cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does the Influenza Virus Bud from Cholesterol- and Sphingolipid-Enriched Plasma membrane domains?

The segregation of different lipid and protein species into compositionally distinct membrane domains is undoubtedly essential for cellular function. Advances in protein imaging have vastly improved our knowledge of the distributions and stimuli-dependent clustering of various protein species within cellular membranes. However, much less is known about the distributions of distinct lipid species, and especially their proximity to proteins of interest, within the plasma membrane. We have shown that high-resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) performed on a Cameca NanoSIMS 50 enables imaging the distributions of stable isotope-labeled lipids in model and cellular membranes with ∼100 nm lateral resolution. Our previous NanoSIMS imaging of metabolically incorporated 15N-sphingolipids and 18O-cholesterol on the surfaces of fibroblast cells revealed the plasma membrane contains cytoskeleton-dependent sphingolipid domains that are not enriched with cholesterol. Unexpectedly, cholesterol was found to be uniformly distributed within the plasma membrane. Here we use this approach to test the long-standing hypothesis that the influenza virus buds from plasma membrane domains that are enriched with cholesterol and sphingolipids. Specifically, we have imaged metabolically incorporated 15N-sphingolipids and 18O-cholesterol and immunolabeled viral envelope proteins on the surfaces of influenza-infected MDCK cells, and assessed co-localization between these components. The results of these experiments and there implications will be presented.
Chemical genetics screening reveals KIAA1363 as a cytokine-lowering target.

Inflammation is a hallmark of many human diseases, including pain, arthritis, atherosclerosis, obesity and diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Although there are several successfully marketed small molecules anti-inflammatory drugs such as cyclooxygenase inhibitors and glucocorticoids, many of these compounds are also associated with various adverse cardiovascular or immunosuppressive side effects. Thus, identifying novel anti-inflammatory small molecules and their targets is critical for developing safer and more effective next-generation treatment strategies for inflammatory diseases. Here, we have conducted a chemical genetics screen to identify small molecules that suppress the release of the inflammatory cytokine TNFα from stimulated macrophages. We have used an enzyme class-directed chemical library for our screening efforts to facilitate subsequent target identification using activity-based protein profiling (ABPP). Using this strategy, we have found that KIAA1363 is a novel target fo...
Picosecond photoelectron studies of cluster dynamics

Time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy is proving to be a versatile tool for investigating dynamical properties of molecules and clusters. In this account we review our recent work involving studies of cluster reactivity by photoelectron spectroscopy. Two topics are discussed. The first, involves measurements of the rate of solvent reorganization and the magnitude of the solvent reorganization energy (i.e., the solute-solvent interaction). The solvent rearrangement is induced by an excited-state proton transfer in phenol-ammonia clusters. These studies are motivated by the opportunity to probe condensed-phase solvation effects on a molecular level in clusters. The second topic describes how the chemical properties of small clusters (e.g., dimers) provides detailed information regarding the collision complexes of bimolecular gas-phase reactions. We show an example of how the combination of photoelectron spectroscopy and ion fragmentation mass spectrometry can be used to determine barrier heights for bimolecular reactions.
Retrospective study of facial nerve function following temporomandibular joint arthroplasty using the endaural approach.

The aim of this retrospective case–control study is to evaluate the incidence of facial nerve injury associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroplasty using the endaural approach for the treatment of TMJ pathology. The sample consisted of 36 consecutive patients who underwent TMJ arthroplasty. A total of 39 approaches were performed through an endaural incision. Patients undergoing total joint replacement and/or with preexisting facial nerve dysfunction were excluded from the study. Five patients were lost to follow-up and were excluded from the study. Facial nerve function of all patients was clinically evaluated by resident physicians preoperatively, postoperatively, and at follow-up appointments. Facial nerve injury was determined to have occurred if the patient was unable to raise the eyebrow or wrinkle the forehead (temporalis branch), completely close the eyelids (zygomatic branch), or frown (marginal mandibular branch). Twenty-one of the 36 patients or 22 of the 39 approaches showed signs of facial nerve dysfunction following TMJ arthroplasty. This included 12 of the 21 patients who had undergone previous TMJ surgery. The most common facial nerve branch injured was the temporal branch, which was dysfunctional in all patients either as the only branch injured or in combination with other branches. By the 18th postoperative month, normal function had returned in 19 of the 22 TMJ approaches. Three of the 22 TMJ approaches resulted in persistent signs of facial nerve weakness 6 months after the surgery. This epidemiological study revealed a low incidence of permanent facial nerve dysfunction. A high incidence of temporary facial nerve dysfunction was seen with TMJ arthroplasty using the endaural approach. Current literature reveals that the incidence of facial nerve injury associated with open TMJ surgery ranges from 12.5 to 32%. The temporal branch of the facial nerve was most commonly affected, followed by 4 of the 22 approaches with temporary zygomatic branch weakness. Having undergone previous TMJ surgery did not increase the incidence of facial nerve injury using the endaural approach. This information is important for patients and surgeons in the postoperative period, as a majority of patients will experience recovery of nerve function.
White Grub (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Densities, Weed Control Practices, and Root Damage to Fraser Fir Christmas Trees in the Southern Appalachians

