cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Morphological defense influences absolute, not relative, nonconsumptive effects in marine snails

Theory predicts that the strength of nonconsumptive predator effects (NCEs) depends on the state of individual prey and their vulnerability to predators. This prediction has rarely been tested, particularly with respect to interspecific variation in the vulnerability of closely related (i.e., within the same genus) guild members within a community. I examined the relationship between morphological vulnerability and predator-induced feeding suppression among 3 species of predatory whelks (Nucella spp.) that differ in their morphological defense—shell armor. Weaker-shelled species (N. ostrina and N. canaliculata) were more vulnerable to predation by crabs (Cancer productus) than the stronger-shelled species (N. lamellosa). Crab cues suppressed feeding in the most vulnerable species to a greater extent than the 2 less vulnerable species in absolute terms, but proportional decreases in feeding due to crab cues were no different among species. Thus, species-specific differences in feeding activity are maintained in the presence of crab cues, suggesting that the degree to which congeneric guild members transmit NCEs is related to constitutive levels of feeding activity rather than morphological defense. These results contrast with the commonly observed pattern of behavioral compensation for weaker morphological defenses in distantly related gastropod species and highlight the importance of examining the absolute and proportional predator-induced changes in behavior of different prey species. Key wor ds: antipredator behavior , food web, gastropod, nonconsumptive effect, trait compensation, trophic cascade. [Behav Ecol]
Projected Natural Actor-Critic

Natural actor-critics form a popular class of policy search algorithms for finding locally optimal policies for Markov decision processes. In this paper we address a drawback of natural actor-critics that limits their real-world applicability—their lack of safety guarantees. We present a principled algorithm for performing natural gradient descent over a constrained domain. In the context of reinforcement learning, this allows for natural actor-critic algorithms that are guaranteed to remain within a known safe region of policy space. While deriving our class of constrained natural actor-critic algorithms, which we call Projected Natural Actor-Critics (PNACs), we also elucidate the relationship between natural gradient descent and mirror descent.
Are patient symptoms predictive of the diagnostic and/or therapeutic value of hydrodistention?

Introduction Hydrodistention (HD) has been utilized as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in patients with refractory and diverse pelvic floor symptoms, including bladder pain with or without irritative bladder symptoms such as urinary urgency and urinary frequency. We sought to determine whether we could better define in whom HD was a more valuable intervention by stratifying patients according to presenting symptoms. Materials and Methods A retrospective review was performed on 185 patients who underwent HD at our institution by a single surgeon between 1/2002–8/2004. Subjects were placed into groups according to their symptoms. Group 1 (G1) patients reported pain with bladder filling that was relieved with emptying, group 2 (G2) reported constant pelvic pain unrelated to bladder filling or emptying, and group 3 (G3) reported urgency and frequency alone with no pain component. Anesthetic capacity, presence and severity of glomerulations post-distention, and follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months were recorded for each patient. Results G1 included 40 patients with mean age of 42 (R = 16–77), G2 included 101 patients with mean age of 46 (R = 20–76), and G3 22 patients with mean age of 40 (R = 20–84). The mean anesthetic capacity was 715 ml, 725 ml, and 542 ml for G1, G2, and G3 respectively. ANOVA revealed a statistically significant reduction in the capacity of G3 when compared with the others (P = 0.0072). Glomerulations were present in 74% of G1, 72% of G2, and 86% of G3 patients. 61%, 33%, & 0% of G1 patients reported improvement at 1, 3, and 6 months respectively, 54%, 25%, & 7% of G2 patients reported improvement, and 50%, 19%, & 7% of G3 patients reported improvement. There were no statistically significant differences in the responses amongst the three groups. Conclusions Although HD is frequently employed for patients with refractory pelvic pain and/or lower urinary tract complaints, results failed to identify any statistically significant differences in post-distention objective findings (anesthetic capacity, glomerulations) or therapeutic benefits when patients are categorized according to presenting symptoms. Neurourol. Urdynam. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Consumer perceptions of generic drug substitution practices in the USA

Background: To improve the uptake of generic drugs, understanding consumer perceptions is important. Increased use of generic drugs may help contain escalating healthcare costs. Aim: To evaluate consumer perceptions of generic drug substitution practices by pharmacists in the USA and predict the effect of health and social factors on the use of generic drugs. Method: Surveys were administered to consumers filling prescriptions at 10 community pharmacies in metropolitan Houston, Texas. A 12-item, 5-point scale was used to evaluate consumer perceptions. Information on current purchase behaviour and sociodemographic factors was also requested. Results: 505 surveys were completed (61% response rate). Participants had a slightly positive attitude toward generic drug substitution practices (mean 3.59, SD 1.13). Although participants perceived generic drugs to be safe (68%) and effective (62%), 50% did not consider them to be identical to brand equivalents. Attitude towards generic drugs was the most important predictor of consumer perceptions towards generic drug substitution practices by pharmacists. Conclusion: To improve consumer perceptions of generic drug substitution practices, it is imperative to develop strategies to increase positive attitudes towards generic drugs. Pharmacists can improve consumer perceptions of generic drugs, enhance consumer awareness of potential savings, and help reduce the overall healthcare costs. (author abstract)
Frequent Comorbidity and Predictors of Social Anxiety in Persons With Schizophrenia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective: To determine if symptoms of social anxiety are distinct from negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Age estimation, growth, and relationships between body dimensions of the female African elephant.

