cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Repair of 8-oxoguanine in DNA is deficient in Cockayne syndrome group B cells

The incision of the 8-oxoguanine in DNA by normal and Cockayne Syndrome (CS) cell extracts has been investigated. The incision in extracts derived from CS cells was approximately 50% of the incision level compared with extracts prepared from normal cells. In contrast, the incision rate of uracil and thymine glycol was not defective in CS cells. The deficiency in 8-oxoguanine incision was also demonstrated in a CS family. Whereas the proband had markedly less incision compared with the normal siblings, the parents had intermediate levels. The low level of 8-oxoguanine-DNA glycosylase in CS extracts correlates with the reduced expression of the 8-oxoguanine-DNA glycosylase gene (hOGG1) in CS cells. Both the levels of expression of the hOGG1 gene and the incision of 8-oxoguanine in DNAincreased markedly after transfection of CS-B cells with the CSB gene. We suggest that the CSB mutation leads to deficient transcription of the hOGG1 gene and thus to deficient repair of 8-oxoguanine in DNA.
A Newly Developed Formulation Suitable for Matrix Manipulation of Layered Medium Green's Functions

Based on a recently developed formulation of the dyadic Green's function for layered media (DGLM), this work gives the matrix element representation of the DGLM for general RWG basis functions, including basis functions straddling across different layers and half-RWG basis function attached to an infinite ground plane. It has been rigorously proved that this representation is absent of any undesired line integrals, the same as the popular Michalski-Zheng's formulation of type C. This work also gives the analytical solution for some typical cylindrically symmetric problems, which can be used to validate any formulation for layered medium problems.
Pharmacokinetics of Vancomycin in Normal Subjects and in Patients with Reduced Renal Function

Recent novel clinical applications of vancomycin have stimulated reinvestigations of the pharmacologic properties of this drug. Absorption from the gastrointestinal tract is negligible, and oral administration is appropriate only for patients with certain staphylococcal and clostridial diarrheas. After intravenous administration (the intramuscular route being painful), vancomycin is excreted by glomerular filtration, with virtually total recovery in the urine. Distribution is consistent with a three-compartment open pharmacokinetic model. Serum half-life values are usually greater than 8 min in the distribution phase, 30 min to 1.5 hr in the intermediate phase, and between 5 and 11 hr in the elimination phase. The level of binding to human serum proteins is 55%. Since the relation between the vancomycin clearance and the creatinine clearance (but not the level of creatinine in serum) is linear in both normal and impaired renal function, a nomogram has been prepared that delineates dosages that will produce a mean steady-state concentration in serum of 15 micrograms/ml. Vancomycin penetrates well into pericardial, pleural, synovial, and ascitic fluid in humans, but concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid after parenteral administration may be insufficient for the successful treatment of certain cases of meningitis.
Lichen inventory of White Rocks Open Space (City of Boulder, Colorado)

Abstract. A lichen inventory of White Rocks Open Space (City of Boulder, CO), a unique outcropping of exposed unstable sandstones, is presented. White Rocks is an ecologically important, ∼40.5-ha (100-acre) protected area whose biological significance is in part attributable to geological and climatological history as well as degree of preservation, but also because it represents a biodiversity reservoir in a sea of agriculture and urban development. This inventory resulted in documentation of 56 species, including 1 new record to the United States, 1 new record to Colorado, 2 species new to science, and 2 additional species potentially new to science pending further study. Several species, though common at White Rocks, are locally rare within Boulder County and the Front Range Mountains of Colorado owing to a paucity of exposed sandstone. Such species instead have affinities to habitats more typical of eastern and far western Colorado, such as the state's high plains and sage-juniper scrub. A checklist o...
Long term gait outcomes of surgically treated idiopathic toe walkers

Toe walking is a common gait deviation which in the absence of a known cause is termed idiopathic toe walking. Surgical treatment in the presence of a triceps surae contracture includes tendo-Achilles or gastrocnemius/soleus recession and has been shown to be effective in improving kinematic outcomes at a one year follow up. The purpose of this study was to assess longer term kinematic and kinetic outcomes of children with idiopathic toe walking treated surgically for gastrocnemius/soleus contractures. Eight subjects with a diagnosis of idiopathic toe walking who had surgical lengthening of the gastrocnemius/soleus and had previous motion analysis laboratory studies pre-operative and 1 year post-operative, returned for a motion analysis laboratory study greater than 5 years since surgery. Subjects completed lower extremity physical exam and 3-D computerized kinematics and kinetics. Significant improvements for mean pelvic tilt, peak dorsiflexion in stance and swing, and overall kinematics index at 1 year post-operative were maintained at 5 years post-operative. Kinetic variables of ankle moment and power were improved at 1 year and 5 years post-operative. On physical exam, dorsiflexion with knee extended was tighter from 1 to 5 year follow-up which did not correspond to the functional changes of gait. Idiopathic toe walkers who were treated surgically for triceps surae contractures showed significant improvements in key kinematic and kinetic gait analysis variables at 1 year post-operative that were maintained at 5 years post-operative. Overall, subjects were satisfied with outcomes of the surgery, unrestricted in activities, and reported minimal pain.
The Effect of Hydrotreatment of Coal-Derived Synthetic Fuels on Dl Diesel Emissions and Performance

