cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Longitudinal Study of the Talent Search Program

This longitudinal study examined the impact of participation in the federally funded Talent Search program at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The Talent Search program provides career exploration and counseling services to low-income students with the potential to be first-generation college graduates. Postsecondary education enrollment rates of 758 Talent Search participants were compared with enrollment rates of a control group of 450 individuals who were eligible for Talent Search services but did not participate. Chi-square analysis revealed that Talent Search participants were significantly more likely to enroll in postsecondary education than were members of the control group (p < .001). These results have implications for career development services provided to low-income, potential first-generation college graduates.
BEHAVIORAL AND STIMULANT TREATMENT OF HYPERACTIVE CHILDREN: A THERAPY STUDY WITH METHYLPHENIDATE PROBES IN A WITHIN‐SUBJECT DESIGN

Eight hyperactive children were treated with a behavioral intervention focusing on teacher and parent training over a period of 5 months. Three times, before therapy and after 3 weeks and 13 weeks of intervention, children received methylphenidate during 3-week probe periods. Each week in a probe they received either a placebo, .25 mg/kg, or .75 mg/kg methylphenidate. Classroom observation of on-task behavior suggested that effectiveness of the behavioral intervention was between that of the two dosages of medication before therapy. Both dosages resulted in higher levels of on-task behavior when administered after 13 weeks of behavioral intervention than when administered before therapy. Teacher rating data showed equivalent effects of therapy and the low dosage of methylphenidate alone but a stronger effect of the high dose alone; only the high dose resulted in improved behavior after 13 weeks of behavioral intervention. As a group, only when they received the high dose of methylphenidate after 13 weeks of behavioral intervention did children reach the level of appropriate behavior shown by nonhyperactive controls. However, this level was also reached by two children with the low dose and by one child without medication, and it was not reached by one child. The results suggest that the combination of psychostimulant medication and behavior therapy may be more effective in the short-term than either treatment alone for hyperactive children in school settings. In addition, parent ratings and clinic observation of parent-child interactions suggested that children had improved in the home setting, high-lighting the importance of behavioral parent training in the treatment of hyperactivity.
“Fenestrin” and Conjugation in Tetrahymena thermophila

Certain monoclonal antibodies interact with proteins of Tetrahymena thermophila found in the conjugation junction as well as around the gametic nuclei (pronuclei) of conjugating cells; they also react with the oral primordium and fission zone of vegetative cells and with the cytoproct and contractile vacuole pores of all cells. One of these (FXIX-3A7) was investigated in detail. Immunogold labelling suggests that the material labelled by the 3A7 monoclonal antibody, which we call "fenestrin," is located beneath the epiplasm (membrane skeleton). Immunoblots reveal that the major and perhaps sole antigen is a 64 kDa polypeptide, found in two isoelectric variants. Developmental studies implicate fenestrin in two processes involved in conjugation. The first is "tip transformation." During preliminary starvation ("initiation"), labelling of fenestrin first appeared as a spot at the anterior end of starved mature cells, then after mixing of different mating types ("costimulation") it extended posteriorly along the anterior suture. After pairing, this region spread to form a widened plate. The second process is pronuclear transfer. Fenestrations representing channels between the conjugating cells began to appear 0.5 to 1 h after the conjugants united, and eventually merged to form a small number of temporary large holes during exchange of the transfer pronuclei. A fenestrin envelope also enclosed both the transfer and resident pronuclei; a strand of fenestrin connected the two. Shortly after pronuclear transfer, both transfer and resident pronuclei were released from fenestrin caps and fused to produce a zygotic nucleus (synkaryon) not associated with fenestrin Fenestrin thus appears to be intimately involved in the process of pronuclear exchange.
The Design and Analysis of Thermal-Resilient Hard-Real-Time Systems

We address the challenge of designing predictable real-time systems in an unpredictable thermal environment where environmental temperature may dynamically change (e.g., implantable medical devices). Towards this challenge, we propose a control-theoretic design methodology which permits a system designer to specify a set of hard-real-time performance modes under which the system may operate. The system automatically adjusts the real-time performance mode based on the external thermal stress. We show (via analysis, simulations, and a hardware testbed implementation) that our control-design framework is stable and control performance is equivalent to previous real-time thermal approaches, even under dynamic temperature changes. A crucial and novel advantage of our framework over previous real-time control is the ability to guarantee hard deadlines even under transitions between modes. Furthermore, our system design permits the calculation of a new metric called thermal resiliency which characterizes the maximum external thermal stress that any hard-real-time performance mode can withstand. Thus, our design framework and analysis may be classified as a thermal stress analysis for real-time systems.
NOTES ON MOISTURE EXPANSION

