cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vascular injury induces expression of periostin: implications for vascular cell differentiation and migration.

Objective— Periostin mRNA is among the most strongly upregulated transcripts in rat carotid arteries after balloon injury. The goal of the present study was to gain insight into the significance of periostin in the vasculature. Methods and Results— Periostin expression after injury was localized to smooth muscle cells of the neointima and the adventitia. The expression of periostin in smooth muscle cells in vitro was not regulated by cytokines such as fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). In contrast, stimulation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells, NIH3T3 fibroblasts, or mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 cells with FGF-2 reduced periostin mRNA levels to <5% of controls, whereas conversely bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) increased periostin mRNA levels. Periostin expression was induced and maintained during retinoic acid-induced smooth muscle cell differentiation in A404 cells. In addition, overexpression of periostin in C3H10T1/2 cells caused an increase in cell migration that could be blocked with an anti-periostin antibody. Conclusions— Periostin expression is associated with smooth muscle cell differentiation in vitro and promotes cell migration. Unlike other mesenchymally derived cell lines, periostin expression is not regulated by FGF-2 in smooth muscle cells. This distinction may be useful in discriminating smooth muscle and fibroblast lineages.
A genome-wide search for linkage to chronic kidney disease in a community-based sample: the SAFHS

Background. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) phenotypes such as albuminuria measured by urinary albumin creatinine ratio (ACR), elevated serum creatinine (SrCr) and/or decreased creatinine clearance (CrCl) and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are major risk factors for renal and cardiovascular diseases. Epidemiological studies have reportedthatCKDphenotypesclusterinfamiliessuggestinga genetic predisposition. However, studies reporting chromosomalregionsinfluencingCKDareverylimited.Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify susceptible chromosomal regions for CKD phenotypes in Mexican American families enrolled in the San Antonio Family Heart Study (SAFHS). Methods.Weusedthevariancecomponentsdecomposition approach(implementedinthesoftwarepackageSOLAR)to perform linkage analysis on 848 participants from 26 families. A total of 417 microsatellite markers were genotyped at an average interval of 10 cM spanning 22 autosomal chromosomes. Results. All phenotypes were measured by standard procedures. Mean ± SD values of ACR, SrCr, CrCl and eGFR were 0.06 ± 0.38, 0.85 ± 0.72 mg/dl, 129.85 ± 50.37 ml/min and 99.18 ± 25.69 ml/min/1.73 m 2 body surface area, respectively. All four CKD phenotypes exhibited significant heritabilities (P <0.0001). A genome-wide scan showed linkage on chromosome 2p25 for SrCr, CrCl and eGFR. Significant linkage was also detected on chromosome 9q21 for eGFR [logarithm of the odds (LOD) score = 3.87, P = 0.00005] and SrCr (LOD score = 2.6, P = 0.00026). ACR revealed suggestive evidence for linkage to a region on chromosome 20q12 (LOD score = 2.93, P = 0.00020).
Assessing the Risk of Food-Borne Illness through Web-Based Food Inspection Reporting

(2003). Assessing the Risk of Food-Borne Illness through Web-Based Food Inspection Reporting. American Journal of Health Education: Vol. 34, No. 3, pp. 169-171.
A preliminary approach to modeling gas hydrate/ice deposition from dissolved water in a liquid condensate system

Gas hydrate/ice deposition from a dissolved water phase in a liquid condensate system was modeled using a mass and energy balance. The same modeling parameters were used to model three flow loop experiments (1.89 and 2.83 L/min flow rate deposition tests and a 1.89 L/min dissociation test) with acceptable accuracy. Relative changes in both temperature and pressure drop were modeled using an ice deposit with a 67% void fraction. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
An effective two‐dimensional frictional contact model for arbitrary curved geometry

A finite element model is developed on the basis of a variational formulation of the perturbed Lagrange type and the classical Coulomb law of friction, for the analysis of frictional contact problems in two dimensions. The model accounts for all geometric/kinematic non-linearities associated with large sliding motions as well as arbitrary contact-surface curvatures. Explicit forms for the contact force and tangent stiffness operators and a penalty-type format is utilized in the implementation. An extensive number of numerical simulations are used to demonstrate the effectiveness and practical usefulness of the model.
Custom-designed high-density conformal planar multielectrode arrays for brain slice electrophysiology.