The three synthetic test fuels were formed by varying the degree of hydrotreatment of a coal-liquid produced from the Exxon Donor Solvent (EDS) process. The objective of this research was to examine the effect of the degree of hydrotreatment on combustion, performance, and emission characteristics. The emissions measurements included both gas-phase emissions (CO, NO x , unburned hydrocarbons, and aldehydes), and particulate emissions
Incidence of atypical nevi in Olmsted County: an epidemiological study.

BACKGROUND The association of atypical nevi with melanoma and other forms of skin cancer has not been clearly defined. METHODS We studied 631 patients with first lifetime diagnosis of mild, moderate or severely atypical nevus from 2000 through 2005, identified through a population-based approach. RESULTS Age at first diagnosis differed significantly between men and women (p<.001). Incidence rates peaked in the second through fourth decades in women and in the third, sixth and seventh decades in men. From 2000 through 2005, the overall age- and sex-adjusted incidence rate of all degrees of atypical nevi was 76.0 per 100,000 person-years. There were no statistically significant associations identified between the degree of atypia and the future development of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or MM (p = 0.51, p = 0.28 and p = 0.19, respectively). CONCLUSION There is no association between atypical nevi and the subsequent development of non-melanoma skin cancer and MM. Incidence rates of atypical nevi are higher among younger women and older men. The association between degree of atypia and malignant melanoma warrants further study.
Synthesis and photophysical characterization of stable indium bacteriochlorins.

Bacteriochlorins have wide potential in photochemistry because of their strong absorption of near-infrared light, yet metallobacteriochlorins traditionally have been accessed with difficulty. Estab...
Pathology of Podocytopathies Causing Nephrotic Syndrome in Children

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) in children includes a diverse group of diseases that range from genetic diseases without any immunological defects to causes that are primarily due to immunologic effects. Recent advances in molecular and genomic studies have resulted in a plethora of genetic defects that have been localized to the podocyte, the basic structure that is instrumental in normal filtration process. While the disease can manifest from birth and into adulthood, the primary focus of this review would be to describe the novel genes and pathology of primary podocyte defects that cause NS in children. This review will restrict itself to the pathology of congenital nephrotic syndrome, minimal change disease and its variants and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. The two major types of congenital nephrotic syndrome are Finnish type characterized by dilated sausage shaped tubules morphologically and diffuse mesangial sclerosis characterized by glomerulosclerosis. Minimal change disease has usually normal appearing biopsy features on light microscopy and needs electron microscopy for diagnosis, while FSGS in contrast has classic segmental sclerosing lesions identified in different portions of the glomeruli as well as tubular atrophy. This review summarizes the pathologic characteristics of these conditions and also delves into the various genetic defects that have been described as the cause of these primary podocytopathies. Other secondary causes of NS in children such as membranoproliferative and membranous glomerulonephritis will not be covered in this review.
Professionalization of Leadership in the Big Business Corporation 1

This study of the chief executives of large corporations over the period from 1900 to 1950 introduces specific evidence both to support and explain the thesis, hitherto vaguely entertained by many students of business, that administration of such corporations is rapidly becoming a profession.
Single particle tracking reveals corralling of a transmembrane protein in a double-cushioned lipid bilayer assembly.

A predominate question associated with supported bilayer assemblies containing proteins is whether or not the proteins remain active after incorporation. The major cause for concern is that strong ...
Immunohistochemical localization of renin and angiotensin in the ovary: comparison between normal women and patients with histologically proven polycystic ovarian disease *

Objective This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the ovarian renin-angiotensin system may play a role in polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). Design The immunohistochemical distribution of renin and angiotensin in ovaries from seven women with histologic diagnosis of PCOD was compared with that of normal ovaries. Results The large cystic follicles of polycystic ovaries (PCO) presented intense immunostaining for renin and angiotensin in both theca and granulosa cells (GCs). In developing follicles of normal ovaries, the immunostaining was restricted to the theca cell layer, with the exception of the immediately preovulatory follicles which displayed intense positivity of granulosa as well as theca cells. Atretic follicles of normal ovaries showed staining of both theca and GCs. In both normal and PCO, patches of hilus cells were intensely stained. Luteal cells also consistently stained both in normal ovaries and in the occasional corpus luteum present in polycystic ovaries. Conclusions This study highlights the link between the ovarian renin-angiotensin system and those ovarian compartments known to be actively engaged in androgen secretion and/or luteinization and suggests that there may be an association between the ovarian renin-angiotensin system and PCOD.
Hydrogen Sulfide in Renal Physiology and Disease

