cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Infections after lung transplantation

Despite advances in prophylaxis and therapy, infections remain a major source of morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation. Lung transplant recipients are at increased risk for both community-acquired and nosocomial pathogens, which may develop at various time points. The risk of infections increases with the intensity of immunosuppression. Careful assessment of the recipient is essential to assure adequate prophylactic or preemptive therapy. Aggressive prophylaxis for some infections (e.g., cytomegalovirus) has substantially reduced the prevalence of serious infections due to this organism. Tuberculin-positive individuals should be treated with prophylactic isoniazid to reduce the chance for reactivation of tuberculosis following transplantation. Myriad opportunistic pathogens (including various viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.) may complicate transplantation, owing to the effects of multiagent immunosuppressive therapy. This review addresses the salient pathogens that may infect organ transplant recipients, and discusses strategies to prevent or treat specific pathogens in this highly susceptible patient population.
HGF and c-Met Participate in Paracrine Tumorigenic Pathways in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer

Purpose: We determined hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and c-Met expression and signaling in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells and primary tissues and tested the ability of c-Met tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) to block HGF-induced biological signaling. Experimental Design: Expression and signaling were determined using immunoblotting, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. Biological end points included wound healing, cell proliferation, and invasion. c-Met TKIs were tested for their ability to block HGF-induced signaling and biological effects in vitro and in xenografts established in nude mice. Results: c-Met was expressed and functional in HNSCC cells. HGF was secreted by HNSCC tumor-derived fibroblasts, but not by HNSCC cells. Activation of c-Met promoted phosphorylation of AKT and mitogen-activated protein kinase as well as release of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-8. Cell growth and wound healing were also stimulated by HGF. c-Met TKIs blocked HGF-induced signaling, interleukin-8 release, and wound healing. Enhanced invasion of HNSCC cells induced by the presence of tumor-derived fibroblasts was completely blocked with a HGF-neutralizing antibody. PF-2341066, a c-Met TKI, caused a 50% inhibition of HNSCC tumor growth in vivo with decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis within the tumors. In HNSCC tumor tissues, both HGF and c-Met protein were increased compared with expression in normal mucosa. Conclusions: These results show that HGF acts mainly as a paracrine factor in HNSCC cells, the HGF/c-Met pathway is frequently up-regulated and functional in HNSCC, and a clinically relevant c-Met TKI shows antitumor activity in vivo . Blocking the HGF/c-Met pathway may be clinically useful for the treatment of HNSCC.
Characteristics of the magnetopause energetic electron layer

Three years of Imp 5 data show that the magnetopause layer of energetic electrons was present during 227 of 230 orbits over this period and extends along the magnetopause from geomagnetic latitudes as low as 40 deg to latitudes corresponding to the polar cap. It also exists at the boundary between the magnetosheath and the polar cusp region. The data show that the integral energy spectrum of these electrons varies greatly with the planetary Kp index and hardens with increasing Kp values. The average spectrum can be represented by a power law. The intensity of the magnetopause layer electrons increases with increasing Kp values and also has a weak dependence on the magnitude of the north-south component of the interplanetary magnetic field.
Parsing affective space: Perspectives from neuropsychology and psychophysiology.

This article reviews selective behavioral, psychophysiological, and neuropsychological research bearing on how affective space should be parsed. Neither facial expression nor autonomic nervous system activity is found to provide unique markers for particular discrete emotions. The dimensions of approach and withdrawal are introduced as fundamental systems relevant to differentiati ng affective space. The role of frontal and anterior temporal asymmetries in mediating approach- and withdrawal-related emotion is considered. Individual differences in tonic anterior activation asymmetry are present and are relatively stable over time. Such differences are associated with an individual's propensity to display different types of emotion, mood, and psychopathology. The conceptual and methodological implications of this perspective are considered. The purpose of this brief article is to review theory and data derived mostly from neuropsychological and psychophysiological analyses that bear on the issue of how affective space should be parsed. Included within this inquiry is how emotions are organized and differentiated from one another and the nature of the relations among the various subcomponents that compose emotions. Within this context I consider such issues as whether emotion is best understood as categorical or dimensional, the relation between facial expressions of emotion and emotional states, and psychophysiological differentiation among emotions. Space constraints preclude an exhaustive treatment of these topics. Studies are cited for illustrative purposes with an emphasis on recent research from my laboratory.1 My principal goal is to build a case for the importance of the approach versus withdrawal dimension
Heat Transfer LES Simulations in Application to Wire-Wrapped Fuel Pins

