cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genomic differences between black and white patients implicate a distinct immune response to papillary renal cell carcinoma

// David J. Paulucci 1 , John P. Sfakianos 1 , Anders J. Skanderup 2 , Kathleen Kan 1 , Che-Kai Tsao 3 , Matthew D. Galsky 3 , A. Ari Hakimi 4 , Ketan K. Badani 1 1 Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA 2 Computational Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA 3 Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA 4 Department of Surgery—Urology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA Correspondence to: Ketan K. Badani, email: Ketan.Badani@mountsinai.org Keywords: papillary renal cell carcinoma, racial disparities, immune system signaling, targeted therapy, immune response Received: May 03, 2016 Accepted: November 22, 2016 Published: December 23, 2016 ABSTRACT Significant disparities in survival, incidence and possibly response to current therapies exist between black and white patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Recent genomic evidence to account for these disparities has been reported for clear cell RCC. However, racial disparities at the genomic level for papillary RCC (pRCC) which is a genetically distinct and less responsive histologic subtype of RCC have not been reported. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, the present study assessed gene-level expression, somatic mutation and pathway differences between 58 black and 58 white patients with pRCC propensity matched on age, gender and pathologic T stage. Distinct tumor biology with differential expression patterns were observed in black vs. white patients with pRCC. Specifically, significance analysis of microarrays was applied to TCGA gene expression data and identified 163 genes and 120 genes overexpressed in black and white patients, respectively (FDR q<0.05). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis identified 62 gene sets enriched (p<0.10) in blacks. Enrichment of immune immune system pathways were noted in black patients. These included the B cell receptor signaling pathway, the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway and genes involved in defensins. The VEGF pathway was also more significant in black patients. CRYBB2, a gene associated with the WNT pathway was overexpressed in Black patients. While our data requires validation, these findings suggest that race may have implications for distinct immune responses to cancer and that the use of immunotherapies, and VEGFR inhibitors to target these pathways may improve survival in black patients with advanced pRCC.
Conforming with current regulation in Turkey regarding the freezing of oocytes: A case report of the first pregnancy in Turkey achieved through oocyte vitrification:

Objectives:To present the first pregnancy achieved in Turkey with frozen–warmed oocytes in a case with previous nine unsuccessful assisted reproductive technology (ART) attempts.Methods:The clinica...
Convex and Combinatorial Optimization for Dynamic Robots in the Real World

Humanoid robots walking across intermittent terrain, robotic arms grasping multifaceted objects, UAVs darting left or right around a tree, or autonomous vehicles making discrete navigation decisions in traffic, many of the dynamics and control problems we face today have both rich nonlinear dynamics and an inherently combinatorial structure. In this talk, I'll review some recent work on optimization-based planning and control methods which address these two challenges simultaneously. All of these can be modeled as hybrid systems, but in some cases more efficient optimizations are possible by using alternative formulations, such as (measure-) differential inclusions. I'll present our explorations with mixed-integer convex-, semidefinite-programming-relaxations, and satisfiability-modulo- theory(SMT)-based methods applied to hard problems in legged locomotion over rough terrain, grasp optimization, and UAVs flying through highly cluttered environments.
Hybrid Chebyshev function bases for sparse spectral methods in parity-mixed PDEs on an infinite domain

Abstract We present a numerical spectral method to solve systems of differential equations on an infinite interval y ∈ ( − ∞ , ∞ ) in presence of linear differential operators of the form Q ( y ) ( ∂ / ∂ y ) b (where Q ( y ) is a rational fraction and b a positive integer). Even when these operators are not parity-preserving, we demonstrate how a mixed expansion in interleaved Chebyshev rational functions T B n ( y ) and S B n ( y ) preserves the sparsity of their discretization. This paves the way for fast O ( N ln ⁡ N ) and spectrally accurate mixed implicit-explicit time-marching of sets of linear and nonlinear equations in unbounded geometries.
Transplantation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Cells into the Subretinal Space of a Non-Human Primate.

Author(s): Chao, Jennifer R; Lamba, Deepak A; Klesert, Todd R; Torre, Anna La; Hoshino, Akina; Taylor, Russell J; Jayabalu, Anu; Engel, Abbi L; Khuu, Thomas H; Wang, Ruikang K; Neitz, Maureen; Neitz, Jay; Reh, Thomas A | Abstract: PURPOSE:Previous studies have demonstrated the ability of retinal cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to survive, integrate into the host retina, and mediate light responses in murine mouse models. Our aim is to determine whether these cells can also survive and integrate into the retina of a nonhuman primate, Saimiri sciureus, following transplantation into the subretinal space. METHODS:hESCs were differentiated toward retinal neuronal fates using our previously published technique and cultured for 60 to 70 days. Differentiated cells were further treated with 20 μM N-[N-(3,5-Difluorophenacetyl)-L-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT) for a period of 5 days immediately prior to subretinal transplantation. Differentiated cells were labeled with a lentivirus expressing GFP. One million cells (10,000 cells/μL) were injected into the submacular space into a squirrel monkey eye, using an ab externo technique. RESULTS:RetCam imaging demonstrated the presence and survival of human donor cells 3 months after transplantation in the S. sciureus eye. Injected cells consolidated in the temporal macula. GFP+ axonal projections were observed to emanate from the central consolidation of cells at 1 month, with some projecting into the optic nerve by 3 months after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS:Human ES cell-derived retinal neurons injected into the submacular space of a squirrel monkey survive at least 3 months postinjection without immunosuppression. Some donor cells appeared to integrate into the host inner retina, and numerous donor axonal projections were noted throughout, with some projecting into the optic nerve. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE:These data illustrate the feasibility of hESC-derived retinal cell replacement in the nonhuman primate eye.
Neglected issues concerning teaching human adrenal steroidogenesis in popular biochemistry textbooks.

