cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-dose aspirin does not improve ovarian stimulation, endometrial response, or pregnancy rates for in vitro fertilization

The purpose of this study is to determine if low-dose aspirin improved ovarian stimulation, endometrial response, or IVF pregnancy rates in our program. Retrospective analysis of 316 consecutive IVF cycles from 1995 through 2001. Aspirin 80 mg daily was initiated at the start of luteal leuprolide in 72 cycles. The 244 controls received no aspirin during treatment. The live birth rate in aspirin users was 29%, slightly lower compared to 41% in the no aspirin control group (p = 0.07). Implantation rates were 21% with aspirin and 30% in the control population (p = 0.01). There was no difference in the maximal endometrial thickness between aspirin and non-aspirin groups. The two groups were similar regarding age, gonadotropin ampules, embryos, number of embryos transferred, prior parity, diagnosis, use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and stimulation protocol. Low-dose aspirin was not beneficial to IVF patients in our program. Aspirin does not enhance endometrial thickness, augment the ovarian response, or improve pregnancy rates.
Childhood Sexual Abuse and Impulsive Personality Traits: Mixed Evidence for Moderation by DRD4 Genotype.

This project examines associations between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and two dimensions of impulsivity (sensation seeking and premeditation), and tests whether CSA-personality associations are moderated by the DRD4 exon III VNTR polymorphism. Sample 1 is from a longitudinal study of university students measured at 10 waves over ages 18–24 years (n = 500). Sample 2 is from a national sample of young adult sibling pairs, ages 18–24, from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (n = 2559). In both samples, CSA was associated with elevated sensation seeking. In Sample 1, the association between CSA and sensation seeking was moderated by DRD4 genotype; this gene × environment interaction effect, however, was not replicated in Sample 2. Results suggest new avenues for research on CSA in the area of normal-range personality variation.
Assessing the socio-economic impacts of rural road improvements in Ghana: a case study of Transport Sector Program Support (II)

Roads are the predominant mode of transport in African countries, and represent a critical element for economic development. In Ghana, this reliance has led to major investments in road construction, including an initiative—the Ghana Transport Sector Program Support—that focuses on revitalizing rural economies and reducing poverty by prioritizing the improvement and maintenance of rural feeder road systems. This research employs a case study approach to assess the socio-economic impacts of rural road improvements in the three northern regions of Ghana. The study measured ex ante/ex post changes in household income and expenditures, crop production, the usage of motorized vehicles, access to markets, school and health facilities, and transport charges. The analysis revealed that road improvements led to dramatic growth in these indicators along each subject road corridor during the initial phase of the program. However, indicators grew to a minor degree or declined during the second phase. The analysis attributes this change to soaring fuel prices impacting freight and passenger charges. These findings suggest that Ghana should better coordinate road maintenance programs with the development of alternative fuels. This strategy would include utilization of natural gas reserves of the Jubilee oil field with a program that would develop natural gas fuels and alternative fuel vehicles. The use of alternative fuel vehicles in concert with rural road improvements could improve access and make transport less vulnerable to petroleum market fluctuations.
A hybrid land use regression/AERMOD model for predicting intra-urban variation in PM2.5

Abstract Characterizing near-source spatio-temporal variation is a long -standing challenge in air pollution epidemiology, and common intra-urban modeling approaches [e.g., land use regression (LUR)], do not account for short-term meteorological variation. Atmospheric dispersion modeling approaches, such as AERMOD, can account for near-source pollutant behavior by capturing source-meteorological interactions, but requires external validation and resolved background concentrations. In this study, we integrate AERMOD-based predictions for source-specific fine particle (PM2.5) concentrations into LUR models derived from total ambient PM2.5 measured at 36 unique sites selected to represent different source and elevation profiles, during summer and winter, 2012–2013 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PA). We modeled PM2.5 emissions from 207 local stationary sources in AERMOD, utilizing the monitoring locations as receptors, and hourly meteorological information matching each sampling period. Finally, we compare results of the integrated LUR/AERMOD hybrid model to those of the AERMOD + background and standard LUR models, at the full domain scale and within a 5 km2 sub-domain surrounding a large industrial facility. The hybrid model improved out-of-sample prediction accuracy by 2–10% over LUR alone, though performance differed by season, in part due to within-season temporal variability. We found differences up to 10 μg/m3 in predicted concentrations, and observed the largest differences within the industrial sub-domain. LUR underestimated concentrations from 500 to 2500 m downwind of major sources. The hybrid modeling approach we developed may help to improve intra-urban exposure estimates, particularly in regions of large industrial sources, sharp elevation gradients, or complex meteorology (e.g., frequent inversion events), such as Pittsburgh, PA. More broadly, the approach may inform the development of spatio-temporal modeling frameworks for air pollution exposure assessment for epidemiology.
Solid Serous Adenoma of the Pancreas: Clinicopathologic Features and Differential Diagnosis

