cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of violent video games on aggressive behavior: Potential sex differences.

Evidence of the effects of playing violent video games on subsequent aggression has been mixed. This study examined how playing a violent video game affected levels of aggression displayed in a laboratory. A total of 43 undergraduate students (22 men and 21 women) were randomly assigned to play either a violent (Mortal Kombat) or nonviolent (PGA Tournament Golf) video game for 10 min. Then they competed with a confederate in a reaction time task that allowed for provocation and retaliation. Punishment levels set by participants for their opponents served as the measure of aggression. The results confirmed our hypothesis that playing the violent game would result in more aggression than would playing the nonviolent game. In addition, a Game × Sex interaction showed that this effect was larger for men than for women. Findings are discussed in light of potential differences in aggressive style between men and women.
The partitioned multiprocessor scheduling of sporadic task systems

A polynomial-time algorithm is presented for partitioning a collection of sporadic tasks among the processors of an identical multiprocessor platform. Since the partitioning problem is NP-hard in the strong sense, this algorithm is unlikely to be optimal. A quantitative characterization of its worst-case performance is provided in terms of resource augmentation; it is shown that any set of sporadic tasks that can be partitioned among the processors of an m-processor identical multiprocessor platform will be partitioned by this algorithm on an m-processor platform in which each processor is (4 - 2/m) times as fast
Multiscale MHD simulation of a coronal mass ejection and its interaction with the magnetosphere{ionosphere system

We report on the rst comprehensive numerical simulation of a space weather event, starting with the generation of a CME and subsequently following this transient solar wind disturbance as it evolves into a magnetic cloud and travels through interplanetary space towards Earth where its interaction with the terrestrial magnetosphere{ionosphere system is also predicted as part of the simulation. c 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Phylogenetic Analysis of H7 Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from the Live Bird Markets of the Northeast United States

The presence of low-pathogenic H7 avian influenza virus (AIV), which is associated with live-bird markets (LBM) in the Northeast United States, was first detected in 1994 and, despite efforts to eradicate the virus, surveillance of these markets has resulted in numerous isolations of H7 AIVs from several states from 1994 through 1998. The hemagglutinin, nonstructural, and matrix genes from representative H7 isolates from the LBM and elsewhere were sequenced, and the sequences were compared phylogenetically. The hemagglutinin gene of most LBM isolates examined appeared to have been the result of a single introduction of the hemagglutinin gene. Evidence for evolutionary changes were observed with three definable steps. The first isolate from 1994 had the amino acid threonine at the -2 position of the hemagglutinin cleavage site, which is the most commonly observed amino acid at this site for North American H7 AIVs. In January 1995 a new genotype with a proline at the -2 position was detected, and this genotype eventually became the predominant virus isolate. A third viral genotype, detected in November 1996, had an eight-amino-acid deletion within the putative receptor binding site. This viral genotype appeared to be the predominant isolate, although isolates with proline at the -2 position without the deletion were still observed in viruses from the last sampling date. Evidence for reassortment of multiple viral genes was evident. The combination of possible adaptive evolution of the virus and reassortment with different influenza virus genes makes it difficult to determine the risk of pathogenesis of this group of H7 AIVs.
Analytic models for mechanotransduction: Gating a mechanosensitive channel

Analytic estimates for the forces and free energy generated by bilayer deformation reveal a compelling and intuitive model for MscL channel gating analogous to the nucleation of a second phase. We argue that the competition between hydrophobic mismatch and tension results in a surprisingly rich story that can provide both a quantitative comparison with measurements of opening tension for MscL when reconstituted in bilayers of different thickness, and qualitative insights into the function of the MscL channel and other transmembrane proteins.
HyPhy: hypothesis testing using phylogenies

Summary: The HyPhypackage is designed to provide a flexible and unified platform for carrying out likelihood-based analyses on multiple alignments of molecular sequence data, with the emphasis on studies of rates and patterns of sequence evolution. Availability: http://www.hyphy.org Contact: muse@stat.ncsu.edu Supplementary information:HyPhydocumentation and tutorials are available at http://www.hyphy.org
Variational principles for elastic plates with relaxed continuity requirements

Abstract The classical variational principles of the theory of elastic plates impose stringent continuity conditions on the moment and deflection fields that are admitted for comparison with the natural fields. Since these continuity conditions are difficult to fulfil in a finite-element approach, the classical variational principles cannot be used to derive the basic equations of typical finite element methods. Modified variational principles are established that impose less exacting continuity conditions on the relevant fields. These principles are classified according to the number of independent fields that are involved. The application of the principles to typical finite-element analyses is indicated.
Formation of a Silicate L3 Phase with Continuously Adjustable Pore Sizes

