cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Friends in Low Places: Responses of a Benthic Stream Fish to Intra‐Prey‐Guild Alarm Cues

Many aquatic species produce chemical alarm cues that serve as a warning to nearby conspecifics. In mixed-species aggregations, individuals may also benefit by ‘eavesdropping’ on the chemical alarm cues of other species that are in the same prey guild. Rainbow Darters (Etheostoma caeruleum) are benthic fish that co-occur with native Ozark Minnows (Notropis nubilus), recently introduced Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), and native Oklahoma Salamanders (Eurycea tyrnerensis), all of whom are vulnerable to the same predators. We tested the responses of darters to the damage-released alarm cues of conspecifics (positive control), minnows, and mosquitofish; alarm cues from Bumblebee Gobies (Brachygobius doriae) served as a negative (allopatric) control. We also tested the response of sympatric and allopatric darters to the damage-released alarm cues of Oklahoma Salamander. Darters exhibited a fright response to conspecific and minnow alarm cues, but not to cues from mosquitofish or gobies. Lack of response to mosquitofish cues could be because they are introduced or because they typically occur higher in the water column than darters. Darters that were sympatric with the salamander exhibited a fright response to the alarm cues of the salamander, while allopatric darters did not. Rainbow Darters can develop responses to the alarm cues of syntopic species (minnows and Oklahoma Salamander) within their prey guild.
Economics of ramucirumab for metastatic colorectal cancer.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Despite its FDA approval and incorporation into the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) treatment guidelines, ramucirumab (RAM) is associated with a drug acquisition cost that is substantially higher than other approved options. Given its substantial cost, the presence of a viable alternative treatment option, and its minimal survival improvement, the usefulness of RAM in clinical practice has been called into question.Areas covered: In this paper, we outline the cost, benefits, and economic implications of RAM from a US perspective, as it is used in the treatment of mCRC. We also dissect its use in other tumor types and in other healthcare systems around the world, and briefly compare it with similar drugs targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway. We used the search engine PubMed using the following as search terms: cost-effectiveness; ramucirumab; metastatic colon cancer; angiogenesis; and value-based medicine.Expert commentary: The use of ramucirumab in th...
Association Between Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVE:To estimate whether sleep-disordered breathing during pregnancy is a risk factor for the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).METHODS:In this prospective cohort study, nulliparous women underwent in-home sleep-disordered breathing asses
Chronic pain among patients with opioid use disorder: Results from electronic health records data

Abstract Purpose To examine the prevalence of comorbid chronic pain among patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and to compare other comorbidities (substance use disorder (SUD), mental health disorders, health/disease conditions) among patients in four categories: no chronic pain (No Pain), OUD prior to pain (OUD First), OUD and pain at the same time (Same Time), or pain condition prior to OUD (Pain First). Methods Using an electronic health record (EHR) database from 2006–2015, the study assessed 5307 adult patients with OUD in a large healthcare system; 35.6% were No Pain, 9.7% were OUD First, 14.9% were Same Time, and 39.8% were Pain First. Results Most OUD patients (64.4%) had chronic pain conditions, and among them 61.8% had chronic pain before their first OUD diagnosis. Other SUDs occurred more frequently among OUD First patients than among other groups in terms of alcohol (33.4% vs. 25.4% for No Pain, 20.7% for Same Time, and 20.3% for Pain First), cocaine (19.0%, vs. 13.8%, 9.4%, 7.1%), and alcohol or drug-induced disorders. OUD First patients also had the highest rates of HIV (4.7%) and hepatitis C virus (HCV; 28.2%) among the four groups. Pain First patients had the highest rates of mental disorder (81.7%), heart disease (72.0%), respiratory disease (68.4%), sleep disorder (41.8%), cancer (23.4%), and diabetes (19.3%). Conclusions The alarming high rates of chronic pain conditions occurring before OUD and the associated severe mental health and physical health conditions require better models of assessment and coordinated care plans to address these complex medical conditions.
The Mycobacterium tuberculosis MmpL11 Cell Wall Lipid Transporter Is Important for Biofilm Formation, Intracellular Growth, and Nonreplicating Persistence

The mycobacterial cell wall is crucial to the host-pathogen interface, because it provides a barrier against antibiotics and the host immune response. In addition, cell wall lipids are mycobacterial virulence factors. The mycobacterial membrane protein large (MmpL) proteins are cell wall lipid transporters that are important for basic mycobacterial physiology and Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis. MmpL3 and MmpL11 are conserved across pathogenic and nonpathogenic mycobacteria, a feature consistent with an important role in the basic physiology of the bacterium. MmpL3 is essential and transports trehalose monomycolate to the mycobacterial surface. In this report, we characterize the role of MmpL11 in M. tuberculosis. M. tuberculosismmpL11 mutants have altered biofilms associated with lower levels of mycolic acid wax ester and long-chain triacylglycerols than those for wild-type bacteria. While the growth rate of the mmpL11 mutant is similar to that of wild-type M. tuberculosis in macrophages, the mutant exhibits impaired survival in an in vitro granuloma model. Finally, we show that the survival or recovery of the mmpL11 mutant is impaired when it is incubated under conditions of nutrient and oxygen starvation. Our results suggest that MmpL11 and its cell wall lipid substrates are important for survival in the context of adaptive immune pressure and for nonreplicating persistence, both of which are critically important aspects of M. tuberculosis pathogenicity.
SQUARING THE CIRCLE: TEACHING EAP TO LARGE MIXED GROUPS