Multielectrode arrays have enabled electrophysiological experiments exploring spatio-temporal dynamics previously unattainable with single electrode recordings. The finite number of electrodes in planar MEAs (pMEAs), however, imposes a trade-off between the spatial resolution and the recording area. This limitation was circumvented in this paper through the custom design of experiment-specific tissue-conformal high-density pMEAs (cMEAs). Four configurations were presented as examples of cMEAs designed for specific stimulation and recording experiments in acute hippocampal slices. These cMEAs conformed in designs to the slice cytoarchitecture whereas their high-density provided high spatial resolution for selective stimulation of afferent pathways and current source density (CSD) analysis. The cMEAs have 50 or 60 μm center-to-center inter-electrode distances and were manufactured on glass substrates by photolithographically defining ITO leads, insulating them with silicon nitride and SU-8 2000 epoxy-based photoresist and coating the etched electrode tips with gold or platinum. The ability of these cMEAs to stimulate and record electrophysiological activity was demonstrated by recording monosynaptic, disynaptic, and trisynaptic field potentials. The conformal designs also facilitated the selection of the optimal electrode locations for stimulation of specific afferent pathways (Schaffer collaterals; medial versus lateral perforant path) and recording the corresponding responses. In addition, the high-density of the arrays enabled CSD analysis of laminar profiles obtained through sequential stimulation along the CA1 pyramidal tree.
Ring‐Closing Metathesis Synthesis of N‐Boc‐3‐Pyrroline

N-Boc-3-pyrroline Boc-diallyamine 1H-Pyrrole-1-carboxylic acid, 2,5-dihydro-, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester Triethylamine Ruthenium chloride Tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine Keywords: ring closing metathesis; N-Boc-3-pyrroline; ruthenium chloride; waste disposal; 3-pyrroline; enecarbamates; medicinally active compounds; antibacterial compounds; impurity removal; Grubb's catalyst
Technology Enabled Work: The Role of Self-Efficacy in Determining Telecommuter Adjustment and Structuring Behavior

We explore factors associated with employees ability to cope with the challenges of telecommuting—an increasingly pervasive new work mode enabled by advances in information technologies. Telecommuting can trigger important changes in employees job responsibilities, especially with respect to the degree of proactivity required to effectively work from a distance. Survey responses from a sample of 723 participants in one organizations formal telecommuting program were used to examine the inter-relationships between telecommuter self-efficacy and extent of telecommuting on telecommuters ability to cope with this new work context. Results indicate that there is a positive association between telecommuter self-efficacy and both employees behavioral strategies (i.e., structuring behaviors) and work outcomes (i.e., telecommuter adjustment). Moreover, these positive relationships are accentuated for employees who telecommute more extensively. Implications for research and practice concerning the effect of technology on jobs and careers are presented. 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
10 GHz YBa2Cu3O7-delta Superconducting Ring Resonators on NdGaO3 Substrates

YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) thin films were formed on NdGaO3 substrates by laser ablation. Critical temperatures greater than 89 K and critical current densities exceeding 2 x 10(exp 8) Acm(sub -2) at 77 K were obtained. The microwave performance of films patterned into microstrip ring resonators with gold ground planes was measured. An unloaded quality factor six times larger than that of a gold resonator of identical geometry was achieved. The unloaded quality factor decreased below 70 K for both the superconducting and gold resonators due to increasing dielectric losses in the substrate. The temperature dependence of the loss tangent of NdGaO3 was extracted from the measurements.
Toxoplasma Gondii and Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia: An Animal Model Perspective

Cognitive deficits are a core feature of schizophrenia. Epidemiological evidence indicates that microbial pathogens may contribute to cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia. Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) has been associated with cognitive deficits in humans. However, the mechanisms whereby the parasite impacts cognition remain poorly understood. Animal models of T. gondii infection may aid in elucidating the underpinnings of cognitive dysfunction. Here, we (1) overview the literature on the association of T. gondii infection and cognitive impairment, (2) critically analyze current rodent models of cognitive deficits resulting from T. gondii infection, and (3) explore possible mechanisms whereby the parasite may affect cognitive function.
Decentralized Rate Assignments in a Multi-Sector CDMA Network

As the demand for wireless broadband data services grows, it becomes increasingly important to address the issue of optimal resource allocation. Specifically, such allocation should address not only quality of service (QoS) requirements, but continually changing resource demands. In this paper, we consider a data-only multi-sector wideband CDMA network with arbitrary layout of sectors and base-stations. Optimal reverse-link rate allocation for such a network is examined. Using an optimization framework, we develop the conceptual basis for a distributed algorithm for finding the optimal rate assignments using information available to the mobiles. We then use this to propose practical algorithms at the bases as well as the mobiles. These algorithms provide a proportional fair transmission rate/interference control scheme. Finally, we examine the dynamic behavior of such a distributed algorithm in the presence of realistic physical conditions such as shadowing and mobility
Wire bonding characterization for small MLP footprint