Moisture-expansion determinations were made over a period of more than three years on bisque and glazed specimens of two types of semivitreous bodies having approximately the same absorption which were exposed to four different atmospheric conditions. The data indicate the cone 0 tale-pyrophyllite body to expand less under all conditions of exposure than the cone 9 clay-flint-feldspar body. Glazed specimens of both bodies expanded more than the bisque specimens and a possible explanation is given. From mathematical considerations, a three-year storage period appears to be sufficient to permit moisture expansion that closely approaches the ultimate which might be expected in the types of bodies investigated. The autoclave treatment gave the highest expansion values and should serve as an index of the service performance as to delayed crazing of ware so tested.
The effects of blending small amounts of homopolystyrene on the mechanical properties of a low styrene content styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer

Tensile, cyclic, and tear properties were compared for several styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) triblock copolymers, KRATON D2104, D1101 and D1102, and blends of D2104 with monodisperse polystyrene of various molecular weights. D2104 is expected to have a morphology of polystyrene spheres in a polybutadiene continuous matrix. The mechanical properties of D2104 were compared to the properties of SBS materials which have higher styrene contents and exhibit cylindrical or lamellar morphologies. Blending the D2104 with polystyrene (molecular weights ranging from 2000 to 51,000) to 24 and 28 wt % total styrene content showed that the tensile strength obtained for a blend was dependent on the molecular weight of the polystyrene added. Cycle testing of the D2104-polystyrene blends showed that with increasing polystyrene content the softening effect increases with increasing strain. This indicates that the degree of phase continuity of the polystyrene domains may be changing from a spherical morphology to a cylindrical morphology similar to that of pure SBS with 28 wt % styrene content. Tear test results for the blends were also observed to be similar to the results for pure SBS of the same total polystyrene content.
The Yeast Kinesin-related Protein Smy1p Exerts Its Effects on the Class V Myosin Myo2p via a Physical Interaction

We have discovered evidence for a physical interaction between a class V myosin, Myo2p, and a kinesin-related protein, Smy1p, in budding yeast. These proteins had previously been linked by genetic and colocalization studies, but we had been unable to determine the nature of their association. We now show by two-hybrid analysis that a 69-amino acid region of the Smy1p tail interacts with the globular portion of the Myo2p tail. Deletion of this myosin-binding region of Smy1p eliminates its ability to colocalize with Myo2p and to overcome the myo2-66 mutant defects, suggesting that the interaction is necessary for these functions. Further insights about the Smy1p-Myo2p interaction have come from studies of a new mutant allele, myo2-2, which causes a loss of Myo2p localization. We report that Smy1p localization is also lost in the myo2-2 mutant, demonstrating that Smy1p localization is dependent on Myo2p. We also found that overexpression of Smy1p partially restores myo2-2p localization in a myosin-binding region-dependent manner. Thus, overexpression of Smy1p can overcome defects in both the head and tail domains of Myo2p (caused by the myo2-66 and myo2-2 alleles, respectively). We propose that Smy1p enhances some aspect of Myo2p function, perhaps delivery or docking of vesicles at the bud tip.
Evaluation of Cyclic Softening in Silts and Clays

Procedures are presented for evaluating the potential for cyclic softening (i.e., onset of significant strains or strength loss) in saturated silts and clays during earthquakes. The recommended pro...
The location and function of NMDA receptors in cat and kitten visual cortex.

The role of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in cat visual cortex was studied as a function of both layer and age by iontophoresis of the NMDA antagonist (D)-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV). Effects on both visual responses and spontaneous activity were observed. In superficial layers (II and III), D-APV reduced visual responses substantially at all ages. Iontophoresis of D-APV with 10 nA of ejecting current for 2–3 min was sufficient to reduce the response to approximately one third of control levels. The magnitude of the reduction did not vary with age. In granular and deep layers (IV, V, and VI), D-APV affected the visual response in young animals but only spontaneous activity in older animals. On average, visual responses were reduced to about half at 20–23 days of age and to about 75% at 4 weeks of age but in most cases were not significantly affected in adults. The rapid change in the functional effect of NMDA receptors over the third and fourth week in granular and deep layers suggests a role in development. There was a reasonable age correlation between the change in effect and the period of geniculocortical afferent segregation. Further experiments will be necessary to determine whether NMDA receptors are necessary for segregation to occur. The presence of an NMDA component to the visual response in the adult in layers II and III argues either that these layers retain some form of plasticity in the adult or that NMDA receptors play a role in the transmission of normal visual input to these layers.
Estrogen effects on histone messenger ribonucleic acid levels in the rat uterus.

RNA was isolated from uteri of immature rats before and after estrogen treatment. The concentration of histone mRNA was analyzed by Northern hybridization and compared with messenger RNA concentration of α-actin, β-actin, and β-tubulin. Steady state levels of common histone mRNAs did not change up to 9 h after hormone administration. After that time the histone mRNA levels increased significantly and reached a maximum at 18 h, several hours later than the time of maximal histone protein biosynthesis induced by estrogen. The concentration of control mRNAs (α- and β-actin and β-tubulins) increased shortly after estradiol injection and reached a peak at 9 h. These results show that the pattern of histone gene expression induced by estrogen has some features similar to those observed during embryogenesis.
Neighborhood walkability and particulate air pollution in a nationwide cohort of women.

