cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sexual concerns among kidney transplant recipients

Background Little is known about the specific sexual concerns of kidney transplant (KTx) recipients. The primary objectives of this study were to: (i) describe the importance of sexuality to KTx recipients; (ii) investigate the sexual concerns of KTx recipients; and (iii) examine the relationship between sexual concerns and quality of life (QOL). A secondary objective was to examine potential sexual concern differences by gender, pre-transplant dialysis status, and donor type. Methods This study employed a cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational design. Sexual concerns were identified using the Sexual Concerns Questionnaire, which contains seven subscales. QOL was measured with the SF-8 and the QOL Uniscale. Results Nearly 73% of subjects rated sexuality as important. Subscales indicating highest area of sexual concerns were communication with healthcare providers about sexuality (Mean (M) = 2.70) and sexual pleasure concerns (M = 2.45). Higher concern ratings regarding health consequences of sexual activity, quality of sexual relationship, sexual pleasure, sexual functioning problems, and pessimistic beliefs about treatment were significantly, inversely related to QOL. Women had significantly higher scores on the Sexual Pleasure and Communication with Healthcare Providers subscales than men. Conclusions This study reports the sexual concerns of KTx recipients' who are an average of four yr since surgery, and the relationship of these concerns to QOL.
Geometric and experimental models of extensional fault-bend folds

The geometric models ranged from simple models of listric normal faults with continuous hanging-wall deposition to complex models of normal faults with ramps and flats and footwall deposition and/or erosion. The inclined shear angle (i.e., the angle between the horizontal and the shear direction) was 70° in all models. Withjack and Peterson (1993) describe the modeling technique. In the experimental models, a 4-cm-thick layer of either wet clay or dry sand covered a flat metal base consisting of overlapping plates or precut blocks. Movement of the plates or blocks produced a listric normal fault in the overlying clay or sand layer. We added growth layers after every centimeter of displacement. Withjack and Callaway (2000) describe the properties of the wet clay and dry sand.
Continuing trastuzumab beyond progression.

During the last decade, most oncologists empirically adopted the practice of continuing trastuzumab beyond progression of disease in patients with human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER-2) –positive metastatic breast cancer (H2MBC), deviating from the established paradigm of stopping and switching drugs or interventions when patients develop disease progression. With trastuzumab, they simply switched the cytotoxic agent paired with this monoclonal anti–HER-2 antibody. Although a whole host of considerations may have facilitated this trend, ranging from virulence of HER-2–positive disease,
Systemic connective tissue features in women with fibromuscular dysplasia

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a non-atherosclerotic disease associated with hypertension, headache, dissection, stroke, and aneurysm. The etiology is unknown but hypothesized to involve genetic and environmental components. Previous studies suggest a possible overlap of FMD with other connective tissue diseases that present with dissections and aneurysms. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of connective tissue physical features in FMD. A total of 142 FMD patients were consecutively enrolled at a single referral center (97.9% female, 92.1% of whom had multifocal FMD). Data are reported for 139 female patients. Moderately severe myopia (29.1%), high palate (33.1%), dental crowding (29.7%), and early-onset arthritis (15.6%) were prevalent features. Classic connective features such as hypertelorism, cleft palate, and hypermobility were uncommon. The frequency of systemic connective tissue features was compared between FMD patients with a high vascular risk profile (having had ⩾1 dissection and/or ⩾2 aneurysms) and those with a standard vascular risk profile. A history of spontaneous pneumothorax (5.9% high risk vs 0% standard risk) and atrophic scarring (17.6% high risk vs 6.8% standard risk) were significantly more prevalent in the high risk group, p<0.05. High palate was observed in 43.1% of the high risk group versus 27.3% in the standard risk group, p=0.055. In conclusion, in a cohort of women with FMD, there was a prevalence of moderately severe myopia, high palate, dental crowding, and early-onset osteoarthritis. However, a characteristic phenotype was not discovered. Several connective tissue features such as high palate and pneumothorax were more prominent among FMD patients with a high vascular risk profile.
RENAL PELVIS CUFF PYELOPLASTY FOR URETEROPELVIC JUNCTION OBSTRUCTION FOR THE HIGH INSERTING URETER: AN INITIAL EXPERIENCE

ABSTRACTPurpose: Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction can result from a high inserting ureter without intrinsic ureteral obstruction. We describe our initial experience using a renal pelvis cuff pyeloplasty technique to treat this cause of UPJ obstruction.Materials and Methods: We reviewed our experience regarding all children who underwent renal pelvis cuff pyeloplasty. All patients had Society for Fetal Urology grade 3 to 4 hydronephrosis on ultrasonography and radiographic confirmation of UPJ obstruction by diuretic mercaptoacetyltriglycine renography. Pyeloplasty was performed through a flank incision. A circumferential incision was made of the renal pelvis proximal to the insertion site of the ureter into the renal pelvis. Next, a catheter was passed through the UPJ to ensure uniform patency. The cuff of pelvis with the attached ureter was then sutured to the dependent portion of the pelvis. Postoperative resolution of the obstruction was evaluated by ultrasonography and mercaptoacetyltriglycine ...
Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies With Elements to Assure Safe Use Alignment of the Goals With the Tools to Manage Risk

The Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 gave the FDA the authority to require drug sponsors to submit a risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMS) program for those medicines with serious risks such that failure to effectively manage these risks would tip the benefit-risk balance. As of August 8, 2013, the 34 distinct individual and shared REMS programs that have specific elements to assure safe use (ETASU) were reviewed to ascertain the types of risks managed, the goals of the REMS, and the tools that were employed targeting prescribers, health care facilities, pharmacists, and particular conditions for safe use. Most REMS (65%) have a combination of risk mitigation and educational goals, but 4 REMS programs (12%) have exclusively educational goals. Preventing fetotoxicity (25%) is the most common risk managed by REMS with ETASU. Seventy-nine percent of ETASU REMS employ prescriber-based tools that include performing laboratory testing (eg, pregnancy, hepatic enzymes) or monitoring (eg, ophthalmologic examinations, documenting vaccination). The goals of REMS programs should focus on measurable behaviors that directly reduce risk. The tools that are employed should create the appropriate conditions for safe use. With the number of programs and the plethora of tools applied, serious consideration should be given to better integration of risk management into health care and pharmacy systems that are best equipped to manage such risks.
Effects of an invasive plant on a desert sand dune landscape

Given the abundance of non-native species invading wildland habitats, managers need to employ informed triage to focus control efforts on weeds with the greatest potential for negative impacts. Our objective here was to determine the level of threat Sahara mustard, Brassica tournefortii, represents to meeting regional goals for protecting biodiversity. Sahara mustard has spread throughout much of the Mojave and lower Sonoran Deserts. It has occurred in southern California’s Coachella Valley for nearly 80 years, punctuated by years of extremely high abundance following high rainfall. In those years the mustard has clear negative impacts on the native flora. Using mustard removal experiments we identified reductions in native plant reproduction, shifting composition increasingly toward Sahara mustard while decreasing the fraction of native species. High between-year variance in precipitation may be a key to maintaining biodiversity as the mustard is less abundant in drier years. Sahara mustard impacts to the native fauna were much less evident. Of the animal species evaluated, only the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, Uma inornata, demonstrated a negative response to mustard abundance; however the impacts were short-lived, lasting no more than a year after the mustard’s dominance waned. Without control measures the long-term impacts to desert biodiversity may rest on the changing climate. Wetter conditions or increased periodicity of high rainfall years will favor Sahara mustard and result in reduced biodiversity, especially of native annual plants. Drier conditions will keep the mustard from becoming dominant but may have other negative consequences on the native flora and fauna.
HUMAN T-CELL LEUKEMIA VIRUS TYPE I TAX PROTEIN REPRESSES GENE EXPRESSION THROUGH THE BASIC HELIX-LOOP-HELIX FAMILY OF TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS

The human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) oncoprotein Tax is a potent activator of viral and cellular gene transcription. Tax does not bind DNA directly but utilizes cellular transcription factors to mediate activation. In this report, we examine the role of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins in Tax deregulation of gene expression, as these proteins play a critical role in progression through the cell cycle and have been implicated in neoplastic disease. We show that the bHLH proteins do not mediate activation, but instead mediate repression of gene expression in the presence of Tax. We further show that a consensus bHLH binding site in the promoter of the beta-polymerase gene, which encodes an enzyme involved in DNA repair, mediates the previously reported repression of beta-polymerase gene expression by Tax. Together, these results suggest that Tax may induce malignant transformation, at least in part, through bHLH-mediated repression of key cellular regulatory genes.
Visual feedback for Mixed Reality stroke rehabilitation

The Mixed Reality Rehabilitation project is a real-time multimedia system for upper extremity rehabilitation of stroke survivors through task-oriented physical therapy. This poster describes the visual feedback designed to inform subjects of the spatial aspects of their movement as a reaching task is performed.
The Current State of Accounting Ph.D. Programs in the United States

ABSTRACT : The primary purpose of this study is to provide evidence about current practices in accounting Ph.D. programs in the United States. Plumlee et al. (2006) investigated the shortage of Ph.D. qualified accounting faculty and made recommendations toward addressing this shortage. We assess the extent to which these recommendations have been followed and areas where additional progress might be needed. We gather data from Ph.D. program websites, a survey of doctoral students in accounting Ph.D. programs in the United States, and interviews with Ph.D. program coordinators. Key findings, following Plumlee et al. (2006) indicate: (1) on average, university Ph.D. program websites do not provide all of the specific information about admission and program requirements that would be useful for potential students; (2) increases in the level of financial support for Ph.D. students; (3) considerable variability with respect to reduction in costs to Ph.D. students; (4) Ph.D. programs may reduce the number of st...
Manliness in Plato’s Laches