Abstract Significance: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has only recently gained recognition for its physiological effects. It is synthesized widely in the mammalian tissues and regulates several biologic processes ranging from development, angiogenesis, neurotransmission to protein synthesis. Recent Advances: The aim of this review is to critically evaluate the evidence for a role for H2S in kidney function and disease. Critical Issues: H2S regulates fundamental kidney physiologic processes such as glomerular filtration and sodium reabsorption. In kidney disease states H2S appears to play a complex role in a context-dependent manner. In some disease states such as ischemia-reperfusion and diabetic kidney disease it can serve as an agent that ameliorates kidney injury. In other diseases such as cis-platinum-induced kidney disease it may mediate kidney injury although more investigation is needed. Recent studies have revealed that the actions of nitric oxide and H2S may be integrated in kidney cells. Future Directio...
Stern-Gerlach-like approach to electron orbital angular momentum measurement

Many methods now exist to prepare free electrons into orbital-angular-momentum states, and the predicted applications of these electron states as probes of materials and scattering processes are numerous. The development of electron orbital-angular-momentum measurement techniques has lagged behind. We show that coupling between electron orbital angular momentum and a spatially varying magnetic field produces an angular-momentum-dependent focusing effect. We propose a design for an orbital-angular-momentum measurement device built on this principle. As the method of measurement is noninterferometric, the device works equally well for mixed, superposed, and pure final orbital-angular-momentum states. The energy and orbital-angular-momentum distributions of inelastically scattered electrons may be simultaneously measurable with this technique.
Mutation in a Highly Conserved COOH-Terminal Residue of Krüppel-Like Factor 1 Associated with Elevated Hb F in a Compound Heterozygous β-Thalassemia Patient with a Nontransfusion-Dependent Thalassemia Phenotype.

AbstractWe present a patient with a compound heterozygosity codon 39 (C > T) (β0) [or β39(C5)Gln→Stop (G39X); CAG > TAG; HBB: c.118C > T] and –87 (C > T) (β+) (HBB: c.−137C > T) β-globin mutations, a non transfusion-dependent thalassemia phenotype and 97.0% fetal hemoglobin. A novel heterozygous mutation was identified in a highly conserved residue in the COOH-terminus of the Kruppel-like factor 1, R360H, that likely altered DNA-binding and impaired transactivation.
Comparative Analysis of Organophosphate Developmental Neurotoxicity in a Freshwater Planarian

Organophosphates (OPs) are among the most commonly used pesticides in the U.S. and act by irreversibly inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE), leading to cholinergic overstimulation due to increase...
Telomere Recognition and Assembly Mechanism of Mammalian Shelterin

Shelterin is a six-subunit protein complex that plays crucial roles in telomere length regulation, protection, and maintenance. Although several shelterin subunits have been studied in vitro, the biochemical properties of the fully assembled shelterin complex are not well defined. Here, we characterize shelterin using ensemble biochemical methods, electron microscopy, and single-molecule imaging to determine how shelterin recognizes and assembles onto telomeric repeats. We show that shelterin complexes can exist in solution and primarily locate telomeric DNA through a three-dimensional diffusive search. Shelterin can diffuse along non-telomeric DNA but is impeded by nucleosomes, arguing against extensive one-dimensional diffusion as a viable assembly mechanism. Our work supports a model in which individual shelterin complexes rapidly bind to telomeric repeats as independent functional units, which do not alter the DNA-binding mode of neighboring complexes but, rather, occupy telomeric DNA in a "beads on a string" configuration.
Terminal Pleistocene to early Holocene volcanic eruptions at Zuni Salt Lake, west-central New Mexico, USA

National Science Foundation IGERT Fellowship in Archaeological Science from the University of Arizona; Geological Society of America Graduate Student Research Grant [10716-14]; P.E.O. Scholar Award; Department of Geosciences, University of Arizona
Establishing Reference Ranges of Hematological Parameters from Malian Healthy Adults.

Introduction: Measurement of immuno-hematological parameters has been historically helpful in the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of many infectious diseases and cancers. However, these parameters have not yet been established in many developing countries where patient care strongly relies on such low-cost tests. This study describes the immuno-hematological parameter ranges for Malian healthy adults. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from August 2004 to May 2013. We included 213 healthy volunteers (173 male and 40 female), aged between 18-59 years. Median, 2.5 and 97.5 percentile ranges for each immuno-hematological parameter are presented. Results: In our study population, the hematological parameters’ ranges were mostly different to the universal established ranges. We found in our population a Median white blood cell (WBC) count of 5200 cells/μL [3237.5- 11900], Red Blood Cell (RBC) count of 4.94 10^6 [3.56-6.17], hemoglobin (Hb) of 14.2 g/dL [12.2-17.38], platelet count (Plt) of 275 10^3/μL [145.4-614.4], lymphocytes 2050/μL [1200-3800], neutrophils 2200/μL [1040-6220]; monocytes 200/μL [100-660]; eosinophils 131/μL [0-1026]; CD4 902 cells/μL [444-1669] and CD8 485 cells/μL [0- 1272]. We found significant gender differences in RBC, Hb level and MPV. However, RBC and Hb were higher in males median values compared to females (median values) (p<0.001), whereas the Mean platelet volume lower values (MPV) in males than females (P<0.047). The hemoglobin level for some West African countries (Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo, and Nigeria) ranged from 13.5 to 15.1 g/dL for males and 12 to 13 g/dL for females. However in East and Southern Africa, the values were anywhere from 14.1 to 16.1 for males and 11.2 to 14.4 for females. Conclusion: Our data may help physicians to better define hematological abnormalities in patients. They may also be used to define new “normal hematological values” in Malian population or in the whole West African population.
Reactions to Skill Assessment: The Forgotten Factor in Explaining Motivation to Learn