Abstract Background Features of neighborhoods associated with walkability (i.e., connectivity, accessibility, and density) may also be correlated with levels of ambient air pollution, which would attenuate the health benefits of walkability. Objectives We examined the relationship between neighborhood walkability and ambient air pollution in a cross-sectional analysis of a cohort study spanning the entire United States using residence-level exposure assessment for ambient air pollution and the built environment. Methods Using data from the Nurses’ Health Study, we used linear regression to estimate the association between a neighborhood walkability index, combining neighborhood intersection count, business count, and population density (defined from Census data, info USA business data, and StreetMap USA data), and air pollution, defined from a GIS-based spatiotemporal PM 2.5 model. Results After adjustment for Census tract median income, median home value, and percent with no high school education, the highest tertile of walkability index, intersection count, business count, and population density was associated with a with 1.58 (95% CI 1.54, 1.62), 1.20 (95% CI 1.16, 1.24), 1.31 (95% CI 1.27, 1.35), and 1.84 (95% CI 1.80, 1.88) µg/m 3 higher level of PM 2.5 respectively, compared to the lowest tertile. Results varied somewhat by neighborhood socioeconomic status and greatly by region. Conclusions This nationwide analysis showed a positive relationship between neighborhood walkability and modeled air pollution levels, which were consistent after adjustment for neighborhood-level socioeconomic status. Regional differences in the air pollution-walkability relationship demonstrate that there are factors that vary from region to region that allow for walkable neighborhoods with low levels of air pollution.
Adenovirus plaque formation in grivet monkey kidney cells.

SummaryA method has been described for quantitative assay of infectivity of adenovirus types 1 through 7 in grivet monkey kidney monolayer cell cultures. Protamine sulfate has been found to aid in prevention of degradation of the cell cultures when placed under agar for maintenance during formation of plaques. Presumptive evidence has been obtained that the method may be useful for quantitative assay of adenovirus antibody in immune serum by plaque inhibition.
Probenecid inhibition of bumetanide-induced natriuresis in the dog.

SummaryBumetanide, when infused into one renal artery at 0.05 μg/kg/min in the dog, produced a significant ipsilateral increase in the excretion of sodium and water without affecting the rate of glomerular filtration. At this dose, these responses were limited to the infused kidney. When probenecid (50 mg/kg, iv) was given prior to bumetanide to inhibit tubular secretion of this drug, the natriuretic and diurectic actions of bumetanide were blocked. The inhibition of bumetanide-induced natriuresis and diuresis by probenecid indicates that adequate luminal concentration is a prerequisite to the natriuretic-diuretic actions of this drug.
Effect of multi-domain structure on ionic transport, electrostatics, and current evolution in BaTiO3 ferroelectric capacitor

Abstract The semiconducting properties of certain ferroelectric materials, partially caused by the interactions among ferroelectric polarizations, charged domain walls, and conducting point defects, pose a threat to the reliability of ferroelectrics used as dielectric material in capacitor devices, and is not yet fully understood. We proposed a physical model combining the phase-field method for ferroelectric domain structures and diffusion equations for defect transport to study the resistance degradation behavior in multi-domain tetragonal BaTiO 3 capacitors. We considered a hypothetical Ni/BaTiO 3 /Ni single parallel plate capacitor configuration subject to 0.5 V dc bias at 25 °C. It is found that 90° domain walls are charged, induce local space charge segregation, and form local electric potential barriers upon external bias that significantly influence the ionic transport behavior. Additionally, the 180° domain walls remain nearly charge neutral and have much less influence on ionic transport. The effect of domain wall and polarization orientations on the leakage current evolution is investigated. Our study could necessitate further understanding on the influence of ferroelectric state, ionic interactions, transport barriers, spatial distributions, and breakdown phenomena.
Monitoring and analysis of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in Penglai City

Objective To study the epidemiological characteristics and infection situation of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome( SFTS) so as to provide a scientific basis for formulating prevention and control strategies.Methods Epidemiological characteristics of SFTS cases in Penglai City from 2010 to 2013 were analyzed by descriptive epidemiological method.SFTS virvs Ig G( SFTSV-Ig G) antibody titers in sera from 1,525 Penglai citizens in the case region was proceeded using indirect ELISA.Sera from animal hosts in the case region were collected.A novel double antigen sandwich ELISA was conducted to detect the overall antibodies to SFTSV,and realtime RT-PCR was employed to detect DNA of SFTSV.Results The average annual incidence rate of SFTS in Penglai City during 2010-2013 was 4.55 /100,000,with the death rate of 0.89 /100,000 and the mortality rate of 19.51%.The cases distributed in 9.57% of the villages and communities.Most patients were farmers aged between 40 and79 years,and the period of high incidence was druing June through September.The SFTSV-Ig G positive rate among healthy population in Penglai City was 9.05%,and the positive rates among host animals,like oxen,sheep,pheasants,dogs,pigs and farm-reared chicken,were 63.86%,44.76%,42.31%,31.46%,6.96% and 6.00%,respectively.Conclusions Penglai City is the epidemic area of SFTS; moreover,there exists latent infection of novel bunyavirus.Oxen,sheep and dogs may be the major animal hosts of the SFTSV.
Is triglyceride therapy worth the effort

