cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The evolving field of health literacy research

We are quite pleased to present the current special issue on Health Literacy of the Journal of Health Communication. We hope readers will see this issue as a marker of the Journal's long-term inter...
Clear cell, papillary and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma in patients younger than 20 years old: A clinicopathologic study with follow-up

Abstract Objective To perform a clinicopathologic study with follow-up on this rare subset of tumors in the pediatric population. Patients and methods A search was made through the surgical pathology files of two academic institutions for cases of non-translocation associated renal cell carcinoma in patients younger than 20 years old from 1995 to 2011. Results 12 cases were identified from 350 pediatric patients with renal tumors (prevalence = 3.4%). The mean age at diagnosis was 11 years (range 1–18 years). The average tumor size was 7.3 cm (range 3.0–15.0 cm). Pathological staging analysis revealed 7/12 (58%) pT1 tumors, 3/12 (25%) pT2 tumors, and 2/12 (17%) pT3 tumors. Lymph node metastasis was present in 3/12 (25%) patients. The majority of tumors 9/12 (75%) were Fuhrman nuclear grade 2, while 3/12 (25%) cases were Fuhrman nuclear grade 3. Tumor necrosis was identified in 5/12 (42%) tumors, and angiolymphatic invasion was identified in 4/12 (33%) tumors; 1 patient developed lung metastasis. Conclusions Pathologic parameters typically associated with poor outcome in adults, including metastasis/high tumor stage, high Fuhrman nuclear grade, angiolymphatic invasion, and tumor necrosis, did not lead to death in any of the patients in our series.
Altered fatty acid desaturation and microsomal fatty acid composition in the streptozotocin diabetic rat

Streptozotocin diabetes in the rat diminishes the synthesis of both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Rat liver microsomal fatty acid composition and fatty acid desaturation were studied in the streptozotocin diabetic rat. The major alterations in fatty acid composition found in the diabetic rat were decreased proportions of palmitoleic, oleic and arachidonic acids and an increased proportion of linoleic and docosahexaeneoic acids. These findings, other than the increased docosahexaeneoic acid, probably result from the diminished liver microscomal δ9 and δ6 desaturase activities found in these animals. These changes are not due to the diminished weight gain of the diabetic animals since restricting food intake of control animals to achieve a similar weight gain failed to reproduce either the changes in fatty acid composition or the decrease in fatty acid desaturation. The increased food intake of the diabetic animal may contribute to the altered proportions of linleic and arachidonic acids since limiting food intake in diabetic animals to that of normal controls diminished the magnitude of these changes. Insulin therapy for 2 days not only reverses and overcorrects the diminished desaturase activities, but likewise reverses and overcorrects the altered fatty acid composition, with the exception of the diminished arachidonic aicd levels which are further decreased following insulin therapy. These findings strongly suggest that most of the changes in fatty acid composition in the diabetic rat are indeed caused by the diminished fatty acid desaturase activities.
Antibodies and antibody-based assays for hexavalent uranium

Three hybridoma cell lines (8A 11, 12F6 and 10A3) have been generated that synthesize and secrete monoclonal antibodies that bind tightly and specifically to UO 2 2+ complexed to 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxylic acid (DCP). These antibodies showed differences in their ionic strength and pH dependencies. The three antibodies have been used to construct competitive immunoassays for soluble UO 2 2+ . In a competitive microwell immunoassay format, the antibodies measured soluble UO 2 2+ at concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 10 μM (9.5-2400 ppb). Metal ion specificity of the 8A11 antibody was determined by the individual addition of I ppm of 19 different atomic absorption-grade metals (Cu(II), Al(III), Mo(VI), Hg(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Pb(II), Mn(II), Sr(II), Ca(II), Au(III), In(III), Fe(III), Ti(III), Yt(III), Pr(III), or Er(III) to the competitive microwell assay. The addition of these metals had no effect on the response of the immunoassay to soluble UO 2 2+ . In a competitive assay format that utilized the KinExA automated immunoassay instrument, the 8A11 antibody-based assay was linear with UO 2 2+ concentrations from I to 5 nM (0.24-1.2 ppb).
Cytokine regulation of CD40 expression in fetal human astrocyte cultures.

Abstract CD40 can participate in inflammatory processes after binding its cognate ligand (CD40L). We found that fetal human astrocytes constitutively express CD40 mRNA and protein. Upon incubating cultures with proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IFN-γ) or with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), CD40 expression was increased. No change in CD40 expression was noted in astrocyte cultures incubated with IL-6, HIV or gp41. Astrocytes also showed increased release of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 after incubation with CD40L peptide. These observations suggest a role for CD40 in central nervous system (CNS) inflammation and that CD40/CD40L autocrine or paracrine pathways may mediate this role.
Impact of an automated email notification system for results of tests pending at discharge: a cluster-randomized controlled trial.

