cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Roles of attitudes and injunctive norms in decisional conflict and disclosure following receipt of genome sequencing results.

Abstract Rationale Individuals who choose to obtain genetic information may learn that their genetic profile confers health risks to themselves or offspring. Individuals may react more negatively to this information when personal attitudes, perceived norms, and/or the decision to receive results conflict with one another. Objective We predicted that holding more negative attitudes (personal evaluations) or injunctive norms (perceptions of others’ approval) toward obtaining genetic test results would prospectively predict greater conflict about the decision to undergo sequencing and less disclosure of sequencing results to family members. We also expected attitudes and norms to interact, such that attitudes would be negatively associated with decisional conflict and positively associated with disclosure when injunctive norms were positive, but weakly associated with outcomes when injunctive norms were negative. Method Participants (N=312) were enrolled in a genomic sequencing trial focused on identifying carrier genetic variants, reflecting a variant that might affect their biological children’s or grandchildren’s health. Participants reported attitudes and injunctive norms, underwent sequencing, and later received results indicating carrier status for at least one variant. Decisional conflict was assessed at immediate post-test, and 1- and 6-month follow-ups. Disclosure of results to children and siblings were assessed at 1 and 6 months. Results In structural equation models with covariates, attitudes were negatively associated with post-test and 1-month decisional conflict. Injunctive norms were negatively associated with decisional conflict at 1 and 6 months and positively associated with disclosure to children and siblings at 1 month. The significant attitudes by injunctive norms interaction predicting post-test decisional conflict supported lower decisional conflict when attitudes, norms, and the decision to receive results were all aligned. Exploratory analyses supported indirect effects of attitudes and norms on 6-month sibling disclosure via 1- month decisional conflict. Conclusion Results support roles of psychosocial factors in decisional conflict and disclosure after receiving sequencing results.
Association of cerebrovascular reactivity and Alzheimer pathologic markers with cognitive performance.

Objective To determine whether MRI-based cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) can predict cognitive performance independently of Alzheimer pathologic markers, we studied the relationship between cognition, CVR, and CSF-derived β-amyloid42 (Aβ42) and tau in a group of elderly individuals with mixed Alzheimer and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 72 participants 69 ± 8 years of age consisting of individuals with normal cognition (n = 28) and cognitive impairment (n = 44) (including 36 with mild cognitive impairment [MCI] and 8 with mild dementia). CVR was measured with hypercapnia-MRI. Whole-brain CVR (percent blood oxygen level–dependent per 1 mm Hg Etco2) was used to estimate vasodilatory capacity. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores, cognitive domains scores, and a global composite cognitive score were obtained. AD biomarkers included CSF assays of Aβ42 and tau. Results Whole-brain CVR was lower in the impaired (mean ± SE, 0.132 ± 0.006%/mm Hg) compared to the normal (0.151 ± 0.007%/mm Hg) group (β = −0.02%/mm Hg; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.038 to −0.001). After adjustment for CSF Aβ42 and tau, higher whole-brain CVR was associated with better performance on the MoCA (β = 29.64, 95% CI 9.94–49.34) and with a global composite cognitive score (β = 4.32, 95% CI 0.05–8.58). When the CVR marker was compared with the Fazekas score based on white matter hyperintensities and vascular risk-score in a single regression model predicting the MoCA score, only CVR revealed a significant effect (β = 28.09, 95% CI 6.14–50.04), while the other 2 measures were not significant. Conclusions CVR was significantly associated with cognitive performance independently of AD pathology. Whole-brain CVR may be a useful biomarker for evaluating cognitive impairment related to vascular disease in older individuals. Classification of evidence This study provides Class II evidence that CVR was significantly associated with cognitive performance independent of AD pathology.
Predictors of neurobehavioral symptom reporting in a community based sample with mild traumatic brain injury.

Background The Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI-22) is a validated self-report measure designed to assess neurobehavioral symptoms (NBS) after mild TBI (MTBI). Psychological and behavioral factors have been shown to be predictors of persistent NBS reporting in veterans; however, there is still a gap in knowledge about these associations in a civilian population presenting for treatment. Objective This study seeks to identify the predictors of increased NBS reporting on the NSI-22 in a treatment-seeking population with MTBI. Methods Analysis of 80 treatment seeking participants admitted to an interdisciplinary outpatient rehabilitation program with a diagnosis of MTBI. NSI-22 was used to measure NBS reporting. Predictor variables identified by univariate analysis were entered into a multivariable regression model, which was adjusted for demographic variables. Results Higher NSI-22 scores correlated with increased level of depressive complaints (PHQ-9), higher disability (M2PI), lower satisfaction with life (SWLS), prior MTBI, fewer years of education, absence of motor vehicle collision (MVC), and unemployment at time of assessment. When those variables were used in a multivariable linear regression model, PHQ-9, M2PI, years of education, and absence of MVC remained statistically significant. Conclusion Psychological factors and level of societal participation predicted increased NBS as compared with injury severity and time since injury.
Advances in the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer.