With the industry trend moving towards miniaturization and cost reduction, leadless molded lead frame based package such as MLP/QFN has become the package of choice due to its good thermal performance, flexibility in matching any leaded footprint, fast turn-around time and low tooling up cost. As a result, the MLP is also highly favored by low power discrete products. However, low power discrete products requires chip size to be as large as possible or dual chips to be packaged within a unit, thereby constraining the lead frame design especially when package sizes go below 2times2mm. This constraint to lead frame design robustness impacts wire bondability and throughput. Moreover, the use of larger diameter wire and multiple bonds to a single lead on small MLP footprint is a major challenge. This paper gives an account of the challenges encountered at wire bond on small MLP footprint where the DAP is poorly anchored causing the DAP to shift or bounce and resulting in poor bond integrity such as ball non-stick or smashed bonds and the ensuing wire bond process characterizations and evaluations that the authors went through to improve the 1st bond integrity on bouncing and shifting die attach paddle (DAP). The evaluation includes window top plate design, evaluation of various bonding sequences; lead frame based pre-tape material used, and bond parameter optimization. The output of the evaluations were measured through assembly level reliability (ALR) data such as ball shear, wire pull, intermetallic formation, inspection for cratering damage and also the visual appearance of the bonds
Arc flash hazard reduction: Learnings from the IEEE Petroleum and Chemical Industry Committee

Managing the risks of fire and explosion in highly hazardous processes is inherent to manufacturing operations in the petrochemical industry. As early as the 1960s, some petrochemical companies had begun applying knowledge of managing the risk of personnel exposure to hydrocarbon fires and explosions to the electrical arc flash hazard. These practices evolved and formed the basis of arc flash protection requirements that first appeared in NFPA70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, in 1995. This paper provides: (1) a brief history on the development of arc flash hazard management and mitigation methods, and (2) lessons learned from experiences shared within the Petroleum and Chemical Industry Committee of the IEEE Industry Applications Society in implementing a comprehensive arc flash hazard management and mitigation program. General background and lessons learned from practical experience Included are: (3) An overview of current standards and regulations (4) Design practices proven to eliminate or reduce risk of exposure (5) Hazard analysis techniques (6) Getting management and worker buy in (7) Safe work practices (8) Role and current state of personal protective clothing.
A test for whether or not Voyager 1 has crossed the heliopause

The Voyager 1 spacecraft is currently in the vicinity of the heliopause, which separates the heliosphere from the local interstellar medium. There has been a precipitous decrease in particles accelerated in the heliosphere and a substantial increase in galactic cosmic rays (GCRs). The evidence is unclear, however, as to whether Voyager 1 has crossed the heliopause into the local interstellar medium or remains within the heliosheath. In this Letter we propose a test that will determine whether Voyager 1 has crossed the heliopause: If Voyager 1 remains in the heliosheath, the high densities observed must be due to compressed solar wind, with the consequence that Voyager 1 will encounter another current sheet, where the polarity of the magnetic field reverses. Voyager 1 observations can be used to predict that the next current sheet crossing is likely to occur during 2015.
Application of Markov Process Theory to Nonlinear Random Vibration Problems

In the history of random vibration, the theory of Markov process was first Applied to linear systems [1,2,3,4] to determine the probability density of system response to Gaussian white noise or shot noise excitation. It was soon realized that the same results could be obtained by more elementary procedures such as the spectral analysis or convolution integration even without the white noise or shot noise restriction. This is clear since the response of a linear system is Gaussian distributed under Gaussian distributed excitation, and once the mean and correlation functions of the response are determined using one of the elementary methods mentioned above, the probability density can be written down according to the Gaussian form. Therefore, from the random vibration standpoint, the importance of Markov theory lies in its Applicability to more complicated cases, such as nonlinear systems, parametrically excited systems, etc..
Bile Duct Injury

Among the most challenging patients for surgeons are those with bile duct injuries (BDIs). BDI is associated with substantial morbidity, impaired quality of life, and mortality [1–4]. Morbidity following BDI is reported to be as high as 47 % and mortality anywhere from 1.7 to 9 % [1, 5, 6]. Morbidity and mortality is related not only to the severity of the BDI and associated bowel injury, but also to delays in management, inadequate management, or complications directly related to failed repair. Failed repairs can result in postoperative peritonitis, biliary sepsis, anastomotic stricture that can result in long-term recurrent cholangitis, biliary cirrhosis, and death. Numerous studies have noted that the level of BDI correlates with surgical outcome, with worse outcomes occurring more frequently in patients with higher levels of BDI [7–9].
The Viability of Telecommunications Litigation in Light of Case Precedent Limiting Consumer Remedies

