cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cultural Sensitivity and Cognitive Therapy in India

An exploratory study was conducted to determine whether two groups of graduate students in India felt that the cognitive approach to therapy conflicted with their religious beliefs and cultural and family values. Although the results of the study indicated that most of the students surveyed felt that the cognitive approach to counseling conflicted with their values and beliefs, there was no common trend identified. The implications of the findings are discussed.
Bias in phylogenetic tree reconciliation methods: implications for vertebrate genome evolution

Background: Comparative genomic studies are revealing frequent gains and losses of whole genes via duplication and pseudogenization. One commonly used method for inferring the number and timing of gene gains and losses reconciles the gene tree for each gene family with the species tree of the taxa considered. Recent studies using this approach have found a large number of ancient duplications and recent losses among vertebrate genomes. Results: I show that tree reconciliation methods are biased when the inferred gene tree is not correct. This bias places duplicates towards the root of the tree and losses towards the tips of the tree. I demonstrate that this bias is present when tree reconciliation is conducted on both multiple mammal and Drosophila genomes, and that lower bootstrap cut-off values on gene trees lead to more extreme bias. I also suggest a method for dealing with reconciliation bias, although this method only corrects for the number of gene gains on some branches of the species tree. Conclusion: Based on the results presented, it is likely that most tree reconciliation analyses show biases, unless the gene trees used are exceptionally well-resolved and well-supported. These results cast doubt upon previous conclusions that vertebrate genome history has been marked by many ancient duplications and many recent gene losses.
A Cross-Cultural Immersion Program Promoting Students’ Cultural Journeys

In contrast to the number of training programs that have been developed to promote multicultural awareness, knowledge, and skills, relatively few training programs exist to develop cross-national cultural competencies. This article describes an innovative combination of utilizing a semester-long preparatory seminar course where students are first introduced to the history and cultural context of Taiwan, and then engage in an intensive 12-day immersion program in Taiwan. Specifically, this article describes (a) our Cross-Cultural Immersion Program (CCIP), (b) a preparatory course designed to provide basic cultural information about Taiwan, and (c) a 12-day immersion experience model. Subsequently, learning outcomes are discussed within the major theoretical dimensions of the Cross-National Cultural Competence (CNCC) model, followed by a discussion of the pedagogical implications for training and research. Future educators must move our classrooms into the rich learning environments that cultural immersions...
Feedback control-based dynamic resource management in distributed real-time systems

The resource management in distributed real-time systems becomes increasingly unpredictable with the proliferation of data-driven applications. Therefore, it is inefficient to allocate the resources statically to handle a set of highly dynamic tasks whose resource requirements (e.g., execution time) are unknown a prior. In this paper, we build a distributed real-time system based on the control theory, focusing on the computational resource management. Specifically, this work makes three important contributions. First, it allows the designer to specify the desired temporal behavior of system adaptation, such as the speed of convergence. This is in contrast to previous literature, specifying only steady-state metrics, e.g. the deadline miss ratio. Second, unlike QoS optimization approaches, our solution meets performance guarantees with no accurate knowledge of task execution parameters - a key advantage in a poorly modeled environment. Last, in contrast to ad hoc algorithms based on intuition and testing, we rigorously prove that our approach not only has excellent steady state behavior, but also meets stability, overshoot, and settling time requirements.
A sensor used for measurements in the calibration of production robots

A sensor has been developed and successfully implemented to automate robot calibration. Its simple design makes it ideal for production environments. It works in conjunction with precision spheres that are mounted in the workspace. The relative positions of the spheres are measured in advance, and the sensor is positioned over them automatically and precisely. The positioning of the sensor is governed by three light beams that define position with respect to the sensor. This eliminates the problems experienced by other short range devices in that it acts digitally and without contact. Design of the sensor and its autonomous control from a PC are presented along with proven measurement tactics and results of performance tests.
A massively parallel implementation of Gillespie algorithm on FPGAs

This paper targets the acceleration of complex stochastic simulations of biochemical systems by a dedicated hardware architecture on configurable devices (FPGA). Existing approaches are discussed and compared with the proposed one, and experimental data is introduced to support the feasibility of the system. Retargetable hardware description can be automatically generated for any suitable simulation problem, and preliminary results show very high performance - 100 million time steps per second for large models (1000 reactions).
New library handheld programs and services. Sponsored by SIG III, IFP

The session details seven Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) implementations at Texas AM 2. Distributing Wireless PDAs for Clinical and Classroom Use (NCSU); 3. PDA and Ebook Circulation Programs (NCSU & TAMU); 4. Public PDA Syncing Stations (NCSU & TAMU); 5. Handheld Resources in Medical Curriculum Project (TAMU); 6. PDA Web Channels (NCSU & TAMU); 7. PDA Library Resources (NCSU & TAMU). PDA Library resources include handheld OPAC searching, advanced instruction, and PDA technical support. In some cases, existing Library resources or services have evolved to include PDA elements, while others have been created specifically for PDA users. The session concludes with a discussion of future services and challenges, and a brief question and answer period.
Assessment of left atrial appendage function with transthoracic tissue Doppler echocardiography.