We present a novel development of a domain decomposition method for the NavierStokes equations in a spectral element formulation which enables to investigate turbulent ∞ows in complex geometries. The current paper applies domain decomposition method to simulate turbulent heat transfer in a wire-wrapped fuel pin assembly. The method is flrst validated on a benchmark problem of a turbulent swept ∞ow over a single wire in a channel. Potential application of the method to simulation of a realistic wire-wrapped assemblies is the discussed. Wire-wrapped fuel pin assemblies represent a coolant system for next generation advanced burner fast reactors. The liquid coolant ∞ow passes through subassemblies of hexagonally arrayed fuel pins. Fuel pins are supported by a wire wrap spacer which wounds helically along the pin axes. In addition to providing a structural support, wire wrap also serves to promote a turbulent mixing of the coolant ∞ow in order to increase the heat transfer coe‐cient and enhance cooling of the fuel pin walls. Analysis of the ∞ow and heat transfer properties in the described conflguration presents signiflcant challenges, due to both geometrical complexity and high Reynolds number of the coolant ∞ow (Reh » 40000 i 65000 based on hydraulic diameter of the subchannels). Geometrical complexity manifested by the presence of multiple contact points and lines due to the wire wrap makes it practically impossible to create body-fltted structured hexagonal mesh of the exact geometry required by the computational solver. Thus, previous computational investigations of wire-wrapped fuel pins performed at Argonne National Laboratory 1{3 used approximated rather than exact geometry of a subassembly, where the singularity line representing a line of contact between the wire and the pin was artiflcially smoothed out in order to enable mesh generation. Unfortunately, this singularity line is the most critical place in terms of cooling considerations, since a hot spot can be generated there due to stagnation ∞ow conditions. Special computational methodology was developed in order to facilitate mesh generation procedure and allow for the exact geometrical representation of the given problem. This methodology, consisting of assembling overlapping grids and performing unsteady interface conditions exchange was implemented in a stable and accurate manner in a spectral element solver NEK5000. With this methodology, an accurate meshing of the wire-wrapped fuel pin with two overlapping subdomains becomes possible, so that the computations of heat transfer in a wire-wrap conflguration can be performed. After brief description of essential features of NEK5000 in Section II, computational methodology of the domain decomposition procedure is presented in Section III, the validation of the procedure on a benchmark problem of a turbulent swept ∞ow over a single wire in a channel is described in Section IV, and potential application of the method to simulation of wire-wrapped fuel pin assemblies is discussed in Section V.
Spectral detection of near-surface moisture content and water-table position in northern peatland ecosystems

Wildland fire occurrence has been increasing in peatland ecosystems during recent decades. As such, there is a need for broadly applicable tools to detect and monitor controls on combustion such as surface peat moisture and water-table position. A field portable spectroradiometer was used to measure surface reflectance of two Sphagnum moss-dominated peatland experiments, one being an experimental study utilizing a factorial experiment of vegetation and water-table manipulations and the other being a field site located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan that is broadly representative of northern peatland ecosystems. Relationships were developed correlating spectral indices to surface moisture as well as water-table position using the surface reflectance data. Spectral convolutions, or integrations of the hyperspectral data with the relative spectral response curves of multispectral sensors, were also applied to represent spectral sensitivity of commonly used Earth observing sensors. Band ratios previously used to monitor surface moisture with these sensors were assessed. Strong relationships with surface moisture and water-table position are evident for both the narrow-band indices as well as broad-band indices. This study also revealed a dependence of spectral relationships on changes in vegetation cover, particularly ericoid shrubs, within the vegetation manipulation experiment.
Getting to the root of the matter: landscape implications of plant-fungal interactions for tree migration in Alaska

Forecasting the expansion of forest into Alaska tundra is critical to predicting regional ecosystem services, including climate feedbacks such as carbon storage. Controls over seedling establishment govern forest development and migration potential. Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF), obligate symbionts of all Alaskan tree species, are particularly important to seedling establishment, yet their significance to landscape vegetation change is largely unknown. We used ALFRESCO, a landscape model of wildfire and vegetation dynamics, to explore whether EMF inoculum potential influences patterns of tundra afforestation and associated flammability. Using two downscaled CMIP3 general circulation models (ECHAM5 and CCCMA) and a mid-range emissions scenario (A1B) at a 1 km2 resolution, we compared simulated tundra afforestation rates and flammability from four parameterizations of EMF effects on seedling establishment and growth from 2000 to 2100. Modeling predicted an 8.8–18.2 % increase in forest cover from 2000 to 2100. Simulations that explicitly represented landscape variability in EMF inoculum potential showed a reduced percent change afforestation of up to a 2.8 % due to low inoculum potential limiting seedling growth. This reduction limited fuel availability and thus, cumulative area burned. Regardless of inclusion of EMF effects in simulations, landscape flammability was lower for simulations driven by the wetter and cooler CCCMA model than the warmer and drier ECHAM5 model, while tundra afforestation was greater. Results suggest abiotic factors are the primary driver of tree migration. Simulations including EMF effects, a biotic factor, yielded more conservative estimates of land cover change across Alaska that better-matched empirical estimates from the previous century.
Why are Bad Loans Securitized? The Impact of Shareholder Rights in the Banking Industry

