cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Co-existence of necrosis and apoptosis in rat hippocampus following transient forebrain ischemia.

Abstract Morphological changes of CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons in rat hippocampus at different intervals following transient forebrain ischemia were examined to determine the nature of post-ischemic cell death in these regions. In the CA1 region, swelling of small dendrites occurred at ∼24 h reperfusion. At ∼48 h reperfusion, swelling was found in large dendrites of many CA1 neurons and the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) were dilated. A small portion of neurons showed chromatin aggregation and nuclear indentation without swelling signs. At ∼60 h reperfusion, swelling of somata was evident in many neurons. Large dense chromatin clumps with round or ovoid contour were found in other neurons. At 72 and 96 h after ischemia, many large vacuoles and glias with active phagocytosis were observed. At 7 days after ischemia, the tissue was compact and many glias were found in the region. Most of the CA3 neurons had normal appearance after ischemia. A total of 5–10% CA3 neurons exhibited shrinking nuclei and chromatin aggregation at ∼24 h reperfusion. The number of these neurons decreased overtime and disappeared at 72 h after ischemia. These results demonstrate the co-existence of necrosis and apoptosis in the CA1 region after transient forebrain ischemia. Most CA3 neurons remained intact after ischemia while a small portion of them showed apoptotic cell death.
The role of blinded interviews in the assessment of surgical residency candidates.

Abstract Background: Interview assessments of surgical residency candidates may be biased by prior knowledge of objective data. Methods: Each candidate (site 1: n=88; site 2: n=44) underwent two interviews, one by faculty members informed only of a candidate's medical school, the second with prior knowledge of the complete application. Interviewers (site 1: n=28; site 2: n=14) independently rated candidates overall and on nine qualitative characteristics. Results: At site 1 only, overall ratings were significantly more favorable for unblinded than blinded interviews (23.0 ± 17.7 versus 32.6 ± 23.1, P P = 0.90) and 0.31 ( P = 0.05) at sites 1 and 2, respectively. At site 1 only, overall ratings correlated significantly with USMLE scores, but in opposite directions for blinded ( r = 0.32, P = 0.003) versus unblinded interviews ( r = −0.32, P = 0.003). Conclusion: Interview assessments may be influenced by objective data, and faculty and program variables. The value of blinded interviewing may vary as a function of individual program characteristics.
Increased Cytochrome c–Mediated DNA Fragmentation and Cell Death in Manganese–Superoxide Dismutase–Deficient Mice After Exposure to Subarachnoid Hemolysate

Background and Purpose—We sought to investigate the mechanisms for oxidative injury caused by subarachnoid hemolysate, a pro-oxidant. Methods—Injection of 50 μL of subarachnoid hemolysate or saline was performed in CD1 mice (n=75), mutant mice deficient in Mn–superoxide dismutase (Sod2+/−; n=23), and their wild-type littermates (n=23). Subcellular location of cytochrome c was studied by immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence, and immunoblotting of cellular fractions. DNA fragmentation was assessed though DNA laddering and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL). Cell death was examined through basic histology. Results—Cytochrome c immunoreactivity was present in the cytosol of neurons at 2 hours after hemolysate injection and increased by 4 hours compared with saline-injected animals (P<0.02). Cytosolic cytochrome c was more abundant in Sod2+/− mutants. DNA fragmentation was evident at 24 hours, but not 4 hours, after hemolysate injection as determined by DNA ...
Characterization of Pd-on-alumina and Pd−Si glasses by isomerization and hydrogenation of (+)-apopinene

The hydrogenation and isomerization of (+)-apopinene were performed using deuterium gas. In a typical experiment, a 500-..mu..l sample was injected onto a palladium catalyst which had been pretreated with deuterium for several h. Shaking the reaction vessel at 2200 rpm resulted in hydrogenation. After the desired % hydrogenation was accomplished, the reaction mixture was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC), resulting in good agreement between the amount of deuterium used and the amount of apopinene produced. The GC column was also used to separate the remaining apopinene from the reaction mixture for optical analysis using a polarimeter. The preparation of the palladium on alumina catalysts and the palladium-silicon splats are described. A series of these experiments was using different wt % of catalysts. Results indicate that (+)-apopinene has potential for the characterization of catalytic surfaces. Surface features have been revealed that are not readily available via surface techniques or have not been characterized by chemical means. The data seem to favor a glassy surface structure that is three-dimensionally random (hilly or rolling). 1 figure, 1 table.
Secretion of genetically engineered human/mouse class I antigens

