cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunopathologic Assessment of PTEN Expression.

Abstract Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is an excellent technique used routinely to define the phenotype in pathology laboratories through the analysis of molecular expression in cells and tissues. The PTEN protein is ubiquitously expressed in the majority of human tissues, and allelic or complete loss of PTEN is frequently observed in different types of malignancies leading to an activation of the AKT/mTOR pathways. IHC-based analyses are best to determine the level of PTEN expression in histological samples, but not to assess partial or heterozygous deletions, for which FISH analyses are more appropriate. Interpretation of the IHC results is the most critical point in the assessment of PTEN expression, since it is used both as a prognostic factor and as a tool to guide therapeutic intervention and response to therapy. Importantly, analyses of well-known downstream markers, such as AKT or mTOR, may be used to further analyze PTEN functional status.
The Development and Validation of the Academic Spoken English Strategies Survey (ASESS) for Non-Native English Speaking Graduate Students

This study reports on the three-year development and validation of a new assessment tool—the Academic Spoken English Strategies Survey (ASESS). The questionnaire is the first of its kind to assess the listening and speaking strategy use of non-native English speaking (NNES) graduate students. A combination of sources was used to develop the questionnaire: literature reviews, pilot questionnaire results, feedback from pilot study participants, expert comments, and the author’s academic English learning journal. An exploratory factor analysis based on 384 respondents’ data was conducted to assess the construct validity. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.923, indicating high internal consistency. The study has made a significant contribution because data generated through the use of this questionnaire can provide valuable insights and pedagogical implications.
The Epidemiological Characteristics of the Rabies Grade-III Exposed Patients

Objectives To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of rabies grade-Ⅲ exposed patients and to provide evidence for prevention and control of rabies.Methods The medical records of rabies grade-Ⅲ exposed patients at animal injury clinic of Tianjing center for disease control and prevention were collected and analyzed.Results Dogs were the main exposure source for rabies.Older patients had higher rate of grade-Ⅲ exposure.The difference between times of rabies epidemic peak and sporadic in the rate of grade-Ⅲexposure was not statistically significant(χ2=0.01,P=0.92).Outdoor rate of grade-Ⅲ exposure was higher than that of indoor(χ2=21.10,P0.01).Grade-Ⅲ exposure resulted from pets was not different from wild animals(χ2=0.24,P=0.63).Conclusions Most of the serious animal injuries are caused by dog.The elderly should stay away from dogs while they are outdoor to prevent serious animal injury.
Investigation on Death of Infectious Diseases and Analysis of Epidemic Situation in Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps from 1997 to 1999

Objective To know the morbility and death of infectious diseases and the present situation of control in Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, to put forward the control strategy and suggestion. Methods Stratified random and chester sampling method was taken to sample investigation units at random with representativeness in 14 divisions of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. Investigation on population of the permanent residents and death distribution in three years from 1997 to 1999 was carried out. The morbility and death reported by the epidemic situation forms of infectious diseases of the Corps in the three years were recorded by statistics. Results The crude death rate of infectious diseases and parasitosis in the Corps' residents was 15.33/100 000. It was higher in male than that in female in farms and pasturelands where were higher than cities and towns. There were no differences between the impoverished and non-impoverished farms and pasturelands, and among residents in the eastern, northern and southern Xinjiang. The mortality rate was much lower in teenagers. The death rates of tuberculosis and virus hepatitis were obviously higher among all kinds of infectious diseases. The constitution of death causes of infectious diseases and parasitosis arranged the sixth. It was close to the head of formation much more compared with that of the nation. The first three death causes of all infectious diseases and parasitosis were tuberculosis, virus hepatitis and intestinal infectious disease, respectively. Infants mainly died of intestinal infectious disease. In the population over 15 years old, infectious diseases and parasitosis arranged the first two death causes alternately, and tuberculosis was the first death cause over 65 years old. The effect of infectious diseases and parasitosis on per capita life expectancy arranged the 7th of death cause and the 6th formation resulting in the latent loss of longevity. The reporting morbidity was 315/100 000 with the first five reporting morbility numbers of bacillary dysentery, hepatitis B, hepatitis A, pulmonary tuberculosis and measles. The reporting mortality rate was 0.20/100 000. The morbility of infectious diseases was much more in the junior population while the mortality was higher in the senior population. Conclusions There is a big decrease in the morbidity and mortality rate of infectious diseases and parasitosis, and it is not the main death cause of the residents. It arranges near the head of death causes compared with that of the nation. It is infectious disease of virus hepatitis and pulmonary tuberculosis that threatens residents' health seriously. The infectious diseases without control are those of intestinal infectious disease, biological endemic diseases and venereal disease/AIDS. Infectious disease has still led to the latent loss in the residents' longevity. Infectious disease control should never be loosened up.
Ecologies of adaptation for Mexican Indigenous im/migrant children and families in the United States: Implications for Latino studies

