cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ca2+ influx–independent synaptic potentiation mediated by mitochondrial Na+-Ca2+ exchanger and protein kinase C

Activity-dependent modulation of synaptic transmission is an essential mechanism underlying many brain functions. Here we report an unusual form of synaptic modulation that depends on Na+ influx and mitochondrial Na+-Ca2+ exchanger, but not on Ca2+ influx. In Ca2+-free medium, tetanic stimulation of Xenopus motoneurons induced a striking potentiation of transmitter release at neuromuscular synapses. Inhibition of either Na+ influx or the rise of Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) at nerve terminals prevented the tetanus-induced synaptic potentiation (TISP). Blockade of Ca2+ release from mitochondrial Na+-Ca2+ exchanger, but not from ER Ca2+ stores, also inhibited TISP. Tetanic stimulation in Ca2+-free medium elicited an increase in [Ca2+]i, which was prevented by inhibition of Na+ influx or mitochondrial Ca2+ release. Inhibition of PKC blocked the TISP as well as mitochondrial Ca2+ release. These results reveal a novel form of synaptic plasticity and suggest a role of PKC in mitochondrial Ca2+ release during synaptic transmission.
MesA, a Novel Fungal Protein Required for the Stabilization of Polarity Axes in Aspergillus nidulans

The Aspergillus nidulans proteome possesses a single formin, SepA, which is required for actin ring formation at septation sites and also plays a role in polarized morphogenesis. Previous observations imply that complex regulatory mechanisms control the function of SepA and ensure its correct localization within hyphal tip cells. To characterize these mechanisms, we undertook a screen for mutations that enhance sepA defects. Of the mutants recovered, mesA1 causes the most dramatic defect in polarity establishment when SepA function is compromised. In a wild-type background, mesA1 mutants undergo aberrant hyphal morphogenesis, whereas septum formation remains unaffected. Molecular characterization revealed that MesA is a novel fungal protein that contains predicted transmembrane domains and localizes to hyphal tips. We show that MesA promotes the localized assembly of actin cables at polarization sites by facilitating the stable recruitment of SepA. We also provide evidence that MesA may regulate the formation or distribution of sterol-rich membrane domains. Our results suggest that these domains may be part of novel mechanism that directs SepA to hyphal tips.
Laser measurement techniques for detecting age-related degradation of device radiation response

The potential for aging effects in silicon electronics is a concern for systems with prolonged service lives that contain electronics that must function in extreme radiation environments. A set of laserbased diagnostic techniques is described that is used to provide ongoing awareness of changes in the radiation response of aging discrete and integrated circuits.
An Overview Of The Home Health Prospective Payment System Rate Update For CY 2009

Beginning October 1, 2000, as required by the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1997 and related amendments, Medicare began to reimburse home health agencies for home health services under the new Home Health Prospective Payment System (HHPPS). Under HHPPS, all home health costs for services including medical supplies are paid using a basic unit of payment known as the 60-Day Episode. The amount of the payment is calculated using a national standardized rate, adjusted for case mix and a wage index based on the site of service. For 60-Day Episodes beginning and ending in 2008, the Medicare HHPPS national standardized rate was updated by a new 153 case mix grouping and a new wage index value determined by the site of service for the patient. The August 29,2008 ( 72 FR 49792) and November 30, 2008( 72 FR 67656) Federal Registers discuss the “Home Health Prospective Payment System Refinement and Rate Update For Calendar Year 2008” changes which include a rebasing and revising of the home health market basket resulting in new labor portion percentage of 77.082 and non-labor portion percentage of 22.918, the new LUPA (Low Utilization Payment Adjustments) per visit payment amounts, the inclusion of an additional payment for NRS ( Non-Routine Supplies), elimination of the SCIC(Significant Change In Condition) payment, and adjustments to PEP ( Partial Episode Payment) and Outlier payments. This paper discusses an overview of the updated 2008 Medicare HHPPS national standardized rate for CY 2009.
Prolonged Tourniquet Ischemia of Extremities

The effects of the application of a tourniquet for five hours to the hind limbs of anesthetized dogs were studied under various conditions. The time required for the return of skin and muscle temperatures to normal after tourniquet ischemia was determined, as well as the degree of edema at the site of the application of the tourniquet and the neuromuscular damage. Massive edema and drop-foot were observed in untreated dogs after occlusion by the tourniquet for five hours. Heparin administered prior to tourniquet application, or just prior to tourniquet removal, afforded considerable amelioration of this damage, with a lessened degree of edema that resolved earlier. Drop-foot was prevented, and the return of skin and muscle temperatures to normal levels was more rapid if heparin was administered. Selective hypothermia afforded practically complete protection of the ischemic limbs from the changes observed in the control animals. The explanation of these beneficial effects of heparin and hypothermia is not apparent, and further studies are in progress.
A Set of Independent Axioms for Extensive Quantities