Two soluble, secreted forms of HLA-B7 were engineered by the creation of hybrid human/mouse molecules containing the polymorphic 5' region of the HLA-B7 gene and the secretory 3' region of the mouse Q10d gene. The hybrid, designated F1, is the first construct with only human extracytoplasmic domains, consisting of exons for the leader peptide and the three extracellular domains (alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3) of B7 spliced to the exons for the Q10d truncated transmembrane and 3' untranslated (3'UT) sequences. The second construct, designated C2, is similar but has the human alpha 3 replaced by the Q10 alpha 3 domain. Protein product from each construct was best demonstrated after gene transfection into the J27.2 cell line. In particular, secretion of the F1 product proves that the Q10 alpha 3 domain is not necessary for secretion of class I/Q10 hybrids. Moreover, the two soluble B7 forms, which differ only in their alpha 3 domain, are similarly recognized by monoclonal antibodies W6/32 (anti-HLA-ABC), BBM.1 (anti-human beta 2 microglobulin), and allo-B7-antibody, but differentially recognized by monoclonal antibody Q1/28 (anti-HLA class I heavy chain). Production of such soluble hybrid class I molecules in large amounts should allow critical structural and functional studies of these proteins.
Early heartburn relief with proton pump inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

Background & Aims: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are often taken for short-term treatment of heartburn. We performed a systematic review of the efficacy of PPIs for heartburn relief within the first 1–2 days of therapy. Methods: Bibliographic databases were searched for clinical trials of PPIs in patients with heartburn that provided information about the proportion with heartburn relief at day 1–2. The sample size-weighted pooled proportions of patients with complete or sustained (7 consecutive days) relief were calculated. Meta-analyses of randomized comparisons of PPIs were also performed. Results: Eighteen trials met inclusion criteria. At day 1 of PPI therapy, complete 24-hour, daytime, nighttime, and sustained heartburn relief occurred in 0.31 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30–0.32), 0.49 (95% CI, 0.48–0.50), 0.55 (95% CI, 0.53–0.56), and 0.21 (95% CI, 0.20–0.22) of patients. Up to 37% of the heartburn relief achievable with 28 days of PPIs occurred on day 1. Placebo was significantly less effective than PPIs for 24-hour relief on day 1 (relative risk [RR], 0.41; 95% CI, 0.29–0.58), and single-dose PPI therapy was less effective than double-dose therapy (RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.74–0.92). Conclusions: Complete heartburn relief for the entire day occurs in approximately 30% of patients after their first PPI dose and 9% of patients after their first placebo (RR for relief on day 1 for placebo versus PPI was 0.41 [95% CI, 0.28–0.58]). Although PPIs might provide benefit from the first day of therapy, most patients will not have symptom relief with 1 or 2 days of PPI therapy.
Description of an academic teaching rotation for postgraduate year 1 pharmacy residents

Purpose An elective rotation specifically designed to prepare postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residents for careers in academia is described, with insights on challenges faced and benefits gained during the first offering of the rotation. Summary Through a collaboration of the University of Florida (UF) college of pharmacy’s St. Petersburg campus and the community-based Lee Memorial Hospital (LMH), a four-week elective rotation was incorporated into an existing PGY1 pharmacy residency program to provide trainees with structured and intensive exposure to the three basic components of a career in academia: teaching, service, and scholarship. Designed to expand on knowledge and skills acquired in a PGY1 teaching certificate program, the academic teaching rotation comprised a variety of experiences, including (1) daily participation in several large- and small-group teaching activities, (2) opportunities for participation in admission interviews of prospective college of pharmacy students and other service activities, and (3) independent scholarship activities such as the preparation of an article suitable for publication in the professional literature. Recent data indicate that nearly 33% of vacant teaching positions at U.S. schools of pharmacy remained unfilled during the 2009–10 academic year due to a lack of qualified candidates. Broader implementation of formal teaching rotations such as the UF–LMH program could help address the faculty staffing shortfall. Conclusion An academic teaching rotation can provide a PGY1 pharmacy resident with experiences in teaching, service, and scholarly activities beyond those typically offered in residency programs.
The relationship between Taekwondo training habits and injury: a survey of a collegiate Taekwondo population

Author(s): Covarrubias, Natalia; Bhatia, Subir; Campos, Luis F; Nguyen, Dahn V; Chang, Eric Y | Abstract: ObjectiveTo correlate training habits of Taekwondo (TKD) athletes to risk for injury.BackgroundTKD is a Korean marital art that has been growing in popularity, with nearly 2 million individuals practicing the sport in the United States. Because of the combative nature of the sport, injuries are an inherent risk. However, data on proper training habits, types of injuries sustained during training, and recommendations for athletes to avoid injury are lacking. Frequently, studies of TKD evaluate athletes' injuries during tournaments, but most do not evaluate athletes in training.HypothesisIncreased training would potentially create more injuries secondary to increased exposure.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional observational survey of 72 collegiate TKD athletes from the Pacific West Sanctioned Taekwondo Tournaments in the 2008-2009 season. Variables analyzed during training and competitions were training sessions per week, workout habits, belt level, years of experience, and characteristics of injury (location, type, mechanism, situation, treatment, and days missed).ResultsTKD training habits of individuals who practiced four or more times per week (odds ratio [OR], 4.5; P=0.005) or sparred for more than 2 hours (OR, 8.7; P=0.003) were associated with significantly increased odds (risk) of sustaining an injury. Those who had more than 3 years of tournament experience were more likely to sustain an injury (OR, 0.198; P=0.020).ConclusionIncreased risk for injury with more frequent practice and longer sparring should remind coaches and trainers that monitoring and adjusting the athletes' training schedules and exposure time could decrease the chance of injury. An athlete that has spent more years in tournaments along with high-frequency and long-duration training was associated with greater risk for injuries. Prevention and education about the risk for exposure to injury may may help athletes and trainers promote prevention strategies and adjust an athletes' training and tournament schedules to decrease the risk for injury.
SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRACK OF AN AUTOMOBILE DRIVEN AT TWO DIFFERENT SPEEDS