Mexican Indigenous im/migrants are a growing community made invisible at the margins of multiple racial, cultural and linguistic spaces in Mexico and the United States. This article addresses the need for a nuanced understanding of the adaptation of Mexican Indigenous im/migrant children and families that encourages Indigenous communities’ cultural and linguistic knowledge to be recognized and valued, rather than silenced and stigmatized. We critically examine the existing literature on the adaptation of Mexican Indigenous im/migrants in the United States from the perspective of socio-ecological systems theory, incorporating insights from the theory but also pointing out its limitations for understanding Mexican Indigenous identities and experiences in diaspora. We propose integrating language-ecological approaches to provide a more complete picture of Indigenous ecologies of adaptation in the United States. We conclude that it is critical to expand research on Mexican Indigenous im/migrant adaptation within the field of Latino studies and identify possible directions for future research.
Five-year survival and growth of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L) seedlings in upland hardwood stands in south central Iowa

iv INTRODUCTION 1 LITERATURE REVIEW 4 Quercus rubra Seedling Growth 4 Light, Stand Density, and Quercus Establishment 5 R^ to Far Red Light Ratio 8 Quercus rubra Regeneration Methods 9 Improved nursery stock 10 Tree shelters 11 Clearcutting 12 Shelterwood treatments 13 STUDY OBJECTIVE AND HYPOTHESES 14 Hypotheses 14 STUDY AREA 16 McNay Site 17 Stephens Site 19 MATERIALS AND METHODS 24 RESULTS 32 Underplanted Seedling Performance 32 Red to Far Red Light Ratio Pretest 55 White Tree Shelters and Photosynthetic Active Radiation 57 Photosynthetic Active Radiation and Stand Density 61 Growth, Mortality, and light 63 Growth, Mortality, and Stand Density 69 Growth, Mortality, and Stocking 78 Competition 87 DISCUSSION 92 Height, Caliper, Mortality, and Tree Shelters 92 Root Class and Seedling Performauce 99 Light, Stand Density, Stocking, and Seedling Performance 100 Understory Competition and Seedling Performance 103
Targeting Inducible Chemotherapy Resistance Mechanisms in Colon Cancer

Resistance toward chemotherapy remains one of the principle obstacles to the effective treatment of malignancies. As our knowledge of mechanisms involved in cancer biology expands, new molecular targets emerge. This chapter aims to overview the major resistance mechanisms, in order to identify potential targets appropriate for developmental therapeutics. An emphasis on the role of transcription factor NF-κB in colorectal cancer is presented as an example of how targeted therapies may advance from the bench to the bedside.
Analysis of Fixed, Reconfigurable, and Hybrid Devices with Computational, Memory, I/O, & Realizable-Utilization Metrics

The modern processor landscape is a varied and diverse community. As such, developers need a way to quickly and fairly compare various devices for use with particular applications. This article expands the authors’ previously published computational-density metrics and presents an analysis of a new generation of various device architectures, including CPU, DSP, FPGA, GPU, and hybrid architectures. Also, new memory metrics are added to expand the existing suite of metrics to characterize the memory resources on various processing devices. Finally, a new relational metric, realizable utilization (RU), is introduced, which quantifies the fraction of the computational density metric that an application achieves within an individual implementation. The RU metric can be used to provide valuable feedback to application developers and architecture designers by highlighting the upper bound on specific application optimization and providing a quantifiable measure of theoretical and realizable performance. Overall, the analysis in this article quantifies the performance tradeoffs among the architectures studied, the memory characteristics of different device types, and the efficiency of device architectures.
An Anatomic Investigation Into the Relationship Between Posterior Condylar Offset and Posterior Tibial Slope of One Thousand One Hundred Thirty-Eight Cadaveric Knees

Abstract Background Posterior condylar offset (PCO) and posterior tibial slope (PTS) have critical consequences in total knee arthroplasty, especially with regards to sagittal plane balancing. However, there has only been limited investigation into the functional consequences of each, and there have only been anecdotal observations regarding any associations between PCO and PTS. Methods In a large osteological study of 1138 knees, standardized measurements of PCO and PTS were taken using previously described techniques on specimens of different age, race, and gender. Multiple linear regression was performed to determine the independent predictors of medial and lateral PTS. Results Mean standardized medial PCO was greater than lateral PCO (1.22 ± 0.16 vs 1.15 ± 0.19 mm, P P Conclusion These data are the first to quantify that an inverse correlation between PCO and PTS exists. This relationship represents an important area for future biomechanical and clinical studies.
Implementing Dual Institutional Logics: The Impact on Goal Conflict and Entrepreneurial Orientation

Scholars are increasingly exploring the nature of hybrid organizations, especially in the realm of social entrepreneurship. In doing so, they have noted the intractable conflict that emerges from h...
Temperature and radiation effects at the fluorine K-edge in LiF