Abstract We discuss the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features, as well as the differential diagnosis, of pancreatic solid serous adenomas. Solid serous adenoma is a rare variant of the serous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas, with only 11 cases reported in the literature. Preoperatively, this lesion is frequently misclassified as a well-differentiated pancreatic endocrine neoplasm because of its well-circumscribed, solid, and vascular appearance on imaging studies. The primary diagnostic challenge for the surgical pathologist is to distinguish solid serous adenoma from other neoplasms with clear cytoplasm, including primary ductal adenocarcinoma with clear cell or foamy gland change, well-differentiated pancreatic endocrine neoplasm with clear cell features, metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma, PEComa, and solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm with clear cell change. A periodic acid-Schiff with and without diastase digestion demonstrates cytoplasmic glycogen, and immunohistochemical labeling for markers such as CD10, CD56, synaptophysin, chromogranin, renal cell carcinoma-Ma, and β-catenin can be useful in excluding other entities in the differential diagnosis. Establishing the correct diagnosis is particularly important because the solid serous adenoma is a benign lesion with much better prognosis than the other lesions in the differential diagnosis.
A tale of two biomarkers: the use of troponin and CK-MB in contemporary practice.

1. Amy K. Saenger, PhD, DABCC[⇑][1] 1. Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Mayo Clinic 200 First Street SW Rochester, MN 55905 1. Address for Correspondence: Amy K. Saenger, PhD, DABCC , Director, Central Clinical Laboratory/Central Processing, Assistant Professor, Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Mayo Clinic 200 First Street SW Rochester, MN 55905 507-266-6494 saenger.amy{at}mayo.edu In its Fall, 2009 issue, Clinical Laboratory Science featured a Focus Series on Cardiovascular Risk Assessment. This series contained articles on B-type natriuretic peptide and genetic markers of cardiovascular disease and explored the links between decreased serum vitamin-D levels and cardiovascular disease. Traditionally, cardiovascular risk assessment has referred to markers that help predict long-term mortality and morbidity for heart disease. Markers like LDL, HDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol, hsCRP, BNP and many others make up this group. Acutely however, in cases of suspected myocardial infarction, cardiovascular assessment relies on a very different class of serum markers. Measurement of CK-MB and troponin proteins allows us to confirm or rule out damage to the myocardium. These markers are in obvious contrast to risk markers that are used as tools to assess a person's future risk for cardiovascular events. When considering markers for myocardial infarct, laboratorians know that CK-MB and troponin are both used to give diagnostic and sometimes even prognostic information. In this article, which is an extension of the Fall 2009 Focus series, we review the progress of these two myocardial markers while contemplating the question, ‘is it time to phase-out CK-MB testing given the advances and advantages of troponin testing?’ Modern diagnosis of myocardial infarction includes the use of blood biomarkers, which can also be used for risk assessment and for guiding interventional and non-interventional therapies. An ideal marker of cardiac necrosis should exhibit the following characteristics: cardiac specificity, tissue sensitivity, early and stable release after necrosis, predictable clearance, and the… [1]: #corresp-1
Detection of RNA–Protein Interactions Using Tethered RNA Affinity Capture

Recent progress in large-scale nucleic acid analysis technology has revealed the presence of vast numbers of RNA species in cells, and extensive processing. To investigate the functions of these transcripts highly efficient methods are needed to analyze their interactions with RNA-binding proteins (RNBPs), and to understand the binding mechanisms. Many methods have been described to identify RNBPs, but none are wholly satisfactory, in part because RNAs are flexible macromolecules that adopt multiple conformations only some of which might bind to specific proteins. Here we describe a novel in vitro RNA-pull-down assay using tRNA scaffolded Streptavidin Aptamer (tRSA), to identify transcript specific RNA binding protein from mammalian cell lysates. The tRNA scaffold functions to stabilize the structure of the aptamer and the attached RNA, increasing the efficiency of the affinity purification.
Isolation of Cutaneous Dendritic Cells

Cutaneous dendritic cells represent the first immunological interface with the environment and play a key role in the defense against pathogens that breach the skin. This protocol describes how to isolate cutaneous dendritic cells from mouse ears for flow cytometry analysis and functional assay studies.
The Properties of Aluminum Alloy 2219 Sheet, Plate, and Welded Joints at Low Temperatures

Among the readily weldable aluminum alloys showing great promise for cryogenic applications, 2219[1,2] appears to be outstanding. In tests made recently at NASA Lewis Research Laboratories[3], the strengths of both smooth and notched specimens from 2219-T62 sheet (plain, as-welded, and reheat-treated and aged-after-welding) were shown to increase with decrease in temperature to -423°F. The elongations generally remained relatively high. This alloy appears to offer medium-high strength and high toughness similar to that of the high-strength aluminum-magnesium series of alloys plus the advantages of response to postweld thermal treatments.
Solid-Phase Fractionation of Lymphoid Cells on Ligand-Coated Plastic Plates

