cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New similarity-based approach for ontology mapping

Domain ontology plays a key role in knowledge share and reuse.Ontology mapping is an effective method of solving the heterogeneity of ontology and setting up semantic relevance.Aiming at ontology mapping between different ontology,this paper proposed a new synthesized algorithm of concept similarity.The presented algorithm involved concept name,attribute,structure and instance levels,at the meantime used the extended synonym set in computing concept similarity-based concept name and attribute name.The experiment shows that the improved algorithm outperforms in precision of ontology concept mapping.
Treatment of Girls with Urethral Prolapse

During the last 19 years 40 girls with urethral prolapse have been seen at our medical center. Treatment has ranged from nonoperative approaches to excision of the prolapsed urethra. A comparison of the treatment modalities indicates that patients undergoing early local excision of the prolapse have the lowest complication rate and shortest hospital stay.
Oxo Ligand Substitution in a Cationic Uranyl Complex: Synergistic Interaction of an Electrophile and a Reductant

Reaction of [U(VI)O2(dppmo)2(OTf)][OTf] (dppmo = Ph2P(O)CH2P(O)Ph2) with 4 equiv of Ph3SiOTf and 2 equiv of Cp2Co generates the U(IV) complex U(IV)(OTf)4(dppmo)2 (1), as a yellow-green crystalline solid in 83% yield, along with Ph3SiOSiPh3 and [Cp2Co][OTf]. This reaction proceeds via a U(IV) silyloxide intermediate, [U(IV)(OSiPh3)(dppmo)2(OTf)2][OTf] (2), which we have isolated and structurally characterized. Similarly, reaction of [U(VI)O2(TPPO)4][OTf]2 (TPPO = Ph3PO) with 6 equiv of Me3SiOTf and 2 equiv of Cp2Co generates the U(IV) complex, [Cp2Co][U(IV)(OTf)5(TPPO)2] (3), as a yellow-green crystalline solid in 76% yield, concomitant with formation of Me3SiOSiMe3, [Ph3POSiMe3][OTf], and [Cp2Co][OTf]. Complexes 1 and 3 have been fully characterized, including analysis by X-ray crystallography. The conversion of [U(VI)O2(dppmo)2(OTf)][OTf] and [U(VI)O2(TPPO)4][OTf]2 to complexes 1 and 3, respectively, represents rare examples of well-defined uranyl oxo ligand substitution.
Analytical model of droplet based electrostatic energy harvester performance

An analytical model for electrostatic energy harvesters that use translating conductive droplets as proof masses is presented. These devices generate power from the variable capacitance that results from droplet motion across an interdigitated electrode array. Model predictions are compared with numerical and experimental results. Comparison with numerical simulation supports the validity of the model and suggests that capacitance scales with contact diameter, not droplet diameter. Comparison with experimental results shows that the model captures the shape of the evolution of transient output energy and voltage from the device. These comparisons suggest that the contact diameter of mercury droplets tested experimentally was similar to the diameter of the droplet. Evaluation of the Bond number in these cases supports this result. Model predictions based on a contact diameter equal to the observed droplet diameter correctly predict the width and spacing of output voltage peaks as the droplet translates through the device. However, underprediction of the magnitude of voltage peaks resulted in an underprediction of the accumulated energy output (36 %). This discrepancy suggests that the contact area may not remain constant as the droplet moves through the device. A deeper understanding of the evolution of the contact area is required to optimize device parameters to maximize energy output.
Microcirculatory Consequences of Blood Substitution with αα-Hemoglobin

Blood substitution with non-cellular fluids lowers blood viscosity and increases blood flow velocity, altering the oxygen delivering capacity of the microcirculation and the balance between diffusive and convective oxygen transport. When blood volume is maintained with either crystalloid or colloidal volume replacement, microcirculatory oxygen transport is adequate for red blood cell losses of the order of 60%. Hemoglobin solutions utilizing αα-hemoglobin show microvascular effects similar to those found with non-oxygen carrying solutions, but are reduced and the additional intrinsic oxygen carrying capacity of the blood/solution mixture is not manifested. Mathematical analysis of microvascular data shows that these effects are due to increased oxygen delivery capacity of the circulation, which increases arteriolar oxygenation. Ensuing metabolic autoregulatory responses lead to an oxygenation paradox resulting in vasoconstriction, impairment of functional capillary density, and increased microcirculatory metabolism, causing decreased tissue oxygenation. It is proposed that higher viscosity, left-shifted hemoglobin oxygen saturation solutions will fully oxygenate tissue.
An exploration of the role of social networks in cardiovascular risk reduction

Objective To identify and describe the role of social networks in influencing individual wellness motivation within the context of cardiac rehabilitation. Design A naturalistic design was used in the collection and analysis of inductively generated data. Sample Twenty-four individuals who were participating in an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program. Of the 24 subjects sampled, 17 were men and seven were women. The respondents' ages ranged from 38 to 79 years, with a mean age of 58 years. At the time of the study, informants had been involved in cardiac rehabilitation for an average length of 10 weeks. Results Two primary categories were identified that describe informant perception of the role of social networks in motivating health behavior change: enabling and limiting. Subcategories identified were consistent with the general types of support described in social support literature (emotional, feedback, problem solving, instrumental), as well as behaviors found to diminish motivation in cardiovascular health behavior (value conflict, boundary maintenance). Conclusions Findings from this study provide a better understanding of the role of social networks in motivating health behavior change within the contest of cardiac rehabilitation.
The Role of Contiguity in Free-Operant Unsignaled Delay of Positive Reinforcement: A Brief Review

