cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of synthetic media in the storage of human platelets for transfusion.

] ~ O R THREE DECADES, specialists in transfu. ] ~ sion medicine have become accustomed to preparing, storing, and transfusing red blood cells suspended in synthetic storage solutions. The idea of a simple nutrient solution containing adenine and glucose for this purpose was apparently first described in 1965.1 It is now widely accepted practice. During storage at 4~ red cells maintain their viability longer in these solutions than they do in plasma. Since the first report of Rock et al 2 in 1985, many investigators have directed their efforts toward developing :an analogous solution for platelets. Potential advantages include superior platelet quality after storage; availability of more plasma for fractionation; and the reduction in frequency and severity of transfusion complications related to components of the suspending plasma. Although 9 progress has been slower than was originally hoped, some succ;essful solutions have been developed and are in use in some transfusion services in Europe. The purpose of this review is to describe the events of the last 15 years that have led to our current circumstances. Inevitably, it will reflect the experience (and the biases) of the author. Where strong disagreements have been expressed, these are noted and addressed. Attention is confined to the storage ofplatelets with appropriate agitation at 20~ to 24~ 3 within plastic containers with gas permeability adequate to maintain the oxidative metabolism of the platelets being stored. 4 The optimal method for assessing the quality of stored platelets is the measurement of their capacity to circulate in vivo after reinfusion. Because of the complexity and expense of such in vivo studies, some of the reports described have used in vitro correlates for in vivo viability. 5 Most of the studies reviewed have used platelets prepared by the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) method from units of whole blood. In this method, whole blood is centrifuged at low speed to prepare PRP, which is then centrifuged at high speed to prepare a platelet button, which is resuspended in approximately 50 mL of autologous plasma, yielding a platelet concentrate (PC). A PC made by this method is referred to as PRP-PC. Typically, when PRP-PC have been used with synthetic media, the button is resuspended in medium, leaving a 10% to 20% plasma carryover. In later studies, the buffy coat (BC) method was used, in which the whole blood is centrifuged at high speed to prepare a BC from which a BC-PC is prepared. Finally, two studies used platelet concentrates prepared by apheresis (AP-PC).
Estradiol Inhibits Leukocyte Adhesion and Transendothelial Migration in Rabbits In Vivo: Possible Mechanisms for Gender Differences in Atherosclerosis

The mechanism by which estrogens protect against atherosclerosis is not known. We evaluated in vivo whether there is a gender difference in monocyte adhesion and subendothelial migration in hypercholesterolemic rabbits and whether any gender differences observed are due to estradiol. Monocyte adhesion and subendothelial migration were assessed in a blinded fashion by analyzing a standardized segment of aorta using a scanning electron microscope. We also assessed whether estradiol modulates induction of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) protein using Western blot and flow cytometric analyses. We observed that male rabbits develop more monocyte adhesion and subendothelial migration than do female rabbits during hypercholesterolemia. We also observed that oophorectomized rabbits given physiological estradiol supplementation demonstrate fewer adherent and subendothelial monocytes than do oophorectomized rabbits given placebo. VCAM-1 protein expression was increased in aortae obtained from hypercholesterolemic, oophorectomized animals supplemented with placebo, and this increase was attenuated by estradiol. Finally, in cultured rabbit aortic endothelial cells stimulated with lysophosphatidylcholine, we observed an increase in VCAM-1 protein that was inhibited in a concentration-dependent fashion by estradiol. We have demonstrated in vivo that there is a gender difference in monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells and transendothelial migration after hypercholesterolemia and that this gender difference is due in part to estradiol. Our results also suggest that estradiol inhibits monocyte adhesion by inhibiting expression of VCAM-1. (Circ Res. 1999;85:377-385.)
Time-resolved fluorescence microscopy of stressed membranes of living endothelial cells

Advances in the understanding of mechanotransduction in endothelial cells require reliable predictive models of stress and readouts of mechano-activation in the same cell. In order to determine correlations between stress and cellular activation, we have coupled rapid 3-D rendering of optical images of stained endothelial cells and computational fluid and mechanics models with photonics-based detection of molecular perturbation. Central to our approach is a multimodal, confocal molecular dynamics microscope with time-correlated, single-photon counting electronics to measure excited-state lifetime dynamics of fluorescent molecules in cell membranes. Preliminary results suggest a correlation of positive shear stress gradients and membrane tension with shear-induced membrane perturbations at sub-micron scales. Such position-dependence of membrane stress concentrations may be used as cues for mechano-chemical signal transduction.
Possible mechanisms of epinephrine actions in quin-2-loaded platelets refractory to arachidonic acid.

