cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
[Follow-up study on 84 AIDS patients having received the replaced therapy program for six months in one county of Henan, China].

Objective To analyze the situation of AIDS patients who had received replaced therapy program in Henan province.Methods 84 AIDS patients had been enrolled into the national free first-line antiretroviral treatment for more than 5 years and would soon be replaced with another antiretroviral treatment program,were selected to a follow-up program to be carried out six months later Data on CD4+ tlymphocyte count,viral load and genotypic resistance were included in the study.Results The DDI + AZT + NVP treatment program was used by all the 84 patients at baseline.A replacement by 3TC + AZT + NVP (post first-line) in 31 patients and 3TC + TDF + LPV/r (second-line) in another 53 patients were taken place within a week.All the patients were followed for six months.Results showed that:all of the 84 patients appeared an amelioration of CD4 1 tlymphocyte count median from the baseline of 374.00 cell/μl to 406.50 cell/μl(P=0.005).Those patients who had changed to second-line treatment program also showed an improvement of CD4 + tlymphocyte count median from the baseline of 267.00 cell/μl to 365.00 cell/μl (P=0.015),while patients who were on the post first-line program with their CD4 + tlymphocyte count mean did not show significant change as compared to the baseline (P=0.158) data.All the 84 patients showed a decrease of virus load median from the baseline of 3.61 Iog10copies/ml to 0.00 log10 copies/ml (P=0.000).Both of the two types of patients who had been changed to different programs,had a lower virus load median in the end of the tollow-up period (for post first-line:P=0.007 ；for second-line:P=0.000).13 patients kept their viral load more than 1000 copies/ml,including 5 cases bore more than three thymidine analogue mutations (TAMs) a the end of the follow-up program.Another 4 patients had no resistance mutations detected and no significant variation of viral load (less than 3 times) in the pre-or post- surveys.Conclusion AIDS patients who had received long-term first-line antiretroviral treatment program,showed an amelioration six months after changing of the treatment program.Timely and effective testing on drug resistance as well as the strengthening of the follow-up program still seemed to be the link to those patients who were receiving first-line treatment that should not be ignored. Key words: AIDS; Therapy program; Follow-up
Contribution of Arterial Blood Lactate Measurement to the Care of Critically III Patients

Arterial blood samples from 202 critically ill patients were studied. Lactate concentration, Po2, Pco2, p H, oxygen saturation, total CO2, and toe temperature were measured. Base excess, buffer base, actual bicarbonate, and standard bicarbonate were calculated. Analysis of the initial data obtained from each patient revealed that lactate concentration alone could not be used to predict survival. Elevations in lactate concentrations were observed in all types of acid–base disturbances. Survival was lowest (30%) for patients in metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation, mean lactate concentration 10.5 mEq/l (mmol/l), and highest (65%) for patients in uncompensated respiratory alkalosis, mean lactate concentration, 2.57 mEq/l (mmol/l). Knowing the type of acid–base disturbance is necessary to evaluate the significance of elevated blood lactate values.
Advanced detection and separation methods: Developments in surface -enhanced Raman scattering readout immunoassays and electrochemically modulated liquid chromatography

This dissertation explores the use of novel detection methods for biological and chemical components commonly found in the environment. It encompasses two techniques: surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and electrochemically modulated liquid chromatography (EMLC). Immunoassays using SERS as a readout tool have been developed in this laboratory and have shown low levels of detection (i.e., picoto femtomolar and single binding event detection) for disease and biowarfare agents. This thesis seeks to further the performance of this platform for bacteria detection and explore strategies to increase the SERS response. Specifically, the first section of this dissertation focuses on the detection of a common, economically devastating, bovine bacterium. By the judicious design of the assay platform, a selective assay for the bacteria was developed, and low levels of detection (~500 bacilli/mL) were achieved. Further examination of these results led to the exciting discovery of an amplification phenomenon based on protein shedding from the surface of the bacteria. The last portion of the SERS readout immunoassay research focuses on fundamental studies employing resonant, dye molecules to create enhanced SERS signals. Full immunoassay results for four dyes, when compared with our standard, non-resonant reporter, yielded SERS signals ~300 times more intense. Implications of signal enhancement with respect to limits of detection are elucidated, and future work towards decreasing nonspecific binding briefly introduced. The second part of this dissertation introduces research development in EMLC, specifically the use of mobile phase pH regulation and incorporation of novel stationary phases. By expanding upon current EMLC techniques, novel separations of weakly
H1 and BMO Spaces of Abstract Martingales