Fifty-six female savanna African elephants ( Loxodonta africana africana ) were collected in western Uganda from November 1958 to April 1959. Ages of 32 elephants from which teeth were available were estimated using criteria of molar-usage intervals, degree of molar replacement, and extent of molar wear. Based upon these estimated ages and total body weights, a growth equation for female elephants up to 25 years in age was calculated. The correlation coefficient based upon measurements of 56 specimens between body weight and shoulder height is 0.99, and between body weight and body length is 0.97.
Imaging of the left ventricle in patients with ischemic heart disease: role of the contrast angiogram.

The constrast left ventriculogram is the gold standard against which all other cardiac imaging techniques are measured. In the past decade, noninvasive methods such as radionuclide angiography, echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), and digital substraction imaging have become available. This review examines the role of these techniques, and whether they will supersede the selective contrast ventriculogram. Each of these modalities seems to have specific capabilities and superiority in a certain area. Contrast ventriculography is best suited for the functional assessment of the left ventricular wall. Isotopes and CT have great potential for evaluating the myocardium properly. Echocardiography produces good visualization of atrioventricular valves and intracavitary structures. The role of contrast angiography is considered in the workup of the cardiac patient. The contrast angiogram is closely related to the coronary angiogram in the assessment of the patient with arteriosclerotic heart disease and it is still a necessity for the preoperative evaluation of the patient with congenital heart disease.
Demand for Alcohol by College Students: An Empirical Evaluation

Past research has shown that alcohol use and abuse by students have lead to academic failures and even serious crimes by college students. Obviously the issue of drinking by college students is a serious concern among parents, college and university administrators, and the government. The principal purpose of this study of drinking behavior by college students was to identify factors that impact alcohol consumption by college students. Although the most widely used policy tool to counteract the abuse of alcohol has been the increase in the minimum drinking age, we found that students below legal drinking age, i.e., 21 years, are more likely to consume alcohol. This finding raises questions regarding effectiveness in enforcement and society's inability to find effective ways to curb underage drinking in college campuses. Past studies have shown that increasing the price of alcohol would significantly reduce alcohol consumption and a similar attitude was found among the majority of respondents (over 77 percent) in this study. Before agreeing to raise the price of alcohol, however, we have to study the impact of such price increases on the general population, on businesses, and whether such price hikes may lead to illicit market practices (e.g., black market) catering to college students. Another important finding was that those students living on-campus are more likely to consume alcohol compared to those who live off-campus. This may indicate a prevailing culture of consuming alcohol as a part of student life in college campuses. College administrators may want to take note of the finding in this study that there is a greater likelihood of underage drinking in college housing facilities, including residence halls, dormitories, and other on-campus housing facilities. It is noteworthy that the Greek houses in college campuses (both fraternities and sororities) all over the country are frequently in the news for alcohol or drug use and abuse. Fortunately these organizations are recognizing the need to address such problems at college campuses around the country. Regarding the finding that students coming from rural or suburban areas are more likely to drink alcohol, a detail study is needed to understand how the socio-psychological and economic factors affect the behavior and upbringing of young adults in such areas. Although it is still inconclusive regarding the effectiveness of alcohol awareness and similar education-oriented programs aimed at college students, such programs need to be continued and possibly expanded to reach all students. Tougher enforcement of alcohol policies in college campuses is a good deterrent. In addition, behavioral interventions (e.g., challenging erroneous alcohol expectancies) should be given priority because research has shown that such interventions have been more successful than education.
吐蕃:A Hybrid Word Developed in Ethnic Evolution and Language Contact

The word 吐蕃(pronounced as "tubo") is a hybrid one.Because of the evolution of the Qiang-Tibetan race,the name "Boyi "of a hill god of ancient Qiang became "bod" in the Tibetan language.Then,because of language contact between the Tibetan and the Tuyuhun,"tupu",which means "highland" in the Tuyuhun language,was added before "bod",hence the word "tubod",which then entered mandarin Chinese.For this reason,the Chinese character 蕃 in the word 吐蕃 should be pronounced as "bo".
Direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug-resistant genes in clinical strains isolates by PCR-line probe assay

