cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting Binding Sites of EH1-like Motifs from Their Amino Acid Sequences

Bioinformatics and computer modeling were used to predict binding sites of engrailed homology-1 (eh1) -like motifs from their amino acid sequences. According to previous studies, an eh1 motif provides its transcriptional function by binding to the pore of WD domain, a highly conserved region of Gro/TLE protein family. Reliable methods for predicting binding sites would allow a better understanding of protein selective recognition mechanisms. This, in turn, would help developments of new organism-specific medications. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study that uses amino acid sequences to predict binding sites of eh1-like motifs to the WD domain. Three-dimensional models of known eh1-like motifs were generated. Their interactions with the WD domain were studied and optimized using Deep View program and the Swiss-Model server. Spatial distributions of binding sites, residue properties, and bonds' stabilities were used to devise a scoring function. The scoring function was employed to predict and evaluate putative binding sites of randomly generated eh1-like sequences. Bioinformatics database searches were used to check whether the scoring function consistently discriminated between viable and non-viable eh1 candidates and corresponding binding sites. The scoring function expressed well a general relationship between putative motifs' residue sequences and their binding sites with the WD domain. Although the function gave a few false positive findings, it reliably identified sequences that did not form stable bonds with the WD domain. The results of this study should lead to a better understanding of mechanisms of transcriptional regulation and selective protein recognition. The method presented may be used to predict binding sites of other regulatory motifs.
MicroTE: fine grained traffic engineering for data centers

The effects of data center traffic characteristics on data center traffic engineering is not well understood. In particular, it is unclear how existing traffic engineering techniques perform under various traffic patterns, namely how do the computed routes differ from the optimal routes. Our study reveals that existing traffic engineering techniques perform 15% to 20% worse than the optimal solution. We find that these techniques suffer mainly due to their inability to utilize global knowledge about flow characteristics and make coordinated decision for scheduling flows.To this end, we have developed MicroTE, a system that adapts to traffic variations by leveraging the short term and partial predictability of the traffic matrix. We implement MicroTE within the OpenFlow framework and with minor modification to the end hosts. In our evaluations, we show that our system performs close to the optimal solution and imposes minimal overhead on the network making it appropriate for current and future data centers.
Developing a prototype virtual laboratory for distance science and engineering education

Institutions of higher education are actively seeking new methods to complement their science and engineering distance education programs with online experimentation. This paper describes the design and development of a virtual laboratory environment that allows students to perform laboratory experiments from remote locations through a Web browser. A front panel in LabVIEW displays the results and allows storage of acquired data for later processing. A digital camera that provides real time pictures of the monitored equipment is part of the system configuration.
Pregnancy outcome and progression of diabetic nephropathy. What's next?

Objectives: The first objective was to assess the association of renal function with maternal and fetal pregnancy outcome in women with diabetic nephropathy. The second objective was to examine the feasibility of a multicenter surveillance program to determine the rates of maternal and fetal pregnancy complications in women with diabetic nephropathy, and to study the effect of pregnancy on the natural history of diabetic renal disease. Methods: In order to address the first objective, we analyzed data from women with type 1 diabetes and nephropathy enrolled in the Diabetes in Pregnancy Program at our institution. Women were assigned to one of three groups according to enrolment serum creatinine concentration: ≤ 1.0 mg/dl, > 1.0 to 1.5 mg/dl and > 1.5 mg/dl. A pilot surveillance program at six centers included women experiencing pregnancy complicated by diabetic nephropathy. In both studies, medical and obstetric history, and maternal and neonatal outcomes, were recorded. Statistical analysis included χ2, ...
Episode-specific drinking-to-cope motivation, daily mood, and fatigue-related symptoms among college students.

Objective:The goal of the present study was to examine whether within-person, episode-specific changes in drinking-to-cope (DTC) motivation from the previous evening were associated with concurrent daily mood and fatigue-related symptoms among college student drinkers (N = 1,421; 54% female).Method:We conducted an Internet-based daily diary study in which students reported over 30 days on their previous night’s drinking level and motivation and their current mood (i.e., sadness, anxiety, anger/hostility, and positive mood) and fatigue-related symptoms. Hypotheses were tested using hierarchical linear models in which the current day’s outcome was predicted by last night’s levels of DTC motivation and drinking, controlling for drinking to enhance motivation, sex, current day’s physical symptoms and drinking, and yesterday’s level of the outcome. Subsequent models also predicted outcomes 2 days following the drinking event.Results:Relative increases in previous night’s DTC motivation were associated with hig...
Probing Heliospheric Turbulence with Cosmic Rays: Theory