Abstract stochastic processes have been considered in various contexts by a number of authors. See, for example, Burkholder [2], Da Pratto [3], Kallianpur and Wolpert [14] and Metivier [15]. In this paper we shall examine the structure of H1 and its dual BMO, for martingales taking their values in a Banach space E, and we use this to characterize weakly compact subsets in the former space. These results extend the theory for these Banach spaces developed by Dellacherie, Meyer, Yor and Mokobodzki [5]. The condition imposed on E is that it have the Radon-Nikodym property (RNP), which is not unexpected since this is a necessary and sufficient condition that the martingale convergence theorem holds in E. The connection between RNP and the geometry of E has been under intense study for over fifteen years in functional analysis. However, even without this assumption, by using the theory of lifting [13], a cepresentation theorem for elements in (H E 1 )’ is (Theorem 3) (notation is given below). More precisely, every element of (H E 1 )’ is of the form \( X \to E\left( {\int {\left\langle {{X_t},d{A_t}} \right\rangle } } \right) \), where the optional process A with integrable variation has E’ as its range.
The effect of correlated flow in pulsed column contactors using the Purex process

The mathematical basis for a new computer code, CUSEP-MOD1, is described. This new code allows the calculation of the temporal response of pulsed column contactors with sieve plates in which spent nuclear fuel is reprocessed using the Purex process. The CPU times needed for these calculations are shorter than those using the CUSEP code but longer than those using the PULSER code, these latter codes having been described previously. Although PULSER remains the faster code, it utilizes approximations that would make CUSEP-MOD1 the preferable code for many applications. The improved efficiency of CUSEP-MOD1 is based on an analysis of the correlation of the aqueous and organic flows in pulsed columns. The analysis shows that both phases move with positive correlation at zero lag time because of the magnitude of the impressed pulsed flow. The new code gives concentration profiles virtually identical to those of the CUSEP code and replaces CUSEP for calculation of the temporal and steady-state concentration profiles in pulsed column contactors. A comparison is made of the steady-state concentration profiles in pulsed column contactors. A comparison is made of the steady-state concentration profiles in an exemplary extraction (A-type) contactor calculated using CUSEP, CUSEP-MOD1, and PULSER.
Altered T-Cell Balance in Lymphoid Organs of a Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer

The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene is a known tumor suppressor gene, and mice with mutations in Apc (ApcMin/+) spontaneously form multiple intestinal neoplasms. In this model of human colorectal cancer (CRC), it has been reported that CD4+ T-cell-derived interleukin 17 (IL-17) promotes intestinal tumor development, but it is not known if the Apc mutation actually directly alters T-cell function and subsequently tumor immunosurveillance. To investigate the ApcMin/+ mutation on T-cell function, flow cytometric, histochemical, and immunofluorescent studies on both wild-type (Apc+/+) and ApcMin/+ mice were performed. We identified decreased levels of interferon gamma (IFN-γ+)IL-17+ double-positive CD4+ cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes and Peyer’s patches of ApcMin/+ mice. In addition, altered levels of CD8+ cells, and changes in CD8+ production of IFN-γ and granzyme B were observed. These T-cell alterations did modify tumor immunosurveillance, as the adoptive transfer of splenocytes from ApcMin/+ an...
The Iowa Caucuses: A Poor Geographic Survey

ABSTRACTAs the 2016 U.S. Presidential election drew closer, opinion polls highlighted that many potential voters were not pleased with the two major party's presumptive nominees as both Hillary Cli...
Evaluation of percutaneous vacuum assisted intact specimen breast biopsy device for ultrasound visualized breast lesions: Upstage rates and long term follow-up for high risk lesions and DCIS.

Abstract Objective Percutaneous core biopsy of ultrasound visualized breast lesions is standard for diagnosis. Large gauge vacuum-assisted core needles have improved accuracy; but a significant underestimation of malignancy remains. The IntactR device was assessed for upstaging and subsequent malignancy at the biopsy site. Methods 469 consecutive ultrasound visualized breast lesions, Results 23 of 61 high risk lesions (37.5%) were not excised, but observed for a median of 66 months. None required re-biopsy. One atypical lesion was upstaged to DCIS on excision. No patient was diagnosed with malignancy at or near the original biopsy site during follow-up. Overall upstage rate was 1.2%. Conclusions Percutaneous biopsy of ultrasound visualized lesions was performed accurately using IntactR. Upstaging was much lower with IntactR than with large-gauge core needles. High risk lesions, diagnosed with IntactR, have a very low upstage rate at surgical excision. It may be possible to observe these lesions without surgery when they present as ultrasound findings and undergo IntactR biopsy.
Tracking the Genetic Stability of a Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Breeding Program With Genetic Markers.

A genetic stock identification (GSI) assay was developed in 2008 to distinguish Russian honey bees from other honey bee stocks that are commercially produced in the United States. Probability of assignment (POA) values have been collected and maintained since the stock release in 2008 to the Russian Honey Bee Breeders Association. These data were used to assess stability of the breeding program and the diversity levels of the contemporary breeding stock through comparison of POA values and genetic diversity parameters from the initial release to current values. POA values fluctuated throughout 2010-2016, but have recovered to statistically similar levels in 2016 (POA(2010) = 0.82, POA(2016) = 0.74; P = 0.33). Genetic diversity parameters (i.e., allelic richness and gene diversity) in 2016 also remained at similar levels when compared to those in 2010. Estimates of genetic structure revealed stability (FST(2009/2016) = 0.0058) with a small increase in the estimate of the inbreeding coefficient (FIS(2010) = 0.078, FIS(2016) = 0.149). The relationship among breeding lines, based on genetic distance measurement, was similar in 2008 and 2016 populations, but with increased homogeneity among lines (i.e., decreased genetic distance). This was expected based on the closed breeding system used for Russian honey bees. The successful application of the GSI assay in a commercial breeding program demonstrates the utility and stability of such technology to contribute to and monitor the genetic integrity of a breeding stock of an insect species.
Effectiveness of different corn dried distillers grains with solubles feeding strategies and increasing the time intervals between the second Improvest dose and slaughter of immunologically castrated pigs on belly and pork fat quality

