cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Why Shouldn't We Determine the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate?

A test that is meant to measure a given parameter is more likely to detect changes in that parameter if it is not affected by factors other than those which it is intended to quantitate. The clinical use of the laboratory test for determining the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is backed by nearly a century of experience. Although its nonspecificity is acknowledged, it has been used to quantitate the inflammatory process that underlies infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic disorders. I believe that this venerable test is affected by too many factors in addition to that which we think we are measuring, to the point that its clinical usefulness is severely compromised.
The First Materials (Stone Age and Copper—Stone Age)

Materials have accompanied mankind virtually from the very beginning of his existence. Among the first materials utilized by man were certainly stone and wood, but bone, fibers, feathers, shells, animal skin, and clay also served specific purposes.
Correlation between dynamic contrast-enhanced perfusion MRI relative cerebral blood volume and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in meningiomas.

Purpose To determine whether there is a correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and cerebral blood flow (CBV) measurements in dynamic contrast-enhanced susceptibility perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to correlate the perfusion characteristics in high- versus low-grade meningiomas. Methods and Materials A total of 48 (24 high-grade and 24 low-grade) meningiomas with available dynamic susceptibility–weighted MRI were retrospectively reviewed for maximum CBV and semiquantitative VEGF immunoreactivity. Correlation between normalized CBV and VEGF was made using the Spearman rank test and comparison between CBV in high- versus low-grade meningiomas was made using the Wilcoxon test. Results There was a significant (P = .01) correlation between normalized maximum CBV and VEGF scores with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.37. In addition, there was a significant (P Conclusion The data suggest that CBV accurately reflects VEGF expression and tumor grade in meningiomas. Perfusion-weighted MRI can potentially serve as a useful biomarker for meningiomas, pending prospective studies.
Some Difficult Working Areas in Atomic-Absorption Flame Photometry

Some specific problems encountered in quantitative determinations by atomic-absorption flame photometry are reviewed. These result from instrument limitations, analytical behavior of analytes, and chemical composition of original and/or prepared samples. Different methods are discussed which may be used to overcome these difficulties by choosing better working conditions, different types of flames, and proper sample preparation. Chemical interference is discussed in detail and illustrated with experimental results obtained in the study of several frequent interference systems. Attention is given to calibration procedures and dataprocessing and representation.
Investigations of Philippine plants for alkaloids, antimalarial agents, and antineoplastic agents

Extracts of 28 different Philippine plants were prepared and the extracts tested for alkaloids. The extracts were also screened, in many cases, for antimalarial and antineoplastic activity. In some cases preliminary fractionation into petroleum ether soluble and ethanol soluble extracts were made.
Conflicts within the Idea of the Liberal Tradition

The aspect of Professor Hartz's book which I find particularly challenging, but with which I cannot wholly agree, is his view that American politics is characterized by an absence of fundamental conflicts. I do agree that American political struggles have been different from those of Europe, and that this difference can be aptly characterized as a consequence of the fact that, in the Tocquevilleian formula, we have arrived at a state of democracy without having had to endure a democratic revolution. Americans have seldom experienced the particular passions engendered by the impact of the idea of equality upon class distinctions derived from a feudal regime. But it seems to me that the conflicts of American politics, while in one sense attenuated by the comparative absence of a feudal inheritance, in another sense have been intensified by this very fact, by reason of the immediacy of the demands of equality. If all Americans did not accept with such thoroughness. the pre-eminent “Lockeian” tenet, there would not be the persistent record of violent anger and frustration attending what each group of Americans regarded as its just inheritance from the operation of that tenet. To take the single most overpowering present-day example: where in the world but America could there be such simultaneous demands for color-blindness and color-consciousness in the regulation of all institutions patronized by law? Yet both the power and the simultaneity of these demands are assertions of the claims of equality: one side insisting that no law is valid which recognizes inequality of rights; the other insisting that none is valid which does not incorporate their uncoerced opinions or consent. Hartz does not examine the genuine difficulties which inhere in the attempt to create a society dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. He observes the virtual unanimity with which Americans have been committed to it, and he observes that they have nonetheless gone on quarreling. He concludes wrongly, however, that they have therefore quarreled over phantoms or irrelevancies. The reason for this mistaken judgment is the implicit thesis that quarrels which are genuine and profound are always quarrels in which the idea of equality is in competition with its opposite.
COBALAMIN (COENZYME B12): Synthesis and Biological Significance

▪ Abstract This review examines deoxyadenosylcobalamin (Ado-B12) biosynthesis, transport, use, and uneven distribution among living forms. We describe how genetic analysis of enteric bacteria has contributed to these issues. Two pathways for corrin ring formation have been found–an aerobic pathway (in P. denitrificans) and an anaerobic pathway (in P. shermanii and S. typhimurium)–that differ in the point of cobalt insertion. Analysis of B12 transport in E. coli reveals two systems: one (with two proteins) for the outer membrane, and one (with three proteins) for the inner membrane. To account for the uneven distribution of B12 in living forms, we suggest that the B12 synthetic pathway may have evolved to allow anaerobic fermentation of small molecules in the absence of an external electron acceptor. Later, evolution of the pathway produced siroheme, (allowing use of inorganic electron acceptors), chlorophyll (O2 production), and heme (aerobic respiration). As oxygen became a larger part of the atmosphere,...
NONLINEAR PANEL RESPONSE AT HIGH ACOUSTIC EXCITATIONS AND SUPERSONIC SPEEDS