Breast cancers are heterogeneous with variable morphologic features, biologic behavior and response to therapy. Traditional histopathologic features such as size, grade, and lymph node status may be used to provide a general estimate of outcome, stratifying patients into broad prognostic groups with prescribed guidelines for therapy. With this approach however, up to 85% of breast cancer patients are overtreated, and at the other end of the spectrum, 20% of patients succumb to their disease despite receiving maximum therapy. The current routine testing for the Estrogen receptor (ER) and HER2 growth factor receptor (HER2) represents the earliest attempts to provide a targeted approach to breast cancer therapy, based on molecular drivers of the disease. The pioneering works by Perou and Sorlie et al using global gene expression profiling introduced a molecular taxonomy of breast cancer with associated prognostic implications. The Luminal, HER2-enriched, and Basal-like intrinsic subtypes are generally characterized by the presence or absence of ER and HER2. They have been further analyzed and refined using integration of genomic and transcriptomic data made possible by advancements in high throughput molecular techniques and bioinformatics. Indeed, an increased understanding of the genomic landscape of these subtypes, and the molecular basis of breast cancer growth regulation, holds the promise of a more personalized patient selection for specific targeted therapies and improved outcomes.
Reforming the Fedâ€™s Toolkit and Quantitative Easing Practices: A Plan to Achieve Level Targeting

The COVID-19 pandemic is a major shock to the American economy Indeed, we are already seeing signs that the United States will experience a severe recession M
Primary thyroid dysfunction after single intravenous iodinated contrast exposure in young children: a propensity score matched analysis.

Data suggest an increased risk of thyroid dysfunction following iodine-based contrast material (IBCM) in children. To estimate the prevalence of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) abnormalities following exposure to a single dose of intravenous IBCM during computed tomography (CT) in young children. Inpatients ≤24 months of age who underwent a single CT with intravenous IBCM (exposed cohort) or abdominal ultrasound (US) (unexposed cohort) examination and had a TSH value obtained within 90 days after imaging between January 2009 to November 2018 were identified. Propensity score matching with 20 variables was performed. Primary thyroid dysfunction was defined by abnormally high or low TSH value. Multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors, including intravenous IBCM, for thyroid dysfunction. From the eligible 4,215 imaging examinations, 114 unique patients were included in the propensity matched population (n=57 per group). Thyroid dysfunction was identified in 14% (8/57) and 7% (4/57) of the IBCM-exposed and IBCM-unexposed cohorts, respectively. No patient in either cohort was started on thyroid hormone supplementation within the 3 months after imaging. Intravenous IBCM exposure was not a significant predictor of thyroid dysfunction on univariable (odds ratio [OR]=2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.61–7.64, P=0.23) or multivariable (OR=2.61, 95% CI=0.65–10.55, P=0.18) analyses. Significant independent predictors of post-imaging thyroid dysfunction included height (OR=1.25, P=0.0095) and trisomy 21 (OR=4.04, P=0.019). Hospitalized children ≤24 months of age who received a single dose of intravenous IBCM for CT examination had a similar prevalence of TSH abnormalities compared to a propensity score matched group who underwent abdominal US. One dose of intravenous IBCM likely does not cause prolonged TSH abnormalities; however, larger studies are needed.
A Human Error Based Approach to Understanding Programmer-Induced Software Vulnerabilities

Many security incidents can be traced back to software vulnerabilities, which can be described as security-related defects/bugs in the code that can potentially be exploited by the attackers to perform unauthorized actions. An analysis of vulnerability data disseminated by organizations such as NIST’ s National Vulnerability (NVD) and SANS Institute shows that a majority of vulnerabilities can be traced back to a relatively small set of root causes mostly related to the repeated mistakes by the programmers. That is, programmers exhibit a pattern of erroneous coding practices or behavior which lead to vulnerable code. Cognitive Psychologists have long been studying these erroneous behavior patterns and have termed them as human cognition failures or simply, human errors. The primary goal of this paper is to propose a classification for the most frequently observed human errors committed by the programmers (the commitment of a human error can lead to injection of one or more security defects/bugs). Such a classification can be useful for software development organizations as they can train developers on the human errors so that developers can avoid committing the human errors themselves, thereby reducing the chances of vulnerability injection in their code.
Point of Care Ultrasound First: An Opportunity to Improve Efficiency for Uncomplicated Pregnancy in the Emergency Department

