cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of relationship between obesity and blood pressure in the children and adolescents

Objective To investigate the relationship between obesity and blood pressure in children and adolescents in order to provide evidence for early prevention and intervention for the cardiovascular disease. Method 4 841 7~17year old children and adolescents were selected in Qingdao from National Student Physical Fitness and Health survey in 2010,for the study.We used the chi-square test,standard deviation method and multivariate logistic regression analysis for analysis according to overweight and obesity screening standards and blood pressure reference standard of children and adolescent in China. Results Overweight and obesity detection rate of 7~17year old students in Qingdao was 15.37% and 11.59%,respectively.Rate of boys was higher than girls.High blood pressure detection rate was 30.4%,and the rate of boys was higher than girls.The rate in urban was higher than in rural.Blood pressure Z-score in descending order were obese group,overweight,normal weight group.BMI in the high blood pressure group 20.58±4.42was higher than the normal group18.85±3.47.Multivariate analysis showed that urban and rural areas,gender,age and BMI were the influencing factors of blood pressure. Conclusion High blood pressure detection rate in Qingdao was higher than which in Shandong province.Older urban obese boys had high probability of hypertension occurrence.
Corneal keratocyte apoptosis following topical intraoperative mitomycin C in rabbits.

PURPOSE: To determine the soaking duration and concentration effect of mitomycin C (MMC) on the corneal keratocyte following single intraoperative application. METHODS: Two hundred ten pigmented rabbit eyes underwent mechanical epithelium debridement of the central 10-mm cornea followed by soaking of six different solutions: MMC1A: 0.01% MMC × 1 minute; MMC1B: 0.01% MMC × 2 minutes; MMC2A: 0.02% MMC × 1 minute; MMC2B: 0.02% MM × 2 minutes; BSS1: balanced salt solution (BSS) × 1 minute; and BSS2: BSS × 2 minutes. Thirty-five eyes were allocated into each group. Changes of the central corneal thickness, corneal clarity score, and keratocyte apoptosis were examined on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 14. RESULTS: A significant increase of central corneal thickness and corneal clarity score was noted in all MMC treated group. The central corneal thickness recovered to its baseline level whereas the corneal clarity score remained increased at 2 weeks. The changes were more significant in MMC2 than in MMC1 corneas. However, changes of central corneal thickness and corneal clarity score were more significant in MMC1B than in MMC1A, whereas no difference was noted between MMC2A and MMC2B. Significantly higher stromal keratocyte loss and keratocyte apoptosis, from superficial to deep corneal stroma, was noted in MMC1 and MMC2 groups up to 14 days postoperatively, in a soaking duration and dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Single application of MMC on the corneal surface caused soaking concentration and duration dependent corneal edema and keratocyte apoptosis in this rabbit model.
Studying Genital Coevolution to Understand Intromittent Organ Morphology

Male intromittent organs are exceedingly diverse, yet we know comparatively little about female genital diversity. However, the most direct mechanical interaction between males and females occurs during copulation, and therefore, genital coevolution is expected to be widespread. This means that diversification of male structures must influence diversity of female genital features and vice versa. As we expand our understanding of coevolutionary interactions between the sexes, we need to expand our knowledge of three basic areas: First, we need quantitative data, on morphological variation of female genitalia. Second, we need to study the mechanics of copulatory interactions, and third, we need to use this understanding to determine which features of genital morphology are under selection, and how their variable morphology and function may affect fitness. Though studying coevolution is certainly difficult, this knowledge is crucial to our understanding of diversity in morphology of the male intromittent organ.
Malpractice: future shock of the 1980s.

Once the therapeutic relationship is established, a client acquires certain rights and the social worker certain duties. If these duties are breached due to negligence, and the client is damaged in...
@Size vs. #Impact: Social Media Engagement Differences Amongst Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

To say social media is popular amongst online users vastly understates the sheer volume of social media activity that takes place on a daily basis. For instance, the users of Facebook, the largest social media site in terms of size and activity, generate more than 2.5 billion items of new content per day, including over 250 million photos, and 10 billion instant messages sent between users (Facebook 2013). On the surface, Facebook users also appear to be highly engaged with the platform. According to Ajmera (2013), 26 % of Facebook’s 1.36 billion users check their account more than five times a day. While Facebook remains the most popular site across nearly all demographics, Twitter (285 million) and Instagram (150 million) are the second and third largest social networking sites, respectively (Pew Research 2013). However, despite their smaller size, Twitter and Instagram have recently overtaken Facebook in purchase decision influence for the teen and young adult demographic (Pipar, Jaffary, and Company 2013). In fact, Instagram, the smallest of the three major social media sites in terms of size, was the most influential.
Six Years of Experience with Peritonitis in a CAP D Program

This paper updates previous reports from the University of Missouri and summarizes six years of experience in diagnosing and treating peritonitis at this center. The incidence of peritonitis remain...
Translating landfill methane generation parameters among first-order decay models.