Background and objective Physician awareness of the results of tests pending at discharge (TPADs) is poor. We developed an automated system that notifies responsible physicians of TPAD results via secure, network email. We sought to evaluate the impact of this system on self-reported awareness of TPAD results by responsible physicians, a necessary intermediary step to improve management of TPAD results. Methods We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial at a major hospital affiliated with an integrated healthcare delivery network in Boston, Massachusetts. Adult patients with TPADs who were discharged from inpatient general medicine and cardiology services were assigned to the intervention or usual care arm if their inpatient attending physician and primary care physician (PCP) were both randomized to the same study arm. Patients of physicians randomized to discordant study arms were excluded. We surveyed these physicians 72 h after all TPAD results were finalized. The primary outcome was awareness of TPAD results by attending physicians. Secondary outcomes included awareness of TPAD results by PCPs, awareness of actionable TPAD results, and provider satisfaction. Results We analyzed data on 441 patients. We sent 441 surveys to attending physicians and 353 surveys to PCPs and received 275 and 152 responses from 83 different attending physicians and 112 different PCPs, respectively (attending physician survey response rate of 63%). Intervention attending physicians and PCPs were significantly more aware of TPAD results (76% vs 38%, adjusted/clustered OR 6.30 (95% CI 3.02 to 13.16), p<0.001; 57% vs 33%, adjusted/clustered OR 3.08 (95% CI 1.43 to 6.66), p=0.004, respectively). Intervention attending physicians tended to be more aware of actionable TPAD results (59% vs 29%, adjusted/clustered OR 4.25 (0.65, 27.85), p=0.13). One hundred and eighteen (85%) and 43 (63%) intervention attending physician and PCP survey respondents, respectively, were satisfied with this intervention. Conclusions Automated email notification represents a promising strategy for managing TPAD results, potentially mitigating an unresolved patient safety concern. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ([NCT01153451][1]) [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT01153451&atom=%2Fjaminfo%2F21%2F3%2F473.atom
Flow cytometric analysis of bursal, thymic, and splenic cells from normal and cyclophosphamide-treated embryos.

Abstract Cell flow cytometry was used to assess the life cycle of embryonic lymphocytes. Cells were prepared for flow cytometry by fixation for 30 min in a final concentration of 70% ethyl alcohol, treated with ribonuclease (50 to 70 Kunitz/ml) and incubated for 30 min. in propidium iodide. Our data demonstrated that bursal lymphocytes from 20-day embryos (DE) exhibited significantly fewer cells in pre-DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and more cells in DNA synthesis (S) than thymic cells from 20 DE, and thymic lymphocytes from 16 DE expressed a more active S than bursal cells. Lymphocytes were separated from granulocytes by a Ficoll-hypaque double density gradient. The DNA cycle of bursal lymphocytes was more easily disrupted with cyclophosphamide (Cy) than the DNA cycle of thymic lymphocytes. However, unfractionated splenic cells from embryos treated with Cy revealed a greater percentage of cells in S and post-DNA synthesis and mitosis than splenic cells from control embryos. Because the splenic cells of Cy-treated embryos were predominantly immature granulocytes, it was concluded that Cy stimulated myelopoiesis in the spleen.
Aligning fast alternating current electroosmotic flow fields and characteristic frequencies with dielectrophoretic traps to achieve rapid bacteria detection

Tailor-designed alternating current electroosmotic (AC-EO) stagnation flows are used to convect bioparticles globally from a bulk solution to localized dielectrophoretic (DEP) traps that are aligned at the flow stagnation points. The multiscale trap, with a typical trapping time of seconds for a dilute 70 mL volume of 10 3 particles per cc sample, is several orders of magnitude faster than conventional DEP traps and earlier ACEO traps with parallel, castellated, or finger electrodes. A novel serpentine wire capable of sustaining a high voltage, up to 2500 VRMS, without causing excessive heat dissipation or Faradaic reaction in strong electrolytes is fabricated to produce the strong AC-EO flow with two separated stagnation lines, one aligned with the field minimum and one with the field maximum. The continuous wire design allows a large applied voltage without inducing Faradaic electrode reactions. Particles are trapped within seconds at one of the traps depending on whether they suffer negative or positive DEP. The particles can also be rapidly released from their respective traps by varying the frequency of the applied AC field below particle-distinct cross-over frequencies. Zwitterion addition to the buffer allows further geometric and frequency alignments of the AC-EO and DEP motions. The same device hence allows fast trapping, detection, sorting, and characterization on a sample with realistic conductivity, volume, and bacteria count.
Physiology of Pupal Ecdysis in the Tobacco Hornworm, Manduca Sexta: II. Chemistry, Distribution, and Release of Eclosion Hormone at Pupal Ecdysis