The fluorine K-edge of LiF is studied both experimentally and theoretically as a function of temperature. Instantaneous thermal fluctuations in atomic positions are shown in molecular dynamics simulations to increase in amplitude from 0.029 to 0.064 nm in the temperature range from 40 to 298 K. This is sufficient to cause instantaneous deviations from local octahedral atomic symmetry in this rock-salt crystal, resulting in altered electronic structure. The lowered symmetry of the lowest core-excited states of fluorine atoms is evident in X-ray absorption spectra at the F K-edge. In addition, sufficient radiation exposure produces a new X-ray absorption peak, below the F K-edge of LiF, which is assigned to defects in LiF based on both calculations and comparison to previous experiments.
A Single Monoclonal Antibody Identifies T-Cell Lineage of Childhood Lymphoid Malignancies

Immunophenotyping studies with monoclonal antibodies have revealed the heterogeneity of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). The lymphoid malignancies of T-cell lineage are particularly heterogeneous and, until now, no single monoclonal antibody has been found to identify all cases of T-ALL and T-NHL. A monoclonal antibody, 4H9, recognizes an antigen of 40,000 molecular weight on normal and malignant T cells. Thirty-six cases of childhood T-ALL and T-NHL were tested, and in all cases, the malignant blast cells were reactive with 4H9, whereas malignant cells from 61 cases of non-T ALL and NHL were not reactive with 4H9. Monoclonal antibody 4H9 is a sensitive and specific reagent for the identification of childhood T-cell ALL and NHL and should be extremely useful in immunophenotyping studies of lymphoid malignancies.
Multicolor GLUT5-permeable fluorescent probes for fructose transport analysis

The specificity of carbohydrate transporters towards their substrates poses a significant challenge for the development of molecular probes to monitor sugar uptake in cells for biochemical and biomedical applications. Herein we report a new set of coumarin-based fluorescent sugar conjugates applicable for the analysis of fructose uptake due to their free passage through the fructose-specific transporter GLUT5. The reported probes cover a broad range of the fluorescence spectrum providing essential tools for the evaluation of fructose transport capacity in live cells.
Visible-blind and solar-blind detection induced by defects in AlGaN high electron mobility transistors

Visible- and solar-blind detection was demonstrated using Al0.45Ga0.55N/Al0.30Ga0.70N and Al0.85Ga0.25N/Al0.70Ga0.30N high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), respectively. Peak responsivities (S) of 3.9 × 106 A/W in the saturation mode and 6.2 × 104 A/W in the pinch-off mode were observed for the visible-blind Al0.45Ga0.55N/Al0.30Ga0.70N HEMT, and a peak S of 4.9 × 104 A/W was observed for the solar-blind Al0.85Ga0.15N/Al0.70Ga0.30N HEMT in the saturation mode. Spectrally resolved photocurrent investigation indicated that sub-bandgap absorption by defect states was the primary origin of the HEMTs' photoresponse. Defect-mediated responsivity caused slow photocurrent rise and fall times, but electrical pulsing was used to improve the bandwidth at the cost of optical gain. Operating HEMTs in this dynamic mode achieved a 25 Hz bandwidth with S = 2.9 × 105 A/W in accumulation and S = 2.0 × 104 A/W in pinch-off for visible-blind detection and S = 5.1 × 103 A/W for solar-blind detection.
A rational radial basis function method for accurately resolving discontinuities and steep gradients

Abstract Radial Basis Function (RBF) methods have become important tools for scattered data interpolation and for solving partial differential equations (PDEs) in complexly shaped domains. When the underlying function is sufficiently smooth, RBF methods can produce exceptional accuracy. However, like other high order numerical methods, if the underlying function has steep gradients or discontinuities the RBF method may/will produce solutions with non-physical oscillations. In this work, a rational RBF method is used to approximate derivatives of functions with steep gradients and discontinuities and to solve PDEs with such solutions. The method is non-linear and is more computationally expensive than the standard RBF method. A modified partition of unity method is discussed as an way to implement the rational RBF method in higher dimensions.
Calculation of zero-offset vertical seismic profiles generated by a horizontal point force acting on the surface of an anelastic half-space

Abstract Impulse responses including near-field terms have been obtained in closed form for the zero-offset vertical seismic profiles generated by a horizontal point force acting on the surface of an anelastic half-space. The method is based on the correspondence principle. Through transformation of variables, the Fourier transform of the elastic impulse response is put in a form such that the Fourier transform of the corresponding anelastic impulse response can be expressed as elementary functions and their definite integrals involving distance, angular frequency, phase velocities, and attenuation factors. These results are used for accurate calculation of shear-wave arrival rise times of synthetic seismograms needed for data interpretation of anelastic-attenuation measurements in near-surface sediment.
Reply to Hurlburt

Abstract Hurlburt (2018) states that Brouwers et al. (2018) find a much lower frequency of reported inner speech while reading than we find in Moore and Schwitzgebel (2018), and he attributes the difference to methodological shortcomings in Moore and Schwitzgebel’s method. However, the method in Brouwers et al. has complementary shortcomings, and an apples-to-apples comparison of the data between the two studies shows a considerably smaller difference in results than the top-line percentages that Hurlburt emphasizes.
Measurement of human tear lysozyme using a novel synthetic substrate.