Cosmic rays impacting a spacecraft have already passed through and interacted with the turbulent solar wind surrounding the spacecraft; therefore, they carry information on the three-dimensional structure of the turbulence. In particular, the simple, unlagged correlation between the magnetic fluctuations and fluctuations of the cosmic-ray flux can potentially provide unique information on the detailed nature of interplanetary magnetic turbulence. Starting with the Vlasov equation, subject to the usual quasi-linear approximations, we derive the leading-order approximation of the particle-field correlation for generalized axisymmetric turbulence geometry in a plasma flowing in an arbitrary direction with respect to the average magnetic field. This work presents the theoretical basis for interpreting future measurements of the particle-field correlation in the real solar wind. As an example, we apply the theory to mirror-symmetric magnetostatic slab turbulence and clearly show the effect of the fluctuating convection electric field.
On the subject of Buddhism Betrayed? a rejoinder

L'A. repond au commentaire critique tenu par Sasanka Perera (in American Ethnologiste 23 : 905-906, 1996) sur son ouvrage «Buddhism Betrayed ? : Religion, Politics and Violence in Sri Lanka» (1992), qui traite de la participation politique du clerge bouddhiste Sinhala dans les rebellions et emeutes au cours du XX e siecle au Sri Lanka.
400 MHz/89 mm actively shielded high resolution NMR magnet

The first actively shielded high resolution NMR magnet was developed and successfully demonstrated. The magnet has excellent field homogeneity in a very large volume and lineshape characteristics exceed the specifications of the standard magnets. Shielding performance is also outstanding, with the 5 G line located only 1 m radially and 1.5 m axially from the magnet center. We are reporting the magnet specifications, details of the design and fabrication, magnet training, field mapping and lineshape results.
Mitotic regulation of ribosomal S6 kinase 1 involves Ser/Thr, Pro phosphorylation of consensus and non-consensus sites by Cdc2.

During mitosis, the cyclin-dependent kinase, Cdc2, signals the inactivation of major anabolic processes such as transcription, mRNA processing, translation, and ribosome biogenesis, thereby providing energy needed for the radical and energetically costly structural reorganization of the cell. This is accomplished by phosphorylation and inactivation of several key anabolic elements, including TFIIIB, TFIID, RNA polymerase II, poly(A) polymerase, and translation elongation factor 1γ. We report here that ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (S6K1), a protein kinase linked to the translation of ribosomal protein mRNAs, is also subject to regulation by Cdc2 in mitosis. In mitotic HeLa cells, when the activity of Cdc2 is high, S6K1 is phosphorylated at multiple Ser/Thr, Pro (S/TP) sites, including Ser371, Ser411, Thr421, and Ser424. Concomitant with this, the phosphorylation of the hydrophobic motif site, Thr389, is reduced resulting in a decrease in the specific activity of S6K1. The mitotic S/TP phosphorylation sites are readily phosphorylated by Cdc2·cyclin B in vitro. These proline-directed phosphorylations are sensitive to chemical inhibitors of Cdc2 but not to inhibitors of mammalian target of rapamycin, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, MEK1/2, or p38. In murine FT210 cells arrested in mitosis, conditional inactivation of Cdc2 reduces phosphorylation of S6K1 at S/TP sites while simultaneously increasing phosphorylation of Thr389 and of the S6K1 substrate, RPS6. A physical interaction exists between Cdc2 and S6K1, and this interaction is enhanced in mitotic cells. These results suggest that Cdc2 provides a signal that triggers inactivation of S6K1 in mitosis, presumably serving to spare energy for costly mitotic processes at the expense of ribosomal protein synthesis.
Performance improvement of stacked graphite sheets for cooling applications

We realized a thin slice of vertically stacked pyrolytic graphite for the thermal interface use. The maximum size of the slice achieved was 37 times 37 mm2 with a thickness about 500 mum. This system shows a heat resistance better than 20 mm2C/W, which is almost independent of the thickness. The heat resistance can be drastically improved by modifying the surface structure and/or small amount of fluorinated chemical. We report the characteristics and improvement of the thermal performance of this material.
Electric fields induced by low frequency magnetic fields in inhomogeneous biological structures that are surrounded by an electric insulator

Electric fields induced by low-frequency magnetic fields into inhomogeneous structures, which have electric conductivities and dielectric permittivities of typical biological substances, are evaluated. Closed-form approximate and numerical solutions are obtained for nonconcentric cylinders with different electric properties (such as bone embedded in muscle), which are surrounded by a good electrical insulator (such as air). It is shown that even a single inhomogeneity in an otherwise homogenous cylinder, which is exposed to a uniform, axially directed magnetic field, can lead to substantial deviations from the direction and distribution of the induced electric field that would exist in the homogenous cylinder. Thus the induced field is not everywhere circumferential, nor does it magnitude at all angular positions increase linearly with the radial distance. Radially and circumferentially directed field components depend on size, electrical properties, and eccentricity of the inhomogeneities. Equations as well as graphical presentations are given that describe the induced fields when the enclosed inhomogeneities consist either of eccentrically located single cylinders or pairs of coaxial cylinders with different electrical conductivities or dielectric permittivities.
Relativistic nonlinear optics of ultra-intense light