Introduction: Research suggests emergency providers using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to confirm an uncomplicated intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) can decrease emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) compared to a radiology department ultrasound (RADUS). The objective of this study was to compare the time to diagnosis and LOS between POCUS and RADUS patients. Methods: This was a retrospective study at one urban medical center. A standardized tool was used to abstract data from a random sample of pregnant patients diagnosed with uncomplicated IUP between January 2016 and December 2017 at a single tertiary care medical center. Microsoft Excel 2010 software was used to measure time intervals, prepare descriptive statistics, and perform Mann-Whitney U tests to compare differences. Results: A random sample of 836 (36%) of the 2,346 emergency department patients diagnosed with an IUP between 8-20 weeks’ gestation during the study period was evaluated for inclusion. Three hundred sixty-six met inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on which type of ultrasound scan they received first: POCUS (n=165) and RADUS (n=201). Patients who received POCUS were found to have an IUP identified in an average of 48 minutes (95% CI, 43 to 53), while the RADUS group’s mean time to diagnosis was 120 minutes (95% CI 113 to 127) with a difference of 72 minutes (95% CI, 63 to 80; p<0.001). The mean LOS for patients who received POCUS was 132 minutes (95% CI, 122 to 142), while that of the RADUS group was 177 minutes (95% CI 170 to 184) with a difference of 45 minutes (95% CI 32 to 56; p<0.001). The study is limited by its single-center, retrospective design and by lack of blinding of data abstractors. Conclusion: Pregnant emergency department patients diagnosed with an uncomplicated IUP between 8-weeks and 20-weeks’ gestation had statistically significant reduction in time to diagnosis and disposition from the ED if assessed with POCUS as compared to RADUS.
Designing trajectories resilient to missed thrust events using expected thrust fraction

Abstract With the adoption of efficient low-thrust propulsion methods, the probability of a missed thrust event occurring has become a significant concern for short and long-duration missions. If the missed thrust event occurs during a critical portion of the trajectory, the mission can be compromised. Therefore, it is essential to develop trajectories that are resilient to missed thrust events. This paper investigates the use of expected thrust fraction, which embeds the stochastic nature of missed thrust events into a deterministic optimal control problem. The Technique is applied to a sample Mars-to-Earth trajectory. The performance of trajectories designed using expected thrust fraction is compared with traditionally designed trajectories and trajectories with a forced terminal coast. Thus, the changes in resiliency to missed thrust events are quantified. In this investigation, trajectories designed using expected thrust fraction arrive with a median lateness which is approximately half that of traditionally designed trajectories for a negligible change in delivered mass. Expected thrust fraction can help astrodynamicists mitigate risks posed by the use of low-thrust propulsion.
Globalization and the Design of International Institutions

In an increasingly globalized world, international rules and organizations have grown ever more crucial to the resolution of major economic and social concerns. How can leaders design international institutions that will effectively solve global regulatory problems? This paper confronts this question by presenting three major types of global problems, distinguishing six main categories of institutional forms that can be used to address these problems, and showing how the effectiveness of international institutions depends on achieving “form-problem” fit. Complicating that fit will be the tendency of nation states to prefer institutional forms that do little to constrain their sovereignty. Yet the least-constraining institutional forms are the very ones that will tend to be the least successful in dealing with global regulatory problems – especially commons problems and threats to human rights. Achieving effective form-problem fit therefore depends on creating institutional structures that can give nation-states adequate assurance that their interests will not be unduly undermined while simultaneously ensuring that global institutions enjoy sufficient independence for solving global problems.
Marijuana (Cannabis) as Medicine

Abstract The modern published literature on the therapeutic potentials of cannabis has been reviewed. A pure preparation of the major active component, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Marinol(r) or dro-nabinol, is available for treating nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy and as an adjunct to weight loss in patients with wasting syndrome associated with AIDS. Although such approval currently applies only to orally administered THC, for practical purposes smoked marijuana should also be expected to be equally effective.
Uniform random number generator

The recent flurry of random number routines and your continued plea for material had led me to dust off my favorite trick uniform random number generator. It requires no seed, produces numbers uniformly distributed between 0 and 1, is acyclic and for all practical purposes, is completely unpredictable and irreproducible.
Assessment of Field-Scale Leaching Patterns for Management of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application

Large-scale patterns in soil texture, saturated hydraulic conductivity, irrigation depth, and concentration of a bromide tracer were measured on a 57 ha commercial corn farm in Washington State, U.S.A. Texture of surface soil at the study site was predominantly a sandy loam. Saturated hydraulic conductivity was log-normally distributed with a mean of 13.8 cm/day. During the first month following corn germination, an average depth of 50 mm irrigation water was applied to the field. Bromide concentrations in the surface 0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 cm averaged 19.0, 4.2, and 2.9 ppm, respectively, after the third irrigation. These concentrations represent recovery of approximately 58% of the initial tracer application, the remainder being lost by leaching below the rooting zone. Geostatistics, joint frequency distributions, and a geographic information system were used to map and identify regions of the field having different rates of bromide leaching. Silt content of the surface soil and applied depth of irrigation water were used as criteria of the potential for leaching of bromide, with bromide leaching increasing as silt content decreased and irrigation depth increased. If uniformity of irrigation can be improved, the methods developed in this study offer good potential for assessing and managing broad patterns in leaching of nitrogen fertilizer.
Perinatal hypoxia caused by obstetrical analgesia and its avoidance by the use of prodine.

