cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding Self-Regulated Learning and Its Implications for Accounting Educators and Researchers

Recommendations by the AICPA (1998, 2000), AAA (1986), and AECC (1995) have focused on the need for the accounting professional to be a lifelong learner. Attributes and skills connected with lifelong learning may be promoted in accounting classroom instruction by drawing from the work of educational theorists and researchers interested in similar goals. This paper introduces the concept of self-regulated learning and its related attributes and processes that are being studied as a means to promote self-motivated, independent, lifelong learning. Research in education theory and psychology from outside the field of accounting has found that the classroom environment can support the development of self-regulated learning and stimulate active involvement in one′s own learning. This paper discusses the major findings of this research and provides guidance to accounting educators for classroom applications, and to accounting education researchers for studying the effectiveness of approaches to promoting self-re...
Human EZF, a Krüppel-like zinc finger protein, is expressed in vascular endothelial cells and contains transcriptional activation and repression domains.

Members of the erythroid Kruppel-like factor (EKLF) multigene family contain three C-terminal zinc fingers, and they are typically expressed in a limited number of tissues. EKLF, the founding member, transactivates the β-globin promoter by binding to the CACCC motif. EKLF is essential for expression of the β-globin gene as demonstrated by gene deletion experiments in mice. Using a DNA probe from the zinc finger region of EKLF, we cloned a cDNA encoding a member of this family from a human vascular endothelial cell cDNA library. Sequence analysis indicated that our clone, hEZF, is the human homologue of the recently reported mouse EZF and GKLF. hEZF is a single-copy gene that maps to chromosome 9q31. By gel mobility shift analysis, purified recombinant hEZF protein bound specifically to a probe containing the CACCC core sequence. In co-transfection experiments, we found that sense but not antisense hEZF decreased the activity of a reporter plasmid containing the CACCC sequence upstream of the thymidine kinase promoter by 6-fold. In contrast, EKLF increased the activity of the reporter plasmid by 3-fold. By fusing hEZF to the DNA-binding domain of GAL4, we mapped a repression domain in hEZF to amino acids 181–388. We also found that amino acids 91–117 of hEZF confer an activation function on the GAL4 DNA-binding domain.
Evolution of a TRIM5-CypA splice isoform in old world monkeys

The TRIM family proteins share a conserved arrangement of three adjacent domains, an N-terminal RING domain, followed by one or two B-boxes and a coiled-coil, which constitutes the tripartite-motif for which the family is named. However, the C-termini of TRIM proteins vary, and include at least nine evolutionarily distinct, unrelated protein domains. Antiviral restriction factor TRIM5α has a C-terminal B30.2/SPRY domain, which is the major determinant of viral target specificity. Here, we describe the evolution of a cyclophilin-A encoding exon downstream of the TRIM5 locus of Asian macaques. Alternative splicing gives rise to chimeric transcripts encoding the TRIM motif fused to a C-terminal CypA domain (TRIM5-CypA). We detected TRIM5-CypA chimeric transcripts in primary lymphocytes from two macaque species. These were derived in part from a CypA pseudogene in the TRIM5 locus, which is distinct from the previously described CypA insertion in TRIM5 of owl monkeys. The CypA insertion is linked to a mutation in the 3′ splice site upstream of exon 7, which may prevent or reduce expression of the α-isoform. All pig-tailed macaques (M. nemestrina) screened were homozygous for the CypA insertion. In contrast, the CypA-containing allele was present in 17% (17/101) of rhesus macaques (M. mulatta). The block to HIV-1 infection in lymphocytes from animals bearing the TRIM5-CypA allele was weaker than that in cells from wild type animals. HIV-1 infectivity remained significantly lower than SIV infectivity, but was not rescued by treatment with cyclosporine A. Thus, unlike owl monkey TRIMCyp, expression of the macaque TRIM5-CypA isoform does not result in increased restriction of HIV-1. Despite its distinct evolutionary origin, Macaca TRIM5-CypA has a similar domain arrangement and shares ∼80% amino-acid identity with the TRIMCyp protein of owl monkeys. The independent appearance of TRIM5-CypA chimeras in two primate lineages constitutes a remarkable example of convergent evolution. Based on the presence of the CypA insertion in separate macaque lineages, and its absence from sooty mangabeys, we estimate that the Macaca TRIM5-CypA variant appeared 5–10 million years ago in a common ancestor of the Asian macaques. Whether the formation of novel genes through alternative splicing has played a wider role in the evolution of the TRIM family remains to be investigated.
Dads do not pay for sex but do buy the milk: food sharing and reproduction in owl monkeys (Aotus spp.)

