cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Considering gene flow when using coalescent methods to delimit lineages of North American pitvipers of the genus Agkistrodon

Examining species diversity and mechanisms of speciation using coalescent models provides a framework for how regional diversity is accrued, even in well-studied areas such as the Nearctic. It is likely, that gene flow among closely-related species with adjacent distributions may be common. However, the absence of gene flow is a primary assumption of many phylogeographical methods that produce species trees and delimit species using Bayesian or likelihood functions in a coalescent framework. In the present study, we examine delimitation when gene flow between species is present using empirical datasets from two species of North American pitvipers of the genus Agkistrodon. We also use niche modelling to determine whether these young lineages occur in distinct environmental niches. To manage the problem of gene flow between species, we first identify admixed individuals, demonstrate that gene flow has occurred, and then identify the impact of alternative population assignments of admixed individuals on delimitation posterior probabilities. In addition, we examine the influence of mitochondrial genes relative to other loci combined in coalescent analyses that delimit species. Here, we find that the copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) and the cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) are each composed of two distinct species, with each occupying different niches. Importantly, we find that species can be delimited when the amount of gene flow between lineages is low, although the methods are acutely sensitive to population assignment of individuals. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London
Psychoanalytic Technique and the Development of the Capacity to Reflect

The capacity to reflect is an essential precondition for the existence and maintenance of an analytic process. This paper describes the technical environment that may enable the functional emergence and management of this precondition. In order that the specific features of such an environment may be addressed, psychoanalysis is differentiated from psychotherapy in terms of goals, and this is followed by a discussion of technical modalities that reflect uniquely analytic aims. In conjunction with these technical considerations, the underpinnings of the psychoanalytic situation are described as an "envelope of experience" within which the patient may develop the reflective capacity to participate in the analytic process. Finally, the acquisition of this essential reflective capacity is viewed in the context of a developmental line in an analysis, and is highlighted through the use of a clinical example.
Growing Saccharomyces cerevisiae in calcium‐alginate beads induces cell alterations which accelerate glucose conversion to ethanol

Nongrowing Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells previously grown in alginate exhibit ethanol production rates 1.5 times greater than cells previously grown in suspension. Analysis of glucose, ethanol, and glycerol formation data using quasi-steady-state pathway stoichiometry shows that alginate-grown cells possess phosphofructokinase (PFK), ATPase, and polysaccharide synthesis maximum activities which are approximately two-, two-, and ninefold larger, respectively, than in suspension-grown cells. The estimated change in PFK maximum velocity is consistent with in vitro assays of PFK activity in extracts of suspension- and alginate-grown yeast. Estimation of ethanol production flux control coefficients using in vivo nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy measurements of intracellular metabolite concentrations and a previously proposed detailed kinetic model of ethanol fermentation in yeast shows that glucose uptake dominates flux control in alginate-grown cells in suspension while earlier research revealed that PFK and ATPase exert significant flux control in suspension-grown cells. When placed in a calcium alginate matrix, alginate-grown cells produced ethanol 1.8 times more rapidly and accumulated substantially more polyphosphate than suspension-grown cells placed in alginate. Cells growing in alginate elicit responses at the genetic level which substantially alter pathway rates and flux control when these cells are used as either a suspended or an immobilized biocatalyst. These responses in gene expression to growth in alginate serve to reconfigure flux controls in alginate to a pattern which is similar to that obtained for suspended-grown cells in suspension.
Accurate molecular beam epitaxial growth of vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser using diode laser reflectometry

Accurate and reproducible molecular beam epitaxial (MBE) growths of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) and various vertical-cavity structures are achieved using an extremely simple, cost-effective and compact diode laser reflectometry pre-growth calibration system. Average growth accuracy of 0.25% with a 0.40% standard deviation is obtained over a period of 6 months for a variety of growth structures. Low threshold continuous wave room temperature operation is achieved from all the VCSEL wafers. >
Using apolipoprotein B to manage dyslipidemia.

To the Editor: In their commentary on using apolipoprotein (apo) B to manage dyslipidemia, Harper and Jacobson1 advocate supplanting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non–HDL-C) with apo B for risk assessment and as targets of therapy. Unfortunately, their enthusiasm for apo B is not supported by currently available evidence. In a recent meta-analysis of more than 90,000 individuals in 22 prospective cohort studies performed by the Emerging Risk Factor Collaboration, apo B was not superior to non–HDL-C.2 Nor has apo B been shown to be superior to non–HDL-C for predicting risk in statin-treated individuals.3,4 As Lavie et al5 correctly observe in their commentary, we currently lack clinical trial evidence that treatment intensification based on apo B levels in patients with LDL-C and non–HDL-C at goal results in improved clinical outcomes. Such trials are needed to support more aggressive lipid treatment strategies than are currently recommended.
Non-vacuum deposition of aqueous-based CuIn x Ga 1−x Se 2 (CIGS) nanoparticles for solar applications

