cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nuclear magnetic resonance. Potential applications in clinical cardiology.

UNTIL recently, the major clinical imaging modalities, with the exception of ultrasound, have employed ionizing radiation. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), a physical phenomenon discovered in the 1940s and only recently applied to medicine, now allows high-resolution tomographic and three-dimensional imaging without ionizing radiation. In addition, this technology shows promise of allowing the evaluation of tissue pathological characteristics and the assessment of metabolic function noninvasively. Nuclear magnetic resonance was first applied as a spectroscopic technique by chemists to determine molecular structure. Subsequently, NMR spectroscopy was applied to biologic substances and systems. Recently developed methods allow NMR spectroscopic techniques to be applied to the intact animal or human noninvasively. Ten years ago, Lauterbur1described a method for obtaining images using the principles of NMR. With subsequent technical improvements, NMR images can now be generated with spatial resolution approaching that of x-ray computed tomography without the need for radio-opaque contrast medium and
Lagrangian Measurements of Waves and Turbulence in Stratified Flows

Abstract Stratified flows are often a mixture of waves and turbulence. Here, Lagrangian frequency is used to distinguish these two types of motion. A set of 52 Lagrangian float trajectories from Knight Inlet and 10 trajectories from below the mixed layer in the wintertime northeast Pacific were analyzed using frequency spectra. A subset of 28 trajectories transit the Knight Inlet sill where energetic internal waves and strong turbulent mixing coexist. Vertical velocity spectra show a progression from a nearly Garrett–Munk internal wave spectrum at low energies to a shape characteristic of homogeneous turbulence at high energies. All spectra show a break in slope at a frequency close to the buoyancy frequency N. Spectra from the Knight Inlet sill are analyzed in more detail. For “subbuoyant” frequencies (less than N) all 28 spectra exhibit a ratio of vertical-to-horizontal kinetic energy that varies with frequency as predicted by the linear internal wave equations. All spectra have a shape similar to that ...
Analysis of Apolipoprotein E Function in Adrenal Cells: Effects on Cholesterol Metabolism and Signal Transduction Pathways

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is atypical of the other plasma apolipoproteins in that it is synthesized in a wide variety of peripheral tissues and in diverse cell types and not just in liver and small intestine (Blue et al.1983; Williams et al.1985b). Although considerable information about the regulation of apoE expression in various cell types has accumulated over the past decade, little is known about the function of apoE that is synthesized locally in many tissues. Among the potential functions in lipid metabolism that have been suggested are 1) a role in reverse cholesterol transport to target interstitial lipoproteins for hepatic clearance, 2) as a component of a local mechanism for removing cholesterol from cells or shuttling lipid between cells in a tissue, 3) as a means to enhance targeting of lipoproteins for uptake by cells expressing apoE, and 4) as a regulator of intracellular cholesterol utilization (Blueet al.1983; Williams et al.1985b; Williams et al.1985a). ApoE may also have autocrine or paracrine activities not directly related to lipid metabolism since apoE can modify hormonal or mitogenic stimuli in ovarian theca/interstitial cells and T lymphocytes, respectively (Dyer & Curtiss, 1988; Curtiss et al.1977).
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder Among Children and Adolescents

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) was introduced in the mood disorders section of DSM-5. Its primary symptoms are "severe, recurrent temper outbursts" (manifested verbally and/or physically) superimposed on and associated with chronic irritability. DMDD is a condition with an early age of onset (i.e., symptoms apparent by age 10, although the diagnosis cannot be made before age 6); however, nothing is known about the condition among adults in part because questions about temper outbursts (versus "often losing temper") are not consistently asked after 6 years of age. Other qualifiers are present so that better-known conditions are not overlooked. For instance, manic symptoms that are present for more than 1 day, symptoms that are not exclusively occurring during major depressive disorder, or symptoms that are better explained by autism, posttraumatic stress disorder, separation anxiety, and dysthymia are exclusionary. Although DMDD can co-occur with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder, and substance use disorder, it preempts diagnoses of both oppositional defiant disorder and intermittent explosive disorder.
Revolution in Rumen Microbiology

