cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemotherapy-induced O6-Benzylguanine-resistant Alkyltransferase Mutations in Mismatch-deficient Colon Cancer

The ability of O 6 -benzylguanine (BG) to inactivate alkyltransferase (AGT) to potentiate the antitumor efficacy of 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) is being tested in clinical trials. As of now, there are no examples of acquired resistance to BG+BCNU in the clinical setting. However, we hypothesized that genetically unstable tumors might develop resistance to the combination after repeated drug-exposures to achieve therapeutic efficacy. To evaluate this possibility, we treated three colon cancer cell lines that are either proficient in mismatch repair (MMR) [SW480 (MMR wild type)] or deficient in MMR [HCT116 ( hMLH1 mutant) and HCT15 ( hMSH6 mutant)] with three cycles of BG+BCNU. After drug-treatments, HCT116 and HCT15 were completely resistant to BG-potentiated cytotoxicity of BCNU. In these two cell lines, the acquired BG resistance resulted from two de novo and different mutations at amino acid 165 in AGT: 165-lysine (K) to glutamic acid (E) (K165E in HCT116), and 165-lysine to asparagine (N) (K165N in HCT15). Both K165-mutated AGTs had markedly decreased enzymatic activity because of unstable AGT protein but were remarkably resistant to BG inactivation. FISH analysis showed that only one copy of MGMT gene exists in HCT116 cells, and the status of promoter methylation of MGMT in HCT15 showed that one allele of the MGMT promoter has an aberrant methylation. Thus, the MGMT gene expressing AGT either from one copy (HCT116) or from unmethylated allele (HCT15) was mutated because of the exposure to BG+BCNU in these two MMR-deficient cell lines. Conversely, MMR-proficient SW480 cells, treated with three cycles of BG+BCNU, maintained wt AGT and the sensitivity to BG-potentiated BCNU-cytotoxicity. To confirm that K165-mutated AGT proteins were responsible for resistance to BG+BCNU, we transfected K165E and K165N MGMT cDNAs into Chinese hampster ovary (CHO) cells. Transfected CHO cells had low AGT activity but increased IC 50 for either BCNU or temozolomide (TMZ), compared with parental CHO cells. BG did not potentiate the cytotoxicity of these two alkylating agents at concentrations up to 200 μm; in contrast, BG, at 25 μm, sensitized CHO-AGT (transfected with wt MGMT cDNA) cells to BCNU or TMZ-cytotoxicity by 3–4 fold. These results suggest that K165 AGT mutants arising in MMR-deficient tumor cells after treatment with chemotherapeutic agents are both resistant to BG-inactivation and are active in the repair of alkylated DNA adducts.
Models of Ocular Dominance Column Formation: Analytical and Computational Results

We have previously developed a simple mathematical model for formation of ocular dominance columns in mammalian visual cortex. The model provides a common framework in which a variety of activity-dependent biological machanisms can be studied. Analytic and computational results together now reveal the following: if inputs specific to each eye are locally correlated in their firing, and are not anticorrelated within an arbor radius, monocular cells will robustly form and be organized by intra-cortical interactions into columns. Broader correlations within each eye, or anti-correlations between the eyes, create a more purely monocular cortex; positive correlation over an arbor radius yields an almost perfectly monocular cortex. Most features of the model can be understood analytically through decomposition into eigenfunctions and linear stability analysis. This allows prediction of the widths of the columns and other features from measurable biological parameters.
Antigen detection using microelectrode array microchips

Abstract Procedures and results are described for multiplexed immunochemical assays using semiconductor microchips. The microchips used here are miniaturized arrays of individually addressable microelectrodes controlled by active CMOS circuitry. Electrode densities exceed 1000 per cm 2 . The array chips are coated with a porous reaction layer material to provide a ‘biofriendly’ milieu overlaying the electrode array. Biotin is linked covalently to regions within the porous reaction layer proximate to selected microelectrodes. Covalent linkage is accomplished using reagents that are generated in situ by the microelectrodes. The covalent linkage of biotin within the porous reaction layer allowed traditional streptavidin (SA)-based immunoassay formats to be used on the biochips. Biochips were used to develop multiplexed assay formats for biological entities over a wide size range — from small organic molecules to cells. Sandwich immunoassays were used for larger entities and competitive immunoassays for smaller molecules. Detection of analytes was accomplished using fluorophore-tagged antibodies and epifluorescent microscopy. Results from a broad range of analytes are presented.
The Pursuit of a Scalable Nanofabrication Platform for Use in Material and Life Science Applications

