cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Emerging Alcohol and Marijuana Use Behaviors on Adolescents' Neuropsychological Functioning Over Four Years.

OBJECTIVE: Adolescence is a period of neuromaturation concomitant with increased substance involvement. Most substance use studies of adolescents have focused on categorical classifications (e.g., dependent vs. nondependent), but little is known about the influence of specific substance use behaviors on cognitive functioning in youth. METHOD: This study prospectively evaluated the quantitative effects of different substance use behaviors on neuropsychological functioning. A cognitive test battery was administered at baseline (ages 12-14 years), before substance use initiation, and at follow-up (M = 4.0 years, SD = 2.0) to evaluate changes in verbal memory, visuospatial ability, psychomotor speed, processing speed, and working memory. Robust regressions examined substance use behaviors as predictors of neuropsychological functioning (N = 234). RESULTS: Several substance use behaviors predicted follow-up neuropsychological functioning above and beyond effects of baseline performance on the same measure (ps .05). Unexpectedly, more alcohol use predicted better working memory performance (β =.12). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency and intensity of adolescent alcohol use may be more intricately linked to neuropsychological outcomes than previously considered. The low prevalence of substance use disorder in the sample suggests that subdiagnostic users may still experience adverse effects to verbal memory, visuospatial functioning, and psychomotor speed after initiating intense or frequent alcohol use. Language: en
Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks Or Simply Using The Old Tricks At The Right Time

This study used a specially designed questionnaire to explore student perceptions of tertiary service quality and preferences for fourteen commonly used teaching methods within five dimensions of higher learning. A convenience sample of 243 undergraduate and graduate students was drawn. Overall, the similarities in the service quality gap between these student groups were greater than the differences. Specifically, students perceived their education emphasized learning of facts and principles but they preferred to be taught learning of skills and procedures. Their most favored learning methods were textbooks and lectures and their least favored learning methods were role playing and team presentations. The perceived comparative value of the effectiveness of alternative teaching tools in accomplishing five dimensions of higher learning is discussed.
Cloning and expression of an airway epithelial 12-lipoxygenase.

Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase generates metabolites that may regulate airway function. To further characterize this enzyme, we isolated a cDNA corresponding to 12-lipoxygenase from a bovine tracheal epithelium cDNA library using human reticulocyte 15-lipoxygenase cDNA as a probe. The resulting 2.9-kb cDNA, the identity of which was confirmed by expression of active catalytic function in Escherichia coli has a 2.0-kb open reading frame encoding a protein of 75,000 kDa and includes 5 bp of 5'-untranslated region and 0.9 kb of 3'-untranslated region. On Northern blots, the 12-lipoxygenase cDNA hybridized to one band (3.5 kb) of bovine tracheal epithelium RNA. Polyclonal antibodies that recognize human tracheal 15-lipoxygenase cross-reacted on immunoblots to the expressed bovine tracheal 12-lipoxygenase. Further, the deduced amino acid sequence is 86% identical (93% similar) to human 15-lipoxygenase but 64% identical to human platelet 12-lipoxygenase, suggesting that the bovine tracheal enzyme is the homologue...
Preceptor perceptions of fourth year student pharmacists’ abilities regarding patient counseling on therapeutic lifestyle changes

Abstract Objective Advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) provide an opportunity for students to showcase health and wellness knowledge and skills attained during didactic education. The primary objective of this study was to assess preceptor perceptions of how well pharmacy year four (PY4) students are prepared to provide guideline-based and patient-specific therapeutic lifestyle change (TLC) counseling at onset of an APPE rotation. A secondary objective included assessment of differences in counseling abilities if the preceptor considered the student normal weight versus overweight or obese, or if they were a known smoker. Methods A questionnaire containing Likert questions about perceptions regarding TLC counseling was distributed electronically in October 2014 to 708 PY4 preceptors from two pharmacy schools. Only preceptors who routinely provided TLC counseling were included in data analysis that were done using descriptive statistics. The project was approved by both universities’ institutional review boards. Results The survey was completed by 165 PY4 preceptors (response rate = 23.3%), and 67 met inclusion criteria. Regarding nutrition counseling, a greater percentage of preceptors agreed that students more adequately provided counseling per guidelines (79.1%) versus individual patient needs (62.6%). Preceptors perceived students of normal weight were more likely to provide adequate lifestyle-modification counseling to overweight/obese patients (81%) compared to students that were overweight/obese themselves (69%). Students of normal weight were perceived to be more likely to adequately counsel normal weight patients on lifestyle modifications (81%) compared to students that were overweight/obese (64%). Students who smoked were perceived to adequately counsel about not smoking, though, to a lesser degree than students who were non-smokers. Implications While students are perceived as adequately equipped to provide guideline-based recommendations, there is room for improvement in providing patient-specific counseling. Additionally, it is perceived that student health status related to weight impacts TLC counseling.
Ppg1, a PP2A-Type Protein Phosphatase, Controls Filament Extension and Virulence in Candida albicans

