cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GATA-6 Activates Transcription of Thyroid Transcription Factor-1

Thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) is expressed in respiratory epithelial cells, where it regulates the transcription of target genes expressed in a cell-selective manner. GATA-5 and -6, members of the zinc finger family of transcription factors, are also expressed in various cell types within in the developing lung. In the present work, GATA-6 mRNA was detected in adult mouse lung, purified mouse type II epithelial cells, and differentiated mouse pulmonary adenocarcinoma cells (MLE-15 cells), being co-expressed with TTF-1 mRNA. In order to test whether GATA factors regulated TTF-1 gene transcription, GATA-5 and -6 expression vectors were co-transfected with TTF-1 luciferase expression vector. GATA-6, but not GATA-5, markedly activated TTF-1 gene transcription in HeLa cells. EMSA and supershift analysis with GATA-6 antiserum demonstrated that GATA-6 in MLE-15 cell nuclear extracts bound to an element located 96–101 base pairs from major start of TTF-1 gene transcription. Site directed mutagenesis of the GATA element in the TTF-1 promoter region inhibited transactivation by GATA-6 in HeLa cells. GATA-6 is co-expressed with TTF-1 in the respiratory epitheliumin vivo and respiratory epithelial cells in vitro. GATA-6 strongly enhanced activity of the human TTF-1 gene promoter in vitro. These findings support the concept that GATA-6 may play an important role in lung cell differentiation and gene expression, at least in part by altering the expression of TTF-1 and its potential targets.
Language Identification of Search Engine Queries

We consider the language identification problem for search engine queries. First, we propose a method to automatically generate a data set, which uses click-through logs of the Yahoo! Search Engine to derive the language of a query indirectly from the language of the documents clicked by the users. Next, we use this data set to train two decision tree classifiers; one that only uses linguistic features and is aimed for textual language identification, and one that additionally uses a non-linguistic feature, and is geared towards the identification of the language intended by the users of the search engine. Our results show that our method produces a highly reliable data set very efficiently, and our decision tree classifier outperforms some of the best methods that have been proposed for the task of written language identification on the domain of search engine queries.
Estimating the time of step change with Poisson CUSUM and EWMA control charts

Knowing when a process has changed would simplify the search for and identification of the special cause. Consequently, having an estimate of the process change point following a control chart signal would be useful to process engineers. Much of the literature on change point models and techniques for statistical process control applications consider processes well modelled by the normal distribution. However, the Poisson distribution is commonly used in industrial quality control applications for modelling attribute-based process quality characteristics (e.g., counts of non-conformities). Some commonly used control charts for monitoring Poisson distributed data are the Poisson cumulative sum (CUSUM) and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control charts. In this paper, we study the effect of changes in the design of the control chart on the performances of the change point estimators offered by these procedures. In particular, we compare root mean square error performances of the change point es...
Heroin inhalation complicated by refractory hydrocephalus: A novel presentation

CNS manifestations of heroin include toxic leukoencephalopathy, strokes, seizures, and movement disorders.1 Oral2,3 and IV4 opiate intoxications may trigger obstructive hydrocephalus. We describe refractory hydrocephalus with a communicating element as a new complication of heroin inhalation while “chasing the dragon.” We discuss the putative mechanisms for communicating hydrocephalus, and its successful management with a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VPS).
SRLG-aware partitioning for scalability and survivability

This paper addresses both scalability and survivability issues for large optical networks by suggesting a dynamic and distributed logical partitioning technique based on shared risk groups. Simulation results verify the viability of the proposed approach.
Economic Impact of Donor Platelet Count and Platelet Yield in Apheresis Products: Relevance for Emerging Issues in Platelet Transfusion Therapy

Introduction: We analyzed donor platelet counts and platelet product yields in 708 consecutive platelet aphereses in our program in order to define the importance of this relationsh
Effect of unilateral perinatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in the rat on dopamine D1 and D2 receptors and uptake sites: a quantitative autoradiographic study.

The effect of a unilateral perinatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury on dopamine D1 and D2 receptors and uptake sites was investigated in rats by using in vitro quantitative binding autoradiography, 2–3 weeks after the insult. We observed significant decreases in the Bmax and KD for [3H]SCH 23390-labeled D1 and in the Bmax for [3H]spiperone-labeled D2 receptors in the lesioned caudate-putamen in rats with moderate brain injury (visible loss in hemispheric volume ipsilateral to the injury) compared with the nonlesioned contralateral caudate-putamen or with control rats. Changes in [3H]SCH 23390 and [3H]spiperone binding predominated in the dorsolateral part of the lesioned caudate-putamen. Pronounced reduction in [3H]SCH 23390 binding was also observed in the substantia nigra pars reticulata on the side of the lesion. In contrast, we did not observe any significant change in Bmax or KD for [3H]mazindol-labeled dopamine uptake sites. Similarly, no significant changes in the levels of dopamine or its metabolites were found on the side of the lesion. The observed reductions in striatal dopamine D1 and D2 receptors are a reflection of striatal cell loss induced by the hypoxic-ischemic injury. The absence of changes in [3H]mazindoI binding or dopamine levels in the lesioned caudate-putamen indicates that the dopaminergic presynaptic structures are preserved.
Central serous retinopathy: Variants

Idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy (ICSC) is a localized detachment of the sensory retina in the macula which is commonly seen by the general ophthalmologist. However, ICSC with bullous retinal detachment is a rare disease characterized by extensive sensory retinal detachment of the posterior pole and elsewhere. Thus far it has been reported in only nine Caucasian patients in the American literature. Two case reports are presented, one typifying ICSC, the other typifying ICSC with bullous retinal detachment. Although both entities probably share the same pathophysiologic mechanism, they are distinct in terms of diagnostic features and treatment. While ICSC is usually self-limiting and frequently diagnosed by history alone, ICSC with bullous retinal detachment is frequently misdiagnosed and subsequently treated improperly.
Identification and Function of the pdxY Gene, Which Encodes a Novel Pyridoxal Kinase Involved in the Salvage Pathway of Pyridoxal 5′-Phosphate Biosynthesis in Escherichia coli K-12

Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) is the active form of vitamin B6 and acts as an essential, ubiquitous coenzyme in many aspects of amino acid and cellular metabolism (3, 7, 10). PLP is synthesized de novo in Escherichia coli by a pathway that is thought to condense 4-phosphohydroxy-l-threonine (4PHT) and d-1-deoxyxylulose to form pyridoxine 5′-phosphate (PNP) (9, 12, 18–21, 25, 41, 45–47). PNP is then oxidized by the PdxH oxidase to form PLP, the active coenzyme (Fig. ​(Fig.1)1) (4, 24, 26, 27, 38, 48). In addition, PLP can be synthesized by a salvage pathway that utilizes pyridoxal (PL), pyridoxine (PN), and pyridoxamine (PM) taken up from the growth medium (Fig. ​(Fig.1)1) (20, 44). In the salvage pathway, PL, PN, and PM are first phosphorylated by kinases to form PLP, PNP, and pyridoxamine 5′-phosphate (PMP), respectively (Fig. ​(Fig.1).1). PNP and PMP are oxidized by the PdxH oxidase, which functions in both the salvage and de novo pathways (20, 26, 29, 48). Similar salvage pathways are present in mammalian cells, which lack a de novo PLP biosynthetic pathway (5, 6, 17). In mammalian cells, PLP homeostasis is further maintained by the offsetting activities of PL kinases and a PLP-specific phosphatase (13–15). A cytoplasmic PLP phosphatase activity has been detected in E. coli K-12, but it has not yet been determined whether this phosphatase is specific for PLP (43). FIG. 1 De novo and salvage pathways for PLP biosynthesis in E. coli K-12. The de novo pathway illustrates that the intermediate 4PHT is synthesized from erythrose 4-phosphate (E4P) by a series of steps, one of which is catalyzed by the PdxB dehydrogenase (9 ... We recently reported the identification of the pdxK gene, which encodes a PN kinase (44). Previously, a PN kinase with additional PL and PM kinase activities was purified from E. coli, and it is likely that pdxK encodes this PN/PL/PM kinase (39). This was the first identification of a gene encoding a PN/PL/PM kinase in any organism and led to the rapid identification of a gene encoding a PL kinase in humans (17). A reverse genetics approach was used in the protozoan Trypanosoma brucei to identify a gene encoding a PL kinase, which showed significant homology to E. coli PdxK (34). We showed previously that a pdxK null mutant lacks PN kinase activity but still contains PL kinase activity that is detectable in bacteria in which de novo PLP biosynthesis is blocked (44). This finding led to the hypothesis that E. coli K-12 contains at least one other PL kinase that converts PL to PLP. Here we confirm this hypothesis by identifying the pdxY gene, which encodes a novel PL kinase whose function is confined to the B6 vitamer salvage pathway. We show further that pdxY is located in a multifunctional operon that contains the gene for the PdxH PNP/PMP oxidase, which functions in both the de novo and salvage pathways of PLP synthesis (Fig. ​(Fig.1),1), and the essential tyrS gene, which encodes aminoacyl-tRNATyr synthetase.
Covalent modification of a ten-residue cationic antimicrobial peptide with levofloxacin.