Many advocates for less intrusive government oversight of telecommunications support the migration from regulation by an expert agency to the use of judicial remedies largely guided by antitrust/competition policy principles. They believe that reviewing courts can resolve disputes after they have occurred in lieu of having vigilant regulatory agencies like the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) available to anticipate and resolve problems before they become acute. Such ex post remedies occur when courts apply legal precedent not necessarily tailored to specific telecommunications cases and controversies.Advocates for retaining so-called ex ante regulation believe that an expert agency remains essential particularly in light of fast changing market conditions and technological innovations that may not promote sufficiently robust facilities-based competition. They also note that courts have decided to reduce opportunities for consumers to seek remedies by limiting rights to bring suit and to form a class of similarly harmed parties. Additionally they cite case precedent where courts offer no additional competitive safeguards if the expert regulatory agency concludes that rising competition justifies streamlining or eliminating safeguards.This paper will concentrate on the impact of four Supreme Court cases with an eye toward assessing whether ex post review by courts can provide a suitable alternative to FCC regulation and dispute resolution. In Verizon Communications, Inc. v. Law Office of Curtis V. Trinko, LLP, 540 U.S. 398 (2004) the Supreme Court limited the right of individual consumers to have standing, i.e., the basic right to bring an antitrust claims against a common carrier, telecommunications service provider. Two later cases, AT&T Mobility v. Concepcion, 563 U.S. 321 (2011) and Comcast Corp. v. Behrend, 569 U.S. ____, 133 S. Ct. 1426 (2013) substantially restrict whether and how class action law suits can pursue a remedy based on similar types of harm besetting the entire group of plaintiffs. Additionally Pacific Bell Telephone Co., v. Linkline Communications, Inc., 555 U.S. 438 (2009) largely cuts off substantive antitrust jurisdiction by courts on the simple premise that if the FCC decides that a carrier has no duty to deal, based on a finding of effective competition, then antitrust remedies are unnecessary and largely unavailable. The paper concludes that courts have little expertise in telecommunications, but willingly find procedural vehicles to preempt legal remedies and even the right of aggrieved parties to receive a hearing. While other nations have bolstered ex post review and the power to remedy anticompetitive practices, the paper finds a distinct unwillingness of courts to provide an appellate forum. The paper concludes that deregulatory advocates can still achieve their goals by supporting the continuing availability of ex ante regulation in light of the FCC’s frequent predisposition to streamline and deregulate.
Results from the Trial Using Motivational Interviewing, Positive Affect, and Self-Affirmation in African Americans with Hypertension (TRIUMPH)

Objective: Our objective was to determine the the effectiveness in combining positive affect and self-affirmation strategies with motivational interviewing in improving blood pressure control among hypertensive African Americans compared with AA hypertensives in an education-only control group. Design: Randomized trial. Setting: Ambulatory practices in the South Bronx and Harlem, New York City. Participants: African American adults with uncontrolled hypertension. Interventions: Participants were randomized to a positive affect and self-affirmation intervention or an education control group. The positive affect and self-affirmation intervention involved having participants think about things that made them happy and that reminded them of their core values on a daily basis. These strategies were reinforced every two months through motivational interviewing. The control arm received a workbook of strategies on blood pressure control. All participants were called every two months for one year. Main outcomes: Blood pressure control rate. Results: A total of 238 participants were randomized. The average age was 56 + 11, approximately 70% were female, 80% were not married, and up to 70% completed high school. There was no difference in control rates between the intervention and the control group. However, at one year, female participants were more likely to be controlled. Participants with high depressive symptoms or high perceived stress at baseline were less likely to be controlled. Conclusions: While this study did not demonstrate an intervention effect, it does provide important insight into the psychosocial factors that may underlie blood pressure control in African Americans. Implications for future behavioral intervention trials are discussed. Ethn Dis. 2016;26(1):51-60; doi:10.18865/ed.26.1.51
Structural Studies of Submonolayers of Carbon Atoms on Graphite

Submonolayer coverages of carbon adsorbed on highly-oriented pyrolytic graphite were examined by scanning tunneling microscopy under ultra-high vacuum condition. Linear carbon wires were found on atomically flat graphite surfaces. The wires had different thicknesses, from single atomic width to about lnm. The long wires extended to over several hundred nanometers. Two directions, graphite β-β direction and 30° rotated, were preferred for the long wire orientation. Parallel wire alignment, with several nanometers of inter-wire spacings were observed. Carbon particles, from 0.7 to 2 nm in diameter were found to be attached to the carbon wires. Particles from different wires formed parallel linear chains about perpendicular to the wire direction.
Effects of Cooling and Flavoring Drinking Water on Psychological Performance in a Hot Environment

During exposure to a hot environment, unacclimatized soldiers may not voluntarily drink enough water to compensate for the loss of fluids. This study evaluated whether, with increased voluntary drinking (due to cooling and/or flavoring the drinking water), the soldier (a) will be less likely to report feelings of discomfort and symptoms of heat illness and (b) will also be better able to maintain his ability to perform psychomotor and cognitive tasks. On each of four test days in a heat chamber, eight subjects were permitted to drink ad lib only one of four beverages: cool water, warm water, cool flavored water, or warm flavored water. The subjects felt more uncomfortable and reported more symptoms of heat illness under the warm water conditions. Psychomotor performance (manual dexterity) and cognitive performance (logical reasoning) were significantly degraded under the warm water conditions but only after at least four hours of heat exposure. Flavoring the water had no effect on any of the measures. It ...
Clinical Characteristics of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Sepsis in Children

