cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crescerin uses a TOG domain array to regulate microtubules in the primary cilium

Eukaryotic cilia are cell-surface projections critical for sensing the extracellular environment. Defects in cilia structure and function result in a broad range of developmental and sensory disorders. However, mechanisms that regulate the microtubule (MT)-based scaffold forming the cilia core are poorly understood. TOG domain array-containing proteins ch-TOG and CLASP are key regulators of cytoplasmic MTs. Whether TOG array proteins also regulate ciliary MTs is unknown. Here we identify the conserved Crescerin protein family as a cilia-specific, TOG array-containing MT regulator. We present the crystal structure of mammalian Crescerin1 TOG2, revealing a canonical TOG fold with conserved tubulin-binding determinants. Crescerin1's TOG domains possess inherent MT-binding activity and promote MT polymerization in vitro. Using Cas9-triggered homologous recombination in Caenorhabditis elegans, we demonstrate that the worm Crescerin family member CHE-12 requires TOG domain-dependent tubulin-binding activity for sensory cilia development. Thus, Crescerin expands the TOG domain array-based MT regulatory paradigm beyond ch-TOG and CLASP, representing a distinct regulator of cilia structure.
Abstract 256: Readmission Avoidability in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients

Background: Readmissions for ACS are common, costly, and potentially preventable. According to Medicare 13.4% of AMI admissions were followed by a rehospitalization within 15 days. A 2007 MedPAC report declared 76% of 30-day readmissions preventable. These rates are used as quality indicators despite lack of consensus on the definition of avoidable and unavoidable readmissions. We sought to define these terms and to analyze the effect of these definitions on 30-day outcomes. Methods: BRIDGE (Bridging the Discharge Gap Effectively) is an NP-led transitional care program for cardiac patients within 14 days of discharge. Retrospective data were abstracted on ACS patients readmitted before their appointments between 2008-2010. All readmissions were characterized as avoidable or unavoidable. Definitions were developed from the literature and in concert with senior cardiologists. Avoidable readmission was defined as being the result of a patient or provider issue that if managed may have prevented the admission. Unavoidable readmissions were defined as a patient in need of acute care. Avoidability status was further divided as related or unrelated to the index diagnosis. Results: Of 1188 BRIDGE referrals 304 (25.6%) experienced ACS events. In comparison to the total ACS population, patients readmitted before their BRIDGE clinic appointment (BC) (n=21, 6.9%) tended to be older, female, and were less likely to have a history of a cath or AMI (Table 1). In this study, 81% (n=17) of early readmissions were deemed unavoidable and most (n=14, 66.7%) were attributed to non-ACS issues or disease progression. These unavoidable readmissions included patients with cancer complications, chest pain, or other non-related diagnoses. Only 19% (n=4) of the readmissions were declared avoidable as a result of patient lack of adherence or provider issues such as adverse drug effects. Conclusion: The majority of early (before BC) readmissions following an index hospitalization for ACS patients referred to BRIDGE were unavoidable and unrelated to ACS. A clear discrepancy is seen between the 76% preventable readmissions in the MedPAC report and the 19% preventable readmissions in this study. Distinctions between unavoidable and avoidable readmissions should inform the utility of 30-day readmission rates as quality metrics. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Instituciones Políticas y Función Judicial en Derecho Constitucional Comparado (Political Institutions and Judicial Role in Comparative Constitutional Law)

The English version of this paper can be found at http://ssrn.com/abstract=1774915.Comparative constitutional law scholarship has not realized that differences in the configuration of political institutions should bear upon the way courts do their jobs. This paper develops a comparative theory of judicial role that focuses on broad differences in political context, and particularly in party systems, across countries. I use a case study of the Colombian Constitutional Court (supplemented by briefer studies of the Hungarian and South African Constitutional Courts) to demonstrate how differences in political institutions should impact judicial role. Because Colombian parties are unstable and poorly tied to civil society, the Colombian Congress has difficulty initiating policy, monitoring the enforcement of policy, and checking presidential power. The Court has responded by taking many of these functions into its own hands. I argue that the Court’s actions are sensible given Colombia’s institutional context, even though existing theories of judicial role would find this kind of legislative-substitution inappropriate. Existing theory’s focus on the anti-democratic nature of judicial action assumes a robust constitutional culture outside the courts and a legislature which does a decent job representing popular will – both assumptions tend to be false in newer democracies. Thus, comparative public law scholars must be attentive to political context in order to build tools suitable for evaluating the work of courts around the world.
School Psychologists' Perceptions of Stakeholder Engagement in Response to Intervention.

