cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of losartan on arrhythmias induced by reperfusion in intactcanine

Aim: To observe the effect of losartan on arrhythmias induced by reperfusion in intactcanine. Methods: A total of 16 dogs were divided into 2 groups. ①Reperfusion group(n=8): left anterior descendings(LADs )were occluded for 30 min,then reperfused for 30 min. Early after depolarization(EAD) and reperfusion arrhythmias(RA) were observed by monophasic action potential(MAP) recording technique.②Losartan group(n=8):losartan(5 mg/(kg·d))was administered for 2 weeks, then the same operation and observation as reperfusion group were done.Results: In reperfusion group, EAD and RA developed in 5 dogs(62.5%). EAD and RA developed in 3 dogs in losartan group (37.5%), and no ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation was observed in losartan group.There was significant difference in the rates of EAD and RA between the two groups(P0.05). Conclusion: Losartan could suppress the rate of EAD under the condition of reperfusion,thus to suppress the reperfusion arrhythmias.
Negligence in Kickboxing Instruction

Tonya Honeycutt claimed that she was negligently manipulated by her instructor during a kickboxing class, which led to her being injured. Honeycutt brought a lawsuit against the sports club, alleging negligence and gross negligence.
Hypothalamic Regulation of Anterior Pituitary Function

Abstract Since their close interaction was recognized almost a century ago, there has been considerable progress in our knowledge of the anatomical, physiological, and pathophysiological aspects of hypothalamic regulation of the pituitary gland. Discovery of pituitary hormones was followed by isolation of hypothalamic neuropeptides that regulate their respective synthesis, their cognate receptors, and multiple intrapituitary signaling pathways. Extensive feedback mechanisms, essential for appropriate neuroendocrine hormonal regulation and brain networking, act to control hypothalamic neuropeptide action on pituitary and ultimately target gland responses. This chapter focuses on the hypothalamic–pituitary unit, including anatomy and histology, and the hypothalamic hormones regulating pituitary function including thyrotrophin-releasing hormone, corticotrophin-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, and somatostatin- and prolactin-regulating hormones. Mechanisms underlying hypothalamic hormone production, localization, and regulation and their effect on cognate pituitary receptors are described. These functions are geared towards integration of metabolic and trophic hormone homeostasis.
Salmonella Recovery from Tomato Fruit Surfaces as Affected by Ethylene

The effect of ethylene on the survival of Salmonella cells residing on unwounded surfaces of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit was investigated in this study. Inoculated fruit were stored in flow-through chambers that were adjusted to maintain an environment simulating a tomato ripening room. Fruit were held at 20 C and $95% relative humidity after surface inoculation with the low virulence and rifamycin-resistant pathogen S. enterica ssp. enterica serovar Typhimurium strain LT2 (S. Typhimurium). Tomato fruit were treated either with a continuous flow (rate, 200 mL min) of air or with $150 mL L ethylene in air. Bacterial recovery at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h after initiation of treatment showed that total populations of the S. Typhimurium cells declined in both the air and ethylene treatments during the first 24 to 48 h of storage, then increased to near initial levels by 72 h, similar to decline and recovery reported by other researchers in nonethylene treatment trials. These results suggest that although Salmonella can survive on the surfaces of tomato fruit in typical ripening rooms, proliferation of Salmonella is neither promoted nor inhibited by ethylene exposure.
Predicting the Future - Big Data, Machine Learning, and Clinical Medicine.

The algorithms of machine learning, which can sift through vast numbers of variables looking for combinations that reliably predict outcomes, will improve prognosis, displace much of the work of radiologists and anatomical pathologists, and improve diagnostic accuracy.
Effects of an App Incorporating Systematic Instruction to Teach Spelling to Students With Developmental Delays

This study used a multiple probe (conditions) design across behaviors to investigate the effects of an app for the tablet computer to teach spelling of academic content words to four students with ...
Using radial basis function-generated finite differences (RBF-FD) to solve heat transfer equilibrium problems in domains with interfaces

Abstract When thermal diffusivity does not vary smoothly within a computational domain, standard numerical methods for solving heat equilibrium problems often converge to an inaccurate solution. In the present paper, we discuss a mesh-free, radial basis function-generated finite difference (RBF-FD)-based method for designing stencil weights that can be applied directly to data that crosses an interface. The approach produces a very accurate solution when thermal diffusivity varies smoothly on either side of an interface. It continues to produce high-quality results when a region between two interfaces is much smaller that the distance between adjacent discrete data nodes in the domain (as becomes the case for thin, nearly insulating layers). We give several test cases that demonstrate the method solving heat equilibrium problems to 4th-order accuracy in the presence of smoothly-curved interfaces.
Mortality Response of Green June Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) to Four Species of Entomopathogenic Nematodes