The study presented here examined the effects of trainees' reactions to skill assessment on their motivation to learn. A model was developed that suggests that two dimensions of trainees' assessment reactions, distributive justice and utility, influence training motivation and overall training effectiveness. The model was tested using a sample of individuals (N = 113) enrolled in a truck driving training program. Results revealed that trainees who perceived higher levels of distributive justice and utility had higher motivation to learn. Training motivation was found to significantly predict several measures of training effectiveness. Trainees' performance on the pretraining assessment and trait goal orientation exhibited direct and interactive effects on their reactions to the skill assessment. Implications of these findings for future research on reactions to skill assessments are identified, along with the practical implications for the design and conduct of training needs assessment.
Retrieval characteristics of the Bard Denali and Argon Option inferior vena cava filters.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the retrieval characteristics of the Option Elite (Argon Medical, Plano, Tex) and Denali (Bard, Tempe, Ariz) retrievable inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs), two filters that share a similar conical design. Methods A single-center, retrospective study reviewed all Option and Denali IVCF removals during a 36-month period. Attempted retrievals were classified as advanced if the routine “snare and sheath” technique was initially unsuccessful despite multiple attempts or an alternative endovascular maneuver or access site was used. Patient and filter characteristics were documented. Results In our study, 63 Option and 45 Denali IVCFs were retrieved, with an average dwell time of 128.73 and 99.3 days, respectively. Significantly higher median fluoroscopy times were experienced in retrieving the Option filter compared with the Denali filter (12.18 vs 6.85 minutes; P = .046). Use of adjunctive techniques was also higher in comparing the Option filter with the Denali filter (19.0% vs 8.7%; P = .079). No significant difference was noted between these groups in regard to gender, age, or history of malignant disease. Conclusions Option IVCF retrieval procedures required significantly longer retrieval fluoroscopy time compared with Denali IVCFs. Although procedure time was not analyzed in this study, as a surrogate, the increased fluoroscopy time may also have an impact on procedural direct costs and throughput.
A 100-Year Review: Lactating dairy cattle housing management

Since the mid-1800s, farmers have been housing livestock. What began as a part-time solution for cold winters, stormy days, or injured animals has evolved into the main or only area in which cows spend their adult lives. With this change, farmers, academic researchers, and industry innovators have shaped the farm landscape, literally. Over the last 100 years, changes have been made for productivity, health, milk quality, reproduction, animal well-being, and farm profitability. We review a snapshot of those changes and look ahead to the future of lactating dairy cattle housing. All housing systems are moving toward improved cow comfort. Stalls in tiestall and freestall systems are now designed to accommodate cows based on body size and, in some cases, stage of lactation. Farmers may choose to build a compost bedded or traditional bedded-pack barn to maximize cattle rest or accommodate various breeds or sizes of cows. Looking to the future, external pressure and public perception may push farmers to consider other alternatives to total confinement. Future housing plans may include access to pasture or exercise lots, allowing cows to express their preferences for being outside or inside. Housing that allows natural expression of behavior while maintaining cow cleanliness and health may improve the lives of cows and farmers.
The relationship between label-based and speech-based perceptual evaluations: The case of Enshi Mandarin regional varieties

The current study explored the relationship between participants’ label-based evaluations of six regional varieties in Enshi Prefecture, China, and their speech-based evaluations of talkers from these varieties using a label ranking task and a speaker evaluation task. The results revealed that under correct identification of talker dialect, participants’ evaluations of real talkers based on speech samples were different from their evaluations of ‘imagined’ county-based dialects, suggesting that speech-based talker evaluations are not solely governed by ideological values associated with dialects. Focusing on a small, understudied community in China, this study contributes to our understanding of the local language attitudes, and language use and maintenance in Enshi Prefecture. An integrated approach is needed to build a model of talker evaluation, which must include a complex set of linguistic, social cognitive, and situational objects. The current results suggest that the object(s) that primarily drives talker evaluations is not the talker’s dialect itself.
An NIR-emitting ESIPT dye with large stokes shift for plasma membrane of prokaryotic (E. coli) cells