Summary form only given. When a terawatt-peak-power laser is focused to high intensity into a plasma, electrons quiver at velocities close to the speed of light (c) in the laser's transverse oscillating electromagnetic field, giving rise to novel effects in a new regime of nonlinear optics.
Pseudo-Acetylation of Actin Residues K326 and K328 Disrupts Drosophila Flight Performance and Muscle Structure

Striated muscle contraction is driven by cyclical interaction between myosin-containing thick and actin-containing thin filaments and is regulated by the tropomyosin-troponin complex. In the absence of calcium, troponin constrains tropomyosin in a blocking position where it shields myosin binding sites on actin. Calcium binding to troponin enables azimuthal movement of tropomyosin, which exposes myosin binding sites, and relieves contractile inhibition.Previous models indicated that K326 and K328 on actin form electrostatic contacts with E181 of tropomyosin in an inhibitory state (Li, et al. 2011), and that K328 also contacts E286 of myosin S1 during contraction (Behrmann, et al. 2012). A recent proteomic study showed that K326 and K328 are acetylated in guinea pig cardiac thin filaments (Foster, et al. 2013). Since this post-translational modification would negate the positively charged lysines, and potentially ablate vital ionic interactions between actin and tropomyosin or myosin, we predicted K326 and K328 acetylation would alter muscle performance. We tested this hypothesis in vivo by expressing K326Q, K328Q, or K326Q/K328Q acetyl-mimetic actin in Drosophila muscle. Polarized light microscopy of K328Q and K326Q/K328Q indirect flight muscle revealed a severe disturbance to fiber structure, and flight tests confirmed complete loss in flight ability relative to control. Flies harboring only the K326Q mutation, however, had similar fiber structure to control, but nonetheless displayed a significant decrease in flight performance. These results suggest that K326 and K328 play important roles in maintaining proper muscle function. We are currently investigating the effects of the pseudo-acetylated actin residues on Drosophila hearts. Overall, our findings highlight the utility of Drosophila as a model that permits efficient targeted design and assessment of molecular and tissue-specific responses to muscle protein modifications, in the physiological context of muscle.
Retos de los estudios étnicos en Estados Unidos en el sistema universitario global occidentalizado | The Challenges of Ethnic Studies in the United States and the Westernized Global University System

Este articulo analiza la universidad occidentalizada y su fundamentalismo eurocentrico en relacion a las luchas de los grupos racializados en Estados Unidos y su impacto en la formacion de los estudios etnicos al interior de la estructura epistemica de las universidades. De este modo, discute cuestiones relacionadas con el racismo/sexismo epistemico y los dilemas que los programas de estudios etnicos afrontan en la actualidad; particularmente, las formas de colonizacion disciplinaria, el multiculturalismo liberal y las politicas identitarias (“identity politics”). This article is an analysis of the Westernized university and its Eurocentric fundamentalism in relation to the subaltern struggles of racialized groups in the United States and its impact on the formation of ethnic studies in the university’s epistemic structure. The article goes on to discuss questions of epistemic racism/sexism and the dilemmas that ethnic studies programs confront today in particular forms of disciplinary colonization, liberal multiculturalism and identity politics.
Market Microstructure and Intermediation

This paper emphasizes the important role played by intermediaries in the economy, including wholesalers, retailers, and financial firms. The paper defines an intermediary as an economic agent that purchases from suppliers for resale to buyers or that helps buyers and sellers meet and transact. Intermediaries coordinate transactions and provide the institutions of exchange that constitute market microstructure. Intermediaries set prices, manage inventories, coordinate exchange, and provide information through guarantees and delegated monitoring. These crucial activities help to explain how markets attain equilibrium prices and quantities. The paper suggests that the study of intermediation should be incorporated into mainstream economic analysis.
Self-occluding quad NaI directional gamma radiation detector for standoff radiation detection

Currently there is a significant amount of interest in standoff radiation detection. One of the biggest challenges is to separate small radiation signals from large varying background radiation. Many systems have been developed to address this problem that rely on coded-aperture and/or Compton imaging. These imaging systems tend to be large, heavy, complex, and therefore expensive. In this paper we report on the development of a self-occluding directional gamma radiation sensor that is relatively small (<40 kg), inexpensive, and simple in design. Laboratory and field measurements suggest that these sensors will work as well as the gamma imaging systems for many radiation detection applications at a fraction of the cost, weight, and complexity. An azimuth can be resolved with a standard deviation of 7° in 10 seconds for a source yielding 45 CPS at the detector in a 300 CPS background radiation field. This paper describes the self-occluding quad NaI directional gamma radiation detector, the impact of gamma energy and distance on angular precision and accuracy, and potential applications.
Variables governing emotion and decision-making: human objectivity underlying its subjective perception