A field experiment was conducted in 1984 and 1985 to evaluate the effects of four weed control practices on white grub densities and feeding damage to roots of young Fraser fir, Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir., Christmas trees. Variations in wood volume and health were also evaluated. The white grub complex consisted primarily of three species: Phyllophaga anxia (LeConte) Glasgow, Phyllophaga fusca (Froelich) Glasgow, and Polyphylla comes Casey. Cultivation practices were: entire-plot herbicide, not mowed; 0.6-m-wide herbicide-treated strip in tree rows only, mowed; sod, mowed, no herbicide; and sod, not mowed, no herbicide. Mowed sod plots supported the densest grub populations ( x = 44.3 grubs per m2) and contained trees with the most severe root damage, lowest wood volume, and poorest health. Plots treated entirely and in strips with herbicide contained the healthiest, least damaged trees with the highest wood volumes, while supporting mean grub densities of 13.9 and 21.9 grubs per m2, respectively. Grubs in herbicide-strip plots were usually found in the mowed, grassy areas. Plots that were not mowed supported a mean density of 18.5 grubs per m2, and contained trees with moderate to heavy root damage.
RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM SIMULATION WITH INTERACTIVE GRAPHICS DISPLAY

DETAILS ARE GIVEN OF A MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF A RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM WHICH EMPLOYS COMPUTER TECHNIQUES TO SIMULATE THE PHYSICAL SYSTEM. TO FURTHER ENHANCE THE RESULTS AND GAIN MANAGEMENT CONFIDENCE IN THE RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF THE DESIGN OF THE MODEL, A TV-LIKE DISPLAY OF THE COMPUTER RESUTLS ENABLES THE VIEWER TO "SEE" THE PERFORMANCE OF THE MODEL AS IT HAPPENS. THE RESULTS DISPLAYED INCLUDE: THE TRACK LAYOUT, TIME (SIMULATION), TRAIN POSITION ON THE TRACK, AND THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS RIDING ON EACH TRAIN AND WAITING AT EACH PLATFORM OR STATION. THE COMPUTER PRINTOUT OF RESULTS IS LIMITED TO SUMMARY TYPE DATA, RELYING ON THE DISPLAY FOR DETAILED EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS. /TRRL/
Differences between Chinese and Western Musics for Advertisement in Terms of Traditional Culture

With the rapid development of advertisement in modern society,the role of music as a very important part of advertisement cannot be ignored.There are considerable amount of movie and television advertisement musics in both China and western countries.In fact,significant differences exist in terms of developments in different nations,cultures,and economic situations.This paper discusses the differences between Chinese and western advertisement musics from the perspectives of spiritual,institutional,and custom.
Anemia and Transfusion After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Delayed cerebral ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) may be affected by a number of factors, including cerebral blood flow and oxygen delivery. Anemia affects about half of patients with SAH and is associated with worse outcome. Anemia also may contribute to the development of or exacerbate delayed cerebral ischemia. This review was designed to examine the prevalence and impact of anemia in patients with SAH and to evaluate the effects of transfusion. A literature search was made to identify original research on anemia and transfusion in SAH patients. A total of 27 articles were identified that addressed the effects of red blood cell transfusion (RBCT) on brain physiology, anemia in SAH, and clinical management with RBCT or erythropoietin. Most studies provided retrospectively analyzed data of very low-quality according to the GRADE criteria. While RBCT can have beneficial effects on brain physiology, RBCT may be associated with medical complications, infection, vasospasm, and poor outcome after SAH. The effects may vary with disease severity or the presence of vasospasm, but it remains unclear whether RBCTs are a marker of disease severity or a cause of worse outcome. Erythropoietin data are limited. The literature review further suggests that the results of the Transfusion Requirements in Critical Care Trial and subsequent observational studies on RBCT in general critical care do not apply to SAH patients and that randomized trials to address the role of RBCT in SAH are required.
Reduction of Intracranial Hypertension with Free Radical Scavengers

Intracranial hypertension after severe head injury continues to remain a serious problem affecting morbidity and mortality. Excluding space occupying lesions, the etiology of raised ICP is due to either vascular engorgement (brain swelling) or brain edema. Engorgement occurs when there is a loss of the normal regulation of vascular tone, resulting in cerebrovascular dilatation. Brain edema can occur from increased vascular permeability, producing a vasogenic component of extracellular fluid. Free radical scavengers have demonstrated protective effects against both dilatation and increased permeability of the cerebral vasculature in response to various experimental insults. Based on this evidence, it was postulated that prevention of free radical mediated injury might attenuate the development of intracranial hypertension.
Influential Factors of Puerto Rican Mother–Child Communication About Sexual Health Topics