The lyotropic L3 phase was used as a template to form nanoporous monolithic silicates with continuously adjustable pore sizes. The monolith was optically isotropic and transparent with a nonperiodic network. The pore size was adjusted by a change in the solvent volume fraction rather than by a change of the surfactant. Unlike other silicates, the bicontinuous pores were water-filled; removal of surfactant was not necessary to access the pores. Measured characteristic dimensions were from six to more than 35 nanometers. For a given solvent fraction, x-ray scattering indicated little variation of pore widths, in marked contrast to the polydisperse pores of aerogels.
Fast b-matching via Sufficient Selection Belief Propagation

This article describes scalability enhancements to a previously established belief propagation algorithm that solves bipartite maximum weight b-matching. The previous algorithm required O(|V | + |E|) space and O(|V ||E|) time, whereas we apply improvements to reduce the space to O(|V |) and the time to O(|V | 2.5 ) in the expected case (though worst case time is still O(|V ||E|)). The space improvement is most significant in cases where edge weights are determined by a function of node descriptors, such as a distance or kernel function. In practice, we demonstrate maximum weight b-matchings to be solvable on graphs with hundreds of millions of edges in only a few hours of compute time on a modern personal computer without parallelization, whereas neither the memory nor the time requirement of previously known algorithms would have allowed graphs of this scale.
Examining sleep, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness in pediatric multiple sclerosis patients:

Background: About 2–5% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience their first symptoms before age 18. Sleep disorders occur frequently in MS. The prevalence of sleep problems and their impact on fatigue and daytime sleepiness in pediatric MS is unknown.Objective: To determine whether pediatric MS patients have more sleep disturbances, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness compared with an age-, sex-, and race-matched control group.Methods: Patients and age-, sex-, and race-matched controls were surveyed to quantify daytime sleepiness via the modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale, sleep quality and hygiene through the Adolescent Sleep Wake and Hygiene Scale, respectively, and fatigue using the PediatricQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale.Results: Pediatric MS patients (n = 30) and age-, sex-, and race-matched controls (n = 52) had similar levels of fatigue; however, when compared with previously published historical controls, both groups reported worse fatigue across all dimensions (p < 0.05). Pediatric MS pa...
A learning framework for nearest neighbor search

Can we leverage learning techniques to build a fast nearest-neighbor (ANN) retrieval data structure? We present a general learning framework for the NN problem in which sample queries are used to learn the parameters of a data structure that minimize the retrieval time and/or the miss rate. We explore the potential of this novel framework through two popular NN data structures: KD-trees and the rectilinear structures employed by locality sensitive hashing. We derive a generalization theory for these data structure classes and present simple learning algorithms for both. Experimental results reveal that learning often improves on the already strong performance of these data structures.
A multirate time integrator for regularized Stokeslets

The method of regularized Stokeslets is a numerical approach to approximating solutions of fluid-structure interaction problems in the Stokes regime. Regularized Stokeslets are fundamental solutions to the Stokes equations with a regularized point-force term that are used to represent forces generated by a rigid or elastic object interacting with the fluid. Due to the linearity of the Stokes equations, the velocity at any point in the fluid can be computed by summing the contributions of regularized Stokeslets, and the time evolution of positions can be computed using standard methods for ordinary differential equations. Rigid or elastic objects in the flow are usually treated as immersed boundaries represented by a collection of regularized Stokeslets coupled together by virtual springs which determine the forces exerted by the boundary in the fluid. For problems with boundaries modeled by springs with large spring constants, the resulting ordinary differential equations become stiff, and hence the time step for explicit time integration methods is severely constrained. Unfortunately, the use of standard implicit time integration methods for the method of regularized Stokeslets requires the solution of dense nonlinear systems of equations for many relevant problems. Here, an alternate strategy using an explicit multirate time integration scheme based on spectral deferred corrections is incorporated that in many cases can significantly decrease the computational cost of the method. The multirate methods are higher-order methods that treat different portions of the ODE explicitly with different time steps depending on the stiffness of each component. Numerical examples on two nontrivial three-dimensional problems demonstrate the increased efficiency of the multi-explicit approach with no significant increase in numerical error.
Divine Suffering in Contemporary Theology

Can God suffer? Can God feel real pain, anguish, or disappointment regarding the human situation? The answer of most classical Christian theists has been negative. Early in Christian history theologians began to develop the notion of divine impassibility, i.e. that God cannot suffer. This position was crystallised in the third century debates over patripassianism, a view proposed by Praxeas and Noetus that God the Father suffered and died in the crucifixion of Christ. Mainstream Christianity rejected this view because of its failure to maintain a clear distinction among the members of the trinity. In later Christological controversies, theopaschitism was also condemned for arguing that God suffered. In the twentieth century, however, numerous philosophers of religion, Biblical scholars, and theologians have criticised the doctrine of divine impassibility. Now it is not surprising to find a theologian arguing this way: ‘The concept of divine suffering is not only the core of our faith but the uniqueness of Christianity.’One reason for the frequent debate over the impassibility of God is the kind of language used in the Bible to describe God. Many passages affirm the radical difference between divine and human natures (e.g. Isaiah 40.18, 25; Hosea 11.9). Other passages freely use anthropomorphic language to describe God, i.e. human form is attributed to God. God walks, talks, smells, hears, writes, and has a back side that Moses can see. Especially important for the impassibility discussion are the passages that use anthropopathic language for God, i.e. they attribute human moods, feelings, or emotions to God.
Architecture's Print Culture