Une analyse meticuleuse du texte nous permet de preciser le concept du courage selon Socrate. Laches se soumet sans riposter aux objections de Socrates a sa definition du courage comme une perseverance prudente. Il n'apprecie pas que les objections de Socrate lui demandent de preciser sa definition. Nicias refuse de considerer les objections a sa comprehension du courage selon laquelle il s'agit d'eviter des actes necessitant de prendre des risques. Les deux groupes d'objections montrent que le courage requiert une evaluation des risques et demande, par la suite, de ne pas rejeter cette evaluation sans reflexion.
Electronic publishing and its impact on print publishing and other selected library materials: A review, proposal, and design for further research

The work covers three major sections: introduction, literature review, and methodology. In the first section, the problem, objectives, and rationale of the proposed study are stated. In the literature review, the history, categorization, and issues related to electronic publishing are summarized. The likely impact of electronic publishing on print publishing is also discussed. Finally, research questions, null hypotheses, research design, and data collection are covered in the section of methodology. In addition, the schedule and budget for the study are also roughly planned.
Robustness of PSPACE-complete sets

We study the robustness of complete languages in PSPACE and prove that they are robust against P-selective sparse sets. Earlier similar results are known for EXP-complete sets [H. Buhrman, A. Hoene, L. Torenvliet, Splittings, robustness, and structure of complete sets, SIAM J. Comput. 27 (3) (1998) 637-653] and NP-complete sets [C. Glaszer, A. Pavan, A. Selman, S. Sengupta, Properties of NP-complete sets, in: IEEE Conference on Computational Complexity, 2004, pp. 184-197].
An Investigation of Techniques for Asymmetry Rectification

This paper is concerned with symmetry and asymmetry in objects. Earlier studies on the subject have dealt with the detection of symmetry. We study the problem of asymmetry rectification, i.e., given an asymmetric profile, suggest geometric changes to make it symmetric. We have investigated two techniques for asymmetry rectification. This paper reports on the techniques and the results. First, we analyze the problem using skeleton representations and propose a simple algorithm for rectifying asymmetric convex profiles. Next, we outline an optimization scheme for the rectification of convex and nonconvex profiles, in 2D and 3D. Implemented examples are presented for both algorithms.
Pain Biopsychosocial Mechanisms and Management

Traditionally, pain has been viewed as a sensory event warning of tissue damage or illness. This explanation fails to account for many of the experiences of people suffering from clinically painful conditions. Over the past two decades, a new biopsychosocial perspective on pain has emerged. This perspective emphasizes that pain is a dynamic process that not only is influenced by biological, psychological, and social mechanisms of pain, but also produces biological, psychological, and social changes that can affect future responses to pain. This review presents findings from recent studies of the biological, psychological, and social mechanisms of pain and discusses the implications of these findings for pain research, assessment, prevention, and treatment, as well as for health care policy.
IRS-I expression on the luteinized rat ovary: IGF-I and cyclic AMP effects on IRS-I tyrosine phosphorylation

The expression of insulin receptor substrate-I (IRS-I) mRNA was demonstrated in rat luteal cells by Northern blot analysis, in situ hybridization as well as by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Western blot with a polyclonal anti IRS-I antibody showed the presence of a 183 kDa protein which corresponds to the size of IRS-I reported in other tissues. Further studies were performed to determine whether human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can interact with the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) signaling pathway to increase tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-I. While hCG alone was ineffective in stimulating the phosphorylation of IRS-I, IGF-I mediated phosphorylation of IRS-I was increased by prior exposure to hCG. These results were further confirmed by the immunoprecipitation of IRS-I from the lysate of hCG- and IGF-I-treated luteal cell cultures followed by Western blotting with anti-phosphotyrosine antibody. Similarly, pretreatment with forskolin also increased IGF-I stimulated IRS-I phosphorylation. The increased tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-I seen in response to IGF-I stimulation following treatment with either hCG or forskolin was not due to an increase in IRS-I content. Furthermore, IGF-I receptor tyrosine kinase activity was not affected by forskolin, suggesting that the increase in IRS-I tyrosine phosphorylation was not the result of an increase in its activity. Thus, we conclude that hCG/LH and IGF-I signaling pathways 'cross-talk' to increase the levels of IRS-I tyrosine phosphorylation. The observed increase in IRS-I tyrosine phosphorylation may be the result of an increase in the stability of the phosphorylated form of IRS-I.
Discrimination in Lending Markets: Status and the Intersections of Gender and Race

Research documents that lenders discriminate between loan applicants in traditional and peer-to-peer lending markets, yet we lack knowledge about the mechanisms driving lenders’ behavior. I offer o...
Breeding Soundness Evaluation of Yearling Bulls

Breeding Soundness Evaluations (BSEs) are a useful tool to improve reproductive performance and profitability in beef herds. Veterinarians providing this service must be thorough in their evaluation, especially in yearling bulls. The 1993 Society for Theriogenology guidelines for BSE provide appropriate standards for classifying yearling bulls; veterinarians are advised to adhere to these standards as minimums for classification of the satisfactory potential breeder.
The impact of gestational age and fetal weight on the risk of failure of spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery.