Introduction Latina mothers play a central role in raising and socializing their children; however, few studies have examined the cultural, socio-cognitive and neighborhood-related variables influencing the level of communication between Puerto Rican mothers and their children about sexuality and sexual health. This cross-sectional study sought to examine these influences. Methods Puerto Rican mothers with children aged 10–19 years (n = 193) were selected randomly for an ethnographic interview as part of a community participatory action research project in a U.S. urban northeastern community. Results Bivariate analyses found statistically significant associations between the child’s age (p = 0.002), the mother’s past communication about traditional gender role norms of women (marianismo) (p < 0.001), her positive outcome expectations for communications with her child (p < 0.025), and her perceptions of the physical condition (p < 0.001) and sexual health problems (p = 0.047) in the neighborhood. In a multivariate model, all of these variables remained significant except sexual health problems, and mother’s attitudes toward the obligations of children to parents (familismo) emerged as a factor associated with a decrease in the number of sexual health topics that mothers raised with their children. No significant effects were found for mother’s spiritual and religious experience (religiosidad). Discussion Our study highlights the importance of marianismo as a framework within which Puerto Rican mothers communicate sexual health information as well as the need to improve mothers’ confidence discussing sexual health issues with their children. Future public health interventions to promote communication about sexuality and sexual health among Puerto Rican mothers should consider addressing this issue as a part of comprehensive neighborhood improvement projects.
Managing Headship Transitions in U.S. Independent Schools

Headship transitions in U.S. independent schools represent critical organizational events that affect multiple school constituencies, including faculty, staff, and students. With recent projections forecasting a high level of impending headship transitions in independent schools, this paper seeks to capture how second-year U.S. independent school heads (n = 16) describe their transition experiences in order to provide insights into how boards, heads, and school communities can provide meaningful supports for their incoming school leaders. Further recommendations for practice and research are also provided.
رویکرد حقوق بین الملل به شبیه سازی انسان (The International Law Approach to Human Cloning)

Persian Abstract: علوم زيستي در نيم قرن اخير پيشرفت هاي حيرت انگيزي داشته و به طور فزاينده اي جزئيات نحوه عمل و فعاليت جسم و ذهن انسان را فاش ساخته اند. اين پيشرفت ها از سويي نويدبخش تحولي در درمان امراض و آلام بشر هستند و از سوي ديگر، موجب نگراني هايي درباره نحوه استفاده و كاربرد اين دانش شده اند. همان دانش و آگاهي كه براي درمان كاربرد دارد مي تواند براي اهداف غير درماني نيز به كار رود؛ از جمله براي بهبود انسان یا حتی تغییر طبیعت انسان. علاوه بر این،‌ چنین تغییراتی از نسلی به نسل دیگر منتقل خواهند شد.فرصت و بحران نهفته در اين پيشرفت توجه زيادي را به خود جلب كرده است. سال هاي متمادي است كه مباحث اخلاق زيستي در مراجع و محافل مختلف مورد بحث و جدل قرار گرفته و به صورت روزافزون مورد توجه عموم مردم واقع شده اند. از جمله موضوعات قابل توجه علوم زيستي كه ابعاد اخلاقي، فلسفي، مذهبي و حقوقي آن مورد توجه بسيار بوده، شبيه سازي انسان است. در اين مقاله از منظر حقوق بين الملل مساله شبيه سازي بررسي مي شود.‌English Abstract: Biosciences have had incredible advances in the past half-century and have increasingly shed light on the intricacies of how the human body and mind function. On one hand, these advances promise a revolution in treatment of diseases and mitigating human suffering and on the other, they have given rise to concerns about the applications of this new-found knowledge. The same knowledge and science that can be applied for therapy can also be used for non-therapeutic purposes, such as human enhancement or changing human nature. Furthermore, such changes, should they occur, would be transferred to future generations. The threat and opportunity inherent in these advances have attracted much attention. Bio-ethics has been debated and discussed at length in various fora for decades and is increasingly attracting the attention of a more general audience. Human cloning has been one such issue that has extensively been debated from an ethical, philosophical, religious, and legal perspective (among others). This paper looks at human cloning from the perspective of international law.
Trends in mobile storage design

The impact of form factor and technology is considered in the evolution of hard disk drives (HDDs). Low power and ruggedness are key features that distinguish the design of HDDs targeted for mobile storage applications. Electronic and electromechanical subsystems dissipate about equal amounts of power in idle mode. Form factor reduction generally results in improved power saving, with spin-up and seek power showing a linear dependence.
Unraveling the Roots of Selectivity of Peptide Affinity Reagents for Structurally Similar Ribosomal Inactivating Protein Derivatives

