cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Late effects of total body irradiation and hematopoietic stem cell transplant in children under 3 years of age.

Background Total body irradiation (TBI) is an important component of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (SCT) for pediatric malignancies. With increasing survival rates, late effects of SCT become more important. Younger children may be at particular risk of late effects of radiation and SCT. Methods We retrospectively reviewed outcomes of children less than 3 years of age who received TBI as part of their preparative regimen for SCT at Children's Hospital Colorado. Clinical information including the date of last follow-up, most recent lab values, and physiologic tests were extracted from the medical record. Results Of 81 patients who underwent SCT, 19 received TBI and of those, 15 were long-term survivors available for review. Late effects occurring in greater than 50% of the children included abnormalities involving endocrine, metabolic, renal, cataracts, and neurocognitive systems. Other organs involved less commonly included liver, skeletal, and cardiac abnormalities. Solid tumors were a rare finding with only one patient developing a benign osteochondroma and no identified secondary malignancies. Conclusions TBI has been shown to be an important part of the preparative regimen for patients undergoing SCT. Our results, similar to other studies, suggest TBI in patients less than 3 years of age will likely result in multi-organ dysfunction including endocrine, metabolic, renal, eye, and neurocognitive abnormalities. A longitudinal study with standardized testing of these systems would further clarify the late effects concerns in this patient population. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 700–704. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of PID controller with guaranteed stability margin for a class of unstable MIMO systems

A systematic synthesis procedure is presented to obtain a Proportional+Integral+Derivative (PID) controller for a class of linear time-invariant multi-input multi-output (MIMO) plants, which achieves the closed-loop stabilization with guaranteed stability margin. Numerical examples are given to illustrate its feasibility.
Comparison of the quality and storage stability of salmon packaged in various retort pouches

Abstract The effect of thin metal oxide coated barrier materials on the quality of shelf stable salmon was investigated. Four different retort pouch structures were used: Cast polypropylene (CPP); polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/silicon oxide-coated nylon/CPP (SIOX); Aluminum oxide-coated PET/nylon/CPP (ALOX); PET/aluminum foil/CPP (FOIL). To determine the amount of lipid oxidation in the salmon, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) was measured. Salmon packaged in SIOX pouches had higher TBARS value, 43.53 mili-extinction/g, than salmon packaged in FOIL pouches, 37.06 mili-extinction/g, after 8 weeks of storage. A multiple comparisons test was used to evaluate the sensory characteristics of the salmon. Salmon packaged in SIOX pouches had less acceptability, 4.11, than salmon packaged in FOIL pouches, 5.44, after week 8. Conversely, salmon packaged in ALOX pouches had similar sensory and TBARS value with salmon packaged in FOIL pouches. The barrier properties of each pouch material were also investigated. Oxygen permeability (OP, g μm/m2 day kPa) of SIOX increased from 0.88 to 10.55 after retort processing. SIOX had an OP of 10.94 at week 8 while ALOX and FOIL had 0.51 and 0.47 of OP, respectively. Overall, shelf stable salmon packaged in ALOX had a shelf life comparable to salmon packaged in a traditional FOIL pouch material, while salmon packaged in SIOX had a significantly lower shelf life then either ALOX or FOIL.
Investigating Error Metrics for Satellite Rainfall Data at Hydrologically Relevant Scales

Abstract This paper addresses the following open question: What set of error metrics for satellite rainfall data can advance the hydrologic application of new-generation, high-resolution rainfall products over land? The authors’ primary aim is to initiate a framework for building metrics that are mutually interpretable by hydrologists (users) and algorithm developers (data producers) and to provide more insightful information on the quality of the satellite estimates. In addition, hydrologists can use the framework to develop a space–time error model for simulating stochastic realizations of satellite estimates for quantification of the implication on hydrologic simulation uncertainty. First, the authors conceptualize the error metrics in three general dimensions: 1) spatial (how does the error vary in space?); 2) retrieval (how “off” is each rainfall estimate from the true value over rainy areas?); and 3) temporal (how does the error vary in time?). They suggest formulations for error metrics specific to...
The induction of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the colons of rats by trihalomethanes administered in the drinking water