Abstract Background There are limited data about spinal dosing for cesarean delivery in preterm parturients. We investigated the hypothesis that preterm gestation is associated with an increased incidence of inadequate spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery compared with term gestation. Methods We searched our perioperative database for women who underwent cesarean delivery under spinal or combined spinal-epidural anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine ⩾10.5mg. The primary outcome was the incidence of inadequate surgical anesthesia needing conversion to general anesthesia or repetition or supplementation of the block. We divided patients into four categories: Results A total of 5015 patients (3387 term and 1628 preterm) were included. There were 278 failures (5.5%). The incidence of failure was higher in preterm versus term patients (6.4% vs. 5.1%, P =0.02). Failure rates were 10.8%, 7.7%, 5.3% and 5% for P P =0.03), ethnicity ( P =0.02) and use of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia ( P Conclusions At standard spinal doses of hyperbaric bupivacaine used in our practice (⩾10.5mg), there were higher odds of inadequate surgical anesthesia in preterm parturients. When adjusting for potential confounders, low birth weight was the main factor associated with failure.
HYDRA: Revealing heterogeneity of imaging and genetic patterns through a multiple max-margin discriminative analysis framework.

Multivariate pattern analysis techniques have been increasingly used over the past decade to derive highly sensitive and specific biomarkers of diseases on an individual basis. The driving assumption behind the vast majority of the existing methodologies is that a single imaging pattern can distinguish between healthy and diseased populations, or between two subgroups of patients (e.g., progressors vs. non-progressors). This assumption effectively ignores the ample evidence for the heterogeneous nature of brain diseases. Neurodegenerative, neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders are largely characterized by high clinical heterogeneity, which likely stems in part from underlying neuroanatomical heterogeneity of various pathologies. Detecting and characterizing heterogeneity may deepen our understanding of disease mechanisms and lead to patient-specific treatments. However, few approaches tackle disease subtype discovery in a principled machine learning framework. To address this challenge, we present a novel non-linear learning algorithm for simultaneous binary classification and subtype identification, termed HYDRA (Heterogeneity through Discriminative Analysis). Neuroanatomical subtypes are effectively captured by multiple linear hyperplanes, which form a convex polytope that separates two groups (e.g., healthy controls from pathologic samples); each face of this polytope effectively defines a disease subtype. We validated HYDRA on simulated and clinical data. In the latter case, we applied the proposed method independently to the imaging and genetic datasets of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI 1) study. The imaging dataset consisted of T1-weighted volumetric magnetic resonance images of 123 AD patients and 177 controls. The genetic dataset consisted of single nucleotide polymorphism information of 103 AD patients and 139 controls. We identified 3 reproducible subtypes of atrophy in AD relative to controls: (1) diffuse and extensive atrophy, (2) precuneus and extensive temporal lobe atrophy, as well some prefrontal atrophy, (3) atrophy pattern very much confined to the hippocampus and the medial temporal lobe. The genetics dataset yielded two subtypes of AD characterized mainly by the presence/absence of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) e4 genotype, but also involving differential presence of risk alleles of CD2AP, SPON1 and LOC39095 SNPs that were associated with differences in the respective patterns of brain atrophy, especially in the precuneus. The results demonstrate the potential of the proposed approach to map disease heterogeneity in neuroimaging and genetic studies.
Aristóteles y la justicia natural

En su Etica a Nicomaco y en su Etica a Eudemo, Aristoteles senala que la justicia natural es mutable y no es la misma en todas partes. Lo que parece sugerirse es que ningun acto, ni siquiera el asesinato, es siempre malo. Sin embargo, como queda de manifiesto, especialmente tras la lectura de su Gran Moral (Magna Moralia), Aristoteles hace una distincion entre el “que” (igualdad), el “en que” (proporcion entre personas y cosas) y el “acerca de que” (cuales cosas se intercambian y con cuales personas) de la justicia. Admite la variabilidad solo en el “acerca de que”, y ninguna variabilidad en el “que” y en el “en que”. Esto es claro en el caso del adulterio, que a juicio de Aristoteles es siempre un acto malo. Lo mismo dice en otra parte de actos como el aborto, la eutanasia y la usura
An Embedding Procedure for the Study of Aphid Feeding and Insect Tissues

Feder and O'Brien (1968) described a technique for fixation, dehydration, and embedding of plant material which greatly improved the preservation of specimens. They reported that this technique consistently gave good results and was far superior to more conventional methods.
Remediation, convergence, and big data: Conceptual limits of cross-platform social media

The era of multiplatform media and big data provide new opportunities to reconsider data access by media companies. Outlined here is the discussion surrounding data access from media institutional ...
Effect of Applied Temperature and Strain Rate on Laser Welded Stainless Steel Structures.

