cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase Is Not Required for Antibody Response to Polysaccharide Vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi

B cell antigen receptor (BCR) diversity increases by several orders of magnitude due to the action of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) during V(D)J recombination. Unlike adults, infants have limited BCR diversity, in part due to reduced expression of TdT. Since human infants and young mice respond poorly to polysaccharide vaccines, such as the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine Pneumovax23 and Vi polysaccharide (ViPS) of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, we tested the contribution of TdT-mediated BCR diversity in response to these vaccines. We found that TdT+/- and TdT-/- mice generated comparable antibody responses to Pneumovax23 and survived Streptococcus pneumoniae challenge. Moreover, passive immunization of B cell-deficient mice with serum from Pneumovax23-immunized TdT+/- or TdT-/- mice conferred protection. TdT+/- and TdT-/- mice generated comparable levels of anti-ViPS antibodies and antibody-dependent, complement-mediated bactericidal activity against S Typhi in vitro To test the protective immunity conferred by ViPS immunization in vivo, TdT+/- and TdT-/- mice were challenged with a chimeric Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strain expressing ViPS, since mice are nonpermissive hosts for S Typhi infection. Compared to their unimmunized counterparts, immunized TdT+/- and TdT-/- mice challenged with ViPS-expressing S Typhimurium exhibited a significant reduction in the bacterial burden and liver pathology. These data suggest that the impaired antibody response to the Pneumovax23 and ViPS vaccines in the young is not due to limited TdT-mediated BCR diversification.
MUC5AC mucin is a component of the human precorneal tear film.

Purpose Mucins are important structural and functional components of the precorneal tear film, yet little is known of their composition and synthesis. The mRNAs of MUC1, MUC4, and MUC5AC have previously been identified in human conjunctiva. Of these, only MUC5AC mRNA appears to be associated with goblet cells. The purpose of the this study was to quantify MUC5AC transcript levels, to identify MUC5AC protein in conjunctiva, tears, and goblet cells and to determine whether this mucin is secreted in response to the calcium ionophore ionomycin. Methods MUC5AC mRNA from normal human conjunctiva was identified, quantified, and compared with beta2-microglobulin levels using a competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. An antibody to a MUC5AC peptide was used to localize this mucin in conjunctival sections by immunohistochemistry. Anti-MUC5AC antiserum was used to label western blot analysis of conjunctiva and tears. Conjunctival tissues were incubated with ionomycin, and secreted mucins were detected with Helix pomatia agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase and with anti-MUC5AC antiserum. Results MUC5AC and beta2-microglobulin transcripts were expressed at a ratio of approximately 1:500. Immunochemical labeling showed that MUC5AC was localized in conjunctival goblet cells and at the apical surface of the conjunctival epithelium. MUC5AC protein was present in conjunctiva and in the tear film. Ionomycin stimulation of conjunctival secretion resulted in a fourfold increase in total mucin secretion and in a corresponding increase in secreted MUC5AC. Conclusions MUC5AC is synthesized by goblet cells of the normal human conjunctiva, and this mucin is a component of conjunctival secretions and of normal human tears.
Benefits of Early Intervention With Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Proteins in Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia

Anemia is common in patients treated with chemotherapy for both solid and hematologic malignancies, contributing to fatigue and diminished quality of life and exposing them to the inherent risks of red blood cell transfusions. Erythropoiesis-stimulating proteins have been shown to increase hemoglobin levels, reduce the need for transfusions, and improve quality of life. The current practice guidelines recommend treating moderate to severe chemotherapy-induced anemia with erythropoiesis-stimulating proteins, but the risk of transfusions may be less with earlier intervention at higher hemoglobin levels. A review of the literature suggests that treating mild chemotherapy-induced anemia with erythropoiesis-stimulating proteins reduces the risks of transfusions and the development of more-severe anemia. Weighing the clinical evidence together with other clinical and economic considerations should provide greater insight into the benefits of treating mild anemia in patients treated with chemotherapy.
Bounded and Costly Rationality

The ‘Savage Paradigm’ of rational decision making under uncertainty has become the dominant model of individual human behavior in mainstream economics, and is an integral part of most of game theory today. However, this model has been criticized as inadequate from both normative and descriptive viewpoints. The various strands of this critical movement form the topic known as ‘bounded rationality.’ This article sketches the historical roots and some current developments of this movement, distinguishing between attempts to extend the Savage Paradigm (‘costly rationality’) and the need for more radical departures (‘truly bounded rationality’).
Evaluating Shigella flexneri Pathogenesis in the Human Enteroid Model

