cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Defining a Dryland Grain Sorghum Production Function for the Central Great Plains

Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a drought-tolerant C4 species capable of making use of limited available water supplies and is suitable for dryland crop rotations in the central Great Plains. In order for farmers to assess the production risk encountered when utilizing sorghum in rotations, a water use–yield production function would be useful. Previously published production functions vary widely in reported slope of the relationship between water use and grain yield, with many of those slopes being much less than expected for a C4 species. The objectives of this experiment were to determine a water use–yield production function applicable to grain sorghum grown in the central Great Plains and to use that production function with a long-term precipitation record to assess production risk. Sorghum water use and yield data were collected from 2006 to 2016 at Akron, CO, and a production function was determined by linear regression to be yield (kg ha–¹) = 30.2 × (water use [mm] – 259). A grain yield of at least 4000 kg ha–¹ would be expected to occur 16% of the time if plant available soil water at planting was 111 mm and 92% of the time if 259 mm was available. Both the production function and the probability exceedance graphs will be useful to farmers in assessing production risk as they consider incorporating grain sorghum into dryland crop rotations in the central Great Plains.
Abstract 4101: Targeting the EGFR/STAT3 axis in NSCLC with resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors using an oligonucleotide-based decoy

EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) is a major target for the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), but patients lacking EGFR mutation are insensitive to EGFR inhibition. Patients with EGFR mutations initially respond to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), but eventually develop acquired resistance as a result of secondary mutations in the EGFR tyrosine kinase domain. Upregulation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT3), a key oncogenic molecule in NSCLC that is downstream of EGFR signaling, contributes to intrinsic and acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs. In the clinic, agents targeting STAT3 have not been satisfactory to date. To address the limitations of available STAT3 inhibitors, we are currently testing a cyclic oligonucleotide molecule with a novel mechanism that acts as a STAT3 “decoy” (Cyclic STAT3 decoy, CS3D). CS3D mimics the DNA consensus sequence in the promoter region of STAT3-responsive genes, causing the binding of STAT3 dimers and preventing transcriptional regulation of STAT3-target genes. The effects of CS3D are compared to mutant cyclic STAT3 decoy (CS3M), which differs from CS3D by one base-pair. We have tested the ability of CS3D to produce anti-tumor effects in NSCLC cells that are EGFR WT (201T) and in EGFR mutant cells that also carry the T790M resistant mutation (H1975). Initial in vitro studies showed that CS3D caused a 50% inhibition in cell proliferation in 201T and H1975 relative to CS3M using MTS assays. Flow cytometry studies also demonstrated that CS3D caused a 2-fold increase in the percent of apoptotic cells as compared to CS3M. CS3D also caused a 2-fold reduction in expression of STAT3-target genes c-Myc, Bcl-xL and IL-6. Compared to CS3M, CS3D inhibited colony formation by 70%. Using an in vivo mouse xenograft model of 201T and H1975, CS3D caused a 96.5% reduction in tumor growth in 201T (P th Order of Eagles. Citation Format: Christian Njatcha, Mariya Farooqui, Jennifer R. Grandis, Jill M. Siegfried. Targeting the EGFR/STAT3 axis in NSCLC with resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors using an oligonucleotide-based decoy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4101. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4101
A Carbon-Neutral California: Social Ecology and Prospects for 2050 GHG Reduction

How might a large jurisdiction approach carbon neutrality by 2050, and what initiatives might increase the chances of success? This article explores these questions using California as a case study. Current trends as well as multiple modeling studies show that existing policy directions for the state will not be sufficient. Additional initiatives appear needed to accelerate adoption of electric vehicles, reduce driving, reach 100 percent renewable electricity, convert existing buildings to zero-net-carbon status, change diet, and reduce consumption. The state’s social ecology does not currently support such changes. Consequently, planners and other professionals need to consider strategic actions to change social ecology as well as climate policy. Potential steps to do this include raising the price of carbon; revising the state’s tax system so as to increase public sector capacity; developing a stronger framework of incentives, mandates, and technical support between levels of government; and expanding educational and social marketing programs aimed at behavior change. A main implication of this analysis is that in many contexts worldwide sustainability planners should consider action on both policy and social ecology levels to maximize chances of success.
The Impact of Obesity on Medical Care Costs and Labor Market Outcomes in the US.