This article accompanies a poster presentation on the variables governing emotion and decision-making.
Injuries associated with percutaneous placement of transthoracic pacemakers

Injuries associated with the percutaneous placement of transthoracic pacemakers are poorly documented. We prospectively sought to determine any injuries associated with various placement routes. Six different approaches were used in each of 20 adult patients examined at autopsy. Three parasternal approaches utilized the fifth intercostal space (5ICS). One pacing wire was inserted immediately to the left of the sternum along the parasternal line (5ICS-PS), one pacing wire was inserted 4 cm to the left of the midsternal line (5ICS-4), and the third wire was inserted 6 cm from the midsternal line (5ICS-6). All parasternal needle insertions were directed medially, dorsally, and cephalad toward the right second costochondral junction at an angle of 30° to the skin. Three subxiphoid approaches were inserted through the left xyphocostal notch at an angle of 30° to the skin. One pacing wire was directed toward the right shoulder, one toward the sternal notch, and one toward the left shoulder (SXLS). Injuries were assessed by autopsy, postmortem coronary angiography, and stereoscopic radiography. The 5ICS-PS approach resulted in fewer injuries when compared to all other approaches. Because previous work has demonstrated that the 5ICS-PS, 5ICS-6, and SXLS approaches are more accurate than the other approaches for transthoracic pacemaker insertion, the 5ICS-PS represents an approach that combines reasonable accuracy with the least likelihood for injury in the placement of percutaneous transthoracic pacing wires.
Linking Participative Budgeting Congruence to Organization Performance (Retracted)

This study proposes and tests a research framework that links the perceived need for participation (PNP) and the degree of participation allowed (DPA) to organizational consequences. We examine the extent of agreement between PNP and DPA, which is defined as the degree of participation congruence (DPC), and link DPC to organizational performance. Survey data were collected from 386 accountants across three industries. Consistent with prior research, the correlation between organizational performance indicators and DPA was weak in this study, as was the correlation between PNP and organizational outcomes. However, the correlation between the DPC and organizational performance indicators was uniformly positive and significant. Research findings suggest that participation congruence may be a critical success factor in designing an effective participative budgeting strategy.
Abstract 4407: Novel mitochondria-targeted Doxorubicin Prodrug for colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma: In vitro studies

Purpose: The 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) in mitochondria is proapoptotic and upregulated in several types of cancers, particularly in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to develop a mitochondria-targeted doxorubicin prodrug and to investigate its cytotoxicity in human CRC (TSPO positive) and HCC (TSPO negative) cell lines. Methods: Mitochondria-targeted Doxorubicin Prodrug was synthesized by conjugation of a functional TSPO ligand with doxorubicin via an enzyme-cleavable linkage. Fluorescence cell viability assays in HT29, HCT116, HepG2 and Hep3B cells incubated with 5, 10, 25 and 50μM of Prodrug vs. Doxorubicin alone were performed using the CellTiter-Glo® Luminescent Cell Viability Assay (Promega, Madison, MI, USA) at 6, 12, 24, 48, 60 and 72 hrs. T-tests were used for all comparisons (significance Results: Significantly decreased cell viability in TSPO positive CRC cell lines (HCT116 and HT-29) with both the prodrug and doxorubicin vs. controls was observed (p Conclusion: Our novel mitochondria-targeted doxorubicin prodrug demonstrated superior cytotoxicity compared to doxorubicin in human CRC cell lines. Citation Format: Jemianne Jia, Minzhi Xing, Xiaoxi Ling, Mingfeng Bai, Hyun S. Kim. Novel mitochondria-targeted Doxorubicin Prodrug for colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma: In vitro studies. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4407. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4407
49 Cardiovascular Disease in the Bariatric Surgery Patient

Obesity is a strong risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Diet, exercise, and drug therapies have limited potential to achieve significant and sustainable weight loss. Bariatric surgery has emerged as the most successful long-term strategy both in achieving weight loss and in promoting diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia remission. The malabsorptive procedures, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion, appear particularly effective in achieving diabetes remission. This impact on CVD risk factors appears to translate to a decrease in actual cardiovascular events for obese patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, with very preliminary data suggesting atherosclerosis regression. There is also some evidence to support a mortality benefit after surgical weight loss. In addition, there is now data demonstrating improvement of obesity-associated abnormalities in myocardial structure and function, such as ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, and subclinical systolic dysfunction, after bariatric procedures. The impact of bariatric surgery on heart failure is an area of current investigation.
Survey on iodine nutrition and thyroid function among residents in Longyan of Fujian

