cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endovaginal pelvic sonography as the primary method of examination of the female pelvis

SummaryThis study was designed to ascertain whether endovaginal sonography, if used alone, would lead to an unfavourable outcome by missing or falsely diagnosing significant pelvic pathology. We reviewed the sonographic reports, sonograms and medical records of 305 patients who underwent endovaginal sonography as the only method of examination and compared the original sonographic diagnosis with follow up data. Clinical documentation was obtained in 241 women and surgical documentation in 64. In all but one patient, there was no evidence that the therapeutic outcome was adversely affected because an endovaginal sonogram was the only diagnostic approach utilised. We conclude that endovaginal sonography can safely be used as the primary method of examination of the pelvis in the majority of patients. In selected instances, abdominal sonography can be used as a complementary procedure, particularly when the entire pelvis cannot be visualised.
Efficacy of CC Traps and Seasonal Activity of Adult Bemisia argentifolii (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) in Imperial and Palo Verde Valleys, California

Abstract Adult whitefly Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring trap (CC trap) catches were compared with suction type trap catches. CC trap catches were significantly correlated to the suction trap catches. Higher numbers of B. argentifolii adults were caught in CC traps oriented toward an untreated, B. argentifolii-infested, cotton field as compared with traps oriented toward Bermuda grass fields, farm roads, or fallow areas. CC trap catches at five heights above ground (from 0 to 120 cm) were significantly related to each other in choice and no-choice studies. CC trap catches were low in the Imperial and Palo Verde Valleys from late October to early June each of 1996, 1997, and 1998. Trap catches increased with increasing seasonal air temperatures and host availability. Trap catches were adversely affected by wind and rain. Abrupt trap catch increases of 40- to 50-fold for 1–2 d in late June to early July followed by abrupt decreases in adult catches suggest migrating activity of adults from other nearb...
The "Mysteries of Hypnosis:" Helping Us Better Understand Hypnosis and Empathic Involvement Theory (EIT).

Wickramasekera II (2015) has penned a comprehensive and thoughtful review article demonstrating how empathy is intimately involved in the psychology and neurophysiology of hypnosis and the self. Hypnosis is a very “mental” or subjective phenomenon for both the client and the research participant. To better assess the mind of the client/participant during hypnosis, it is my belief that we need to generate more “precise” phenomenological descriptors of the mind during hypnosis and related empathic conditions, as Wickramasekera II (2015) has suggested in his article. Although any phenomenological methodology will have its limits and disadvantages, noetics (as defined in the article below) can help us better understand hypnosis, empathic involvement theory, and the brain/mind/behavior interface. By quantifying the mind in a comprehensive manner, just as the brain is comprehensively quantified via fMRI and qEEG technologies, noetic analysis can help us more precisely assess the mind and relate it to the brain ...
Therapeutic Presence and Mindfulness

Chapter 4 describes how mindfulness and acceptance practices can be used to cultivate therapeutic presence using principles of compassion, humanity (humility and humor), and interbeing. In addition, the implications of the neural integration and relational resonance are explored in the context of the therapeutic relationship. Specific implications for working with couples, families, difficult emotions, trauma, mandated clients, children, and adolescents are discussed.
THE MECHANICS OF THE LIGAMENTS AND MENISCI OF THE KNEE JOINT

The integrity of the knee joint depends upon the muscles and tendons about the knee, the articular capsule, the intrinsic ligaments of the joint, and the bone architecture of the tibia and femur. Lateral motion of the knee joint in extension is controlled by the capsule, collateral ligaments, and cruciate ligaments; in flexion, by the same structures minus the fibular collateral ligament. Rotary motion of the knee joint in extension is controlled by capsule, collateral ligaments, and cruciate ligaments; in flexion, by the same structures minus the fibular collateral ligament. Forward gliding of the tibia on the femur is controlled by the anterior cruciate ligament. Backward gliding of the tibia on the femur is controlled by the posterior cruciate ligament. Lateral gliding of the tibia on the femur is controlled by the tibial intercondyloid eminence and the femoral condyles with the aid of all the ligaments. Hyperextension is controlled by both collateral ligaments, both cruciate ligaments, both menisci, the posterior aspect of the articular capsule, the oblique popliteal ligament, and the architecture of the femoral condyles. Hyperflexion is controlled by both cruciate ligaments, both menisci, the femoral attachment of the posterior aspect of the capsule, the femoral attachment of both heads of the gastrocnemius muscle, and the bone structure of the condyles of the femur and the tibia. The menisci cushion hyperextension and hyperflexion. The tibial collateral ligament is closely related to the medial meniscus, but there is no strong fibrous-tissue attachment between them. The tibial collateral ligament glides forward and backward in extension and flexion. The drawings from which were made Figures 1 to 12 are the work of Ruth Bialek.
Nitrogen fertilization alters the functioning of arbuscular mycorrhizas at two semiarid grasslands

The effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization on arbuscular mycorrhizas were studied at two semiarid grasslands with different soil properties and N-enrichment history (Shortgrass Steppe in Colorado, and Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico). These sites are part of the National Science Foundation's Long-Term Ecological Research Network. The experimental plots at Shortgrass Steppe were fertilized with ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) from 1971 to 1975, and have not received additional N since then. The experimental plots at Sevilleta were also fertilized with NH4NO3, but were established in 1995, 2 years before the soils were used for this study. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to compare the growth response of local grasses to arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi from fertilized (FERT) and unfertilized (UNFERT) field soils, at each site. Two species per site were chosen, Bouteloua gracilis and Elymus elymoides from Shortgrass Steppe, and B. gracilis and B. eriopoda from Sevilleta. Plants were grown for 3 months at HIGH N and LOW N levels, with FERT or UNFERT soil inoculum and in a non-mycorrhizal condition. Fertilization with N altered the functioning of AM fungi at both sites. Grasses inoculated with AM fungi from UNFERT soils had the most tillers, greatest biomass and highest relative growth rates. There were no significant differences in the growth response of plants inoculated with AM fungi from FERT soils and the non-mycorrhizal controls. These results were consistent across sites and species except for the plants grown at LOW N in Sevilleta soils. These plants were deficient in N and phosphorus (P) and did not show growth enhancement in response to AM inoculation with either FERT or UNFERT soils. Percent root length colonized by AM fungi was not directly related to plant performance. However, enrichment with N consistently decreased root colonization by AM fungi in the grasses grown in soils from Shortgrass Steppe with high P availability (18.4 mg kg−1), but not in the grasses grown in Sevilleta soils with low P availability (6.6 mg kg−1). Our study supports the hypotheses that (1) fertilization with N alters the balance between costs and benefits in mycorrhizal symbioses and (2) AM fungal communities from N fertilized soils are less beneficial mutualists than those from unfertilized soils.
SUPRA-MALLEOLAR WEDGE OSTEOTOMY OF THE TIBIA IN CHILDREN WITH MYELOMENINGOCELE

1 . The indications, technique and results of supra-malleolar wedge osteotomy of the tibia in the management of valgus or varus deformity of the ankle in children with myelomeningocele are described. 2. This operation should not be performed until as much correction as possible has been obtained by soft-tissue release and muscle balance has been restored by tendon transfer. 3. In sixteen feet satisfactory correction was obtained and maintained in fourteen, one of which had required revision for over-correction. 4. A closing-wedge osteotomy is recommended ; the two failures occurred after opening-wedge osteotomies. 5. In the fourteen feet with satisfactory correction the complications were negligible, deformity has not recurred and epiphysial growth has been well sustained.
Adaptive Flocking Control of Multiple Unmanned Ground Vehicles by Using a UAV

In this paper we aim to discuss adaptive flocking control of multiple Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) by using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). We utilize a Quadrotor to provide the positions of all agents and also to manage the shrinking or expanding of the agents with respect to the environmental changes. The proposed method adaptively causes changing in the sensing range of the ground robots as the quadrotor attitude changes. The simulation results show the effectiveness of proposed method.
Cardiac MRI

Recent advances in cardiac MRI show promise for realizing the long-awaited adoption of cardiac MRI as a clinical tool. These include hardware advances such as faster gradients, faster image acquisition methods such as the use of steady state free precession methods and new areas of application such as the use of delayed enhancement for viability imaging and quantitative assessment of function and perfusion.
Manipulation of nitrogen digestion by sheep using defaunation and various nitrogen supplementation regimens.

Five ruminally, duodenally, and ileally cannulated sheep (average BW 62 kg) were fed 65% roughage: 35% concentrate diets (CP = 15%) in a 5 x 5 Latin square design to study the applicability of using a combination of defaunation with N supplements (soybean meal [SBM], corn gluten meal [CGM], blood meal [BM], urea, and casein) with different extents of ruminal degradation to manipulate microbial protein synthesis and amount of ruminal escape protein. Diets were fed twice daily (1,759 g DM/d). Defaunation was accomplished with 30-ml doses of alkanate 3SL3 (active ingredient: sodium lauryl diethoxy sulfate)/sheep daily for 3 d with 2 d of fasting. Treatment 1 (control) involved feeding faunated sheep a diet in which the supplemental N (45% of total dietary N) was 67% SBM N and 33% urea N. Treatment 2 involved feeding defaunated sheep the same diet as the control. Treatments 3, 4, and 5 involved feeding defaunated sheep diets in which the supplemental N source was either 67% CGM-BM (1:1 N ratio) N:33% urea N, or 33% CGM-BM N:67% urea N or 33% CGM-BM N:33% urea N:33% casein N, respectively. Compared with the faunated control, defaunation decreased (P less than .05) ruminal ammonia concentration (19 vs 26 mg/dl) and increased (P less than .05) CP flow to the duodenum (253 vs 214 g/d) due to a trend for increases in both bacterial (BCP) and nonbacterial (NBCP) CP flows.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Development and Survival of the Monophagous Grasshopper Hypochlora alba (Dodge) and the Polyphagous Melanoplus bivittatus (Say) and Melanoplus sanguinipes (F.) on Louisiana Sagewort, Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt.