The disciplinary definition of architecture over the last half-millennium has run parallel to the history of its print culture. As a form of practice related as much to the discursive context of hi...
Patterns of Suicide Mortality in Russia

While Russia perennially has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, researchers had little access to valid data during the Soviet era to examine this issue. Transparency increased following the dissolution of the USSR, and this article employs newly available vital statistics data to describe the demographic, temporal, and spatial patterns of suicide in Russia. The discussion reveals that suicide mortality in Russia is among the highest in the world and is more than three times higher than in the United States; exhibited radical changes between 1984 and 1994; varies widely within the country, with a general increase in rates from west to east; and is highest among working-age males.
Ageostrophic Effects on Gulf Stream Instability.

Abstract A two-layer Gulf Stream model is considered. We assume no motion in the lower layer and a basic state zonal jet in the upper. The purpose of the study is to examine numerically the validity of hydrodynamic stability investigations of the Gulf Stream. It is found that the ageostrophic influence depends on the basic state velocity profile and on the inverse radius of deformation, γ. In the case of a basic velocity profile without countercurrent, an increase in the Rossby number results in a more stable flow. When a countercurrent is included, the results depend on the radius of deformation and wavelength. For a realistic value of γ, short zonal waves are destabilized while long ones are stabilized. It is also found that an increase in γ stabilizes the flow for both profiles.
Orthotrichum kellmanii (Bryopsida, Orthotrichaceae), A Remarkable New Species from the Central Coast of California

A new endemic moss from California is described and illustrated. The heterophyllous leaves and weakly cladocarpous growth pattern in crescent shaped cushions are distinctive features for this species. Although morphologically distinct from Orthotrichum, phylogenetic inferences based on variation in nucleotide sequences of the rbcL gene (cpDNA) suggest this species to be a member of Orthotrichum. Review of Orthotrichum specimens from California herbaria concluded that this species had not been collected previously. Orthotrichum kellmanii is currently restricted to a narrow band of sandstone outcrops on ridges overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Strong CP violation and the neutron electric dipole moment reexamined.

The relation between the {ital CP}-violating operator {theta}{ital F{tilde F}} and its effective version {ital L}{sub {ital C}{ital P}}{sup eff} is reconsidered on the basis of the anomalous Ward-Takahashi (WT) identity. The consistency of the previous phenomenological calculations of the neutron electric dipole moment (NEDM) with the WT identity is critically examined. We demonstrate a consistent evaluation of the {ital O}({ital N}{sub {ital c}}{sup 0}) contribution to the NEDM and the result is compared with the leading term in the chiral expansion which is {ital O}({ital N}{sub {ital c}}{sup {minus}1}).
The Kiss: Racial and Gender Conflict in a 1950s Automobile Factory

The trim department of the Chrysler Corporation's Dodge Main Plant in Hamtramck, Michigan, was an unlikely spot for carnival. It was a massive space-it covered two floors, each 1,080 feet longbut it seemed much smaller, its cramped walkways filled with boxes of material, its windows blackened with paint and years of dirt. The congestion was intensified by the 750 men and women who worked there each shift, applying roofs, molding, body chrome, windshield wipers, instrument panels, and other final parts to the car chassis moving inexorably down the line. Production quotas were high, and many workers struggled to keep up the pace. On the last day of production before Christmas, though, plant management lifted the burdens of industrial labor. Though the line kept moving, workers were welcome to celebrate the holiday in their own fashion. Alcohol flowed freely as the entire trim department "foremen and everybody," according to a participant "wish[ed] their Christmas tidings as the year's work well done." In 1955, the celebration fell on December 22.1 The incident began innocently enough. James Major, a thirty-five-year-old African American, and Catherine Young, a Caucasian.probably in her late twenties, regularly worked together installing hard tops and side chrome. About halfway through their shift that evening, they managed to get ahead of their production quota. As she had many times before, Young suggested that she and Major move
Using CCSDS Standards for Space Situational Awareness

