cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence of Dual Mechanisms of Glutathione Uptake in the Rodent Lens: A Novel Role for Vitreous Humor in Lens Glutathione Homeostasis.

PURPOSE Lens glutathione synthesis knockout (LEGSKO) mouse lenses lack de novo glutathione (GSH) synthesis but still maintain >1 mM GSH. We sought to determine the source of this residual GSH and the mechanism by which it accumulates in the lens. METHODS Levels of GSH, glutathione disulfide (GSSG), and GSH-related compounds were measured in vitro and in vivo using isotope standards and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. RESULTS Wild-type (WT) lenses could accumulate GSH from γ-glutamylcysteine and glycine or from intact GSH, but LEGSKO lenses could only accumulate GSH from intact GSH, indicating that LEGSKO lens GSH content is not due to synthesis by a salvage pathway. Uptake of GSH in cultured lenses occurred at the same rate for LEGSKO and WT lenses, could not be inhibited, and occurred primarily through cortical fiber cells. In contrast, uptake of GSH from aqueous humor could be competitively inhibited and showed an enhanced Km in LEGSKO lenses. Mouse vitreous had >1 mM GSH, whereas aqueous had <20 μM GSH. Testing physiologically relevant GSH concentrations for uptake in vivo, we found that both LEGSKO and WT lenses could obtain GSH from the vitreous but not from the aqueous. Vitreous rapidly accumulated GSH from the circulation, and depletion of circulating GSH reduced vitreous but not aqueous GSH. CONCLUSIONS The above data provide, for the first time, evidence for the existence of dual mechanisms of GSH uptake into the lens, one mechanism being a passive, high-flux transport through the vitreous exposed side of the lens versus an active, carrier-mediated uptake mechanism at the anterior of the lens.
The Work Environment

Recent years have seen an improvement in employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. This improvement reflects many factors, including advocacy, the economy, population and geographic distributions, and legislative initatives. However, as was stated recently by Will (1989), The work that has been done to ensure the integration of persons with disabilities into our communities will remain unfinished so long as large numbers of them are unemployed. It is not enough for persons with disabilities to be part of the social mainstream. They should be part of the economic mainstream because work enhances self-worth and contributes to the overall quality of life. (p. xiii)
High-Throughput and Energy-Efficient Graph Processing on FPGA

In this paper, we propose a novel design for large-scale graph processing on FPGA. Our design uses large external memory for storing massive graph data and FPGA for acceleration, and leverages edge-centric computing principles. We propose a data layout which optimizes the external memory performance and leads to an efficient memory activation schedule to reduce on-chip memory power consumption. Further, we develop a parallel architecture on FPGA which can saturate the external memory bandwidth and concurrently process multiple input data to increase throughput. We use our design to accelerate several classic graph algorithms, including single-source shortest path, weakly connected component, and minimum spanning tree. Experimental results show that for all the considered graph algorithms, our design achieves high throughput of over 600 million traversed edges per second (MTEPS) and high energy-efficiency of over 30 MTEPS/W. Compared with a baseline design, our optimizations result in over 3.6× throughput and 5.8× energy-efficiency improvements, respectively. Our design achieves 32% throughput improvement when compared with state-of-the-art FPGA designs, and up to 7.8× speedup when compared with state-of-the-art multi-core implementation.
Tip the work-life balance back in your favor with a podcast

Engineers and managers find themselves facing increasingly long hours to complete the everyday activities of their jobs. At the same time, they are pressed by the threat of technical obsolescence as they scramble to keep up with the rapid expansion of technology. Technical and professional meetings and publications can close the obsolescence gap, but they can tilt the work-life balance even further. So how do we find the time to keep up? One method of satisfying this need is the podcast. The Podcast audio, and increasingly video, files are distributed by RSS feed to subscribers. Subscribers can collect files of possible interest, then listen or view offline, when it is convenient. This removes the restrictions of time and live Internet connection associated with a streaming broadcast. With a portable player, audio files can be listened to while exercising, driving or working at a computer. Several independent productions provide timely information on a wide range of technical subjects. Publications now offer podcasts to supplement their print editions. Corporations have begun to employ podcasts as a low cost, high quality means of distributing information and training to their employees. This new mobile use of technology can enable engineers to stay current in their field, provide employers and vendors a low cost and timely channel of communication, and free a little more time each week for our personal life.
Ligand–Receptor Interaction Modulates the Energy Landscape of Enzyme-Instructed Self-Assembly of Small Molecules