In this Account, we describe the use of perfluoropolyether (PFPE)-based materials that are able to accurately mold and replicate micro- and nanosized features using traditional techniques such as embossing as well as new techniques that we developed to exploit the exceptional surface characteristics of fluorinated substrates. Because of the unique partial wetting and nonwetting characteristics of PFPEs, we were able to go beyond the usual molding and imprint lithography approaches and have created a technique called PRINT (Particle [or Pattern] Replication In Nonwetting Templates). PRINT is a distinctive “top-down” fabrication technique capable of generating isolated particles, arrays of particles, and arrays of patterned features for a plethora of applications in both nanomedicine and materials science. A particular strength of the PRINT technology is the high-resolution molding of well-defined particles with precise control over size, shape, deformability, and surface chemistry. The level of replication...
Group Work in the MBA Classroom: Improving Pedagogical Practice and Maximizing Positive Outcomes With Part-Time MBA Students

This article forms part of an exploration into how graduate students experience group work. A single case, embedded study was completed in 2011, which reveals insight and understanding into the manner in which part-time MBA students experience group work assignments and how these experiences contribute to their perception of positive group work outcomes. The fundamental underpinnings of the case study findings suggest a practical pedagogical shift for educators of part-time graduate students engaged in group work. Specifically, this article proposes a situational group work model, which can be defined as a pattern or mapping that identifies crucial situational factors involved with student group work on the part-time graduate level. The central focus of this article is to understand this new model, which is rooted in group work experiences from the students’ point of view. The model also explicates the manner in which instructors and other students facilitate the perception of a positive group work outcom...
The role of perceived barriers in the use of a comprehensive prenatal care program.

This study focused on the use of community-based networks for prenatal care by black women I three high-risk communities in Chicago. We examined factors associated with use of network affiliated medical providers among 177 women. Sociodemographic factors and health status measures had no effect on network affiliated provider use. However, perceived barriers to care differentiated those who used affiliated providers from those who used alternative sources for care. Out of ten possible barriers, the odds ratios for job demands, travel time to providers and childcare were significantly different from one. Implications for program modifications and expansion are discussed.
Microwave Backscatter Dependence on Surface Roughness, Soil Moisture, and Soil Texture: Part I-Bare Soil

This is the first in a series of two papers on the use of active microwave remote sensing for measuring the moisture content of bare (Part I) and vegetation-covered (Part II) soil. An experimental program was conducted to evaluate the response of the backscattering coefficient to soil moisture content as a means to specify radar system parameters for future airborne and/or spaceborne soil moisture mappers. Particular attention was paid to the effects of surface roughness, and a preliminary examination of the role of soil texture was performed. The results of this investigation confirm the findings of a previous experiment [1] which concluded that the effects of surface roughness can be minimized by operating at a frequency in the neighborhood of 5 GHz over the 7-17° angle of incidence range. The precision with which soil moisture in the surface soil layer can be estimated is comparable to the precision of the ground-truthed estimate. Because the moisture in the surface layer is highly correlated to the subsurface moisture, it was not possible to determine experimentally the effective depth of the layer responsible for the observed radar backscatter.
Chi-Square Tests for Two-Way Classifications

Chi-square tests can be used to solve problems more complex than the simple problems of Chapter 17. There, in the grading on a curve example, we wanted to know whether the frequencies of A’s, B’s, C’s, D’s, and F’s handed out by an instructor corresponded to specified areas under a normal curve. We have a different type of problem when two or more instructors teach parallel sections of the same course and we want to know whether the different instructors use the same standards in assigning grades. For example, consider the following grade distributions for three instructors K, N, and P in Table 18.1.
Formalization of the Features of Activities and Classification of Temporary Structures to Support an Automated Temporary Structure Planning

Temporary structures (i.e., scaffolding, shoring) represent an area of considerable significance in the construction process, having a large influence on the quality, safety, speed, and profitability of construction projects. However, current industry practice does not have a systematic way to generate temporary structure plans due to the lack of a formalized way to represent the specific project situations and the planners' rationale to select temporary structures for a given specific project situation. Temporary structure planning is in general handled manually and is timeconsuming and error-prone. Information-technology-based methods are the most promising approach to improve the timeliness, correctness, and consistency of the temporary structure planning process. Building on and extending the prior work on representing product and process information, this paper presents formalized component and action features that helps represent specific project situations. We also formalize a taxonomy for temporary structures that helps select appropriate temporary structures for given situations. The formal representation of features and taxonomy for temporary structures provide the theoretical foundation for developing a computer-assisted method that helps construction engineers generate temporary structure plans rapidly, consistently, and thoroughly.
PRELIMINARY CHARACTE RIZATION OF MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF HYDROXYL -TERMINATED POLYBUTADIENE (HTPB) SOLID PROPELLANT

Hydroxy -terminated Polybutadiene, HTPB, which is a fuel used in solid and hybrid rockets is a polymer with unknown mechanical properties. As simulations of rocket motors are undertaken to determine design specifications, it becomes important to know the mechanical properties. Specimens are prepared according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specification number D412 -98a, D638 -02a, and D3182. These specimens are pulled to failure in a standard Instron testi ng machine. The elastic modulus and yield strength over a number of samples and batches are measured and averaged. The values determined from testing are 1.49 MPa for elastic modulus and 0.57 MPa for tensile strength.
Decision Support for War Games