Lysozyme is a bacteriolytic enzyme representing approximately 30% of the protein content of human tears.1 Human tear lysozyme production generally parallels aqueous tear secretion and is a good indicator of lacrimal gland function. However, in some instances of ocular pathology, tear lysozyme concentration (HTL) may be decreased before aqueous tear production is reduced.2 Various spectrophotometric, turbidimetric, and immunologic methods for quantitating HTL have been proposed. The most common methods for measuring HTL are based on the ability of lysozyme to cleave the cell wall of Micrococcus lysodeikticus. These techniques suffer from poor standardization, variable results, and the need for specialized personnel to maintain reagents or operate equipment. The purpose of this study was to utilize a known biochemical reaction based on the selective action of lysozyme on N-acetyl-oligosaccharides to develop a rapid, reliable, and sensitive colorimetric methods for the measurement of HTL. The chemical substrate selected for this assay was p-nirrophenyl penta-N-acetyl B-chitopentaoside (PNP).3 The reaction of lysozyme with this substrate releases p-nitrophenyl N-acetyl B-D-glucosaminide, which can be coupled to a reaction with B-N-acetylhexosaminidase (NAHase) to liberate p-nitrophenol. The free p-nitrophenol can then be accurately quantitated with a simple colorimeter.
The Impact of Compulsive Ethanol Consumption on Gut and Brain Neurochemicals (P14-003-19)

Binge drinking is a significant problem costing the United States 191 billion dollars annually and is also a significant risk factor for many dietary (e.g., diabetes) and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease). Interestingly, the gut-brain axis has been implicated in the development of neurodegenerative and dietary-related diseases, thus, may mediate the harmful consequences of alcohol abuse on the brain and body. However, the mechanisms are not well understood. We hypothesize that compulsive ethanol consumption will alter the expression of neurochemicals in the mouse gut in a manner that will be correlated to changes in the expression of brain neurochemicals. We examined catecholamines and structurally similar metabolites following repeated bouts of “Drinking in the Dark”- a mouse model of compulsive alcohol-seeking during which mice reliably reach blood ethanol concentrations greater than 100 mg/dL. Adult female and male C57BL/6 J mice received access to either 20% ethanol (n = 12 male, n = 12 female) or water (n = 12 male, n = 12 female) for a two-hour period during the dark cycle over three consecutive days. On the fourth day, mice received access to ethanol or water for four hours, and samples of the intestine, intestinal contents, liver, and brain subregions were analyzed for tissue-specific neurochemical concentrations using UHPLC. Ethanol consumption data indicate that binge-drinking female mice consume 36% more ethanol than female water controls and consume 32% more ethanol than binge-drinking male mice on day 4 of the “Drinking in the Dark” protocol. Preliminary neurochemical data indicate compulsive ethanol drinking contributes to trending increases in norepinephrine (17% striatum; 18% hypothalamus) in males whereas females have trending decreases in striatal L-DOPA (15%), 5-HIAA (14%), and 27% more hypothalamic L-DOPA and 5-HIAA when compared with water controls. Binge drinking may contribute to region- and sex-specific neurochemical differences in the brain, thus, further neurochemical analyses on the gut could provide insight into the etiology of neurodegenerative and dietary diseases following alcohol abuse. Supported from Iowa State University start-up funds.
Global fitness in adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

10022 Background: The extent to which adult survivors of childhood ALL may have impaired fitness has not been well documented. This study compared clinically assessed fitness between childhood ALL ...
Connectedness and Competition: Determinants of Service Provision in U.S. Broadband Markets

The terms of the debate over U.S. broadband policy have shifted dramatically over the last decade. Residents in almost all areas of the United States now are able to subscribe to some form of high speed (“broadband”) internet service, though at widely varying prices and service qualities. Increasingly, the focus of policymakers has instead turned to identifying (and understanding why) some isolated pockets of the U.S. population remain without affordable high speed connectivity options, why competition among providers in providing broadband services available in various geographic markets varies so widely across the United States, the extent to which this variance in competitive conditions is linked to variance in service quality and price in distinct regional markets, and what impact, if any, public policy has had on competition. In terms of public policy, the largest program intended to improve broadband provision in the United States by far has been the so-called "eRate" schools and library subsidy system, funded by the telephone rate payer, and administered by a private industry consortium. This paper does three things. First, utilizing a uniquely rich panel data set that I assemble from a variety of sources, I develop a modeling approach that systematically analyzes the impact on broadband competition of historical national subsidies, while controlling for the economic, social and demographic factors shifting demand, and the variation in networking and service provision costs shifting supply. One of the principal objectives of this modeling effort is to determine Federal subsidies to broadband had an identifiable and statistically significant impact on the evolution of broadband competition, and availability, particularly in rural and low-income areas. Since reforms to the funding and structure of this and other Universal Service Fund programs are currently under discussion in Washington, the results of this analysis should be of considerable policy interest. Second, I assess the role that various economic, social, and demographic factors, as well as geophysical determinants of cost, played in reducing or increasing the number of broadband providers competing in residential broadband markets across the U.S. Third, I briefly discuss what this model of the determinants of the number of providers in a zip code tells us about the reasons for spatial disparities in connectedness.
Aging and performance comparison of absorbed glass matte, enhanced flooded, PbC, NiZn, and LiFePO4 12V start stop vehicle batteries