The enteric pathogen Shigella is one of the leading causes of moderate-to-severe diarrhea and death in young children in developing countries. Transformed cell lines and animal models have been widely used to study Shigella pathogenesis. In addition to altered physiology, transformed cell lines are composed of a single cell type that does not sufficiently represent the complex multicellular environment of the human colon. Most available animal models do not accurately mimic human disease. The human intestinal enteroid model, derived from LGR5+ stem cell-containing intestinal crypts from healthy subjects, represents a technological leap in human gastrointestinal system modeling and provides a more physiologically relevant system that includes multiple cell types and features of the human intestine. We established the utility of this model for studying basic aspects of Shigella pathogenesis and host responses. In this study, we show that Shigella flexneri is capable of infecting and replicating intracellularly in human enteroids derived from different segments of the intestine. Apical invasion by S. flexneri is very limited but increases ∼10-fold when enteroids are differentiated to include M cells. Invasion via the basolateral surface was at least 2-log10 units more efficient than apical infection. Increased secretion of interleukin-8 and higher expression levels of the mucin glycoprotein Muc2 were observed in the enteroids following S. flexneri infection. The human enteroid model promises to bridge some of the gaps between traditional cell culture, animal models, and human infection.
Fine-Tuning Porosity and Time-Resolved Observation of the Nucleation and Growth of Single Platinum Nanoparticles.

Porous metal nanoparticles (NPs) are important to a variety of applications; however, robust control over NP porosity is difficult to achieve. Here, we demonstrate control over NP porosity using na...
PNPLA3 gene predicts clinical recovery after sustained virological response in decompensated hepatitis C cirrhosis.

Background Patients with decompensated hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis experience various outcomes after sustained virological response (SVR), ranging from clinical recovery to further deterioration. We hypothesised that the genetic risk for steatosis, namely the polymorphisms rs738409 of Patatin-like Phospholipase Domain-Containing 3 (PNPLA3), rs58542926 of Transmembrane-6-Superfamily-2 (TM6SF2), and rs641738 of Membrane-bound O-acyltransferase Domain-Containing 7 (MBOAT7), is predictive of recovery. Methods We prospectively enrolled 56 patients with Child-Pugh (CPT) B/C cirrhosis who underwent antiviral therapy. The primary outcome was change in CPT score at 12, 24, and 48 weeks after SVR. We used a linear mixed-effects model for analysis. Results Forty-five patients (PNPLA3: 21 CC, 19 CG, 5 GG) survived to the first endpoint without liver transplantation. The mean change in CPT score at 12, 24, and 48 weeks was −1.57 (SE=0.30), –1.76 (SE=0.32), and −2.0 (SE=0.36), respectively, among the patients with the PNPLA3 CC genotype and −0.50 (SE=0.20), –0.41 (SE=0.25), and −0.24 (SE=0.27), respectively, among the other 24 patients. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, the PNPLA3 CG/GG genotypes were associated with a 1.29 (SE=0.30, p Conclusion The PNPLA3 CG/GG genotypes could identify a subgroup of patients with decompensated HCV cirrhosis that had suboptimal clinical recovery despite SVR. An understanding of the genetic factors that influence clinical outcomes will help target patients for liver transplant based on individual genetic risk factors and provide insight leading to new therapeutic approaches.
Manganese is associated with increased plasma interleukin-1β during pregnancy, within a mixtures analysis framework of urinary trace metals

Exposure to trace metals may impact reproductive health outcomes through perturbations in maternal immune signaling molecules. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 390 pregnant women from the LIFECODES birth cohort and investigated the associations between 17 urinary metals and five immune biomarkers measured in the 3rd trimester (median 26 weeks gestation). We used linear regression to estimate pair-wise associations and applied elastic net and Bayesian kernel machine regression to identify important contributing exposures analytes as well as non-linear effects. Maternal urinary manganese, nickel, and barium were positively associated with maternal plasma interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Elastic net and Bayesian kernel machine regression identified manganese as the dominant trace metal in association with IL-1β. An interquartile range difference in manganese (0.6 μg/L) was associated with a 29 % increase in IL-1β (95 % CI: 12.4-48.2). In conclusion, trace metal exposures were associated with biomarkers of immune perturbations, and this warrants further investigation.
A short range millimeter wave radar for rotorcraft DVE operations

This paper describes progress in the ongoing development of a radar for rotorcraft that utilizes new CMOS ICs that were development for automotive applications. The radar design is discussed, including a lens-based focal plane array that is fed by patch antenna subarray elements. Measured detection pattern data indicates sensitivity sufficient to detect a 1 m2 RCS object at 200 m with a 13dB SNR. Detection pattern data vs. azimuth angle are presented, which indicate a 2.1 deg 3dB beamwidth. Sidelobes are reduced to 30dB below the beam peaks using digital beamforming techniques.
K + p and K + d Total Cross Sections in the Momentum Range 0.57-1.16 GeV/ c

${K}^{+}p$ and ${K}^{+}d$ total cross sections were measured in the momentum range 0.57-1.16 GeV/c using a secondary, separated kaon beam of the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory Bevatron and conventional transmission-counter techniques. No evidence was found for structure in the cross section of either reaction as previously indicated near 0.7 GeV/c.
Emergency Department Preparedness for Children Seeking Mental Health Care.