A scientific statement from the American Heart Association notes that triglyceride levels are an important biomarker of cardiovascular disease risk. Although as yet there is no evidence that lowering elevated triglyceride levels reduces cardiovascular risk, the statement recommends that patients undertake weight loss and dietary changes if fasting levels exceed 150 mg/dL, and that the intensity of these lifestyle measures be increased with higher triglyceride levels. Aerobic activity at least twice a week is also encouraged. Drug therapy is indicated for levels exceeding 500 mg/dL because of an association with pancreatitis.
Rare wave groups

Abstract A theoretical basis for the occurrence of rare wave groups is developed. The work is not limited to a successive threshold crossing criteria, only that a derived Gaussian process, based on the wave elevation, has a maximum value in a given exposure time. The theory is compared with numerical Monte Carlo simulations in addition to physical oceanographic data. The wave groups, in run length, shape, and amplitude, are shown to be dependent on the wave spectrum and its spectral moments, a prescribed exposure time, and a pre-selected mean wavegroup period.
Plant manipulations and diel cycle measurements test drivers of carbon dioxide and methane fluxes in a Phragmites australis-invaded coastal marsh

Abstract Invasion of coastal marshes by Phragmites australis may alter carbon cycling, including fluxes of the greenhouse gases (GHGs) carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and methane (CH 4 ). Understanding patterns and drivers of these GHG fluxes in P. australis- invaded coastal marshes is critical to predicting how this widespread biological invasion may impact carbon (C) sequestration in coastal marshes. The objectives of this study were (1) to test effects of P. australis aboveground vegetation removal on GHG fluxes over short timescales (up to 4 months) and (2) to contrast diel patterns of GHG fluxes in P. australis -vegetated and cleared plots. First, effects of mechanical aboveground P. australis biomass removal on GHG fluxes and soil variables were tested over a series of short-term durations (from min to months). Next, on 3 dates, GHG fluxes were measured every 3 h over complete diel cycles. Net daytime CO 2 uptake (−60 to −100 mmol m −2 s −1 ) was observed where P. australis was left intact. All durations of vegetation removal produced similar CO 2 emissions to those measured from intact P. australis plots during evening hours. CH 4 fluxes did not differ where P. australis was removed or left intact. Greater daytime CH 4 emissions (75–100 μmol m −2 h −1 ) were found than at night (20–40 μmol m −2 h −1 ) from both cleared and vegetated plots. Results of this study suggest that CO 2 fluxes in this system vary primarily due to substantial photosynthetic uptake by P. australis , and that CH 4 emissions are likely driven by abiotic factors, such as temperature, that vary on diel cycles. Calculation of net GHG fluxes in this P. australis- invaded coastal marsh indicates that it is a GHG sink during the growing season.
Community-Based Research: Act Locally, Think Globally

Symposium Community-Based Research: Act Locally, Think Globally Editor: Alexander R. Dawoody
CALM Insufficiency Impairs Leukemia Cell Proliferation by Limiting Iron Uptake