This paper investigates why and how bank-level shareholder rights affect the quality of loans originated for securitization. Using a sample of bank holding companies, I find that banks with large shareholder rights experience poor securitized loan performance, especially for banks which suffer large information asymmetry or have extreme risk-seeking shareholders. In addition, the negative impact of shareholder rights on quality of securitized loans is mitigated if banks provide less securitization recourse. Lastly, banks with the highest shareholder rights pre-crisis are found to suffer the largest losses in securitized loans during the financial crisis. Overall, the evidence supports the view that securitized loan risk is mostly kept by banks and impelled by shareholders. Hence, there could be a potential negative consequence of having powerful shareholders in banks. These findings should provide insights into the ongoing regulatory reform with regard to rebuilding governance mechanisms for financial institutions.
Nicotine-induced skeletal muscle vasodilation is mediated by release of epinephrine from nerve terminals.

To determine the role of sympathetic innervation on nicotine-induced alterations in peripheral (hindlimb) blood flow in the pentobarbital-anesthetized dog, one hindlimb was acutely denervated and remained attached to the body by only the femoral artery and vein, whereas the contralateral limb remained innervated and intact. Measurements were made of aortic pressure, femoral artery and venous pressures, femoral artery flow, and plasma catecholamine levels during intravenous systemic infusion of nicotine. The response to nicotine (9-36 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) on the denervated side was a transient increase followed by a persistent decrease in flow and increase in vascular resistance. The response in the innervated limb was a large increase in blood flow and decrease in vascular resistance. The vasoconstrictor and vasodilator responses could be abolished by pretreatment with both propranolol and phentolamine. The vasodilator response could not be abolished by cholinergic or histaminergic receptor antagonism. Hexamethonium abolished all systemic and peripheral responses to nicotine. Desipramine selectively abolished the vasodilator response in the innervated hindlimb. The vasodilator and vasoconstrictor responses could be mimicked with systemic or local administration of epinephrine. We conclude that, in the hindlimbs of dogs, nicotine stimulates the release of epinephrine from nerve terminals and/or tissue stores to activate beta 2-adrenoceptors and promote vasodilation in skeletal muscle of innervated preparations.
Genome-Wide Sequencing of 41 Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Mutated Lines Reveals Diverse Mutations Induced by Fast-Neutron Irradiation

Document S1. Supplemental Information, Supplemental Figures 1–4, Supplemental Tables 1 and 2, and Supplemental ReferencesxDownload (.42 MB ) Document S1. Supplemental Information, Supplemental Figures 1–4, Supplemental Tables 1 and 2, and Supplemental ReferencesSupplemental Data 1. Mutations Identified in 41 Rice Mutant LinesxDownload (.29 MB ) Supplemental Data 1. Mutations Identified in 41 Rice Mutant LinesSupplemental Data 2. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Detected Following Alignment of X.Kitaake Sequences to the Nipponbare Reference GenomexDownload (3.84 MB ) Supplemental Data 2. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Detected Following Alignment of X.Kitaake Sequences to the Nipponbare Reference GenomeSupplemental Data 3. Genes Affected in Each Rice Mutant LinexDownload (.16 MB ) Supplemental Data 3. Genes Affected in Each Rice Mutant Line
Expert testimony based on decision analysis: a malpractice case report

Objective:Expert testimony in malpractice cases is often subjective and biased. Decision-analytic techniques might provide an objective basis for such testimony.
Influence of structure on the spectroscopic properties of the polymorphs of piroxicam.

The complete 13C NMR chemical-shift tensors for the carbon sites of the two polymorphic forms (PI and PII) and the monohydrate form (PM) of the analgesic drug, piroxicam, are reported. The NMR parameters (isotropic chemical shifts, chemical-shielding anisotropies and asymmetries, and dipolar couplings), X-ray powder diffraction, and density functional calculations of piroxicam are analyzed in terms of hydrogen bonding and structure. The integration of all the data gives an improved model of the local solid-state structures of the polymorphs. In particular, the solid-state NMR spectra demonstrate that the asymmetric unit of the monohydrate, PM, contains two zwitterionic piroxicam molecules.
Automatic phonetic segmentation using boundary models.