Candida albicans, a major human fungal pathogen, is the primary cause of invasive candidiasis in a wide array of immunocompromised patients. C. albicans virulence requires the ability to undergo a reversible morphological transition from yeast to filaments in response to a variety of host environmental cues. These cues are sensed by the pathogen and activate multiple signal transduction pathways to induce filamentation. Reversible phosphorylation events are critical for regulation of many of these pathways. While a variety of protein kinases are known to function as components of C. albicans filamentous growth signal transduction pathways, considerably little is known about the role of phosphatases. Here we demonstrate that PPG1, encoding a putative type 2A-related protein phosphatase, is important for C. albicans filament extension, invasion, and virulence in a mouse model of systemic candidiasis. PPG1 is also important for downregulation of NRG1, a key transcriptional repressor of C. albicans filamentous growth, and is shown to affect the expression of several filament-specific target genes. An epistasis analysis suggests that PPG1 controls C. albicans filamentation via the cyclic AMP-protein kinase A (cAMP-PKA) signaling pathway. We demonstrate that Ppg1 possesses phosphatase activity and that a ppg1 catalytic mutant shows nearly equivalent filamentation, invasion, and virulence defects compared to those of a ppg1Δ/Δ strain. Overall, our results suggest that phosphatases, such as Ppg1, play critical roles in controlling and fine-tuning C. albicans filament extension and virulence as well as signal transduction pathways, transcriptional regulators, and target genes associated with these processes.
The use of video-colposcopy in the gynecologic examination of infants, children, and young adolescents

Abstract Study Objective: To evaluate the use of video-colposcopy for the genital examination of children and young adolescents. Design: Patient survey Setting: A Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee. Participants: 25 prepubertal and 12 young adolescent girls who were referred for a gynecologic evaluation. Interventions: A video-colposcope was used in each case. Main Outcome Measures: Parent and/or patient response to the use of the video-colposcope. Results: All participants expressed satisfaction with the use of the video-colposcope in the examination. Conclusion: The video-colposcope is an acceptable adjunct to the gynecologic examination in prepubertal and early adolescent girls.
PS1-42: In-hospital Severity and 30-day Readmission

Background/Aims Identifying and preventing 30-day readmissions has become a national focus. There have been attempts at developing all-cause predictive models to identify ‘high risk’ readmission patients such as LACE. Historically, in-hospital severity predictive models have been developed for various services and disease states. Some of the most widely used severity measures are the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), Acute Physiology, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Score. We wish to compare in-hospital severity scores to predict 30 day readmission.
Fast Simulation Protocol for Protein Structural Transitions: Modeling of the Relationship of Structure and Function

An approach is developed to study the dynamics of protein conformational transitions in depth. A computational (Monte Carlo) approach based on a united residue model is used. Unbiased transitions between the Apo and Holo conformations/states of calmodulin are observed at the rate of 1 per day per processor. A series of models of increasing complexity is studied, accounting for hydrophobic interactions and calcium binding. Details of the transitional region and structural information about intermediate states are obtained. Statistically converged ensembles of transitions are obtained in a reasonable real time period.
First record of Euxestonotus error (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) in the Pacific Northwest, United States of America

Euxestonotus error (Fitch) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) is considered part of the natural enemy complex of the wheat midge Sitodiplosis mosellana (Gehin) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Although previously reported in the United States of America, there is no record for this species outside the state of New York since 1865. A survey conducted in the summer of 2015 revealed that E. error is present in northwestern Montana and is likely playing a role in the suppression of wheat midge populations.
The Handbook of Alternative Investments

In this article, The Handbook of Alternative Investments, edited by Darrell R. Jobman, is reviewed.
The Origins of Antimalarial-Drug Resistance

There is a tendency to view the development of antimalarial-drug resistance as an inevitable outcome of the drugs' widespread use. Yet resistance has been accelerated by the way the drugs are used and by the social and economic conditions in which they are used.
Sapir, Edward (1884–1939)

Edward Sapir, a student of Boas, was a key figure in the emergence of modern American linguistic and cultural anthropology. In addition to voluminous descriptive work on a number of Native American languages, he synthesized a comprehensive view of American language families on a continental scale. With Benjamin Lee Whorf, he is linked to a view of language and culture as reciprocal influences.
Cultivation of science identity through authentic science in an urban high school classroom

This study examined how a contextually based authentic science experience affected the science identities of urban high school students who have been marginalized during their K-12 science education. We examined students’ perceptions of the intervention as an authentic science experience, how the experience influenced their science identity, as well as their perceptions about who can do science. We found that the students believed the experience to be one of authentic science, that their science identity was positively influenced by participation in the experience, and that they demonstrated a shift in perceptions from stereotypical to more diverse views of scientists. Implications for science education are discussed.
γ-Tocotrienol reversal of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in human breast cancer cells is associated with inhibition of canonical Wnt signalling.