Abstract There has been a dramatic increase in emergency department visits by children for mental health disorders (2007 to 2016); howevernational preparedness surveys have shown that emergency departments are unprepared to care for children seeking mental health care. The increase is particularly high in emergency departments in rural areas and in emergency departments with low pediatric volumes. These sites have been shown to be particularly less prepared for children with mental disorders. How the recent COVID-19 pandemic will affect the mental health of children is unknown, but it has brought new stressors, including family unemployment and food insecurity, while removing children from traditional resources they have relied on to cope with stress. This may further increase the number of children coming to emergency departments needing care for mental health disorders. Practitioners need to be prepared for an increase in children needing care for mental health disorders particularly in rural and low pediatric volume hospitals.
Familial and genetic factors in laryngeal cleft: Have we learned anything?

Abstract Introduction Laryngeal clefts are rare congenital anomalies characterized by failed fusion of the posterior cricoid lamina or incomplete development of the tracheoesophageal septum. While most cases are sporadic, laryngeal cleft may be associated with other congenital anomalies or syndromes. Though not frequently reported, familial occurrence of laryngeal cleft has been noted in our clinical experience. The goal of this research is to describe the existing literature and our own experience surrounding familial occurrence of laryngeal cleft that may help elucidate its underlying genetic basis. Methods Comprehensive literature search was conducted and retrospective chart review was performed on 8 sets of siblings diagnosed at our institution. Data assessed included demographics, type of cleft, and genetic findings. Results Laryngeal cleft appears to be mostly sporadic. We evaluated data at our institution over a 10-year period and identified 19 patients from 8 families demonstrating familial occurrence of laryngeal cleft. Six (75%) families had two affected siblings, one family (12.5%) had three affected siblings, and one family (12.5%) had four affected siblings. There was no evidence of sex predilection, with half the patients being male (10/19, 52.6%). Fourteen patients (73.7%) had Type 1 clefts and five (26.3%) had Type 2 clefts. Genetic findings were available for review in five patients from three families. Conclusion Beyond a few known syndromes, laryngeal cleft has largely been thought to be sporadic. However, findings from the existing literature and our own experience with familial laryngeal cleft in eight families suggest additional genetic factors are yet to be elucidated.
ION BERNSTEIN WAVE HEATING VIA A WIDE kn-SPECTRUM WAVEGUIDE SYSTEM

A reactor heating concept which utilizes a waveguide-launched ion Bernstein wave in the ion-cyclotron range of frequency is presented. Detailed calculations on wave-launching, transformation, propagation and absorption yield a favorable outlook for heating large size, hot-dense tokamak reactor plasmas to ignition temperatures by a relatively simple waveguide system. An experiment on the ACT-1 toroidal device is also presented in which the physics of mode transformation process is verified in considerable detail.
Associations between sociodemographic factors and physical activity and sedentary behaviors in adults with chronic diseases during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract The pandemic of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) may be affecting the physical activity (PA) level in much of the population. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior (SB) among adults with chronic diseases and their associations with sociodemographic factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study included 249 participants (age: 18–91 years; 61.4% female) with chronic conditions and attended the Family Health Strategy program in a small town in Brazil. Data were collected between 2020-07–13 and 2020-07-24 by face-to-face interviews. Self-reported PA, sitting time, chronic diseases, medication use, sociodemographic data, and self-isolation adherence were obtained by questionnaire. During this specific time point of the COVID-19 pandemic, 71.5% of participants did not meet the PA recommendations (≥500 METs-min/week), and the prevalence of SB risk (≥4 h sitting) was 62.7%. Adjusted logistic regression indicated that male participants (odds ratio [OR]: 1.89 [95% CI 1.02–3.53]), living alone (OR: 2.92 [95% CI 1.03–8.30]) or in a two-person household (OR: 2.32 [95% CI 1.16–4.63]), and those who reported sometimes performing self-isolation (OR: 3.07 [95% CI 1.47–6.40]) were more likely to meet the minimum PA recommendations. Current smokers had a lower odds (OR: 0.36 [95% CI 0.14–0.95]) of meeting the PA recommendations. Older participants (OR: 2.18 [95% CI 1.06–4.50]) and those who had multimorbidity (OR: 1.92 [95% CI 1.07–3.44]) were more likely to have a higher degree of SB. There is an urgent need to mitigate physical inactivity and SB, and public health interventions must take into account sociodemographic status.
Longitudinal Prospective Association between Hedonic Hunger and Unhealthy Food and Drink Intake in Adolescents.