The modern viewpoint on quantities goes back at least to Newton’s Universal Arithmetick. Newton asserts that the relation between any two quantities of the same kind can be expressed by a real, positive number.2 In 1901, O. Hoelder gave a set of ‘Axiome der Quantitaet’, which are sufficient to establish an isomorphism between any realization of his axioms and the additive semigroup of all positive real numbers. Related work of Hilbert, Veronese and others is indicative of a general interest in the subject of quantities in the abstract on the part of mathematicians of this period. During the last thirty years, from another direction, philosophers of science have become interested in the logical analysis of empirical procedures of measurement.3 The interests of these two groups overlap insofar as the philosophers have been concerned to state the formal conditions which must be satisfied by empirical operations measuring some characteristic of physical objects (or other entities). Philosophers have divided quantities (that is, entities or objects considered relatively to a given characteristic, such as mass, length or hardness) into two kinds. Intensive quantities are those which can merely be arranged in a serial order; extensive quantities are those for which a “natural” operation of addition or combination can also be specified. Another, more exact, way of making a distinction of this order is to say that intensive quantities are quantities to which numbers can be assigned uniquely up to a monotone transformation, and extensive quantities are quantities to which numbers can be assigned uniquely up to a similarity transformation (that is, multiplication by a positive constant).4 This last condition may be said to be the criterion of formal adequacy for a system of extensive quantities.
One Common Goal and One Unified Wish: A Cure for Acute Leukemia.

Relationship-based care (RBC) is a theoretical framework best described as "when nurses and their colleagues own their practice and consciously create environments of healing, their efforts visibly affect the practitioners, the practice, and the physical space" (Koloroutis, 2004, p. 24). The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio, adopted RBC in 2005 as the theoretic framework to guide nursing practice. As the RBC council of the 10E James Acute Leukemia Unit began working on primary nursing, they realized the need for a unit RBC project to inspire and unify staff to the newly developed unit vision. .
F-18 FDG PET/CT evaluation of solid organ transplant recipients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy

1684 Objectives Solid organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressive therapy often develop opportunistic infections as well as neoplastic processes, including Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disease (PTLD). The aim of this retrospective analysis is to evaluate utility of F-18 Flurodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT in surveillance of patients after solid organ transplantation (SOT) and concomitant immunosuppressive therapy (IT). Methods 23 patients (n=23) were randomly selected from a databank of high risk patients (previous abnormal finding on imaging study, physical exam or known primary malignancy), who had previously undergone SOT between 1995 and 2008 (kidney n=7, lung n=8, heart n=3, liver n=5), and were undergoing IT at the time of PET/CT. Age ranges: 27-76 y/o (male n=20, female n=3). PET/CT was carried out 60 minutes after FDG injection. Diagnosis was later confirmed by biopsy. Results 23 Patients (51 PET/CT studies) were reviewed. PET/CT revealed neoplasia in 10 (43.4%). 4 (40%) revealed PTLD, 2 (20%) squamous cell carcinoma, and 1 each (1%) metastatic melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, esophageal carcinoma, endometrial carcinoma, and well differentiated cholangiocarcinoma. 3 (17.4%) revealed opportunistic infections. Diagnosis was confirmed with biopsy in all 13 patients; 2/3 (66.6%) revealed cryptococcal pneumonia, 1 (33.3%) revealed cutaneous fungal infection. 9 patients (7.7%) had a negative study. In total, 13 of 23 patients (56.5%) had a positive study for neoplastic disease or infection. Conclusions F-18 FDG PET/CT is helpful in identifying neoplastic disease/infection as a complication in patients after solid organ transplantation and concomitant immunosuppressive therapy.
Using bibliometrics to demonstrate the value of library journal collections

Although cited reference studies are common in the library and information science literature, they are rarely performed in nonacademic institutions or in the atmospheric and oceanic sciences. In this paper, we analyze more than 400,000 cited references made by authors affiliated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration between 2009 and 2013. Our results suggest that these methods can be applied to research libraries in a variety of institutions, that the results of analyses performed at one institution may not be applicable to other institutions, and that cited reference analyses should be periodically updated to reflect changes in authors’ referencing behavior.
Post-solidification Effects in Directionally Grown Al-Ag$$_$$Al-Al$$_$$Cu Eutectics

The post-solidification reactions that take place behind the growth front in directionally solidified ternary eutectic Al-Ag-Cu alloys have a marked influence on the observed room temperature microstructure, obscuring many aspects of the solidification morphology present at the growth front. Quantifying these solid-state processes is necessary for proper interpretation of ex-situ microstructure as an indicator of growth dynamics and operating point selection. In this study, the directional growth structure and phase compositions are quantified as a function of distance from the growth front to describe microstructural changes that occur during cooling in the solid state. The solubility of Ag in the Al(fcc) phase decreases rapidly below the eutectic point, and the excess Ag is accommodated by growth of the Ag2Al(hcp) phase, mainly by motion of the Al(fcc)-Ag2Al(hcp) interface. These structural changes are quantified, and compared to the coupled morphology at the solidification front. A cellular automaton method is proposed here to mimic either the forward or reverse solid-state changes, providing a means to estimate many features of the directional growth morphology based on sampling the structure at some known distance from the front.
Plagioclase-chain networks in slowly cooled basaltic magma

