cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chromium and tantalum adhesion to plasma-deposited silicon dioxide and silicon nitride

Thin layers of Ta and Cr deposited onto plasma-deposited silicon dioxide (SiO2) and silicon nitride (SiN) surfaces promote adhesion of Cu to the underlying insulating surfaces. In this paper, the peel adhesion strength of the Ta and Cr layers to the reactive ion etched (RIE) and Ar-sputtered insulating surfaces is measured after Cu deposition. Peel tests, which provide a measure of the adhesion strength of the metallic (Cu + Ta or Cr) layer to the insulators, indicate that both Ta and Cr adhere better to SiN than to SiO2. Cohesive failure of the peel strip occurred for the Ta/SiN system rather than failure at the interface. The freshly exposed surfaces of the peeled metallic strip and the underlying insulator, which represent the locus of adhesion failure, were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Characterization of the chemistry at the surfaces and their relationship to adhesion is discussed.
Recent trends in the incidence rates of and death rates from atrial fibrillation complicating initial acute myocardial infarction: a community-wide perspective.

Abstract Background Limited information is available about recent trends in the incidence and death rates from atrial fibrillation (AF) complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The purpose of this study was to examine the impact and trends over time of AF complicating initial AMI. Methods We conducted a longitudinal study of 2596 residents of the Worcester, Massachusetts, metropolitan area with initial AMI and without previous AF who were hospitalized at all area hospitals in 5 annual periods between 1990 and 1997. Results A total of 13% of hospitalized patients developed AF. There was a marked decrease in the proportion of patients who developed AF over time (18% in 1990; 11% in 1997). Patients hospitalized during the most recent study years remained at significantly lower risk for developing AF than patients hospitalized in 1990 after controlling for factors that might affect the risk of AF. Patients with AF were more likely to die during hospitalization than those without AF even after controlling for other prognostic factors. Despite the adverse impact of AF, we observed trends toward improved hospital survival during the most recent study years in patients developing AF. Patients discharged after developing AF had higher long-term death rates than patients who did not develop AF, although these differences were attenuated after adjusting for other factors. Conclusions The results of this community-wide study suggest a significant decline in the incidence of AF complicating AMI. Although patients with AF had higher hospital death rates, we observed trends of improved survival for these patients. AF remains a common complication of AMI to which targeted treatment efforts appear warranted. (Am Heart J 2002;143:519-27.)
Identification of a target RNA motif for RNA-binding protein HuR

HuR, a protein that binds to specific mRNA subsets, is increasingly recognized as a pivotal posttranscriptional regulator of gene expression. Here, HuR was immunoprecipitated under conditions that preserved HuR-RNA interactions, and HuR-bound target mRNAs were identified by cDNA array hybridization. Analysis of primary sequences and secondary structures shared among HuR targets led to the identification of a 17- to 20-base-long RNA motif rich in uracils. This HuR motif was found in almost all mRNAs previously reported to be HuR targets, was located preferentially within 3' untranslated regions of all unigene transcripts examined, and was conserved in >50% of human and mouse homologous genes. Importantly, the HuR motif allowed the successful prediction and subsequent validation of novel HuR targets from gene databases. This study describes an HuR target RNA motif and presents a general strategy for identifying target motifs for RNA-binding proteins.
An oregonian school of zebra fish

Abstract A group of neuroscientists at the Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, use what is rapidly becoming a new standard embryological preparation, the zebra fish (Fig. 1), an animal that develops rapidly and is small and optically clear. Five recent papers from this group are summarized below; they deal with the onset of developmental restrictions, pathfinding by motor axons, and the development of the lateral line placode.
Stem cell policy in the Obama age: UK and US perspectives

In this article, we compare two different approaches to establishing stem cell policy: a defined policy (the UK) and a changing policy (the US). The UK has a clear and precise policy, agreed upon and supported by lawmakers, scientists and the public. By contrast, US federal policy is continuously being updated based on balancing political ideologies and advances in science, and it only regulates federal funding. By investigating these contrasting policy approaches, we hope to demonstrate the impact of policy on stem cell research and public opinion.
Measurement of benzoylecgonine in whole blood using the Abbott ADx analyzer

An alternate procedure has been developed for the processing of whole blood for the estimation of benzoylecgonine with the use of the Abbott ADx reagents and analyzer. This procedure allows for handling of relatively large numbers of samples without the need to evaporate extraction solvent. Blood samples were diluted with an equal volume of phosphate buffer-methanol (80:20 v/v), and the proteins were removed by centrifugation through a membrane filter device. A comparison of the proposed method with an acetone solvent extraction procedure has been made, and results were shown to be equivalent. Recoveries of 94-105% benzoylecgonine were obtained for added concentrations of 25-500 ng/mL.
Establishing health status indicators by surveying youth risk behaviors of high school students in the dominican republic.