In the human body, the adrenal steroids collectively regulate a plethora of fundamental functions, including electrolyte and water balance, blood pressure, stress response, intermediary metabolism, inflammation, and immunity. Therefore, adrenal steroidogenesis is an important biochemistry topic for students to learn in order for them to understand health consequences caused by deficiencies of enzymes in the adrenal steroidogenic pathways. However, popular biochemistry textbooks contain insufficient information and may sometimes give students a misimpression about certain aspects of human adrenal steroidogenesis. This article highlights two neglected issues in teaching human adrenal steroidogenesis in popular biochemistry textbooks. The purpose of this article is to draw attention to these issues. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2017.
Evaluation of Cornerstone Autism Center for active shooter incidents

With an increased perceived threat of an active shooter incident, Cornerstone Autism Center approached Purdue University requesting assistance developing an active shooter risk mitigation evaluation. The researcher evaluated the overall risk of an active shooter incident to Cornerstone Autism Center by identifying ways to reduce threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences. With the incidents of active shooter events increasing over time in the U.S., the means to reduce the threat is to identify a possible active shooter before he/she begins the act. Once a perpetrator begins shooting, the facility must reduce vulnerabilities, and consequences. Relying on law enforcement response may not be viable due to the response time of law enforcement. The most effective means of reducing vulnerability is to place barriers between the shooter and his/her victims. The two recommended barriers are locks on the classroom doors, and impact resistant glass windows. Reducing consequences involves developing a plan and rehearsing the plan periodically. Lockdown drills and practicing the Run-Hide-Fight method of reacting to active shooter are the recommended plans to rehears.
Missing the Subcellular Target: A Mechanism of Eukaryotic Gene Evolution

Gene duplication is a critical force in genome evolution. By serving as the raw material for new genetic functions, duplications are believed to lead to the evolution of new genes and genetic innovations. The increasing availability of genomic data reveals that gene duplication through polyploidization or other mechanisms is prevalent in genomes from across all three domains of life. Elucidating the mechanisms by which duplicated genes acquire novel functions is a key question in genome evolution. We propose that one such mechanism is protein subcellular relocalization (PSR), where small changes to N-terminal signal peptides lead to differential targeting of otherwise identical duplicated proteins. We argue that changing the location of duplicate proteins within the eukaryotic cell can lead to novel functions. If these new functions are advantageous, these duplicates would then be retained as novel genes. We suggest that PSR is an important evolutionary mechanism and that it has played an influential role in the origin of new eukaryotic genes.
Respiratory behaviors in sympatric rorqual whales: the influence of prey depth and implications for temporal access to prey

Energetically costly lunge feeding at depth causes the respiratory patterns and feeding performance of rorqual whales (Family Balaenopteridae) to hinge in part upon prey patch depth. This contingency has the potential to precipitate differences in prey preference and habitat suitability for sympatric species and may be a factor in competitive interactions, but comparative respiration studies are a necessary first step in assessing this hypothesis. We concurrently sampled dive behavior in sympatric, euphausivorous humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), as well as prey depth distribution within a British Columbia fjord system over the course of 2 summers. Ventilation and dive patterns differed significantly between species, including differential respiratory response to increasing prey depth, despite their foraging upon a common prey resource. Thanks to longer dives and shorter surface recoveries, fin whales spent a greater proportion of their time on dives. This behavior, coupled with faster swim speeds during descent and ascent reported in previous studies, afford fin whales greater periods of time at the depth of their prey. These interspecific discrepancies in dive behavior determine the whales' relative temporal access to prey. Simulations based on our observations indicate that the fin whale's relative advantage in this fjord system increases with increasing prey depth when all other prey parameters are held constant. Simulation results emphasize the importance of swim speed in rorqual foraging strategy. Small differences in prey access per dive can have important implications over the course of a foraging season, which may precipitate differences in habitat suitability. Our findings, when coupled with the body of knowledge from tagging studies, highlight this link and point to its potential role in the habitat preferences of foraging whales.
Multicohort Analysis of Whole-Blood Gene Expression Data Does Not Form a Robust Diagnostic for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Objectives:To identify a novel, generalizable diagnostic for acute respiratory distress syndrome using whole-blood gene expression arrays from multiple acute respiratory distress syndrome cohorts of varying etiologies.Data Sources:We performed a systematic search for human whole-blood gene expressio
An automatic fascicle tracking algorithm quantifying gastrocnemius architecture during maximal effort contractions.