Eclosion hormone activity was found in the brain and ventral ganglia of pharate pupae of Manduca sexta . No activity was detected in the corpora cardiaca-corpora allata complex. At the time of ecdysis the store of activity dropped by 50–75% in the ventral cord whereas the hormone level in the brain remained unchanged. Also, larvae whose brains were removed at the wandering stage subsequently showed pupal ecdysis behaviour and also had essentially normal levels of hormonal activity in their blood at the start of the behaviour. It was concluded that at pupal ecdysis the hormone responsible for the initiation of the behaviour is released from the ventral nerve cord rather than from the brain. The chemical characteristics of the pharate pupal eclosion hormone were determined. The factors from the brain and ventral nerve cord were both active in a number of adult and pupal eclosion hormone bioassays. Both showed an apparent molecular weight of 8500 daltons and an isoelectric point of about 5·0, values essentially the same as that seen for the adult form of the hormone. We concluded that pupal ecdysis and adult eclosion are triggered by the same hormone but for the former it is released from the ventral nerve cord and, for the latter, from the brain. The choice of release site may depend on whether or not the release is under circadian control.
Unconventional Therapist: Albert Ellis

Albert Ellis is one of counseling's most prolific authors, having written more than 40 books and 500 articles, most on the topic of Rational Emotive Therapy (RET). As RET's progenitor, he has been a moving force in the current renaissance of interest in the cognitive behavior movement. In this interview Ellis discusses his theory and its application and aspects of his personal and family life.
Spontaneous rupture of human renal allografts

Preservation of renal allografts following spontaneous rupture is a surgical challenge. Salvage was attempted in 3 patients. Despite successful repair in all 3, transplant nephrectomy was ultimately required in 2 patients because of irreversible rejection. The third patient is doing well forty-eight weeks after transplantation.
THE BREAKING OF TERNARY ACETATE-ALCOHOL-WATER AZEOTROPES BY EXTRACTIVE DISTILLATION

The breaking of seven ternary acetate-alcohol-water azeotropes by extractive distillation was accomplished. They are n-propyl acetate-n-propanol-water, isopropyl acetate-isopropanol-water, n-butyl acetate-n-butanol-water, 2-butyl acetate-2-butanol-water, isobutyl acetate-isobutanol-water, n-amyl acetate-n-amyl alcohol-water and n-hexyl acetate-n-hexanol-water. The acetates, usually the highest boiling constituents, are obtained as overhead product as a two-phase mixture with water. The most effective agents are glycols and dimethylsulfoxide. Solubility parameters were found to be a qualitative indication for selecting extractive distillation agents. When the formation of a chemical complex is dominant, solubility parameter does not explain solution behavior satisfactorily.
Captopril as an antioxidant in lead-exposed Fischer 344 rats

Recent studies suggest that lead induces oxidative stress in various tissues. Captopril ([2S]-1-[3-mercapto-2-methylpropionyl]-L-proline), an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, is a well-known antihypertensive agent and is also believed to function as an antioxidant. In the present study the antioxidant effect of captopril on lead-induced oxidative stress was studied in Fischer 344 rats. Their liver, brain and kidneys were assayed for glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), malondialdehyde concentrations, and catalase activities. The results from animals treated with captopril were compared to results of control and lead-exposed non-treated groups. The captopril-treated samples showed higher GSH:GSSG ratios in the liver, brain and kidneys, as well as slightly decreased malondialdehyde concentrations. The catalase activity was not significantly affected.
Steaming on Convex Hulls

This is a sea story about using a simple classroom example to save a great deal of money, as well as to convince beginning Postgraduate Naval School operations research students---experienced, skeptical military officers---that mathematical analysis can yield immediate results. The application is planning a ship's transit from one point to another in a fixed amount of time, given that the ship can operate with one or more of its propulsion plants idled to save fuel. Simple analysis yields nonintuitive results that US Navy shipboard energy-conservation guides overlook. One of the authors (Kline) solved this homework problem as a student and subsequently applied this example when he took command of USS AQUILA, a patrol hydrofoil missile ship. AQUILA achieved results so striking in comparison to her sister ships that the squadron material officer inspected her engineering plant to ensure that no safety settings were being overridden to achieve this record. Kline's spreadsheet decision-support tool was provided to other hydrofoil commanders. A more general version has been conveyed to the US Navy. Considering that our navy spends about a billion dollars per year on fuel for surface-combatant ships alone, this development promises substantial, long-term returns. “But thou, contracted to thine own bright eyes, Feed'st thy light'st flame with self-substantial fuel.” Shakespeare, Sonnet I
Models for the Transmembrane Region of the Phospholamban Pentamer: Which Is Correct?a

Phospholamban is a 52-amino acid protein that assembles into a pentamer in the membranes of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Pentamer formation is driven in large part by interactions of the transmembrane regions of the protein, which are thought to be arranged as interacting alpha-helices. The structural properties of phospholamban have been studied by mutagenesis and optical spectroscopy, resulting in a large database. In this discussion, we present advances in computational modeling, which identifies two probable structures for the transmembrane pentamer. A new approach to mutagenesis is described, which should lead to a clear distinction between the two possible models.
Relative Roles of Inhibin B and Sex Steroids in the Negative Feedback Regulation of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone in Men across the Full Spectrum of Seminiferous Epithelium Function