Objectives Frizzled-7 (FZD7) receptor-dependent activation of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a crucial role in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and breast cancer metastasis. FZD7 and its co-receptor, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6), are highly expressed in MDA-MB-231 and T-47D breast cancer cells, and endogenous ligands for FZD7 include Wnt3a and Wnt5a/b. γ-Tocotrienol, a natural isoform of vitamin E, inhibits human breast cancer cell proliferation and EMT. Here, studies have been conducted to investigate the role of the canonical Wnt pathway in mediating inhibitory effects of γ-tocotrienol on EMT in human breast cancer cells. Materials and methods MDA-MB-231, T-47D and MCF-10A cells were maintained in serum-free defined media containing selected doses of γ-tocotrienol. Cell viability was determined using the MTT colorimetric assay, Western blot analysis was used to measure protein expression and the wound-healing assay was employed to study cell mobility and migration. Immunohistochemical fluorescence staining visualized expression and localization of EMT cell markers. Results γ-Tocotrienol was found to induce dose-responsive inhibition of MDA-MB-231 and T-47D cell growth at doses that had no effect on immortalized normal MCF-10A mammary epithelial cells. These growth inhibitory effects were associated with suppression in canonical Wnt signalling, reversal of EMT and significant reduction in breast cancer cell motility. Conclusions γ-Tocotrienol suppression of metastatic breast cancer cell proliferation and EMT was associated with suppression of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway.
"Micromegaly": an update on the prevalence of acromegaly with apparently normal GH secretion in the modern era.

Approximately 25 % of cases of clinically active acromegaly cases treated in our academic center between 1996 and 2000, were diagnosed in patients who had elevated plasma IGF-1 levels, but apparently “normal” 24-h mean plasma GH levels. The current study served to update the data for patients with acromegaly referred to our facility, after increasing awareness of this “normal” GH subpopulation throughout the medical community. A retrospective chart review was conducted on 157 patients with acromegaly who underwent resection of a confirmed somatotroph pituitary adenoma at the University of Michigan Health System between the dates of 1 Jan 2001 to 23 Sept 2015. Overall prevalence of acromegalic patients with “normal” GH levels, defined as GH 2 cm in the maximal diameter were encountered more frequently in the group with elevated GH (43 vs. 14 %, p < 0.001). Our data show that a substantial percentage of patients with clinical acromegaly have “normal” GH, and therefore strengthens the growing body of evidence which supports the leading role of IGF-1 levels in diagnostic evaluation. At the present time, questions about the natural course of “micromegaly” and treatment benefits compared to the subpopulation with elevated GH levels remain unanswered, but research continues to build on our understanding of the heterogeneous population of individuals.
Transforming The United Nations System: Designs for a Workable World

Transforming The United Nations System: Designs for a Workable World. By Joseph E. Schwartzberg. xxxix and 364 pp; maps, diagrs., bibliog, index. Tokyo, Japan: 2013. $40 (paper), isbn 9789280812305...
Control of a Three Phase Inverter Mimicking Synchronous Machine with Fault Ridethrough Capability

Due to high penetration of renewable energy systems in the distribution grid, it has become an extreme challenge to maintain synchronous stability of the grid. During asymmetrical faults the major challenge is to limit the inverter current and keep it within limits so that the inverter relay does not trip. Such a control methodology ensures seamless power to the consumers without damaging the inverter. In this paper a second order generalized integrator based inverter control operating like a virtual synchronous machine is proposed. The calculations for the inverter control states are performed on a per phase basis and the control algorithm is developed. The dynamic equations describing the proposed control algorithm with its analyses is presented in this paper. Numerical simulations based on MATLAB/Simulink are performed to verify the efficacy of the proposed control technique on a three phase grid connected inverter.
Quantitative, colorimetric paper probe for hydrogen sulfide gas

Abstract Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is a regulated industrial hazard, as it is a chemical asphyxiant with acute toxicity. The characteristic rotten egg smell of hydrogen sulfide is not a suitable indicator for the presence of the gas, as the olfactory system is often overwhelmed and desensitized to the gas. A new probe utilizing the copper(II) complex of 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (Cu-PAN) on a moist, porous, paper-like substrate has been developed to replace commercial lead acetate-based test papers for the detection of hydrogen sulfide gas at low concentrations. The reaction between H 2 S gas and the copper complex produces a distinct color change from purple to yellow/orange. The color change is observable to the naked eye for concentrations as low as 30 ppb H 2 S in a small, 1.35-L of gas, a typical volume of human breath. In comparison, the commercial Pb(II)(acetate) 2 test papers require large volumes of 5 ppm H 2 S gas. Incorporation of a base in the current probe aids in trapping weakly acidic H 2 S. The moist probe enhances the kinetics of the reaction between H 2 S gas and the base/Cu-PAN. These features increase the sensitivity of the probe, making it potentially suitable for both human breath tests and industrial H 2 S monitoring. The utilization of a handheld colorimeter allows for quantitative analysis of gaseous H 2 S, with a limit of detection (LoD) of 16 ppb and a limit of quantification (LoQ) of 53 ppb. The probe, offering rapid detection, is easy to prepare, inexpensive, disposable, and a green alternative to the commonly used lead acetate test papers.
Speech- and Text-driven Features for Automated Scoring of English Speaking Tasks.