Abstract A near infrared-emitting cyanine with a very large Stokes shift (Δλ ≈ 230 nm) was synthesized by coupling with excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). Fluorescence response of the probe was examined at different pH and at different temperatures, which revealed the important role of ESIPT in the fluorescence. In comparison with commercial FM1-43 (ϕ fl ≈ 0.03 in CH 2 Cl 2 ), which is a popular styryl dye for membrane staining, the developed new probe 2a exhibited a significantly higher quantum yield (ϕ fl ≈ 0.34 in CH 2 Cl 2 ), attributing to the effective intramolecular hydrogen bonding which is present in the latter. In addition, the probe exhibited very good selectivity for imaging plasma membrane of prokaryotic cells, indicating its potential for imaging membrane of procaryotic ( E. coli ) cells.
Flow Measurement in Sodium and Water Using Pulsed-Neutron Activation: Part 1, Theory

A mathematical analysis and experimental averaging techniques are developed for flow measurements that use pulsed neutron activation. Experimental time-weighting procedures are evaluated for the two extremes of laminar and turbulent flow. In addition, criteria are developed that reflect expected error from an experimental procedure. Experimental data and confirmation of weighting techniques follow in a companion paper.
Lipid Testing and Statin Dosing After Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BackgroundThe 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association cholesterol guidelines recommend high‐intensity statins for patients after myocardial infarction (MI) rather than treati...
Diophantine Approximation and Nevanlinna Theory

Beginning with the work of Osgood [65], it has been known that the branch of complex analysis known as Nevanlinna theory (also called value distribution theory) has many similarities with Roth’s theorem on diophantine approximation.
Abstract TMP2: Mechanical Thrombectomy in the Oldest of the Old: Is 90 the New 60?

Introduction: Though some randomized trials of mechanical thrombectomy included octo- and nonagenarians, there is little data on outcomes among the oldest of the old. Methods: Consecutive patients with ischemic stroke admitted to a single, comprehensive stroke center were prospectively enrolled in a registry between 9/2014-2/2017. Rates of mechanical thrombectomy were compared over 10-year patient age epochs. Among those who underwent thrombectomy, recanalization rates, and discharge disposition were compared over age epochs after adjusting for admission NIHSS using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Cochrane-Armitage test of trend was used to assess for dose effect of age on discharge disposition. Good discharge disposition was defined as discharge to home, acute rehabilitation or outpatient physical therapy. Results: Of 1245 ischemic stroke patients, 221 (18%) underwent mechanical thrombectomy. Thrombectomy occurred in 13/75 (17%) aged 40-49, 23/176 (13%) aged 50-59, 41/274 (15%) aged 60-69, 53...
Association Between Flat-Panel Computed Tomographic Imaging–Guided Place-Pitch Mapping and Speech and Pitch Perception in Cochlear Implant Users

Importance Cochlear implant users generally display poor pitch perception. Flat-panel computed tomography (FPCT) has recently emerged as a modality capable of localizing individual electrode contacts within the cochlea in vivo. Significant place-pitch mismatch between the clinical implant processing settings given to patients and the theoretical maps based on FPCT imaging has previously been noted. Objective To assess whether place-pitch mismatch is associated with poor cochlear implant–mediated pitch perception through evaluation of an individualized, image-guided approach toward cochlear implant programming on speech and music perception among cochlear implant users. Design, Setting, and Participants A prospective cohort study of 17 cochlear implant users with MED-EL electrode arrays was performed at a tertiary referral center. The study was conducted from June 2016 to July 2017. Interventions Theoretical place-pitch maps using FPCT secondary reconstructions and 3-dimensional curved planar re-formation software were developed. The clinical map settings (eg, strategy, rate, volume, frequency band range) were modified to keep factors constant between the 2 maps and minimize confounding. The acclimation period to the maps was 30 minutes. Main Outcomes and Measures Participants performed speech perception tasks (eg, consonant-nucleus-consonant, Bamford-Kowal-Bench Speech-in-Noise, vowel identification) and a pitch-scaling task while using the image-guided place-pitch map (intervention) and the modified clinical map (control). Performance scores between the 2 interventions were measured. Results Of the 17 participants, 10 (58.8%) were women; mean (SD) was 59 (11.3) years. A significant median increase in pitch scaling accuracy was noted when using the experimental map compared with the control map (4 more correct answers; 95% CI, 0-8). Specifically, the number of pitch-scaling reversals for notes spaced at 1.65 semitones or greater decreased when an image-based approach to cochlear implant programming was used vs the modified clinical map (4 mistakes; 95% CI, 0.5-7). Although there was no observable median improvement in speech perception during use of an image-based map, the acute changes in frequency allocation and electrode channel deactivations used with the image-guided maps did not worsen consonant-nucleus-consonant (−1% correct phonemes, 95% CI, −2.5% to 6%) and Bamford-Kowal-Bench Speech-in-Noise (0.5-dB difference; 95% CI, −0.75 to 2.25 dB) median performance results relative to the clinical maps used by the patients. Conclusions and Relevance An image-based approach toward ochlear implant mapping may improve pitch perception outcomes by reducing place-pitch mismatch. Studies using a longer acclimation period with chronic stimulation over months may help assess the full range of the benefits associated with personalized image-guided cochlear implant mapping.
Novel connections and precision approaches