Sharing food is costly, and animals rarely share food with unrelated individuals. Males may share food with females when females are fertile or when female nutrition will affect offspring. Such benefits are known for insects and birds, but not for mammals. This study examined the effect of female reproductive state (ovarian cycling, pregnancy, lactation) on food sharing between mates in monogamous owl monkeys, Aotus spp. Maleefemale pairs of captive owl monkeys at the DuMond Conservancy (Miami, FL, U.S.A.) were regularly observed feeding from October 2003 to November 2004. To determine the onset and duration of pregnancy, urine was collected from females and analysed for the progesterone metabolite pregnanediol-3a glucuronide using enzyme immunoassay. Food transfers from females to males did not vary across reproductive state, and males did not transfer food most often to females when females could potentially become pregnant. Conversely, females most often begged for food when they were lactating, and males most often transferred food to females when their mates were lactating. Compared to males of polygamous species, male owl monkeys are relatively certain of paternity. In addition to providing infant care directly, male owl monkeys would benefit from ensuring that their mates receive adequate nutrition because it indirectly provides nutrition for offspring by enhancing the quantity and/or quality of the mates’ milk.
Allogenic iPSC-derived RPE cell transplants induce immune response in pigs: a pilot study

Stem cell strategies focused on replacement of RPE cells for the treatment of geographic atrophy are under intense investigation. Although the eye has long been considered immune privileged, there is limited information about the immune response to transplanted cells in the subretinal space of large animals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival of allogenic induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE cells (iPSC-RPE) delivered to the subretinal space of the pig as well as determine whether these cells induce an immune response in non-diseased eyes. GFP positive iPSC-RPE, generated from outbred domestic swine, were injected into the subretinal space of vitrectomized miniature swine. Control eyes received vehicle only. GFP positive iPSC-RPE cells were identified in the subretinal space 3 weeks after injection in 5 of 6 eyes. Accompanying GFP-negative cells positive for IgG, CD45 and macrophage markers were also identified in close proximity to the injected iPSC-RPE cells. All subretinal cells were negative for GFAP as well as cell cycle markers. We found that subretinal injection of allogenic iPSC-RPE cells into wild-type mini-pigs can induce the innate immune response. These findings suggest that immunologically matched or autologous donor cells should be considered for clinical RPE cell replacement.
The Reticuloendothelial System and Tissue Injury

The present topic “The Reticuloendothelial System and Tissue Injury” seems rather too broad and inclusive, since the system recognizably encompasses heterogeneous cells widely scattered throughout the body, providing a variety of functions protective as well as injurious. Tissue injury may result from direct cell-cell contact between sensitized lymphocytes and target cells, or more frequently, may arise secondary to the induction of an inflammatory reaction. Mediators elaborated as a consequence of the immune response bring about a localized accumulation of neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, and plasma constituents which are intimately associated with the tissue damage. The role of the RES in tissue injury thus includes a variegated spectrum of cellular involvement and immune reactions both antibody- and cell-mediated. These are addressed by a number of chapters in this volume. We shall therefore limit this presentation to a brief review of a few of the etiological factors and mechanisms involved in the mediation of tissue injury by the RES.
METRAZOL THRESHOLD IN EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS.

SummaryRats with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) had reduced threshold to Metrazol-induced convulsions. The threshold of rats with cobalt implants was even lower. Rats with both EAE and cobalt implants had the same threshold as rats with cobalt implants only. The severity of EAE was reduced in this group, probably due to non-specific stress effects of the cobalt implants.
Strategies Targeting DNA Topoisomerase I in Cancer Chemotherapy: Camptothecins, Nanocarriers for Camptothecins, Organic Non-Camptothecin Compounds and Metal Complexes

Topoisomerase I (Topo I) is a nuclear enzyme engaged in adjustment of DNA topological structure during cell cycle by cleaving and reannealing one of the two strands of the DNA double helix. Inhibition of this enzyme results in DNA strand breaks, ultimately leads to apoptosis and cell death; additionally it is in raised level in solid tumors contrasted with healthy tissues. Consequently, Topo I has a great potential as a target for the treatment of tumors. Although significant anti-tumor activity of first Topo I inhibitor, camptothecin (CPT), was observed on colon, lung, ovarian, breast, liver, pancreas and stomach cancers, CPT and its clinical derivatives (topotecan and irinotecan) have several restrictions. In addition to their low water solubility and cell resistance to CPTs, lactone ring opening causes a reduction in cytotoxic activity and severe side effects in physiological conditions (pH: 7.4, 37°C). Although numerous efficient nano drug delivery systems were developed for CPT and its derivatives to compensate the handicaps of these compounds, none of them has been approved so far. On the other hand, organic non-CPT compounds have been searched; indolocarbazoles, indenoisoquinolines and dibenzonaphthyridines have been applied to clinical development. Especially, indenoisoquinolines and dibenzonaphthyridines have favorable characteristics compared to CPTs: They are chemically stable; they have the ability to overcome cell resistance; they stabilize enzyme-DNA cleavage complexes more persistently. In addition to the approaches based on organic compounds, recently some metal complexes (e.g., platinum, gold, copper, cobalt, zinc, vanadium, ruthenium) have also been reported as inhibitors of Topo I. This review will discuss the whole aspects of strategies targeting Topo I in cancer chemotherapy from past to the recent progresses.
E-142 surface area to volume ratio: a potentially useful measure in the management of patients with small intra-cranial aneurysms