Sealed containers that hold organic substances can fail if organic material decomposition that occurs at elevated temperatures causes high enough pressures to cause a breach anywhere within the container or at welded or joined sections of the container. In this study, the response of stainless steel structures sealed by laser welding was of interest. Cylindrical can structures were constructed of two base materials, 304L stainless steel in tube and bar form, and joined by partial penetration laser welding. The base and weld materials contributed to the overall elastic–plastic response that led to failure in the weld region. The response of specimens constructed from sections of the cylindrical can structures was measured experimentally under thermomechanical loadings that investigated applied strain rate and temperatures (25–800 °C). Prior to testing, extensive measurements of the partial penetration weld geometry and cross section were completed on each specimen to enable correlation with measured response and failure. The experimental results of these sub-structure specimens tested at elevated temperatures are presented. Additionally, the material characterization results of the two 304L stainless steel materials used in constructing the cylindrical cans are presented.
Uterine scar separation in patients undergoing trial of labor (TOL) in one army hospital.

Before the mid-1980s, repeat cesarean section was the usual method of delivering all patients who had a previous cesarean section. With cesarean section rates exceeding 20% in the 1980s, a concerted effort to reduce this high rate was formulated in all military teaching hospitals. One proposed method to decrease the overall cesarean section rate was to reduce the number of repeat cesarean sections. Trial of labor (TOL) with vaginal birth after cesarean section was one method of decreasing the high cesarean section rate. Although vaginal birth after cesarean section has a relatively high success rate and has been shown to be safe for mother and infant, TOL is not risk free. One of the potential complications of TOL is uterine scar separation, which may lead to perinatal mortality. This report discusses uterine scar separation during TOL during a 1-year period at one medium-size U.S. Army teaching hospital.
A practical tool for community-oriented primary care community diagnosis using a personal computer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Community-oriented primary care (COPC) is considered an attractive concept by many but has had limited implementation due to a lack of practical methodology. An important step in COPC is assessment of a community's health status, using health indicators as one means of assessment. Currently, there is no easy way to combine these indicators and examine their distribution over a community. This study analyzed a process for doing that by using a personal computer. METHODS For the community studied, all available community-based health indicators were identified. A process for combining these indicators, using commonly available database and spreadsheet software, was developed and analyzed for cost, clinical utility, and problems encountered. RESULTS Problems were encountered with collecting and combining some data, but a clinically useful tool was produced. Costs, including purchase of all software (with mapping software), were $1,500-$2,000. CONCLUSIONS With efforts to reduce the initial costs, this is a practical and clinically useful tool for viewing the geographic distribution of community health indicators. Such practical methodology is essential for COPC development.
Community-Based Audiovisual Preservation. A Report of the Promoting Preservation Interest Group Meeting. American Library Association Annual Conference, San Francisco, June 2015

The American Library Association's Annual Conference in June 2015 offered many programs, sessions, and events representing the wide field of librarianship. The preservation-related conference progr...
Uncertainty Analysis in Louver Fin Aluminum Heat Exchangers

Uncertainty estimate, although an important subject, is not carried out in a consistent way by different researchers. In this paper, the authors performed a systematic analysis to enumerate the uncertainty calculation procedure for the brazed aluminum microchannel heat exchangers with louvered fins. Using the basic method suggested by Moffat (1988), the present study elaborates the uncertainty estimation of Reynolds number, Colburn j-factor, and friction f-factor for a liquid-air brazed aluminum heat exchanger system. The important factors and their calculation procedure associated with the uncertainty analysis are discussed. The procedure is verified and the uncertainties are estimated for a standard microchannel heat exchanger configuration available in the market. The effect of the measurement variables on the uncertainty factor is illustrated in figures. The range of uncertainties for Reynolds number, Colburn j-factor and friction f-factor are examined within the investigate parameter ranges. The study provides the calculation procedures and conditions as future reference for uncertainty analysis of louver fin brazed aluminum heat exchangers, in particular. The paper also discusses uncertainty estimation for heat exchanger systems, in general.© 2014 ASME
Translational Regulation of Gene Expression by the NPM-ALK Fusion Kinase of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: A Global Evaluation of Differentially Recruited mRNA’s to Polyribosomes.