Plagioclase crystals in the slowly cooled interior of the thick Holyoke flood-basalt flow of Connecticut linked to form monomineralic chains at an early crystallization stage. Partial melting experiments reveal that when the quartz tholeiite was only 25% crystallized the chains had already linked to form a continuous 3-D network. At such an early stage of crystallization, the network was weak, highly permeable, and easily deformed. Consequently, the mush of plagioclase-chains and interstitial pyroxene crystals underwent compaction in the lower third of the flow with the expelled liquid rising to the center of the flow where it crystallized to form coarse-grained sheets of fractionated basalt. Plagioclase chains are most easily seen in the basalt after it has been partly melted and the late crystallizing minerals converted to glass. The chains are several crystals wide. The crystals, which are approximately 0.5 mm long, are attached together randomly. Normal zoning patterns indicate crystals had a brief period of growth before linking together. The chains branch every few millimeters to form the 3-D network, which was mapped using serial polished sections and X-ray CT scans. The chain frequency measured along vertical and horizontal traverses decreases toward the center of the flow. In the compaction zone, the frequency in the vertical direction is greater than in the horizontal. Making the reasonable assumption that these frequencies were initially the same, the difference is used to calculate the degree of compaction. The resulting pattern through the flow matches almost exactly the pattern indicated by variations in the incompatible elements. Plagioclase chains are also found in some coarser-grained plutonic rocks. If they are common, their fabric may provide a new, direct means of measuring the degree of compaction in crystal mushes.
Abstract 2464: Flavone derivatives as small-molecule probes of cytochrome P450 enzymes: Inhibitory activity and selectivity.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Cytochrome P450 enzymes are the most important enzymes involved in the conversion of environmental procarcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from fuels, cigarette smoke, and charcoal-grilled foods into carcinogenic species. These carcinogenic species have the potential to bond to cellular macromolecules such as DNA and can lead to cancer formation. Therefore, selectively inhibiting certain P450 enzymes involved in carcinogenesis is a potential approach to cancer prevention. To investigate the 3D-structural features of the active site cavities of our target P450s, our approach in this project is to use the natural P450 substrate, flavone, as a lead compound. Here we report the synthesis of six novel flavonoids (5,6-pyranflavone, 6,5-pyranflavone, 7,8-pyranflavone, 2’,3’-pyranflavone, 3’,2’-pyranflaovne, and 4’,3’-pyranflavone) and the evaluation of their inhibitory activities, mechanisms of action, and selectivity towards P450 enzymes 1A1, 1A2, 2A6, and 2B1. All of these target compounds were found to be competitive inhibitors of these P450 enzymes. A high inhibitory activity represents a high affinity between the compound and the enzyme. Our data show that the α-naphthoflavone-like flavone derivative, 7,8-pyranflavone, has a high affinity for P450 1A2 (IC50: 0.05 μM), and a relatively low affinity for P450 1A1 (IC50: 0.25 μM). On the contrary, β-naphthoflavone-like flavone derivatives, 5,6-pyranflavone and 6,5-pyranflavone, show higher affinities for P450 1A1 compared to P450 1A2. However, none of these three compounds shows any inhibitory activity towards P450s 2A6 and 2B1. Interestingly, the C-ring modified derivatives (2’,3’-pyranflavone, 3’,2’-pyranflaovne, and 4’,3’-pyranflavone) have relatively low inhibitory activities toward the P450s 1A1 and 1A2, while showing a weak inhibition of P450 2B1 (IC50s: ca. 7.0 μM). These structural data suggest that the length of the P450 1A1 active site cavity is probably longer than that of P450 1A2, while the width of the P450 1A2 active site cavity may be larger than that of P450 1A1. Further studies of 7,8-pyranflavone, 5,6-pyranflavone, and 6,5-pyranflavone will provide us with more detailed structural information about the target P450 enzymes. Citation Format: Jiawang Liu, Shannon Taylor, Patrick Dupart, Corey Arnold, Maryam Foroozesh. Flavone derivatives as small-molecule probes of cytochrome P450 enzymes: Inhibitory activity and selectivity. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2464. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2464
Cardiochiles nigriceps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): Development Time and Fecundity in Relation to Temperature

Development of Cardiochiles nigriceps Viereck in Heliothis virescens (F.) was determined at constant and fluctuating temperatures. The duration of the egg-larval stage varied from 45 days at 17°C to 9.3 days at 32.5°C. At temperatures below 22.5°C, the insects remained in diapause. The duration of the prepupal-pupal stage varied from 23.0 days at 22.5°C to 12.2 days at 32.5°C. Longevity of both sexes was similar and varied from 28 days at 20°C to 7.4 days at 35°C. The number of larvae parasitized per female per day increased from 0.44 per day at 20°C to 2.71 per day at 30°C.
A Predictive Analytic Model for Value Chain Management

Value chain management has gone through various stages of automation, integration and optimization in the past decades. While an optimization model for value chain deals with business scenarios under known circumstances, a predictive value chain model deals with probable circumstances in the future. Predictive analytics is succeeding optimization in the evolution of technologies supporting value chain management. This paper proposes a forward looking value creation model that combines the important concepts of value chain management and predictive analytics. An enterprise model for value chain predictive analytics that facilitates the convergence of information, operations and analytics is presented.
Rapid measurement of blood cholesterol: evaluation of a new instrument.