The rampant spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria has spurred interest in alternative strategies for developing next-generation antibacterial therapies. As such, there has been growing interest in cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) and their therapeutic applications. Modification of CAMPs via conjugation to auxiliary compounds, including small molecule drugs, is a new approach to developing effective, broad-spectrum antibacterial agents with novel physicochemical properties and versatile antibacterial mechanisms. Here, we’ve explored design parameters for engineering CAMPs conjugated to small molecules with favorable physicochemical and antibacterial properties by covalently affixing a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, levofloxacin, to the ten-residue CAMP Pep-4. Relative to the unmodified Pep-4, the conjugate was found to demonstrate substantially increased antibacterial potency under high salt concentrations. Historically, it has been observed that most CAMPs lose antibacterial effectiveness in such high ionic strength environments, a fact that has presented a challenge to their development as therapeutics. Physicochemical studies revealed that P4LC was more hydrophobic than Pep-4, while mechanistic findings indicated that the conjugate was more effective at disrupting bacterial membrane integrity. Although the inherent antibacterial effect of the incorporated levofloxacin molecules did not appear to be substantially realized in this conjugate, these findings nevertheless suggest that covalent attachment of small molecule antibiotics with favorable physicochemical properties to CAMPs could be a promising strategy for enhancing peptide performance and overall therapeutic potential. These results have broader applicability to the development of future CAMP-antibiotic conjugates for potential therapeutic applications.
Handheld Computers for Doctors

Handheld Computers for Doctors. By Mohammad Al-Ubaydli . West Sussex, England: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., 2003; $35 Mohammad Al-Ubaydli, MD, a Visiting Research Fellow at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in Washington, DC, recently has published an information guide entitled Handheld Computers for Doctors . A handheld computer, also known as a personal digital assistant (PDA), is defined in this report as “a computer that is small enough to hold in your hand, or keep in your pocket.” This book addresses four main topics: What is a handheld computer? What utility does it provide for personal organization and clinical information management? What are some practical applications of networked handhelds in the clinical setting? How does an individual become a successful handheld computer project champion? The book is arranged into three sections that are well organized to address these questions. The first section, termed Why Star Trek Is Science Past , is clearly targeted at clinicians who are skeptical about the technology or who recently became new users of handheld computers. Dr. Al-Ubaydli provides insight into choosing basic hardware and software, and covers both Palm and PocketPC handheld computer environments. Some of the general functions covered include personal organization (calendar, address book, and notepad), …
Aerosol Spray Pyrolysis Synthesis of Magnetic Manganese Ferrite Particles

We describe the aerosol spray pyrolysis synthesis and subsequent properties of manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) submicrometer particles. Various combinations of the chlorides and nitrates of manganese and iron dissolved in water were used as precursors. Typical aerosol reactor residence times were 0.5–1.5s. With insufficient reactor temperature, e.g., 650°C, porous, hollow particles with a mixture of the ferrite and the individual metal oxides were obtained. These intermediate phases and morphologies were precursor dependent. In particular, nitrate ion caused oxidization of the manganese to the trivalent state, which is unsuitable for ferrite formation and caused what we termed a chemical segregation of the phases. Postaerosol baking showed how these particles evolved to dense, single-phase, agglomerated ferrite particles. If instead the aerosol reactor was at a sufficiently high temperature, > 900°C, dense, single-phase, unagglomerated particles were formed in one aerosol step. The particles had nearly bulkli...
Pre-eclampsia and cardiovascular disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in all countries. A history of pre-eclampsia, one of the most deadly hypertensive complications of pregnancy, increases cardiovascular risk by two to four times, which is comparable with the risk induced by smoking. Substantial epidemiological data reveal that pregnancy-related hypertensive complications are associated with a predisposition to chronic hypertension, premature heart attacks, strokes, and renal complications. In this review, we summarize clinical studies that demonstrate this relationship and also discuss the pathogenesis of these long-term complications of pre-eclampsia. Future studies should focus on strategies to prevent the progression of cardiovascular disease in women exposed to pre-eclampsia, thereby improving long-term cardiovascular health in women.
Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii and Bartonella henselae bacteremia in a father and daughter with neurological disease.

Background Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii is an important, emerging, intravascular bacterial pathogen that has been recently isolated from immunocompetent patients with endocarditis, arthritis, neurological disease and vasoproliferative neoplasia. Vector transmission is suspected among dogs and wild canines, which are the primary reservoir hosts. This investigation was initiated to determine if pets and family members were infected with one or more Bartonella species.
Generation on Fire: Voices of Protest from the 1960s: An Oral History

Jeff Kisseloff was an adolescent in the late 1960s, too young to take a direct part in the great protests against segregation and the Vietnam War, but old enough to be aware of what was going on. H...
The Controversial Role of the Urokinase System in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation and Rupture

In the current issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology , Uchida et al report the use of a urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA)−/− low-density lipoprotein receptor−/− mouse model to investigate the role of uPA in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in a hyperlipidemic setting.1 Surprisingly, they show that uPA deficiency has a detrimental role in the rupture of AAA, but not a role in AAA formation. AAA results from progressive degeneration of the aortic wall due to degradation of key extracellular matrix proteins, namely collagen and elastin. This leads to gradual weakening and instability of the vessel wall, dilatation of the vessel, and eventual rupture. Rupture is life threatening, accounting for approximately 15 000 deaths per year in the United States. Although recent progress has been made in detection and repair of AAA, few molecular mechanisms have been elucidated in the pathogenesis of AAA, including those related to inflammation, infection, protease activation, and underlying genetic mutations. Several families of proteinases are implicated in AAA development, including aspartic, serine, and metalloproteinases. Particularly, the matrix metalloproteinase family has been extensively studied and linked to AAA formation and expansion.2 Recently, the focus has shifted to serine proteinases involved in fibrinolysis, namely tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and uPA, as potential mediators of inflammation and proteolysis in AAA (Figure). uPA and tPA cleave plasminogen to plasmin, which can in turn activate matrix metalloproteinases, potentially increasing the proteolytic activity of nearby cells. However, the exact mechanisms linking the uPA/urokinase receptor (uPAR) system to AAA have yet to be fully identified. Figure. Top: Presumed role of the fibrinolytic system to activate plasminogen to plasmin for increased proteolytic activity during AAA formation. Bottom: The contrasting results …
Rugged HBT Class-C power amplifiers with base-emitter clamping