Objective:To design the line probe assay for the detection of the rpoB,katG,rpsL,rrs,embB genes in drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.Methods:The traditional cultivation,species identification and drug-susceptibility testing of 50 M.tuberculosis were performed in the clinical specimens.50 M.tuberculosis species were identified with PCR-LiPA technique.PCR-direct sequencing(PCR-DS) techniques were used as the control.Results:50 M.tuberculosis isolates performed traditional drug-susceptibility showed that there were 7 rifampicin resistant strains,12 Isoniazid resistant strains,15 streptomycin resistant strains and 2 ethambutol resistant strains.50 M.tuberculosis clinical isolates were detected by LiPA.4 rifampicin-resistant M.tuberculosis of 50 showed the mutation in rpoB genes,5 Isoniazid resistant M.tuberculosis of 50 showed the mutation in katG genes,7 streptomycin resistant M.tuberculosis of 50 showed the mutation in rpsL genes,5 ethambutol resistant M.tuberculosis of 50 showed the mutation in embB genes.The results from PCR-LiPA had 100% consistency with PCR-DS.Conclusion:PCR-LiPA might become a rapid,simple,sensitive and specific method to detect rpoB,katG,rpsL,rrs,embB genes mutations in part of drug-resistant M.tuberculosis.It could be used for clinical detection of drug-resistance as an assistant test.
BioWes-from design of experiment, through protocol to repository, control, standardization and back-tracking

Background One of the main challenges in modern science is the amount of data produced by the experimental work; it is difficult to store, organize and share the scientific data and to extract the wealth of knowledge. Experimental method descriptions in scientific publications are often incomplete, which complicates experimental reproducibility. The proposed system was created in order to address these issues. It provides a solution for management of the experimental data and metadata to support the reproducibility.
Cartesian science and the principles of Aristotelian mechanics

Descartes' replacement of substantial forms with mechanisms was itself the product of ‘long experience.’ In what follows I will argue that it proceeded in at least three distinct phases. At first Descartes presents himself as investigating the substantial forms of natural substances through a combination of reasoning and observation. These investigations lead him to articulate a new scientific method that rests on mechanical principles. Next, the explanatory success of his new method and principles makes the appeal to Scholastic physical substantial forms in scientific explanations redundant. Finally, in Part III, I will argue that the need to guard against arguments denying the very possibility of scientia by skeptics like Sanchez eventually led Descartes to embrace a controversial metaphysics to support his new mechanical science. As Descartes impatiently retorts in a letter to Plempius for Fromondus, dated October 3, 1637, this new science was directly inspired by the success of Aristotelian mechanics: If my philosophy seems too ‘crass’ for him, because, like mechanics, it considers shapes and sizes and motions, he is condemning what seems to me its most praiseworthy feature, of which I am particularly proud. I mean that in my kind of philosophy, I use no reasoning which is not mathematical and evident, and all my conclusions are confirmed by true observational data. Whatever I concluded to be possible from the principles of my philosophy, actually happens whenever the appropriate agents are applied to the appropriate matter. I am surprised that he does not realize that the mechanics now current is nothing but a part of the true physics which, not being welcomed by supporters of the common sort of philosophy, took refuge with the mathematicians. […]
PLURALISM, LIBERALISM, AND THE ROLE OF OVERRIDING VALUES

Refutation de la these de l'incompatibilite du liberalisme et du pluralisme defendue par J. Kekes a partir de l'idee de valeurs prioritaires. Examinant les valeurs liberales telles que l'egalite, les droits de l'homme et la justice distributive, l'A. montre que parmi les trois formes de pluralisme (ethique, culturel et raisonnable), le premier ne se definit pas essentiellement par l'absence de valeur prioritaires
Tango: la ficción y la Argentina portátil

Este articulo se centra en un caso temprano del Hispanismo transnacional: la figura del escritor espanol Vicente Blasco-Ibanez, que viajo a la Argentina en 1909, escribio una novela con personajes argentinos ( Los cuatro jinetes del Apocalipsis , 1916) y fue internacionalmente reconocido por la pelicula basada en la novela (1921). La pelicula se filmo en Los Angeles, donde comenzo la “Blascomania”. Rodolfo Valentino, vestido de gaucho, bailo el tango y pronto comenzo la “fiebre del tango”. El escritor global y la industria cinematografica global desarrollaron nuevos territorios argentinos en el mercado global de la cultura.
Dynamics of Calcium Mobilization in Platelets during Thrombus Formation in a Living Mouse.