Meat and milk derived from ruminants comprise a significant portion of worldwide human nutrition. Ruminants and their gut microbes have coevolved over millions of years to harvest energy from indigestible plant cellulosic biomass. This symbiotic host–microbe interaction is fundamental to the ruminant’s health and production. Research on rumen microbes dates back to the 1950s with the majority of work involving cultivation of several microbes in the laboratory under strict anaerobic conditions. However, culture-independent molecular methods have demonstrated that <1 % of what is known of the rumen microbiome has been accounted for with culture methodology. Molecular techniques have provided a great potential to define and describe dynamics in the rumen microbiome in response to the animal’s changing diet and physiologic state. With the advent of metagenomics and next-generation sequencers, the characterization of community microbial populations has become less cumbersome. The first few reports on the use of metagenomics to study the rumen microbiome have portrayed the dominance and the phylogenetic distribution of bacteria in the rumen and their potential involvement in the conversion of dietary plant cellulosic material to microbial protein, volatile fatty acids, and other byproducts of ruminal fermentation. The initial colonization and gradual establishment of microbial communities in the rumen from birth to maturity (2 years) was recently demonstrated using metagenomics. Knowledge of not only the composition of the rumen microbiome but also the functional role of certain microbes and their genes has provided greater insights on the contribution of the rumen microbiome in host metabolism. Such advances have led to polysaccharide-hydrolyzing gene cataloguing which has become a useful tool. Application of advanced “omic” technologies such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics are other examples of current technologies delving into host–microbe interactions and how the rumen microbiome can be altered to improve animal performance. Although several inconsistencies continue to pose challenges to rumen microbiology research, optimizing the rumen microbiome is an attainable goal in this post-genomics era. Overall, advances in genomic technology indicate that research contributions to the rumen microbiome physiology have the potential to not only improve ruminant production but also address global issues such as advanced biofuel production, reduction of greenhouse gases, enhancement of food safety, and improvement of the food supply.
Low percentage of Tμ cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The percentage of T mu cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients is markedly reduced. The T gamma population appears normal.
Characterizing Score Reliability for the South Oaks Gambling Screen

Accurate measurement of problem gambling and subsequent interpretation of results require that assessment devices yield strong psychometric properties. In terms of consistent measurement, reliability estimates must be calculated with each administration, as changes in sample characteristics may alter the scale's ability to generate reliable scores. The purpose in the present study was to explore reliability reporting practices and variability in reliability estimates on a frequently used problem gambling detection measure, the South Oaks Gambling Screen. All empirical research employing the South Oaks Gambling Screen was retained for analysis. Of the 121 studies used in the present study, only 13 (10.7%) reported reliability for the data at hand. The remaining studies either induced reliability (42%) or did not cite reliability at all (46%). The median internal consistency estimate across 15 samples was .86, ranging from .69 to .97. Predictor variables did not demonstrate significant relationships with score reliability. Results from this study indicate wide variability in reliability coefficients across studies. Therefore, it is suggested that further psychometric analysis be conducted on the SOGS in order to yield more consistent and accurate measurement of problem gambling.
Conundrums of Integration Desegregation in the Context of Racialized Hierarchy

Recent scholarly and public conversations have given renewed attention to integration as a goal, an aspiration, and/or an “imperative.” These calls for integration are infused with the conviction that segregation is a linchpin, if not the linchpin, of persistent racialized hierarchies. While the costs of persistent segregation remain clear, the call for integration as the unequivocal answer is more contested. In this article we grapple with some of these conundrums of integration, asking whether, in fact, integration furthers equity and if not, why not? To explore this issue we focus on an “integrated” space—Riverview, a successful high school known for its diversity—and drawing on theory from social psychology, we show how the promise of integration in such contexts is undermined. We conclude that while integration may well be a necessary condition to advance equity, it is not by itself a sufficient condition to ensure it.
A new extinct species of Snipe (Aves: Scolopacidae: Gallinago) from the West Indies.

We describe an extinct species of snipe ( Gallinago kakuki , new species) from late Quaternary fossils in the Bahamian Archipelago (Abaco, New Providence, Little Exuma, Long, and Middle Caicos islands). The new species is known as well from fossils on Cuba, and Cayman Brac in the Cayman Islands. This rather large species of snipe was volant, although because of its relatively short carpometacarpus, the primary flight feathers probably were short. The only other species of Gallinago from the West Indies is the extant, migratory G. delicata , which breeds only in North America. Gallinago kakuki shares more osteological characters with two Eurasian species ( G. media , G. hardwickii ) than with either of the New World species we examined ( G. delicata , G. paraguaiae ). A possible inter-hemispherical relationship has been proposed as well for the two extinct, late Quaternary species of woodcocks from the West Indies ( Scolopax anthonyi of Puerto Rico, S. brachycarpa of Hispaniola).
214 LIGAMENT ENGINEERING: THE CONTRIBUTION OF STRETCH TO CELL SPREADING.

Purpose Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is among the most common musculoskeletal injuries. Surgery utilizes ligament autografts or allografts, both of which have significant limitations. Tissue engineering overcomes the current limitations by in vitro growth of reparative cells on a biomaterial scaffold for implantation. The ACL9s high tensile strength results from cellular production and organization of extracellular matrix (ECM). Mechanical stimulation may increase ECM production and organization. We have previously demonstrated that fibroblasts on a polymer scaffold showed increased cell spreading, a sign of adaptation to the local environment and a precursor to ECM production, when subjected to cyclic mechanical stimulation for 24 hours. In this study we investigated the effects of isometric stress on spreading of fibroblast on a poly(“-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffold. Methods Nine 95% porous PCL scaffolds were fabricated and seeded with NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. After 48 hours in static culture, three scaffolds were place in each experimental group and isometric stress was applied by stretching the scaffolds 0%, 6%, or 15%. After 8 days in culture, the cell-seeded scaffolds were sectioned and stained with H&E. Cell length and area were measured, from which cell aspect ratio, a measure of cell spreading, was calculated. Results For the 0%, 6%, and 15% stretch groups, the average cellular aspect ratios were 0.172 (0.249-0.146) (95% C.I.), 0.177 (0.247-0.158), and 0.168 (0.208-0.145) respectively. There were no significant differences in aspect ratio between groups. Qualitatively, morphology was consistent between groups, with most cells forming aggregates through extensive cytoplasmic processes. Conclusion Although mechanical stimulation is necessary for fibroblast spreading during a short culture period, for a longer culture period, isometric stress is not necessary for fibroblast spreading. Another explanation is that perhaps isometric stretch is not the ideal form of mechanical stimulation and another form (ie, cyclic stretch) could induce changes in cellular morphology.
A Fable of Postmodern Ethics and Morality——An Exploration of The Road from the Perspective of Ethical Literary Criticism