Introduction The management of unruptured small intra-cranial arterial aneurysms or SIAs ( Methods We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained clinical database at our institution from 6/1/2013 to 6/1/2014 and identified patients with unruptured and ruptured SIAs. For unruptured aneurysms, we included patients with stable aneurysm size and morphology at a minimum of at least one year follow up, saccular morphology, Results Of the 82 cases reviewed, 61 met inclusion criteria. 44 patients had unruptured stable SIAs and 17 patients had ruptured SIAs. The unruptured aneurysm group had a mean age of 52.6 years and 82% were female. The ruptured aneurysm group had a mean age of 57.2 years and 88% were female. Co-morbidities were similar in each group. In unruptured and stable SIAs, the mean SAV ratio was 1.92 with range of 1.33 to 2.98. In ruptured SIAs, the SAV ratio was 1.02 with range of 0.77 to 1.48 (p Conclusion The SAV ratio was significantly lower in ruptured SIAs than in unruptured and stable SIAs with very little overlap of values. This simple measure, which is easy to calculate, could potentially be added to the other clinical decision making tools used in the identification of those patients with incidentally discovered unruptured SIAs who can be managed conservatively from those in whom endovascular or surgical treatment may be justified. Disclosures J. Kim: None. A. Grande: None. R. Tummala: None. B. Jagadeesan: None.
Combined active and passive microwave sensing of ocean surface wind vector from TRMM

This paper presents a new ocean wind vector measurement technique that uses the combined passive and active microwave measurements respectively from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI) and the Precipitation Radar (PR). The wind speed is inferred by TMI over a wide swath that includes the narrower PR swath. The PR scans cross-track /spl plusmn/ 18/spl deg/; and near the swath edges, where the radar backscatter responds to both the magnitude and direction of the surface wind, we use the microwave radiometer estimate of wind speed and the measured sigma-0 at incidence angles greater than 15 degrees to derive wind direction. Because the PR provides only a single azimuth look, multiple possible wind direction solutions exist. The ability to select the proper (single) direction is beyond the scope of this paper; but comparisons are presented between the "closest" retrieved TRMM wind vectors and near-simultaneous wind vectors measured by the QuikSCAT satellite scatterometer to demonstrate the potential for measuring ocean surface vector winds.
Integrative intervention: a new perspective and brief review in aphasia.

AbstractPurpose: While integrative treatment practices have become a popular treatment in different areas of study, its use in the field of aphasiology is still limited. The following paper is an attempt to address the different alternative practices that could potentially be used to remediate aphasia.Method: A narrative review was completed regarding integrative intervention that could potentially apply to aphasia population.Results: Through this article we have explored various treatment options for integrative health care in aphasiology. Integrative treatments including brain specific antioxidants, progesterone and estradiol therapy, nutrition, synbiotic treatment, exercise, yoga, meditation and positive mood states have demonstrated positive changes in health and behavior in healthy aging or disorders such as stroke and aphasia. Offering integrative treatment for people with aphasia allows potential for high impact gains when combined with current speech language therapeutic practices.Conclusion: This...
Magnetic resonance imaging lesions are more severe and cartilage T2 relaxation time measurements are higher in isolated lateral compartment radiographic knee osteoarthritis than in isolated medial compartment disease – data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

Summary Objective Isolated lateral compartment tibiofemoral radiographic osteoarthritis (IL-ROA) is an understudied form of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The objective of the present study was to characterize Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) abnormalities and MR-T2 relaxation time measurements associated with IL-ROA and with isolated medial compartment ROA (IM-ROA) compared with knees without OA. Method 200 case subjects with IL-ROA (Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) grade≥2 and joint space narrowing (JSN) > 0 in the lateral compartment but JSN = 0 in the medial compartment) were randomly selected from the Osteoarthritis Initiative baseline visit. 200 cases with IM-ROA and 200 controls were frequency matched to the IL-ROA cases. Cases and controls were analyzed for odds of having a subregion with >10% cartilage area affected, with ≥25% bone marrow lesions (BML), with meniscal tear or maceration, and for association with cartilage T2 values. Results IL-ROA was more strongly associated with ipsilateral MRI knee pathologies than IM-ROA (IL-ROA: OR = 135.2 for size of cartilage lesion, 95% CI 42.7–427.4; OR = 145.4 for large size BML, 95% CI 41.5–509.5; OR = 176 for meniscal tears, 95% CI 59.8–517.7; IM-ROA: OR = 28.4 for size of cartilage lesion, 95% CI 14.7–54.7; OR = 38.1 for size of BML, 95% CI 12.7–114; OR = 37.0 for meniscal tears, 95% CI 12–113.6). Cartilage T2 values were higher in both tibial and medial femoral compartments in IL-ROA, but in IM-ROA were only significantly different from controls in the medial femur. Conclusion IL-ROA knees show a greater prevalence and severity of MRI lesions and higher cartilage T2 values than IM-ROA knees compared with controls.
Tracking Soapstone Artifacts with Rare Earth Trace Elements

(1977). Tracking Soapstone Artifacts with Rare Earth Trace Elements. Rocks & Minerals: Vol. 52, No. 2, pp. 67-69.
Tolcapone induces oxidative stress leading to apoptosis and inhibition of tumor growth in Neuroblastoma.