Bromodichloromethane (BDCM) and bromoform (TBM) have been demonstrated to be colon carcinogens in male and female F344/N rats following administration by corn oil gavage. Our chronic bioassay of BDCM administered in the drinking water failed to demonstrate colon cancer in male F344/N rats. In the present study we addressed the capability of trihalomethanes (THMs) administered in drinking water to induce aberrant crypt foci (ACF), early putative preneoplastic lesions, in the colons of male F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice. BDCM was tested in the A/J mouse strain. Rats and B6C3F1 mice were exposed to isomolar concentrations of the THMs [0.5 g/l chloroform (TCM), 0.7 g/l BDCM, 0.9 g/l dibromochloromethane (DBCM), or 1.1 g/l (TBM)] for 13 weeks. A/J mice were exposed to 0.5 g/l BDCM in the drinking water for 13 and 30 weeks. Deionized water and 0.25% Alkamuls EL-620 were the negative and vehicle controls. ACF incidence (percent) and number (ACF/colon) for the rat were: combined controls, 0; AOM, 100%, 27.17±6.28 (P<0.01); TCM, 16.7%, 0.17±0.17; BDCM, 83.3%, 1.50±0.56 (P<0.01); DBCM, 50%, 1.17±0.65 (P<0.01); TBM, 66.7%, 1.17±0.40 (P<0.01). THM-induced ACF primarily occurred in the rectal segment of the colon (92%). No ACF were observed in the colons of B6C3F1 mice following 13 weeks of THM treatment or in the colons of A/J mice following 13 and 30 weeks of BDCM exposure. These studies demonstrate that brominated THMs administered in the drinking water significantly induced preneoplastic ACF in the colon of rats.
Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor–Mediated Regulation of Rat Neuronal K+ Channels

We have previously shown that angiotensin II (Ang II), via AT2 receptors, increases whole-cell K+ current in cultured rat hypothalamus and brain stem neurons. We have now investigated the AT2 receptor–mediated effects of Ang II on the activity of single delayed rectifier K+ channels in cell-attached membrane patches. In control recordings (bath, 5.4 mmol/L K+; pipette, 140 mmol/L K+), two voltage-dependent channels were recorded with conductances of 34±4 and 56±6 pS, respectively (n=6). When patches were excised, the channels reversed near a membrane potential expected for a K+ channel. In cell-attached patches (−40 mV), Ang II (100 nmol/L) increased open probability of the 56-pS K+ channel from 0.03±0.01 to 0.21±0.05 (n=3). The selective AT2 receptor antagonist PD 123319 (1 μmol/L) but not the AT1 receptor antagonist losartan (1 μmol/L) blocked the actions of Ang II (n=3). The selective AT2 receptor agonist CGP 42112 (100 nmol/L) produced similar effects to Ang II. Kinetic analysis of the Ang II effect s...
Japanese Language Educators' Strategies for and Attitudes toward Teaching Kanji

The attitudes of 251 second language teachers toward kanji and their choices of instructional strategies for teaching kanji were explored in this study. Principal component analysis resulted in the identification of 6 statistically reliable domains representing underlying attitudes toward teaching kanji (cultural tradition, difficulty of kanji, affective orientation, aptitudes, usefulness of kanji, and expectation for the future of kanji) and 3 instructional strategies (context, memory, and rote learning). Descriptive statistics revealed that the most positive attitude was toward the “usefulness of kanji” and that the most common instructional strategy was “rote learning.” Canonical correlation revealed a statistically significant correlation between 3 attitude variables—affective orientation, usefulness of kanji, and cultural tradition—and 2 instructional strategies—memory and context strategies. The results showed that: (a) the underlying attitudes toward teaching kanji and teaching strategies were multidimensional and complex, and (b) teachers who appreciated the cultural tradition in kanji and its practical utility tended to have a more positive affect and were more likely to utilize memory and contextual strategies for teaching kanji, although rote learning strategies were the most frequent among all teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
A Three-Terminal Silicon-PMOSFET-Like Light-Emitting Device (LED) for Optical Intensity Modulation

A Si- p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (PMOSFET)-like LED has been developed for light emission modulation. In contrast to a two-terminal Si-diode LED modulated by current signal, a major advantage of this three-terminal Si-PMOSFET LED is that the optical intensity modulation can be controlled by gate voltage signal, a standard CMOSFET operation to ease both logic circuit implementation and light modulation. The gate applied voltage induces carrier concentration modulation at both channel and source/drain region under the gate, thus modulating electric-field distribution and its light emission. Fabricated in a standard CMOS process technology, this Si-PMOSFET LED ensures its potential on realizing silicon optoelectronic integration.
EDGE AVOIDANCE BY NESTING GRASSLAND BIRDS: A FUTILE STRATEGY IN A FRAGMENTED LANDSCAPE

Abstract Some grassland passerine species are considered area-sensitive, but the mechanisms underlying that phenomenon are not understood, particularly on grazed grasslands. Area sensitivity may result from edge avoidance or higher nest predation near edges, both of which may be influenced by predator activity or cattle-induced vegetational differences between pasture edge and interior. We assessed the effect of distance to edge on nest density and predation Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis), Grasshopper Sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum), Bobolinks (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), and meadowlarks (Sturnella spp.) along wooded and nonwooded edges of Wisconsin pastures in 1998-2000 and the activity of potential mammalian nest predators along those edges in 2000-2001. We found a positive relationship between nest density and distance from edge for all edge types combined, but that was not the result of effects of wooded edges: we found no difference in density between nests located <50 or <100 m from wood...
Generation of photonic superposition states by two-photon absorption