The temporal contiguity between responses and consequences is an important variable in operant conditioning. This paper examines a selected portion of the empirical literature relevant to the role of contiguity: that of free-operant unsignaled delay of positive reinforcement. Two main issues are addressed: the extent to which this literature supports a role for contiguity, and, comparisons of qualitative and quantitative aspects of contiguity effects across the literature. In contrast to some other literatures, no clearcut exceptions to support for contiguity were found. In addition, quantitative effects were consistent within procedure, offering promise for efforts at a comprehensive quantitative theory.
The Emerging Pattern of Structural Change

This chapter focuses on the emerging changes in the composition of output, employment and sources of demand in Bangladesh in the next decade or two. We shall begin with a very brief account of the historical experience of the pattern of structural change during development process both in the case of the industrialization of today’s mature developed countries and in the case of more recent examples of rapid development in East and South-East Asia.
Pressure induced hyperfine shift and broadening rates of the 5 2 S 1/2 →6 2 P 1/2 and 5 2 S 1/2 →6 2 P 3/2 transitions of rubidium with He, Ar, CH 4 , and C 2 H 6

Abstract Pressure induced broadening and spectral shift rates have been resolved for the two ground state hyperfine lines in the 5 2 S 1 / 2 → 6 2 P 1 / 2 and 5 2 S 1 / 2 → 6 2 P 3 / 2 of 85Rb and 87Rb in the presence of 5–50 Torr of helium, argon, methane, and ethane. Broadening rates averaged over the hyperfine components, for the P 1 / 2 transition for He, Ar, CH4, and C 2 H 6 are 60.2, 45.2, 63.8, and 60.4 MHz/Torr, respectively and 50.4, 42.4, 62.0, and 60.4 MHz/Torr for the P 3 / 2 transition. Average spectral shift rates for the P 1 / 2 transition were found to be 15.7, −11.5, −18.1, and −19.9 MHz/Torr for He, Ar, CH4, and C 2 H 6 , respectively, and 3.1, −12.6,−21.8, and −19.9 MHz/Torr for the P 3 / 2 transition. Deviation in broadening and shift rates between hyperfine lines was found to be as high as 16 and 7.6 MHz/Torr respectively.
Effects of diabetes and cardiopulmonary bypass on expression of adherens junction proteins in human peripheral tissue

Background We investigated the changes in adherens junction proteins, such as vascular endothelial-cadherin and β-catenin, of skeletal muscle and vessels in patients with or without diabetes in the setting of cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiac operation. Methods Skeletal muscle tissue samples were harvested pre- and post-cardiopulmonary bypass from nondiabetic (hemoglobin A1c: 5.4 ± 0.1), controlled diabetic (hemoglobin A1c: 6.3 ± 0.1), and uncontrolled diabetic patients (hemoglobin A1c: 9.6 ± 0.3) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting operation (n = 8 per group). The expression/phosphorylation of adherens junction proteins vascular endothelial-cadherin and β-catenin were assessed by immunoblotting and immuno-histochemistry. Endothelial function of skeletal muscle arterioles was determined by videomicroscopy in response to the vasodilator substance P. Results The protein expression of total vascular endothelial-cadherin was not changed at baseline or between pre–and post–cardiopulmonary bypass among groups. The pre-cardiopulmonary bypass level of phospho-vascular endothelial-cadherin was found to be significantly increased in the uncontrolled diabetic patients group compared with the nondiabetic or controlled diabetic groups (P Conclusion Uncontrolled diabetes causes inactivation and reduction in the expression of endothelial adherens junction proteins in the arterioles of skeletal muscle early after cardiopulmonary bypass. The enhanced phosphorylation of vascular endothelial-cadherin and degradation of β-catenin indicate deterioration of these proteins and damage of the cell-cell endothelial junctions, specifically in the diabetic peripheral vessels. These alterations may contribute to the increases in peripheral vascular permeability and endothelial dysfunction.
Projecting the Draft and NFL Performance of Wide Receiver and Tight End Prospects

Every offseason, the 32 teams in the National Football League add top collegiate talent to their rosters through the NFL Draft. Since the new collective bargaining agreement was signed in 2011, tea...
The Social Genome Model: Estimating How Policies Affect Outcomes, Mobility and Inequality across the Life Course

Persistently high poverty among families with children, a lack of equal opportunity, stalled intergenerational mobility, and inequality have all risen up the agenda for federal, state, and local policymakers. Children born into low-income families face barriers to success in each stage of life from birth till age 40. Using data on a representative group of American children and a life cycle model to track their progress from the earliest years through school and beyond, we show that well-evaluated, targeted interventions can close over 80% of the gap between more and less advantaged children in the proportion that ends up middle class by middle age. These interventions can also greatly improve social mobility and enhance the lifetime incomes of less advantaged children.
Novel diamond cells for neutron diffraction using multi-carat CVD anvils

Traditionally, neutron diffraction at high pressure has been severely limited in pressure because low neutron flux required large sample volumes and therefore large volume presses. At the high-flux Spallation Neutron Source at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, we have developed new, large-volume diamond anvil cells for neutron diffraction. The main features of these cells are multi-carat, single crystal chemical vapor deposition diamonds, very large diffraction apertures, and gas membranes to accommodate pressure stability, especially upon cooling. A new cell has been tested for diffraction up to 40 GPa with an unprecedented sample volume of ∼0.15 mm3. High quality spectra were obtained in 1 h for crystalline Ni and in ∼8 h for disordered glassy carbon. These new techniques will open the way for routine megabar neutron diffraction experiments.
An In Vitro Model of Cellular Quiescence in Primary Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Cellular quiescence is a reversible mode of cell cycle exit that allows cells and organisms to withstand unfavorable stress conditions. The factors that underlie the entry, exit, and maintenance of the quiescent state are crucial for understanding normal tissue development and function as well as pathological conditions such as chronic wound healing and cancer. In vitro models of quiescence have been used to understand the factors that contribute to quiescence under well-controlled experimental conditions. Here, we describe an in vitro model of quiescence that is based on neonatal human dermal fibroblasts. The fibroblasts are induced into quiescence by antiproliferative signals, contact inhibition, and serum-starvation (mitogen withdrawal). We describe the isolation of fibroblasts from skin, methods for inducing quiescence in isolated fibroblasts, and approaches to manipulate the fibroblasts in proliferating and quiescent states to determine critical regulators of quiescence.
Five node pyramid elements for explicit time integration in nonlinear solid dynamics

Abstract Pyramid finite elements have become increasingly popular to facilitate meshing due to their distinctive shape and innate ability to transition naturally between elements with quadrilateral and triangular faces. This is especially important for explicit time integration, as the alternative of constraints can be problematic for wave propagation applications frequently modeled by such methods. Although formulations to alleviate singularity problems near the apex node have existed for decades, pyramid elements are not available in typical explicit solid dynamics software. Several 5-node pyramid approaches are evaluated herein for suitability as transition elements in lumped mass explicit methods for nonlinear solid dynamics. Several typical pyramid elements generated from both hexahedral shape functions and with Bedrosian rabbit functions are extended to explicit temporal methods by the development of mass lumping and critical time increment estimation schemes. Standard and uniform strain hexahedrons are also degenerated into a pyramid by simple nodal duplication in the connectivity. A focus of the study is on the viability of using only existing hexahedron capabilities typically available in many explicit codes. Performance is assessed in standard benchmark problems and practical applications using various elastic and elastic-plastic material models and involving large strains/deformations, severe distortion, and contact-impact. Examples first evaluate the elements on their own and then for the principal case as transitions within a hexahedral-dominant model. Row-summation mass lumping is shown to be the best method for any pyramid element approach, which may require slight coding changes for degenerated hexahedrons. The results indicate that it may also be a good systematic method for mass lumping of general degenerate hexahedral types. The single quadrature point standard and Bedrosian pyramid elements are also found to be robust and the best performers, particularly requiring significantly fewer computations than the degenerated uniform strain hexahedron. If used properly, however, all element types are demonstrated to perform satisfactorily (and identically) and thus demonstrate their viability and benefits for practical applications using hexahedral-dominant meshing.
Abstract 16734: Thioredoxin-1 Potentiates Mtor Activity Through Direct Reduction In Cardiomyocytes

Thioredoxin 1 (Trx1) is a 12 KDa oxidoreductase, which reduces proteins with disulfide bonds through thiol-disulfide exchange reactions. Trx1 protects cardiomyocytes (CMs) against stress, such as i...
Work-in-Progress: Cache-Aware Partitioned EDF Scheduling for Multi-core Real-Time Systems

As the number of cores and utilization of the system are increasing quickly, shared resources like caches are interfering tasks' execution behaviors more heavily. In order to achieve resource efficiency in both temporal and spatial domains for multi-core real-time systems, caches should be taken into consideration when performing partitions. In this paper, partitioned Earliest Deadline First (EDF) scheduling on a preemptive multi-core platform is considered. We propose a new system model that covers inter-task cache interference and describe some ongoing work in identifying proper partition schemes under such settings.
Active Learning through Game Play in a Data Structures Course

Data Structures is a fundamental Computer Science discipline, challenging students/ abstract thinking, problem solving and programming skills. In this paper, we present an educational game intended to explicate several features hindering students/ understanding of the data structure Stack on conceptual and practical level. The game targets all three aspects of teaching data structures: conceptualization, application and implementation. These aspects are embodied as three parts of the game tied together through a meaningful storyline. The application part targets the use of stacks to solve problems, such as converting arithmetic expressions from infix to postfix notation and evaluating postfix and infix expressions. The implementation part involves solving Parson/s problems and writing Java code for implementing the methods of the Stack class. The results of the conducted evaluation of the game show statistically significant learning gains for the students and a strong positive attitude towards this type of active learning.
Robust state estimation of feeding–blending systems in continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing

Abstract State estimation is a fundamental part of monitoring, control, and real-time optimization in continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing. For nonlinear dynamic systems with hard constraints, moving horizon estimation (MHE) can estimate the current state by solving a well-defined optimization problem where process complexities are explicitly considered as constraints. Traditional MHE techniques assume random measurement noise governed by some normal distributions. However, state estimates can be unreliable if noise is not normally distributed or measurements are contaminated with gross or systematic errors. To improve the accuracy and robustness of state estimation, we incorporate robust estimators within the standard MHE skeleton, leading to an extended MHE framework. The proposed MHE approach is implemented on two pharmaceutical continuous feeding–blending system (FBS) configurations which include loss-in-weight (LIW) feeders and continuous blenders. Numerical results show that our MHE approach is robust to gross errors and can provide reliable state estimates when measurements are contaminated with outliers and drifts. Moreover, the efficient solution of the MHE realized in this work, suggests feasible application of on-line state estimation on more complex continuous pharmaceutical processes.
CMOS Photonic Circuits for Trapped Ion Quantum Computing and Molecular Sensing

Photonic integrated circuits for UV and visible light offer a scalable approach to the classical optics and electronics required for large-scale atomic quantum information processing as well as for self-contained lab-on-a-chip systems for molecular diagnostics.
Transcranial direct current stimulation and suppression of contralesional primary motor cortex post-stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the therapeutic effects of cathodal tDCS (ctDCS) that suppresses the contralesional primary motor cortex (cM1) activity for individuals with stroke in different recovery phases. METHODS Fifteen studies that used ctDCS for suppressing the cM1 activity were included in this meta-analysis. Twenty total comparisons from the qualified studies identified motor function changes between ctDCS and sham protocols. We divided recovery stages into two categories: (a) acute and subacute phases (time since stroke ≤6 months): eight comparisons and (b) chronic phase (time since stroke >6 months): 12 comparisons. RESULTS Random-effects meta-analysis models revealed motor improvements after applying ctDCS on the cM1 as indicated by a significant standardized effect size (ES = 0.61; P < 0.001). The moderator variable analysis showed that acute and subacute patients revealed no significant effect size of ctDCS (ES = 0.46; P = 0.07), whereas the ctDCS protocol significantly improved motor functions in chronic patients (ES = 0.71; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION This comprehensive meta-analysis indicates that the treatment effects of ctDCS on the cM1 are different between patients in the acute and subacute phases and patients in the chronic phase post-stroke.
Inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes Using Nisin with Grape Seed Extract on Turkey Frankfurters Stored at 4 and 10°C

Recontamination of cooked ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken and beef products with Listeria monocytogenes has been a major safety concern. Natural antimicrobials in combinations can be an alternative approach for controlling L. monocytogenes. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the inhibitory activities against L. monocytogenes of nisin (6,400 IU/ ml), grape seed extract (GSE; 1%), and the combination of nisin and GSE both in tryptic soy broth with 0.6% yeast extract (TSBYE) and on the surface of full-fat turkey frankfurters. TSBYE was incubated at 37 degrees C for 72 h and turkey frankfurters at 4 or 10'C for 28 days. Inocula were 6.7 or 5 log CFU per ml or g for TSBYE or frankfurters, respectively. After 72 h in TSBYE, nisin alone did not show any inhibitory activity against L. monocytogenes. The combination of nisin and GSE gave the greatest inhibitory activity in both TSBYE and on turkey frankfurters with reductions of L. monocytogenes populations to undetectable levels after 15 h and 21 days, respectively. This combination of two natural antimicrobials has the potential to control the growth and recontamination of L. monocytogenes on RTE meat products.
Rotator Cuff Repair A Biomechanical Comparison of Three Techniques

BackgroundThe most common complication of rotator cuff repair is structural failure at the repair site. A single-layer repair does not adequately reproduce the anatomic insertion and may not optimize fixation strength.HypothesisA double-layer rotator cuff repair will have greater initial fixation strength than a single-layer repair.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsTwelve fresh-frozen matched pairs of cadaveric shoulders were repaired by using dual-site fixation with both suture anchors and transosseous tunnels on one side (technique 1). Fixation was achieved by using suture anchors with horizontal mattress sutures and bone tunnels with modified Mason-Allen sutures. Half of the contralateral matched shoulders underwent fixation with suture anchors and simple sutures to simulate commonly used arthroscopic methods (technique 2) and, in the rest, fixation was achieved by using transosseous tunnels and modified Mason-Allen sutures (technique 3). Repaired specimens then underwent cyclic loading at...
Electrooptic Properties of Ba, Sn, and La Modified Lead Zirconate Titanate Ceramics

Electrooptic effects observed so far in ferroelectric lead zirconate titanate ceramic materials are transverse electrooptic effects (linear, quadratic, and memory), strain-biased longitudinal electrooptic memory effect, and electrically controlled scattering. The electrooptic memory effects are related to variations of ceramic birefringence with remanent polarization. All the above electrooptic effects are found in Ba, Sn, and La modified lead zirconate titanate ceramics except electrically controlled scattering. Both the character and magnitude of these effects are strongly dependent on the composition and grain size of the ceramic material as well as on the temperature and light wavelength of observation. The results for the La modified ceramics, which can be made highly transparent, are discussed in the greatest detail. The various electrooptic effects are shown to arise either from orientation of ferroelectric domains or from field-enforced ferroelectric distortion of certain para-electric materials.
Investigation of a Multiple-Gated Screening System for Preschool Behavior Problems.

The problem of behavioral disorders in preschoolage children is ever increasing. With the exponential rise in the utilization of child care compounded by growing social problems such as poverty and child abuse, methods for the early identification and remediation of behavioral disorders in preschool children are needed. In the May 1993 issue of Behavioral Disorders, Sinclair, Del'Homme, and Gonzalez reported a pilot study using the Walker/Severson Systematic Screening for Behavior Disorders (SSBD) with preschool children. While their results were encouraging, they found that changes were needed to make the SSBD more appropriate for the preschool population. The present research extensively revised the SSBD for preschool children. The revision consists of three hierarchical stages of increasingly time-consuming methodologies: (a) teacher rankings, (b) teacher ratings, and (c) direct behavioral observations. Subjects for this study were 121 children, aged 3 to 6 years old, enrolled in several typical and sp...
Completed Energy Efficiency Projects: A Portfolio-Level Analysis of Funding

Open image in new window The main purpose of this chapter is to identify the resources and uses of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) project funds by conducting a detailed portfolio analysis. As of June 2012, the GEF mobilized a total of US$2.57 billion as co-finance with its US$313 million investments in the energy efficiency projects reviewed in this analysis. The mobilized co-finance consists of the following resources: US$903 million (35.1 %) from implementing Agencies, US$789.5 (30.7 %) million from the private sector, US$637 million (24.7 %) from the governments of host countries, and US$245 million (9.5 %) from other resources, including other international organizations and bilateral banks. The co-finance funds, together with GEF funds, were allocated to different project activities. Asset acquisition was the project activity that received the most significant amount of funds from both the GEF and the co-finance resources. Furthermore, in terms of asset acquisition, heating projects accounted for almost half of all expenditures. By providing quantitative information on funds and usage, this chapter provides information for investors, Agencies, and fund managers in future decision making.
Tranexamic acid use is associated with lower transfusion rates in shoulder arthroplasty patients with preoperative anaemia.

BackgroundWe evaluate tranexamic acid use in high-risk shoulder arthroplasty patients, hypothesizing that tranexamic acid will decrease transfusion rates in patients with low preoperative haematocrit.MethodsA retrospective review of shoulder arthroplasty patients with preoperative anaemia compared those treated with and without perioperative tranexamic acid. Inclusion criterion was any shoulder arthroplasty with a preoperative haematocrit (Hct) <38%. Tranexamic acid was given generally as 1 g intravenously before incision and 1 g during wound closure; topical tranexamic acid was used in cases of contraindication to IV tranexamic acid. Preoperative Hct, postoperative Hct, estimated blood loss, preoperative anticoagulation use, American Society of Anesthesiologist score, transfusion rate and demographic data were compared between groups with and without tranexamic acid.ResultsOf the 435 arthroplasties performed, 109 patients had preoperative Hct < 38% (haemoglobin of 12.7 g/dL); 69 had tranexamic acid perio...
Increases in Theta Oscillatory Activity During Episodic Memory Retrieval Following Mindfulness Meditation Training

Mindfulness meditation has been shown to improve episodic memory and increase theta oscillations which are known to play a role in episodic memory retrieval. The present study examined the effect of mindfulness meditation on episodic memory retrieval and theta oscillations. Using a longitudinal design, subjects in the mindfulness meditation experimental group who underwent 4 weeks of mindfulness meditation training and practice were compared to a waitlist control group. During the pre-training and post-training experimental sessions, subjects completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and studied adjectives and either imagined a scene (Place Task) or judged its pleasantness (Pleasant Task). During the recognition test, subjects decided which task was performed with each word ("Old Place Task" or "Old Pleasant Task") or "New." FFMQ scores and source discrimination were greater post-training than pre-training in the mindfulness meditation experimental group. Electroencephalography (EEG) results revealed that for the mindfulness meditation experimental group theta power was greater post-training than pre-training in right frontal and left parietal channels and changes in FFMQ scores correlated with changes in theta oscillations in right frontal channels (n = 20). The present results suggest that mindfulness meditation increases source memory retrieval and theta oscillations in a fronto-parietal network.
Prognostic Factors for Myelodysplastic Syndrome in the Veteran Population: Single Institution Experience.

Background: Myelodyplastic syndrome (MDS) is the disease of the elderly and increasingly common in the veteran population. Here we report a single institution experience with MDS at the Dallas VA Medical Center. Patients and Method: From a period of 1998–2007, eighty three pts were identified out of which 54 pts had bone marrow (BM) biopsy proven diagnosis of MDS. Overall survival (OS) analysis with dependent variables (Age at diagnosis, IPSS Score, WHO morphologic diagnosis, number of blood and platelet transfusions required, Hb level, ANC, cytogenetics, blast percentage, BM cellularity at diagnosis) were conducted by selection method “foreward” and only these significant variables were used in the Cox regression for multivariate analysis. Methods of Kaplan and Meier were used to generate OS curves. Results: The median age of diagnosis was 74 yrs with a median follow up time of 12.5 months. The WHO morphologic subtype was RA/RARS (n=13), Del5q (n=1), RCMD/RCMDRS (n=34), RAEB1 (n=3), RAEB2 (n=1), missing (n=2). The distribution of IPSS score was 0 (n=25); 0.5 (n=15); 1.0 (n=8), 1.5 (n=4), missing (n=2). Five pts had treatment related MDS and 3 pts transformed to AML. One patient had concurrent MGUS and one patient developed multiple myeloma. At diagnosis, 23 pts had a hemoglobin (Hb) value of less than 10g/dl. Only 4 pts had ANC less than 500; sixteen pts had ANC 500–1800 and 34 pts had normal counts. A majority of pts had normal cytogenetics (n=37), 5 pts had good risk, 5 pts had intermediate risk and 7 pts had poor risk cytogenetics. Six pts had hypocellular ( 50%). Only 4 pts had more than 5% blast in the BM. Twenty nine pts eventually became blood transfusion dependent and 12 pts needed platelet transfusion at some point. Thirty six pts were treated with erythropoietin (with or without neupogen) and 13 pts received some type of disease modifying therapy (5-azacytidine/lenalidomide/ATG/clinical trial). The mean survival time was 106 months. Median survival was not reached at the time of analysis. In the univariate analysis, IPSS score (p=0.003), No. of blood transfusions (p=0.028), cytogenetics (p=0.0001) and blast percentage (p=0.0015), were statistically significant. BM cellularity (p=0.06) and Hb level (p=0.09) showed a trend towards significance. On multivariate analysis, Hb greater than 10 (HR 0.08; p=0.011), abnormal cytogenetics (HR 4.2; p=0.001), BM Blast > 5% (p=0.026) and BM cellularity < 30% (HR 4.6; p=0.033) emerged as the significant predictors of overall survival. IPSS score or Blood transfusion requirement did not pan out to be significant. Conclusion: MDS in the veteran population may be different from general population and may have unique predictors of survival. A larger number of patients and longer duration of follow up is required to further evaluate these prognostic factors.
Improvements in Muller’s Muscle Resection Through the Use of Tenotomy Scissors and Dissolvable Suture:

Muller’s muscle resection is a straightforward and effective surgical treatment for acquired blepharoptosis. The authors describe a novel modification of this procedure that reduces risk of corneal...
Incremental Beliefs, STEM Efficacy and STEM Interest Among First-Year Undergraduate Students

Low retention rates of undergraduate students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields are a persistent problem in the USA. Information and knowledge of STEM topics is valuable in today’s modern and global society, and STEM jobs are both lucrative and in high demand. As such, engagement and retention of undergraduate students in STEM is essential to ensure STEM jobs have skilled employees to meet the demands of the twenty-first century. Participants were 1201 first-year undergraduate students from a STEM-focused university. Results from mediation and moderated mediation analyses suggest that incremental beliefs predict a variety of STEM outcomes (STEM interest, sense of belonging in STEM environment, identity compatibility) through STEM efficacy for STEM majors, not non-STEM majors, all of which are associated with STEM engagement and persistence. More specifically, for STEM majors, incremental beliefs predict higher STEM efficacy which then predicts greater STEM interest and sense of belonging in STEM as well as greater perceived identity compatibility between oneself and STEM and between one’s gender and STEM. Future directions and implications are discussed.
The Death of Affirmative Action?: Racialized Framing and the Fight Against Racial Preference in College Admissions

Affirmative action in US college admissions has inspired fierce debate as well as several US Supreme Court cases. In this significant study, leading US professors J. Scott Carter and Cameron D. Lippard provide an in-depth examination of the issue using sociological, policy and legal perspectives to frame both pro- and anti-affirmative action arguments, within past and present Supreme Court cases. With affirmative action policy under constant attack, this is a crucial book that not only explains the state of this policy but also further deconstructs the state of race and racism in American society today.
Use of Nazi torture device image in digital scholarship article.

Dear EditorAs a group of senior medical educators and Harvard Medical School professors, we call into question the article by Masters (2020) about ethics in medical education digital scholarship, i...
Analysis of iodine nutritional status of high-risk population in coastal salt-producing areas and coastal nonsalt-producing areas in Xiamen city of Fujian province

Objective To assess the iodine nutritional status of special target population in coastal saltproducing areas and coastal non-salt-producing areas in Xiamen city,and to provide a basis for take appropriate measures for prevention of iodine deficiency disorders.Methods The Xiang-An salt-producing areas and the JiMei non-salt-producing areas were chosen as research spots in 2009.One sample of produced water and 2 samples of tap water were collected to test iodine level; 600 children aged 8 to 10 were selected and thyroid palpation was performed,besides,the urine sample and household salt sample were also collected for iodine determination.Sixty pregnant women,breasffeeding women,and 0 - 2 year old infants were recruited,respectively,and urine samples and household salt samples were collected to perform the determination of iodine level.Results The iodine levels in drinking water of Xiang-An district and Ji-Mei district were 3.23 and 6.05 mg/L,respectively.The consumption rates of edible qualified iodinated salt were 84.4％ (438/519) and 98.3％ (392/399),respectively.The goiter rates of children aged 8 - 10 were 3.03％(19/628) and 0.67％(4/600),respectively.The medians of urinary iodine were 202.80 and 238.40 μg/L,respectively.The proportions of urinary iodine level ＜ 50 μg/L were 3.5％ (14/405) and 1.0％(2/202),respectively.The medians of urinary iodine of the pregnant women were 120.55 and 153.35 μg/L,respectively,and the proportions of urinary iodine level ＜ 150 μg/L were 62.1％ (46/74) and 46.8％ (29/62),respectively.The medians of urinary iodine in three trimester were 173.10,144.75 and 101.90 μg/L,respectively,early trimester of pregnancy ＞ second trimester and third trimester (Z =6.151,3.052,all P ＜ 0.05),second trimester ＞ third trimester (Z =2.016,P ＜ 0.05 ).The medians of urinary iodine of the breastfeeding women were 131.20 and 104.35 μg/L,respectively.The proportions of urinary iodine level ＜ 100 μg/L were 35.3％ (24/68) and 46.7％(28/60),respectively.The medians of urinary iodine of the infants were 81.95 and 80.20 μg/L,respectively,the proportions of urinary iodine level ＜ 100 μg/L were 59.7％(37/62) and 61.6％(40/65),respectively,＜ 50 μg/L were 32.3％ (20/62) and 30.8％ (20/65),respectively.Conclusions The levels of iodine nutrition in pregnant women,breastfeeding women,and 0 - 2 year old infants from Xiang-An district and Ji-Mei district in Xiamen city are still below the desired level of iodine nutrition,and the infants and pregnant women in coastal salt-producing areas are poor in iodine nutrition,we should pay close attention.We should strengthen market supervision on iodized salt,carried out iodine nutrition monitoring on pregnant women,breasffeeding women,and infants,and disseminate knowledge of iodine nutrition among high-risk population should be carried out immediately. Key words: Iodine, Deficiency disorders; Goiter, Endemic; Urine; Salts
Polysubstance abuse and rhabdomyolysis

Abstract A 23-year-old man with 1-day history of agitation, passage of tea colored urine and progressively decreased urine volume presented to the emergency room in the company of law enforcement officers. He had been an inmate in the county jail for the past 2 days and was brought in restraints owing to his agitated state. He reported usage of marijuana, methamphetamine, and Xanax (alprazolam) “bars” 2 days prior to presentation and stated that methamphetamine is his preferred drug. According to his drug use history, he uses methamphetamine “all day, every day.” While in jail, his urine became dark and the volume gradually decreased, prompting presentation. On physical examination, he was severely dehydrated, anxious, agitated and hallucinating. His vital signs on presentation include: BP 137/88, pulse 104 beats per minute, temperature 37.9°C (100.3°F), respiratory rate 18 breaths per minute and SpO2 97% on room air. Initial laboratory results include potassium 4.8 mmol/L [reference interval (RI) 3.5–5.0 mmol/L], sodium 153 mmol/L (RI 135–145 mmol/L), chloride 120 mmol/L (RI 98–108 mmol/L), bicarbonate 15 mmol/L (RI 23–31 mmol/L), total protein 8.6 g/dL (RI 6.3–8.2 g/dL), albumin 5.5 g/dL (RI 3.5–5.0 g/dL), creatinine 2.60 mg/dL (RI 0.60–1.25), BUN 50 mg/dL (RI 7–23 mg/dL), total bilirubin 2.1 (RI 0.1–1.1 mg/dL), AST 119 U/L (RI 13–40 U/L), ALT 80 U/L (RI 9–51 U/L), anion gap 18 (RI 2–16), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 30.7 mL/min/1.73 m2. He had no prior history of kidney disease. Past medical/psychiatric history was significant for depression, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder since age 12 years and polysubstance abuse (methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, alcohol, marijuana, and benzodiazepines) since age 15 years, with documented alcohol withdrawal seizures in the past. A diagnosis of acute renal failure and severe dehydration was made. He was started on intravenous fluids and worked up for the etiology of renal failure.
Neural stem cell-mediated brain tumor therapy

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM), a WHO grade IV glioma, is the most common primary malignant brain tumor affecting adults. Each year, approximately 12,000 Americans are diagnosed with GBM. Despite aggressive standard of care treatments, these patients face a dismal prognosis with a median survival from diagnosis of Pathotropic cell-based delivery systems have considerable potential to overcome current treatment hurdles. Neural stem cells (NSCs) are particularly tumor tropic, even when injected into the opposite cerebral hemisphere from the primary tumor site or administered intravenously. Our lab has established an immortalized, clonal NSC line which is genetically and functionally stable and HLA Class 2 negative. The parental cytosine deaminase expressing NSC line (HB1.F3.CD21) has demonstrated clinical safety, migration to distant tumor sites, non-tumorigenicity, and non-immunogenicity in a first-in-human, single-dose study in recurrent glioma patients. The proof-of-concept for tumor localized production of a therapeutic agent was also demonstrated. We have further modified this parental cell line with different therapeutic cargo, demonstrating the capacity of this NSC delivery platform for improving therapeutic distribution, retention, and efficacy. Here, we describe our ongoing preclinical and clinical studies and highlight future prospects of NSCs (also applicable to other tumor-tropic cells) in translational medicine.
Early microbiome and metabolome signatures in pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

ABSTRACT Background: The contribution of the gastrointestinal tract microbiome to outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is increasingly recognized. Investigations of larger pediatric cohorts aimed at defining the microbiome state and associated metabolic patterns pre-transplant are needed. Methods: We sought to describe the pre-transplant stool microbiome in pediatric allogenic HCT patients at four centers. We performed shotgun metagenomic sequencing and untargeted metabolic profiling on pre-transplant stool samples. Samples were compared with normal age-matched controls and by clinical characteristics. We then explored associations between stool microbiome measurements and metabolite concentrations. Results: We profiled stool samples from 88 pediatric allogeneic HCT patients, a median of 4 days before transplant. Pre-transplant stool samples differed from healthy controls based on indices of alpha diversity and in the proportional abundance of specific taxa and bacterial genes. Relative to stool from healthy patients, samples from HCT patients had decreased proportion of Bacteroides, Ruminococcaeae and genes involved in butyrate production, but were enriched for gammaproteobacterial species. No systematic differences in stool microbiome or metabolomic profiles by age, transplant indication or hospital were noted. Stool metabolites demonstrated strong correlations with microbiome composition. Discussion: Stool samples from pediatric allogeneic HCT patients demonstrate substantial dysbiosis early in the transplant course. As microbiome disruptions associate with adverse transplant outcomes, pediatric-specific analyses examining longitudinal microbiome and metabolome change are imperative to identify causal associations and to inform rational design of interventions.
Acetylated microtubules are required for maintenance of the barrier between two adjacent tissues

Microtubule acetylation is found in populations of stable, long-lived microtubules, occurring on the conserved lysine 40 (K40) residue of α-tubulin, catalyzed by alpha-tubulin acetyltransferases (αTATs). K40 acetylation has been shown to stabilize microtubules via enhancing microtubule resilience against mechanical stress. Here we show that Drosophila CG17003/leaky (Lky), an αTAT, is required for proper oogenesis. We found that loss of lky disrupted the cell junction between germline cyst and follicle epithelial cells, adjacent cells that form an egg chamber. This resulted in leakage of germline contents into somatic follicle cells. The follicle cells that received germline-derived nanos gene product failed to maintain their cell fate, leading to an egg chamber fusion. The same phenotype was observed upon replacement of major α-tubulin84B K40 with α-tubulin84B K40A (non-acetylable tubulin), suggesting α-tubulin K40 acetylation is required for the boundary integrity of these two adjacent tissues. Taken together, this study provides the first in vivo function of tubulin acetylation in maintaining the integrity of a tissue barrier.
Gestationally-Dependent Immune Organization at the Maternal-Fetal Interface

The immune system and placenta have a dynamic relationship across gestation to accommodate fetal growth and development. High-resolution characterization of this maternal-fetal interface is necessary to better understand the immunology of pregnancy and its complications. We developed a single-cell framework to simultaneously immuno-phenotype circulating, endovascular, and tissue-resident cells at the maternal-fetal interface throughout gestation, discriminating maternal and fetal contributions. Our data reveal distinct immune profiles across the endovascular and tissue compartments with tractable dynamics throughout gestation that respond to a systemic immune challenge in a gestationally-dependent manner. We uncover a significant role for the innate immune system where phagocytes and neutrophils drive temporal organization of the placenta through remarkably diverse populations, including PD-L1+subsets having compartmental and early gestational bias. Our approach and accompanying datasets provide a resource for additional investigations into gestational immunology and evoke a more significant role for the innate immune system in establishing the microenvironment of early pregnancy.
The Female Sex- and Gender-Specific History and Examination

The female gender-specific history and examination is the cornerstone to providing optimal health care for female patients. A comprehensive female gender-specific history includes the patient’s menstrual, obstetric, sexual, breast, and past medical history. A family history screens for evidence of inherited cancers and disorders, especially breast and ovarian, and the review of systems (ROS) in a female patient should include breast, gynecologic, and urologic symptoms which are often not emphasized in a generic ROS template. A female gender-specific examination includes a pelvic and clinical breast examination. A standard pelvic examination has three components: visual inspection of the external genitalia, speculum examination, and a bimanual examination. Providers should be aware of patient populations that may require increased sensitivity or adaptations of the standard technique, including adolescents, older adults, LGBT patients, patients with disabilities, and those with a history of sexual trauma, vulvodynia, or atrophic vaginitis. A standard clinical breast examination includes two major components: inspection and palpation. In this chapter, we will discuss components of a comprehensive female gender-specific history and detail indications and techniques for clinical pelvic and breast examinations.