The ruggedness of HBT Class-C power amplifiers was improved by adding an anti-parallel diode to the amplifier input to limit the negative swing of the base-emitter voltage. The improved amplifier could withstand 3∼1 instead of 2∼1 mismatch in CW operation, and 2.5∼1 instead of 1.5∼1 mismatch in pulse operation. In contrast to other approaches with emitter ballast, active feedback, or electrostatic discharge protection circuits, the present approach is simple to implement and has negligible impact on overall amplifier output power, gain or efficiency.
Residual Stress Variation in Polysilicon Thin Films

This paper compares the use of four mechanical methods for characterization of residual stress variation in low pressure chemical vapor deposited (LPCVD) polysilicon thin films deposited, doped, and annealed under different conditions. Stress was determined using buckling structures, vibrating microstructures, static rotating structures and the wafer curvature method. After deposition of 1.0 µm of polysilicon at 625°C and 588°C the stress in the wafers is 230 MPa compressive (stdev = 1.2 MPa) and 340 MPa compressive (stdev = 10.4 MPa), respectively. Deposition of 0.6 µm at 580°C results in a tensile stress of 66 MPa (stdev= 52 MPa). Following doping, all stresses are compressive. Boron doping of the 625°C and 588°C deposited films produces a compressive stress of 149 MPa (stdev= 28.6 MPa) and 100 MPa (stdev= 29.5 MPa). Phosphorous doping of the 588°C and 580°C deposited films produces a compressive stress of 54 MPa (stdev = 0.3 MPa) and 80 MPa (stdev= 5.3 MPa), respectively. Annealing through rapid thermal processing (RTP) at temperatures of 1000°C – 1100°C reduced the stresses by 20-50 MPa, but the stresses remained compressive. These values are measured using the wafer curvature method. Values obtained from the other microstructure methods agree with stresses determined by wafer curvature with the exception of the rotating structures which showed 20% lower stress readings.
Quantitative evaluation of manual kinetic perimetry using computer simulation.

Manual kinetic perimetry is a common technique for detection and evaluation of visual field loss in glaucoma and other ophthalmic diseases. Previous investigations have examined the accuracy and reproducibility of kinetic perimetry, but have disagreed as to the source of variability in the test results.1,2 In these studies, patient response characteristics could not be specified. The present study examined the effects of controlled patient factors on performance of manual kinetic perimetry. Three technicians each conducted thirty-six kinetic perimetry examinations on normal and abnormal visual fields with varying degrees of response errors and sensitivity fluctuations, using the kraken computer simulation program.3 Performance measures included elapsed time, number of plotted isopter and scotoma boundaries, time per boundary, mean error over the entire field, and mean local error within sectors. In addition, perimetrists judged the cooperation and reliability of the simulated patient on a five-point scale. Measures of accuracy yielded significant differences in location within the visual field: central vs peripheral and superior vs inferior. Measures of efficiency yielded significant effects of patient cooperation, normal vs abnormal visual fields, and technician’s level of experience. Patient cooperation, as judged, agreed with simulated reliability. This approach appears to have promise as a training procedure for manual kinetic perimetry.
Stress-Induced Martensitic Phase Transformation in Intermetallic Nickel Aluminum Nanowires

Atomistic simulations are utilized to demonstrate a stress-induced martensitic phase transformation in intermetallic nickel aluminum (NiAl) nanowires. The martensitic phase transformation occurs by the propagation and annihilation of {101} twinning planes and transforms the initially B2 NiAl nanowires to a body-centered tetragonal (BCT) phase. The instability of the resulting BCT phase allows pseudoelastic recovery of inelastic strains on the order of 40% at all deformation temperatures.
Development of flexible dry ECG electrodes based on MWCNT/PDMS composite

Flexible dry electrode based on multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite, for monitoring electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, has been developed. The dry ECG electrode was fabricated by screen printing silver (Ag) ink on flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate, followed by bar coating of MWCNT/PDMS composite. The performance of the fabricated device was investigated by measuring ECG signals using printed dry electrodes with radii varying from 8 mm to 16 mm. The results were compared with a traditional wet Ag/AgCl ECG electrode (T716). It was observed that the dry ECG electrode, with the largest area, demonstrated better performance, in terms of signal intensity and correlation, when compared to the traditional wet ECG electrode. The response of the dry ECG electrodes are analyzed and presented in this paper.
BUYERS, SELLERS, AND MIDDLEMEN: VARIATIONS ON SEARCH-THEORETIC THEMES: BUYERS, SELLERS, AND MIDDLEMEN