Pure superposition states obtained with two-level atoms, photons, nuclear spins, etc. are of great importance in quantum computing and quantum cryptography. The physical realization of photon qubits (quantum bits) is partially realized with the aid of two-photon absorption, which gives rise to strong coherence of the off-diagonal matrix element between the vacuum and the one-photon state. Although a true phase state is not obtained, nevertheless, the mixed state produced is rather close to being a pure state.
Robust multipath source routing protocol (RMPSR) for video communication over wireless ad hoc networks

Multipath routing is effective in wireless ad hoc networks, since connectivity along multiple paths is less likely to be broken. We propose a multipath extension to dynamic source routing to support multipath video communication over wireless ad hoc networks. The proposed scheme is compared to others for interactive video applications. Simulations show effectiveness of our proposed scheme
Remote sensing of selected water-quality indicators with the hyperspectral imager for the coastal ocean HICO sensor

The Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean (HICO) offers the coastal environmental monitoring community an unprecedented opportunity to observe changes in coastal and estuarine water quality across a range of spatial scales not feasible with traditional field-based monitoring or existing ocean colour satellites. HICO, an Office of Naval Research-sponsored programme, is the first space-based maritime hyperspectral imaging instrument designed specifically for the coastal ocean. HICO has been operating since September 2009 from the Japanese Experiment Module – Exposed Facility on the International Space Station (ISS). The high pixel resolution (approximately 95 m at nadir) and hyperspectral imaging capability offer a unique opportunity for characterizing a wide range of water colour constituents that could be used to assess environmental condition. In this study, we transform atmospherically corrected ISS/HICO hyperspectral imagery and derive environmental response variables routinely used for evaluating...
Multi-agent coordination under connectivity constraints

We study the problem of motion coordination of multiple agents, under a graph connectivity constraint. We develop a framework for the problem based on partial ordering of graphs and embedding of constraint sets and identify a certain convexity property of the constraint set induced by the graph connectivity constraint. This property is used to solve two instances of the coordination problem. In the first instance, the agents are required to converge from an arbitrary position to a formation characterized by its adjacency matrix. In the second instance, we study the specific problem of moving from one formation to another formation so that the formation graph remains connected at all times. We show that both these problems can be reduced to static convex optimization problems. Existence and uniqueness of solutions are also investigated.
What is the best screening strategy to detect advanced colorectal adenomas? Simulation from ongoing Italian screening experiences.

Aims and background. The best screening strategy for colorectal cancer is still debated. We simulated two screening strategies, namely flexible sigmoidoscopy (single episode) and immunological fecal occult blood test (FOBT) (five biennial rounds) and comparing their results as regards advanced adenomas and colorectal cancer detection. Methods. A Markov model was developed to estimate the number of advanced adenomas and colorectal cancer detected with the two compared screening strategies. Two different scenarios, namely a) where the same compliance (50%) at both flexible sigmoidoscopy and immunological FOBT invitation is applied, and b) where the actual compliance observed at a national level (immunological FOBT, 45%; flexible sigmoidoscopy, 30%) is applied. Results.In scenario a), immunological FOBT would detect a total of 20,573 adenomas and 3,952 colorectal cancers, performing 74,507 total colonoscopies compared to 20,939 and 2,511, respectively, detected by flexible sigmoidoscopy, with 17,985 total colonoscopies. In scenario b), immunological FOBT would detect 17,845 advanced adenomas with 65,215 colonoscopies performed compared to 12,672 detected by flexible sigmoidoscopy with 10,796 colonoscopies. The probability of having a colonoscopy for a subject attending all the five immunological FOBT rounds was 15.9%. Conclusions. The simulation suggests that also immunological FOBT screening may achieve a substantial detection of advanced adenomas and therefore may have an impact on colorectal cancer incidence.
A 10-year restrospective evaluation of ultrasound in pregnant abdominal trauma patients

The pregnant abdominal trauma patient presents a unique diagnostic challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of abdominal sonography for the detection of clinically important injuries in pregnant abdominal trauma patients. A retrospective review was performed of a trauma center database from 2001 to 2011. Medical records were reviewed to determine initial abdominal imaging test results and clinical course. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of ultrasound for detection of traumatic injury were calculated. Of 19,128 patients with suspected abdominal trauma, 385 (2 %) were pregnant. Of these, 372 (97 %) received ultrasound as the initial abdominal imaging test. All 13 pregnant patients who did not receive ultrasound received abdominal CT. Seven pregnant patients underwent both ultrasound and CT. Seven ultrasound examinations were positive, leading to one therapeutic Cesarean section and one laparotomy. One ultrasound was considered false positive (no injury was seen on subsequent CT). There were 365 negative ultrasound examinations. Of these, 364 were true negative (no abdominal injury subsequently found). One ultrasound was considered false negative (a large fetal subchorionic hemorrhage seen on subsequent dedicated obstetrical ultrasound). Sensitivity and positive predictive value were 85.7 %. Specificity and negative predictive value were 99.7 %. Abdominal sonography is an effective and sufficient imaging examination in pregnant abdominal trauma patients. When performed as part of the initial assessment using an abbreviated trauma protocol with brief modifications for pregnancy, ultrasound minimizes diagnostic delay, obviates radiation risk, and provides high sensitivity for injury in the pregnant population.
Adult Children’s Serious Health Conditions and the Flow of Support Between the Generations