This paper discusses a decision support tool that can help players of a war game simulation decide on the most efficient use of military forces and limited airlift and sealift required to move the military forces. The Analytic Hierarchy Process is employed to develop military unit values that are used as coefficients in a linear program that assigns forces to different regions of the world during crisis decision exercises.
Mindfucking: A Critique of Mental Manipulation

Being surrounded by bullshit is one thing. Having your mind fucked is quite another. The former is irritating, but the latter is violating and intrusive (unless you give your consent). If someone manipulates your thoughts and emotions, messing with your head, you naturally feel resentment: he or she has distorted your perceptions, disturbed your feelings, maybe even usurped your self. Mindfucking is a prevalent aspect of contemporary culture and the agent can range from an individual to a whole state, from personal mind games to wholesale propaganda. In Mindfucking Colin McGinn investigates and clarifies this phenomenon, taking in the ancient Greeks, Shakespeare and modern techniques of thought control. McGinn assembles the conceptual components of this most complex of concepts - trust, deception, emotion, manipulation, false belief, vulnerability - and explores its very nature. Is philosophy, as a discipline, a type of mindfuck, asks McGinn? Is romantic love a species of mindfuck? The essence is psychological upheaval or disorientation, often abetted by the weaknesses of the victim. Jealousy, insecurity and prejudice can aid the mindfuck. Delusion is the general result, sometimes insanity. How mindfucked are you? It's hard to say from the inside, but being aware of the phenomenon offers at least some protection.
Cognition and adherence are self-management factors predicting the quality of life of adults living with a left ventricular assist device

Background There is no empirical study about the context and influence of self-management (SM) factors on quality of life (QOL) among adults with left ventricular assist device (LVADs). The purpose of this study was to close this knowledge gap by: (1) differentiating select SM factors (e.g., cognition) and overall QOL based on LVAD implant durations; (2) examining the relationships among SM factors and QOL variables; and (3) identifying which SM factors predict QOL. Methods An observational study was employed including 87 LVAD patients, ages 20 to 80 years, with mean implant durations of 18.5 ± 15.1 months. Patients completed 1 demographic questionnaire and 6 measures of SM factors (cognition—general and executive function, LVAD self-efficacy, care dependency and adherence) and QOL. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistical procedures. Results There was no significant difference in SM factors and overall QOL by LVAD implant durations. SM factors, including cognitive function, LVAD self-efficacy, and adherence, correlated positively with QOL ( r = 0.35 to 0.48, p r = −0.21, p Conclusions The data inferred that higher level of cognitive function is associated with higher self-efficacy, adherence and greater QOL, whereas lower care dependency is associated with greater QOL. Higher cognitive function and adherence to the LVAD care regimen predicted better QOL outcome. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism by which SM factors influence QOL in adults with long-term LVADs.
Understanding User Reviews of Adolescent Mobile Safety Apps: A Thematic Analysis

With the growing use of mobile smart phones among teens, adolescent online safety is becoming more and more challenging. To overcome this problem, parental control applications have been developed. Yet, no one knows why these apps have very low adoption rates nor if they are effective. To address this problem, we previously conducted a structured analysis of existing adolescent online safety apps. In this paper, we briefly summarize our previous results and introduce our new approach for gaining additional insights from the actual users of these apps. We summarize our methodology for doing this and present the results of an initial thematic analysis of user reviews of adolescent online safety apps.
miR-15a/16 reduces retinal leukostasis through decreased pro-inflammatory signaling

Hyperglycemia is a significant risk factor for diabetic retinopathy and induces increased inflammatory responses and retinal leukostasis, as well as vascular damage. Although there is an increasing amount of evidence that miRNA may be involved in the regulation in the pathology of diabetic retinopathy, the mechanisms by which miRNA mediate cellular responses to control onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy are still unclear. The purpose of our study was to investigate the hypothesis that miR-15a/16 inhibit pro-inflammatory signaling to reduce retinal leukostasis. We generated conditional knockout mice in which miR-15a/16 are eliminated in vascular endothelial cells. For the in vitro work, human retinal endothelial cells (REC) were cultured in normal (5 mM) glucose or transferred to high glucose medium (25 mM) for 3 days. Transfection was performed on REC in high glucose with miRNA mimic (hsa-miR-15a-5p, hsa-miR-16-5p). Statistical analyses were done using unpaired Student t test with two-tailed p value. p < 0.05 was considered significant. Data are presented as mean ± SEM. We demonstrated that high glucose conditions decreased expression of miR-15a/16 in cultured REC. Overexpression of miR-15a/16 with the mimic significantly decreased pro-inflammatory signaling of IL-1β, TNFα, and NF-κB in REC. In vivo data demonstrated that the loss of miR-15a/16 in vascular cells led to increased retinal leukostasis and CD45 levels, together with upregulated levels of IL-1β, TNFα, and NF-κB. The data indicate that miR-15a/16 play significant roles in reducing retinal leukostasis, potentially through inhibition of inflammatory cellular signaling. Therefore, we suggest that miR-15a/16 offer a novel potential target for the inhibition of inflammatory mediators in diabetic retinopathy.
Tensegrity-inspired polymer nanocomposites