Hedonic hunger (i.e., extreme responsiveness to food) has been associated with obesity and poor diet, but findings in the existing literature have primarily been cross-sectional. The current study examined hedonic hunger as a prospective predictor of the longitudinal trajectory of unhealthy food and drink intake across adolescence. Ninth grade students from Los Angeles area high schools (analyzed sample N = 3268) completed paper-and-pencil surveys across four annual waves; hedonic hunger was assessed at Wave 1, and unhealthy food and drink intake was assessed at Waves 1-4. Multilevel models showed a significant main effect of hedonic hunger and interactions between hedonic hunger and the linear and quadratic components of time. The association between hedonic hunger and unhealthy food and drink intake was strongest at Wave 1 and weakened over time, yet those with higher hedonic hunger reported greater unhealthy food and drink intake across the four years. Efforts to prevent and intervene upon hedonic hunger and its association with unhealthy food and drink intake during childhood and adolescence are warranted.
Gallagher’s Principle of Metabolic Trapping (perspective on “Metabolic Trapping as a Principle of Radiopharmaceutical Design: Some Factors Responsible for Biodistribution of [18F]2-Deoxy-2-Fluoro-D-Glucose” J Nucl Med. 1978;19:1154–1161)

The term metabolic trapping means intracellular enzymatic conversion of a radiotracer into a metabolic product that is trapped and concentrated in key tissues. In a classic paper selected by the editors of JNM for the 60th anniversary edition, Brian Gallagher et al. reported on the dominant
Exploring Barriers to Early Childhood Teachers' Implementation of a Supplemental Academic Language Curriculum.

Research Findings: This study used the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to examine barriers to teachersâ€™ implementation of a supplemental academic language curricula. Despite high satisfaction...
Bridge the Gap: Reducing Inequity in Hospital Readmissions for African American Patients with Heart Failure Through Quality Improvement Initiatives

Purpose: Heart failure (HF) disproportionately impacts African Americans. We evaluated existing quality improvement (QI) initiatives and patient and provider perceptions of barriers to HF care to develop equity-centered QI recommendations. Methods: We performed a literature review, interviewed providers and patients (N=11), and conducted a root cause analysis at a safety net hospital in San Francisco, California. Results: We have identified four elements to foster a more equitable HF care model: screening for social determinants of health, technological innovation, optimization of space, and implicit bias training. Conclusion: QI initiatives for HF should integrate health equity elements in their design and implementation.
Examining the impact of grape consumption on brain metabolism in patients with mild decline in cognition: A double-blinded placebo controlled expansion study

1540 Objectives: We previously reported that grape consumption by people experiencing decline in cognition leads to the preservation of metabolism in brain regions important to cognitive function over six months in a double-blinded placebo-controlled study (Experimental Gerontology 87, 2017; 121-128). In an ongoing expansion study, we are examining the effect of grape consumption on regional cerebral metabolism with an independent cohort of subjects, measured over one year. Methods: Thirty-two subjects undergoing neuroimaging evaluation for cognitive decline will be included in this study. Subjects are randomized into two groups, Group 1 and Group A, to consume an active grape formulation (36 grams of reconstituted freeze-dried grape powder) or a placebo formulation free of polyphenols, twice daily for 12 months. Changes in brain metabolism occurring with each therapy regimen were assessed by brain PET scans with the radiotracer [F-18] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) during initial evaluation and 12 months later. Cognitive performance was measured through neuropsychological assessments performed at baseline, 6 months after initiation of therapy and 12 months after initiation of therapy. Forty-seven standardized volumes of interest (sVOI) were applied to FDG-PET scans to identify areas of significant change in cerebral metabolism occurring over one year, and regionally quantify the magnitudes of change in those areas in each study arm. Results are being analyzed by paired t-tests to examine longitudinal changes within each arm and by unpaired two-tailed t-tests to examine the significance of differences between arms. Results: At the time of this interim analysis, 16 subjects have been recruited in this ongoing study and completed all baseline studies, and half of them have completed the year-long trial. Of completing subjects, six are in Group 1 (mean age, 74 ± 6 years; 67% female), and two are in Group A (mean age, 82 ± 1 year; 50% female). The majority of individual subjects in Group 1 demonstrated decreases in metabolic activity in sVOI’s of bilateral medial temporal regions, including the right anterior medial temporal region (rMAT), left posterior medial temporal region (lMPT), and right posterior medial temporal region (rMPT), changing by -5.01%, -3.11%, and -3.29% over one year, respectively (each corresponding to p < 0.10). The metabolic activity in each of these regions for subjects in Group A did not decline and actually increased modestly, though not significantly. Conclusions: Among all subjects completing a full year of grape consumption versus placebo, most subjects in Group 1 experienced significant decreases in metabolic activity in regions of the brain known to be significantly affected in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, while subjects in Group A experienced insignificant modest increases.
Malignant Tics: Two Cases with Management Strategies to Prevent Long Term Complications (195)