Background: The prevalence of obesity has risen dramatically in most countries of the world, and the economic consequences of obesity are not well understood. Methods: We analyzed data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) for 2001–2015 and estimated the percentage of healthcare costs that were associated with adult obesity, both for the US as a whole and for the most populous states. We also reviewed the literature on the impact of obesity on economic outcomes such as medical care costs, employment, and wages. Results: The percent of US national medical expenditures devoted to treating obesity-related illness in adults rose from 6.13% in 2001 to 7.91% in 2015, an increase of 29%. Substantial differences existed across states; in 2015, some states (AZ, CA, FL, NY) devoted 5%–6% of medical expenditures to obesity, whereas others (NC, OH, WI) spent >12% of all healthcare dollars on obesity. A review of previous literature that exploited natural experiments to estimate causal effects found that obesity raises medical care costs and lowers wages and the probability of employment. Conclusions: A substantial and rising percentage of healthcare costs are associated with obesity. This is true for the US, for individual states, for each category of expenditure, and for each type of payer. Previous literature generally found that obesity worsens economic outcomes, such as medical care costs, wages, and employment, and imposes negative external costs that may justify government intervention.
Anticoagulation for the Pregnant Patient with a Mechanical Heart Valve, No Perfect Therapy: Review of Guidelines for Anticoagulation in the Pregnant Patient

Heart valve replacement with a mechanical valve requires lifelong anticoagulation. Guidelines currently recommend using a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) such as warfarin. Given the teratogenic effects of VKAs, it is often favorable to switch to heparin-derived therapies in pregnant patients since they do not cross the placenta. However, these therapies are known to be less effective anticoagulants subjecting the pregnant patient to a higher chance of a thrombotic event. Guidelines currently recommend pregnant women requiring more than 5 mg a day of warfarin be switched to alternative therapy during the first trimester. This case report highlights a patient who was switched to alternative therapy during her first pregnancy and suffered a devastating cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Further complicating her situation was during a subsequent pregnancy; this patient continued warfarin use during the first trimester and experienced multiple transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). This case highlights the increased risk of thrombotic events in pregnant patients with mechanical valves. It also highlights the difficulty of providing appropriate anticoagulation for the pregnant patient who has experienced thrombotic events on multiple anticoagulants.
Surgical Missteps in the Management of Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Which Lead to Reoperation.

Background Surgical management of spontaneous subclavian thrombosis due to venous thoracic outlet syndrome (vTOS) results in durable relief of symptoms. The need to reoperate is rare. We report our experience with reoperation for vTOS. Methods Patients evaluated for vTOS between 1996 and 2016 were identified in a prospective database. Data recorded included demographics, initial presentation, initial surgery, recurrent presentation, reoperation, and final outcomes. Results In all, 261 patients were evaluated for vTOS, of these, 246 patients underwent first rib resections. Ten (3.8%) patients required evaluation for recurrent vTOS symptoms. Prior management included thrombolysis (4) and anticoagulation alone (6). Prior surgical approaches included infraclavicular (2), supraclavicular (2) and transaxillary (6). One operation was complicated by a hemothorax, and one a brachial plexus injury. Indication for reoperation included congestive symptoms (6) and recurrent thrombosis (4). Evaluation included chest X-rays (10), venogram (8), intra-venous ultrasound (2), and computed tomography venography (3). Significant compression by remaining rib segments were identified in all: inadequate resection of the anterior first rib (7), inadequate resection of posterior rib segment (1), and erroneous resection of second rib (2). Reoperations include 7 transaxillary approaches, 1 medial claviculectomy, and 1 paraclavicular decompression. One phrenic nerve palsy occurred following paraclavicular decompression. All underwent postoperative venography and angioplasty. At final evaluation, 8 veins are patent and congestive symptoms resolved, and 1 crushed stent could not be reopened despite decompression. Conclusions The incidence of reoperation for first rib resection in cases of vTOS is low and appears largely due to missteps during the initial operation. Awareness of potential errors including inadequacy of resection, intraoperative disorientation, and misunderstanding of the limitations of surgical approaches will result in fewer reoperations.
The Pursuit of Occupant Safety in Commercial Human Spaceflight

Abstract Safety is an attribute that is emphasized throughout the design, development, and operational phases of a spacecraft intended for human occupants, whether envisioned for government or comm...
Boron application improves yield of rice cultivars under high temperature stress during vegetative and reproductive stages