Abstract We evaluated the effect of Quin-2 loading (> 20 μM) on platelet responses such as phosphoinositide turnover, elevation of cytosolic Ca2+, phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) and a 47-kDa protein, and aggregation in human platelets stimulated with arachidonic acid (AA) and epinephrine. The formation of inositol phosphates (IP, IP2, and IP3) in platelets stimulated with AA was inhibited by 50.4, 59.5, and 61%, respectively, in the presence of Quin-2 (40 μM). A similar degree of inhibition was observed in platelets stimulated with epinephrine (50 μM) and thrombin (0.1 U/ml). Even though Quin-2-induced inhibition of aggregation in response to AA was reversed by epinephrine, its effect on phosphoinositide turnover remained unaffected. Monitoring of cytosolic Ca2+ changes further indicates that the ability of epinephrine to restore aggregation in Quin-2-loaded (40 μM) and AA-stimulated platelets is not coupled to an increase in cytosolic Ca2+. Quin-2 loading (40 μM) caused a significant inhibition of MLC phosphorylation (20 kDa) in platelets stimulated by AA. However, it had no effect on the phosphorylation of the 47-kDa protein induced by AA. Furthermore, Quin-2 loading (40 μM) exerted no significant effect on shape change, actin filament assembly, and spreading, but caused a significant inhibition of secretion and clot retraction. We conclude that the formation of inositol phosphates, increases in cytosoloic Ca2+ and phosphorylation of MLC affected by Quin-2 are not coupled to the mechanisms by which platelets develop stickiness, undergo shape change, spreading, and aggregation in response to epinephrine and AA. It appears that the effect of epinephrine in restoring the aggregation response of refractory platelets is coupled to a calcium-mediated α-adrenergic receptor, and it may serve as a critical salvage pathway in platelets with compromised functions.
PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF ALLOGLOSSIDIUM (DIGENEA: MACRODEROIDIDAE) AND RELATED GENERA: LIFE-CYCLE EVOLUTION AND TAXONOMIC REVISION

A phylogenetic analysis was performed on 13 species of digenetic trematodes in the Macroderoididae, including 10 species of Alloglossidium, 2 species of Alloglossoides, and Hirudicolotrema richardsoni. The evolution of the unusual life-cycle patterns in the group was assessed in light of the proposed phylogeny. The results support previous hypotheses that taxa with a 3-host life cycle involving catfish as definitive hosts are basal to taxa with a 2-host life cycle involving invertebrates such as crustaceans and leeches as definitive hosts. Our results also strongly suggest that species maturing in leeches evolved from an ancestor that matured in crustaceans. Our phylogeny places Alloglossoides and Hirudicolotrema within Alloglossidium, showing Alloglossidium to be paraphyletic. To achieve a natural classification, Alloglossoides and Hirudicolotrema are synonymized with Alloglossidium, and a revised generic diagnosis for Alloglossidium is given.
Studies on the in Vitro Cytotoxicity of Erythromycin Estolate

SummaryErythromycin estolate (EE) in concentration as low as 5 × 10–6M led to the leakage of enzymes from Chang liver cells exposed to the drug. Two other erythromycin derivatives (propionate and base), which differ from EE in that they do not produce hepatic injury in patients, did not lead to leakage of enzyme from the Chang cells until concentrations of these two derivatives reached 5 × 10–4M.
An Extralimital Record of a Louisiana-Banded Mottled Duck Recovered in South Dakota

Abstract Anas fulvigula (Mottled Duck) primarily occupy coastal marshes along the western Gulf of Mexico and Florida. Previous extralimital records of Mottled Ducks have been recorded in Great Plains states and in some states along the Atlantic Coast. We report on a female Mottled Duck that was banded in 2007 on Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge (Cameron Parish, LA) and harvested near Alpena, SD (Sanborn County). This minimum movement of 1680 km is highly unusual in a species where individuals rarely stray more than 160 km from the coast. Among recent and reliably documented reports (since 1980), this observation represents the northernmost documented record for this species. We presume that this individual migrated north with wintering Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard) it associated with in coastal Louisiana.
The evolution of milk secretion and its ancient origins

Lactation represents an important element of the life history strategies of all mammals, whether monotreme, marsupial, or eutherian. Milk originated as a glandular skin secretion in synapsids (the lineage ancestral to mammals), perhaps as early as the Pennsylvanian period, that is, approximately 310 million years ago (mya). Early synapsids laid eggs with parchment-like shells intolerant of desiccation and apparently dependent on glandular skin secretions for moisture. Mammary glands probably evolved from apocrine-like glands that combined multiple modes of secretion and developed in association with hair follicles. Comparative analyses of the evolutionary origin of milk constituents support a scenario in which these secretions evolved into a nutrient-rich milk long before mammals arose. A variety of antimicrobial and secretory constituents were co-opted into novel roles related to nutrition of the young. Secretory calcium-binding phosphoproteins may originally have had a role in calcium delivery to eggs; however, by evolving into large, complex casein micelles, they took on an important role in transport of amino acids, calcium and phosphorus. Several proteins involved in immunity, including an ancestral butyrophilin and xanthine oxidoreductase, were incorporated into a novel membrane-bound lipid droplet (the milk fat globule) that became a primary mode of energy transfer. An ancestral c-lysozyme lost its lytic functions in favor of a role as α-lactalbumin, which modifies a galactosyltransferase to recognize glucose as an acceptor, leading to the synthesis of novel milk sugars, of which free oligosaccharides may have predated free lactose. An ancestral lipocalin and an ancestral whey acidic protein four-disulphide core protein apparently lost their original transport and antimicrobial functions when they became the whey proteins β-lactoglobulin and whey acidic protein, which with α-lactalbumin provide limiting sulfur amino acids to the young. By the late Triassic period (ca 210 mya), mammaliaforms (mammalian ancestors) were endothermic (requiring fluid to replace incubatory water losses of eggs), very small in size (making large eggs impossible), and had rapid growth and limited tooth replacement (indicating delayed onset of feeding and reliance on milk). Thus, milk had already supplanted egg yolk as the primary nutrient source, and by the Jurassic period (ca 170 mya) vitellogenin genes were being lost. All primary milk constituents evolved before the appearance of mammals, and some constituents may have origins that predate the split of the synapsids from sauropsids (the lineage leading to 'reptiles' and birds). Thus, the modern dairy industry is built upon a very old foundation, the cornerstones of which were laid even before dinosaurs ruled the earth in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
Growth of Listeria monocytogenes within a Caramel-Coated Apple Microenvironment