Abstract 1478 Background: The CALM-AF10 fusion protein that arises from the t(10;11) chromosomal translocation is found in both acute myeloid leukemia and 8–10% of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and is associated with a poor clinical outcome. The interaction of AF10 with the DOT1L histone methyltransferase has been shown to be necessary for CALM-AF10 mediated transformation. However, the role of the Clathrin Assembly Lymphoid Myeloid leukemia (CALM) protein in leukemogenesis remains uncertain. CALM plays a role in clathrin-mediated endocytosis. This process mediates the entry of various growth factor receptors and nutrients into cells and is essential for the internalization of iron-bound transferrin. Objective: We hypothesize that loss of CALM function, as a result of CALM haploinsufficiency and/or a dominant negative CALM-AF10 effect, may contribute to transformation. Design/Methods: To study the effects of CALM deficiency, we used genetically modified fit1 mice that harbor a Calm gene mutation that results in a severely truncated and nonfunctional Calm protein. Fetal liver (FL) cells from Calm −/− , Calm +/− or Calm WT/WT E14 embryos were retrovirally transduced with MLL-ENL or CALM-AF10 and studied in vitro or transplanted into syngeneic mice. Interleukin-3 dependent cell lines were established from Calm −/− or Calm WT control FL cells immortalized by CALM-AF10 or MLL-ENL . Results: CALM-AF10 leukemias induced in Calm −/− or Calm +/− precursors were considerably delayed compared with those induced in Calm WT controls. Clathrin-mediated endocytosis of fluorescently labeled transferrin receptor (TfR) was impaired in Calm −/− cells. This was accompanied by a 2–4 fold increase in surface expression of TfR by flow cytometry and an increase in total TfR protein as measured by Western blot in Calm −/− cells. Calm -deficient cells also displayed lower levels of the iron storage protein ferritin, suggestive of an iron deficient state. Each of these features was reversed by re-expression of CALM via retroviral transduction of Calm −/− cells with a CALM expression vector. Paralleling the prolonged latency of Calm −/− leukemias, we found that Calm -deficient cells proliferated at a considerably slower rate than CALM -rescued cells. This cell proliferation defect could be rescued by supplementing the cells with iron (ferric ammonium citrate, 50 μM), indicating that reduced iron availability limits the expansion of Calm -deficient cells. Intriguingly, Calm −/− cells were significantly more sensitive to the growth inhibitory effect of iron chelation (deferoxamine, 5 μM) than CALM -rescued cells. Conclusions: These observations suggest that loss of CALM function impairs iron import and consequently limits the rate of cell proliferation. This raises the possibility that CALM haploinsufficiency present in CALM-AF10 leukemias might render cells particularly responsive to iron chelation therapy. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Width Based Characterization of Chromatographic Peaks: Beyond Height and Area

The preceding paper (Anal. Chem. 2017, 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b04857) introduced width-based quantitation (WBQ). The present paper focuses on (1) situations where WBQ is effective while height/area-based linear calibrations fail, e.g., when (a) the detector is in a nonlinear response region, (b) the detector/data system is saturated, causing clipping/truncation of the signal, or (c) the detector signal is not a single-valued function of concentration, as when a fluorescence signal goes into the self-quenched domain. (2) Utilization of WBQ in postcolumn reagent addition methods where the reagent produces a significant detector background. WBQ can minimize added reagent without sacrificing the upper determination limit; a limited reagent amount truncates peaks from high analyte concentrations but does not hamper WBQ at a low height. (3) A description of peak asymmetry via leading/trailing half-widths vs relative height (fraction of maximum height) plots. (4) A holistic description of chromatographic peaks th...
Digital Health Technologies to Promote Lifestyle Change and Adherence.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with an estimated 17.5 million deaths annually, or 31% of all global deaths, according to the World Health Organization. The majority of these deaths are preventable by addressing lifestyle modification (i.e., smoking cessation, diet, obesity, and physical inactivity) and promoting medication adherence. At present, initiatives to develop cost-effective modalities to support self-management, lifestyle modification, and medication adherence are a leading priority. Digital health has rapidly emerged as technology with the potential to address this gap in cardiovascular disease self-management and transform the way healthcare has been traditionally delivered. However, limited evidence exists about the type of technologies available and how they differ in functionality, effectiveness, and application. We aimed to review the most important and relevant recent studies addressing health technologies to promote lifestyle change and medication adherence including text messaging, applications (“apps”), and wearable devices. The current literature indicates that digital health technologies will likely play a prominent role in future cardiovascular disease management, risk reduction, and delivery of care in both resource-rich and resource-limited settings. However, there is limited large-scale evidence to support adoption of existing interventions. Further clinical research and healthcare policy change are needed to move the promise of new digital health technologies towards reality.
What occurs in the other 20% of cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)? A single-institution qualitative study

Despite recent advances in prophylaxis and management, 20% of patients who receive moderately to severely emetogenic chemotherapy continue to experience nausea and vomiting. Relying on patients’ own words, this study sought to capture and characterize the lived experience with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) for this important subgroup of patients. Solid tumor patients with a history of poorly controlled CINV provided informed consent and participated in a semi-structured interview, which was audio-recorded and transcribed. After data saturation, enrollment ceased, and inductive, qualitative analytic methods were employed. The median age of the 20 enrolled patients was 56 years (range 27–83) with an equal gender split; half had gastrointestinal cancers. Two themes emerged. First, CINV is severe and multidimensional: “It’s like shredding your muscles… It’s doing it over and over again.” This symptom complex has psychosocial implications: “Isolation is a big thing.” Financial toxicity is also implicated: “I use [an antiemetic] when I feel like it is absolutely necessary because it is so expensive I cannot afford it anyway.” The second theme is underreporting of symptoms. Patients seemed to accept N/V as part of treatment and were therefore less forthcoming: “God, if you’re pumping poison in your system, you gotta expect some side effects.” These vivid data should motivate investigators to continue conducting clinical trials CINV and should remind healthcare providers about the importance of patient education on the availability of therapy for breakthrough symptomatology.
Major depressive disorder is a risk factor for low bone mass, central obesity, and other medical conditions