It is reported that high temperatures (HT) would cause a marked decrease in world rice production. In tropical regions, high temperatures are a constraint to rice production and the most damaging effect is on spikelet sterility. Boron (B) plays a very important role in the cell wall formation, sugar translocation, and reproduction of the rice crop and could play an important role in alleviating high temperature stress. A pot culture experiment was conducted to study the effect of B application on high temperature tolerance of rice cultivars in B-deficient soil. The treatments comprised of four boron application treatments viz. control (B0), soil application of 1 kg B ha−1 (B1), soil application of 2 kg B ha−1 (B2), and foliar spray of 0.2% B (Bfs); three rice cultivars viz. Annapurna (HT stress tolerant), Naveen, and Shatabdi (both HT stress susceptible); and three temperature regimes viz. ambient (AT), HT at vegetative stage (HTV), and HT at reproductive stage (HTR). The results revealed that high temperature stress during vegetative or flowering stage reduced grain yield of rice cultivars mainly because of low pollen viability and spikelet fertility. The effects of high temperature on the spikelet fertility and grain filling varied among cultivars and the growth stages of plant when exposed to the high temperature stress. Under high temperature stress, the tolerant cultivar displays higher cell membrane stability, less accumulation of osmolytes, more antioxidant enzyme activities, and higher pollen viability and spikelet fertility than the susceptible cultivars. In the present work, soil application of boron was effective in reducing the negative effects of high temperature both at vegetative and reproductive stages. Application of B results into higher grain yield under both ambient and high temperature condition over control for all the three cultivars; however, more increase was observed for the susceptible cultivar over the tolerant one. The results suggest that the exogenous application of boron had a substantial effect on cell membrane stability, sugar mobilization, pollen viability, and spikelet fertility, hence the yield. The cultivars due to their variation in the tolerance level for high temperature stress behaved differently, and at high temperature stress, more response of the application of boron was seen in susceptible cultivars.
Dependence of the prompt fission γ-ray spectrum on the entrance channel of compound nucleus: Spontaneous vs. neutron-induced fission

Abstract Prompt γ-ray spectra were measured for the spontaneous fission of 240,242Pu and the neutron-induced fission of 239,241Pu with incident neutron energies ranging from thermal to about 100 keV. Measurements were made using the Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments (DANCE) array in coincidence with the detection of fission fragments using a parallel-plate avalanche counter. The unfolded prompt fission γ-ray energy spectra can be reproduced reasonably well by Monte Carlo Hauser–Feshbach statistical model for the neutron-induced fission channel but not for the spontaneous fission channel. However, this entrance-channel dependence of the prompt fission γ-ray emission can be described qualitatively by the model due to the very different fission-fragment mass distributions and a lower average fragment spin for spontaneous fission. The description of measurements and the discussion of results under the framework of a Monte Carlo Hauser–Feshbach statistical approach are presented.
Before Mina Shaughnessy: Basic Writing at Yale, 1920-1960.

This article examines Yale's 'Awkward Squad" of basic writers between 1920 and 1960. Using archival materials that illustrate the socioeconomic conditions of this early, "pre Shaughnessy" site of remedial writing instruction, I argue for a re-definition of basic in composition studies using local, institutional values rather than generic standards of correctness applied uniformly to all colleges and universities.
Induction of Megakaryocytic Differentiation in Primary Human Erythroblasts : A Physiological Basis for Leukemic Lineage Plasticity

In myelodysplasias and acute myeloid leukemias, abnormalities in erythroid development often parallel abnormalities in megakaryocytic development. Erythroleukemic cells in particular have been shown to possess the potential to undergo megakaryocytic differentiation in response to a variety of stimuli. Whether or not such lineage plasticity occurs as a consequence of the leukemic phenotype has not previously been addressed. In this study, highly purified primary human erythroid progenitors were subjected to stimuli known to induce megakaryocytic differentiation in erythroleukemic cells. Remarkably, the primary erythroid progenitors rapidly responded with morphological and immunophenotypic evidence of megakaryocytic differentiation, equivalent to that seen in erythroleukemic cells. Even erythroblasts expressing high levels of hemoglobin manifested partial megakaryocytic differentiation. These results indicate that the lineage plasticity observed in erythroleukemic cells reflects an intrinsic property of cells in the erythroid lineage rather than an epiphenomenon of leukemic transformation.
The cold face test (diving reflex) in clinical autonomic assessment: methodological considerations and repeatability of responses.

1. Cold stimulus applied to the face causes bradycardia and peripheral vasoconstriction (i.e. the diving reflex), and has been suggested as a test of the autonomic pathways involved. The purpose of this study was to define standard procedures for conducting the test and analysing the responses to the cold face test, to evaluate variability in responses between subjects and within subjects when the same test is repeated, and to examine its usefulness in clinical autonomic assessment. 2. Sixteen (nine female, seven male) healthy adult (21–35 years old) subjects were used. Cold stimulus was applied with gel-filled compresses. Forehead temperature under the compress as an indication of stimulus magnitude, heap rate, blood flow in the finger, toe and calf by venous occlusion plethysmography, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were monitored. Three protocols were carried out in which the temperature (0, 5, 10, 15°C), placement (whole face, unilateral, forehead) and duration (20, 40, 60, 120 s) of the cold compress application were varied. 3. The data indicate that 0°C compresses applied bilaterally for 40 s produced the maximum bradycardia and peripheral vasoconstriction. No subject found this test to be obnoxious, but a 120 s application was objectionable to some subjects. This cold face test resulted in 22%, 72%, 59% and 44% reductions in heart rate and blood flow to the finger, toe and calf, respectively. There was significant between-subject variability, but good consistency in responses to tests repeated in the same subject on different days, at different times of day and in different seasons. 4. Two advantages of the cold face test are: (a) it can assess sympathetic-vascular smooth muscle pathways as well as the cardiac-vagal pathway; and (b) because its afferents are independent of the stretch and pressure receptors that are stimulated in other vagal–cardiac tests (Valsalva manoeuvre and respiratory sinus arrhythmia), it can help differentiate between abnormal vagal–cardiac and abnormal transducer–afferent pathway function.
Bladder Augmentation With or Without Urinary Diversion