Four species of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) (All strain), S. feltiae (Filipjev) (NC strain), S. glaseri (Steiner), and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar, were tested in the laboratory for their effect on larvae of the green June beetle, Cotinus nitida L. When nematodes were injected into the foregut of larvae (ca. 1,000 nematodes per larva), S. carpocapsae, S. feltiae, S. glaseri, and H. bacteriophora caused similar mortality (65, 45, 65, and 63%, respectively). At a concentration of 10 nematodes per larva, S. carpocapsae produced significantly higher mortality (51%) than the other three nematode species. Increasing nematode concentrations resulted in only a slight increase in mortality of larvae injected perorally with any of the four nematode species. Water filtrates from whole nematodes or ground nematode tissue supernatants from S. carpocapsae and H. bacteriophora injected perorally into the alimentary tract did not kill green June beetle larvae. Thus, live nematode...
A Neural Signature of Divisive Normalization at the Level of Multisensory Integration in Primate Cortex

Studies of multisensory integration by single neurons have traditionally emphasized empirical principles that describe nonlinear interactions between inputs from two sensory modalities. We previously proposed that many of these empirical principles could be explained by a divisive normalization mechanism operating in brain regions where multisensory integration occurs. This normalization model makes a critical diagnostic prediction: a non-preferred sensory input from one modality, which activates the neuron on its own, should suppress the response to a preferred input from another modality. We tested this prediction by recording from neurons in macaque area MSTd that integrate visual and vestibular cues regarding self-motion. We show that many MSTd neurons exhibit the diagnostic form of cross-modal suppression, whereas unisensory neurons in area MT do not. The normalization model also fits population responses better than a model based on subtractive inhibition. These findings provide strong support for a divisive normalization mechanism in multisensory integration.
Photo-responsive liquid crystalline epoxy networks with exchangeable disulfide bonds

The increasing demand for intelligent materials has driven the development of polymers with a variety of functionalities. However, combining multiple functionalities within one polymer is still challenging because of the difficulties encountered in coordinating different functional building blocks during fabrication. In this work, we demonstrate the fabrication of a multifunctional liquid crystalline epoxy network (LCEN) using the combination of thermotropic liquid crystals, photo-responsive azobenzene molecules, and exchangeable disulfide bonds. In addition to shape memory behavior enabled by the reversible liquid crystalline phase transition and photo-induced bending behavior resulting from the photo-responsive azobenzene molecules, the introduction of dynamic disulfide bonds into the LCEN resulted in a structurally dynamic network, allowing the reshaping, repairing, and recycling of the material.
The Role of Rho-GTPases and actin polymerization during Macrophage Tunneling Nanotube Biogenesis

Macrophage interactions with other cells, either locally or at distances, are imperative in both normal and pathological conditions. While soluble means of communication can transmit signals between different cells, it does not account for all long distance macrophage interactions. Recently described tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are membranous channels that connect cells together and allow for transfer of signals, vesicles, and organelles. However, very little is known about the mechanism by which these structures are formed. Here we investigated the signaling pathways involved in TNT formation by macrophages using multiple imaging techniques including super-resolution microscopy (3D-SIM) and live-cell imaging including the use of FRET-based Rho GTPase biosensors. We found that formation of TNTs required the activity and differential localization of Cdc42 and Rac1. The downstream Rho GTPase effectors mediating actin polymerization through Arp2/3 nucleation, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) and WASP family verprolin-homologous 2 (WAVE2) proteins are also important, and both pathways act together during TNT biogenesis. Finally, TNT function as measured by transfer of cellular material between cells was reduced following depletion of a single factor demonstrating the importance of these factors in TNTs. Given that the characterization of TNT formation is still unclear in the field; this study provides new insights and would enhance the understanding of TNT formation towards investigating new markers.
The Potential for Federal Preemption of State and Local Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes.

Federal, state, and local governments each have a role to play in protecting health. President Obama recognized that “state and local governments have frequently protected health, safety, and the environment more aggressively than has the national Government.”1 Yet, the federal government can hinder state and local activity through preemption, which is “when a higher level of government restricts, or even eliminates, a lower level of government’s ability to regulate an issue.”2 State governments can similarly preempt local law. Industries subject to regulation may support preemption in order to facilitate compliance with a uniform or less stringent standard, or to create a regulatory vacuum.3 From a public health perspective, preemption can be used to impede progress, innovation, local self-determination, and grassroots movements.3 Conversely, preemption can be used as a tool to advance public health if it provides minimum standards or prohibits laws that would undermine health. In the area of food and nutrition, express preemption is routinely included in certain federal laws, such as food labeling (i.e., nutrition, menu, and genetically modified organism labeling laws). In recent years, there has been an upsurge of state preemption of various local food policies.3 For example, in 2016, Kansas preempted local regulations related to food-based health disparities, nutrition labeling, portion size, and restaurant incentive items, among other things.3 Additionally, state legislatures are increasingly employing preemption strategically to block other progressive measures, such as increased minimum wage, paid leave, and anti-fracking.3 Could preemption of a similarly politically charged measure—sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes—be next? SSB taxes have been enacted in seven U.S. cities, and are being considered in multiple states and municipalities. But state and local laws are subject to potential preemption by the federal government. In light of the rise in SSB taxes, health consequences of consuming SSBs,4 and recent change in the federal administration, it is crucial to assess the potential basis for federal preemption of SSB taxes. As discussed below, Congress has the constitutional authority to preempt state and local tax laws. The aim of the present research was not to assess this constitutional authority, but to understand what might motivate federal legislators to preempt SSB taxes. As such, the authors analyzed the legislative histories of federal bills and laws that had a central and express purpose of preempting state taxes. The research uncovered Congressional preemption of state taxes related to national programs and in the context of federal regulation of interstate commerce. This article discusses the legislative histories related to these acts and considers whether the rationales upon which they are based apply to SSB taxes.
Deficiency of the Mitochondrial NAD Kinase Causes Stress-Induced Hepatic Steatosis in Mice