Abstract Investigating the design space available in nanofilled polymers is expected to produce materials with unique structure-property relationships. In this work, the concept of tensegrity is used as inspiration for microstructural design. Tensegrity is an elegant and efficient structural design, relying upon interactions between elements, specifically elements in compression which are connected through a tensioned web. In this embodiment, the nanoparticles are considered the compressive elements, and the polymer matrix, when suitably processed, is considered the tensioned web. Nanocomposite materials containing polymer-decorated hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were used to evaluate the tensegrity-inspired approach. Nanocomposite systems with a semi-crystalline matrix (polyethylene oxide) and an amorphous matrix (polymethyl methacrylate) were prepared and characterized with compatible polymer-decorated nanoparticles. The results showed that the nanocomposite with a semi-crystalline matrix was more promising as a candidate for producing the tensegrity-inspired microstructure and that the concept could produce improved thermomechanical properties in the glassy temperature regime.
Phase Space Kappa Distributions With Potential Energy

This chapter presents the theory, formulations, and properties of the kappa distributions that describe particle systems characterized by a nonzero potential energy. Among others, we investigate: (1) the phase space kappa distribution of the Hamiltonian given by the sum of the velocity-dependent kinetic energy and the position-dependent potential energy; (2) the derived two marginal distributions of the phase space distribution, that is, the distribution of the velocity (or kinetic energy) after integrating over the position, and the distribution of the position after integrating over the velocity; (3) the mean kinetic energy, that is, the kinetic definition of temperature, in the presence of a positional potential energy, showing that is the same as in the absence of the potential energy; (4) the degeneration of the kappa index in the presence of a potential energy; (5) the generic formulation of the phase space and positional kappa distributions for positive and negative potentials; (6) the specific two main attractive power law potentials, i.e., the positive potential with positive power law exponent (oscillator type) and the negative potential with negative power law exponent (gravitational type); (7) distributions for potentials with both positive and negative values; (8) gravitational potentials, e.g., the linear gravitational potential and the barometric formula, the spherical gravitational potential, the virial theorem, and the Jeans radius; (9) the local distributions, namely, the kappa distribution of velocity, the density, temperature, and thermal pressure, all expressed as functions of the position; and (10) potentials, depending on the velocity, may cause anisotropic velocity kappa distributions. These developments allow the researcher to describe any particle population of space, geophysical, laboratory, or other plasmas that are subject to a nonnegligible potential energy.
Rapid Detection of Staphylococcus aureus and Related Species Isolated from Food, Environment, Cosmetics, a Medical Device, and Clinical Samples Using the VITEK MS Microbial Identification System.

Staphylococcus spp. is considered as one of the most common human-pathogenic bacteria, causing illnesses ranging from nonthreatening skin infections to lethal diseases, including sepsis, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and food poisoning. The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains has increased morbidity and mortality and resulted in a major healthcare burden worldwide. Single and multilocus sequence typing have been extensively used in the identification of Staphylococcus species. Nevertheless, these assays are relatively time-consuming and require high-quality DNA. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight has been used recently for the rapid identification of several bacterial species. In this study, we have examined 47 Staphylococcus isolates recovered from food, environment, clinical samples, cosmetic products, and a medical device and 3 American Type Culture Collection Staphylococcus reference isolates using bioMerieux VITEK MS and VITEK 2 systems to determine isolate identity. Sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was performed to confirm and compare the species identification data generated by VITEK 2 and VITEK MS systems. Although the VITEK 2 system could not identify one of the isolates, VITEK MS identified all 50 Staphylococcus spp. isolates tested. Results of this study clearly suggest that VITEK MS can be used in the rapid identification of Staphylococcus isolates of public health importance.
Design for Inclusivity: Meaningful Collaboration with Differences

The ubiquitous availability of the internet for global networking has made collaborating by differences necessary. This is challenging because of the human history of tribal organizations. In this paper we draw from our 45 years of personal and professional journey together to elicit the skills that have helped us to successfully engage across racial, cultural, and academic differences. It required designing new rules of social and academic engagement that changed how we related with the “other”. We rely on these techniques daily to inform us on how to facilitate collaboration in any situation capitalizing on the diversity of thought, body, experience, belief, and/or training while focusing on the similarity of our journey.
The Security Problems of Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) and Proposed Solutions in Securing their Operations.