Purpose: The life cour se perspective suggests that serious physical or mental health conditions that limit the daily activities of any one family member are likely to be consequential for other family members as well. In this article, we explored whether adult children’s serious health conditions affected the flow of expressive and instrumental support between mothers and both the offspring with health conditions and other offspring in the family. Design and Methods: W e used data collected from 369 older mothers (M = 78 years) regarding 1,338 of their adult children (M = 49 years), as part of the Within-Family Differences Study-II. Results: Adult c hildren with serious health conditions were more likely than their siblings to be given support by their mothers. The presence of adult children with health issues did not reduce mothers’ provision of expressive or instrumental support to their children without health conditions. However, in families in which a higher proportion of children had serious health conditions, mothers received expressive support from a greater proportion of their healthy adult children than in families with a smaller proportion of adult children with health conditions. Implications: These findings contribute to a growing body of researc h demonstrating the ways in which conditions in adult children’s lives affect their mothers.
Coefficient alpha: A basic introduction from the perspectives of classical test theory and structural equation modeling

This article is a pedagogical piece on coefficient alpha (α) and its uses. The classical approach to test reliability is explained. Test‐retest, alternative‐forms, and internal‐consistency methods of approximating test reliability are described, equations are derived for each method, and α is shown to be a lower‐bound internal‐consistency approximation to test reliability. Emphasis is placed on the effects of violations of model assumptions on reliability estimation. The classical models are conceptualized as structural equation models and are displayed in path diagrams. Special emphasis is placed on the failure of α to meet certain basic criteria as an index of test homogeneity.
The Mortgage Crisis: Tipping Points and Trends Underlying the Housing Boom and its Subsequent Bust

In The Mortgage Crisis, a PowerPoint presentation, tipping points and enabling trends are identified which, in the author’s opinion, played key roles leading to the housing boom and the subsequent mortgage crisis, which eventually spread to the entire financial system and the real economy. For example, one of the tipping points was the failure of the bond rating agencies to properly assess risks of default of subprime mortgage loans and mortgage-backed structured notes. Another tipping point was the investment banks’ overleveraged positions in structured notes. Enabling trends include: Greenspan put in the form of setting interest rates too low for too long following the dot.com implosion resulted in unchecked credit expansion; SEC permitted markedly-higher leverage for securities firms in 2004; the political roles of Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac increased risk; globalization of financial markets led to increased risk-taking; building infrastructure for China’s Olympics may have led to the oil price spike and the global economic crisis; and financial models resulted in misaligned incentives for players. Two Tables of Contents, on Charts 2 and 41, enable the reader to focus on selected topics covered in The Mortgage Crisis, including each of the four major tipping points of the crisis and the thirteen enabling trends. The spread of the mortgage crisis to the entire financial market is delineated in Mortgage Crisis led to Credit and Illiquidity Crisis, a sequel by the same author.
Hydrogen Storage Properties of Magnesium Hydride with V-Based Additives

Magnesium hydride is one of the most promising candidates for solid-state hydrogen storage and thermal energy storage applications. The effects of V-based solid solution alloys on the hydrogenation and dehydrogenation behavior of magnesium hydride are studied. Significant reduction of the dehydrogenation temperature and improvements of the kinetics of both absorption and desorption reactions were observed for MgH2 with V-based additives. Those observations were made using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and pressure–composition–temperature (PCT) techniques. In situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements suggest that the additives functioned as catalysts during the reactions. The comparison of the characteristics of different additives suggested that the hydrogen equilibrium pressures of those additives themselves have a significant bearing on their effects on the kinetic behaviors of MgH2. The lower is the stability of an additive as a hydride, the more effective it would be as a catalyst.
Approaches to Inactivate Genes in Zebrafish

Animal models of tumor initiation and tumor progression are essential components toward understanding cancer and designing/validating future therapies. Zebrafish is a powerful model for studying tumorigenesis and has been successfully exploited in drug discovery. According to the zebrafish reference genome, 82 % of disease-associated genes in the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database have clear zebrafish orthologues. Using a variety of large-scale random mutagenesis methods developed to date, zebrafish can provide a unique opportunity to identify gene mutations that may be associated with cancer predisposition. On the other hand, newer technologies enabling targeted mutagenesis can facilitate reverse cancer genetic studies and open the door for complex genetic analysis of tumorigenesis. In this chapter, we will describe the various technologies for conducting genome editing in zebrafish with special emphasis on the approaches to inactivate genes.
Immunology of Reproduction