Abstract Engine start-stop systems have been widely adopted for internal combustion engine passenger vehicles, with low voltage 12 V systems currently capturing most of the market. While absorbed glass mat (AGM) lead-acid batteries are commonly used for this application, there is interest in other battery types to reduce cost or improve performance. This work examines a range of battery types and compares experimentally determined performance and aging characteristics. Six different start/stop batteries are tested, including two AGM, an enhanced flooded lead acid (EFB), lead carbon (PbC), nickel zinc (NiZn), and LiFePO4 battery. The batteries are aged with a series of start-stop microcycles, which consist of an accessory power and engine-starting discharge pulse followed by a charging pulse. Thirty thousand microcycles correlate with the conditions a start-stop battery would be exposed to over approximately 160,000 km of driving in a typical North American application. The testing procedure begins with two characterization tests - a capacity and HPPC charge and discharge resistance test - and is followed by 3,000 microcycles to age the battery. Characterization and aging tests are repeated until the battery is no longer able to perform the microcycles, and substantially different aging and performance characteristics are observed for each battery.
VirtualEdge: Multi-Domain Resource Orchestration and Virtualization in Cellular Edge Computing

5G network will carry compute-intensive applications from vertical industries. Network slicing and edge computing are key technologies for fulfilling the diverse requirements of these applications efficiently. We define a cellular network with the edge computing capability as cellular edge computing network. Dynamically slicing a cellular edge computing network is challenging because it needs to orchestrate multi-domain resources and ensure isolation among network slices. In this paper, we present the VirtualEdge system that enables the dynamic creation of a virtual node (vNode) on top of a physical cellular edge computing node to serve the traffic and workloads of a network slice. VirtualEdge introduces a realizable multi-domain resource orchestration and virtualization that provides isolation among network slices without losing the efficiency in virtualizing the radio resources. To efficiently orchestrate multi-domain resources, we design a new learning-assisted algorithm that allows the resource orchestrator to optimize the utilization of physical resources without knowing the utility functions of individual vNodes. For the resource virtualization, we develop a heuristic algorithm and a credit-based queue management scheme to dynamically map virtual radio and computing resources to underlying physical resources, respectively. VirtualEdge is developed and implemented based on the OpenAirInterface LTE and CUDA GPU computing platforms, and its performance is validated through both experiments and large-scale simulations.
Insights Into Human Development and Disease From Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Intestinal Organoids

In recent years, advances in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) biology have enabled the generation of gastrointestinal (GI) organoids which recapitulate aspects of normal organ development. HPSC derived gastrointestinal organoids are comprised of epithelium and mesenchyme and have a remarkable ability to self-organize and recapitulate early stages of human intestinal development. Furthermore, hPSC derived organoids can be transplanted into immunocompromised mice which allows further maturation of both the epithelium and mesenchyme. In this review, we will briefly summarize work from model systems which has elucidated mechanisms of GI patterning and how these insights have been used to guide the differentiation of hPSCs into organoids resembling small intestine and colon. We will succinctly discuss how developmental principles have been used to promote maturation of human intestinal organoids (HIOs) in vitro as well as to introduce an enteric nervous system into HIOs. We will then concisely review how organoids have been used to study human pathogens, how new genetic and bioengineering tools are being applied to organoid research, and how this integration has allowed researchers to elucidate mechanisms of human development and disease. Finally, we will briefly discuss remaining challenges in the field and how they can be addressed. HPSC derived organoids are promising new model systems which hold the potential of unlocking unknown mechanisms of human gastrointestinal development and disease.
Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) Modeling Considering Submodule Voltage Sensor Noise

The modular multilevel converter (MMC) is a popular topology in medium- and high-voltage applications, and many efforts have been spent on MMC modeling. However, the impact of submodule voltage sensor noise (SVSN), which becomes more severe due to increasing switching speed of power semiconductors and compact submodule design, has not been considered in conventional models. In this letter, the SVSN is introduced by coupling capacitances between the sensor and power stage in an MMC switching model. Furthermore, the SVSN impact is considered in an MMC average model based on derivation of the relationship between the SVSN and the duty cycle. The proposed MMC switching model and average model considering the SVSN are validated by comparing simulations with experimental results in an MMC prototype using 10-kV SiC MOSFETS.
Co-delivery of resolvin D1 and antibiotics with nanovesicles to lungs resolves inflammation and clears bacteria in mice.