Effects of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) feeding strategies (a corn-soybean meal (CS) fed continously; CS+40% DDGS fed continously; CS+40, 30, 20, or 10% DDGS in 4 phases, respectively; or CS+40% DDGS in phases 1 to 3 and CS in phase 4 before slaughter) on belly and pork fat quality of immunologically castrated (n=192) pigs were evaluated. All pigs received the first Improvest dose at 11week of age, and the second dose at 9, 7, or 5week before slaughter at 24week of age. Increasing the time interval of the second Improvest dose before slaughter reduced IV in all fat depots and increased belly thickness. Gradually decreasing dietary DDGS and DDGS withdrawal feeding strategies reduced IV in all fat depots. Calculated IV were greater using the Meadus et al. (2010) equation compared with using the AOCS (1998) equation because it includes more long-chain unsaturated fatty acids.
Public online information about tinnitus: A cross-sectional study of YouTube videos

Purpose: To examine the information about tinnitus contained in different video sources on YouTube. Materials and Methods: The 100 most widely viewed tinnitus videos were manually coded. Firstly, we identified the sources of upload: consumer, professional, television-based clip, and internet-based clip. Secondly, the videos were analyzed to ascertain what pertinent information they contained from a current National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders fact sheet. Results: Of the videos, 42 were consumer-generated, 33 from media, and 25 from professionals. Collectively, the 100 videos were viewed almost 9 million times. The odds of mentioning “objective tinnitus” in professional videos were 9.58 times those from media sources [odds ratio (OR) = 9.58; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.94, 47.42; P = 0.01], whereas these odds in consumer videos were 51% of media-generated videos (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.20, 1.29; P = 0.16). The odds that the purpose of a video was to sell a product or service were nearly the same for both consumer and professional videos. Consumer videos were found to be 4.33 times as likely to carry a theme about an individual’s own experience with tinnitus (OR = 4.33; 95% CI: 1.62, 11.63; P = 0.004) as media videos. Conclusions: Of the top 100 viewed videos on tinnitus, most were uploaded by consumers, sharing individuals’ experiences. Actions are needed to make scientific medical information more prominently available and accessible on YouTube and other social media.
How to Create and Deploy Infection Models for Plant Pathogens

This chapter is designed as a practical guide on how to create and deploy infection models for plant disease forecasting. Although, infection models have been widely and successfully used in plant pathology for many years, there is a general lack of standards for model development. In part, this is because most disease forecast models tend to be either complex or specialized. The first part of this guide is an overview of the biological considerations for infection, including temperature, moisture and splash dispersal requirements. The second part is a review of the strengths and weaknesses of new and commonly used infections models. Since weather conditions and infection risk alone does not determine disease severity, the guide provides some practical suggestions for integrating host, pest and cultural factors into a disease forecast in the third part of the chapter. The fourth part covers the best methods for collecting or obtaining the weather inputs used in infection models. The fifth section covers techniques for model validation both from a biological and commercial perspective. The final section briefly covers techniques for information delivery focusing on the internet.
Asymmetries in force matching are related to side of stroke in right-handed individuals.

Abstract Asymmetries in grasp force matching extend beyond quantifying a single measure of maximum grip strength and advance our application of side-specific treatment interventions. A cross sectional study design investigated grasp-force matching performance in right-handed individuals with a stroke and age-matched healthy controls. A visual representation of the 20% Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVC) was matched in three conditions in the absence of visual feedback with the same (Ipsilateral Remembered – IR) or opposite hand (Concurrent – CC and Contralateral Remembered – CR). Greater overall relative error (RE) was found in contralateral compared to ipsilateral matching tasks. In the CR condition, post hoc analysis revealed significant differences between control and right hemisphere damage (RHD) group (95% CI [16.41–88.59]; p Individuals with RHD showed greater asymmetries in contralateral matching tasks compared to LHD and controls. More specifically, the RHD group had the greatest difficulty matching tasks with their right (non-paretic) than left (paretic) hand. In order to elucidate this asymmetry in the clinic the use of complementary grasp measures may be considered.
Measuring Competence in Surgical Training through Assessment of Surgical Entrustable Professional Activities.