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses solid-phase fractionation of lymphoid cells on ligand-coated plastic plates. The immune system consists of cells with functional and cell-surface phenotypic diversity. In vitro analyses of lymphoid cell function has required isolation of enriched or purified lymphoid subpopulations. Many investigators have devised methods for separation of effector and regulatory cells that exploit the cell-surface phenotypic differences of lymphocyte subsets. A number of different methods have been described for the isolation of cells bearing distinct cell-surface receptors or markers. Cell-surface immunoglobulin bearing B lymphocytes have been separated by binding to anti-immunoglobulin immunoadsorbent columns. Cells bearing specific anti-hapten receptors have been isolated in a viable state on antigen-conjugated immobilized supports, following elution with free hapten at neutral pH. However, the recovery of bound cells has been a complex problem. The yields with column separation methods have been low. The columns may have limited reuse. The use of the FACS has greatly enhanced the ease of analyzing cell subpopulations. It can also be used for preparative cell separation. However, it also has its limitations. It is often prohibitively expensive. Preparative isolations can be time consuming.
A Simulation Study of the Relationship Between Advertising and Seller Concentration

This experiment tests a model of the effects of advertising on rirm and Industry profitability whleh argues that, uncier certain circumstances, advertising will be greater and profits less in less concentrated than more concentrated industries. This is the opposite of the hypothesis normally advanced by economists. The general hypothesis, but not the specific numerical predictions, was supported.
Knowledge and Ideology: The Epistemology of Social and Political Critique

Ideology critique generally seeks to undermine selected theories and beliefs by demonstrating their partisan origins and their insidious social functions. This approach rightly reveals the socially implicated nature of much purported knowledge, but also brackets or bypasses its cognitive properties. In contrast, Michael Morris argues that it is possible to integrate the social and epistemic dimensions of belief in a way that preserves the cognitive and adjudicatory capacities of reason, while acknowledging that reason itself is inevitably social, historical, and interested. Drawing upon insights from Hegel, Lukacs, Mannheim, and Habermas, he interprets and reconstructs Marx's critique of ideology as a positive theory of knowledge, one that reconciles the inherently interested and inextricably situated nature of thought with more traditional conceptions of rational adjudication, normativity, and truth. His wide-ranging examination of the social and epistemic dimensions of ideology will interest readers in political philosophy and political theory.
DNA repair in ischemic acute kidney injury

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common cause of acute kidney injury leading to an induction of oxidative stress, cellular dysfunction, and loss of renal function. DNA damage, including oxidative base modifications and physical DNA strand breaks, is a consequence of renal IRI. Like many other organs in the body, a redundant and highly conserved set of endogenous repair pathways have evolved to selectively recognize the various types of cellular DNA damage and combat its negative effects on cell viability. Severe damage to the DNA, however, can trigger cell death and elimination of the injured tubular epithelial cells. In this minireview, we summarize the state of the current field of DNA damage and repair in the kidney and provide some expected and, in some cases, unexpected effects of IRI on DNA damage and repair in the kidney. These findings may be applicable to other forms of acute kidney injury and could provide new opportunities for renal research.
Termination Spoiling: Sabotage and Obstruction

By qualitatively examining the impact of various types of spoiling, Chap. 4 shows that most termination spoilers are simply too weak to derail the peace agreement on their own, and in many cases, their behavior is anticipated, blunting any effect they might have on popular opinion. Most are ignored by insiders, though in some cases, outsiders use spoiling to demonstrate their power and importance, which leads to them signing separate peace agreements with the government in the future. Termination spoiling presents a danger to peace only when outsiders are acting on behest of a government that is disinterested in complying with the agreement or key powerful actors were excluded from the initial accord.
Role of second-hand smoke (SHS)-induced proteostasis/autophagy impairment in pediatric lung diseases

Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke (SHS) is one of the prime risk factors for chronic lung disease development. Smoking during pregnancy may lead to birth defects in the newborn that include pulmonary dysfunction, increased susceptibility to opportunistic pathogens, or initiation of childhood respiratory manifestations such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Moreover, exposure to SHS in early childhood can have negative impact on lung health, although the exact mechanisms are unclear. Autophagy is a crucial proteostatic mechanism modulated by cigarette smoke (CS) in adult lungs. Here, we sought to investigate whether SHS exposure impairs autophagy in pediatric lungs. Pregnant C57BL/6 mice were exposed to room air or SHS for 14 days. The newborn pups were subsequently exposed to room air or SHS (5 h/day) for 1 or 14 days, and lungs were harvested. Soluble and insoluble protein fractions isolated from pediatric mice lungs were subjected to immunoblotting for ubiquitin (Ub), p62, VCP, HIF-1α, and β-actin. Our data shows that short-term exposure to SHS (1 or 14 days) leads to proteostasis and autophagy-impairment as evident by significant increase in accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins (Ub), p62 (impaired-autophagy marker) and valosin-containing protein (VCP) in the insoluble protein fractions of pediatric mice lungs. Moreover, increased HIF-1α levels in SHS-exposed mice lungs points towards a novel mechanism for SHS-induced lung disease initiation in the pediatric population. Validating the in vivo studies, we demonstrate that treatment of human bronchial epithelial cells (Beas2b cells) with the proteasome inhibitor (MG-132) induces HIF-1α expression that is controlled by co-treatment with autophagy-inducing drug, cysteamine. SHS-exposure induced proteostasis/autophagy impairment can mediate the initiation of chronic lung disease in pediatric subjects. Hence, our data warrants the evaluation of proteostasis/autophagy-inducing drugs, such as cysteamine, as a potential therapeutic intervention strategy for SHS-induced pediatric lung diseases.
A role for muscarinic receptors in neutrophil extracellular trap formation and levamisole-induced autoimmunity