The concurrence of enzymatic reaction and ligand–receptor interactions is common for proteins, but rare for small molecules and has yet to be explored. Here we show that ligand–receptor interaction modulates the morphology of molecular assemblies formed by enzyme-instructed assembly of small molecules. While the absence of ligand–receptor interaction allows enzymatic dephosphorylation of a precursor to generate the hydrogelator that self-assembles to form long nanofibers, the presence of the ligand–receptor interaction biases the pathway to form precipitous aggregates containing short nanofibers. While the hydrogelators self-assemble to form nanofibers or nanoribbons that are unable to bind with the ligand (i.e., vancomycin), the addition of surfactant breaks up the assemblies to restore the ligand–receptor interaction. In addition, an excess amount of the ligands can disrupt the nanofibers and result in the precipitates. As the first example of the use of ligand–receptor interaction to modulate the kinet...
Khat - a new precipitating factor for reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: a case report

Postpartum reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is one of the rare reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes. The clinical presentation is usually characterized by recurrent headache, focal neurological deficit, and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction seen on cerebral angiography. We report a case of a 35-year-old Yemeni woman who presented with headache and focal neurological deficits that occurred 10 days after delivery, with segmental narrowing of cerebral arteries on angiography. She had significant clinical and radiological improvement on follow-up. The presentation of our patient’s reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is unusual as she has two possible precipitating factors. In addition to being in the postpartum state, she also has a long history of chewing khat, a vasoactive substance commonly used by immigrants from Yemen. We hope that this case report will increase awareness among physicians about the use of this plant by immigrants from the horn of Africa and Yemen.
Jet measurements at DØ using a κT algorithm

DO has implemented and calibrated a κ∼ jet algorithm for the first time in a pp collider. We present two results based on 1992–1996 data which were recently published: the subjet multiplicity in quark and gluon jets and the central inclusive jet cross section. The measured ratio between subjet multiplicities in gluon and quark jets is consistent with theoretical predictions and previous experimental values. NLO pQCD predictions of the κt] inclusive jet cross section agree with the DO measurement, although marginally in the low PT range. We also present a preliminary measurement of thrust cross sections, which indicates the need to include higher than αs3 terms and resumation in the theoretical calculations.
Supporting emergent literacy for English language learners with computer-assisted instruction

The growing number of students whose primary language does not match the language of their schools and a steadily growing performance gap has prompted widespread attention to support emergent literacy gains for those students. This study randomly assigned schools in a Southwestern U.S. state with English language learners (ELLs) in kindergarten and first grade to an experimental computer-assisted instruction (CAI) condition or a ‘business as usual’ control. The study tracked ELLs performance over one academic year using a nationally normed standardised reading test. The results demonstrated first-grade students in the experimental condition demonstrated greater gains compared with the control students in the domains of vocabulary, phonics, phonological awareness and text comprehension. Gains for kindergarten were less consistent; however, the lowest language proficient students using CAI experienced greater gains in vocabulary when compared with controls. Results extend prior studies targeting ELL students' reading skill development with targeted CAI interventions. What is already known about this topic English language learners (ELLs) face additional struggles in gaining literacy proficiency in the early grades. Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) programs support learning for non-ELLs, provided the instructional materials target specific literacy needs directly. Efficacy of CAIs (and any instructional program) is dependent upon the match between learner needs, classroom curriculum and programmatic features. What this paper adds Large randomised control trial testing the effects of a CAI on ELL literacy development in kindergarten and first-grade students. Measures of progressive learner development in critical literacy skills using a nationally normed measure of reading achievement. Explicit attention to the levels of language proficiency intersecting with the use of the CAI to identify interaction effects Implications for theory, policy or practice Computer-assisted instruction support for second language learners can be effective for targeted literacy gains, provided the program materials support critical literacy needs. Use of CAI may be instrumental to support emergent literacy given the ability to capitalise on the proposed pedagogical interventions for second language learners. Stress the importance of maintaining attention to the existing language skills of second language learners when examining the efficacy of literacy interventions.
Mesoscopic cortical calcium dynamics during wakefulness, natural sleep, and anesthesia

Using a GCaMP6 transgenic mouse model, mesoscopic-imaging shows an anterior to posterior propagation of delta neuronal activity during both spontaneous sleep and anesthesia that is absent during wakefulness and alters functional connectivity.
Induced Neural Activity Promotes an Oligodendroglia Regenerative Response in the Injured Spinal Cord and Improves Motor Function after Spinal Cord Injury

Myelination in central nervous system (CNS) is a dynamic process that includes birth of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), their differentiation into oligodendrocytes, and ensheathment of axons. Regulation of myelination by neuronal activity has emerged as a new mechanism of CNS plasticity. Indeed, activity-dependent myelination has been shown to regulate sensory, motor and cognitive functions. In this work, we aimed to employ this mechanism of CNS plasticity by utilizing induced neuronal activity to promote remyelination and functional recovery in a subchronic model of SCI. We used a mild contusive SCI at T10, which demyelinates surviving axons of the dorsal corticospinal tract (dCST), to investigate the effects of induced neuronal activity on oligodendrogenesis, remyelination, and motor function after SCI. Neuronal activity was induced through epidural electrodes that were implanted over the primary motor (M1) cortex. Induced neuronal activity increased the number of proliferating OPCs. Additional...
Genetic editing of the androgen receptor contributes to impaired male courtship behavior in zebrafish