This paper highlights core considerations for managing and sustaining the interest or large mixed ability EAP classes. These include providing a variety of authentic and purposeful learning tasks and staging lessons with flexible timeframes. Other key factors like collaboration, open-endedness and enquiry are elaborated with examples for classroom application. The article recommends the selective use of methodologies from a continuum of approaches that range from sheltered to deep end strategies, with different degrees of instructional scaffolding to be used throughout, according to learners' needs. The teaching of the five skills (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking and Study Skills) is essential to progress in tandem with the profound dimensions of EAP since there is no consensus as to a single ESP/EAP approach. This ensures skill transference, disposition towards study, overall development of competence and ultimately, the students' academic success.
Step count accuracy and reliability of two activity tracking devices in people after stroke.

ABSTRACTBackground/Purpose: The increasing popularity of activity tracking devices presents an opportunity to monitor physical activity in patients after stroke. We sought to determine the reliability and accuracy of the Garmin Vivofit and Fitbit Zip for adults after stroke. Methods: Twenty-four participants with stroke-induced hemiparesis wore a Fitbit Zip on the nonparetic hip and Garmin Vivofits on both wrists during a 6-minute walk test to determine the accuracy of the devices against video-determined step counts. Participants also wore the devices during two trials of exactly 50 steps to determine the reliability of the devices. Results: Fitbit Zip showed excellent reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.974) and accuracy (4.2% error) for participants who walked faster than 0.35 m/s. Garmin Vivofit (nonparetic side) had excellent reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.964) but poor accuracy (≤−16.0%) for all participants. Garmin Vivofit (paretic side) had excellent reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.858) and accuracy (−4.0% error) for faster...
Surgeon's Guide to Facial Soft Tissue Filler Injections: Relevant Anatomy and Safety Considerations.

The purpose of this study is to provide a review of the relevant facial anatomy related to soft tissue filler injections. Facial fillers are used daily in our clinical practice. Although their use is safe and predictable, adverse events do occur. Some of these dire events include vascular complications leading to blindness, ischemia, and even stroke. Proper knowledge and understanding of the anatomic landmarks can minimize the risk of these vascular events. In addition, early recognition and treatment are necessary to prevent permanent complications.
Spiking neural networks — Algorithms, hardware implementations and applications

Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) are the third generation of artificial neural networks that closely mimic the time encoding and information processing aspects of the human brain. It has been postulated that these networks are more efficient for realizing cognitive computing systems compared to second generation networks that are widely used in machine learning algorithms today. In this paper, we review the learning algorithms, hardware demonstrations and potential applications of SNN based learning systems.
A new perspective on cancer-related fatigue: Negative affectivity, depression, and inflammation leading to increased effort expenditure

Cancer-related fatigue is a common, debilitating condition that still remains poorly understood. Negative affectivity (NA), depression, and inflammation have been associated with fatigue but the mechanisms are unknown. We focused on incentive motivation, the amount of effort one is willing to engage into obtain a reward, as a possible link between fatigue, mood, and inflammation. Self-reported NA, depression, and fatigue were assessed with validated questionnaires in 47 cancer patients and survivors. Incentive motivation was assessed with a validated computerized task in which participants repeatedly chose between a high effort/high reward and a low effort/low reward task. Plasma concentrations of IL-1ra, TNF-α, sTNFRII, IL-6, and sIL-6R were assessed. Fatigue correlated with NA and depression (both r’s = 0.36, p
An Energy Efficient Cluster-Head Rotation and Relay Node Selection Scheme for Farmland Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks

A new routing protocol of wireless sensor network is proposed in this paper. Node residual energy, network topology density and the distance to the sink are all under consideration in the cluster-head election, which could improve the network energy efficiency while doing the power consumption equalization. An energy threshold of cluster-head is applied to reduce the frequency of cluster-head rotation. A relay node selection scheme is used to satisfy the network connectivity in large-scale farmland application and lower the power consumption of far-end cluster-heads. Through extensive performance evaluation, results show that the 10% nodes-die network lifespan of ECRRS (energy efficient cluster-head rotation and relay node selection) is about 1.3 times of HEED (hybrid energy efficient distributed), 2.1 times of CHCS (cluster-head cycling switch) and 4.5 times of LEACH (low energy adaptive clustering hierarchy). The cluster-head selection cost of ECRRS is about 38% of HEED and 33% of CHCS. The energy balance performance of ECRRS is a little better than CHCS and much better than LEACH. The energy efficiency of farmland WSN is improved by using ECRRS.
Sample size calculation for comparing time-averaged responses in K -group repeated binary outcomes