Ethics and morality are the central themes that run through the novel The Road. Through an apocalyptic post-modern parable on ethics and morality,Cormac McCarthy discloses the ethical disorder and demoralization in post-modern society and depicts the ethical dilemma modern men are in. For the sake of being alive,"the man"and"the boy"are confronted with many ethical difficulties and ethical choices,which form the most important ethical complexes in the novel. Based on the post-modern ethical theories and from the perspective of ethical literary criticism,the paper analyzes the protagonists ' ethical identity and ethical choices,and decodes the ethical complexes for a good and new understanding of McCarthy's ethical values.
Comparison of Forecast and Actuality

SUMMARY The paper shows how possible change in a system generating a time series may be studied by comparing forecasts made from a model built on data prior to the suspected change with data actually occurring. An environmental example illustrates the decomposition of the overall criterion into relevant components and shows how difficulties can occur in distinguishing alternative models for change. The relation to surveillance problems and to intervention analysis is briefly discussed.
Estrogenic steroids and their microbial and photochemical degradation in wastewater and coastal seawater

E steroids excreted by humans and animals enter the environment through the discharge of domestic sewage effluents and disposal of animal wastes. These compounds could affect wildlife and human health by disrupting their normal endocrine systems. Increasing research results have demonstrated the existence of hormone steroids in wastewater effluents and surface water at various levels. This research focused on how to establish GC-MS and HPLC analytical methods that can be used to detect and quantify natural hormone steroids – estrone (E1), estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3), and synthesized estrogens – ethinylestradiol (EE2) and mestranol (MeEE2) in waste and natural water and their microbial and photochemical degradation. The developed methods were applied to the water samples periodically collected from wastewater treatment plants and Acushnet River. The interested compounds were detected in several of water samples in nanoto micro-gram per liter concentration range, in which can certainly cause fish feminization and may also contribute to the observed declines in lobster population in Buzzards Bay. Microbial and photochemical degradation of E1, E2, E3, EE2 and mestradiol (MeEE2) have been also investigated in seawater as well as in waste and river waters as a comparison. The microbial degradation of synthetic steroid estrogens is extremely slow with a half-life of longer than 70 days in seawater. However, the photodegradation of these compounds are much faster with a half-life of 17 hours for EE2 and 19 hours for MeEE2. Humic and other dissolved organic substances significantly accelerate the sunlight-induced photodegradation of estrogenic steroids. Transition metal Fe(III) can further catalyze the photochemical decomposition of these steroids.
Examining the factor structure of the perceived ethnic discrimination questionnaire in a sample of Australian university students

ABSTRACTThe current study examines the factor structure of a modified version of the Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaire (PEDQ). Data was collected on a sample of 189 Australian university students and two items measuring online experiences of ethnic discrimination were added to the PEDQ. Results of an exploratory factor analysis supported the initial four-factor structure, suggesting that the revised Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaire-Australia (PEDQ-A) is a valid measure for use across Australian ethnic groups. Implications for cross-cultural assessment of ethnic discrimination are provided.
A hybrid DAC switching technique for SAR ADCs

In recent years, the area of Wireless Sensor Networks has seen a tremendous growth and is instrumental in a multitude of applications ranging from health monitoring to geo fencing. Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) are vital to any low-cost, energy-efficient sensor node in that they convert the sensed signal into its digital counterpart, which is then used processed by the digital circuitry. In this paper, a Capacitive Digital-to-Analog Converter (CDAC) switching technique is proposed that is aimed toward the design of an energy-efficient ADC. The presented switching technique is $$97.85\%$$97.85% more energy-efficient than the traditional CDAC architecture. Besides its energy efficiency, the technique reduces the overall size of the CDAC and its settling time. Theoretical analysis has been presented along with detailed simulation results as a proof of concept.
GScheduler: Reducing Mobile Device Energy Consumption

Nowadays, with the fast advancement of mobile technology, mobile devices are more energy hungry. Battery life has become the performance bottleneck of mobile devices. Short battery life greatly reduces user satisfaction. This paper proposes GScheduler – a dynamic energy-aware task scheduler for mobile devices. The goal of GScheduler is to turn mobile devices and computers at home/office into an energy-aware network of computing devices. GScheduler can reduce energy consumption of mobile devices by offloading battery draining computation to the computers. GScheduler improves user satisfaction by extending battery life and improving performance of mobile applications. In evaluation, GScheduler is able to reduce 58% of the average power for mobile devices.
Robotic Simple Prostatectomy