Research in mucosal immunology has continued to generate exciting advances in cellular and molecular biology and to pave the way for a better understanding of human health and disease. In 2018, numerous groups defined bidirectional circuits of communication between the mucosal immune system, non-haematopoietic cell types and microbial communities, while also developing precision approaches to define and manipulate host–microbiota interactions in the gut. Recent research in mucosal immunology has uncovered novel lines of communication between the mucosal immune system and other cellular and metabolic pathways. Given the complexity of these networks, new precision approaches are being developed to dissect the contribution of specific pathways or selected microorganisms.
Vedolizumab in the Perioperative Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Background The isolated effect of vedolizumab on increased postoperative complications remains debated, similar to the controversial data on anti-TNF and postoperative complications. Objective To determine the risk of vedolizumab on postoperative complications. Methods A review of the literature available to date on studies comparing postoperative outcomes in vedolizumab-treated versus non-vedolizumab-treated patients was performed. Studies were stratified by those which combined all inflammatory bowel disease together, those specifically focusing on Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis individually, and those which included pediatric patients alone. Results The data remains controversial in both the adult and pediatric literature regarding the association of vedolizumab and increased postoperative complications. The strongest association between vedolizumab and an increased risk of postoperative infectious complications seems to be in the Crohn's disease literature. Conclusion Vedolizumab may be associated with an increased risk of postoperative infectious complications in Crohn's disease, but the literature remains controversial due to difficulty in isolating the effect of the biologic alone in a chronically ill, heterogeneous patient population who are on multiple medications including corticosteroids.
Effects of high-intensity interval training on vascular endothelial function and vascular wall thickness in breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy: a randomized pilot study.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention on vascular endothelial function, measured as brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (baFMD), and vascular wall thickness measured by carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) in breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Thirty women were randomized to either HIIT or non-exercise control groups (CON). The HIIT group participated in an 8-week HIIT intervention occurring three times per week on a cycle ergometer. The CON group was offered the HIIT intervention after 8 weeks. baFMD was measured from the brachial artery diameter at baseline (D0) and 1 min after cuff deflation (D1); percent change was calculated by measuring brachial artery diameter after cuff deflation relative to the baseline [baFMD = (D1 − D0)/D0 × 100]. The cIMT was obtained from the posterior wall of common carotid artery 10 mm below the carotid bulb. Paired t test and repeated measures ANCOVA were performed to assess changes in baFMD and cIMT. At baseline, the HIIT (n = 15) and CON (n = 15) groups did not differ by age (46.9 ± 9.8 years), BMI (31.0 ± 7.5 kg/m2), and blood pressure (123.4 ± 16.8/72.3.9 ± 5.6 mmHg). Post-exercise, baFMD significantly increased [4.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.5, 7.0), p = 0.005] in HIIT versus CON group. cIMT did not significantly change [0.003, 95% CI − 0.004, 0.009), p = 0.40] in HIIT group, while IMT significantly increased from baseline to post-intervention (0.009, 95% CI 0.004, 0.010, p = 0.003) in CON group. This study may suggest that HIIT improved vascular endothelial function and maintained wall thickness in breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02454777.
Demographic and Social Composition

This chapter explores the social and demographic composition of studentries, and several other characteristics of schools—tied primarily to desegregation efforts—that are plausibly related to school disruption. These seemingly diverse school characteristics are examined together because they may all be viewed as beyond the control of the school. This appears to be a tenable assumption at present, although one can imagine specific cases in which it might not be true. In general, schools must cope with, educate, manage, minister to, and interact with the kinds of students allocated to them; and desegregation and busing are also events that are in some sense imposed on the schools.
Resistance to Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutics in Lymphoma

With the long history of rituximab use in CD20 positive lymphomas and the recent approval of brentuximab vedotin for the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma, monoclonal antibody-based therapies are commonly utilized for the treatment of many lymphomas. Following decades of experience with rituximab, much has been learned about the mechanisms of action and potential mechanisms of resistance to monoclonal antibody therapies, but a thorough understanding of which mechanisms of action are most relevant to rituximab’s efficacy and which resistance mechanisms are most clinically relevant is still elusive. Nonetheless, many approaches have been identified and continue to be investigated both pre-clinically and clinically to attempt to overcome or circumvent resistance to monoclonal antibody therapies in order to enhance treatment responses or improve survival at the time of relapse following monoclonal antibody based therapy.
Property-Liability Insurers’ Discretionary and Nondiscretionary Loss Reserve Error: Relation with Investor Sentiment