Development and survival of field-collected Hypochlora alba (Dodge) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) were normal on its host plant, Artemisia Iudoviciana Nutt. (Asteraceae), on leaves with sparse or medium pubescence but were reduced or terminated on leaves with dense pubescence. Without pubescence. development and survival were initially retarded. Field-collected Melanoplus bivittatus (Say) and Melanoplus sanguinipes (F.) attained only 3rd instar on normal leaves. Without pubescence, a few generally moribund M. bivittatus reached adulthood; no M. sanguinipes more than 4th instar.
Ventricular septal defects: embryology and imaging findings

Ventricular septal defects are the most common congenital abnormality diagnosed in children and the second most common congenital heart condition diagnosed in adults. Depending on their location in the interventricular septum, ventricular septal defects are described as perimembranous, muscular, subarterial, and inflow. Awareness of the embryologic basis of these defects helps understand the anatomy and recognize their typical appearance on imaging. Diagnostic imaging plays a role in the characterization of the defect, identification of associated anomalies, and evaluation of hemodynamic repercussion, all of which contribute to guide treatment.
Improving The Affordable Care Act: An Assessment Of Policy Options For Providing Subsidies

A key challenge of health reform efforts is to make health insurance affordable for individuals and families who lack coverage without harming those with coverage or increasing federal spending. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) addresses this challenge in part by providing tax subsidies to qualified individuals for purchasing individual insurance and retaining tax exemptions for employer and employee contributions to the cost of premiums of employer-sponsored insurance. These tax exemptions cost approximately $250 billion annually in lost tax revenue and have been criticized for favoring higher earners and conferring preferential treatment of employer-sponsored over individual insurance. We analyzed three options for leveling the financial playing field between the two insurance markets by reallocating the value of tax benefits of employer coverage. We found that one option that uses the subsidy formula employed in the insurance Marketplaces under the ACA for both the individual and employer-sponsored insura...
Light Emission from Three-Dimensional Silicon-Germanium Nanostructures

Three-dimensional SiGe nanostructures grown on Si using molecular beam epitaxy exhibit photoluminescence (PL) in the important spectral range of 1.3–1.6 μm. At a higher level of photo-excitation, thermal quenching of the PL intensity is suppressed and the previously accepted type II energy band alignment at Si/SiGe cluster hetero-interfaces no longer controls radiative carrier recombination. Instead, a dynamic type I energy band alignment governs the strong decrease in carrier radiative lifetime and further increase in the luminescence quantum efficiency. In contrast to the strongly temperature dependent and slow radiative carrier recombination found in bulk Si, Auger mediated PL emanating from the nanometer-thick Si layers is found to be nearly temperature independent with a radiative lifetime approaching 10−8 s, which is comparable to that found in direct band gap III-V semiconductors. Such nanostructures are thus potentially useful as CMOS compatible light emitters and in optical interconnects.
Supernumerary Molars of Otocyon

The occurrence of abnormal upper third molars and lower fourth molars in the Caninae is reviewed. It is proposed that the extra molars normally found in the adult dentition of Otocyon megalotis (Desmarest) are the result of a mutation that caused the duplication of the upper first molar and the lower second molar. Supporting evidence for this is presented. This makes the upper third molar of Otocyon the homologue of the normal canid second molar, and the lower fourth molar the homologue of the normal third molar of all of the remaining canids. The presence of an anomalous upper third molar is a relatively common variant in the genus Canis. Bertram, Windle and Humphreys (1890) recorded ABSTRACT: The occurrence of abnormal upper third molars and lower fourth molars in the Caninae is reviewed. It is proposed that the extra molars normally found in the adult dentition of Otocyon megalotis (Desmarest) are the result of a mutation that caused the duplication of the upper first molar and the lower second molar. Supporting evidence for this is presented. This makes the upper third molar of Otocyon the homologue of the normal canid second molar, and the lower fourth molar the homologue of the normal third molar of all of the remaining canids.
Trends, Predictors and Outcomes of Ischemic Stroke in Patients with a Left Ventricular Assist Device

Patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) are at higher risk of ischemic stroke (IS), but only limited data is available on the risk factors and outcomes associated with IS in LVAD patients. Of patients with an LVAD in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database between 2007 and 2011
Study on importance of Guangxi host animal monitoring in the prevention of leptospirosis

Objective To understand the importance of the host animal monitoring and master the dynamic changes of biological factors and the leptospirosis epidemic factors when the carrier state changed.Methods The infectious source and host animal,rats,pigs were conducted with related monitoring.Results Leptospira wasn't isolated by the rat kidney and porcine kidney pathogenic;The total positive rate in serological detection of leptospirosis microscopic agglutination test(MAT) from 2009 to 2011 was 3.11%(14 /450);The positive rate of MAT in 2011 of rat serum in Binyang County was 28.00%(14 /50).The leptospira groups contained in the serum were: Java group(1.33%),dog group(14.00%),seven day hot group(2.00%).Conclusions Host animal monitoring on leptospirosis trend forecasting provide scientific basis for the prevention of leptospirosis which has important epidemiological significance.
SU-F-T-205: Effectiveness of Robust Treatment Planning to Account for Inter- Fractional Variation in Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy for Head Neck Cancer