Peptide capture agents have become increasingly useful tools for a variety of sensing applications due to their ease of discovery, stability, and robustness. Despite the ability to rapidly discover candidates through biopanning bacterial display libraries and easily mature them to Protein Catalyzed Capture (PCC) agents with even higher affinity and selectivity, an ongoing challenge and critical selection criteria is that the peptide candidates and final reagent be selective enough to replace antibodies, the gold-standard across immunoassay platforms. Here, we have discovered peptide affinity reagents against abrax, a derivative of abrin with reduced toxicity. Using on-cell Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) assays, we show that the peptides are highly selective for abrax over RiVax, a similar derivative of ricin originally designed as a vaccine, with significant structural homology to abrax. We rank the newly discovered peptides for strongest affinity and analyze three observed consensus sequences with varying affinity and specificity. The strongest (Tier 1) consensus was FWDTWF, which is highly aromatic and hydrophobic. To better understand the observed selectivity, we use the XPairIt peptide–protein docking protocol to analyze binding location predictions of the individual Tier 1 peptides and consensus on abrax and RiVax. The binding location profiles on the two proteins are quite distinct, which we determine is due to differences in pocket size, pocket environment (including hydrophobicity and electronegativity), and steric hindrance. This study provides a model system to show that peptide capture candidates can be quite selective for a structurally similar protein system, even without further maturation, and offers an in silico method of analysis for understanding binding and down-selecting candidates.
Avoidance Patterns and Mechanisms

In this chapter we look at avoidance mechanisms. We examine what they are made of and how they are stored as information in the brain. Then the chapter presents an overview and catalog of entrenched dysfunctional patterns that make up the full gamut of pathology that is treatable in psychotherapy.
719. Combination of ICOS and 4-1BB in a Third Generation CAR Exhibits Enhanced T Cell Persistence and Increased Antitumor Effect

T cell persistence is likely to promote long-term antitumor effects after adoptive T cell transfer; however, T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have not persisted well in patients with solid tumors in trials reported to date. Here, we hypothesized that CD4+ and CD8+ T cells may need distinct costimulation signals to persist. To test this hypothesis, we compared the in vivo antitumor effects and persistence of combined CD4+ and CD8+ T cells redirected with CARs containing different costimulatory domains (CD28, 4-1BB or ICOS). Using multiple mouse tumor models, we demonstrate that the ICOS intracellular domain enhanced the in vivo persistence of CAR-expressing CD4+ T cells. Persistence of CD8+ T cells was highly dependent on the intracellular domain used to redirect CD4+ T cells; specifically, CD4+ T cells expressing an ICOS-based CAR significantly increased the persistence of CD8+ T cells expressing either CD28- or 4-1BB-based CARs. We further demonstrate that the combination of ICOS and 4-1BB in a third generation CAR (ICOSBBz) is more effective at eliminating large pancreatic tumors than either 4-1BB or ICOS alone. T cells redirected with ICOSBBz showed a less differentiated phenotype with superior proliferation and in vivo persistence. These results indicate that ICOSBBz-based CARs are promising therapeutics for clinical testing.
Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes in U.S. Hispanic Youth: A Systematic Review of Lifestyle Interventions.

Context Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in youth has increased rapidly in recent decades along with rises in childhood obesity. Disparities in risk and prevalence of T2DM are evident in Hispanic youth when compared with non-Hispanic whites. Targeted diabetes prevention programs have been recommended to reduce risk prior to adulthood in this population. This systematic review explores the effectiveness of lifestyle-based diabetes prevention interventions for Hispanic youth. Evidence acquisition PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and CENTRAL were searched from database inception to March 1, 2017, for studies that evaluated lifestyle-focused prevention trials targeting U.S. Hispanic youth under age 18 years. Fifteen publications met criteria for inclusion. Evidence synthesis Of the 15 studies, 11 were RCTs; four were uncontrolled. Interventions were heterogeneous in intensity, content, and setting. Duration of most trials was 12–16 weeks. Mean age of participants ranged from 9.8 to 15.8 years, sample sizes were generally small, and the majority of participants were overweight (BMI ≥85th percentile). Three studies reported statistically significant reductions in mean BMI, four in BMI z -score, and six in fasting glucose/insulin. Study quality was moderate to high. Effect sizes were generally small to medium. Conclusions Evidence for the impact of lifestyle-based diabetes prevention interventions targeting U.S. Hispanic youth remains limited. Few interventions demonstrated success in reducing BMI and glucose regulation and follow-up times were brief. More studies are needed that recruit larger samples sizes, extend follow-up times, explore innovative delivery modalities, and examine effectiveness across sex and age.
Evidence for genetic allopolyploidy in Eutrema edwardsii (Brassicaceae): implications for conservation