ABSTRACTLandfill gas (LFG) generation is predicted by a first-order decay (FOD) equation that incorporates two parameters: a methane generation potential (L0) and a methane generation rate (k). Because non-hazardous waste landfills may accept many types of waste streams, multiphase models have been developed in an attempt to more accurately predict methane generation from heterogeneous waste streams. The ability of a single-phase FOD model to predict methane generation using weighted-average methane generation parameters and tonnages translated from multiphase models was assessed in two exercises. In the first exercise, waste composition from four Danish landfills represented by low-biodegradable waste streams was modeled in the Afvalzorg Multiphase Model and methane generation was compared to the single-phase Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Waste Model and LandGEM. In the second exercise, waste composition represented by IPCC waste components was modeled in the multiphase IPCC and compar...
Plastic Compression of Rectangular Blocks Between Two Parallel Platens

Hill’s analysis for compression of a long rectangular strip was modified so that the analysis is applicable to the compression of a rectangular block having any length-width ratio. The predictions were compared with experimental results obtained with annealed pure aluminium in terms of load-displacement relationships, changes in specimen geometry, flowlines, and grid distortions. Also, a comparison was made for the load-displacement curves by the modified analysis and by the sandheap analogy.
Non-Condon nonequilibrium Fermi’s golden rule rates from the linearized semiclassical method

The nonequilibrium Fermi’s golden rule describes the transition between a photoexcited bright donor electronic state and a dark acceptor electronic state, when the nuclear degrees of freedom start out in a nonequilibrium state. In a previous paper [X. Sun and E. Geva, J. Chem. Theory Comput. 12, 2926 (2016)], we proposed a new expression for the nonequilibrium Fermi’s golden rule within the framework of the linearized semiclassical approximation and based on the Condon approximation, according to which the electronic coupling between donor and acceptor is assumed constant. In this paper we propose a more general expression, which is applicable to the case of non-Condon electronic coupling. We test the accuracy of the new non-Condon nonequilibrium Fermi’s golden rule linearized semiclassical expression on a model where the donor and acceptor potential energy surfaces are parabolic and identical except for shifts in the equilibrium energy and geometry, and the coupling between them is linear in the nuclear coordinates. Since non-Condon effects may or may not give rise to conical intersections, both possibilities are examined by considering the following: (1) A modified Garg-Onuchic-Ambegaokar model for charge transfer in the condensed phase, where the donor-acceptor coupling is linear in the primary-mode coordinate, and for which non-Condon effects do not give rise to a conical intersection; (2) the linear vibronic coupling model for electronic transitions in gas phase molecules, where non-Condon effects give rise to conical intersections. We also present a comprehensive comparison between the linearized semiclassical expression and a progression of more approximate expressions, in both normal and inverted regions, and over a wide range of initial nonequilibrium states, temperatures, and frictions.
Presidential address: contributions of the group psychotherapist to education on the psychiatric unit: teaching through group dynamics.

ABSTRACTGroup dynamics are the elements that make group psychotherapy unique. When applied to the inpatient group, they illuminate various aspects of milieu treatment. Because of this linkage, the therapy group can be used to educate trainees about (1) systems dynamics on the psychiatric unit and their administrative implications, (2) the vicissitudes of the patient's treatment alliance with the hospital staff, and (3) the psychodynamics of severe psychopathology. In the group, individual defensive operations stand out with special clarity. Their expression is fueled by the group's dynamics. Here, internal object relations are reenacted and the defense of projective identification becomes vivid. The focus of this paper is not on the teaching of group psychotherapy itself, but rather on the use of this modality for the general training of future professionals.
Monoamine Metabolites in Rett Syndrome

Cerebral metabolites of noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin, y-aminobutyric acid, and 23 amino acids were present in normal concentrations in the CSF of 5 girls with Rett syndrome studied in the Depts of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and Dept of Paediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Data-oriented abstraction of virtual sensors for energy-aware embedded software systems

We analyze the computing and communications as incorporated in networked objects (IoT): such as sensors, with focus on the performance and QoS aspects (e.g., latency of sensor data delivery to end-user). We advocate the offloading of complex computational tasks from the field-deployed low-capability sensor devices to cloud-based remote machines when feasible. In addition to the improved latency performance, the offloading of complex sensor tasks lowers the energy consumption of sensor devices. A key element of our IoT system architecture is the use of layered sensing techniques to determine the offloading of sensor tasks and the network transfer of sensor data. The computational cycles expended and network data transfer overhead vis-a-vis the energy consumption incurred therein, are factored in the partitioning of sensor tasks. Given the large-dimensionality of sensor input data, our architecture incorporates the accuracy and timeliness of sensor outputs as the controllable application-level quality parameters. The paper describes a case study of Optical Character Recognition to corroborate our approach.
Useful to Usable: Developing Usable Climate Science for Agriculture

Abstract The Useful to Usable (U2U) project was a six-year research and extension project funded by the United States Department of Agriculture to provide both useful and usable climate information for the agricultural (corn) sector in the Midwestern United States. The project adopted an extensive co-production of knowledge and decision-making approach that involved intense iteration with potential end-users, including farmers and a variety of professional agricultural advisors, through focus groups and surveys, feedback at outreach events, and frequent informal interactions to develop both decision support tools and delivery mechanisms that met stakeholder needs. This overview paper for this special issue illustrates some key ways that the co-production process informed the overall project. Subsequent papers in the special issue span the different objectives of the U2U project, including social, climate, and agronomic sciences. A brief overview of these papers is presented here.
Foreign Government Support for Threatened Civil Societies: Helpful or Harmful?