ABSTRACT A 2014 multistate listeriosis outbreak was linked to consumption of caramel-coated apples, an unexpected and previously unreported vehicle for Listeria monocytogenes. This outbreak was unanticipated because both the pH of apples ( Listeria growth. In this study, Granny Smith apples were inoculated with approximately 4 log 10 CFU of L. monocytogenes (a cocktail of serotype 4b strains associated with the outbreak) on each apple9s skin, stem, and calyx. Half of the apples had sticks inserted into the core, while the remaining apples were left intact. Apples were dipped into hot caramel and stored at either 7°C or 25°C for up to 11 or 28 days, respectively. Data revealed that apples with inserted sticks supported significantly more L. monocytogenes growth than apples without sticks under both storage conditions. Within 3 days at 25°C, L. monocytogenes populations increased >3 log 10 in apples with sticks, whereas only a 1-log 10 increase was observed even after 1 week for caramel-coated apples without sticks. When stored at 7°C, apples with sticks exhibited an approximately 1.5-log 10 increase in L. monocytogenes levels at 28 days, whereas no growth was observed in apples without sticks. We infer that insertion of a stick into the apple accelerates the transfer of juice from the interior of the apple to its surface, creating a microenvironment at the apple-caramel interface where L. monocytogenes can rapidly grow to levels sufficient to cause disease when stored at room temperature. IMPORTANCE Neither caramel nor apples are a food where the pathogenic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes should grow, as caramel does not contain enough free water and apples are too acidic. Caramel-coated apples, however, were recently linked to a deadly outbreak of listeriosis. We hypothesized that inserting a stick into the apple releases juice to the interface between the apple and caramel, providing a more hospitable environment than either component alone. To test this hypothesis, apples were inoculated with L. monocytogenes prior to caramel dipping. Some apples had sticks inserted into them before dipping, while others did not. No growth of L. monocytogenes occurred on refrigerated caramel apples without sticks, whereas slow growth was observed on refrigerated caramel apples with sticks. In contrast, significant pathogen growth was observed within 3 days at room temperature on caramel apples with sticks inserted. Food producers should consider interfaces between components within foods as potential niches for pathogen growth.
Nesting Sites of the Carpenter Ant, Camponotus vicinus (Mayr) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Northern Idaho

Camponotus vicinus (Mayr) is a common ant species found in the PaciÞc Northwest. It is an important predator of many forest insect pests, a potential biological control agent, and is also a serious structural pest. However, little knowledge is currently available about its nest location and distribution. The study is designed to examine the biotic and abiotic factors in affecting the distribution of carpenter ants. Investigations during 1993 and 1994 showed that in conifer forests in northern Idaho, C. vicinus was found nesting mostly in fallen logs and tree stumps. The diameter of logs used as nest sites was 5Ð55 cm, but most nests were found in logs with diameters between 15 and 35 cm. Tree bark, duff, and wood beneath stones were also used as nest sites. Most nests were found in dry areas associated with an opening in the forest canopy. This kind of site can be called a C. vicinus carpenter ant zone. To study the effect of biotic and abiotic factors on nest aggregations of C. vicinus, Þve factors were tested in conifer forests of northern Idaho: habitat availability, food abundance, competition, moisture, and temperature. Competition is not a main factor in restricting the distribution of C. vicinus because food and habitat are relatively abundant throughout the forests. The main factors that restrict the distribution of the carpenter ant, causing colonies to aggregate in open and dry forest areas are an interaction between temperature and moisture during the daylight hours.
Mapping Human Pluripotent-to-Cardiomyocyte Differentiation: Methylomes, Transcriptomes, and Exon DNA Methylation "Memories".