The purpose of this survey was to determine the health-risk behaviors among high school students in the Dominican Republic. Samples were taken from communities with an industrial base and an increasing population (n = 1175). The communities under study had dissimilar population sizes (i.e., 5,000, 30,000, 50,000) and were located in various geographical locations. Frequency data are compared by gender and population differences for high-risk health behavior indicators associated with urban migration. We found significant differences in tobacco, alcohol, and crack use among the different population sites, with higher rates reported by the more populous communities. Boys reported more fighting and sexual activity. Girls reported higher rates of suicide ideation and attempts. These results can be used to 1) help focus on those behaviors rooted during the school years that most influence health, 2) monitor those behaviors by establishing baseline data, and 3) supply data that are comparable with recognized categories of high-risk behaviors. Language: en
Morphology Property Relationship in Oriented Pet Films - Microstructural Reorganization During Heat-Treatment

Morphology–property relationships for simultaneously biaxially stretched films and heatset with fixed dimensions in the temperature range of 100–240°C have been studied. The observed transition in various properties at 180°C can be explained on the basis of microstructural changes caused by competition among several processes, such as crystallization, solid-state thickening, melting, and molecular relaxation as well as by melting and recrystallization. The resulting structures and, thereby, the properties are different in temperature Regime-II (Tg to Tmax) and Regime-III (Tmax to Tm). In Regime-II, the high rate of crystallization compared to the rate of molecular relaxation develops a constrained amorphous phase, whereas the predominant melting and recrystallization process in Regime-III generates the relaxed amorphous phase. The structural reorganization during heat treatment is almost the same for uniaxially oriented film, fibers, and biaxially oriented films prepared under similar processing conditions. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Topical treatment for erythrasma.

: Efficient, simple, and inexpensive management of erythrasma with an extemporaneous aqueous clindamycin hydrochloride solution is described.
A dual-Vt layout approach for statistical leakage variability minimization in nanometer CMOS

Process parameter variations cause large changes in the delay and the leakage power consumption of scaled nanometer CMOS circuits. In this paper, the problem of leakage power variation minimization in the presence of spatially correlated across-die process variations is addressed. It is shown that with minimal impact on delay, the placement of low-Vt gates in a layout can be performed in such a way to maximize the yield for a specified leakage power upper bound. For the obtained placement of low Vt gates, the layout can then be optimized for other important criteria such as wire length. Simulation of across-die variations for ISCAS benchmarks is performed and guidelines for distributing the low-Vt gates across the die are developed.
8.3: Presentation session: Welcome/administrative comments: “Overview of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory”

For over 67 years ORNL has been a leader in science and energy research and development. Begun in World War II as part of the Manhattan Project, ORNL has become one of the world's premier science and energy labs. While recognized for its accomplishments in material science, computing and energy research, its long history in biomedical research is often overlooked. Over most of its history ORNL has been engaged in biomedical research contributing substantially to the improvement in the understanding and betterment of human health. It began with the study of radiation effects on living cells and has resulted in ground breaking discoveries such as messenger RNA and relationship of X and Y chromosomes to the determination of gender. Today ORNL continues in that tradition bringing its advances in materials, electronics, computing as well as biological sciences to address biomedical challenges.
Vitamin D-responsive SGPP2 variants associated with lung cell expression and lung function

Background Vitamin D is associated with lung health in epidemiologic studies, but mechanisms mediating observed associations are poorly understood. This study explores mechanisms for an effect of vitamin D in lung through an in vivo gene expression study, an expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis in lung tissue, and a population-based cohort study of sequence variants.
Malformations and chromosome anomalies in spontaneously aborted fetuses with single umbilical artery

Presence of a single umbilical artery was noted 13 times among a series of 879 consecutively collected, spontaneously aborted embryos and fetuses. This rate of 1.5% is approximately twice that reported from the largest series of term births. Eight of the 13 fetuses had additional serious malformations. Of nine successfully karyotyped fetuses, six had chromosome anomalies. All six occurred in fetuses with severe malformations in addition to the single umbilical artery. The presence of single umbilical artery with other major anatomic defects may be a significant predictor of the presence of chromosome anomalies in live births. Early recognition of offspring with chromosome anomalies will be useful in counseling the family and in managing the care of the infant.
Poemas, Ana Rossetti (tradução)

ANA ROSSETTI (pseudonym of Ana Bueno de la Pena), was born in 1950 in Cadiz, Spain. The author of over 30 books, she is celebrated principally for her distinctive poetic voice, which emerged in the period of excess and cultural experimentation that followed the end of the Franco dictatorship. Her most important works include Los devaneos de Erato (1980), Dioscuros (1982), Indicios vehementes (1985), Devocionario (1985), and Punto umbrio (1995). In addition to poetry, Rossetti has authored novels, stories, and children’s books, and has won several literary prizes, including the Sonrisa Vertical Prize for erotic literature.
The Role of Pharmacoeconomic Modeling in Evidence-Based and Value-Based Formulary Guidelines

EBM was developed to help clinical practitioners make better decisions about the therapies they prescribe, the procedures they perform, and the advice they give to patients. It is not intended to be onerous, but it requires clinicians to frame questions accurately, conduct literature searches to identify the evidence, and then make appropriate inter- pretations of that evidence. Sackett et al. begin by stating that EBM is not cookbook medicine. 1 Rather, it is a process of obtaining the best available evidence and merging this with clinical expertise and patient-specific factors and preferences. Secondly, they state that EBM is not a panacea for controlling costs—that it may, in fact, lead to increased costs when these expenditures are for the most effective interventions to maximize the patient's quality of life. Finally, they state that EBM is not based solely upon randomized trials or meta-analyses. The essence of EBM is to identify the "best" available information relevant to the question at hand. There are many more questions than answers in medicine today. Sackett et al. specify that practitioners of EBM should have good clinical inter- viewing skills, be self-directed life-long learners, and maintain humility in clinical practice because, without it, physicians "become immune to self-improvement and advances in medicine." 1 ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To review evidence-based medicine (EBM) in the context of pharmaco- economic (PE) decision making by health care organizations. SUMMARY: Pharmacoeconomics involves processes similar to EBM, but it deals with decisions on the population rather than the patient level. The overall goal of PE is to provide the most efficient use of resources, taking into account both the cost and the value derived from a given technology. These evaluations assist health care decision making because both cost and effectiveness are considered. New therapies are increasingly complex in terms of administration, effects, and cost. As a result, PE models are likely to become more complex as well. At pres- ent, there is no standard threshold for what constitutes cost-effective therapy, so each organization is likely to have its own criterion for acceptance.
The Competitive Interplay between Allosteric HIV-1 Integrase Inhibitor BI/D and LEDGF/p75 during the Early Stage of HIV-1 Replication Adversely Affects Inhibitor Potency

Allosteric HIV-1 integrase inhibitors (ALLINIs) have recently emerged as a promising class of antiretroviral agents and are currently in clinical trials. In infected cells, ALLINIs potently inhibit viral replication by impairing virus particle maturation but surprisingly exhibit a reduced EC50 for inhibiting HIV-1 integration in target cells. To better understand the reduced antiviral activity of ALLINIs during the early stage of HIV-1 replication, we investigated the competitive interplay between a potent representative ALLINI, BI/D, and LEDGF/p75 with HIV-1 integrase. While the principal binding sites of BI/D and LEDGF/p75 overlap at the integrase catalytic core domain dimer interface, we show that the inhibitor and the cellular cofactor induce markedly different multimerization patterns of full-length integrase. LEDGF/p75 stabilizes an integrase tetramer through the additional interactions with the integrase N-terminal domain, whereas BI/D induces protein-protein interactions in C-terminal segments that lead to aberrant, higher-order integrase multimerization. We demonstrate that LEDGF/p75 binds HIV-1 integrase with significantly higher affinity than BI/D and that the cellular protein is able to reverse the inhibitor induced aberrant, higher-order integrase multimerization in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Consistent with these observations, alterations of the cellular levels of LEDGF/p75 markedly affected BI/D EC50 values during the early steps of HIV-1 replication. Furthermore, genome-wide sequencing of HIV-1 integration sites in infected cells demonstrate that LEDGF/p75-dependent integration site selection is adversely affected by BI/D treatment. Taken together, our studies elucidate structural and mechanistic details of the interplay between LEDGF/p75 and BI/D during the early stage of HIV-1 replication.
Interpretations of the Iowa Studies: The Meaning of Intelligence

(1943). Interpretations of the Iowa Studies: The Meaning of Intelligence. The Journal of Higher Education: Vol. 14, No. 8, pp. 451-453.
Using pulmonary function data to assess outcomes in the endoscopic management of subglottic stenosis.

Objective:This study aimed to examine the authors’ experience with endoscopic management of idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS), and to identify pulmonary function test (PFT) values that can be used to quantify outcomes.Methods:Retrospective review.Results:Twenty-five patients with a new diagnosis of iSGS were seen between 2006 and 2012. Median age at surgery was 45.3 years (interquartile range [IQR], 38.5-67.0), and median body mass index was 28.7 kg/m2 (IQR, 23.5-32.1). Forty-five procedures were performed. Median preoperative stenosis was 56.8% (Cotton-Myer grade 2). The typical stenosis began 15 mm below the true vocal folds and was 12 mm long. Median follow-up was 21.4 months (IQR, 5.1-43.1). For patients receiving multiple dilations, median time between procedures was 23.7 months. Four PFT parameters demonstrated significant improvement after intervention: (1) PEF (absolute change = 2.54 L/s), (2) PIF (absolute change = 1.57 L/s), (3) FEV1/PEF (absolute change = 0.44), and (4) FIF50% (absolute cha...
Being Better or Being Good: Conflicting Self-Evaluation Motivations in the Multifaceted Self

Previous research has shown that people desire to outperform others, and will even sabotage others’ performance in order to increase or maintains positive self-evaluation (e.g. Tesser, 1988). However, we argue that when one is trying to globally evaluate the self, the motivation to outperform others may compete with the motivation to be a “good” person. In three studies, we show that people will be motivated to hinder their friends’ performance when they are threatened by the friend, but that they will only act on these motivations when they feel morally justified in doing so. In studies 1A and 1B, threatened participants sabotaged their friends only when the act was ambiguous, and could be construed as benign or helpful. In study 2, threatened participants sabotaged friends when the act was relatively unlikely to actually cause harm. In study 3, participants sabotaged their friends when the friend had previously unfairly outperformed them (vs. fairly), therefore leading participants to feel that their ac...
Abstract 4106: Cool-1-mediated inhibition of c-Cbl as a therapuetic target, which modulates multiple critical properties of glioblastomas.

Glioblastomas (GBMs), the most malignant glial tumors, differ from normal glial progenitor cells in many ways, but little is known about the molecular circuitry underlying these differences. We have discovered a novel means by which GBMs become chemo-resistant, based on inhibition of the redox/Fyn/c-Cbl pathway by overexpression of Cool-1(Beta-Pix). The protein c-Cbl, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is responsible for the ubiquitination and degradation of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases critical for cell division and cell survival. In normal glial progenitor cells of the CNS, exposure to chemotherapy oxidizes cells, leading to sequential activation of Fyn and c-Cbl. However in GBM cells, exposure to BCNU or other chemical pro-oxidants does not lead to c-Cbl activation. Further studies demonstrated that these agents do cause Fyn activation, suggesting that GBMs inhibit c-Cbl phosphorylation leading to decreased degradation of EGFR, accounting for increased EGFR signaling. We next discovered that the decrease in c-Cbl activation via the redox/Fyn/c-Cbl pathway was due to c-Cbl sequestration by Cool-1, which is overexpressed in GBM cells and samples of tumors. We found that oxidant-associated c-Cbl activation can be restored by shRNA-mediated inhibition of Cool-1 expression, leading to restoration of normal c-Cbl-mediated degradation of RTKs (including EGFR). We further found that restoration of Cool-1 activity modulated multiple other hallmarks of GBM, including changes in migration, cell cycle parameters, and altering the cancer stem cell phenotype of our cells. In contrast, Cool-1/c-Cbl complexes were not found in normal brain or normal glial progenitors and Cool-1 knockdown did not reduce progenitor cell division. The translation of these findings into an in vivo intracranial xenograft model of GBM showed that Cool-1 is essential for tumorigenesis and decreasing Cool-1 levels leads to decreased tumor take, decreased tumor growth, and increased survival. In sum, the ability of Cool-1/c-Cbl interactions to modulate a variety of tumor cell properties suggests that these interactions offer an attractive target for modulating GBM growth, particularly due to the absence of Cool-1/c-Cbl complexes in normal brain tissue and to the lack of effects of Cool-1 knockdown on division of normal glial progenitor cells. The activation of c-Cbl activity through pharmacological agents is a potentially viable strategy for the specific eradication of GBM cells. Citation Format: Brett M. Stevens, Christopher J. Folts, Warner Chen, Addie L. Bardin, Mark Noble. Cool-1-mediated inhibition of c-Cbl as a therapuetic target, which modulates multiple critical properties of glioblastomas. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4106. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4106
Flexible bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of pulmonary infiltrates following autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation for advanced breast cancer

Flexible bronchoscopy is an important tool in the diagnosis of pulmonary complications following bone marrow transplantation. However, the value of this procedure in autologous peripheral stem cell transplant (APSCT) recipients with pulmonary complications is not well defined. We retrospectively evaluated the diagnostic yield of 27 consecutive bronchoscopies done on 23 APSCT recipients following high-dose chemotherapy for breast cancer. FB resulted in a positive diagnosis in 16 cases (59%). Broncheoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed on all patients, and transbronchial biopsies (TBB) were carried out in 14. TBB were diagnostic in 10 (71%), with pulmonary drug toxicity as the most common finding (n = 8), followed by metastatic breast cancer (n = 2). BAL was diagnostic in six (22%): bacterial pneumonia (n = 3), aspergillosis (n = 2), Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (n = 1) and Influenza B (n = 1). The procedure was well tolerated with no major complications except a small pneumothorax in one patient that did not require chest tube insertion. In conclusion, flexible bronchoscopy is a useful tool in the evaluation of pulmonary complications following APSCT for breast cancer. TBB can be done safely with relatively high diagnostic yield. Pulmonary drug toxicity is the most common pathological finding.
Review of Frequency Response Analysis on Transformer Winding Deformation Diagnostics

Frequency response analysis is now widely used in transformer winding deformation diagnostics.The principle of frequency response analysis(including low-voltage impulse method and sweep frequency response analysis) is briefl y introduced and typical measurement setup is discussed.This paper presents a review on the current state of FRA method on transformer winding deformation diagnostics including selecting of the frequency range,the characteristics of the frequency response curve,and comparing of the curve similarity.In the paper,the relationship of the frequency band and the fault type is defi ned.Different methods of comparing frequency response curves are contrasted.This paper suggests a comprehensive criterion should be carefully designed and testifi ed and the future research should be emphasized on building a system which can be regarded as a MADM problem.
Isotopic determination of uranium in soil by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

Abstract Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) operated under ambient pressure has been evaluated for isotopic analysis of uranium in real-world samples such as soil, with U concentrations in the single digit percentage levels. The study addresses the requirements for spectral decomposition of 235U and 238U atomic emission peaks that are only partially resolved. Although non-linear least-square fitting algorithms are typically able to locate the optimal combination of fitting parameters that best describes the experimental spectrum even when all fitting parameters are treated as free independent variables, the analytical results of such an unconstrained free-parameter approach are ambiguous. In this work, five spectral decomposition algorithms were examined, with different known physical properties (e.g., isotopic splitting, hyperfine structure) of the spectral lines sequentially incorporated into the candidate algorithms as constraints. It was found that incorporation of such spectral-line constraints into the decomposition algorithm is essential for the best isotopic analysis. The isotopic abundance of 235U was determined from a simple two-component Lorentzian fit on the U II 424.437 nm spectral profile. For six replicate measurements, each with only fifteen laser shots, on a soil sample with U concentration at 1.1% w/w, the determined 235U isotopic abundance was (64.6 ± 4.8)%, and agreed well with the certified value of 64.4%. Another studied U line – U I 682.691 nm possesses hyperfine structure that is comparatively broad and at a significant fraction as the isotopic shift. Thus, 235U isotopic analysis with this U I line was performed with spectral decomposition involving individual hyperfine components. For the soil sample with 1.1% w/w U, the determined 235U isotopic abundance was (60.9 ± 2.0)%, which exhibited a relative bias about 6% from the certified value. The bias was attributed to the spectral resolution of our measurement system – the measured line width for this U I line was larger than its isotopic splitting. Although not the best emission line for isotopic analysis, this U I emission line is sensitive for element analysis with a detection limit of 500 ppm U in the soil matrix; the detection limit for the U II 424.437 nm line was 2000 ppm.
Reversal of myocardial ischemia by arterialization of the coronary vein.

Ligation of the anterior descending coronary artery was done in 6 sheep, and marked S-T segment changes in epicardial electrograms were noted. In another group of 10 sheep, the coronary artery was also ligated, but the accompanying coronary vein was perfused with arterial blood from the internal mammary artery. The S-T segment changes in this group were minimal. Perfusion of the vein was stopped after 60 minutes while the artery remained occluded. S-T segment changes indicative of ischemia then occurred. In 7 animals, flows through the internal mammary artery were found to vary from 20 to 90 c.c. per minute. These findings suggest that retrograde flow of arterial blood through a coronary vein prevents the ischemia which otherwise follows coronary artery occlusion.
Making the Technological Trustworthy

Joseph C. Pitt, based on his understanding of trust and of technology, makes the provocative argument that trusting technology is actually a matter of trusting people. I agree with Pitt’s conclusion but differ with him on the nature of trust. I contend, nonetheless, that my understanding of trust actually reinforces Pitt’s characterization of technology as “humanity at work.”
Current Nonsurgical Management of Intermittent Exotropia

Three common nonsurgical management strategies for childhood intermittent exotropia are observation alone, part-time patching, and over-minus spectacles. Each of these approaches has support from r...
The Chamizal Blues: El Paso, the Wayward River, and the Peoples in Between

In 1963 the United States and Mexico concluded a treaty that settled a nearly century-long boundary dispute in the El Paso-Ciudad Juarez area. This article explores the diplomatic history of the dispute while highlighting the experiences of those border residents that the treaty ultimately impacted and, in many cases, uprooted.
High‐throughput precision measurement of subcellular localization in single cells

To quantify visual and spatial information in single cells with a throughput of thousands of cells per second, we developed Subcellular Localization Assay (SLA). This adaptation of Proximity Ligation Assay expands the capabilities of flow cytometry to include data relating to localization of proteins to and within organelles. We used SLA to detect the nuclear import of transcription factors across cell subsets in complex samples. We further measured intranuclear re-localization of target proteins across the cell cycle and upon DNA damage induction. SLA combines multiple single-cell methods to bring about a new dimension of inquiry and analysis in complex cell populations. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Cognitive Biases that Interfere with Critical Thinking and Scientific Reasoning: A Course Module

It is clear that people do not always behave in a rational manner. Sometimes they are presented with too much information or they may want to make a quick decision. This may cause them to rely on cognitive shortcuts known as heuristics (rules of thumb). These cognitive shortcuts often result in cognitive biases; at least 175 cognitive biases have been identified by researchers. This paper describes many of these biases starting with actor-observer bias and ending with zero-risk bias. It also describes how one can overcome them and thereby become a more rational decision maker.
Arginine Improves pH Homeostasis via Metabolism and Microbiome Modulation

Dental caries can be described as a dysbiosis of the oral microbial community, in which acidogenic, aciduric, and acid-adapted bacterial species promote a pathogenic environment, leading to demineralization. Alkali generation by oral microbes, specifically via arginine catabolic pathways, is an essential factor in maintaining plaque pH homeostasis. There is evidence that the use of arginine in dentifrices helps protect against caries. The aim of the current study was to investigate the mechanistic and ecological effect of arginine treatment on the oral microbiome and its regulation of pH dynamics, using an in vitro multispecies oral biofilm model that was previously shown to be highly reflective of the in vivo oral microbiome. Pooled saliva from 6 healthy subjects was used to generate overnight biofilms, reflecting early stages of biofilm maturation. First, we investigated the uptake of arginine by the cells of the biofilm as well as the metabolites generated. We next explored the effect of arginine on pH dynamics by pretreating biofilms with 75 mM arginine, followed by the addition of sucrose (15 mM) after 0, 6, 20, or 48 h. pH was measured at each time point and biofilms were collected for 16S sequencing and targeted arginine quantification, and supernatants were prepared for metabolomic analysis. Treatment with only sucrose led to a sustained pH drop from 7 to 4.5, while biofilms treated with sucrose after 6, 20, or 48 h of preincubation with arginine exhibited a recovery to higher pH. Arginine was detected within the cells of the biofilms, indicating active uptake, and arginine catabolites citrulline, ornithine, and putrescine were detected in supernatants, indicating active metabolism. Sequencing analysis revealed a shift in the microbial community structure in arginine-treated biofilms as well as increased species diversity. Overall, we show that arginine improved pH homeostasis through a remodeling of the oral microbial community.
Cardiac fibroblast transcriptome analyses support a role for interferogenic, profibrotic, and inflammatory genes in anti-SSA/Ro-associated congenital heart block.

Congenital heart block is a rare disease of the fetal heart caused by anti-Ro autoantibodies in the mother that result in death and lifelong heart pacing of survivors. This study provides in vivo a...
Cholesterol as an Immunomodulator

Cholesterol is a relatively small (molecular weight 387) hydrocarbon molecule that is ubiquitous in mammalian cells. There is about 150 g of cholesterol in the body, most of which serves structural purposes in the lipid bilayers that comprise cellular membranes; about two-thirds of the cholesterol is in nervous, muscle, and connective tissues. Almost all tissues of the body have the capability of synthesizing cholesterol but generally do not because their needs are met by the circulating sterol. Only about 8 g can be found circulating in the plasma. Because of cholesterol’s statistical association with coronary heart disease, plasma cholesterol has been studied exhaustively as a factor in the genesis of atherosclerosis but has also been examined in relation to a variety of other conditions including cancer and immunologic responses. The importance of cholesterol in biological membranes derives from its ability to affect the fluidity via its interaction with phospholipids. This interaction controls membrane permeability, membrane electrical activity, and membrane metabolic activity and expression of glycoprotein receptors.
USE OF BRASSICACEOUS SEED MEAL EXTRACTS FOR MANAGING ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE IN BERMUDAGRASS

Plant-parasitic nematodes are difficult to control in intensively managed subtropical turfgrasses. Chemical options for nematode control are limited because of high management costs and increasing health concerns, so there is increased interest in finding alternatives to conventional synthetic nematicides. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of brassicaceous seed meal extracts for control of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne graminis) in ‘TifEagle’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L) Pers × C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy] maintained as a putting green. Laboratory and field experiments were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of seed meal extracts from Sinapis alba, Brassica juncea, and B. napus for managing root-knot nematodes. In the laboratory assay, infested soil treated with each of the seed meal extracts had significantly reduced M. graminis J2 numbers compared to a nontreated control. Brassica juncea treatments resulted in the fewest J2 in the samples, followed by S. alba and B. napus. In a field evaluation, regardless of seed meal type used, high concentrations (90 or 120 g seed meal/L) reduced J2 populations in a bermudagrass putting green compared to the nontreated control. Seed meal type significantly affected turfgrass quality. Brassica juncea at the 90 or 120 g seed meal/L suppressed nematodes with no phytotoxicity, and showed potential to be used for managing root-knot nematode in bermudagrass. Studies to enhance the nematicidal efficacy and lower phytotoxicity are needed to further examine the full potential of using brassicaceous seed meals for management of nematodes in subtropical turfgrasses.
Drug-induced thrombocytopenia after anticoagulation with rivaroxaban

A 66-year-old man presented to the emergency department with complaints of dark-colored stool and rash developing over the last couple of days. The patient was started on rivaroxaban and flecainide for months prior for atrial fibrillation. Upon arrival, he was awake, alert, and oriented with a blood pressure of 111/63mmHg, heart rate of 68 beats per minute, and oxygen saturation of 96% on room air. A review of systems was unremarkable with the exception of skin rash and light-headedness. The patient's initial laboratory results were significant for red blood cell (RBC) count of 4.05×106/mcL, hemoglobin of 12.1g/dL, hematocrit of 35.6%, and platelet count of 1×103/mcL. Aggressive hydration was started in the ED, initially with two 1-L boluses of normal saline followed by an infusion of 10mL/h. One unit of platelets was transfused. Rivaroxaban and flecainide were held on admission. Twenty-four hours after admission, the patient was initiated on immune globulin (IVIG) Gammagard (Baxter, West Lake, CA), 75g on 3 consecutive days and steroids for possible immune thrombocytopenia. His platelet count steadily improved over the 6-day period to 119×103/mcL on the day of hospital discharge. This is the second reported case of possible rivaroxaban-induced thrombocytopenia.
Historical demography of bird populations from Hispaniola assessed by nuclear and mitochondrial gene sequences

Molecular markers can be used to infer the demographic history of a given species, but many historic processes simultaneously impact multiple species. Thus, comparative historical demography has the potential to provide insight into drivers of evolution. In this study, we used nuclear DNA (nDNA) sequences to corroborate (or refute) demographic inferences based on earlier mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data from 16 species of Hispaniola birds. Our previously published analysis suggested population expansion in five of six migratory species (following glacial retreat in North America), with less evidence of expansion in non-migratory species. Additional molecular markers should reduce locus-specific bias, and so we generated sequence data for several nuclear loci. Test statistics associated with the nDNA provided only equivocal evidence for population expansion in 10 of the 16 species. Discordance between mtDNA and nDNA is not uncommon because the two genomes are exposed to different selective pressures and have different effective population sizes and modes of inheritance. The nDNA analyses reported here cast some doubt on our earlier mtDNA inferences. They also suggest that the signal to noise ratio of demographic statistics is typically low because of the inherent variability in selective regimes and coalescence across loci.
The social worker and the family physician

A student training program integrates counseling services with medical practice to provide more effective and complete care for the patient and family
Importance of mechanical factors in ischemic and reperfusion injury

Acute myocardial cell death is associated with complex biochemical and morphological changes which depend upon the type of cell injury sustained by the myocardium. Of the many changes associated with acute ischemic or anoxic myocardial cell death, intracellular calcium overload is a prominent feature of ischemia-reperfusion injury as has been shown in many experimental models. Consequently, early hypotheses and investigative research regarding acute myocardial death centered around calcium overload and determining the events and/or series of events which lead to cellular calcium overload. During our investigations of the mechanism(s) of cell damage associated with cellular injury, evidence appeared that cellular contracture and/or physical stress may be involved with acute cellular death in some experimental systems. Recently there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that cells irreversibly injured by hypoxia or ischemia may become fragile and therefore not able to withstand physical stresses associated with reperfusion or reoxygenation. This suggests that calcium overload may not be the primary cause of cell death. This chapter will evolve a discussion of the role of mechanical factors in the development of irreversible myocardial cellular injury and cell death.
Rabbit Colony Management and Related Health Concerns

Publisher Summary The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the management of rabbits within a research setting. It discusses the housing, caging, feeding, and the environmental conditions required for it. The housing of rabbits in the laboratory setting is conceptually the same as housing them for meat production, show, or pet purposes. The primary difference comes in the steps taken to preserve their health status or to contain infectious agents used within these animals for research purposes. Feed distribution systems may be incorporated into the cage design or food may be provided in separate dishes on the cage floor. Most commercial caging for research use incorporates a “J” type feeder. Water may be provided via water bottles, automatic watering systems, or water bowls. As with any other equipment that enters the rabbit's primary housing environment, enrichment materials must meet the same rigorous sanitation standards as the caging itself. Rabbits seem to perform better when fed pellets than when they are fed mixed grains, meal diets, or textured feeds. Dietary toxins are generally of low concern in the laboratory setting when high-quality, laboratory-grade feeds are provided.
Aflatoxicol and aflatoxins B1 and M1 in the tissues of pigs receiving aflatoxin

Aflatoxicol (AFL) and aflatoxins B1 and M1 were found in tissues (kidney, liver, and muscle) of feeder pigs given an estimated LD50 oral dose of B1 (1.0 mg/kg body weight) provided as a rice culture of Aspergillus flavus and of market-weight pigs fed a naturally contaminated feed, containing aflatoxin B1 at a level of 400 ng/g from corn, for 14 days. The residues in all tissues decreased with time after treatment in both groups, with no detectable residues (approximate detection limits, ng/g, B1 0.03, M1 0.05, AFL 0.01) in pig tissues from the feeding experiment 24 h after withdrawal of aflatoxin-contaminated feed. B1 and M1, when found in the feeding experiment, were at about the same levels in all tissues except the kidney, in which M1 was the dominant aflatoxin. The level of AFL, when detected, was about 10% of the B1 level.
Nonsurgical Treatment of De Quervain Tenosynovitis: A Prospective Randomized Trial:

Background: De Quervain tenosynovitis is commonly seen in patients who perform repetitive wrist ulnar deviation with thumb abduction and extension. Previous studies comparing nonsurgical options have contributed to a lack of consensus about ideal management. This study's purpose was to analyze results in prospectively randomized patients treated with either corticosteroid injection (CSI) alone versus CSI with immobilization. Methods: Radial sided wrist pain, first dorsal compartment tenderness, and positive Finkelstein test were used to define De Quervain. Pain score of 4 or higher on a visual analog scale (VAS) was utilized for inclusion. Following exclusion criteria, patients underwent randomization into groups: (1) CSI alone; or (2) CSI with 3 weeks of immobilization. We followed at 3 weeks and 6 months for further evaluation, where resolution of symptoms and improvements in VAS and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores were assessed to evaluate treatment success. Results: Nine patients with CSI alone and 11 patients with CSI and immobilization were followed. At 6 months in both groups, patients experienced significant improvement in VAS and DASH scores, while 88% of patients with CSI alone and 73% of patients with CSI and immobilization experienced complete resolution of at least 2 out of 3 of their pretreatment symptoms. Between groups, outcomes were comparable except for resolution of radial-sided wrist pain, which was superior in patients with CSI alone (100% vs 64%). Conclusions: Immobilization following injection increases costs, may hinder activities of daily living, and did not contribute to improved patient outcomes in this study. Further prospective studies are warranted.
Synthesis and Characterization of High-Performance Renewable Diesel Fuel from Bioderived 1-Octen-3-ol

1-Octen-3-ol, a renewable alcohol that can be readily derived from linoleic acid, was dehydrated to a mixture of conjugated octadienes. Diels–Alder cycloaddition of the mixture then generated a com...
Follow your Gut: Microbiome-Based Approaches in the Developmental Pipeline for the Prevention and Adjunctive Treatment of Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI)

Antibiotic use is the most important modifiable risk factor for the development of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). In addition, up to a quarter of patients treated with standard-of-care antibiotics experience disease recurrence. Until 2016, when bezlotoxumab was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), antibiotics were the only medication class approved for use in CDI. A growing knowledge of the roles that the gut microbiome and immune system play in CDI progression and recovery demands new approaches to treatment. As a result, there are many agents, including adjunctive biotherapeutics, nontoxigenic C. difficile competitors, enzymes, and antibiotic binders, used to prevent and treat CDI in the developmental pipeline. The purpose of this focused review is to summarize these unique therapies in all stages of development. Here, we discuss 13 agents in development, including four that have completed phase II trials, four in phase II trials, three in phase I trials, and two still undergoing preclinical trials. A number of new approaches including adjunctive biotherapeutics (n = 7), nontoxigenic C. difficile competitors (n = 1), enzymes used to prevent gut dysbiosis (n = 4), and antibiotic binders (n = 1) are discussed here. The CDI therapeutic pipeline contains a variety of unique microbiome-based approaches targeting both prevention and adjunctive treatment of CDI. The future of CDI management promises a variety of innovative approaches to better manage this disease state.
Propensity toward ride-sourcing: Desired savings in travel time and mobility cost to switch from private mobility

Abstract This paper presents a study in examining the desired savings in travel time per trip and travel cost per month that would motivate people to switch to ride-sourcing options. Simultaneous regression models with latent constructs were employed to estimate the expected time and cost savings. The presence of latent constructs accounts for the endogeneity in personal attitudes while the simultaneity allows the analyst to evaluate the potential correlation between the two decisions. Various socioeconomic and demographic variables and personal attitudes were explored in the model to investigate their potential influence on the willingness to adopt ride-sourcing. Analysis based on the survey data indicated an average desired time saving of 20 min per trip, and an average desired cost saving of $116 per month to switch to on-demand services. Accordingly, individuals younger than 25 years old, between 55 and 59, those with lower education levels, Asians, low income individuals, people with previous ride-sourcing experience, and those who did not favor private car ownership showed lower expectations in view of both travel time and travel cost savings and therefore, were more willing to adopt on-demand services. On the contrary, people aged 30–39 years old (older Millennials), highly auto-dependent individuals, self-employed, people who hardly trust strangers, and those who value private ownership advantages such as privacy and convenience would demand higher savings to convince them to adopt ride-sourcing. This study provides an approach to evaluating the propensity of ride-sourcing usage in view of the desired travel time and cost savings. A better understanding on the magnitude of time and cost savings needed to motivate the public to switch to ride-sourcing options would provide policy makers with valuable information in designing effective and efficient policies and strategies in promoting shared mobility options.