Rapid and reliable techniques for the measurement of blood cholesterol are a necessary first step in implementing effective mass screening efforts to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease. This paper reports preliminary data gathered on the Kodak Ektachem DT60, one of the first of a new generation of dry chemistry analyzers to appear on the market. The results of the first study demonstrated high reproducibility of the methodology (r = .98, p
PZN-PT based smart probe for high temperature fluid viscosity measurements

Abstract A smart sensing system is proposed for high-temperature (up to 90 °C) viscosity measurement of viscous fluids. The proposed sensing system is based on a smart cantilever probe on which a new generation of piezoelectric materials, relaxor ferroelectric Pb(Zn(1/3)Nb(2/3))O(3−x)PbTiO(3) (PZN-PT), is bonded. The proposed system utilizes a PZN-PT single crystal for actuation and a laser displacement sensor for vibration detection. By analyzing the vibrational properties of the cantilever probe, the viscosity of measured fluids at different temperatures (up to 90 °C) were extracted. Lab tests were carried out to verify and evaluate the effect of this system on high-temperature measurements. Results show a consistent agreement with theoretical analysis. In comparison to the existing high-performance piezoelectric material, lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate solid solution (1−x)[Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3]−x[PbTiO3] (PMN-PT), PZN-PT has a steady performance at high temperatures and shows more reliability. The proposed sensing system can be applied to real-time monitoring of viscous fluids in high-temperature environments, such as vehicle cooling systems, power plant cooling tower fluid monitoring, and other heat transfer systems.
A compact sub-Angstrom X-ray source for protein crystallography, nano-technology and coronary angiography

The authors describe the scientific motivation and a schematic design of a very compact superconducting 1.5 GeV X-ray storage ring. Prototype tests of the 8 Tesla magnets are the key factor in the realization of this machine. >
Vancomycin Powder Regimen for Prevention of Surgical Site Infection in Complex Spine Surgeries.

Study Design:In total, 496 patients of a single surgeon cohort examining the surgical-site infection (SSI) rates with the addition of vancomycin powder in both diabetic and revision spine surgery cases. A historical control group of 652 patients were compared from the same surgeon over an earlier ti
The Physical Volume Test in impedance audiometry.

Impedance audiometry offers a clinically practical method for measuring the physical volume in cc of air space medial to the hermetically sealed probe tip. Knowledge of the air space volume is meaningful when average norms are known, either when the TM is intact or, more significantly, when the TM is perforated. With the latter, the temporally dynamic space changes during external, middle ear and/or mastoid disease, the size of the total air space measured offers objective information when determined over time. The resultant volume can offer an indirect mirror readout of progression or regression of a disease process. Likewise, historically there may be a close relationship between eustachian tube function and the overall air cell space within the petrotympanomastoid bone. In such conditions, the smaller the air cell space, the poorer the eustachian tube function. The PVT offers a more expedient clinical tool over roentgenography for measuring the viable air space of the middle ear and petromastoid air cell system. Since the PVT is used primarily with an open system (i.e. with a perforated TM) electroacoustic volumetric determinations with a 220 Hz acoustic input more reliably represents the actual volume present.
Eisenmenger Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Haematologic Effects

Eisenmenger syndrome, defined as bidirectional shunt due to a congenital heart defect in the setting of increased pulmonary vascular resistance, differs from other forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension in several important ways. These include the multi-organ effects of cyanosis, haematologic issues and right ventricular morphology and function, all of which likely relate to prognosis. This chapter reviews the pathophysiology of Eisenmenger syndrome, highlights many of these salient differences and discusses general strategies of clinical management.
Enhancing Six Sigma Implementation Through Human Resource Management

Human resource management (HRM) is recognized as a critical factor in the success of Six Sigma implementation in an organization. Data collected from 95 manufacturing sites that implemented Six Sigma show that three quality-related HRM practices – emplo..
Coprime factors reduction of distributed nonstationary LPV systems

ABSTRACTThis paper is on the coprime factors reduction of distributed systems formed by discrete-time, heterogeneous, nonstationary linear parameter-varying subsystems. The subsystems are represent...
On Kernel Estimation Using Non-Gaussian and/or Non-White Input Data