CuIn x Ga 1−x Se 2 (CIGS) as an absorber material in solar cells is already known to present a less toxic alternative to current solar cells based on toxic elements such as CdTe. CIGS developed as nanoparticles in solution are ideal for non-vacuum deposition methods which help achieve lower-cost solar cells, compared to high vacuum deposition methods. This study investigates deposition, processing, and characterization of aqueous-based CIGS nanoparticles. The films are deposited via sono-deposition, spin coating method, and drop cast method. The as-deposited thin films are characterized via X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Optical Microscope, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM, and STEM). The films are then annealed via Pulsed Thermal Processing (PTP) technique, and post-PTP characterization shows change in the morphology of CIGS nanoparticles.
PERSONAL ATTACHMENT TO BELIEFS

: There is a tendency in philosophical discussions to see beliefs as belonging to specific people—to see things in terms of “your” belief, or “my” belief, or “Smith's” belief. I call this “personal attachment to beliefs.” This mindset is unconscious, deeply ingrained, and a powerful background stance in discussion and thinking. Attachment has a negative impact on the quality of philosophical discussion and learning: difficulties in acknowledging error and changing beliefs, blindness to new evidence, difficulties in understanding new ideas, entrenchment in views, rancorous behavior, and the encouragement of competitive personal contests rather than collaborative searches for the truth. This article investigates the nature of attachment and traces out some of the undesirable consequences for classroom philosophical discussion, thinking, writing, and learning. It presents an alternative model to attachment and offers constructive suggestions for implementing the results of the investigation in the philosophy classroom and elsewhere.
Discovery of Two Cyanobacterial Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyases: Kinetic and Structural Characterization.

Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) catalyzes the deamination of phenylalanine to cinnamate and ammonia. While PALs are common in terrestrial plants where they catalyze the first committed step in the formation of phenylpropanoids, only a few prokaryotic PALs have been identified to date. Here we describe for the first time PALs from cyanobacteria, in particular, Anabaena variabilis ATCC 29413 and Nostoc punctiforme ATCC 29133, identified by screening the genome sequences of these organisms for members of the aromatic amino acid ammonia lyase family. Both PAL genes associate with secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters as observed for other eubacterial PAL genes. In comparison to eukaryotic homologues, the cyanobacterial PALs are 20% smaller in size but share similar substrate selectivity and kinetic activity toward l-phenylalanine over l-tyrosine. Structure elucidation by protein X-ray crystallography confirmed that the two cyanobacterial PALs are similar in tertiary and quatenary structure to plan...
Legislative Power and Women's Representation

Women's representation in national legislatures varies widely around the world. In 2012, only Rwanda and Andorra had achieved parity in women's representation in the national parliament, with 56% of the Rwandan Chamber of Deputies being female and exactly half the Andorran General Council represented by each sex. In many other countries, women still have little representation in the national legislature, despite being almost 50% of the population. A large body of research has emerged to try to explain the wide variation across countries, with most of it focusing on cultural, socioeconomic, and electoral explanations (e.g., McDonagh 2002; Norris 1985; Reynolds 1999; Rule 1987; Tripp and Kang 2008). Recent scholarship, however, has suggested that the legislature itself is a gendered institution that marginalizes women and argues for greater attention to understanding exactly how legislative institutions affect women's representation (Beckwith 2005; Chappell 2006; 2010; Duerst-Lahti and Kelly 1995; Hawkesworth 2003; 2005; Krook and Mackay 2011; Schwindt-Bayer 2010).
Oral infusion of pomegranate fruit extract inhibits prostate carcinogenesis in the TRAMP model

We earlier provided evidence that oral consumption of pomegranate fruit extract (PFE) inhibits prostate cancer (PCa) cell growth in nude mice. To ascertain convincing evidence of chemopreventive effects of PFE against PCa, its efficacy requires to be evaluated in animal models that closely emulate human disease. Here, we provide evidence of remarkable tumor growth inhibitory effects of PFE using the TRAMP model. Mice received 0.1 and 0.2% PFE, equivalent to 250 and 500 ml of pomegranate juice, in drinking water, starting at 6 weeks and examined at 12, 20 and 34 weeks of age. In water-fed group, 100% mice developed palpable tumors by 20 weeks compared with only 30 and 20% in the 0.1 and 0.2% PFE-supplemented groups, respectively. At 34 weeks, palpable tumors were observed in 70 of 0.1% and only 50 of 0.2% PFE-supplemented mice. Compared with median survival of 43 weeks in water-fed mice, 0.1 and 0.2% PFE-supplemented mice exhibited median life expectancy of 73 and 92 weeks, respectively. Compared with respective water-fed groups, none of the mice in PFE-supplemented groups exhibited metastases to any of the distant organs at 20 weeks and only 20% mice exhibited metastasis at 34 weeks of age. Many of the PFE-supplemented animals had multiple foci of well-differentiated carcinoma but no evidence of poorly differentiated carcinoma. PFE supplementation resulted in simultaneous and significant inhibition of IGF-I/Akt/mTOR pathways in the prostate tissues and tumors. We suggest that pomegranate juice be evaluated in clinical trials in patients at high risk for developing PCa.
Characterization of a strange attractor in a fully-developed turbulent channel flow