In clinical trials with repeated measurements, the time-averaged difference (TAD) may provide a more powerful evaluation of treatment efficacy than the rate of changes over time when the treatment effect has rapid onset and repeated measurements continue across an extended period after a maximum effect is achieved (Overall and Doyle, Controlled Clinical Trials, 15, 100-123, 1994). The sample size formula has been investigated by many researchers for the evaluation of TAD in two treatment groups. For the evaluation of TAD in multi-arm trials, Zhang and Ahn (Computational Statistics & Data Analysis, 58, 283-291, 2013) and Lou et al. (Communications in Statistics-Theory and Methods, 46, 11204-11213, 2017b) developed the sample size formulas for continuous outcomes and count outcomes, respectively. In this paper, we derive a sample size formula to evaluate the TAD of the repeated binary outcomes in multi-arm trials using the generalized estimating equation approach. This proposed sample size formula accounts for various correlation structures and missing patterns (including a mixture of independent missing and monotone missing patterns) that are frequently encountered by practitioners in clinical trials. We conduct simulation studies to assess the performance of the proposed sample size formula under a wide range of design parameters. The results show that the empirical powers and the empirical Type I errors are close to nominal levels. We illustrate our proposed method using a clinical trial example.
Can Online Visual Cues Compensate For The Lack Of Touch In The Context Of Apparel Online Shopping

This study investigated the moderating effect of need for touch (NFT) in the relationship between visual online cues available in apparel websites and consumer responses (i.e., perceived online store attributes, attitude, and purchase intention). This study employed a 2 (NFT: high vs. low) x 2 (product information quality: high vs. medium) x 2 (website color: chromatic vs. achromatic) between-subjects factorial design. Four mock apparel websites that varied in the product information quality and website color were created. A total of 1,585 US online consumers participated in the study. Using structural equation modeling, this study found that product information quality and website color influenced consumer perceptions of website design. Four perceived website attributes (i.e., product quality, convenience, website design, price/value) positively affected consumer attitude toward the website, which in turn positively influenced purchase intention. Individual differences in NFT moderate the relationships between visual online cues and consumers' perceptions of website attributes.
RAPD analysis of mtDNA from tomato flowers free of nuclear DNA artifacts

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) is widely used with whole cell DNA to determine genetic diversity among plants. The method is also useful when applied specifically to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) for plant genotyping and for characterization of organelle-associated changes such as cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS; Ref-erences 1–3). Some have found that mitochondrial-specific RAPD is more sensitive than mitochondrial restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) (1). However, its general use is limited because of the difficulty in obtaining mtDNA that is free of contaminating nuclear DNA without using laborious gradient ultracentrifugation proce-dures or large amounts of the DNase I enzyme (Sigma, St. Louis, MO, USA) (4). Here we demonstrate a simple and inexpensive mtDNA isolation proce-dure from flower tissue that results in highly reproducible mitochondrial-spe-cific RAPD profiles without nuclear DNA artifacts. The method combines a differential centrifugation protocol (5) with a DNase I treatment that is optimized by assessing the amount of nuclear DNA contamination by PCR. For each isolation, we homogenized 5 g of tomato flower tissue, collected without the sepals and stored at -80°C, in high ionic-strength buffer [50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0, 1.3 M NaCl, 25 mM EDTA, 0.2% bovine serum albumin (BSA), and 0.05% cysteine and 56 mM β-mercaptoethanol added before use; 5 mL/g tissue] and centrifuged it three times as previously described (2600× g for 15 min; 2600× g for 10 min; and fi-nally, 14,500× g for 15 min to pellet the mitochondria; Reference 5). To elimi-nate nuclear DNA, the mitochondrial pellet was resuspended in 980 μL of cold DNase I buffer (50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, and 10 mM MgCl
Baboon Model of E. coli Sepsis: Role of Phospholipid Microparticles in DIC

This chapter describes our experience with primate models of E. coli sepsis with emphasis on the responses of the hemostatic system, the mechanism of these responses, and the role of phospholipid microparticles in mediating disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Understanding the principles of how the hemostatic system responds to inflammatory stress depends on viewing this system as a collection of mediator and regulator factors all of which are integrated with each other to control either the patency or the integrity of the cardiovascular system. The first section of this chapter describes these four functional domains: coagulant versus anticoagulant and fibrinolytic versus antifibrinolytic domains. The functions of all four of which are regulated by thrombin through its interaction with either the endothelium or platelets. This is followed by a review of modulators, which influence the balance between the four functional domains. Emphasis is placed on how modulators such as estrogen, interleukin-6, etc., act to influence the balance between procoagulant mediators (i.e., factor Xa plus phospholipid microparticles) and anticoagulant and fibrinolytic regulators (protein C, plasminogen activator). The second section describes how this system responds to inflammatory stress in a series of reconstitution and intervention studies. Attention is given to the role of phospholipid microparticles, and to defining those clinical pathophysiologic settings in which the hemostatic system is a link in a lethal chain of events versus those in which it acts in parallel (epiphenomenon).
Interventional Approach to the Diagnosis of Head and Face Pain

The differential diagnosis for headache and facial pain is vast. The practitioner must utilize a multidisciplinary approach in order to arrive at a precise diagnosis. As explored in prior chapters, this includes careful history and physical examination as well as imaging. In this chapter, we discuss the use of image-guided interventions to aid in the diagnosis and ultimate management of pain symptomatology.
Results of a feasibility study of a patient informed, racially tailored home-based exercise program for black persons with multiple sclerosis.