Publisher Summary This chapter studies immunology of reproduction. There are several distinctive antigens that can be detected in human spermatozoa by immunofluorescent staining with certain human sera. Three antigens were noted in different parts of the sperm head. These were seen in the front part of the acrosome, the equatorial segment and the postnuclear cap. Two of these antigens were common to bull and rabbit spermatozoa. The localization of the autoantigens in guinea pig sperm cells, as revealed by immunofluorescence with the autoantibodies was described. Each of these three antigens has a distinctive distribution in the cell. The factor of apparent major importance in preventing graft rejection of the fetus concerns the protective nature of trophoblast. A controversy continues as to whether a coating of sialomucin or a lack of transplantation antigens accounts for its acceptance by the mother. Studies demonstrating a finite inherent lifespan, and which also suggested that suppressed differentiation of trophoblast giant cells resulted in suppression of transplantation antigens, were reported.
Tying it all Together

Toward the end of the semester I asked students to write a note to future students of this course to help them mitigate their struggles with the paradigm shift (see Appendix E for excerpts from students’ advice notes). Much of what was written supported my interpretations in this case study, especially regarding the grade obsession. Each student’s comment said something about grading.
Introduction to Clinical Proteomics

Within the context of this section, biomarkers are defined as a panel of proteins and peptides that are predictive of the risk for developing a pathological condition. It is important to note here that the use of the descriptor ‘panel’ is purposeful in that single “biomarkers” are rarely sufficient to permit accurate prediction of a pathological condition. More specifically, the primary application of a biomarker panel is that it serves as a molecular indicator of the severity of a disease or its early response to treatment. In this way, biomarkers enable the application of precision medicine, an approach that tailors specific interventions to those individuals that would most benefit. For a recent comprehensive review of the proteomic-based biomarker development process with a focus on bladder cancer, the reader is directed to Frantzi et al. [Clin Transl Med 3:7, 2014], or a special issue with multiple reviews [Stuhler and Poschmann, Biochim Biophys Acta Proteins Proteomics 1844:859–1058, Elsevier, B V, 2014].
Harness Suspension Stress: Physiological and Safety Assessment

Hanging motionless in a full body harness may result in unwanted events, such as acute hypotension and syncope, which has been termed harness suspension stress (HSS). The etiology of HSS has not been explored, and it is unknown if the type of harness influences the HSS response.Objectives:Evaluate h
High-Surface Area Ceria-Zirconia Films Prepared by Atomic Layer Deposition

Ceria-zirconia, solid solutions were prepared as thin, dense films on a 130-m2/g γ-Al2O3 by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) for use as catalyst supports. Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 solid solutions were grown by alternating between Ce(TMHD)4 and Zr(TMHD)4 precursors during ALD cycles. 50 precursor-oxidation cycles resulted in a material with 0.77 g Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 per g γ-Al2O3, corresponding to an average film thickness of 1.0 nm. The lattice parameter obtained from XRD was consistent with formation of a solid solution and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) showed the mixed oxide was uniformly deposited. When impregnated with 1-wt% Pd, the ALD-prepared Ce0.5Zr0.5O2-γ-Al2O3 catalyst showed CO-oxidation activity similar to Pd on bulk Ce0.5Zr0.5O2; however, the ALD-prepared sample maintained much of its surface area and catalytic activity when heated to temperatures up to 1273 K.
Multiple cis-acting signals, some weak by necessity, collectively direct robust transport of oskar mRNA to the oocyte

ABSTRACT Localization of mRNAs can involve multiple steps, each with its own cis -acting localization signals and transport factors. How is the transition between different steps orchestrated? We show that the initial step in localization of Drosophila oskar mRNA − transport from nurse cells to the oocyte − relies on multiple cis -acting signals. Some of these are binding sites for the translational control factor Bruno, suggesting that Bruno plays an additional role in mRNA transport. Although transport of oskar mRNA is essential and robust, the localization activity of individual transport signals is weak. Notably, increasing the strength of individual transport signals, or adding a strong transport signal, disrupts the later stages of oskar mRNA localization. We propose that the oskar transport signals are weak by necessity; their weakness facilitates transfer of the oskar mRNA from the oocyte transport machinery to the machinery for posterior localization.
The Impact on Resource Utilization of Supportive Care Consults on Patients at the University of North Carolina Hospital, 2010–2012

Abstract Background: Cancer patients have a high rate of emergency department (ED) visits and inpatient hospitalizations (IHs) that may be reduced by use of outpatient palliative care services. Objective: To determine whether the outpatient adult palliative care service at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Hospital, begun in 2008, reduced the frequency of ED visits and IH during a two-year period. Design: The charts of patients with lung cancer or head and neck cancer seen by the supportive care service from 2010 to 2011, and of a contemporaneous set of potential consults that were not seen, were retrospectively reviewed to determine the impact of this care delivery model. Setting/Subjects: The number of individuals with lung cancer and head cancer seen during this two-year period was 24 and 23, respectively, permitting a statistical analysis from which meaningful conclusions could be drawn. Measurements: The frequency of ED visits and IHs for each patient was reviewed. Descriptive statistics were us...
Obesity, Cognitive Functioning, and Dementia: A Lifespan Prospective