farther from the right edge of the pavement at the 65 mph speed and that dispersions about the mean were greater at 65 mph. Distributions of position measurements were essentially normal at both speeds. Ic was concluded that measurement of the entire track of a vehicle provides several advantages not possessed by techniques that study lane position at discrete points on the highway. Investigations of the lane position of a motor vehicle relative to speed have generally found that faster-moving vehicles travel farther from the right edge of the pavement than slower-moving ones (Thompson & Hebden, 1937; Reymer, 1940; Normann, 1944). These and other studies have, to date, used photography or pressure tubes as apparatus, and made measurements at discrete points on a highway. Data are reported as mean transverse positions, and hundreds of vehicles are generally observed. However, vehicles do not travel in straight, undeviating paths (Greenshields, 1970), and more information than mean position at one point on a highway relative to speed is therefore possible. If observations could be made over a substantial portion of a track, e.g., during several miles of driving, much more data would be available. The purpose of the present study was to record vehicle tracks at different speeds and to provide several statistics in addition to means. Two speeds were studied, and it was predicted, from the work cited above, that tracks recorded at the higher of the two would lie farther from the right edge of the pavement than chose recorded at the lower of the two; and that measures of dispersion would be larger at the higher speed because the task is more difficult. Five male and five female undergraduate students at N. C. State University served as Ss. They averaged 19.3 yr. of age, and all drove automobiles regularly and had been doing so since receipt of their drivers' licenses at 16 yr. of age. None had a history of traffic accidents or convictions. Each received a small sum of money for participating in the study. IThe study was funded by Grant No. 91988 from the School of Education, North Carolina State University. This paper was prepared while in the Departments of Industrial Engineering and Psycholom. N. C. State Universitv. Raleigh. N. C. Reorints available from the au;hor at the TrafKc. Systems Group, ~idw&t ~esearch Institute, ~ansas City, Missouri.
"THE SLOW BORING OF HARD BOARDS": METHODICAL THINKING AND THE WORK OF POLITICS

From the perspective of quite different theoretical traditions, Simone Weil and Hannah Arendt present nearly identical and equally powerful critiques of technological determinism in modernity. Yet unlike Arendt, Weil develops a concept of work that draws a distinction between technology and instrumental action as “methodical thinking.” As a result, Weil's theory of action embraces something that Arendt's theatrical politics rejects—a concept of liberatory instrumentality, or purposeful performance. I shall reassess some of the inadequacies of Arendt's concept of work and develop Simone Weil's concept of methodical thinking in order to argue for a more neighborly affinity between work:interaction and purposeful:theatrical performance than Arendtian public realm theory, for all its power, currently allows. If such an affinity is possible, then public realm theory might be more adequately equipped to deliver on what I take to be its promise as an emancipatory project in late modernity.
Central limit theorem behavior in pulsed stimulated brillouin scattering in optical fiber

Energy statistics of waveforms generated by pulsed stimulated Brillouin scattering are investigated as the fraction integrated is varied. Pulse energy noise drops and the probability distribution becomes Gaussian as more of the waveform is integrated
Stability of High-Density One-Dimensional Excitons in Carbon Nanotubes under High Laser Excitation

Through ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy with intense pump pulses and a wide continuum probe, we show that interband exciton peaks in single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are extremely stable under high laser excitations. Estimates of the initial densities of excitons from the excitation conditions, combined with recent theoretical calculations of exciton Bohr radii for SWNTs, suggest that their positions do not change at all even near the Mott density. In addition, we found that the presence of lowest-subband excitons broadens all absorption peaks, including those in the second-subband range, which provides a consistent explanation for the complex spectral dependence of pump-probe signals reported for SWNTs.
Highlight: a system for creating and deploying mobile web applications

We present a new server-side architecture that enables rapid prototyping and deployment of mobile web applications created from existing web sites. Key to this architecture is a remote control metaphor in which the mobile device controls a fully functional browser that is embedded within a proxy server. Content is clipped from the proxy browser, transformed if necessary, and then sent to the mobile device as a typical web page. Users' interactions with that content on the mobile device control the next steps of the proxy browser. We have found this approach to work well for creating mobile sites from a variety of existing sites, including those that use dynamic HTML and AJAX technologies. We have conducted a small user study to evaluate our model and API with experienced web programmers.
Lender Forbearance: Evidence from Mortgage Delinquency Patterns