Resolution is an active process that protects the host damage from inflammation responses induced by infections. Simultaneously resolving inflammation and eliminating pathogens may be effective to treat infectious diseases, but it is required to deliver therapeutics to infectious sites. Here, we proposed a strategy to incorporate RvD1 and an antibiotic (ceftazidime) in human neutrophil-membrane derived nanovesicles that can specifically target inflamed vasculature for treatment of lung infection caused by P. aeruginosa. Using the nitrogen cavitation method, we generated liposome-like nanovesicles from human neutrophil membrane. The results showed that nanovesicles loaded with RvD1 decreased cytokine levels and neutrophil lung infiltration, thus shortening the resolution intervals of lung inflammation. When RvD1 and ceftazidime were co-loaded in nanovesicles, they alleviated both inflammation and bacterial growth in the mouse lung. The studies reveal a new strategy to treat infectious diseases by designing nanoparticles to simultanesouly target host inflammatory pathways and pathogens. Gao et al. design a lung targeting nanovesicles made from human neutrophils membrane, and co-loaded inflammatory resolving mediator RvD1 and antibiotic CAZ inside the nanovesicles. These nanovesicles could accelerate the inflammation resolution and release the antibiotics to treat bacterial infections in mice. This approach is useful in developing multifunctional nanoparticle-based therapeutics for lung bacterial infections treatment.
Opting in: Free expression statements at private universities and colleges in the US

While all colleges and universities are challenged by questions about free expression in the current environment, private higher educational institutions do so without the constitutional mandate of...
A comparison of insulin doses for treatment of hyperkalaemia in intensive care unit patients with renal insufficiency

Abstract Background Hyperkalaemia is a complication in patients with chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury and occurs frequently in the intensive care unit. One treatment approach includes intravenous (IV) insulin to shift potassium intracellularly. Objectives The primary outcome was hypoglycaemia (blood glucose Methods This was a single-centre, retrospective study evaluating critically ill adult patients with chronic kidney disease stage III–V, end-stage renal disease, or acute kidney injury who received IV insulin for treatment of hyperkalaemia from March 2008 to September 2018. Patients were divided into two insulin-dosing regimen groups: 5 units or 10 units. Results Of the 174 patients included, hypoglycaemia after insulin administration occurred in eight of 87 patients (9.2%) in the 5-unit group and 17 of 87 patients (19.5%) in the 10-unit group (p = 0.052). There was no difference in rates of severe hypoglycaemia or change in serum potassium levels. Conclusions In critically ill patients requiring treatment for hyperkalaemia, a lower dose of IV insulin does not result in lower statistically significant rates of hypoglycaemia. However, lower insulin doses provide a similar potassium-lowering effect and cause a meaningful decrease in hypoglycaemic episodes. Intensive care unit providers may consider 5 units of IV insulin over 10 units although further larger controlled studies are needed.
Evaluation of injury patterns and accident modality in step ladder-related injuries.

Abstract Step ladders are commonly found in homes and are used for a variety of tasks. While ladders are often associated with fall-related injuries, other accident modes that do not result in a fall can be observed in real-world data. In this study, the available data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database involving step ladder-related injuries was supplemented by a biomechanical consideration of kinematics and injury mechanism to further understand accident modes and injury patterns. Results of this study demonstrated that the most common accident mode was falling (91%), followed by non-fall errors in execution of intended kinematics (non-fall execution errors) (4%) and pinching (1%). Falls were commonly associated with fractures, non-fall execution errors were commonly associated with a strain or sprain, while pinches were commonly associated with lacerations. The results of this study show that during step ladder use in a non-occupational setting, the accident mode is associated with an injury pattern.
The Texas A&M University Medical Sciences Library/AABP Partnership:

Practicing evidence-based veterinary medicine, defined as the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient/client values, requires access to the research evidence. The Texas A&M University Medical Sciences Library and AABP are working together to provide AABP members with expert literature searching and access to the peer-reviewed literature.
Presynaptic Mechanisms of Lead Neurotoxicity: Effects on Vesicular Release, Vesicle Clustering and Mitochondria Number

Childhood lead (Pb2+) intoxication is a global public health problem and accounts for 0.6% of the global burden of disease associated with intellectual disabilities. Despite the recognition that childhood Pb2+ intoxication contributes significantly to intellectual disabilities, there is a fundamental lack of knowledge on presynaptic mechanisms by which Pb2+ disrupts synaptic function. In this study, using a well-characterized rodent model of developmental Pb2+ neurotoxicity, we show that Pb2+ exposure markedly inhibits presynaptic vesicular release in hippocampal Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses in young adult rats. This effect was associated with ultrastructural changes which revealed a reduction in vesicle number in the readily releasable/docked vesicle pool, disperse vesicle clusters in the resting pool, and a reduced number of presynaptic terminals with multiple mitochondria with no change in presynaptic calcium influx. These studies provide fundamental knowledge on mechanisms by which Pb2+ produces profound inhibition of presynaptic vesicular release that contribute to deficits in synaptic plasticity and intellectual development.
Improved Diagnostic Radiography and Reduced Radiation Exposure Using a 1024 × 1024 Pixels Linear Diode Array Imaging System