Abstract The NPM-ALK fusion tyrosine kinase generated by the t(2;5)(p23;q35) chromosomal translocation is present in approximately 50% of anaplastic large cell lymphomas. NPM-ALK is known to play a causal role in the generation of hematopoietic neoplasia, and it has multiple potential sites of tyrosine phosphorylation that can bind to signaling effector molecules. We found that expression of NPM-ALK regulates mediators of translational initiation, including mTOR, S6K1, and 4E-BP1. Moreover, other investigators have shown that expression of proteins that mediate the control of translational initiation can be rate-limiting in the pathogenesis of neoplasia. Collectively, these findings stimulated our hypothesis that NPM-ALK promotes neoplasia by altering the partitioning of specific mRNA's to polysomes and thereby regulating their translation. To evaluate this hypothesis, we assessed the global profile of polysomal mRNA in cells that express the NPM-ALK fusion kinase. In this study, we generated Ba/F3 murine hematopoietic cells that express kinase-active NPM-ALK or a kinase-deficient NPM-ALK mutant (K210A). Cells were maintained in the presence of the cytokine IL-3 to minimize changes secondary to cell cycle redistribution or early apoptosis. We used these cell lines to compare in a global manner the partitioning of mRNA species to polysomes. We isolated polyribosome preparations using conventional sucrose gradient fractionation, and from this purified polysomal material we extracted mRNA. Similarly, we prepared total mRNA from these cell lines. The global profile of gene expression for both total and polysomal RNA was assessed using Affymetrix mouse genome microarrays. The data generated in this effort were analyzed using the GeneChip robust multichip analysis (GCRMA) method. Significance Analysis of Microarrays (SAM) and Linear Models for Microarray Data (Limma) were employed to identify significantly differentially expressed genes. By culturing each cell line in the presence of IL-3, we found little difference in total cellular mRNA levels. However, we found that expression of kinase-active NPM-ALK markedly altered the partitioning of mRNA's to the polysomal pool. We identified 286 genes whose mRNA's exhibited altered polysomal partitioning, including 102 decreased in cells with kinase-active NPM-ALK and 184 with increased polysome association. These translationally regulated mRNA's encode proteins associated with transcriptional control, post-translational modification of proteins, and hematopoietic neoplasia. Our findings support the assertion that NPM-ALK signaling regulates gene expression in part through translational control. We speculate that concerted dysregulation of transcription and translation by oncogenes might broadly mediate the pathogenesis of hematopoietic neoplasia.
Discovery of Inhibitors of MicroRNA-21 Processing Using Small Molecule Microarrays.

The identification of small molecules that bind to and perturb the function of microRNAs is an attractive approach for the treatment for microRNA-associated pathologies. However, there are only a few small molecules known to interact directly with microRNAs. Here, we report the use of a small molecule microarray (SMM) screening approach to identify low molecular weight compounds that directly bind to a pre-miR-21 hairpin. Compounds identified using this approach exhibit good affinity for the RNA (ranging from 0.8–2.0 μM) and are not composed of a polycationic scaffold. Several of the highest affinity compounds inhibit Dicer-mediated processing, while in-line probing experiments indicate that the compounds bind to the apical loop of the hairpin, proximal to the Dicer site. This work provides evidence that small molecules can be developed to bind directly to and inhibit miR-21.
Assume-guarantee reasoning framework for MDP-POMDP

We propose an assume-guarantee reasoning (AGR) framework for verification problem of a system with two components modeled by Markov Decision Process (MDP) and Partially Observable MDP (POMDP), respectively. MDP-POMDP model describes system's sensing, actuation and environment uncertainties, which can be used in the modeling of systems containing different subsystems, e.g., human-robot collaboration process. While the verification problem of MDP-POMDP asks whether or not a specification can be satisfied by the regulated behavior under certain control policies, our main contribution in this paper is to present and prove a sound and complete AGR rule based on POMDP strong simulation relation to reduce the verification complexity.
Electroencephalographic Periodic Discharges and Frequency-Dependent Brain Tissue Hypoxia in Acute Brain Injury.

Importance Periodic discharges (PDs) that do not meet seizure criteria, also termed theictal interictal continuum, are pervasive on electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings after acute brain injury. However, their association with brain homeostasis and the need for clinical intervention remain unknown. Objective To determine whether distinct PD patterns can be identified that, similar to electrographic seizures, cause brain tissue hypoxia, a measure of ongoing brain injury. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective cohort study included 90 comatose patients with high-grade spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage who underwent continuous surface (scalp) EEG (sEEG) recording and multimodality monitoring, including invasive measurements of intracortical (depth) EEG (dEEG), partial pressure of oxygen in interstitial brain tissue (Pbto2), and regional cerebral blood flow (CBF). Patient data were collected from June 1, 2006, to September 1, 2014, at a single tertiary care center. The retrospective analysis was performed from September 1, 2014, to May 1, 2016, with a hypothesis that the effect on brain tissue oxygenation was primarily dependent on the discharge frequency. Main Outcomes and Measures Electroencephalographic recordings were visually classified based on PD frequency and spatial distribution of discharges. Correlations between mean multimodality monitoring data and change-point analyses were performed to characterize electrophysiological changes by applying bootstrapping. Results Of the 90 patients included in the study (26 men and 64 women; mean [SD] age, 55 [15] years), 32 (36%) had PDs on sEEG and dEEG recordings and 21 (23%) on dEEG recordings only. Frequencies of PDs ranged from 0.5 to 2.5 Hz. Median Pbto2was 23 mm Hg without PDs compared with 16 mm Hg at 2.0 Hz and 14 mm Hg at 2.5 Hz (differences were significant for 0 vs 2.5 Hz based on bootstrapping). Change-point analysis confirmed a temporal association of high-frequency PD onset (≥2.0 Hz) and Pbto2reduction (median normalized Pbto2decreased by 25% 5-10 minutes after onset). Increased regional CBF of 21.0 mL/100 g/min for 0 Hz, 25.9 mL/100 g/min for 1.0 Hz, 27.5 mL/100 g/min for 1.5 Hz, and 34.7 mL/100 g/min for 2.0 Hz and increased global cerebral perfusion pressure of 91 mm Hg for 0 Hz, 100.5 mm Hg for 0.5 Hz, 95.5 mm Hg for 1.0 Hz, 97.0 mm Hg for 2.0 Hz, 98.0 mm Hg for 2.5 Hz, 95.0 mm Hg for 2.5 Hz, and 67.8 mm Hg for 3.0 Hz were seen for higher PD frequencies. Conclusions and Relevance These data give some support to consider redefining the continuum between seizures and PDs, suggesting that additional damage after acute brain injury may be reflected by frequency changes in electrocerebral recordings. Similar to seizures, cerebral blood flow increases in patients with PDs to compensate for the increased metabolic demand but higher-frequency PDs (>2 per second) may be inadequately compensated without an additional rise in CBF and associated with brain tissue hypoxia, or higher-frequency PDs may reflect inadequacies in brain compensatory mechanisms.
Generation of a genetically engineered aggressive Nk-Cell leukemia cell line with stable IL2 expression