Objective: Tic disorders are common, affecting approximately 0.5–1% of children and teens. Treatment is required only when symptoms are bothersome or impairing to the patient, so many do not require interventions. However, on occasion tics may cause significant morbidity and are referred to as “malignant.” We describe two cases of malignant tic disorders with accompanying video, and provide aggressive management strategies for neurologists to prevent complications in these severe cases. Background: Cervical myelopathy as a result of neck tics was first described in 1981. Since then, 12 additional cases have been reported. Along with cervical myelopathy, other complications due to self-injurious tics have included subdural hematoma secondary to head banging, biting of lips leading to infection of oral muscles, self-inflicted eye injuries leading to blindness, skeletal fractures, compressive neuropathies, and vertebral artery dissection. Design/Methods: Two recent cases of malignant tics are described, including a 13 year-old male with forceful neck tics, and a 17 year-old female with nose-rubbing tics. The first was complicated by cervical myelopathy leading to spastic quadriplegia, while the latter resulted in significant skin breakdown, infection, and nasal deformity. In both cases, vigorous titration of tetrabenazine led to adequate symptom control and prevented further injury. Results: These two cases with video examples of malignant tics resulted in improvement of symptoms following rapid titration of tetrabenazine. Both presented to our center after complications had occurred including cervical myelopathy and nasal breakdown. Conclusions: In general, most tic disorders can be managed conservatively with only outpatient strategies. As malignant tics can lead to long-term disability, symptoms must be treated urgently and with all due haste in order to prevent complications. Tetrabenazine is often the most effective and well-tolerated intervention. Disclosure: Dr. Hull has nothing to disclose. Dr. Parnes has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Kadmon Corporation, Teva Neuroscience, and Medlink.
The ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) Study: JACC Focus Seminar 3/8

ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) initiated community-based surveillance in 1987 for myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease (CHD) incidence and mortality and created a prospective cohort of 15,792 Black and White adults ages 45 to 64 years. The primary aims were to improve understanding of the decline in CHD mortality and identify determinants of subclinical atherosclerosis and CHD in Black and White middle-age adults. ARIC has examined areas including health disparities, genomics, heart failure, and prevention, producing more than 2,300 publications. Results have had strong clinical impact and demonstrate the importance of population-based research in the spectrum of biomedical research to improve health.
The Perspectives and Experiences of Families from Mexican Immigrant Backgrounds with Collaborative Project-based Learning in their Children’s Bilingual Classroom

This qualitative study examined the perspectives and experiences of seven focal families from Mexican immigrant backgrounds that participated in collaborative project-based learning in their childr...
When Engagement Leads to Action: Understanding the Impact of Cancer (Mis)information among Latino/a Facebook Users.

Latinos/as - the largest minority group in the U.S. - are avid Facebook users, making this an opportune tool to educate on the uptake of cancer prevention and screening behaviors. However, there is a dearth in scholarship exploring how Latinos/as engage with and act upon health content encountered on social media, which may be influenced by cultural values. This qualitatively-driven, mixed-methods study explores how Latinos/as engage with and act upon cancer prevention and screening information (CPSI) on Facebook. During one-on-one, in-depth interviews, participants (n = 20) logged onto their Facebook account alongside the researcher and discussed cancer-related posts they engaged with during the past 12 months. Interview questions included the reasons for engagement, and whether engagement triggered further action. Interviews were analyzed thematically. In parallel, a content analysis of the CPSI posts identified during the interviews was conducted. The majority of CPSI posts participants engaged with contained food-related content and visual imagery. Engagement was most common when individuals had personal relationships to the poster, when posts included videos/images, and when posts contained content promoting the curative properties of popular Latin American foods. Engagement often led to information-seeking and sharing, discussing content with others, and/or changing health behaviors. Findings highlight the importance of adequately contextualizing how cultural values influence the ways in which Latinos/as engage with and act upon CPSI on Facebook, which may lead individuals to bypass evidence-based procedures. Multi-pronged efforts are necessary to adequately leverage social media to empower Latinos/as to partake in behaviors that effectively reduce cancer health disparities.
The Addition of Virtual Reality into the Neurology Curriculum (P2.9-044)