Purpose: To evaluate the potential benefits of robust optimization in intensity modulated proton therapy(IMPT) treatment planning to account for inter-fractional variation for Head Neck Cancer(HNC). Methods: One patient with bilateral HNC previous treated at our institution was used in this study. Ten daily CBCTs were selected. The CT numbers of the CBCTs were corrected by mapping the CT numbers from simulation CT via Deformable Image Registration. The planning target volumes(PTVs) were defined by a 3mm expansion from clinical target volumes(CTVs). The prescription was 70Gy, 54Gy to CTV1, CTV2, and PTV1, PTV2 for robust optimized(RO) and conventionally optimized(CO) plans respectively. Both techniques were generated by RayStation with the same beam angles: two anterior oblique and two posterior oblique angles. The similar dose constraints were used to achieve 99% of CTV1 received 100% prescription dose while kept the hotspots less than 110% of the prescription. In order to evaluate the dosimetric result through the course of treatment, the contours were deformed from simulation CT to daily CBCTs, modified, and approved by a radiation oncologist. The initial plan on the simulation CT was re-replayed on the daily CBCTs followed the bony alignment. The target coverage was evaluated using the daily doses and the cumulative dose. Results: Eight of 10 daily deliveries with using RO plan achieved at least 95% prescription dose to CTV1 and CTV2, while still kept maximum hotspot less than 112% of prescription compared with only one of 10 for the CO plan to achieve the same standards. For the cumulative doses, the target coverage for both RO and CO plans was quite similar, which was due to the compensation of cold and hot spots. Conclusion: Robust optimization can be effectively applied to compensate for target dose deficit caused by inter-fractional target geometric variation in IMPT treatment planning.
THE HUMAN α1-ANTITRYPSIN GENE AND PULMONARY EMPHYSEMA

Publisher Summary This chapter describes alpha-l-antitrypsin as a protease inhibitor that accounts for 90% of the total anti-protease activity in the blood. It is transported by passive diffusion into the alveolar structure of the lung and protects it from destruction by polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase. Reduced levels of this protein in certain individuals constitute a genetic disorder known as α 1-antitrypsin deficiency, which is often associated with development of chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema. This deficiency is characterized by the presence of a mutated α 1-antitrypsin gene that gives rise to a variant ζ type protein instead of the normal M type protein and is inherited by an autosomal recessive trait. Alpha-l-antitrypsin is a single polypeptide of 45,000 daltons in molecular weight and is synthesized in the liver. A total of 21 Kb of human DNA is represented in these overlapping genomic clones, with 8 Kb of DNA flanking the 5´ and 3´ termini of the α 1-antitrypsin gene. Electronmicroscopic and restriction mapping analyses have shown that the human chromosomal α 1-antitrypsin gene contains three intervening sequences and is approximately 5 Kb in length. The entire gene resides within a 9.6 Kb Eco RI fragment, which facilitates the cloning of the chromosomal gene from deficient individuals. The human chromosomal α 1-antitrypsin gene has been used as a probe to analyze the deficiency syndrome at the gene level to develop gene mapping methods for prenatal diagnosis of the genetic disorder.
Modernity’s ear: listening to race and gender in world music

Roshanak Kheshti’s new book, Modernity’s Ear: Listening to Race and Gender in World Music, takes an angle to a less familiar concept that, while hardly self-explanatory, lends itself very well to a...
Reciprocal Polarization of the Mitochondrial Ca2+ Uniporter and NA+-CA2+ Exchanger in Cardiac Muscle

Control of myocardial energetics by Ca2+ signal propagation to the mitochondrial matrix includes local Ca2+ delivery from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) ryanodine receptors (RyR2) to the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) through the Ca2+ uniporter (mtCU). Ca2+ is extruded by the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (NCLX), predominantly active in excitable tissues such as heart, and/or the H+-Ca2+ exchanger preferentially active in non-excitable cells. We have recently reported that the mtCU is strategically positioned in cardiac muscle at the mitochondria-junctional SR association in order to support more efficiently the local Ca2+ signals. In those studies we established a comparative abundance profile for a range of mitochondrial proteins between the mitochondrial and SR fractions of mouse and rat heart homogenates. While mtCU constituents were equally distributed (MCU, MICU1) or enriched in the SR fraction (EMRE), the NCLX was strongly (multiple fold) enriched in the mitochondrial fraction. We thus hypothesized, that NCLX was excluded from the mtCU hot spots at the dyad junctions and that it would be localized at areas where mitochondria associate with the network SR. Indeed, percoll purification of the crude mitochondrial fraction that decreased the abundance of MCU and EMRE lead to an enrichment of NCLX. Mitochondrial 45Ca2+ uptake assays using isolated mitochondria or SR fraction with vs. without NCLX inhibition (pharmacological or Na+ removal) revealed a robust Na+-dependent efflux working against the uptake in the mitochondrial but not the SR fraction. Direct measurement of the fractional Ca2+ release from the two membrane fractions also pointed toward much more efficient NCLX-mediated Ca2+ extrusion in the mitochondrial fraction than in the SR. Thus, mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and Na+ dependent extrusion seem to be reciprocally polarized to optimize both the efficacy of receiving local Ca2+ signals at the dyadic interface and of feeding back the uptake Ca2+ to the SERCA pumps of the network SR.
Cardiac Safety of Dual Anti‐HER2 Therapy in the Neoadjuvant Setting for Treatment of HER2‐Positive Breast Cancer