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and treatment of pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis in children. Methods The medical records of 7 children with pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis who were hospitalized in Guangzhou Women and Children′s Hospital from May 2008 to Jul.2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Results Among the 7 cases of pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis,6 boys and 1 girl were chosen in which 5 cases were less than 1 year old and the oldest was 2 years old.Two cases suffered from underlying disease,in which 1 case was performed with appendicitis operation and the other had neutropenia.Four cases were community-acquired infection and 3 cases were hospital-acquired infection.Fever,ecthyma,gangrenosum and multiple organ dysfunction were present in all the cases,while ecthyma,gangrenosum could appear at any part of the body,and anogenital area was commonly affected(4/7 cases),and there was soft tissue or organs purulent lesion in 5 cases.Pseudomonas aeruginosa through blood culture turned out to be positive and serum high sensitivity C reactive protein was elevated in all cases.Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also isolated from sites in 3 cases.On admission leucopenia and thrombocytopenia were common(5/7 cases) and hyperbilirubinemia and hypoalbuminemia occurred in 5 cases.All the patients were administered with antibiotic,in which 5 cases received appropriate antibiotic in the early stage,6 cases needed surgical intervention,and 2 cases were treated with continuous blood purification(CBP).Six cases were either cured or improved and 1 case died,and the mean hospital stay was 33 days. Conclusions Community-acquired pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis is not rare.Ecthyma gangrenosum is a known cutaneous manifestation of pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis.Appropriate initial antimicrobial treatment is as important as the surgical intervention for some patients.CBP is helpful in the patients with multiple organ dysfunctions.
Engineering galectin–glycan interactions for immunotherapy and immunomodulation:

Galectins, a 15-member family of soluble carbohydrate-binding proteins, are receiving increasing interest as therapeutic targets for immunotherapy and immunomodulation due to their role as extracellular signals that regulate innate and adaptive immune cell phenotype and function. However, different galectins can have redundant, synergistic, or antagonistic signaling activity in normal immunological responses, such as resolution of inflammation and induction of antigen-specific tolerance. In addition, certain galectins can be hijacked to promote progression of immunopathologies, such as tumor immune privilege, metastasis, and viral infection, while others can inhibit these processes. Thus, eliciting a desired immunological outcome will likely necessitate therapeutics that can precisely enhance or inhibit particular galectin-glycan interactions. Multivalency is an important determinant of the affinity and specificity of natural galectin-glycan interactions, and is emerging as a key design element for therapeutics that can effectively manipulate galectin bioactivity. This minireview surveys current molecular and biomaterial engineering approaches to create therapeutics that can stabilize galectin multivalency or recapitulate natural glycan multivalency (i.e. "the glycocluster effect"). In particular, we highlight examples of using natural and engineered multivalent galectins for immunosuppression and immune tolerance, with a particular emphasis on treating autoimmune diseases or avoiding transplant rejection. In addition, we present examples of multivalent inhibitors of galectin-glycan interactions to maintain or restore T-cell function, with a particular emphasis on promoting antitumor immunity. Finally, we discuss emerging opportunities to further engineer galectin-glycan interactions for immunotherapy and immunomodulation.
Mapping Auditory Synaptic Circuits with Photostimulation of Caged Glutamate

Photostimulation of neurons with caged glutamate is a viable tool for mapping the strength and spatial distribution of synaptic networks in living brain slices. In photostimulation experiments, synaptic connectivity is assessed by eliciting action potentials in putative presynaptic neurons via focal photolysis of caged glutamate, while measuring postsynaptic responses via intracellular recordings. Two approaches are commonly used for delivering light to small, defined areas in the slice preparation; an optical fiber-based method and a laser-scanning-based method. In this chapter, we outline the technical bases for using photostimulation of caged glutamate to map synaptic circuits, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using fiber-based vs. laser-based systems.
Prescriptions for the Plural Society: Theory and Practice in the South African Context

In 1972 Kenneth A. Shepsle and I published a book entitled Politics in Plural Societies: A Theory of Democratic Instability.2 The object of that book was twofold: first, to develop a formal model of politics in the plural society and, second, to test that model against the historical evidence of eighteen plural societies. In the concluding chapter we proposed a set of theoretically informed prescriptions to cope with the inherent problem of democratic instability in the plural society. The object of this paper is to apply those logically derived prescriptions to contemporary South Africa, to test both their theoretical soundness and political workability.
Quality Assurance and Radiation Safety for Breast Irradiation

Breast irradiation, be it whole breast external beam or brachytherapy, proves highly effective in the treatment of breast cancer. However, errors in treatment can have significant consequences for the patient. Quality management (QM) stands as the barrier preventing off the intended track and into hazardous situations.
Improving Diabetes Outcomes through Nutrition and Lifestyle Change— Translating Research to Practice