Abstract 1. 1. Anoxia and abnormal pulmonary ventilation account for at least 40 per cent of perinatal deaths, and hypoxia is indicted for some of the tragic cerebral conditions of surviving infants. 2. 2. Attention during labor must be directed not only toward the oxygen supply of the fetus but to the integrity of the respiratory mechanism that will shortly be required to supply the infant's tissues with oxygen from the air. 3. 3. There is ample evidence that analgesics and anesthetics pass through the placenta and are thus introduced into the fetus intravenously. All these drugs produce some degree of depression of the respiratory center of the infant at the moment of birth, reflected in some degree of apnea and some retardation of tissue oxygenation in the first hour of life. 4. 4. While most term babies can tolerate profound respiratory depression, a few cannot, and further reduction in perinatal mortality requires, for the sake of these few, a cautious use of narcotics and barbiturates. 5. 5. One of the reasons for the popularity of natural childbirth may be an intuitive or unconscious knowledge on the part of women of the dangers to the infant of respiratory depressant drugs given to them to relieve pain. 6. 6. Many of the advantages of natural childbirth can be obtained during the first stage of labor by the use of alpha-prodine hydrochloride (Nisentil), with or without scopolamine, but without barbiturates. 7. 7. Observations are reported on a series of 402 term labors with divided doses totaling from 120 to 360 mg. The mothers experienced euphoria rather than narcosis, and were conscious and cooperative throughout labor. 8. 8. In 4.5 per cent of cases it proved entirely ineffective. In about one-third of the rest supplementation with intermittent gas or trichlorethylene became necessary at the end of the first stage of labor and in the early second stage. Possibly larger doses should have been used. 9. 9. Prodine proved completely safe for the infants who, despite terminal inhalation anesthesia, exhibited a remarkably low incidence of apnea and delayed respiration.
Minimal coupling, current commutators and the low-energy theorems on photopion production

The photoproduction of pions on nucleons is studied in the framework of the algebra of currents and the partially conserved axial-vector current, modified in the presence of electromagnetic interactions. We derive the Kroll-Ruderman theorem, theq o/M (ratio of the pion c.m. system energy to the nucleon mass) correction to thes-wave and theP-wave (Klein) theorem, according to which theP-wave production is given near threshold by the Born approximation computed with the actual meson-nucleon coupling constant and magnetic moment.
Single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the pons and cerebellum in patients with schizophrenia: a preliminary study

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive functional imaging technique that can measure various brain tissue metabolites such as N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), creatine-phosphocreatine (Cr), myo-inositol (mI) and other metabolites. Morphological studies have indicated the pons and cerebellum as possible sites of abnormal functioning in schizophrenic patients. This study examines schizophrenic patients for the presence of abnormalities in proton MRS (1H-MRS) measured metabolites in two regions of the posterior fossa. Twelve schizophrenic patients and eight non-schizophrenic control subjects were studied by measuring the ratios of NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr and mI/Cr from 1H-spectra obtained from the pons and right or left cerebellum using an integrated MRI/MRS protocol. Spectra were obtained from a voxel in the pons and voxels from the left and/or right lateral cerebellum. Data were analyzed in the absorption mode and fitted to Lorentzian lineshapes using a Marquart algorithm. Significantly lower NAA/Cr ratios were found in the pons of schizophrenic patients than in the control subjects, but not in the cerebellum. This study is the first to measure brain tissue metabolites using 1H-MRS in the pons and cerebellum of schizophrenic patients. Significant alterations of 1H-MRS metabolites may suggest the involvement of the posterior fossa as a part of the pathological substrate underlying schizophrenia.
Requisite Role of the Cholinergic α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Pathway in Suppressing Gram-Negative Sepsis-Induced Acute Lung Inflammatory Injury

Although activation of the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7 nAChR) modulates the response to sepsis, the role of this pathway in the development of sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is not known. In this study, we addressed the contribution of alpha7 nAChR in mediating endotoxin- and live Escherichia coli-induced ALI in mice. Because we found that alpha7 nAChR(+) alveolar macrophages and neutrophils were present in bronchoalveolar lavage and injured lungs of mice, we tested whether acetylcholine released by lung vagal innervation stimulated these effector cells and thereby down-regulated proinflammatory chemokine/cytokine generation. Administration of alpha7 nAChR agonists reduced bronchoalveolar lavage MIP-2 production and transalveolar neutrophil migration and reduced mortality in E. coli pneumonia mice, whereas vagal denervation increased MIP-2 production and airway neutrophil accumulation and increased mortality. In addition, alpha7 nAChR(-/-) mice developed severe lung injury and had higher mortality compared with alpha7 nAChR(+/+) mice. The immunomodulatory cholinergic alpha7 nAChR pathway of alveolar macrophages and neutrophils blocked LPS- and E. coli-induced ALI by reducing chemokine production and transalveolar neutrophil migration, suggesting that activation of alpha7 nAChR may be a promising strategy for treatment of sepsis-induced ALI.
Reduced Quasi-Dimensional Combustion Model of the Direct Injection Diesel Engine for Performance and Emissions Predictions