Abstract Background Exercise training is a promising approach for managing multiple sclerosis (MS), but existing research has not focused on black individuals with MS. This is important as black individuals with MS may experience a more aggressive disease course, increased comorbidities, and have a poorer prognosis with disease modifying therapies. Materials and methods Thirty-two black adults with mild-to-moderate MS related disability participated in a patient-informed, three-month, home-based, racially tailored, exercise program. The exercise program, Project GEMS, was modified for black persons with MS through patient feedback. The feasibility of the modified exercise program was measured through the four domains of process (e.g., recruitment and retention), resources (e.g., communication and monetary costs), management (e.g., of data management and safety reporting), and scientific outcomes (e.g., safety, burden, adherence, experience, and treatment effect). Results This exercise program was feasible, safe, and well received based on data analysis and formative evaluation. Twenty-four participants completed post-assessment (75%; two dropped out, six did not return follow-up assessments). The exercise program cost a total of $3726.57 (personnel costs = $2128.74 USD, $20.87 USD per/h; exercise program costs = $1597.83 USD, mean cost per person = $46.93). Participants were adherent with 70% of the 48 exercise sessions via self-reported exercise logs. There was a significant and large increase ( t = −5.1, p d = −1.0) in exercise behavior as measured by the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Conclusion The results support the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and efficacy of this intervention for increasing exercise behavior among black adults with mild-to-moderate MS.
PWE-088 Evaluation of drug-induced serious hepatotoxicity (EDISH) assessment in obeticholic acid-treated patients with nash

Introduction Evaluation of drug-induced serious hepatotoxicity (eDISH) is a tool used to assess and identify potential cases of drug-induced liver injury (Senior J. Drug Safety. 2014;(37): Suppl 1:S9-S17). eDISH was used to evaluate obeticholic acid (OCA) and placebo profiles in 2 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in patients with NASH. FLINT was a 72 week study, which demonstrated statistically significant improvements in hepatocellular ballooning, steatosis, lobular inflammation, and fibrosis in patients treated with OCA compared to placebo. CONTROL was a 16 week study, which showed that the addition of low-dose atorvastatin reversed OCA-associated changes in LDL-C. The objective of this analysis was to use eDISH to determine if patients with NASH treated with OCA show increased markers of liver injury or whole liver dysfunction. Methods eDISH Methodology was applied to 278 patients treated with placebo (n=140) or 25 mg OCA (n=138) from FLINT and 84 patients treated with placebo (n=21), 5 mg OCA (n=20), 10 mg OCA (n=21), or 25 mg OCA (n=22) from CONTROL. Individual peak of ALT and total bilirubin values during the double-blind treatment phase were plotted as log10 values of multiples of elevations above the upper limit of the normal (xULN). Results Overall, no OCA-treated patients were in the Hy’s law quadrant (>3 x ULN for ALT and >2 x ULN for total bilirubin) compared with 1 placebo-treated patient in FLINT. The proportion of patients with peak ALT and total bilirubin values in the lower left quadrant (representing normal or near normal range) was higher in OCA-treated patients compared with placebo (FLINT: 91% OCA vs 84% placebo; CONTROL: 91% OCA vs 86% placebo). 8% of OCA-treated patients from both FLINT and CONTROL presented in the Temple’s corollary quadrant (>3 x ULN for ALT and 2 x ULN total bilirubin and Conclusions In these 2 placebo-controlled, double-blind NASH studies, the eDISH analysis showed no trend for liver injury with OCA at doses up to and including 25 mg. Evaluation of Drug-Induced Serious Hepatotoxicity
THE INFLUENCE OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL HEADS’ LEADERSHIP STYLES ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: THE CASE OF EAST AKIM MUNICIPAL, GHANA

Knowing the leadership styles of heads of Senior High Schools (SHS) helps to improve quality educational delivery. The aim of this paper was to assess the leadership styles of heads of Senior High Schools and its influence on academic performance. The concurrent triangulatory mixed method, involving both qualitative and quantitative was adopted for the study. Data was collected from a total of 460 respondents using a 24-item questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide. The qualitative data were analysed thematically while the qualitative data was processed using Statistical Package for Social Science Students (SPSS version 22.0). The results show that most of the respondents (72.1%) agreed their heads style of leadership was democratic. In addition, it was revealed that involvement of teachers and students in decision making, collaborating with subordinates as well as provision educational resources were the top most factors leading to increased students’ performance. It was also found that only democratic leadership style had significant relationship with students’ academic performance (p=0.003). The study recommends periodic organization of capacity building workshops to enhance the skills of heads on how to collaborate and involve subordinates more in decision making. Article visualizations:
Sixty Challenges – A 2030 Perspective on Natural Products and Medicines Security:

Natural products matter, for they are essential contributors to societal well-being and global health. Flavors, fragrances, essential oils, traditional medicines and phytopharmaceuticals, and presc...
A New Immunodeficient Mouse Strain, NOD/SCID IL2Rγ−/− SGM3, Promotes Enhanced Human Hematopoietic Cell Xenografts with a Robust T Cell Component.