Eutrema edwardsii R.Br. (Brassicaceae) is an arctic-alpine mustard with a circumpolar distribution. Its closest relative, Eutrema penlandii Rollins, is a federally listed, threatened species that is endemic to the Mosquito Range in the Southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA. As part of a larger project addressing the systematics of this species complex in North America, we conducted chromosome counts, flow cytometry, and allozyme analysis to test the hypothesis that these taxa comprise an autopolyploid complex. Within that context, it should be noted that a chromosome count has not been reported previously for E. penlandii. Results obtained from mitotic counts obtained for two populations of E. penlandii reveal this taxon to be diploid. Diploidy was confirmed using flow cytometry for an additional 15 individuals representing four populations. Previously published chromosome counts for E. edwardsii reveal a polyploid complex of tetraploid, hexaploid, and octaploid populations for which an autopolyploid origin has been presumed. However, allozyme analysis revealed an allopolyploid origin for E. edwardsii, as evidenced from fixed heterozygosity at six loci. Although our data suggest that E. penlandii is a close relative of one of the progenitors of E. edwardsii, the taxonomic identity of the other progenitor(s) cannot be elucidated from these data. The data reported herein support the recognition of E. penlandii as taxonomically distinct, which has implications for conservation, and reveal cryptic variation within E. edwardsii.
Urbanization alters communities of flying arthropods in parks and gardens of a medium-sized city

Urbanization transforms undeveloped landscapes into built environments, causing changes in communities and ecological processes. Flying arthropods play important roles in these processes as pollinators, decomposers, and predators, and can be important in structuring food webs. The goal of this study was to identify associations between urbanization and the composition of communities of flying (and floating) arthropods within gardens and parks in a medium-sized mesic city. We predicted that flying arthropod abundance and diversity would respond strongly to percent impervious surface and distance to city center, measurements of urbanization. Flying arthropods were sampled from 30 gardens and parks along an urbanization gradient in Toledo, Ohio, during July and August 2016, using elevated pan traps. A variety of potential predictor variables were also recorded at each site. We collected a total of 2,369 individuals representing nine orders. We found that flying arthropod community composition was associated with percent impervious surface and canopy cover. Overall flying arthropod abundance was negatively associated with percent impervious surface and positively associated with distance to city center. Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, ants), Lepidoptera (moths, butterflies), and Araneae (spiders) were positively associated with distance to city center. Hemiptera (true bugs), Diptera (flies), and Araneae were negatively associated with percent impervious surface. Both distance to city center and percent impervious surface are metrics of urbanization, and this study shows how these factors influence flying arthropod communities in urban gardens and city parks, including significant reductions in taxa that contain pollinators and predators important to urban agriculture and forestry. A variety of environmental factors also showed significant associations with responses (e.g. canopy cover and soil moisture), suggesting these factors may underlie or modulate the urbanization effects. More research is needed to determine mechanisms of change.
Effect of zinc chloride and PEG concentrations on the critical flux during tangential flow microfiltration of BSA precipitates.

There is renewed interest in the possibility of using precipitation for initial capture of high value therapeutic proteins as part of an integrated continuous downstream process. These precipitates can be continuously washed using tangential flow filtration, with long term operation achieved by operating the membrane modules below the critical filtrate flux for fouling. Our hypothesis was that the critical flux for the precipitated protein would be a function of the properties of the precipitate as determined by the precipitation conditions. We evaluated the critical flux using a flux-stepping procedure for model protein precipitates (bovine serum albumin) generated using a combination of a crosslinking agent (zinc chloride) and an excluded volume precipitant (polyethylene glycol [PEG]). The critical flux varied with shear rate to approximately the 1/3 power, consistent with predictions of the classical polarization model. The critical flux increased significantly with increasing zinc chloride concentration, going from 60 L/m2/h for a 2 mM ZnCl2 solution to 200 L/m2/h for an 8 mM ZnCl2 solution. In contrast, the critical flux achieved a maximum value at an intermediate PEG concentration. Independent measurements of the effective size and viscosity of the protein precipitates were used to obtain additional understanding of the effects of ZnCl2 and PEG on the precipitation and the critical flux. These results provide important insights into the development of effective tangential flow filtration systems for processing large quantities of precipitated protein as would be required for large scale continuous protein purification by precipitation. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2017
Bicycle Backlash: Qualitative Examination of Aggressive Driver–Bicyclist Interactions:

This research investigated aggressive driver–bicyclist interactions. Individuals who identified themselves as both a driver and a bicyclist were asked about their behavior when they encountered a b...
Late breast cancer treatment-related symptoms and functioning: associations with physical activity adoption and maintenance during a lifestyle intervention for rural survivors

Purpose Physical activity may be difficult for survivors with poorer functioning following primary treatment. The study examined whether late symptoms of breast cancer treatment impact PA adoption (0–6 months) and maintenance (6–18 months) during a weight management intervention, and whether late symptoms influence PA when accounting for overall functioning.
Fluoroscopy-Assisted Transnasal Onyx Occlusion of the Eustachian Tube for Lateral Skull Base Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repair.