Abstract Platelet accumulation at sites of vascular injury arrests bleeding but also plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of thrombosis, leading to ischemia in myocardial infarction or stroke. Intracellular calcium mobilization in platelets is a critical step in the activation of platelets and formation of the platelet thrombus. Here we show the relationship of the dynamics of intracellular calcium mobilization with platelet accumulation into the developing thrombus in a living mouse. Following injection of 100 x 106 fura-2 loaded platelets into a living mouse we used high speed intravital multi-channel digital fluorescence microscopy to monitor calcium status in circulating and thrombus-bound platelets during thrombus development. One population of platelets binds transiently to the developing thrombus but does not mobilize calcium. The mean duration of platelet-thrombus interaction for these platelets is 11 sec. Another population of platelets undergoes calcium mobilization after binding to the developing thrombus. The time interval from attachment to calcium mobilization for individual platelets varied from 1.0 to 12 sec, with a median of 3.5 sec. More than 90% of platelets that undergo calcium mobilization do so with in 5 sec of attachment. The calcium mobilization in the thrombus bound platelets is reversible. About two thirds of the platelets return rapidly to the basal Ca2+ state while the remaining thrombus bound platelets maintain an elevated Ca2+ level for an extended period. The mean duration of platelet-thrombus interaction is 35 sec with a range of 1.5 sec to 284 sec (median duration 39.5 sec) as calculated from multiple independent observations of single platelets. In each platelet studied, only one calcium peak is detected per platelet. There is a close correlation between the duration of calcium mobilization in an individual platelet and the time that the platelet remains attached to the developing thrombus, suggesting a relationship of calcium-dependent events and platelet-thrombus affinity. A population of platelets binds to the thrombus, mobilizes calcium and remains associated with the thrombus. Using widefield deconvolution techniques to obtain planar images and increased numbers of dye-loaded platelets, individual platelets could be observed undergoing sustained calcium elevation within the thrombus. As the platelet thrombus reaches maximal size at about 120 sec, calcium mobilization continues in the stable core of the thrombus for several minutes, then decreases. These studies describe thrombus formation in a living animal under conditions in which the endothelium and vessel wall, blood cells and plasma components, and flowing blood are preserved in the absence of anticoagulants. Our results indicate that stable platelet thrombus formation is dependent upon durable calcium mobilization, and that intracellular calcium regulates thrombus development and maturation in vivo.
Modeling and Experiment Reveal Structure and Nanomechanics across the Inverse Temperature Transition in B. mori Silk-Elastin-like Protein Polymers

Silk and elastin are exemplary protein materials that exhibit exceptional material properties. Silk is uniquely strong, surpassing engineering materials such as Kevlar and steel, while elastin has exquisite flexibility and can reversibly fold into a more structured form at high temperatures when many other proteins would unfold and denature. This phenomenon in elastin is termed the inverse temperature transition. It is a reversible, controllable process that motivates applications in drug delivery, shape change materials, and biomimetic devices. Silk-elastinlike protein polymers (SELPs), which combine repeating B. mori silk and elastin blocks, have been introduced as biologically inspired materials that combine the distinctive properties of the component parts to achieve strong and extensible, tunable biomaterials. Here, we considered a single SELP sequence to examine temperature transition effects at the molecular scale. SELP molecular models were created using Replica Exchange Molecular Dynamics, an acc...
Neuroendocrine cells derived chemokine vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in allergic diseases

Worldwide increase incidences of allergic diseases have heightened the interest of clinicians and researchers to understand the role of neuroendocrine cells in the recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells. Several pieces of evidence revealed the association of neuropeptides in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Importantly, one such peptide that is secreted by neuronal cells and immune cells exerts a wide spectrum of immunological functions as cytokine/chemokine is termed as Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP). VIP mediates immunological function through interaction with specific receptors namely VPAC-1, VPAC-2, CRTH2 and PAC1 that are expressed on several immune cells such as eosinophils, mast cells, neutrophils, and lymphocytes; therefore, provide the basis for the action of VIP on the immune system. Additionally, VIP mediated action varies according to target organ depending upon the presence of specific VIP associated receptor, involved immune cells and the microenvironment of the organ. Herein, we present an integrative review of the current understanding on the role of VIP and associated receptors in allergic diseases, the presence of VIP receptors on various immune cells with particular emphasis on the role of VIP in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. Being crucial signal molecule of the neuroendocrine-immune network, the development of stable VIP analogue and/or antagonist may provide the future therapeutic drug alternative for the better treatment of these allergic diseases. Taken together, our current review summarizes the current understandings of VIP biology and further explore the significance of neuroendocrine cells derived VIP in the recruitment of inflammatory cells in allergic diseases that may be helpful to the investigators for planning the experiments and accordingly predicting new therapeutic strategies for combating allergic diseases. Summarized graphical abstract will help the readers to understand the significance of VIP in allergic diseases.
Electrochemical Investigation of the Kinetics of Chloride Substitution upon Reduction of [Ru(porphyrin)(NO)Cl] Complexes in Tetrahydrofuran