The length of time that residential mortgages remain in delinquency prior to foreclosure is examined using an Accelerated Failure Time (AFT) model and a database of 207 foreclosed conventional and Veteran's Administration (VA) mortgages. The results suggest that the primary factors influencing the timing of the lender's foreclosure decision are the borrower's equity position and the erosion of that position with continuing delinquency. Borrower bankruptcy and VA guarantees also lengthen the delinquency period. Delinquency periods for fixed rate mortgages (FRM) decrease when the market interest rate increases.
Robust Tracking of Nonlinear Target Motion Using Out-Of-Order Sigma Point Kalman Filters

Over the past decade, the tasks of autonomous localization and tracking of mobile ground targets using cooperative, multiple small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been gaining an increasing amount of interest among researchers in the UAV community. Robust solutions have been elusive due to a number of challenges including sudden, unpredictable route changes of targets; inaccurate computation of small platform attitudes; and limited sensor field of views. In our previous works1,2 we demonstrated the merits of the Out-Of-Order Sigma-Point Kalman Filter (O3SPKF) and the concept of Sensor Fusion Quality (SFQ) as multiple UAVs effectively tracked and located mobile ground targets moving in a linear fashion. We showed that the O3SPKF enables UAVs to optimally incorporate randomly time-delayed sensor information, also called out-of-order data, while the SFQ technique removes invalid sensor data, enhancing the target localization accuracy for linearly moving targets. In this paper we present an improved O3SPKF/SFQ method that uses both linear and circular target tracking models to geo-locate mobile targets with non-linear motions.
Gender Disparities in Physician-Patient Communication Among African American Patients in Primary Care:

This study investigates the role of gender in physician-patient communication among African American patients in primary care. Patients (N = 137) aged 33 to 67 were nested within 79 southern California primary care physicians’ practices. In 48 interactions (35%), the physician was female and/or a member of a minority group. The study directly assessed gender differences through audiotaped physician-patient interactions as well as by measuring patients’ and physicians’ perceptions of their visit. This study employed a multi-informant design, in which independent raters assessed both physician and patient in audiotaped interactions, and both physician and patient selfreported on aspects of their visit. Discussions of prevention and health promotion were found to be significantly more common with male patients than with female patients but only when the physician was a nonminority male; these disparities disappeared when the physician was female and/or minority. Findings are discussed in terms of physician training, particularly for men and nonminorities.
Non-Smad Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling Regulated by Focal Adhesion Kinase Binding the p85 Subunit of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase

TGF-β modulates numerous diverse cellular phenotypes including growth arrest in epithelial cells and proliferation in fibroblasts. Although the Smad pathway is fundamental for the majority of these responses, recent evidence indicates that non-Smad pathways may also have a critical role. Here we report a novel mechanism whereby the nonreceptor tyrosine focal adhesion kinase (FAK) functions as an adaptor necessary for cell type-specific responses to TGF-β. We show that in contrast to Smad actions, non-Smad pathways, including c-Abl, PAK2, and Akt, display an obligate requirement for FAK. Interestingly, this occurs in Src null SYF cells and is independent of FAK tyrosine phosphorylation, kinase activity, and/or proline-rich sequences in the C-terminal FAT domain. FAK binds the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) p85 regulatory subunit following TGF-β treatment in a subset of fibroblasts but not epithelial cells and has an obligate role in TGF-β-stimulated anchorage-independent growth and migration. Together, these results uncover a new scaffolding role for FAK as the most upstream component regulating the profibrogenic action of TGF-β and suggest that inhibiting this interaction may be useful in treating a number of fibrotic diseases.
Arsenic trioxide in acute promyelocytic leukemia: potion not poison

Arsenic, a chemical that immediately gets the attention and sometimes strikes fear into the heart of patients and their families is changing the landscape of treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is a highly effective treatment for relapsed APL, for which it is US FDA approved. It also has a dramatic impact in patients with newly diagnosed APL, either as part of initial induction therapy or as consolidation therapy for patients in remission. APL: the disease Acute promyelocytic leukemia accounts for approximately 10% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases (~600–800 cases per year) in the USA. APL has well-defined clinical and pathologic features. APL is classified as the M3 subtype of AML in the French American British (FAB) system and classified as APL with t(15;17) (q22;q12), promyelocytic leukemia– retinoic acid receptor-α (PML–RARα) by the WHO. The unique features include a characteristic morphologic appearance with prominent granules and frequent Auer rods [1], often presenting with pancytopenia; however, those with the microgranular variant (M3V) often present with leukocytosis, monocytic appearing nuclei, few or no cytoplasmic granules and absent or rare Auer rods. APL has a younger age of onset compared with other AML subtypes [2], with a high incidence of severe coagulopathy at diagnosis and early hemorrhagic deaths [3,4]. The consumptive
Why Do States Commission the Truth? Political Considerations in the Establishment of African Truth and Reconciliation Commissions