Robotic simple prostatectomy (RSP) is an effective treatment option for patients requiring surgical treatment for large gland benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It was first described in 2008, but its role in the surgical treatment of BPH has increased since 2012. The use of robotics provides magnified 3-D vision, tremor filtration, wristed instruments, and enhanced ergonomics. RSP is associated with reduced blood loss and fewer blood transfusions, lower reoperation rates, and a shorter hospital stay in comparison to open simple prostatectomy. In this chapter, we present the main steps of our technique of transperitoneal RSP.
On the Topographic Modulation of Large-Scale Eddying Flows

AbstractThe modulation of large-scale eddying flows by gentle variation in topography is examined using a combination of direct numerical simulations and theoretical arguments. The basic state is represented by a laterally uniform zonal current that is restricted to the upper layer of a baroclinically unstable quasigeostrophic two-layer system. Therefore, the observed topographically induced generation of large-scale patterns is attributed entirely to the action of mesoscale eddies. The parameter regime investigated in this study is not conducive to the spontaneous formation of stationary zonal jets. The interaction between the large-scale current, eddies, and topography is described using an asymptotic multiscale model. The ability of the model to explicitly represent the interaction between distinct flow components makes it possible to unambiguously interpret the essential dynamics of the topographic/eddy-induced modulation. The multiscale solutions obtained reflect the balance between the modification ...
Keynote talk #1: Attribute-based access control: Insights and challenges

Since about 2010 there has been considerable growth of interest among cyber security researchers and practitioners in attribute-based access control (ABAC). The Institute of Cyber Security at the University of Texas at San Antonio has pursued this area intensively. This talk will present a personal perspective on the insights obtained by the Institute's research, as well as research from other groups working on this topic. The talk will identify some challenges in research as well as in practical deployments of ABAC.
Environmental Surface Stability of the MAPbBr3 Single Crystal

Organic–inorganic halide perovskites have emerged as a promising semiconductor family because of their remarkable performance in optoelectronic devices. On the other hand, the stability of perovskites remains a critical issue. In this work, we report a quantitative and systematic investigation of in situ cleaved MAPbBr3 single-crystal degradation processes in X-ray, N2, O2, and H2O environments. The high-quality crystals were monitored by high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with careful control of the exposure time and pressure. The detailed electronic structure and compositional changes of the crystal were tracked throughout the different exposures, and these studies provided insights into the various degradation mechanisms. We identified that ∼10% of the surface MAPbBr3 degraded to metallic lead under X-rays in vacuum, while N2 could protect the sample from the degradation for 9 h under the same condition. Other measurements showed that while the surface was not sensitive to pure O2, it was...
UNDERSTANDING THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF APICAL BALLOONING SYNDROME, A STEP CLOSER!

The pathophysiology of Takotsubo's Cardiomyopathy (TC) remains unclear. Stress-induced epicardial coronary spasm or endothelial dysfunction induced myocardial stunning may be the mechanism for a distinctive left ventricular contraction pattern. We compared the patterns of coronary blood flow in
Treatment of a laboratory-based model of shell disease in hatchery raised American lobsters (Homarus americanus)

Epizootic shell disease in American lobsters, Homarus americanus H. Milne-Edwards, 1837, has been of special concern since the mid-1990s due to its impact on fisheries. Numerous studies have led to the present understanding that this disease has a polymicrobial etiology. However, lacking in this research is exploration of the potential ways to ameliorate the disease. This is particularly important for public aquariums that have a strong focus on aesthetics and animal health. We performed two experiments to test short-term treatment methods on a laboratory-based model of shell disease on juvenile American lobsters. A preliminary experiment tested the effects of Hikari® Biobandage, a commercially available product used for treating fish lesions, on early- and late-stage shell disease. Another experiment examined resulting shell disease when lobsters were treated with distilled water, 10% povidone-iodine, d-alpha-tocopherol acetate (Vitamin E oil), formalin (100 ppm), and malachite green (5 ppm). We monitored the development of shell disease in both nonfacilitated and facilitated (in which the shell was damaged to induce disease) areas of the shell to determine effectiveness up to ecdysis. Biobandage was not effective at limiting nonfacilitated shell disease or facilitated wounds. Fresh water exacerbated facilitated wounds in comparison to animals treated with povidone-iodine, formalin, and malachite green. Formalin and malachite green treated lobsters showed the lowest severity of nonfacilitated shell disease. The study also showed that frequent handling alone (lobsters in control group) exhibited a higher amount of nonfacilitated shell disease. Identifying effective treatments in captive lobsters may provide unique solutions for studying shell disease.
Orientational Order Parameter in Cubic D 2