In many actual applications of the Volterra-Wiener approach, the prevailing conditions are less than ideal ie., the input-output data are contaminated by noise and/or the available input data deviate from the Gaussian white noise archetype required by Wiener’s theory. Deviations from whiteness and/orGaussianness may be ca used by experimental necessity or inadvertent stimulus distortion. At the same time, experimen tal and/or computational expediencies have led to the introduction of non-Gaussian multi-level (e.g., binary, ternary, etc.) or multi-frequency quasi-white (i.e., approximately white) input signals. Since the original (and most widely used to date) kernel estimation technique is based on input-output crosscorrelations and requires input whiteness (or, at least, quasi-whiteness), extensive efforts have been made to adapt this crosscorrelation technique to non-Gaussian (but quasi-white) inputs. These efforts have led to successful adaptations of the cross-correlation technique to several classes of non-Gaussian quasi-white inputs, although certain restrictions apply in some cases (e.g., binary white inputs cannot estimate diagonal kernel values). More recent techniques are based on least-squares estimation methods and obviate the need for input whiteness or Gaussianness, although they may still impose certain restrictions (e.g., sufficiently broadband inputs are required and the estima ted models must be complete). The Laguerre expansion technique (Marmarelis, 1993) belongs to this latter category and overcomes the limitations imposed by the crosscorrelation technique in the case of non-Gaussian or non-white inputs, allowing accurate kernel estimation under previously prohibitive conditions (e.g., diagonal kernel values can now be estimated with binary inputs). This paper demonstrates the expanded capabilities of kernel estimation using Laguerre expansions when the input is non-Gaussian and/or non-white, enlarging the scope of Volterra-Wiener analysis in actual applications.
Anomalous specific heat and magnetic properties of TmxDy1-xAl2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1)

Abstract We study crystal structure, phase transitions and magnetism of pseudo-binary TmxDy1-xAl2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) compounds using temperature dependent X-ray powder diffraction, specific heat and magnetization measurements, first principles, and model calculations. In low external magnetic fields, Dy-rich compounds undergo continuous, second-order phase transitions at the respective Curie temperatures, TC. In contrast, the Tm-rich compounds exhibit discontinuous, first-order anomalies in the magnetically ordered states. These sharp transitions correlate with a substantial energy difference between the room temperature cubic and ground state rhombohedral structures of TmAl2. A clear anomaly in the lattice parameter is observed at ∼30 K for x = 0.5, which nearly coincides with TC = 31.2 K. The effective quadrupolar moment of the lanthanides changes sign around x = 0.5, which leads to a nearly zero anisotropy constant and approximately spherical effective 4f charge densities, providing an explanation for the lack of structural distortions below TC for x = 0.5. The calculations confirm [001] as the easy magnetization axis in the ground state tetragonal structure of DyAl2, and reveal collapse of the orbital magnetic moment when the easy magnetization direction changes to [111]. Within the rhombohedral ground state of TmAl2 [111] is the easy magnetization direction.
Precision Medicine in Weight Loss and Healthy Living.

Abstract Obesity affects 600 million people globally and over one third of the American population. Along with associated comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer; the direct and indirect costs of managing obesity are 21% of the total medical costs. These factors shed light on why developing effective and pragmatic strategies to reduce body weight in obese individuals is a major public health concern. An estimated 60–70% of obese Americans attempt to lose weight each year, with only a small minority able to achieve and maintain long term weight loss. To address this issue a precision medicine approach for weight loss has been considered, which places an emphasis on sustainability and real-world application to individualized therapy. In this article we review weight loss interventions in the context of precision medicine and discuss the role of genetic and epigenetic factors, pharmacological interventions, lifestyle interventions, and bariatric surgery on weight loss.
Efficacy and Pharmacoeconomic Impact of Letermovir for CMV Prophylaxis in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity and early CMV reactivation after hematopoietic-cell transplantation (HCT) remain associated with increased mortality. Those at high risk include CMV seropositive recipient/donor pairs (CMV R+ or D+) and those on escalated immunosuppression (prednisone ≥ 20mg/kg) for graft versus host disease (GVHD). Historically, our institutional CMV reactivation rate (RR) was 63% in our high risk cohort, similar to national average. Prophylaxis with letermovir, a new CMV-antiviral therapy, significantly reduced the incidence of CMV reactivation and viremia in a prospective trial (Marty FM, et al. NEJM 2017). The purpose of this study was to assess CMV reactivation, defined as CMV viral load > 500 IU/mL, with letermovir prophylaxis and its pharmacoeconomic impact in an outpatient transplant program. This was a retrospective review of adult HCT patients receiving letermovir from December 2017-August 2018 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Use of letermovir was standardized at a program level. Therapy was used in high risk patients, undergoing HCT with matched-unrelated donor (MUD), cord blood donor or haploidentical donor transplants with no active CMV reactivation prior to initiation and no anti-CMV treatment post-HCT. Primary endpoint compared CMV RR to historical controls utilizing a two-sided t-test. Secondary outcomes evaluated logistics and cost impact. 30 patients met entry criteria (26 CMV R+, 21 D+), RR was significantly lower than our historical control (20% vs 63%; p = 0.0003). Median time to reactivation was 38 days post-HCT (29-58). 4 of the 6 patients with reactivation received induction therapy with ganciclovir (50%), valganciclovir (25%), or letermovir (25%, peak viral load 740 IU/mL) for ∼40 days (31-52). All were CMV R-/D+ with AML and received HCT from MUD (75%) or haploidentical donors (25%). The remaining 2 patients (CMV R+/D+) had low level reactivation (137-500 IU/mL) and continued letermovir through day 100 without additional CMV treatment. Patients started letermovir by day 14 post-HCT (5-65) with a median 83 days (7-158) of prophylaxis. 3 patients received letermovir as secondary prophylaxis due to prior CMV reactivation or escalated immunosuppression for GVHD. Of those patients, reactivation occurred in 1 patient (AML MUD transplant; CMV D-/R+) who had 2 reactivations while on foscarnet therapy. No letermovir resistance was observed. Letermovir copay was between $10 and $360/month. 76% of prescriptions required prior authorization, 19% monetary grant, 18% patient assistance. Majority had private insurance (49%) and Medicare/Medicaid (36%) with a median of 3 days for approval and 5 days from prescription submission to patient medication pick-up. Primary prophylaxis with letermovir is associated with significantly lower RR compared to historical controls and is financially feasible with dedicated pharmacy services.
Sensitization in LVAD Recipients with and without Transfusions