The successful deployment of vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) has to overcome the serious security threats which impair the operation of different vehicular applications. This paper presents the vulnerabilities of vehicular ad hoc networks and analyzes some of the security problems inherent in VANETs and also presents proposed solutions to overcome some of the vulnerabilities and security problems.
A Quality Improvement Educational Intervention to Increase Knowledge of Cardiogastroenterology Amongst Medical Trainees and Nursing Staff.

Introduction The American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy recommends continuing aspirin prior to routine endoscopy. National data show that few endoscopists follow the current guidelines due ...
Informed trading in public debt markets

This study examines the occurrence of informed trading in public debt issued by companies in the United States. I find that earnings surprises are positively associated with bond price changes prior to the release of financial report data to the public, for firms with non-investment-grade ratings. Additionally, I find that the effect appears to be driven by firms with publicly traded equity. Evidence further indicates an increase in trading activity during the time window between report period end date and filing date, for firms with larger earnings surprises.
Pulmonary Comorbidity in Lung Cancer

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is caused by many disorders that affect the pulmonary vasculature. A recent study has provided evidence that pulmonary vascular remodeling and PH can be observed in lung cancer, and this may be associated with tumor cell–immune cell inflammatory crosstalk. These findings highlight the pressing need to understand better and manage pulmonary vascular comorbidities in lung cancer.
Developing content for an interprofessional training on fear of cancer recurrence (FCR): Key informant interviews of healthcare professionals, researchers and cancer survivors.

ABSTRACTBackground: Growing numbers of cancer survivors are receiving healthcare through primary care practitioners, who often lack cancer-specific expertise to effectively treat survivors’ concerns. Addressing that gap, this study aimed to develop content for a training on fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), a common concern in survivorship. Methods: Grounded in naturalistic inquiry, 42 key-informant interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed for themes. Participants were healthcare professionals, researchers, and cancer survivors Results: Results included themes ranging from: rich conceptualizations of FCR, opportunities and challenges for addressing FCR in healthcare settings, interventions to address FCR, and important information to include in a training on FCR. Conclusions: This paper provides content for an interprofessional training and highlights the importance of developing trainings for interprofessional teams, given identified barriers that physicians face in addressing FCR and other ps...
An Electrified Nation: A Review of Study Scenarios and Future Analysis Needs for the United States

Historically, the term electrification has meant providing electricity to customers who lack access to electric infrastructure. From the earliest urban electric services in the 1890s to the electrification era in rural America from the 1930s to the 1950s, access to electricity drastically improved quality of life, including thermal comfort, hygiene, food availability, illumination, mobility, commerce, communication, and entertainment. As a result of these early electrification efforts, almost all U.S. homes are fully or partially electrified, with notable exceptions in some Native American and Alaska Native communities.
What Can the Slim Initiative in Genomic Medicine for the Americas (SIGMA) Contribute to Preventing, Treating, or Decreasing the Impact of Diabetes among Mexicans and Latin Americans?

In this commentary I set aside the potentially fruitful question of whether social scientists should be open to or reject genetic conceptions of race in research that purports to contribute to improving health and reducing health inequalities. I address instead the science underlying one such research endeavor: the Slim Initiative in Genomic Medicine for the Americas (SIGMA), which triggered the current debate. I argue that SIGMA, like similar studies, has nothing to add to current knowledge about how to prevent, treat, or decrease inequalities pertaining to common diseases such as diabetes, and that therefore there is no social value in pursuing them. I also engage conceptual problems with the notions of “genetic predisposition” and “heritability,” both of which I have discussed in detail elsewhere. The basic thrust of my argument is that (1) the nonadditive and developmental nature of complex phenotypes like diabetes precludes the empirical identification of whatever may be meant by “predisposing gene variants” and (2) heritability measures are useful only for selective breeding and therefore of no relevance to research in human health. I conclude that identifying genes presumed to “predispose” individuals or populations to diabetes and other common diseases is a fruitless enterprise, whether “predisposed” populations are organized around race or any other category.
Market Reactions to the Inclusion of People with Disabilities. Evidence for the Business Case

This study provides evidence of the business case for people with disabilities in the business context from the standpoint of market reactions to organization’s behaviors. Evidence of actions from ...
The Dependency of Influx Across the Blood-Brain Barrier on Blood Flow and the Apparent Flow-Independence of Glucose Influx During Stress

The major functions of the blood circulating through microvascular beds are to: 1) delivery nutrients, blood-borne messengers, and immunoactive materials to the surrounding cells and 2) remove locally produced metabolites, hormones, toxic substances, and heat from the tissue. Useful changes in blood flow through local microvascular networks would be expected to be linked to alterations in one or more of these delivery and/or removal needs (luxury perfusion — often observed following severe ischemia or stroke — is a condition in which blood flow apparently greatly exceeds tissue need and is an example of a seemingly useless or “futile” change in blood flow).
Historical Observations on European Archaeology