We present a study of the orientational order parameter $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ for ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ molecules with both rotational angular momentum $J=1$ (para-${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$) and $J=0$ (ortho-${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$) in the orderrd cubic phase. Our study covers the temperature range between 0.4 and 4 K at mole fractions $X$ of ($J=1$) molecules $0.55\ensuremath{\le}X\ensuremath{\le}0.96$, The order parameters ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{(J=1)}(T, X)$ and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{(J=0)}(T, X)$ are proportional to the respective doublet splitting observed in the NMR spectrum. In the ordered phase, two doublets spaced symmetrically around the central Larmor frequency are recorded. The outer one, with a splitting $\ensuremath{\delta}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{(J=1)}$ up to about 78 kHz, represents the signal from the ($J=1$) molecules. The inner one, with splitting $\ensuremath{\delta}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{(J=0)}$ an order of magnitude smaller than $\ensuremath{\delta}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{(J=1)}$, is caused by polarization of the ($J=0$) molecules by the ($J=1$) field. A description is presented of the line shape as a function of $T$ and $X$. Using the results from several samples, we obtain the extrapolated ($J=1$) order parameter for $X=1$ as a function of $T$. At the order-disorder transition temperature ${T}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}$, the doublet structure suddenly disappears and is replaced by a sharp central line which is characteristic of the orientationally disordered phase. The first-order nature of the transition is thus clearly shown. The experimental order parameter for ($J=1$) molecules ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{(J=1)}(X=1, T)$ is compared with predictions from a meanfield and a cluster-variation theory, and also with results from Raman spectroscopy. As $X$ decreases, the line structure shows a progressively greater temperature variation and becomes more smeared out as the order-disorder transition is approached. Below a critical mole fraction ${X}_{c}=0.54$, obtained by extrapolation, no doublet structure is observed. The limiting value of both ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{(J=1)}$ and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{(J=0)}$ as a function of $X$ at $T\ensuremath{\ll}{T}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}} (X)$ is in good agreement with predictions by Harris. A fit of the experiment to theory leads to a factor of about 0.02 for the reduction of the order parameter by the zero-point motion, in agreement with theoretical predictions. It is also shown that, within experimental error, the temperature variation of both order parameters ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{(J=1)}$ and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{(J=0)}$ for a given $X$ is the same. We briefly discuss the failure to observe the doublet splitting for the NMR pair spectrum of two neighboring ($J=1$) molecules in an hcp ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ sample with $X=0.05$, and mention other peculiarities that at this time remain unexplained for dilute mixtures of ($J=1$) molecules in ($J=0$) ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$. The possible existence of a large crystalline field that might account for these anomalies is suggested.
Physician Practice Information: The Practice Expenses and Characteristics of Sleep Medicine as Compared with Other AMA-Recognized Medical Specialties

Summary:This report introduces the Physician Practice Information (PPI) Survey and its findings. Background information on the PPI Survey is explained, as is the Survey's importance to the field of...
Control of cell division in the adult brain by heparan sulfates in fractones and vascular basement membranes

Regulation of cell division in adult tissues and organs requires the coordination of growth factors at the surface of potentially-dividing cells in specific anatomic loci named germinal niches. However, the biological components and physiological system that control growth factors in the germinal niches are unknown. In the adult brain, no function has been attributed to fractones, the fractal-shaped extracellular matrix structures located in the subventricular zone (SVZ) next to neural stem and progenitor cells. Here, we show that BMP-7 (bone morphogenetic protein-7) and FGF-2 (fibroblast growth factor-2) modulate cell division in the SVZ only if the growth factors bind to heparan sulfates localized in fractones and adjoined vascular basement membranes. Our results strongly suggest that fractones and specialized basement membranes function as stem cell niche structures, capturing and potentiating growth factors to regulate cell division in the adult brain.
Chapter 6 - Regulation of Cellulolytic Activity

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the regulation of microbial cellulolytic activity at the biosynthetic, secretory, and catalytic levels. Cellulase enzyme occurs in multiple forms having similar but not identical characteristics and substrate specificities, and the ratios of these components change with the age of the culture. During growth on cellulose, components bind with varying avidity to their insoluble substrate or remain cell-bound, thereby altering the detectable activity in culture fluid. Cellobiose:quinone oxidoreductase (CBQ) is an extracellular flavo-protein with FAD as a prosthetic group. CBQ activity depends on the concurrent degradation of lignin as it oxidizes cellobiose and its corresponding oligomers concomitantly with the reduction of quinones and/or phenoxy radicals to form cellobiono-6-lactone. During lignin degradation, compounds such as syringic acid and phenols are converted to ortho-quinones and phenoxy radicals by the enzyme laccase in the presence of oxygen. CBQ, with its broad substrate specificity, occupies a rather unique position linking cellulose and lignin decompositions. Cellulases are single polypeptide chains and, therefore, do not have potential for regulation in the classical manner.
Use of Low-Carbohydrate, High-Protein Diets Among Americans: Correlates, Duration, and Weight Loss