Background Ultrasound has become a commonly used imaging modality for making dynamic measurements of muscle structure during functional movements in biomechanical studies. Manual measurements of fascicle length and pennation angle are time intensive which limits the clinical utility of this approach while also limiting sample sizes in research. The purpose of this study was to develop an automatic fascicle tracking program to quantify the length and pennation angle of a muscle fascicle during maximal effort voluntary contractions and to evaluate its repeatability between days and reproducibility between different examiners. Methods Five healthy adults performed maximal effort isometric and isokinetic contractions at 30, 120, 210, and 500 degrees per second about their ankle on an isokinetic dynamometer while their medial gastrocnemius muscle was observed using ultrasound. Individual muscle fascicles and the two aponeuroses were identified by the user in the first frame and automatically tracked by the algorithm by three observers on three separate days. Users also made manual measurements of the candidate fascicle for validation. Repeatability within examiners across days and reproducibility across examiners and days were evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Agreement between manual and automatic tracking was evaluated using the coefficient of multiple correlations (CMC) and root-mean-square error. Supervised automatic tracking, where the program could be reinitialized if poor tracking was observed, was performed on all videos by one examiner to evaluate the performance of automatic tracking in a typical use case. We also compared the performance our program to a preexisting automatic tracking program. Results We found both manual and automatic measurements of fascicle length and pennation angle to be strongly repeatable within examiners and strongly reproducible across examiners and days (ICCs > 0.74). There was greater agreement between manual and automatic measurements of fascicle length than pennation angle, however the mean CMC value was found to be strong in both cases (CMC > 0.8). Supervision of automatic tracking showed very strong agreement between manual and automatic measurements of fascicle length and pennation angle (CMC > 0.94). It also had considerably less error relative to the preexisting automatic tracking program. Conclusions We have developed a novel automatic fascicle tracking algorithm that quantifies fascicle length and pennation angle of individual muscle fascicles during dynamic contractions during isometric and across a range of isokinetic velocities. We demonstrated that this fascicle tracking algorithm is strongly repeatable and reproducible across different examiners and different days and showed strong agreement with manual measurements, especially when tracking is supervised by the user so that tracking can be reinitialized if poor tracking quality is observed.
Misinformation Is a Matter of Context: Rejoinder to “The Menace of Misinformation: Faculty Misstatements in Management Education and Their Consequences”:

The notion that we as business faculty are misleading students is on the surface shocking but in deeper thought not misguided. While Giacalone and Promislo present a compelling argument for how and...
Does Tonsillectomy Increase Obesity Risk in Children with Down Syndrome

Objectives To examine weight changes relative to surgical success in children with Down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Study design Retrospective chart review of children with Down syndrome undergoing tonsillectomy from 2005 to 2016 for OSA at a tertiary care children's hospital. Only patients with pre-and postoperative polysomnogram within 6 months of tonsillectomy were included. Demographics, weight, height, and polysomnogram data were collected. Body mass index (BMI), expressed as a percentage of the 95th percentile (%BMIp95), was calculated for 24 months prior to and following surgery. Pre-and postoperative OSA severity were also recorded. The postoperative obstructive/hypopnea index identified subjects with resolution of obstruction (obstructive/hypopnea index Results A total of 78 patients with Down syndrome whose mean age was 5.29 years at time of tonsillectomy were identified. There was no difference between best-fit curves of %BMI p95 pre-and post-tonsillectomy. There was no difference between best-fit curves of %BMI p95 in patients who saw resolution of OSA after tonsillectomy vs patients with residual OSA. Conclusions Tonsillectomy neither alters the BMI trajectory of children with Down syndrome, nor changes differentially the risk for obesity in children whose OSA did or did not resolve after surgery.
The Sources of Declining Effective Tax Rates: Insight From Effective Tax Rate Reconciliations

Effective tax rates (ETRs) are often used to compare tax avoidance across firms and time. Using firms’ detailed tax footnote data, we find that the effect of valuation allowances (VA) related to prior-period losses biases GAAP ETRs. This downward bias explains almost all of the downward trend in domestic firms’ ETRs over the last 20 years. We also find that VAs explain cross-sectional differences in ETRs for both domestic and multinational firms. We show this bias extends to cash ETRs and the Henry and Sansing (2018) tax avoidance measure. We develop a methodology for substantially reducing the bias in both time-series and cross-sectional analyses of cash and GAAP ETRs. Overall, our results suggest firms’ loss histories and GAAP rules influence inferences from tax avoidance proxies.
Low-noise, low-power, event-driven read-out of counting Pixel Array Detectors