OBJECTIVE To assess competency in surgical residents with bundled assessments using a surgical entrustable professional activity (SEPA) framework. DESIGN A pilot study was conducted using a combination of validated assessment tools (multiple choice exam (MCE) questions from the Surgical Council on Resident Education [SCORE], the Clinical Assessment and Management Examination - Outpatient (CAMEO) form, the Virtual Surgical Patient (VSP) website, and a procedure-specific Operative Performance Rating System [OPRS]) to determine competency in surgical residents in the treatment of breast cancer and gallbladder disease, respectively. SETTING A large academic institution with a surgical training program in the Mid West of the United States. PARTICIPANTS A total of 10 categorical surgical residents were invited to participate. Five completed the breast surgical EPA (SEPA) and 5 different residents completed the gallbladder SEPA. RESULTS In terms of performance on the assessments, for the breast SEPA, scores did not appear to be related to PGY level, and residents' performance in general was the least strong on the MCE and the VSP case. The gallbladder SEPA showed a more expected pattern, distinguishing between junior and senior residents. As expected, all junior residents were required to remediate the OPRS assessment, while the senior residents passed. For the OPRS, senior level residents consistently were rated as “excellent” in terms of operative flow (5/5), while junior residents were all given a score of “good” (3/5). CONCLUSIONS Assessing competence among surgical residents has been a discussion for several years. Varying methods of assessing competence have been proposed, but surgical competence is presently defined in a very general way through both the ACGME and American Board of Surgery (ABS). Using a SEPA format, as proposed, we could ensure specific understanding of each graduating resident's ability. These results show that the SEPA may be a valid tool for defining and capturing multiple areas of competence that are associated with different disease processes.
Water Source Utilization in Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. (baldcypress) over the Course of a Growing Season in a Restored Coastal Freshwater Wetland Vulnerable to Saltwater Incursion

ABSTRACT Stable isotopic analysis of water use patterns in wetland vegetation can provide insight into the anticipated ecophysiological response of individual species to seasonal and/or episodic changes in water quality such as saltwater incursion into freshwater wetland ecosystems. In this study, variation in water source utilization over the course of a growing season was investigated in Taxodium distichum (baldcypress), a foundational species in both naturally occurring wetlands and regional wetland restoration projects in the southeastern United States. Over the course of the 2014 growing season, water use patterns were monitored in three baldcypress stands at the Timberlake Observatory for Wetland Restoration (TOWeR) in Tyrrell County, North Carolina, by comparing the isotopic composition (δ2H and δ18O) of xylem water extracted from plant tissue to that of the available water sources: surface water, sediment porewater, groundwater sampled from multiple locations in the region, and rainwater. Results...
Population-wide weight loss and regain in relation to diabetes burden and cardiovascular mortality in Cuba 1980-2010: repeated cross sectional surveys and ecological comparison of secular trends

The paper Abstract Objective To evaluate the associations between population-wide loss and gain in weight with diabetes prevalence, incidence, and mortality, as well as cardiovascular and cancer mortality trends, in Cuba over a 30 year interval. Design Repeated cross sectional surveys and ecological comparison of secular trends. Setting Cuba and the province of Cienfuegos, from 1980 to 2010. Participants Measurements in Cienfuegos included a representative sample of 1657, 1351, 1667, and 1492 adults in 1991, 1995, 2001, and 2010, respectively. National surveys included a representative sample of 14 304, 22 851, and 8031 participants in 1995, 2001, and 2010, respectively. Main outcome measures Changes in smoking, daily energy intake, physical activity, and body weight were tracked from 1980 to 2010 using national and regional surveys. Data for diabetes prevalence and incidence were obtained from national population based registries. Mortality trends were modelled using national vital statistics. Results Rapid declines in diabetes and heart disease accompanied an average population-wide loss of 5.5 kg in weight, driven by an economic crisis in the mid-1990s. A rebound in population weight followed in 1995 (33.5% prevalence of overweight and obesity) and exceeded pre-crisis levels by 2010 (52.9% prevalence). The population-wide increase in weight was immediately followed by a 116% increase in diabetes prevalence and 140% increase in diabetes incidence. Six years into the weight rebound phase, diabetes mortality increased by 49% (from 9.3 deaths per 10 000 people in 2002 to 13.9 deaths per 10 000 people in 2010). A deceleration in the rate of decline in mortality from coronary heart disease was also observed. Conclusions In relation to the Cuban experience …
When Wounds Are Good for You: The Regenerative Capacity of Fractional Resurfacing and Potential Utility in Chronic Wound Prevention