In the second half of the nineteenth century, prehistoric archaeology came into existence in Europe (Daniel 1964:9). Since then numerous excavations have been conducted, thousands of publications covering various topics have been published, and new theories and methods have been applied to archaeological research. From a small number of pioneering scholars the profession has grown to include the thousands of men and women who are responsible for the present standing of archaeology in Europe. Unfortunately histories of archaeology do not treat all archaeologists equally. Each archaeologist writing the history of the field chooses his/her examples of events and personalities, so a totally unbiased perspective does not exist. Most archaeologists would agree that Marija Gimbutas (1921–1994) was a famous archaeologist (Milisauskas 2000); however, in Trigger’s (1989), A History of Archaeological Thought, she was not included. A list of archaeologists associated with greatness may be quite different in England from one in Russia.
High prevalence of undetected vitamin D deficiency in an urban minority primary care practice.

Objectives To assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among patients in an inner-city practice with a large African American population, and to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin D replacement as part of routine care. Methods A chart review was undertaken to identify patients aged 18 years and more with at least one 25-hydroxyvitamin D level. When patients were found to be deficient (vitamin D Results A total of 369 (65%) out of 570 patients were found to be vitamin D deficient, and 253 were treated with ergocalciferol or vitamin D supplements. For patients deficient at baseline and treated with vitamin D supplementation (n = 253), significant differences were found between baseline and follow-up vitamin D levels (f(i,i20] = 11.56, p Conclusions The results of this study show that there is a very high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in an urban, mostly African American population. This can be readily improved with the addition of oral vitamin D. The study also suggests that routine vitamin D screening may be helpful for the detection and treatment of vitamin D deficiency, especially in urban minority populations.
Development, testing and maintenance of Android apps: challenges, tools, and future directions

Mobile devices have become a permanent fixture in modern society. As such, it is of critical importance that the mobile development process is made as frictionless as possible to facilitate the creation of high-quality apps for end users. This keynote offers a brief introduction to mobile development paradigms, surveys the major categories of research conducted to date towards improving mobile software engineering, examines open challenges, and outlines a roadmap of future work aimed to support mobile developers.
A comparison of the effects of vicariously instigated classical conditioning and direct classical conditioning procedures.

Two groups of Ss received either two or 16 paired classical conditioning trials beyond the peak CR. A third group received the same stimuli as in the 16 postpeak condition but in an unpaired and random order. The stimuli in all three groups were delivered directly to S. Subsequently, all three groups, including a fourth which was not given any prior direct classical conditioning, were exposed to vicariously instigated classical conditioning. This consisted of havingS observe someone (model) employed byE who received the same CS as was delivered during direct conditioning. The CS was paired with the feigned arm movement of the model, simulating a reaction to shock. This vicarious classical conditioning procedure when compared to direct classical conditioning resulted in smaller GSR magnitudes for both the CRs and UCRs. Previous experience with direct classical conditioning seems to have had an attenuating effect on GSR magnitude during the vicarious situation. A postexperimental questionnaire tended to support the results, and the relationship between the present study and current classical conditioning theory is discussed.
Constraining Rivals: The Effect of State-Mandated Facility Requirements on the Locations and Sizes of Funeral Homes

Thirty-four states require death-care firms that specialize in low-cost cremations to have embalming rooms, despite the fact that such firms have no use for them. Many states also require death-care firms to have chapels and casket display rooms. We test whether such requirements affect funeral markets where critics of the regulations claim they do the most harm by artificially suppressing the number of small funeral homes. We focus on Arizona and Florida because Arizona imposes more demanding facility requirements on funeral homes and cremation specialists than Florida does. We present evidence that Arizona’s more extensive facility requirements reduce the number of very small funeral homes and prevent them from locating in shopping centers; these requirements also increase funeral prices. These increasingly antiquated laws have created thousands of dormant embalming rooms across the country and have increased consumer costs while providing few if any discernible benefits.
Axon Guidance Molecules Implicated in Early-Onset Obesity.

Maternal nutritional status and the early growth rates of offspring influence the development of the melanocortin system and later susceptibility to metabolic dysregulation, but it is difficult to assess causality. A recent study by van der Klaauw et al. (Cell 2019;176:729–742) provides direct evidence that disrupting systems regulating neuronal circuit formation leads to early-onset obesity in zebrafish, mouse, and humans.
Development of a Pre-college Program for Foster Youth: Opportunities and Challenges of Program Implementation

The research on the challenges experienced by youth transitioning from foster care to college has expanded exponentially over the last 10 years. More recently, the growth of college programs to serve this population has also received attention in the literature. However, there is a dearth of literature specifically on pre-college programs that prepare youth for college. Using a case study approach, this article will review a pre-college summer program designed specifically for youth transitioning from foster care, the National Social Work Enrichment Program (NSEP). Key program components will be reviewed, along with opportunities and challenges of program implementation that may be considered by others who formulate similar programs.
A Survey of Neurological Surgery Residency Program Mentorship Practices Compared to Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Resident Outcome Data.