Abstract Abstract 3524 Poster Board III-461 Several strains of immunodeficient mice have been employed in the effort to model both normal and aberrant growth and differentiation of human hematopoietic cells in vivo. Despite numerous successes in this field, room remains for improvement. For example, robust models of in vivo differentiation and expansion of human erythroid and T cells are lacking or challenging at best. With the goal to further improve in vivo human hematopoietic cell study, we have crossed the NOD/SCID IL2Rγ knockout mice (NSG) with the NOD/SCID-SGM3 mice (NS-SGM; transgenic expression of human cytokines SCF, GM-CSF, and IL-3) to create a new strain of immunodeficient mice (NSG-SGM3). Uncultured umbilical cord blood CD34+ cells (UCB) were used to initiate xenografts in these three strains as well as NOD/SCID (NS) mice for comparison. Although xenografts with high human composition can be set up in NS mice, the graft, which is B-lymphoid biased without any measurable T cell component, tends to fade over time. In comparison, NSG mice offer longer sustained engraftment with a predominantly B-lymphoid bias and an inconsistent minor T cell component that is absent in NS mice. These mice also display increased levels of human cells in the periphery, allowing for easier measurement of the graft. Similar to NS grafts, NS-SGM3 grafts are initiated at high levels of chimerism, decrease significantly over time, lack T cells, and have a relatively low peripheral involvement. However, the graft consists of a more balanced myeloid/lymphoid distribution. The NSG-SGM3 combines some of the useful properties of the parent strains. Grafts remain at high, sustained levels through 16 weeks while maintaining a fairly balanced myeloid/lymphoid contribution. Chimerism in the NSG-SGM3 mice is readily detectable in the periphery as well as the BM. Remarkably, as early as 8 weeks post-transplant, we observed consistently high human T cell engraftment and expansion far superior to what we observed in NSG mice in parallel experiments using the same UCB samples. Flow cytometric analysis revealed the presence of numerous T cell sub-populations, suggesting significant recapitulation of human T cell development and function in NSG-SGM3 mice. Although it remains unclear as to why the unique combination of SGM3 cytokine expression and IL2Rγ knockout promotes enhanced human T cell engraftment and expansion, this mouse presents an improved opportunity to examine human T cell development and function in a xenograft setting as well as modeling T cell associated diseases including HIV infection, GVHD, and T cell leukemia. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Single-Center Experience with the Use of Teduglutide in Adult Patients with Short Bowel Syndrome

Background Teduglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) analog that has been approved for the treatment of adult short bowel syndrome (SBS)-associated intestinal failure (IF; SBS-IF). Teduglutide increases villus height and crypt depth in the small bowel mucosa, promoting nutrition absorption and enteral independence from parenteral nutrition (PN). We aim to report our single-center experience with teduglutide in adult patients with SBS to provide real-world context to its use. Method We conducted a retrospective analysis on patients managed within our tertiary-level intestinal rehabilitation program to identify patients with SBS-IF treated with teduglutide from 2009-2015. The current report includes all patients at our center who had any exposure to teduglutide, including those who received commercial drug after approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and outside the scope of clinical trials. Results A total of 18 patients were treated with teduglutide. Eleven patients (61%) achieved complete enteral independence from PN and/or intravenous fluids (IV) at a median time of 10 months (range: 3-36 months). PN/IV volume requirement was reduced in all patients except two. Ten of the 11 patients (91%) who achieved enteral autonomy had colon. All patients off PN/IV required additional oral vitamins and electrolyte supplementations. Conclusion Our preliminary experience is consistent with prior reports of successful partial or complete weaning from PN/IV with teduglutide treatment in adult patients with SBS. The presence of colon appears to be favorable in obtaining enteral independence from PN/IV, regardless of residual small bowel length. Patients on teduglutide may remain at high risk of micronutrient deficiencies.
OGC Standardization: From Early Ideas to Adopted Standards

The value of standards to ensure interoperability as a key ingredient of growing digital markets is continuously stressed by government bodies, researchers, or private industry. In the context of ICT, the European Commission tries to ensure that all forces in Europe pull in the same direction, using standardization as a strategic instrument to European Union industrial policy. Though the value of standards is well understood, its development can be a long rocky road. This paper illustrates how the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) has implemented a dedicated program that features a collaborative agile process to accelerate the way to robust adopted standards.
Src Kinase Is Biphosphorylated at Y416/Y527 and Activates the CUB-Domain Containing Protein 1/Protein Kinase C δ Pathway in a Subset of Triple-Negative Breast Cancers

Targeted therapeutics are needed for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). In this study, we investigated the activation of Src family of cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases (SFKs) and two SFK substrates—CUB-domain containing protein 1 (CDCP1) and protein kinase C δ (PKCδ)—in 56 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) TNBCs. Expression of SFK phosphorylated at Y416 (SFK_pY416+) in tumor cells was strongly associated with phosphorylation of CDCP1 and PKCδ (CDCP1_ pY743+ and PKCδ_pY311+), as assessed by immunohistochemistry, indicating increased SFK activity in situ. To enable biochemical analysis, protein extraction from FFPE tissue was optimized. Cleaved CDCP1 isoform (70 kDa) was expressed to a varying degree in all samples but only phosphorylated in TNBC tumor cells that expressed SFK_pY416. Interestingly, active SFK was found to be biphosphorylated (SFK_pY416+/pY527+). Biphosphorylated active SFK was observed more frequently in forkhead box protein A1 (FOXA1)− TNBCs. In addition, in SFK_pY416− samples, FOXA1+ TNBC tended to be SFK_pY527+ (classic inactive SFK), and FOXA1− TNBC tended to be SFK_pY527− (SFK poised for activation). Strong SFK_pY416 staining was also observed in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in a subset of TNBCs with high tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte content. This report will facilitate protein biochemical analysis of FFPE tumor samples and justifies the development of therapies targeting the SFK/CDCP1/PKCδ pathway for TNBC treatment.
Stercoral perforation: A rare entity

Stercoral perforation of the colon is a rare condition caused by the pressure necrosis resulting from hard fecaloma, which is commonly found in patients suffering from chronic constipation. Perforations are usually seen in patients afflicted with inflammatory bowel disease, tumor or malignancy, or diverticular disease. Majorly, stercoral perforation affects the elderly and often debilitated patients with a history of chronic constipation. It is a surgical emergency with high mortality, and its prognosis depends on the speed of care. Currently, the pathogenesis of the perforation is not well-defined, but it can likely be a result of long-lasting constipation. If constipation is not treated, stercoral perforation of the large bowel, including the colon and rectum may occur, which is life threatening. Due to constipation, there is an accumulation of feces resulting to large bowel distension that leads to the increase in intraluminal pressure on the walls of the colon, which may result in stercoral perforations. Here, we describe a case of a 60-year-old female who presented with acute symptoms of abdominal distention and pain.
Educational (De)Segregation in North Macedonia: The Intersection of Policies, Schools, and Individuals.

North Macedonia’s two main ethnic groups, the Albanians and Macedonians, have experienced increasing segregation in education, though recent political shifts have made social cohesion a priority, w...
Familiar Feelings: Listener-Rated Familiarity in Music Emotion Recognition

The task of music emotion recognition (MER) has previously been explored using a variety of audio, lyrical, and basic meta-data features. As feature extraction and classification algorithms advance, the need for relevant extra-musical features becomes apparent. The efficacy of familiarity as a feature in a MER system was evaluated by a Random Forest feature importance analysis on a novel dataset of 5000 clips with annotated familiarity and valence. Familiarity was correlated to perceived valence (r = 0.250) and resulted in a statistically significant increase of 0.011 in the F-score of a baseline MER classifier upon its inclusion.
Strength and Electromyographic Responses of Upper and Lower Limbs During Maximal Intermittent Contractions in Males and Females.

Carr, JC and Ye, X. Strength and electromyographic responses of upper and lower limbs during maximal intermittent contractions in males and females. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-This study examined the strength and electromyographic (EMG) responses of upper vs. lower limb muscles during intermittent maximal contractions in both sexes. Twenty subjects (n = 7 women) performed a fatiguing protocol (6, 30-second intermittent maximal isometric contractions with a 50% duty cycle) with either the elbow flexors or the knee extensors on separate visits. Bipolar surface EMG signals were detected from the biceps brachii and vastus lateralis muscles (n = 5 women retained). Women maintained more of their maximal force than men (Δforce: men vs. women = -55.0 ± 12.8% vs. -43.3 ± 9.9%, p = 0.042). Although force loss was similar between the elbow flexors and knee extensors, the EMG responses showed greater reductions for the biceps brachii than those for the vastus lateralis (Δamplitude: biceps brachii vs. vastus lateralis: -32.0 ± 22.3% vs. -18.9 ± 28.9%; Δmedian frequency: biceps brachii vs. vastus lateralis: -31.1 ± 14.5% vs. -10.3 ± 17.0%). During a series of maximal intermittent isometric contractions with 30 seconds of recovery between work bouts, women are more fatigue resistant than men. In addition, the greater electrophysiological fatigue exhibited by the biceps brachii than that by the vastus lateralis suggests that high-intensity contractions involving elbow flexion will have a greater rate of fatigue progression than those involving knee extension.
DeepImpact: a deep learning model for whole body vibration control using impact force monitoring