Objectives To describe transnasal Eustachian tube (ET) occlusion with a liquid embolic solution for lateral skull base cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. Design A lateral skull base CSF fistula model was developed by the authors using fresh cadaveric heads. Using a transtympanic needle, regulated pressurized pigmented saline was continuously instilled into the middle ear space and visualized endoscopically in the nasopharynx. An angioembolization catheter was then placed through the cartilaginous ET orifice just medial to the bony ET. Under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance, a column of liquid embolic agent was deployed into the bony ET segment up to the middle ear space. Setting Tertiary care academic center. Participants Cadaveric specimens. Main Outcome Measures Cessation of CSF flow after occlusion at supraphysiologic pressures. Results In two cadavers, a CSF fistula model was developed and endoscopic visualization of irrigant flow into the nasopharynx was confirmed. Fluoroscopy provided adequate anatomic views of the ET and middle ear, in addition to dynamic views of embolization. Cessation of flow after occlusion was successfully achieved with pressures up to 25 mm Hg, which exceeds normal physiological intracranial pressure. Conclusion Eustachian tube occlusion with a liquid embolic solution is feasible in a novel cadaveric CSF leak model. In the future, this relatively short, straightforward procedure may become an outpatient alternative to manage intermittent or low-flow CSF fistulae following lateral skull base surgery.
Boulder Food Rescue: An Innovative Approach to Reducing Food Waste and Increasing Food Security

Food waste and food insecurity are both significant issues in communities throughout the U.S., including Boulder, Colorado. As much as 40% of the food produced in the U.S. goes uneaten and ends up in landfills. Nearly 13% of people in the Boulder region experience some level of food insecurity. Founded in 2011, Boulder Food Rescue supports community members to create their own food security through a participatory approach to an emergency food system. The organization uses a web-application “robot” to manage a schedule of volunteers. They coordinate with individuals at low-income senior housing sites, individual housing sites, family housing sites, after-school programs, and pre-schools to set up no-cost grocery programs stocked with food from local markets and grocers that would otherwise go to waste. Each site coordinator makes decisions about how, when, and where food delivery and distribution will occur. The program also conducts robust, real-time data collection and analysis. Boulder Food Rescue is a member and manager of the Food Rescue Alliance, and its model has been replicated and adapted by other cities, including Denver, Colorado Springs, Seattle, Jackson Hole, Minneapolis, Binghamton, and in the Philippines. Information for this special article was collected through key informant interviews with current and former Boulder Food Rescue staff and document review of Boulder Food Rescue materials. Boulder Food Rescue’s open source software is available to other communities; to date, 40 cities have used the tool to start their own food rescue organizations. Boulder Food Rescue hopes to continue spreading this model to other cities that are considering ways to reduce food waste and increase food security. Supplement information This article is part of a supplement entitled Building Thriving Communities Through Comprehensive Community Health Initiatives, which is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, Community Health.
Delineation of a Cardiac Planning Organ-At-Risk Volume Using Real-Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Cardiac Protection in Thoracic and Breast Radiation Therapy.

Abstract Purpose Cardiac radiation is associated with cardiotoxicity in patients with thoracic and breast malignancies. We conducted a prospective study using cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to evaluate heart motion. We hypothesized that cine MRI could be used to define population-based cardiac planning organ-at-risk volumes (PRV). Methods and Materials A total of 16 real-time acquisitions were obtained per subject on a 1.5 Tesla MRI (Philips Ingenia). Planar cine MRI was performed in 4 sequential sagittal and coronal planes at free-breathing (FB) and deep-inspiratory breath hold (DIBH). In-plane cardiac motion was assessed using a scale-invariant feature transformation–based algorithm. Subject-specific pixel motion ranges were defined in anteroposterior (AP), left-right (LR), and superoinferior (SI) planes. Averages of the 98% and 67% of the maximum ranges of pixel displacement were defined by subject, then averaged across the cohort to calculate PRV expansions at FB and DIBH. Results Data from 20 subjects with a total of 3120 image frames collected per subject in coronal and sagittal planes at DIBH and FB, and 62,400 total frames were analyzed. Cohort averages of 98% of the maximum cardiac motion ranges comprised margin expansions of 12.5 ± 1.1 mm SI, 5.8 ± 1.2 mm AP, and 6.6 ± 1.0 mm LR at FB and 6.7 ± 1.5 mm SI, 4.7 ± 1.3 mm AP, and 5.3 ± 1.3 mm LR at DIBH. Margins for 67% of the maximum range comprised 7.7 ± 0.7 mm SI, 3.2 ± 0.6 mm AP, and 3.7 ± 0.6 mm LR at FB and 4.1 ± 0.9 mm SI, 2.7 ± 0.8 mm AP, and 3.2 ± 0.8 mm LR at DIBH. Subsequently, these margins were simplified to form PRVs for treatment planning. Conclusions We implemented scale-invariant feature transformation-based motion tracking for analysis of the cardiac cine MRI scans to quantify motion and create cohort-based cardiac PRVs to improve cardioprotection in breast and thoracic radiation.
Helping Patients and Families Navigate the Transition to College: Common Themes, Lessons Learned, and Best Practices