Objective To understand the current status of iodine nutritional level and thyroid function among residents in Longyan,and to provide evidence for scientific iodine supplementation.Methods Residents from both urban and rural areas were surveyed.B ultrasound was used to determine the size of thyroid among children.Urinary iodine level and iodine concentration in salt were determined by arsenic cerium catalytic spectrophotometric assay and by direct titrimetric method.Thyroid function parameters were measured using direct chemiluminescence immunoassay.χ2 test and Median test were used for data analysis.Results The median value of Thyroid volume among children aged 8to 10years was 2.54ml with the goiter rate of 1.67%(4/239).There was no significant difference between children from urban and rural areas(P0.05).The coverage rate of iodized salt was 100%(403/403houshold),and qualified iodized salt intake rate was 95.29%(384/ 403).The median values of urinary iodine among children,adults,pregnant and lactating women were 332.3,233.9,162.3and 152.6μg/L,respectively.Children from both areas and adults from rural area showed excessive iodine intake.Abnormal thyroid function rate was 18.52%(115/621).Majority of residents with low FT4level came from urban area(P0.01).However,most of those with subclinical hypothyroidism were from rural area(P0.05).Conclusions To reinforce the monitor of iodine nutritional level and thyroid function and to adjust salt iodization standard are important methods to meet iodine nutritional needs for different population.
Microbiological threats to health in the home.

OBJECTIVE: To explore a range of pathogenic microorganisms and their toxins that can cause disease in the home environment through a review of the literature. DESIGN: Review of the literature. ABBREVIATIONS:CDC = Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; CFU = colony forming units; MRSA = methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; VRE = vancomycin-resistant enterococci.
New Insights into Transcriptional Regulation by Rb

The retinoblastoma (Rb) protein is a key regulator of cell proliferation, differentiation, and tumorigenesis. Initial studies of Rb revealed that it binds to, and decreases the activity of, the E2F family of transcription factors. Over the last decade, the mechanisms by which Rb regulates E2F activity have been well-studied. These investigations have lead to a commonly held belief that Rb functions solely as a transcriptional repressor. However, although not as commonly discussed, there are many examples of Rb synergizing with site-specific transcription factors to activate transcription. This Rb-mediated activation appears to be cell type-specific, transcription factor-specific, and even promoter-specific. This chapter details some of the examples of Rb-mediated transcriptional activation and suggests future studies that could provide insight into the mechanisms by which Rb can function to positively regulate transcription.
Molecular Techniques for Blood and Blood Product Screening

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for ensuring the safety of the more than 15 million units of blood and blood components donated each year in the United States. “Blood banking has become a manufacturing industry, an industry that must conform to high standards and quality control requirements comparable to those of pharmaceutical companies or other regulated industries,” said David A. Kessler, MD, former FDA commissioner [1]. Screening donated blood for infectious diseases that can be transmitted through blood transfusion is a very important step in ensuring safety. The United States has the safest blood supply in the world [1] and the FDA is striving to keep it safe by decreasing the risk of infectious disease transmission. The regulatory agency is continuously updating its requirements and standards for collecting and processing blood. As mentioned earlier, an important step in ensuring safety is the screening of donated blood for infectious diseases. In the United States, tests for infectious diseases are routinely conducted on each unit of donated blood, and these tests are designed to comply with regulatory requirements (Table 28.1). The field of clinical microbiology and virology are now focusing on molecular technology. Currently, nucleic acid testing techniques have been developed to screen blood and plasma products for evidence of very recent viral infections that could be missed by conventional serologic tests. It is time for all blood safety procedures to include molecular detection techniques. This approach can significantly aid in blood safety to reduce the risk of transmission of serious disease by transfusion. This chapter reviews the current antigen/antibody-based technology, molecular biological technology, and published regulatory policy data for blood safety.
Emerging Concepts in Ontogenic Analysis

Subject ontogeny is the life of the subject in an indexing language (e.g., classification scheme like the DDC). Examining how a subject is treated over time tells us about the anatomy of an indexing language. For example, gypsies as a subject has been handled differently in different editions of the DDC.
Ethnic Variation in Poverty and Parenting Stress

Poverty is a critical issue facing many families in the USA, many of whom belong to racial and ethnic minority groups. Our chapter focuses on the impact of poverty on parenting stress in an effort to elucidate the nature of this relationship across families of racial and ethnic minority status. The Family Stress Model (FSM) of economic disadvantage serves as the theoretical framework guiding the initial discussion on poverty and parenting behaviors. The FSM is particularly useful in highlighting dimensions of poverty that supersede mere accounts of income levels, such as material hardship and financial strain. We identify three powerful mediators in the relationship between poverty and parenting stress that specifically impact racial and ethnic minority families—depression, family structure, and neighborhood environment—and underscore the neighborhood as a chief context that is overlooked by the FSM despite its significant contribution to the stressors faced by low-income minority parents. We then turn our discussion toward a more global context to explore the economic pressures facing migrant parents in transnational families. In our conclusion, we offer several areas for future research on poverty and parenting stress. These include a reformulation of the FSM to include children as active agents, as well research on suburban poverty and shift work.
Comparison of recommendations for screening mammography using CISNET models