Levamisole, an anthelmintic drug with cholinergic properties, has been implicated in cases of drug-induced vasculitis when added to cocaine for profit purposes. Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation is a cell death mechanism characterized by extrusion of chromatin decorated with granule proteins. Aberrant NET formation and degradation have been implicated in idiopathic autoimmune diseases that share features with levamisole-induced autoimmunity as well as in drug-induced autoimmunity. This study's objective was to determine how levamisole modulates neutrophil biology and its putative effects on the vasculature. Murine and human neutrophils exposed to levamisole demonstrated enhanced NET formation through engagement of muscarinic subtype 3 receptor. Levamisole-induced NETosis required activation of Akt and the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway, ROS induction through the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, and peptidylarginine deiminase activation. Sera from two cohorts of patients actively using levamisole-adulterated cocaine displayed autoantibodies against NET components. Cutaneous biopsy material obtained from individuals exposed to levamisole suggests that neutrophils produce NETs in areas of vasculitic inflammation and thrombosis. NETs generated by levamisole were toxic to endothelial cells and impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. Stimulation of muscarinic receptors on neutrophils by cholinergic agonists may contribute to the pathophysiology observed in drug-induced autoimmunity through the induction of inflammatory responses and neutrophil-induced vascular damage.
A License to Build (Software)

Despite working in a global job market, software engineers must surmount local problems. The web extra at https://youtu.be/X3Lh_SGDNHY is an audio recording of author David Alan Grier reading his new Global Code column, in which he discusses how professional competencies and ethics can be ensured locally while remaining on par with global standards.
Understanding the link between professional learning communities and teacher collective efficacy

Research suggests effective professional learning communities (PLCs) enhance teacher collaboration and student achievement. Some studies indicate that these communities also predict greater collect...
Biological CO 2 mitigation from coal power plant by Chlorella fusca and Spirulina sp

CO2 biofixation by microalgae and cyanobacteria is an environmentally sustainable way to mitigate coal burn gas emissions. In this work the microalga Chlorella fusca LEB 111 and the cyanobacteria Spirulina sp. LEB 18 were cultivated using CO2 from coal flue gas as a carbon source. The intermittent flue gas injection in the cultures enable the cells growth and CO2 biofixation by these microorganisms. The Chlorella fusca isolated from a coal power plant could fix 2.6 times more CO2 than Spirulina sp. The maximum daily CO2 from coal flue gas biofixation was obtained with Chlorella fusca (360.12±0.27mgL-1d-1), showing a specific growth rate of 0.17±<0.01d-1. The results demonstrated the Chlorella fusca LEB 111 and Spirulina sp. LEB 18 potential to fix CO2 from coal flue gas, and sequential biomass production with different biotechnological destinations.
Novel conformation-selective alpha-synuclein antibodies raised against different in vitro fibril forms show distinct patterns of Lewy pathology in Parkinson's disease.

Aims The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that different conformations of misfolded α-synuclein (α-syn) are present in Parkinson's disease (PD) brain. Methods Using two previously characterized conformations of α-syn fibrils, we generated new conformation-selective α-syn monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). We then interrogated multiple brain regions in a well-characterized autopsy cohort of PD patients (n = 49) with these mAbs, Syn7015 and Syn9029. Results Syn7015 detects Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs) formed by pathological α-syn in all brain regions tested, and is particularly sensitive to LNs and small Lewy dots, inclusions believed to form early in the disease. Further, we observed colocalization between Syn7015 and an early marker of α-syn pathology formation, phospho-Ser129-α-syn, and a lack of extensive colocalization with markers of more mature pathology. In comparison, Syn9029 detects Lewy pathology in all regions examined, but indicates significantly fewer LNs than Syn7015. In addition, colocalization of Syn9029 with later markers of α-syn pathology maturation (ubiquitin and P62) suggests that the pathology detected by Syn9029 is older. Semiquantitative scoring of both LN and LB pathology in nine brain regions further established this trend, with Syn7015 LN scores consistently higher than Syn9029 LN scores. Conclusions Our data indicate that different conformations of α-syn pathology are present in PD brain and correspond to different stages of maturity for Lewy pathology. Regional analysis of Syn7015 and Syn9029 immunostaining also provides support for the Braak hypothesis that α-syn pathology advances through the brain.
The Recursive Turtle

A space-filling curve is a continuous function P from the unit interval onto the square. The upper images show approximations to the image of P in the square. Further approximations would yield a fully black square. The three-dimensional image shows the true graph of the function: the subset of ℝ3 given by {(t, x, y): P(t) = (x, y)}.
The emerging role of immune checkpoint based approaches in AML and MDS.