We study exchange that is bilateral but indirect - it involves chains of intermediaries, or middlemen - in markets with frictions. These frictions include search and bargaining problems. We show how, and how many, intermediaries might get involved in a chain, and how bargaining with one depends on upcoming negotiations with those downstream. The roles of buyers, sellers, money, and prices are discussed, allowing us to clarify some neglected connections between different branches of search theory. Pursuing one such connection, with monetary economics, we show how bubbles can emerge in intermediation, even with fully rational agents and perfect foresight.
The Sexual Family

This chapter is in Feminist and Queer Legal Theory: Intimate Encounters, Uncomfortable Conversations, M.A. Fineman, J. E. Jackson, and A. P. Romero, Eds. (Ashgate 2009). It addresses the construction of the concept of the sexual family both outside of and inside law. The sexual family is the traditional or nuclear family, a unit with a heterosexual, formally celebrated union at its core. I use the term “sexual” to modify “family” to emphasize that our societal and legal images and expectations of family are tenaciously organized around a sexual affiliation between a man and woman. This is the primary intimate connection. Of course, it reflects the reproductive imperative, but this basic biological fact also has important ideological and legal ramifications. The sexual family is considered the “natural” form for the social and cultural organization of intimacy, its form ordained by divine prescription and perpetuated by opinion polls. The sexual family is an entity entitled to protection - granted “privacy” or immunity from substantial state supervision. The reflection of the sexual family that is ensconced in law may be a distortion or a mere fragment of social reality, but that legal image constitutes the legal reality and forms the basis for state regulation. Because this legally constructed image expresses a vision of the appropriately constituted family, it defines the normal and designates the deviant. The characterization of some family groupings as deviant legitimates state intervention and the regulation of relationships well beyond what would be socially tolerated if directed at more traditional family forms.
Genesis and health risk implications of an unusual occurrence of fibrous NaFe3+-amphibole

Fibrous NaFe3+-amphiboles (winchite, richterite, and magnesioriebeckite) form primarily by alkali metasomatism from magmatic fluids expelled from carbonatite or peralkaline silicate magmas, and have been implicated in high rates of death and disease at Libby, Montana (USA). Fibrous NaFe3+-amphiboles, principally winchite and magnesioriebeckite, are found as fracture-fill veins and as replacement of magmatic hornblende in faulted margins of the dominantly subalkaline, metaluminous Miocene Wilson Ridge pluton, Mohave County, Arizona (USA). Here, the fibrous NaFe3+-amphiboles formed from hypersodic, high-![Graphic][1] hydrothermal fluids, which circulated through active faults as the pluton cooled through subsolidus temperatures. Halite deposits in adjacent Miocene sedimentary basins are the likely source of Na in the hydrothermal fluid. Amphibole fibers are <1 µm in diameter (typically <0.5 µm), vary from tens to hundreds of microns in length with length-to-width aspect ratios of 20:1 to over 100:1, are capable of dust transport and human inhalation, and should be considered hazardous. Transport and deposition of sediment eroded from primary pluton sources significantly increase the areal distribution of the fibrous amphiboles. Mitigation strategies require an understanding of the geologic settings where hazardous geologic materials are found. Our results suggest that fibrous NaFe3+-amphibole may be present in areas not previously considered at risk for naturally occurring asbestos. [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Cultivation of the West Nile Virus in the Developing Chick Embryo

SummaryThe West Nile virus multiplies rapidly throughout the embryonated egg following inoculation by any of the usual routes. The embryo contains large amounts of virus while the allantoic fluid contains comparatively small amounts of the active agent. Death of the infected embryos occurs with such regularity that titration of virus can be made as well in eggs as in mice.
Challenges in the progress of sleep research and sleep medicine

Interest in sleep and dreams has existed since the dawn of history. Despite intensive steep research in recent years, the exact function of sleep is yet to be determined. Nevertheless, several breakthrough discoveries have led to substantial improvement in the quality of sleep medicine. This issue of "Harefuah" is dedicated to the current knowledge in steep research and sleep medicine, to novel discoveries in this field, and to some challenges for the future. One paper discusses the concept of tolerance to hypnotics, while another article provides a review, summarizing the development and cLinicaL potential usage of stow release meLatonin in the treatment of insomnia. The issue provides novel data regarding the effect of steep posture on the severity of apnea in children and adults, as well as data regarding obstructive sleep disorders in children younger than two years old. Encouraging data are presented regarding the potential treatment of obstructive sleep apnea utilizing eLectricaL stimulation of the genioglossus muscle to prevent its' collapse during sleep. SeveraL additional articLes in the issue shed further light on recent discoveries in the field of steep medicine.
Waves in Dispersive Media

In this chapter we consider the propagation of slightly damped waves in nonmagnetic dispersive media. In a dispersive medium electromagnetic wave fields interact with charges and the energy originally present in the electromagnetic fields flows, i.e. is dispersed, to the medium.
On the heterocercal tail in sharks