We consider the automatic scoring of a task for which both the content of the response as well its spoken fluency are important. We combine features from a text-only content scoring system originally designed for written responses with several categories of acoustic features. Although adding any single category of acoustic features to the text-only system on its own does not significantly improve performance, adding all acoustic features together does yield a small but significant improvement. These results are consistent for responses to open-ended questions and to questions focused on some given source material.
The Rising Tide of Juvenile Violence: The Natural Disaster of Values Free Culture, Education and Families?

This article underscores, through events, statistics, legislation and case law, why juvenile violence happens. Section I discusses cultural and societal factors. Section II reveals the values dearth in public education, and Section III explores the decline in family influence on school-age children. The final Appendix A includes a logarithmic graph illustrating technological power, speed and explosive strength of weapons.
Statistical Methods in Reliability Theory and Practice

(1993). Statistical Methods in Reliability Theory and Practice. Journal of Quality Technology: Vol. 25, No. 2, pp. 153-154.
Sequential Change-Point Detection via Online Convex Optimization

Sequential change-point detection when the distribution parameters are unknown is a fundamental problem in statistics and machine learning. When the post-change parameters are unknown, we consider a set of detection procedures based on sequential likelihood ratios with non-anticipating estimators constructed using online convex optimization algorithms such as online mirror descent, which provides a more versatile approach to tackling complex situations where recursive maximum likelihood estimators cannot be found. When the underlying distributions belong to a exponential family and the estimators satisfy the logarithm regret property, we show that this approach is nearly second-order asymptotically optimal. This means that the upper bound for the false alarm rate of the algorithm (measured by the average-run-length) meets the lower bound asymptotically up to a log-log factor when the threshold tends to infinity. Our proof is achieved by making a connection between sequential change-point and online convex optimization and leveraging the logarithmic regret bound property of online mirror descent algorithm. Numerical and real data examples validate our theory.
High Numerical Aperture Epi-illumination Selective Plane Illumination Microscopy

Selective-plane illumination microscopy (SPIM) provides unparalleled advantages for long-term volumetric imaging of living organisms. In order to achieve high-resolution imaging in common biological sample holders, we designed a high numerical aperture (NA) epi-illumination SPIM (eSPIM) system, which utilizes a single objective and has an identical sample interface as an inverted fluorescence microscope with no additional reflection elements. This system has an effective detection NA of > 1.06. We demonstrated multicolor and fast volumetric imaging of live cells and single-molecule super-resolution microscopy using our system.
Stretch to Kindergarten: A Model of Shared Partnership for Student Success

STK is a tuition-free parent participation spring and summer kindergarten readiness program of the Family Engagement Institute (FEI) at Foothill College in the Bay Area of California that bridges educational inequities by providing opportunities to strengthen the capacity of families, schools, and communities to work together to ensure the success of all students from early childhood through college. The program’s relationship to an open access institution of higher education is unique and supports a multigenerational pathway to college to cultivate college-going aspirations for first-generation students and their families. STK promotes strong, enduring family-school partnerships in underserved communities to give children the skills and support to successfully transition into kindergarten and beyond. This chapter provides an overview of the program design, dual capacity family-school partnership practices, and evaluation results. Successes and challenges are reflected and shared in the lessons learned over the years to inform future directions for continuous improvement and policy reform in early childhood education.
Statistical Image Processing

This is a personal overview of a subject whose literature is largely outside the domain of widely read statistical publications. For this statistician much of the literature is unsatisfying because of weak articulation of image processing problems and fragmentary discussions of the properties of image processing procedures. While in no sense a survey, it is hoped that this brief article, by means of example, will draw attention to strengths and weaknesses of some common approaches. It also suggests alternatives and makes proposals.
Adaptive Integration Method

We introduce an adaptive Monte Carlo method to calculate free energy differences for continuous systems. The method uses a biasing potential based on integrating the derivative of the Hamiltonian with respect to parameters of interest. Tests on the two-dimensional Lennard-Jones fluid are used to demonstrate the efficiency of the method.
Design for the National RF Test Facility at ORNL

Conceptual and preliminary engineering design for the National RF Test Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has been completed. The facility will comprise a single mirror configuration embodying two superconducting development coils from the ELMO Bumpy Torus Proof-of-Principle (EBT-P) program on either side of a cavity designed for full-scale antenna testing. The coils are capable of generating a 1.2-T field at the axial midpoint between the coils separated by 1.0 m. The vacuum vessel will be a stainless steel, water-cooled structure having an 85-cm-radius central cavity. The facility will have the use of a number of continuous wave (cw), radio-frequency (rf) sources at levels including 600 kW at 80 MHz and 100 kW at 28 GHz. Several plasma sources will provide a wide range of plasma environments, including densities as high as approx. 5 x 10/sup 13/ cm/sup -3/ and temperatures on the order of approx. 10 eV. Furthermore, a wide range of diagnostics will be available to the experimenter for accurate appraisal of rf testing.
Steric Stabilization of Cationic Liposome-DNA Complexes: Influence on Morphology and Transfection Activity