AbstractThe development of immune checkpoint inhibitors represents a major breakthrough in the field of cancer therapeutics. Pursuant to their success in melanoma and numerous solid tumor malignancies, these agents are being investigated in hematological malignancies including acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Although AML/MDS have traditionally been considered to be less immunogenic than solid tumor malignancies, recent pre-clinical models suggest a therapeutic role for immune checkpoint inhibition in these diseases. CTLA-4 inhibition may be especially effective in treating late post-allogeneic stem cell transplant relapse of AML in patients with limited or no graft versus host disease. Immune checkpoint inhibition, specifically PD-1 inhibition, demonstrated limited single agent efficacy in patients with relapsed AML and with MDS post-hypomethylating therapy. Rationally designed combinations of PD-1 inhibitors with standard anti-leukemic therapy are needed. Hypomethyla...
Discriminating Taste: How Class Anxiety Created the American Food Revolution

In American Studies scholar Margot Finn’s new book, Discriminating Taste: How Class Anxiety Created the American Food Revolution, she argues the American Food Revolution was driven primarily by a s...
From Worldview to Way of Life: Forming Student Dispositions toward Human Flourishing in Christian Higher Education

While Christian college students often develop a worldview that emphasizes both individual and social flourishing for the Kingdom of God, there are a number of barriers that may prevent them from l...
A Comparative Survey of Covenant Marriage Proposals in the United States

This article summarizes the status and content of laws and proposed legislation regarding covenant marriage throughout the U.S.
Searching for Imperfection Insensitive Externally Pressurized Near-Spherical Thin Shells

This paper studies the buckling behavior and imperfection sensitivity of geodesic and stellated shells subject to external pressure. It is shown that these structures can completely eliminate the severe imperfection sensitivity of spherical shells and can achieve buckling pressure and mass efficiency higher than the perfect sphere. Key results of this paper are as follows. First, a shell with the shape of an icosahedron can carry external pressure significantly higher than a spherical shell, when the effects of geometric imperfections are considered. Second, stellated shells are generally insensitive to imperfections. For pyramids with height-to-radius ratios greater than 35% the buckling pressure is greater than for a perfect sphere. The specific ratio 45% gives the highest buckling pressure, 28% higher than the perfect sphere. Third, stellated icosahedra with concave pyramids have higher mass efficiency than the perfect sphere. Fourth, in terms of volume efficiency, geodesic shells are comparable to spherical shells with a knockdown factor of 0.2 and convex stellated shells are comparable to spherical shells with a knockdown factor of 0.65.
Epidemiology of Colic

Understanding the epidemiology of equine colic is directly relevant to the management of individual horses with colic. In this article, the epidemiology of colic is reviewed with emphasis on epidemiologic studies that have identified specific factors associated with increased risk of colic and epidemiologic studies that are designed to predict the need for surgery and prognosis in horses with colic. Despite the magnitude of the problem of equine colic, much remains to be learned about the epidemiology of this disease.
Cancer Site–Specific Disparities in New York, Including the 1945–1965 Birth Cohort's Impact on Liver Cancer Patterns

Background: Analyses of cancer patterns by detailed racial/ethnic groups in the Northeastern United States are outdated.Methods: Using 2008-2014 death data from the populous and diverse New York State, mortality rates and regression-derived ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed to compare Hispanic, non-Hispanic white (NHW), non-Hispanic black (NHB), Asian populations, and specific Hispanic and NHB subgroups: Puerto Rican, Dominican, South American, Central American, U.S.-born black, and Caribbean-born black. Special analyses on liver cancer mortality, given the higher prevalence of hepatitis C infection among the 1945-1965 birth cohort, were performed.Results: A total of 244,238 cancer-related deaths were analyzed. Mortality rates were highest for U.S.-born blacks and lowest for South Americans and Asians. Minority groups had higher mortality from liver and stomach cancer than NHWs; Hispanics and NHBs also had higher mortality from cervical and prostate cancers. Excess liver cancer mortality among Puerto Rican and U.S.-born black men was observed, particularly for the 1945-1965 birth cohort, with mortality rate ratios of 4.27 (95% CI, 3.82-4.78) and 3.81 (95% CI, 3.45-4.20), respectively.Conclusions: U.S.-born blacks and Puerto Ricans, who share a common disadvantaged socioeconomic profile, bear a disproportionate burden for many cancers, including liver cancer among baby boomers. The relatively favorable cancer profile for Caribbean-born blacks contrasts with their U.S.-born black counterparts, implying that race per se is not an inevitable determinant of higher mortality among NHBs.Impact: Disaggregation by detailed Hispanic and black subgroups in U.S. cancer studies enlightens our understanding of the epidemiology of cancer and is fundamental for cancer prevention and control efforts. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(8); 917-27. ©2018 AACR.
Sensitivity Study of Cancer Antigens (CA-125) Detection Using Interdigitated Electrodes Under Microfluidic Flow Condition