The clinical cases in this book serve to highlight a number of strategies and themes that can be used to guide the development of best practices in transition preparation and planning for youth with mental health conditions headed to college. Mental health care transition, in this context, demands a team effort involving the young person, his/her family, high school personnel, treatment providers on both sides of the transition, and other designated supporters. A developmental perspective is key to the process, acknowledging the importance of the young person in decision-making and recognizing that age-appropriate support and structure before, during and after the transition makes sense for many student/patients. Clinicians need to assess the readiness of patients for the transition to college across multiple domains of function and should be prepared to raise difficult issues such as mental stability, the stresses inherent in what is usually considered a happy milestone, alternative post-secondary options and paths, over-reliance on parental and school supports, and the need for ongoing care once on campus. Comprehensive and well-communicated plans for continuity of care, including relapse prevention plans and services through the school’s ODS, are an important aspect of transition preparation and planning. Mental health practitioners have important roles to play in facilitating safe and effective transitions of their patients to college.
Ex Vivo Major Histocompatibility Complex I Knockdown Prolongs Rejection-free Allograft Survival.

Background Widespread application of vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is currently limited by the required lifelong systemic immunosuppression and its associated morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated the efficacy of ex vivo (after procurement but before transplantation) engineering of allografts using small interfering RNA to knockdown major histocompatibility complex I (MHC-I) and prolong rejection-free survival. Methods Endothelial cells (ECs) were transfected with small interfering RNA targeted against MHC-I (siMHC-I) for all in vitro experiments. MHC-I surface expression and knockdown duration were evaluated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and flow cytometry. After stimulating Lewis recipient cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL) with allogeneic controls or siMHC-I-silenced ECs, lymphocyte proliferation, CTL-mediated and natural killer-mediated EC lysis were measured. Using an established VCA rat model, allografts were perfused ex vivo with siMHC-I before transplantation. Allografts were analyzed for MHC-I expression and clinical/histologic evidence of rejection. Results Treatment with siMHC-I resulted in 80% knockdown of mRNA and 87% reduction in cell surface expression for up to 7 days in vitro (P < 0.05). Treatment of ECs with siMHC-I reduced lymphocyte proliferation and CTL-mediated cytotoxicity (77% and 50%, respectively, P < 0.01), without increasing natural killer-mediated cytotoxicity (P = 0.66). In a rat VCA model, ex vivo perfusion with siMHC-I reduced expression in all tissue compartments by at least 50% (P < 0.05). Knockdown prolonged rejection-free survival by 60% compared with nonsense-treated controls (P < 0.05). Conclusions Ex vivo siMHC-I engineering can effectively modify allografts and significantly prolong rejection-free allograft survival. This novel approach may help reduce future systemic immunosuppression requirements in VCA recipients.
How Could Prayer Make a Difference? Discussion of Scott A. Davison, Petitionary Prayer: A Philosophical Investigation

I critically respond to Scott A. Davison, Petitionary Prayer: A Philosophical Investigation. I attack his Contrastive Reasons Account of what it takes for a request to be answered and provide an alternative account on which a request is answered as long as it has deliberative weight for the person asked. I also raise issues with Davison’s dismissive treatment of direct divine communication. I then emphasize the importance of value theory for addressing the puzzles of petitionary prayer. Whether a defense of petitionary prayer is successful depends on whether it can support the sort of requests that are central to the theological practices of the religion in question, explaining how they could be known to be effective, and this depends on the value theory of the theology in question. As an example, I show the relevance the traditional distinction between temporal and spiritual goods could have for knowing whether one’s prayers have been answered. How prayers could make a difference also depends on the theology in question, raising issues of ecclesiology and collective action that demand further attention.
Books for Every Professional

My Abacus reviews will develop a short list of those basic and fundamental books that should be in the personal collections of serious computing professionals. I will review some of the best books on computing, those few of the thousands published that are recognized as being better than any others. The evidence of this recognition is the book’s market domination of its niche, the book’s longevity (often in successful and successive editions), and the frequency with which it is referenced by readers and writers. In most cases the superiority has been achieved against many competitors, although some books excel in their categories simply because they are alone in them.
Case Study 2: Financial Data Analysis

In this chapter, we show the application of change point technique to the weekly prices of two stocks from the New York Stock Exchange; namely, Exxon and General Dynamics. The information theoretic approach described in chapter 7 is used to estimate the number of change points as well as their locations. Model selection methodology, using Schwarz Information Criterion, is promulgated to solve the difficult problem of change point analysis.
Performance Funding and Historically Black Colleges and Universities: An Assessment of Financial Incentives and Baccalaureate Degree Production:

Pay-for-performance has become a state finance policy du jour for public postsecondary institutions. A total of 35 states currently distribute varying amounts of appropriations to colleges and univ...
Racial/Ethnic Differences in the Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in a Nationally Representative Sample of Adolescents