Significance: Fractional resurfacing involves producing arrays of microinjuries on the skin, by thermal or mechanical means, to trigger tissue regeneration. Originally developed for cosmetic enhancement, fractional resurfacing induces a broad array of improvements in the structural and functional qualities of the treated skin and is especially effective at returning defective skin to a more normal state. In addition to fascinating questions about the nature of this remarkable regenerative capacity, there may be potential utility in ulcer prevention by halting or even reversing the progressive decline in overall skin quality that usually precedes chronic wound development. Recent Advances: Photoaging and scarring are the two skin defects most commonly treated by fractional resurfacing, and the treatment produces profound and long-lasting improvements in skin quality, both clinically and at the cellular/histologic level. Chronic wounds usually occur in skin that is compromised by various pathologic factors, and many of the defects found in this ulcer-prone skin are similar to those that have seen improvements after fractional resurfacing. Critical Issues: The mechanisms responsible for the regenerative capacity of fractional resurfacing are mostly unknown, as is how ulcer-prone skin, which is usually afflicted by stressors external to the skin tissue itself, would respond to fractional resurfacing. Future Directions: Better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the unique healing response to fractional resurfacing could reveal fundamental information about adult tissue regeneration, lead to improvements in current applications, as well as new therapies in other pathologic conditions.
Alphavirus nsP3 ADP-ribosylhydrolase Activity Disrupts Stress Granule Formation

ABSTRACT Formation of stress granules (SGs), cytoplasmic condensates of stalled translation initiation complexes, is regulated by post-translational protein modification. Alphaviruses interfere with SG formation in response to inhibition of host protein synthesis through the activities of nonstructural protein 3 (nsP3). nsP3 has a conserved N-terminal macrodomain that binds and can remove ADP-ribose from ADP-ribosylated proteins and a C-terminal hypervariable domain that binds essential SG component G3BP1. We showed that the hydrolase activity of chikungunya virus nsP3 macrodomain removed ADP-ribosylation of G3BP1 and suppressed SG formation. ADP-ribosylhydrolase-deficient nsP3 mutants allowed stress-induced cytoplasmic condensation of translation initiation factors. nsP3 also disassembled SG-like aggregates enriched with translation initiation factors that are induced by the expression of FUS mutant R495X linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Therefore, our data indicate that regulation of ADP-ribosylation controls the localization of translation initiation factors during virus infection and other pathological conditions.
Abstract 888: Exploring the signaling and activity interactome between oncogenic RAS and the nucleotide pool-detoxifying enzyme MTH1

MutT Homolog 1 (MTH1) is a NUDIX pyrophosphorylase that hydrolyzes oxidized purine nucleoside triphosphates in the nucleotide pool, thus preventing their incorporation into DNA. Our prior work has shown that MTH1 is critical for the maintenance of multiple pro-tumorigenic phenotypes in oncogenic RAS-driven cancer cells, with its depletion leading to decreased tumor formation in vivo. Our subsequent analyses of TCGA patient datasets showed elevated MTH1 expression to be significantly associated with poorer disease-free survival in RAS-mutated cancers, such as that of the lung and pancreas. We found that MTH1 mRNA levels were positively correlated with KRAS levels even in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer patient tissues, and that the introduction of oncogenic KRAS was sufficient to upregulate MTH1 mRNA and protein levels. The aim of this study is to identify RAS-effector signaling intermediates affecting MTH1 expression and activity. Chemical inhibitors of the MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT and NOX pathways, plus oncogenic RASV12-effector domain mutants (RASV12- S35/ E38/ G37/ C40), were used to identify key signaling molecular mediators of MTH1 expression in the distinct RAS isoforms (H- and K-RAS). The dependencies of the different KRASG12-mutant polymorphisms (KRASG12- C/ D/ V) on MTH1 expression and activity, as well as candidate transcription factors regulating MTH1 expression, were evaluated. Our work shows MTH1 at the nexus of crosstalk between different effector pathways activated downstream of RAS. Dissecting these signaling intermediates are important in identifying alternate pathways of MTH1 regulation, which may manifest as resistance mechanisms to standard-of-care cancer treatments. Our work will also help understand how to best leverage MTH1 as a therapeutic target in oncogenic RAS-driven cancers driven by the different isoforms, and their respective mutant polymorphisms. Citation Format: Govindi J. Samaranayake, Clara I. Troccoli, Christina Jayaraj, Brittany C. Durden, Nagaraj Nagathihalli, Nipun Merchant, Priyamvada Rai. Exploring the signaling and activity interactome between oncogenic RAS and the nucleotide pool-detoxifying enzyme MTH1 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 888.
Use of live Variola virus to determine whether CAST/EiJ mice are a suitable surrogate animal model for human smallpox

Numerous animal models of systemic orthopoxvirus disease have been developed to evaluate therapeutics against variola virus (VARV), the causative agent of smallpox. These animal models do not resemble the disease presentation in human smallpox and most used surrogate Orthopoxviruses. A rodent model using VARV has a multitude of advantages, and previous investigations identified the CAST/EiJ mouse as highly susceptible to monkeypox virus infection, making it of interest to determine if these rodents are also susceptible to VARV infection. In this study, we inoculated CAST/EiJ mice with a range of VARV doses (102-106 plaque forming units). Some animals had detectable viable VARV from the oropharynx between days 3 and 12 post inoculation. Despite evidence of disease, the CAST/EiJ mouse does not provide a model for clinical smallpox due to mild signs of morbidity and limited skin lesions. However, in contrast to previous rodent models using VARV challenge (i.e. prairie dogs and SCID mice), a robust immune response was observed in the CAST/EiJ mice (measured by Immunoglobulin G enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). This is an advantage of this model for the study of VARV and presents a unique potential for the study of the immunomodulatory pathways following VARV infection.
BEM-FEBI Formulation Through ‘PECfication’