As Response to Intervention (RTI) continues to be implemented in schools, it is important to consider how this initiative is perceived by the educational professionals involved in the implementation and effectiveness of the process. This study utilized a survey intended to investigate the perceptions of school psychologists regarding their engagement in the implementation of RTI, the systems level collaboration in implementing RTI, and engagement of other educational professionals (teachers, counselors, and administrators) in RTI. Over sixty practicing certified school psychologists in the Pacific Northwest completed an online researcher-designed survey of their perceptions of RTI. The majority of participants reported that they were prepared to participate in RTI implementation, but they also indicated that RTI is not effectively implemented in a collaborative, team-based approach. Implications for training and practice and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Network Structure, Influence, Selection, and Adolescent Delinquent Behavior Unpacking a Dynamic Process

This study uses National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) data to explore the co-evolution of friendship networks and delinquent behaviors. Using a stochastic actor–based (SAB) ...
The Effect of Malathion on Fecundity, Longevity, and Geotropism of Menochilus sexmaculatus ,

Malathion was topically applied to 24–48-h-old Menochilus sexmaculatus (F.) adults. The 24-h LD50 was about 0.061γ/beetle. Virgin females laid fewer eggs thanmated females but fecundity was not affected by frequency of mating. Sublethal dosages of malathion had the greatest effect on fecundity at the higher doses used. Although the longest lifespan was recorded for beetles receiving the highest dosages of toxicant, the other treatments showed reduced longevity with increased toxicant concentration. A reduction in the viability of eggs laid by treated beetles was related to the age of the female and the toxicant dosage applied. The geotropic response of treated beetles in a test chamber was similar to the response of untreated individuals.
Controlled Sulfur Oxygenation of the Ruthenium Dithiolate (4,7-Bis-(2′-methyl-2′-mercaptopropyl)-1-thia-4,7-diazacyclononane)RuPPh3 under Limiting O2 Conditions Yields Thiolato/Sulfinato, Sulfenato/Sulfinato, and Bis-Sulfinato Derivatives

The ruthenium(II) dithiolate complex (bmmp-TASN)RuPPh3 (1) reacts with O2 under limiting conditions to yield isolable sulfur oxygenated derivatives as a function of reaction time. With this approac...
Task-related functional connectivity of the caudate mediates the association between trait mindfulness and implicit learning in older adults.

Accumulating evidence shows a positive relationship between mindfulness and explicit cognitive functioning, i.e., that which occurs with conscious intent and awareness. However, recent evidence suggests that there may be a negative relationship between mindfulness and implicit types of learning, or those that occur without conscious awareness or intent. Here we examined the neural mechanisms underlying the recently reported negative relationship between dispositional mindfulness and implicit probabilistic sequence learning in both younger and older adults. We tested the hypothesis that the relationship is mediated by communication, or functional connectivity, of brain regions once traditionally considered to be central to dissociable learning systems: the caudate, medial temporal lobe (MTL), and prefrontal cortex (PFC). We first replicated the negative relationship between mindfulness and implicit learning in a sample of healthy older adults (60–90 years old) who completed three event-related runs of an implicit sequence learning task. Then, using a seed-based connectivity approach, we identified task-related connectivity associated with individual differences in both learning and mindfulness. The main finding was that caudate-MTL connectivity (bilaterally) was positively correlated with learning and negatively correlated with mindfulness. Further, the strength of task-related connectivity between these regions mediated the negative relationship between mindfulness and learning. This pattern of results was limited to the older adults. Thus, at least in healthy older adults, the functional communication between two interactive learning-relevant systems can account for the relationship between mindfulness and implicit probabilistic sequence learning.
Combination gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and oral contraceptive therapy improves treatment of hirsute women with ovarian hyperandrogenism.

Objective To determine if combination GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) and oral contraceptive (OC) therapy was more effective than GnRH-a or OC alone in the treatment of hirsute women with ovarian hyperandrogenism. Design Thirty-three hirsute women (ages 15 to 39years) were randomized into three groups: 3.75mg IM leuprolide acetate (LA) depot every 28days for 6months, combination monophasic oral contraceptive for 6months (OC), or GnRH-a plus OC for 6months (LA+OC). Main Outcome Measures Comparative studies of changes in hormonal and hair parameters were performed at baseline, 3, and 6months after starting therapy. Results After 6months, serum T and LH levels were decreased significantly in all groups although reduction was greater in GnRH-a groups than OC alone. The reduction of free T was significantly greater with LA+OC compared with LA or OC alone. This could be a consequence of the significant rise in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in LA+OC and OC groups compared with LA in which there was no change in SHBG. Reduced facial hair density and decrease in hirsutism score was observed in both GnRH-a groups after 6months. Conclusion "Add-back" OC therapy used in combination with a GnRH-a increases SHBG and more effectively lowers free T levels in women with ovarian hyperandrogenism. Enhanced suppression of "bioavailable" androgens with combined GnRH-a and OC therapy failed to improve significantly the therapeutic effect of GnRH-a treatment alone on hirsutism.
Retailers’ Evaluations of Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) System: An Exploratory Study

Prevention and deterrence of shoplifting is a major issue faced by retail management. The purpose of this study is to explore the attitudinal and the store security related behavioral differences in the users vs. nonusers of the EAS system. The atudy is based on the responses of store managers selected via national probability sample. It also reports the users’ satisfaction with the features of the EAS system. Owing to lack of published research on this topic, the study is designed to be exploratory in nature.
The Use of Cyber-Defense Exercises in Undergraduate Computing Education.