Abstract The directed differentiation of human cardiomyocytes (CMs) from pluripotent cells provides an invaluable model for understanding mechanisms of cell fate determination and offers considerable promise in cardiac regenerative medicine. Here, we utilize a human embryonic stem cell suspension bank, produced according to a good manufacturing practice, to generate CMs using a fully defined and small molecule-based differentiation strategy. Primitive and cardiac mesoderm purification was used to remove non-committing and multi-lineage populations and this significantly aided the identification of key transcription factors, lncRNAs, and essential signaling pathways that define cardiomyogenesis. Global methylation profiles reflect CM development and we report on CM exon DNA methylation "memories" persisting beyond transcription repression and marking the expression history of numerous developmentally regulated genes, especially transcription factors.
Traumatic Event Exposure and Alcohol Use Expectancies among Adolescents

Extant work suggests that trauma-exposed adolescents are at risk for problematic drinking. Although work conducted with adults suggests that trauma-exposed individuals drink to reduce negative affectivity, no work has yet examined alcohol use outcome expectancies (AOEs) among trauma-exposed adolescents. The current study examined positive AOEs as a function of trauma history among 63 community-recruited youths (Mage = 15.92; 46% girls). Findings indicated that trauma exposure predicted elevated tension-reduction AOEs. Furthermore, the indirect effect of tension-reduction expectancies accounted for a significant proportion of the relation between trauma exposure and alcohol use frequency. These preliminary data are discussed in terms of future research efforts.
Improved renal transplant preservation using a modified intracellular flush solution (PB-2). Characterization of mechanisms by renal clearance, high performance liquid chromatography, phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and electron microscopy studies.

A number of new intracellular renal flush solutions have been found to be more efficacious than Collins-2 (C-2) solution in extending organ viability during simple cold storage. However, the mechanism of action of these solutions remains poorly understood. To delineate better underlying intracellular mechanisms, we studied a modified, simple, hypothermic, intracellular (340 mOsm/kg) flush solution (PB-2). The development of PB-2 solution is based on the ability of some of its individual components to minimize ischemic adenine nucleotide (AN) catabolism and endothelial post “reperfusion injury.” Preliminary results in 10 canine autorenal transplants show a significant (P<0.02) improvement in renal recovery and viability (recipient posttransplant inulin clearance and survival) after 50 h of cold storage compared with 10 canine kidneys similarly preserved using conventional C-2 flush solution. High performance liquid chromotography (HPLC) studies show a significant (P<0.01) loss of AN using C-2, while PB-2 was associated with regeneration of AN within 45 min of reperfusion. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy using phosphorus 31 (31P-MRS) showed more high energy phosphorus metabolites (phosphomonoester and nicotinamide-adenine-dinucleotide phosphate: P<0.001) at 50 h cold storage using PB-2 compared with C-2. Electron micrographs (EM) revealed normal microcapillary morphology for the PB-2 group; however, moderate vascular red and white blood cell clumping was observed in the C-2 group. Characterization of the basic preservation mechanisms by HPLC, 31P-MRS, and EM studies indicates that PB-2 solution enhances renal preservation by diminution of both reperfusion injury and the loss of intracellular high energy metabolites that are necessary for viability.
Arbitrarily Selected Individuals in Natural Deduction

IN "Arbitrary Individuals and Natural Deduction "1 Robert Price argues that natural deduction may avoid the difficulties caused by the introduction of an arbitrarily selected individual "by the simple expedient of dispensing with arbitrary individuals altogether." He gives "an interpretation of the rules of natural deduction which involves only bound terms (variables, place-markers, or what you will) and free terms (names of individuals); x, y, z, ... will be used for the former and a, b, c, ... for the latter." Furthermore, " In the statement of Universal Generalization (UG) it will be understood that Ox is like Oa except for containing occurrences of free x wherever ba contains occurrences of a." The rule of UG is stated as follows:
Development of a Hydrocortisone-Resistant Sub-Line of Mouse Lymphoma in vitro.

SummaryA steroid-resistant variant of ML-388 cells has been isolated by culture of the parent cell strain in the presence of 10-6 M hydrocortisone for several weeks. The resistant sub-line grows at a somewhat slower rate than its parent cell line, and maintains the characteristic resistance to steroids even after long cultivation in the absence of added steroids. The variant cell line is not only resistant to high concentrations of hydrocortisone; there is cross-resistance to all other potent anti-inflammatory steroids tested.
Congenital myasthenic syndrome

Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are rare heterogeneous disorders in which neuromuscular transmission is compromised by one or more specific mechanisms. CMS are clinically diagnosed by a history of fatigability and muscle weakness since infancy or early childhood, a decremental EMG response and the absence of acetylcholine receptor antibodies. CMS form a heterogeneous group of disorders which are classified as originating from presynaptic, synaptic or postsynaptic defects. Molecular genetic studies reveal a various type of mutations in synapse-associated genes. However, the genetic abnormalities of many CMS are still unresolved. This article outlines the classification of CMS and etiology of individual forms.
Fasting, Feasting, and Diabetes.