This study attempts to improve automatic phonetic segmentation within the HMM framework. Experiments were conducted to investigate the use of phone boundary models, the use of precise phonetic segmentation for training HMMs, and the difference between context-dependent and contextindependent phone models in terms of forced alignment performance. Results show that the combination of special one-state phone boundary models and monophone HMMs can significantly improve forced alignment accuracy. HMM-based forced alignment systems can also benefit from using precise phonetic segmentation for training HMMs. Context-dependent phone models are not better than context-independent models when combined with phone boundary models. The proposed system achieves 93.92% agreement (of phone boundaries) within 20 ms compared to manual segmentation on the TIMIT corpus. This is the best reported result on TIMIT to our knowledge.
Are Short-term Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy in Patients 55 Years and Older Inferior to Those in Younger Patients?

Background:Hip arthroscopy for young patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has been successful, but the efficacy of hip arthroscopy in older patients is not clearly defined.Purpose:To evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients 55 years and older who are undergoing hip arthroscopy and to compare outcomes with those of patients younger than 55 years.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:A total of 201 (63 male, 138 female) patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for FAI without radiographic arthritis (Tonnis grade <3) were isolated from a prospective database and stratified by age to <55-year and ≥55-year groups. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and 1 and 2 years postoperatively using the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and Hip Outcome Score (HOS: functional scores, as well as Activities of Daily Living [ADL] and Sport subscales). A Wilcoxon signed rank sum test was used to evaluate the differences in outcome scores between the cohorts at each interval.Results:The <55...
Deeper Knowledge Tracing by Modeling Skill Application Context for Better Personalized Learning

Traditional Knowledge Tracing, which traces students' knowledge of each decomposed individual skill, has been a popular learner model for adaptive tutoring. Typically, a student is guided to the next skill when the student's knowledge on current skill is inferred as mastery. Unfortunately, this traditional approach no longer suffices to model complex skill practices where simple decompositions can not capture potential additional skills underlying the context as a whole. In such cases, mastery should only be granted when a student not only understands the basic of a skill but also can fluently apply a skill in varied application contexts. In this thesis, we aim to propose a data-driven approach to construct learner models considering different skill application contexts for tracing deeper knowledge, primarily based on Bayesian Networks. We aim to conduct novel, comprehensive, ``deep" evaluations, including internal data-drive evaluations, and external end-user evaluations examining the real world impact for students' personalized learning.
Acetylcholinesterase Gene Sequence and Copy Number are Normal in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients Treated with the Organophosphate Metrifonate

Metrifonate, an organophosphate drug, has been used in clinical studies to inhibit AChE in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the hope that it would stop or inhibit progression of the disease.
Sensory development in children: Research in taste and olfaction

Taste and smell are considered important influences on food selection and intake. However, the exact nature of the effects of chemical sensory function on dietary habits is still unclear. Future research concerning this interaction should facilitate the development of optimal dietary guidelines concerning the palatability of foods for children. At present, however, some broad generalizations about sensory development and food acceptance can be made. First, sweet preference appears innate, and thus addition of sweet substances is almost certain to increase the palatability of foods. Conversely, aversions to bitterness appear from a very early age, and thus bitter flavors are likely to decrease palatability. Third, saltiness may be aversive or neutral to infants, with adult patterns of salt preference not appearing until about age 2. Fourth, odors, including volatile flavors like cherry, which are perceived via the olfactory receptors, cannot be expected to have much impact on children until about age 5. Even though children can detect such odors, their likes and dislikes are attenuated. Finally, young children probably find strong or irritative sensations in the mouth, e.g., from carbonation or pepper, to be aversive.
Use of Low-Fidelity Simulation Laboratory Training for Teaching Radiology Residents CT-Guided Procedures

Abstract Purpose To determine the benefit of the addition of low-fidelity simulation–based training to the standard didactic-based training in teaching radiology residents common CT-guided procedures. Methods This was a prospective study involving 24 radiology residents across all years in a university program. All residents underwent standard didactic lecture followed by low-fidelity simulation–based training on three common CT-guided procedures: random liver biopsy, lung nodule biopsy, and drain placement. Baseline knowledge, confidence, and performance assessments were obtained after the didactic session and before the simulation training session. Approximately 2 months later, all residents participated in a simulation-based training session covering all three of these procedures. Knowledge, confidence, and performance data were obtained afterward. These assessments covered topics related to preprocedure workup, intraprocedure steps, and postprocedure management. Knowledge data were collected based on a 15-question assessment. Confidence data were obtained based on a 5-point Likert-like scale. Performance data were obtained based on successful completion of predefined critical steps. Results There was significant improvement in knowledge ( P = .005), confidence ( P P Conclusions This study suggests that the addition of low-fidelity simulation–based training to a standard didactic-based curriculum is beneficial in improving resident knowledge, confidence, and tested performance of common CT-guided procedures.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ANIONIC SYNTHESIS OF MODEL GRAFT COPOLYMERS