Context and Objective: Our aim was to explore the relative roles of gonadal sex steroids and inhibin B in the regulation of FSH across a spectrum of seminiferous epithelium function. Subjects: The study included three groups: group I, healthy men (n = 31); group II, men with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism receiving pulsatile GnRH (n = 12) selected to represent a spectrum of seminiferous tubular development, testicular size, and baseline inhibin B levels; and group III, men with functional anorchia (n = 3) receiving testosterone replacement. Design: Subjects were studied before and after 3 d of acute sex steroid withdrawal. Setting: The study was conducted at the Mallinckrodt General Clinical Research Center of Massachusetts General Hospital. Interventions: Acute biochemical castration was achieved using high-dose ketoconazole (groups I and II) or withdrawal of androgen therapy (group III). Main Outcome Measures: The relationship between FSH and inhibin B in both normal and castrate sex steroid milieu was measured. Results: In both normal and castrate sex steroid milieus, there was a negative relationship between inhibin B and FSH, best described by a logarithmic model. Acute biochemical castration resulted in the most dramatic increases in FSH in men with the lowest baseline inhibin B levels. Conclusions: We came to the following conclusions: 1) in the human male, inhibin B is the principal gonadal feedback regulator of FSH secretion unless seminiferous tubular function is severely compromised, and a logarithmic model best describes this relationship; and 2) sex steroid inhibition of FSH secretion is most apparent when serum inhibin B levels fall well below the normal range.
A highly controllable MESFET active patch antenna/oscillator

This paper reports a new MESFET active patch antenna suitable for active radiator applications. Active radiator applications include spatial power combining, coded reradiation identification tagging, beacons, etc. The element reported here employs the MESFET with source and drain connected to matched patch antennas with the gate providing feedback for oscillation. The gate feedback is coupled through a microstrip stub, thereby providing a means for a variety of control functions. Specifically, the stub length is trimmable, electrically adjustable (through insertion of a varactor diode), and provides a vehicle for injection locking through aperture coupling to the stub.
As users grow more savvy: experiences with an asynchronous distance learning tool

Over a three-year period we designed and redesigned interfaces to a conceptually simple multimedia annotation tool called MRAS, the Microsoft research annotation system. We expected MRAS to be widely useful in education settings with little or no modification. In a series of deployments we encountered a surprising range of specific requirements. These included context- and content-specific needs. We ultimately had to shift from an application focus to a platform focus, from a single general-purpose tool to a toolkit to support asynchronous group interaction, with which task-specific applications could be built. Software that can be widely used with little or no modification has advantages for producers and consumers, but our experience suggests that as computer users become more aware of the flexibility of software, general purpose shrinkwrap software may fade away. Requests for MRAS from educators who would likely encounter similar problems suggests that these difficulties are not predictable. We discuss implications for designers, developers, and users.
Evidence From Structural and Diffusion Tensor Imaging for Frontotemporal Deficits in Psychometric Schizotypy

BACKGROUND Previous studies of nonclinical samples exhibiting schizotypal traits have provided support for the existence of a continuous distribution of psychotic symptoms in the general population. Few studies, however, have examined the neural correlates of psychometric schizotypy using structural and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). METHODS Healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 68 were recruited from the community and assessed using the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire and received structural and DTI exams. Participants with high (N = 67) and low (N = 71) psychometric schizotypy were compared on gray and white matter volume, and cortical thickness in frontal and temporal lobe regions and on fractional anisotropy (FA) within 5 association tracts traversing the frontal and temporal lobes. RESULTS Higher levels of schizotypy were associated with lower overall volumes of gray matter in both the frontal and temporal lobes and lower gray matter thickness in the temporal lobe. Regionally specific effects were evident in both white matter and gray matter volume of the rostral middle frontal cortex and gray matter volume in the pars orbitalis. Moreover, relative to individuals who scored low, those who scored high in schizotypy had lower FA in the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus as well as greater asymmetry (right > left) in the uncinate fasciculus. CONCLUSIONS These findings are broadly consistent with recent data on the neurobiological correlates of psychometric schizotypy as well as findings in schizotypal personality disorder and schizophrenia and suggest that frontotemporal lobe dysfunction may represent a core component of the psychosis phenotype.
The Glycine‐Glomus‐Bradyrhizobiun symbiosis. XI. Nodule gas exchange and efficiency as a function of soil and root water status in mycorrhizal soybean

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Hobbit] plants were inoculated with a HUP− strain of Bradyrhizobium japonicum (Nitragin 61A118) and either colonized by the vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungus Glomus mosseae (Nicol & Gerd.) Gerd. and Trappe or fertilized with KH2PO4 (nonVAM). They were grown for 50 days in a growth chamber and harvested over a 4-day drought period during which available soil water decreased to 0. Nodule P concentrations and P-use efficiency declined linearly with soil and root water content during the harvest period in both VAM and nonVAM plants. Nitrogenase activity, estimated from H2 evolution and C2H2 reduction data, was also a linear function of declining nodule P concentrations and CO2-exchange rates and showed simular patterns in both treatments. Hydrogen evolution and the relative efficiency of N2 fixation, on the other hand, reacted differently to increasing drought in VAM and nonVAM plants. Differences in the responses of nodule activity in VAM and nonVAM plants to drought are interpreted in terms of demand for nodule P and carbohydrates and of the effects of dehydration on O2 diffusion through nodule tissue.
Fabrication and emitter measurements for a nanoklystron: A novel THz micro-tube source