This paper discusses standards developed for the international space operations community by the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS), with a focus on those standards applicable to Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and its objective of avoiding collisions among space objects. CCSDS is a multi-national organization that develops international communications and data systems standards for spaceflight; it is formally affiliated with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Within the CCSDS, a Navigation Working Group is chartered to produce recommendations related to the formatting and exchange of flight dynamics data. SSA relies on data of several sorts, including: observational data from tracking spacecraft and debris, estimated trajectories of spacecraft and debris, communicating analyses of close approaches/potential collisions to affected satellite operators, and communicating planned collision avoidance actions. Over the past several years, the CCSDS has published three international standards related to the data requirements of SSA that can be used together in a comprehensive, collaborative effort. The CCSDS Tracking Data Message (TDM), Orbit Data Messages (ODM), and Conjunction Data Message (CDM) standards can be used to exchange three SSA fundamental data types (tracking, trajectory, conjunction warnings). The CDM is the newest of these standards, just published in June 2013. Requirements for the CDM were developed collaboratively with the United States Air Force, multiple CCSDS member agencies, other space standards committees, and commercial interests. The CDM includes key data items such as the identification for two space objects (which could be either spacecraft or debris), Time of Closest Approach (TCA), miss distance, object states at TCA in standard reference frames, and covariance matrices of the two space objects at TCA. A fourth standard, the Spacecraft Maneuver Message (SMM) is currently very early in the CCSDS standards development process; it will be designed to facilitate information exchange related to spacecraft maneuvers and can be used to describe maneuvers that respond to conjunction warnings.
Gulf war syndrome : Information from the internet

The existence of Gulf War Syndrome is a topic of much controversy. Many highly respected scientists initially concluded that no single disease or unique condition affected the veterans of the Gulf War. More recent studies have concluded that there is evidence that some of the conditions suffered by many Gulf War veterans are more common among those who served in the Gulf and are, quite likely, a result of exposure to toxins, whether man-made or naturally occurring, that were present in the area of the Gulf War. This article provides general information on Gulf War Syndrome, controversy surrounding the syndrome, and challenges faced in determining whether the syndrome exists. A bibliography of selected Internet resources provides additional information on the syndrome.
A Glial K/Cl Transporter Controls Neuronal Receptive Ending Shape by Chloride Inhibition of an rGC

Neurons receive input from the outside world or from other neurons through neuronal receptive endings (NREs). Glia envelop NREs to create specialized microenvironments; however, glial functions at these sites are poorly understood. Here, we report a molecular mechanism by which glia control NRE shape and associated animal behavior. The C. elegans AMsh glial cell ensheathes the NREs of 12 neurons, including the thermosensory neuron AFD. KCC-3, a K/Cl transporter, localizes specifically to a glial microdomain surrounding AFD receptive ending microvilli, where it regulates K(+) and Cl(-) levels. We find that Cl(-) ions function as direct inhibitors of an NRE-localized receptor-guanylyl-cyclase, GCY-8, which synthesizes cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). High cGMP mediates the effects of glial KCC-3 on AFD shape by antagonizing the actin regulator WSP-1/NWASP. Components of this pathway are broadly expressed throughout the nervous system, suggesting that ionic regulation of the NRE microenvironment may be a conserved mechanism by which glia control neuron shape and function.
O-19 Beyond the basics: A comparison of cost and resource utilisation between basic and disease specific advance care planning

Background Respecting Choices (RC) is an advance care planning (ACP) model developed in La Crosse, WI, USA. Basic ACP via this model was demonstrated in previous studies: LADS I (1998) and LADS II (2008). RC has since developed ACP for persons beginning to suffer effects from progressive, life-limiting illnesses, known as Next Steps (NS). Kirchhoff (2010 and 2012) demonstrated that NS improves patient and surrogate understanding of patients’ treatment preferences. Whether NS decreases healthcare utilisation or cost is currently unknown. Aim To detail the findings of an analysis of the value of NS ACP compared to basic ACP, including its impact on resource utilisation and patient medical costs. Methods A chart review of hospitalizations preceding death (≤2 years) to determine in-patient days, hospital utilisation, and Hospice utilisation of decedents with and without NS ACP from 1/1/2010 to 4/7/2014, matched on insurance, age, comorbidities, and marital status. Results 95% of variable group (n = 42) and ninety-three percent (n = 76) of control group had completed basic ACP at time of death. Those with NS ACP had fewer hospital encounters and greater Hospice utilisation compared with controls. Analysis of insurance costs shows that billed costs over the last two years of life decreased among the variable group but increased among the control group. Discussion We found that hospital encounters, intensity, and medical costs decrease with NS planning, while time in Hospice significantly increases. Conclusion Staged approaches to ACP are valuable. NS ACP can lower hospital utilisation and medical costs at the end of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses.
Numerical modeling of mode-locked fiber lasers with a fiber-based saturable-absorber