ABSTRACT Elucidating the genes that contribute to behavioral variation has become an important endeavor in behavioral studies. While advances in genomics have narrowed down the list of candidate genes, functional validation of them has lagged behind, partly because of challenges associated with rapid gene manipulations. Consequently, few studies have demonstrated causal genetic changes linked to behaviors. The ‘gene editing revolution’ has offered unprecedented opportunities to investigate candidate genes responsible for critical behaviors. Here, we edited the androgen receptor gene ( AR ), which is associated with male reproductive behavior in zebrafish, using TAL effector nucleases (TALENs), and tested whether modifications at the AR impacted courtship during mating trials. We reveal that males lacking AR courted females significantly less, showing reduced levels of stereotypic behaviors. Consistent with previous studies, disrupting androgen mechanisms can lead to behavioral changes with potential fitness consequences. Our study highlights the possibility of genetically altering a reproductive behavior, further solidifying the link between genotype and behavior.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), Feminist Critiques of

Feminists have contributed to a critical analysis of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) since it was first published by the American Psychiatric Association in 1952. These analyses have focused on the philosophical and political dimensions of the manual's underlying theory and approach as well as the ways in which many disorders reinforce gender, class, and race bias. Major areas of criticism include the lack of attention to the sociopolitical context of emotional distress, DSM-5's ethnocentric framework, and the widening of diagnostic boundaries. Keywords: critical theory; diagnosis; feminisms; psychiatry; psychology
Methionine Dependency Determination of Human Patient Tumors in Gelfoam® Histoculture.

The elevated requirement of methionine by cancer cells (methionine dependence) is a general metabolic abnormality in cancer. Methionine-dependent cancer cells are unable to proliferate and arrest in the late S/G2 phase of the cell cycle when methionine is restricted in vitro or in vivo. Cell-cycle arrest in late S/G2 was used as a biomarker of methionine dependence for patient tumors in Gelfoam® histoculture. Human cancer patient tumors, including tumors of the colon, breast, ovary, prostate, and a melanoma, were observed to be methionine dependent in Gelfoam® histoculture based on cell cycle analysis. This simple method can be used to screen patient tumors for methionine dependence and then subsequently apply appropriate chemotherapy for these patients to target this cancer-specific metabolic abnormality.
Energy expenditure in people with transtibial amputation walking with crossover and energy storing prosthetic feet: A randomized within-subject study.

Abstract Background Energy storing feet are unable to reduce the energy required for normal locomotion among people with transtibial amputation. Crossover feet, which incorporate aspects of energy storing and running specific feet, are designed to maximize energy return while providing stability for everyday activities. Research question Do crossover prosthetic feet reduce the energy expenditure of walking across a range of speeds, when compared with energy storing feet among people with transtibial amputation due to non-dysvascular causes? Methods A randomized within-subject study was conducted with a volunteer sample of twenty-seven adults with unilateral transtibial amputation due to non-dysvascular causes. Participants were fit with two prostheses. One had an energy storing foot (Ossur Variflex) and the other a crossover foot (Ossur Cheetah Xplore). Other components, including sockets, suspension, and interface were standardized. Energy expenditure was measured with a portable respirometer (Cosmed K4b2) while participants walked on a treadmill at self-selected slow, comfortable, and fast speeds with each prosthesis. Gross oxygen consumption rates (VO2 ml/min) were compared between foot conditions. Energy storing feet were used as the baseline condition because they are used by most people with a lower limb prosthesis. Analyses were performed to identify people who may benefit from transition to crossover feet. Results On average, participants had lower oxygen consumption in the crossover foot condition compared to the energy storing foot condition at each self-selected walking speed, but this difference was not statistically significant. Participants with farther six-minute walk test distances, higher daily step counts, and higher Medicare Functional Classification Levels at baseline were more likely to use less energy in the crossover foot. Significance Crossover feet may be most beneficial for people with higher activity levels and physical fitness. Further research is needed to examine the effect of crossover feet on energy expenditure during high-level activities.
Visual clustering and classification: The Oronsay particle size data set revisited

Interactive statistical graphics can be effectively used to find natural groupings in observations. In this paper we want to demonstrate how clustering and classification can be done with three approaches based on highly interactive graphical environments: high-dimensional scatterplots as available in XGobi, parallel coordinate plots as available in ExplorN, and linked low-dimensional views as available in Manet. We will point out the strengths and the weaknesses of these techniques by comparing their behavior when applied to the Oronsay particle size data set.
CHAPTER 115 – Properties of the Cdc25 Family of Cell-Cycle Regulatory Phosphatases