A novel monolithic micro-tube source for submillimeter-wave (300 GHz to 3 THz) power generation is being developed at JPL. The tube takes the form of a simple reflex klystron with dimensions in the micrometer range, fabricated monolithically in silicon using standard MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) fabrication techniques. While different types of cathodes are being considered, the effort has been focused so far on developing highly ordered arrays of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) working as cold field emitters. In this paper we report the progress and some preliminary results on the fabrication of monolithic nanoklystron cavities and CNT-based field emitters.
Shock-wave strengthening by area convergence.

A 17 in. diameter shock tube was coupled to a 1 in. tube by a 10° half-angle conical convergence. Timing measurements showed that the shock waves emerged from the convergence at 2–3 times their entrance speeds, and then decelerated downstream. After the application of a viscous correction, the shock speeds at the convergence exit agreed to within 5% with equilibrium real-gas calculations of the model of Chester (1954), Chisnell (1957) and Whitham (1958). The downstream deceleration, due to viscosity and to higher-order interactions not included in the theory, was also briefly studied.
A relic or still relevant: The narrowing role for vagotomy in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease

Abstract Background Given the rise of medical treatment for peptic ulcer disease (PUD), surgical treatment is necessary only in select cases and emergencies. The authors assess the current relevance of surgical vagotomy to treat PUD and its complications. Data Sources Although historically significant, selective and highly selective vagotomy is very technically challenging, and highly selective vagotomy has a relatively narrow indication and high recurrence rates. Vagotomy and gastrectomy is associated with significant side effects. Two types of vagotomy remain relevant, within a narrow scope. Truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty is safe and efficacious through a laparoscopic approach in certain emergent cases. Vagotomy and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy can be used to treat severe PUD refractory to medical management. Conclusions The role of vagotomy in the management of PUD has a rich history but predated pharmacologic control of acid and understanding of the role of Helicobacter pylori in the disease. Thus, the current role of vagotomy is significantly limited. Specifically, the emergent use of truncal vagotomy is warranted for patients who are either resistant or allergic to proton pump inhibitors.
Heart rate recovery after maximal exercise is blunted in hypertensive seniors

Abnormal heart rate recovery (HRR) after maximal exercise may indicate autonomic dysfunction and is a predictor for cardiovascular mortality. HRR is attenuated with aging and in middle-age hyperten...
Manipulation of Catalase Levels Produces Altered Photosynthesis in Transgenic Tobacco Plants

Constructs containing the cDNAs encoding the primary leaf catalase in Nicotiana or subunit 1 of cottonseed (Gossypium hirsutum) catalase were introduced in the sense and antisense orientation into the Nicotiana tabacum genome. The N. tabacum leaf cDNA specifically overexpressed CAT-1, the high catalatic [corrected] form, activity. Antisense constructs reduced leaf catalase specific activities from 0.20 to 0.75 times those of wild type (WT), and overexpression constructs increased catalase specific activities from 1.25 to more than 2.0 times those of WT. The NADH-hydroxypyruvate reductase specific activity in transgenic plants was similar to that in WT. The effect of antisense constructs on photorespiration was studied in transgenic plants by measuring the CO2 compensation point (gamma) at a leaf temperature of 38 degrees C. A significant linear increase was observed in gamma with decreasing catalase (at 50% lower catalase activity gamma increased 39%). There was a significant temperature-dependent linear decrease in gamma in transgenic leaves with elevated catalase compared with WT leaves (at 50% higher catalase gamma decreased 17%). At 29 degrees C, gamma also decreased with increasing catalase in transgenic leaves compared with WT leaves, but the trend was not statistically significant. Rates of dark respiration were the same in WT and transgenic leaves. Thus, photorespiratory losses of CO2 were significantly reduced with increasing catalase activities at 38 degrees C, indicating that the stoichiometry of photorespiratory CO2 formation per glycolate oxidized normally increases at higher temperatures because of enhanced peroxidation.
Levels of interleukin-6 in second-trimester amniotic fluid are not predictive of adverse neonatal outcome.