Abstract We report fiber laser simulations with a fiber compatible, self-focusing, saturable absorber (SA) device. The SA device consists of two tapered fiber ends separated by a bulk, nonlinear medium. An optical beam transmitted from one tapered fiber end, propagate through the nonlinear medium (chalcogenide glass As 40 S e 60 ) and couples back into the other tapered fiber end. Pulse propagation in the fiber laser cavity is performed using the Split Step Method. Stable pulses are generated with energies around 0.3 nJ and a transform limited pulse width around 200 fs .
CHARACTERIZATION OF ANISOTROPIC MOTIONAL PHENOMENA IN POLYMERIC MATERIALS WITH MULTIPLE PULSE NMR

The capabilities of the multiple pulse NMR techniques to characterize non-isotropic motion in a series of polymeric materials are demonstrated and discussed. The materials examined include: a natural gum sample of cis-polyisoprene and a carbon-filled, sulfur-vulcanized sample of the cis-polyisoprene, a cis-1,4-polybutadiene, and a model membrane material, dipalmitoyl lecithin.
Skeletal muscle inflammation and atrophy in heart failure

Heart failure represents a systemic disease with profound effects on multiple peripheral tissues including skeletal muscle. Within the context of heart failure, perturbations in skeletal muscle physiology, structure, and function strongly contribute to exercise intolerance and the morbidity of this devastating disease. There is growing evidence that chronic heart failure imparts specific pathological changes within skeletal muscle beds resulting in muscle dysfunction and tissue atrophy. Mechanistically, systemic and local inflammatory responses drive critical aspects of this pathology. In this review, we will discuss pathological mechanisms that drive skeletal muscle inflammation and highlight emerging roles for distinct innate immune subsets that reside within damage muscle tissue focusing on the recently described embryonic and monocyte-derived macrophage lineages. Within this context, we will discuss how immune mechanisms can be differentially targeted to stimulate skeletal muscle inflammation, catabolism, fiber atrophy, and regeneration.
Head and Neck Reconstruction

Management of head and neck burns involves acute and intermediate phases. Acutely, the goals are establish a secure airway and treat life-threatening injuries. Then, optimize nutrition, assess extent of the burn, perform local wound care, and provide eye protection. Management depends on the degree of the head and neck burn. Postinjury splinting and rehabilitation are vital to healing. After the acute inflammation has resolved and the scars have matured, reconstruction begins with the goals of restoring both function and aesthetics. Reconstruction ranges from simple scar release, to skin grafting, and possibly free flap reconstruction.
Nature of the Active Sites for CO Reduction on Copper Nanoparticles; Suggestions for Optimizing Performance

Recent experiments show that the grain boundaries (GBs) of copper nanoparticles (NPs) lead to an outstanding performance in reducing CO2 and CO to alcohol products. We report here multiscale simulations that simulate experimental synthesis conditions to predict the structure of a 10 nm Cu NP (158 555 atoms). To identify active sites, we first predict the CO binding at a large number of sites and select four exhibiting CO binding stronger than the (211) step surface. Then, we predict the formation energy of the *OCCOH intermediate as a descriptor for C–C coupling, identifying two active sites, both of which have an under-coordinated surface square site adjacent to a subsurface stacking fault. We then propose a periodic Cu surface (4 by 4 supercell) with a similar site that substantially decreases the formation energy of *OCCOH, by 0.14 eV.
Personalized Risk Prediction in Clinical Oncology Research: Applications and Practical Issues Using Survival Trees and Random Forests

ABSTRACTA crucial component of making individualized treatment decisions is to accurately predict each patient’s disease risk. In clinical oncology, disease risks are often measured through time-to-event data, such as overall survival and progression/recurrence-free survival, and are often subject to censoring. Risk prediction models based on recursive partitioning methods are becoming increasingly popular largely due to their ability to handle nonlinear relationships, higher-order interactions, and/or high-dimensional covariates. The most popular recursive partitioning methods are versions of the Classification and Regression Tree (CART) algorithm, which builds a simple interpretable tree structured model. With the aim of increasing prediction accuracy, the random forest algorithm averages multiple CART trees, creating a flexible risk prediction model. Risk prediction models used in clinical oncology commonly use both traditional demographic and tumor pathological factors as well as high-dimensional gene...
Substance-Related and Addictive Disorder Treatment in Rural, Frontier, and Territory Settings

Substance abuse as a diagnosis alone and co-occurring with other types of disabilities is a growing problem. Increasingly, the prevalence of substance abuse in rural areas is approaching that of urban areas and, in some cases, has surpassed. Substance abuse usually produces detrimental effects for the individual’s physical, psychological, social, family and relationship, and vocational outcomes. The perceptions and attitudes about substance abuse in rural, frontier, and territory communities are mediated by other factors such as religious beliefs and community culture. This chapter presents the characteristics and status of people in rural communities with disabilities and addiction disorders, patterns of use, the influence and impact of economic and employment factors, barriers to treatment, and approaches to service delivery. In addition, the discussion focuses on the increasingly difficult challenge of cross addiction for rehabilitation counselors working with substance-related disorders and disabilities in rural settings. Finally, strategies to address substance abuse in rural areas are presented.
The Annual Cycle of Some Minor Elements in Linsley Pond (North Branford, Connecticut) as Determined by Optical Emission