BACKGROUND Currently, there are several different recommendations for screening mammography from major national health care organizations, including: 1) annual screening at ages 40 to 84 years; 2) screening annually at ages 45 to 54 years, then biennially at ages 55 to 79 years; and 3) biennial screening at ages 50 to 74 years. METHODS Mean values of six Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) models were used to compare these three screening mammography recommendations in terms of benefits and risks. RESULTS Mean mortality reduction was greatest with the recommendation of annual screening at ages 40 to 84 years (39.6%), compared with the hybrid recommendation of screening annually at ages 45 to 54 years, then biennially at ages 55 to 79 years (30.8%), and the recommendation of biennial screening at ages 50 to 74 years (23.2%). For a single-year cohort of US women aged 40 years, assuming 100% compliance, more breast cancers deaths would be averted over their lifetime with annual screening starting at age 40 (29,369) than with the hybrid recommendation (22,829) or biennial screening ages 50-74 (17,153 based on 2009 CISNET estimates, 15,599 based on 2016 CISNET estimates). To achieve the greatest mortality benefit, this single-year cohort of women would have the greatest total number of screening mammograms, benign recalls, and benign biopsies performed over the course of screening by following annual screening starting at age 40 years (90.2 million, 6.8 million, and 481,269, respectively) than by following the hybrid recommendation (49.0 million, 4.1 million, and 286,288, respectively) or biennial screening at ages 50 to 74 years (27.3 million, 2.3 million, and 162,885, respectively). CONCLUSION CISNET models demonstrate that the greatest mortality reduction is achieved with annual screening of women starting at age 40 years. Cancer 2017;123:3673–3680. © 2017 American Cancer Society
Cardiac sympathectomy for the management of ventricular arrhythmias refractory to catheter ablation

Background Catheter ablation is now a mainstay of therapy for ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). However, there are scenarios where either physiological or anatomical factors make ablation less likely to be successful. Objective The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD) may be an alternate therapy for patients with difficult-to-ablate VAs. Methods We identified all patients referred for CSD at a single center for indications other than long QT syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia who had failed catheter ablation. Medical records were reviewed for medical history, procedural details, and follow-up. Results Seven cases of CSD were identified in patients who had failed prior catheter ablation or had disease not amenable to ablation. All patients had VAs refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs, with a median arrhythmia burden of 1 episode of sustained VA per month. There were no acute complications of sympathectomy. One of 7 patients (14%) underwent heart transplant. No patient had sustained VA after sympathectomy at a median follow-up of 7 months. Conclusion Because of anatomical and physiological constraints, many VAs remain refractory to catheter ablation and remain a significant challenge for the electrophysiologist. While CSD has been described as a therapy for long QT syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, data regarding its use in other cardiac conditions are sparse. This series illustrates that CSD may be a viable treatment option for patients with a variety of etiologies of VAs.
Mismatch of classroom furniture and student body dimensions: empirical findings and health implications.

Abstract Purpose: To examine possible mismatch between the individual body dimensions of students and the classroom furniture they use. Methods: A total of 74 (37 male and 37 female) sixth- through eighth-grade students in a Michigan school district participated in the study; their ages ranged from 10 years, 11 months to 14 years, 3 months. Anthropometric measurements (including elbow height, shoulder height, upper arm length, knee height, popliteal height, buttock-popliteal length, and stature) were gathered in several physical education classes, each during a single session. In addition, the furniture dimensions were measured for three styles of chairs and three styles of desks prevalent in the students’ classrooms. Based on both the information about student body dimensions and furniture dimensions, measures of fit or mismatch were constructed. Results: The data indicate a substantial degree of mismatch between the students’ bodily dimensions and the classroom furniture available to them. Fewer than 20% of students can find acceptable chair/desk combinations. Most students are sitting in chairs with seats that are too high or too deep and at desks that are too high. Even after controlling for body stature, girls are less likely to find fitting chairs. Conclusions: Based on the evidence presented, many sixth through eighth graders must endure seating arrangements in their classrooms that are not conducive to learning.
StaySafe : A self-administered android tablet application for helping individuals on probation make better decisions pertaining to health risk behaviors.