Although the use of truth and reconciliation commissions (TRCs) has grown considerably over the last 3 decades, there is still much that we do not know concerning the choice and the structuring of TRCs. While the literature has focused primarily on the effects of TRCs, we examine the domestic and the international factors influencing the choice of a commission in sub-Saharan Africa from 1974 to 2003 using pooled cross-sectional time series. We find that states which adopted a TRC prior to South Africa were generally repressive centralized regimes which used the truth commission as political cover. However, since South Africa’s TRC, democratizing states have been more likely to adopt a truth commission as a form of transitional justice.
Forage and breed effects on behavior and temperament of pregnant beef heifers

Background: Integration of behavioral observations with traditional selection schemes may lead to enhanced animal well-being and more profitable forage-based cattle production systems. Brahman-influenced (BR; n = 64) and Gelbvieh × Angus (GA; n = 64) heifers consumed either toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue (E+) or one of two nontoxic endophyte-infected tall fescue (NT) cultivars during two yr. Heifers were weighed at midpoint and termination of grazing. Grazing behavior (grazing, resting in the shade, lying, or standing without grazing) was recorded (n = 13 visual observations per yr in June and July) for each pasture. During yr 2, exit velocity (EV) and serum prolactin (PRL) were determined. Results: Grazing behavior was influenced (P < 0.05) by an interaction between fescue cultivar and breed type. Gelbvieh × Angus heifers assigned to E+ pastures had the lowest percentage of animals grazing and the largest percentage of animals resting in the shade. Brahman-influenced heifers had faster EV (P< 0.001) than GA heifers (0.52 vs. 0.74 ± 0.04 s/m, respectively). Body weight (BW) was affected (P< 0.01) by an interaction of tall fescue cultivar and d, and an interaction of tall fescue cultivar and breed type. Heifers grazing NT pastures were heavier (P< 0.01) than heifers grazing E+ pastures at midpoint and termination. Gelbvieh × Angus heifers grazing NT pastures were heavier (P < 0.01) than GA and BR heifers grazing E+ and BR heifers grazing NT pastures. An interaction of forage cultivar and breed type occurred on serum PRL (P< 0.01). Conclusion: Collectively fescue cultivar, EV, and concentrations of serum PRL were associated with grazing behavior. Heifers grazing NT pastures were observed to be grazing more than heifers assigned to E+ pastures, regardless of breed type, which may have contributed to changes in BW and average daily gain (ADG) in heifers. Integration of behavioral observations along with traditional selection schemes may lead to enhanced animal well-being and more profitable forage-based cattle production systems.
Recent issues in metallic superlattices

Abstract After a brief historical summary, I describe the most recent issues in the field of metallic superlattices. It is shown that the physics of metallic superlattices is controlled by different length scales and therefore structural characterization at the appropriate length scales must be an important ingredient in these studies. Quantitative structural refinement methods are outlined and two recent examples from magnetism and high temperature superconductivity are described. A summary of the most important unsolved issues are outlined and an extensive list of references is provided.
Developmental Trajectories of Overweight During Childhood: Role of Early Life Factors

Objective: Our goal was to identify developmental trajectories of overweight in children and to assess early life influences on these trajectories. Research Methods and Procedures: Participants consisted of 1739 white, black, and Hispanic children who were younger than 2 years at the first survey and were followed up to 12 years of age. Repeated measures of overweight, defined as BMI ≥95th percentile, were used to identify overweight trajectories with a latent growth mixture modeling approach. Results: Three distinct overweight trajectories were identified: 1) early onset overweight (10.9%), 2) late onset overweight (5.2%), and 3) never overweight (83.9%). After adjustment for multiple potential risk factors, male gender [odds ratio (OR), 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0 to 2.2], black ethnicity (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.6), maternal 25 ≤ BMI <30 kg/m2 (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3 to 3.7) or ≥30 kg/m2 (OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 2.9 to 9.1), maternal weight gain during pregnancy ≥20.43 kg (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0 to 2.9), and birth weight ≥4000 g (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2 to 3.4) were associated with an increased risk of early onset overweight. These risk factors, except maternal weight gain, exerted similar effects on late onset overweight. In addition, maternal smoking (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 0.8 to 3.1) and birth order ≥3 (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.0 to 5.2) were associated with an increased risk of late onset overweight only. Breastfeeding ≥4 months was associated with a decreased risk of both early (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.3 to 1.3) and late onset overweight (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.3 to 1.7). Discussion: Two trajectories of overweight and one never overweight group were identified. Early life predictors may have a significant influence on the developmental trajectories of overweight in children.
Antibacterial effect of human milk for common causes of paediatric conjunctivitis.