This paper describes the placement of a large-scale cyberdefense exercise within the computer science and information technology curricula at an undergraduate institution, the United States Military Academy. Specifically, we describe the US National Security Agency Cyber-Defense Exercise as an example of a large-scale design, implement, and defend exercise. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the exercise inspires students to evaluate and create within the field of computer security. Our evidence includes examples of student research projects which benefited from unique opportunities for innovation. Finally, we provide the exercise documents that governed the 2016 Cyber-Defense Exercise and packet captures from our portion of the network.
Screening for autism spectrum disorder in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review.

This review contributes to the growing body of global autism spectrum disorder literature by examining the use of screening instruments in low- and middle-income countries with respect to study des...
Learning the Image Processing Pipeline

There are many innovations in imaging sensors designs. A bottleneck in evaluating proposed designs is the need to create optimal processing algorithms. I describe a pipeline architecture and simulation methods that automate the pipeline design. Article not available.
Comparative Mutagenicity of N-Methyl-N′-Nitro-N-Nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and ICR-170

N-Methyl-N′-nitro-n-nitrosoguanidine (CAS No. 70-25-7) is a widely used laboratory mutagen and carcinogen known by a number of abbreviations, now most commonly MNNG. It has been applied to a wide array of organisms from prokaryotes through mammals and has been clearly demonstrated to produce a spectrum of genetic alterations in nearly all test systems, with some putative exceptions to be discussed below.
ADXS11-001 Lm-LLO Immunotherapy, Mitomycin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for Anal Cancer.

e15072Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA is present in the majority of anal cancer. ADXS11-001 Lm-LLO immunotherapy is a live attenuated Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) bioengineered to secrete a HPV-16-E7 fusion protein targeting HPV transformed cells. The Lmvector is phagocytosed by antigen presenting cells where it cross presents, stimulating MHC class 1 and 2 pathways resulting in specific T-cell immunity. The objective of this study was to determine the safety of ADXS11-001 with mitomycin, 5-FU and IMRT (chemoradiation therapy, CRT) and obtain preliminary data on progression free survival (PFS) in locally advanced anal cancer. Methods: Eligibility included patients (pts) with anal squamous cell cancer and stages T1N2-N3; T2( < 4 cm)N1-N3; T2(≥4cm)N0-N3, T3N0-3, T4N0-3; without evidence of metastases. Pts received standard 54 Gy IMRT with 2 cycles of mitomycin and 5-FU. ADXS11-001, 1x109colony forming units IV, was given x 1 dose before CRT then x 3 additional monthly doses after CRT. Results: The...
Analysis of 40 conventional and emerging disinfection by-products in fresh-cut produce wash water by modified EPA methods.

Abstract Chlorine sanitizers used in washing fresh and fresh-cut produce can lead to generation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) that are harmful to human health. Monitoring of DBPs is necessary to protect food safety but comprehensive analytical methods have been lacking. This study has optimized three U.S. Environmental Protection Agency methods for drinking water DBPs to improve their performance for produce wash water. The method development encompasses 40 conventional and emerging DBPs. Good recoveries (60–130%) were achieved for most DBPs in deionized water and in lettuce, strawberry and cabbage wash water. The method detection limits are in the range of 0.06–0.58 μg/L for most DBPs and 10–24 ng/L for nitrosamines in produce wash water. Preliminary results revealed the formation of many DBPs when produce is washed with chlorine. The optimized analytical methods by this study effectively reduce matrix interference and can serve as useful tools for future research on food DBPs.
Bioinspired Jet Propulsion for Disturbance Rejection of Marine Robots

This investigation takes the first step toward characterizing autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) behavior trying to perform station keeping using bioinspired thrusters under the influence of disturbances with multiple amplitudes and frequencies. We describe the similarities between periodic disturbance rejection and the frequency response of the AUV performing oscillating maneuvers, and the significance of maneuvering regimes previously identified for this type of propulsion. We measured the exact position/orientation of the AUV using an underwater motion capture system and provide position data to the AUV controller in real time for feedback control. A wave disturbance generator was developed for this study in order to characterize the vehicle tracking performance in the presence of both high-amplitude low-frequency disturbances and low-amplitude high-frequency disturbances. The bioinspired maneuvering technique is demonstrated to provide adequate control capabilities for both types of disturbances maintaining in all cases position errors less than half the vehicle diameter, and proved especially adept at compensating for low-amplitude high-frequency disturbances, which can be difficult to overcome using traditional marine thrusters.
Finite Time Blow-Up for Evolution Equations

As indicated in the preface, we will emphasize the method and techniques for studying blow-up problems. While many of these methods apply to more general equations, we shall use the simplest model in our lectures to avoid lengthy computations.
Using the Book of Psalms to Transform an Organization into a Spiritual Workplace

It is becoming quite evident that the American people have lost confidence in their leaders and institutions. There is quite a bit of evidence that autocratic leaders are not effective in enhancing organizational performance. Thriving organizations are led by compassionate leaders with superior people skills who can motivate employees with their vision. The authors demonstrate how Psalms with its inspiring and rousing hymns can be used to transform an organization into a spiritual workplace. The themes one finds in Psalms include integrity, conscientiousness, curiosity, concern for others, determination, faith, perseverance, resilience, self-confidence and the power of hope. Leaders from the political and corporate worlds should read Psalms for inspiration and as a way to understand the importance of moral leadership.
Safety and Utility of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy/Dysplasia

Introduction Heart failure (HF) is an increasingly recognized outcome in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D). Though cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) serves as a prognostic tool in advanced HF, it is rarely used in ARVC/D due to perceived arrhythmia risk and limited data. We sought to determine the safety of CPET and demonstrate utility of Ve/VCO 2 slope in ARVC/D. Methods Using the Johns Hopkins ARVC/D registry, we retrospectively identified and analyzed 46 CPETs from 33 patients meeting 2010 Task Force Criteria. Each patient's most recent CPET was used to evaluate the association of normalized maximal oxygen uptake (peak VO 2 ) and ventilatory efficiency (Ve/VCO 2 slope) with transplant-free survival using Kaplan-Meier graphs and log-rank test. Baseline characteristics were compared between groups using Mann-Whitney U and Fisher exact tests. Results The majority of the 46 CPETs were performed without complications. Arrhythmia occurred infrequently and was asymptomatic: PVCs (n = 1), bigeminy (n = 1) and NSVT (n = 2). Normalized peak VO 2 (pVO 2 ) ranged from 9.7 to 54.8 mL/kg/min. Ve/VCO 2 slope ranged from 21.9 to 65.2. Baseline demographics including race, sex, comorbidities, age at diagnosis, and mutation did not differ among those with pVO 2 ≤14 (n = 8) vs pVO 2 >14 (n = 25) or Ve/VCO 2 slope ≥33 (n = 12) vs Ve/VCO 2 slope 2 ≤14 (13/24 (54%) vs. 8/8 (100%), P = 0.005) and in the group with Ve/VCO 2 slope≥33 (8/16 (50%) vs. 11/12 (92%), P = 0.005). Decreased transplant-free survival was demonstrated in patients with Ve/VCO 2 slope≥33 (hazard ratio 11.95, 95% CI 1.40-101.74, P = 0.023; Figure 1 ) but not in patients with pVO 2 ≤14 (hazard ratio 2.32, 95% CI 0.67-8.07, P = 0.186). Additionally, patients with higher Ve/VCO 2 slope tended to have more severe RV dysfunction by echo ( Figure 2 ). Conclusion In patients with ARVC/D, CPET is safe to perform. Additionally, Ve/VCO 2 slope may have utility in risk stratification in this predominantly RV disease.
Elucidating Relayed Proton Transfer through a His–Trp–His Triad of a Transmembrane Proton Channel by Solid-State NMR

Proton transfer through membrane-bound ion channels is mediated by both water and polar residues of proteins, but the detailed molecular mechanism is challenging to determine. The tetrameric influenza A and B virus M2 proteins form canonical proton channels that use an HxxxW motif for proton selectivity and gating. The BM2 channel also contains a second histidine (His), H27, equidistant from the gating tryptophan, which leads to a symmetric H19xxxW23xxxH27 motif. The proton-dissociation constants (pKa's) of H19 in BM2 were found to be much lower than the pKa's of H37 in AM2. To determine if the lower pKa's result from H27-facilitated proton dissociation of H19, we have now investigated a H27A mutant of BM2 using solid-state NMR. 15N NMR spectra indicate that removal of the second histidine converted the protonation and tautomeric equilibria of H19 to be similar to the H37 behavior in AM2, indicating that the peripheral H27 is indeed the origin of the low pKa's of H19 in wild-type BM2. Measured interhelical distances between W23 sidechains indicate that the pore constriction at W23 increases with the H19 tetrad charge but is independent of the H27A mutation. These results indicate that H27 both accelerates proton dissociation from H19 to increase the inward proton conductance and causes the small reverse conductance of BM2. The proton relay between H19 and H27 is likely mediated by the intervening gating tryptophan through cation-π interactions. This relayed proton transfer may exist in other ion channels and has implications for the design of imidazole-based synthetic proton channels.
Personalized Control for Promoting Sustainable Travel Behaviors

Abstract We develop a personalized control system to modify individual travel behaviors by offering personalized incentives. Individual preferences are learned to provide personalized incentives so that the promoted alternative is more likely to be accepted. The work described is based on the integration of two fields (controls and human behavior) that are traditionally separate from each other: we model the travelers’ choice-making behaviors with the random utility theory and responses from the individuals are mined by a particle filter for learning individual preferences to promote sustainable behaviors. The discrete nature of travel behavior naturally leads to limited observability. We overcome this problem by designing a measurement function from which additional information can be solicited. Additionally, the inherent trade-off nature of travel behaviors results in an infinite set of solutions, to which two solutions are proposed: 1) the divide and conquer strategy in which a multi-dimensional conditional probability function is proposed; and 2) use of domain knowledge to restrict that preference values fall in certain ranges and are consistent with certain distributions. The performance of preference learning with these two solutions applied is shown via simulation tests. An online experiment, involving hypothetical scenarios on departure time choices and human subjects, shows that among all the recruited participants, the majority (65% of participants) are more likely to accept the promoted alternatives given personalized incentives. We also show that changes in individual departure time choice can potentially lead to a significant reduction (48%) in total travel time on a simple transportation network.
Stellar Evolution: Firm Value Creation and Capture across Star Employees’ Careers

Star employees are thought to have the unique ability to create disproportionate amounts of value for firms. Yet, the burgeoning strategic human capital literature is increasingly noting that human...
Cap-and-trade and emissions clustering: A spatial-temporal analysis of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme

One of the most popular policy mechanisms for greenhouse gas emissions regulation is cap-and-trade which is a market-based approach that has come to dominate partially because of its flexibility. With flexibility, however, comes the potential for the clustering of greenhouse gas emissions. To understand whether emissions trading leads to localized clustering of emissions changes, we perform a systematic, spatio-economic assessment of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). We analyze the spatial pattern of emissions changes from individual plants across the EU as well as how the pattern changes during the first two phases of the ETS implementation. Our findings indicate that there was clustering of emissions changes at the EU and country level which peaked at the start of the second phase but declined as the EU ETS matured. We also found that iron and steel, coke ovens, and refining have greater clustering and volatility compared to other industries. Based on the air quality implications of these clustered emissions, certain countries and industry types might need additional attention during the ETS design or redesign process. This study makes a novel contribution by systematically evaluating the spatio-temporal and equity implications of emissions distribution in cap-and-trade systems.
After Visit Summary: Not an Afterthought:

The After Visit Summary (AVS) is provided to patients after clinical visits to summarize what happened during the visit and guide future care. Despite its potential to improve shared decision-makin...
De Novo Isolation & Affinity Maturation of yeast-displayed Virion-binding human fibronectin domains by flow cytometric screening against Virions

The promise of biopharmaceuticals comprising one or more binding domains motivates the development of novel methods for de novo isolation and affinity maturation of virion-binding domains. Identifying avenues for overcoming the challenges associated with using virions as screening reagents is paramount given the difficulties associated with obtaining high-purity virus-associated proteins that retain the conformation exhibited on the virion surface. Fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) of 1.5 × 107 clones taken from a naive yeast surface-displayed human fibronectin domain (Fn3) against whole virions yielded two unique binders to Zika virions. Construction and FACS of site-directed binding loop mutant libraries based on one of these binders yielded multiple progeny clones with enhanced Zika-binding affinities. These affinity-matured clones bound Zika virions with low double- or single-digit nanomolar affinity in ELISA assays, and expressed well as soluble proteins in E. coli shake flask culture, with post-purification yields exceeding 10 mg/L. FACS of a yeast-displayed binding domain library is an efficient method for de novo isolation of virion-binding domains. Affinities of isolated virion-binding clones are readily enhanced via FACS screening of mutant progeny libraries. Given that most binding domains are compatible with yeast display, the approach taken in this work may be broadly utilized for generating virion-binding domains against many different viruses for use in passive immunotherapy and the prevention of viral infection.
Proximal Humerus Fractures

Currently, proximal humerus fractures make up 7% of all fractures and 80% of all humerus fractures. In patients older than 65, proximal humerus fractures make up more than 10% of all fractures and are the third most common non-vertebral osteoporotic fracture following fractures of the distal radius and proximal femur. There are a variety of treatment options for proximal humerus fractures, including non-operative management, percutaneous pinning, screw osteosynthesis, plating, intramedullary nailing, and arthroplasty (hemi, total, and reverse). While many of the elderly can be treated non-operatively, those meeting operative criteria are offered our preferred management: open reduction internal fixation with a proximal humeral locking plate. We aim to outline our technique and provide a stepwise approach in order to achieve an optimal clinical result.
Business of business is more than business: Managing during the Covid crisis

Abstract The economic impact of the lock down and social distancing policy of the governments has been devastating on business. Should business look out for its own interest or deploy its resources and capabilities to fight the coronavirus even at the expense of short-term losses? This paper suggests that business and society are two peas in a pod and are mutually interdependent. One cannot survive without the other. The purpose of business is more than business. It is to nurture all of its stakeholders (employees, customers, suppliers, and community) and not just the investors. This is still common in many small-town manufacturing companies whose families, and their families, live in the community. The paper suggests several implications for B to B companies including developing a stakeholder scorecard, becoming a better customer to suppliers, and redefine the purpose of business.
Thio acid-mediated conversion of azides to amides – Investigation of 2-azidotetrahydobenzimidazoles and derivatives

Abstract An investigation of the thio acid-azide coupling reaction to afford amides is reported employing 2-azidotetrahydrobenzimidazoles and the corresponding spiro fused 2-azidoimidazolones. The tetrahydrobenzimidazole derivatives react as expected to produce the analogous amides, whereas the imidazolones result in the formation of the thiohydantoin derivatives. The thiohydantoins appear to result from an addition elimination pathway.
The Drosophila E78 nuclear receptor regulates dietary triglyceride uptake and systemic lipid levels.

Background Lipid levels are maintained by balancing lipid uptake, synthesis, and mobilization. Although many studies have focused on the control of lipid synthesis and mobilization, less is known about the regulation of lipid digestion and uptake. Results Here we show that the Drosophila E78A nuclear receptor plays a central role in intestinal lipid homeostasis through regulation of the CG17192 digestive lipase. E78A mutant adults fail to maintain proper systemic lipid levels following eclosion, with this effect largely restricted to the intestine. Transcriptional profiling by RNA-seq revealed a candidate gene for mediating this effect, encoding the predicted adult intestinal lipase CG17192. Intestine-specific disruption of CG17192 results in reduced lipid levels similar to that seen in E78A mutants. In addition, dietary supplementation with free fatty acids, or intestine-specific expression of either E78A or CG17192, is sufficient to restore lipid levels in E78A mutant adults. Conclusion These studies support the model that E78A is a central regulator of adult lipid homeostasis through its effects on CG17192 expression and lipid digestion. This work also provides new insights into the control of intestinal lipid uptake and demonstrate that nuclear receptors can play an important role in these pathways. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Functional MRI Shows Altered Deactivation and a Corresponding Decrease in Functional Connectivity of the Default Mode Network in Patients with Gliomas

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The default mode network normally decreases in activity during externally directed tasks. Although default mode network connectivity is disrupted in numerous brain pathologies, default mode network deactivation has not been studied in patients with brain tumors. We investigated default mode network deactivation with language task–based fMRI by measuring the anticorrelation of a critical default mode network node, the posterior cingulate cortex, in patients with gliomas and controls; furthermore, we examined default mode network functional connectivity in these patients with task-based and resting-state fMRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 10 healthy controls and 30 patients with gliomas, the posterior cingulate cortex was identified on task-based fMRI and was used as an ROI to create connectivity maps from task-based and resting-state fMRI data. We compared the average correlation in each default mode network region between patients and controls for each correlation map and stratified patients by tumor location, hemisphere, and grade. RESULTS: Patients with gliomas (P = .001) and, in particular, patients with tumors near the posterior default mode network (P CONCLUSIONS: Task-based fMRI showed impaired deactivation of the default mode network in patients with gliomas. The functional connectivity of the default mode network in both task-based and resting-state fMRI in patients with gliomas using the posterior cingulate cortex identified in task-based fMRI as an ROI for seed-based correlation analysis has strong overlap.
Design and Selection of Cryogenic Heat Exchangers

One of the most critical aspects of any low-temperature liquefaction and refrigeration system is that of efficient heat transfer. In fact, the industrial liquefaction of the “permanent gases” did not become possible until the principle of efficient recovery of the refrigeration from the cold, low-pressure return streams could be translated into engineering practice through the development of suitable heat exchange devices. This point readily becomes apparent when one considers the effect of heat exchanger effectiveness on the liquid yield for a simple Joule-Thomson liquefaction process. If the working fluid is nitrogen and the lower and upper operating pressures of the liquefaction cycle are 1 and 200 atm, respectively, it can be shown that the liquid yield under these conditions will be zero for an exchanger that has an effectiveness below 85.5%[1].(Heat exchanger effectiveness is defined here as the ratio of the actual heat transfer to the maximum heat transfer possible considering only the inlet temperatures.)
Academic achievement and creative thinking capacity in South African medical students--an empirical study.

Objective. To assess whether the capacity for creative thinking among medical students is related to academic advancement. Design, setting, subjects, outcome measures. A timed word association test standardised and scored to assess the tendency for creative thinking was administered to 22 development programme students at the University of Cape Town. Results were compared with grades at the end of the academic year. Results and conclusions. There was a significant association (P < 0.05) between ranking in the upper half of the group and creative thinking scores, indicating that creative thinking may be an asset in medical education for educationally disadvantaged students.
Direct fault tolerant RLV attitude control-a singular perturbation approach

We present a direct fault tolerant control (DFTC) technique, where by "direct" we mean that no explicit fault identification is used. A technique is presented for the attitude controller (autopilot) for a reusable launch vehicle (RLV), although in principle it can be applied to many other applications. Any partial or complete failure of control actuators and effectors will be inferred from saturation of one or more commanded control signals generated by the controller. The saturation causes a reduction in the effective gain, or bandwidth of the feedback loop, which can be modeled as an increase in singular perturbation in the loop. In order to maintain stability, the bandwidth of the nominal (reduced-order) system is reduced proportionally according to singular perturbation theory. The presented DFTC technique automatically handles momentary saturations and integrator windup caused by excessive disturbances, guidance command or dispersions under normal vehicle conditions.
Capacity for Visual Features in Mental Rotation

Although mental rotation is a core component of scientific reasoning, little is known about its underlying mechanisms. For instance, how much visual information can someone rotate at once? We asked participants to rotate a simple multipart shape, requiring them to maintain attachments between features and moving parts. The capacity of this aspect of mental rotation was strikingly low: Only one feature could remain attached to one part. Behavioral and eye-tracking data showed that this single feature remained “glued” via a singular focus of attention, typically on the object’s top. We argue that the architecture of the human visual system is not suited for keeping multiple features attached to multiple parts during mental rotation. Such measurement of capacity limits may prove to be a critical step in dissecting the suite of visuospatial tools involved in mental rotation, leading to insights for improvement of pedagogy in science-education contexts.
Spectral Fluctuations of the QCD Dirac Operator

It is generally believed that QCD with massless quarks undergoes a chiral phase transition (see [1] for a review). This
Long‐term in vivo electromechanical reshaping for auricular reconstruction in the New Zealand white rabbit model

Objectives/Hypothesis To demonstrate the dosimetry effect of electromechanical reshaping (EMR) on cartilage shape change, structural integrity, cellular viability, and remodeling of grafts in an in vivo long-term animal model.
Searching for Repressed Memory

This chapter summarizes the work of my research group on adults who report either repressed, recovered, or continuous memories of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) or who report no history of CSA. Adapting paradigms from cognitive psychology, we tested hypotheses inspired by both the “repressed memory” and “false memory” perspectives on recovered memories of CSA. We found some evidence for the false memory perspective, but no evidence for the repressed memory perspective. However, our work also suggests a third perspective on recovered memories that does not require the concept of repression. Some children do not understand their CSA when it occurs, and do not experience terror. Years later, they recall the experience, and understanding it as abuse, suffer intense distress. The memory failed to come to mind for years, partly because the child did not encode it as terrifying (i.e., traumatic), not because the person was unable to recall it.
Influence of chronic nicotine administration on blood pressure and heart norepinephrine turnover

Abstract The effect of the daily administration of nicotine (1 mg/kg, twice daily) on the turnover of heart norepinephrine as well as the systolic blood pressure of the rat was studied. The data show that there was no significant difference in amine turnover after nicotine was injected daily for 1, 7 or 14 days. However, after 47 days of nicotine administration there was a significant increase in myocardial norepinephrine turnover when compared to saline injected controls. There was no alteration in the endogenous levels of norepinephrine in the heart at any time after nicotine treatment, but the rate constant of norepinephrine loss went from a control f 0.073 hr −1 to 0.103 hr −1 after 47 days nicotine resulting in an increase in the turnover rate of from 0.047 to 0.07 μg/g/hr. Chronic administration of nicotine for 8 weeks showed a significant increase in systolic blood pressure going from a control of 120 to 134 mm Hg. It is concluded that this alteration in norepinephrine turnover reflects a marked disturbance in adrenegric neurotransmitter homeostasis and raises the question of a possible connection between the rise in systolic blood pressure and accelerated norepinephrine turnover.
A strain of desulfovibrio able to use oxamate

Strain Monticello 2, a variant of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, was isolated from an environment associated with Streptococcus allantoicus, which converts allantoin to oxamate. The strain grew with oxamate or oxalate, as well with more conventional substrates for Des. desulfuricans; yeast extract was essential for growth with oxamate, but not for growth with lactate. A cell-free extract formed oxalate quantitatively from oxamate but not from oxamide; it formed a hydroxamate in the presence of hydroxylamine. Unequivocal amidase or transferase activity towards acetamide was not observed. Frozen and thawed organisms decomposed oxalate but a soluble oxalic decarboxylase was not obtained; such preparations did not require ATP; they formed traces of formate from oxalate. The proposition that oxamate is an “incomplete substrate” of ecological value to this strain is discussed.
The use of immunofluorescence in microdissection testicular sperm extraction.

ABSTRACT: Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (TESE) has been used in the treatment of male infertility in cases of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). In some NOA cases, there is significant difficulty identifying sperm within the testes, and we propose that an immunofluorescence technique may assist in locating sperm foci for use in in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of this novel technique. Thirteen fertile and 8 sterile mice were anesthetized, and a lower abdominal incision was performed to deliver the testes. Then a small incision was made into the tunica albuginea near the vascular pedicle to expose the seminiferous tubules. A microinjector fitted with a micropipette was used to inject fluorescein isothiocyanate—conjugated mouse anti-human acrosomal IgM antibody (HS-14) into adjacent injection sites along the exposed seminiferous tubules. Following antibody injection, the testes were examined under a Bio-Rad Multiphoton microscope to locate sperm through visualization of fluorescence. Sperm were identified in 22 of 26 testes from fertile mice either by morphologic appearance or by their motility, which was obvious under direct visualization. There was strong binding of the antibody to both the sperm head and tail. In contrast, no sperm were visualized in the sterile mice group. Use of an immunofluorescence technique during microdissection TESE for detection of sperm is a novel and feasible concept. Further studies of this technique are planned.
Piston ring thermal transient effects on lubricant temperatures in advanced engines

One class of advanced diesel engines operates with low heat rejection and high operating temperatures; piston-ring/linear lubrication is a major problem for these engines. This study attempts to illustrate the time-dependent thermal environment around the top piston ring and lubricant in these advanced engines. Particular emphasis is passed on the maximum lubricant temperature. The analysis starts with a standard cycle simulation and a global finite-element analysis of the piston and liner in relative motion. A more detailed finite-element model, which considers variable oil film thickness on the linear, focuses on the top ring and lubricant and uses the grove and linear temperatures generated in the global analysis as boundary conditions. Results for different heat rejection engine configurations are presented. The authors observe that because of major transient effects, high lubricant temperature is experienced not only at top ring reversal but also down the linear to bottom ring reversal.
Association of Quarterly Average Achieved Hematocrit With Mortality in Dialysis Patients: A Time-Dependent Comorbidity-Adjusted Model

Background Recent publications suggest that increased mortality is associated with high hematocrit targets in erythropoietin-stimulating agent–treated patients with chronic kidney disease. We aim to further inform the debate about optimal hematocrit targets, advancing the hypothesis that the current hematocrit target may not optimize the survival of patients with end-stage renal disease. Study Design Cross-sectional observational study. Setting & Participants Medicare dialysis patients from 2002 to 2004 (n = 393,967). Factors Quarterly average hematocrit and erythropoietin alfa (EPO) dose. Outcomes Mortality hazard ratios from time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for comorbidities. Results N = 2,712,197 patient-facility quarters. During the study, 100,086 deaths were identified. Percentages of patient quarters within each hematocrit category: hematocrit less than 27% (2.0%), 27% to 28.49% (1.7%), 28.5% to 29.9% (2.9%), 30% to 31.49% (5.2%), 31.5% to 32.99% (9.0%), 33% to 34.49% (14.9%), 34.5% to 35.99% (19.2%), 36% to 37.49% (18.0%), 37.5% to 38.99% (12.0%), 39% to 40.49% (6.4%), 40.5% to 41.99% (3.0%), and 42% or greater (3.1%). Mortality hazard ratios from the fully adjusted model: hematocrit less than 27% (3.11), 27% to 28.49% (2.60), 28.5% to 29.9% (2.14), 30% to 31.49% (1.80), 31.5% to 32.99% (1.44), 33% to 34.49% (1.17), 34.5% to 35.99% (reference), 36% to 37.49% (0.98), 37.5% to 38.99% (1.01), 39% to 40.49% (1.13), 40.5% to 41.99% (1.32), and 42% or greater (1.57). Limitations First, potential confounding by indication related to associations between underlying illness and mortality, anemia, and EPO responsiveness. Second, Medicare claims data reflect a range of conditions and degrees of severity not easily translated into the clinical context. Third, for Medicare claims, EPO reporting is not required if EPO is not billed. Greater than 95% of "missing hematocrit" quarters are "EPO = 0" patient quarters. Interpretation of results for the missing hematocrit and EPO=0 use categories is complicated by data source limitations. Conclusions We show an association between mortality and low hematocrit in dialysis patients, in part reflecting the presence of comorbidities. We also show an association between increased mortality and high hematocrit. Additional interventional trials should be undertaken to better define the optimal target for anemia management in patients with end-stage renal disease, with careful prospective identification of underlying comorbidities and clinical factors contributing to high erythropoietin-stimulating agent requirement.
Esophageal Function Testing

New pharmacologic, endoscopic, and surgical treatments for esophageal diseases have necessitated more detailed and precise evaluation of esophageal function than ever before. Defining the mechanisms of action and disease has focused on upper and lower sphincters, and recent insights have been gained in these areas using progressively sophisticated methodology. With the recognition of gastro-esophageal reflux disease as a common and potentially serious public health concern affecting tens of millions of people in the United States, the further recognition of extra-esophageal complications of gastro-esophageal reflux disease, and the rising incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma related to reflux, esophageal function testing has taken on a wider importance. I thought it was time to devote an entire issue of the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinics of North America to esophageal function testing. Dr. Philip O. Katz has long been a leader in the field of esophageal disease, and I was absolutely delighted that he agreed to gather a group of experts to present the full spectrum of esophageal function testing in one issue. Improved methods of testing muscle function and pressure are presented along with ingenious new methods for evaluating reflux, such as multichannel intraluminal impedance testing and the BRAVO wireless pH probe. If this all seems a bit hard to swallow in one gulp, I do believe that this issue should claim a place on the reference shelf of gastroenterologists and surgeons who are increasingly required Gastrointest Endoscopy Clin N Am