We examine whether investor sentiment is associated with loss reserve estimates of property-liability (P/L) insurers. Using the Michigan Consumer Confidence Index as a proxy for sentiment, we find that the level of investor sentiment is negatively associated with discretionary component of loss reserve error. In contrast, our evidence does not suggest a similar relationship hold for investor sentiment and nondiscretionary loss reserve error. Further analysis indicates that stock insurers are more sensitive to investor sentiment than mutual insurers, in terms of discretionary component of loss reserves. The results are consistent with our hypothesis that P/L insurers cater to investors’ optimism (pessimism), driven by investor sentiment, via discretionary loss reserve claims. For robust test, we also measure investor sentiment by using two alternative proxies: the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, and the index in the stock market developed by Baker and Wurgler (2006, 2007). The results are consistent. Our study discovers a new rationale for why insurers may use discretion over their loss reserves.
Teaching for Conceptual Change in a Density Unit Provided to Seventh Graders: A Comparison of Teacher- and Student-Centered Approaches

This mixed-methods study was designed to compare the learning gains of seventh-grade students (N = 417) taught a 4-week conceptual change unit on density using either a student-centered, guided inquiry-based approach or a more direct, teacher-centered instructional strategy. Application of a multilevel model to data obtained from the administration of pre-/post-assessments demonstrated that while students in both conditions made statistically significant learning gains across the study period, average performance gains did not vary by instructional condition. A cross-level interaction between instructional method and students’ prior mathematics performance and subsequent learning gains was identified however. Within the guided inquiry condition, students with the lowest initial math scores had the largest learning gains, while the reverse was true in the teacher-centered, direct instruction condition, where initially higher-performing students demonstrated the strongest learning gains. Results associated with an authentic task assessment and systematic interviews of student participants provided additional context for understanding the nature of the performance outcomes. Implications for middle school science instruction are discussed.
A Look into Jewish Aesthetics and Abstraction

Responding to art critic Harold Rosenberg’s notions of the state of, and even existence of Jewish art in the mid-twentieth century, this paper questions the relationship of identity and artistic practice, focusing on the creative process and theory of Ashkenazi artist, Mark Rothko.
How report writing supports paramedic students' learning

Writing skills are critical as emergency medical services (EMS) use them to support patient care, yet limited research supports EMS writing practice and pedagogy. The field of writing studies and i...
Presidential Term Limits, the Never-Ending Debate

Against the backdrop of the so-called “rise of strong men,” this introductory chapter places the phenomenon of term alteration in the office of the president within a broad historical and scholarly framework that interrogates the slow erosion of the democratic norm of presidential term limits in Africa and around the world. It captures the essence of the political debate surrounding this phenomenon and reviews key theoretical contentions and empirical evidence on both sides of the argument. The chapter sheds new scholarly insights on the classical institution of term limits by examining a number of variables influencing incumbents’ propensity to seek term alteration as well as those impacting the success and failure of such attempts at term elongation or removal. It argues that understanding these variables is critical in addressing the threat to democracy that represents the phenomenon of term alteration in the office of the president.
Carotid Artery Stenting

Given the results of recent randomized trials, carotid artery stenting (CAS) has been validated as an important modality for the treatment of carotid artery stenosis secondary to atherosclerotic disease. Patient selection and complication avoidance is nevertheless critical to ensuring optimal treatment outcomes. In this chapter we will discuss indications for CAS, technical and procedural details, and guidelines on pre- and postoperative management. Indications and techniques for the use of CAS in the setting of other disease processes, such as spontaneous carotid dissection, fibromuscular dysplasia, and radiation-induced stenosis, will be discussed in subsequent chapters.
Parasitic Infections in the Immunocompromised Host: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management

Immunocompromised patients are commonly encountered in medicine and surgery. Disease states like Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome render the patient into an immunocompromised state, as does iatrogenic immunosuppression in cancer treatment with chemotherapy, and immunosuppressive drugs for auto-immune diseases. Solid organ transplantation is unique in that the patient does not have a disease being treated, but deliberate immunosuppression in transplant recipients is required to prevent and treat rejection. Parasitic infections can be seen in all above-described immunocompromised states, and are uncommon in organ transplant recipients in the United States; this is often due to diligent donor and recipient testing. Most parasitic infections occur in the developing world, and dormant infections may be reactivated with immunosuppression, otherwise transmission can be donor-derived or occur post-transplant in the recipient who lives in or travels to these endemic regions. When infection in the immunosuppressed organ transplant recipient does occur, it can range in spectrum from self-limiting with treatment to life-threatening, refractory to treatment. As with most aspects of medicine, prevention results in better outcomes than treatment.
Working from a Distance: Productivity Dispersion and Labor Reallocation