The use of human milk in the treatment of ocular surface disease is documented in ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman and Byzantine texts.1 Galen recommended human milk specifically for conjunctivitis.1 Ocular application of human milk continues today in the developing world, and is recommended in widely distributed parenting guidebooks. Despite these endorsements, the antibacterial activity of topically applied breast milk has not been adequately studied. In this report, we assess the inhibitory effects of human breast milk against common ocular pathogens. Mothers attending routine outpatient paediatric visits at the University of California, San Francisco, donated milk samples for this study. Subjects with known immunodeficiency, systemic infection or antibiotic use within 2 weeks were excluded. Milk samples were stored at 4°C; the samples were tested within 6 h of collection, or frozen for later testing. We tested several reference strains of bacteria from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC): …
Health Coaching by Medical Assistants to Improve Control of Diabetes, Hypertension, and Hyperlipidemia in Low-Income Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE Health coaching by medical assistants could be a financially viable model for providing self-management support in primary care if its effectiveness were demonstrated. We investigated whether in-clinic health coaching by medical assistants improves control of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors when compared with usual care.
Impact of 5-HTTLPR on hippocampal subregional activation in older adults

Studies have shown that a functional polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) impacts performance on memory-related tasks and the hippocampal structures that subserve these tasks. The short (s) allele of 5-HTTLPR has been linked to greater susceptibility for impaired memory and smaller hippocampal volume compared to the long allele (l). However, previous studies have not examined the associations between 5-HTTLPR allele and activation in subregions of the hippocampus. In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure activation in hippocampal and temporal lobe subregions in 36 elderly non-clinical participants performing a face–name encoding and recognition task. Although there were no significant differences in task performance between s allele carriers and l homozygotes, right CA1 and right parahippocampal activation during recognition errors was significantly greater in individuals bearing the s allele. In an exploratory analysis, we determined that these effects were more pronounced in s allele carriers with the apolipoprotein ɛ4 allele. Our results suggest that older individuals with the s allele inefficiently allocate neural resources while making errors in recognizing face–name associations, which could negatively impact memory performance during more challenging tasks.
Biological Evaluation of Subglutinol A As a Novel Immunosuppressive Agent for Inflammation Intervention

Subglutinol A (1) is an immunosuppressive natural product isolated from Fusarium subglutinans, an endophytic fungus from the vine Tripterygium wilfordii. We show that 1 exerts multimodal immune-suppressive effects on activated T cells in vitro: subglutinol A (1) effectively blocks T cell proliferation and survival while profoundly inhibiting pro-inflammatory IFNγ and IL-17 production by fully differentiated effector Th1 and Th17 cells. Our data further reveal that 1 may exert its anti-inflammatory effects by exacerbating mitochondrial damage in T cells. Additionally, we demonstrate that 1 significantly reduces lymphocytic infiltration into the footpad and ameliorates footpad swelling in the mouse model of Th1-driven delayed-type hypersensitivity. These results suggest the potential of 1 as a novel therapeutic for inflammatory diseases.
Asymmetric hydroformylation-initiated tandem sequences for syntheses of (+)-patulolide C, (-)-pyrenophorol, (+)-decarestrictine L, and (+)-prelog djerassi lactone.

Four different Rh-catalyzed asymmetric hydroformylation (AHF) tandem reactions have been developed in the context of the total syntheses of (+)-patulolide C, (−)-pyrenophorol, (+)-decarestrictine L, and (+)-Prelog–Djerassi lactone. A total synthesis of (+)-patulolide C has been accomplished in three steps utilizing a Rh(I)-catalyzed Z-selective anti-Markovnikov hydroacetoxylation of a known alkyne to give a Z-enol acetate with excellent selectivity. An AHF/intramolecular Wittig olefination cascade was utilized to set the C4-hydroxyl stereochemistry, E-olefin geometry, and form the macrolactone. In addition, both (−)-pyrenophorol and (+)-decarestrictine L have been synthesized from the enantiomeric (4R)- and (4S)-4-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)-1-pentyne in five and four steps, respectively. These syntheses feature Ru(II)-catalyzed Z-selective anti-Markovnikov hydroacetoxylation of terminal alkynes followed by AHF/Wittig olefination sequences to rapidly establish functionality and stereogenicity. A synthesis ...
A nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus Novemcinctus) from central Illinois

United States: an overview. In: Weller, M. W., editor. Waterfowl in winter. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis. Pp. 307-323. FRENTRESS, C. D., D. S. LOBPRIES, AND R. L. JESSEN. 1990. Wood duck habitat and production in Texas: a management opportunity. In: Fredrickson, L. H., G. V. Burger, S. P. Havera, D. A. Graber, R. E. Kirby, and T. S. Taylor, editors. Proceedings 1988 North American Wood Duck Symposium, St. Louis, Missouri. Pp. 285-290. HEPP, G. R., AND F. C. BELLROSE. 1995. Wood Duck (Aix sponsa). In: Poole, A., and F. Gill, editors. The birds of North America, Number 169. The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and The American Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C. Pp. 1-24. KING, S. L., AND J. A. ALLEN. 1996. Plant succession and greentree reservoir management: implications for management and restoration of bottomland hardwood wetlands. Wetlands 16:503-511.
The Relativist Stratagem

Judith Shklar once observed that it was ‘not fortuitous’ that Hans Kelsen's approach to politics and law ‘has its origins in the Vienna in which psychoanalysis and logical positivism also had their...
Erythema migrans associated with partial Horner's syndrome.