In recent years, the United States and other democracies have developed new programmes to support civil society in other countries. These programmes are often justified by real threats that independent non-governmental organizations, civic associations, and social movements face from authoritarian governments. However, little effort has gone into analysing whether external aid helps or harms local civil societies. This chapter explores and critiques American programmes that support threatened civil society abroad. In the light of current knowledge about how civil societies function and flourish, the chapter questions both the practical impact of these programmes and the justifications offered for them. It also tackles the important policy issue that remains: when governments threaten political and religious groups in other countries, what is the most helpful response that foreign governments can make?
Electrolytic conductance in plasticized polystyrene

This paper reports results of a study of the conductance of (n-Bu) 4 NSC Ν in a 80:20 (weight) solution of polystyrene:diphenylmethane (PS:DPM) as a function of electrolyte concentration, temperature, and applied field strength.
Monsters and babies from the first/IRAS survey

Radio continuum emission at cm wavelengths is relatively little affected by extinction. When combined with far-infrared (FIR) surveys this provides for a convenient and unbiased method to select (radio-loud) AGN and starbursts deeply embedded in gas and dust-rich galaxies. Such radio-selected FIR samples are useful for detailed investigations of the complex relationships between (radio) galaxy and starburst activity, and to determine whether ULIRGs are powered by hidden quasars (monsters) or young stars (babies). We present the results of a large program to obtain identifications and spectra of radio-sleected, optically faint IRAS/FSC objects using the FIRST/VLA 20 cm survey (Becker, White and Helfand 1995). These objects are all radio-'quiet' in the sense that their radio power/FIR luminosities follow the well-known radio/FIR relationship for star forming galaxies. We compare these results to a previous study by our group of a sample of radio-'loud' IRAS/FSC ULIRGs selected from the Texas 365 MHz survey (Douglas et al. 1996). Many of these objects also show evidence for dominant, A-type stellar populations, as well as high ionization lines usually associated with AGN. These radio-loud ULIRGs have properties intermediate between those of starbursts and quasars, suggesting a possibile evolutionary connection. Deep Keck spectroscopic observations of three ULIRGsmore » from these samples are presented, including high signal-to-noise spectropolarimetry. The polarimetry observations failed to show evidence of a hidden quasar in polarized (scattered) light in the two systems in which the stellar light was dominated by A-type stars. Although observations of a larger sample would be needed to allow a general conclusion, our current data suggest that a large fraction of ULIRGs may be powered by luminous starbursts, not by hidden, luminous AGN (quasars). While we used radio-selected FIR sources to search for evidence of a causal AGN/starburst connection, we conclude our presentation with a dramatic example of an AGN/starburst object from an entirely unrelated quasar survey selected at the opposite, blue end of the spectrum.« less
Role of parathyroid hormone-related protein in lung cancer cell survival.

P arathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) has been studied extensively in lung cancer because of its relation to humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy. PTHrP is expressed in more advanced, aggressive tumors, and has effects on apoptosis in many malignant and nonmalignant cells. Thus, it also may play an active role in cancer progression. We investigated the effects of PTHrP on apoptosis in BEN cells, a human squamous lung carcinoma line. Cells at 70% confluency were treated for 24 h with 100 nmol/L PTHrP 1–34, PTHrP 38–64, PTHrP 67–86, PTHrP 107–139, or PTHrP 140–173 in Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium/fetal bovine serum. Cells then were exposed for 30 min to 50 mJ/cm ultraviolet (UV)-B light. The activities of caspases 3, 8, and 9 increased fivefold 24 h after UV exposure. PTHrP 1–34 and PTHrP 140–173 reduced caspase 3 activity after UV exposure (mean [ SE] reduction, 19 4% and 29 7%, respectively), with similar effects on caspases 8 and 9. The two peptides increased cell protein levels, and PTHrP 140–173 augmented clonal survival after UV exposure. Other peptides had no effects. PTHrP 140–173 also reduced the activation of all three caspases after the ligation of Fas by neutralizing antibody, but neither peptide ameliorated the activation of caspases 3 and 9 after staurosporine administration, which elicited a solely mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway. UV light exposure causes Fas clustering, indicating that it initiates a death receptor pathway in BEN cells. In summary, PTHrP 1–34 and PTHrP 140–173 protect against apoptosis in lung cancer cells, as evidenced by reductions in caspase activities and increases in cell survival. The effects are mediated at or upstream of caspase 8. PTHrP protects against mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in other cell types, but, to our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of effects against a death receptor pathway. Protective effects against apoptosis support the hypothesis that PTHrP may contribute to lung cancer cell survival and may promote cancer progression.
Systematic approaches to efficiently produce 2,3-butanediol in a marine cyanobacterium