The electrochemistry of several ruthenium porphyrin nitrosyl chloride complexes [Ru(por)(NO)Cl] have been examined in tetrahydrofuran. The complexes undergo 1-electron irreversible reductions which result in the diffusion-limited substitutions of the chloride ligands for THF. This chloride metathesis is reversible in the presence of added NBu4Cl, and equilibrium constants and rate constants for chloride loss have been estimated. These parameters correlate with the NO stretching frequencies of the parent complexes, with more electron-donating porphyrin ligands favouring chloride loss from the reduced complexes. The [Ru(por)(NO)(THF)] products of the reductions can be detected by IR, EPR and visible spectroscopies. These species undergo three further reductions, with good reversibility at scan rates >0.40 V s-1. The [Ru(por)(NO)(THF)]+/0 couples have also been determined, and the rate constants and equilibrium constants for recombination with chloride have been estimated. One-electron reductions of the [Ru(por)(NO)Cl] complexes result in ~1018 enhancement of the rates of chloride loss.
Palliative Embolization for Refractory Bleeding

Bleeding is a common and often challenging complication of malignancy. Etiologies of hemorrhage in this patient population vary, and bleeding may present as an acute, life-threatening emergency or a chronic, low-volume blood loss. For patients with advanced malignancies, interventions to manage bleeding must be balanced by the patient's life expectancy and quality of life. As such, minimally invasive procedures such as transarterial embolization are useful therapeutic options in appropriately selected patients. There is a rich history of palliative transarterial embolization for refractory bleeding in cancer patients. This technique was first applied in the 1970s and has since become an established treatment tool for malignancy-related bleeding throughout the body. While the preponderance of published data comprised case reports and small retrospective studies, the use of embolization continues to expand as experience grows and techniques are refined. In this review, we summarize the literature and provide our perspective on embolization for refractory bleeding in cancer patients.
The Benefits of Nature-based Writing for English Language Learners

This paper explores the value of ecopedagogies and ecojustice education in an increasingly nature-deficit and attention-directed world, and does so through the lens of place-based education. More specifically, this paper explores the positive impact nature-based writing in the Department of English Language Learning at Utah Valley University (UVU) has on English language learners (ELLs). The ecopedagogical program at UVU includes multiple opportunities for conducting environmental/economic research and writing in several relevant genres, but this paper primarily focuses on qualitative data retrieved from semester-long Nature Journals and a Wilderness Writing Workshop held during a four-day department-sponsored excursion to Capitol Reef National Park in south-central Utah in the United States. The benefits of nature-based writing include greater engagement and increased desire to write, improved vocabulary and language skills, more poetic writing, less reported stress, and a greater sense of connection to all other living beings. As added benefit, English language learners at UVU have also had opportunities to participate in civic-minded conferences, have been interviewed with the author on public radio, and are expected to have work published in an upcoming anthology.
The Strategic Dilemma of Authoritarian Elections

This chapter introduces readers to the strategic dilemma of authoritarian elections and lays out the central questions to be addressed in the book. The chapter also offers a brief summary of existing explanations of election boycotts and their limitations. In addition, the chapter provides an overview of Buttorff’s central argument and main contributions to the study of contentious and authoritarian elections in the Arab world.
Lithium promoted mesoporous manganese oxide catalyzed oxidation of allyl ethers

Herein we report the first example of the catalytic aerobic partial oxidation of allyl ether to its acrylate ester derivative. Many partial oxidations often need an expensive oxidant such as peroxides or other species to drive such reactions. In addition, selective generation of esters using porous catalysts has been elusive. This reaction is catalyzed by a Li ion promoted mesoporous manganese oxide (meso-Mn2O3) under mild conditions with no precious metals, a reusable heterogeneous catalyst, and easy isolation. This process is very attractive for the oxidation of allyl ethers. We report on the catalytic activity, selectivity, and scope of the reaction. In the best cases presented, almost complete conversion of allyl ether with near complete chemo-selectivity towards acrylate ester derivatives is observed. Based on results from controlled experiments, we propose a possible reaction mechanism for the case in which N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) is used in combination with trichloroacetonitrile (CCl3CN). Acrylics and acrylates have become important building blocks for the chemical industry, but their efficient synthesis remains a challenge. Here, the authors report the first example of the catalytic aerobic partial oxidation of allyl ether to its acrylate ester derivative using a Li ion promoted mesoporous manganese oxide under mild conditions.
Study of Direct Tunneling and Dielectric Breakdown in Molecular Beam Epitaxial Hexagonal Boron Nitride Monolayers Using Metal–Insulator–Metal Devices

Direct tunneling and dielectric breakdown in molecular beam epitaxial hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) monolayers were studied based on Ni/h-BN/Ni metal-insulator-metal (MIM) device structures. Effec...
Transcriptional Regulation of CCL2 by PARP1 Is a Driver for Invasiveness in Breast Cancer