A finite element formulation is presented for the analysis of large deflection response of composite panels subjected to aerodynamic pressure at supersonic flow and high acoustic excitation. The first-order shear deformation theory is considered for laminated composite plates, and the von Karman nonlinear straindisplacement relations are employed for the analysis of large deflection panel response. The first-order piston theory aerodynamics and the simulated Gaussian white noise are employed for the aerodynamic and acoustic loads, respectively. The nonlinear equations of motion for an arbitrarily laminated composite panel subjected to a combined aerodynamic and acoustic pressures are formulated first in structure node degree-of-freedom. The system equations are then transformed and reduced to a set of coupled nonlinear equations in modal coordinates. Modal participation is defined and the invacua modes to be retained in the analysis are based on the modal participation values. Numerical results include root mean square values of maximum deflections, deflection and strain response time histories, probability distributions, and power spectrum densities. Results showed that combined acoustic and aerodynamic loads have to be considered for panel analysis and design at high dynamic pressure values.
Maternal iron supplementation attenuates the impact of perinatal copper deficiency but does not eliminate hypotriiodothyroninemia nor impaired sensorimotor development

Copper, iron and iodine/thyroid hormone (TH) deficiencies disrupt brain development. Neonatal Cu deficiency causes Fe deficiency and may impact thyroidal status. One purpose of these studies was to determine the impact of improved iron status following Cu deficiency by supplementing the diet with iron. Cu deficiency was produced in pregnant Holtzman [Experiment 1 (Exp. 1)] or Sprague-Dawley [Experiment 2 (Exp. 2)] rats using two different diets. In Exp. 2, dietary Fe content was increased from 35 to 75 mg/kg according to NRC guidelines for reproduction. Cu-deficient (CuD) Postnatal Day 24 (P24) rats from both experiments demonstrated lower hemoglobin, serum Fe and serum triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations. However, brain Fe was lower only in CuD P24 rats in Exp. 1. Hemoglobin and serum Fe were higher in Cu adequate (CuA) P24 rats from Exp. 2 compared to Exp. 1. Cu- and TH-deficient rats from Exp. 2 exhibited a similar sensorimotor functional deficit following 3 months of repletion. Results suggest that Cu deficiency may impact TH status independent of its impact on iron biology. Further research is needed to clarify the individual roles for Cu, Fe and TH in brain development.
The Cre/loxP system and gene targeting in the kidney

The Cre/loxP and Flp/FRT systems mediate site-specific DNA recombination and are being increasingly utilized to study gene function in vivo. These systems allow targeted gene disruption in a single cell type in vivo, thereby permitting study of the physiological and pathophysiological impact of a given gene product derived from a particular cell type. In the kidney, the Cre/loxP system has been employed to achieve gene deletion selectively within principal cells of the collecting duct. Disruption of target genes in the collecting duct, such as endothelin-1 or polycystic kidney disease-1 (PKD1), could lead to important insights into the biological roles of these gene products. With selection of the appropriate renal cell-specific promoters, these recombination systems could be used to target gene disruption to virtually any renal cell type. Although transgenic studies utilizing these recombination systems are promising, they are in their relative infancy and can be time consuming and expensive and yield unanticipated results. It is anticipated that continued experience with these systems will produce an important tool for analyzing gene function in renal health and disease.
Personality Theory and Research: International Issues and Trends

Personality theory and research is a global enterprise, yet its trends and findings have only been slowly incorporated into American personality curricula. This chapter attempts to accelerate this process. The very concept of personality, rooted in Euro-American thought, is critically examined and compared with non-Western conceptions. Empirical links between culture and personality are actively investigated, while the worldwide relevance of fundamental Euro-American personality traits is explored. The effects of socialization and their limits continue to be researched, and neuropsychology of personality is emerging. A multiplicity of research approaches, simultaneously and internationally pursued, is advocated, and a continuing dialogue of contributors to personality psychology across nations and languages is proposed.
Infestations, Bites and Stings in Aging Skin

Infestations, bites and stings are common in older patients. Increased morbidity and mortality in these patients is often related to pre-existing cardiac disease. Scabies infestation often presents with atypical manifestations in this population. A high index of suspicion is required. In extended care facilities, epidemics of scabies are common. A single patient with crusted scabies may cause infestation of an entire ward. This chapter reviews recent information about infestations, bites and stings in this population.
Discussion of “Probabilistic Strength Estimates and Reliability of Damaged Parallel Wire Cables” by Sante Camo