(1977). Fasting, Feasting, and Diabetes. The Physician and Sportsmedicine: Vol. 5, No. 10, pp. 98-98.
Laura Bassi and the city of learning

Laura Bassi might not be a household name, but she was one of the shining stars of 18th-century Italian physics – and could well have been the first woman to have forged a professional scientific career, as Paula Findlen explains.
Pelvis Ewing sarcoma: Local control and survival in the modern era

Purpose Local control for Ewing sarcoma (ES) has improved in modern studies. However, it is unclear if these gains have also been achieved for pelvis tumors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate local control and survival in pelvis ES patients treated in the modern era. Methods All pelvis ES patients diagnosed from 1990 to 2012 and seen at Mayo Clinic were identified. Factors relevant to survival and local control were analyzed. Results The cohort consisted of 48 patients. Fifty-two percent had metastatic disease at diagnosis. The 5-year overall survival and event-free survival was 73% and 65%, respectively, for localized disease. The 5-year cumulative incidence of local recurrence was 19%, with a 26% incidence for radiation, 13% for surgery, and 0% for surgery + radiation (P = 0.54). All local failures occurred in-field. Sacral involvement by tumor trended toward a higher incidence of local recurrence (hazard ratio 3.06, P = 0.09). Patients treated with definitive radiation doses ≥5,600 cGy had a lower incidence of local recurrence (17% vs. 28%, P = 0.61). Conclusions Our study demonstrates excellent survival for localized tumors in the modern era. Anatomical localization within the pelvis likely correlates with outcomes. Local control remains problematic, especially for patients treated with definitive radiation. Though statistically not significant, surgery + radiation and definitive radiation dose ≥5,600 cGy were associated with the lowest incidence of local failure, suggesting treatment intensification may improve local control for pelvis ES.
Analysis of Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) from the Phase 2 Multicenter Study of Subcutaneous (SC) Alemtuzumab Combined with Fludarabine for Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).

Introduction: In patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory CLL, responses achieved with conventional salvage chemotherapy may have limited durability, likely due to the presence of residual disease remaining in the bone marrow (BM) or peripheral blood (PB). The anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab (Campath®) demonstrates single-agent efficacy in relapsed/refractory CLL and has been shown to induce MRD-negative (-) responses in 20% of pts (Moreton et al J Clin Oncol2005;23:2971–2979). A recent phase 2 study reported that treatment with SC alemtuzumab with or without the addition of oral fludarabine in pts with relapsed/refractory CLL resulted in a 49% overall response (OR) rate and 16% complete response (CR) rate; MRD(-) CR was achieved in 10% of pts (Sayala et al Blood2006;108: abstract 34). We evaluated the safety and efficacy of SC alemtuzumab combined with intravenous (IV) fludarabine in pts with previously treated CLL and report the responses and results from MRD analysis. Methods: Eligible pts had active CLL requiring therapy and had relapsed after at least 1 prior therapy. SC alemtuzumab 30 mg days 1–5 and IV fludarabine 25 mg/m 2 days 1–5 were administered on a 28-day cycle for 4 cycles. Pts with + /CD19 + /CD38 + /CD20[dim], CD5 + /CD19 + /CD43 + /CD79b[dim], CD5 + /CD19 + /CD81 + /CD22[dim]) were used to evaluate 200,000 to 1,000,000 events per sample, with lower limits of detection (LLD) ranging from 0.005% to 0.01% of leukocytes. Results: The study completed enrollment with 56 pts (median age 62 years, range 37–86; 54% Rai stage III/IV; median 3 prior lines of therapy, range 1–14) receiving at least 1 dose of study treatment; 28 pts (50%) completed 4 or more cycles of therapy and were evaluable for response; of these, 17 (30%) pts completed 5 or more cycles and 11 (20%) completed 6 cycles of therapy. MRD evaluation of the BM was available in 17 pts. The ORR among 28 evaluable pts was 64%, with CR in 6 pts (21%). Four of 6 pts in CR achieved MRD(-) in both BM and PB, which was maintained at last evaluation in all 4 pts. In addition, 9 pts with PR showed no evidence of disease in PB and/or BM below LLD, with 4 of these pts having undetectable disease in BM. The correlation between MRD(-) in the PB and BM was 0.63 and between MRD(-) by 4-color flow and CD5 + /CD19 + Conclusion: After treatment with SC alemtuzumab and IV fludarabine, 64% of pts responded, with 8 of 17 evaluable pts achieving molecular undetectable disease in the BM, suggesting that MRD(-) remissions can be attained in a portion of heavily pretreated pts with CLL. Four-color flow cytometry of the BM is necessary to monitor MRD after an alemtuzumab regimen.
The Ram's Heads on the Pompeian Quadrivalve Speculum (Bliquez, Jackson 291; Naples Arch. Mus. 113264)

This article discusses the hypothesis that the ram’s heads on the speculum recovered in Pompeii in 1881-82 had some symbolic significance - on the basis of the connection between the ram and the human reproductive organs, well testified in Egyptian mythology. In fact, there is ample evidence of Egyptian influence in Pompeii, particularly nearby the houses where we presume the discovery of the speculum was made. Key words : Speculum - Egyptian creator gods - Papyrus of Tameniu
Breast cancer relatives' physical activity intervention needs and preferences: qualitative results.