Over the past few years, rapid progress has been made in controlling the in vivo delivery and expression of therapeutic genes (Blaese et al., 1995). Presently, viral-based carriers of DNA are still the most common method of gene delivery, although there is a strong research effort for developing synthetic non-viral vectors, in particular, cationic liposome-DNA complexes (CLDC) (Gao and Huang, 1995; Feigner et al., 1995; Lasic and Templeton, 1996). When compared to viral vectors, liposomal gene delivery systems offer several advantages, including the lack of viral gene elements, low immunogenic and inflammatory responses, potential for transfer of expression units of essentially unlimited size, and the possibility for cell-specific targeting (Stewart et al, 1992, Crystal, 1995.). Such preparations appeared initially to be ineffective for many in vivo applications because of instability in serum; therefore, much effort has been devoted to optimizing the complexes. This included not only synthesizing more efficient cationic lipids (Crystal, 1995; Solodin et al., 1995; Stephan et al., 1996), alternative helper lipids (Hong et al., 1997; Liu et al., 1997), as well as plasmid expression vectors (Hartikka et al., 1996), but also stabilizing the whole CLDC by polyamines and poly (ethylene glycol)-phospholipid conjugates (Hong et al., 1997). With more than 1μg protein expressed per gram of lung tissue (Hong et al., 1997; Liu et al., 1997, Templeton et al., 1997) trans-gene expression levels have recently approached those achievable with adenovirus.
The Unattainability of Coherence

Coherence theorists of justification hold that an agent should accept beliefs which cohere with those he already holds and reject beliefs which fail to cohere with those he already holds. The processes of belief acquisition and rejection must therefore be sensitive to coherence and incoherence. Some theorists believe that this sensitivity should operate at a conscious level: if an agent is to be justified in his belief, he must hold it in virtue of recognizing that it coheres with his other beliefs. Other theorists hold that it is sufficient for justification that an agent’s beliefs be acquired in virtue of the fact of their coherence with the agent’s other beliefs; the agent need not be aware of this fact for his beliefs to be justified. In either case, an ideal of belief acquisition is proposed which crucially depends on determinations of coherence: in one case these determinations are made by the agent, whilee in the other these determinations are made by subconsciously operating processes of belief acquisition. I do not believe that such determinations can be made. The ideal of processes of belief acquisition which are sensitive to coherence is unattainable, whether this sensitivity is supposed to reside in the agent himself or in his processes of belief acquisition.
Motility in Head and Neck Carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) arise in areas where locoregional spread of tumors interferes with functions vital for survival. These tumors are highly aggressive with poor five-year survival rates. Understanding the mechanisms whereby HSNCC invade into the surrounding tissues may help identify novel therapeutic targets for management and prevention of tumor dissemination. Several molecules including growth factor receptors, cytokines and matrix degrading enzymes have been examined for their role in HNSCC cell invasion. In vivo animal models are being developed to test novel therapeutic strategies and investigate the mechanisms of HNSCC invasion. In this chapter an overview of the pathways implicated in HNSCC invasion, the animal models commonly used and some of the preclinical therapeutic approaches targeting HNSCC invasion are presented.
Self-Assembly and Self-Assembled Monolayers in Micro- and Nanofabrication

Despite the extraordinary success of current techniques for microfabrication, new techniques are needed. One reason is scale: optically based lithography is reaching the lower limits for the size of features it can produce (˜100 nm). Another is efficiency: methods such as electron beam lithography are presently linear processes and will require significant development if they are to be used for large scale, high volume processing. Other considerations such as capital and processing costs, waste management, environmental concerns, and the degree of perfection of the final structures may also force the development of new methods for microfabrication.
Abstract B34: Novel synergistic combination therapies with BET bromodomain inhibitors in triple-negative breast cancer