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are associated with increased risk for psychopathology over the life course. However, few studies have examined the differential impact of ACE and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for racially and ethnically diverse adolescent populations. The findings from the few studies that examine differential effects are contradictory. This study uses data from the National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A), a nationally representative adolescent sample (N = 10,123) to examine the impact of race/ethnicity on the association between ACE and PTSD among youth in a nationally representative sample in the United States. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to examine the main effects of ACE and race/ethnicity on PTSD, as well as the moderating role of race/ethnicity adjusting for socio-demographic variables. Findings suggest that race/ethnicity moderates the association between ACE and PTSD. Higher ACE score increased probability of lifetime PTSD for White non-Hispanic, Black, and Hispanic adolescents with White non-Hispanic adolescents presenting with a much higher probability of lifetime PTSD compared to their Hispanic and Black peers. Implications for future research and practice are discussed, specifically trauma informed strategies and culturally inclusive/specific practices that address the structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal influences adolescent outcomes.
PAHs (naphthalene) removal from stormwater runoff by organoclay amended pervious concrete

Abstract Stormwater runoff increasingly induces contaminants to the groundwater to imperil the sustainable development of human society. Pavement can be considered as the first line of defense for contaminant removal of the stormwater runoff. The organic contaminant delivered by the stormwater runoff from the impervious pavement surface, especially the cancerogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), would inevitably pollute the groundwater system by cumulative effect. To assist PAHs removal, a multi-functional green pervious concrete (MGPC) was proposed in this study. The PAHs remediation function can be realized by introducing organoclay to the conventional pervious concrete. The isothermal batch sorption test was conducted to quantify the sorption capacity of the organoclay modified cement paste, and the breakthrough column test was performed to investigate the transport mechanism and retardation behavior of naphthalene, a typical 2-ring PAH in MGPC. The compressive strength test and the hydraulic conductivity test have also been used to evaluate the effect of using organoclay on the mechanical and hydraulic properties of the MGPC. The results indicated that compared to conventional pervious concrete, the developed MGPC with a small addition of organoclay could substantially remove PAHs contaminants and it also has much stronger adsorption and retardation capacity than the conventional pervious concrete. The research also found that using small amount of organoclay would not adversely affect the compressive strength and hydraulic conductivity of the concrete. Therefore, the developed MGPC has a great potential to be used as a pavement material with the stormwater purification function.
Sustainability Science and Planning: A Crucial Collaboration?

In this age of public skepticism about science, sustainability science offers a way to increase the application of science in planning and policy. This paper explores the relationship between scien...
Ridging Associated with Drought across the Western and Southwestern United States: Characteristics, Trends, and Predictability Sources

AbstractPersistent winter ridging events are a consistent feature of meteorological drought across the western and southwestern United States. In this study, a ridge detection algorithm is develope...
Transitioning From Peer Instruction to POGIL with Guided Lecture Notes

There is overwhelming evidence that active learning is better than completely passive lecture. However, adoption of evidence-based teaching practices has been slow in part because creating new course materials is often a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Inspired by prior work in the sciences, we describe our experiences deploying guided lecture notes to transition from peer instruction (10% of lecture time) to process oriented guided inquiry learning (POGIL, 50% of lecture time) over two offerings of data structures and algorithms in a large R1 university. In the first offering, we added metacognitive questions in the presentation speaker notes, providing additional scaffolding between pre-lecture reading and in-lecture peer instruction activities. At the beginning of each class session, we distributed guided lecture notes to students by printing the presentation speaker notes alongside lecture slide content. In this way, we were able to seamlessly integrate new supporting materials alongside lecture graphics and examples. In the second offering, we expanded guided lecture notes into POGIL worksheets by migrating most of the remaining passive lecture content to pre-lecture readings and consolidating lecture around three levels of process oriented guided inquiry: (1) metacognitive questions, (2) peer instruction activities scaffolded by the metacognitive questions, and (3) practice problems integrating multiple ideas. The resulting POGIL classroom leverages presentation software as a canvas for introducing problems with graphics and animations while structuring activities around active learning via process oriented guided inquiry.
Conjunctival chemosis: A case series of systemic causes

Conjunctival chemosis is a common ophthalmic finding that presents with a wide range of severity, symptoms, signs, and underlying etiologies. Although most cases of conjunctival chemosis are ocular in nature (allergy, infection, irritation), atypical presentations such as dusky conjunctival hue, corkscrew conjunctival veins, and periorbital edema, should prompt further investigation for a systemic cause. In atypical cases, reviewing the patient’s medical history and medications, physically examining and auscultating the patient’s heart and lungs, and obtaining vitals (i.e. blood pressure, pulse, weight), are crucial parts of the investigation for a potential systemic source. This article reviews systemic causes for conjunctival chemosis and provides case examples to demonstrate evaluative and management techniques for optometrists to make a distinction between ocular and systemic conjunctival chemosis.