Objective : Elevation of interleukin (IL)-6 in the amniotic fluid (AF) during the second trimester is associated with increased risk of preterm delivery. AF IL-6 levels of > 2950 pg/ml within 72 h of delivery are predictive of neonatal brain white-matter lesions, such as periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the presence of elevated AF IL-6 during the early second trimester was associated with the occurrence of relevant neonatal morbidity including PVL or perinatal mortality. Methods : We performed a historical cohort study of women who underwent mid-trimester amniocentesis and had known AF IL-6 levels and pregnancy outcome information available. Included were singleton gestations, without fetal structural or chromosomal anomalies. Results : Among the 50 woman-neonate pairs included in the study, six had AF IL-6 levels above 2950 pg/ml. Occurrence of neonatal complications requiring admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (14% vs. 33%, p = 0.1) and p...
Air-ground channel characterization for unmanned aircraft systems: The near-urban environment

Use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) (or, drones) is expected to grow dramatically in the coming decades. For civil UAS that must share airspace with piloted aircraft, safety is paramount. Hence, requirements for a highly-reliable control and non-payload communication (CNPC) link are under development. Since designing a reliable link requires accurate knowledge of the channel characteristics, validated models for the air-ground (AG) channel are essential. In this paper we report results of SIMO AG measurements made for a NASA project in a near-urban environment (Cleveland, OH), for the two bands recently allocated for civil UAS CNPC: L-band (∼970 MHz) and C-band (∼5.06 GHz). Example channel characteristics are provided for a single flight track. For this flight track, path loss exponents were found to be 1.6 in L-band and 1.9 in C-band. Small scale fading Ricean K factors were 13 dB in L-band and 27 dB in C-band. The C-band root mean square delay spread was approximately 10 ns for most of the time, but reached 180 ns when reflections from buildings in the urban area were present. Spatial and inter-band correlation statistics are also reported. Tapped delay line models for near-urban AG channels will be presented in the near future.
Advances in the Surgical Management of Articular Cartilage Defects: Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation Techniques in the Pipeline

Objective:The purpose of this review is to gain insight into the latest methods of articular cartilage implantation (ACI) and to detail where they are in the Food and Drug Administration approval and regulatory process.Design:A PubMed search was performed using the phrase “Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation” alone and with the words second generation and third generation. Additionally, clinicaltrials.gov was searched for the names of the seven specific procedures and the parent company websites were referenced.Results:Two-Stage Techniques: BioCart II uses a FGF2v1 culture and a fibrinogen, thrombin matrix, whereas Hyalograft-C uses a Hyaff 11 matrix. MACI uses a collagen I/III matrix. Cartipatch consists of an agarose-alginate hydrogel. Neocart uses a high-pressure bioreactor for culturing with a type I collagen matrix. ChondroCelect makes use of a gene expression analysis to predict chondrocyte proliferation and has demonstrated significant clinical improvement, but failed to show superiority to microfr...
Examining Sample Rate, Sample Time, and Test Replication for Reducing Uncertainty in Steady Timewise Experiments

This paper presents the ways that sample rate, sample time, and number of test replications can affect the random uncertainty in a measurement. Typical steady timewise experiments seek the average values of measured variables. Even in this case, sample rate and sample time can affect the signal standard deviations and yield different random uncertainty estimates. In addition, many random error sources vary slowly relative to the test time and take on a single value. Test replications can convert systematic uncertainties to random uncertainties by allowing their values to change from test to test. The goal is to record individual tests at a sample rate and time that capture the short timescale error sources, and to replicate tests on the scale of long timescale error sources. This paper presents how to leverage these effects to reduce the overall uncertainty of a measured result without increasing the cost of the experiment. This article is available in the ASME Digital Collection at http://dx.doi.org/10.1...
Red Hook, the RHCJC, and Youth Courts

Red Hook is a mixed-use neighborhood in South Brooklyn located on a peninsula in the New York Harbor, facing Governors Island to the northwest and the mouth of the Gowanus Canal to the southeast (Kasinitz and Hillyard 1995; Kasinitz and Rosenberg 1996; Mooney 2012; NYRCR 2013). Despite its view of the Statue of Liberty and proximity to the lower Manhattan financial district, Red Hook is isolated from the rest of Brooklyn and New York because it is surrounded by water on three sides (Buttermilk Channel/Upper Bay to the west, Gowanus Bay to the south, and Gowanus Canal to the east) and cut off from the rest of Brooklyn by the Gowanus Expressway to the northeast (see Maps 3.1 and 3.2; see, e.g., Carter 2004; Cohen 2013; Dickey and McGarry 2006; Donovan 2001; Jackson 1998; Kasinitz and Hillyard 1995; Kasinitz and Rosenberg 1996; Kimmelman 2014; Levinson 2000; Mooney 2013; Nazaryan 2013; NYRCR 2013; Reiss 2000; White et al. 2003). Subway service exists only on the periphery of the neighborhood, making trips to Manhattan and other parts of Brooklyn a challenge (Kasinitz and Hillyard 1995; Zukin 2010:164).
Paclitaxel, Carboplatin, and Bevacizumab in Advanced and Recurrent Endometrial Carcinoma