Augmentation cystoplasty (AC) is used as a reconstructive technique for creating a compliant, large-capacity urinary storage unit to protect the upper urinary tract and can provide urinary continence when more conservative management fails. The standard enterocystoplasty involves anastomosing an adequate-sized, well-vascularized patch of bowel with the urinary bladder. This procedure is classically performed through an open laparotomy incision utilizing various segments of the gastrointestinal system: stomach, ileum, cecum, and ascending and sigmoid colon. However, no intestinal segment is a perfect physiological substitute for a native bladder, and all have the potential for a variety of complications, including urinary tract infection, stone formation, small bowel obstruction, metabolic complications, fistula formation, and, rarely, malignancy transformation. The choice of the bowel segment is based on the primary clinical requirements of the patient and the secondary preference of the surgeons. Recently, the laparoscopic approach to bladder augmentation as outlined has become the primary approach for procedures of augmentation enterocystoplasty. As demonstrated below, the technical steps in performing a laparoscopic bladder augmentation are designed to emulate its open surgical counterpart in every aspect, producing similar functional results with an improved recovery.
Molecular interactions and the quantitative prediction of synergism in mixtures of surfactants

The equations for determining the nature and strength of the interaction between two different surfactants in mixed monolayers at various interfaces (β σ value) or in mixed micelles (β m value), based upon nonideal or regular solution theory, and their utilization for quantitative prediction of synergism, are reviewed. From the data on numerous systems, where both the chemical structures of the two surfactants and their molecular environments were changed, it appears that electrostatic forces between the two hydrophilic groups dominate the interaction. The replacement of air by a liquid aliphatic hydrocarbon or by a nonpolar hydrophobic solid (Parafilm, Teflon) reduces the (attractive) interaction between the two surfactants slightly, but leaves unchanged other chemical structural effects.
Clinical Assessment of the Etiology and the Pathological Activity of Glomerulonephritis

The etiology and pathological activity of glomerulonephritis (GN) can be assessed by three different methods: (1) history and physical examination, (2) laboratory tests and their applications to determine the etiology of glomerulonephritis, and (3) laboratory tests to indicate the activity of the pathological process.
The BODE index and inspiratory muscle performance in COPD: Clinical findings and implications.

Objectives:The Test of Incremental Respiratory Endurance is a novel testing method that provides a unique examination of one’s inspiratory muscle strength, work and endurance. Little is known about...
Thoracic cancer pain

Malignant pain from within the thoracic cavity may originate from primary or metastatic neoplasms involving the lungs, heart, esophagus, and neural structures such as the brachial plexus and intercostal nerves, osseous structures, or lymph nodes. Systemic analgesic therapy including opioids has the potential to provide significant pain relief in this population. However, some patients may fail to achieve meaningful pain relief or suffer from unbearable medication- related adverse side effects. In this subset of patients, interventional pain management techniques targeting the intercostal nerves, thoracic nerve roots, and/or neuroaxis can offer additional palliation when more conventional methods of pain control have failed.
Outcomes and predictors of failure of iliac vein stenting after catheter-directed thrombolysis for acute iliofemoral thrombosis.

Abstract Objective Iliac vein stenting is recommended to treat venous outflow obstruction after catheter-directed thrombolysis for acute iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Data on the outcome of proximal and distal stent extension are limited. Proximal stent extension to the vena cava may obstruct the contralateral iliac vein, whereas distal extension below the inguinal ligament contradicts common practice for arterial stents. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess outcomes and predictors of failure of iliac vein stents and contralateral iliac vein thrombosis, taking into consideration stent positioning. Methods Consecutive patients who underwent thrombolysis and stenting for DVT between May 2007 and September 2017 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. The intraoperative venograms were reviewed for proximal stent placement (covering >50% contralateral iliac vein orifice) and distal placement across the inguinal ligament. End points were ipsilateral DVT recurrence, post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS; Villalta score ≥5), and contralateral DVT. Patients with chronic contralateral DVT or contralateral iliac vein stenting at baseline were excluded from the contralateral DVT outcome evaluation. Survival analysis and Cox regression models were used to determine outcomes. Results Of 142 patients lysed, 73 patients (12 bilateral DVTs; mean age, 45.8 ± 17.2 years; 46 female patients) were treated with various combinations of thrombolytic techniques and at least one self-expanding iliac stent (77 stented limbs). Thirty-day recurrence developed in nine (12.3%) patients. The 3-year primary patency and secondary patency rates were 75.2% and 82.2%, respectively. The single predictor for loss of primary patency was incomplete thrombolysis (≤50%; hazard ratio [HR], 7.41; P = .002). Overall, 3 of 12 (25%) stents extending below the inguinal ligament occluded at 1 month, 2 months, and 9 months, respectively. The overall rate of PTS (Villalta score ≥5) in the stented cohort was 14.4% at 5 years. This was predicted by incomplete lysis ( Conclusions Iliac stenting after thrombolysis for acute DVT guarantees high patency and low PTS rates, provided adequate thrombus resolution has been achieved before stent placement. Stent placement below the inguinal ligament does not affect the patency but may be associated with a higher PTS rate. Stenting proximal to the iliocaval confluence, although a precipitating factor, may not independently increase the likelihood of contralateral DVT.
Prediction of optoelectronic properties for Be Zn Cd Se quaternary alloys :First-principles study