This article describes a highly parallel event driven interface between a Pixel Array Detector (PAD) and its processing electronics. The method used was originally developed for the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) X-ray Pixel Array detector to allow for real-time processing of X-ray image data on its processing FPGA. This interface potentially allows for entirely asynchronous data transfer off the detector at rates exceeding 110Gbps and operates without the need for a constantly running clock. It thus presents a potential a low-power, low-noise interface option for 10-bit data transfer from photon-counting detectors at frame rates greater than 1MHz with no input dead time. This interface has been successfully tested on 64 independent 16-pixel channels at a transfer frequency of 294MHz achieving maximum data transfer rates of 16.7 Gbps.
Low Self-Control and Environmental Harm: A Theoretical Perspective and Empirical Test

Research finds low self-control is associated with a myriad of delinquent, criminal, and antisocial behaviors. Less attention, however, has been directed at investigating whether low self-control is related to environmental harm. The current study contributes to this area of research in two ways. First, we explicate why low self-control would relate to environmental harms committed by individuals. Second, using data collected on a sample of approximately 500 adults from southeastern Florida, we test whether low self-control is associated with the specific environmental harm of littering. Results indicate low self-control increases the likelihood of both past littering behavior as well as projected littering behavior. Supplementary analyses demonstrate low self-control is associated with higher frequency littering but not lower frequency littering. Discussion centers on the implications of the findings, study limitations, and a call for additional research to investigate the association between low self-control and a broader array of environmental harms.
Advances into understanding metabolites as signaling molecules in cancer progression

Recent years have seen a great expansion in our knowledge of the roles that metabolites play in cellular signaling. Structural data have provided crucial insights into mechanisms through which amino acids are sensed. New nutrient-coupled protein and RNA modifications have been identified and characterized. A growing list of functions has been ascribed to metabolic regulation of modifications such as acetylation, methylation, and glycosylation. A current challenge lies in developing an integrated understanding of the roles that metabolic signaling mechanisms play in physiology and disease, which will inform the design of strategies to target such mechanisms. In this brief article, we review recent advances in metabolic signaling through post-translational modification during cancer progression, to provide a framework for understanding signaling roles of metabolites in the context of cancer biology and illuminate areas for future investigation.
The Impact of Deep Brain Stimulation on Sleep in Parkinson's Disease: An update.

Author(s): Zuzuarregui, Jose Rafael P; Ostrem, Jill L | Abstract: BackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) can have a significant impact on sleep. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for motor features of PD, but less is understood about the impact DBS may have on sleep architecture and various sleep issues commonly seen in PD.ObjectiveTo review the impact of DBS on various sleep issues in PD.MethodsWe reviewed the literature regarding the impact of DBS on sleep patterns, nocturnal motor and non-motor symptoms, and sleep disorders in PD.ResultsObjective sleep measures on polysomnography (PSG), including sleep latency and wake after sleep onset improve after subthalamic nucleus (STN) and globus pallidus interna (GPi) DBS. Subjective sleep measures, nocturnal motor symptoms, and some non-motor symptoms (nocturia) also may improve. Current evidence suggests STN DBS has no impact on Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder (RBD), while STN DBS may improve symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). There are no studies that have evaluated the impact of GPi DBS on RBD, while it is unclear if GPi has an effect on RLS in PD.ConclusionDBS therapy at either site appears to improve objective and subjective sleep parameters in patients with PD. Most likely, the improvement of motor and some non-motor nocturnal symptoms leads to an increase in total sleep time by up to an hour, as well as reduction of sleep fragmentation. DBS most likely has no impact on RBD, while there is evidence that STN DBS appears to help reduce RLS severity. Further studies are needed.
Therapeutic Ultrasound in Cardiovascular Medicine

An advantage of therapeutic ultrasound (US) is the ability to cause controlled biological effects noninvasively. Depending on the magnitude and frequency of exposure parameters, US can interact in different ways with a variety of biological tissues. The development and clinical utility of therapeutic US techniques are now rapidly growing, especially with regard to the application of US pulses for cardiac pacing and the potential treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This review outlines the basic principles of US-based therapy in cardiology, including the acoustic properties of the cardiovascular tissue, and the use of US in therapeutic cardiovascular medicine.
3D TCAD Analysis Enabling ESD Layout Design Optimization

On-chip electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection design for integrated circuits (ICs) is a challenging design-for-reliability problem. Since ESD events involve very high current transients in very short time period, current crowding is unavoidable, which leads to local overheating and creates local hot spots, resulting in ESD thermal failures. Therefore, layout design plays a critical role in practical ESD protection designs, which cannot be addressed by 2D TCAD ESD simulation. This article reports a comprehensive ESD simulation analysis by comparing true 3D TCAD with 2D TCAD, using exemplar diode ESD devices in a 55nm CMOS, which reveals 3D ESD discharging behaviors upon ESD layout variations. It concludes that true 3D TCAD ESD simulation is a powerful technique to enable ESD layout design optimization in real-world ESD protection designs.
Magnetic oxygen in transition metal oxides: A case study of Ba2CoO4