A multi-region formulation between Finite Element- Boundary Integral (FE-BI) regions and perfectly electric conducting (PEC) boundary element method (BEM) regions is presented. The method proceeds by first transforming the problem into a PEC equivalent one using a custom direct matrix solver within FE-BI regions, and then solving for the electric currents residing on FE-BI and BEM regions iteratively. The full field solutions within those ‘PECfied’ FE-BI regions can then be recovered using those electric currents and the matrix factors from the previous steps. Numerical results for two-dimensional radiation problems are presented.
RNase H2-RED carpets the path to eukaryotic RNase H2 functions

Eukaryotic RNases H2 have dual functions in initiating the removal of ribonucleoside monophosphates (rNMPs) incorporated by DNA polymerases during DNA synthesis and in cleaving the RNA moiety of RNA/DNA hybrids formed during transcription and retrotransposition. The other major cellular RNase H, RNase H1, shares the hybrid processing activity, but not all substrates. After RNase H2 incision at the rNMPs in DNA the Ribonucleotide Excision Repair (RER) pathway completes the removal, restoring dsDNA. The development of the RNase H2-RED (Ribonucleotide Excision Defective) mutant enzyme, which can process RNA/DNA hybrids but is unable to cleave rNMPs embedded in DNA has unlinked the two activities and illuminated the roles of RNase H2 in cellular metabolism. Studies mostly in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, have shown both activities of RNase H2 are necessary to maintain genome integrity and that RNase H1 and H2 have overlapping as well as distinct RNA/DNA hybrid substrates. In mouse RNase H2-RED confirmed that rNMPs in DNA during embryogenesis induce lethality in a p53-dependent DNA damage response. In mammalian cell cultures, RNase H2-RED helped identifying DNA lesions produced by Top1 cleavage at rNMPs and led to determine that RNase H2 participates in the retrotransposition of LINE-1 elements. In this review, we summarize the studies and conclusions reached by utilization of RNase H2-RED enzyme in different model systems.
Review of Scientists, Experts, and Civic Engagement: Walking a Fine Line edited by Amy E. Lesen (Farnham: Ashgate, 2015)

Book Review: Scientists, Experts, and Civic Engagement: Walking a Fine Line edited by Amy E. Lesen (Farnham: Ashgate, 2015)
A Modified Technique for Spectral Factorization of Infinite-Dimensional Systems Using Subspace Techniques

This article investigates the use of subspace methods for spectral factorization of non-parametric frequency domain data. The techniques developed in this paper augment the recent algorithm developed by Akcay, for the case in which the frequencies of the spectral data are uniformly spaced. We examine the use of this algorithm in the context of infinite-dimensional power spectra, resulting in approximate finite-dimensional factorizations. We focus on the robustness of the algorithm to produce a valid approximate factorization of a desired order, when restrictions are placed on the size of the Hankel matrix that must be assembled. We illustrate that the algorithm can be improved to enhance its accuracy. Although we focus on approximate finite-dimensional factorization of infinite-dimensional spectra, the results presented here may also prove useful in the context of noise-corrupted finite-dimensional spectrum identification.
Designing anisotropic microstructures with spectral density function

Abstract Materials’ microstructure is a critical aspect in design of functional materials as it links processing conditions to material performance. Previous efforts on microstructure mediated design mostly assume isotropy, which is not ideal for applications where material properties along specific directions must be tailored to meet performance requirements, such as those associated with transport phenomena. In this article, we propose an anisotropic microstructure design strategy that leverages Spectral Density Function (SDF) for rapid reconstruction of high resolution, two phase, isotropic or anisotropic microstructures in 2D and 3D. We demonstrate that SDF microstructure representation provides an intuitive method for quantifying anisotropy through a dimensionless scalar variable termed anisotropy index. The computational efficiency and low dimensional microstructure representation enabled by our method is demonstrated through an active layer design case study for Bulk Heterojunction Organic Photovoltaic Cells (OPVCs). Results indicate that optimized design, exhibiting strong anisotropy, outperforms isotropic active layer designs.
5 – Limit Theorems

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on limit theorems. The laws of large numbers discuss theorems which indicate that relative frequencies approach in a certain sense the corresponding probabilities. The law of large numbers asserts that Bernoulli trials have the following property: the probability of the relative frequency being close to p approaches 1 as the number of trials increases. The validity of the law of large numbers is not restricted to the sequences of absolutely continuous or discrete random variables. The probability that the relative frequency of success in Poisson trials does not differ much from its expectation is therefore close to 1, provided that the number of trials is large. The chapter also presents a proof for the central limit theorem and the Poisson approximation to the binomial. The Poisson probabilities can be used as an approximation to the binomial distribution, provided that the conditions are satisfied.
Density Functional Theory Study of the Initial Stages of Cl-Induced Degradation of α-Cr2O3 Passive Film