Objective: Acquiring the necessary skills to become a competent physician requires learning the professional standards in a real-life context. Often times the ability to assess and treat disease in this setting is not always possible as scenarios can be difficult to simulate due to cost, safety, or setting. To this end Virtual Reality (VR) has tremendous educational potential and may play a role in the future education of healthcare professionals at all levels of training. VR can help augment what occurs in the classroom and simulation center to establish greater depth and understanding. This can help broaden clinical exposure, ensure uniformity in training, enhance skill acquisition, and develop greater empathy in a disease process. VR also has the ability to augment other learning tools such as books, lectures, and simulation. Background: N/A Design/Methods: In this study, third year medical students participated in a 15-minute virtual reality scenario experiencing an epileptic seizure from a patient perspective. This was paired with an educational video introducing the clinical assessment and treatment of epilepsy. Each student experienced both the VR experience and the instructional video. This was followed by a debriefing session. Results: Learners reported a significant increase in competency of treating epilepsy. There was also a reported increase in empathy and developing methods to communicate with patients with seizures. Learners came from a diverse range of experience in using VR devices and very few had used VR for educational experiences. Conclusions: VR is an emerging technological advancement that has the potential to augment other teaching methodologies to provide a greater emphasis on empathy and the social implications of neurological diseases. It is relatively easy to implement and well received by the learner. Further validation to the impact as well as including additional health care professionals will be pursued. Disclosure: Dr. Holton-Burke has nothing to disclose. Dr. Vota has nothing to disclose. Dr. Oyoung-Oliver has nothing to disclose.
Parkinson’s Disease-Associated, Sex-specific Changes in DNA Methylation at PARK7 (DJ-1), ATXN1, SLC17A6, NR4A2, and PTPRN2 in Cortical Neurons

Evidence for epigenetic regulation playing a role in Parkinson's disease (PD) is growing, particularly for DNA modifications. Approximately 90% of PD cases are due to a complex interaction between age, genes, and environmental factors, and epigenetic marks are thought to mediate the relationship between aging, genetics, the environment, and disease risk. To date, there are a small number of published genome-wide studies of DNA modifications in PD, but none accounted for cell-type or sex in their analyses. Given the hetereogeneity of bulk brain tissue samples and known sex differences in PD risk, progression, and severity, these are critical variables to account for. In this first genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation in an enriched neuronal population from PD post-mortem parietal cortex, we report sex-specific PD-associated methylation changes in PARK7 (DJ-1), SLC17A6 (VGLUT2), PTPRN2 (IA-2{beta}), NR4A2 (NURR1), and other genes involved in developmental pathways, neurotransmitter packaging and release, and axon and neuron projection guidance.
The influence of training data variability on a supervised machine learning classifier for Structure from Motion (SfM) point clouds of rock slopes

Abstract Supervised Machine Learning (ML) can be used to automatically interpret remote sensing data in engineering geology, with applications for rockfall and landslide characterization. However, supervised algorithms typically require very large training databases from which to learn predictive relationships, and there is little guidance on how to construct such a database in an earth science context with high temporal and spatial heterogeneity. This study builds a supervised classifier to perform basic rock slope characterization on Structure from Motion (SfM) point clouds collected under a variety of conditions. Eight datasets were collected in Colorado and Utah, USA, with multiple different sensor platforms (terrestrial and aerial), rock types, seasons, and lighting conditions, and each dataset was manually labeled to identify regions of vegetation, rock, soil, talus, and snow. A total of 2560 Random Forest models were built with different combinations of training datasets and combinations of geometric and color features. Most models were able to identify vegetation and rock with high accuracy (median F scores of 86% and 68% respectively), but performance for soil, talus, and snow was overall much poorer, and the median overall accuracy of generalized classifiers was 60%. Many characteristics of the training data were found to have significant effects on generalization accuracy, indicating that training datasets must be curated to be applicable to specific data collection parameters, seasons, lighting conditions, and geological settings. We conclude that high accuracy generalized results can be obtained, but the ML model must be carefully constructed, and its limitations acknowledged.
Inhibition of DNA methylation in newborns reprograms ischemia-sensitive biomarkers resulting in development of a heart ischemia-sensitive phenotype late in life.