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is an enzyme that inactivates dopamine and other catecholamines by O-methylation. Tolcapone, a drug commonly used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, is a potent inhibitor of COMT and previous studies indicate that Tolcapone increases the bioavailability of dopamine in cells. In this study, we demonstrate that Tolcapone kills neuroblastoma (NB) cells in preclinical models by inhibition of COMT. Treating four established NB cells lines (SMS-KCNR, SH-SY5Y, BE(2)-C, CHLA-90) and two primary NB cell lines with Tolcapone for 48 h decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with IncuCyte imaging and Western blotting indicating that cell death was due to caspase-3-mediated apoptosis. Tolcapone also increased ROS while simultaneously decreasing ATP-per-cell in NB cells. Additionally, COMT was inhibited by siRNA in NB cells and showed similar increases in apoptotic markers compared to Tolcapone. In vivo xenograft models displayed inhibition of tumor growth and a significant decrease in time-to-event in mice treated with Tolcapone compared to untreated mice. These results indicate that Tolcapone is cytotoxic to neuroblastoma cells and invite further studies into Tolcapone as a promising novel therapy for the treatment of neuroblastoma.
Impact of charge carrier trapping on amorphous selenium direct conversion avalanche X-ray detectors

A cascaded linear system model is developed to determine the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) considering trapping of charge carriers in the absorption layer of an amorphous selenium multilayer direct conversion avalanche detector. This model considers the effects of charge carrier trapping and reabsorption of K-fluorescent X-rays on the frequency-dependent DQE(f). A 2-D simulation is performed to calculate the actual weighting potential in the absorption layer, which is used to calculate the amount of collected charge. It is observed that the DQE(f = 0) reduces from 0.38 to 0.19 due to charge carrier trapping in the absorption layer having a thickness of 1000 μm when the electronic noise is 1500 electrons per pixel. The avalanche gain enhances the signal strength and improves the frequency dependent DQE(f) by overcoming the effect of carrier trapping and as well as the effect of the electronic noise. The simulations suggest that avalanche gain of 35 and 20 are required to overcome the effect of the ele...
Humboldt’s Cosmos: Alexander von Humboldt and the Latin American Journey that Changed the Way We See

Considering Alexander von Humboldt’s invaluable contribution to an in-depth understanding of the New World, it is somewhat a puzzle why the modern scholarly literature on the Americas pays little attention to the tenacious and talented Prussian scholar, who was among the top 19 th century intellectuals. His inquisitive mind, adventurous spirit, and prolific writing expanded in unparalleled ways our knowledge of the New World. But even if his feat is regarded as the second discovery of the Americas, Humboldt’s contributions, as time went by, have largely fallen into oblivion, in a case of an almost inexplicable neglect, considering his gigantic effort to teach Europeans the culture and wealth of an incredible mass of land that they conquered but knew very little about it. In this sense Humboldt’s Cosmos ’, by Gerard Helferich, is a welcome volume that not only brings to light a fresh perspective of Humboldt’s personality, but more importantly the book rescues forever the significance of his five-year scientific journey through the American continent.
Cumulative Doses to Brain and Other Critical Structures After Multisession Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Treatment of Multiple Metastatic Tumors.

Purpose: Repeat stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an attractive alternative to whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) for treatment of recurrent brain metastases (BM). The purpose of this study is to determine the cumulative doses to the brain and critical normal structures in patients who underwent repeat courses of Gamma Knife (GK) SRS. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified ten patients who received at least 3 GK-SRS sessions for multiply recurrent BM at our institution from 2013 to 2016. We used VelocityTM 3.1.0 software to co-register the MRI images and the dose data of all treatment sessions for each patient. The cumulative doses to brain, lenses, eyes, brainstem, optic nerves, chiasm, and hippocampi were calculated. Dose-volume histograms, as well as the mean and maximum doses of these structures, were analyzed. Results: The median number of SRS was 5 sessions (range = 3 - 7 sessions) per patient over a median treatment span of 510 days (112 - 1197 days), whereas the median number of metastatic tumors treated per patient was 25.0 (10 - 63). The median of the total tumor volume was 9.5 cc (2.3 - 75.9 cc). The median of the mean cumulative dose to the whole brain was 4.1 Gy (1.7 - 16.4 Gy). The medians of the maximum doses to the critical structures were as follows: brainstem, 6.1 Gy (2.2 - 28.9 Gy), chiasm, 3.9 Gy (1.8 - 10.8 Gy), right optic nerve, 2.9 Gy (1.2 - 9.0 Gy), and left optic nerve, 2.6 Gy (1.0 – 6.5 Gy). The medians of the mean and maximum cumulative doses to the hippocampi were 3.4 Gy (1.0 – 14.4 Gy) and 13.8 Gy (1.5 - 39.3 Gy) respectively. The median survival for the entire cohort was 26.7 months, and no patients developed radiation necrosis. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that multisession GKSRS could be delivered with low cumulative doses to critical normal structures. Further studies are required to fully establish its role as an alternative treatment strategy to WBRT for the treatment of multiply-recurrent BM.
Experience with Technetium-99m Albumin Colloid Kit for Reticuloendothelial System Imaging

