cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mucus and Mucins

Normal airway mucus lines epithelial surfaces that are potentially exposed to the outside environment. Mucins and mucus can detoxify noxious or reactive aerosols, decrease ambient water loss for the epithelia, and capture and clear inhaled pathogens and particles. The normal mucin network may also inhibit bacterial biofilm formation. The major macromolecular constituents of normal mucus are the secreted gel-forming mucin glycoproteins. Phlegm production is a hallmark of chronic inflammatory airway diseases such as bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis, and cystic fibrosis. When expectorated, phlegm is called sputum. Sputum has altered macromolecular and polymer composition and biophysical properties, which vary with disease. Mucin glycoprotein overproduction and hypersecretion are common features of chronic inflammatory airway disease. However, in some pathologic conditions such as cystic fibrosis, airway sputum contains little intact mucin and has increased content of DNA, filamentous actin, and lipids. Cough clearance is a secondary airway defense when mucociliary clearance is impaired. The effectiveness of cough depends on volume and flow of exhaled air and the biophysical properties of airway phlegm. Mucus secretion and clearance is the primary physical defense of the airway epithelium. The energy intensive process of mucin synthesis, oligomerization, granule storage, and, finally, exocytosis serves as protection for epithelial surfaces exposed to an external environment. Mucus secretion defends the eyes, nose, middle ear, airways, and urogenital tract from microbial invasion. Mucin polymers, or mucus, prevent water loss and dehydration of these epithelia, and mucus production and clearance by cilia are an important means of airway hygiene. While mucus plays a defensive role, mucus overproduction can overwhelm mucociliary clearance, producing airflow obstruction. Infection and inflammation in the airway leads to poor mucus clearance, stimulates mucus secretion and production, 1 and can cause ciliary dysfunction. 2 Retained secretion containing mucus and inflammatory products with DNA and filamentous (F)-actin copolymers (Fig. 1) is called phlegm from the Greek word for inflammation. 3 Excessive phlegm is cleared by cough, which can be an effective secondary defense of the airway. When phlegm is expectorated, it is then called sputum.
A comparison of objective measurements on the chest roentgenogram as screening tests for right or left ventricular hypertrophy

Abstract In an attempt to overcome interobserver and intraobserver variability in the subjective reading of the chest roentgenogram, methods of objective measurements have been developed. This has led to the use of objective measurements such as cardiac transverse diameter, cardiothoracic ratio, cardiac surface area of the frontal roentgenogram, and cardiac volume using both the frontal and lateral view. Validation of these techniques as predictors of cardiac size is limited by their reliance on gross pathologic data rather than specific chamber masses. 1,2 In no instance have these 4 methods been compared using a common pathologic base. This study analyzes the accuracy of 4 objective measurements on the standard posteroanterior and lateral chest roentgenogram for predicting left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy, or both determined by a specific cardiac chamber partition technique in the same autopsy population.
Highly parallel representations for linear maps

A class of computationally-fast linear (CFL) transformations described have particularly efficient implementations in dedicated arrays with a small local memory. Using the least squares approximation technique, the paper develops an optimal orthogonal decomposition of arbitrary linear transformations in terms of these new CFL maps. The representation has a natural realisation in terms of parallel arrays. For an n*n transformation, square root (n) parallel units at most are required for an exact representation. >
Timely Health Service Utilization of Older Foster Youth by Insurance Type

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the impact of a policy change for older foster care youth from a fee-for-service (FFS) Medicaid program to health maintenance organization (HMO) providers on the timeliness of first well-child visits (health care physicals). Methods A three-year retrospective study using linked administrative data collected by the Michigan Departments of Human Services and Community Health of 1,657 youth, ages 10-20 years, who were in foster care during the 2009–2012 study period was used to examine the odds of receiving a timely well-child visit within the recommended 30-day time frame controlling for race, age, days from foster care entry to Medicaid enrollment, and number of foster care placements. Results Youth entering foster care during the HMO period were more likely to receive a timely well-child visit than those in the FFS period (odds ratio, 2.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.84–3.29; p Conclusions Those youth who entered foster care during the HMO period had significantly greater odds of receiving a timely first well-child visit; however, disparities in access to preventive health care remain a concern for minority foster care youth, those who experience delayed Medicaid enrollment and those who experienced multiple placements.
1990 Medicare/CLIA final rules for proficiency testing: minimum intralaboratory performance characteristics (CV and bias) needed to pass.