A procedure is described employing a Jarrell Ash direct reading optical emission unit. A special optical arrangement was developed for this study. A 55 mm focal length, spherical quartz lens was used in the arc stand to focus the electrodes’ image on a variable aperture located on a rider base on the optical bar. This aperture is closed down to eliminate the incandescence of the electrodes entering the instrument. A 135 mm slit mounted lens was employed to permit the light passed by the mask to completely fill the grating.
Limits to Prediction of Phenotypes from Knowledge of Genotypes

The fact that natural selection acts on phenotypes but the transmission of traits to the next generation is indirectly accomplished through genes gives rise to a challenging set of problems in evolutionary Biology. In order to understand adaptive evolution, it appears to be essential to first understand how genotypes give rise to observed phenotypes, or more precisely, how variation in phenotypes is mediated by underlying variation in genotypes. As the tools of molecular genetics give an increasingly detailed view of the underlying genetic variation, one would hope that this problem would be solved by the sheer volume of genetic data. Human molecular genetics has produced many significant successes recently, particularly in identifying genes that cause Mendelian disorders. In stark contrast, chronic diseases that exhibit familial clustering but do not segregate like a Mendelian gene have been remarkably difficult to analyze genetically. The focus of this chapter is on the question, “What are the barriers to our understanding of the genetic basis for familiar clustering of chronic diseases?” We will focus on medical genetics rather than the more general problem of genotype-phenotype associations in evolutionary Biology, because knowledge of phenotypic variation is so extensive for humans and the quantity of data on genetic variation is soon going to eclipse that of all other species, if it has not already.
Coexistent Breast Cancer and Essential Thrombocythemia: How We Addressed the Therapeutic Challenges

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) occurring with breast cancer is uncommon; the therapeutic approach varies and poses a challenge. A 65-year-old female presented to us after being diagnosed with hormone positive, HER2-negative infiltrating ductal carcinoma. She had a platelet count of 600 thou/cu mm. Her JAK2 mutation was positive. Bone marrow biopsy showed increased megakaryocytes. She was diagnosed with ET in the setting of breast cancer. She underwent breast conservation surgery after which aspirin was resumed. Anticipating thrombocytopenia during chemotherapy and given the absence of data combining hydroxyurea with standard chemotherapy used for breast cancer, we felt it prudent to delay cytoreductive therapy for her ET until after completion of breast cancer treatment. Her average platelet count during chemotherapy was 480 thou/cu mm with the lowest being 377 thou/cu mm. Her platelet count remained at goal between 300 and 350 thou/cu mm after four months of hydroxyurea.
Implementation and Evaluation of a Physical Activity and Dietary Program in Federal Incarcerated Females

The purpose of this 3-month quasi-experimental pilot study was to examine the effect of a physical activity and dietary education program on body mass index (BMI) and resilience. Participants were ...
Update in Perioperative Medicine 2013

Perioperative medicine is an important and rapidly expanding area of interest across multiple specialties, including internal medicine, anesthesiology, surgery, and hospital medicine. A multi-specialty team approach that ensures best possible patient outcomes has fostered collaborative strategies across the continuum of patient care. It is difficult to keep current in this multidisciplinary field, as physicians interested in perioperative medicine would need to review multiple specialty journals on a regular basis. To facilitate this process, we performed a focused review of this literature published in 2012. In this update, we review 9 key articles that potentially impact clinical practice in various areas of perioperative medicine including preoperative testing, cardiovascular medicine, pulmonary care, anticoagulation, and medication management.
Perspectives of adults with disabilities on access to health care after the ACA: Qualitative findings.

Abstract Background Although health insurance gains are documented, little is known about personal experiences of adults with disabilities in accessing health care after coverage expansions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2014. Objective/Hypothesis We interviewed 22 adults across the U.S. with a variety of disabilities and health insurance types to document remaining barriers to health care after ACA coverage expansions. Methods Telephone interviews were conducted from May to August 2017. Participants were recruited via disability-related organizations and were demographically and geographically diverse. Content analysis of interview transcripts was used to identify major themes related to accessing health care. Results Five major themes emerged: 1) information and understanding of coverage; 2) out-of-pocket costs; 3) prescription medications; 4) provider networks; and 5) transportation. Barriers in these areas led participants to delay or forgo health care and interfered with their ability to participate in paid employment. Conclusions The ACA was intended to expand access to insurance coverage, not necessarily meet all health care related needs for people with disabilities. Many barriers remain to accessing needed care for this population, regardless of insurance status. Limited prescription coverage, limited provider networks and steep out-of-pocket costs may be addressed by policy makers at the state or national level. Similarly, having timely and accurate plan information is important in facilitating access to care and insurers should be aware that outdated information can result in missed care. Finally, transportation to appointments can be especially challenging for people with disabilities and insurers should consider options to address this issue.
What Percentage of Americans Have Ever Had a Family Member Incarcerated?: Evidence from the Family History of Incarceration Survey (FamHIS)