Adaptive resistance to targeted cancer therapies is a universal problem in cancer treatment where tumor cells circumvent targeted pathway inhibition to reactivate growth signaling. In our previous work, we observed genome-wide enhancer remodeling following MEK inhibition (MEKi) capable of driving adaptive gene transcription in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Adaptive enhancers were enriched for the BET bromodomain protein BRD4 and cotreatment with MEKi and BET inhibitor (JQ1) could durably suppress TNBC growth in multiple cell lines and preclinical mouse models. There are currently 10 BET inhibitors in clinical trials being tested as single agents across multiple tumor types including TNBC. There is also a growing body of preclinical literature using epigenetic inhibitors to block the adaptive ability of tumor cells in combination with multiple targeted therapies. This led us to screen for inhibitors that synergize with JQ1 to suppress growth of TNBC using a 176-compound library enriched for epigenetic and kinase inhibitors. We performed synergy screens in 6 TNBC cell lines across 6 doses of JQ1 and each library compound. Using the Bliss Independence model to assess synergy, we found that inhibition of MEK, CDK9, Aurora Kinase, CREBBP/P300, and BAZ2A/B was strongly synergistic with JQ1. BRD4, CDK9, and the acetyltransferase CREBBP/P300 are all members of the P-TEFb transcriptional elongation complex. When we performed additional synergy screens against the P300 bromodomain inhibitor CPI-637, we found a significant overlap in synergistic targets with the JQ1 screen including MEK, BET bromodomain proteins, ERK, Aurora Kinase, and CDK9. BAZ2A/B inhibition using the small-molecule inhibitor GSK2801, which targets the bromodomain of BAZ2A/B, synergized significantly stronger with JQ1 across all cell lines compared to CPI637. BAZ2A/B proteins are members of nucleosome remodeling complexes that mediate DNA silencing by aiding in recruitment of histone modifying enzymes. Ongoing studies seek to understand the role of BAZ2A/B and the mechanism of GSK2801 synergy with BET bromodomain inhibition using RNA sequencing and ChIP sequencing experiments. These results define novel targets that synergize with JQ1 to suppress tumor cell growth and illuminate additional mechanisms of transcriptional regulation driven by BET bromodomain proteins in TNBC. Citation Format: Samantha M. Bevill, Noah Sciaky, Brian T. Golitz, Naim U. Rashid, Jon S. Zawistowski, Gary L. Johnson. Novel synergistic combination therapies with BET bromodomain inhibitors in triple-negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Advances in Breast Cancer Research; 2017 Oct 7-10; Hollywood, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2018;16(8_Suppl):Abstract nr B34.
Case report: Steroid responsive mesothelioma-related pleural effusion

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an asbestos-related tumor arising in the pleural cavity. Symptoms reflect extension of disease and include shortness of breath and chest pain. Unexplained pleural effusion and pleural pain in patients exposed to asbestos should raise the suspicion of MPM. The most common radiologic presentation is ipsilateral pleural effusion with or without pleural thickening or a mass. Thoracoscopic biopsy remains the most appropriate procedure for definitive diagnosis of mesothelioma. Despite advancement in diagnostic procedures and biomolecular research, this tumor nevertheless has poor prognosis. Mesothelioma remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge and is likely to remain one in the years to come. Here we present the first reported case of steroid treatment responsive pleural effusion in a 72 year-old-male that initially was misdiagnosed as rheumatoid related effusion. However, Pleuroscopy with biopsy revealed mesothelioma.
Band alignments of dielectrics on (− 201) β-Ga2O3

Abstract Selection of gate dielectrics in metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor/metal-insulator-semiconductor filed effect transistor (MOSFET/MISFET) design is of the upmost importance to optimize fully device performance. Understanding the band alignment of the gate dielectric to the semiconductor is the first step in device design, where the conduction and valence band offsets must provide sufficient energy barrier to both electron and hole transfer. Thus far band alignments for SiO2, HfO2, HfSiO4, Al2O3, LAO, ZrO2, AZO, ITO, GaN, 6H-SiC, a-Si, and others have been reported for Ga2O3. Al2O3 with its a wide bandgap of 8 eV has been the most used gate dielectric thus far for all β-Ga2O3-based power electronics due to its large conduction band offset and potentially commensurate structure. Much work is still needed in understanding the interface between the dielectric and Ga2O3, yet the results to date on band alignment provide a good starting point.
Effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on android: Gynoid fat ratio in breast cancer survivors

Abstract Background The android:gynoid percent fat ratio (AGFR) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Exercise reduces fat mass in BCS; however, few studies have focused on AGFR. The study purpose was to examine the effects of a 16-week aerobic and resistance exercise intervention on AGFR among BCS. We assessed whether exercise-induced changes in AGFR were associated with improved insulin resistance. Methods BCS (Stage I-III) were randomized to exercise (n = 50) or usual care (n = 50). The thrice weekly 16-week intervention included supervised, progressive moderate-vigorous aerobic and resistance exercise. AGFR was obtained from a whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Insulin resistance was estimated using homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) calculated from fasting insulin and glucose levels. Within and between group differences were assessed by paired t-test and repeated measures ANOVA. Pearson’s correlation was computed to assess the association between AGFR and HOMA-IR in the exercise group. Results Participants were 53 ± 10.4 years old, overweight (BMI>25.0 kg/m2; 54%), Hispanic (63.1%), and had undergone a mastectomy (90%) and chemotherapy + radiation therapy (76%). Adherence to the intervention was 95% and post-intervention assessments were available on 91% of participants. Post-intervention, AGFR significantly decreased in the exercise group from baseline and when compared to usual care (p Conclusions A progressive aerobic and resistance exercise intervention is an effective strategy to decrease AGFR in BCS. BCS who experience exercise-induced improvements in AGFR may also experience improved insulin resistance thereby reducing the risk for comorbid conditions. Clinical trial identification NCT01140282. Legal entity responsible for the study The authors. Funding National Cancer Institute. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Cultural Considerations in Sexual Assault

This chapter summarizes literature relevant to sexual assault as it relates to ethnic minorities. The range in prevalence rates across studies vary widely possibly due to the manner in which sexual assault is defined, the methodologies used in gathering prevalence rate data, and cultural characteristics that may influence reporting rates. This chapter provides an overview of the literature on ethnic minorities and forensic interviewing, assessment, and treatment to the common sequalae of sexual assault, and prevention of sexual assault.
The Utility of Computed Tomography and Intrathecal Fluorescein in the Management of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak.