Background & Aims The mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) kinase (NADK2, also called MNADK) catalyzes phosphorylation of NAD to yield NADP. Little is known about the functions of mitochondrial NADP and MNADK in liver physiology and pathology. We investigated the effects of reduced mitochondrial NADP by deleting MNADK in mice. Methods We generated MNADK knockout (KO) mice on a C57BL/6NTac background; mice with a wild-type Mnadk gene were used as controls. Some mice were placed on an atherogenic high-fat diet (16% fat, 41% carbohydrate, and 1.25% cholesterol supplemented with 0.5% sodium cholate) or given methotrexate intraperitoneally. We measured rates of fatty acid oxidation in primary hepatocytes using radiolabeled palmitate and in mice using indirect calorimetry. We measured levels of reactive oxygen species in mouse livers and primary hepatocytes. Metabolomic analyses were used to quantify serum metabolites, such as amino acids and acylcarnitines. Results The KO mice had metabolic features of MNADK-deficient patients, such as increased serum concentrations of lysine and C10:2 carnitine. When placed on the atherogenic high-fat diet, the KO mice developed features of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and had increased levels of reactive oxygen species in livers and primary hepatocytes, compared with control mice. During fasting, the KO mice had a defect in fatty acid oxidation. MNADK deficiency reduced the activation of cAMP-responsive element binding protein-hepatocyte specific and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor alpha, which are transcriptional activators that mediate the fasting response. The activity of mitochondrial sirtuins was reduced in livers of the KO mice. Methotrexate inhibited the catalytic activity of MNADK in hepatocytes and in livers in mice with methotrexate injection. In mice given injections of methotrexate, supplementation of a diet with nicotinamide riboside, an NAD precursor, replenished hepatic NADP and protected the mice from hepatotoxicity, based on markers such as increased level of serum alanine aminotransferase. Conclusion MNADK facilitates fatty acid oxidation, counteracts oxidative damage, maintains mitochondrial sirtuin activity, and prevents metabolic stress-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice.
Toward a Jamesian account of trauma and healing

In this essay, I use William James’s theory of emotion from his Principles of Psychology to develop an account of trauma as fully and non-reductively psychophysiological. After explaining James’s account of emotion as bodily change, I develop a Jamesian understanding of trauma and healing in three steps. Drawing from examples of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experienced by both soldiers and victims of sexual assault, I argue that (1) all traumatic events, even ones that seem to leave no physical wound, are physiological because they are emotional, and (2) a Jamesian understanding of trauma need not be confined to the individual; it can account for the prememories and postmemories of collective and transgenerational trauma. Finally (3), I argue that because trauma involves bodily movement and change, so too should successful recovery from trauma, a Jamesian insight that supports the use of movement therapies to promote healing. Shannon Sullivan ssullivan@uncc.edu University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Educación musical escolar en las américas: condiciones, prácticas, y políticas desde una perspectiva socio-ecológica

La educacion musical formal esta presente en un gran numero de escuelas primarias y secundarias a lo largo de las Americas, aunque tanto las politicas educativas, planes de estudios y su implementacion varian segun regiones, estados e instituciones educativas. El conocimiento de las condiciones actuales de la educacion musical en un hemisferio, cada vez mas interconectado e interdependiente, podria ofrecer ideas para resolver desafios de acceso, igualdad, y equidad hacia una educacion artistica de calidad. Este articulo ha sido escrito para proporcionar una sintaxis general, no exhaustiva, de la investigacion sobre programas y politicas de musica escolar a lo largo de las Americas. Mas especificamente, dentro de un marco socioeconomico, hemos tratado de determinar de que manera factores externos afectan las practicas docentes asi como el impacto de los docentes de aula en estas fuerzas. Se espera que esta examinacion ofrezca ideas a quienes elaboran y promueven politicas educativas en artes, para asegurar que los estudiantes tengan igualdad de oportunidades y acceso a una educacion musical escolar de calidad.
Proximal Linear Extension of Skin Hypopigmentation After Ultrasound-Guided Corticosteroid Injection for de Quervain Tenosynovitis: A Case Presentation