The /sup 99m/Tc labeled albumin colloid has been evaluated regarding its particle size, both in vitro and in vivo stability, blood clearance, and efficacy in reticuloendothelial system imaging. The labeling efficiency was always > 99%. The labeled colloid remained stable both in vitro and in vivo for up to 24 hr. The blood clearance curve from four patients had two components: one with a T/sub 1/2/ of 2.48 +/- 0.37 min and the other with a T/sub 1/2/ of 271 +/- 109 min. Images of the liver, spleen, and bone marrow with /sup 99m/Tc-albumin colloid and /sup 99m/Tc-sulfur colloid showed a similar distribution pattern except that slightly higher splenic uptake relative to the liver was observed with the former. However, /sup 99m/Tc-albumin colloid has the advantage of easy preparation over /sup 99m/Tc-sulfur colloid.
The Use of 1,3,5-Triaza-7-Phosphaadamantane (PTA), A Water-Soluble , Air Stable Ligand, in Organometallic Chemistry and Catalysis

Interest in organometallic chemistry in aqueous media is increasing dramatically because of its far-reaching applications in large-scale industrial processes [1], fine organic synthesis [2–4], and the biological sciences [5]. Water’s highly protic, very polar nature and its ability to form strong hydrogen bonds and act as a donor ligand make it a unique and interesting solvent. It is economical, non-toxic, and environmentally acceptable and can also exert a positive influence on regioselectivity and activity [6]. Solubility of transition metal complexes in aqueous media is usually accomplished by the attachment of charged or polar substituents (e.g. -SO3H, -COOH, -OH, -NH2) to phosphines [1a]. Electrostatic forces are also important in solubilizing highly charged complex ions in water.
Software Ergonomics of Natural Language Systems

Development of natural language systems, apart from the research interest, always worked on the assumption that such systems would be useful in practice. With the arrival of systems and prototypes that can be used, the question needs to be considered as to what makes them usable and what detracts from usability. The initial idea, that the usability of natural language systems was dependent solely on their linguistic capabilities, turned out to be mistaken. Like other systems, they need reasonable diagnostics, legible manuals, and must fit into their environment. As natural language systems, they differ from other systems in how they foreground specific facets of human language behaviour.
Nursing staff's responses to thematic content of patients' expressed worries: observing communication in home care visits.

The aim of the study was to explore the thematic content of older persons’ expressed worries in home care visits, and how nursing staff respond to different thematic contents. The study had a descriptive, observational design, including 195 audio-recorded Norwegian home care visits with 33 nursing staff and 48 older persons. In all, 638 patient cues/concerns (worries) and subsequent nursing staff’s responses were identified using Verona Coding Definitions of Emotional Sequences. A novel thematic coding scheme was used to label the thematic content of the cues/concerns. The nursing staff’s responses were grouped based on communicative function as emotion-focused, content-focused or ignoring/blocking the cue/concern. Group difference was analysed using Pearson’s chi-squared test, Fisher’s exact test, and adjusted residuals. The theme of worries was associated with elicitation of the cue/concern, either elicited by the nursing staff or spontaneously expressed by the patient (Chi-square, p< 0.001). “Ageing and bodily impairment” was the most common theme (66%) and was equally elicited by patients and nursing staff. Worries about “Relationships with others” (9%), “Health care-related issues” (15%) and “Life narratives and value issues” (9%) were mainly elicited by nursing staff. The nursing staff response was associated with the theme of worries (p˂0.001). For the sub-themes of “Ageing and bodily impairment”, Coping with existential challenges received more frequently emotion-focused responses (adjusted residuals: 3.2) and Expression of pain felt in the moment were more frequently ignored/blocked (adjusted residuals: 4.0, Fisher’s exact test, p< 0.001). For the sub-themes of “Relationships with others”, Being a burden more frequently received a content-focused response (adjusted residuals: 2.8), while Losing social ties more frequently received an emotion-focused response (adjusted residuals: 3.1, Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.009). “Ageing and bodily impairment” was the most common theme and more frequently elicited by the older persons than other themes. Emotionally focused nursing staff responses were most common when addressing existential challenges and fear of losing social ties. Whereas nursing staff showed a tendency to ignore patients’ spontaneous expressions of pain. Further research should explore the influence of nursing staff’s responses on quality of care and patient satisfaction.
Medial Tibial Slope Determined by Plain Radiography Is Not Associated with Primary or Recurrent Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears.