Large capacity shovels are matched with large capacity dump trucks for gaining economic advantage in surface mining operations. These high impact shovel loading operations (HISLO) result in large dynamic impact force at truck bed surface. This impact force generates high-frequency shockwaves which expose the operator to whole body vibrations (WBVs). These WBVs cause serious injuries and fatalities to operators in mining operations. The present work focuses on developing solution technology for minimizing impact force on truck bed surface, which is the cause of these WBVs. The proposed technology involves modifying the truck bed structural design through the addition of synthetic rubber. Detailed experiments, with the technology implementation, showed a reduction of impact force by 22.60% and 23.83%, during the first and second shovel passes, respectively, which in turn reduced the WBV levels by 25.56% and 26.95% during the first and second shovel passes, respectively, at the operator’s seat. To make the smart implementation of the technology feasible, a novel state-of-the-art deep learning model, ‘DeepImpact,’ is designed and developed for impact force real-time monitoring during a HISLO operation. DeepImpact showed an exceptional performance, giving an R2, RMSE, and MAE values of 0.9948, 10.750, and 6.33, respectively, during the model validation. This smart and intelligent real-time monitoring system with design and process optimization would minimize the impact force on truck surface, which in turn would reduce the level of vibration on the operator, thus leading to a safer and healthier working environment at mining sites.
Implementation of a Hospital Medicine Rotation and Curriculum for Internal Medicine Residents.

Introduction Hospital medicine is a growing field that focuses not only on expertise in inpatient medicine but also on knowledge of nonclinical health system topics. The traditional model for resid...
Spectral Coexistence of Unmanned-Aircraft Control Links And L-Band Navaids: A 3d Whitespace Analysis

This paper describes a capability developed to analyze 3-dimensional (3D) whitespace opportunities for enabling spectral coexistence of a secondary radio frequency (RF) system in a frequency band with primary RF systems that must be protected against interference.The band analyzed in this study was the 960– 1164 Megahertz (MHz) segment of L-band. This band has been viewed for over a decade as a promising spectral resource for the command and control (C2) links of unmanned aircraft (UA). However, thus far there has been little if any UA system (UAS) C2 use of this band in the U.S. because of potential interference to incumbent safety-critical navigation and surveillance systems. Those systems most notably include two important classes of navigational aids (navaids): the civilian distance-measuring equipment (DME) and military tactical air navigation (TACAN) systems.In this paper we evaluate the feasibility of operating low-altitude UAS C2 links in L-band within portions of the U.S. national airspace while not causing interference to other aviation systems already using the band. Safety of the incumbent systems is assumed as the utmost priority. Preliminary results show whitespace spectrum is available in most of the U.S., with the amount of spectrum varying widely depending on location.While the 3D whitespace methodology described herein was developed for a particular band (L-band), new application (UAS C2), and set of incumbents (navaids), it could potentially be extended and generalized to other bands and use cases to identify additional opportunities for coexistence, thereby increasing overall spectral efficiency in those bands.
The State of American Entrepreneurship: New Estimates of the Quality and Quantity of Entrepreneurship for 32 US States, 1988-2014

While official measures of business dynamism have seen a long-term decline, early-stage venture financing of new companies has reached levels not observed since the late 1990s, resulting in a sharp debate about the state of American entrepreneurship. Building on Guzman and Stern (2015a; 2015b), this paper offers new evidence to inform this debate by estimating measures of entrepreneurial quality based on predictive analytics and comprehensive business registries. Our estimates suggest that the probability of a significant growth outcome (either an IPO or high-value acquisition) is highly skewed and predicted by observables at or near the time of business registration: 69% of realized growth events are in the top 5% of our estimated growth distribution. This high level of skewness motivates the development of three new economic statistics that simultaneously account for both the quantity as well as the quality of entrepreneurship: the Entrepreneurial Quality Index (EQI, measuring the average quality level among a group of start-ups within a given cohort), the Regional Entrepreneurship Cohort Potential Index (RECPI, measuring the growth potential of firms founded within a given region and time period) and the Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Index (REAI, measuring the performance of a region over time in realizing the potential of firms founded there). We use these statistics to establish several new findings about the history and state of US entrepreneurship using data for 15 states (covering 51% of the overall US economy) from 1988 through 2014. First, in contrast the secular decline in the aggregate quantity of entrepreneurship observed in series such as the Business Dynamic Statistics (BDS), the growth potential of start-up companies (RECPI relative to GDP) has followed a cyclical pattern that seems sensitive to the capital market environment and overall economic conditions. Second, while the peak value of RECPI is recorded in 2000, the level during the first decade during this century was actually higher than the late 1980s and first half of the 1990s, and also has experienced a sharp upward swing beginning in 2010. Even after controlling for changes in the overall size of the economy, the second highest level of entrepreneurial growth potential is registered in 2014. Third, the likelihood of start-up firms for a given quality level to realize their potential (REAI) declined sharply in the late 1990s, and did not recover through 2008. These findings suggest that divergent assessments of the state of American entrepreneurship can potentially be reconciled by explicitly adopting a quantitative approach to the measurement of entrepreneurial quality.
Analyzing Consequence Variables Within the High-Probability Instructional Sequence for a Child Diagnosed With CHARGE Syndrome