A new account of the mechanical action of the heterocercal tail in fishes is given, developed from study of the swimming of sharks. The heterocercal tail is capable of delivering a thrust that can be oriented in a wide range of angles in the vertical plane. The orientation results from a balance of forces acting in the tail. Normally the heterocercal tail delivers neither an epibatic nor a hypobatic thrust, but rather one directly through the center of gravity of the fish. On the basis of the new account, predictions concerning the shape and proportions of the heterocercal tail are made and tested.
Phototherapy for Atopic Dermatitis

Phototherapy is a second-line treatment option for atopic dermatitis recalcitrant to topical therapies. Although the overall phototherapy protocols for atopic dermatitis are similar to that of psoriasis, there are issues unique to the atopic dermatitis population. For example, BB-UVB may be better tolerated than NB-UVB. Initiation burn is also more common in atopic dermatitis.
Evaluating the role of acidic, basic, and polar amino acids and dipeptides on a molecular electrocatalyst for H2 oxidation

Amino acids and peptides have been shown to have a significant influence on the H2 production and oxidation reactivity of Ni(PR2NR′2)2, where PR2NR′2 = 1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane, R is either phenyl (Ph) or cyclohexyl (Cy), and R′ is either an amino acid or peptide. Most recently, the Ni(PCy2Naminoacid2)2 complexes (CyAA) have shown enhanced H2 oxidation rates, water solubility, and in the case of arginine (CyArg) and phenylalanine (CyPhe), electrocatalytic reversibility. Both the backbone –COOH and side chain interactions were shown to be critical to catalytic performance. Here we further investigate the roles of the outer coordination sphere by evaluating amino acids with acidic, basic, and hydrophilic side chains, as well as dipeptides which combine multiple successful features from previous complexes. Six new complexes were prepared, three containing single amino acids: aspartic acid (CyAsp), lysine (CyLys), and serine (CySer) and three containing dipeptides: glycine-phenylalanine (Cy(GlyPhe)), phenylalanine-glycine (Cy(PheGly)), and aspartic acid-phenylananine (Cy(AspPhe)). The resulting catalytic performance demonstrates that complexes need both interactions between side chain and –COOH groups for fast, efficient catalysis. The fastest of all of the catalysts, Cy(AspPhe), had both of these features, while the other dipeptide complexes with an amide replacing the –COOH were both slower; however, the amide group was demonstrated to participate in the proton pathway when side chain interactions are present to position it. Both the hydrophilic and basic side chains, notably lacking in side chain interactions, significantly increased the overpotential, with only modest increases in TOF. Of all of the complexes, only CyAsp was electrocatalytically reversible at room temperature, and only in water, the first of these complexes to demonstrate room temperature aqueous electrocatalytic reversibility for the H2/H+ transformation. These results continue to provide and solidify design rules for controlling reactivity and efficiency of Ni(P2N2)2 complexes with the outer coordination sphere.
Management of Radiation Side Effects to the Skin

Radiation therapy (RT) is an essential component for management of many cancers. Veterinary health care professionals must counsel owners about the potential side effects of RT, the anticipated management plan, and associated costs. For most veterinary patients treated with RT, acute radiation side effects are mild; however, careful radiation treatment planning and appropriate management of acute side effects are essential to try to prevent chronic sequelae and the need for ongoing wound care. This article reviews acute and late side effects to the skin and their management.
Cross-Sectional Area Measurement of the Central Tarsometatarsal Articulation: A Review of Computed Tomography Scans.

Abstract Currently, disagreement exists regarding the superior method for repairing a ligamentous Lisfranc injury regarding whether to use arthrodesis or open reduction internal fixation. The 2 procedures differ in the amount of articular cartilage destroyed. Arthrodesis removes all the articular cartilage, and open reduction internal fixation places transarticular screws, essentially destroying a portion of cartilage. We performed a review of 30 consecutive computed tomography scans that included both foot length and undamaged first, second, and third tarsometatarsal joints to quantify the amount of articular surface area destroyed by placement of standardized 4-mm diameter screws. Measurements were performed using a freeform tool. The calculated surface area of the screws was subtracted from the measured surface area of the joint to yield the amount of surface area occupied by the screws. Our results demonstrated that the average amount of articular surface area destroyed in the first, second, and third tarsometatarsal joints was 4.87%, 4.79%, and 4.86% respectively, with a standard deviation of
Understanding the Unique Needs of Hospitalized Adolescents and Young Adults Referred for Psychology Consults

Hospitalized children and adolescents/young adults (AYA) frequently have mental health concerns that may be addressed by consulting psychology. We examined demographic, medical, referral, intervention, and disposition differences between children (≤11 years) and AYA referred for a psychology consult at a pediatric hospital (N = 1091). Referred AYA were more likely to be female, have shorter lengths of stay, and repeat psychology consults. Children were more likely to be referred for anxiety or feeding; AYA were more often referred for depression, pain, somatic complaints, or maladjustment. AYA were more often the target of intervention, receiving cognitive behavioral or problem-focused coping interventions, and more often recommended for psychological follow-up. AYA present unique medical and psychological challenges when hospitalized. Understanding these challenges will help providers improve the care and treatment of AYA. Academic training and future research recommendations are provided.
Increasing access to cost effective home-based robotic telerehabilitation for stroke survivors