The focus of this chapter is on the biochemistry and regulation of the Cdc25 family of phosphatases. Due to its central role in the biochemistry of Cdc2, Cdc25 plays a pivotal role in mitotic control and is the target of extensive regulatory networks. In all eukaryotic cells, the progression of the cell cycle is regulated by a family of cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks). The first identified member of this family is maturationpromoting factor (MPF), which consists of three subunits. In vertebrates, MPF contains the protein kinase Cdc2, a regulatory partner called cyclin B, and a small ancillary subunit known as the Sucl or Cks protein. The control of MPF involves a number of distinct regulatory mechanisms, including phosphorylation, proteolysis, and changes in intracellular localization. For example, the activity of the Cdc2 subunit is dramatically dependent on its state of phosphorylation. In the case of human Cdc2, protein kinase activity absolutely requires phosphorylation on threonine-161 (Thr-161). However, Thr-161 appears to be phosphorylated throughout the G2 and M phases of the cell cycle. The abrupt activation of MPF at the G2/M transition can be explained by the existence of two inhibitory phosphorylation sites on Cdc2, namely tyrosine-15 (Tyr-15) and threonine-14 (Thr-14).
Disaster and mass casualty triage.

An overview of disaster and mass casualty triage, the philosophies that have shaped current triage strategies, and the two most common triage systems in the U.S., SALT (Sort-Assess-Lifesaving Interventions-Treatment/Transport) and START (Simple Triage and Rapid Transport). Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Operating Experience with the Sandia Tritium Facility Cleanup Systems

At Sandia Livermore, significant operating experience has been gained with the containment and cleanup systems that provide personnel safety and environmental protection in the tritium facility. The Gas Purification System (GPS) and Vacuum Effluent Recovery System (VERS)--used for cleanup of glove box and contaminated effluent, respectively--have been operating for more that 70,000 hours. Maintained at 811 K, the original catalyst has shown no indication of degraded performance. The dryer regeneration system has been used to recover 52,000 Ci, with no personnel uptake. Except for VERS vacuum pump overhaul, maintenance on both systems has been minimal.
Factors Predicting Client Re-Enrollment in Tobacco Cessation Services in a State Quitline.

Introduction Quitlines are an integral part of tobacco treatment programs and reach groups of smokers who have a wide range of barriers to cessation. Although tobacco dependence is chronic and relapsing, little research exists on factors that predict the likelihood of clients re-engaging and reconnecting with quitlines for treatment. The objective of this study was to describe factors that predict the re-enrollment of clients in Arizona's state quitline. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of data collected from clients (N = 49,284) enrolled in the Arizona Smokers' Helpline from January 2011 through June 2016. We used logistic regression to analyze predictors of re-enrollment in services after controlling for theoretically relevant baseline variables (eg, nicotine dependence, smokers in the home) and follow-up variables (eg, program use, quit outcome). Results Compared with clients who reported being quit after their first enrollment, clients who reported not being quit were almost 3 times as likely to re-enroll (odds ratio = 2.89; 95% confidence interval, 2.54-3.30). Other predictors were having a chronic condition or a mental health condition, greater nicotine dependence, and lower levels of social support. Women and clients not having other smokers in the home were more likely to re-enroll than were men and clients not living with other smokers. Conclusion Understanding baseline and in-program factors that predict client-initiated re-enrollment can help quitlines tailor strategies to proactively re-engage clients who may have difficulty maintaining long-term abstinence.
Towards Improved Saccade Landing Position Estimation Using Velocity Profile Methods

Algorithms for predicting the trajectories of saccadic eye movements offer considerable potential for improving the performance of gaze-contingent rendering systems. Amongst previously introduced techniques, several methods have been proposed which involve fitting a window of trajectory data obtained at the saccade onset to a model kinematic profile. This extended abstract describes progress towards addressing limitations of recently proposed methods for profile-based predictions using eye velocity information. Namely, we explore a new model suitable for describing the known skewness of the velocity profiles of large saccades based upon the Wald distribution.
Correction to “A Nonvolatile Fast-Read Two-Transistor SRAM Based on Spintronic Devices”

In [1] , there is a typo in the unit of the x label in Fig. 11(b). The correct unit should be $\Omega $ instead of $\text{k}\Omega $ . The correct figure is shown in Fig. 1 .
Impact of Ga-68 DOTATATE imaging on clinical management of neuroendocrine tumor patients: Post-FDA-approval analysis of first 200 clinical patients.