While many risk factors for breast cancer, such as family history, are not modifiable, some, however, can be modified. The study used formative qualitative research to learn about the physical activity intervention preferences and needs of first-degree female relatives (FDFRs) of breast cancer patients; that information was then used to develop a targeted physical activity intervention. Twenty FDFRs first completed a 12-week physical activity intervention and then attended two sequential focus groups (7 groups total). In the first set of focus groups participants provided feedback on the intervention. In the follow-up focus groups, proposed changes based on collected responses from the first groups were presented and participants provided feedback to further refine the intervention. Overall, we found strong interest for an intervention using breast cancer-related health concerns to promote positive behavior change. A theme underlying all of the feedback was the desire for a personalized intervention that was directly relevant to their lives. Participants wanted this personalization achieved through individually tailored content and incorporation of stories from other FDFRs. In order to successfully use concerns about breast cancer to motivate behavior change, participants also wanted a discussion about their individual risk factors for breast cancer including, but not limited to, lack of physical activity. This study demonstrates women’s interest in receiving personalized information and highlights specific ways to individualize an intervention that increases motivation and engagement. Using a sequential qualitative approach was effective for formative intervention development. NCT03115658 (Retrospectively registered 4/13/17).
Restoring Rogers: Video Games, False Association Claims, and the 'Explicitly Misleading' Use of Trademarks

Courts have long struggled with how to balance false association claims brought under the Lanham Act with the protections for speech under the First Amendment. The leading approach is the Rogers test, but this test comes in multiple forms with varying degrees of protection for speech. A substantial portion of the litigation raising this issue now involves video games, a medium that more so than others, likely needs the benefit of a clear rule that protects speech. The original version of the test is the simplest and the one most protective of speech. In 2013, the Ninth Circuit endorsed the original version of the Rogers test in unusually clear terms, yet in the face of conflicting decisions from the court of appeals, the district courts may still mistake the Ninth Circuit’s meaning. The Ninth Circuit may soon have the opportunity to clarify its meaning yet again. This article suggests the court does so, making clear that the original Rogers approach is indeed the law of at least the Ninth Circuit.
On Auditory Sensitivity at High Frequency

A technique is presented which appears to allow accurate specification of minimum sound pressure levels for auditory sensitivity at frequencies above 8 kHz. Measurements made using an identical technique but different components, Es, Ss, and laboratories yield comparable curves for high frequency sensitivity.
Preoperative Nomograms Predict Patient-Specific Cervical Spine Surgery Clinical and Quality of Life Outcomes.

Background Clinical and quality of life (QOL) outcomes vary depending on the patient's demographics, comorbidities, presenting symptoms, pathology, and surgical treatment used. While there have been individual predictors identified, no comprehensive method incorporates a patient's complex clinical presentation to predict a specific individual postoperative outcome. Objective To create tool that predicts patient-specific outcomes among those undergoing cervical spine surgery. Methods A total of 952 patients at a single tertiary care institution who underwent anterior or posterior cervical decompression/fusion between 2007 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes included postoperative emergency department visit or readmission within 30 d, reoperation within 90 d for infection, and changes in QOL outcomes. Nomograms were modeled based on patient demographics and surgical variables. Bootstrap was used for internal validation. Results Bias-corrected c-index for emergency department visits, readmission, and reoperation were 0.63, 0.78, and 0.91, respectively. For the QOL metrics, the bias-corrected adjusted R-squared was EQ-5D (EuroQOL): 0.43, for PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9): 0.35, and for PDQ (Pain/Disability Questionnaire): 0.47. Variables predicting the clinical outcomes varied, but included race and median income, body mass index, comorbidities, presenting symptoms, indication for surgery, surgery type, and levels. For the QOL nomograms, the predictors included similar variables, but were significantly more affected by the preoperative QOL of the patient. Conclusion These prediction models enable referring physicians and spine surgeons to provide patients with personalized expectations regarding postoperative clinical and QOL outcomes following a cervical spine surgery. After appropriate validation, use of patient-specific prediction tools, such as nomograms, has the potential to lead to superior spine surgery outcomes and more cost effective care.
Isolated and concomitant minimally invasive minithoracotomy aortic valve surgery

Abstract Objective To evaluate whether the outcomes of minimally invasive aortic valve surgery were similar in younger versus older patient groups, as well as whether concomitant minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgeries added significant risks in these populations. Methods We performed a single-institution retrospective analysis of 1018 patients undergoing isolated AVR and 378 patients undergoing concomitant AVR procedures over a 6-year period. All surgeries were via a right minithoracotomy approach, and patients who underwent reoperation were excluded. Results Mortality was 1.3% in the isolated AVR group and 3.2% in the concomitant AVR group. The incidence of permanent stroke was low in both the isolated and concomitant AVR groups (0.8% and 1.1%, respectively). In both groups, femoral cannulation was associated with equally low stroke rates (0.8% and 0.6%, respectively). When analyzing operative outcomes by age, mortality was similar for the isolated AVR group (age P = .07) and the concomitant AVR group ( P = .99), whereas transfusion requirements, intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay, and atrial fibrillation rates were greater in the older subsets of both AVR groups. Conclusions Minimally invasive right thoracotomy AVR surgery was associated with low stroke and mortality rates in all age groups within 30 days of surgery. Similarly, minithoracotomy concomitant AVR surgery demonstrated excellent results and is deemed feasible in patients with multiple pathologies.
Wernicke’s encephalopathy secondary to gestational hyperthyroidism

Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a neurological disorder secondary to the deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine). The classic symptoms consist of nystagmus, ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and mental status changes.1 Initially, this was described by Carl Wernicke in 1881 as acute haemorrhagic polioencephalitis.2 Wernicke’s encephalopathy is mostly described in association with malnutrition and alcoholism.1 However, it has been increasingly being noted in various other settings. There is also evidence that this may be an underdiagnosed condition as several cases may not manifest the classical triad of symptoms. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential as any delay or undertreatment can result in irreversible complications. We report a case of gestational hyperthyroidism causing Wernicke’s encephalopathy. To our knowledge, there have been only four previous cases of gestational hyperthyroidism causing Wernicke’s encephalopathy in the literature.3–7 A 34-year-old G3P2 11-week 6-day-old pregnant female patient presented to the emergency department with a history of confusion, nausea and vomiting. Prior to this, she was admitted a month ago for hyperemesis. At that point, thyroid function tests showed a suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) of 0.01 (0.27–4.2 ng/dL) and high free thyroxine (FT4) of 3.88 (0.9–1.7 ng/dL). Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin and thyroid receptor antibody were negative ruling out Graves’ disease. She was diagnosed as having gestational hyperthyroidism and treated with hydration and antiemetics, no thionamides were given; her FT4 trended downwards and she was discharged. Since discharge, she continued to have vomiting, and also developed worsening of her mental status. Although she was prescribed prenatal vitamins, she was unable to take them secondary to persistent vomiting. She had a 30 lb weight loss in the last 1 month. Vitals on admission showed tachycardia of 134 beats/min and a temperature of 98.1. On examination, she was cachectic and had difficulty answering questions. No exophthalmos or thyromegaly was noted. Heart and lung examination was normal except …
Muslim Women's use of contraception in the United States.

American Muslim women are an understudied population; thus, significant knowledge gaps exist related to their most basic health behaviors and indicators. Considering this, we examined American Muslim women’s contraception utilization patterns. Self-reported data collected in late 2015 were analyzed. Women who identified as Muslim, were at least 18 years old, sexually active, and current residents of the United States (n = 224) met the inclusion criteria. Convenience sampling was employed. Multivariate logistic regression models estimated associations between demographics, marital status, ethnicity, nativity, health insurance, religious practice, and contraception use. Identifying as Muslim, in general, was significantly associated with greater odds of using contraception in general and condoms compared to American Muslim women who identify as Sunni. Identifying as Shia was associated with greater odds of using oral contraceptive pills relative to Sunni respondents. South Asian ethnicity was associated with higher odds of using oral contraceptive pills compared to those of Middle Eastern or North African ethnicity. Findings suggest American Muslim women’s contraception utilization patterns share certain similarities with both American women in general and disadvantaged racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States, implying that factors that influence American Muslim women’s use of contraceptives are possibly countervailing and likely multifaceted. More research is needed to accurately identify associates of contraceptive use in this population. This work serves as a starting point for researchers and practitioners seeking to better understand reproductive health decision in this understudied population.
Consumer Choice and Beads in Fugitive Slave Villages in Nineteenth-Century Kenya

This study analyzes the consumption of European glass beads at two fugitive slave villages in nineteenth-century Kenya, Koromio and Makoroboi. The consumer choices of Koromio and Makoroboi residents reveal a strategic and symbolic material language. Specifically, the inter-household distribution of European glass beads reflects considerable variation in the performance of female identity. This distribution suggests varying norms of feminine adornment. Some of these norms likely originated in runaways’ natal communities; others may have developed during enslavement. The variability in adornment practices additionally points to women’s improvisation amid shifting gender relations in these nascent fugitive slave communities.
Fulfilling our educative mission: A response to edTPA critique

Stanford Center for Assessment, Learning, and Equity (SCALE) provides a commentary on the manuscripts in this special issue, responding to criticisms of edTPA as an assessment that narrows the curriculum, heavily relies on students’ academic writing skills, and creates additional burdens for teacher candidates. The commentary highlights how edTPA is intended to strengthen teacher candidates’ teaching and provides suggestions for educative implementation that could improve teacher education programs.
Launch and production schedule modeling for sustained earth observation constellations

Satellite missions are typically thought of singly or in the small blocks corresponding to a funded program. However, in many mission areas the need is to provide a continuous and sustained on-orbit capability far beyond the borders of a single mission or even a single program. For example, in weather and environmental remote sensing the U.S. geostationary program currently launching comprises four geostationary satellites (GOES-R through GOES-U) and five satellites in polar low-earth orbit (LEO) (SNPP launched and four JPSS yet to launch). In weather and environmental mission area we want decades-long remote sensing data records and there is a strong disutility to any gap in service. There is near certainty that the U.S. will continue its weather and environmental satellites beyond the current program, but there is no official plan to do so. This presents both a problem and opportunity when designing constellations. In designing and analyzing launch and production policies we should consider not a single satellite mission or a single funded program but a whole sequence of production and launch programs (most of which are in the unplanned future). In considering the far “out-years”, we might discover that decisions made today may have complex consequences in the future, and policies that seem logical in the context of a single program may not be effective when considered over the lifetime of several programs. As part of the NOAA Satellite Observing Systems Architecture (NSOSA) study we made a broad study of launch policies for long-term sustainment of diverse constellation types, concentrating on how to optimize trades between reliable service provision and cost efficient use of resources.
Progressive Reduction of Synaptophysin Message in Single Neurons in Alzheimer Disease