We have characterized a strange attractor with a fractal dimension in a fully-developed turbulent channel flow simulated numerically by computing the Lyapunov dimension based on a spatial correlation concept. Our paper presents an example along the line of current discussions whether we can represent an infinite-dimensional dynamical system (fluid flow) by a small finite-dimensional dynamical system. At least for this particular flow under the specified conditions, we can indeed approximate the fluid system by a small-dimensional dynamical system.
Causes and consequences of schooling outcomes in South Africa: Evidence from survey data

This paper provides an overview of evidence on education in South Africa provided by household survey data, with a particular focus on large national surveys such as the 1993 South African Living Standards Survey and the annual October Household Survey. These surveys indicate that racial gaps in schooling persist in South Africa, although they have declined steadily over time. There is essentially no gender gap in schooling, however, with almost identical schooling outcomes for men and women in all racial groups. The racial gap in schooling can be largely attributed to a high rate of grade repetition for Africans, with only small differences in enrollment rates across racial groups. School quality has an important effect on both grade attainment and adult economic outcomes, and is clearly an important component of the racial gap in schooling. Survey data clearly demonstrate a large effect of schooling on earnings beginning in late primary years, with a higher rate of return to schooling for Africans than for whites. Datasets Used October Household Survey (OHS): South Africa, 1995 Schooling outcomes in South Africa
Biochar amendment of soil improves resilience to climate change

Because of climate change, insufficient soil moisture may increasingly limit crop productivity in certain regions of the world. This may be particularly consequential for biofuel crops, many of which will likely be grown in drought-prone soils to avoid competition with food crops. Biochar is the byproduct of a biofuel production method called pyrolysis. If pyrolysis becomes more common as some scientists predict, biochar will become more widely available. We asked, therefore, whether the addition of biochar to soils could significantly increase the availability of water to a crop. Biochar made from switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) shoots was added at the rate of 1% of dry weight to four soils of varying texture, and available water contents were calculated as the difference between field capacity and permanent wilting point water contents. Biochar addition significantly increased the available water contents of the soils by both increasing the amount of water held at field capacity and allowing plants to draw the soil to a lower water content before wilting. Among the four soils tested, biochar amendment resulted in an additional 0.8–2.7 d of transpiration, which could increase productivity in drought-prone regions or reduce the frequency of irrigation. Biochar amendment of soils may thus be a viable means of mitigating some of the predicted decrease in water availability accompanying climate change that could limit the future productivity of biofuel crops.
CONVERSATION TOPICS AND COMMUNICATION SATISFACTION IN GRANDPARENT-GRANDCHILD RELATIONSHIPS

This article investigated college students’ and their grandparents’ (n = 103 dyads) reports of topics in conversation with each other. For grandparents and grandchildren, family and education were ...
A role for NPY overexpression in the dorsomedial hypothalamus in hyperphagia and obesity of OLETF rats

Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats lacking CCK-A receptors are hyperphagic, obese, and diabetic. We have previously demonstrated that these rats have a peripheral satiety deficit resulting in increased meal size. To examine the potential role of hypothalamic pathways in the hyperphagia and obesity of OLETF rats, we compared patterns of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY), proopiomelanocortin (POMC), and leptin receptor mRNA expression in ad libitum-fed Long-Evans Tokushima (LETO) and OLETF rats and food-restricted OLETF rats that were pair-fed to the intake of LETO controls. Pair feeding OLETF rats prevented their increased body weight and elevated levels of plasma insulin and leptin and normalized their elevated POMC and decreased NPY mRNA expression in the arcuate nucleus. In contrast, NPY expression was upregulated in the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) in pair-fed OLETF rats. A similar DMH NPY overexpression was evident in 5-wk-old preobese OLETF rats. These findings suggest a role for DMH NPY upregulation in the etiology of OLETF hyperphagia and obesity.
Topologies associated with lower densities and liftings

In this chapter we define and study the topologies associated with lower densities (see Definition 4, section 1, chapter 3) and particularly with liftings of an admissible subalgebra (see [54] and [57]).
Posttranslational processing of FGF23 in osteocytes during the osteoblast to osteocyte transition