Treating diabetes from a provider perspective involves using a combination of nutrition, lifestyle and medications to manage hemoglobinA1c, blood pressure and cholesterol –the ABCs of diabetes control. The nutrition and lifestyle evidence emphasizes different priorities for managing glycemia in patients with type 1 versus type 2 diabetes. This session will review the evidence based nutrition guidelines for managing the ABCs of diabetes control and considerations for translating research to practice from both a patient and provider perspective. To maximize effectiveness, the nutrition and lifestyle plan needs to be evidence based and tailored to the clinical profile, eating habits and lifestyle, motivation and learning capabilities of each person. Medical nutrition therapy is the process by which dietitians translate the evidence based nutrition priorities into an action plan that patients can follow. Diabetes treatment teams can improve patients’ self-efficacy for managing diet and lifestyle by taking the following action steps: (1) aim for consistency in clinical message priorities, (2) evaluate readiness and motivation for weight loss or other nutrition and lifestyle change and (3) refer patients to evidence-based lifestyle change programs to work on weight loss and increased activity or for individualized medical nutrition therapy.
Liver Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cells

The liver is the largest internal organ, providing a site for hematopoiesis during gestational development and critical metabolic, synthetic, and detoxification functions during adulthood. Liver development is regulated by a finely balanced and progressive series of cellular and molecular interactions. This intricate process is highly spatiotemporal and central to the differentiation and organization of the hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, as well as the nonepithelial cells in the liver. We discuss the cellular and molecular basis of hepatic development with emphasis on signaling mechanisms that may eventually be exploited for stem cell differentiation to hepatocytes for applications in hepatic regenerative medicine.
Congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium serves as a clinical marker in a family with familial adenomatous polyposis.

Background: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is characterized by the development of multiple adenomatous polyps of the large intestine and gastrointestinal tract. FAP leads to colon malignancy in 100 percent of untreated cases. Congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (CHRPE) has been identified as a potential early clinical marker for FAP. Methods: Two generations received ocular examinations. One subject demonstrated CHRPE and was already known to have inherited FAP. His son showed typical CHRPE lesions associated with FAP and has most likely inherited the FAP gene. Results: This case report of a family with autosomal dominant familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) demonstrates the role of CHRPE as a useful early detector of the inheritance of the FAP gene. Conclusions: Early intervention (ocular and colorectal examinations) and treatment (colectomy) is advocated to prevent malignancy
A Risk Model for Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia (CIA) in Cancer Patients.

Background: Anemia represents the most common hematological toxicity in cancer patients receiving systemic chemotherapy and is associated with considerable morbidity and cost (Lyman‚ Value in Health 2005). Current ASH/ASCO guidelines call for intervention at a hemoglobin (Hgb) <10 gm/dl. Treatment options include transfusion or administration of an erythropoietic-stimulating protein (ESP). A recent meta-analysis demonstrated the clinical value of early versus late intervention with an ESP (Lyman‚ Cancer‚ 2005 in press). An accurate and valid risk model for CIA is needed to select patients for ESP treatment early in the course of chemotherapy when it can be most effective. Methods: More than 3‚000 patients with cancer of the breast‚ lung‚ colon and ovary or malignant lymphoma initiating a new chemotherapy regimen have been prospectively registered at 115 randomly selected U.S. practice sites. Data on at least one cycle of chemotherapy were available on 2‚842 patients. A logistic regression model for Hgb <10 gm/dl based on pretreatment characteristics was developed and predictive test performance characteristics examined. Results: Over a median of three cycles of chemotherapy, Hgb <10 gm/dl was reported one or more times in 817 (28.7%) patients. Significant independent predictive factors for Hgb <10 gm/dl include: history of peptic ulcer (OR=1.90; P=.015), myocardial infarction (OR=1.94; P=.009), or congestive heart failure (OR=2.13; P=.017), increasing age (OR=1.02; P=.002), female gender (OR=2.40; P<.001), ECOG performance status (OR=1.24; P=.002), Charlson Comorbidity Index (OR=1.06, P=.002), body surface area (OR=3.75, P<.001), low baseline hemoglobin (OR=1.95, P<.001), pretreatment hematocrit (OR=.85, P<.001), and glomerular filtration rate (OR=0.99, P=.027), and regimens containing anthracyclines (OR=3.21, P<.001), cisplatinum (OR=3.86, P<.001) or carboplatinum (OR=2.71, P<.001). Model fit was excellent (P<.001), R2=0.455 and c-statistic = 0.775 [95% CL: .76–.79, P<.0001]. Individual predicted risk of Hgb <10 gm/dl based on the model ranged from 0 to 98% with mean and median probabilities of 0.28 and 0.22, respectively. Based on a risk cutpoint of 20%, 1,541 patients (55%) were classified as high risk and 1,282 as low risk. The average risks of Hgb <10 gm/dl during chemotherapy in high and low risk subjects were 43% and 12%, respectively. Model test performance characteristics [±95% CL] included: sensitivity: 81% [78–84]; specificity: 56% [54–58]; likelihood ratio positive: 1.85 [1.74–1.96]; likelihood ratio negative: 0.34 [0.29–0.39]; positive predictive value: 43% [40–45]; negative predictive value: 88% [86–90] and diagnostic odds ratio: 5.47 [4.50–6.66]. Conclusions: This risk model identified cancer patients initiating chemotherapy who are at risk for clinically significant anemia using common clinical parameters. Validation of the model in a separate population of patients is in progress.
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) Mesenchymal Stromal Cell (MSC) Have Distinct Protein Expression Patterns Compared to Normal MSC

Background: AML remains highly fatal, therefore understanding the mechanisms that cause chemoresistance is critical for developing more effective therapies. The leukemia bone marrow microenvironment (BME) and component MSC supports leukemia development and cell survival, implying a key role for MSC in resistance. We hypothesize that differences in the physiology of MSC in the leukemia BME (AML-MSC), relative to normal MSC (NL-MSC), exist and could be therapeutic targets. Methods: To compare the function of AML-MSC from NL-MSC a custom reverse phase protein array (RPPA) was made using cultured MSC from AML (N = 106) and healthy donor MSC (NL; N = 71) and probed with 151 antibodies against 114 total, 36 phospho sites (on 29 proteins) and 1 cleavage site. Both biased clustering and unbiased hierarchical clustering along with principal component analysis were used to analyze data. To examine the influence of age on protein expression, age matched AML and NL MSC were compared. Results: Comparison of protein expression in NL-MSC and AML-MSC identified 5 Sample Clusters (SC1..SC5) based on the differential expression of 83 of 151 proteins, which formed 5 Protein Clusters (PC1..PC5) (P Summary: This study demonstrates that AML-MSC have two dominant protein expression signatures that are distinct from those of NL-MSC, with SC4 being associated with unfavorable cytogenetics and the salvage setting. Up-regulated pathways in AML-MSC are known to impact MSC cell survival and differentiation. Down regulated pathways may explain skewing towards osteogenic and away from adipogenic differentiation by AML-MSC. Experiments targeting MSC and assessing effects on AML blast survival are underway to determine if targeting MSC can reverse chemoresistance. Disclosures Konopleva:Novartis: Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Stemline: Research Funding; Calithera: Research Funding; Threshold: Research Funding. Andreeff:Oncoceutics, Inc.: Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees.
Examining the influence of mental health on dual contraceptive method use among college women in the United States

Abstract Objectives To examine mental health influences on dual contraceptive method use (i.e., the use of a hormonal contraceptive or intrauterine device with a condom barrier) among college women. Study design Data from N = 307 sexually active women who completed the 2014 National College Health Assessment at a large mid-Atlantic university were analyzed. Following chi-square tests of associations, multivariate logistic regressions examined the relation between mental health and sociodemographic factors and dual contraceptive method use. Results Among all women, 27% utilized a dual contraceptive method during last vaginal intercourse. A prior depressive disorder diagnosis was significantly associated with lower odds of dual method use compared to use of other contraceptive methods combined (aOR, 0.39; 95% CI: 0.19–0.79), use of no method (aOR, 0.12; 95% CI: 0.03–0.55), or use of hormonal contraceptives only (aOR, 0.39; 95% CI: 0.18–0.85). Conclusions Mental health is an important contributor to contraceptive method use. Health care providers should consider the role of mental health when counseling women about contraceptive options during routine gynecological visits. Results suggest that mental health screenings may be helpful in identifying those most at risk for not using dual contraceptive methods.
Improving the analyte ion signal in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry via electrospray deposition by enhancing incorporation of the analyte in the matrix.

Rationale Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) is widely used as the ionization method in high-resolution chemical imaging studies that seek to visualize the distribution of analytes within sectioned biological tissues. This work extends the use of electrospray deposition (ESD) to apply matrix with an additional solvent spray to incorporate and homogenize analyte within the matrix overlayer. Methods Analytes and matrix are sequentially and independently applied by ESD to create a sample from which spectra are collected, mimicking a MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) experiment. Subsequently, an incorporation spray consisting of methanol is applied by ESD to the sample and another set of spectra are collected. The spectra prior to and after the incorporation spray are compared to evaluate the improvement in the analyte signal. Results Prior to the incorporation spray, samples prepared using α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) as the matrix showed low signal while the sample using sinapinic acid (SA) initially exhibited good signal. Following the incorporation spray, the sample using SA did not show an increase in signal; the sample using DHB showed moderate gain factors of 2–5 (full ablation spectra) and 12–336 (raster spectra), while CHCA samples saw large increases in signal, with gain factors of 14–172 (full ablation spectra) and 148–1139 (raster spectra). Conclusions The use of an incorporation spray to apply solvent by ESD to a matrix layer already deposited by ESD provides an increase in signal by both promoting incorporation of the analyte within and homogenizing the distribution of the incorporated analyte throughout the matrix layer. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanisms involved in the triggering of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) by Candida glabrata during planktonic and biofilm growth