Purpose A bridge-to-transplant (BTT) LVAD strategy is associated with improved survival and quality of life. However, LVAD implantation may increase the risk of sensitization. It remains unclear whether LVAD-related sensitization results from exposure to perioperative transfusions or an alternative mechanism. The present study seeks to better understand the risk factors for sensitization in a cohort of LVAD recipients in which 50% were implanted without perioperative blood products. Methods Single center, retrospective analysis of 90 LVAD recipients at Emory University Hospital between 2011 - 2017. The primary endpoint was the development of new or increasing cPRA at 3 months post-implant. Results Overall, 45 LVAD recipients received peri-operative transfusions, and 45 implants were performed without blood products. For those receiving transfusions, the median number of total products was 7 (IQR 2 - 15.5) units. Transfused patients were more likely to have a DT strategy at implant (p = 0.048), more likely to receive a Heartmate II (p 16/90 (18%) patients developed new or increased cPRA at 3 months post-implant. For those receiving blood products, 12/45 (27%) met the primary endpoint compared to 4/45 (9%) in the group implanted transfusion-free (p = 0.027). In univariate logistic regression analysis, female gender (HR 3.44, 95% CI 1.04 - 11.38, p = 0.043), any transfusion (HR 3.73, 95% CI 1.10 - 12.64, p = 0.035), and elevated pre-implant cPRA (HR 4.02, 95% CI 1.25 - 12.89, p = 0.019) were significantly associated with the primary endpoint. However, when incorporating these variables into a multivariable model, none was statistically significant (all p > 0.05). Conclusion 18% of LVAD recipients developed new or increasing cPRA when tested 3 months post-implant. Though female gender, elevated pre-implant cPRA, and use of blood products at time of implant were significantly associated with the primary endpoint in univariate analysis, none was significant in a multivariable model. Notably, of 45 patients receiving an LVAD without peri-operative transfusions, 4 (9%) developed new, clinically significant HLA antibodies. This suggests the possibility that the LVAD itself is immunogenic. More work is needed to address this possibility in a larger cohort.
Pharmacists expand access to reproductive heaLthcare: PEARL study protocol.

Background In 2016, Oregon became the first of eight states to allow pharmacists to directly prescribe hormonal contraception (HC), including the pill, patch, or ring, without a clinic visit. In the two years following this policy change, the majority of ZIP codes across the state of Oregon had a pharmacist certified to prescribe HC.
The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated reciprocal effects of the tobacco nitrosamine NNK and SLURP-1 on human mammary epithelial cells.

Recent research has demonstrated that the nicotinergic signaling network of mammary epithelium can both mediate the physiological control of normal breast epithelial cells (BECs) and exhibit tumor-promoting effects on malignant BECs. Therefore, mammary nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors (nAChRs) may become a specific target for novel anti-breast cancer therapies. Toward this goal, we investigated the difference in the ACh receptor repertoires between normal and malignant BECs, determined effects of nicotinic ligands on 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)-dependent activation of ERK1/2 and tumorigenic transformation of MCF10A cells, and characterized reciprocal effects of NNK and SLURP (secreted mammalian Ly-6/urokinase plasminogen activator receptor related protein-1)-1 on the expression of nAChR subunits and several oncogenes and tumor-suppressing genes in BECs. Both the non-malignant MCF10A and malignant MCF7 breast cells expressed α3, α5, α7, α9, α10, β1, β2, γ, δ and e nAChR subunits and M(1), M(3), M(4) and M(5) muscarinic receptor subtypes. The malignancy was associated with expression of α1, α4 and β4 nAChR subunits and M(2) subtype. Malignant transformation of BECs was also associated with overexpression of α7-, and α9-made nAChRs. NNK upregulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation, stimulated expression of the gene encoding the tumor-promoter HGF, downregulated expression of the tumor suppressor gene CDKN2A, and induced tumorigenic transformation of MCF10A cells. Compared to the canonical nAChR antagonists, SLURP-1 showed the highest ability to abolish the nAChR-mediated effects of NNK in both cell-signaling and cell-transformation assays and reversed many effects of NNK on gene expression. SLURP-1 also markedly upregulated the tumor suppressor genes CDKN2B, RUNX3 and TP73. Altogether, the obtained results provided new insight into the molecular mechanisms of nAChR-mediated oncogenic effects of NNK on BECs and demonstrated the ability to abolish or reverse these effects by SLURP-1.
The role of personality psychopathology in social network site behaviors