On March 14, 1990, the Centers for Disease Control and the Health Care Financing Administration published criteria for defining minimum performance in proficiency testing (PT). Using our previously described computer modeling technique, we determined the likelihood of passing PT under the new rules. The model relates combinations of intralaboratory CV and bias to PT performance criteria. For example, a laboratory with a bias of zero and an internal CV of 5% will pass a 10% fixed-limit PT criterion (i.e., the criterion for glucose analyses) 98% of the time when five samples are used. The model provides similar analyses for all PT criteria and all relevant combinations of CV and bias. The probability of passing PT decreases as the number of analytes tested increases, i.e., from 98% to 37% as the number of analytes increases from 1 to 20. A laboratory's internal CV has a greater effect on the outcome of PT than do the corresponding bias values. We conclude that a laboratory that operates with methods that have internal CVs less than or equal to 33% and biases less than or equal to 20% of the PT criteria will have a greater than 99% chance of passing PT.
ChRIS- A web-based neuroimaging and informatics system for collecting, organizing, processing, visualizing and sharing of medical data

The utility of web browsers for general purpose computing, long anticipated, is only now coming into fruition. In this paper we present a web-based medical image data and information management software platform called ChRIS ([Boston] Children's Research Integration System). ChRIS' deep functionality allows for easy retrieval of medical image data from resources typically found in hospitals, organizes and presents information in a modern feed-like interface, provides access to a growing library of plugins that process these data - typically on a connected High Performance Compute Cluster, allows for easy data sharing between users and instances of ChRIS and provides powerful 3D visualization and real time collaboration.
TWO METHODS OF TEACHING ALPHABETIZING

A learning center is an instructional device developed for the attainment of specific goals by activities. Current literature (1) concerns design of strategies implemented without regard to comparing this method of teaching with other instructional approaches. To fill this need, the present study compared the performance of two third grade classes (N = GO), one taught by the learning center method and the other by a teacher-directed method in acquiring alphabetization. The school is racially integrated and children are predominantly of the low-middle economic stratum as determined by the income of parents, financial expenditure per child for education, and number of children on the free lunch program. Activities for the learning center group were designed to permit flexibility in learning rate and independent study; however, the teacher monitored pupils' progress to answer questions and make sure the pupils worked on tasks. At selected points achievement was assessed; students continued with other experiences or reviewed activities until a successful level of performance was achieved. The teacher-directed group received large group instruction from the Time to Wonder series (2). The instructional time allocated was about 20 min. per day for 15 days. Cognitive achievement was measured by pre- and posttests. Affective response was measured b a Thurstone Scale for Hostility (3). The cognitive instrument was administered the zrst day of the program. Affective attitude was assessed after the third day of treatment. The posttest, followed by the hostility scale, was administered again on Day 15. Significant differences between mean cognitive achievement on pre- and posttests were measured by a 2-tail t test for paired observations (p < .05). For both groups, mean achievement increased significantly. Pre- and posttest means for learning center group were 85.9 and 109.32 (SD = 28.61, 31.22; 120 = 2.46, p < .01) and the teacherdirected group were 86.6 and 101.78 (SD = 27.09, 29.34; t~ = 1.69, p < .05). Mean ratings of the hostility scale on the pre- and posttests assessed by a 2-tail t test for paired obserrvauons indicated that affective response for learning center group changed from "Favorable about" to "Pleased with" the instructional method. Means were 22.08 and 16.77 (SD = 24.93, 15.12; t- = 1.59, p < .05). Affectiye, respnse for teacher-directed group was "Favorable about" treatment on both adm~nistrations; mean scores were 23.69 and 21.98 (SD = 25.03, 26.15; tll = 2.34). Preliminary results suggest both methods effectively produced gains in alphabetization. Pupils expressed a more positive affective response, i.e., reduced hostility, after working in the learning center, while students in the teacher-directed group showed no change. The novelty of the learning center might account for this reduction; findings are by no means conclusive as methods were provided intact groups. Cross-validation w~ch chlldren in more diverse classrooms, other subject content, and techniques for assessing pupils' reactions are needed.
The Analysis of the Stiffness,Strength and Seal of the Front Baffle of the Mini-car