Increased tibial slope may be associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, although potential confounding effects from various patient characteristics and radiographic quantification methods have not been rigorously studied. The association of the slope of the lateral plateau with recurrent ACL injury after primary ACL reconstruction has recently been reported, but the role of medial slope is less well defined. The purpose of this study was to (1) assess medial tibial slope measurement reliability among examiners, (2) compare medial tibial slope values between patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction, reinjured patients undergoing revision ACL reconstruction, and a control cohort with an intact ACL, (3) analyze if the medial tibial slope is an independent risk factor for noncontact ACL injury, and (4) assess how different anatomical references affect medial tibial slope values. A total of 206 patients were enrolled into one of three groups: (1) ACL-intact controls (CONTROL, n = 83), (2) first-time ACL-injured patients (PRIMARY, n = 77), and (3) patients undergoing revision ACL reconstruction (REVISION, n = 46). Three fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeons performed repeated measurements of plain lateral radiographs. The medial tibial slope was determined by three anatomical references: anterior tibial cortex (anterior tibial slope [ATS]), posterior tibial cortex (posterior tibial slope [PTS]), and the anatomical long axis of the tibia (composite tibial slope [CTS]). Substantial intra- and interobserver reliabilities were established by the intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.73 to 0.89. There was no difference in CTS, ATS, or PTS comparing the CONTROL, PRIMARY, and REVISION groups upon univariate analyses. Multivariable logistic regression model showed that none of the slope values was independently associated with ACL injury. The mean ATS for all 206 subjects was 4 and 8 degrees greater than the mean CTS and PTS, respectively. ATS correlated only moderately to PTS. We concluded that medial tibial slope measured on radiographs is not associated with primary or recurrent ACL injury, and has substantial variation and suboptimal correlation when using different anatomical references despite good inter- and intraobserver reliabilities.
An Endogenous Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Specific Phospholipase D Releases Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor-Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan Complexes From Human Bone Marrow Cultures

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a hematopoietic cytokine that stimulates stromal and stem cell growth. It binds to a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored heparan sulfate proteoglycan on human bone marrow (BM) stromal cells. The bFGF- proteoglycan complex is biologically active and is released by addition of exogenous phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C. In this study, we show the presence of an endogenous GPI-specific phospholipase D (GPI-PLD) that releases the bFGF-binding heparan sulfate proteoglycan and the variant surface glycoprotein (a model GPI-anchored protein) from BM cultures. An involvement of proteases in this process is unlikely, because released proteoglycan contained the GPI anchor component, ethanol-amine, and protease inhibitors did not diminish the release. The mechanism of release is likely to involve a GPI-PLD and not a GPI-specific phospholipase C, because the release of variant surface glycoprotein did not reveal an epitope called the cross- reacting determinant that is exposed by phospholipase C-catalyzed GPI anchor cleavage. In addition, phosphatidic acid (which is specifically a product of GPI-PLD-catalyzed anchor cleavage) was generated during the spontaneous release of the GPI-anchored variant surface glycoprotein. We also detected GPI-PLD-specific enzyme activity and mRNA in BM cells. Therefore, we conclude that an endogenous GPI-PLD releases bFGF-heparan sulfate proteoglycan complexes from human BM cultures. This mechanism of GPI anchor cleavage could be relevant for mobilizing biologically active bFGF in BM. An endogenous GPI-PLD could also release other GPI-anchored proteins important for hematopoiesis and other physiologic processes.
Examining Effective Practices at Minority-Serving Institutions: Beyond a Deficit Framing of Leadership and Overview of Chapters

This chapter introduces the premise of this book and reflects on its intent to not reproduce or repeat the deficit narrative that is often focused on Minority-Serving Institutional (MSI) leadership in general and Historically Black College and University (HBCU) leadership specifically. This chapter also briefly discusses MSIs and situates their importance in the wider context of society.
Thoracic Surgery in the Elderly

As the population ages, increasing numbers of elderly patients with present for thoracic surgery. Physiologic changes that occur with advanced age result in a decline of maximal reserves, affecting the patient’s ability to cope with the stress of surgery. Increased age is also associated with increased comorbidities. Elderly patients with cancer may still stand to benefit from surgery, since survival rates for lung and esophageal cancer are very low without surgical resection. Perioperative morbidity and mortality is more closely associated with preoperative health status and tumor stage than chronological age. Minimally invasive surgical techniques such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) have been shown to be an effective approach for surgical resection of cancer. Because better postoperative pulmonary function, less postoperative pain, and fewer complications were shown for patients who underwent VATS compared to those who underwent thoracotomy for lobectomy, VATS may be a good choice for patients of advanced age due to their decreased physiologic reserves. Careful preoperative assessment and postoperative care are essential in this surgical population due to their diminished ability to handle the stress of surgery.
Top-down and bottom-up treatment approaches compared in a single case of pure alexia

The purpose of this study was to determine which of two evidence-based treatment options (top-down or bottom-up) held the greatest promise as a long-term rehabilitation strategy for a patient with ...
International Travel as a Context for Sexual and Contraceptive Behaviors: A Qualitative Study of Young Women Traveling Outside the U.S.