Background: PolyADP ribosylation (PARylation) by PARP1 is a significant post-translational modification affecting protein function in various cancers. However, PARP1 mediated cellular processes in the context of breast cancer are not fully understood. Method: To identify potential targets of PARP1, we carried out whole transcriptome sequencing with shRNA mediated PARP1 knockdown in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line and inhibited PARP1 with a known PARP1 inhibitor, PJ34. Results: Analysis of the transcriptomics data revealed that PARP1 is involved in regulating multiple chemokines under basal conditions, including the chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). PARP1 knockdown and PJ34 mediated inhibition showed reduced CCL2 transcript levels in breast cancer cells, corroborating the findings from the sequencing data. We further showed that PARP1 interacts with the NFκB P65 subunit to regulate transcription of CCL2. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we confirm that both PARP1 and P65 localize to the promoter of CCL2, suggesting direct regulation of CCL2 promoter activity. CCL2, in turn, can positively affect the PARP1 pathway, as global PARylation levels increased upon CCL2 treatment. Conclusion: Our results indicate crosstalk between PARP1 and CCL2, which is critical for maintaining CCL2 levels in breast cancer cells and subsequently drives cellular invasiveness.
Successful Fibrinolytic Therapy in a Challenging Obstructive Prosthetic Mitral Valve Thrombosis

Prosthetic valve thrombosis is a rare and severe complication of the mechanical prosthetic valve. Management can be challenging due to varying clinical presentation, overlapping features of differential diagnosis, and lack of randomized controlled trials on the therapeutic options. In this article, we report the case of a patient with a mechanical prosthetic mitral valve presented with symptoms of heart failure, and an echocardiography showing increased mean pressure gradient across the prosthesis along with a fixed posterior leaflet and a partially restricted anterior leaflet with no visible mass. That raised the concern for an obstructed prosthesis. After multimodality imaging and multidisciplinary team discussions, prosthetic valve thrombosis diagnosis was favored over other different diagnoses that included but not limited to pannus ingrowth. Fibrinolytic therapy was administrated, and the patient was discharged on optimal anticoagulation. Repeated echocardiography a month later showed normal mean gradient and normal functioning prosthetic mitral valve without the need for repeat mitral valve surgery.
Cardiac involvement in classical or hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome is uncommon

Cardiac–valvular and vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) have significant cardiovascular issues. The prevalence and significance of such abnormalities in classical (cEDS) or hypermobile EDS (hEDS) remain unclear. We report the prevalence of cardiac abnormalities in patients with cEDS and hEDS. We identified 532 pediatric patients with potential EDS evaluated at our institution from January 2014 through April 2019 by retrospective chart review. Ninety-five patients (12 cEDS and 83 hEDS patients) met 2017 EDS diagnostic criteria and had an echocardiogram. One patient was excluded due to complex congenital heart disease, and two were excluded due to lack of images. We reviewed echocardiograms for all structural abnormalities. Of these 95 patients, 1 had mild aortic root dilation, and 1 had mild ascending aorta dilation in the setting of a bicuspid aortic valve. Eleven patients (11.6%) had a cardiac valve abnormality, all of which were trivial to mild. None of the patients required cardiac intervention. Our results demonstrate that aortic dilation and valvular anomalies are uncommon in cEDS or hEDS patients. Given the lack of evidence, we do not recommend echocardiographic evaluation and surveillance in patients with cEDS and hEDS in the absence of clinical findings or positive family history.
Correlation of Venous Oxygen Saturations from Noninvasive Hematocrit Monitoring Using Blood Gas Measured Oximetry in Chronic Pediatric Hemodialysis Patients.

INTRODUCTION Noninvasive hematocrit monitoring (NIVHM) during pediatric hemodialysis (pedHD) provides data in real time regarding changes in hematocrit and blood volume and also provides venous oxygen saturations. The latter has been proposed to indicate changes in tissue oxygen consumption. It is not known how well NIVHM oxygen saturations (O2sat) approximate blood gas measured oximetry saturation (mO2sat) in the course of pedHD. We aimed to assess the validity and reliability of NIVHM O2sat compared to mO2sat. METHODS This is a prospective study in 15 patients 90 days on hemodialysis (HD) without congenital heart disease. HD access was fistula (AVF) in 4 patients and tunneled catheters in the remainder. Pulse oximetry (spO2) was continuously monitored; mO2sat was measured via oximetry in a blood gas analyzer and NIVHM O2sat values collected at the start, middle, and end of HD treatment. RESULTS A total of 45 dyad measurements were obtained. NIVHM O2sat correlated well with mO2sat (R = 0.89, p < 0.0001); the same was seen at pre, mid, and post HD time points (R = 0.86-0.95, p < 0.001). NIVHM O2sat was lower than mO2sat; with catheter as access, the difference was 9.3 ± 8.6 (CI: 12.3-6.22, p < 0.0001) and with AVF was 2.1 ± 0.78 (CI: 2.6-1.7, p < 0.0001). Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated the difference but did not show any systematic bias. Continuous monitor of spO2 showed no hypoxia. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION Intradialytic NIVHM O2sat correlates well with mO2sat but yield lower values. Future studies can include NIVHM O2sat changes as a surrogate for central venous O2 saturation changes and potentially yield useful information regarding tissue oxygen consumption in pedHD patients.
Countering the Privatization of Public Records: How Trade Secrets, Purported Competitive Harm and Third-Party Interventions Keep Government Business in the Dark