Introduction: Aggressive NK-cell leukemia (ANKL) is a highly aggressive disease with extremely poor prognosis. A few malignant NK cell lines reflecting ANKL biology have been generated; however, these NK cell lines require the inclusion of exogeneous IL2 in the culture medium continuously, which increases the cost of cell culture significantly. Methods: IL2 coding sequenced was cloned into MSCV-IRES-YFP (PMIY) vector by directional PCR-cloning. IL2 was ectopically expressed in KHYG1 cell line through retroviral transduction. The transduced cells were cultured in limiting IL2 concentrations during which they were quantified with flow cytometry in regular time intervals to track the transduced population. IL2 transduced KHYG1 cells were then sorted to generate IL2-KHYG1 cells. PRDM1 was ectopically expressed in IL2-KHYG1 cells through retroviral transduction. Trypan blue count was performed to test proliferation of IL2-KYHG1 cells in the absence of IL2. Results: IL2-KHYG1 cells were enriched (from ~7% to ~16% YFP+ cells) during cell culture in limiting (6.25IU) IL2 concentrations. Complete removal of IL2 further enriched the transduced portion to 27% YFP-positivity, which did not increase with additional culturing. IL2 expressing KHYG1 cells were further enriched by sorting transduced IL2-KHYG1 cells with high level IL2 expression. IL2-KHYG1 cells survived and continued to grow without IL2. IL2-KHYG1 cells were transduced successfully using a PRDM1 construct having GFP as a marker under cell culture conditions having no IL2. Conclusion: IL2-KHYG1 cell line may decrease the cost associated with culturing ANKL cell lines, and it may facilitate in vitro investigation of the molecular basis of this malignancy.
MicroRNA-205 regulates thymopoiesis under steady state and stress conditions (HEM7P.222)

The thymus comprises an interconnected meshwork of epithelial cells (TECs) and thymocytes. This organ is exceedingly sensitive to stress, undergoing rapid involution in response to infection, trauma, radiation exposure, and/or glucocorticoid treatments. The nature of the stress predicates whether the epithelial cells, developing thymocytes, and/or both are affected. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that regulate cellular responses to stress and during regeneration. We discovered that miR-205 is a stress responsive, epithelial-specific miR that modulates thymopoiesis. Mice lacking miR-205 selectively in TECs exhibited a significant decline in thymopoiesis beginning at 8 weeks of age. When stressed with a dsRNA mimic (polyI:C), these mice exhibited a much more severe thymic atrophy compared to littermate controls. Quantification of the TEC subsets revealed a defect in the proliferative recovery of the cortical TECs lacking miR-205. This contributed to a significant reduction in the number of single positive CD4 and CD8 T cells, indicating that the capacity of the TECs to support selection processes at the CD4+CD8+ stage of thymopoiesis is compromised. Current experiments to determine how miR-205 regulates TEC function and proliferation are ongoing. The findings reveal an important role for miR-205 in thymopoiesis, which may be of therapeutic importance.
Merger Remedies: An Incentives/Constraints Framework

Merger remedies have increased in frequency and expanded in scope, all with the purpose of permitting legitimate consolidation while preserving the premerger degree of competition in an industry. W...
Herbivory, Seed Priming, and Tillage Systems: Impacts on the Growth Response of Pisum sativum L.