What percentage of Americans have ever had a family member incarcerated? To answer this question, we designed the Family History of Incarceration Survey (FamHIS). The survey was administered in the...
Behavioural fever reduces ranaviral infection in toads

Host behaviour is known to influence disease dynamics. Additionally, hosts often change their behaviours in response to pathogen detection to resist and avoid disease. The capacity of wildlife populations to respond to pathogens using behavioural plasticity is critical for reducing the impacts of disease outbreaks. However, there is limited information regarding the ability of ectothermic vertebrates to resist diseases via behavioural plasticity. Here, we experimentally examine the effect of host behaviour on ranaviral infections, which affect at least 175 species of ectothermic vertebrates. We placed metamorphic (temporal block 1) or adult (block 2) southern toads (Anaxyrus terrestris) in thermal gradients, tested their temperature preferences before and after oral inoculation by measuring individual‐level body temperature over time, and measured ranaviral loads of viral‐exposed individuals. We found significant individual‐level variation in temperature preference and evidence for behavioural fever in both metamorphic and adult A. terrestris during the first 2 days after exposure. Additionally, we found that individual‐level change in temperature preference was negatively correlated with ranaviral load and a better predictor of load than average temperature preference or maximum temperature reached by an individual. In other words, an increase in baseline temperature preference was more important than simply reaching an absolute temperature. These results suggest that behavioural fever is an effective mechanism for resisting ranaviral infections. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
c-Kit deficiency impairs nitric oxide signaling in smooth muscle cells.

Abstract Introduction Receptor tyrosine kinases have been implicated in various vascular remodeling processes and cardiovascular disease. However, their role in the regulation of vascular tone is poorly understood. Herein, we evaluate the contribution of c-Kit signaling to vasoactive responses. Methods The vascular reactivity of mesenteric arteries was assessed under isobaric conditions in c-Kit deficient (KitW/W−v) and littermate control mice (Kit+/+) using pressure myography. Protein levels of soluble guanylyl cyclase beta 1 (sGCβ1) were quantified by Western blot. Mean arterial pressure was measured after high salt (8% NaCl) diet treatment using the tail-cuff method. Results Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from c-Kit deficient mice showed a 5-fold downregulation of sGCβ1 compared to controls. Endothelium-dependent relaxation of mesenteric arteries demonstrated a predominance of prostanoid vs. nitric oxide (NO) signaling in both animal groups. The dependence on prostanoid-induced dilation was higher in c-Kit mutant mice than in controls, as indicated by a significant impairment in vasorelaxation with indomethacin with respect to the latter. Endothelium-independent relaxation showed significant dysfunction of NO signaling in c-Kit deficient SMCs compared to controls. Mesenteric artery dilation was rescued by addition of a cGMP analog, but not with a NO donor, indicating a deficiency in cGMP production in c-Kit deficient SMCs. Finally, c-Kit deficient mice developed higher blood pressure on an 8% NaCl diet compared to their control littermates. Conclusion c-Kit deficiency inhibits NO signaling in SMCs. The existence of this c-Kit/sGC signaling axis may be relevant for vascular reactivity and remodeling.
Colorblind Racism, The Trump Effect, and The Blind Side

Pimentel examines notions of colorblind racism—the subtle, everyday production of racial ideologies that go unmarked and thus unchallenged yet that may be more impactful in creating racist inequities than blatant forms of racism. In order to demonstrate how colorblind racism is produced, Pimentel deconstructs the racial messages produced and perpetuated within the popular, heartwarming narrative presented in the motion picture The Blind Side. She situates her analysis in the current political context, which she argues is defined by President Trump, who not only makes openly racist remarks but also evokes colorblind racial ideologies when he dismisses the existence of racism and disparages anyone who attempts to bring attention to such issues.
Patient Characteristics Associated With Receiving Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation In An Older, Transplant-Appropriate MDS Cohort: The MDS-TAO Study