As cities and regions were climbing over one another with bids to become the location of Amazon’s new headquarters in 2018, some local governments began offering a new perk: the cover of darkness. The two winning bidders, New York and Northern Virginia, both offered aid in dodging open records requests made under their states’ freedom of information laws, tipping off Amazon to potential requests so the company could intervene in court to slow or halt legitimate requests for public information. These concessions represent a growing challenge to open records laws. As governments engage in public-private partnerships or otherwise outsource government work to private companies, they have devised ways to shield the public’s business from the traditional level scrutiny offered by citizens and journalists, watchdogs of the public trust. In this article, we propose rethinking public oversight of private vendors doing government business. First, we explore the historical and legal background of open records laws to demonstrate the core purposes behind their enactment, and how that purpose has transparency of government contracts at its center. Next, we look at how overly broad interpretations of trade secrets and competitive harm exceptions undermine this core purpose, especially when paired with procedural advantages that allow private businesses to intervene in open-records disputes as a third party. Finally, we demonstrate why public-private collusion to sabotage transparency demands a reinvigorated approach to the quasi-government body doctrine, which has been sharply limited for decades.
Ethical Decision-Making in the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process

The intent of the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process (PPCP) is to provide a comprehensive approach to team-based, comprehensive patient-centered care. Consideration of potential ethical issues is a necessary component of comprehensive care provision and is a requirement of accreditation standards, but there is no specific mention of ethics in any of the phases of the PPCP. A more explicit incorporation of ethical decision-making into the PPCP should help faculty involved in teaching ethics and students who need to incorporate ethical considerations into the PPCP in order to provide optimal patient care. The aims of this commentary are to provide faculty with a foundational introduction to ethics and an explicit approach for incorporating ethical decision-making into the PPCP.
Benefits and challenges of mobility and medical alert service dogs for caregivers of service dog recipients

PURPOSE Mobility and medical alert service dogs are an assistive technology for individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions. Informal caregivers of individuals with disabilities are subject to physical and emotional stress due to their responsibilities. Understanding how service dogs, an increasingly common assistive technology, may add to or subtract from caregiver stress is crucial for promoting caregiver well-being. The purpose of this study was to analyze caregiver accounts to understand their perspective on benefits and challenges they face with mobility and medical alert service dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Open ended survey responses from 117 caregivers of service dog recipients (N = 72 with a service dog, N = 45 on the waitlist) were analysed through a conventional content analysis. RESULTS Four major themes were found regarding caregiver and service dog: Family Benefits, Caregiver Benefits, Assistance Through Service Dog's Training, and Drawbacks. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that benefits and challenges of mobility and medical service dogs extend beyond the service dog recipient, affecting the caregiver and other family members as well. Future studies should further explore this interaction to determine the best way to support caregivers of individuals with disabilities.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONMobility and medical alert service dogs are increasingly partnered with individuals with disabilities or chronic diseases as an assistive technology but few studies have focussed on the experience of the caregivers of service dog recipients. Caregivers of individuals with disabilities or chronic diseases may be subject to both psychological and physiological stressors as a result of their caregiver duties.Results found that caregivers perceive both benefits to themselves and to their families in terms building a bond with the animal that helps to reduce worry and offers emotional support. The most commonly mentioned drawbacks include general maintenance of the service dog, grooming needs and travel restrictions.This research is important in order to offer appropriate support to caregivers of individuals with disabilities.
Role of Clinical Genetic Testing in the Management of Aortopathies.

Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) have a strong heritable basis, and identification of a genetic etiology has important implications for patients with TAA and their relatives. This review provides an overview of Mendelian causes of TAA, discusses important considerations for genetic testing, and summarizes the impact a genetic diagnosis may have on a patient’s medical care. Thoracic aortic disease may be non-syndromic or seen as part of a genetic syndrome, such as Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, or vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Expanded access to genetic testing has revealed the wide and overlapping phenotypic spectrum of these conditions, highlighting the need for genetic testing to establish an accurate diagnosis. Important aspects of genetic evaluation include thorough phenotyping through family history and physical examination, selection of an appropriate genetic test driven by the patient’s phenotype, and careful interpretation of genetic test results. Improved understanding of the natural history of these conditions has led to tailored management recommendations, including gene-based recommendations for prophylactic surgical repair. Identification of a genetic etiology allows for careful monitoring of disease progression, informs the timing of prophylactic surgical repair, and facilitates the identification of other at-risk relatives through cascade genetic testing.
Acute on Chronic Neuromuscular Respiratory Failure in the Intensive Care Unit: Optimization of Triage, Ventilation Modes, and Extubation.