238Background: Gallium 68 dotatate (Ga-68 DOTA) provides physiologic imaging and assists in the localization of disease in somatostatin (SSA) receptor positive neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients. ...
You’re hired! A library’s collaboration with the career services department

AbstractThe library collaborating with nonacademic departments to further strategic goals is beneficial for both parties. In the summer of 2016, the Hubert Library at Florida International Universi...
2000 Directory of mass spectrometry manufacturers and suppliers.

An annual directory of companies that supply mass spectrometers and mass spectrometry components and services. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Too big to surveil: the fourth amendment illuminated by ‘modern lights’ and shadowed by obsta principiis in a post-Carpenter world concerned with privacy

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution functions as a shield against excess governmental or police power by prohibiting unreasonable searches and seizures. Since its ratification, legal chal...
High-throughput single-cell proteomics quantifies the emergence of macrophage heterogeneity

Abstract The fate and physiology of individual cells are controlled by networks of proteins. Yet, our ability to quantitatively analyze protein networks in single cells has remained limited. To overcome this barrier, we developed SCoPE2. It integrates concepts from Single-Cell ProtEomics by Mass Spectrometry (SCoPE-MS) with automated and miniaturized sample preparation, substantially lowering cost and hands-on time. SCoPE2 uses data-driven analytics to optimize instrument parameters for sampling more ion copies per protein, thus supporting quantification with improved count statistics. These advances enabled us to analyze the emergence of cellular heterogeneity as homogeneous monocytes differentiated into macrophage-like cells in the absence of polarizing cytokines. We used SCoPE2 to quantify over 2,000 proteins in 356 single monocytes and macrophages in about 85 hours of instrument time, and the quantified proteins allowed us to discern single cells by cell type. Furthermore, the data uncovered a continuous gradient of proteome states for the macrophage-like cells, suggesting that macrophage heterogeneity may emerge even in the absence of polarizing cytokines. Our methodology lays the foundation for quantitative analysis of protein networks at single-cell resolution.
Latina Experience in Higher Education: Problem-Solving to Facilitate Student Success

The authors of this qualitative modified, success case study explore a Latina college senior’s sense of context, conditions, self-awareness, and personal management of familial and educational prob...
Measurement of the Fission Cross Section of Uranium-235 for Incident Neutrons with Energies Between 2 and 100 keV

The fission cross section of 235U was measured for incident-neutron energies between 2 and 100 keV using an electron LINAC pulsed source of neutrons and the time-of-flight technique. The fission ev...
Nicotine in Aberrant Learning and Corticostriatal Plasticity

Abstract This chapter focuses on chronic nicotine and corticostriatal plasticity. Loss of dopamine signaling, as occurs in Parkinson's disease (PD), induces abnormal corticostriatal synaptic plasticity, giving rise to aberrant learning that may contribute to functional deterioration as dopamine denervation progresses. Chronic nicotine exposure, as occurs in smoking, reduces the risk of PD, though the mechanisms are unknown. We review research that suggests chronic nicotine may decrease aberrant learning, providing a form of neuroprotection in PD. More recent work demonstrates that chronic nicotine, as observed with other drugs of abuse, increases the prevalence of silent synapses in striatal medium spiny neurons. We briefly review this work and propose a hypothesis linking chronic nicotine-induced increases in silent synapses to both the behavioral inflexibility observed in nicotine addiction and nicotine-associated neuroprotection observed in PD.
In vitro evaluation of the effects of Ultrasound Tongue Scraper on bacteria and biofilm formation.

Aim Oral malodor is a common condition caused by some Gram-negative oral bacteria, among which are the 3 red complex bacteria (RCB). The present study investigated the effectiveness of the Ultrasound Tongue Scraper (UTS) to disrupt the structural morphology of the bacteria and their biofilm. Methods While developing over 72 hours, multispecies biofilms of RCB (Porphromonas gingivalis, Tryponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia) were treated every 24 hours with 1.6-MHz ultrasound waves generated with UTS. An untreated group served as controls. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to determine the biofilm thickness, biomass and live : dead cell ratio at each time point (24, 48 and 72 hours). Biofilm morphology and bacteria ultrastructure were viewed using scanning/transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results At each time point, the 3 variables were significantly lower in treated samples than the untreated. Significant biofilm disruption was observed in treated samples at each time period while the untreated had intact biofilm morphology. Cells in treated samples showed disrupted cell wall, cytoplasmic material, huge vacuoles and heterogeneity in electron density, while these cell organelles remained intact in untreated samples. Conclusion The UTS has an inhibitory effect on RCB and could be useful for oral malodor management.
Flexible piezoelectric sensor for real-time image-guided colonoscopies: a solution to endoscopic looping challenges in clinic