Background Trastuzumab and pertuzumab are approved for the neoadjuvant treatment of human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer, but cardiac safety data is limited. We report the cardiac safety of dose-dense doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by paclitaxel, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab (THP) in the neoadjuvant setting followed by adjuvant trastuzumab-based therapy. Methods Fifty-seven patients treated with neoadjuvant dose-dense AC-THP followed by adjuvant trastuzumab-based therapy between September 1, 2013, and March 1, 2015, were identified. The primary outcome was cardiac event rate, defined by heart failure (New York Heart Association [NYHA] class III/IV) or cardiac death. Patients underwent left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) monitoring at baseline, after AC, and serially during 1 year of anti-HER2 therapy. Results The median age was 46 years (range 26-68). Two (3.5%) patients developed NYHA class III/IV heart failure 5 and 9 months after initiation of trastuzumab-based therapy, leading to permanent discontinuation of anti-HER2 treatment. Seven (12.3%) patients developed a significant LVEF decline (without NYHA class III/IV symptoms). The median LVEF was 65% (range 55%-75%) at baseline and 64% (range 53%-72%) after AC, and decreased to 60% (range 35%-70%), 60% (range 23%-73%), 61% (range 25%-73%), and 58% (range 28%-66%) after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months (± 6 weeks) of trastuzumab-based therapy. Conclusion The incidence of NYHA class III/IV heart failure after neoadjuvant AC-THP (followed by adjuvant trastuzumab-based therapy) is comparable to rates reported in trials of sequential doxorubicin and trastuzumab. Our findings do not suggest an increased risk of cardiotoxicity from trastuzumab plus pertuzumab following a doxorubicin-based regimen. Implications for practice Dual anti-human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2) therapy with trastuzumab and pertuzumab combined with standard chemotherapy has received accelerated approval for the neoadjuvant treatment of stage II-III HER2-positive breast cancer. Cardiac safety data for trastuzumab and pertuzumab in this setting are limited to clinical trials that utilized epirubicin-based chemotherapy. Formalized investigations into the cardiac safety of trastuzumab and pertuzumab with doxorubicin- (rather than epirubicin) based regimens are important because these regimens are widely used for the adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment of breast cancer. The known role of HER2 signaling in the physiological adaptive responses of the heart provides further rationale for study on the potential cardiotoxicity of dual anti-HER2 blockade. Findings from this retrospective study provide favorable preliminary data on the cardiac safety of trastuzumab and pertuzumab in combination with a regimen of neoadjuvant doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel, one of the preferred breast cancer treatment regimens, according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
From Menarche to Menopause: Understanding Multigenerational Reproductive Health Milestones

Our study aims at understanding multigenerational communication among grandmothers, mothers, and daughters experiencing reproductive health transitions from menarche to menopause. Thirty women, 10 triads of grandmothers, mothers, and daughters, participated in narrative interviews to recount their menarche and menopause experiences. Analysis was read using a multilayered approach to interpret discourse positioned from self, reflexive others, and those stories informed by societal meanings. Four dialectical themes informed by generational discursive shifts in talk included (1) covert versus overt talk, (2) recollection of versus indifference to menarche, (3) bound to versus freedom from menstruation, and (4) controlling versus managing bodily changes. The theoretical significance of this piece indicates a slight, transformative change in how messages about menarche and menstruation are communicated or passed down from one generation to the next.
HIV persistence in tissue macrophages of humanized myeloid-only mice during antiretroviral therapy

Despite years of fully suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV persists in its hosts and is never eradicated. One major barrier to eradication is that the virus infects multiple cell types that may individually contribute to HIV persistence. Tissue macrophages are critical contributors to HIV pathogenesis; however, their specific role in HIV persistence during long-term suppressive ART has not been established. Using humanized myeloid-only mice (MoM), we demonstrate that HIV infection of tissue macrophages is rapidly suppressed by ART, as reflected by a rapid drop in plasma viral load and a dramatic decrease in the levels of cell-associated viral RNA and DNA. No viral rebound was observed in the plasma of 67% of the ART-treated animals at 7 weeks after ART interruption, and no replication-competent virus was rescued from the tissue macrophages obtained from these animals. In contrast, in a subset of animals (∼33%), a delayed viral rebound was observed that is consistent with the establishment of persistent infection in tissue macrophages. These observations represent the first direct evidence, to our knowledge, of HIV persistence in tissue macrophages in vivo.
Hurricane damage along natural and hardened estuarine shorelines: Using homeowner experiences to promote nature-based coastal protection