In this review we describe the evolution in research on overweight and obesity in relation to cognitive function with an emphasis on: (a) study designs which move backward in time from the diagnosis to the pre-clinical stages of dementia and even further back in time to childhood in order to understand bi-directional relations between cognition and weight; and (b) the evolution of studies on obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors as major mediators of relations between obesity and cognition to a more recent emphasis on metabolic variables, lifestyle variables, genotype, and other mechanisms that explain relations between weight change, obesity, and cognition. We review methodological and theoretical issues and conclude that a complete understanding of the causal links between weight and cognitive functioning requires a lifespan perspective using prospective and longitudinal designs, randomized-to-treatment clinical trials of weight lowering and cognition, and careful examination of biological and social psychological mediators between weight and cognitive performance.
Don Juan’s Autre Mondialisation

Don Juan represents the climax of Byron’s cultural ecology, both as a politics of eco-cosmopolitanism and as an ecotonal poetics. It is an environment poem that presumes language operates like an ecosystem, and uses this ecotonal poetics to “war…in words … with all who war with / Thought.” Byron develops a mature politics that sources its notion of freedom from a systems analysis of ecological functioning. Tyranny and systems of domination in the post-Waterloo age appear to be ripe for collapse and transformation to more open, dynamic, integrated systems that will better realize the creative potential of all members. By exposing the logic of domination that currently structures the globalizing world, Byron points the way toward a different kind of world-building.
Value of selective venous catheterization in the diagnosis of hyperandrogenism.

Objective To discuss the clinical utility of ovarian vessel sampling in the context of the evaluation and treatment of ovarian hyperthecosis. Design Patient presentation in video format, ovarian vessel sampling demonstration, surgical technique explanation, surgical histology discussion and ovarian hyperthecosis review. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) A 30-year-old nulligravid female presented with severe hyperandrogenic features, consistent with polycystic ovary syndrome. Intervention(s) During the course of her diagnostic evaluation, she underwent selective ovarian and adrenal vein sampling. Main Outcome Measure(s) Assessment of ovarian vessel testosterone levels and review of final histologic findings. Result(s) Selective ovarian and adrenal vein sampling revealed right ovarian testosterone levels that were 200 times the upper limit of normal. As occult malignancy was a concern, laparoscopy was performed, with nearly complete removal of the right ovarian stroma. Pathology revealed ovarian stromal hyperthecosis without evidence of malignancy. Conclusion(s) Selective venous sampling is a technically challenging procedure, which may help localize an occult malignancy in limited circumstances. In utilizing selective venous sampling, one must consider the limitations of the test, potential for false positive results, and possibility of unnecessary surgical interventions.
HIV latency in isolated patient CD4+ T cells may be due to blocks in HIV transcriptional elongation, completion, and splicing

Latently infected CD4+ T cells are the main barrier to complete clearance of HIV infection, but it is unclear what mechanisms govern latent HIV infection in vivo. To address this question, we developed a new panel of reverse transcription droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (RT-ddPCR) assays specific for different HIV transcripts that define distinct blocks to transcription. We applied this panel of assays to CD4+ T cells freshly isolated from HIV-infected patients on suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) to quantify the degree to which different mechanisms inhibit HIV transcription. In addition, we measured the degree to which these transcriptional blocks could be reversed ex vivo by T cell activation (using anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies) or latency-reversing agents. We found that the main reversible block to HIV RNA transcription was not inhibition of transcriptional initiation but rather a series of blocks to proximal elongation, distal transcription/polyadenylation (completion), and multiple splicing. Cell dilution experiments suggested that these mechanisms operated in most of the HIV-infected CD4+ T cells examined. Latency-reversing agents exerted differential effects on the three blocks to HIV transcription, suggesting that these blocks may be governed by different mechanisms.
Elemental characterization of Suaeda mollis L. (Amaranthaceae) from Algerian rangelands using gamma-ray spectrometry

Present study was performed to measure the chemical status of Suaeda mollis L. (Amaranthaceae) that is widely browsed by livestock (sheep and goats) in Algerian arid rangelands. Gamma-ray spectrometry technique was performed to characterize some major and trace elements, e.g., calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, cobalt, europium, antimony, and terbium in this fodder-shrub. Results revealed that S. mollis had good levels of calcium, potassium, and cobalt to meet needs of sheep and goats. However, this species had substantial level of sodium above the recommended concentration for livestock. The potential toxins (europium, antimony and terbium) were within the safety-limits suggested by the National Research Council guidelines. The data obtained in the present study can be useful in the ration formulation for grazing livestock.
Sarcoma–The standard-bearer in cancer discovery

Abstract Sarcoma is a rare tumor type that occurs most frequently in connective tissue. Despite its uncommon occurrence, sarcoma research has provided the means for groundbreaking research that has advanced our understanding of general cancer mechanisms. It is through sarcoma research that the pioneering efforts of cancer immunotherapy were explored, that we understand the inherent genetic nature of cancer mutations, and that we appreciate the subclassification of general cancer types to make more accurate prognoses. This review explores the brief history of sarcoma research and what sarcomas can still teach us about the future of cancer research, especially in regard to novel immunotherapy targets, the role of epigenetics in disease progression and chemoresistance, and the benefits of more focused clinical trials.
Cytokines, STATs and liver disease

The Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway, activated by more than 50 cytokines or growth factors, plays critical roles in a wide variety of cellular functions in the hematopoietic, immune, neuronal and hepatic systems. In the liver, this signaling pathway, activated by more than 20 cytokines, growth factors, hormones, and hepatitis viral proteins, plays critical roles in antiviral defense, acute phase response, hepatic injury, repair, inflammation, transformation, and hepatitis. This article reviews the biological significance of STAT1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 in hepatic functions and diseases.
The Dynamic Interplay Between Satisfaction With Intimate Relationship Functioning and Daily Mood in Low-Income Outpatients

Substantial research supports bidirectional links between intimate relationship discord and individual psychopathology, including depressive symptoms. However, few studies have utilized daily diary methods to capture the micro-level processes underlying the association between couple discord and depression, particularly among populations that are at elevated risk for both interpersonal and individual dysfunction. To address this gap, we examined whether daily changes in satisfaction with relationship functioning were associated with daily changes in negative affect and positive affect over the span of 2 weeks among mental health outpatients of low socioeconomic status. Participants were 53 low-income outpatients from community mental health clinics who completed a semi-structured interview about the quality of their intimate relationships followed by 14 daily reports of positive and negative mood and satisfaction with relationship functioning across several domains. Growth curve analytic techniques revealed the hypothesized bidirectional relations. Decline in satisfaction with relationship functioning predicted escalation in negative affect and deterioration in positive affect over 2 weeks, and deterioration of mood predicted declining satisfaction with relationship functioning. This study extends existing knowledge about couple dysfunction and individual psychopathology by highlighting the immediate nature of this dynamic process as it unfolds over time.
Evidence that communities of practice are associated with active learning in large STEM lectures

With the increased attention on the need to retain students within STEM majors, it is important for STEM instructors to adopt evidence-based instructional practices that are student-centric and employ active learning techniques. However, traditional approaches for increasing student-centric, active learning practices such as workshops, seminars, and department or college mandates have been either inefficient or ineffective at motivating institutional change. This is particularly true for introductory STEM courses with large enrollments. One promising approach is to develop and support instructors in forming communities of practice around reforming introductory and foundational STEM courses. By engaging instructors within these communities of practice, and connecting the communities with each other, instructors may be more likely to experience an epistemological shift that will lead to adoption of active learning practices. To explore whether participating in a community of practice is related to the use of student-centered, active learning techniques, 25 undergraduate foundational STEM courses whose instructors were members of a community of practice were observed using the Classroom Observation Protocol for Undergraduate STEM Courses. The results were compared to a sample of 35 undergraduate foundational STEM courses whose instructors were not members of a community of practice. Instructors who were members of a community of practice were much more likely to employ student-centric practices, such as asking questions, following up, and engaging in discussion, and much less likely to use instructor-centered practices, such as lecturing. In addition, students in these classes were more likely to be actively engaged in problem-solving activities rather than passively listening. We found that student-centric, active learning practices correlated with students attending and actively participating in class, an effect that is stronger for courses taught by instructors who were members of a community of practice. Communities of practice are a potentially effective mechanism for enhancing student learning and retention by increasing the use of active learning practices by STEM instructors. These communities are particularly effective when they consist of small, disciplinary teams working on the same course(s) and are linked with other individuals or groups that use evidence-based instructional practices.
Effects of catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibition on effort-related choice behavior in male mice

Abstract Effort-related choice (ERC) tasks allow animals to choose between high-value reinforcers that require high effort to obtain or low-value/low-effort reinforcers. Dopaminergic neuromodulation regulates effort-related choice behavior. The enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) metabolizes synaptically-released dopamine. COMT is the predominate regulator of dopamine turnover in regions of the brain with low levels of dopamine transporters, including the prefrontal cortex. Here, we evaluated the effects of the COMT inhibitor tolcapone on ERC performance in a touchscreen-based fixed-ratio/concurrent chow assay in male mice. In this task, mice were given the choice between engaging in a fixed number of instrumental responses to acquire a strawberry milk reward and consuming standard lab chow concurrently available on the chamber floor. We found no significant effects of tolcapone treatment on either strawberry milk earned or chow consumed compared to vehicle treatment. In contrast, we found that haloperidol decreased instrumental responding for strawberry milk and increased chow consumption as seen in previously published studies. These data suggest that COMT inhibition does not significantly affect effort-related decision making in a fixed-ratio/concurrent chow task in male mice.
Implementation of Urinalysis with Reflex Urine Culture to Reduce Unnecessary Urine Cultures