Abstract de Quervain tenosynovitis is a stenosing tenosynovitis of the first dorsal compartment of the wrist that can lead to painful functional impairment of the upper limb. This case presentation describes a rare adverse effect of corticosteroid injection (CSI) involving local skin atrophy and hypopigmentation with proximal linear extension. In this case, hypopigmentation developed from the wrist to beyond the elbow after CSI with ultrasound guidance and targeted placement of the injectate in the extensor tendon sheath of the first dorsal compartment. Dermal complications of CSI are rare but notable and potentially disfiguring events that should be discussed with every patient during the informed consent process before soft tissue CSIs. Level of Evidence V
Demographics of a large paediatric Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome Program

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to identify and evaluate demographic and clinical features of paediatric patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in a tertiary hospital speciality clinic.MethodThis is a retrospective review of clinical data obtained during initial outpatient evaluation.ResultsA total of 708 patients met the evaluation criteria. Female patients outnumbered males, 3.45:1. Caucasians were over-represented at 94.1% of patients. Median age at diagnosis was 15.7 years. Joint hypermobility occurred in 57.3% of patients; 22.4% had hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome; and 34.9% had hypermobility spectrum disorder. Median age of onset of symptoms was 12.6 years in patients with hypermobility versus 13.7 years in those without (p=0.0001). Median duration of symptoms was 3.3 years with hypermobility versus 1.5 years without (p<0.00001). Putative triggers included infection in 23.6% of patients, concussion in 11.4%, and surgery/trauma in 2.8%. Concurrent inflammatory disorders were noted in 5.2% of patients. Six symptoms comprised 80% of initial patient complaints. Overall, 66% of patients subsequently had at least 10 symptoms, 50% had at least 14 symptoms, and 30% reported at least 26 symptoms. Symptoms were largely cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and neurological. Paediatric patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome seen in a large speciality clinic are predominantly female, are mostly Caucasian, have onset of symptoms in early adolescence, and have symptoms for over two years before diagnosis. Over half of patients have joint hypermobility. More than one-third of patients have a possible autoimmune or inflammatory trigger, including infection, concussion, or surgery/trauma. Patients experience symptoms that are highly variable and multi-system in origin over the course of illness.
ScalaJack: Customized Scalable Tracing with In-situ Data Analysis

Root cause diagnosis of large-scale HPC applications often fails because tools, specifically trace-based ones, can no longer record all metrics they measure. We address this problems by combining customized tracing and providing support for in-situ data analysis via ScalaJack, a framework with customizable instrumentation and pluggable extension capabilities for problem directed instrumentation and in-situ data analysis. We further eliminate cross cutting concerns by code refactoring for aspect orientation and evaluate these capabilities in case studies within and beyond the scope of tracing.
Rehabilitation and Visual Impairment: A Human System:

The rehabilitation of visually impaired persons can be conceptualized by a human systems approach. This paper explains seven levels of human systems, related key factors, and 10 assumptions that le...
Publish or Perish Syndrome

The publish-or-perish syndrome, many critics of the academy argue, undermines its educational mission by requiring faculty to neglect teaching for scholarship. But others argue that this syndrome is a fable. There are two ethical issues: (1) the relative roles of scholarship and teaching in evaluating professorial performance and (2) academic freedom, particularly that of nontenured professors, when the intolerance in question is that of fellow members of the profession, rather than that of the larger society. These issues are questionably illuminated by the expression ‘publish-or-perish syndrome.’
Interpersonal Conflicts of Women in Nursing Homes: An Administrative Perspective

Older women may respond to conflicts by suppressing anger. Suppressed anger is associated with depression and hypertension. Research on the everyday conflicts of community-dwelling older women has begun to emerge. Such information is not available for women in nursing homes, and is necessary for developing interventions that can help protect women in nursing homes against anger-related illness. Nursing home administrators were surveyed to evaluate women's health promotion programming in general, and the incidence of and institutional response to conflicts of women residents. About 74% of residents were women; yet, women's health promotion programs were rare (offered in 1 out of 25 facilities, or 4%). Ninety percent of administrators identified depression as the most significant women's health problem, but tended to see it as warranting medical rather than programmatic attention. Eighty percent identified strained interpersonal relationships as a significant health problem for women, requiring programmatic attention. In particular, administrators identified the need for programming to help women residents resolve conflicts with roommates and family members. Formal mechanisms for managing conflicts of residents did not exist in sample nursing homes.
Large Scale Subjective Video Quality Study