A new concept of reduced quasi-dimensional combustion model for a direct injection diesel engine is developed based on the previously developed quasi-dimensional multi-zone model to improve the computational efficiency. In the reduced model, spray penetration and air entrainment are calculated for a number of zones within the spray while three zones with aggregated spray zone concept are used for the calculation of spray combustion and emission formation processes. It is also assumed that liquid phase fuel appears only near the nozzle exit during the breakup period and that spray vaporization is immediate in order to reduce the computational time. Validation of the reduced model with experimental data demonstrated that the new model can predict engine performance and NO and soot emissions reasonably well compared to the original model. With the new concept of reduced model, computational efficiency is significantly improved as much as 200 times compared to the original model.
Calcium deprivation increases the palatability of calcium solutions in rats.

Abstract Calcium-deprived rats have elevated intakes of CaCl 2 , other calcium salts, and some non-calcium compounds. We used taste reactivity to examine the effects of calcium deprivation on the palatability of CaCl 2 and other solutions. Nine male Sprague–Dawley rats were calcium-deprived by maintenance on a low-calcium diet, and eight replete rats were used as controls. All rats were videotaped during intraoral infusion of the following solutions: 30 and 300 mM CaCl 2 , 30 mM calcium lactate, 100 and 600 mM NaCl, 30 mM MgCl 2 , 1 mM quinine·HCl, 2.5 mM sodium saccharin, and deionized water. We counted individual orofacial and somatic movements elicited by the infusions and used them to calculate total ingestive and aversive scores. Relative to controls, calcium-deprived rats gave a significantly larger number of tongue protrusions and had higher total ingestive scores for CaCl 2 , calcium lactate, NaCl, and MgCl 2 . Our results suggest that CaCl 2 , calcium lactate, NaCl, and MgCl 2 taste more palatable to rats when they are calcium-deprived than replete, and this may be responsible for the increased intake of these solutions following calcium deprivation.
Swine gene banking: A quality control perspective on collection, and analysis of samples for a national repository §

The National Animal Germplasm Program (NAGP) is developing a national repository for germplasm (semen, oocytes, embryos, blood, DNA, tissue) for all agricultural species in the US. Currently, the swine collection consists of 127,479 samples from 886 boars representing 20 major, minor and composite populations. Cryopreservation per se is not an impediment to program success. Rather, the greatest difficulties encountered are in determining the quality of the samples pre- and post-thaw. Robust, broadly applicable, and cost effective quality control methodologies need to be developed and implemented. This overview of the NAGP will discuss the approaches used for cryopreserving boar semen samples, overcoming the challenges of assessing sample quality, and moving toward a quality control strategy.
Normal D-dimer levels do not exclude thrombotic complications in trauma patients.

Abstract Background Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are common complications in trauma patients. These diagnoses can be difficult and expensive to make. Recent studies report that a negative d -dimer test excludes thrombotic complications. We questioned the predictive value of a d -dimer test to exclude DVT and PE. Methods Adult trauma patients admitted March 1999 to March 2001, with an Injury Severity Score ≥9 and expected length of stay >3 days, were approached for enrollment. Bilateral lower extremity duplex ultrasounds and d -dimer levels were performed within 36 hours of admission, day 3-4, day 7, and weekly until discharge. Results Twenty-three patients were diagnosed with DVTs, with 18 DVTs detected within the first week of admission. Five DVT patients had normal d -dimer levels. One of three PE patients tested had a normal d -dimer level. The false negative rate for DVT by d -dimer assay was 24%, and the sensitivity was 76%. The negative predictive value for d -dimers was 92%. All false negative d -dimer tests occurred in patients diagnosed with DVT or PE within the 4 days after admission. Conclusion In the early postinjury phase, a negative d -dimer test does not exclude DVT or PE. However, the negative predictive value of a d -dimer test after the first 4 days from admission rose to 100%. Patients with clinical signs and symptoms of DVT or PE in the immediate postinjury phase should undergo further screening to exclude thromboembolic complications.
Interspecies bacterial communication as a target for therapy in otitis media

It is now clear that biofilm communities are an important determinant of bacterial persistence during chronic and/or recurrent infections [1]. Epidemiological data indicate that many chronic infections such as otitis media (OM) are polymicrobial [2], and it has long been appreciated that virulence and/or resistance to treatment can be dramatically impacted by coinfection [3]. Our recent work shows that, in the context of experimental OM, coinfection promotes bacterial persistence and antibiotic resistance via interspecies communication (i.e., quorum signaling) [4]. Thus, targeting bacterial communication is a potential means for primary antimicrobial treatment or as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy.
Choice Reaction Time and Adequacy of Dialysis: A New Application of an Old Method