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common psychiatric illnesses in the adult population. It is often associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Osteoporosis is also a major public health threat. Multiple studies have reported an association between depression and low bone mineral density, but a causal link between these two conditions is disputed. Here the most important findings of the POWER (Premenopausal, Osteoporosis Women, Alendronate, Depression) Study, a large prospective study of bone turnover in premenopausal women with major depression, are summarized. The endocrine and immune alterations secondary to depression that might affect bone mass, and the possible role of poor lifestyle in the etiology of osteoporosis in subjects with depression, are also reviewed, as is the potential effect of antidepressants on bone loss. It is proposed that depression induces bone loss and osteoporotic fractures, primarily via specific immune and endocrine mechanisms, with poor lifestyle habits as potential contributory factors.
Pharmacologic evaluation of shivering management in neurologically injured patients utilizing therapeutic normothermia

Uncontrolled shivering may have negative consequences by increasing metabolic demand and subsequently neutralize the benefits of therapeutic normothermia [1]. Previous anti-shivering protocols that utilize the least sedation have been described in therapeutic temperature modulation (TTM) [2]. Our aim is to describe and evaluate an anti-shivering protocol that emphasizes the least sedating regimen with the least number of pharmacologic agents for patients undergoing therapeutic normothermia.
The Theil–Sen Slope for High-Stakes Decisions from Progress Monitoring:

ABSTRACT: More and more, schools are considering the use of progress monitoring data for high-stakes decisions such as special education eligibility, program changes to more restrictive environment...
MPCCs and ROMS: New Paradigms for Multi-scale Process Optimization

Abstract This brief overview explores three paradigms that enable the realization of fast optimization strategies for large-scale process models, including complex models at device and molecular scales. The first deals with Newton-based nonlinear programming (NLP) algorithms and their extensions to stability, NLP sensitivity and Mathematical Programs with Complementarity Constraints (MPCCs). The second deals with improved formulations and solution strategies for large-scale, structured equation-oriented (EO) models that lead to well-posed MPCCs. Finally, we discuss the generation and incorporation of reduced order models (ROMs) for EO optimization models, with provable convergence to original detailed models.
Toward Strategic Training on Reading the Mind in the Eyes

The Reading the Mind in the Eyes (RME) test was originally developed to help distinguish between persons with and without autism (Baron-Cohen et al., 2001). Recently the RME test has been shown to ...
Motivational and Contextualization Actions in Initial Series (Freshmans) of the Undergraduate Biochemical Engineering Course

The focus of this work was to present the activities carried out with the first and second semester students of the Biochemical Engineering (EB) undergraduate course of the Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG) through actions related to the Project "Contextualization of Basic Disciplines and Motivation of the initial series of the courses of Food Engineering and Biochemical Engineering: meeting an old and a current demand", of the Program of Support to Restructuring and Expansion Plans of Federal Universities. The following activities were carried out: Cycle of Lectures; Lectures of graduated of Engineers working in the field; Computer Tool Workshops; Scientific Research Workshops; Seminar Presentations, Application of study tutorials; Surveys, among others. These activities contributed to motivation and expansion on the knowledge about course, and also contextualized practices that are explored. throughout the academic activities. The actions developed in this work can be reproduced in other courses and educational institutions in the fight against demotivation, dropouts and retention.
INFINITE CLASSICAL GAMES NOT PLAYED OVER THE UNIT SQUARE

This chapter discusses the infinite classical games not played over the unit square. The chapter reviews a class of games that cannot be described by a kernel function defined on the subsets of Euclidean spaces but for which the strategy space of each player can be embedded in a classical function space. The games discussed in the chapter may be interpreted as tactical duels involving continuous firing. The chapter presents a proof of the Neyman–Pearson lemma in its simplest form, and describes how it may be used to solve two simple problems. The solution of the fighter-bomber duel and the two-machine-gun duel are also presented in the chapter.
“Obesity Paradox” Evident in the Relationship between Cognitive Function and Hospitalizations in Heart Failure Patients: A Pilot Study

Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and readmission. Given the chronicity of HF, it is critically important to identify risk factors for repeated hospitalizations. Both cognitive dysfunction and obesity are prevalent in HF, and each have been shown to independently be related to hospitalizations. However, while elevated body mass index (BMI) is linked to cognitive dysfunction in HF, how BMI and cognition interact to predict clinical endpoints in HF is unknown. We aimed to explore the retrospective association between BMI, cognitive performance, and 6-month hospitalization rates. As a part of a pilot program to incorporate cognitive and behavioral health screening into regular HF outpatient treatment, 28 participants completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and provided demographic and medical information during a routine cardiology visit. Number of inpatient hospitalizations over the previous 6 months was regressed on BMI, MoCA score, and their interaction, adjusting for age and severity of HF. The omnibus model significantly predicted hospitalization (F = 3.56, p = 0.02). The interaction of BMI and MoCA score was related to number of hospitalizations at a trend level (β = 0.016, t(20) = 1.8, p = 0.087), controlling for age and New York Heart Class. Participants with lower BMI demonstrated a negative association between cognitive performance and hospitalizations, such that lower cognitive function, is associated with a greater number of hospitalization in the prior six months. Participants with higher BMIs did not demonstrate this relationship between MoCA score and hospitalization. Our findings are consistent with research suggesting an “obesity paradox” among HF patients. It is unclear whether the interaction of BMI and cognitive dysfunction influences risk for hospitalization, or if hospitalization influences subsequent cognitive function, depending on BMI. Further research is necessary to explore predictors of hospitalizations prospectively. However, these data demonstrate the need for regular cognitive screening in the HF outpatient setting to ensure appropriate coordination of care.
Decreases in the Late Positive Potential to Alcohol Images Among Alcohol Treatment Seekers Following Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention.