The article summarizes the key points for design,like sheet parts,by combing the problems and highlights of design in the front baffle of several mini-cars of SGMW,including the stiffness,strength,seal and the installation and welding of relevant parts.
Program Directors' Perceptions of Resident Education in Women's Health: A National Survey.

Abstract Background: Despite professional societies' emphasis on women's health in internal medicine (IM) resident curricula, national implementation has varied. This study describes IM program directors' perceptions of women's health topics that residents should master and the current state of women's health education in IM residency programs. Materials and Methods: We recruited 408 program directors of IM residency programs to complete an electronic cross-sectional survey. Participants were surveyed about expected resident mastery of twelve women's health topics in the context of their program's current characteristics, core curricula, and training opportunities. Results: One hundred twelve IM program directors completed the survey (response rate 27%). The percentage of program directors who perceived that residents should master each of the twelve women's health topics ranged from 48% to 98%, with the most program directors expecting mastery of osteoporosis (N = 110, 98%), sexually transmitted infectio...
Deglacial temperature history of West Antarctica

The most recent glacial to interglacial transition constitutes a remarkable natural experiment for learning how Earth's climate responds to various forcings, including a rise in atmospheric CO2 This transition has left a direct thermal remnant in the polar ice sheets, where the exceptional purity and continual accumulation of ice permit analyses not possible in other settings. For Antarctica, the deglacial warming has previously been constrained only by the water isotopic composition in ice cores, without an absolute thermometric assessment of the isotopes' sensitivity to temperature. To overcome this limitation, we measured temperatures in a deep borehole and analyzed them together with ice-core data to reconstruct the surface temperature history of West Antarctica. The deglacial warming was [Formula: see text]C, approximately two to three times the global average, in agreement with theoretical expectations for Antarctic amplification of planetary temperature changes. Consistent with evidence from glacier retreat in Southern Hemisphere mountain ranges, the Antarctic warming was mostly completed by 15 kyBP, several millennia earlier than in the Northern Hemisphere. These results constrain the role of variable oceanic heat transport between hemispheres during deglaciation and quantitatively bound the direct influence of global climate forcings on Antarctic temperature. Although climate models perform well on average in this context, some recent syntheses of deglacial climate history have underestimated Antarctic warming and the models with lowest sensitivity can be discounted.
A half-wave rectified alternating current electrochemical method for uranium extraction from seawater

In total there is hundreds of times more uranium in sea water than on land, but extracting it for use in nuclear power generation is challenging due to its low concentration (∼3 ppb) and the high salinity background. Current approaches based on sorbent materials are limited due to their surface-based physicochemical adsorption nature. Here we use a half-wave rectified alternating current electrochemical (HW-ACE) method for uranium extraction from sea water based on an amidoxime-functionalized carbon electrode. The amidoxime functionalization enables surface specific binding to uranyl ions, while the electric field can migrate the ions to the electrode and induce electrodeposition of uranium compounds, forming charge-neutral species. Extraction is not limited by the electrode surface area, and the alternating manner of the applied voltage prevents unwanted cations from blocking the active sites and avoids water splitting. The HW-ACE method achieved a ninefold higher uranium extraction capacity (1,932 mg g−1) without saturation and fourfold faster kinetics than conventional physicochemical methods using uranium-spiked sea water. The large amount of uranium in the oceans could be exploited for nuclear fuel, but existing physicochemical extraction methods are limited in terms of capacity and rates of removal. Here the authors use an electrochemical extraction technique, demonstrating improved uptake capacity and kinetics.
Polymer Design and Development