Critical care management of acute respiratory failure in patients with neuromuscular disease (NMD) such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is not standardized and is challenging for many critical care specialists. Progressive hypercapnic respiratory failure and ineffective airway clearance are key issues in this patient population. Often at the time of hospital presentation, patients are already supported by home mechanical ventilatory support with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and an airway clearance regimen. Prognosis is poor once a patient develops acute respiratory failure requiring intubation and invasive mechanical ventilatory support, commonly leading to tracheostomy or palliative-focused care. We focus on this understudied group of patients with ALS without tracheostomy and incorporate existing data to propose a technical approach to the triage and management of acute respiratory failure, primarily for those who require intubation and mechanical ventilatory support for reversible causes, and also for progression of end-stage disease. Optimizing management in this setting improves both quality and quantity of life. Neuromuscular patients with acute respiratory failure require protocolized and personalized triage and treatment. Here, we describe the technical methods used at our single institution. The triage phase incorporates comprehensive evaluation for new etiologies of hypoxia and hypercapnia, which are not initially presumed to be secondary to progression or end-stage neuromuscular respiratory failure. In select patients, this may involve intubation or advanced adjustments of NIV machines. Next, once the acute etiology(s) is identified and treated, the focus shifts: training and use of mechanical airway clearance to optimize pulmonary function, facilitation of NIV wean or successful extubation to NIV, and transition to a stable regimen for home ventilation. The comprehensive protocol described here incorporates multi-institutional approaches and effectively optimizes acute respiratory failure in patients with neuromuscular pulmonary disease.
Relationship between Tobacco Headspace Volatiles and Their Smoking Quality

In order to investigate the relationship between tobacco headspace volatiles and their smoking quality, the volatiles of 44 Japanese flue-cured tobacco samples were trapped by active carbon and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC). The volatiles related to smoking quality were studied by multiple regression analysis (MRA). Prior to MRA, the information on their GC profiles was condensed into the six principal components (PCs) which accounted for 84% of the variance in the 40 GC peaks. The results of MRA using three PCs showed precise predictions for scores of tobacco smoking quality (r = 0.90). The samples were roughly separated into groups according to their variety and stalk position on the plane for the selected PCs. The influences of the variety and stalk position on the smoking quality were also investigated by stepwise discriminant analysis (SDA). As a result of this study, it was found that the volatiles which were partially governed by their variety and stalk position may be used to evaluate the sm...
A 180mV FFT processor using subthreshold circuit techniques

Minimizing energy requires scaling supply voltages below device thresholds. Logic and memory design techniques allowing subthreshold operation are developed and demonstrated. The fabricated 1024-point FFT processor operates down to 180mV using a standard 0.18/spl mu/m CMOS logic process while using 155nJ/FFT at the optimal operating point.
Trace elemental analysis of InP and related process materials by glow-discharge mass-spectrometry (GDMS)

The development of growth technology for undoped or low level Fe-doped indium phosphide (InP) single crystals and epitaxial layers often requires evaluation of residual impurities at concentration levels below 10/sup 15/ at/cm/sup 3/. Glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS) is well recognized as an analytical tool for trace impurity analysis in various semiconductors and related process materials. In the recent paper we present various aspects of application of GDMS for the analysis of bulk and epitaxial InP along with process materials. The following subjects are addressed: general description of analytical technique; physical aspects of DC glow-discharge in semi-insulating compound semiconductors; analytical aspects of GDMS in application to InP; a description of the most common trace impurities found in InP and related process materials, and some examples of GDMS application in material science of InP such as a revealing of the longitudinal impurity inhomogeneity in single crystals and elemental depth profile in epitaxial InP.
Molecular quantum-dot cellular automata

Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) is an approach to computing which eliminates the need for transistors by representing binary digits as charge configurations rather than current levels. Coulomb interactions provide device-device coupling without current flow. Clocked control of the device allows power gain, control of power dissipation, and pipelined computation. Molecular QCA uses redox sites of molecules as quantum dots. We present an ab initio analysis of a simple molecular system which acts as a clocked molecular QCA cell.
Lessons from primary succession for restoration of severely damaged habitats

Questions: How can studies of primary plant succession increase the effectiveness of restoration activities? Can restoration methods be improved to contribute to our understanding of succession? Results: Successional studies benefit restoration in six areas: site amelioration, development of community structure, nutrient dynamics, species life history traits, species interactions, and modeling of transitions and trajectories. Primary succession provides valuable lessons for understanding temporal dynamics through direct, long-term observations on severely disturbed habitats. These lessons assist restoration efforts on infertile or even toxic substrates. Restoration that uses scientific protocols (e.g., control treatments and peer-reviewed publications) can offer insights into successional processes. Conclusions: A century of studying successional dynamics has provided modern restoration activities with many useful lessons that are not being fully utilized.