Following the shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy may be significantly changed relative to the pre-pandemic world. One critical shift induced by the COVID-19 pandemic is a need for physical distance (at least 6 feet apart) between workers and customers. In this study, we examine the impacts of social distancing in the workplace on employment and productivity across industries. Using our constructed measure of adaptability to social distancing, we empirically find that industries that are more adaptive to social distancing had less decline in employment and productivity during the pandemic. Using this empirical evidence, our model predicts that employment and productivity dispersion would induce labor reallocation across sectors, while imperfect labor mobility may result in a long road to economic recovery.
BioBlockchain: Useful Proof-of-Work with Multiple Sequence Alignment

Although Bitcoin is a successful electronic cash system, mining bitcoin wastes computation resources since the proof-of-work requires the miners to solve computational puzzles that have no intrinsic benefit to society. On the other hand, multiple sequence alignment is widely used in bioinformatics for analyzing similarities or differences among sequences, but it takes time and computational efforts. To reduce the waste of mining bitcoin, this paper proposes a modification to the Bitcoin protocol so that it requires the miners to find a multiple sequence alignment of protein sequences for proof-or-work.
What’s in a Name? Should We Distinguish Colonialism and Imperialism?

Obwohl im allgemeinen und zumeist auch akademischen Gebrauch nicht zwischen Kolonialismus und Imperialismus unterschieden wird, pladieren einige Wissenschaftler fur eine klare analytische Differenzierung zwischen den beiden Begriffen. Ein bekannter Vertreter dieser Auffassung ist der Altphilologe Moses Finley, der im Besonderen den Begriff „Kolonie“ so definieren mochte, dass er sich von „Imperium“ unterscheidet. Sicherlich bringt ein solches Vorgehen Vorteile mit sich, vor allem um die Eigenheit des europaischen „Siedlungskolonialismus“ seit dem 15. Jahrhundert zu betonen. Dieser Artikel argumentiert jedoch, dass eine zu scharfe und voreilige Unterscheidung zwischen Kolonialismus und Imperialismus bedeutende Einbusen mit sich bringt. Sie schrankt die Moglichkeiten vergleichender Forschung erheblich ein, indem die meisten Imperien der Antike und nicht-westliche Reiche wie das chinesische ausgeschlossen werden. Es gibt jedoch uber lange Zeitraume und weite Distanzen hinweg bedenkenswerte Kontinuitaten und Uberschneidungen zwischen Imperien. Der moderne Kolonialismus ist eine Unterart von imperialer Herrschaft im Allgemeinen, kein von dieser getrenntes Phanomen, das eine besondere Behandlung notig machen wurde. Unsere Darlegungen waren armer, wurden wir eine zu enge Definition von Kolonialismus zugrunde legen, welche uns die Sicht auf seine vielgestaltige Einbindung in die grosere und langere Geschichte imperialer Formationen verstellt.
Management of a complete hydatidiform mole with a coexisting live fetus followed by successful treatment of maternal metastatic gestational trophoblastic disease: learning points.

A 34-year-old patient had her first trimester Down syndrome scan followed by serial ultrasound scans which showed a single intrauterine pregnancy with multiple cystic areas in the anterior placenta. She presented in preterm labour with a breech presentation at 32 weeks and underwent an emergency caesarean section. She delivered a male infant weighing 1750 g. The placental histopathology showed a complete hyatidiform mole. At 4 weeks postpartum, beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (Bhcg) levels rose from 460 to 836 mIU/mL over 1 week. Metastatic workup revealed prominent pelvic nodes and pulmonary nodules in both lungs. This was discussed at the Multi-Disciplinary Tumour Board and single-agent intramuscular methotrexate was recommended. After chemotherapy, she achieved Bhcg normalisation after three cycles. This case highlights the importance of clinical vigilance even in low-risk patients. Unexpected findings on ultrasound should involve multidisciplinary input with radiology colleagues. A high index of suspicion for gestational trophoblastic disease and close follow-up is imperative.
Putin Regime as Example of “Synthetic” Model

“Intellectual seduction,” a method of ideological deception, can be found in many societies. Still, it is most\popular in the regimes in transition, as was the case with Putin’s regime in the very beginning of its existence. While most Russians wanted the restoration of Soviet totalitarianism in this or that form and to undo privatization, Putin, after some hesitation, decided to preserve Yeltsin-era socioeconomic arrangements. At the same time, Putin and his tycoons, whose interests he represents, were not sure about the regime’s stability, and needed a cover-up: restoration without restoration. And here, Dugin’s theories became quite handy. Dugin preached the creation of a grand “Eurasian” empire. His theory also had a lot of elements of neo-Sovietism. Still, it marginalized nationalization, the economy in general, and this was what made him and his theories pleasant for Putin. People in the Kremlin pretended that they were really fascinated with Duginism, and Dugin was easily “seduced.” The reason was Dugin’s personality. He had actually “two bodies.” On the one hand, he was the product of Soviet dissident culture. The Westernized dissidents not only think about lofty and grand goals, but also despise the views of officials, officially institutionalized intellectuals and the hoi polloi. On the other hand, he acquired an “American body,” which clamored for success and power.