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of adding bevacizumab to paclitaxel and carboplatin and as maintenance in a larger cohort of patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma. Methods We retrospectively identified endometrial cancer patients treated with paclitaxel (175 mg/m2 per 3 hours), carboplatin (area under the curve, 5) and bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) and maintenance bevacizumab treated in a post–protocol treatment cohort and evaluated them with our previously published phase 2 trial of this regimen. Results Twenty-seven additional patients were identified; 19 received the regimen as first-line therapy, and 8 received the regimen as second-line therapy after prior paclitaxel and carboplatin. The 19 patients who received first-line therapy were analyzed alone and with the 15 patients enrolled on protocol. The 2 cohorts were similar with respect to risk factors. Overall survival curves were not statistically different between the protocol and the postprotocol patients (log-rank test; P > 0.1). Collectively, a total of 266 courses (median, 6 courses; range, 1–20 courses) of carboplatin, paclitaxel, and bevacizumab combination therapy and 305 courses (median, 16 courses; range, 0–45courses) of bevacizumab maintenance therapy were administered as first-line therapy. Collectively, the median progression-free survival was 20 months, and median overall survival was 56 months. Among 29 patients with measurable disease, the response rate was 82.8% (95% confidence interval, 69.0%–96.5%; 15 complete responses and 9 partial responses). Among the 8 patients who received paclitaxel and carboplatin and bevacizumab as second-line therapy after paclitaxel and carboplatin, the response rate was 87.5% (6 complete responses, 1 partial response). Their median progression-free survival and median overall survival were not reached after a median follow-up of 23.5 months. Conclusions Although there are inherent limitations to small retrospective studies, this second analysis confirms the high response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival in the bevacizumab, paclitaxel, and carboplatin regimen as first-line therapy in advanced and recurrent endometrial carcinoma.
Single-Chain Polymeric Nanocarriers: A Platform for Determining Structure-Function Correlations in the Delivery of Molecular Cargo.

There has been growing interest in producing stable, biocompatible nanocarriers for the controlled delivery of therapeutics. With micelles, it remains a challenge to predict a priori the size, aggregation number, and functionality of the self-assembled aggregates. Utilizing controlled radical polymerization techniques, we have prepared tunable high molecular weight amphiphilic comb copolymers that self-assemble into unimolecular “micelle-like” nanocarriers of predictable size and functionality. Excellent control over self-assembly behavior and structure allows for systematic determination of the role of important polymeric material properties (i.e., glass transition) on the release of model therapeutics while simultaneously controlling for size, dispersity, structural, and functionality effects. Moreover, these single-chain polymeric nanocarriers represent a class of drug delivery systems allowing for interrogation of the limitations of standard methods for characterization of micellar aggregates.
Coupled electromechanical modeling of piezoelectric disc transducers for low-frequency ultrasonic collimated beam generation

Low-frequency ultrasonic collimated beam generation from radial modes of piezoelectric disc transducers is studied using a coupled electromechanical finite element approach. First, resonance and vibration characteristics of the radial modes of the disc transducers are obtained using an eigenfrequency analysis. The vibration patterns obtained from numerical simulation are compared with those obtained from experiments and are in good agreement. Next, ultrasonic beam profiles in water generated from the radial modes of a piezo-disc are studied. It was found that a free piezo-disc generates a Bessel-beam with multiple side-lobes. In contrast, clamping the lateral edges of the piezo-disc results in a well-collimated central beam with reduced side-lobes. This provides a novel transducer design for low-frequency collimated beam generation for imaging through highly attenuating materials
Health Literacy and Written Communication in Skilled Nursing/Subacute Facilities

Health literacy is a concern for older adults. Low health literacy can lead to adverse health outcomes; therefore, practitioners should address health literacy with clients. There is limited research addressing occupational therapy (OT) practitioners' knowledge of health literacy and its implementation in written communication in skilled nursing facility (SNF)/subacute settings. Researchers explored practitioners' knowledge and current practices when using written communication with older adult clients in skilled nursing and subacute settings. This was a nonexperimental, descriptive study of OT practitioners using an online survey. OT practitioners reported having knowledge of health literacy and addressing health literacy with clients. Although knowledge and practice scores were higher for occupational therapy assistants than for occupational therapists, no reliable differences were noted between practitioners. Survey measures yielded good internal consistencies (Cronbach's α= 0.8). While the participants reported having knowledge and practice of health literacy, participants reported limited resources and training in this area.
A Series of Progressive Legal and Ethical Decision-Making Steps for Using Christian Spiritual Interventions in Psychotherapy:

Recently, there has been a growing trend in the professional literature to address the question: “In what ways should spiritual interventions be used in counseling, with which clients, and under wh...
Overview of betrixaban and its role in clinical practice

Purpose The role of betrixaban in the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in acutely medically ill patients and its efficacy and safety profiles are reviewed. Summary Acutely medically ill patients have a high risk of developing VTE during hospitalization, and this risk continues into the postdischarge phase. Extended-duration betrixaban therapy has been evaluated in a large clinical trial (the APEX trial) and in a meta-analysis of pooled data on acutely medically ill patients. These studies have shown positive outcomes when betrixaban was compared with conventional-duration subcutaneous enoxaparin therapy for prevention of VTE in acutely medically ill patients. In parallel with these results, oral betrixaban therapy was found to be associated with a rate of major bleeding comparable to that associated with subcutaneous enoxaparin therapy; however, betrixaban use was associated with a higher cumulative rate of major and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding. In the APEX trial, the primary endpoint was not met in 1 of the prespecified cohorts, but betrixaban appeared to confer benefit in another cohort and in the overall study population. Certain populations of patients, including the elderly, are at high risk for bleeding (mainly attributable to altered pharmacokinetics and polypharmacy); such patients are not appropriate candidates for extended-duration betrixaban therapy. Betrixaban can be a potential option for VTE prevention in medical patients; however, drug interaction potential and third-party coverage should be evaluated prior to prescribing. Conclusion Betrixaban is an oral option for VTE prevention in medical patients.
Iterative Conditional Fitting for Discrete Chain Graph Models