Recent advances in anionic polymerization methodology have led to the synthesis of graft copolymers of precisely defined architecture. It is now possible to produce singly-grafted species, having very narrow molecular weight distribution backbones and branches, with complete control over branch point placement (symmetric simple graft, asymmetric simple graft). Species with two regularly spaced branched points (II and H architectures) have also been produced and thoroughly characterized. Most recently we have achieved the synthesis of “regular comb grafts” and “co-centipedes”. These materials have 1, 4-polyisoprene backbone with multiple, regularly spaced branch points; at each branch point one or two polystyrene branches are connected, respectively for the comb and centipede. We review the chemistry that has been used to produce these controlled architecture non-linear block copolymers. The chemistry is useful in making polymers with virtually any desired molecular weight, i.e. it is not restricted to low molecular weight materials as is often the case with other chemistries. The basic strategy is living anionic polymerization using monofunctional and difunctional initiators in hydrocarbon solvents. Controlled chlorosilane linking chemistry, taking advantage of stoichiometry, chlorosilane volatility, and steric effects, is then used to assemble the fmal products. Characterization methods which provide unassailable proof of architecture will also be discussed. These methods include sampling and absolute molecular weight determinations for all homopolymer segments, as well as absolute molecular weight characterization and compositional analysis of the fmal products.
Impeachment by Prior Conviction: Military Rule of Evidence 609

Reduced to its basic components, an advocate's role at trial is to present his case in a clear, concise and believable manner. This means being able to effectively communicate his client's "story," and then being able to sell that story to the court. This result involves considering many legal and practical matters. One of the most important is witness credibility; that is, will the finders of fact believe what your witnesses say, and what you suggest in argument. No matter how accurate your facts are, if they are not believed the case will be lost.The Military Rules of Evidence provide several mechanisms for testing credibility. The one which will be addressed in this article deals with evidence of a witness's previous convictions. Of all impeachment evidence, proof that a witness has been convicted of a crime is perhaps the most devastating. This is partially so for social and pragmatic reasons which transcend jurisprudential concerns. An emotional cord is struck when court members learn that a witness has previously been convicted of an offense. The more serious the crime, the less credibility or believability will be attached to the testimony. Traditional common law authority recognized this reality, and provided for it. As a result, evidence of a previous conviction could be used to attack a witness, but only for the purpose of demonstrating that the witness should not be believed. The evidence could not be used to prove that the witness was a bad person, had a criminal disposition or character, and, particularly with respect to the accused himself, could not be offered to show that the accused was more likely to commit the charged offense because he had committed a previous one.Because MRE 609's impact on the criminal process is so significant, it requires a special place in counsel's pretrial preparation. Each witness's background should be investigated before trial. If as a result it is determined that a previous conviction has been adjudged against a witness, or the accused, a pretrial analysis of its admissibility should take place. Accurate resolution of these questions will reside in counsel's ability to present and argue his case; the trial judge's sound exercise of his discretion; and the future development of federal and military law. Taken together these matters highlight how important pretrial preparation is, and how much of an impact it can have on counsel's ability to affect the proceedings outcome.
Jet Fuel–Associated Occupational Contact Dermatitis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Occupational contact dermatitis is a ubiquitous problem. Sailors onboard U.S. Navy vessels are at high risk given the multitude of potential workplace exposures. Solvents, petrochemicals, and fuels are abundant and can cause irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. Symptoms of contact dermatitis can cause inability to work and, if chronic, may require a change in rating or job. Prevention of this issue requires patient education about the risks and correct personnel protective equipment. Even with preventative strategies in place, exposures and cases of contact dermatitis will occur. Treatment consists of topical steroids and immunomodulators, as well as barrier creams and emollients. The goal of treatment is to fully restore the skin's natural barrier and prevent further exposure. Materials and Methods: A classic case of jet fuel–associated contact dermatitis is reviewed. A literature review utilizing PubMed, Google Scholar, and Google Search was conducted to elucidate our understa...
Optical measurement of receptor tyrosine kinase oligomerization on live cells.

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) are important cell surface receptors that transduce extracellular signals across the plasma membrane. The traditional view of how these receptors function is that ligand binding to the extracellular domains acts as a master-switch that enables receptor monomers to dimerize and subsequently trans-phosphorylate each other on their intracellular domains. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that receptor oligomerization is not merely a consequence of ligand binding, but is instead part of a complex process responsible for regulation of receptor activation. Importantly, the oligomerization dynamics and subsequent activation of these receptors are affected by other cellular components, such as cytoskeletal machineries and cell membrane lipid characteristics. Thus receptor activation is not an isolated molecular event mediated by the ligand-receptor interaction, but instead involves orchestrated interactions between the receptors and other cellular components. Measuring receptor oligomerization dynamics on live cells can yield important insights into the characteristics of these interactions. Therefore, it is imperative to develop techniques that can probe receptor movements on the plasma membrane with optimal temporal and spatial resolutions. Various microscopic techniques have been used for this purpose. Optical techniques including single molecule tracking (SMT) and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) measure receptor diffusion on live cells. Receptor-receptor interactions can also be assessed by detecting Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between fluorescently-labeled receptors situated in close proximity or by counting the number of receptors within a diffraction limited fluorescence spot (stepwise bleaching). This review will describe recent developments of optical techniques that have been used to study receptor oligomerization on living cells. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Interactions between membrane receptors in cellular membranes edited by Kalina Hristova.
Nitrogen-fixing symbiosis inferred from stable isotope analysis of fossil tree rings from the Oligocene of Ethiopia