Most of today's video quality assessment (VQA) databases contain very limited content and distortion diversities and fail to adequately represent real world video impairments. This is in part because conducting subjective studies in the lab is slow, inefficient and expensive process. Crowdsourcing quality scores is a more scalable solution. However given that viewers operate under innumerable viewing conditions (in-cluding display resolutions, viewing distances, internet connection speeds) and because they are not closely supervised, multiple technical challenges arise. We carefully designed a framework in Amazon Mechanical Turk (AMT) to address the many technical issues that are faced. We launched the largest available VQA study, collecting more than 205000 opinion scores provided by more than 4700 unique participants. We have verified that our framework provided us with results that are highly consistent with the ones obtained in a lab environment under controlled conditions.
[23] Utilising the da Vinci® robotic surgical system to treat challenging urinary stones: West Virginia University experience

Objective To report our experience in utilising the Da Vinci® robotic surgical (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) system to treat patients with challenging urinary stones (CUS). Methods We reviewed our prospectively collected data of patients who underwent robot-assisted stone surgery (RASS). We utilised the da Vinci to treat 21 patients with CUS at our institute. A CUS was defined as a stone that could not be treated or had failed attempts at treatment with traditional minimally invasive surgery such as extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Results In all, 19 patients had RASS at our institute. The indications for robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty were: morbid obesity (eight patients, mean body mass index 56.4 kg/m2), need for concurrent renal surgery (five), severe contractures limiting positioning for retrograde endoscopic or percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (two), symptomatic calyceal diverticular stone with failed endoscopic approach (four), and after failed PCNL (two). Patients had an average of 2.3 stones and total stone volume of 16.5 mL measured by computed tomography (CT). The mean (range) blood loss was 57.8 (25–300) mL. The mean (range) operative time was 110 (50–180) min, with a mean (range) hospital stay of 2.5 (1–8) days. The mean follow-up was 54 days and 91% of patients were stone free on the follow-up CT. Four patients (4%) developed complications: one patient (5%) developed candidaemia, one patient (5%) developed urine leakage that necessitated prolonged stenting and catheterisation, and two patients (9%) developed wound infections. Conclusion The treatment of urological stones can be challenging, RASS is a promising way to remove kidney stones with high stone-free rates. RASS should be considered as an option to replace open stone surgery.
Population-based opportunistic osteoporosis screening: Validation of a fully automated CT tool for assessing longitudinal BMD changes

Objective:To validate a fully automated CT-based spinal trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) tool and apply it to a longitudinal screening cohort.Methods:The automated BMD tool was retrospectively...
Person-Centric Multimedia: How Research Inspirations from Designing Solutions for Individual Users Benefits the Broader Population

While Human-Centered Multimedia Computing (HCMC) improves upon traditional multimedia computing paradigms by accounting for the differences among populations of humans, inter-personal differences between, and intra-personal differences within, populations have created the need for a new paradigm which is sensitive to the needs of a specific user, task and environment. The paradigm of Person-Centered Multimedia Computing (PCMC) addresses this challenge by focusing the design of a system on a single user and challenge, shifting the focus to the individual. It is proposed that this paradigm can then extend the applicability of multimedia technology from the individual user to the broader population through the application of adaptation and integration. These concepts are discussed within the context of disability, where variations among individuals are particularly prevalent. Examples in domain adaptation and autonomous rehabilitative training are presented as proofs-of-concept to illustrate this process within PCMC.
Do Bodies Matter in Christian Formation

This article shares the finding from the Confirmation Project that the race and gender of youth affect levels of Christian believing and behaving. These two indexes were created based on research f...
Theoretical Model and Practical Considerations for Data Lineage Reconstruction.

We live in a world driven by data. The amount of it outgrows anyone's ability to oversee it or even observe its scope. Along with all the advances in the space of data management, there is still a significant lack of formalism and standardization around defining data ecosystems and processes occurring within those. In order to address the issue we propose a notation for data flow modeling and evaluate some of the most common applications of it based on real-world use cases. To facilitate future work, we provide detailed reference of the data model we defined and consider potential programming paradigms.
Mobile Simulation Lab Staffing

This chapter discusses staffing for medical simulation labs, whether you are affiliated with an academic institution or a standalone facility in a small rural setting. Identifying your needs, availability in budgets for staffing, and choosing what positions meet the needs of your simulation lab are essential in meeting your customers’ needs and the success of your lab. This chapter discusses key roles/personnel of a simulation lab.
Chapter 14 – Vascular Disease