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability with an estimated 795,000 incidences in the United States annually. The aim of this study was to analyze the implementation of Home-Based Robot Telerehabilitation (HBRT) on functional outcomes and quality of life, access, utilization, cost, and participant satisfaction in stroke survivors.
Magnetic Susceptibility of Biological Materials

Although the field of biomagnetism is a relatively young branch of science, an extensive bibliography on various aspects of the subject(1) has developed within recent years. If one examines this bibliography, it is evident that a rather small part of this work has been expended in obtaining fundamental quantitative magnetic data on biological materials, such as magnetic susceptibilities of tissue, cell fluids, etc. In part, this is due to the nature of the material. Biological specimens are usually very complex and variable, and hence it is difficult to attach a meaningful quantitative value to such specimens. Moreover, biological specimens generally contain considerable water and other fluids which make significant measurements more difficult to obtain than on solid samples. Nevertheless, if the science of biomagnetism is to progress, one must interpret and explain the ever-increasing number of biological effects produced by magnetic fields. Ultimately one must examine these results in the light of the magnetic properties of the constituents of tissue, cells, blood, etc., and the biochemicals which constitute them.
Molecular signatures of multiple myeloma progression through single cell RNA-Seq

We used single cell RNA-Seq to examine molecular heterogeneity in multiple myeloma (MM) in 597 CD138 positive cells from bone marrow aspirates of 15 patients at different stages of disease progression. 790 genes were selected by coefficient of variation (CV) method and organized cells into four groups (L1–L4) using unsupervised clustering. Plasma cells from each patient clustered into at least two groups based on gene expression signature. The L1 group contained cells from all MGUS patients having the lowest expression of genes involved in the oxidative phosphorylation, Myc targets, and mTORC1 signaling pathways (p < 1.2 × 10−14). In contrast, the expression level of these pathway genes increased progressively and were the highest in L4 group containing only cells from MM patients with t(4;14) translocations. A 44 genes signature of consistently overexpressed genes among the four groups was associated with poorer overall survival in MM patients (APEX trial, p < 0.0001; HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.33–2.52), particularly those treated with bortezomib (p < 0.0001; HR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.39–2.89). Our study, using single cell RNA-Seq, identified the most significantly affected molecular pathways during MM progression and provided a novel signature predictive of patient prognosis and treatment stratification.
MicroRNA-210 Downregulates ISCU and Induces Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Neuronal Death in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury causes significant mortality and long-term neurologic sequelae. We previously demonstrated that HI significantly increased microRNA-210 (miR-210) in the neonatal rat brain and inhibition of brain endogenous miR-210 was neuroprotective in HI brain injury. However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning this neuroprotection remain unclear. Using both in vivo and in vitro models, herein we uncover a novel mechanism mediating oxidative brain injury after neonatal HI, in which miR-210 induces mitochondrial dysfunction via downregulation of iron-sulfur cluster assembly protein (ISCU). Inhibition of miR-210 significantly ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuronal loss in the neonatal brain subjected to HI, as well as in primary cortical neurons exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). These effects are mediated through ISCU, in that miR-210 mimic decreases ISCU abundance in the brains of rat pups and primary cortical neurons, and inhibition of miR-210 protects ISCU against HI in vivo or OGD in vitro. Deletion of miR-210 binding sequences at the 3′UTR of ISCU transcript ablates miR-210-induced downregulation of ISCU protein abundance in PC12 cells. In primary cortical neurons, miR-210 mimic or silencing ISCU results in mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species production, and activation of caspase-dependent death pathways. Of importance, knockdown of ISCU increases HI-induced injury in the neonatal rat brain and counteracts the neuroprotection of miR-210 inhibition. Therefore, miR-210 by downregulating ISCU and inducing mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons is a potent contributor of oxidative brain injury after neonatal HI.
A Broadband Metasurface for Cross Polarization Conversion Applications

A reflective broadband cross polarization conversion (CPC) metasurface operating in microwave frequency regime is simulated and presented in this paper. The metasurface is a periodic arrangement of unit cells and each unit cell consists of a metallic circular split ring resonator (C-SRR) with a circular loop inside it. A linearly-polarized or circularly polarized wave is transformed into its orthogonal counterpart when reflected back from the metasurface. Four plasmonic resonances at different frequencies is the reason behind broadband CPC operation achieving 3dB fractional bandwidth of 107% from 4.2-13.9 GHz. The proposed design has the highest reported 3dB fractional bandwidth made on a lossy single layer FR4 substrate for normal incidence. The designed metasurface is useful in manifold practical applications for polarization control devices.
The Validity and Instructional Value of a Rubric for Evaluating Online Course Quality: An Empirical Study.