Aims A transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) parameter that would stratify atrial fibrillation (AF) risk would be useful. Tissue Doppler imaging can quantify left atrial appendage contraction velocity (LAA A M). Methods and results We studied 141 patients referred for transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE); 48 were in AF. We obtained TEE and TTE LAA A M velocities from the LAA apex on the parasternal short-axis and apical two-chamber views. Adequate traces were obtained in 118 patients (84%). In these patients, we measured 5382 LAA A M velocity tracings. There was a strong correlation between LAA A M on TEE and TTE parasternal short-axis ( r = 0.741; P < 0.0001) and apical two-chamber views ( r = 0.729; P < 0.0001). Patients in AF had lower LAA A M than those with sinus rhythm on parasternal short-axis (12 ± 5 vs. 23 ± 7 cm/s, P < 0.0001) and apical two-chamber (14 ± 5 vs. 23 ± 8 cm/s, P < 0.0001) views. On parasternal short axis, LAA A M velocities were lower in patients with spontaneous echo contrast, 11 ± 4 vs. 22 ± 8 cm/s ( P < 0.0001), and in those with thrombus, 8 ± 2 cm/s ( P < 0.0001). On apical two-chamber, LAA A M velocities were also lower with spontaneous echo contrast, 12 ± 4 vs. 22 ± 7 cm/s ( P < 0.0001), and with thrombus, 10 ± 4 cm/s ( P < 0.0001). In patients with AF and TTE LAA A M ≤11 cm/s, we found that nearly one-third had LAA thrombus. In patients with AF and a history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA), LAA A M velocities were lower compared with those without history of stroke or TIA in the parasternal short-axis (9 ± 3 vs. 13 ± 5 cm/s, P = 0.02) and apical two-chamber views (11 ± 3 vs. 15 ± 6 cm/s, P = 0.008). Conclusion Acquiring and quantifying LAA A M contraction velocity is feasible on TTE in a high percentage of patients and correlates with TEE. LAA A M was lower in AF compared with sinus rhythm, with spontaneous echo contrast compared to without spontaneous echo contrast, and in AF patients with a history of stroke or TIA. Those with LAA thrombus had the lowest LAA A M velocities. LAA A M is a novel functional parameter that may prove useful for risk stratification of AF.
The Bloom's Syndrome Helicase Is Critical for Development and Function of the αβ T-Cell Lineage

Bloom's syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by increased incidence of cancer and an immunodeficiency of unknown origin. The BLM gene mutated in Bloom's syndrome encodes a DNA helicase involved in the maintenance of genomic integrity. To explore the role of BLM in the immune system, we ablated murine Blm in the T-cell lineage. In the absence of Blm, thymocytes were severely reduced in numbers and displayed a developmental block at the beta-selection checkpoint that was partially p53 dependent. Blm-deficient thymocytes rearranged their T-cell receptor (TCR) beta genes normally yet failed to survive and proliferate in response to pre-TCR signaling. Furthermore, peripheral T cells were reduced in numbers, manifested defective homeostatic and TCR-induced proliferation, and produced extensive chromosomal damage. Finally, CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell responses were impaired upon antigen challenge. Thus, by ensuring genomic stability, Blm serves a vital role for development, maintenance, and function of T lymphocytes, suggesting a basis for the immune deficiency in Bloom's syndrome.
A Power System Control Center of the Future

Summary form only given. On August 14, 2003, the largest blackout in the history of the North American electricity grid occurred. Three of the four root causes identified by the blackout investigation team were attributed to deficiencies in training, communication, and the tools used by the control room operators. Specifically, inadequacies in maintaining situational awareness, lack of understanding the power system and its real-time limitations, and improper reliability coordinator diagnostic support and oversight were three of the root causes identified. This presentation describes issues revealed in the August 14, 2003 and other blackouts, pertinent technology that has been applied to address similar issues in other domains, and presents a vision for a power system control center of the future that includes a discussion of enhanced diagnostic and decision support tools, monitoring, and visualization
An Analysis of Contaminated Well Water and Health Effects in Woburn, Massachusetts