BackgroundIntrathecal fluorescein (IF) has become a common tool for localization of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, but despite frequent use, IF lacks Food and Drug Administration approval. The dia...
Ambivalent White Racial Consciousness: Examining Intersectional Reflection and Complexity in Practitioner Graduate Training

Ambivalent White racial consciousness describes a push toward awareness about racial privilege and a simultaneous pull back from this knowledge into a more comfortable stance of denial. Twenty-nine...
Chapter 27 - Hearing

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with the mechanosensory transducers of the various sensory organs, the hair cells, as well as the afferent and efferent connections of these sensory epithelia that provide the basis for acquisition of distinct stimuli by the brain. Hair cells are the universal mechano-electric transducers of the inner ear and the lateral line of vertebrates. All hair cells share an apical specialization consisting of numerous protrusions of variable length. During development, all mechanosensory hair cells form from specialized embryonic tissue, the placodes. Hair cells also provide neurotrophic support for the developing sensory neurons and the sensory neurons degenerate in the absence of this support. The sensory epithelia of the semicircular canals, called crista ampullaris, are an aggregation of hair cells situated in an enlargement of each canal, the ampulla. A crista is typically covered by a gelatinous cupula and is composed of various forms of hair cells that are all polarized in one direction only. Variation of the crista hair cells concerns the length and size of the apical stereocilia which provide the physical basis for hair cells of variable sensitivity. An additional system common to all mechanosensory hair cells are neurons in the brainstem which terminate with their axons either on the hair cells or on afferent fibers which innervate hair cells.
The retro-ileal pull-through technique for colorectal and coloanal anastomosis.

Performing a tension-free anastomosis following extensive left-sided colorectal resection can be challenging due to limited length. The retro-ileal pull-through approach, where the colon is carefully delivered to the pelvis through a mesenteric window made under the ileocolic vessels, is a technique to perform such an anastomosis. This series is a retrospective review of patients who underwent a colorectal or coloanal anastomosis using the retro-ileal pull-through approach. Patient demographics, operative reports, and short-term outcomes were reviewed. Seven patients had a retro-ileal pull-through technique with colorectal or coloanal anastomosis. The cohort included 3 patients who had a Hartman’s reversal, 3 who had a redo colorectal anastomosis and one in whom this technique was used in an acute setting for sigmoid colectomy for acute perforated diverticulitis with primary anastomosis. Successful implementation of the technique was achieved in all patients with good short-term outcomes. In our cohort of patients, a retro-ileal pull-through technique was shown to be a successful approach to achieve a tension-free colorectal or coloanal anastomosis in various scenarios. This technique may prevent performing an ileorectal anastomosis or a permanent colostomy. We believe that this approach should be popularized among colorectal surgeons dealing with complicated colorectal operations.
Combinatorial Formulas Related to an Efficient Representation of Permutations

We present new combinatorial formulas related to an efficient representation of permutations which gives a lower average entropy than the original representation of permutations. The two distributions that resulted from the application of a transformation to both sets (the original permutations and the set of permutations using the new representation) are compared and analyzed. We also give additional results about our representation.
Land Suitability Evaluation for Organic Agriculture: A Case Study in the US

Organic agriculture has conspicuous advantages from the perspective of sustainable development, though its lower productivity compared to conventional agriculture is still a major issue. To increase the productivity and economic benefits of organic farming, it is essential to evaluate land suitability for the production of various organic crops. Agricultural land suitability evaluation utilizes multi-criteria analysis, spatial data analytics, and other analytical methodologies to find suitable locations for agricultural practices. In this study, first, the widely used agricultural land suitability evaluation methods including limitation, parametric, and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods are critically reviewed and then, as a case study, an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) coupled with Geographic Information System (GIS) is developed to examine land suitability for the organic cultivation of rain-fed wheat in Duplin County, North Carolina. Several climatic, soil, and topographic criteria are organized in a hierarchy structure, weighted by AHP, and spatially analyzed by GIS to explore the most suitable agricultural lands. The results show that 16.11 and 82.47% of Duplin County’s agricultural lands are, respectively, highly and moderately suitable for the organic production of rain-fed wheat. The land suitability evaluation method developed in this study can be effectively applied for the production of other crops in different regions.
Pandemic Response to COVID-19: Lessons from Restructuring Breast Imaging at a Multi-site Academic Center in New York City.