Abstract We present an Ab-initio investigation of optoelectronic properties of BexZnyCd1-x-ySe quaternary alloys. These properties have been calculated using the first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory. Generalized gradient approximation of Wu and Cohen (GGA-WC) has been used to compute the structural properties of BexZnyCd1-x-ySe for (x, y) = (0.125, 0.625), (0.250, 0.500), (0.375, 0.375), (0.500, 0.250) and (0.625, 0.125) and their end binaries as well as their ternaries. Results of structural parameters for end binaries (BeSe, ZnSe and CdSe) and (Be0.750Cd0.250Se and Zn0.750Cd0.250Se) ternaries agree with experimental values and theoretical data available in the literature. And, it has been found that the lattice constant of the BexZnyCd1-x-ySe decreases with increasing beryllium concentration. However, in order to calculate the electronic properties we employed the (LDA) and the recently (TB-m BJ) approaches. The band gap value increases with increasing Be concentrations. Furthermore, BexZnyCd1-x-ySe has a direct band gap. The optical properties, in terms of complex dielectric function, complex refractive indices, absorption coefficient, optical conductivity and normal-incidence reflectivity, of all materials under study have been calculated and discussed. Based on our obtained results, direct band gaps and optical parameters, BexZnyCd1-x-ySe quaternary alloys is very for manufacturing different microelectronic and, optoelectronic devices.
Invasive cattail reduces fish diversity and abundance in the emergent marsh of a Great Lakes coastal wetland.

Abstract Great Lakes coastal wetlands (GLCWs) provide critical fish habitat. The invasion of GLCWs by hybrid and narrow-leaved cattail, Typha × glauca and Typha angustifolia (hereafter Typha), homogenizes wetlands by out-competing native plant species and producing copious litter. However, the effect of this invasion on fish communities is little known. To measure the effect of Typha on fishes, we established plots in Typha invaded and native wetland emergent zones in a northern Lake Michigan coastal wetland, and measured environmental variables, plants, and fishes in each zone over two summers. Dissolved oxygen and water temperature were significantly lower in invaded compared to native plots. Invaded plots were dominated by Typha and its litter; whereas. sedges (Carex spp.) were the most abundant species in native plots. Fish abundance and species richness were significantly lower in Typha compared to native wetland plots. The Typha fish community was dominated by hypoxia tolerant mudminnow whereas other small, schooling, fusiform species such as cyprinids and fundulids were absent. These results illustrate the negative impact of a dominant invasive plant on Great Lakes fishes that is expected to be found in Typha invasions in other GLCWs.
CARCINOID HEART DISEASE: AN UNCOMMON CAUSE OF DYSPNEA ON EXERTION

The differential of dyspnea on exertion is highly variable in regard to etiology. Precise and early diagnosis of rare conditions such as carcinoid heart disease (CHD) requires a thorough examination, integration of history, multimodality imaging and hemodynamics. A 67 year old male with psoriatic
Ligand-independent EGFR oligomers do not rely on the active state asymmetric kinase dimer

The human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR/ERBB1) is a Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) that forms active oligomers in response to ligand. Much evidence indicates that EGFR/ERBB1 forms oligomers in the absence of ligand, but the structure and physiological role of these ligand-independent dimers remain unclear. We use fluorescence microscopy to measure the oligomer stability and FRET efficiency for homo- and hetero-oligomers of fluorescent-protein labeled forms of EGFR and its paralog, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2/ERBB2) in vesicles derived from native cell membranes. Both receptors form ligand-independent oligomers at physiological plasma membrane concentrations. Mutations introduced in the EGFR kinase region at a key interface within the active state dimer alter the FRET efficiency within ligand-independent EGFR oligomers. These results indicate that ligand-independent EGFR oligomers do not require this interface and that the inactive state ensemble is distinct from the EGFR active state ensemble.
Diabetes-Related Topics in an Online Forum for Caregivers of Individuals Living With Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias: Qualitative Inquiry.