Cable reliability analysis involves the combined evaluation of cable capacity and cable load in a probabilistic manner. Assessment of cable capacity is only possible through visual inspections of the wires, field sampling, laboratory analysis of the degraded wire populations, and analytical techniques. This closure article answers the concerns raised by G. Baker (2005) about some of the conclusions made by S. Camo (2003) in an article that discussed inspection methodologies and statistical methods of estimation of the sizes of the degraded wire populations, and wire properties, leading to cable capacities. The discusser, Baker, expresses concern that the paper's conclusions about cable strength depend to a large degree on the redevelopment of broken wire capacity by the assumed friction provided by the cable bands. Baker continues by noting that, in the paper, the friction due to the cable band clamping has been considered, with no mention made of the pressure of the wrapping wire. This pressure due to the tension in each coil of the wire is less intense than that applied by the band, but its greater extent fives a cumulative effect more important than that of the band. In this closure, Camo offers corrections to two of the equations in the original article (17 and 19) and then addresses each of Baker's concerns in turn, including the effect of wrapping wire on cable strength, the Poisson effect, field testing practices, computational effort, and wire protection by oiling.
The Effect of Anisotropic Scattering Upon the Elastic Moderation of Fast Neutrons

The effect of anisotropic (CM) elastic scattering upon neutron moderation has been investigated. Relations between the Legendre moments of the angular scattering data (CM) and the moderating parame...
Oxidative stress due to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection upregulates selenium-dependent GPx activity

This study was designed to determine the relationship between Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection and selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, in the blood of humans and cattle infected with MAP. MAP infection status and GPx activity were determined in sera from 42 cattle, a group of 27 patients with Crohn’s disease and 27 of their healthy biological relatives, and a group of 66 subjects with various diseases other than Crohn’s disease and 34 non-related healthy subjects. GPx activity was significantly higher overall in the case of MAP infection in both humans and cattle. The mean value for GPx activity was 1.59 ± 0.65 units/ml in MAP positive cattle compared to 0.46907 ± 0.28 units/ml in healthy cattle sera, where a unit was defined as one mmol/minute (P < 0.01). The mean value of the GPx activity in MAP negative humans clinical sera was 0.42367 ± 0.229 units/ml compared to 0.80941 ± 0.521 in MAP positive sera in a study comparing Crohn’s disease patients to their healthy relatives. The mean activity in MAP negative humans was 0.4702 ± 0.1299 compared to 0.6510 ± 00.1665 units/ml in positive samples in a randomized field study of 100 subjects. This study demonstrated a strong correlation between MAP and the elevation of GPx activity. This was especially evident in Crohn’s patients, which further supports the association of MAP and Crohn’s disease. GPx activity may also be used to predict MAP infection status and to show that Crohn’s disease patients who are infected with MAP have higher tendency to develop oxidative stress than Crohn’s disease patients who are negative for the bacteria.
Inorganic ions in cecal content of gnotobiotic rats.

SummaryThe cecal content of germfree rats was analyzed for osmolarity, conductivity and concentrations of Na, K, Cl and carbon dioxide with the following results: referred to blood plasma, the osmolarity was slightly hypertonic, the conductivity was low and the concentrations of Na, Cl and carbon dioxide were low. The K concentration was about twice the plasma concentration. Mono-contamination with Clostridium difficile for 24 hours induced a reduction of the cecal size and changes in the composition of the cecal content. The conductivity, concentrations of Na, Cl and carbon dioxide increased proportional to the cecal size reduction. The osmolarity and K concentration remained unchanged. The content of terminal ileum of germfree rats showed a distinctly different ionic composition from that of the cecum and the concentrations were not affected by mono-contamination.Miss Phyllis Wendland of The South Bend Medical Foundation for their courtesy in making available the chloridometer; and to Dr. Morris Wagner ...
Integrated vehicle routing: a case study of unmanned aerial vehicle decision making

Time critical vehicle routings, such as with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) routing, are considered as integrated location routing problems where the objective is to simultaneously optimise the location and the routing. Although computer systems are good at providing solutions for optimised routing, they may not have the expert knowledge as that of human operators. Human operators play an important role in ensuring the safety and in achieving operational effectiveness in such systems. Problems such as increased human error, lack of situational awareness, and opacity from poorly automated systems remain; particularly in scenarios where human operators must make decisions in time-pressured planning. Hence, we study joint cognitive problem solving for a class of problems related to supervisory control of integrated vehicle routing. Results indicate that the graphical representation of the routing alternatives led to quicker evaluation time by the operator than tabular representation.
In vivo Inhibition of Monoamine Oxidase Studied with Radioactive Tyramine

Summary1. Tyramine, labeled with C14 in the a-position of the side chain, has been synthesized for use as a substrate in studies of the in vivo inhibition of monoamine oxidase. 2. With the exception of a small degree of conjugation, no metabolic route for tyramine could be detected in intact rats and mice other than that due to monoamine oxidase action. 3. A technic for evaluating in vivo inhibitory effect on monoamine oxidase has been devised and a number of substances tested. Only 2 active compounds were found; the common sympathomimetic amines were inactive.
The epidemic process and dynamic analysis of plague in the natural plague focus of Alashan Citellus mongolicus umbratus