International travel is popular worldwide, yet its implications for sexual and reproductive health are not fully understood. Few studies have examined the contextual factors that shape women’s sexual and contraceptive behaviors—and thus, their risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—while traveling outside their home country. In this qualitative study, female university students with recent (n = 25) or upcoming (n = 19) travel outside the U.S. completed semi-structured interviews from October 2015 to March 2017. Transcripts were analyzed for themes related to contraceptive and sexual behaviors: (1) participants’ pre-travel expectations of sex; (2) the circumstances surrounding sexual encounters with men while traveling; (3) negotiation about condom and contraception use with partners; and (4) factors affecting contraceptive adherence. Participants generally expected to be abstinent during travel, citing myriad rationales that included personal values, no perceived opportunities for sex, and the nature of the trip. Some travelers had unexpected sexual encounters, involving health-protecting behaviors and risk-taking (e.g., unprotected sex, substance use). New sexual partnerships were fueled by increased attention from men, situational disinhibition, and perceived heightened intimacy. International travel brought many contraceptive considerations (adequacy of supplies, access to refrigeration, time zone differences, etc.) as well as obstacles that triggered contraceptive lapses and discontinuation. Pill users described the most challenges, while travelers using intrauterine devices expressed appreciation for their maintenance-free contraception. This study suggests complex associations between international travel and young women’s sexual and reproductive health. Some travelers were more vulnerable to situational risk factors, while others may have been more insulated. We identify potential intervention opportunities via clinical services, education, and policy to reduce young women’s risk of adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes while traveling abroad. We urge greater recognition of and conversations about contraceptive lapse and unintended pregnancy as potential health risks for female travelers of reproductive age, just as clinical guidelines acknowledge travel-associated STI.
Retinal Thickness and Microvascular Changes in Children With Sickle Cell Disease Evaluated by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and OCT Angiography

Purpose To compare the severity of macular vascular changes in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) vs age- and race-matched controls. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods Children ( Results Thirty-four HbSS, 34 HbS variant (Goldberg staging 0-3 for SCD eyes), and 24 control eyes (total 48 children, aged 5-17 years) were included. Total VD (3-mm ETDRS circle) was lower in HbS variant eyes than in controls for both the SCP (42.9% vs 47.7%, P = .02) and DCP (47.4% vs 52.6%, P = .01). In HbSS eyes, VD was lower in the DCP (47.7%, P = .008) but not in the SCP (45.5%, P = .5), compared to controls. A higher proportion of HbSS (n = 18, 55%) than HbS variant eyes (n = 9, 26%) had pathologic areas of retinal thinning associated with SCP and DCP flow loss (P = .03). However, retinal thickness measurements and FAZ size did not differ between either HbSS or HbS variant group vs controls. Conclusions Children with SCD have similar retinal thickness but less dense vasculature on OCTA compared to age and race-matched controls, suggesting that microvascular insult may precede structural thinning.
Are We Ready for a VR Classroom?: A Review of Current Designs and a Vision of Future Virtual Reality Classrooms

With the advance of head-mounted virtual reality technology and their lower cost, it is foreseeable that an online course can be delivered in a virtual reality (VR) classroom. This paper introduces head-mounted VR technology, discusses the current designs of VR applications, and depicts a vision of future VR classrooms.
Validation of the NCCN prostate cancer favorable- and unfavorable-intermediate risk groups among men treated with I-125 low dose rate brachytherapy monotherapy

Abstract Purpose To validate the 2019 NCCN subgroups of favorable- and unfavorable-intermediate risk (IR) prostate cancer among patients treated with brachytherapy, who are underrepresented in the studies used to develop the 2019 NCCN classification. Methods We included all 2,705 men treated with I-125 LDR brachytherapy monotherapy at a single institution, and who could be classified into the 2019 NCCN risk groups. Biochemical failure and distant metastasis rates were calculated using cumulative incidence analysis. Results Of 1,510 IR patients, 756 (50%) were favorable-IR, and 754 (50%) were unfavorable-IR. Median follow up was 48 months (range, 3–214). As compared to favorable-IR, the unfavorable-IR group was associated with significantly higher rates of biochemical failure (HR, 2.87; 95% CI, 2.00–4.10; p Conclusions These findings validate the prognostic utility of the 2019 NCCN favorable-IR and unfavorable-IR prostate cancer subgroups among men treated with brachytherapy. Androgen deprivation was not beneficial in any subgroup. Alternative treatment intensification strategies for unfavorable-IR patients are warranted.
RestEaZe: Low-power accurate sleep monitoring using a wearable multi-sensor ankle band

Abstract The well-recognized importance of adequate restful sleep for health and the high prevalence of disturbed sleep has produced wide-spread recognition of the clinical need and commercial potential for a practical cost-eﬀective system to evaluate and support restful sleep at home. However, existing systems for sleep monitoring use wrist-worn devices that are shown to be inaccurate in measuring quality of sleep and ineﬀective as an aid for the diagnostic of sleep-related disorders such as RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder). To address this gap in use of sensors in sleep medicine, in this paper, we present RestEaZe, a multi-sensor ankle band that can capture two leg movement phenotypes: Dorsiflexions that are correlated with sleep disorders such as RLS and ADHD, and Complex Leg Movements that are correlated with texture of sleep, namely sleep fragmentation and brief arousals. In this paper, we focus on the hardware and software architecture of the RestEaZe system, and present an algorithm that uses hierarchical sensing to reduce the power consumption of the ankle worn sensor. We show, through evaluation in the sleep lab and in the home setting that the RestEaZe system can last for 5 days on a single charge of a 400 mAh battery while collecting all the relevant leg movements.
Nanometer-Scale Correlations in Aqueous Salt Solutions.