Abstract Transition metal oxides (TMOs) exhibit exotic magnetic properties in both naturally formed and artificially structured materials, often difficult to understand in conventional wisdom. Magnetic insulator Ba2CoO4 has mystified the community, because the CoO4 tetrahedron appears to be completely isolated with the nearest Co atoms far apart (~5 A), making it difficult to account for long-range magnetic ordering seen experimentally using only Co. By theoretically investigating magnetism and relating our findings to experimental observations in bulk Ba2CoO4, we illustrate for the first time that the magnetic moment on oxygen atoms are the origin of the unexpected long-range magnetic ordering and low magnetic dimensionality. We find that the magnetic moment is not only localized on Co atoms, as assumed in all conventional data analysis, but also distributed on its tetrahedrally-coordinated O atoms. The total magnetic moment of the CoO4 building block is 4.63μB, with the magnetic moment on Co being only 3.08μB. Therefore, the magnetic building block is CoO4, not Co. Our first principles calculations are capable of explaining the origin of the unique magnetic response, including the presence of long-range magnetic ordering with two-dimensional character and a one-dimensional magnetoelastic behavior. Having oxygen contribute to the magnetic moment may be identified as a universal property of magnetic TMOs, which would require a reconsideration of conventional models.
To Guilt or To Vacation: Constraining Effects of Guilt on Vacation Decisions:

Annual usage of paid leave in America has been declining although employees are granted more time off than before. This study proposes that taking paid leave for a vacation is perceived as a violat...
The Algorithms Know Me and I Know Them: Using Student Journals to Uncover Algorithmic Literacy Awareness

Abstract Algorithmic platforms (Facebook, Google, Amazon) have become ubiquitous in our digital communication practices. While some users may be nominally aware of the role that algorithmic processes play in their lives, few understand the basic functions of algorithmic platforms and the influence these platforms have on their lives from a critical and rhetorical perspective. To understand how users engage with algorithmic platforms and what awarenesses the user has of the algorithmic platform, a classroom study was conducted on two groups of technical and professional communication students. Students created media journals, in which they explored and reflected on their own algorithmic engagements. The results of these journals indicate that students do have some basic awareness of the functionality of algorithmic platforms, but until they were asked to compose about their engagements, their awareness was surface-level. When they were able to reflect on their own engagements, the students moved towards a more critical and rhetorical response. The implications of these findings support previous research on the unique link between writing and learning; when students are asked to write about their algorithmic awareness, there is the possibility for improved algorithmic literacy practices.
Genome-wide transposon mutagenesis of paramyxoviruses reveals constraints on genomic plasticity

Abstract The antigenic and genomic stability of paramyxoviruses remains a mystery. Here, we evaluate the genetic plasticity of Sendai virus (SeV) and mumps virus (MuV), sialic acid-using paramyxoviruses that infect mammals from two Paramyxoviridae subfamilies (Orthoparamyxovirinae and Rubulavirinae). We performed saturating whole-genome transposon insertional mutagenesis, and identified important commonalities: disordered regions in the N and P genes near the 3’ genomic end were more tolerant to insertional disruptions; but the envelope glycoproteins were not, highlighting structural constraints that contribute to the restricted antigenic drift in paramyxoviruses. Nonetheless, when we applied our strategy to a fusion-defective Newcastle disease virus (Avulavirinae subfamily), we could select for F-revertants and other insertants in the 5’ end of the genome. Our genome-wide interrogation of representative paramyxovirus genomes from all three Paramyxoviridae subfamilies provides a family-wide context in which to explore specific variations within and among paramyxovirus genera and species.
Beige fat is dispensable for the metabolic benefits associated with myostatin deletion.

Abstract Objective Increasing muscle mass and activating beige fat both have great potential for ameliorating obesity and its comorbidities. Myostatin null mice have increased skeletal muscle mass and are protected from obesity and its sequelae. Deletion of myostatin has also been suggested to result in the activation of beige adipocytes, thermogenic fat cells with anti-obesity and anti-diabetes properties. It is not known whether beige fat activation contributes to the protection from obesity in myostatin null mice. Methods To investigate the role of beige fat activation in the metabolic benefits associated with myostatin deletion, we crossed myostatin null mice to adipocyte-specific PRDM16 knockout mice. We analyzed this new mouse model using molecular profiling, whole mount three-dimensional tissue imaging, tissue respiration, and glucose and insulin tolerance tests in models of diet-induced obesity. Results Here, we report that PRDM16 is required for the activation of beige fat in the absence of myostatin. However, we show in both male and female mice that beige fat activation is dispensable for the protection from obesity, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis mediated by myostatin deletion. Conclusion These findings demonstrate that increasing muscle mass can compensate for the inactivation of beige fat and raise the possibility of targeting muscle mass as a therapeutic approach to offset the deleterious effects of adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Structural Stability of Tin-Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cells