Objective To analyze the epidemic status of the natural plague focus of Alashan Citellus mongolicus umbratus,and to provide the basis for formulating the strategies of plague prevention and control.Methods According to the surveillance data of rodent,flea,Y.pestis from 1999 to 2008,relationship between the constituent elements and the epidemic status quo in the plague foci of Alashan Citellus mongolicus umbratus was analyzed.Results There was no outbreaks of human plague epidemic in the Alashan Citellus mongolicus umbratus natural plague focus from 1999 to 2008.The number of host positive serums was 34,the maximum titer attain to 1∶2 560,the Alashan Citellus mongolicus umbratus density was 1.50,the infected flea rate of body flea was 62.99%,the body flea index was 1.96,the holes flea index was 0.33,the nest flea index was 5.1.Conclusions Animals plague had occurred in the part of plague focus of Alashan Citellus mongolicus umbratus from 1999 to 2004.From 2004 until now,the epidemic tendency of animals plague was inactively state,but Citellus mongolicus umbratus density and its flea index is much higher than the standards of plague control,it should be still attached great importance.
The effect of Bikram yoga on endothelial function in young and middle-aged and older adults.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if Bikram yoga, a style of heated hatha yoga, would improve endothelial function in young and middle-aged and older, healthy adults. This trial was performed in 36 young (n = 17) and middle-aged and older adults (n = 19) who completed 3 weekly Bikram yoga classes for 8 weeks. Height, body weight and body composition were determined and endothelial function was measured noninvasively using brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) before and after the intervention. No changes in body weight, BMI or body fat percentage occurred as a result of the intervention in either group. Brachial artery FMD was significantly increased in middle-aged and older (P < 0.05) but not in young adults as a result of the intervention. The results demonstrate that a relatively short-term Bikram yoga practice might significantly improve vascular endothelial function in middle-aged and older adults. While apparently healthy individuals in this study experienced no adverse events, those with preexisting conditions should take caution and consult with a physician prior to engaging in this style of yoga.
A critical appraisal of the anaesthesia literature

Today’s anaesthesia journals are faced with problems in the quality of materials being published. The stature of anaesthesia as an important intellectual and professional discipline worthy of respect as an integral part of modern practice of medicine is tarnished by publication of these materials that collectively fail to achieve the highest level of quality. Publishers, editors, and authors should respond to the problems by restricting publication only to articles that are demonstrating essential to advancing the art and science of anaesthesia and by slowly but inexorably decreasing the number of articles published and the space available for their publication.
Changes in Structure and Antigenicity of HIV-1 Env Trimers Resulting from Removal of a Conserved CD4 Binding Site-Proximal Glycan

UNLABELLED The envelope glycoprotein (Env) is the major target for HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs). One of the mechanisms that HIV has evolved to escape the host's immune response is to mask conserved epitopes on Env with dense glycosylation. Previous studies have shown that the removal of a particular conserved glycan at N197 increases the neutralization sensitivity of the virus to antibodies targeting the CD4 binding site (CD4bs), making it a site of significant interest from the perspective of vaccine design. At present, the structural consequences that result from the removal of the N197 glycan have not been characterized. Using native-like SOSIP trimers, we examine the effects on antigenicity and local structural dynamics resulting from the removal of this glycan. A large increase in the binding of CD4bs and V3-targeting antibodies is observed for the N197Q mutant in trimeric Env, while no changes are observed with monomeric gp120. While the overall structure and thermostability are not altered, a subtle increase in the flexibility of the variable loops at the trimeric interface of adjacent protomers is evident in the N197Q mutant by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry. Structural modeling of the glycan chains suggests that the spatial occupancy of the N197 glycan leads to steric clashes with CD4bs antibodies in the Env trimer but not monomeric gp120. Our results indicate that the removal of the N197 glycan enhances the exposure of relevant bNAb epitopes on Env with a minimal impact on the overall trimeric structure. These findings present a simple modification for enhancing trimeric Env immunogens in vaccines. IMPORTANCE The HIV-1 Env glycoprotein presents a dense patchwork of host cell-derived N-linked glycans. This so-called glycan shield is considered to be a major protective mechanism against immune recognition. While the positions of many N-linked glycans are isolate specific, some are highly conserved and are believed to play key functional roles. In this study, we examine the conserved, CD4 binding site-proximal N197 glycan and demonstrate that its removal both facilitates neutralizing antibody access to the CD4 binding site and modestly impacts the structural dynamics at the trimer crown without drastically altering global Env trimer stability. This indicates that surgical glycosylation site modification may be an effective way of sculpting epitope presentation in Env-based vaccines.
Public population information in differential privacy