Colonoscopies are routine, low-risk procedures that are used to screen patients for diseases like colorectal cancer. However, often times they are performed with moderate sedation (i.e. conscious sedation) which may result in pain for patients. With moderate sedation, these procedures can be extremely painful, with one study reporting that more than 20% of patients experienced severe pain. This pain is usually the result of a phenomenon called “endoscopic looping,” which occurs when the scope loops within the patient’s bowels and stretches out their intestines. Looping is extremely common, and can occur in up to 90% of procedures. This study reports a low-cost endoscopy visualization device aimed to decrease patient pain during colonoscopies and time lost due to complications experienced during procedures. The device consists of a flexible piezoelectric sensor to detect applied forces during looping, bending, or compression. In order to use the device, the endoscopist inserts the piezoelectric cable fully within the working channel of the colonoscope before the colonoscopy begins. The piezoelectric cable is connected to an external monitor. If extreme forces or bends are detected by the piezoelectric cable, a notification can appear on screen that a loop is forming. Once the colonoscope reaches the desired location, the endoscopist removes the piezoelectric cable, leaving the working channel open for use by other tools, such as biopsy forceps.
Preliminary evidence of effects of potassium chloride on a metabolomic path to diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Low potassium intake can affect cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and cardiometabolic risk factors. We hypothesize that potassium chloride (KCl) supplementation can improve cardiovascular risk metabolomic profile. In this secondary analysis of a pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT) of 26 participants with prediabetes randomized to KCl or placebo, we performed targeted mass-spectrometry-based metabolomic profiling on baseline and 12-week (end-of-study) plasma samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reduce the many correlated metabolites into fewer, independent factors that retain most of the information in the original data. Those taking KCl had significant reductions (corresponding to lower cardiovascular risk) in the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) factor (P = 0.004) and in valine levels (P = 0.02); and non-significant reductions in short-chain acylcarnitines (SCA) factor (P = 0.11). KCl supplementation may improve circulating BCAA levels, which may reflect improvements in overall cardiometabolic risk profile. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02236598; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02236598 .
COVID-19 Testing and Infection Surveillance: Is a Combined Digital Contact Tracing and Mass Testing Solution Feasible in the United States?

Background In December 2019, the novel COVID-19 virus spread from a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China, to every corner of the globe, creating a worldwide pandemic pushing hospital systems past capacity and bringing economies worldwide to a halt. The COVID-19 pandemic is unique in comparison to prior coronavirus epidemics in its superior ability to be spread by asymptomatic and presymptomatic patients, allowing the virus to silently evade traditional symptoms-based screening approaches. Countries have implemented cutting-edge digital solutions to enhance traditional contact-tracing methodologies in combination with novel testing strategies to combat the virus, with variable levels of success. Despite having one of the most advanced and expensive health care systems in the world, the United States (U.S.) response is arguably one of the world's largest failures, as it leads the globe in case number as well as deaths. Until a successful vaccine can be broadly distributed, it is imperative that the U.S. curb the viral spread by rapidly developing a framework implementing both enhanced tracing and testing strategies balancing the needs of public health while respecting individual liberties. This review will explore the role of technology-augmented contact-based surveillance in tracking the outbreak in select countries in comparison to the current U.S. approach. It will evaluate barriers in the U.S. to implementing similar technologies, focusing on privacy concerns and a lack of unified testing and tracing strategy. Finally, it will explore strategies for rapidly scaling testing in a cost-effective manner.
Beef Cattle Management Consultation

Veterinarians can become effective beef cattle management consultants by combining the knowledge they have with an organized, methodical approach to solving ranch production and financial problems. Many veterinarians provide consultative services to producers on a daily basis, but because they have not formalized their methods into a systematic protocol that addresses both the production and financial factors limiting profitability on beef cattle ranches, they have been incapable of establishing a consultative service. By using the methods outlined in this paper, the veterinarian can establish a service which benefits themselves and their clients. It starts with the objectives for management consultation, describes the protocols for assessing the production and financial status of a ranch, describes the means for identifying the factors limiting productivity and profitability, considers the Business Plan, provides the techniques for assessing the financial progress, and offers alternative methods for structuring consultation fees.
The association of mass trauma media contact with depression and anxiety: A meta-analytic review

Abstract Background Meta-analyses have documented a small positive association of mass trauma media consumption with posttraumatic stress outcomes but have not examined the association of media contact with depression or anxiety. Methods From an initial search of 2194 papers, 157 were identified for review leading to a meta-analysis of 20 studies on depression and 12 studies on anxiety. Random-effect models were used to estimate the summary effect size of the association between media contact and the psychological outcomes. Results This meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant and small positive association between mass trauma media consumption and depression. The association between media contact and anxiety was not statistically significant overall, but there was evidence to conclude that the association was small and positive in adult samples. None of the examined covariates explained the observed heterogeneity across studies for either depression or anxiety. Limitations The high heterogeneity among effect sizes indicates the need to examine patterns of association across various subgroups, which could not be explored comprehensively in the present analysis because of the small number of studies. Conclusions The association of media contact with depression and anxiety in adults was small but statistically significant suggesting that clinicians should assess news contact as a small contributing factor in those presenting with depression and/or anxiety symptoms after mass casualty events. Journalists might consider including information on mental health resources in mass trauma news coverage. Future studies should explore newer media forms and examine an expanded set of moderators.
Review of Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein

If you are a person who values the broad knowledge afforded by a liberal arts education, you have probably experienced the challenge of articulating its value to the many naysayers who eschew the liberal arts in favor of a more “practical” education...I was stuck on this conundrum until I discovered David Epstein’s Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World.
Community Enforcement beyond the Prisoner's Dilemma ∗

We study two-player games played by two communities in an infi nitely repeated anonymous random matching setting. It is well-known that in this setting, for the prisoner’s dilemma (PD), cooperation can be sustained in eq uilibrium through grim trigger strategies also called “contagion” or “community enforcement”. However, little is known about cooperation in games beyond the PD in this setting with minimal information transmission. In this paper we show that cooperation can indeed be sustained in the anonymous random matching setting in a broad class of games beyond the PD.
Interface stability of the melting solid-liquid interface. II. Sn-Bi alloys

Abstract Melting experiments have been carried out on single-phase homogeneous Sn-Bi alloys. At extremely slow melting rates and high temperature gradients a solute buildup was observed in the liquid. Experiments indicate that this buildup is probably due to thermal diffusion (Soret effect). In all cases it was found that channels of liquid extended back into the solid from the melting interface so that the planar interface was not stable as predicted by stability analysis. It is proposed that the stable planar interface predicted by stability analysis will only be realized in systems capable of supporting the constitutional superheating required with a planar interface.
A Model for Teaching Cross-Cultural Practice in Social Work

Abstract The rapid growth and increasing visibility of ethnic and racial groups has vigorously challenged social work to educate students for ethnic-competent practice in cross-cultural settings. This article examines an approach to teaching effective intervention involving ethnic and racial groups and helping students integrate cultural factors and society's concerns into clinical practice. Pedagogical issues and classroom processes of teaching culturally sensitive and competent interpersonal practice are discussed. Implications are drawn for culturally sensitive education and issues are raised for critical examination.
Benchmarking of the CM-5 and the Cray machines with a very large backpropagation neural network

In this paper, we present a new, efficient implementation of the backpropagation algorithm (BP) on the CM-5 by fully taking advantage of its Control Network to avoid explicit message-passing. The nodes in the input and output layers are evenly distributed to all processors: all nodes in the hidden layer(s) are replicated in each processor, and all weights are distributed to all processors corresponding to the nodes. We have implemented this algorithm on the CM-5 in the MIMD mode using the C programming language. For a case study of protein tertiary structure prediction, we obtained performance of 76 million weight updates per second (WUPS) with the machine partitioned for 512 processors without vector units. Experiments using different sized partitions indicated an almost linear relationship between the computation time and the number of processors, indicating good parallelization. We have also implemented the backpropagation algorithm on the Cray machines using the C programming language. The Cray-2 implementation yields performance of 10 million WUPS; the Cray X-MP EA implementation yields 18 million WUPS; and the Cray Y-MP M92 implementation yields 40 million WUPS. >
Working to Awaken

Boston College is a Jesuit university where there is a strong emphasis on the theme of social justice. Social justice appears in course titles, program descriptions, and departmental and university mission statements. The school of Arts and Sciences offers an interdisciplinary minor in “Faith, Peace, and Justice” and the university points with pride to its students’ involvement in a range of service activities as an instantiation of the institution’s commitment to social justice.
A 1: —1 Semisimple Hamiltonian Hopf Bifurcation in Vortex Dynamics

The instability of the von Karman vortex streets [1] has remained an enigma in fluid mechanics for over 80 years. This is due in part to the fact that the von Karman model has successfully predicted several properties of the wake of cylinders [2], [3], and yet, it does not offer stable theoretical candidates for the vortex trails observed in experiments. In this note I will sketch a fresh approach to this old problem, which is based mainly on a systematic application of the Principle of Genericity, and Hamiltonian Bifurcation theory, [4], [5], [6], [7].
Isolation and characterization of Sporothrix schenckii from clinical and environmental sources associated with the largest U.S. epidemic of sporotrichosis.