Cyanobacteria have attracted significant interest as a platform for renewable production of fuel and feedstock chemicals from abundant atmospheric carbon dioxide by way of photosynthesis. While great strides have been made in developing this technology in freshwater cyanobacteria, logistical issues remain in scale-up. Use of the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 (7002) as a chemical production chassis could address a number of these issues given the higher tolerance to salt, light, and heat as well as the fast growth rate of 7002 in comparison to traditional model cyanobacteria such as Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 and Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. However, despite growing interest, the development of genetic engineering tools for 7002 continues to lag behind those available for model cyanobacterial strains. In this work we demonstrate the systematic development of a 7002 production strain for the feedstock chemical 2,3-butanediol (23BD). We expand the range of tools available for use in 7002 by ...
Acute myelogenous leukemia after exposure to strontium-89 for the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the prostate

BACKGROUND Strontium-89 is a pure B-emitting radioactive analogue of calcium that has been shown to be beneficial in the palliation of pain due to osseous metastases from adenocarcinoma of the prostate. The most significant reported toxicity is dose-related, reversible, myelosuppression characterized primarily by thrombocytopenia. METHODS A report of two patients in whom acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) developed after treatment with strontium-89 and a review of the literature are presented. RESULTS The two patients described in the current study developed AML 17 months and 26 months, respectively, after exposure to strontium-89 for the treatment of prostate carcinoma. To the authors' knowledge these patients represent the first two reported cases of AML after strontium-89 therapy for prostate carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study suggest the leukemogenic potential of strontium-89 treatment in humans. To the authors' knowledge, the current study represents the first report of AML after therapeutic exposure to strontium-89. As this agent is used more frequently (and earlier in the disease course) in patients with prostate carcinoma, an increased incidence of secondary AML complicating the clinical management of patients with prostate carcinoma may be observed. [See editorial on pages 497-9, this issue.] Cancer 2000;88:620–4. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
A low noise discrete velocity method for the Boltzmann equation with quantized rotational and vibrational energy

Abstract A discrete velocity method is developed for gas mixtures of diatomic molecules with both rotational and vibrational energy states. A full quantized model is described, and rotation–translation and vibration–translation energy exchanges are simulated using a Larsen–Borgnakke exchange model. Elastic and inelastic molecular interactions are modeled during every simulated collision to help produce smooth internal energy distributions. The method is verified by comparing simulations of homogeneous relaxation by our discrete velocity method to numerical solutions of the Jeans and Landau–Teller equations, and to direct simulation Monte Carlo. We compute the structure of a 1D shock using this method, and determine how the rotational energy distribution varies with spatial location in the shock and with position in velocity space.
Temporal more than spatial regulation of sway is important for posture in response to an ultra-compliant surface.

Background and aim: Many people use balance training as a rehabilitation or habilitation modality. Although the time course of changes to temporal and spatial aspects of postural sway over the init...
Application of Next-Generation Sequencing to Analysis of TGFβ/SMAD4 Targets in Ovarian Cancer

Deregulation of the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling pathway in epithelial ovarian cancer has been reported, but the precise mechanism underlying disrupted TGFβ signaling in the disease remains unclear. We performed chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) to investigate genome-wide screening of TGFβ-induced SMAD4 binding in epithelial ovarian cancer. Following TGFβ stimulation of the A2780 epithelial ovarian cancer cell line, we identified 2,362 SMAD4 binding loci and 318 differentially expressed SMAD4 target genes. Comprehensive examination of SMAD4-bound loci revealed four distinct binding patterns. TGFβ-stimulated SMAD4-bound loci were primarily classified as either Stimulated Only or Shift, indicating that TGFβ stimulation alters SMAD4 binding patterns in epithelial ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, based on gene regulatory network analysis, we determined that the TGFβ-induced, SMAD4-dependent regulatory network was strikingly different in ovarian cancer compared to normal cells. Importantly, the TGFβ/SMAD4 target genes identified in the A2780 epithelial ovarian cancer cell line were predictive of patient survival, based on in silico mining of publically available patient databases. In conclusion, our data highlight the utility of next-generation sequencing technology to identify genome-wide SMAD4 target genes in epithelial ovarian cancer and link aberrant TGFβ/SMAD signaling to ovarian tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the identified SMAD4 binding loci, combined with gene expression profiling and in silico data mining of patient cohorts, may provide a powerful approach to determine potential gene signatures with biological and future translational research in ovarian and other cancers.
Regional differences in the compaction of chromatin in human G0/G1 interphase nuclei

The large-scale structure of chromatin corresponding to G- and R-bands in human G0/G1 interphase nuclei was compared. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to measure the interphase distance between 42 pairs of probes separated by 0.1–1.5Mbp. The probe pairs were derived from 21q22.2 and Xp21.3, G-band positive regions, and from 4p16.3, 6p21.3, and Xq28, R-band positive regions. Distributions of measured interphase distances in all regions approximated a Rayleigh distribution, suggesting that the chromatin follows a random-walk path over this range. A linear correlation of mean-square interphase distance and genomic separation, also indicative of random-walk folding, was observed in all regions. The slope of the correlation observed using probes from G-band regions was systematically lower than that from R-band regions. The difference in the slope between Xp21.3 and Xq28 was particularly striking and was observed in normal fibroblast cells, fixed alternatively with methanol and acetic acid or paraformaldehyde, and HeLa cells. These results demonstrate regional differences in large-scale chromosome structure during interphase, with the more openly configured chromatin corresponding to R-bands.
Perspectives on Chagas Disease in Latin America and the United States

A brief review of the life cycle of T. cruzi and the clinical manifestations and epidemiology of Chagas disease will facilitate an understanding of the public health problem caused by this organism. T. cruzi is a protozoan hemoflagellate that has a complex life cycle involving several parasite stages in hematophagous reduviid bugs and mammalian hosts (1, 2) . Epimastigotes multiply in the midgut of the insect vector and transform to infective insect-derived metacyclic trypomastigotes in the hindgut. Transmission to humans occurs when metacyclic trypomastigotes in bug feces contaminate mucous membranes, conjunctivae or breaks in the skin and enter host macrophages and other cells. There, insect-derived metacyclic trypomastigotes transform into amastigotes, the proliferating form in the mammalian host. After several cycles of intracellular multiplication, amastigotes differentiate into bloodform trypomastigotes, which are then released as the host cell ruptures. Bloodform trypomastigotes penetrate adjacent cells and also spread hematogenously to distant tissues, especially cardiac muscle. After the acute phase of the infection is controlled by immune mechanisms, the parasite persists in low numbers for the life of the host, alternating asynchronously between intracellular amastigotes and circulating bloodform trypomastigotes.
Circulating miRs-183-5p, -206-3p and -381-3p may serve as novel biomarkers for 4,4'-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate exposure.

Background Occupational exposure to the most widely used diisocyanate, 4,4'-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), is a cause of occupational asthma (OA). Early recognition of MDI exposure and sensitization is essential for the prevention of MDI-OA. Objective Identify circulating microRNAs (miRs) as novel biomarkers for early detection of MDI exposure and prevention of MDI-OA. Materials and methods Female BALB/c mice were exposed to one of three exposure regimens: dermal exposure to 1% MDI in acetone; nose-only exposure to 4580 ± 1497 μg/m3 MDI-aerosol for 60 minutes; or MDI dermal exposure/sensitization followed by MDI-aerosol inhalation challenge. Blood was collected and miRCURY™ miRs qPCR Profiling Service was used to profile circulate miRs from dermally exposed mice. Candidate miRs were identified and verified from mice exposed to three MDI-exposure regimens by TaqMan® miR assays. Results Up/down-regulation patterns of circulating mmu-miRs-183-5p, -206-3p and -381-3p were identified and verified. Circulating mmu-miR-183-5p was upregulated whereas mmu-miRs-206-3p and -381-3p were downregulated in mice exposed via all three MDI exposure regimens. Discussion and conclusion Upregulation of circulating miR-183-5p along with downregulation of circulating miRs-206-3p and -381-3p may serve as putative biomarkers of MDI exposure and may be considered as potential candidates for validation in exposed human worker populations.
Preterm neuroimaging and neurodevelopmental outcome: a focus on intraventricular hemorrhage, post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus, and associated brain injury

Intraventricular hemorrhage in the setting of prematurity remains the most common cause of acquired hydrocephalus. Neonates with progressive post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus are at risk for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. The goal of this review is to describe the distinct and often overlapping types of brain injury in the preterm neonate, with a focus on neonatal hydrocephalus, and to connect injury on imaging to neurodevelopmental outcome risk. Head ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging findings are described separately. The current state of the literature is imprecise and we end the review with recommendations for future radiologic and neurodevelopmental research.
Identifying the Patterns of Pattern Recognition Receptors

Intestinal homeostasis requires microbial recognition that results in appropriate responses to commensals and pathogens. In this issue of Immunity, Price et al. (2018) map the in vivo expression of five toll-like receptors (TLR) in intestinal epithelia, revealing distinct spatio-temporal expression patterns that shape responses to TLR ligands.
The Development of Pathways in Palliative Medicine: Definition, Models, Cost and Quality Impact.

Palliative Care and its medical subspecialty, known as Palliative Medicine, is the care of anyone with a serious illness. This emerging field includes Hospice and comfort care, however, it is not limited to end-of-life care. Examples of the types of serious illness that Palliative Medicine clinicians care for include and are not limited to hematologic and oncologic diseases, such as cancer, advanced heart and lung diseases (e.g., congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder), advanced liver and kidney diseases, and advanced neurologic illnesses (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease). In the past decade, there has been tremendous growth of Palliative Medicine programs across the country. As the population of patients with serious illnesses increases, there is growing concentration on quality of care, including symptom management, meeting patients’ goals regarding their medical care and providing various types of support, all of which are provided by Palliative Medicine. In this review article we define Palliative Medicine, describe care pathways and their applicability to Palliative Medicine, identify different models for Palliative Care and provide evidence for its impact on cost and quality of care.
Autism severity, co-occurring psychopathology, and intellectual functioning predict supportive school services for youth with autism spectrum disorder:

Supportive school services are a primary service modality for youth with autism spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum disorder, as well as co-occurring psychiatric symptoms and low intellectual abilities, interfere with academic achievement and therefore influence decisions about school services. Therefore, we examined the association of parent, teacher, and clinician ratings of autism spectrum disorder and co-occurring psychiatric symptom severity and intellectual functioning with school services. In total, 283 youth with autism spectrum disorder were assessed with clinical evaluation via the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and parent and teacher versions of the CASI-4R (Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory). Full Scale Intelligence Quotient scores were obtained from case records. Clinical and teacher evaluations of autism spectrum disorder severity predicted services and were more strongly associated with school services than parent ratings. Teacher ratings were only associated with common school services (e.g. speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, and/or social skills training) frequency at medium and high levels of clinician-rated autism spectrum disorder severity. Higher IQ and parent-rated externalizing symptoms predicted lower likelihood of receiving school services, whereas internalizing symptoms were not predictive of school services. Autism spectrum disorder symptoms may overshadow externalizing and internalizing symptoms when considering school service supports. Results highlight the importance of evaluating autism spectrum disorder severity via multiple sources, especially in cases of unclear symptom presentation, when examining correlates of school services for youth with autism spectrum disorder.
Use of Liquid Precursors for Diamond Chemical Vapor Deposition--The Effects of Mass Transport and Oxygen

Thermal plasma chemical vapor deposition of diamond-utilizing liquidfeedstock injection has been shown to yield higher mass deposition rates,larger crystal size, and thicker films when compared to the use of gaseousfeedstock for equivalent operating conditions. Increased mass transport ofthe activated precursor species across the substrate diffusion boundarylayer and the presence of oxygen in liquid precursors are investigated aspotential reasons for the observed results. Comparisons of the variousprecursor systems investigated in this study are based on crystal size andfilm thickness as a function of radial postion, area of deposit, totalmass deposition rate, and the observed liquid precursor droplet trajectorieswithin the deposition chamber using a laser strobe video system. The resultsindicate that the mass transport in both the liquid and gaseous precursorsystems is greatly improved by the use of an inert carrier gas. Further, theuse of a liquid versus a gaseous precursor does not seem toresult in higher total deposition rates when the operating conditions forboth have been optimized. Finally, the presence of oxygen in the liquidfeedstock system is found to be at least partly responsible for theincreased growth rate, which is observed when comparing the plainhydrocarbon precursor cases with the oxygenated liquid precursorcase.
Growth curve mixture models

Psychiatric studies often collect longitudinal data to characterize the natural history of disease in a cohort or to evaluate the effect of behavioral or pharmaceutical interventions. For example, in a recent partially randomized study comparing escitalopram and nortriptyline in the treatment of depression, several depression scales were measured weekly over the 3-month course of treatment.[1] While the primary outcome measure of such studies may be a binary indicator of improvement at the end of treatment, analysis of the full longitudinal profile that makes optimal use of all available data to model rates of change over time may be more informative. For example, in the escitalopram/nortiptyline study, analysis of dichotomous outcomes adjusted for time participating in the study showed no difference between drugs, while analysis of the longitudinal profiles did indicate different patterns of improvement in the two groups over time.[2]
Highly Integrated Submillimeter-Wave Spectrometer for CubeSats

We are developing a highly integrated submillimeter-wave spectrometer suitable for CubeSat and SmallSat platforms. Since the available space and DC power on a CubeSats is limited and the instrument has to be light weight, traditional methods of assembling submillimeter-wave instruments are not suitable on these platforms. In this paper we show how we are addressing all these by using low-profile antennas, MEMS calibration switch, and CMOS spectrometers.
Oxidative Cyclization Approach to Benzimidazole Libraries

An efficient approach to the parallel synthesis of benzimidazoles from anilines is described. Library approaches to vary the N1 and C2 vectors of benzimidazoles are well established; however, C4-C7 variation has traditionally relied on 1,2-dianiline building blocks, providing limited chemical space coverage. We have developed an amidine formation/oxidative cyclization sequence that enables anilines as a diversity set for benzimidazole C4-C7 SAR generation in parallel format. The amidine annulation was achieved using PIDA or Cu-mediated oxidation to access both N-H and N-alkyl benzimidazoles. This library protocol has now been utilized for analog production in four medicinal chemistry projects. Additionally, the synthesis of aza-benzimidazoles from aminopyridines was achieved via an analogous sequence.
Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Venous Access

Difficult peripheral venous access is commonplace in healthcare. It is disruptive to patient care, and failure to obtain venous access impedes delivery of care in a timely manner. Failure to obtain peripheral access may lead to central line placement and subsequent increased risk to the patient secondary to the many complications of central lines. Ultrasound-guided peripheral access allows clinicians to obtain peripheral access in situations where blind-, landmark-, or palpation-based techniques fail. The proper technique for ultrasound-guided peripheral venous access requires a different skill set than that of traditional intravenous catheter placement and is best performed in the long axis. It can be used to access the antecubital veins, the forearm veins, the saphenous vein or the deep veins of the upper extremity, the basilic vein, and the brachial veins. Utilizing ultrasound guidance for the placement of peripheral venous catheters leads to increased success, fewer needle sticks, fewer complications, and increased patient satisfaction compared to landmark- or palpation-based techniques in patients with difficult venous access.
Age differences in neural activity related to mentalizing during person perception

Mentalizing, or thinking about others’ mental states, shapes social interactions. Older adults (OA) have reduced mentalizing capacities reflected by lower medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) activation...
Combining Citizen Science and Genomics to Investigate Tick, Pathogen, and Commensal Microbiome at Single-Tick Resolution

The prevalence of tickborne diseases worldwide is increasing virtually unchecked due to the lack of effective control strategies. The transmission dynamics of tickborne pathogens are influenced by the tick microbiome, tick co-infection with other pathogens, and environmental features. Understanding this complex system could lead to new strategies for pathogen control, but will require large-scale, high-resolution data. Here, we introduce Project Acari, a citizen science-based project to assay, at single-tick resolution, species, pathogen infection status, microbiome profile, and environmental conditions of tens of thousands of ticks collected from numerous sites across the United States. In the first phase of the project, we collected more than 2,400 ticks wild-caught by citizen scientists and developed high-throughput methods to process and sequence them individually. Applying these methods to 192 Ixodes scapularis ticks collected in a region with a high incidence of Lyme disease, we found that 62% were colonized by Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease pathogen. In contrast to previous reports, we did not find an association between the microbiome diversity of a tick and its probability of carrying B. burgdorferi. However, we did find undescribed associations between B. burgdorferi carriage and the presence of specific microbial taxa within individual ticks. Our findings underscore the power of coupling citizen science with high-throughput processing to reveal pathogen dynamics. Our approach can be extended for massively parallel screening of individual ticks, offering a powerful tool to elucidate the ecology of tickborne disease and to guide pathogen-control initiatives.
3Rs‐friendly approach to exogenous metabolic activation that supports high‐throughput genetic toxicology testing

MultiFlow® DNA Damage-p53, γH2AX, Phospho-Histone H3 is a miniaturized, flow cytometry-based assay that provides genotoxic mode of action information by distinguishing clastogens, aneugens, and nongenotoxicants. Work to date has focused on the p53-competent human cell line TK6. While mammalian cell genotoxicity assays typically supply exogenous metabolic activation in the form of concentrated rat liver S9, this is a less-than-ideal approach for several reasons, including 3Rs considerations. Here, we describe our experiences with low concentration S9 and saturating co-factors which were allowed to remain in contact with cells and test chemicals for 24 continuous hours. We exposed TK6 cells in 96-well plates to each of 15 reference chemicals over a range of concentrations, both in the presence and absence of 0.25% v/v phenobarbital/β-naphthoflavone-induced rat liver S9. After 4 and 24 hr of treatment cell aliquots were added to wells of a microtiter plate containing the working detergent/stain/antibody cocktail. After a brief incubation robotic sampling was employed for walk-away flow cytometric data acquisition. PROAST benchmark dose (BMD) modeling was used to characterize the resulting dose-response curves. For each of the 8 reference pro-genotoxicants studied, relative nuclei count, γH2AX, and/or p53 biomarker BMD values were order(s) of magnitude lower for 0.25% S9 conditions compared to 0% S9. Conversely, several of the direct-acting reference chemicals exhibited appreciably lower cytotoxicity and/or genotoxicity BMD values in the presence of S9 (eg, resorcinol). These results prove the efficacy of the low concentration S9 system, and indicate that an efficient and highly scalable multiplexed assay can effectively identify chemicals that require bioactivation to exert their genotoxic effects.
Airway management protocol for conjoined twins delivery.

Abstract Objective Conjoined twin deliveries require collaborative preparation by multiple specialties for successful airway management. Literature regarding neonatal airway management after conjoined twin delivery is limited to case reports. We present a case series of conjoined twins and introduce an airway management protocol for conjoined twin delivery. Methods The medical records of conjoined twins and their mothers at a tertiary care center were reviewed from April 2016 to December 2018. The NCBI database was queried for literature regarding preparation for neonatal airway management after conjoined twins delivery. Results Five sets of conjoined twins were delivered. Of 10 neonates, all required bag valve mask ventilation. Other airway interventions included continuous positive airway pressure (7), endotracheal intubation (6), and direct laryngoscopy with telescopic video evaluation (1). No patients required ex-utero intrapartum treatment or emergent tracheostomy. A protocol for airway management is described and special considerations are discussed, including anatomic variations, equipment list, operating room staffing and layout, multidisciplinary prenatal conference, and airway imaging review. Conclusion Conjoined twin deliveries have significant implications for the otolaryngologist and require multidisciplinary collaboration. An airway management protocol allows for a standardized process to secure the neonatal airway and optimize patient outcomes.
Leveraging synthetic biology approaches in plant hormone research

The study of plant hormones is critical to understanding development, physiology and interactions of plants with their environment. Synthetic biology holds promise to provide a new perspective and shed fresh light on the molecular mechanisms of plant hormone action and propel the design of novel biotechnologies. With the recent adoption of synthetic biology in plant sciences, exciting first examples of successful tool development and their applications in the area of plant hormone research are emerging, paving the way for new cadres to enter this promising field of science.
Multi-layer endoscopic suturing: a novel method of gastric fistula closure.

Background and study aims Current endoscopic methods of treating gastric fistulas are either too complex or have high rates of recurrence. We aimed to provide a novel endoscopic method for robust fistula closure. Patients and methods This was a single-center, retrospective study of five patients who underwent multi-layer endoscopic suturing for closing of a chronic fistula (> 4 weeks). Devitalization of the fistula tract was achieved with argon plasma coagulation, followed by endoscopic suturing of the fistula. Then, endoscopic suturing of the gastric wall surrounding the fistula was performed, creating an overlay of healthy gastric mucosa around the fistula. Results Technical success (fistula closure on the day of the procedure) was achieved in all five patients, with no complications. After a median follow up of 5 months (range 2–23 months), there was a 100 % clinical success rate (no fistula recurrence). Conclusions Our single-operator method of multi-layer endoscopic suturing provides a robust fistula closure with minimal to no risk of recurrence. In light of limitations of current fistula closure methods, further investigations are warranted to better define long-term outcomes with it compared to alternative methods.
Chronic E-Cigarette Exposure Alters Human Alveolar Macrophage Morphology and Gene Expression.

INTRODUCTION Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are lung-resident immune cells that phagocytose inhaled particles and pathogens, and help coordinate the lung's immune response to infection. Little is known about the impact of chronic e-cigarette use (i.e. vaping) on this important pulmonary cell type. Thus, we determined the effect of vaping on alveolar macrophage (AM) phenotype and gene expression. METHODS We recruited never-smokers, smokers, and e-cigarette users (vapers) and performed research bronchoscopies to isolate AMs from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples and epithelial cells from bronchial brushings. We then performed morphological analyses and used the Nanostring platform to look for changes in gene expression. RESULTS AMs obtained from smokers and vapers were phenotypically distinct from those obtained from non-smokers, and from each other. Immunocytochemistry revealed that vapers AM's had significantly elevated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS; M1) expression and significantly reduced CD301a (M2) expression compared to non-smokers or smokers. Vapers' AMs and bronchial epithelia exhibited unique changes in gene expression compared to non-smokers or smokers. Moreover, vapers' AMs were the most affected of all groups and had 124 genes uniquely downregulated. Gene ontology analysis revealed that vapers and smokers had opposing changes in biological processes. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that vaping causes unique changes to AMs and bronchial epithelia compared to non-smokers and smokers which may impact pulmonary host defense. IMPLICATIONS These data indicate that normal "healthy" vapers have altered AMs and may be at risk of developing abnormal immune responses to inflammatory stimuli.
Sets of Finite Perimeter and Geometric Variational Problems: An Introduction to Geometric Measure Theory

The marriage of analytic power to geometric intuition drives many of today's mathematical advances, yet books that build the connection from an elementary level remain scarce. This engaging introduction to geometric measure theory bridges analysis and geometry, taking readers from basic theory to some of the most celebrated results in modern analysis. The theory of sets of finite perimeter provides a simple and effective framework. Topics covered include existence, regularity, analysis of singularities, characterization and symmetry results for minimizers in geometric variational problems, starting from the basics about Hausdorff measures in Euclidean spaces and ending with complete proofs of the regularity of area-minimizing hypersurfaces up to singular sets of codimension 8. Explanatory pictures, detailed proofs, exercises and remarks providing heuristic motivation and summarizing difficult arguments make this graduate-level textbook suitable for self-study and also a useful reference for researchers. Readers require only undergraduate analysis and basic measure theory.