FGF23 is an O-glycosylated circulating peptide hormone with a critical role in phosphate homeostasis; it is inactivated by cellular proprotein convertases in a pre-release degradative pathway. We have here examined the metabolism of FGF23 in a model bone cell line, IDG-SW3, prior to and following differentiation, as well as in regulated secretory cells. Labeling experiments showed that the majority of (35)S-labeled FGF23 was cleaved to smaller fragments which were constitutively secreted by all cell types. Intact FGF23 was much more efficiently stored in differentiated than in undifferentiated IDG-SW3 cells. The prohormone convertase PC2 has recently been implicated in FGF23 degradation; however, FGF23 was not targeted to forskolin-stimulatable secretory vesicles in a regulated cell line, suggesting that it lacks a targeting signal to PC2-containing compartments. In vitro, PC1/3 and PC2, but not furin, efficiently cleaved glycosylated FGF23; surprisingly, PC5/6 accomplished a small amount of conversion. FGF23 has recently been shown to be phosphorylated by the kinase FAM20C, a process which was shown to reduce FGF23 glycosylation and promote its cleavage; our in vitro data, however, show that phosphorylation does not directly impact cleavage, as both PC5/6 and furin were able to efficiently cleave unglycosylated, phosphorylated FGF23. Using qPCR, we found that the expression of FGF23 and PC5/6, but not PC2 or furin, increased substantially following osteoblast to osteocyte differentiation. Western blotting confirmed the large increase in PC5/6 expression upon differentiation. FGF23 has been linked to a variety of bone disorders ranging from autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets to chronic kidney disease. A better understanding of the biosynthetic pathway of this hormone may lead to new treatments for these diseases.
Diagnosis and Management of Delirium in Critically Ill Infants: Case Report and Review

Delirium in children is common but not widely understood by pediatric practitioners, often leading to underdiagnosis and lack of treatment. This presents a significant challenge in the young patients in the PICU who are most at risk for delirium and in whom the core features of delirium are difficult to assess and treat. However, because of the potential increased morbidity and mortality associated with untreated delirium in adults and children, it remains important to address it promptly. The literature for delirium in this age group is limited. Here we present the case of an infant with multiple underlying medical risk factors who exhibited waxing and waning motor restlessness with disrupted sleep-wake cycles contributing significantly to destabilization of vital parameters. Making a diagnosis of delirium was key to guiding further treatment. After appropriate environmental interventions are implemented and underlying medical causes are addressed, antipsychotic medications, although not Food and Drug Administration-approved in infants, are the mainstay of pharmacotherapy for delirium in older age groups. They may lengthen corrected QT interval (QTc) intervals, presenting a challenge in infants who frequently have other coexisting risks for QTc prolongation, as in our case. The risk from QTc prolongation needs to be balanced against that from untreated delirium. Low doses of risperidone were successfully used in this patient and without side effects or worsening of QTc interval. This case illustrates the importance of increased recognition of delirium in children, including infants, and the role for cautious consideration of atypical antipsychotics in the very young.
Studies in Middle Income Housing

(35.3 percent) was recorded as having nil travelling time. The occupations that appeared to influence this figure most were those of hospital and institutional staffs, nurses, nuns, etc. It is clear that only a very minor fraction of the women clerical workers fall in this category. This breakdown revealed that the women in clerical occupations spent more time travelling to work than those in prof ssi nal occupations. For clerical workers 14.6 percent spent more than half an hour travelling to work, whereas 9.3 percent of the professional women fell in this category. Several hypotheses might be advanced to explain these occupational differences and similarities. No information is available which would indicate the means of transport utilized by respective occupational groups. The intensive investigation of particular areas, plus significant demographic and ecological information, have been made possible by the recent availability of national data of the type here described. This can be used by planners and city authorities. It should be remembered that the data described here refer only to travelling one way to place of work: doubling this gives the aggregate travelling time of the population on each working day and points up the significance of this phenomenon in the life of the nation. The present necessity of spending so much of each day in an unprofitable activity has important implications in our search for societal adjustment to our urbanized, technological civilization.
Shape coexistence in neutron-rich nuclei near N = 40

Recent data show that both the 2${}^{+}$ and 4${}^{+}$ levels in the even neutron-rich Cr and Fe isotopes decrease in excitation energy toward $N=40$. This observation, along with Coulomb excitation and lifetime data, strongly indicates an increase in collectivity near $N=40$ in contradiction with expectations based on first principles. A straightforward two-band mixing model is used to investigate the structure of these neutron-rich Cr and Fe nuclei. The approach takes advantage of the extensive data available for ${}^{60}$Fe to provide the parameter values with which to reproduce the experimental observations in the ${}^{58\ensuremath{-}64}$Cr and ${}^{60\ensuremath{-}68}$Fe isotopic chains. Comparisons between the model and the data suggest marked structural differences for the ground-state configurations of $N=40$ Cr and Fe.
Abstract A48: Class, culture, and patterns of cancer care navigation