The largest recorded epidemic of sporotrichosis in the United States occurred in 1988 and involved a total of 84 cases in 15 states. All cases were associated with Wisconsin-grown sphagnum moss. Twenty-one clinical isolates of Sporothrix schenckii and 69 environmental isolates of Sporothrix spp. from the epidemic were characterized and compared. The environmental isolates were recovered from 102 samples of sphagnum moss and other material by using direct plating techniques. Characteristics examined included macroscopic and microscopic morphology, conversion to a yeast phase, exoantigen reactions, and virulence in mice. On the basis of these studies, eight environmental isolates were identified as S. schenckii, five were identified as Ophiostoma stenoceras, and the remainder were identified as Sporothrix species. The environmental isolates of S. schenckii were recovered from moss samples from one Pennsylvania nursery and from three New York State Soil and Water Conservation districts, but none were recovered from moss directly from the bogs in Wisconsin. Images
Extreme weather and climate change in the American mind: April 2013

This report is based on findings from a nationally representative survey – Climate Change in the American Mind – conducted by the Yale Project on Climate Change Communication and the George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication. Interview dates: April 8 - 15, 2013. Interviews: 1,045 Adults (18+) Total average margin of error: +/- 3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level; regional margins of error are +/- 7 percentage points for the Northeast and West; +/- 6 percentage points for the Midwest; and +/- 5 percentage points for the South.Key findings include:• About six in ten Americans (58%) say “global warming is affecting weather in the United States.”• Many Americans believe global warming made recent extreme weather and climatic events “more severe,” specifically: 2012 as the warmest year on record in the United States (50%); the ongoing drought in the Midwest and the Great Plains (49%); Superstorm Sandy (46%); and Superstorm Nemo (42%).• About two out of three Americans say weather in the U.S. has been worse over the past several years, up 12 percentage points since Spring 2012. By contrast, fewer Americans say weather has been getting better over the past several years – only one in ten (11%), down 16 points compared to a year ago.• Many Americans (51%) also say weather in their local area has been worse over the past several years.• Overall, 85 percent of Americans report that they experienced one or more types of extremeweather in the past year, most often citing extreme high winds (60%) and extreme heat (51%).• Of those Americans who experienced extreme weather events in the past year, many (37%) say they were significantly harmed. Moreover, the number who have been harmed appears to be growing (up 5 percentage points since Fall 2012 and 4 points since Spring 2012). For example, about one in five Americans today say they suffered a moderate or great deal of harm from extreme high winds (18%, up 8 points since Fall 2012) or extreme cold weather (10%, up 5 points). More also say they were harmed by a hurricane (6%, up 3 points).• Most Americans (80%) have close friends or family members (not living with them) who experienced extreme weather events in the past year, including extreme high winds (47%), an extreme heat wave (46%), an extreme snowstorm (39%), extreme cold temperatures (39%), an extreme rainstorm (37%), or a drought (35%).• Over half of Americans (54%) believe it is “very” or “somewhat likely” that extreme weather will cause a natural disaster in their community in the coming year.• Americans who experienced an extreme weather event are most likely to have communicated about it person-to-person – either in person (89%) or on the phone (84%) – although some used social media, such as writing about the experience on Facebook (23%) or sharing a photo of the event or its aftermath using Facebook, Tumblr, or Instagram (19%).
Treatment‐by‐gender effect when aiming to avoid hyperoxia in preterm infants in the NICU

Objective: To examine gender-specific differences in response to the O2 saturation (SpO2) targets aimed at avoiding hyperoxia in very low birth weight infants (VLBW). Methods: Analysis of a prospectively collected database of all infants ≤1250 g in two perinatal centres. A change was instituted in January 2003 with the objective of avoiding hyperoxia with target SpO2 at 85–93% (period II). Prior to this, SpO2 high alarms were set at 100% and low alarms at 92% (period I; from January 2000 to December 2002). Results: Of the 497 infants that met enrolment criteria, 297 (60%) were born during period I and 140 (47%) of them were male. During period II, 200 infants were born and 101 (50%) were male. Analysis by gender showed that the rate of retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and length of stay is significantly better for female infants than males on period II compared to period I. Neither gender experienced increased short-term neurological morbidity in response to lower SpO2 targets. Conclusions: There is a significant gender-specific difference favouring females in the beneficial effects produced by avoiding high SpO2 and hyperoxia, with no difference in the distribution of any potential short-term detrimental effects.
Mechanical dissection bridging the gap between the theoretical and physical world

Engineering education has received criticism recently from industry, professors, and the students themselves as offering too few 'hands-on' courses and failing to link engineering theory to 'real-world' systems and equipment. Mechanical Dissection is a class that bridges the gap between 'hands-on' and 'textbook' learning. By having students dissect and analyze mechanical equipment, the class connects the students' engineering knowledge to the physical realities of the equipment. A comprehensive engineering educational program has a responsibility to prepare students by providing them with both a strong theoretical base and practical experience. The success of Mechanical Dissection is a step in the right direction towards a more balanced educational program.