The acquisition of reduced nitrogen (N) is essential for plant life, and plants have developed numerous strategies and symbioses with soil microorganisms to acquire this form of N. The evolutionary history of specific symbiotic relationships of plants with soil bacteria, however, lacks evidence from the fossil record confirming these mutualistic relationships. Here we use modern plants in the N-fixing clade of rosids to develop a geochemical method to assess the presence of symbiotic relationships with N-fixing soil bacteria via δ 15 N values of tree rings. Application of this method to Oligocene tree rings confirms the symbiosis of certain arborescent legumes with N-fixing soil bacteria. The results suggest actinorhizal symbiosis for some Oligocene non-leguminous trees. The specific age, genera, and presence or absence of bacterial symbiosis of these fossil trees provide new information on genera that have maintained or lost the ability to form symbioses in the N-fixing clade. We envision that this approach, as applied to paleoecology, can lead to greater understanding of the response of plant symbioses under variations in atmospheric chemistry for N-limited ecosystems.
“We Rule the Waves”: Athletic Labor, Femininity, and the Collective in Billy Rose’s Aquacade

In the 1930s and '40s, nightclub impresario Billy Rose cast Olympic swimmers and divers in starring roles for his patriotic World's Fair revue. Positioning the Aquacade in the genealogies of mass spectacles, militaristic display, girly revues, and the rising popularity of pool culture reveals the theatrical framing of athletic labor as vigorously effective in creating a visible female collective on the eve of World War II.
PREDICTING POLYMER DEGRADATION AND MECHANICAL PROPERTY CHANGES FOR COMBINED RADIATION-THERMAL AGING ENVIRONMENTS

ABSTRACT A new approach is presented for conducting and extrapolating combined environment (radiation plus thermal) accelerated aging experiments. The method involves a novel way of applying the time-temperature-dose rate (t-T-R) approach derived many years ago, which assumes that by simultaneously accelerating the thermal-initiation rate (from Arrhenius T-only analysis) and the radiation dose rate R by the same factor x, the overall degradation rate will increase by the factor x. The dose rate assumption implies that equal dose yields equal damage, which is equivalent to assuming the absence of dose-rate effects (DRE). A plot of inverse absolute temperature versus the log of the dose rate is used to indicate experimental conditions consistent with the model assumptions, which can be derived along lines encompassing so-called matched accelerated conditions (MAC lines). Aging trends taken along MAC lines for several elastomers confirms the underlying model assumption and therefore indicates, contrary to ma...
Fecal calprotectin and serum albumin as markers of gastrointestinal graft versus host disease

Abstract Background Acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) affects approximately 30–60% of patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) and our ability to predict who develops this complication and their response to treatment is limited. Fecal calprotectin has recently gained popularity as an effective marker of GI inflammation in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Methods Fecal calprotectin and albumin were evaluated as prognostic and predictive markers of aGVHD in 60 adult and pediatric HCT patients. Stool samples were sent for calprotectin quantification prior to starting conditioning, at day 14 post-HCT, at day 28 post-HCT, and at onset of aGVHD ± 2 days. Results Fecal calprotectin did not differentiate patients with GI-GVHD and non-GI GVHD and did not vary based on severity. However, in patients with steroid-refractory GI aGVHD, significantly higher fecal calprotectin levels were noted. At onset of lower-GI symptoms, steroid refractory patients (n = 3) had a mean fecal calprotectin level of 449 ug/g (range 116–1111 ug/g) and a mean albumin of 1.93 g/dL (range 1.6–2.3 g/dL) compared with a mean fecal calprotectin of 24 ug/g (range 16–31 ug/g) and a mean albumin of 3.3 g/dL (range 2.3–3.9 g/dL) in steroid responsive patients (n = 9) (fecal calprotectin p = 0.032, albumin p = 0.027). Conclusion Patients with steroid-refractory GI aGVHD had higher fecal calprotectin levels and lower albumin levels than patients with steroid-responsive disease. We recommend further studies to evaluate non-invasive tests with fecal calprotectin in combination with albumin in predicting steroid refractory disease at onset of symptoms to potentially identify patients that may benefit from upfront escalation in GVHD treatment.
Charting the Course: Risk Scores for Major Bleeding in Transient Ischemic Attack and Ischemic Stroke.