Context: Although low-carbohydrate, high-protein (LCHP) diets reemerged as popular diets, there are scant data on patterns of use in the general US population. Objective: We examined the prevalence of reported LCHP diet use (eg, Sugar Busters, The Zone, The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet, The Atkins Diet), associated weight control behaviors, diet duration, and amount of weight loss while on the diet. Design: Population-based cross-sectional survey. Setting: Telephone survey of US adults conducted from September 2002 to December 2002 (N = 9300). Main Outcome Measures: We used multivariable logistic regression models to determine predictors of current LCHP diet use. Results: At the time of the survey, 12.5% of Americans reported ever using a LCHP diet, and 3.4% reported current use. Prevalence of current use was similar across sex, race/ethnicity, and education levels. Among those trying to lose weight (n = 3790), 5.9% reported currently using an LCHP diet. Among current users, mean weight loss was 18.3 (median, 11.7) lb, with 18.2% reporting ≥ 30 lb weight loss, 34.0% ≥ 20 lb weight loss, and 8.8% no weight loss. More men than women reported a duration of use of more than 12 months (42.2% vs 29.6%, P = .04) and median duration was greater in men than women (5.7 vs 2.8 months, P = .08). Among those trying to control weight, a significantly higher proportion of current LCHP diet users reported eating fewer calories and meeting physical activity recommendations (38.0%) compared with nonusers (29.8%). Conclusions: LCHP diets were equally prevalent across sociodemographic subgroups and many users reported significant weight loss. Approximately 40% of male users and 30% of female users reported long-term use of the diet, suggesting that for some, this dietary approach may be well tolerated.
Retained straight catheter: Complication of clean intermittent catheterization

Clean intermittent catheterization is a simple and widely used technique with relatively few complications. A child on intermittent catheterization recently was treated for a retained straight catheter. Removal of the catheter was accomplished by urethral dilation. Proper technique of catheter insertion can prevent this complication.
New Approaches for the Prevention of Bone Metastases in Patients with Prostate Cancer

Bone metastases are the most frequent complication of advanced prostate cancer and are responsible for the vast majority of disease-related morbidity and mortality. With the extensive number of predictive models for patients with prostate cancer, we can now determine to some degree which patients are at highest risk for progression to metastatic bone disease and therefore might benefit from earlier or more aggressive therapy. Combining this with our better understanding of the molecular biology underlying the progression to bone metastasis, we are able to identify more specific targets or pathways to approach therapeutically to prevent or delay the development of metastatic bone disease. General strategies for the prevention of bone metastases include bone-targeting approaches, antimetastatic therapies, and purely antineoplastic agents. Bisphosphonates comprise the most studied and effective of the bone-targeted agents and now have relatively sound clinical data supporting their role not only in the treatment of bone metastases, but also in the secondary prevention and, in some cases, primary prevention, of new skeletal complications. Their ease of administration and relatively low short- and long-term toxicities make them ideal for potential treatment earlier in the disease process as well. Radioisotopes have been studied and used for decades for the treatment of painful bone metastases but only recently have data accumulated demonstrating their efficacy in the prevention of new metastases. The endothelin receptor antagonist, atrasentan, has recently been shown to delay the progression of systemic disease and potentially improve survival in patients with prostate cancer. It appears to do so, at least in part, by bone-targeting mechanisms. Antimetastatic strategies are also promising for the prevention of bone metastases and include matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, gene therapy, and other novel approaches, such as inhibiting tyrosine kinases or NFκB and immunomodulation of prostate stem cell antigens. Utilizing standard hormonal or cytotoxic therapies in the adjuvant setting has also been studied extensively and in certain groups of patients may provide meaningful clinical benefit in preventing or delaying systemic progression, including bone metastases. Finally, as we learn more about molecular synergies with various agents, combinations of these approaches with each other or with more traditional hormonal or chemotherapy agents may be even more effective in the prevention of bone metastases in patients with prostate cancer.
Acoustic properties of singleton and geminate ejective stops in Tsova-Tush

Tsova-Tush, also known as Batsbi, is an underdescribed Northeast Caucasian language spoken by a few hundred people in Zemo Alvani, Georgia. The Tsova-Tush phoneme inventory includes four geminate stops that contrast with singletons at the same place of articulation: /tʰː t'ː qʰː q'ː/. The existence of geminate ejective stops is particularly interesting, as such phonemes are cross-linguistically rare, having been reported in only 13 of the 2,155 phoneme inventories sampled by PHOIBLE (http://phoible.org/). The present study characterizes these stops in Tsova-Tush based on high-quality audio recordings of four Tsova-Tush speakers producing a list of 65 target words in a carrier sentence. The following measures were statistically compared: closure duration, VOT, duration of the preceding vowel, and f 0 and H1*-H2* in the following vowel. Preliminary results from three speakers suggest that ejectives are characterized by shorter VOT, a shorter preceding vowel, and a difference in both f 0 and H1*-H2* in the following vowel, with marked interspeaker variation in the latter measures. This study provides the first detailed description of this typologically interesting two-by-two contrast (singleton aspirates, geminate aspirates, singleton ejectives, geminate ejectives) at two places of articulation (dental and uvular) in an underdescribed language.
Formyl peptide receptor 2 regulates monocyte recruitment to promote intestinal mucosal wound repair.