Privatized queries which satisfy the strict requirements of differential privacy include randomized noise calibrated to cover up the impact any arbitrary individual could have on the query results. An attacker viewing these results will only be able to learn aggregate information about the data-set, as the noise prevents any single individual from having a detectable effect on the results. Not all queries can be effectively privatized in this fashion: if an arbitrary individual could potentially have a very large effect on the results of a query, then the requisite noise may be so large as to eliminate the utility of the results. However, adding sufficient noise to obscure a truly 'arbitrary' individual is unnecessary if the data-set is sampled from a limited population publicly known to satisfy certain constraints. This is a simple but powerful insight; many queries which are too sensitive to be privatizable in general can be successfully privatized in constrained populations. We prove that reducing noise based on public population information does not weaken privacy, and describe a selection of sensitive queries which become usefully privatizable within constrained populations.
Measures for Robust Stability and Controllability

A linear time-invariant dynamical system is robustly stable if the system and all of its nearby systems in a neighborhood of interest are stable. An important property of robustly stable systems is that they decay asymptotically without exhibiting significant transient behavior. The first part of this thesis work focuses on measures revealing the degree of robust stability. We put special emphasis on pseudospectral measures, those based on the eigenvalues of nearby matrices for a first-order system or matrix polynomials for a higher-order system. We present new algorithms with quadratic rate of convergence for the computation of pseudospectral measures and analyze their accuracy in the presence of rounding errors. We also provide an efficient new algorithm for computing the numerical radius of a matrix, the modulus of the outermost point in the set of Rayleigh quotients of the matrix. We call a system robustly controllable if it is controllable and remains controllable under perturbations of interest. We describe efficient methods for the algorithm for the distance to uncontrollability of a first-order system depends on a grid and is well-suited for low-precision approximation. We then discuss algorithms for high-precision approximation. These are based on the bisection method of Gu and the trisection variant of Burke-Lewis-Overton. These algorithms require the extraction of the real eigenvalues of matrices of size O(n2), typically at a cost of O(n6), where n is the dimension of the state space. We propose a new divide-and-conquer algorithm for real eigenvalue extraction that reduces the cost to O(n4) on average in both theory and practice, and is O(n 5) in the worst case. For higher-order systems we derive a singular-value characterization and exploit this characterization for the computation of the higher-order distance to uncontrollability to low precision. The algorithms in this thesis assume that arbitrary complex perturbations are applicable and require the extraction of the imaginary eigenvalues of Hamiltonian matrices (or even matrix polynomials) or the unit eigenvalues of symplectic pencils (or palindromic matrix polynomials). MATLAB implementations of all algorithms discussed are freely available.
Landing in the Marvellous City

This chapter sets the readers in the city, introducing them to my approach and subject matter. It also sets the tone for the book—a blend of analysis, criticism, and narrative—to establish my interpretative framework and to make the reader feel as though they’ve parachuted into a complex and intriguing city. It introduces the reader to the temporal complexity that I see at the heart of the modern city’s identity, as well as establishing the historical points of reference—1889 to 2016—that frame the book. It also briefly mentions the aspects of the city’s identity, particularly decadence, nostalgia, saudades, and progress, that are vital to understanding my perspective.
Tonic Clonic Status Epilepticus

The phases of status epilepticus and management with anticonvulsant drugs are reviewed from the Institute of Neurology, National Hospital, Queen Square, London.
Self-Synchronization Strings in Huffman Equivalent Codes

Possession of self-synchronization strings (SSSs) is a favorable feature of Huffman equivalent codes. In this paper, first, we show that SSSs in a Huffman equivalent code are in fact codewords or concatenation of codewords and then give a method to find those short SSSs without exhaustive search. Second, we present a closed-form solution to show how often the SSSs can be encountered in a coded sequence.
THE DIRECT ACYL-ALKYLATION OF ARYNES. PREPARATION OF METHYL 2-(2-ACETYLPHENYL)ACETATE.

1. Procedure Methyl 2-(2-acetylphenyl)acetate. An oven-dried (Note 1) 500-mL, three-necked, round-bottomed flask is equipped with a magnetic stir bar, and cesium fluoride (19.7 g, 130 mmol, 2.5 equiv) (Note 2) is added. The flask is fitted with a reflux condenser in the middle neck, an adaptor equipped with a thermometer in one of the side necks, and a septum in the other side neck. The condenser is equipped with a vacuum adaptor connected to a Schlenk line (nitrogen/vacuum manifold). The connected glassware is evacuated under high vacuum (0.025 mmHg) and carefully back-filled with nitrogen. This procedure is repeated twice to secure an oxygen-free atmosphere in the flask. Dry MeCN (260 mL) (Note 3) is added to the flask via a syringe through the septum. While stirring the reaction mixture, methyl acetoacetate (5.60 mL, 6.01 g, 51.8 mmol, 1.00 equiv) (Note 4) and 2- (trimethylsilyl)phenyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (15.7 mL, 19.3 g, 64.7 mmol, 1.25 equiv) (Note 5) are added through the septum via syringes. The flask is submerged in an oil bath (100 °C) and the reaction mixture is heated to reflux (internal temperature: 78-81 °C, reached after 15 min). The mixture is stirred at reflux temperature for 40 min (Note 6). Initially, the reaction mixture is a white opaque suspension, but during heating it changes color to yellow and upon reflux the color changes to orange. As the reaction progresses the opaque solution becomes transparent and the color changes back to yellow. Throughout the entire time a white precipitate is present in the flask. The reaction flask is removed from the oil bath and allowed to cool to ambient temperature (23 °C) over the course of 1 h. The flask is
Urinary Phytoestrogen Concentrations Are Not Associated with Incident Endometriosis in Premenopausal Women.