See related article, p 601 Secondary ischemic stroke prevention requires navigating a strait with infarction on one side and hemorrhage on the other. With increasing age, the strait gets narrower and the rocks sharper. It helps to have good navigational charts and Hilkens et al1 provide one with their validation study of the S2TOP-BLEED scale published in this journal. Clinical scores are published regularly, derived from observational studies and simplified with a limited number of inputs, all with the goal of being able to predict some future adverse outcome in patients. It is not clear whether the derivation of a scale, regardless of its convenience, is sufficient, because a …
Cell‑specific histone modifications in atherosclerosis (Review)

Histone modifications are the key epigenetic mechanisms that have been identified to regulate gene expression in many human diseases. However, in the early developmental stages, such as in utero and the postnatal stages, histone modifications are essential for gene regulation and cell growth. Atherosclerosis represents a classical example of the involvement of different cell types, and their cumulative effects in the development of atheroma and the progression of the disease. Post translational modifications on proteins either induces their functional activity or renders them inactive. Post translational modifications such as methylation or acetylation on histones have been well characterized, and their role in enhancing or inhibiting specific gene expression was clearly elucidated. In the present review article, the critical roles of different histone modifications that occur in atherosclerosis have been summarized. Different histone proteins have been identified to serve a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis. Specifically, histone methylation and histone acetylation in monocytes, macrophages, vascular smooth muscle cells and in endothelial cells during the progression of atherosclerosis, have been well reported. In recent years, different target molecules and genes that regulate histone modifications have been examined for their effects in the treatment of atherosclerosis in animal models and in clinical trials. An increasing body of evidence suggests that these epigenetic changes resulting from DNA methylation and non-coding RNA may also be associated with histone modifications, thereby indicating that novel therapeutic strategies can be developed by targeting these post translational modifications, which may in turn aid in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Central Sleep Apnea due to a Medical Condition Not Cheyne–Stokes

Central sleep apnea is characterized by insufficient drive to breathe during sleep and is associated with major comorbidity. There are many forms of central sleep apnea including the classic Cheyne–Stokes breathing pattern, which is relatively common in patients with advanced heart failure. This article focuses on the other forms of central sleep apnea that may occur in conjunction with various medical conditions including brain stem tumors/abnormalities, chronic pain/cancer/drug abuse, congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, insomnia, neuromuscular conditions, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, periodic leg movement disorder, renal failure, and stroke.
A human thy-1-like antigen expressed on cultured leukemic T-cells.

A human cell membrane antigen that is highly T-cell specific among a number of leukocyte cell lines was isolated from cells of a human T-cell leukemia cell line, SKW-3. In addition to the high specificity to T-cell-type cell lines, the isolated antigen showed the following characteristics: (1) It is an acidic glycoprotein of approximately 30 000 daltons that has a charge heterogeneity and probably a disulfide bond(s); (2) Its antigenicity is stable when treated with heat, acid, and various protein denaturants; (3) It is widely distributed in lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues but is most predominant in brain. These features are similar, if not identical, to those reported for the Thy-1 antigen of mouse or rat and have raised the possibility that this cell membrane antigen may correspond to human “lymphocyte” Thy-1 antigen, the counterpart of human “brain” Thy-I antigen.
Synthesis of 5-Methylene-2-pyrrolones

A facile, one-pot synthetic method for the synthesis of 5-methylene-2-pyrrolones (5MPs) from inexpensive furfuryl acetate is described. Bromine oxidation and trapping of the in situ generated 1,4-dicarbonyl compound by a primary amine provided the corresponding 5MPs in 50–69% yield.
Pharmacologic Interventions for Apathy in Patients with Alzheimer Disease.

Methylphenidate may improve apathy in select patients with AD (mean difference [MD] = –4.99 on the apathy evaluation scale; 95% confidence interval [CI], –9.55 to –0.43), although the clinical significance associated with these findings remains unclear and the evidence is considered low quality.
Variation In Health Spending Growth For The Privately Insured From 2007 To 2014

We examined the growth in health spending on people with employer-sponsored private insurance in the period 2007–14. Our analysis relied on information from the Health Care Cost Institute data set,...
2‐(Trifluoromethyl)pyridine