Purpose of review The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented challenge for healthcare delivery, disrupting normal workflows and demanding re-allocation of resources. In the setting of breast imaging, this entailed an initial marked reduction of services during the acute phase of the pandemic followed by a gradual reopening with modified protocols to minimize potential virus exposure. Recent findings Protocols were devised for providing limited breast imaging services during the acute phase of the pandemic and for safely reopening during the post acute phase. Example cases of breast cancers diagnosed during the acute phase of the pandemic are provided to illustrate the modified workflow. Summary This manuscript reviews practical strategies for restructuring breast imaging workflow, onsite policies, and staffing at a multi-site academic center in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic. By sharing our experience, we hope to provide others with a roadmap for managing breast imaging services during future unforseen crises.
Renal NOXA1/NOX1 Signaling Regulates Epithelial Sodium Channel and Sodium Retention in Angiotensin II-induced Hypertension.

Aims NADPH oxidase (NOX)-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in pathophysiology of hypertension (HTN) in chronic kidney disease. Genetic deletion of NOX activator 1 (Noxa1) subunit of NOX1 decreases ROS under pathophysiologic conditions. Here we investigated the role of NOXA1-dependent NOX1 activity in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension (AIH) and possible involvement of dysregulated renal sodium excretion. Results NOXA1 is present in epithelial cells of Henle's thick ascending limb and distal nephron. Telemetry showed lower basal systolic blood pressure (BP) in Noxa1-/- versus wild-type mice. Ang II infusion for 1 and 14 days increased NOXA1/NOX1 expression and ROS levels in kidneys of male but not female wild-type mice. Mean BP increased 30 mmHg in wild-type males, with smaller increases in Noxa1-deficient males and wild-type or Noxa1-/- females. In response to acute salt load, Na+ excretion was similar in wild-type and Noxa1-/- mice before and 14 days after Ang II infusion. However, Na+ excretion was delayed after 1-2 days of Ang II in male wild-type versus Noxa1-/- mice. Ang II increased epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) levels and activation in the collecting duct principal epithelial cells of wild-type but not Noxa1-/- mice. Aldosterone induced ROS levels and Noxa1 and Scnn1a expression and ENaC activity in a mouse renal epithelial cell line, responses abolished by Noxa1 siRNA. Innovation and Conclusion: Ang II activation of renal NOXA1/NOX1-dependent ROS enhances tubular ENaC expression and Na+ reabsorption, increasing BP. Attenuation of AIH in females is attributed to weaker NOXA1/NOX1-dependent ROS signaling and efficient natriuresis.
Redefining Curriculum Integration and Professional Development: In-service Teachers as Agents of Change

Calls for curriculum integration in K-12 mathematics and science have seen nominal results. Numerous factors including cycles of practice in teacher development and professional development practices have inhibited the development, dissemination, and implementation of integrated curriculum. This paper examines the characteristics of the professional development standards of both disciplines; considers inherent hindrances to the implementation of integrated curriculum; generates a novel definition for integrated curriculum; argues that the most effective change agent is in-service professional development; and provides guiding notions for effective in-service professional development.
Mast Cells in Airway Hyporesponsive C3H/HeJ Mice Express a Unique Isoform of the Signaling Protein Ras Guanine Nucleotide Releasing Protein 4 That Is Unresponsive to Diacylglycerol and Phorbol Esters

cDNAs were recently isolated from BALB/c mouse mast cells (MCs) that encode the new signaling protein mouse Ras guanine nucleotide releasing protein 4 (mRasGRP4). The present study evaluates the expression pattern and biological activity of mRasGRP4 in a variety of mouse strains. As assessed immunohistochemically and by RNA analysis, mRasGRP4 is not coordinately expressed with any of its family members. Normally, mRasGRP4 is an MC-restricted protein in tissues, and kinetic studies revealed that mRasGRP4 is expressed relatively early in developing MCs. The expression of mRasGRP4 in the fetus before granulated MCs become abundant supports the conclusion that RasGRP4 participates in MC-specific differentiation pathways. Functional studies conducted with recombinant material revealed that mRasGRP4 is a cation-dependent, diacylglycerol (DAG)-regulated, guanine nucleotide exchange factor. Immunoelectron microscopic studies revealed that mRasGRP4 resides in either the cytosol or inner leaflet of the plasma membrane of the MC, implying that DAG controls the intracellular movement of this signaling protein in c-kit-stimulated MCs. The mRasGRP4 gene resides on chromosome 7B1 within a site that is prominently linked to baseline airway reactivity in backcrossed C3H/HeJ and A/J mice. A truncated isoform of mRasGRP4 that lacks its DAG-regulatory domain was isolated from C3H/HeJ mouse MCs. Sequence analysis showed that this isoform is the result of defective splicing of the precursor transcript. MCs play a central role in allergic inflammation. The discovery of a novel isoform of mRasGRP4 in hyporesponsive mice suggests that airway reactivity is influenced by RasGRP4-dependent signaling events in pulmonary MCs.