Background: While previous research has established a link between socioeconomic status (SES) and cancer outcomes, there is still little understanding of the processes that contribute to these outcome disparities. The mechanisms though which individuals actually translate SES-related resources into health advantage remain imperfectly understood. The systematically different patterns of health care navigation that patients enact are one pathway in which SES has been hypothesized to impact health outcomes. Building upon research documenting the ways that social class and culture impacts family life, this research examines the adaptive strategies families use after a child has been diagnosed with cancer. It extends Fundamental Cause Theory (Link and Phelan 1995) and Cultural Health Capital (Shim 2010) which have become prominent theories for understanding the role of class in health disparities. Methods: This research combines in-depth interviews with 55 parents of pediatric cancer patients with ethnographic case studies of five families to document how SES influences patterns of navigating the health care community after a serious medical diagnosis. Results: Findings indicate that the high SES warrior advocate parents view themselves as collaborative members of the health care team, and peers with physicians. These parents conduct sophisticated medical research, seek second opinions, and actively network within the health care community. Low SES parents enact a survivor style where they maintain boundaries between patient and provider roles. They view physicians as authority figures, trust clinicians to guide their health care and express frustrations communicating with health care professionals. Conclusions: A more complete understanding of SES-based patterns of communication in heath settings enhances our understanding of the mechanisms underlying socioeconomic health disparities, and will help guide intervention initiatives aimed at reducing disparate outcomes for cancer patients. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):A48.
Psychological capital: An evidence-based positive approach.

The now recognized core construct of psychological capital, or simply PsyCap, draws from positive psychology in general and positive organizational behavior (POB) in particular. The first-order positive psychological resources that make up PsyCap include hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism, or the HERO within. These four best meet the inclusion criteria of being theory- and research-based, positive, validly measurable, state-like, and having impact on attitudes, behaviors, performance and well-being. The article first provides the background and precise meaning of PsyCap and then comprehensively reviews its measures, theoretical mechanisms, antecedents and outcomes, levels of analysis, current status and needed research, and finally application. Particular emphasis is given to practical implications, which focuses on PsyCap development, positive leadership, and novel applications such as the use of video games and gamification techniques. The overriding theme throughout is that PsyCap has both scient...
Administer but Do Not Dispense: Effect of Change in Medication Handling by Nurses on Outcomes of Home Dialysis Patients.

Abstract Background To come into compliance with South Carolina statute, we changed how nurses handle medications (antibiotics, erythropoietin [EPO], calcitriol and heparin) in our outpatient home dialysis clinic. Nurses continued to administer medications in the clinic but no longer dispensed medications for patients to take home; instead, medications were dispensed from pharmacies to the patients by mail. We hypothesized that the abovementioned change in medication handling worsened clinical outcomes. There is very little medical literature on this topic. Materials and Methods A retrospective case series of quality and safety in 31 patients in a community-based, medical center–affiliated home dialysis program was performed. We compared laboratory values and adverse clinical events relevant to the medications mentioned above during 4-8 months before and during 5 months after September 1, 2014 (the day when medication handling was changed). Results We observed no changes in the incidences of dialysis access dysfunction, access infections, antibiotic inaccessibility to patients for access-related infections, infection outcomes, parathyroid hormone concentrations, hemoglobin concentrations, monthly EPO dose and missed monthly clinic visits after September 1, 2014. However, we noted significantly fewer subcutaneous EPO administrations per month and less time between phlebotomy and laboratory review with patients by their nephrologists at monthly clinic visits after September 1, 2014. Conclusions The change in handling of medications by nurses in our outpatient home dialysis program to comply with the state statute did not worsen patient outcomes relevant to the affected medications and in fact caused several unexpected improvements.
Inclusion without Representation in Latin America: Gender Quotas and Ethnic Reservations