Purpose: According to the AAP Pediatric Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Clinical Practice Guidelines Action Statement, the diagnosis of a UTI is made on the basis of quantitative urine culture results in addition to evidence of pyuria and/or bacteriuria. Urine cultures sent without evidence of pyuria or bacteriuria may lead to over-treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria. The purpose of this study was to change ordering practices to decrease the number of unnecessary urine cultures performed. Methods: …
Chapter 36 – Alexander Disease

Publisher Summary This chapter outlines the history of Alexander disease, followed by its clinical diagnosis. It is noted that prior to finding that GFAP mutations underlie many cases of Alexander disease, it was unclear whether the disease originated in astrocytes or whether the formation of Rosenthal fibers was a response to an external insult. It was also unclear whether the etiology of the disease was environmental or genetic. For many cases of Alexander disease, these questions have now been answered. An immediate clinical benefit of this discovery is the possibility of diagnosing most cases of Alexander disease through analysis of patient DNA samples, rather than resorting to brain biopsy. In addition, fetal testing is now an option for parents who have had an Alexander-disease child with an identiWed mutation and who wish to have additional children. For the future, these mutations should provide a unique window for illuminating the mechanism of the disease, for further understanding the role of astrocytes and GFAP in myelination, and eventually, for suggesting means of treatment.
Notch3 signaling promotes tumor cell adhesion and progression in a murine epithelial ovarian cancer model

High grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) is the most common and deadly type of ovarian cancer, largely due to difficulties in early diagnosis and rapid metastasis throughout the peritoneal cavity. Previous studies have shown that expression of Notch3 correlates with worse prognosis and increased tumorigenic cell behaviors in HGSC. We investigated the mechanistic role of Notch3 in a model of metastatic ovarian cancer using the murine ovarian surface epithelial cell line, ID8 IP2. Notch3 was activated in ID8 IP2 cells via expression of the Notch3 intracellular domain (Notch3IC). Notch3IC ID8 IP2 cells injected intraperitoneally caused accelerated ascites and reduced survival compared to control ID8 IP2, particularly in early stages of disease. We interrogated downstream targets of Notch3IC in ID8 IP2 cells by RNA sequencing and found significant induction of genes that encode adhesion and extracellular matrix proteins. Notch3IC ID8 IP2 showed increased expression of ITGA1 mRNA and cell-surface protein. Notch3IC-mediated increase of ITGA1 was also seen in two human ovarian cancer cells. Notch3IC ID8 IP2 cells showed increased adhesion to collagens I and IV in vitro. We propose that Notch3 activation in ovarian cancer cells causes increased adherence to collagen-rich peritoneal surfaces. Thus, the correlation between increased Notch3 signaling and poor prognosis may be influenced by increased metastasis of HGSC via increased adherence of disseminating cells to new metastatic sites in the peritoneum.
Rolling Circle Amplification is a high fidelity and efficient alternative to plasmid preparation for the rescue of infectious clones.

Abstract Alphaviruses (genus Alphavirus; family Togaviridae) are a medically relevant family of viruses that include chikungunya virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus, and the emerging Mayaro virus. Infectious cDNA clones of these viruses are necessary molecular tools to understand viral biology and to create effective vaccines. The traditional approach to rescuing virus from an infectious cDNA clone requires propagating large amounts of plasmids in bacteria, which can result in unwanted mutations in the viral genome due to bacterial toxicity or recombination and requires specialized equipment and knowledge to propagate the bacteria. Here, we present an alternative to the bacterial-based plasmid platform that uses rolling circle amplification (RCA), an in vitro technology that amplifies plasmid DNA using only basic equipment. We demonstrate that the use of RCA to amplify plasmid DNA is comparable to the use of a midiprepped plasmid in terms of viral yield, albeit with a slight delay in virus recovery kinetics. RCA, however, has lower cost and time requirements and amplifies DNA with high fidelity and with no chance of unwanted mutations due to toxicity. We show that sequential RCA reactions do not introduce mutations into the viral genome and, thus, can replace the need for glycerol stocks or bacteria entirely. These results indicate that RCA is a viable alternative to traditional plasmid-based approaches to viral rescue. Importance The development of infectious cDNA clones is critical to studying viral pathogenesis and for developing vaccines. The current method for propagating clones in bacteria is limited by the toxicity of the viral genome within the bacterial host, resulting in deleterious mutations in the viral genome, which can only be detected through whole-genome sequencing. These mutations can attenuate the virus, leading to lost time and resources and potentially confounding results. We have developed an alternative method of preparing large quantities of DNA that can be directly transfected to recover infectious virus without the need for bacteria by amplifying the infectious cDNA clone plasmid using rolling circle amplification (RCA). Our results indicate that viral rescue from an RCA product produces a viral yield equal to bacterial-derived plasmid DNA, albeit with a slight delay in replication kinetics. The RCA platform, however, is significantly more cost and time-efficient compared to traditional approaches. When the simplicity and costs of RCA are combined, we propose that a shift to an RCA platform will benefit the field of molecular virology and could have significant advantages for recombinant vaccine production.