This paper describes the development and protocol for feasibility and efficacy testing of a risk reduction intervention designed to improve behavioral health outcomes among drug offenders on probation under community supervision or in residential substance abuse treatment centers. StaySafe is a self-administered tablet-based intervention for teaching better decision-making skills regarding health risk behaviors, especially those involving HIV risks. We are using pre/post, experimental/control group randomized clinical trial (RCT) in both community and residential probation settings with goals to 1) assess the feasibility and acceptance of StaySafe by examining participation rates and satisfaction measures, and 2) examine the impact of StaySafe on decision-making skills, confidence and motivation to avoid sex and drug risks, willingness to discuss health risks and concerns with helpful others, and engagement in health risk behaviors. StaySafe consists of 12 brief sessions and utilizes an evidence-based decision-making schema, called WORKIT, which guides participants through steps for identifying the problem and options, evaluating the options and making a decision about which option to carry out. Multiple sessions of StaySafe provide a practice effect so that the WORKIT steps become easily accessible to participants when making decisions. Three of the sessions provide participants a choice of activities designed to provide additional information about HIV and reinforce lessons learned during the WORKIT sessions. Preliminary data demonstrate feasibility and high levels of satisfaction with StaySafe.
The burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in children.

Background Childhood tuberculosis (TB) has historically been neglected, although in recent years there has been increased focus on this problem. In particular, there have been two efforts to estimate the burden of pediatric multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). Methods We review current estimates of the global incidence of pediatric MDR-TB disease. We then combine pediatric MDR-TB treatment data from the World Health Organization and recently published case fatality ratio estimates for children with TB to produce mortality estimates for children with MDR-TB. Finally, we combine treatment data and estimates of household size and disease risk to estimate how many children could be treated for probable or confirmed MDR-TB by carrying out household contact investigations around adult MDR-TB patients. Results Between 25 000 and 32 000 children develop MDR-TB disease annually, accounting for around 3% of all pediatric TB cases. Only 3-4% of these children are likely to receive MDR-TB treatment. We estimate that around 21% of children who develop MDR-TB disease will die. Carrying out household contact investigations around adult MDR-TB patients could find an estimated 12 times as many pediatric MDR-TB cases as are currently being identified. Discussion The diagnosis and treatment of children with MDR-TB needs to be prioritized by TB programs.
Anxiety and Gender Dysphoria

Transgender adolescents often experience co-occurring mental health symptoms, with anxiety being one of the most common. Often, these symptoms are not severe enough to lead affirming mental health providers to recommend slowing down the physical transition process for the youth. However, in some cases, when the anxiety symptoms are severe and occur with other complex factors, it may be in the adolescent’s best interest to take a slower, more cautious path toward irreversible interventions. This chapter describes the case of “Alex,” a gender diverse adolescent with severe anxiety. A description of the case and an explanation of how it was approached from an affirming and developmentally informed lens, balancing the complicated mental health picture, the parents’ reservations, and Alex’s desire to pursue testosterone treatment, are provided.
Social and Contextual Issues in Interventions with Children and Families

Children and families face unprecedented challenges to their health, positive development, and—most basically—survival. They are confronted by problems of poor nutrition, drug and alcohol abuse, unsafe sex, violence, school failure, under-achievement, school dropout, crime, teenage pregnancy and parenting, and lack of job preparedness (Carnegie Corporation of New York, 1995; Dryfoos, 1990; Johnston, O’Malley, & Bachman, 1996; United States Department of Health and Human Services, 1996). In addition, there are challenges to their health (e.g., lack of immunizations, inadequate screening for disabilities, insufficient prenatal care, and lack of sufficient infant and childhood medical services) (Hamburg, 1992; Huston, 1991). Moreover, one-fifth of our nation’s youth are poor and face the sequelae of persistent and pervasive poverty (Center for the Study of Social Policy, 1995; Huston, 1991; Huston, McLoyd, & Garcia Coll, 1994; Schorr, 1988, 1997). Feelings of despair and hopelessness may often pervade the lives of youth whose parents have lived in poverty and see themselves as having little opportunity to do better, that is, to have a life marked by societal respect, achievement, and opportunity (Lerner, 1993b, 1995; McKinney, Abrams, Terry, & Lemer, 1994; Schorr, 1988, 1997).
Mindfulness-Based Approaches to Eating Disorders