The integrated module of microfluidics with the biosensor is of great research interest with the increasing trend of lab-on-the-chip and point-of-care devices. Though there are numerous studies performed on associating the microfluidics to the biosensing mechanisms, the study of the sensitivity variation due to microfluidic flow is very much limited. In this paper, a study of the sensitivity variation while detecting the CA-125 antigen using interdigitated electrodes, with static drop and with microfluidic flow of biofluid sample (CA-125 antigens with phosphate buffer saline solution), was performed. When the biofluid sample was passed on the CA-125 antibodies that are immobilized on the gold interdigitated electrodes, the capacitance variation of the sensing circuit was caused due to the antigen–antibody interaction. However, the capacitance measured during CA-125 antigen–antibody interaction with the microfluidic flow condition (270.34 pF) was lower than static drop condition (296.09 pF) due to the instability of the immobilized antibodies on the sensing surface that was caused by the shear stress on the sensing surface during the microfluidic flow. This study helps to understand the capacitive sensitivity issues in the biosensing mechanisms with microfluidic platform.
Optimal Currency Areas with Labor Market Frictions

I study efficiency and optimal monetary policy in a two-country monetary union with frictional labor markets. With heterogeneity in labor market frictions, the constrained efficient allocation generically cannot be achieved even if productivity shocks affecting each country are the same. The second-best optimal policy targets smaller in inflation and output gaps in the more sclerotic labor market. A quantitative calibration to the Eurozone implies welfare gains from redefining the union's inflation target to put more weight on its sclerotic members.
Studies directed toward the total synthesis of cerorubenic acid-III. 2. Analysis of the inability to realize D ring formation by means of extraannular Robinson annulation

The possibility of achieving contruction of the complete framework2 1of cerorubenic acid-III by means of a highly convergent anionic oxy-Cope step followed by extraannular Robinson annulation has been probed. To this end, the dithiane 10 and iodides 14 were prepared and merged via S N 2 chemistry. The dianion derived from 15d added smoothly to β,γ-unsaturated ketone S N 2 and the resulting diastereomers 18b and 19b were separated and individually transformed into the diketone pairs 22 and 23. When these advanced intermediates failed to undergo the cyclization required for assembly of ring D, the ability of parent ketone 28 to undergo nucleophilic addition with various classes of nucleophiles was assessed. Although somewhat attenuated, the carbonyl group in this peculiar structural setting gives evidence of being adequately reactive
Whole-blood transcriptomic responses to lumacaftor/ivacaftor therapy in cystic fibrosis

Abstract Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) remains without a definitive cure. Novel therapeutics targeting the causative defect in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene are in clinical use. Lumacaftor/ivacaftor is a CFTR modulator approved for patients homozygous for the CFTR variant p.Phe508del, but there are wide variations in treatment responses preventing prediction of patient responses. We aimed to determine changes in gene expression related to treatment initiation and response. Methods Whole-blood transcriptomics was performed using RNA-Seq in 20 patients with CF pre- and 6 months post-lumacaftor/ivacaftor (drug) initiation and 20 non-CF healthy controls. Correlation of gene expression with clinical variables was performed by stratification via clinical responses. Results We identified 491 genes that were differentially expressed in CF patients (pre-drug) compared with non-CF controls and 36 genes when comparing pre-drug to post-drug profiles. Both pre- and post-drug CF profiles were associated with marked overexpression of inflammation-related genes and apoptosis genes, and significant under-expression of T cell and NK cell-related genes compared to non-CF. CF patients post-drug demonstrated normalized protein synthesis expression, and decreased expression of cell-death genes compared to pre-drug profiles, irrespective of clinical response. However, CF clinical responders demonstrated changes in eIF2 signaling, oxidative phosphorylation, IL-17 signaling, and mitochondrial function compared to non-responders. Top overexpressed genes (MMP9 and SOCS3) that decreased post-drug were validated by qRT-PCR. Functional assays demonstrated that CF monocytes normalized calcium (increases MMP9 expression) concentrations post-drug. Conclusions Transcriptomics revealed differentially regulated pathways in CF patients at baseline compared to non-CF, and in clinical responders to lumacaftor/ivacaftor.
Factors that influence the androgen receptor cistrome in benign and malignant prostate cells

The androgen receptor (AR) plays key roles in the development of prostate tissue and the development and progression of prostate cancer (PC). AR guides cytodifferentiation and homeostasis in benign luminal epithelial cells; however, in PC, AR instead drives the uncontrolled proliferation of these cells. This 'AR malignancy shift' (AMS) is a central event in tumorigenesis. Using a ChIP-seq approach in primary human tissues, cell lines, and mouse models, we demonstrate that the AMS occurs in every sample analyzed, suggesting that it is necessary for PC development. Using molecular and genetic techniques, we demonstrate that forkhead box (FOX)A1, HOXB13, GATA2, and c-JUN are involved in the regulation of the AMS. AR-binding sites (ARBS) are enriched for FOX, HOX, and GATA motifs in PC cells but not for c-JUN motifs in benign cells. We show that the SPOP mutation commonly found in localized PCs can cause the AMS but is not transformative on its own and must be coupled to another mutation to transform cells. We show that the AMS occurs in mouse models of PC as well and that chronic low T, which is associated with increased PC risk and aggressiveness in humans, also causes the AMS in mice. We have discovered a previously unrecognized, fundamental tenet of PC, one which explains how and why AR signaling is different in cancer and benign cells. Our work has the potential to be used to stratify patients with localized PC for specific treatments. Furthermore, our work suggests that the AMS is a novel target for the treatment and/or prevention of PC.
HI Absorption in the Intergalactic Medium