Many individuals with developmental disabilities exhibit noncompliance during intensive instruction. As a treatment for noncompliance, the high-probability instructional sequence (high-p sequence) consists of delivering several high-p instructions before a low-p instruction. The purpose of this study was to extend the research on comparing consequences for high-p demands—namely, praise, edibles, and videos—with an 11-year-old girl diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome. CHARGE syndrome is a rare medical condition often resulting in multisensory impairments and developmental delays. In Treatment Analysis 1, we compared praise versus edibles as consequences for compliance with high- and low-p instructions. Results showed the edibles were initially more effective than praise, but the effects did not maintain. In Treatment Analysis 2, we changed the consequence for compliance with high- and low-p instructions to a music video and then attempted to fade the number of high-p instructions. We replicated the efficacy of the high-p sequence but failed to fade the number of high-p instructions and failed to achieve maintenance. Therefore, in Treatment Analysis 3, we conducted presession preference assessments of music videos in order to use a selected video as the consequence for compliance. This “varied reinforcement” intervention resulted in high levels of compliance. Results are discussed in terms of motivating operations and recommendations for practice.
Changes in severity of depression and borderline personality disorder symptoms from pregnancy to three years postpartum in adolescent mothers

Abstract Background The transition to motherhood is associated with the emergence or exacerbation of symptoms of emotional distress disorders for many women. Although adolescence is a developmental period of increased risk for mood disorders and emotion dysregulation among women, little is known about changes in emotional distress across the early postpartum years among adolescent mothers. We tested the hypothesis that symptoms of depression and borderline personality disorder (BPD) would differ between pregnant and non-pregnant adolescents, and that these differences would be maintained in the three years following delivery. Methods Data were drawn from the longitudinal Pittsburgh Girls Study: 307 adolescent mothers (14-18 years) and 307 never-pregnant adolescents, matched on age, race and household receipt of public assistance, self-reported severity of depression and BPD across four years. Results There were no group differences on depression severity during or after pregnancy. However, compared with their non-pregnant peers, pregnant adolescents reported more severe BPD symptoms even after comorbid depression symptoms were accounted for, and this group difference was sustained during the following three years. Limitations Findings are based on a community sample rather than a clinical sample, which may have limited the severity of symptoms captured. Conclusions Findings suggest that adolescent mothers are a high-risk group for BPD symptoms during and after pregnancy, highlighting pregnancy as a critical window of opportunity to reduce morbidity among young mothers and potential negative effects on the next generation.
Arachidonic Acid and Its Metabolites as Differentiation Inducers for the Perfection of Wound Healing to Avoid Cancer and to Beat Cancer

The objective of this study is to explore the role of arachidonic acid and its metabolites in wound healing, cancer evolution, and cancer therapy. Cell Differentiation Agent-2 (CDA-2) was a promising hypomethylation agent approved by the Chinese FDA for the therapy of Myelo Dysplastic Syndrome (MDS). MDS is a disease attributable entirely to Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs). A drug effective for the therapy of MDS means that drug can also be effective for the eradication of CSCs. The active components of CDA- 2 are Differentiation Inducers (DIs) and Differentiation Helper Inducers (DHIs). DIs are chemicals capable of eliminating telomerase from abnormal Methylation Enzymes (MEs) found in human cancers and primitive stem cells such as Progenitor Stem Cells (PSCs) and Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs). The major DIs of CDA-2 were organic acids without UV absorption. Without UV absorption as a guide, it was difficult to purify DIs of CDA-2 for identification. Thus, we pursued possible candidates to function as DIs. We were interested in Prosta Glandin E2 (PGE2) since it was linked to wound healing, which is a major biological function of PSCs and CSCs. CSC eradication has been a significant goal of our research. PGE2 was found in the previous study effective as a DI, which encouraged us to look into other PGs to function as DIs with better activity and stability, and less adverse side effects. PGJ2 and 16, 16-dimethylPGE2 were the two PGs, good as DIs for the development of CDA formulations. PGJ2 was active in the dosage ranges between 4 and 17 \(\mu\)M with a maximum to induce 86% NBT+cells at 17 \(\mu\)M. 16, 16-dimethylPGE2 was active in the dosage ranges between 10 and 32 \(\mu\)M with a maximum to induce 83% NBT+cells at 27 \(\mu\)M. DI activities of bicycloPGE2 and Arachidonic Acid (AA) were very close. Both were modestly active between 20 and 42 \(\mu\)M with a maximum of 42%-52% NBT+cells at 42 \(\mu\)M. Although AA is not very active as a DI, the strong synergistic potentiation of DI activity by pregnenolone can boost its usefulness as an effective DI. Our previous studies indicated that the DIs of CDA-2 were either in liposomal complexes with pregnenolone or in association with cell membrane fragments. AA may very well be a major DI of CDA-2. As a result, AA could be a useful surveillance DI for preventing cancer in healthy persons. This research also indicates that metabolites involved in wound healing are also involved in chemo-surveillance.