Mentorship can be a powerful and life-altering experience during residency training, but there are few articles discussing mentorship models within neurosurgery. In this study, we surveyed US neurosurgical department mentorship practices and linked them to resident outcomes from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), including resident survey responses, board pass rates, and scholarly activity. A 19-question survey was conducted from October to December 2017 with the assistance of the Society of Neurological Surgeons. De-identified data were then obtained from the ACGME and correlated to these results. Out of 110 programs, 80 (73%) responded to the survey and gave informed consent. The majority (65%) had a formal mentorship program and assigned mentor relationships based on subspecialty or research interest. Barriers to mentorship were identified as time and faculty/resident "buy-in." Mentorship programs established for 5 or more years had superior resident ACGME outcomes, such as board pass rates, survey results, and scholarly activity. There was not a significant difference in ACGME outcomes among programs with formal or informal/no mentorship model (P = .17). Programs that self-identified as having an "unsuccessful" mentorship program had significant increases in overall negative resident evaluations (P = .02). Programs with well-established mentorship programs were found to have superior ACGME resident survey results, board pass rates, and more scholarly activity. There was not a significant difference among outcomes and the different models of formal mentorship practices. Barriers to mentorship, such as time and faculty/resident "buy-in," are identified.
Explainable Artificial Intelligence for Neuroscience: Behavioral Neurostimulation

The use of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning in basic research and clinical neuroscience is increasing. AI methods enable the interpretation of large multimodal datasets that can provide unbiased insights into the fundamental principles of brain function, potentially paving the way for earlier and more accurate detection of brain disorders and better informed intervention protocols. Despite AI’s ability to create accurate predictions and classifications, in most cases it lacks the ability to provide a mechanistic understanding of how inputs and outputs relate to each other. Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) is a new set of techniques that attempts to provide such an understanding, here we report on some of these practical approaches. We discuss the potential value of XAI to the field of neurostimulation for both basic scientific inquiry and therapeutic purposes, as well as, outstanding questions and obstacles to the success of the XAI approach.
Preliminary evaluation of the VIsion PERformance (VIPER) simulator

This study evaluated the VIsion PERformance (VIPER) simulator’s ability to assess the functional visual performance in warfighters conducting civilian and military tasks. Thirty service members, aged 25–35 years old with a best corrected distance visual acuity (VA) better than or equal to 20/20 or logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) 0.00, were randomized to locate and identify road signs and mock improvised explosive devices (IEDs) under either daytime conditions or with infrared imagery, with (cc) and without (sc) wearing their habitual correction. Participants also underwent binocular uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) visual assessment, refraction, contrast sensitivity testing and wavefront aberrometry. The mean age was 28.47 years. The manifest spherical equivalent was − 3.16 ± 1.75 diopters (D), the UDVA in both eyes (OU) was logMAR 0.83 ± 0.47, and the CDVA OU was − 0.11 ± 0.06. For VIPER, the mean difference in the detection distance (DD) for road signs ccDD vs. scDD was 76.7 ± 52.8 m (P < 0.001). The average difference in identification distance (ID) ccID vs. scID was 13.9 ± 6.3 m (P < 0.001). The mean accuracies were 83.5 and 27.9% for cc and sc, respectively (P < 0.001). The regression analysis indicated that a 1.6 m change in the distance accounts for a 1% change in the accuracy (P = 0.002). Without correction, a 4.1 m change accounts for a 1% change in the accuracy (P < 0.001). The average IED ccDD was 29.9 ± 8.2 m, and that for scDD was 13.2 ± 13.6 m (P < 0.001). The average IED ccID was 32.2 ± 6.2 m and that for the scID was 7.4 ± 10.3 m (P < 0.001). The mean IED identification accuracy was 46.7 and 11.4% for cc and sc, respectively (P < 0.001). The preliminary results reflect VIPER’s ability to assess functional visual performance when detecting and identifying signs and IEDs. Furthermore, VIPER is able to detect performance changes with and without correction.
Next Lives Here: Forging Academia–Industry Partnerships in Analytics at the University of Cincinnati