We review studies of the intergalactic medium (IGM) via HI absorption with emphasis on the decades of previous research with quasar absorption line studies. The chapter begins with a historical perspective and then offers a pedagogical description of the quantum mechanics underlying the Lyman series and Lyman continuum opacity of the HI atom. We describe the manifestation of these opacities in absorption spectroscopy and the challenges related to normalization of quasar emission. Standard measurement techniques (equivalent width, line-profile fitting) are introduced. We then introduce the \(N_\mathrm{HI}\) frequency distribution \(f(N_\mathrm{HI})\) and efforts to constrain this distribution across cosmic time with emphasis on the optically thin Ly\(\alpha \) forest. A discussion of optically thick gas (Lyman limit systems and damped Ly\(\alpha \) systems) and its relation to the mean free path is presented. Online presentations and Python notebooks supplement this chapter with examples, a review of modern work, and thoughts on future progress. See https://github.com/profxj/SaasFee2016 for additional resources.
Emicizumab prophylaxis in patients with haemophilia A with and without inhibitors.

INTRODUCTION Emicizumab is a bispecific monoclonal antibody that mimics factor VIII (FVIII) by binding to factors IXa and X to promote hemostasis in haemophilia A (HA) and HA with inhibitors (HA-I). As emicizumab differs biochemically from FVIII, there is interest in its real-world haemostatic efficacy. AIM To describe real-world patient experience with emicizumab by retrospective chart review. METHODS We reviewed medical records of patients cared for at the Hemophilia Center of Western PA, who initiated emicizumab following its licensure, and on whom bleeding events and factor use were available. Comparisons between groups were done by Student's t test for continuous data and by chi-square or Fisher's exact test for discrete data. RESULTS A total of 42 patients whose charts were reviewed included 18 (42.9%) with HA and 24 (52.1%) with HA-I. Groups were similar in age, 17 (40.5%) <18 years, race, and haemophilia severity, and initiated weekly subcutaneous emicizumab 1.5 mg/kg, following 4-week induction. Fourteen (33.3%) experienced at least one breakthrough bleed, of which 11 (44.0%) were joint bleeds, with an annualized bleed rate (ABR), 0.9 ± 0.3, not different between groups, P = .251. Surgical procedures were performed in 10 (23.8%), of whom 4 (40.0%) had postoperative bleeding and one developed postoperative thrombosis in association with FEIBA despite emicizumab discontinuation 1 month preoperatively. Local skin reactions occurred in three and headache in one. Overall, 85.0% of those who rated their health indicated it was improved. DISCUSSION Despite breakthrough bleeds and postoperative thrombosis associated with emicizumab, most HA and HA-I experienced improved health.
Robotic Revision of a Post-Whipple Hepaticojejunostomy Stricture After Previous Open Pancreatoduodenectomy

Abstract Introduction: Hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) is one of the three anastomoses made during a pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple) procedure. A rare complication of a HJ anastomosis is a stricture forma...
Neuromuscular training for the prevention of ankle sprains in female athletes: a systematic review.

Ankle sprains are a common sports-related injury, and female athletes are more likely to sustain this injury than their male counterparts. Previous reviews have evaluated the efficacy of prevention...
Genetic exceptionalism & legislative pragmatism.

Can passing antidiscrimination laws ever be a bad idea? Yes, if broad policy reform is abandoned in favor of genetic-specific legislation. But in spite of its serious flaws, both in concept and in practice, genetic-specific legislation is sometimes worth passing anyway.
Establishing the Effectiveness of Enhanced Implementation Methods in Preventative Behavioral Health