Abstract Growing coastal populations, rising sea levels, and likely increases in the frequency of major storm events will intensify coastal vulnerability in coming decades. Decisions regarding how and when to fortify estuarine shorelines against coastal hazards, such as erosion, flooding, and attendant property damages, rest largely in the hands of waterfront-property owners. Traditionally, hard engineered structures (e.g. bulkheads, revetments, seawalls) have been used to protect coastal properties, based on the assumption that these structures are durable and effective at preventing erosion. This study evaluates the validity of these assumptions by merging results from 689 surveys of waterfront-property owners in NC with empirical shoreline damage data collected along estuarine shorelines after Hurricanes Irene (2011) and Arthur (2014). The data show: 1) homeowners perceive bulkheads to be the most durable and effective at preventing erosion, but also the most costly; 2) compared to residents with revetments and natural shorelines, property owners with bulkheads reported double the price to repair hurricane damage to their property and four times the cost for annual shoreline maintenance; 3) 93% of evident post-hurricane shoreline damage was attributable to bulkheads or bulkhead hybrids and a higher proportion of surveyed homeowners with bulkheads reported having property damage from hurricanes; and, 4) shoreline hardening increased by 3.5% from 2011 to 2016 along 39 km of the Outer Banks. These results suggest that bulkheads are not meeting waterfront property-owner expectations despite continued use, and that nature-based coastal protection schemes may be able to more effectively align with homeowner needs.
In Pursuit of Anchoring Vignettes That Work: Evaluating Generality Versus Specificity in Vignette Texts.

Objective Anchoring vignettes appear with growing frequency in surveys of health and aging, but little research investigates how to optimize their wording. This study experimentally tests whether mentioning specific health conditions and/or medical procedures enhances or undermines vignette validity. Methods Three series of general health anchoring vignettes were fielded to 2,550 respondents in the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study: one mentioning no specific health conditions or procedures, one mentioning heart disease-related ones, and one mentioning diabetes-related ones. Variations on hierarchical ordered probit models were used to test whether vignette wording affected adherence to the key measurement assumptions of vignette equivalence (VE) and response consistency (RC). Results While all vignette series showed substantial violations of VE, violations were larger (especially by sex and education) when using disease-specific texts. RC violations appeared relatively minor, but somewhat larger in disease-specific texts. Discussion These findings suggest that more general, universal vignette texts may be preferable to ones describing highly specific conditions/procedures. The common advice to prioritize specificity and concreteness in survey texts may be misguided if sociodemographic groups differ in their familiarity or associations with the presented details. Anchoring vignettes are a potentially useful survey tool, but further efforts are needed to optimize their wording.
Effect of a community health worker intervention among Latinos with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes: The miami healthy heart initiative randomized clinical trial

Importance Community health worker (CHW) intervention is a promising approach to address type 2 diabetes among Latinos. However, evidence from randomized clinical studies is limited. Objective To compare a CHW intervention with enhanced usual care. Design, Setting, and Participants This 52-week, single-blind, randomized clinical trial included 300 Latino adults aged 18 to 65 years who were treated in 2 public hospital outpatient clinics in Miami-Dade County, Florida, from July 1, 2010, through October 31, 2013. Eligible participants had a hemoglobin A 1c (HbA 1c ) level of 8.0 or greater. Follow-up was completed January 31, 2015, and data were analyzed from March 10, 2015, to June 6, 2016. Interventions A 1-year CHW intervention consisted of home visits, telephone calls, and group-level activities. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes included systolic blood pressure (SBP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) levels, and HbA 1c levels. Secondary outcomes included body mass index, medication regimen intensification, and self-reported measures of diet, physical activity, and medication regimen adherence. Results Of the 300 participants randomized (135 men [45%] and 165 women [55%]; mean [SD] age, 55.2 [7.0] years), we obtained follow-up data on 215 (71.7%). Participants in the CHW group received a median of 4 home visits and 20 telephone calls. After adjusting for baseline values and covariates, participants in the CHW group had an HbA 1c level that was 0.51% lower (95% CI, −0.94% to −0.08%) than that of participants in the enhanced usual care group. The reduction in SBP of 4.62 mm Hg (95% CI, −9.01 to −0.24 mm Hg) did not meet the preplanned target of 8 mm Hg and was not statistically significant in unadjusted models. No significant differences in LDLC levels (mean difference, −8.2 mg/dL; 95% CI, −18.8 to 2.3 mg/dL) or any of the preplanned secondary outcomes were observed. Post hoc analyses suggest that the intervention may be more beneficial among those with worse control of their type 2 diabetes at baseline. Conclusions and Relevance Among Latinos with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, a 12-month CHW intervention lowered HbA 1c levels by 0.51%. The intervention did not lead to improvements in LDLC levels, and the findings with respect to SBP were variable and half of what was targeted. Future studies should examine whether CHW interventions affect other measures, such as access to health care or social determinants of health. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT01152957
Applications of Radical Polymers in Solid-State Devices

The properties of organic materials in bulk solids and thin films are key to their applications in modern optoelectronic systems [1]. That is, unlike most commercial batteries, other devices (e.g., field-effect transistors, light-emitting devices, and organic photovoltaic cells) often demand the application of functional materials in the solid state. As most such applications of radical polymers have only been examined in less than the last 5 years, this area of research is practically the youngest frontier of radical polymers. Nevertheless, even in this relatively short timeframe, there have been several significant discoveries of the properties of radical polymers, which are further boosting the research efforts of these classes of compounds. In fact, the journey of the community started with the idea to utilize the spin systems in radical-containing macromolecules. In the earliest of these examples, which occurred at the dawn of twenty-first century, radical-containing macromolecules (e.g., polyradicals) formed the early examples of organic polymer magnets [2].
Imipramine blue sensitively and selectively targets FLT3-ITD positive acute myeloid leukemia cells.