Mucosal wound repair is coordinated by dynamic crosstalk between endogenous and exogenous mediators and specific receptors on epithelial cells and infiltrating immune cells. One class of such receptor-ligand pairs involves formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) that have been shown to influence inflammatory response and repair. Here we explored the role of murine Fpr2/3, an ortholog of human FPR2/receptor for lipoxin A4 (ALX), in orchestrating intestinal mucosal repair. Compared with wild-type (WT) mice, Fpr2/3-/- mice exhibited delayed recovery from acute experimental colitis and perturbed repair after biopsy-induced colonic mucosal injury. Decreased numbers of infiltrating monocytes were observed in healing wounds from Fpr2/3-/- mice compared with WT animals. Bone marrow transplant experiments revealed that Fpr2/3-/- monocytes showed a competitive disadvantage when infiltrating colonic wounds. Moreover, Fpr2/3-/- monocytes were defective in chemotactic responses to the chemokine CC chemokine ligand (CCL)20, which is up-regulated during early phases of inflammation. Analysis of Fpr2/3-/- monocytes revealed altered expression of the CCL20 receptor CC chemokine receptor (CCR)6, suggesting that Fpr2/3 regulates CCL20-CCR6-mediated monocyte chemotaxis to sites of mucosal injury in the gut. These findings demonstrate an important contribution of Fpr2/3 in facilitating monocyte recruitment to sites of mucosal injury to influence wound repair.-Birkl, D., O'Leary, M. N., Quiros, M., Azcutia, V., Schaller, M., Reed, M., Nishio, H., Keeney, J., Neish, A. S., Lukacs, N. W., Parkos, C. A., Nusrat, A. Formyl peptide receptor 2 regulates monocyte recruitment to promote intestinal mucosal wound repair.
Small-molecule nicotinamide for ex vivo expansion of umbilical cord blood.

Umbilical cord blood transplant is an alternative graft source for patients lacking a human leukocyte antigen–matched donor; however, delayed engraftment times have historically resulted in transplant-related morbidity and mortality from complications such as infections and ineffective hematopoiesis. Recent advances in ex vivo expansion techniques have successfully augmented the initial cell dose delivered from an umbilical cord blood graft, leading to improved immune reconstitution, durable hematopoiesis, decreased transplant-related morbidity and mortality, and better outcomes. Herein we review the data for existing and developing ex vivo expansion techniques, with a focus on the preclinical and clinical data for nicotinamide-mediated cord blood expansion across both malignant and benign hematologic indications.
Investigation of the Sarcoplasmic Proteome Contribution to the Development of Pork Loin Tenderness

The study objectives were to determine the extent to which the sarcoplasmic proteome explains variations in aged pork loin star probe value. Pork loins (n=12) were categorized by differences in star probe at 21 d post mortem from a larger set of loins. Loins were categorized into low star probe (LSP) group (n=6; star probe 7.00 kg) based on 21-d star probe value with inclusion criteria of marbling score (1.0–3.0) and 24-h pH (5.69–5.98). Quality traits were measured at 1-, 8-, 14-, and 21-d aging. Desmin and troponin-T degradation, peroxiredoxin-2 abundance, calpain-1 autolysis, and sarcomere length were determined. Two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were used to identify proteins that differed in abundance due to category. Star probe values were lower (P<0.01) in LSP at each day of aging compared with HSP. Greater pH values were observed (P<0.05)in LSP compared with HSP at each day of aging. Marbling score was greater (P<0.05) in LSP compared with HSP at each day of aging. Greater (P<0.05) desmin and troponin-T degradation was detected in LSP chops at 14- and 21-d aging and 8-, 14-, and 21-d aging, respectively. Greater (P<0.05) sarcomere length was determined in LSP compared with HSP at 1-,8-, and 21-d aging. Sarcoplasmic proteins from HSP chops had greater abundance (P<0.10) of metabolic and regulatory proteins, whereas the LSP chops had greater abundance (P<0.10) of stress response proteins. Star probe values were affected by pH, marbling score, protein degradation, sarcomere length, and sarcoplasmic proteome.
Liposomal Delivery of Mitoxantrone and a Cholesteryl Indoximod Prodrug Provides Effective Chemo-immunotherapy in Multiple Solid Tumors.

We developed a custom-designed liposome carrier for co-delivery of a potent immunogenic cell death (ICD) stimulus plus an inhibitor of the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO-1) pathway to establish a...
In Ischemic Cardiomyopathy, Delayed But Not Early Normalization of The Ejection Fraction Is Associated With Reduced Mortality