Adverse environmental stress exposure at critical perinatal stages can alter cardiovascular development, which could persist into adulthood and develop a cardiovascular dysfunctional phenotype late in life. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. The present study provided a direct evidence that DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism contributing to the developmental origins of adult cardiovascular disease. We hypothesized that DNA hypomethylation at neonatal stage alters gene expression patterns in the heart, leading to development of a cardiac ischemia-sensitive phenotype late in life. To test this hypothesis, a DNA methylation inhibitor 5-Aza-2-deoxycytidine (5-Aza) was administered in newborn rats from postnatal day 1-3. Cardiac function and related key genes were measured in 2-week- and 2-month-old animals, respectively. 5-Aza treatment induced an age- and sex-dependent inhibition of global and gene-specific DNA methylation levels in left ventricles, resulting in a long-lasting growth restriction but an asymmetry increase in the heart-to-body weight ratio. In addition, treatment with 5-Aza enhanced ischemia and reperfusion-induced cardiac dysfunction and injury in adults as compared with the saline controls, which was associated with up-regulations of miRNA-181a and angiotensin II receptor type 1 & 2 gene expressions, but down-regulations of PKCe, Atg5, and GSK3β gene expressions in left ventricles. In conclusion, our results provide compelling evidence that neonatal DNA methylation deficiency is a key mechanism contributing to differentially reprogram cardiac gene expression patterns, leading to development of a heart ischemia-sensitive phenotype late in life.
Paul, the Stoics, and the Body of Christ: The body metaphor

I will look first at general uses of the body metaphor, or in some cases, the body analogy. As several scholars have noted, the body was a common topos in antiquity in political speeches arguing for unity in the form of homonoia , or “concord” speeches. Martin contends that these speeches were so common that they were practically a genre unto themselves. Some famous examples of these speeches include Antiphon's Πeρὶ ὁμονοίαςς and Isocrates' Panegyricus . The homonoia speeches often had predictable patterns and examples, and rhetoricians employed common topoi such as the body or the household to argue for political unity. According to this use, the group, which was not limited to formal political associations, was like a body in that it was composed of various parts which needed to cooperate in order to survive, or for the “common good.” But the metaphor was not limited to homonoia speeches. Its significance varied according to its use by orators of different philosophical backgrounds. Even in the context of the homonoia speeches, there was a multiplicity of uses. It will be helpful to begin the present study by delving deeper into the different ways in which the orators applied it. Basic structure The image was often used to make a simple and direct statement. The following passage is from Cicero, using an example from rhetoric: “In an enumeration we have, as it were, parts, as ( ut ) for example a body has head, shoulders, hands, sides, legs, feet and so forth.”
Self-Reported Parenting of Clinic-Referred and Non-referred Mexican American Mothers of Young Children

Behavioral parent training (BPT) interventions for child behavior problems have been based on decades of research that demonstrate links between particular parent behaviors and child externalizing problems. However, the majority of this research has been conducted with European-American (EA) families, and less is known about whether these findings can be generalized to Mexican Americans (MAs). In the current study, we investigated self-reported parenting practices that have been associated with externalizing behavior problems among EA families (harsh parenting, inconsistency, and low parental warmth), to determine if those practices can also differentiate MA mothers whose young children have clinically significant behavior problems from MA mothers whose children do not have behavior problems. Participants were 115 MA families with young children, 58 with a child with clinically significant behavior problems and 57 with a child in the normal range for such problems. Results indicated that MA mothers whose children have behavior problems self-reported significantly less warmth and consistency and more harsh parenting compared to parents whose children's behavior was in the normal range. These findings indicate that parenting behaviors that are associated with externalizing behavior problems among EA families are associated with the same problems among MA families with young children, suggesting that parent training interventions designed to target these behaviors are also likely to be relevant to MA families with children in this age range. However, findings also indicate that parenting behaviors differ depending on acculturation level, suggesting that BPT programs must respond to variation in normative parenting practices for MA families.
The Contribution of Brain Edema to Brain Swelling

The deleterious effect of raised ICP following traumatic brain injury has been well recognized. However, it remains unclear whether the primary disruption of volume homeostasis and subsequent development of pressure is caused by brain edema or vascular engorgement. Primary traumatic swelling usually involves both hemispheres and in the more recent data obtained from the traumatic coma data bank (TCDB), of 595 patients studied, 31% of patients showed evidence of brain swelling [1]. Heretofore, it has not been possible to assess the contribution of increased water because of methodological problems in volume assessment. However, the recent introduction of magnetic resonance (MR) methods and the inherent sensitivity of changes in relaxation time to brain water has led to the development of quantitative methods capable of determining spatial distribution of edema non-invasively [2, 3].
Variability Analysis of Total Fluoride Concentrations from Two Reduction Cell Technologies in a Primary Aluminum Smelter

The Aluar Aluminum Primary Aluminium Smelter is composed of two potlines with Aluar cell technology (400 pots PFPB type at 200 kA) and two potlines with AP18 cell technology (384 pots PFPB type at 220 kA). Sampling of roof emissions is done with a 32 cassette arrangement according to EPA14A method for total fluoride (gaseous and particulate phase) emission control and monitoring. Following the guidelines of the methodology the cassettes are placed along the roof monitor of the 8 potrooms that form the 4 potlines.
A God Over God Versus the Political Over Politics? Schelling, Lefort and the Originary Identity of Theological and Political Form