Publisher Summary A new type of digital radiography system is developed based on a series of self-scanning linear photodiode arrays. The system has the ability to detect contrast approximately five times smaller than film at a spatial resolution compared to standard film-screen systems. The system is sufficiently versatile to permit serial digital subtraction angiography as well as planar low-contrast images of very wide dynamic range. In early clinical studies, it was found that the images can be displayed over a broad range of window levels and window widths, depicting detail both in the lightest and darkest areas and bringing out features that cannot be seen on a single standard film. In effect, it is possible to achieve wide latitude while retaining high-contrast sensitivity in all parts of the image. The initial clinical experience indicates that the self-scanning diode array system allows achieving an electronic form of radiography that has the potential for replacing X-ray film in most clinical applications.
Electronic structure of α-Al2O3

The author has calculated the electronic energy structure of alpha -alumina in corundum structure ( alpha -Al2O3) using a first principles extended tight-binding method. The interest in the electronic properties of alpha -Al2O3 is expanding because of well-documented interest in chemisorption of oxygen on aluminium and the oxidation of aluminium itself. To understand bonding in this compound the author has compared his results with the known electronic structure of alpha -quartz ( alpha -SiO2). The latter has been investigated much more thoroughly and has similar properties to alpha -Al2O3. The authors have noted certain trends in going from alpha -Al2O3 to alpha -SiO2. These trends are quite similar to those reported in a cluster model calculation on AlO4 and SiO4. The author has also calculated the total and orbital densities of states and have compared these with X-ray photoemission spectra. It has been found that the calculated results do not agree fully with the existing experimental data. The author also briefly comments on the controversial O-Al bond length for oxygen chemisorbed on Al(111).
The Traveling Cameraman Problem, with Applications to Automatic Optical Inspection

We are given a finite set of disjoint regions in the plane. We wish to cover all the regions by unit squares, and compute a path that visits the centers of all the unit squares in the cover. Our objective is to minimize the length of this path. The problem arises in the automatic optical inspection of printed circuit boards and other assemblies.
Perfusion chambers for high-resolution video light microscopic studies of vertebrate cell monolayers: some considerations and a design.

Publisher Summary This chapter defines a perfusion chamber as a vessel, mounted on the stage of a light microscope that enables a living specimen to be followed continuously by high-resolution light microscopy (LM) while also allowing the fluid bathing the specimen to be rapidly exchanged during the observation period. Perfusion chambers are employed in a variety of biological and biomedical studies of cells and tissues. As they allow the media bathing the specimen to be removed and replenished, they are widely used to maintain specimen viability during long-term investigations, to study the effects of environmental changes, and to periodically sample for the production of cellular products. Perfusion chambers are also employed to deliver tracers for uptake studies and to assay the effects of drugs and other biologically active components on cell/tissue structure and function. The chapter discusses the topic in two-fold manner: (1) the first is to identify some of the variables that must be considered when constructing or choosing a perfusion chamber for high-resolution video-enhanced LM studies. (2) The second is to describe a rugged and simple laminar-flow chamber used in our laboratory for short-term (12-day) studies of vertebrate cell monolayers.
Personal Perspectives: Using Multimedia to Express Cultural Identity

The Personal Perspectives multimedia project described in this article engages teacher candidates in examining and representing their cultural identity by means of Apple’s iMovie software. This digital storytelling project was developed by the autho rs, who are instructors in elementary education and instructional technology at a state university whose college of education strongly emphasizes intercultural education. The paper begins with a project overview, then explains how the project is scaffolded in each course—providing downloadable pdf files of task sheets and student work. A discussion follows of the benefits and challenges of a cross-course multimedia project of this type, citing feedback received from students.
Cancer incidence following subtotal gastrectomy

Abstract Hawaiian Japanese men (n = 432) who had undergone subtotal gastrectomy for peptic ulcers before 1971–1975 were followed up for detection of cancer development. They showed a significant increase in colon cancer risk ( P = 0.008) and lung cancer risk ( P = 0.002) compared with 6161 nongastrectomized men. The association with lung cancer persisted after adjustment for cigarette use ( P = 0.03). Alcohol consumption was associated with colonic cancer in this cohort, and gastrectomized men consumed more alcohol than nongastrectomized men; however, the association of gastrectomy with colon cancer persisted after adjustment for alcohol use ( P = 0.02). Gastrectomized men were lighter and had lower serum lipid levels than controls, suggesting that undernutrition might favor the development of some cancers. The type of gastroenteric anastomosis did not influence the cancer risk level in the colon or lung.
The influence of race, class, and metropolitan area characteristics on African-American residential segregation