Background: Diabetes and Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) are the seventh and sixth leading causes of death in the United States, respectively, and they coexist in many older adults. Caring for a loved one with both ADRD and diabetes is challenging and burdensome. Objective: This study aims to explore diabetes-related topics in the Alzheimer’s Association ALZConnected caregiver forum by family caregivers of persons living with ADRD. Methods: User posts on the Alzheimer’s Association ALZConnected caregiver forum were extracted. A total of 528 posts related to diabetes were included in the analysis. Of the users who generated the 528 posts, approximately 96.1% (275/286) were relatives of the care recipient with ADRD (eg, child, grandchild, spouse, sibling, or unspecified relative). Two researchers analyzed the data independently using thematic analysis. Any divergence was discussed among the research team, and an agreement was reached with a senior researcher’s input as deemed necessary. Results: Thematic analysis revealed 7 key themes. The results showed that comorbidities of ADRD were common topics of discussions among family caregivers. Diabetes management in ADRD challenged family caregivers. Family caregivers might neglect their own health care because of the caring burden, and they reported poor health outcomes and reduced quality of life. The online forum provided a platform for family caregivers to seek support in their attempts to learn more about how to manage the ADRD of their care recipients and seek support for managing their own lives as caregivers. Conclusions: The ALZConnected forum provided a platform for caregivers to seek informational and emotional support for caring for persons living with ADRD and diabetes. The overwhelming burdens with these two health conditions were apparent for both caregivers and care recipients based on discussions from the online forum. Studies are urgently needed to provide practical guidelines and interventions for diabetes management in individuals with diabetes and ADRD. Future studies to explore delivering diabetes management interventions through online communities in caregivers and their care recipients with ADRD and diabetes are warranted.
Correction to: Characterization of cyanobacterial allophycocyanins absorbing far-red light.

In the originally published version of Fig. 4 in Soulier et al., Photosynth. Res. 145:189–207 (2020), the line colors for the absorbance and fluorescence spectra for ApcD2 and ApcB2 were mistakenly reversed. The correct version of Fig. 4 appears below.
Nuclear Protein Condensates and Their Properties in Regulation of Gene Expression.

Abstract Our understanding of the spatiotemporal regulation of eukaryotic gene expression has recently been greatly stimulated by the findings that many of the regulators of chromatin, transcription, and RNA processing form biomolecular condensates often assembled through liquid-liquid phase separation. Increasing number of reports suggest that these condensates functionally regulate gene expression, largely by concentrating the relevant biomolecules in the liquid-like micro-compartments. However, it remains poorly understood how the physicochemical properties, especially the material properties, of the condensates regulate gene expression activity. In this review, we discuss current data on various nuclear condensates and their biophysical properties with the underlying molecular interactions, and how they may functionally impact gene expression at the level of chromatin organization and activities, transcription, and RNA processing.
Policymaking for Orphan Drugs and Its Challenges.

The Orphan Drug Act of 1983 provides incentives to encourage the development of drugs for rare diseases, but available orphan drugs tend to be expensive and targeted to the more common of the rare diseases.
The prognostic value of normal exercise myocardial perfusion imaging and exercise echocardiography: a meta-analysis.

Objectives The purpose of this work was to determine the prognostic value of normal exercise myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) tests and exercise echocardiography tests, and to determine the prognostic value of these imaging modalities in women and men. Background Exercise MPI and exercise echocardiography provide prognostic information that is useful in the risk stratification of patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods We searched the PubMed, Cochrane, and DARE databases between January 1990 and May 2005, and reviewed bibliographies of articles obtained. We included prospective cohort studies of subjects who underwent exercise MPI or exercise echocardiography for known or suspected CAD, and provided data on primary outcomes of myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiac death with at least 3 months of follow-up. Secondary outcomes (unstable angina, revascularization procedures) were abstracted if provided. Studies performed exclusively in patients with CAD were excluded. Results The negative predictive value (NPV) for MI and cardiac death was 98.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 98.5 to 99.0) over 36 months of follow-up for MPI, and 98.4% (95% CI 97.9 to 98.9) over 33 months for echocardiography. The corresponding annualized event rates were 0.45% per year for MPI and 0.54% per year for echocardiography. In subgroup analyses, annualized event rates were Conclusions Both exercise MPI and exercise echocardiography have high NPVs for primary and secondary cardiac events. The prognostic utility of both modalities is similar for both men and women.
The Effects of Embedding an Instructional Map in Hypermedia Courseware