‘Iterative conditional fitting’ is a recently proposed algorithm that can be used for maximization of the likelihood function in marginal independence models for categorical data. This paper describes a modification of this algorithm, which allows one to compute maximum likelihood estimates in a class of chain graph models for categorical data. The considered discrete chain graph models are defined using conditional independence relations arising in recursive multivariate regressions with correlated errors. This Markov interpretation of the chain graph is consistent with treating the graph as a path diagram and differs from other interpretations known as the LWF and AMP Markov properties.
X-ray crystallographic study of the structure of prostaglandin H synthase.

Prostaglandin H synthase (PGHS) is the first enzyme in the prostaglandin pathway of the arachidonate cascade (1). It is a bifunctional enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandin H2 (PGH2). Two isozymes of the enzyme (PGHS-1 and PGHS-2) exist and have different modes of expression and tissue distributions (2). The first reaction catalyzed by PGHS, the cyclooxygenase step (3), inserts two molecules of oxygen into arachidonic acid to produce prostaglandin G2 (PGG2). In the second step, the peroxidase reaction reduces the hydroperoxide PGG2 to PGH2. PGHS, a high-spin ferric heme protein with molecular weight of 70 kDa per subunit (3), can form a dimer in solution, but its physiological aggregation state is uncertain. While PGHS is an integral membrane protein, found mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum, its mode of insertion into biological membranes was unknown until recently. In this communication, we described the structure of ovine PGHS-1, recently determined by X-ray crystallography at 3.5 A (4) using crystals grown in the presence of detergents (5).
How Dogmatic Can Materialism Be

In the preceding paper, Dr. Savage’s technique is the classical one of erecting a straw man which he then proceeds to demolish. It would be tiresome to respond to every criticism. Instead I restrict myself to a few test cases.
Letter by Reiffel Regarding Article, "Unique ECG During Sinus Rhythm in a Patient With A Postmyocardial Infarction-Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia".

I read with great interest the report by Drs Farre and Wellens.1 In it, the authors presented a surface electrocardiogram (ECG) in a patient with a previous myocardial infarction and sustained ventricular tachycardia that displayed late potentials, which they noted “in patients with ischemic scars are only exceptionally reflected on the surface …
Toward the Ethical Allocation of Uterine Transplants.

Bruno and Arora (2018) explore the ethics of uterine transplantation, which is laudable given the range of complex issues raised by this emerging technology. Their most specific propositions are fo...
Liberalism and Religion: Amplifiers of War between Democratic and Non-Democratic States?

This study tests the association between liberalism and religion on militarized disputes in the politically and religiously similar and mixed state dyads. The analysis (1980–2001) integrates the Co...
Fibro-Adipogenic Remodeling of the Diaphragm in Obesity-Associated Respiratory Dysfunction

Respiratory dysfunction is a common complication of obesity, conferring cardiovascular morbidity and increased mortality and often necessitating mechanical ventilatory support. While impaired lung expansion in the setting of increased adipose mass and reduced central response to hypercapnia have been implicated as pathophysiological drivers, the impact of obesity on respiratory muscles-in particular, the diaphragm-has not been investigated in detail. Here, we demonstrate that chronic high-fat diet (HFD) feeding impairs diaphragm muscle function, as assessed in vivo by ultrasonography and ex vivo by measurement of contractile force. During an HFD time course, progressive adipose tissue expansion and collagen deposition within the diaphragm parallel contractile deficits. Moreover, intradiaphragmatic fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) proliferate with long-term HFD feeding while giving rise to adipocytes and type I collagen-depositing fibroblasts. Thrombospondin 1 (THBS1), a circulating adipokine, increases with obesity and induces FAP proliferation. These findings suggest a novel role for FAP-mediated fibro-adipogenic diaphragm remodeling in obesity-associated respiratory dysfunction.
Disrupting School Rituals

Integrating the theories of Michel Foucault and Erving Goffman, this article presents a theoretical and empirical analysis for conceptualizing school classrooms as ritualized spaces that shape the ...
New York City Trans Oral History Project The Tretter Transgender Oral History Project

New York City Trans Oral History Project. Community organizers (https://www.nyctransoralhistory.org/who-we-are) in partnership with the New York Public Library. https://www.nyctransoralhistory.org/...
Filipino Americans: An Emerging Minority

(1979). Filipino Americans: An Emerging Minority. Amerasia Journal: Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 173-182.