One of the key features that makes halide perovskite solar cells such an attractive and intensely researched photovoltaic (PV) technology, is the tunability of the bandgap of these halide perovskite materials [1], [2]. Shortly after it was established that the bandgap could be increased to 1.7-1.8 eV, investigations into the application for silicon based tandem solar cells launched. Within a few years, conversion efficiencies of up to 28 % have been reported [3]. Concurrently, the interest in commercial application of this technology emerged and have rapidly increased. Whereas there are advantages to piggy backing on an established PV technology such as silicon, efforts to develop all-perovskite tandem solar cells are of considerable interest. Partly substituting the metal cation in the ABX3 perovskite enables the low bandgap absorbers required for an all-perovskite tandem solar cell. One common approach is to partially substitute the lead with tin, however these materials often suffered from poor stability. Therefore the development of an efficient, stable mixed tin-lead perovskite is key to enabling all-perovskite tandem solar cells.
Rapid onset vancomycin-induced thrombocytopenia confirmed by vancomycin antibody test.

We report a case of vancomycin-induced thrombocytopenia (VIT) with rapid onset after re-exposure to vancomycin. A 58-year-old man with cellulitis was initiated on vancomycin. Approximately 1 hour into the vancomycin infusion, the patient developed an infusion-related reaction. Vancomycin infusion was stopped. A complete blood count obtained 4 hours after discontinuation of the vancomycin infusion revealed a platelet count of 31 ×10-9/L. Investigations ruled out likely causes of thrombocytopenia. VIT was diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and confirmed with drug-dependent platelet antibody testing. Without complications, platelet counts recovered within 7 days after discontinuation of vancomycin. No correlation between vancomycin level and VIT was observed.
Endophytic microbiome variation among single plant seeds

Like other plant compartments, the seed harbors a microbiome. Seed microbiome members are the first to colonize a germinating seedling, and they may initiate the trajectory of microbiome assembly f...
Acute kidney injury associated with area under the curve versus trough monitoring of vancomycin in obese patients.

Vancomycin is a first-line agent used in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; however, vancomycin is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). Previous literature demonstrates decreased incidence of AKI using 24-hour area under the concentration-time curve (AUC24) monitoring, but its safety is unknown in obese populations. Patients ≥18 years, with Body Mass Indices (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2, admitted between August 2015-July 2017 or October 2017-September 2019, who received vancomycin for ≥72 hours and had level(s) drawn within 96 hours of initiation were included. The primary outcome was incidence of AKI. Secondary outcomes included inpatient mortality rate, median inpatient length of stay, median vancomycin trough concentration, and median vancomycin AUC24. AKI was identified using the highest serum creatinine value compared to the value immediately prior to vancomycin initiation based on Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Overall, 1024 patients met inclusion criteria, with 142 out of 626 patients in the trough group and 65 out of 398 patients in the AUC24 group meeting criteria for AKI (22.7% vs. 16.3%, p=0.008). Logistic regression of the data to account for confounding factors maintained significance for the reduction in incidence of AKI with AUC24 monitoring compared to trough monitoring (p=0.010). Monitoring of vancomycin with AUC24 was associated with a decreased risk of AKI when compared with trough monitoring in obese patients.
Readmission Rates in Stroke Patients with and without Infections: Incidence and Risk Factors.

Abstract Background Stroke patients are at increased risk for acquiring infections in the hospital and risk of readmission. We aimed to examine whether an infection acquired during the initial stroke admission contributes to increased risk of readmission and infection during readmission. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study incorporating all adult ischemic stroke patients from three New York City hospitals from 2006 to 2016. A validated computer algorithm defined infections based on electronically-available laboratory culture data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the crude and adjusted association of infections present on admission (IPOA) and healthcare-associated infections (HAI) with 60-day readmissions, and infection during readmission. Results Among the 10,436 stroke patients, 17% had infections during initial admission of which 52% were IPOA and 48% were HAI. The risk of readmission was significantly higher for those with HAIs (OR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.20–1.64) and IPOA (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.09–1.47). The presence of infection during the 60-day readmission was also independently predicted by HAI (OR = 3.27; 95% CI: 2.60–4.12) and IPOA (OR = 2.54; 95% CI: 2.01–3.22). Patients with a Gram-negative infection were not at higher odds for readmission compared to patients with a Gram-positive infection (OR 1.07, 95%CI 0.81–1.42). Conclusion Among stroke patients, HAI and IPOA were predictors of readmission within 60 days and infection during readmission.
The Literature of Telemedicine: A Bibliometric Study

ABSTRACT A specialized body of telemedicine/telehealth literature has developed in recent years, fueled by research and the development of telemedicine as a field of study. This bibliometric study examines the publishing and citing patterns of telemedicine literature indexed by the Telemedicine Information Exchange (TIE), an online database maintained by the Telemedicine Research Center (TRC) with major support from the National Library of Medicine. Citation counts in the TIE bibliographic database trace the growth and development of telemedicine literature and identify the most prolific authors. Citation counts in SciSearch(r) cited reference science database indicate the most cited telemedicine journals and authors and are used to compute journal impact factors. Seventy percent of the telemedicine literature was published since 1995; 86 percent was published since 1990. Core telemedicine journals, Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare and Telemedicine Journal, are peer-reviewed, research-oriented, highly...
Gesture: Visible Action as Utterance

1. The domain of gesture 2. Visible action as gesture 3. Western interest in gesture from classical antiquity to the eighteenth century 4. Four contributions from the nineteenth century: Andrea de Jorio, Edward Tylor, Garrick Mallery and Wilhelm Wundt 5. Gesture studies in the twentieth century: recession and return 6. Classifying gestures 7. Gesture units, gesture phrases and speech 8. Deployments of gesture in the utterance 9. Gesture and speech in semantic interaction 10. Gesture and referential meaning 11. On pointing 12. Gestures of the 'precision-grip': topic, comment and question markers 13. Two gesture families of the open hand 14. Gesture without speech: the emergence of kinesic codes 15. Gesture and sign on common ground 16. Gesture, culture and the communication economy 17. The status of gesture Appendix I. Transcription conventions Appendix II. The recordings.
Harmonic balance and iteration calculations of periodic solutions to y¨+y-1=0

We use two methods, harmonic balance and iteration, to calculate analytical approximations to the periodic solutions of a nonlinear singular oscillator.
Comparison of 1983 and 1979 SCLERA observations

Solar equatorial differential radius observations obtained between 30 May and 20 July 1983 are analyzed for evidence of solar oscillations. Previous work has produced acoustic mode classifications based on 1979 differential radius observations (Hill 1984). By applying small frequency shifts to the n=1, λ=4,...,22 multiplets from Hill (1984), we find a statistically significant correspondence between 182 frequencies of the classified multiplet spectrum and the 1983 power spectrum. The measures Dij(m) (defined by Hill 1984) of the azimuthal dependence of the eigenfunetions are also used to compare the 1983 and 1979 observations. Weighted average Dij's calculated for the peaks in the 1983 power spectra that matched previously classified modes were found to be consistent, at a statistically significant level, with those obtained for the 1979 observations. Modes with λ=8,...,12 were used to calculate a weighted average value for the angle between an internal axis of symmetry and the pole of the Sun of 0°2 ± 0°8.
The mechanism of increasing outflow facility during washout in the bovine eye

Purpose To investigate the relationship between outflow facility and separation between the inner wall of the aqueous plexus and the juxtacanalicular connective tissue (JCT) during washout in the bovine eye. Methods Facility was recorded during 3 hours of anterior chamber perfusion at 15 mm Hg in eight pairs of bovine eyes. One eye of each pair was then lowered to 0 mm Hg for 1 hour, whereas the fellow eye was kept at 15 mm Hg. After a brief perfusion at 15 mm Hg, both eyes were perfusion fixed and processed for electron microscopy. Micrographs of the inner wall were analyzed for separation from the JCT. To study the role of cellular adhesion between the inner wall and JCT, 12 additional pairs were perfused with integrin-binding peptide (RGD: Arg-Gly-Asp) or sham control peptide (RGE: Arg-Gly-Glu) at 2 micro M to 2 mM, before IOP was reduced. Results During the first 3 hours, facility increased in both eyes because of "washout." However, after 1 hour of 0 mm Hg, facility decreased by 13% (P 0.35) or on the change in outflow facility after 1 hour at 0 mm Hg (P > 0.15). Conclusions The increase in outflow facility that occurs during washout in the bovine eye is reversible and correlates with the degree of separation between the basal lamina of the inner wall endothelium and the JCT. Therefore, adhesions tethering the inner wall to the JCT may be important ultrastructural features involved in the regulation of aqueous humor outflow resistance.
BEASTS: an enterprise management tool for providing information survivability in dynamic heterogeneous networked environments

The fundamental structure of enterprise networks has changed dramatically with mobility and mixed hardware/software platforms, thus making it necessary to rework basic system administration tasks, such as backup operations, host authentication, managing hardware/software configurations including patches, and provision of shared disk storage. NCSA has developed, and is currently testing, a software tool that can be used in a dynamic heterogeneous environment to manage these distributed network-based tasks better. The tool is called BEASTS (backup enterprise and security tracking system). The paper briefly presents the software architecture, GUI features, and preliminary results using this tool with plans for future deployment and distribution release.
Emission mechanism and source distances of γ -ray bursts