Abstract Social network sites (SNSs) have proliferated across the internet, engaging millions of users. Although the expansion of SNSs has made communication easier, it has also been connected to mental health concerns. Previous research has suggested not all users are engaging with SNSs in the same ways or for the same reasons; however, much of the literature concerning personality and SNSs has focused solely on the connection between narcissism and SNS use (e.g., Andreassen, Pallesen, & Griffiths, 2017; Sorokowski et al., 2015). The current study examined the relationship between pathological personality traits and SNS behaviors more broadly, and the role that self-esteem plays in moderating this relationship. An Amazon MTurk sample of 238 participants completed self-report questionnaires measuring personality, self-esteem, and SNS behaviors. Negative Affectivity and Antagonism tended to show the strongest associations with maladaptive SNS behaviors, and self-esteem was found to moderate very few of these relationships. These findings suggest that individuals particularly high in the personality domains of Negative Affectivity and Antagonism may be more at-risk for SNS misuse than their less dysregulated peers.
Characteristics and Source Contribution of Particulate Matters Acidity in City of Atlanta

Aerosol acidity plays an important role by affecting aerosol formation, concentration, human health, and nutrient bioavailability. This study used thermodynamic model (ISORROPIA-II) and measurement data in Atlanta, GA, USA from 2009 to 2013. Aerosol pH in this research domain kept low (average 2.61) and did not change much over the past decade with the SO2 emissions reduction. But the trend still shows significant seasonal patterns (high in the winter and low in the summer) and spatial variation (higher in urban and lower in rural area). Model performance were evaluated by comparing estimated and observed NH3 gas phase partitioning. Also based on the source apportionment results for the same domain, multiple-linear-regression models were developed to show the source impacts on fine particle pH. With strong correlations (average R2 = 0.52), in most cases, models indicate vehicles have the largest positive impact on pH and ammonia bisulfate contribute most negative impact on pH, even though specific results are different for different seasons and locations.
Clues About Bluffing in Clue : Is Conventional Wisdom Wise?

We have used the board game Clue as a pedagogical tool in our course on artificial intelligence to teach formal logic through the development of logic-based computational game-playing agents. The development of game-playing agents allows us to experimentally test many game-play strategies and we have encountered some surprising results that refine “conventional wisdom” for playing Clue . In this article, we consider the effect of the oft-used strategy wherein a player uses her/his own cards when making suggestions (i.e., “bluffing”) early in the game to mislead other players or to focus on acquiring a particular kind of knowledge. We begin with an intuitive argument against this strategy together with a quantitative probabilistic analysis of this strategy's cost to a player; both suggest “bluffing” should be detrimental to winning the game. We then present our counterintuitive simulation results from playing computational agents that “bluff” against those that do not that show “bluffing” to be beneficial. We conclude with a nuanced assessment of the cost and benefit of “bluffing” in Clue that shows the strategy, when used correctly, to be beneficial, and, when used incorrectly, to be detrimental.
Antifungal Norditerpene Oidiolactones from the Fungus Oidiodendron truncatum, a Potential Biocontrol Agent for White-Nose Syndrome in Bats.

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a devastating disease of hibernating bats caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. We obtained 383 fungal and bacterial isolates from the Soudan Iron Mine, an important bat hibernaculum in Minnesota, then screened this library for antifungal activity to develop biological control treatments for WNS. An extract from the fungus Oidiodendron truncatum was subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation, which led to the isolation of 14 norditerpene and three anthraquinone metabolites. Ten of these compounds were previously described in the literature, and here we present the structures of seven new norditerpene analogues. Additionally, this is the first report of 4-chlorophyscion from a natural source, previously identified as a semisynthetic product. The compounds PR 1388 and LL-Z1271α were the only inhibitors of P. destructans (MIC = 7.5 and 15 μg/mL, respectively). Compounds were tested for cytotoxicity against fibroblast cell cultures obtained from Myotis septentrionalis...
Novel Target Discovery of Existing Therapies: Path to Personalized Cancer Therapy

Discovering new drugs involves tremendous effort and financial resources, often at a significant risk of failed trials. Identifying new targets of existing drugs provides a promising direction, esp...
Financing Nonprofits and Other Social Enterprises: A Benefits Approach by Dennis R. Young

Young, D. R. (2017). Financing nonprofits and other social enterprises: A benefits approach. Northampton, MA: Edward Elgar Publishing. $32.00 (Paperback), ISBN: 978-1-78347-829-3.
CURE: A High-Performance, Low-Power, and Reliable Network-on-Chip Design Using Reinforcement Learning