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused mainly by three species of spirochaete Borrelia—B. burgdorferi, B. afzelii and B. garinii. It has three stages of presentation—early localised, early-disseminated and late Lyme. Erythema migrans is the most common manifestation of Lyme disease, and is usually seen 7–14 days after the tick bite. Patients seldom remember the tick bite. Patients may often present with neurological manifestations indicating neuroborreliosis. These manifestations range from a simple nerve palsy to severe complications such as papilloedema, myelitis or meningitis. We present a case of a 37-year-old woman who presented with partial Horner9s syndrome, which was associated with erythema migrans, and other signs of Lyme disease.
RCBA and the Aggregation Assumption

Just as Galilei’s and Copernicus’ views “resulted in a totally new conception of the physical universe and man’s place within it”, so also technological innovation has posed unheard-of questions for the present age; “as Thomasso Campanella poignantly expressed it, ‘If Galilei’s conclusions are right... we shall have to philosophize in a new way’”.1 Technology assessment (TA) and environmental-impact analysis (EIA), two of the new modes of analysis triggered by technological innovation, represent the efforts of natural and social scientists and humanists to come to grips with the implications of their disciplines for the guidance of public policy and human behavior.
Intraoperative Hypotension during Second Stage of Deep Brain Stimulator Placement: Same Day versus Different day Procedures.

Background We evaluated blood pressure management associated with implantable pulse generator (IPG) procedure on same day (SD) versus different day (DD) from deep brain stimulation (DBS) placement. Methods A retrospective chart review of 99 records for vasopressors given during IPG using a negative binomial regression model was performed. An association between SD versus DD, cumulative vasopressor dose, and minimum and maximum mean arterial pressure (MAP) were sought. Results No significant association between SD versus DD DBS and the number of times vasopressors were given during stage II, estimated ratio of means (CI) of 1.8 (0.9–3.5); P = 0.07. Day of stage II had no association with the cumulative dose of vasopressor given during stage II, with an estimated difference in means (CI) of 2.4 (−0.4 to 5.3). The SD group had a significantly lower mean of minimum stage II MAP compared with DD, with an estimated difference in means (CI) of −10.5 (−17.4 to −3.5; P P = 0.63). Conclusion No difference in intraoperative vasopressor use was found between SD versus DD IPG placement, but the SD group had a significantly lower minimum MAP.
Follicle size by ultrasound versus cervical mucus quality: normal and abnormal patterns in spontaneous cycles.

Abstract Ultrasound (US) has been demonstrated to be the method of choice for diagnosing luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome and to be a valuable adjuvent in the assessment of luteal phase defect. In this prospective study, the use of US with postcoital testing (PCT) is evaluated. Fifty control infertility patients were examined with serial US for follicle dynamics in conjunction with PCT. Standard curves for follicle dynamics versus cervical mucus quality (lnsler score) were calculated. Eighteen patients referred for abnormal mucus underwent similar evaluation. Their follicle dynamics versus mucus quality were compared with those of the controls. The findings were: (1) there is a predictable relationship between follicle size and mucus quality, (2) the majority of patients with abnormal mucus have normal follicular dynamics, and (3) a minority of patients with abnormal mucus have either a narrow mucus window or abnormal follicular dynamics. In addition, US was found to be cost-effective in the overall fertility evaluation.
Sr 1 − x Ca x Ti O 3 : An XY Quantum Ferroelectric with Transition to Randomness

A series of twenty homogeneous ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ca}}_{x}\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ mixed crystals has been measured dielectrically between 4.2 and 300 K. In the tetragonal phase, the dielectric constant perpendicular to the $c$ axis becomes peaked above ${x}_{c}=0.0018$, the quantum mechanical onset for displacive ferroelectricity. The polarization $\ensuremath{\perp}c$ can be switched between the two equivalent $a$ axes, i.e., the system is an $\mathrm{XY}$, $n=2$, quantum ferroelectric. Above ${x}_{r}=0.016\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.002$, the $\ensuremath{\epsilon}(T)$ peaks round in a distinct manner which we attribute to the onset of a random-field-induced domain state.
Improved Accuracy of Cefepime Susceptibility Testing for Extended-Spectrum-Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae with an On-Demand Digital Dispensing Method.

ABSTRACT Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae generally cannot be treated with penicillins and cephalosporins. However, some later-generation cephalosporins, including cefepime, are poorly hydrolyzed by specific ESBL enzymes, and certain strains demonstrate in vitro susceptibility to these agents, potentially affording additional treatment opportunities. Moreover, the ability to adjust both the dose and dosing interval of beta-lactam agents allows the treatment of strains with elevated MICs that were formerly classified in the intermediate range. The ability to treat strains with elevated cefepime MICs is codified in new susceptible dose-dependent (SDD) breakpoints promulgated by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. In the interest of validating and implementing new cefepime SDD criteria, we evaluated the performances of Vitek 2, disk diffusion, and a MicroScan panel compared to that of reference broth microdilution (BMD) during the testing of 64 strains enriched for presumptive ESBL phenotype (based on nonsusceptibility to ceftriaxone). Surprisingly, categorical agreement with BMD was only 47.6%, 57.1%, and 44.6% for the three methods, respectively. Given these findings, we tested the performance of the HP D300 inkjet-assisted broth microdilution digital dispensing method (DDM), which was previously described by our group as an at-will testing alternative. In contrast to commercial methods, DDM results correlated well with the reference method, with 86% categorical agreement, 91.1% evaluable essential agreement, and no major or very major errors. The reproducibility and accuracy of MIC determinations were statistically equivalent to BMD. Our results provide support for the use of the DDM as a BMD equivalent methodology that will enable hospital-based clinical laboratories to support cefepime MIC-based dosing strategies.
The marine compound Lasonolide A is a potent inducer of premature chromosome condensation and inhibitor of cell adhesion