This study investigated the validity and instructional value of a rubric developed to evaluate the quality of online courses offered at a midsized public university. This rubric was adapted from an online course quality rubric widely used in higher education, the Quality Matters rubric. We first examined the reliability and preliminary construct validity of the rubric using quality ratings for 202 online courses and eliminated twelve problematic items. We then examined the instructional value of the rubric by investigating causal relationships between 1) course quality scores, 2) online interactions between students, instructors, and content, and 3) student course performance (course passing rates). A path analysis model, using data from 121 online courses enrolling 5,240 students, showed that only rubric items related to learner engagement and interaction had a significant and positive effect on online interactions, while only student-content interaction significantly and positively influenced course passing rates.
A CONTEMPORARY ANALYSIS: PRESENTING SYMPTOMS AND TIMING OF SURGICAL INTERVENTION IN PATIENTS WITH A VASCULAR RING

Vascular rings cause respiratory or gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms due to compression of the trachea or esophagus. Improved imaging resulting in early detection poses new challenges for management of patients with a vascular ring. A single-center, retrospective study was done for all patients
Association of Search Query Interest in Gastrointestinal Symptoms With COVID-19 Diagnosis in the United States: Infodemiology Study.

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a novel viral illness that has rapidly spread worldwide. While the disease primarily presents as a respiratory illness, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea have been reported in up to one-third of confirmed cases, and patients may have mild symptoms that do not prompt them to seek medical attention. Internet-based infodemiology offers an approach to studying symptoms at a population level, even in individuals who do not seek medical care. Objective: This study aimed to determine if a correlation exists between internet searches for gastrointestinal symptoms and the confirmed case count of COVID-19 in the United States. Methods: The search terms chosen for analysis in this study included common gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Furthermore, the search terms fever and cough were used as positive controls, and constipation was used as a negative control. Daily query shares for the selected symptoms were obtained from Google Trends between October 1, 2019 and June 15, 2020 for all US states. These shares were divided into two time periods: pre–COVID-19 (prior to March 1) and post–COVID-19 (March 1-June 15). Confirmed COVID-19 case numbers were obtained from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering data repository. Moving averages of the daily query shares (normalized to baseline pre–COVID-19) were then analyzed against the confirmed disease case count and daily new cases to establish a temporal relationship. Results: The relative search query shares of many symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation, remained near or below baseline throughout the time period studied; however, there were notable increases in searches for the positive control symptoms of fever and cough as well as for diarrhea. These increases in daily search queries for fever, cough, and diarrhea preceded the rapid rise in number of cases by approximately 10 to 14 days. The search volumes for these terms began declining after mid-March despite the continued rises in cumulative cases and daily new case counts. Conclusions: Google searches for symptoms may precede the actual rises in cases and hospitalizations during pandemics. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, this study demonstrates that internet search queries for fever, cough, and diarrhea increased prior to the increased confirmed case count by available testing during the early weeks of the pandemic in the United States. While the search volumes eventually decreased significantly as the number of cases continued to rise, internet query search data may still be a useful tool at a population level to identify areas of active disease transmission at the cusp of new outbreaks.
Inner Rhythms: Vessels as a Sustained Brain-Body Performance Practice

Vessels is a brain-body performance practice that combines flute improvisation with live, sonified brain and body data. This article describes the genesis of this performance practice, which co-evo...
JustCorrect: Intelligent Post Hoc Text Correction Techniques on Smartphones

Correcting errors in entered text is a common task but usually difficult to perform on mobile devices due to tedious cursor navigation steps. In this paper, we present JustCorrect, an intelligent post hoc text correction technique for smartphones. To make a correction, the user simply types the correct text at the end of their current input, and JustCorrect will automatically detect the error and apply the correction in the form of an insertion or a substitution. In this way, manual navigation steps are bypassed, and the correction can be committed with a single tap. We solved two critical problems to support JustCorrect: (1) Correction Algorithm: we propose an algorithm that infers the user's correction intention from the last typed word. (2) Input Modalities: our study revealed that both tap and gesture were suitable input modalities for performing JustCorrect. Based on our findings, we integrated JustCorrect into a soft keyboard. Our user studies show that using JustCorrect reduces the text correction time by 12.8% over the stock Android keyboard and by 9.7% over the "Type, then Correct" text correction technique by Zhang et al. (2019). Overall, JustCorrect complements existing post hoc text correction techniques, making error correction more automatic and intelligent.
Migration, non-use, and the ‘Tumblrpocalypse’: Towards a unified theory of digital exodus:

In this article, we use what we provisionally term the ‘2018 Tumblr migration’ to explore how (1) platform ‘non-use’ and (2) platform ‘migration’ are overlapping aspects of a broader phenomenon of ...
Abstract 13886: Colchicine for Secondary Prevention of Adverse Outcomes From Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Introduction: Recent evidence suggests colchicine may prevent adverse outcomes from cardiovascular disease (CVD). The objective of this study is to perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled ...