cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of the carboxylate ion in models of acyl‐chymotrypsin

Two exquisite models of the acyl-chymotrypsin intermediate, one designed by Bruice and another by Bender, were studied to elucidate the role of the carboxylate ion in the catalytic triad of serine proteases. However, opposing conclusions were drawn from these studies. Computational chemistry analysis of these models indicates that the carboxylate ion plays an insignificant role in the former model because of the correct orientation and the distance of the imidazole group without the carboxylate ion. However, in the latter model, the carboxylate ion serves to orient and place the imidazole group at the correct position. This analysis suggests that an important role of the carboxylate ion in serine proteases is to position the imidazole group to be an effective general base catalyst. © 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Regulation of exocytosis by the exocyst subunit Sec6 and the SM protein Sec1

Trafficking of protein and lipid cargo through the secretory pathway in eukaryotic cells is mediated by membrane-bound vesicles. Secretory vesicle targeting and fusion require a conserved multisubunit protein complex termed the exocyst, which has been implicated in specific tethering of vesicles to sites of polarized exocytosis. The exocyst is directly involved in regulating soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complexes and membrane fusion through interactions between the Sec6 subunit and the plasma membrane SNARE protein Sec9. Here we show another facet of Sec6 function-it directly binds Sec1, another SNARE regulator, but of the Sec1/Munc18 family. The Sec6-Sec1 interaction is exclusive of Sec6-Sec9 but compatible with Sec6-exocyst assembly. In contrast, the Sec6-exocyst interaction is incompatible with Sec6-Sec9. Therefore, upon vesicle arrival, Sec6 is proposed to release Sec9 in favor of Sec6-exocyst assembly and to simultaneously recruit Sec1 to sites of secretion for coordinated SNARE complex formation and membrane fusion.
Dynamic modeling of power electronic systems

Simulation and modeling provide a fast and cost-efficient way for sophisticated analysis and design of power converters. This paper presents various approaches of dynamic modeling of power electronic systems. It discusses practical technical issues in simulation and system modeling. Two demonstrative examples, the power converters in healthcare and energy systems, by using different simulation package and platforms are provided.
Estimating the inputs of gas transport processes in buildings

Information about the strength of gas sources in buildings has a number of applications in the area of building automation and control, including temperature and ventilation control, fire detection, and security systems. In this paper, a method for estimating the strength of a gas source in an enclosure when some of the parameters of the gas transport process are unknown is described. It is based on a perfect-mixing model of the gas species transport dynamics. The estimation problem is formulated as a Kalman filtering problem, where the states estimated by the Kalman filter are the unknown process parameters and the source strength. Sudden changes in the strength of the source are detected and tracked with a hypothesis testing and covariance resetting algorithm that is based on statistics provided by the Kalman filter. Experimental results from two first-order systems demonstrate the efficacy of this method.
Dissolved organic carbon concentrations in marine pore waters determined by high‐temperature oxidation

We have developed sampling methods and an analytical system to determine the concentration of dissolved organic C (DOC) in marine pore waters. Our analytical approach is a modification of recently developed high-temperature, Pt-catalyzed oxidation methods; it uses Chromatographic trapping of the DOC-derived CO,, followed by reduction to CH, and flame ionization detection. Sampling experiments with nearshore sediments indicate that pore-water separation by whole-core squeezing causes artificially elevated DOC concentrations, while pore-water recovery by sectioning and centrifugation does not appear to introduce DOC artifacts. Results from a set of northwestern Atlantic continental slope cores suggest that net DOC production accounts for >50% of the organic C that is recycled at the sediment-water interface.
Macromolecules Involved in the Amoeba‐Bacteria Symbiosis1

ABSTRACT. In the Amoeba-bacteria symbiosis, rod-shaped Gram-negative bacterial endosymbionts reside within symbiosomes in the host cytoplasm, and the host and symbionts are mutually dependent for survival. Three proteins and one group of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) synthesized by the bacterial endosymbionts and two proteins derived from the host cells have been found to be involved in the host-symbiont interactions, although their respective roles are not yet fully known. The symbiont-derived molecules included proteins with molecular weights of 29 kDa, 67 kDa and 96 kDa and LPS. The 29-kDa protein was most abundant in the host cytoplasm, while the 96-kDa protein and LPS were found mostly on the symbiosome membranes. The 67-kDa protein was a GroEL analog and stayed within the symbionts. The host-derived 43-kDa protein, actin, was selectively accumulated by the symbionts, while the 220/225-kDa protein, spectrin, was attached to the symbiosome membranes. The symbiont genes coding for the 29-kDa and 67-kDa proteins were cloned and sequenced. The 29-kDa protein gene was unique with no relation to any known DNA sequences but has a leucine zipper-like motif, suggesting a possible DNA-binding function. The DNA sequence of the 67-kDa protein gene showed a 70% identity with heat-shock-protein genes of Escherichia coli and Coxiella burnetii.
Fixing Futures: Educated Unemployment through a North Indian Lens

In April and May 1996, while conducting doctoral research, I spent a month living in Meerut College, western Uttar Pradesh (UP). In September 2004 a new project brought me back to Meerut, and I was nervous about my return to the college. Would I get on with the new batch of students? What of the age gap that had opened up between my informants and I? Do I mention my previous visit? These concerns quickly evaporated when I entered the college. Many of the students I had met in 1996 were still living in the same hostel rooms. Between 1996 and 2004 I had completed my Ph.D., married, and obtained an academic job. During the same period, many of my informants, now in their mid-thirties, had, it seemed, stood still. Unable to obtain salaried employment, one of these students asked me: “What can we do but study and wait?”
Report of Committee on Dynamics of Streams, 1940–41

The Committee on Dynamics of Streams has continued during the past year without change in membership. For the most part, the activities of the Committee have been the results of work of individual members. There has been one active Sub-Committee, a report of which is presented as a part or the program at this year's annual meeting. This is a Sub-Committee on Land-Forms.
Reduction in superoxide anion secretion and bactericidal activity of neutrophils from aged rats : reversal by the combination of gamma interferon and growth hormone

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) from bone marrow of 24-month-old rats kill Escherichia coli less efficiently than PMN from 3-month-old rats. Secretion of O2- and killing of E. coli by PMN from both young and old rats can be significantly augmented by preincubation with either 250 U of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) or 250 ng of growth hormone (GH) per ml. This priming is specific, because neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against either IFN-gamma or GH completely abrogate the enhanced O2- secretion by PMN from young rats. However, in contrast to PMN from young rats, PMN from aged rats are not primed to kill E. coli by 10-fold-lower concentrations of either IFN-gamma (25 U/ml) or GH (25 ng/ml). To explore the mechanism for the reduction in bacterial killing by PMN from old rats, a syngeneic GH-secreting pituitary cell line (GH3) was implanted in vivo. PMN from GH3-treated aged rats, but not control aged rats, could now be primed in vitro for O2- secretion by IFN-gamma (25 U/ml). Although PMN from aged rats do not respond to the lower doses of either IFN-gamma or GH, the combination of both reagents totally restores the ability of PMN to secrete O2- and to kill E. coli. This synergistic priming is observed with PMN from aged rats, but not with those from young rats, and can be detected when both reagents are added simultaneously or when they are added in either sequence. Furthermore, addition of a monoclonal antibody against either IFN-gamma or GH abrogates the synergism of these two molecules. Collectively, these data identify an important alteration in myeloid cells from aged rodents by showing that their PMN are intrinsically unable to respond to low concentrations of IFN-gamma by secreting O2- and killing bacteria. The results also define a previously unrecognized synergism in PMN from aged animals by showing that GH synergizes with IFN-gamma both in vivo and in vitro to restore these suppressed responses.
Sympathetic signatures of cardiovascular disease: A blueprint for development of targeted sympathetic ablation therapies

See related article, pp 634–641 Sympathetic nervous system activity is increased in several cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and heart failure (HF).1 Indeed, one classification of the severity of HF is based on the direct relationship between the plasma concentration of the sympathetic neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, and impaired cardiac function.1 Although the role of increased sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease is still debated, it is now accepted that many of the pathologies common to several of these diseases, such as endothelial dysfunction, vascular and cardiac remodeling, and dysregulation of glucose metabolism, are linked to excessive activity of the sympathetic nervous system.1 Pharmacological treatments for the deleterious effects of increased sympathetic nervous system activity have been in use for >50 years. These strategies have progressed from sympatholytic drugs used in the 1950s (eg, reserpine), which act peripherally to prevent the synthesis and release of norepinephrine from sympathetic nerve terminals, to α- and β-adrenergic receptor antagonists (eg, prazosin and atenolol, respectively), to centrally acting drugs (eg, clonidine), which reduce sympathetic nerve discharge by their actions in the brain.2 Although these drugs are effective to varying degrees in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and HF, they all act in a “global” manner and, therefore, are associated with unwanted adverse effects related to their cardiovascular and noncardiovascular actions. Over the last 20 years it has become clear that the idea that sympathetic activity is either increased or decreased in various physiological and pathophysiological states is an oversimplification. Rather, the pattern of SNA to individual targets, such as the heart, kidneys, splanchnic organs, and skeletal …
Will there be revolution in Central Asia

The definitive version of this document can be found here: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/30398/description?navopenmenu=-2 This document was created using OCR technology, and may contain minor discrepancies from the published document.
Effect of food plant switching by a herbivore on its parasitoid: Cotesia melanoscela development in Lymantria dispar exposed to reciprocal dietary crosses

Host plant switching by dispersing early instar lepidopterans could have implications for parasitoid performance, but this possibility has not been evaluated thoroughly. 2. The relative growth rates of Lymantria dispar parasitized by Cotesia melanoscela, and the weight of larvae at the time of parasitoid emergence, were affected most by the second larval food plant consumed. 3. The relative growth rates, pupal weights, weight of larva at the time of parasitoid emergence, and development times of L. dispar were affected significantly by the second larval food plant consumed. 4. Development time and size of Cotesia melanoscela were affected most by the second larval food plant consumed. 5. Parasitoid performance was affected most by the larval host's relative growth rate and the final weight of the host larva at the time of parasitoid emergence. 6. Host plant switching affected the weight of L. dispar larvae at the time of parasitoid emergence, but the effect of switching per se was not a significant factor in C. melanoscela size or development. 7. Lymantria dispar larvae that fed on Populus as their second host outperformed larvae that fed ultimately on Acer. 8. Parasitoids yielded from L. dispar larvae that fed ultimately on Populus outperformed parasitoids yielded from larvae that fed ultimately on Acer. 9. Per cent mortality of L. dispar due to parasitism and percentage adult C. melanoscela emergence were highest in parasitized larvae fed Populus, poor in hosts fed Acer, and intermediate in switching larvae.
Correlation between microstructure evolution and cavity stringer formation in the superplastic Zn-22 wt% Al alloy

Abstract In the present investigation, microstructure evolution during the superplastic deformation of Zn–22 wt% Al was examined to provide insight into the origin of cavity stringers that form parallel to the tensile axis in the alloy. Substructural data show that groups of fine α (Al-rich) and β (Zn-rich) phases are encompassed by former α boundaries (FαcBs) which consist of fine elongated α grains and which divide the microstructure into equiaxed domains (FαB domains). By examining the correspondence between the behaviour of these boundaries and the development of cavity stringers, it is suggested that the alignment of cavities along the tensile axis can be explained in terms of two processes: firstly the preferential nucleation of cavities at FαBs during the initial stages of deformation, and secondly the tendency of FαBs and their associated cavities to change their orientation and align along the tensile axis during superplastic deformation. Evidence in support of this explanation is provided by pre...
Glucose-Induced Intestinal Hyperemia Is Mediated by Nitric Oxide

Glucose-induced absorptive hyperemia of the intestine has been well demonstrated through microsphere blood flow experiments. We have previously demonstrated that glucose, when applied topically to rat ileal epithelium, restores microvascular vessel diameters and blood flow following Escherichia coli bacteremia or hemorrhage/resuscitation. However, the mechanisms of this hyperemia are not completely understood. We hypothesize that nitric oxide is a mediator of the microvascular response to glucose exposure on the rat intestinal epithelium. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats, 200-225 g, were monitored for hemodynamic stability with mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate. A 2-cm segment of the terminal ileum with intact neurovascular supply was exposed for intravital videomicroscopy. Intestinal arteriolar diameters (A1D, inflow; and A3D, premucosal arterioles) and microvascular blood flow (A1Q) were measured following topical application of isoosmotic glucose or saline, with or without L-NAME (LN, 100 mM), a competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer honestly significant difference test. Results: All data are expressed as mean percentage changes from baseline standard error of the mean. Hemodynamic variables did not change during the experimental procedure and there were no significant differences among group baselines. Addition of isotonic glucose to the bath solution caused a significant increase in A3D that persisted throughout the experiment (at 30 min, 19.2 ± 4.2 vs -3.9 ± 4.5, P < 0.05). This vasodilation was blocked by topical administration of LN (3.1 ± 2.9, P < 0.05). AID remained at baseline levels (saline and glucose) or constricted (LN) in all groups. Topical LN also attenuated A1Q in both the saline and glucose groups. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that glucose-induced intestinal hyperemia is primarily characterized by premucosal A3 arteriole dilation in this model and that nitric oxide is a mediator of glucose-induced intestinal hyperemia. These findings suggest that either (1) glucose directly causes endothelial nitric oxide production or (2) epithelial cells transduce a vasodilatory signal through vascular endothelial-derived nitric oxide during postprandial intestinal hyperemia.
Solid Solution Effects on the Thermal Properties in the MgAl2O4–MgGa2O4 System

Solid solution effects on thermal conductivity within the MgO–Al2O3–Ga2O3 system were studied. Samples with systematically varied additions of MgGa2O4–MgAl2O4 were prepared and the laser flash technique was used to determine thermal diffusivity at temperatures between 200°C and 1300°C. Heat capacity as a function of temperature from room temperature to 800°C was also determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Solid solution in the MgAl2O4–MgGa2O4 system decreases the thermal conductivity up to 1000°C. At 200°C thermal conductivity decreased 24% with a 5 mol% addition of MgGa2O4 to the system. At 1000°C, the thermal conductivity decreased 13% with a 5 mol% addition. Steady-state calculations showed a 12.5% decrease in heat flux with 5 mol% MgGa2O4 considered across a 12 inch thickness.
Vascular hyporesponsiveness in simulated microgravity: role of nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms.

Simulated microgravity depresses the ability of arteries to constrict to norepinephrine (NE). In the present study the role of nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms on the vascular hyporesponsiveness t...
Policy Evaluation of 2009 Tobacco Control Act - Graphic Warning Labels

The Tobacco Control Act (Public Law 111-31), signed into law on June 22, 2009, will require graphic images of the negative impact of smoking to be placed on all cigarette packages and advertisements in the United States (U.S.). The policy evaluation tries to answer two main questions: “Why is this policy needed” and “What is the social and economic impact of this policy." This will be done by assessing the estimated impact of this policy on the U.S., and also by performing a comparative study that looks at three other countries Canada, Brazil and the United Kingdom, which have enacted similar policies to the proposed rule.
Non-antigen-antibody precipitin reactions observed with dextran sulfate, DEAE-dextran, antibiotics, proteins, and phospholipids.

Discussion and SummaryA series of precipitin reactions in agarose gel are described which resemble, but are unrelated to antigen-antibody reactions commonly studied by similar methods. This appears to be due to the lack of interference in agarose by sulfate groups present in ordinary agar. The reactions appear to be due to complexes formed between highly negatively charged compounds such as dextran sulfate, heparin, and inositol phosphatide and the highly positively charged polymyxin and aminoglycoside antibiotics, lysozyme, protamine, DEAE-dextran, and presumably beta lipoproteins as well. Unfortunately, the formation of a precipitin band between human serum and dextran sulfate and sensitivity limited to antibiotic concentrations several-fold higher than achieved during antimicrobial therapy, prevents direct adaptation of these methods to a rapid procedure for detecting basic antibiotics in serum. The approach could conceivably be adapted to measurement of basic drugs in urine or to ultrafiltrates of ser...
Analysis on Epidemiological Characteristics of Pulmonary Tuberculosis?in Anren County,Hunan Province from 2001 to 2011

Objective To investigate the epidemiological features of pulmonary tuberculosis(PT) in Anren county,Hunan Province during the period of 2001-2011,and to provide scientific reference for formulating PT prevention and control strategies. Methods Descriptive epidemiological method was used for analyzing the data. Results A total of 3,097 active PT patients were reported in Anren County from 2001 to 2011,and the annual registration rate of active PT patients was 68.75/100,000.There were 1,839 newly discovered smear-positive PT patients and 214 retreated smear-positive PT patients,with the annual registration rates of 40.80/100,000 and 4.75/100,000,respectively.The PT cases were distributed throughout each month,though many cases were reported in March and a few cases reported in January.Most of the patients were the adults aged 15-64 years,accounting for 89.12% of all reported patients.Male patients were significantly more than female ones.The majority of patients were farmers(68.10%),followed by migrant workers and city workers. Conclusions Pulmonary tuberculosis prevention and control should not be neglected in Anren County.More focuses should be put on young farmers and migrant worker in rural areas.
The microscopic observation of the volume response and the discussion of the rehydration injury about lyophilized erythrocytes during rehydration

The injury caused during rehydration is one of the most important reasons that lead to low recovery rate of freeze-dried erythrocytes after rehydration. During the rehydration process, the samples absorb water. The osmolality of cells environmental solution and the volume of cells change greatly. It is very important to analyse the rehydration injury mechanism by obtaining the volume response of cells during rehydration. In this paper, an alternative method to study the volume response of lyophilized cells was provided. Under the Environmental Scanning Electrical Microscopy (ESEM),the rehydration velocity was controlled by changing the relative humidity and the cells sizes were obtained during rehydration. The results implied that the thickness and the diameter of cells increased at the beginning stage of rehydration and decreased then. The changing magnitude and capacity in the thickness direction were greater than those of diameter. The hemolysis will occur when the volume excursion becomes serious. So it is very important to control the rehydration conditions and decrease the volume excursion of cells for avoiding hemolysis.
Analysis on Cascading Failures in Several Chinese Regional Power Grids with Different Network Characteristics

For the sake of determining the impact of small-world property on probability of occurring cascading failures in power systems, the cascading failures are simulated in several power systems among which some have small-world property and the others have stochastic network property. The result shows that power systems with either small-world property or stochastic network property will both indicate self-organized criticality under specific conditions, that is, the blackout sizes show a power law distribution.
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release. In favor.

The controversy surrounding endoscopic carpal tunnel release is put into historical perspective. The literature is reviewed and endoscopic carpal tunnel release and open carpal tunnel release are compared. It is concluded that endoscopic carpal tunnel release offers patients a safe, predictable solution to their carpal tunnel syndrome that will allow them a rapid return to normal activities.
Enantioselective sensing of chiral amino alcohols with a stereodynamic arylacetylene-based probe.

Enantioselective induced circular dichroism analysis of amino alcohols has been accomplished using a conformationally flexible arylacetylene-based probe exhibiting two terminal aldehyde groups. The chirality of the amino alcohol substrates is imprinted on the stereodynamic receptor upon [1 + 2] condensation, which ultimately generates a strong chiroptical response. The distinct induced circular dichroism effects of the diimines obtained can be used for enantioselective sensing and enantiomeric excess determination of a wide range of substrates. Chirality 24:584–589, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bioactive Environments: Corrosion

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) can take place in any biologically active environment. The extreme conditions under which specific organisms can survive and/or grow and the possible environments for MIC are constantly being expanded. In all cases of MIC the failure mechanisms depend on the chemical nature of the environment, specific microorganisms growing in the environment, and the electrochemical properties of the reacting metals.
A Survey of Secure Multiparty Computation Protocols for Privacy Preserving Genetic Tests

We discuss several protocols that apply secure multiparty computation to privacy preserving genetic testing. We categorize methods into those using oblivious finite automata, additive homomorphic encryption, garbled circuits, and private set intersection. Through comparison of performance and security metrics, we aim to make recommendations for efficient and secure multiparty computation protocols for various genetic tests including edit distance, disease susceptibility, identity/paternity/- common ancestry testing, medicine and treatment efficacy for personalized medicine, and genetic compatibility.
Pathophysiology and Dissolution of Cholesterol Gallstones

Bile is a complex fluid containing three lipids—cholesterol, bile acids, and phospholipid—as well as conjugated bilirubin, trace amounts of protein, and inorganic ions. Normally these substances are fully solubilized in bile. Under abnormal conditions, however, some of these constituents may become insoluble and precipitate. If further precipitation occurs and the precipitated complexes grow in size, gallstones will result.
Seeing is (Not) Believing: How Viewing Pornography Shapes the Religious Lives of Young Americans

Pornography has become increasingly accessible in the United States, and particularly for younger Americans. While some research considers how pornography use affects the sexual and psychological health of adolescents and emerging adults, sociologists have given little attention to how viewing pornography may shape young Americans' connection to key social and cultural institutions, like religion. This article examines whether viewing pornography may actually have a secularizing effect, reducing young Americans' personal religiosity over time. To test for this, we use data from three waves of the National Study of Youth and Religion. Fixed-effects regression models show that more frequent pornography viewing diminishes religious service attendance, importance of religious faith, prayer frequency, and perceived closeness to God, while increasing religious doubts. These effects hold regardless of gender. The effects of viewing pornography on importance of faith, closeness to God, and religious doubts are stronger for teenagers compared to emerging adults. In light of the rapidly growing availability and acceptance of pornography for young Americans, our findings suggest that scholars must consider how increasingly pervasive pornography consumption may shape both the religious lives of young adults and also the future landscape of American religion more broadly.
Comparison of internet and mailing methods to recruit couples into research on unaided smoking cessation

In smoking cessation studies with restrictive criteria (e.g., single-smoker couples), thousands of potential participants might need to be screened to obtain a reasonable sample size. Consideration of recruitment methodology is critical because recruitment methods influence both the success and cost effectiveness of recruitment. Although traditional recruitment methods are often used to recruit participants into smoking cessation research, newer technologies, such as paid Facebook advertising, might offer more cost-effective alternatives for recruitment. The current analysis compares two versions of paid Facebook advertising and a specialized mass mailing method used to recruit single-smoker couples into an intensive three-week study of unaided smoking cessation. The three methods are compared in terms of demographic characteristics, eligibility, and cost-effectiveness. Although Facebook's "Promote Your Page" mechanism achieved the fastest recruitment rate (2.75 couples per month; 498 USD per couple), Facebook's "Send People to Your Website" mechanism was the least expensive and provided the most demographically diverse sample (1.64 couples per month; 181 USD per couple). The specialized mailing method was not productive or cost-effective (0.80 couples per month; 454 USD per couple). Paid Facebook advertising fared better as a recruitment method than a specialized mailing method often used in survey research. Studies that have less restrictive eligibility criteria, that draw from a larger local population, or that recruit for a less intense study might find paid Facebook advertising to be quite feasible.
Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors: Prognostic and Diagnostic Markers and Therapeutic Targets

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are the most common malignancy associated with NF1. At present, complete surgical removal is the only successful treatment for MPNST, and the outcome for unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic MPNST remains poor. Because 50 % of MPNSTs arise in individuals with NF1, and because the prognosis of NF1-associated MPNST appears to be worse than that of sporadic tumors, many studies of MPNST have used NF1 models and comparisons between sporadic and NF1 MPNST. Currently, molecular analyses and preclinical testing are beginning to aid in the identification of promising therapies to target these neoplasms. Knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and prognostic factors for MPNST is anticipated to allow for earlier detection of, and more successful treatment for, MPNST.
Successful Interprofessional Approach to Development of a Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta Program at a Community Trauma Center.

Abstract Background Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a relatively innovative procedure designed to control critical non-compressible torso hemorrhage. In the United States, this procedure is currently in active use at only a small number of trauma centers. Objective We describe how we developed our REBOA program at an independent academic-affiliated community trauma center. Discussion Through a close interprofessional and multidisciplinary collaboration led by emergency physicians and trauma surgeons, we were able to successfully develop our program. Conclusions Successful implementation of a REBOA program requires close attention to multimodal training, interprofessional roles, team dynamics, financial considerations, and quality assurance processes to safely deliver this potentially life-saving procedure to our trauma patient population.
Non-contact AFM measurement of the Hamaker constants of solids: Calibrating cantilever geometries.

Abstract Hypothesis Surface effects arising from roughness and deformation can negatively affect the results of AFM contact experiments. Using the non-contact portion of an AFM deflection curve is therefore desirable for estimating the Hamaker constant, A, of a solid material. A previously validated non-contact quasi-dynamic method for estimating A is revisited, in which the cantilever tip is now always represented by an “effective sphere”. In addition to simplifying this previous method, accurate estimates of A can still be obtained even though precise knowledge of the nanoscale geometric features of the cantilever tip are no longer required. Experiments The tip’s “effective” radius of curvature, Reff, is determined from a “calibration” step, in which the tip’s deflection at first contact with the surface is measured for a substrate with a known Hamaker constant. After Reff is known for a given tip, estimates of A for other surfaces of interest are then determined. Findings An experimental study was conducted to validate the new method and the obtained results are in good agreement with predictions from the Lifshitz approximation, when available. Since Reff accounts for all geometric uncertainties of the tip through a single fitted parameter, no visual fitting of the tip shape was required.
The mutual benefits of research in wild animal species and human-assisted reproduction

Studying the reproductive biology of wild animal species produces knowledge beneficial to their management and conservation. However, wild species also share intriguing similarities in reproductive biology with humans, thereby offering alternative models for better understanding the etiology of infertility and developing innovative treatments. The purpose of this review is to raise awareness in different scientific communities about intriguing connections between wild animals and humans regarding infertility syndromes or improvement of fertility preservation. The objectives are to (1) highlight commonalities between wild species and human fertility, (2) demonstrate that research in wild species-assisted reproductive technologies can greatly enhance success in human reproductive medicine, and (3) recognize that human fertility preservation is highly inspiring and relevant to wild species conservation. In addition to having similar biological traits in some wild species and humans, the fact of sharing the same natural environment and the common needs for more options in fertility preservation are strong incentives to build more bridges that will eventually benefit both animal conservation and human reproductive medicine.
Response of skeletal muscle UCP2-expression during metabolic adaptation to caloric restriction.

Spendthrift vs. thrifty individuals expend more energy and experience greater weight loss during caloric restriction (CR). Adaptive mechanisms in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and on hormone level modulate energy expenditure (EE) during weight loss. Metabolic mechanisms underlying the variability in EE during CR are unclear. The present study explored whether during long-term CR (i) gene expression changes in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue relate with the individual EE response and weight loss, and (ii) altered catecholamine and FGF21-concentrations are associated with measures of metabolic adaptation. In a 10-week inpatient study, 24-h EE was measured before and after 6 weeks of 50% CR in 12 subjects using whole-room indirect calorimetry. Weight loss was assessed and repeated hormone measurements performed. Muscle and adipose tissue biopsies were taken before and after CR, and gene expression was assessed (RNA-Seq). Genes showing the most significant changes after CR were tested for association with EE and followed-up for further association with metabolic measures in a separate phenotyping study (n = 103). Muscle UCP2 showed the strongest change after CR (log2-fold change = −1.57, false discovery rate = 0.10) and was considered the best gene for exploration of metabolic adaptive processes. A greater decrease in UCP2-expression was associated with less weight loss (P = 0.03, r = 0.77) and relatively lower 24-h EE after CR (P = 0.001, r = −0.96). Post-CR changes in FGF21-plasma concentrations correlated with UCP2-expression change (P = 0.02, r = −0.89) and weight loss (P = 0.003, r = −0.83). In a separate metabolic phenotyping study, muscle UCP2-expression correlated with respiratory quotient and macronutrient oxidation. In adipose tissue, no candidate genes for metabolic exploration were found. Changes in muscle UCP2-expression reflect an inter-individual metabolic response to long-term CR and may influence EE and weight loss via modulation of substrate oxidation.
Central park as a model for social control: Urban parks, social class and leisure behavior in nineteenth-century America

Throughout the nineteenth century, the leading landscape architects and park advocates believed that parks were important instruments of enlightenment and social control. Consequently, they praised...
Use of Renin-Angiotensin System Blockade in Advanced CKD: An NKF-KDOQI Controversies Report.

Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated that renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade with either angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers effectively reduces chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. However, most clinical trials excluded participants with advanced CKD (ie, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]
Safety and tolerability of high-intensity statin therapy in heart transplant patients receiving immunosuppression with tacrolimus.

Background Following heart transplantation (HT), HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) have been shown to reduce total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), and mortality. Studies in HT patients have demonstrated the safety of low/moderate intensity statins; however, little data exist using high-intensity (HI) statins. The study aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of HI statins in HT recipients receiving tacrolimus. Methods This single-center, retrospective analysis included adult HT recipients from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2015, who received HI statin therapy during posttransplant follow-up. The primary outcome, tolerability, was defined as the absence of myalgias, hepatotoxicity, rhabdomyolysis, or HI statin dose reduction/discontinuation. The secondary end point was the mean reduction in total and LDL cholesterol. Results Among the 24 patients included, one experienced myalgias and therapy discontinuation (4%; P > 0.99). No other HI statin dose reduction/discontinuation occurred, and no instances of rhabdomyolysis or hepatotoxicity were observed. The average reduction in total and LDL cholesterol after conversion to HI statin was 35 mg/dL (P = 0.02) and 19 mg/dL (P = 0.10), respectively. Conclusions High-intensity statin therapy appears safe and efficacious in HT recipients receiving tacrolimus and is a reasonable option for the treatment of refractory hyperlipidemia.
Secretory carcinoma of the breast: clinicopathologic profile of 14 cases emphasising distant metastatic potential.

Aims Secretory carcinoma of the breast (SCB) is a rare histological type of breast carcinoma with a generally indolent clinical behaviour. We aim to elucidate the clinical, pathological and molecular findings of SCB cases and identify characteristics associated with aggressive clinical courses. Methods and results Fourteen patients with SCB were identified, including 12 women and two men, with a median age of 56 years (range = 8-81 years). Clinical data, histological diagnosis, molecular findings and follow-up were reviewed. Eight patients presented with palpable masses and four patients with radiographic abnormalities. All cases were unilateral. Surgical procedures included excisional biopsies and ipsilateral mastectomies. In 10 cases, oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) results were obtained, with six cases positive for ER and three positive for PR. All cases lacked HER2 overexpression. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed in 10 cases, and two patients had axillary lymph node metastasis. Follow-up ranged from 21 to 212 months (median = 70 months). Two patients developed distant metastasis of SCB. Molecular analysis of these aggressive tumours revealed amplification of the 16p13.3 locus, a TERT promotor mutation and loss of 9p21.3 locus. Review of the literature for SCB cases with distant metastasis was performed. Conclusions Although SCBs are generally associated with a favourable prognosis, our study and review demonstrate that a subset of SCBs may develop distant metastases. Further studies are warranted to identify markers predictive of more aggressive clinical behaviour in this rare breast cancer subtype.
Stitching interferometry for synchrotron mirror metrology at National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II)

Abstract With the fast development of diffraction-limited storage rings and free electron lasers, the requirement for ultimate quality X-ray mirror is getting higher and the mirror surface needs to approach the sub-nm root mean square height specifications. These ultimate specifications challenge the X-ray mirror metrology community. In this work, we present our developed dedicated stitching metrology platform for X-ray mirror metrology. Various stitching methods with different stitching parameters are investigated in our stitching interferometric system. Some experimental results are given to demonstrate its validity and performance. According to the measurement results, the repeatability of measuring a flat mirror in the software stitching mode is at 0.1 nm RMS level. In relative angle determinable stitching mode when measuring a curved mirror with its radius of curvature varying from 50 m to 175 m, the repeatability is around 1 nm RMS.
Which treatments work best for hemorrhoids

Excision is the most effective treatment for thrombosed external hemorrhoids. For prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, the best definitive treatment is traditional hemorrhoidectomy. Of nonoperative techniques, rubber band ligation produces the lowest rate of recurrence.
Archaeology and small wars

ABSTRACTThe protection, destruction, utilization and manipulation of cultural property and material heritage, especially archaeological sites and artifacts, by state and non-state actors has become...
Diagnosis and management of Class II malocclusion.

To diagnose malocclusions in our patients, we must first understand what is a normal occlusion. Evaluation of a patient’s dental occlusion should be performed at the first puppy or kitten visit and documented in the medical record. This should start with identification of the skull type (brachycephalic, mesocephalic, dolichocephalic), as this will give indications of common abnormalities seen with various skull types (1). Next, the veterinarian should evaluate facial symmetry and the maxillomandibular relationship. Cats and dogs have anisognathic jaws, which means that the maxillae are wider and longer in relation to the mandibles. Dental interlock is assessed and normal occlusion includes the mandibular incisors occluding upon the cingulum of the maxillary incisors. Additionally, there should be a triad interlock involving the maxillary 3rd incisors, the mandibular canines, and the maxillary canines. The mandibular canine teeth should rest in the diastema between the maxillary 3rd incisors and the maxillary canine teeth, with the incisive tip of the mandibular canine completely visible when the patient is placed in a closed bite (1) (Figure 1). A normal relationship between the maxillary and mandibular premolars should appear as interdigitation with the maxillary premolars occluding distal to the mandibular counterpart and without contact, as the maxillary premolars should be buccal to the mandibular teeth due to the anisognathic nature of the jaw relationship. Finally, the molars form a contact of occlusal tables for crushing of food. The mesial and main cusp of the mandibular 1st molar is the exception, which occludes on the palatal aspect of the maxillary 4th premolar to form a shear for cutting of food (Figure 2). Open in a separate window Figure 1 Normal occlusion in a dog — Rostral view. Copyright AVDC used with permission.
Influence of Model Parameters and Inlet Turbulence Boundary Specification Methods in Secondary Settling Tanks: Computational Fluid Dynamics Study

AbstractComputational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been applied in secondary settling tank (SST) analysis for more than 30 years. Although great progresses has been achieved, there are still some uncer...
Cognitive Predictors of Depressive Symptoms: Cognitive Reactivity, Mood Reactivity, and Dysfunctional Attitudes

Cognitive vulnerability-stress models explain depression as the result of an interaction between negative cognitive styles and stressful life events; however, the specific content of the cognitive diathesis varies by model. This study examined three cognitive diatheses (i.e., unprimed cognitions, cognitive reactivity, and mood reactivity) in a prospective longitudinal design assessing currently non-depressed college students (N = 322) at the start of the semester with follow-up at the end of the semester, approximately 3 months later. At baseline, depressive symptoms, major depression history, negative life events in the past year, unprimed dysfunctional attitudes, and both cognitive reactivity and mood reactivity over a dysphoric mood induction were assessed. Depressive symptoms and negative life events in the interim were assessed at follow-up. After controlling for gender, past year negative life events, and baseline depression severity; unprimed dysfunctional attitudes significantly predicted subsequent depression severity, whereas cognitive reactivity and mood reactivity did not. None of the cognitive vulnerabilities interacted with negative life events over the interim to predict later depression. After controlling for gender, past year negative life events, baseline depression severity, and history of depression; mood reactivity and the mood reactivity × depression history interaction significantly predicted later depressive symptoms. Greater levels of mood reactivity predicted higher depressive symptoms in those with a history of depression and lower depressive symptoms in those without history of depression. Results suggest that different vulnerabilities may be relevant to predicting increases in depressive symptoms over time in those individuals who have not previously been depressed vs. those who have.
Reversal of Risk for Metabolic Syndrome in a Post-Menopausal Woman Presenting with Multiple Medical Problems Using An Integrative Treatment Approach: A Case Report

Background: There is a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome risk in patients with depressive disorders, which require multifaceted interventions for optimum health outcomes and possible disease risk reversal. In this case, an integrative approach was used to address both conditions. Case presentation: A 64-year-old female with a sedentary lifestyle presented with depression and risk factors for Metabolic Syndrome, including obesity, altered lipid and glucose parameters, hypertension, and pre-diabetes. She was followed for six years up until the present time with a tailor-made individualized protocol including yoga, meditation, nutrition one-on-one and group sessions, and a vegetarian diet. Key outcomes: The results showed a reduction in weight (192 -– 158lb), BMI (33 – 27kg/m2), total cholesterol (278 – 153mg/dL), triglycerides (225 – 102mg/dL), LDL (180 – 83mg/dL), HDL (40 – 50mg/dL), ; and A1CHgb (5.9 – 5.3%), without the use of medications. This patient is no longer at risk of metabolic syndrome and shows improved psychological status with the implementation of an integrative approach and lifestyle modifications. Yoga and meditation played a key role in supporting mental health.
Small Data Machine Learning: Classification and Prediction of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Stabilizers Using Molecular Descriptors

Experimental data from a patent were analyzed to learn about the small molecule additives that were most effective in mitigating the degradation of polyethylene terephthalate. Two sets of molecular...