AbstractThis study investigated the impact of embedding an instructional map into computer courseware. An instructional map, as used in this study, is an externally supplied graphic organizer that functions as a meta-learning tool by allowing the learner to interact with the computer to control the sequence of instruction, by giving the learner feedback about his/her progress in mastering the content of the instructional courseware, and by promoting reflectivity by allowing the student to view the total task and the on-disk resources available to master the task. In this study, 143 high school students were randomly assigned to treatments using a pretest-posttest control group design. Students in both groups received one week of treatment using a HyperCard stack on volcanoes. The results of an analysis of variance on the mean scores of a 35-item assessment instrument indicated that students who used software with an instructional map embedded in the courseware performed significantly better (p < .01) than...
Monitoring fitness of caged mussels (Elliptio complanata) to assess and prioritize streams for restoration

Freshwater mussels (order: Unionidae) are among the most endangered aquatic organisms in North America. Conservationists and resource managers within the United States are increasingly advocating restoration of these animals to preserve biodiversity and boost ecosystem services in the nation's waterways. Historically, restoration methods have yielded less than optimal survival rates due in part to an inability to identify suitable habitat for these organisms. Through the use of caged mussels as bioindicators, a method was developed to test prospective restoration sites for their ability to support mussel fitness before beginning restoration so that investments are strategic. Mussels (Elliptio complanata) from a healthy population were caged and deployed to candidate streams. Their survivorship, condition, and proximate biochemical composition (protein, carbohydrate, lipid) was then monitored for 1 year. Streams that supported mussel fitness as well as or better than their source stream were considered to be suitable for restoration. Four of five candidate streams were found to support mussel fitness. In addition, reciprocal transfers between two source populations showed that the seasonal patterns of tissue biochemical composition responded to ambient stream conditions, indicating that this species is diagnostic as a bioindicator of stream quality and habitat suitability. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Fault-Tree Representation of NPATRL Security Requirements

Abstract : In this paper we show how we can increase the ease of reading and writing security requirements for cryptographic protocols by developing a visual language based on fault trees. We develop such a semantics for a subset of NPATRL, a temporal language used for expressing safety requirements for cryptographic protocols, and show that the subset is sound and complete with respect to the semantics. We also show how the fault trees can be used to improve the presentation of some specifications that we developed in our analysis of the Group Domain of Interpretation (GDOI) protocol.
Equity and diversity in media representation

(2001). Equity and diversity in media representation. Critical Studies in Media Communication: Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 103-108.
Functional programming in Haskell

This tutorial will focus on functional programming in Haskell, a very high-level language which provides a unique "bird's-eye view" on many programming problems. Like other modern functional languages, Haskell derives its power from higher-order functions, parametric polymorphism and pattern-matching over algebraic data types. Popular Haskell implementations offer an interactive evaluation environment which provides immediate feedback on programming ideas, thus encouraging experimentation. But Haskell also offers the security of strong, static typing and the flexibility of polymorphism, a combination which helps forestall programming errors without a heavy syntactic overhead. In fact, Haskell's sparse syntax has been specifically designed to be reminiscent of mathematical notation and thus will be familiar to most people. Finally, Haskell features a "pure" mathematical semantics which supports equational reasoning, thus simplifying and streamlining the process of program development.Haskell has considerable local relevance in the Pacific Northwest due to the number of groups situated here which are involved in its definition, use and dissemination. These include the Pacific Software Research Center at the Oregon Graduate Institute (doing research on language implementation and semantics); Intel Corporation (using Haskell and related systems for hardware modeling and verification); the Galois Connections company (using Haskell for industrial applications, including cryptography); and Microsoft Research (using Haskell for graphics programming and as a source for network implementations under .NET).A quick introduction to syntax and language features will be provided through a series of short, interactive examples. This will be followed by an overview of a few medium-sized programs illustrating traditional applications in data structures, language implementation, graphics and web programming. A number of larger Haskell projects currently undergoing development in the region will also be showcased. Finally, the value of Haskell for Computer Science education will be discussed.
Chapter 3: Spacetime Structuralism

Abstract In this essay, I consider the ontological status of spacetime from the points of view of the standard tensor formalism and three alternatives: twistor theory, Einstein algebras, and geometric algebra. I briefly review how classical field theories can be formulated in each of these formalisms, and indicate how this suggests a structural realist interpretation of spacetime.
Preliminary results from a numerical multilayer model for the circulation in the North Atlantic