Autopsy studies where participants were not selected by dementia status have shown that Alzheimer lesions occur independently of vascular lesions. Several studies provide evidence that these two pathologies interact additively to increase dementia risk. Risk factors for white matter hyperintensities (WMH) include hypertension, diabetes, smoking, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. Severe WMH is a risk factor for dementia. Type 2 diabetes, with a prevalence of about 10% in the United States, increases the risk of AD by about 50%. Mechanisms include modulation of Alzheimer and vascular pathology. In diabetics, atrophy occurs predominantly in regions affected early in AD, suggesting a role for insulin resistance in the production of Alzheimer lesions. Glucose lowering treatment slows the rate of atrophy. Midlife hypertension, and in particular high systolic blood pressure, is a significant risk factor for vascular dementia as well as AD. The effect of hypertension is modified by age, with midlife hypertension a risk factor and hypertension in old age either protective or not a risk factor for AD. Antihypertensive treatment reduces the risk for AD and is associated with less AD pathology at autopsy. High midlife cholesterol increases the risk for AD, perhaps through its effect on beta-amyloid accumulation. Midlife obesity, particularly as measured by sagittal abdominal diameter, increases the risk for AD by a factor of two. In old age, overweight and obesity are protective for AD. This finding is related to progressive weight loss that precedes the onset of AD by as many as 20 years. Population attributable fractions for AD are largest for obesity and high cholesterol, and lowest for hypertension and diabetes, largely based on the prevalence of these conditions at midlife.
Neurotropic Lineage III Strains of Listeria monocytogenes Disseminate to the Brain without Reaching High Titer in the Blood.

ABSTRACT Listeria monocytogenes is thought to colonize the brain using one of three mechanisms: direct invasion of the blood-brain barrier, transportation across the barrier by infected monocytes, and axonal migration to the brain stem. The first two pathways seem to occur following unrestricted bacterial growth in the blood and thus have been linked to immunocompromise. In contrast, cell-to-cell spread within nerves is thought to be mediated by a particular subset of neurotropic L. monocytogenes strains. In this study, we used a mouse model of foodborne transmission to evaluate the neurotropism of several L. monocytogenes isolates. Two strains preferentially colonized the brain stems of BALB/cByJ mice 5 days postinfection and were not detectable in blood at that time point. In contrast, infection with other strains resulted in robust systemic infection of the viscera but no dissemination to the brain. Both neurotropic strains (L2010-2198, a human rhombencephalitis isolate, and UKVDL9, a sheep brain isolate) typed as phylogenetic lineage III, the least characterized group of L. monocytogenes. Neither of these strains encodes InlF, an internalin-like protein that was recently shown to promote invasion of the blood-brain barrier. Acute neurologic deficits were observed in mice infected with the neurotropic strains, and milder symptoms persisted for up to 16 days in some animals. These results demonstrate that neurotropic L. monocytogenes strains are not restricted to any one particular lineage and suggest that the foodborne mouse model of listeriosis can be used to investigate the pathogenic mechanisms that allow L. monocytogenes to invade the brain stem. IMPORTANCE Progress in understanding the two naturally occurring central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of listeriosis (meningitis/meningoencephalitis and rhombencephalitis) has been limited by the lack of small animal models that can readily distinguish between these distinct infections. We report here that certain neurotropic strains of Listeria monocytogenes can spread to the brains of young otherwise healthy mice and cause neurological deficits without causing a fatal bacteremia. The novel strains described here fall within phylogenetic lineage III, a small collection of L. monocytogenes isolates that have not been well characterized to date. The animal model reported here mimics many features of human rhombencephalitis and will be useful for studying the mechanisms that allow L. monocytogenes to disseminate to the brain stem following natural foodborne transmission.
Noise analysis for near-field 3D FM-CW radar imaging systems

Near field radar imaging systems are used for demanding security applications including concealed weapon detection in airports and other high-security venues. Despite the near-field operation, phase noise and thermal noise can limit performance in several ways. Practical imaging systems can employ arrays with low gain antennas and relatively large signal distribution networks that have substantial losses which limit transmit power and increase the effective noise figure of the receiver chain, resulting in substantial thermal noise. Phase noise can also limit system performance. The signal coupled from transmitter to receiver is much larger than expected target signals. Phase noise from this coupled signal can set the system noise floor if the oscillator is too noisy. Frequency modulated continuous wave (FM-CW) radar transceivers used in short range systems are relatively immune to the effects of the coupled phase noise due to range correlation effects. This effect can reduce the phase-noise floor such that it is below the thermal noise floor for moderate performance oscillators. Phase noise is also manifested in the range response around bright targets, and can cause smaller targets to be obscured. Noise in synthetic aperture imaging systems is mitigated by the processing gain of the system. In this paper, the effects of thermal noise, phase noise, and processing gain are analyzed in the context of a near field 3-D FM-CW imaging radar as might be used for concealed weapon detection. In addition to traditional frequency domain analysis, a time-domain simulation is employed to graphically demonstrate the effect of these noise sources on a fast-chirping FM-CW system.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Computer-Based Neurocognitive Tests in Sport-Related Concussion: Findings from the NCAA-DoD CARE Consortium.