Abstract Background More than 20 million Americans ages 12 and older have a past-year substance use disorder. Majority-minority cities, including Flint, MI, suffer disproportionately from higher rates of substance use and are less likely to have access to evidence-based prevention and treatment interventions relative to predominately White and wealthier cities. Thus, identifying approaches that can improve implementation of evidence-based substance use practices is a critical public health goal. In the current report, we provide a detailed protocol for the implementation and evaluation of the Strengthening Flint Families initiative, a community-based implementation study of a multi-level behavioral health intervention that includes peer recovery coaching, the Strengthening Families Program, and a multimedia campaign. Our goal is to improve family resilience and reduce behavioral health disparities in the Flint community, as an example of how this could be done in other communities. Our overall strategy includes community-informed implementation enhancements to increase adoption and sustainment of evidence-based behavioral health services. Methods This project has 4 phases that align with study aims-1) a systematic assessment of behavioral health organizations in the Flint Area to understand organizational needs and strengths in Flint; 2) tailoring implementation strategies for one individual-level evidence-based practice, peer recovery coaching, and one family-level evidence-based program, the Strengthening Families Program; 3) building capacity and promoting sustainability; and 4) evaluating primary (implementation) and secondary (effectiveness) outcomes. Implementation outcomes are derived from the RE-AIM framework and effectiveness outcomes will be assessed at the individual, family, and community levels. Discussion Understanding and addressing the behavioral health organizational needs, strengths, and barriers to program adoption and referral in Flint offers great promise to strengthen the behavioral health network of providers serving Flint residents. Moreover, understanding barriers to accessing and implementing behavioral health services in low-resource communities may prove to be a valuable tool for discovering the most effective implementation methods tailored to specific organizations. These evidence informed approaches may prove useful for cities outside of Flint. Contributions to the literature More research is needed on how best to improve community capacity for substance use services, especially in low-income communities This study will examine implementation strategies for improving community adoption and sustainment of a multilevel suite of substance use interventions Study findings will contribute to improved community-wide implementation of evidence-based behavioral health services and increased access to and participation in these services in low-resource communities
Physical Activity, Sleep-related Behaviors and Severity of Symptoms in Schizophrenia.

Abstract The beneficial effects of a healthy sleep hygiene and regular physical activity have both been noted in improving psychopathology symptom severity. No study to date however, has evaluated the potential therapeutic effects of both sleep and exercise simultaneously in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. To examine the two variables concurrently, in the present report, patients with diagnoses of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (n = 64), were administered assessments that measured both their physical activity and sleep-related behaviors. Additionally, patients’ symptom severity and cognitive and daily functioning abilities were also assessed. It was found sleep hygiene and physical activity were associated with patients’ symptom severity and cognitive capacities, but not with their daily functioning abilities. Further, no interaction effects were found between sleep hygiene and physical activity. These results suggest that physical activity and sleep hygiene should be considered, independently, in their contribution to psychopathology.
Harvester ant seed removal in an invaded sagebrush ecosystem: Implications for restoration.

A better understanding of seed movement in plant community dynamics is needed, especially in light of disturbance-driven changes and investments into restoring degraded plant communities. A primary agent of change within the sagebrush-steppe is wildfire and invasion by non-native forbs and grasses, primarily cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). Our objectives were to quantify seed removal and evaluate ecological factors influencing seed removal within degraded sagebrush-steppe by granivorous Owyhee harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex salinus Olsen). In 2014, we sampled 76 harvester ant nests across 11 plots spanning a gradient of cheatgrass invasion (40%-91% cover) in southwestern Idaho, United States. We presented seeds from four plant species commonly used in postfire restoration at 1.5 and 3.0 m from each nest to quantify seed removal. We evaluated seed selection for presented species, monthly removal, and whether biotic and abiotic factors (e.g., distance to nearest nest, temperature) influenced seed removal. Our top model indicated seed removal was positively correlated with nest height, an indicator of colony size. Distance to seeds and cheatgrass canopy cover reduced seed removal, likely due to increased search and handling time. Harvester ants were selective, removing Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides) more than any other species presented. We suspect this was due to ease of seed handling and low weight variability. Nest density influenced monthly seed removal, as we estimated monthly removal of 1,890 seeds for 0.25 ha plots with 1 nest and 29,850 seeds for plots with 15 nests. Applying monthly seed removal to historical restoration treatments across the western United States showed harvester ants can greatly reduce seed availability at degraded sagebrush sites; for instance, fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) seeds could be removed in <2 months. Collectively, these results shed light on seed removal by harvester ants and emphasize their potential influence on postfire restoration within invaded sagebrush communities.
The Self: Principal Tool of the Correctional Helper

The goal of this chapter is to get you to examine what you really think about yourself—to examine your self-concept. As a correctional worker, many tools are available to you to modify the behavior of offenders, but your own self-concept is the most important. We next discuss how the offender’s and the correctional worker’s self-esteem affect both behaviors and the counseling relationship. The qualities of effective correctional workers are also presented. The benefits of self-disclosure are discussed next, with a focus on how it can increase your effectiveness as a correctional worker. The chapter concludes with exercises in self-exploration through disclosure. These activities serve to (1) improve self-exploration by disclosing to a partner various aspects of yourself and (2) to give you some experience of what it is like to reveal yourself to a relative stranger.
Communication, Education and the Problem of Trust

This concluding chapter from previous editions makes recommendations that follow from the previous eleven chapters analyzing food safety, animal health, environmental and socioeconomic risks associated with agricultural and food biotechnology, as well as discussions of intellectual property rights and religious objections. Scientists and the biotechnology industry have failed to meet reasonable and justifiable expectations for an explanation and defense of their objectives in developing gene technologies for crops, livestock and food processing. Although a rationale for these applications of biotechnology exists, it has not been put forward in a manner that promotes a democratic and respectful dialog. Articulated in 1997, the chapter was a set of ethical recommendations for agricultural insiders. In retrospect, it serves as an indictment that may explain why the technology was resisted and early hopes for agrifood biotechnology remain unrealized. Looking forward, it is a contribution to the literature on public engagement with science.