Aim Heightened craving among individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) has been attributed to a hypersensitivity to alcohol cues in attentional brain networks. Active mindfulness training has been shown to help improve attentional control. Here, we examined alcohol cue-related hypersensitivity among individuals with AUD who received rolling group mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) in combination with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), over right inferior frontal gyrus. Methods Participants (n = 68) viewed a series of emotionally negative, emotionally neutral and alcohol-related images. Following image presentation, participants were asked to rate their level of craving for the alcohol cues, and their level of negative affect evoked by neutral and negative cues. During the task, electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded to capture an event-related component shown to relate to emotionally salient stimuli: the late positive potential (LPP). Participants who completed a follow-up EEG (n = 37) performed the task a second time after up to eight sessions of MBRP coupled with active or sham tDCS. Results We found that both craving ratings and the LPP significantly decreased in response to alcohol cues from pre- to post-treatment, but not for other image cues. The magnitude of alcohol image craving reductions was associated with the number of MBRP group sessions attended. Active tDCS was not associated with craving ratings, but it was associated with greater LPP amplitudes across image types. Conclusions Taken together, these results suggest that disruption of alcohol-cue hypersensitivity in people with AUD may be a target mechanism of MBRP.
Roles for urothelium in normal and aberrant urinary tract development

Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUTs) represent the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease in children. Increasing evidence points to critical roles for the urothelium in the developing urinary tract and in the genesis of CAKUTs. The involvement of the urothelium in patterning the urinary tract is supported by evidence that CAKUTs can arise as a result of abnormal urothelial development. Emerging evidence indicates that congenital urinary tract obstruction triggers urothelial remodelling that stabilizes the obstructed kidney and limits renal injury. Finally, the diagnostic potential of radiological findings and urinary biomarkers derived from the urothelium of patients with CAKUTs might aid their contribution to clinical care.
Longitudinal Causal Inference

This article introduces fundamental concepts for making inferences about treatments with values that may change over time. We define time-varying treatments and confounders, and provide a classification of treatment strategies. We also describe key identifiability conditions, and the bias of traditional adjustment methods when the time-varying confounders are affected by previous treatment.
Characterization of ethylene-inducible pedicel-fruit abscission zone formation in non-climacteric sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.)

Abstract Harvesting of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) fruit is a labor-intensive process. Mechanical harvesting of sweet cherry fruit is feasible; however, it is dependent on the formation of an abscission zone at the fruit-pedicel junction. The natural propensity for pedicel-fruit abscission zone (PFAZ) formation varies by cultivar, and the general molecular basis for PFAZ formation is not well characterized. In this study, ethylene-inducible change in pedicel fruit retention force (PFRF) was recorded in a developmental time course with a concomitant analysis of the PFAZ transcriptome from three sweet cherry cultivars. In ‘Skeena’, mean PFRF for both control and treatment fruit dropped below the 0.40kg-force (3.92N) threshold for mechanical harvesting and indicating the formation of a discrete PFAZ. In ‘Bing’, mean PFRF for both control and treatment groups decreased over time. However, a mean PFRF conducive to mechanical harvesting was achieved only in the ethylene-treated fruit. While in ‘Chelan’ the mean PFRF of the control and treatment groups did not meet the threshold required for efficient mechanical harvesting. Transcriptome analysis of the PFAZ followed by the functional annotation, differential expression analysis, and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analyses of the data facilitated the identification of phytohormone-responsive and abscission-related transcripts as well as processes that exhibited differential expression and enrichment in a cultivar-dependent manner over the developmental time-course. Additionally, read alignment-based variant calling revealed several short variants in differentially expressed genes, associated with enriched gene ontologies and associated metabolic processes, lending potential insight into the genetic basis for different abscission responses between the cultivars. These results provide genetic targets for induction or inhibition of PFAZ formation, depending on the desire to harvest the fruit with or without the stem attached. Understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying the development of the PFAZ will inform future cultivar development while laying a foundation for mechanized sweet cherry harvest.
Safety and Outcomes of Cardiac Rehabilitation for Patients with Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection.