In 2018, the Department of Operations, Business Analytics, and Information Systems (OBAIS) in the Carl H. Lindner College of Business at the University of Cincinnati (UC) celebrated its 50th annive...
Relationship between the 5'UTR of vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphism and retinopathy of prematurity in Chinese premature newborns.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms and Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) development in preterm infants of China Han ethnic population. METHODS VEGF gene promoter polymorphisms (-165C/T and -141A/C) were studied in 54 neonates with ROP but not requiring treatment (regressive ROP group), 48 neonates with ROP that requires cryotherapy/photocoagulation (severe ROP group), and in a control group of 62 preterm infants without ROP. Genotyping for VEGF gene promoter was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gene sequencing. RESULTS In this study, -165C/T genotype was found to be associated with severe ROP (P=0.012<0.05), but not with regressive ROP. For the dominant genetic model, subjects carrying the -165T allele had a decreased risk of ROP compared to those non-carrying the -165C allele in both regressive ROP regressive group and severe ROP group, and especially in severe ROP group (in regressive ROP group: OR=2.069, 95% CI=0.986-4.340; in severe ROP group: OR=3.677, 95% CI=1.339-10.099). For the allelic model, comparing the A allele to the C allele, the -165C/T site also showed a decreased risk of ROP in both regressive ROP group and severe ROP group (in regressive ROP group: OR=2.395, 95% CI=1.112-5.157; in severe ROP group: OR=4.258, 95% CI=1.518-11.945). In -141A/C genotypes and alleles were found not to be associated with severe ROP or regressive ROP. Linkage disequilibrium analysis revealed -165C/T and -141A/C were a strong linkage disequilibrium, and haplotype analysis revealed that T-165C-141 haplotype was associated with resistance to severe ROP but C-165A-141 haplotype was associated with risk to severe ROP. No statistically significant differences were observed in regressive ROP group. CONCLUSION VEGF -165C/T SNP is associated with ROP especial in severe ROP. VEGF -141A/C SNP is not associated with ROP. T-165C-141 and C-165A-141 haplotypes may have a role in severe ROP.
Unified Sequential Optimization Directives in OpenMP

OpenMP began as a mechanism to support portability of shared-memory, loop-level parallelization via directives. OpenMP has become widely popular due to the high value that users place on portability. Its original motivation has justified additions to its specification to support SIMD parallelism and, as has been adopted for OpenMP 5.1, directives for common loop optimizations such as tiling and unrolling.
Online interest in surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia using Google trends

Online health information-seeking behavior has increased over the past 15 years; however, little is known about the online interest for surgical treatment of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. We used Google Trends to evaluate online interest for various surgical procedures for benign prostatic hyperplasia in the US and worldwide. Transurethral resection of the prostate, photoselective vaporization of the prostate, Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate, Urolift, and Rezum were selected as search terms of interest within Google Trends. Google Trends normalizes the popularity of search terms on a 0–100 scale. ANOVA and the average rate of change in popularity scores were conducted from July 2015 to February 2019. From 2004 to 2019, online interest in transurethral resection of the prostate and photoselective vaporization of the prostate remained stable in the US and worldwide; meanwhile, there was an upward trend for Urolift and Rezum. There was a statistically significant increase in the online interest for Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate in the US and worldwide; however, the mean popularity score was significantly higher worldwide. A shift in online interest towards minimally invasive surgical therapies for benign prostatic hyperplasia was demonstrated in the US and worldwide and parallels clinical practice patterns, such as HoLEP and Urolift surgical volumes in Indiana and Australia, respectively. Google Trends can be used in real-time to gauge online interest for surgical procedures and help guide physician–patient counseling.
The Association Between Very Premature Infant Body Temperatures Over Time and Respiratory Care.

Background:Due to global immaturity, very low birthweight (VLBW) infants (<1,500 g) require auxiliary thermal and respiratory care. However, the impact of respiratory care on infant thermal stabili...
Proposed Grading System for Posterior Atlantooccipital Membrane Complex Injuries on Cervical Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background The posterior atlantooccipital membrane complex consists of the posterior atlantooccipital membrane and posterior atlantoaxial membrane. Posttraumatic, posterior atlantooccipital membrane complex injuries may have varied appearances on cervical magnetic resonance imaging. The purpose of this study was to identify the different types of posterior atlantooccipital membrane complex injuries that occur in trauma patients. Methods Patients who suffered a posterior atlantooccipital membrane complex injury were identified retrospectively using key word searches of cervical magnetic resonance imaging reports between 2013 and 2020 using Nuance mPower software. All relevant imaging studies were reviewed by 2 neuroradiologists. A description of the location and type of posterior atlantooccipital membrane complex injury was recorded, along with additional osteoligamentous trauma of the craniocervical junction and relevant clinical history. Results Forty-one patients were identified with acute posterior atlantooccipital membrane complex injury. Four distinct patterns of posterior atlantooccipital membrane complex injury were observed. Conclusions A grading system for posterior atlantooccipital membrane complex injuries is proposed on the basis of these data: grade 1—edema confined to the posterior atlantooccipital and atlantoaxial membrane; grade 2—edema confined to the posterior atlantooccipital and atlantoaxial membrane and ligamentum nuchae; grade 3—stripping injury of the posterior atlantooccipital membrane with C1-C2 dorsal epidural hematoma; and grade 4—frank disruption of the posterior atlantooccipital membrane at C1 with edema in the remaining posterior atlantooccipital membrane complex.