The intermediate-range (1–4 nm) correlation of cations, anions, and water in aqueous alkaline earth salt solutions is measured using synchrotron X-ray diffraction. We differentiate from the entire ...
Heartbeat: smartwatch devices for detection of atrial fibrillation.

Smartwatch-based devices for monitoring heart rate and rhythm are increasingly popular with patients but many physicians are concerned about accuracy for detection of atrial fibrillation (AF). In a prospective multi-centre study, Rajakariar and colleagues1 compared automated smartwatch diagnosis of AF plus recording of a lead-intelligent ECG (iECG) with a conventional 12-lead ECG recorded immediately after the iECG in 200 hospitalised patients. Overall, accuracy of the smartwatch-based iECG was high at 84% with a negative predictive value 98% but positive predictive value was only 55%, indicating that physician involvement is essential when the smartwatch-based device suggests AF might be present (table 1). View this table: Table 1 Diagnosing AF with and without clinician over-read of unclassified readings, against ECG as gold standard In the accompanying editorial, Frisch2 summarises the short history of consumer wearable heart rate and ECG devices followed by a list of selected published and in-progress studies on the use of wearable devices for detection of AF. He concludes by agreeing with the authors that ‘relying on a device-provided diagnosis of AF to guide initiation of oral anticoagulation for stroke prophylaxis cannot be recommended at this point. Nonetheless, the future is bright …
Cell Senescence Culturing Methods

Development of therapeutic approaches that slow or ablate the adverse physiological and pathological changes associated with aging has been considered as an important goal for gerontological research. As cellular senescence is characterized as the basis for aging in organisms, culturing and subculturing of normal human diploid fibroblasts to mimic the in vivo aging processes have been developed as major methods to investigate molecular events involved in aging. It has been established that normal human diploid fibroblasts can proliferate in culture for only finite periods of time. There are many ways to study aging in vitro. In this chapter, we will discuss some of the basic laboratory procedures for cell senescence culturing methods.
Balloon Dilation of the Eustachian Tube for Baro-Challenge-Induced Otologic Symptoms in Military Divers and Aviators: A Retrospective Analysis.

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of balloon dilation (tuboplasty) of the Eustachian tube (BET) in active duty military personnel working in hyper- and hypobaric environments suffering from b...
Long-term outcomes of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty in eyes with prior glaucoma surgery

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in eyes that had previously undergone trabeculectomy and/or drainage device implantation. Design Retrospective, noncomparative case series. Methods Medical records of 251 consecutive DMEK procedures performed by 1 surgeon (S.X.D.) from 2013 to 2017 were reviewed. Patients with ≥2 years of follow-up were divided into 3 groups: eyes with prior glaucoma surgery (ST), eyes with medically treated glaucoma (MT), and eyes without glaucoma (NG). Main outcomes measured were visual acuity, endothelial cell count (ECC), rates of secondary graft failure (SGF), and postoperative complications. Results Ninety procedures (87 eyes) met inclusion criteria. The mean follow-up period of all eyes was 38.4 ± 11.2 months (range, 24.2-64.4 months). At last follow-up, the proportion of eyes reaching a vision of ≥20/40 was higher than that before the DMEK procedure in each group (all P .05). Conclusions In eyes with prior glaucoma surgery, DMEK achieved good long-term visual outcomes but experienced a higher rate of SGF than eyes without such comorbidity.
SnapShot: The Regulatory Genome

Enhancers switch genes on and off in response to a variety of intrinsic and external cellular signals. They are the cornerstone of gene regulation and the most pervasive constituents of the regulatory genome. Sequence polymorphisms in enhancer DNAs are a major source of population diversity and predilection to disease. To view this SnapShot, open or download the PDF.
Soil quality indicators as influenced by 5-year diversified and monoculture cropping systems

Increasing crop diversity has been highly recommended because of its environmental and economic benefits. However, the impacts of crop diversity on soil properties are not well documented. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the impacts of crop diversity on selected soil quality indicators. The cropping systems investigated here included wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown continuously for 5 years as mono-cropping (MC), and a 5-year cropping sequence [(wheat–cover crop (CC)–corn (Zea mays L.)–pea (Pisum sativum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)–sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)]. Each crop was present every year. This study was conducted in the northern Great Plains of North America, and soil quality data were collected for 2016 and 2017. Selected soil quality indicators that include: soil pH, organic carbon (SOC), cold water-extractable C (CWC) and N (CWN), hot water-extractable C (HWC) and N (HWN), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), bulk density (BD), water retention (SWR), wet soil aggregate stability (WAS), and urease and β-glucoside enzyme activity were measured after the completion of 5-year rotation cycle and the following year. Crop diversity did not affect soil pH, CWC, CWN, HWC, HWN and SWR. Cropping systems that contained CC increased SOC at shallow depths compared to the systems that did not have CC. Crop diversity increased WAS, MBC, and urease and β-glucoside enzyme activity compared with the MC. Comparison of electrical conductivity (EC) measured in this study to the baseline values at the research site prior to the establishment of treatments revealed that crop rotation decreased EC over time. Results indicate that crop diversity can improve soil quality, thus promoting sustainable agriculture.