To optimally care for concussed individuals, a multi-dimensional approach is critical and a key component of this assessment in the athletic environment is computer-based neurocognitive testing. However, there continues to be concerns about the reliability and validity of these testing tools. The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of three common computer-based neurocognitive tests (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing [ImPACT], CNS Vital Signs, and CogState Computerized Assessment Tool [CCAT]), to provide guidance on their clinical utility. This study analyzed assessments from a cohort of collegiate athletes and non-varsity cadets from the NCAA-DoD CARE Consortium. The data were collected from 2014–2018. Study participants were divided into two testing groups [concussed, n = 1414 (baseline/24–48 h) and healthy, n = 8305 (baseline/baseline)]. For each test type, change scores were calculated for the components of interest. Then, the Normative Change method, which used normative data published in a similar cohort, and the Reliable Change Index (RCI) method were used to determine if the change scores were significant. Using the Normative Change method, ImPACT performed best with an 87.5%-confidence interval and 1 number of components failed (NCF; sensitivity = 0.583, specificity = 0.625, F1 = 0.308). CNS Vital Signs performed best with a 90%-confidence interval and 1 NCF (sensitivity = 0.587, specificity = 0.532, F1 = 0.314). CCAT performed best when using a 75%-confidence interval and 2 NCF (sensitivity = 0.513, specificity = 0.715, F1 = 0.290). When using the RCI method, ImPACT performed best with an 87.5%-confidence interval and 1 NCF (sensitivity = 0.626, specificity = 0.559, F1 = 0.297). When considering all three computer-based neurocognitive tests, the overall low sensitivity and specificity results provide additional evidence for the use of a multi-dimensional assessment for concussion diagnosis, including symptom evaluation, postural control assessment, neuropsychological status, and other functional assessments.
A Disruption Experiment

We report results from a novel experiment where participants invest an endowment across multiple options, with investment in one option disrupting (reducing) the value of another option. While expected payoff maximization predicts the comparative statics of aggregate investment well, it does not precisely predict investment levels. However, when conditioned on observed investment in a riskless outside option, expected payoff maximization better predicts investment levels. At the participant level, investment variability increases in disruption.
The Global Poultry Agro/Food Complex

The globalization of the food system is a topic of growing concern as various nation/states try to obtain food security. This analysis test the hypothesis of the existence of a poultry agro/food complex being constructed by transnational corporations. We focus on the concept of "global sourcing" and argue that the rise in economic power of transnational corporations limits the abilities of individual nation/states to direct their agricultural policies toward national ends. We also argue that with the increasing transnational character of the large corporations the usefulness of individual nation/states or individual commodities as units of analysis decreases, We conclude that U.S., European, and Japanese transnational corporations are indeed creating a global poutry agro/food complex based on the concept of "global sourcing". Our findings also suggest that these same transnational corporations are very active in several other commodity sectors. Resumen El Complejo Global Agroalimentario Avicola La globalizacion del sistema alimentario constituye un aspecto que crecientemente concierne a varios estados/nacion para lograr una verdadera seguridad alimentaria. El analisis parte de la hipotesis de la existencia de un sistema agroalimentario avicola, el cual ha sido construido por las corporaciones transnacionales. Nuestro foco de atencion es el concepto de "recurso global", argumentando que el aumento del poder economico de las corporaciones transnacionales limita las posibilidades individuales de los estados/nacion y apunta hacia el final de sus politicas agricolas nacionales. Igualmente, que con el crecimiento del caracter transnacional de las grandes corporaciones existe una menor utilidad de los estados/nacian o de las mercancias, individualmente consideradas, y estan perdienda valor como unidades de aralisis. Concluimos que las corporaciones transnacionales norteamericanas, europeas y japonesas estan creando un verdadero complejo agroalimentario avicola, el cual esta basado en el concepto de "recurso global". Nosotros encontramos sugerencias de que estas mismas corporaciones transnacionales tambien son muy activas en otros importantes sectores de mercancias agricolas.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of The Temporomandibular Joint

SUMMARY Experience from imaging studies has contributed significantly to our understanding of internal TMJ derangement and its pathophysiology. Further improvement of imaging techniques and image quality will probably be valuable for further understanding internal derangement related to disk displacement and degenerative joint disease. Understanding diseases of the joint and their etiologies is the basis for development of successful treatment methods.
Reverse shape compensation via a gradient-based moving particle optimization method