C57 Lasonolide A is a natural product isolated from the deep-water marine sponge Forcepia sp., which shows high cytotoxity in tumor cells. The aim of our studies was to elucidate the mechanisms of this potent anti-tumor candidate agent. First, in breast cancer MDA-MB-231, MCF-7 cells, colon cancer HT 29, HCT 116 cells and Burkitt9s lymphoma CA 46 cells, G2/M phase arrest was found after 24h treatment of Lasonolide A (BrdU incorporation assay showed that Lasonolide A decelerated DNA replication in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells). Second, Lasonolide A also inhibited adhesion of MDA-MB-231 cells at nanomolar concentration, and re-organized the cytoskeleton system. The attachment of MDA-MB-231 cells to extracellular matrices such as collagen I and fibronectin was also blocked by Lasonolide A. Consequently, Lasonolide A inhibited migration of MDA-MB-231 cells. Third, premature chromosome condensation (PCC) was induced by Lasonolide A within 1 h at nanomolar concentrations. In MDA-MB-231 cells, Lasonolide A increased cells with condensed chromosome from 2.4% to 13% at 1 h. In CA46 cells, 100 nM Lasonolide A for 1 h led 97.9% cells to chromosome condensation, with only 18% phospho-histone H3(Ser 28) positive cells. Using aphidicolin, a DNA synthesis inhibitor, we found that PCC induced by Lasonolide A is independent from DNA replication. To our knowledge, our data are the first to report the potent cellular effect of Lasonolide A on chromosome and cell adhesion. The molecular target(s) of Lasonolide A are under investigation.
Output Reachable Set Estimation for Switched Linear Systems and Its Application in Safety Verification

This paper addresses the output reachable set estimation problem for continuous-time switched linear systems consisting of Hurwtiz stable subsystems. Based on a common Lyapunov function approach, the output reachable set is estimated by a union of bounding ellipsoids. Then, multiple Lyapunov functions with time-scheduled structure are employed to estimate the output reachable set for switched systems under dwell-time constraint. Furthermore, the safety verification problem of uncertain switched systems is investigated based on the result of output reachable set estimation. First, a sufficient condition ensuring the existence of an approximate bisimulation relation between two switched linear systems with a prescribed precision is proposed. Then, the safety verification for an uncertain switched system can be performed through an alternative safety verification for a switched system with exact parameters. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate our results.
Nonpharmacologic Therapy for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

The care of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis requires multidisciplinary management integrating disease-specific therapy with treatment of comorbidities as well as symptom palliation. This review focuses on the role of nonpharmacologic therapy in the care of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and describes the integration of this aspect of care in the overall patient-centered model. Nonpharmacologic care in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is focused primarily on symptom management and falls in the realm of palliative care. This includes interventions to abate disease-specific symptoms such as cough and dyspnea, as well as more general comorbidities such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Another aspect of nonpharmacologic therapy for IPF is lung transplantation for carefully selected individuals. Patient-centered care for IPF requires thoughtful consideration of disease-specific management, symptom management, and management of comorbidities. Central to this process are communication between the patient and provider and engagement of the patient to determine individualized goals of treatment. This approach should include nonpharmacologic therapies, as well as consideration of lung transplantation in a small group of patients.
Ecosystem services of Lake Erie: Spatial distribution and concordance of multiple services

Abstract The Laurentian Great Lakes provide a wide range of ecosystem services (ES) whose spatial distribution and extent are largely unquantified, thus limiting our understanding of ES co-occurrence, magnitude of ES supply, and the incorporation of ES into environmental planning. We mapped the spatial distribution of twelve ES in the Lake Erie Basin, including three supporting, three provisioning and six recreational/cultural services at three scales of analysis: sub-basins, counties and natural or urban focal areas. Whether ES are quantified by number of service sites or service delivery, the concordance of services varied among locations. Some ES were found to be spatially correlated, likely due to common function, such as sport fishing, boat launches and marinas, and other ES were co-located according to shared ‘human habitat’ in or near urban centers, as seen with municipal parks and municipal water supply. Most ES were spatially uncorrelated, and significant associations were almost exclusively positive. Total service delivery varied significantly among locations at both the county and focal area scales, indicating that areas of both high and low overall service delivery were common. Managers may benefit from awareness of the extent of ES delivery for different services in their area of interest, including co-benefit opportunities to improve delivery of multiple services.