AbstractThe partial aim of this paper is to suggest that Merleau-Ponty’s ontology is prefigured in Schelling’s conception of God as presented in Ages of the World. This will specifically be demonstrated by explicating the parallels between Merleau-Ponty’s paradoxical notion of the flesh and Schelling’s equally complex idea of Ungrund. Understanding the significance of Schelling’s influence on Merleau-Ponty becomes pivotal upon the recognition that the contemporary French political philosopher Claude Lefort’s idea of the political instituting politics is directly linked to Merleau-Ponty’s ontology of the invisible and visible. The implication here involves the suggestion that Lefort’s conception of the political parallels Schelling’s conception of God as mediated by Merleau-Ponty. It is then suggested that the political form of modernity should be understood less as the emergence of a novel form and conceived of more as an originary dimension where the theological and the political become indistinguishable.
10 Major strengths and weaknesses of the lod score method

Abstract Strengths and weaknesses of the lod score method for human genetic linkage analysis are discussed. The main weakness is its requirement for the specification of a detailed inheritance model for the trait. Various strengths are identified. For example, the lod score (likelihood) method has optimality properties when the trait to be studied is known to follow a Mendelian mode of inheritance. The ELOD is a useful measure for information content of the data. The lod score method can emulate various “nonparametric” methods, and this emulation is equivalent to the nonparametric methods. Finally, the possibility of building errors into the analysis will prove to be essential for the large amount of linkage and disequilibrium data expected in the near future.
Analyzing Tree-Like Structures in Biomedical Images Based on Texture and Branching: An Application to Breast Imaging

We propose an approach for analyzing tree-like structures in biomedical images. Our analysis is based on Vector Quantization (VQ), an image compression technique. Here, we approach VQ from a different perspective: we use the histogram of the codeword usage as a feature vector representing the initial image. As ductal tree topology has predictive value for a variety of diseases, such as papilloma, ductal ectasia, and ductal carcinoma, we chose to apply this technique to compare texture of the breast ductal tree in x-ray galactograms against the same tissue in corresponding unenhanced mammograms, which do not visualize the ductal tree. We also investigate the relationship between texture and the underlying ductal branching topology using descriptors adapted from the data mining literature. We believe that our method has the potential to assist the interpretation of clinical images and deepen our understanding of relationships among structure, texture, function, and pathology.
Patents : Tapping a valuable resource

A patent is rich with research information. Data on properties, processes, manufactured products, compositions, machines, and applications may not be published; so checking patent literature can save time and effort. An inventor lists pertinent patent and non-patent references as prior art. Electronic databases link to work influenced by a particular patent. Patent claims can be scrutinized and compared with new ideas. Analyses of similar patents indicate top inventors, companies, and geographical locations (regional or global) of work in a specific technological area. Fee-based services are available, but effective searching can be done at one's desktop and files downloaded for immediate use. The USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) site has full patents available from 1790. Prior to 1976, however, most patents can be found only by using the classification or patent number. This paper demonstrates comprehensive U.S. patent searching, using approaches to find patents not available by using keyword terms. Methods for searching and obtaining international patents are also mentioned.
Laplacian graph based approach for uncertainty quantification of large scale dynamical systems

Design of nonlinear dynamic complex systems that are robust to uncertainties requires usage of uncertainty quantification methods. With a large number of states, quantifying uncertainty by conventional methods is computationally prohibitive. Conventional methods are also prone to error. When the number of interacting variables is large, it is prudent, if not imperative, to take advantage of special structural features of a decomposed system and come up with a substantial reduction in dimensionality to get a solution for analyzing the whole system. In this paper, we propose two new methods of state space decomposition of large-scale dynamical systems. The proposed methods not only take into consideration the initial values of the state variables but also the evolution of the trajectories of the states with time. The efficacy of the novel state space partitioning schemes on selected uncertainty quantification test problems are outlined. Initial results show that our state partitioning schemes are competitive or often better, compared to existing methods.
Hedonic Estimates of Regional Constant Quality House Prices

It is has been shown that regional housing price indexes reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) misstate price change over time due to failure to control for variation in housing quality. However, the erroneous assumption that implicit housing characteristic prices are invariant across regions of the United States may also bias regional constant quality hedonic price indexes. This study shows that housing characteristic prices derived from NAR data do vary significantly by region. It then compares regional price indexes, which do and do not control for regional variation in housing characteristic prices, to demonstrate the biasing effect.