Background: Phytoestrogens have been associated with subtle hormonal changes, but their effects on endometriosis are largely unknown. Objective: We assessed the association between urinary concentrations of phytoestrogens and incident endometriosis. Methods: We included an operative sample of 495 premenopausal women aged 18–44 y undergoing laparoscopies and laparotomies at 14 clinical sites between 2007 and 2009 and a general population sample of 131 women from the same geographic area who were matched on age and menstruation status. Endometriosis in the surgical sample was assessed by surgical visualization (clinical gold standard), whereas disease in the general population sample was assessed with the use of a pelvic MRI. Urine concentrations of genistein, daidzen, O-desmethylangolensin, equol, enterodiol, and enterolactone were measured at baseline. Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to estimate the risk of an endometriosis diagnosis for each sample after adjusting for age and body mass index (in kg/m2). Separate models were run for each phytoestrogen. Results: Overall geometric mean urine concentrations of phytoestrogens were as follows: genistein [88 nmol/L (95% CI: 72, 108 nmol/L)], daidzein [194 nmol/L (95% CI: 160, 236 nmol/L)], O-desmethylangolensin [4 nmol/L (95% CI: 3, 6 nmol/L)], equol [4 nmol/L (95% CI: 4, 6 nmol/L)], enterodiol [29 nmol/L (95% CI: 22, 38 nmol/L)], and enterolactone [355 nmol/L (95% CI: 395, 544 nmol/L)]. Geometric mean concentrations of phytoestrogens did not significantly differ by endometriosis status in either sample. Adjusted RRs for endometriosis ranged from 0.87 to 1.09 for the 6 phytoestrogens measured, with all CIs including a value ≥1. Phytoestrogens were not associated with the severity of endometriosis when restricting the analysis to women with moderate-to-severe disease per the revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine criteria. Furthermore, no associations were observed between self-reported high soy intake and endometriosis. Conclusions: Despite endometriosis being an estrogen-dependent disease, we found no evidence that urinary phytoestrogens were associated with a higher risk of an endometriosis diagnosis in either a sample of premenopausal women or in a surgical sample.
The far-reaching scope of neuroinflammation after traumatic brain injury

The 'silent epidemic' of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been placed in the spotlight as a result of clinical investigations and popular press coverage of athletes and veterans with single or repetitive head injuries. Neuroinflammation can cause acute secondary injury after TBI, and has been linked to chronic neurodegenerative diseases; however, anti-inflammatory agents have failed to improve TBI outcomes in clinical trials. In this Review, we therefore propose a new framework of targeted immunomodulation after TBI for future exploration. Our framework incorporates factors such as the time from injury, mechanism of injury, and secondary insults in considering potential treatment options. Structuring our discussion around the dynamics of the immune response to TBI - from initial triggers to chronic neuroinflammation - we consider the ability of soluble and cellular inflammatory mediators to promote repair and regeneration versus secondary injury and neurodegeneration. We summarize both animal model and human studies, with clinical data explicitly defined throughout this Review. Recent advances in neuroimmunology and TBI-responsive neuroinflammation are incorporated, including concepts of inflammasomes, mechanisms of microglial polarization, and glymphatic clearance. Moreover, we highlight findings that could offer novel therapeutic targets for translational and clinical research, assimilate evidence from other brain injury models, and identify outstanding questions in the field.
Protein Interaction Partners of PDZ-Binding Kinase (PBK) Implicate a Possible Role in Leukemogenesis.