The ion exchange and point defect models are two prominent models describing the role of anions, such as chlorides, in the degradation of the passive oxide films. Here the thermodynamic feasibility of critical steps of Cl-induced degradation of a hydroxylated α-Cr2O3 (0001) surface, as proposed by these two models, are studied. Both models begin with Cl substitution of surface OH and H2O which becomes less favorable with increasing Cl coverage. The initial stages of Cl-induced breakdown of the α-Cr2O3 depends on Cl coverage and the presence of O vacancy near the surface involving the following: (1) neither Cl insertion (supporting the ion exchange model) nor Cr vacancy formation (supporting the point defect model) is feasible at low Cl coverages except in the presence of O vacancies near the surface where Cl insertion is thermodynamically feasible even at low coverages, (2) in the absence of O vacancies, Cr vacancy formation becomes feasible from 10/12ML onwards whereas Cl insertion by exchange with subsurface OH only becomes feasible at full coverage. This implies that at higher coverages, Cl-induced degradation is first activated through a vacancy formation mechanism but both insertion and vacancy formation would be feasible at the highest coverages.
The Influence of Successful MOOC Learners’ Self-Regulated Learning Strategies, Self-Efficacy, and Task Value on Their Perceived Effectiveness of a Massive Open Online Course

High dropout rates have been an unsolved issue in massive open online courses (MOOCs). As perceived effectiveness predicts learner retention in MOOCs, instructional design factors that affect it have been increasingly examined. However, self-regulated learning, self-efficacy, and task value have been underestimated from the perspective of instructors even though they are important instructional design considerations for MOOCs. This study investigated the influence of self-regulated learning strategies, self-efficacy, and task value on perceived effectiveness of successful MOOC learners. Three hundred fifty-three learners who successfully completed the Mountain 101 MOOC participated in this study by completing a survey through e-mail. The results of stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that perceived effectiveness was significantly predicted by both self-regulated learning strategies and task value. In addition, the results of another stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that meta-cognitive activities after learning, environmental structuring, and time management significantly predicted perceived effectiveness.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome Induced Dysautonomia Resulting in Cardiac Arrest

Life-threatening cardiovascular complications can occur as a result of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) induced autonomic dysfunction necessitating the need for early recognition and potential cardiac pacing. We present the case of a 69-year-old female who was admitted to the hospital for worsening fatigue, bilateral lower extremity weakness and inability to ambulate for two days. Five days later, she experienced large fluctuations in blood pressure, appeared diaphoretic, and had spells of bradycardia. This was soon followed by an episode of unresponsive and cardiac arrest with rhythm strip consistent with asystole. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated with a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after 6 minutes. The patient was intubated and transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). Reassessment of the patient revealed a new bilateral symmetric upper extremity weakness. Respiratory failure with ascending symmetric paralysis warranted a lumbar puncture which revealed albuminocytologic dissociation-ultimately leading to the diagnosis of GBS.
A 15-year-old Boy Presents with Fever and Pruritic Rash for 6 Days

1. Brandon Pye, MD* 2. Jessica M. Aguilar, DO* 3. Ashley M. Maranich, MD* 1. *Department of Pediatrics, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 1. Address correspondence to Brandon Pye, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Tripler Army Medical Center, 1 Jarrett White Rd, Honolulu, HI 96859. E-mail: brandon.e.pye.mil{at}mail.mil A fully immunized 15-year-old boy presents to the emergency department reporting fever to 103°F (39.4°C), myalgia, malaise, decreased oral intake, sore throat, and loose stools for the past 6 days. On day 4 of illness, he developed a pruritic macular rash that was notable on the face and neck. Initial evaluation on day 4 at an outside facility was significant for negative influenza A and B antigen, heterophile antibody, streptococcal rapid antigen detection test, and urinalysis. He was diagnosed with presumed viral syndrome with exanthem and prescribed hydroxyzine for symptom control. Despite treatment, his symptoms persisted, leading him to seek additional care. He presents to the emergency department with continued fever, myalgia, malaise, decreased oral intake, and rash. Additionally, his rash has now spread to involve his face, neck, trunk, arms, and legs to the mid-thigh with continued pruritus despite therapy (Fig 1). He now has new onset mild edema of the face, most notable in the periorbital region. He also has had 2 episodes of nonbloody, nonbilious emesis with persistent mild epigastric pain. He reports dark urine but denies pain with voiding. His past medical history is significant only for acne for which he was prescribed oral minocycline, topical benzoyl peroxide, and tretinoin cream ∼6 weeks before presentation. No high risk behaviors are noted on social history. Figure 1. Fifteen-year-old boy with difuse erythematous rash and facial edema. On physical examination, his temperature is 99°F (37.2°C), heart rate is 91 beats/min, blood pressure is 124/66 mm Hg, and respiratory rate 16 breaths/min with oxygen saturation of 99% on room air. He is noted to have scleral icterus, periorbital edema, and …
Steps in industrial development through human capital deepening