Aberrant cytokine signaling initiated from mutant receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) provides critical growth and survival signals in high risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Inhibitors to FLT3 have already been tested in clinical trials, however, drug resistance limits clinical efficacy. Mutant receptor tyrosine kinases are mislocalized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of AML and play an important role in the non-canonical activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5). Here, we have tested a potent new drug called imipramine blue (IB), which is a chimeric molecule with a dual mechanism of action. At 200–300 nM concentrations, IB is a potent inhibitor of STAT5 through liberation of endogenous phosphatase activity following NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibition. However, at 75–150 nM concentrations, IB was highly effective at killing mutant FLT3-driven AML cells through a similar mechanism as thapsigargin (TG), involving increased cytosolic calcium. IB also potently inhibited survival of primary human FLT3/ITD+ AML cells compared to FLT3/ITDneg cells and spared normal umbilical cord blood cells. Therefore, IB functions through a mechanism involving vulnerability to dysregulated calcium metabolism and the combination of fusing a lipophilic amine to a NOX inhibiting dye shows promise for further pre-clinical development for targeting high risk AML.
Thoracic Trauma: Injuries, Evaluation, and Treatment

Thoracic injury is common in high-energy and low-energy trauma, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Evaluation requires a systematic approach prioritizing airway, respiration, and circulation. Chest injuries have the potential to progress rapidly and require prompt procedural intervention. For the diagnosis of nonemergent injuries, a careful secondary survey is essential. Although medicine and trauma management have evolved throughout the decades, the basics of thoracic trauma care have remained the same.
Precuneus abnormalities in middle-aged to older adults with depressive symptoms: An analysis of BDI-II symptom dimensions

We recently reported age-related increases in left precuneus cortical thickness (CT) in older adults with elevated total depressive symptoms. However, it is unclear whether abnormalities in precuneus surface area (SA) are also evident and whether specific symptom dimensions of depression moderated age effects on these measurements. Seventy-three adults completed the Beck Depression Inventory - 2nd edition (BDI-II) and underwent structural neuroimaging. Measures of CT and SA were extracted from the right and left precuneus via FreeSurfer. Regression models included regions of interest as dependent variables, with age, BDI-II subscale scores (e.g., affective, cognitive, and somatic symptoms), and their interactions as independent variables, controlling for mean hemispheric thickness (for CT) or total intracranial volume (for SA). A significant age × somatic symptom interaction was found for left precuneus CT, such that elevated levels of somatic symptoms were significantly associated with age-related cortical thinning. No depressive symptom dimensions moderated the relationship between age and SA, suggesting that CT may be a more sensitive measure of brain abnormalities in middle-aged to older adults with depressive symptoms.
A guide to graceful aging: How not to overindulge in post-silicon burn-in for enhancing reliability of weak PUF

SRAM-based Weak PUFs have become popular in tamper sensitive key storage and device ID generation. Weak PUFs rely on intrinsic process variations to produce repeatable and unique start-up behavior. However, noise in the system compromises repeatability of SRAM start-up behavior. To obviate this problem, a number of solutions such as fuzzy extraction and error correcting codes have been proposed to generate a stable key from error-prone PUF cells. Unfortunately, the overhead from these techniques grows superlinearly with increasing error rate. Recently, it was suggested that the start-up error rate can be reduced significantly by accelerating device aging, which leads to reduced overhead for error correction. To accelerate aging, devices are subjected to temperature and voltage stress in a burn-in chamber. Unfortunately, burn-in accrues significant production cost. In this paper, we present a method to reduce the cumulative burn-in time by quantifying the minimum burn-in requirement for each device. We propose a low-cost proxy to measure the degree of process variation of each device at birth and use previously proposed device aging model to determine the burn-in requirements. Our results show that this procedure reduces cumulative burn-in cost without compromising the resultant reliability of Weak PUFs.
Direct Ink Write 3D Printed Cellulose Nanofiber Aerogel Structures with Highly Deformable, Shape Recoverable, and Functionalizable Properties

Recent advancements in cellulosic aerogels have been extensive, but the lack of reproducible customization over the aerogel’s overall 3D structure has limited their ability to adapt to different application requirements. In this paper, high pressure homogenization and 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) modified cellulose nanofiber (T-CNF) was printed using direct-ink-write (DIW) into customizable 3D structures. After freeze-drying and cross-linking, highly deformable and shape recoverable T-CNF aerogel 3D structures were obtained. The 3D printed parts have a porosity of 98% and density of 26 mg/cm3. Due to their sustainability, biocompatibility, ultralight weight with high porosity, and deformability, the resultant aerogels have great potential for applications in thermal insulation, shock/vibration damping, and tissue engineering. In addition, the 3D printed T-CNF aerogels were templated to impart hydrophobicity and electromechanical properties. The resultant aerogels demonstrated potential for...
Design of PEI-conjugated bio-reducible polymer for efficient gene delivery.