The reported continuum spectra (∼20 keV–2 MeV) of most γ-ray bursts resemble a simple exponential1–4. Hence, the conventional view is that they are the optically thin free–free (bremstralung) emission of a hot thermal plasma (kT ≳ 100 keV with the exception of a few soft events, notably the 5 March 1979 event). I show here that: (1) independent of the source distance, there is an inherent difficulty with the free–free interpretation if the sources are indeed neutron stars with magnetic field B ≳ 1012 G, because the synchrotron emissivity of these hot thermal electrons would greatly exceed then free–free emissivity for any reasonable electron density consistent with τes ≪ 1 required by observations; (2) the spectral data can be fitted equally well, if not better, by optically thin thermal synchrotron spectra of mildly relativistic (kT ∼ mc2) electrons; (3) the absence of observable low-energy turnover due to synchrotron self-absorption (or high energy Compton distortion) puts interesting upper limits to the source of luminosity and distance. Most sources are noncosmological (<10 kpc–1 Mpc) but not necessarily as nearby as some authors have suggested using the free–free spectral interpretation (see, for example, ref. 2).
In-stream geomorphic structures as drivers of hyporheic exchange

[1] Common in-stream geomorphic structures such as debris dams and steps can drive hyporheic exchange in streams. Exchange is important for ecological stream function, and restoring function is a goal of many stream restoration projects, yet the connection between in-stream geomorphic form, hydrogeologic setting, and hyporheic exchange remains inadequately characterized. We used the models HEC-RAS, MODFLOW, and MODPATH to simulate coupled surface and subsurface hydraulics in a gaining stream containing a single in-stream geomorphic structure and to systematically evaluate the impact of fundamental characteristics of the structure and its hydrogeologic setting on induced exchange. We also conducted a field study to support model results. Model results indicated that structure size, background groundwater discharge rate, and sediment hydraulic conductivity are the most important factors determining the magnitude of induced hyporheic exchange, followed by geomorphic structure type, depth to bedrock, and channel slope. Model results indicated channel-spanning structures were more effective at driving hyporheic flow than were partially spanning structures, and weirs were more effective than were steps. Across most structure types, downwelling flux rate increased linearly with structure size, yet hyporheic residence time exhibited nonlinear behavior, increasing quickly with size at low structure sizes and declining thereafter. Important trends in model results were observed at the field site and also interpreted using simple hydraulic theory, thereby supporting the modeling approach and clarifying underlying processes.
Metastatic adamantinoma responds to treatment with receptor tyrosine kinase and Aurora A kinase inhibitor

Adamantinoma is to be known as the one of the least common low-grade malignant bone tumors, commonly arising in thecenter of long bones, mostly in the tibial mid shaft. Adamantinomas are usually managed with wide local excision andreconstruction, unless unresectable or locally recurrent. Even though adamantinomas are managed as locally aggressivetumors, they usually recur and metastasize to sites including the lymph nodes, lungs, skeleton, liver and brain.Radiotherapy and chemotherapy do not seem to be effective treatment modalities for adamantinoma; recently publishedcase reports suggest tyrosine kinase inhibitors as an alternative therapeutic strategy. We report a case of a patient withmetastatic adamantinoma who progressed after first line therapy with doxorubicin and cisplatin, and responded topazopanib (selective multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits angiogenesis) and alisertib (smallmolecule Aurora A kinase inhibitor) combination therapy. Tumor response to pazopanib and alisertib in combination as athird line therapy has led us to conclude that tyrosine kinase therapy could be considered in this setting.
Anesthetic Considerations and Management

The advancement of surgery into the digital and computer-assisted era has generated a new amalgamation of known anesthetic challenges. This chapter is designed to provide both surgeons and anesthesiologists with a quick reference, guiding optimal peri-operative care in patients receiving robotic urologic surgery. In addition, information critical to ensuring patient safety when utilizing computer-assisted surgical techniques is discussed.
Psychocultural Studies: Has the Time Come?

Handbook of Cross-Cultural Psychology. Perspectives. Volume 1. Harry C. Triandis and Willliam Wilson Lambert, eds. Handbook of Cross-Cultural Psychology. Methodology. Volume 2. Harry C. Triandis and John W. Berry eds. Handbook of Cross-Cultural Psychology. Basic Processes. Volume 1. Harry C. Triandis and Walter Lonner, eds. Handbook of Cross-Cultural Psychology. Developmental Psychology. Volume 4. Harry C. Triandis and Alastair Heron, eds. Handbook of Cross-Cultural Psychology. Social Psychology. Volume 5. Harry C. Triandis and Richard W. Brislin eds. Handbook of Cross-Cultural Psychology. Psychopathology, Volume 6. Harry C. Triandis and Juris G. Draguns eds. Cross-cultural Contributions of Psychology. Lutz H. Echkensberger, Walter J. Lonner and Ype H. Poortinga eds. Perspectives on Cross-Cultural Psychology. Anthony J. Marsella. Roland G. Tharp and Thomas J. Ciborowski. eds. Studies in Cross-Culturla Psychology. Volume 2. Neil Warren, ed.