Candida spp. adhere to medical devices, such as catheters, forming drug-tolerant biofilms that resist killing by the immune system. Little is known about how C. glabrata, an emerging pathogen, resists attack by phagocytes. Here we show that upon encounter with planktonic (non-biofilm) C. glabrata, human neutrophils initially phagocytose the yeast and subsequently release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), complexes of DNA, histones, and proteins capable of inhibiting fungal growth and dissemination. When exposed to C. glabrata biofilms, neutrophils also release NETs, but significantly fewer than in response to planktonic cells. Impaired killing of biofilm parallels the decrease in NET production. Compared to biofilm, neutrophils generate higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) when presented with planktonic organisms, and pharmacologic inhibition of NADPH-oxidase partially impairs NET production. In contrast, inhibition of phagocytosis nearly completely blocks NET release to both biofilm and planktonic organisms. Imaging of the host response to C. glabrata in a rat vascular model of infection supports a role for NET release in vivo. Taken together, these findings show that C. glabrata triggers NET release. The diminished NET response to C. glabrata biofilms likely contributes to the resilience of these structured communities to host defenses.
Characterization of topology optimized Ti-6Al-4V components using electron beam powder bed fusion

Abstract The use of manufacturing to generate topology optimized components shows promise for designers. However, designers who assume that additive manufacturing follows traditional manufacturing techniques may be misled due to the nuances in specific techniques. Since commercial topology optimization software tools are neither designed to consider orientation of the parts nor large variations in properties, the goal of this research is to evaluate the limitations of an existing commercial topology optimization software (i.e. Inspire®) using electron beam powder bed fusion (i.e. Arcam®) to produce optimized Ti-6Al-4V alloy components. Emerging qualification tools from Oak Ridge National Laboratory including in-situ near-infrared imaging and log file data analysis were used to rationalize the final performance of components. While the weight savings of each optimized part exceeded the initial criteria, the failure loads and locations proved instrumental in providing insight to additive manufacturing with topology optimization. This research has shown the need for a comprehensive understanding of correlations between geometry, additive manufacturing processing conditions, defect generation, and microstructure for characterization of complex components such as those designed by topology optimization.
“I Stopped Sleeping”: Teachers of Color and the Impact of Racial Battle Fatigue:

Racial battle fatigue (RBF) has been operationalized as the psychological, emotional, and physiological toll of confronting racism. In this article, RBF is used to analyze the toll of racism on tea...
Doctoral Student Perfectionism and Emotional Well-Being

This study examined the association between perfectionism and perceived stress, life satisfaction, positive emotions, and negative emotions among a national sample of 528 doctoral students. Latent ...
Development of Water Reactive Potentials for Sodium Silicate Glasses

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations provide important insights into atomistic phenomena and are complement to experimental methods of studying glass–water interaction and glass corrosion. For simulations of glass–water systems using MD, there is a need to for a reactive potential that is capable not only to describe the bulk and surface glass structures but also reactions between glass and water. An important aspect of the glass water interaction is the dissociation of water and its interaction with glass components that can result in the dissolution and alteration in the structure of glass. These phenomena can be efficiently simulated using “Reactive” potentials that allow for the dissociation of water while properly describing the bulk physical properties of water. We demonstrate a method to develop parameters for simulations of sodium silicate glasses and their interactions with bulk water. The developed parameter set was used to simulate sodium silicate glasses of different compositions, and the local...
What Is the Point of a Political Science Degree

Political science majors are down nation-wide as a proportion of all degrees and as a proportion of social science degrees. To explain to undergraduate students why they ought to major in political...
Energy Optimization for Incremental Redundancy Hybrid-ARQ

We consider energy optimization for incremental redundancy (IR) hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) over independent block-fading channels. We optimize the code rates in different transmission rounds to minimize the overall energy consumption of HARQ, subject to an overall packet error rate constraint. Numerical results show that the proposed IR HARQ outperforms both HARQ without combining and pure FEC without retransmission. For example, at an average channel SNR of 8dB, the energy consumption of the proposed IR combining HARQ system is reduced by 13% compared to a HARQ system without combining when the maximum number of transmissions is two.
Comparing Deep Learning Models for Road Asset Detection and Classification in LiDAR Point Cloud

Self-driving cars (or autonomous cars) navigate through an environment without any driver intervention with the help of a complex sensor network. This networks comprises mainly vision sensors working in tandem with accurate algorithms to detect movable and non-movable objects around them. This sensor network typically includes cameras to identify static and non-static objects, Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR) to detect the speed of the moving objects and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) to detect the distance to objects. In this paper, we explore the use of LIDAR data to classify static objects on the road, For that matter we compare different deep learning models for static road asset detection using only LIDAR point cloud. The different deep learning models are split between 2D models to classify 3D data and 3D models to classify 3D data. For the 2D model, we use an already established pipeline to transform the data from a 3D point cloud to a group of 2D points that is compatible with the input layer of a 2D CNN. Results show an accuracy exceeding 90% in the detection and classification of road edges, solid and broken lane markings, bike lanes, and lane center lines for the 2D model while the accuracy of the 3D models was considerably less.
Reapportioning Honors: Intertextuality in Against Leptines

Demosthenes engages intertextually with Xenophon’s Agesilaus and Isocrates’ Evagoras in order to justify the role of praise and honor in Athenian society.