Background: Choice Reaction Time (CRT) is the time it takes for a subject to accurately respond to a flashing panel of lights. The CRT has been used to assess the quality of dialysis in hemodialysis patients and to assess the neurological impairments in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: Three groups of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on three different renal replacement therapies were tested using CRT: intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD, n = 11), thrice weekly hemodialysis (HD, n = 22), and well-functioning kidney transplant (Tx, n = 6). A group of volunteers with normal renal function (NL, n = 12) was also tested. Results: The CRT was significantly longer in IPD patients (618 ± 89 ms) than observed in the other three groups (p < 0.0001). CRT in HD patients was 461 ± 50 ms, which was significantly longer than in Tx patients (396 ± 25 ms, p = 0.05). However, the CRT in the Tx patients was no different from the NL (382 ± 22, p = 0.32). There was a strong negative correlation between CRT and weekly creatinine clearance in the IPD group (r =− .96) and between the dialysis index and CRT in HD (r =− 0.79). Conclusions: CRT may be a useful tool in assessing the adequacy of dialysis.
A technique for making unbiased estimates of current shear from a wave-follower

Abstract Estimates of currents from velocities measured in a surface-following reference frame are biased due to the correlation between the sensor motion and wave orbital velocity. We demonstrate a technique that reduces this bias by an order of magnitude in cases where the motion of the sensor is known. As an example, we applied the technique to data obtained from a fixed tower with a miniature acoustic current meter attached to a mechanical wave-follower.
Proton interactions in the vicinity of a rare earth impurity in a hydride

Abstract Recent electron spin resonance studies of the rare earth impurity in ScH x : Er has allowed the determination of the fractions p 1 and p 2 of impurities which have one and two surrounding octahedral sites occupied by protons. In the absence of proton-proton interactions p 2 ∞ P 1 2 is expected, which is in gross disagreement with the data. We show that if only nearestneighbor interactions are included p 2 should still be proportional to p 1 2 ; however, satisfactory agreement can be obtained if both repulsive nearestneighbor and longer-range attractive interactions are included.
Hematological abnormalities during the first week of life among neonates with Down syndrome: Data from a multihospital healthcare system†

Various hematological abnormalities have been reported among neonates with Down syndrome. Thrombocytosis, thrombocytopenia, polycythemia, neutrophilia, transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD), and congenital leukemia have all been reported. The two largest case series previously reported involved 63 and 31 cases. To acquire hematological data from a larger case series, we obtained all CBCs done during the first week after birth on all neonates with Down syndrome cared for in an Intermountain Healthcare (IHC) hospital with a date of birth between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2005. During this period, 145,522 live births were recorded at 18 hospitals. Down syndrome was recognized in 226 (1 in 644). One hundred fifty-eight (70%) of these had one or more CBCs obtained before the seventh day (144 hr). Neonates who did versus did not have a CBC in the first week had a similar gestational age, birth weight, percentage who were LGA and SGA, and length of stay. Neutrophilia was the most common hematological abnormality detected, with 80% of absolute neutrophil counts above the upper limit of normal for age. Six percent (9/158) had blasts identified on the blood film and three, where this was persistent, were referred to the pediatric hematology service for further evaluation. The next most commonly detected abnormality was thrombocytopenia, with 66% of platelet counts <150,000/µl, and with 6% of counts <50,000/µl. The mean platelet volume did not correlate with the platelet count, but tended to run slightly large (9.2 ± 1.3 fl), with 24% of values above 10 fl. Only one had a platelet transfusion. Polycythemia was the next most common hematological abnormality detected, with 33% of hematocrit values above 65% or hemoglobin concentrations above 22 g/dl. Six had a reduction transfusion. One patient had significant anemia (hematocrit <15%) and received an erythrocyte transfusion. One had neutropenia associated with an infection after bowel surgery. Neutrophilia, thrombocytopenia, and polycythemia were the most common hematological abnormalities observed among neonates with Down syndrome. Anemia, thrombocytosis, and neutropenia were not more common than among neonates who do not have Down syndrome. Hematological abnormalities were so common in this group that it seems reasonable to recommend that one or more CBCs be obtained on all neonates with Down syndrome. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Large-N classical solution for the one-matrix model

Large-$N$ quantum systems are known to be dominated by a single classical solution ${M}_{\mathrm{ab}}$, which is the reduced transition matrix among the ground state and relevant "generalized-adjoint" eigenstates. For the one-matrix model, we obtain ${M}_{\mathrm{ab}}$ (and hence the spectrum) for transitions among the ground state and high-lying adjoint states. The method of solution is a new "quasiclassical" quantum mechanics, with no penetration of classically forbidden regions\char22{}yet another classical aspect of the large-$N$ limit.
Race, Housing, and Public Policies A Strategy for Social Science Research

This article proposes some of the components for a social science strategy for conducting policy-relevant research on fair housing issues. Three components are proposed for the development of a mor...
The Fifth Column: Scheduling Without Reservations or Ad Astra per Simplicimus

There was once a large international airline that decided to have a hard look at their shift-scheduling problems worldwide. A project group was duly chosen, which wrote up a detailed set of specifications for the tool they required, including a sample problem that was actually a real problem. This project group flew all over their major marketing area for six months visiting professors and software vendors seeking their answer.
Model for exchange bias in polycrystalline ferromagnet-antiferromagnet bilayers

This paper describes a model for polycrystalline ferromagnet-antiferromagnet bilayers. Independent antiferromagnetic grains are coupled to a ferromagnetic film both by direct coupling to the net moments at the interfaces of the grains and by spin-flop coupling. Rotation of the ferromagnetic magnetization applies a torque to the antiferromagnetic spins at the interface of each grain which winds up partial domain walls in the antiferromagnet. The model explains both the unidirectional anisotropy that gives rise to the well-known shifted hysteresis loops, and the hysteretic effects observed in rotational torque and ferromagnetic resonance experiments. The unidirectional anisotropy comes from grains in which the antiferromagnetic order is stable as the magnetization is rotated. The hysteretic effects come from grains in which the antiferromagnetic order irreversibly switches as the domain wall is wound up past a postulated critical angle. For all of the models considered here, spin-flop coupling does not contribute to the unidirectional anisotropy.
Regulation of Complexes by Cytoskeletal Elements: Integrins Serve as Force Transducers Linking Mechanical Stimuli and Biochemical Signals

This Teaching Resource provides a summary and slides derived from a lecture on the integrin family members and the downstream signaling pathways they activate; it is part of the course "Cell Signaling Systems: A Course for Graduate Students." The lecture focuses on the capacity of integrins to serve as mechanotransducers, with particular emphasis on signaling mechanisms downstream of integrins.
Adaptive Backbone-Based Routing in Delay Tolerant Networks

In this paper, we develop a localized algorithm for the routing problem in delay tolerant networks (DTNs). We first design a modeling approach to derive a weighted graph from the DTN, taking into consideration the obtained history contact information of the nodes. This modeling provides adaptive ness by accommodating diverse network predication characteristics. Based on the derived weighted graph, we then put forward the concept of a delay tolerant network backbone for the DTN. When only the nodes in the backbone forward data, the routing in the DTN is achieved with the optimal performance in terms of the expected end-to-end delivery latency. This work is inspired by the widely used virtual backbone-based routing for mobile ad hoc and sensor networks. In DTNs with intermittent connectivity, we explore the meeting frequency between nodes for the construction of the backbone. Accordingly, we develop the delay tolerant connected dominating set (DTCDS) as an approximation to the delay tolerant network backbone, and further formalize the problem of minimum equally effective DTCDS. A localized heuristic algorithm for constructing an efficient DTCDS is proposed. Performance studies include a theoretical analysis and a comprehensive simulation on the proposed algorithm.
Reincarnating PCs with portable SoulPads

The ability to walk up to any computer, personalize it, and use it as one's own has long been a goal of mobile computing research. We present SoulPad, a new approach based on carrying an auto-configuring operating system along with a suspended virtual machine on a small portable device. With this approach, the computer boots from the device and resumes the virtual machine, thus giving the user access to his personal environment, including previously running computations. SoulPad has minimal infrastructure requirements and is therefore applicable to a wide range of conditions, particularly in developing countries. We report our experience implementing SoulPad and using it on a variety of hardware configurations. We address challenges common to systems similar to SoulPad, and show that the SoulPad model has significant potential as a mobility solution.
Abstract LB-221: Inhibition of rapamycin-induced feedback activation of AKT with dasatinib induces complete tumor regression in a preclinical model of breast cancer.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Resistance to receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) blockade in breast cancer treatment is commonly mediated by activation of bypass pathways that sustain growth. We propose moving away from the individual targeting of RTKs to inhibit multiple commonly activated, overlapping, and essential downstream pathways. The mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) and the non-receptor tyrosine kinase, Src, are two intrinsic targets that intersect downstream of most RTKs. To date, limited clinical efficacy has been shown with either mTOR or Src inhibitors as single agents. Here we show that dasatinib, a dual Src/c-abl inhibitor, is able to block the well-established de-repression of AKT that occurs with rapamycin inhibition of mTOR. Furthermore, dual inhibition of these distinct, but compensatory arms of RTK signaling results in rapid and complete regression in over 80% of MMTV-PyMT-induced mammary tumors, with only moderate effects on tumor inhibition as single agents. Importantly, Src and mTOR pathway co-activation occurs in nearly half of human breast cancers, independent of tumor sub-type. These studies support the evaluation of combined mTOR and Src inhibitors in breast cancer patients. Such inhibitors are currently FDA approved, expediting the transition to clinical safety and efficacy trials. We expect this approach will prevent molecular evolution of bypass pathways and induce tumor regression. Citation Format: Jennifer L. Yori, Kristen Lozada, Darcie D. Seachrist, Jonathan Mosley, Fadi W. Abdul-Karim, Christine N. Booth, Chris A. Flask, Ruth A. Keri. Inhibition of rapamycin-induced feedback activation of AKT with dasatinib induces complete tumor regression in a preclinical model of breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-221. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-LB-221
Rodents as genetic models of obesity