Abstract A growing interest to probe and direct stem cell fate has fueled the ongoing development of a wide variety of polymer-based platforms for in vitro culture. Biomaterials with unique chemical and physical properties are afforded through careful selection of composition and can be engineered to mimic critical aspects of the native extracellular matrix. This chapter highlights recent progress in polymer design and development for 3D stem cell culture, comparing the advantages of both naturally and synthetic-based precursors. Special attention is given to natural materials derived from polysaccharides, peptides, and proteins, as well as smart synthetic polymer systems that exhibit responsiveness to environmental stimuli (e.g., electricity, temperature, enzyme, light, heat, pH).
Influence of Carbon on The Lattice Parameter of Molybdenum

At very low concentrations, carbon dissolves interstitially in molybdenum resulting in a linear expansion of lattice parameter with increase of carbon in solid solution. Geometrical consideration of the relative size of carbon atom to size of interstice approximately predicts the observed volume expansion.
Human alpha A-crystallin missing N-terminal domain poorly complexes with filensin and phakinin.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine relative importance of N-terminal domain and C-terminal extension of αA-crystallin during their in vitro complex formation with phakinin and filensin (the two lens-specific intermediate filament [IF] proteins). Cloned phakinin, filensin and vimentin were purified under a denaturing conditions by consecutive DEAE-cellulose-, hydroxyapatite- and Sephadex G-75-column chromatographic methods. WTαA-crystallin, αA-NT (N-terminal domain [residue number 1–63])-deleted and αA-CT (C-terminal terminal extension [residue number 140–173]-deleted), were cloned in pET 100 TOPO vector, expressed in BL-21 (DE3) cells using 1% IPTG, and purified using a Ni2+-affinity column. The following two in vitro methods were used to determine complex formation of WT-αA, αA-NT, or αA-CT with phakinin, filensin or both phakinin plus filensin together: an ultracentrifugation sedimentation (centrifugation at 80,000 × g for 30 min at 20 °C) followed by SDS-PAGE analysis, and an electron microscopic analysis. In the first method, the individual control proteins (WT-αA, αA-NT and αA-CT crystallin species) remained in the supernatant fractions whereas phakinin, filensin, and vimentin were recovered in the pellet fractions. On complex formation by individual WT-αA-, αA-NT or αA-CT-species with filensin, phakinin or both phakinin and filensin, WT-αA and αA-CT were recovered in the pellet fraction with phakinin, filensin or both filensin and phakinin, whereas αA-NT remained mostly in the supernatant, suggesting its poor complex formation property. EM-studies showed filamentous structure formation between WT-αA and αA-CT with phakinin or filensin, or with both filensin and phakinin together but relatively poor filamentous structures with αA-NT. Together, the results suggest that the N-terminal domain of αA-crystallin is required during in vitro complex formation with filensin and phakinin.
Hepatocyte-derived exosomes promote T follicular regulatory cell expansion during hepatitis C virus infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global health concern that can cause severe liver disease such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Control of HCV requires vigorous T cell responses, yet CD4+ T cells in chronic HCV patients are dysfunctional. T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells are a subset of regulatory T cells that suppress T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and the generation of high affinity antibody-producing B cells. In this study, we examined the accumulation of Tfr cells in the liver compartment during chronic HCV infection and defined the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying their expansion. Our analysis revealed a substantial population of Tfr cells in the livers of chronic HCV patients that is absent in liver tissues from non-viral hepatitis or healthy subjects. Co-culture of PBMCs from healthy subjects with HCV-infected hepatoma cells resulted in preferential expansion of circulating Tfr cells leading to the suppression of Tfh cells. Additionally, co-culture of tonsillar cells with infected hepatoma cells lead to an expansion of germinal center Tfr. Notably, expansion was mediated by TGF-β-containing exosomes released from HCV-infected hepatocytes as blockade of exosome-associated TGF-β or inhibition of exosome release abrogated Tfr expansion. Conclusion: These results show that liver-derived exosomes play a pivotal role in the accumulation of Tfr cells, likely leading to suppression of Tfh responses in HCV-infected patients. Our study identifies a novel pathway in which HCV infection in hepatocytes exacerbates Tfr cell responses to subvert antiviral immunity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Xylose: absorption, fermentation, and post-absorptive metabolism in the pig