This book analyzes why and how fifteen Latin American countries modified their political institutions to promote the inclusion of women, Afrodescendants, and indigenous peoples. Through analysis and comparison of experiences in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico, the book accounts for the origins of quotas and reserved seats in international norms and civic mobilization. It shows how the configuration of political institutions and the structure of excluded groups set the terms and processes of inclusion. Arguing that the new mechanisms have delivered inclusion but not representation, the book demonstrates that quotas and reserved seats increased the presence in power of excluded groups but did not create constituencies or generate civic movements able to authorize or hold accountable their representatives.
Patient selection and perioperative outcomes are similar between targeted and nontargeted hospitals (in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program) for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Abstract Objective The targeted vascular module in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) consists of self-selected hospitals that choose to collect extra clinical details for better risk adjustment and improved procedure-specific outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare patient selection and outcomes between targeted and nontargeted hospitals in the NSQIP regarding the operative management of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods We identified all patients who underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) or open AAA repair from 2011 to 2013 and compared cases by whether the operation took place in a targeted or nontargeted hospital. EVAR and open repair as well as intact and ruptured aneurysms were evaluated separately. Only variables contained in both modules were used to evaluate rupture status and operation type. All thoracoabdominal aneurysms were excluded. Univariate analysis was performed for intact and ruptured EVAR and open repair grouped by complexity, defined as visceral involvement in open repair and a compilation of concomitant procedures for EVAR. Multivariable models were developed to identify effect of hospital type on mortality. Results There were 17,651 AAA repairs identified. After exclusion of aneurysms involving the thoracic aorta (n = 352), there were 1600 open AAA repairs at targeted hospitals (21% ruptured) and 2725 at nontargeted hospitals (19% ruptured) and 4986 EVARs performed at targeted hospitals (6.7% ruptured) and 7988 at nontargeted hospitals (5.2% ruptured). There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality rates between targeted and nontargeted hospitals for intact aneurysms (EVAR noncomplex, 1.8% vs 1.4% [ P = .07]; open repair noncomplex, 4.2% vs 4.5% [ P = .7]; EVAR complex, 5.0% vs 3.2% [ P = .3]; open repair complex, 8.0% vs 6.0% [ P = .2]). For ruptured aneurysms, again there was no difference in mortality between the targeted and nontargeted hospitals (EVAR noncomplex, 23% vs 25% [ P = .4]; open repair noncomplex, 38% vs 34% [ P = .2]; EVAR complex, 29% vs 33% [ P = 1.0]; open repair complex, 27% vs 41% [ P = .09]). Multivariable analysis further demonstrated that having an operation at a targeted vs nontargeted hospital had no impact on mortality for both intact and ruptured aneurysms (odds ratio, 1.1 [0.9-1.4] and 1.0 [0.8-1.3], respectively). Conclusions This analysis highlights the similarities between targeted and nontargeted hospitals within the NSQIP for AAA operative management and suggests that data from the targeted NSQIP, in terms of AAA management, are generalizable to all NSQIP hospitals.
Effects of a Core Kindergarten Mathematics Curriculum on the Mathematics Achievement of Spanish-Speaking English Learners

Abstract There is a dearth of research on Tier 1 instruction designed to improve the mathematics achievement of English learners. This study examined the impact of a core kindergarten mathematics curriculum on the mathematics achievement of Spanish-speaking English learners (SS-ELs). Secondary aims tested for differential response to the curriculum among SS-ELs as a function of (a) mathematics skills at the beginning of kindergarten, (b) the number of SS-ELs in classrooms, and (c) the frequency of mathematical discourse during core mathematics instruction. Data analyzed in the study were generated from a recent large-scale efficacy trial. Participants were 556 SS-ELs from 66 kindergarten classrooms. Results suggest SS-ELs in treatment classrooms made greater gains than SS-ELs in comparison classrooms on mathematics measures across the school year. Evidence of differential response to the curriculum among SS-ELs was not found. The importance of core mathematics instruction and implications for school psych...
Cardiovascular Interventional MRI

Interventional cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (iCMR) refers to catheter-based therapeutic procedures using MRI rather than conventional radiographic guidance. iCMR promises further to blur the distinction between medical and surgical therapeutics by permitting surgical-quality “exposure” in minimally invasive procedures. Catheter-based procedures conducted without X-rays may be attractive in avoiding or reducing radiation exposure to children1 and clinical staff2, in avoiding nephrotoxic radiocontrast3, and in reducing staff musculoskeletal injury4 from X-ray protective lead aprons. More important, iCMR is exciting because it should enable an entirely new range of procedures otherwise attainable only with open surgical exposure. iCMR requires “real-time” imaging which for our purposes means image acquisition and display to clinicians, completely refreshed 1–10 frames/second, depending on the application, within a short delay (approximately 250 ms). Clinical investigational procedures have now begun at several centers. The chief limitation to clinical translation, at present, appears to be the availability of clinical-grade catheter devices. This brief review will survey interventional cardiovascular imaging, treatment, and patient handling considerations, unique iCMR catheter design requirements, proof-of-concept animal and clinical experiments conducted to date, as well as novel applications we can expect in the near future.
P058: Morbid obesity association with return of spontaneous circulation from sudden cardiac arrest treated in a large, urban EMS system in the United States