Abstract Reverse shape compensation is widely used in additive manufacturing to offset the displacement distortion caused by various sources, such as volumetric shrinkage, thermal cooling, etc. Also, reverse shape compensation is also an effective tool for the four-dimensional (4D) printing techniques, shape memory polymers (SMPs), or 3D self-assemble structures to achieve a desired geometry shape under environmental stimuli such as electricity, temperature, gravity etc. In this paper, a gradient-based moving particle optimization method for reverse shape compensation is proposed to achieve a desired geometry shape under a given stimulus. The geometry is described by discrete particles, where the radius basis kernel function is used to realize a mapping from particle to density field, and finite element analysis is used to compute the deformation under the external stimulus. The optimization problem is formulated in detail, and MMA optimizer is implemented to update the location of discrete particles based on sensitivity information. In this work, self-weight due to gravity imposed on linear elastic structures is considered as the source of deformation. The objective of the problem is then to find the initial shape so that the deformed shape under gravity is close to desired geometry shape. A shape interpolation method based on Artificial Neural Network is proposed to reconstruct the accurate geometric prototype. Several numerical examples are demonstrated to verify the effectiveness of proposed method for reverse shape compensation. The computational framework for reverse shape compensation described in this paper has the potential to be extended to consider linear and non-linear deformation induced by other external stimuli.
Small Non-Coding-RNA in Gynecological Malignancies

Gynecologic malignancies, which include cancers of the cervix, ovary, uterus, vulva, vagina, and fallopian tube, are among the leading causes of female mortality worldwide, with the most prevalent being endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancer. Gynecologic malignancies are complex, heterogeneous diseases, and despite extensive research efforts, the molecular mechanisms underlying their development and pathology remain largely unclear. Currently, mechanistic and therapeutic research in cancer is largely focused on protein targets that are encoded by about 1% of the human genome. Our current understanding of 99% of the genome, which includes noncoding RNA, is limited. The discovery of tens of thousands of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), possessing either structural or regulatory functions, has fundamentally altered our understanding of genetics, physiology, pathophysiology, and disease treatment as they relate to gynecologic malignancies. In recent years, it has become clear that ncRNAs are relatively stable, and can serve as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, as well as guide therapy choices. Here we discuss the role of small non-coding RNAs, i.e., microRNAs (miRs), P-Element induced wimpy testis interacting (PIWI) RNAs (piRNAs), and tRNA-derived small RNAs in gynecological malignancies, specifically focusing on ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer.
A novel program to enhance pediatric emergency medicine training in Thailand.

Background In Thailand, there are few pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellowship-trained providers, and emergency departments (EDs) are staffed by pediatricians and emergency physicians. Our pediatric ED collaborated with Thailand's largest private hospital system to develop a training program designed to improve emergency care for children. Objective The objective was to develop, implement, and assess the efficacy of a curriculum to improve PEM care by emergency providers in a Thai health system. Methods We conducted a prospective study from January 2018 to July 2019. After an initial needs assessment, we developed a curriculum with 22 modules, divided into basic and advanced courses. Each course began with baseline testing, consisting of written tests and several simulated cases led by physician-nurse teams. Each course was administered longitudinally through electronic modules over 6 months, with in-person shadowing and skills workshops at the course midpoint, culminating in final summative examinations and repeat simulation testing. Results On written examination scores for the basic course, physicians (n = 5) improved by 37.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 29.8% to 45.4%, p < 0.001), while nurses (n = 5) improved by 55.7% (95% CI = 45.8% to 65.6%, p < 0.001). For simulation testing among physician-nurse dyads, performance improved by 19.5% (95% CI = 3.9% to 35.1%, p = 0.004) for critical action items and by 3.0 points (95% CI = 2.3 to 3.7, p < 0.001) on a 16-point teamwork scale. For the advanced course, physicians improved on the written examination by 36.9% (95% CI = 29.2% to 44.7%, p < 0.001) and nurses by 50.6 (95% CI = 47.3% to 54.0%, p < 0.001). For simulation testing, performance improved from 22.2% (95% CI = 8.2% to 35.6%, p < 0.001) for critical actions and 1.3 points (95% CI = 0.2 to 2.2, p = 0.005) on teamwork measures. Conclusions We designed an interdisciplinary curriculum and successfully trained Thai physicians and nurses to improve PEM knowledge and teamwork.
New block parallel SOR methods by multi-type partitions

In this paper, a new mesh domain partition strategy called the multi-type partition is introduced and applied to define new block parallel SOR (BPSOR) methods for solving 2D or 3D elliptic boundary problems. Based on strip and block mesh partitionings, three particular multi-type partitions are proposed, which lead to three BPSOR methods. A general mathematical analysis shows that the BPSOR method can have the same asymptotic convergence rate as the corresponding sequential block SOR method. Numerical results confirm such a theoretical claim and show that the BPSOR method has good parallel performances on a parallel MIMD computer.
Health-protective and adverse effects of the apolipoprotein E epsilon2 allele in older men.

OBJECTIVES: To re-examine a health-protective role of the common Apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphism focusing on connections between the APOE e2-containing genotypes and impairments in instrumental activities of daily living [IADL] in older (65+) males and females. To examine how these connections may be mediated by diagnosed coronary heart disease (CHD), Alzheimer's disease, colorectal cancer, macular degeneration (MD), and atherosclerosis.