Abstract Considering the fact that multiple genetic hits are required for the development of human cancers, we focused to examine the possible complementation by a novel mitotic kinase called PDZ- binding kinase (PBK) in the backdrop of deregulated c-Myc expression which either as a primary or a secondary genetic event is responsible for a wide variety of cancers including hematological malignancies. PBK, a mitotic kinase and a MAP kinase kinase homolog was originally identified in the laboratory as a differentially expressed gene in Burkitt's lymphoma cell line GA10 compared to hyperplastic tonsillar B cells. We earlier found that PBK was upregulated in 9 out of 12 primary samples of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) as well as several other leukemia and lymphomas while CD34+ immunoselected bone marrow stem/ progenitor cells expressed very little PBK. PBK was found to be coregulated with c-Myc during macrophage differentiation of promyelocytic leukemia cells HL60 and during growth arrest in the presence of low doses of an antineoplastic compound doxorubicin. We further demonstrated that binding by the cell cycle- specific transcription factors E2F and CREB/ ATF respectively at −146 bp and −312 bp positions upstream of the transcription start site of PBK is required for optimal PBK expression. In order to understand the functional implications of PBK expression in oncogenically stimulated cells, we have analyzed the protein- protein interactions involving PBK in the human bone marrow cells utilizing yeast two- hybrid approach. To this end, a constitutively active PBK mutant was expressed in yeast as a fusion protein with GAL4 DNA- binding domain. Utilizing GAL4- PBK as bait, we have isolated several cDNA clones including those encoding the high- mobility group nucleosomal binding protein 2 (HMGN2) and ret finger protein 2 (RFP2) as potential interaction partners for PBK. It was reported that mitotic phosphorylation of the nucleosomal binding domain (NBD) present in the HMGN1, another member of the related protein family, regulates interaction with 14.3.3 proteins and entry into the nuclei. In a separate study, it was reported that a 31 amino acid synthetic peptide from HMGN2 overlapping to NBD when injected intravenously was able to direct homing to the nuclei of tumor cells. RFP2 is a candidate tumor suppressor gene residing in the critical deleted region (CDR) 13q14 as it occurs in several different hematological malignancies such as B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), mantle cell lymphoma, diffuse large cell lymphoma, myeloma including solid tumors such as head and neck cancer, oral tumors and prostate carcinoma. Validation of these interactions in the mammalian cell environment is currently in progress.
Comparative Effects of Sea Level Rise Versus Hurricane Event on Coastal Erosion

Rising sea level from global warming raises concerns about coastal erosion. While gradual erosion from sea level rise may go almost unnoticed, combined effects of sea level rise and hurricanes can be devastating. For this reason, historical shoreline changes provide planners valuable tools to forecast and lessen impacts. Sakonnet Point, RI, USA, suffered the dramatic ‘one-two punch’ of a major hurricane and rising sea level and offers such a case history. This peninsular headland is the most seaward extension of RI near the Massachusetts border. The seaward extension of Sakonnet Point was historically a 300 m long peninsula of glacial till with large dunes. My study utilized a nearly 100-year photographic time-series and on-site observations to evaluate this dune system’s disappearance. Since 1938, this peninsula was altered from a system of nearly fifteen-foot (4.6 m) high dunes to nearly complete submergence at high tide. Sea level rise along this New England coast was 0.25–0.3 m over the last century. Superimposed upon sea level rise was the catastrophic 1938 hurricane surge. Our results show that major storm damage to barrier dunes sets the stage for sea level rise to produce rapid beach disappearance. With accelerated sea level rise from global warming, Sakonnet Point serves as a valuable tool for coastal planners.
Integrating Worker Health and Safety into Sustainable Design and Construction: Designer and Constructor Perspectives

AbstractSustainable building design and construction is gaining rapid growth within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry as a substantial opportunity to improve the effici...
A New, Short, and Stereocontrolled Synthesis of C2-Symmetric 1,2-Diamines

The previously unknown 5-spirocyclohexylisoimidazole has been made efficiently and simply by reaction of ammonia, glyoxal hydrate, and cyclohexanone. It is a very useful precursor for the diastereocontrolled synthesis of many C2-symmetric 1,2-diamines, a class which is important for the generation of a variety of C2-symmetric reagents and catalysts for enantioselective synthesis.
Abstract 266: Renovascular Remodeling in Hypertensive Dahl-SS Rats: Role of MMP Inhibitor as a Hypertension Ameliorating Agent

High salt diet has long been associated with chronic hypertension. The development of renal injury in Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) hypertensive rats is characterized by structural and functional changes involving vascular remodeling. Increased activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) leading to alteration in the extracellular matrix (ECM) is the main mechanism contributing to increased peripheral vascular resistance. In this study, we hypothesized that inhibition of MMPs will modulate ECM remodeling by decreasing MMP activity and thus reduce mean arterial blood pressure. METHODS: We used Dahl-salt sensitive (Dahl-SS) and Lewis rats fed on high salt diet. The groups were 1) Dahl-SS, 2) Dahl-SS+GM6001 (non-specific MMP inhibitor), 3) Lewis, and 4) Lewis+GM6001. GM6001 was given at 0.5mg/mL by intra-peritoneal injection on alternate days for 3 weeks. Blood pressure, laser doppler flowmetry for renal cortical blood flow and barium angiography for renal vascular density were measured. Results: Mean arterial blood pressure was 172.10 ± 0.57 mm Hg in hypertensive Dahl-SS rats compared to 136.12 ± 1.22 mm Hg in Dahl-SS+GM6001 rats. The mean arterial pressures in lewis and lewis+GM6001 groups were 97.08 ± 0.56 and 87.63 ± 2.93 mm Hg respectively. Laser doppler flowmetry showed reduced renal cortical blood flow (1333.33 flux units) in Dahl-SS rats compared to Dahl-SS rats treated with GM6001 (1605 flux units). Lewis rats showed similar renal cortical flow with (1488.33 flux units) or without GM6001 (1425 flux units). Barium angiography demonstrated increased renal vascular density with patent branches in the renal cortex of animals treated with MMP inhibitor, GM6001. Conclusion: Our results suggest that in hypertensive Dahl-SS rats, inhibition of MMP attenuates high blood pressure, maintains patency of renal cortical vessels thus improving cortical blood flow.
Chapter 23 – Distributed Smart Cameras for Distributed Computer Vision