Objectives Sociologists and other scholars have debated the causes of continuing residential segregation for several decades. Social class has been largely discounted as a substantial determinant of residential segregation by race, but recent studies have brought renewed attention to class variables. The present study reassesses the role of social class, using household income, while also considering metropolitan area characteristics. Methods This study expands on prior research by examining residential segregation between black-alone and white-alone households with 2000 decennial Census data for all U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) with at least 200,000 or more black population or 1,000,000 total population (60 MSAs total), using both spatial unevenness (dissimilarity) and two types of experiential (i.e., contextual) indicators (exposure indices), measuring socioeconomic status (SES) with a greater range and number of income levels than in past research, and using multivariate models to account for metropolitan area characteristics. Results We find that both dissimilarity and exposure measures are significantly associated with household income—black households with higher household incomes live in neighborhoods with greater exposure to whites and lower isolation from other blacks than do black households with lower incomes. Additionally, a number of MSA-level characteristics—several of which have not been considered in previous research—are substantially associated with black/white residential segregation. Conclusion We interpret these findings in the context of spatial assimilation and place stratification perspectives, and conclude that racial segregation is at least partly based on class.
Chlorine Dioxide Gas Sterilization under Square-Wave Conditions

Experiments were designed to study chlorine dioxide (CD) gas sterilization under square-wave conditions. By using controlled humidity, gas concentration, and temperature at atmospheric pressure, standard biological indicators (BIs) and spore disks of environmental isolates were exposed to CD gas. The sporicidal activity of CD gas was found to be concentration dependent. Prehumidification enhanced the CD activity. The D values (time required for 90% inactivation) of Bacillus subtilis subsp. niger ATCC 9372 BIs were estimated to be 1.5, 2.5, and 4.2 min when exposed to CD concentrations of 30, 15, and 7 mg/liter, respectively, at 23°C and ambient (20 to 40%) relative humidity (RH). Survivor tailings were observed. Prehumidification of BIs to 70 to 75% RH in an environmental chamber for 30 min resulted in a D value of 1.6 min after exposure to a concentration of 6 to 7 mg of CD per liter at 23°C and eliminated survivor tailing. Prolonging prehumidification at 70 to 75% RH for up to 16 h did not further improve the inactivation rate. Prehumidification by ultrasonic nebulization was found to be more effective than prehumidification in the environmental chamber, improving the D value to 0.55 min at a CD concentration of 6 to 7 mg/liter. Based on the current observations, CD gas is estimated, on a molar concentration basis, to be 1,075 times more potent than ethylene oxide as a sterilant at 30°C. A comparative study showed B. subtilis var. niger BIs were more resistant than other types of BIs and most of the tested bacterial spores of environmental isolates.
The Privacy Advantages of Homeschooling

In 1969, the Supreme Court stated in its landmark Tinker v. Des Moines decision that students do not “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.”2 However, over thirty years later, courts and legislatures still curtail a multitude of other student rights while those students attend school.3 The deterioration of student civil liberties is most evident when considering public school students’ loss of privacy.4 Public schools collect, extract, assimilate and distribute a sundry of personal information, including residential data, discipline reports, test scores and comparative rankings, registration and classification records, medical accounts and
MUTATION OF THE AXONAL TRANSPORT MOTOR KINESIN ENHANCES PARALYTIC AND SUPPRESSES SHAKER IN DROSOPHILA

To investigate the possibility that kinesin transports vesicles bearing proteins essential for ion channel activity, the effects of kinesin (Khc) and ion channel mutations were compared in Drosophila using established tests. Our results show that Khc mutations produce defects and genetic interactions characteristic of paralytic (para) and maleless (mle) mutations that cause reduced expression or function of the alpha-subunit of voltage-gated sodium channels. Like para and mle mutations, Khc mutations cause temperature-sensitive (TS) paralysis. When combined with para or mle mutations, Khc mutations cause synthetic lethality and a synergistic enhancement of TS-paralysis. Furthermore, Khc mutations suppress Shaker and ether-a-go-go mutations that disrupt potassium channel activity. In light of previous physiological tests that show that Khc mutations inhibit compound action potential propagation in segmental nerves, these data indicate that kinesin activity is required for normal inward sodium currents during neuronal action potentials. Tests for phenotypic similarities and genetic interactions between kinesin and sodium/potassium ATPase mutations suggest that impaired kinesin function does not affect the driving force on sodium ions. We hypothesize that a loss of kinesin function inhibits the anterograde axonal transport of vesicles bearing sodium channels.
Synthesis of an arylene/alkylene polyether from diphenolic acid and rosenmund reduction to the polyether aldehyde

The Williamson ether synthesis has been applied to the formation of an arylene/alkylene polyether with pendant carboxyl groups from 4,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)pentanoic acid and 1,4-dichlorobutane. The polymer was found to have a viscosity—molecular weight relationship following the equation, [η] = 1.30 × 10−4M0.94, in dimethylformamide at 25°C. Hydrogenolysis of the derived polyether acid chloride was found to proceed smoothly at atmospheric pressure in the presence of Pd–BaSO4 catalyst without poisoning of the catalyst by multiple absorption of polymer. The resulting polyether aldehyde undergoes typical aldehyde reactions. The infrared spectra of the polymers are also examined.