Abstract Background The factors that influence utilization of reduced-intensity conditioning hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (RIC HSCT) for “fit” elderly patients with advanced myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) remain unclear. Methods The “MDS Transplant-Associated Outcomes Study,” or “MDS-TAO,” is a prospective longitudinal observational study which began at the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center in May of 2011. It is designed to examine survival, quality of life (QoL), and other outcomes for RIC HSCT versus non-HSCT approaches for HSCT-appropriate MDS patients ages 60 to 75. Inclusion criteria include: histologically-confirmed diagnosis of MDS or CMML, and at least one of the following: (1) therapy-related disease, or (2) intermediate-2/high risk IPSS (Greenberg, 1997), or (3) intermediate/poor-prognosis risk cytogenetics (Haase, 2007), or (4) severe and sustained anemia or thrombocytopenia, or (5) platelet or red cell transfusion dependence. Exclusions include: (1) comorbidities that in the judgment of the enrolling clinician preclude HSCT eligibility (2) prior donor search, and (3) patient unwillingness to consider HSCT. For this analysis, time to HSCT was estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods, and log rank tests were used to assess time to HSCT by age, gender, ECOG performance status, IPSS, IPSS cytogenetic risk group, and baseline EORTC QLQ-C30 global QoL and fatigue scores. Results As of April 30, 2013, 87 patients had been enrolled. The median age was 69 years, 66% were male, and 88% had an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1. As of July 15, 2013, 22 had received HSCT within a median of 4.0 months (range 2-10 months) from study enrollment, and 17 had died without receiving HSCT. The 9-month probability of having had a transplant was 31% (95% CI [21% to 44%]). The median global QoL score was 66.7 and the median fatigue score was 33.3 (published medians are 66.7 and 33.3 for other cancers; higher global QoL scores indicate superior QoL whereas higher fatigue scores indicate worse fatigue). MDS-TAO patients with poorer cytogenetics (p 70 (11%). Female gender (p=.10), performance status (p=.14), global QoL (p=.56; see figure), and fatigue score (p=.58; see figure) all showed no significant association with the likelihood of undergoing HSCT. Download : Download high-res image (47KB) Download : Download full-size image Download : Download high-res image (46KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusion Our data suggest that while older transplant-appropriate MDS patients suffer from similar QoL impairment as compared to other cancer patients, cytogenetics and IPSS likely have more influence than patient-reported QoL in influencing which patients ultimately receive HSCT. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Spatiotemporal variation in occurrence and co-occurrence of pesticides, hormones, and other organic contaminants in rivers in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, United States.

Abstract Investigating the spatiotemporal dynamics of contaminants in surface water is crucial to better understand how introduced chemicals are interacting with and potentially influencing aquatic organisms and environments. Within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, United States, there are concerns about the potential role of contaminant exposure on fish health. Evidence suggests that exposure to contaminants in surface water is causing immunosuppression and intersex in freshwater fish species. Despite these concerns, there is a paucity of information regarding the complex dynamics of contaminant occurrence and co-occurrence in surface water across both space and time. To address these concerns, we applied a Bayesian hierarchical joint-contaminant model to describe the occurrence and co-occurrence patterns of 28 contaminants and total estrogenicity across six river sites and over three years. We found that seasonal occurrence patterns varied by contaminant, with the highest occurrence probabilities during the spring and summer months. Additionally, we found that the proportion of agricultural landcover in the immediate catchment, as well as stream discharge, did not have a significant effect on the occurrence probabilities of most compounds. Four pesticides (atrazine, metolachlor, fipronil and simazine) co-occurred across sites after accounting for environmental covariates. These results provide baseline information on the contaminant occurrence patterns of several classes of compounds within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of contaminants in surface water is the first step in investigating the effects of contaminant exposure on fisheries and aquatic environments.
When consumers learn to spot deception in advertising: testing a literacy intervention to combat greenwashing

Greenwashing is a major advertising issue that has negative implications for consumers, the green product market, and the environment. Consumers cannot distinguish between acceptable and deceptive ...
Quantitative Analysis of the Choriocapillaris in Uveitis Using En Face Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

Purpose To perform a quantitative analysis of choriocapillaris (CC) flow deficits (FDs) in patients with uveitis. Design Retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods Swept-source optical coherence tomography based angiography (SS-OCTA) macular volume scans (3 × 3 mm and 6 × 6 mm) were obtained using the Plex Elite 9000. En face CC images were generated and analyzed using an automated FD identification algorithm. Three quantitative metrics were determined for each eye: FD number (FDN), mean FD size (MFDS), and FD density (FDD). Quantitative metrics were compared between uveitis and control eyes. The uveitis cohort was further subdivided by the presence or absence of choroidal involvement, and quantitative metrics were compared between subgroups and normal control subjects. Results A total of 38 eyes from 38 control subjects and 73 eyes from 73 uveitis subjects were included in this study. Eyes with uveitis have significantly larger CC MFDS (3- × 3-mm scans; P Conclusions Automated quantification of CC can identify pathological FDs and provide quantitative metrics describing such lesions in patients with uveitis. Posterior uveitis patients have significantly larger CC FDs than patients with other forms of uveitis.