Abstract The poly(cystaminebis(acrylamide)-diaminohexane) (poly(CBA-DAH)) was designed previously as a bio-reducible efficient gene delivery carrier. However, the high weight ratio required to form the polyplexes between poly(CBA-DAH) with pDNA is still a problem that needs to be addressed. To solve this problem and increase the transfection efficiency, poly(ethylenimine) (PEI, 1.8 kDa) was conjugated to poly(CBA-DAH) via disulfide bond. The PEI conjugated poly(CBA-DAH) (PCDP) can bind with pDNA at a very low weight ratio of 0.5 and above, like PEI 25 kDa, and form the polyplexes with nano-size (102–128 nm) and positive surface charge (27–34 mV). PCDP and PCDP polyplexes had negligible cytotoxicity and indicated similar or better cellular uptake than the comparison groups such as PEI 25 kDa and Lipofectamine® polyplexes. To confirm the transfection efficiency, the plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoded with the luciferase reporter gene (gWiz-Luc) and green fluorescent protein reporter gene (GFP) were used and treated with PCDP into the A549, Huh-7, and Mia PaCa-2 cells. PCDP/pDNA polyplexes showed highest transfection efficiency in all tested cell lines. In the luciferase assay, PCDP polyplexes showed 10.2 times higher gene transfection efficiency than Lipofectamine® polyplexes in mimic in vivo conditions (30% FBS, A549 cells). The VEGF siRNA expressing plasmid (pshVEGF), which is constructed as a therapeutic gene by our previous work, was delivered by PCDP into the cancer cells. The VEGF gene expression of PCDP/pshVEGF polyplexes was dramatically lower than control and the VEGF gene silencing efficiencies of PCDP/pshVEGF (w/w; 10/1) polyplexes were 54% (A549 cells), 77% (Huh-7 cells), and 66% (Mia PaCa-2 cells). In addition, PCDP/pshVEGF had reduced cell viability rates of about 31% (A549 cells), 39% (Huh-7 cells), and 42% (Mia PaCa-2 cells) and showed better results than all comparison groups. In the transfection efficiency and VEGF silencing assay, PCDP polyplexes showed better results than poly(CBA-DAH) at 4-fold lower weight ratio. The data of all experiments demonstrate that the synthesized PCDP could be used for efficient gene delivery and could be widely applied.
Graft Considerations in Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

To highlight current and established concepts regarding PCL injury and reconstruction. Recent biomechanical and clinical studies have brought attention to improved surgical techniques and clinical outcomes of PCL reconstruction. In contrast to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries occur much less frequently and have traditionally been treated non-operatively. Even when a PCL injury meets operative indications, outcomes of PCL reconstruction historically do not match the success rates of ACL reconstruction procedures. As such, there remains controversy regarding appropriate indications and techniques for surgical repair leading to a paucity of conclusive data regarding surgical outcomes. Recently, however, there has been an increase in focus on the role of the PCL in proper knee biomechanics and negative long-term sequelae of chronic PCL insufficiency. This improved understanding has led to advancements in surgical technique and graft options for PCL reconstruction.
The disobedient professional: Applying a nomadic imagination toward radical non-compliance:

“Professionalism was basically a ton of petty shit, nothing ever to do with standing up for children in the face of harmful rules, curriculum, other teachers, administrators, etc. It was basically ...
Study of GIS disconnector internal fever by simulation and experiment

Fever due to poor contact are one of the important reasons leading to the failure of GIS equipment. However, more researches on the heating characteristics and detection methods of GIS contacts are needed. In this paper, a finite element model of true type 550kV GIS disconnector is established to study the heating characteristics and the temperature distribution with different contact resistance and loads. A heating test platform of 550kV GIS is established in laboratory, the contact and shell temperatures are measured with different contact resistance and loads to compare with simulation results. The results indicate that there is a corresponding relationship between contact temperature and shell temperature of GIS disconnector, and the temperatures are positively associated with contact resistance and loads. The shell temperature can be regarded as the characteristic quantity indicating the state of GIS disconnector.
Physicians' Views of Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Not on Insulin

This qualitative study examines to what extent and why physicans still prescribe self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in patients with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (NITT2D) when the evidence shows it increases cost without improving hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), general well being, or health-related quality of life. Semistructured phone interviews with 17 primary care physicians indicated that the majority continue to recommend routine self-monitoring of blood glucose due to a compelling belief in its ability to promote the lifestyle changes needed for glycemic control. Targeting physician beliefs about the effectiveness of self-monitoring of blood glucose, and designing robust interventions accordingly, may help reduce this practice.
Feedback Control for Distributed Manipulation

We consider the feedback stabilization of a part being manipulated by a distributed array of actuators. Previously, the authors showed that open loop methods based on programmable vector fields can lead to unstable dynamics, particularly when the effects of rolling and sliding against actuators play a significant role in the dynamics. We show here how to incorporate these factors into the design of feedback laws in order to stabilize the manipulated object to an equilibrium. Experiments on a test-bed illustrate the results.