Field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of herbivory, seed priming, and tillage practices on the growth response of Pisum sativum L. A factorial treatment design incorporated two levels of tillage treatment (moldboard and chisel plow), three levels of seed priming [Captan, PEG (polyethylene glycol) 8000, and Captan+PEG 8000], and four levels of herbivory by Sitona lineatus (L.) (caged controls, uncaged controls, 1 weevil/plant, and 8 weevils/plant). Pisum sativum stands at approximately 75% emergence were infested for 1 wk. Sitona lineatus infestations resulted in defoliation of approximately 5, 25, and 55% for the control, low, and high weevil densities, respectively. Conservation tillage led to increased surface residue but did not affect soil moisture, temperature, or compensatory growth response of P. sativum. Seed priming treatments, incorporating PEG, led to an undercompensatory growth response of P. sativum, as did high levels of S. lineatus defoliation. Improved seed priming meth...
Role of Social Media in the 2016 Iowa Caucuses

Social media have become an indispensable tool in modern political campaigns, yet little is known about their impact, especially at the important primary and caucus stages of the US presidential elections. This study investigates the effects of visiting political party and candidate websites as well as following presidential candidates, posting political comments, and liking or sharing political content on social media on participation in the primary stage of the 2016 US election. The results of a precaucus survey in Iowa show that active use of social media tends to have positive effects, while passive social media use has a negative impact on likelihood of caucus attendance. Recommendations for campaigns include redirecting attention away from passive website viewing and developing social media content that will generate likes and shares.
Dust extinction in the first galaxies

Using cosmological volume simulations and a custom built sub-grid model for Pop~III star formation, we examine the baseline dust extinction in the first galaxies due to Pop~III metal enrichment in the first billion years of cosmic history. We find that while the most enriched, high-density lines of sight in primordial galaxies can experience a measurable amount of extinction from Pop~III dust ($E(B-V)_{\rm max}=0.07,\ A_{\rm V,max}\approx0.28$), the average extinction is very low with $\left \lesssim 10^{-3}$. We derive a power-law relationship between dark matter halo mass and extinction of $E(B-V)\propto M_{\rm halo}^{0.80}$. Performing a Monte Carlo parameter study, we establish the baseline reddening of the UV spectra of dwarf galaxies at high redshift due to Pop~III enrichment only. With this method, we find $\left -2.51\pm0.07$, which is both nearly halo mass and redshift independent.
Voices of Ethiopian immigrant women

This qualitative research article explored the lived experience of Ethiopian immigrant women in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. Data were collected through face-to-face, semi-structured inte...
Simultaneous design of communication and control strategies for stochastic systems with feedback

We consider a stochastic dynamic decision problem where at each step two consecutive decisions must be taken, one being what information bearing signal to transmit and the other what control action to exert. Assuming the presence of a noiseless feedback link, optimal communication and control strategies are found under appropriate hard and soft constraints on the transmitter power.
Sleep/Wake Disturbances in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

The continued research and practice of sleep medicine has provided insights into brain physiology, novel diagnostic tools, and innovative treatment options for poorly understood diseases. Sleep is broken down into a circadian rhythm pattern characterized by the three stages: maintenance mechanisms of the NREM cycle and the oscillation of phasic and tonic movements in the REM cycle. Recently, traumatic brain injury has been shown to negatively impact these normal sleep/wake cycles and to increase significantly the risk of comorbid disease. The link between TBI and sleep disorders has been established through the use of subjective measures of sleep disturbance such as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and through objective analysis like polysomnography. Case studies demonstrate that clinicians’ use of these types of assessments creates a more complete medical picture and treatment plan for TBI patients.
Nonclassic, Extraskeletal Manifestations of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Historically, patients with PHPT presented with manifestations of hypercalcemia, such as kidney stones, overt bone disease, and neuromuscular dysfunction. Today, patients are often diagnosed with PHPT in the course of routine biochemical screening and frequently have vague, nonspecific symptoms. Recognizing the changing presentation of PHPT, the NIH convened two consensus conferences to determine which subset of patients with PHPT might be safely observed and have their disease medically managed and which patients would benefit from operative intervention.
MODIFIED INTEGRAL THEORY OF IMPACT TO MODEL LONG ROD PENETRATION AT NORMAL AND OBLIQUE INCIDENCE

The Integral Theory of Impact (ITI)1 is a unique formulation of the equations of motion for the projectile to describe the penetration process. A model based upon this theory requires only basic material properties to complete the problem description; no empirical data is needed. In order to better reflect experimental observations, the original model was modified to divide the penetration process into three phases: 1) initial penetration in which the penetrator head is formed and begins penetrating under shock conditions; 2) steady-state penetration in which the forces on the projectile head are balanced while it is eroded; 3) final penetration in which the penetrator may erode completely, penetrate rigidly, or come to rest. For oblique impact, a modified axial force is applied during the early stage of penetration until the head is embedded in the target. For finite targets, back-face effects are applied for both normal and oblique impact. Calculations of the penetration and velocity histories are compared with experimental results as well as hydrocode simulations.