Distributed smart cameras are both smart—they perform computer vision tasks—and distributed—the cameras themselves are distributed in space and distributed algorithms are used for analysis. Physically distributing cameras help with both occlusion and target resolution. Distributed algorithms offer better scaling as well as reliability. Distributed computer vision algorithms require careful design. This chapter motivates smart cameras and distributed algorithms, surveys some background material in traditional computer vision, and describes example distributed computer vision algorithms for several important tasks.
Movements and habitat use of White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons frontalis) during the remigial molt in arctic Alaska, USA

Abstract. Proposed oil and gas leasing in the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska has raised questions about possible impacts of development on molting Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons frontalis) and their habitats. We used GPS transmitters to record fine-scale location data of molting and post-molt White-fronted Geese to assess patterns of movement and resource selection relative to vegetation class, year (2012, 2013), and body mass at capture. Molting White-fronted Geese were located an average of 63.3 ± 4.9 m (SE) from lakeshores. Estimated terrestrial home range size for flightless birds differed between years (2012 = 13.2 ± 2.6 km2; 2013 = 6.5 ± 1.8 km2), but did not vary among habitat strata or with body mass. Molting White-fronted Geese used sedge (Carex aquatilus) dominated low centered polygons and water more frequently than expected given proportional habitat availability, but avoided tussock tundra and wet sedge vegetation classes. Upon regaining flight, individuals tended to remain...
How do we attract and retain women in cardiology

The recruitment and advancement of women in cardiology is an important priority for the cardiology community. Despite improvements in sex disparities over the last 2 decades, women remain a small minority in cardiology. Recent studies have revealed key obstacles facing female cardiologists including radiation exposure, family responsibilities, unequal financial compensations, and lack of career advancement. To attract and retain more women into the field of cardiology, the cardiology community, including professional society leaders, division chiefs, and program directors, must all work to overcome these barriers.
More Inclusive States, Less Poverty Among Immigrants? An Examination of Poverty, Citizenship Stratification, and State Immigrant Policies

Over the last 20 years, policymaking related to immigrant populations has increasingly been conducted at the state-level. State immigrant polices may influence immigrant poverty by determining immigrants’ level of access to social, economic, political, and health resources and by shaping the social environment. Further, these immigrant policies may shape the stratification between citizens and noncitizens, potentially contributing to distinct patterns of disparities in poverty by both citizenship and race/ethnicity. To assess the relationship between immigrant policy and socioeconomic stratification of immigrants across citizenship status and race/ethnicity in the U.S., we combined data from the 2014 American Community Survey and a measure of level of inclusion of state immigrant policies. We estimated fixed-effects logistic regressions to test the associations between poverty and the interaction of level of inclusiveness, citizenship, and race/ethnicity, controlling for state- and individual-level characteristics. Results showed that there are significant disparities in poverty by citizenship status and race/ethnicity. Asian/Pacific Islander (API) noncitizens experienced lower levels of poverty in states with higher levels of inclusion. Both Latino and API citizens experienced lower levels of poverty in states with higher versus lower levels of inclusion. Among Latinos, the gap in poverty rates between noncitizens and citizens is larger in more inclusive than less inclusive ones, suggesting that the potential positive impact of more inclusive environments does not necessarily translate to the most vulnerable Latino group. The level of inclusion was not associated with differences among Whites and Blacks. Findings suggest that states with more inclusive immigrant policies may foster environments that advance the economic well-being of API noncitizens, as well as API and Latino citizens.
CW 3µm lasing via two-photon pumping in cesium vapor with a 1W source

We report the first CW lasing from two-photon pumping via a virtual state. Pulsed and the CW lasing of the 3096 nm 72 P1/2 to 72 S1/2 line are observed from degenerate two-photon pumping of the cesium 72 S1/2 to 62 D3/2 transition. High intensity pulses excite over 17 lasing wavelengths. Under lower intensity CW excitation, 3 μm lasing is still observed with efficiencies of 0.7%. CW experiments utilized a Cs heat pipe at 150 °C to 270 °C, and a highly-focused, single pass, Ti-Sapphire pump with no aid of a cavity. Unlike normal DPALS, this architecture does not require buffer gas, and heat is released optically so a flowing system is not required. Both suggest a very simple device with excellent beam quality is possible. This proof of concept can be greatly enhanced with more optimal conditions such as non-degenerate pumping to further increase the two-photon pump cross section and the addition of a cavity to improve mode volume overlap. These improvements may lead to an increase in efficiencies to a theoretical maximum of 14%. Results suggest two-photon pumping with diodes is feasible.