Abstract In 1979, two of the eight municipal wells servicing Woburn, Massachusetts, were discovered to be contaminated with several chlorinated organics. Shortly afterwards, the town was found to have an elevated rate of childhood leukemia. Using recent information about the space—time distribution of water from the two contaminated wells, we find positive statistical associations between access to this water and the incidence rates of childhood leukemia, perinatal deaths (1970–1982), two of five categories of congenital anomalies, and two of nine categories of childhood disorders. We find no associations with spontaneous abortions, low birth weight, or the other categories of congenital anomalies and childhood disorders. This article discussed these results and other features of the data relevant to their interpretation.
Secondary Defect Formation and Gettering in MeV Self-Implanted Silicon

Secondary defect and impurity distributions in MeV self-implanted Czochralski (Cz) and float-zone (FZ) silicon have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy, optical microscopy with preferential chemical etching, and secondary ion mass spectroscopy. We found that the ion fluence and the oxygen content of the implanted wafers affect the number and depth distribution of extended defects remaining after annealing. Intrinsic oxygen also redistributes during annealing of Cz wafers, producing two regions of relatively high oxygen concentration: one at extended defects near the ion projected range, and another, shallower region, which correlates with the distribution of vacancy-type defects. Both of these regions are also able to getter metallic impurities, depending on the implantation and annealing conditions. These defect issues may adversely affect the quality of the near surface device region, and must be controlled for successful gettering by ion implantation.
On a soil-dwelling linyphiid spider, Wiehlea calcarifera (Simon)

(1962). On a soil-dwelling linyphiid spider, Wiehlea calcarifera (Simon) Annals and Magazine of Natural History: Vol. 5, No. 58, pp. 625-630.
Neurobehavioral impairments produced by developmental lead exposure persisted for generations in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

The zebrafish has become a useful animal model for studying the effects of environmental contaminants on neurobehavioral development due to its ease of breeding, high number of eggs per female, short generation times, and a well-established avoidance conditioning paradigm. Using avoidance conditioning as the behavioral paradigm, the present study investigated the effects of embryonic exposure to lead (Pb) on learning in adult zebrafish and the third (F3) generation of those fish. In Experiment 1, adult zebrafish that were developmentally exposed to 0.0, 0.1, 1.0 or 10.0μM Pb (2-24h post fertilization) as embryos were trained and tested for avoidance responses. The results showed that adult zebrafish hatched from embryos exposed to 0.0 or 0.1μM Pb learned avoidance responses during training and displayed significantly increased avoidance responses during testing, while those hatched from embryos exposed to 1.0 or 10.0μM Pb displayed no significant increases in avoidance responses from training to testing. In Experiment 2, the F3 generation of zebrafish that were developmentally exposed to an identical exposure regimen as in Experiment 1 were trained and tested for avoidance responses. The results showed that the F3 generation of zebrafish developmentally exposed as embryos to 0.0 or 0.1μM Pb learned avoidance responses during training and displayed significantly increased avoidance responses during testing, while the F3 generation of zebrafish developmentally exposed as embryos to 1.0 or 10.0μM Pb displayed no significant changes in avoidance responses from training to testing. Thus, developmental Pb exposure produced learning impairments that persisted for at least three generations, demonstrating trans-generational effects of embryonic exposure to Pb.
Farm Land Prices and Farm Technological Advance

Farm land prices are analyzed in both a theoretical and an empirical framework. The theoretical analysis describes how the representative firm reacts to the expectation of increased income in the context of technological advance and farm price supports by bidding up land prices. The empirical analysis builds on the theoretical formulation and assumes that farm land prices are determined by the interaction of the supply of and demand for land. The major forces influencing supply are nonfarm employment opportunities and return on nonland investment. Demand is influenced by changes in expected income from farm land, which in turn are influenced by prices, urbanization, and farm technological advance. The role of technological advance in raising income expectations is stressed, with the conclusion that technological advance benefits, not the farm operator or farm manager, but the farm land owner.
Early Biblical and Legal Experiences with Chattel Slavery in the Antebellum South

The Bible was used as justification for and against slavery, and in doing so helped further the debates that ultimately created the two most important documents in United States history. That the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence in their final wording were immensely influenced by slavery should come as no surprise, but the way in which the final drafts were justified and based on arguments centering on the Bible is the focus of this paper, as well as a discussion of the different ways in which the final drafts were interpreted by those who lived at the time.
Fatty acid profiles of various lipids in the cerebrospinal fluid.

SummaryFatty acid concentration and composition of various lipids were studied in the CSF and in the plasma of control dogs. The average concentration of FFA, TGFA, PLFA, and CEFA in the CSF were 5.5%, 1.3%, 0.5%, and 0.6% of the respective fatty acid fractions of the plasma. The concentration of FFA in the CSF was higher than that of other lipids. CSF lipids contained a higher percentage of saturated fatty acids than did plasma lipids, mostly due to a higher fraction of palmitic and a lower fraction of oleic and linoleic acids.
Study on Influences of Formate Concentration on Solubility of NaCl and CaSO_4.

The study analyzed the influences of the farmate concentration on solubility of NaCl and CaCO4 and the results showed that in formate solution of determined concentration, the solubility of CaSO4 increases as temperature increases and solubility of NaCl increases in the temperature range of 25 - 65℃ then decreases after the curve apex and then decreases successively and approaches to a constant. As the formate concentration varies, solubility of CaSO4 increases with formate concentration increase when formate concentration is lower than 20% but it decreases with formate concentration increase after 20% and the influence of formate concentration becomes minor when formate concentration is higher than 50%. For NaCl, the solubility of NaCl decreases as formate concentration increase if the temperature is unchanged.
The Role of Nutrition in Brain Development: The Golden Opportunity of the “First 1000 Days”

Nutrition plays an important role in brain development from conception to 3 years of age. Public health policies should emphasize access to quality food for pre-conceptional, pregnant, and lactating women. Guidelines should support breastfeeding for infants during the first year and more oversight of the quality of food that children are offered from 1 to 3 years, when they are most vulnerable to the vagaries of parental diets. Obtaining dietary histories, screening for food insecurity and active teaching of parents are crucial steps the practitioner can implement at the personal level.
Liver Definition in CT Using a Population-Based Shape Model

Organ definition in computed tomography (CT) is of interest for treatment planning and response monitoring. We present a method for organ definition using a priori information about shape encoded in a biometric organ model—specifically a liver model—that accurately represents patient population shape information. This model is generated by averaging surfaces from a learning set of liver shapes previously registered into a standard space defined by a small set of landmarks. The model is placed in a specific patient’s data set by identifying these landmarks and using them as the basis for model deformation; this preliminary representation is then iteratively fit to the patient’s data based on a Bayesian combination of the model’s priors and CT edge information, yielding a complete organ surface. We demonstrate this technique on a set of ten abdominal CT data sets and show its effectiveness as a tool for organ surface definition in this low-contrast domain.
Assessment of Student’s Emotions in Game-Based Learning

Research has shown that emotions are directly linked to cognition and there is a strong correlation between affect and learning. This notion along with recent technological advancements has prompted researchers from many disciplines to turn their attention toward adding an affective component to human-computer dialog. This chapter discusses emotion assessment methods, recent empirical research related to examining students’ affective states in entertainment and educational games, and conceptual, methodological, and technological issues associated with developing emotion recognition models. An overview of emotion recognition research suggests that there is little consensus on what emotions should be measured and how to do it. Moreover, it is still not clear how emotions affect human learning and performance.
Evaluating Recall and Recognition Memory Using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment: Applicability for Alzheimer's and Huntington's Diseases.

We sought to investigate whether the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) could provide a brief assessment of recall and recognition using Huntington disease (HD) and Alzheimer disease (AD) as disorders characterized by different memory deficits. This study included 80 participants with HD, 64 participants with AD, and 183 community-dwelling control participants. Random-effects hierarchical logistic regressions were performed to assess the relative performance of the normal control (NC), participants with HD, and participants with AD on verbal free recall, cued recall, and multiple-choice recognition on the MoCA. The NC participants performed significantly better than participants with AD at all the 3 levels of assessment. No difference existed between participants with HD and NC for cued recall, but NC participants performed significantly better than participants with HD on free recall and recognition. The participants with HD performed significantly better than participants with AD at all the 3 levels o...
Role of Hip Abductor Muscle Composition and Torque in Protective Stepping for Lateral Balance Recovery in Older Adults

Abstract Objectives To examine differences in hip abductor strength and composition between older adults who primarily use medial step versus cross-step recovery strategies to lateral balance perturbations. Design Cross-sectional. Setting University research laboratory. Participants Community-dwelling older adults (N=40) divided into medial steppers (n=14) and cross-steppers (n=26) based on the first step of balance recovery after a lateral balance perturbation. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Computed tomography scans to quantify lean tissue and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) areas in the hip abductor, hip abductor isokinetic torque, and first step length. Results Medial steppers took medial steps in 71.1% of trials versus 4.6% of trials with cross-steps. The cross-steppers when compared with medial steppers, had lower hip abductor IMAT (24.7±0.7% vs 29.9±2.8%; P P P P >.05). Conclusions Our findings suggest that older adults who initially use a medial step to recover lateral balance have lower hip abductor torque and may be less able to execute a biomechanically more stable cross-step. This may be related to increased IMAT levels. Assessments and interventions for enhancing balance and decreasing fall risk should take the role of the hip abductor into account.
Applying Positive Organisational Scholarship to Produce Extraordinary Performance

This chapter discusses the application of positive organisational scholarship (POS) and its impact on organisational performance. Specifically, we review how POS interventions implemented in two different businesses within the Prudential Financial Services Corporation led to extraordinarily successful performance in each business. We organise the various POS practices that were implemented into five themes, and we discuss how each positive practice was applied. Our purpose is to illustrate a few ways in which POS can be employed to enhance the performance of organisations.
Vincristine toxicity with co-administration of fluconazole during induction therapy for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Background Antifungal prophylaxis is recommended for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) during high-risk periods such as induction; however, increased vincristine toxicities have been reported with the co-administration of triazole antifungals. We sought to determine whether vincristine-associated toxicities are higher among children with ALL concurrently given fluconazole prophylaxis compared to no prophylaxis. Procedure Using a retrospective cohort design, we reviewed records of pediatric patients treated for newly diagnosed ALL from 2003 to 2013. Patients were classified by fluconazole exposure during induction. The development of vincristine-associated toxicity and vincristine dose adjustment were the primary outcomes evaluated. The adjusted risk difference (RD) for vincristine-related toxicity associated with triazole exposure was determined. Results We identified 197 patients meeting inclusion criteria for evaluation, 160 (81%) of whom received fluconazole prophylaxis. Among patients receiving fluconazole, 36/160 (22%) developed vincristine toxicity compared to 7/37 (19%) among those not receiving prophylaxis (RD: 3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] −11 to 18%). Adjusting for patient age and race, no statistically significant increased risk for vincristine-associated toxicity with fluconazole exposure was observed (RD 5%, 95% CI −8 to 17%). An increased risk for vincristine-associated toxicity was independently associated with age 10 years or older (RD 19%, 95% CI 4–34%). Conclusion Co-administration of fluconazole during induction therapy for pediatric ALL does not significantly increase the risk for vincristine-associated toxicities; however, patients 10 years or older are at an increased risk for toxicity independent of fluconazole exposure. Prophylaxis with fluconazole during induction therapy for pediatric ALL, if warranted, appears to be a safe clinical practice.
On the electric and magnetic alignment of magnetoactive barium hexaferrite-PDMS composites

This study demonstrates how to judiciously use two different external fields to engineer a polymer- based composite that responds to both electric and magnetic fields. Specifically, we demonstrate the electric and magnetic alignment of M-type Barium Hexaferrite (BF) in polydimithylsiloxane (PDMS) to obtain a multifunctional composite whose electrical and magnetic properties depend on the orientation of the BF. First, the BFs are electrically aligned in the polymer matrices by applying an AC electric field. From optical microscopy (OM) imaging, the optimal electrical alignment conditions are determined, and those parameters are used to fabricate the composites. After the composite is electrically aligned and partially cured, magnetic field is then applied. Under the magnetic field, BFs are further aligned in-plane and out-of-plane along their magnetic c-axis within the chains that formed during electrical aligning. Following complete cure, the microstructures from the OM image show parallel chain formation. Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM) and XRD results confirm BFs are crystallographically aligned along their magnetic c-axis. The textured BF-PDMS composites are found to have anisotropic magnetic and dielectric properties. The possibility of electrical alignment of magnetic particles will open up new doors to manipulate and design particle-modified polymers for different applications.
The Impact of Refugee Mothers' Trauma, Posttraumatic Stress, and Depression on Their Children's Adjustment.

The mechanisms linking refugee parents’ trauma onto their children’s functioning are not well understood. The current study sought to identify how Somali refugee mothers’ past trauma and current mental health impact their children’s psychosocial adjustment. One hundred and ninety-eight Somali mothers (M age = 39 years) and their children (M age = 10 years; 56% male) were studied. On average, mothers spent 7 years in refugee camps, experienced significant trauma, and some had been tortured. Measures of mothers’ posttraumatic stress and depression were analyzed as three symptom clusters: volatility/panic, withdrawn/detached, and depressed mood. Most children were born in the U.S. and their indirect exposure to trauma was statistically controlled. Results from structural equation modeling indicated that there was no direct association between trauma of the mother and their children’s well-being, however, mothers’ posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms significantly mediated the effects of mothers’ past torture on their children’s adjustment—a pattern indicative of intergenerational traumatization. Findings enhance our understanding of how refugees’ traumatization lingers and possibly affects their and their children’s health and well-being.
Effects of bound water molecules on molecular vibrations

We investigate effects of bound water molecules on optical phonon vibrations that occur at frequencies as low as the terahertz (THz) region (300 GHz–10 THz) with both spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation.
Optimal numerical analysis of electronically-steered arrays onboard electrically-large platforms

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are realizing their potential in both military and commercial sectors. Effective UAV operation must maintain wireless communication channels to execute flexible mission objectives. Antenna arrays establish this connectivity with increased directivity and beam-steering capabilities. The resulting power reduction extends both the physical flight range as well as the electronic communication range of a UAV. Efficiently analyzing electronically-steered antenna arrays, a critical component, has therefore garnered an increased interest in the engineering community. Comprehensive antenna designs account for the operating environment and the respective effects on the radiation pattern. However, analyzing a radiation pattern onboard physically-modest airborne platforms can become an electrically-large numerical problem when operating within the 2.4 GHz ISM band. Although rigorous full-wave numerical methods provide an exact solution to Maxwell's equations, the resource requirements often become prohibitively expensive for electrically-large problems. The radiation pattern of an antenna array has therefore been analyzed with asymptotic methods, available in commercial software such as FEKO [1], to better understand the trade-offs different methods present.
Hydroxychloroquine-induced cardiomyopathy and heart failure in twins

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)-induced cardiomyopathy is one of the rare but severe complications following prolonged HCQ use. However, the exact mechanism of HCQ cardiotoxicity remains unclear and it is difficult to identify risk factors. We present a case of twin sisters who both suffered from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and HCQ-induced cardiomyopathy presenting with decompensated heart failure (HF), suggesting that genetic predisposition might be a factor in HCQ-induced cardiomyopathy.
Superbase-Catalyzed anti-Markovnikov Alcohol Addition Reactions to Aryl Alkenes

The organic superbase P4-t-Bu catalyzes the direct anti-Markovnikov addition of alcohols to aryl alkenes to access valuable β-phenethyl ethers. A diverse substrate scope of aryl alkenes and alcohols is demonstrated, including heterocyclic systems and unprotected aminoalcohols. Mechanistic studies reveal that the reaction is under equilibrium control and extensive comparisons to common inorganic bases indicate that the broad reaction scope is uniquely enabled through the use of the organic superbase.
What makes music relaxing? An investigation into musical elements:

Research on specific qualities of music used for relaxation has shown conflicting results. The use of different familiar or pre-composed pieces, with many simultaneous changes, might limit the abil...
Neurointegrity and neurophysiology: astrocyte, glutamate, and carbon monoxide interactions

Astrocyte contributions to brain function and prevention of neuropathologies are as extensive as that of neurons. Astroglial regulation of glutamate, a primary neurotransmitter, is through uptake, release through vesicular and non-vesicular pathways, and catabolism to intermediates. Homeostasis by astrocytes is considered to be of primary importance in determining normal central nervous system health and central nervous system physiology - glutamate is central to dynamic physiologic changes and central nervous system stability. Gasotransmitters may affect diverse glutamate interactions positively or negatively. The effect of carbon monoxide, an intrinsic central nervous system gasotransmitter, in the complex astrocyte homeostasis of glutamate may offer insights to normal brain development, protection, and its use as a neuromodulator and neurotherapeutic. In this article, we will review the effects of carbon monoxide on astrocyte homeostasis of glutamate.
Mediation Effect of Triglycerides on Physical Activity in the Association of Cardiovascular Health, and Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables

Health disparities among minority population are salient areas of study with the increased prevalence of diseases, poor patient outcomes in treatments of cancer, diabetes, or cardiovascular health and mortality. Understanding pathways to prevent and reduce impacts of chronic disease are imperative to reduce impact of many health disparities. Studies showed triglycerides, which include a glycerol backbone, fatty acids with aliphatic tails were associated with cardiovascular health. Furthermore, triglycerides associated with neurotransmitters, metabolism, cell to cell signals, appetite regulation, and mobility. Moreover, medium chain triglycerides were shown to enhance physical activity endurance and reduce weight gain. Increased physical activities along with the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables lowered total triglycerides, mortality, and enhanced cardiovascular health.
Celebrity Influence Affecting Public Interest in Plastic Surgery Procedures: Google Trends Analysis.