Introduction: Patient co-morbidities contribute to survivability from out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest. Many studies have been conducted regarding contributing factors to sudden cardiac arrest survival, though very few studies have been published detailing specific analysis of morbid obesity association with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in adults treated by paramedics. Methods: Adults in sudden cardiac arrest with resuscitation initiated, including at least one defibrillation, between July 1, 2016 and December 1, 2016 were enrolled. Due to an increasing prevalence of morbid obesity in the United States adult population, a novel defibrillation strategy, involving weight-based joule settings and double sequential external defibrillation (DSED) was initiated in June 2016. As exact body weight is logistically difficult to obtain in the EMS care environment, a paramedic-estimated weight at the time of resuscitation to be 100 kg or greater was deemed representative of “morbid obesity” for this analysis. All resuscitations were reviewed from electronic medical records (EMRs) completed by treating paramedics, alongside telemetry and defibrillation events recorded, transmitted, and analyzed in proprietary software (CODE-STAT, Physio-Control Corporation, Redmond, WA). ROSC was determined from both paramedic and hospital clinician EMRs reviewed by a paramedic researcher. Results: During the 5 month study period, paramedics involved treated 133 adults in sudden cardiac arrest involving perceived ventricular fibrillation that was treated with at least one defibrillation. 49/90 (54.4%) with weight <100 kg as estimated by paramedics at the time of resuscitative care achieved at least transient ROSC. Only 17/43 (39.5%) with estimated weight ≥100 kg achieved any ROSC, despite paramedics authorized to perform defibrillations at higher joule energy settings for such weight. The OR for ROSC if <100 kg estimated weight is 1.83 (95% CI 0.87-3.83), though given limited sample size p=0.11. Conclusion: While survival from out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest in adults is multi-factorial, the presence of morbid obesity, defined as estimated weight ≥100 kg, trends towards less ROSC. Continued community health efforts to decrease the prevalence of morbid obesity in the adult population may confer improved ability to survive out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest.
Metabolic Syndrome in Hispanic Youth: Results from the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth.

Abstract Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors, is being diagnosed in youth. Specific diagnostic criteria used to define MetS influence prevalence estimates and populations considered at risk for cardiovascular disease. The National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) provide three MetS definitions used in medical research. This study examined concordance among these definitions in 1137 children 10–16 years of age, who participated in the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth. Methods: Prevalence of MetS and of individual components was estimated using SAS. Mplus was used to test a single-factor model of MetS components (triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, and fasting glucose). Results: The ATP definition identified most MetS cases in 10–15 (N = 19, ...
Studies of a Chloroplast-Localized Small Heat Shock Protein in Arabidopsis

Thermotolerance, or the ability of organisms to withstand exposure to potentially lethal high temperatures, is thought to be conferred by the induction of heat shock proteins (HSPs) (Lindquist 1986). Several major families of HSPs classified according to molecular weight and amino acid similarity have been defined, although how they contribute to the development of thermotolerance is not well understood. Among the HSPs most highly induced by heat stress in eukaryotes is a class of nuclear-encoded proteins ranging in size from 15 to 30 kD referred to as the small HSPs (sHSPs). Though diverse in size and primary structure, the sHSPs can be identified based on their similar hydropathy profiles and homology to the acrystallin proteins of the eye lens (Lindquist and Craig 1988).
Pediatric Thoracic Trauma in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Introduction The objective of this study is to review available data on pediatric thoracic trauma seen at U.S. military treatment facilities in Iraq and Afghanistan and describe the scope of injuries, patterns seen, and associated mortality. The results were compared with adults injured in Iraq and Afghanistan and other reports of pediatric thoracic trauma in the literature. Materials and methods The investigators received approval from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences' institutional review board before the study. The Joint Theatre Trauma Registry was queried for all patients with an ICD-9 code for thoracic trauma. Two-tailed Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney rank sum, χ2, ANOVA, or multiple logistic regression was used as indicated. Results There were 955 patients under the age of 18 yr, just over 12% of all thoracic trauma. Penetrating injuries were common (73.6%), including gunshot wounds. The most common pediatric diagnoses were contusions (45%), pneumothorax (40%), and rib and/or sternal fractures (18%). The overall mortality for children was 15.2% compared with 13.8% and 9% for civilian adults and Coalition members with thoracic trauma, respectively. Mortality was inversely related to age among pediatric patients. Children under 2 yr of age had the highest mortality (25.1%). Patients under 12 yr of age were more likely to die than those between 12 and 18 (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.27-3.22) yr. Thoracic vascular injuries and cardiac injuries resulted in the highest mortality among pediatric patients. The presence of a hemothorax was independently associated with an increased risk for mortality (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.06-2.99) as was a concomitant head injury (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.33-3.54). There was a 2.7% incidence of burns among pediatric patients with a high associated mortality (46.2%). Nearly one-half of all the children identified required a transfusion (47%). Conclusion Penetrating injuries predominated and these children commonly required a transfusion. Mortality was inversely related to age. Children with a hemothorax or a concomitant head injury had significant increases in mortality. Children with thoracic injury as the result of a burn suffered the highest mortality.
Congenital Coxa Vara