[368-48-9] C6H4NF3 (MW 147.10) InChI = 1S/C6H4F3N/c7-6(8,9)5-3-1-2-4-10-5/h1-4H InChIKey = ATRQECRSCHYSNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N (building block in heterocycle synthesis) Physical Data: bp 139–141 °C; nD20 1.4180. Solubility: soluble in most organic solvents. Form Supplied In: colorless liquid. Analysis of Reagent Purity: GC, 1H NMR, 13C NMR. Preparative Methods: while the reagent is commercially available, there are two methods of preparation that can be adapted to the laboratory setting and may be flexible in accommodating more complex substitution about the pyridine ring. The reaction of trifluoroacetonitrile and butadiene at 475 °C affords the title compound in 88% yield (eq 1).1 (1) Alternatively, reaction of 2-halopyridines (preferably the iodide) with a trifluoromethyl organometallic reagent affords the compound (eq 2). A substantial number of variations of this reaction are known. These include the electrochemical generation of CF3-Cu (90% with X = Br),2 the generation of difluorocarbene and fluoride ion in the presence of Cu(I) (70%, X = Br; 64%, X = Cl),3 and the thermolysis of sodium trifluoroacetate in the presence of cuprous iodide (41%, X = Br).4 Perhaps the most convenient method for the preparation involves the reaction of (trifluoromethyl)trimethylsilane with CuI and potassium fluoride (68%, X = I).5 (2) Purification: purification is carried out through either column chromatography or distillation. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: as with most pyridine derivatives, the material should be considered hygroscopic, malodorous, and air sensitive (as indicated by yellowing upon standing).1
Social media ratings of nursing homes associated with experience of care and “Nursing Home Compare” quality measures

Social media platforms offer unique opportunities for patients and families to provide real-time feedback on their healthcare experiences. Consumer-generated social media ratings of hospitals tend to reflect the more subjective aspects of inpatient care experiences; however, evidence on nursing home care is extremely limited. We collected consumer-reported 5-star ratings of Maryland nursing homes posted from July 2015 to July 2017 on 4 popular social media or online review sites (Facebook, Yelp, Google Consumer Reviews, and Caring.com). We determined if the average score of social media ratings was associated with experience-of-care ratings derived from survey of family members or other responsible parties of nursing home residents, and with “Nursing Home Compare” (NHC) 5-star ratings and individual quality measures. One hundred ninety-six out of 206 nursing homes in Maryland were reviewed on at least one site and thus had one or more star ratings posted. The overall ratings were 3.11 on average on these sites and 3.03 on the NHC website, with a Pearson correlation of 0.41 (p < 0.001) between the 2 sets of ratings. The correlations between the social media rating and survey-based experience-of-care ratings ranged from 0.40 to 0.60, and the correlations between the social media rating and individual NHC quality measures of citations, nurse staffing, and complaints were about 0.35 (in absolute values). The social media rating also predicted well NHC and experience-of-care measures after adjusting for nursing home covariates and market competition. The 5-star ratings collected from 4 social networking sites was correlated with and predictive of the NHC and survey-based experience-of-care measures for Maryland nursing homes.
Training wheels needed: Lessons in professionalism from a liberal deferral policy

Learning to self-regulate is an important aspect of professionalism. Thus, in 2015-16, the University of Michigan implemented a learner-centred 'deferral' policy called 'trust and track' in the preclinical phase. This gave students the autonomy to decide whether to attend required experiences, take quizzes and exams on schedule, or submit assignments on time. Surprisingly, quiz and exam deferrals remained relatively stable, but required experience deferrals more than doubled. While late assignments were not specifically tracked, there were multiple reports of assignments being months overdue. Some reasons for deferrals exhibited questionable judgement. Behavioural patterns carried forward, with an unusual spike in deferrals of licensure exams and requests for time off in the clinical phase. Wellness indices did not improve, despite learners having more autonomy and flexibility. It became clear to us that novice learners need clear professional expectations with limits to assist in developing professional behaviours. In 2016-17, we implemented a stricter policy that set clear expectations, established limits, and provided guidance on acceptable reasons to defer. We simultaneously implemented other measures to promote wellness. The moral of the story is that 'training wheels' are needed to help early learners develop the professional behaviours expected of practising physicians.
HWE: Hybrid Word Embeddings For Text Classification

Text classification is one of the most important tasks in natural language processing and information retrieval due to the increasing availability of documents in digital form and the ensuing need to access them in flexible ways. By assigning documents to labeled classes, text classification can reduce the search space and expedite the process of retrieving relevant documents. In this paper, we propose a novel text representation method, Hybrid Word Embeddings (HWE), which combines semantic information obtained fromWord- Net and contextual information extracted from text documents to provide concise and accurate representations of text documents. The proposed HWE method can improve the efficiency of deriving word semantics from text by taking advantage of the semantic relationships extracted from WordNet with less training corpus. Experimental study on classification of documents shows that the proposed HWE outperforms existing methods, including Doc2Vec and Word2Vec, in terms of classification accuracy, recall, precision, etc.