A 14-layer model of the general circulation in the North Atlantic Ocean is presented. The model is bounded by the coastline and by latitude circles at 57.5°N and 17.5°S. This area is covered by a grid system of 3° horizontal resolution. The actual topography is accounted for to the extent possible with this resolution. Climatological fields of temperature, salinity and wind stress are used as boundary conditions at the sea surface. These fields are fitted to an annual variation approximated by the first harmonic only. At the two open lateral boundaries temperature and salinity are fixed in time according to observations, but a weaker condition is used here on the velocity field to allow implicitly for an interaction with the adjacent ocean. Starting from an initial state at which the ocean is at rest and uniformly stratified, an initial-and boundary-value problem is solved numerically until the circulation and the interior mass field approximately are in equilibrium with the boundary conditions. The ‘ESSA Box Model” is applied in the numerical integration (K. Bryan [1969]). Selected numerical results are compared with observed data. The model reveals a remarkable topographic control of the circulation. At present the integration is being continued on a 1°-grid. A final analysis and discussion of the results will be based on that model and will be published in a further paper.
Real-time identification of anomalous packet payloads for network intrusion detection

A preliminary evaluation of a real-time packet-level anomaly detection approach for network intrusion detection in high-bandwidth network environments is presented. The approach characterizes network traffic using a novel technique that maps packet-level payloads onto a set of counters using bit-pattern hash functions. Machine learning is accomplished by mapping unlabelled training data onto a set of two-dimensional grids and forming a set of bitmaps that identify anomalous and normal regions. These bitmaps are used as the classifiers for real-time detection. Preliminary results using the DARPA intrusion detection evaluation data sets yield a 100% detection of all applicable attacks, with very low false positive rate. Furthermore, the approach is able to detect nearly all of the individual packets that comprised each attack.
An assignment for building an awareness of the intersection of health literacy and cultural competence skills.

What does it mean to be a health literate patient? What does it mean to be a culturally competent health care provider? How are these concepts related? All health care providers should ask themselves these important questions, not to arrive at an answer, but rather for the wisdom to be gained by trying. Students planning to enter any health or human services field need to be exposed to the vast array of practices and beliefs that inform health care decision making.
Direct observation of the alignment of ferromagnetic spins by antiferromagnetic spins

The arrangement of spins at interfaces in a layered magnetic material often has an important effect on the properties of the material. One example of this is the directional coupling between the spins in an antiferromagnet and those in an adjacent ferromagnet, an effect first discovered1 in 1956 and referred to as exchange bias. Because of its technological importance for the development of advanced devices such as magnetic read heads2 and magnetic memory cells3, this phenomenon has received much attention4,5. Despite extensive studies, however, exchange bias is still poorly understood, largely due to the lack of techniques capable of providing detailed information about the arrangement of magnetic moments near interfaces. Here we present polarization-dependent X-ray magnetic dichroism spectro-microscopy that reveals the micromagnetic structure on both sides of a ferromagnetic–antiferromagnetic interface. Images of thin ferromagnetic Co films grown on antiferromagnetic LaFeO3 show a direct link between the arrangement of spins in each material. Remanent hysteresis loops, recorded for individual ferromagnetic domains, show a local exchange bias. Our results imply that the alignment of the ferromagnetic spins is determined, domain by domain, by the spin directions in the underlying antiferromagnetic layer.
Cytomegalovirus Inclusions in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis and Toxic Dilation Requiring Colonic Resection

Microscopic examination of 50 colon resection specimens from 46 patients with ulcerative colitis revealed 6 patients whose colons contained intranuclear inclusions characteristic for cytomegalovirus (CMV). All patients were male, 47 years of age or older, and all had marked severe and fulminating courses. Five of the 6 patients had toxic dilation of the colon. Three of our patients had received no steroid therapy before their toxic dilation, however, all received steroids during attempts at medical management. Two other patients were found to have toxic dilation of the colon among our 46 patients, however, no evidence of CMV could be found in these 2 cases. There were 6 patients without toxic dilation whose colon specimens showed destructive inflammation and granulation tissue extending into the muscularis propria or transmurally. None of the colons from these 6 patients contained CMV inclusions. In our patients, the finding of CMV may be coincidental, but it is suggested that in our group of patients with ulcerative colitis, the CMV may play a role in altering the clinical course of these patients.
Re-examining procurement tenders with respect to price: a transaction cost model of Portland procurement agencies

Past research has provided a variety of model approaches which are intended for the use of detecting improprieties in the bidding process for public procurement auctions. Recent literature has moved beyond traditional bid price models and seeks to incorporate various non-price factors, such as vendor utility, into bid rigging modelling efforts. In response, the following research aims to incorporate specific non-price factors such as vendor distance to site, vehicles owned, etc., to demonstrate, while using transaction cost economic (TCE) theory, that these complex price models – hedonic price models – can incorporate non-price factors as a function of vendor price mechanisms. Future implications of hedonic techniques in procurement bidding analysis are also discussed with regard to their potential usefulness for detecting collusive behaviour. Data, which contains both bids accused of collusion and competitive bids, were collected and coded to include variables omitted from other OLS models. The hedonic model tested was found to improve upon modelling capabilities of standard OLS models creating possibilities for more extensive research into detailed price modelling focusing on bidding improprieties.