Introduction In patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), a normalization in LVEF portends improved outcomes. However, data on patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and recovered LVEF is lacking. We therefore analyzed the STICH trial database to investigate the relationship between normalization of LVEF (>50%) and mortality in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Methods Of the 1,212 patients with LVEF Results The 932 patients included in our analysis did not differ significantly from the STICH population not included in the analysis with respect to demographics, comorbidities and stratification to optimal medical therapy (OMT) plus CABG or OMT alone. Among them, 18 patients experienced normalization in LVEF at 30 days of follow-up and 35 patients experienced recovery in LVEF at two years. Recovery of LVEF at 30 days and recovery of LVEF at 2 years were not correlated. We therefore performed independent analysis to study the relationship between early (30 days) or late (2 years) recovery in LVEF and mortality. EF recovery at 30 days was not associated with improved all-cause mortality in unadjusted analysis (Kaplan-Meyer log-rank p=0.54, Figure 1A) or in multivariate analysis adjusting for comorbidities (HR 0.93; CI 0.48, 1.80; P=0.82). EF recovery at 2 years was associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality both in unadjusted analysis (Kaplan-Meyer log-rank p=0.004, Figure 1B) and in the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model (HR 0.41; CI 0.21, 0.80; P=0.009). Conclusion In patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, delayed normalization of LVEF is associated with a mortality benefit, whereas early recovery in LVEF is not.
Quantum Finite-Difference Time-Domain Scheme

In quantum optics, the conventional method to quantize electromagnetic fields is canonical quantization which is analogue to the classical modal expansion method. Here, on the other hand, we show a quantum finite-difference time-domain scheme that can track the time evolution of quantum electromagnetic operators in the coordinate Hilbert space. This can be done by using coordinate-ladder operators derived from mode-ladder operators via the unitary transformation, and quantum hopping functions. This novel methodology will serve as a guideline for the development of advanced computational algorithms to perform numerical experiments on various quantum optical phenomena, particularly, involved in dispersion and dissipative effects.
Gravitational Wave Signatures from Warm Dark Energy

Motivated by some of the recent swampland conjectures, we study a model of dark energy, in which a quintessence axion slowly rolls in a steep potential due to its interactions with a U(1) or an SU(2) gauge field. The gauge fields produced by this interaction can generate a stochastic gravitational wave background with frequencies in the range $f \sim \left(10^{-16} - 10^{-14}\right)\; {\rm Hz}$. Gravitational waves in this range can in principle be probed by CMB spectral distortions. We show that the amplitude of the signal produced in this model is above the level for detectability only under very favourable choices of parameters.
Accuracy of A Universal Theoretical Formula for Lens Power Calculation in Pediatric Intraocular Lens Implantation.

PURPOSE To compare the accuracy of Barrett Universal II formula with other formulas (Holladay 2, Hoffer Q, and SRK/T formulas) in the prediction of postoperative refraction for pediatric intraocular lens implantation. SETTING Academic medical center/children's hospital, San Francisco, California. DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS Children aged 16 years or younger who underwent cataract extraction and IOL implantation (2012 to 2019) and had refraction assessed at 3 to 16 weeks postoperatively were included. Prediction error (PE) was calculated as postoperative mean spherical equivalent minus the target refraction. Mean, median, and standard deviation was calculated for PE and absolute PE. Performance across covariables (axial length, age, biometry type, keratometry, etc.) was studied, and a multivariate regression analysis was performed using a single prediction model for each formula. RESULTS Sixty-four eyes of 64 patients, aged 1.5 to 15.5 years, were included. Barrett Universal II formula had the lowest mean PE (-0.22 diopters [D]), SD (1.18 D), median PE (-0.26 D), and median absolute PE (0.71) compared with those of the other formulas. Holladay 2 formula performed similarly to Barrett Universal II formula, and SRK/T formula had the greatest mean PE (-0.50 D) and SD (1.22 D). Barrett Universal II formula predictions were stable across all variables. CONCLUSIONS Barrett Universal II formula demonstrated similar or superior performance when compared with other formulas in this pediatric study. Holladay 2 formula performed similarly to Barrett Universal II formula, and SRK/T formula had the least reliable performance, across several key biometric characteristics. Although PEs can be highly variable in pediatric populations, this study supports Barrett Universal II formula as a reasonable and reliable option for lens power calculation in children, including those with extreme biometric measurements.
Political Institutions, Punctuated Equilibrium Theory and Policy Disasters

This paper develops a theory of the relationship between policy disasters and political institutions. Policy disasters, defined as avoidable, unintended extreme negative policy outcomes, are important political and historical events above that receive relatively little attention from political scientists and scholars of public policy. Using the predictions of punctuated equilibrium theory, I argue that systems with higher error accumulation will experience more policy disasters. These disasters will take two forms: disasters caused by policymaking negligence and disasters caused by policymaking mistakes. Systems with more veto players and weaker information flows will experience more disasters, but information flows will have a stronger impact than veto players. I test this theory using data on financial crises and natural and technological disasters across seventy countries over sixty years. I find strong evidence that systems with weaker information flows and more veto players tend to have greater disaster risk.
An Adaptive Model for Assessing Supply Chain Risk

This research builds upon our previous research by extending a risk-indexing model to an adaptive indexing model, taking into account several additional factors. The new adaptive risk model includes the analysis of varying levels of contributions among firms, different consequences of the sub-product groups, the effects of learning over time, the effects of economic change over time, and the effects of multiple product lines. The research concludes with the rationale for the inclusion of these factors and the development of the adaptive risk model.