Re) of a flow increases. To properly resolve wall shear stress events in direct numerical simulations thus requires finer grids at higher Re. In this work we examine the grid resolution required to resolve a given percentage of wall shear stress events as a function of Re. We find that the standard grid resolution does not capture a fraction of high intensity events which increases with Re and quantify the grid resolution needed to do so.
Estimators and tail bounds for dimension reduction in lα (0

The method of stable random projections is popular in data stream computations, data mining, information retrieval, and machine learning, for efficiently computing the lα (0 We propose algorithms based on (1) the geometric mean estimator, for all 0 harmonic mean estimator, only for small α (e.g., α • The general sample complexity bound for α ≠ 1,2. For α = 1, [27] provided a nice argument based on the inverse of Cauchy density about the median, leading to a sample complexity bound, although they did not provide the constants and their proof restricted e to be "small enough." For general α ≠ 1, 2, however, the task becomes much more difficult. [27] provided the "conceptual promise" that the sample complexity bound similar to that for α = 1 should exist for general α, if a "non-uniform algorithm based on t-quantile" could be implemented. Such a conceptual algorithm was only for supporting the arguments in [27], not a real implementation. We consider this is one of the main problems left open in [27]. In this study, we propose a practical algorithm based on the geometric mean estimator and derive the sample complexity bound for all 0 • The practical and optimal algorithm for α = 0+ The l0 norm is an important case. Stable random projections can provide an approximation to the l0 norm using α → 0+. We provide an algorithm based on the harmonic mean estimator, which is simple and statistically optimal. Its tail bounds are sharper than the bounds derived based on the geometric mean. We also discover a (possibly surprising) fact: in boolean data, stable random projections using α = 0+ with the harmonic mean estimator will be about twice as accurate as (l2) normal random projections. Because high-dimensional boolean data are common, we expect this fact will be practically quite useful. • The precise theoretical analysis and practical implications We provide the precise constants in the tail bounds for both the geometric mean and harmonic mean estimators. We also provide the variances (either exact or asymptotic) for the proposed estimators. These results can assist practitioners to choose sample sizes accurately.
Ochlocracy in the Cybersphere

The computer and the Internet have changed the world. They have facilitated global communications never before possible. The cyber world is wonderful—and terrible. Extremist blogs have exploded on the Internet, using various platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more. Extreme views and warped views of reality abound, and, people form into cyber groups with millions of people sharing a given “reality.” These cyber groups sometimes meet in actual groups at a given destination. Once formed as an actual group of thousands, mob psychology can take over engendering violence and destabilizing society.
The Nano-War Against Complement Proteins

Targeted drug delivery and nanomedicine hold the potential promise of delivering drugs solely to target organs or cell types, thus decreasing off-target side effects and improving efficacy. However, nano-scale drug carriers face several barriers to this goal, with one of the most formidable being the complement cascade. Complement proteins, especially C3, opsonize not just the microbes they evolved to contain, but also nanocarriers. This results in multiple problems, including marking the nanocarriers for clearance by leukocytes, likely fouling of the targeting moieties on nanocarriers, and release of toxins which produce deleterious local and systemic effects. Here, we review how complement achieves its blockade of nanomedicine, which nanocarrier materials properties best avoid complement, and current and future strategies to control complement to unleash nanomedicine’s potential.
A Low-Power ECG Readout Circuit Integrated with Machine Learning Based ECG Heartbeat Classifier

Dry electrodes have been a popular mechanism for ECG acquisition due to their ease of use and ability to secure longer signals. However, for wearable ECG monitoring to be effective, high-fidelity signal processing is imperative. Lack of low-cost, compact, and effective processing options at the subject end could result in noisy ECG data transmission. To overcome this constraint this paper presents a four-layered Printed Circuit Board (PCB) based readout circuit using commercial off-the-shelf components (COTS), having a low power consumption of 1 µW and an area of 2.1 x 1.8 cm2. The readout circuit components are an amplifier with a gain of 40 dB, a 60 Hz notch filter, and a low pass filter with a cut-off frequency of 100 Hz. For a test signal, the SNR improved from −9 dB to 29.3 dB using the readout circuit. Voluminous ECG data acquired from patients over a long period requires deep analysis, feature extraction, and annotation for pattern recognition, which is a significantly time-consuming task. The development of machine learning programs can analyze hard-to-read ECG data and identify unique characteristics within the data in a short period. In this paper three machine learning models, namely Decision Trees (DT), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) are built to classify the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database. The results show that the Weighted KNN model has the highest training accuracy of 88.7% and the Medium Decision tree is the fastest with 23.9 seconds.