Abstract This paper presents a model in which human capital is deepened, education time increases, and labor shifts away from agriculture. These notable trends in industrial development accompany incremental steps upward in the level of education productivity. As education grows, human capital becomes relatively abundant and industries react by deepening their investment in human capital. Industries that use human capital relatively more intensively experience relatively lower prices and higher output. New industries are assumed to emerge in step with education productivity. Each new industry is assumed to have a relatively higher human capital factor share. As human capital deepening occurs, labor shifts toward the new industry and away from traditional industry. I delineate these features by extending a well-known model of endogenous economic growth through human capital investment. The extension disaggregates output into separate industries with different shares of the human capital factor. This enables trademark features of industrial development. The model explains rising education levels, growth, and labor reallocation using a minimally complex approach that jointly explains stylized facts through human capital deepening within each industry.
Closed-loop real-time supply chain management for perishable products

Abstract Supply chain networks are dynamical systems with particular control challenges that stem from inventory deterioration and external disturbances (i.e., unanticipated consumer demand, time delays, etc.). For industries handling highly perishable inventory (e.g, fresh produce, vaccines, biologics) controlling product quality throughout the multiple echelons of the supply chain is critical to minimize inventory waste and satisfy consumer quality requirements. However, quality, as a function of time and environmental conditions (i.e., temperature, humidity, light, etc.), is difficult to model accurately resulting in unpredicted inventory spoilage. In this paper we demonstrate a novel closed-loop, feedback-based control framework that employs real-time product quality measurements for optimal supply chain management. A moving horizon approach is used to periodically update decisions (i.e., production, transportation, storage, and respective environmental conditions) based on fed-back information. We demonstrate that the postulated feedback controller effectively stabilizes the supply chain dynamics, while minimizing costs. An illustrative case study is provided.
Early Childhood Professional Well-being as a Predictor of the Risk of Turnover in Early Head Start & Head Start Settings

Turnover is particularly worrisome in Early Head Start/Head Start (EHS/HS) where consistency in relational-care systems and stable environments are critical quality indicators. Key adults in EHS/HS...
Inherent Delay Risk Assessment in Construction: A proactive approach, mitigating the impact of causes of delay on schedule

Construction project delay leads to significant time & cost overrun and results in revenue loss. Construction projects' complexity and poor planning have negatively impacted the construction industry in adopting new technology, improving productivity, and environmental sustainability. Researcher in the construction profession has extensively studied construction delays in various circumstances. Available literature demonstrates that identifying critical causes of project delay, delay compensability, and project delay claims are broadly studied topics. Few researchers have investigated how to measure and mitigate construction project delay causes proactively before actual construction time. On the other hand, the lack of a standardized delay approach in assessing the impact of critical causes of delays on project performance and the heterogeneity of identified causes of delay have aggravated the situation to comprehend the delay cause impact on a project and its environment. To this end, this study has focused on identifying critical causes of delay in a standardized delay format to measure and mitigate its impact on a project before the actual construction start. This paper has employed a mix-method to quantify the impact of the inherent causes of delay on the project schedule. A five-step framework is applied to achieve the study objective. The proposed approach and technique enable researchers and practitioners to actively measure the impact of inherent delay causes on a project to improve productivity and eliminate redundant processes. This approach is more feasible to be integrated with new technology to assess alternative options for a project schedule to have a tolerable level of sequencing criticality and inherent delay risk.
González-Allende, Iker. Hombres en movimiento. Masculinidades españolas en los exilios y emigraciones, 1939–1999

Iker Gonzalez-Allende’s Hombres en movimiento. Masculinidades espanolas en los exilios y emigraciones, 1939–1999 is a welcome addition to the somewhat limited study of masculinities in twentieth- a...
What Is Mental Illness

According to a major health survey, nearly half of all Americans have been mentally ill at some point in their lives - more than a quarter in the last year. Can this be true? What exactly does it mean, anyway? What's a disorder, and what's just a struggle with real life? This lucid and incisive book cuts through both professional jargon and polemical hot air, to describe the intense political and intellectual struggles over what counts as a 'real' disorder, and what goes into the 'DSM', the psychiatric bible. Is schizophrenia a disorder? Absolutely. Is homosexuality? It was - till gay rights activists drove it out of the DSM a generation ago. What about new and controversial diagnoses? Is 'social anxiety disorder' a way of saying that it's sick to be shy, or 'female sexual arousal disorder' that it's sick to be tired? An advisor to the DSM, but also a fierce critic of exaggerated overuse, McNally defends the careful approach of describing disorders by patterns of symptoms that can be seen, and illustrates how often the system medicalizes everyday emotional life. Neuroscience, genetics, and evolutionary psychology may illuminate the biological bases of mental illness, but at this point, McNally argues, no science can draw a bright line between disorder and distress. In a pragmatic and humane conclusion, he offers questions for patients and professionals alike to help understand, and cope with, the sorrows and psychopathologies of everyday life.