Coxa vara can result from different acquired, congenital, and/or metabolic conditions. Surgical reconstruction is indicated in cases of advanced deformity.
Building ecological resistance: Late intermediate period farming in the south-central highland Andes (CE 1100–1450)

Abstract In southern Peru near Lake Titicaca, at the Colla hillfort town of Ayawiri, archaeological data indicate that the construction of a large terrace complex and the production of agricultural staples were managed in a decentralized manner. The layout and engineering qualities of the terraces surrounding Ayawiri reveal that the construction, maintenance, and cultivation of these systems was managed through household labor rather than a central political authority. This agrarian landscape and labor regime provided households with what I term ecological resistance—human modifications to ecosystems that provide individuals with the capacity to resist the establishment of hierarchical authority and subjugation by imperial powers. The built agricultural landscape and accompanying agrarian labor regimes made the Colla difficult to subjugate by neighboring enemies and in the 15th century, when Inka forces attempted to conquer and incorporate the Colla into their empire. The Colla were only successfully integrated into the Inka Empire after the Inka employed their own ecological tactics. This case study provides key insights into the ways that humans modify their environment to build and perpetuate ecological resistance.
Human placental 17beta-estradiol dehydrogenase: characterization and structural studies.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the nature and function of human placental 17β-estradiol dehydrogenase enzyme. It has been found that human term placenta is very rich in an enzyme that oxidizes estradiol to estrone. Moreover, a 50-fold purification of this enzyme is named 17β-estradiol dehydrogenase. It catalyzes the reversible interconversion of 17β-estradiol and estrone and utilizes either diphosphopyridine nucleotide or triphosphopyridine nucleotide as cofactor. Although the physiological functions of this enzyme are unknown, it is evident that any enzyme that can interconvert biologically active and relatively inactive molecules is a potential candidate for an important physiological regulatory role. Its action or lack of action upon steroids chemically related to estradiol may reflect possible functions in the biogenesis or degradation of steroidal estrogens in the human placenta. Most studies dealing with the substrate binding sites of enzymes have been carried out with enzymes that catalyze reactions involving either small charged molecules or charged macromolecules.
Use of SGLT2 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes: weighing the risks and benefits

Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors belong to a novel class of glucose-lowering medications that reduce plasma glucose concentrations by inhibiting glucose reabsorption by the kidney, inducing glucosuria. Their actions encompass reductions in HbA1c, fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels, body weight and BP. To date, empagliflozin and canagliflozin have additionally been shown to improve cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk individuals and to slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease. Adverse effects associated with this class include urinary frequency, dehydration, genitourinary tract infections and, rarely, euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis. Of the SGLT2 inhibitors, only canagliflozin has been linked to a higher risk of lower-extremity amputations and bone fractures compared with placebo. Optimal prescribing of agents within this relatively new drug category requires a full understanding of their risks in addition to their benefits.
Barriers to Adopting Interoperability Standards for Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing: An Exploratory Study

Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing (CTIS) is one of the most promising strategies in cyber defense. This study examined two of the most viable cutting-edge interoperability standards for CTIS, exploring barriers to their adoption and providing insights into the development and utilization of Structured Threat Information Expression (STIX™) and Trusted Automated eXchange of Indicator Information (TAXII™). Following their introduction in May of 2015, an exploratory mixed methods study was conducted within the cyber community to investigate barriers to adopting STIX and TAXII. Using semi-structured Skype™ interviews, qualitative data were collected from a purposeful sample composed of 10 standard makers and frontier adopters in the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASIS) community. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data obtained from these interviews was used to develop a quantitative web-based survey using QuestionPro. Some 70 responses were collected in this follow-on survey, which was opened to several cyber threat intelligence communities worldwide, including experts from the SANS Institute, a for-profit U.S. private company that specializes in information and cybersecurity. The results indicated that STIX and TAXII had attracted interest in 18 countries. Specific barriers for adoption emerging from the interviews validated by the follow-on survey included: initial setup and learning curve; organizational compatibility and maturity; understanding of cyber threat vocabulary; and lack of conformity in notating data. Specific benefits of adoption were: enhanced sharing of structured relationship data; data restriction enabling; structured documentation markup; and improved interoperability.
Why geneticists stole cancer research even though cancer is primarily a signaling disease

Genetic approaches to cancer research have dramatically advanced our understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease, leading to similar genetics-based approaches for precision therapy, which have been less successful. Reconfiguring and adapting the types of technologies that underlie genetic research to dissect tumor cell signaling in clinical samples may offer an alternative road forward.