Objective To evaluate the safety and outcomes of aerobic and resistance training in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation after spontaneous coronary artery dissection. Methods Eleven patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection at 2 academic centres were studied retrospectively during cardiac rehabilitation from July 2013 to September 2017. Patients underwent maximal effort exercise testing at enrollment and discharge per institutional protocol. Patients were prescribed individualized exercise regimens based on stress test results, stress management with a behavioural psychologist, and diet counselling with a nutritionist. Resistance training was introduced during weeks 3-5 with close blood pressure monitoring. Results Ten patients who completed cardiac rehabilitation showed improvements in aerobic exercise capacity and exercise duration. For resistance training, patients increased the total number of resistance exercise modalities, repetitions, or both. After cardiac rehabilitation, significant improvements were found in exercise capacity, Mental Composite Score, Physical Composite Score, anxiety measured by Generalied Anxiety Disorders (GAD-7), and positive affect. During a mean followup of 14 months, no patients had any recurrent dissection or major adverse cardiac events. Conclusion Cardiac rehabilitation is safe and improves functional status, anxiety, positive affect and quality of life in patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection. Future studies should explore ways to further improve the psychosocial and functional status of these patients.
Liability Design with Information Acquisition

How to guarantee that firms perform due diligence before launching potentially dangerous products? We study the design of liability rules when (i) limited liability prevents firms from internalizing the full damage they may cause, (ii) penalties are paid only if damage occurs, regardless of the product's inherent riskiness, (iii) firms have private information about their products' riskiness before performing due diligence. We show that (i) any liability mechanism can be implemented by a tariff that depends only on the evidence acquired by the firm if a damage occurs, not on any initial report by the firm about its private information, (ii) firms that assign a higher prior to product riskiness always perform more due diligence but less than is socially optimal, and (iii) under a simple and intuitive condition, any type-specific launch thresholds can be implemented by a monotonic tariff.
In vivo genetic screen identifies a SLC5A3-dependent myo-inositol auxotrophy in acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract An enhanced requirement for extracellular nutrients is a hallmark property of cancer cells. Here, we optimized an in vivo genetic screening strategy for evaluating dependencies in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which led to the identification of the myo-inositol transporter SLC5A3 as a unique vulnerability in this disease. In accord with this transport function, we demonstrate that the SLC5A3 dependency reflects a myo-inositol auxotrophy in AML. Importantly, the commonality among SLC5A3-dependent AML lines is the transcriptional silencing of ISYNA1, which encodes the rate limiting enzyme for myoinositol biosynthesis, inositol-3-phosphate synthase 1. We used gain- and loss-of-function experiments to demonstrate a synthetic lethal genetic interaction between ISYNA1 and SLC5A3 in AML, which function redundantly to sustain intracellular myo-inositol. Transcriptional silencing and DNA hypermethylation of ISYNA1 occur in a recurrent manner in human AML patient samples, in association with the presence of IDH1/IDH2 and CEBPA mutations. Collectively, our findings reveal myo-inositol auxotrophy as a novel form of metabolic dysregulation in AML, which is caused by the aberrant silencing of a biosynthetic enzyme. Statement of significance Here, we show how epigenetic silencing can provoke a nutrient dependency in AML by exploiting a synthetic lethality relationship between biosynthesis and transport of myo-inositol. Blocking the function of this solute carrier may have therapeutic potential in an epigenetically-defined subset of AML.
An integral genomic signature approach for tailored cancer targeted therapy using genome-wide sequencing data

With the advent of low-cost sequencing, transcriptome and genome sequencing is expected to become clinical routine and transform precision oncology within next decade. However, viable genome-wide modeling methods that can facilitate rational selection of patients for tailored intervention while tolerating sequencing biases are far lacking. Here we propose an integral genomic signature (iGenSig) analysis as a new class of transparent, interpretable, and resilient methods for precision oncology based on multiple types of genome-wide sequencing data. We postulate that the redundant high-dimensional genomic features, which are typically eliminated during multi-omics modeling, may help overcome the sequencing biases. We thus conceive a novel method that models the therapeutic response using the high-dimensional transcriptional and mutational features predictive of tumor response, which we termed as an integral genomic signature (iGenSig), and then algorithmically resolve the feature redundancy tailored for each patient subject. Using genomic dataset of chemical perturbations, we developed the iGenSig models for predicting targeted therapy responses, and applied selected models to independent datasets for cancer cell lines, patient-derived xenografts, and patient subjects. iGenSig models exhibit outstanding cross-dataset performance compared to artificial intelligence methods, with exceptional resilience against simulated errors in genomic features. In particular, the iGenSig model for the EGFR inhibitor Erlotinib significantly predicted the responses of patient-derived xenografts and patients from a clinical trial, biological interpretation of which led to new insights into the predictive signature pathways with clinical relevance. Together, iGenSig will provide a computational infrastructure to empower tailored cancer intervention based on genome-wide sequencing data.