There is a high demand for effective pharmacotherapy against obesity as its prevalence increases worldwide. Rodent models have advanced our knowledge of energy homeostasis and are widely used for obesity research. This review describes rodent models of obesity involving spontaneous mutations, knockout or overexpression of genes involved in energy balance and dietary intervention in polygenic rodents. Understanding of the characteristics of these models will facilitate development of therapies for obesity and related diseases.
High reflector absorptance measurements by the surface thermal lensing technique

Surface thermal lensing is an alternate configuration of a photothermal deflection system that was used to measure low levels of optical absorption. The thermal lensing configuration facilitated the alignment of the pump and probe laser beams by using a larger diameter probe beam. This technique was applied to high performance optical coatings, specifically high reflectors at 511 nm, zero degrees angle of incidence. The absorptance of these coatings was previously measured using a high power copper vapor laser system. A high power copper laser beam is focused onto a -2 mm diameter spot. A thermal camera senses the temperature rise with respect to the rest of the coating. The temperature change, power density and beam diameter were used with an empirical formula that yields optical absorption. The surface thermal lensing technique was able to resolve absorption levels lower than that achieved with the copper laser method.
Brain mechanisms of mammalian fluid homeostasis: Insights from use of immediate early gene mapping

A comprehensive review of the literature through mid-1997 is presented on the application of immediate early gene mapping to problems related to brain mechanisms of fluid homeostasis and cardiovascular regulation in mammals. First, the basic mechanisms of fluid intake and the principles and pitfalls of immediate early gene mapping are briefly introduced. Then, data from several principal paradigms are reviewed. These include fluid deprivation and intracellular dehydration, both of which are associated with thirst and water intake. The contributions of peripheral sodium receptors, and of both hindbrain and forebrain integrative mechanisms are evaluated. Extracellular dehydration, and associated aspects of both thirst and sodium appetite are then reviewed. The contributions of both structures along the lamina terminalis and the hypothalamic magnocellular neurosecretory groups figure prominently in most of these paradigms. Effects of hypotension and hypertension are discussed, including data from the endogenous generation and the exogenous application of angiotensin II. Lastly, we summarize the contribution of the early gene mapping technique and consider briefly the prospects for new advances using this method.
Thomas-Fermi Theory of Nuclei

A Thomas-Fermi theory of large, finite nuclei is developed. Realistic nuclear forces with repulsive core are assumed, and maximum use is made of the theory of nuclear matter. Simplifications are introduced wherever permissible. The local-density approximation with a certain correction is found to be valid. Tensor forces are replaced by a density-dependent, effective central force, the repulsive core by a density-dependent $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function interaction. The Thomas-Fermi expression for kinetic energy is shown to be good whenever the density is at least 17% of nuclear-matter density; under the same conditions, the Slater approximation to the mixed density $\ensuremath{\rho}({r}_{1}, {r}_{2})$ is valid. From the total energy of the nucleus, an integral equation is derived for the density $\ensuremath{\rho}(r)$. This is approximated by a differential equation which is solved analytically. The resulting density distribution has both similarities with and differences from the conventional, Fermi-type distribution. Our density agrees as well with electron-scattering experiments as the Fermi type does. The thickness of the nuclear surface comes out about 10% too large from our theory; the surface energy is in good agreement with the semiempirical value. So far, the number of neutrons and protons has been assumed equal, and the Coulomb force has been neglected.
Comparative toxicity of inorganic contaminants released by placer mining to early life stages of salmonids.

Abstract The acute toxicities of four trace inorganics associated with placer mining were determined, individually and in environmentally relevant mixtures, to early life stages of Arctic grayling ( Thymallus arcticus ) from Alaska and Montana, coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kitsutch ) from Alaska and Washington, and rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) from Montana. The descending rank order of toxicity to all species and life stages was copper > zinc > lead > arsenic. For each of the three species, sensitivity to the inorganics was greater in juveniles than in alvenins or in swim-up fry. Arctic grayling from Alaska were more sensitive than the other species tested, including Arctic grayling from Montana. For Arctic grayling, sensitivity to all four inorganics was significantly greater in swim-up fry from Alaska than in alevins from Montana, and sensitivity to arsenic and copper was significantly greater in juveniles from Alaska than in juveniles from Montana. In tests with environmentally relevant mixtures (based on ratios of concentrations measured in streams with placer mining) of these four inorganics, copper was identified as the major toxic component because it accounted for ⩾97% of the summed toxic units of the mixture, and an equitoxic mixture of these inorganics showed less-than-additive toxicity. Total and total recoverable copper concentrations reported in five Alaskan streams with active placer mines were higher than the acutely toxic concentrations, either individually or in mixtures, that the authors found to be acutely toxic to Arctic grayling and coho salmon from Alaska. However, caution should be used when comparing our results obtained in “clear” water to field situations, because speciation and toxicity of these inorganics may be altered in the presence of sediments suspended by placer mining activities.