Medical decisions made by celebrities have a profound influence on medical decisions made by the general population. Google Trends (GT) is a free, online resource with virtually no barriers to use that allows for tracking of global search volumes as a proxy for determining public interest. In this study, we utilize GT to characterize the significant and measurable effects that the May 2013 announcement of Angelina Jolie's BRCA-influenced prophylactic mastectomy, May 2015 announcement of Kylie Jenner’s lip augmentation, April 2017 announcement of Caitlyn Jenner’s gender affirming surgery and February 2014 media attention given to Kim Kardashian’s rumored buttock augmentation had on corresponding surgical procedure volumes. GT databases of search volumes were collected for terms related to prophylactic mastectomy, lip augmentation, gender affirming surgery and buttock augmentation categories from January 2004 to March 2019 using the “related queries” feature. Mean search volumes prior to respective announcements were compared to that of the period starting 6 months after. Additionally, the percent change from the month preceding respective celebrity announcements was compared to the month of the announcement for each search term. For mastectomy, all terms demonstrated peak interest during May 2013. Following Jolie’s announcement, interest in “mastectomy” rose 1328%, “prophylactic mastectomy” rose 324%, “BRCA1” rose 316%, “BRCA2” rose 138% and “BRCA gene” rose 354%. Long-term interest was higher after May 2013 than beforehand for all terms except “prophylactic mastectomy” (each, p < 0.001). Following Kylie Jenner’s announcement, interest in “lip augmentation” rose 43%, “lip enhancement” rose 37%, “lip fillers” rose 3233%, “lip implants” rose 8% and “lip injections” rose 13%. Long-term interest was higher after May 2015 than beforehand for all terms except “lip augmentation” and “lip enhancement” (each, p < 0.001). Following Caitlyn Jenner’s announcement, “gender affirming surgery” rose 119%, “gender reassignment” rose 186%, “gender reassignment surgery” rose 203% and “transgender surgery” rose 35%. Long-term interest was higher after April 2017 than beforehand for all terms except “sex change” (each, p < 0.001). Following Kardashian’s rumored injections, interest in “butt enhancement” rose 34% and “butt implants” rose 100%. Long-term interest was higher after February 2014 than beforehand for all terms (each, p < 0.001). GT data trends correlate with shifts in real-world healthcare utilization and healthcare-related public interest caused by high-profile public events, making it a useful tool for real-time prediction of trends in public health in response to a variety of observable influences. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Brown adipocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells-how far have we come?

A global increase in the number of individuals that are either overweight or obese is leading to a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Behavioral interventions for the treatment of obesity have yet to deliver desired outcomes, thus introducing a pressing need for molecular- and cellular-based therapies. Excess energy from food is stored in the form of triglycerides in white adipose tissue (WAT), which expands during weight gain and can lead to insulin resistance and T2D. In contrast, brown adipose tissue (BAT) releases energy from metabolic substrates in the form of heat and secretes factors that can reverse metabolic disease by acting systemically. Therefore, the ability to increase BAT activity represents a promising approach to improve energy balance and metabolic homeostasis. Methods are now being developed to generate brown adipocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), which would (1) provide an unlimited source of cellular material to study human brown adipogenesis, and (2) could be used to develop drug- and cell-based therapies for the treatment of metabolic complications associated with obesity. This article reviews basic BAT biology and details the current progress toward developing brown adipocytes from hiPSCs.
A regulatory variant of CHRM3 is associated with cannabis-induced hallucinations in European Americans.

Cannabis, the most widely used illicit drug, can induce hallucinations. Our understanding of the biology of cannabis-induced hallucinations (Ca-HL) is limited. We used the Semi-Structured Assessment for Drug Dependence and Alcoholism (SSADDA) to identify cannabis-induced hallucinations (Ca-HL) among long-term cannabis users (used cannabis ≥1 year and ≥100 times). A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted by analyzing European Americans (EAs) and African Americans (AAs) in Yale-Penn 1 and 2 cohorts individually, then meta-analyzing the two cohorts within population. In the meta-analysis of Yale-Penn EAs (n = 1917), one genome-wide significant (GWS) signal emerged at the CHRM3 locus, represented by rs115455482 (P = 1.66 × 10−10), rs74722579 (P = 2.81 × 10−9), and rs1938228 (P = 1.57 × 10−8); signals were GWS in Yale-Penn 1 EAs (n = 1092) and nominally significant in Yale-Penn 2 EAs (n = 825). Two SNPs, rs115455482 and rs74722579, were available from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism data (COGA; 3630 long-term cannabis users). The signals did not replicate, but when meta-analyzing Yale-Penn and COGA EAs, the two SNPs’ association signals were increased (meta-P-values 1.32 × 10−10 and 2.60 × 10−9, respectively; n = 4291). There were no significant findings in AAs, but in the AA meta-analysis (n = 3624), nominal significance was seen for rs74722579. The rs115455482*T risk allele was associated with lower CHRM3 expression in the thalamus. CHRM3 was co-expressed with three psychosis risk genes (GABAG2, CHRNA4, and HRH3) in the thalamus and other human brain tissues and mouse GABAergic neurons. This work provides strong evidence for the association of CHRM3 with Ca-HL and provides insight into the potential involvement of thalamus for this trait.
Advanced techniques in mitral annular calcification management.