We propose CURE, a deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based NoC design framework that simultaneously reduces network latency, improves energy-efficiency, and tolerates transient errors and permanent faults. CURE has several architectural innovations and a DRL-based hardware controller to manage design complexity and optimize trade-offs. First, in CURE, we propose reversible multi-function adaptive channels (RMCs) to reduce NoC power consumption and network latency. Second, we implement a new fault-secure adaptive error correction hardware in each router to enhance reliability for both transient errors and permanent faults. Third, we propose a router power-gating and bypass design that powers off NoC components to reduce power and extend chip lifespan. Further, for the complex dynamic interactions of these techniques, we propose using DRL to train a proactive control policy to provide improved fault-tolerance, reduced power consumption, and improved performance. Simulation using the PARSEC benchmark shows that CURE reduces end-to-end packet latency by 39 percent, improves energy efficiency by 92 percent, and lowers static and dynamic power consumption by 24 and 38 percent, respectively, over conventional solutions. Using mean-time-to-failure, we show that CURE is 7.7× more reliable than the conventional NoC design.
A regional initiative to improve cleaning of high-touch surfaces in long-term care facilities

A total of 38 long-term care facilities within a region participated in a 3-month quality improvement initiative focused on environmental cleaning and disinfection. Significant improvements in daily and discharge cleaning were observed during the project period. Further study of the sustainability and clinical impact of this type of initiative is warranted.
Effects of Mining-Induced Subsidence on Shallow Aquifers

SUMMARY The Bureau of Mines is conducting a research program to delineate the effects of mining-induced subsidence by examining not only surface deformations but also the impact on ground water. To develop a preliminary understanding, a study was initiated at a mine site in southwestern Pennsylvania over an area being mined using the retreating longwall method. To monitor changes in the ground-water system, ten shallow wells were completed in a line approximately perpendicular to the trend of several longwall panels. Well fluid level, the progress of mining and amount of surface movement were monitored periodically. Results of this study show that all of the wells were affected to some degree by mining. Water level fluctuation appeared to be related to the well location relative to the panel layout and the proximity of mining.
Selecting Educational Resources

Many instructors struggle to find appropriate educational resources. However, collaborative teaching and learning efforts have created a number of educational resources that can be stored, shared, adapted, and used within the agricultural education profession. This 7-page document will help educators in selecting educational resources. Written by Tyler D’Angelo, Deb Barry, J. C. Bunch, and Andrew Thoron and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, June 2018. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc303
Unspoken dialogues between educational and family language policies: Language policy beyond legislations

Abstract Linguistic assimilation has historically been a cornerstone for nationalistic sentiments in countries with a history of colonization and immigration, such as the United States. The purpose of this article is to examine connections between language policies in four immigrant families and educational language policies at two public elementary schools, in the context of an English-only state policy and larger sociohistorical language ideologies in the United States. The findings showed that these connections between family and school language policies were dynamic. Although the children, parents, and school staff viewed bilingualism as a resource and paid minimal attention to the state language policy, language beliefs and practices at schools and homes increasingly prioritized English. By attending school, the children communicated these orientations between schools and homes through their increasing preference for English. The increasing dominance of English ultimately fulfilled the goal of English-only state policy, albeit gradually and unintentionally. These findings do not merely reflect an adherence to the state language policy, but rather to the hegemony of societal language ideologies.
Learn-to-Recover: Retrofitting UAVs with Reinforcement Learning-Assisted Flight Control Under Cyber-Physical Attacks

In this paper, we present a generic fault-tolerant control (FTC) strategy via reinforcement learning (RL). We demonstrate the effectiveness of this method on quadcopter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The fault-tolerant control policy is trained to handle actuator and sensor fault/attack. Unlike traditional FTC, this policy does not require fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) nor tailoring the controller for specific attack scenarios. Instead, the policy is running simultaneously alongside the stabilizing controller without the need for on- detection activation. The effectiveness of the policy is compared with traditional active and passive FTC strategies against actuator and sensor faults. We compare their performance in position control tasks via simulation and experiments on quadcopters. The result shows that the strategy can effectively tolerate different types of attacks/faults and maintain the vehicle's position, outperforming the other two methods.
Sustainable Investing at a Turning Point

Sustainable investing has expanded from a niche interest to a mainstay of investment strategies around the world. With a growing number of investors focused not just on the financial promise of the companies in their portfolios but also the environmental, social, and governance performance of these enterprises, the demand for better ESG metrics and reporting has skyrocketed. This book explains the critical concepts, trends, risk frameworks, and investment tools that investors of all kinds—including those in stocks, bonds, private equity, infrastructure projects, and impact investing—need to know. With informative essays from a range of scholars, policy experts, and investment practitioners, it explores the state of play in sustainable finance with particular focus on the data, guidelines, legal standards, and principles required to make ESG reporting more trustworthy and thus sustainable investing more mainstream.