The data presented here examine 2 hypotheses: 1) that viable but vulnerable single neurons remaining in the Alzheimer brain lose synaptic markers, and 2) that the extent of this loss is related to the disease state of these single neurons when disease state is defined by immunoreactivity. We used double immunohistochemistry (IHC) to define neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) and phosphorylation status of tau at selected defined epitopes. This double IHC was combined with quantitative in situ hybridization for message for the synaptic marker, synaptophysin, in 1,127 single hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons from 15 Alzheimer disease (AD) and 4 control cases. We found that there is a graded, progressive, decrease of synaptophysin message expressed by single neurons related to immunohistochemical markers of tau status, and that neurons in similar immunohistochemically defined classes show similar losses of synaptophysin message regardless of whether they were sampled from clinical control brains or advanced AD. The resulting conclusions are consistent with a suggestion that differences among clinically defined AD and control status are defined by the numbers of neurons in various disease states.
Burns Mass Casualty Incident

Burns and thermal injuries are common in sudden mass casualty incidents (SMCIs) associated with explosions and fires (Figs. 6.1 and 6.2) and may present in the form of radiation, chemical, or flame burns. In addition, all types of burns may be associated with inhalation of fumes or vapor that further damages the airway and lungs.
Assessing circadian rhythms and entrainment via intracranial temperature after severe head trauma

Abstract We seek a methodological approach to assess circadian processes in subjects who have recently experienced traumatic brain injury, using regularly gathered intracranial temperature data. The health effects of circadian regulation are profound, yet assessments of circadian processes are often infeasible in the neurotrauma intensive care unit (ICU). We assess circadian periodicity through the energy density spectrum, applying model-based and model-free methods: an extended Kalman filter (using the Kronauer model) in conjunction with a fast Fourier transform (FFT), and the Lomb–Scargle periodogram, respectively. We compute the change in relative energy in a narrow band of the spectrum, corresponding to a period of 23-25 h, over the first 48 and last 48 h of each subject's stay in the ICU. The change in relative energy in the spectrum increases in subjects with Good outcomes, and decreases in subjects with Poor outcomes, with statistical significance. For those subjects with Good outcome, we show evidence of regulation in circadian phase using an adaptive notch filter.
Rescue of M-cone Function in Aged Opn1mw−/− Mice, a Model for Late-Stage Blue Cone Monochromacy

Purpose Previously we showed that AAV5-mediated expression of either human M- or L-opsin promoted regrowth of cone outer segments and rescued M-cone function in the treated M-opsin knockout (Opn1mw-/-) dorsal retina. In this study, we determined cone viability and window of treatability in aged Opn1mw-/- mice. Methods Cone viability was assessed with antibody against cone arrestin and peanut agglutinin (PNA) staining. The rate of cone degeneration in Opn1mw-/- mice was quantified by PNA staining. AAV5 vector expressing human L-opsin was injected subretinally into one eye of Opn1mw-/- mice at 1, 7, and 15 months old, while the contralateral eyes served as controls. M-cone-mediated retinal function was analyzed 2 and 13 months postinjection by full-field ERG. L-opsin transgene expression and cone outer segment structure were examined by immunohistochemistry. Results We showed that dorsal M-opsin dominant cones exhibit outer segment degeneration at an early age in Opn1mw-/- mice, whereas ventral S-opsin dominant cones were normal. The remaining M-opsin dominant cones remained viable for at least 15 months, albeit having shortened or no outer segments. We also showed that AAV5-mediated expression of human L-opsin was still able to rescue function and outer segment structure in the remaining M-opsin dominant cones when treatment was initiated at 15 months of age. Conclusions Our results showing that the remaining M-opsin dominant cones in aged Opn1mw-/- mice can still be rescued by gene therapy is helpful for establishing the window of treatability in future blue cone monochromacy clinical trials.
Beyond Born−Oppenheimer: A canonical perspective

Abstract By using the classic Lennard-Jones potential as reference, inverse canonical transformations allow for the accurate generation of post Born−Oppenheimer potentials in the ground and excited electronic states for H2, He dimer, LiH, CH+, Mg2, HF, and OH radical. The two parameters in the reference Lennard-Jones potential are set to one. The studied potentials include corrections for adiabatic, nonadiabatic, relativistic, and quantum electrodynamics effects. The relative error in the generated potentials are less than 0.01. Application of canonical approaches with the algebraic Lennard-Jones potential accurately reproduces the best post Born−Oppenheimer potential curves of pairwise interatomic interactions.