Background The management of severe mitral annular calcification (MAC) with a conservative approach minimizes the risk of atrioventricular groove (AVG) disrupture. However, patients with a history of rheumatic valve disease may present with complex and mixed annular lesions requiring extensive debridement. Our technique for reconstructing the mitral annular plane after mechanical decalcification is presented. Methods This is a video of the surgical management of two cases of mitral valve rheumatic disease (one of which with superimposed native-valve-endocarditis) with severe MAC. After extensive mitral annulus debridement, the naked area of myocardium in the AVG is covered and reinforced using a patching technique. It is important to sew the patch of autologous pericardium with a double suture line: one line down in the ventricle, the other one inside the atrium. The valvular stitches have to be passed proximal to the patch, thus de facto atrializing the position of the prosthetic mitral valve. Results An optimal result was achieved in both cases. The double suture line avoids the risk of blood infiltrating behind the valve, into the AV groove, causing cardiac rupture. Conclusions Reconstructing the posterior mitral valve annulus with a patch of autologous pericardium and related atrialization of the prosthetic mitral valve is a safe and feasible technique to manage severe MAC.
EUV chemically amplified resist component distribution and efficiency for stochastic defect control

In this work, we connected the analytical determination of the EUV Dill C parameter for different photodecomposable base quencher (PDB) architectures using a standard addition method, the influence of the underlying hardmask on postdevelop EUV resist residue formation, and the vertical PAG and PDB concentration profile throughout the depth of the film determined by GCIB-TOF-SIMS for a model EUV resist system. The collected experimental data was used to feed a resist patterning simulation engine, in order to understand the additive effect of component distribution and efficiency on EUV stochastics and its potential impact on defect control. Our results unveiled a link between PDB quantum yield and nanoscopic material distribution uniformity. In parallel, a differentiating behavior was observed among inorganic underlayers: metal oxide hardmasks (HMs) invariably induced more resist residue than non-metallic HMs. Last, a specific example of joint PAG and PDB concentration depletion at the resist-substrate interface was related to a potential increase in microbridge defectivity as a result of poor stochastic counts.
From engaged worker to workaholic: a mediated model of athletic department employees

Research Question: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between work engagement and workaholism in sport employees, as well as several work and individual factors, such as job f...
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) causes 300,000–400,000 deaths annually in the United States and is responsible for nearly 50% of all cardiovascular mortality worldwide. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) degenerating into ventricular fibrillation (VF) causes two-thirds of SCD. Among patients with heart failure (HF), one-third to one-half of deaths are sudden. Because there are often no warning symptoms to identify potential victims of SCD, successful therapy has focused on identifying high-risk patients and implanting cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), which continuously monitor the heart rhythm and deliver therapy (a shock or an antitachycardia pacing) upon detection of a sustained ventricular arrhythmia. This chapter focuses on the clinical indications and technical aspects of ICDs for heart failure patients.
Seroepidemiological survey and influencing factors of hepatitis E virus infection among key occupational population in Tianjin

Objective: To evaluate the infection rate and influencing factors of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among key occupational population in Tianjin, so as to help occupational population to carry out HEV prevention and control. Methods: A combination of stratified random sampling and convenience sampling was carried out for the study in Tianjin in June 2019. The livestock and poultry-related farming workers, slaughtering workers, selling workers, doctors, farmers, seafood sellers, sewage pipeline workers as the key occupational population groups (1036 person) , and non key occupational population as the control group (200 person) , cross-sectional surveys were conducted in the groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum IgG and IgM antibodies to HEV, and logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of HEV infection. Results: The positive rate of anti-HEV IgG in key occupational group was 26.45% (274/1036) , which was higher than that in control group of 14.50% (29/200) (χ(2)=13.41, P<0.01) . The occupations with the highest positive rate of anti-HEV IgG were livestock (swine) , breeding and slaughtering workers, all of which reached 33.96% (18/53) . The difference in infection rates between different occupations was statistically significant (χ(2)=22.57, P<0.01) . Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the longer working years, high frequency of eating out (3-5, ≥6 times/week) , drinking raw water, eating under-cooked pork or pig liver, and low frequency of washing hands were risk factors for HEV infection in occupational population (P<0.05) . But the high education is a protective factor for HEV infection (P<0.05) . Conclusion: There is a high positive rate of anti-HEV IgG in key occupational population in Tianjin. It is necessary to strengthen the monitoring, publicity and education of the high-risk population, pay attention to personal and dietary hygiene.
The use of mobile phone data to inform analysis of COVID-19 pandemic epidemiology

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has heightened discussion of the use of mobile phone data in outbreak response. Mobile phone data have been proposed to monitor effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions, to assess potential drivers of spatiotemporal spread, and to support contact tracing efforts. While these data may be an important part of COVID-19 response, their use must be considered alongside a careful understanding of the behaviors and populations they capture. Here, we review the different applications for mobile phone data in guiding and evaluating COVID-19 response, the relevance of these applications for infectious disease transmission and control, and potential sources and implications of selection bias in mobile phone data. We also discuss best practices and potential pitfalls for directly integrating the collection, analysis, and interpretation of these data into public health decision making. In this Perspective, the authors review the different applications for mobile phone data to support COVID-19 pandemic response, the relevance of these applications for infectious disease transmission and control, and potential sources and implications of selection bias in mobile phone data.