Eating disorders (ED) are complex multidimensional behavioral syndromes characterized by pervasive core deficits in the self-regulation of food intake, affect, and cognition (Dalle Grave, Di Pauli, Sartirana, Calugi & shafran, 2007; Deaver, Miltenberger, Smyth, Meidinger & Crosby, 2003; Shafran, Teachman, Kerry, & Rachman, 1999; Spoor, Bekker, Van Heck, Croon, & Van Strien, 2005). Disturbance in self-regulation of food intake is linked to difficulty in recognizing physiological signals of hunger and satiety as well as in discerning these signals from somatic signals of emotion. Disturbance in emotion regulation reflects deficits in identifying, managing and adaptively utilizing emotion. Disturbance in cognition reflects extreme rigidity seen in cognitive restraint around eating behaviors, perfectionism and distorted thinking about weight and shape. ED frequently persist even in the face of significant deterioration in psychological and physiological wellness. Given their increasing prevalence, and the associated high risk of relapse and concurrent psychopathology, greater attention is warranted to improve the efficacy of existing treatments. Mindfulness approaches can intervene by improving self-regulation and the emerging evidence demonstrates the potential utility of these approaches.
Female and male youth sport coaches’ perceptions of teaching sportspersonship to female and male athletes:

According to the positive youth development framework, sportspersonship and character development is an expected outcome from participation in youth sport. Previous studies have shown mixed results...
Management of glatiramer reactions: Experience with desensitization

Abstract Rationale Glatiramer is an immunomodulatory subcutaneous daily medication for multiple sclerosis (MS). During therapy, patients may develop an immediate reaction associated with urticaria, flushing, chest symptoms, dyspnea, throat constriction, and dizziness. If symptoms are unusual or sustained, patients may be referred to Allergy/Immunology. We describe our experience. Methods Retrospective chart review of patients prescribed glatiramer by an MS clinic. Results 195 patients were reviewed. Ten patients had events symptomatically resembling IgE mediated reactions. Of the four patients not referred, 3 had immediate severe symptoms requiring ED visits. Antihistamines and injection modification had little effect on symptoms, resulting in glatiramer discontinuation. Six individuals were referred for Allergy/Immunology consultation. Anti-histamines partially alleviated urticaria and pruritus in 3 patients. One patient was negative to prick (full strength) and intradermal (1/100 dilution) testing. She tolerated a glatiramer challenge and resumed her injections. Five patients had reactions on intradermal testing at 1/10 or 1/100 dilutions. Normal controls also had wheal formation, indicating a possible irritant effect. Four of the five patients underwent desensitization; one refused. One desensitized patient developed delayed urticaria (>12 hours) and suspended her medication. She had been unresponsive to antihistamines. All others are continuing Copaxone up to two years later. Conclusions Approximately 5% of patients experienced possible IgE mediated reactions. Skin testing to glatiramer has utility, although its negative predictive value is undetermined. Individuals with wheal/flare reaction to glatiramer may be successfully desensitized. Benefit on antihistamines may be associated with improved desensitization outcomes. Patients referred to Allergy were better able to maintain glatiramer as therapy.
Passiflora markiana, a New Species of Passifloraceae from Ecuador

Abstract: A new species of Passiflora was collected while doing fieldwork in Zamora-Chinchipe Province in Ecuador in 1999. It is placed in subgenus Passiflora, series Lobatae.
Twin Screw Continuous Wet Granulation

Abstract Granulation has become an integral part of the formulation of tablets. Wet granulation and roller compaction, which were developed over 50 years ago in the 1950s and 1960s, are still the most commonly used granulation methods in the pharmaceutical industry. However, these are batch processes and not amenable to continuous manufacturing of tablets. Continuous manufacturing is desired to improve productivity and apply process analytical technologies for quality-by-design (QbD). There is an urgent need for improving granulation technologies. In this chapter, a continuous wet granulation process employing co-rotating twin screw extruder that can lead to the continuous manufacturing of tablets is described. Here, powder mixtures are fed into a twin screw extruder and conveyed through different mixing and granulating zones, while the binding liquids are sprayed through designated ports in the extruder barrel. By adjusting the extruders' process parameters, it is possible to obtain dry granules with appropriate particle size distribution suitable for downstream tableting.
Abstract 383: HDL Particles, Cell-Cholesterol Efflux, and CHD Risk: the Preβ-1 Paradox

Objective: The cell-cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is inversely associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. ATP-binding cassette transporter-A1 (ABCA1) p...
Ganglioneuroma and Neuroblastoma

Although ganglioneuromas are benign and easily recognizable tumors, primitive neural tumors of the adrenal gland, such as neuroblastoma, are malignant and present much more complex problems in diagnosis and classification. Ganglioneuromas may occur in a variety of sites, including the adrenal gland. They are benign neural tumors composed of ganglion cells and Schwann cells. Neuroblastomas are malignant tumors derived from primordial neural crest cells. These tumors may be identified in a variety of sites, including the adrenal gland. Neuroblastomas usually are sporadic. They are the fourth most common malignant tumor in children; most occur in children younger than 5 years, and one fifth are congenital.
Withdrawal‐associated increases in opiate reinforcement: effects of candidate anti‐relapse medications

Opiate dependence and withdrawal may increase the relative reinforcing effects of opiate agonists and contribute to relapse. Drugs that attenuate withdrawal-associated increases in opiate reinforce...