Xylose, as β-1,4-linked xylan, makes up much of the hemicellulose in cell walls of cereal carbohydrates fed to pigs. As inclusion of fibrous ingredients in swine diets continues to increase, supplementation of carbohydrases, such as xylanase, is of interest. However, much progress is warranted to achieve consistent enzyme efficacy, including an improved understanding of the utilization and energetic contribution of xylanase hydrolysis product (i.e. xylooligosaccharides or monomeric xylose). This review examines reports on xylose absorption and metabolism in the pig and identifies gaps in this knowledge that are essential to understanding the value of carbohydrase hydrolysis products in the nutrition of the pig. Xylose research in pigs was first reported in 1954, with only sporadic contributions since. Therefore, this review also discusses relevant xylose research in other monogastric species, including humans. In both pigs and poultry, increasing purified D-xylose inclusion generally results in linear decreases in performance, efficiency, and diet digestibility. However, supplementation levels studied thus far have ranged from 5% to 40%, while theoretical xylose release due to xylanase supplementation would be less than 4%. More than 95% of ingested D-xylose disappears before the terminal ileum but mechanisms of absorption have yet to be fully elucidated. Some data support the hypothesis that mechanisms exist to handle low xylose concentrations but become overwhelmed as luminal concentrations increase. Very little is known about xylose metabolic utilization in vertebrates but it is well recognized that a large proportion of dietary xylose appears in the urine and significantly decreases the metabolizable energy available from the diet. Nevertheless, evidence of labeled D-xylose-1-14C appearing as expired 14CO2 in both humans and guinea pigs suggests that there is potential, although small, for xylose oxidation. It is yet to be determined if pigs develop increased xylose metabolic capacity with increased adaptation time to diets supplemented with xylose or xylanase. Overall, xylose appears to be poorly utilized by the pig, but it is important to consider that only one study has been reported which supplemented D-xylose dietary concentrations lower than 5%. Thus, more comprehensive studies testing xylose metabolic effects at dietary concentrations more relevant to swine nutrition are warranted.
Individually-Targeted Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Enhances Language Recovery in Patients with Chronic Non-Fluent Aphasia (S18.006)

OBJECTIVE: To validate and extend previous investigations exploring transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a potential therapy for aphasia by determining whether tDCS improves language abilities in addition to naming. 2) To explore whether aphasic patients respond differentially to specific patterns of cortical stimulation. BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests that tDCS may improve naming in persons with chronic non-fluent aphasia due to stroke. Language improvements beyond naming have not been thoroughly investigated. Moreover, prior investigations have employed different electrode polarities at different sites, raising the question of whether optimal stimulation parameters vary across patients. DESIGN/METHODS: Individuals with moderate to mild non-fluent aphasia have been recruited for this ongoing two-phase study. In Phase 1, over five non-consecutive days, participants underwent tDCS with four different stimulation montages (anode F3, cathode F3, anode F4, cathode F4) and a sham condition. During real stimulation, 2.0mA current was delivered through 5cm x 5cm electrodes for 20 min. Picture naming ability was measured before and after stimulation. Participants who demonstrate improvement in naming after stimulation with a specific electrode arrangement participate in Phase 2, a sham-controlled partial-crossover treatment trial involving 10 days of stimulation. RESULTS: To date, 11 subjects have completed Phase 1 of this ongoing investigation. Seven demonstrated substantive improvement in object naming ability following stimulation and were enrolled in Phase 2. To date, three of these subjects have completed six-month follow-up. All three have shown statistically significant improvement (one-sample t-tests; p CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with prior investigations, the preliminary results suggest that tDCS may be a promising technique for enhancing post-stroke aphasia recovery, potentially improving language abilities beyond naming. Optimal electrode arrangement appears to vary across participants, suggesting that individualized treatment may further improve language outcomes. Supported by: 1) Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; 2) NINDS 1K01-NS060995. Disclosure: Dr. Norise has nothing to disclose. Dr. Garcia has nothing to disclose. Dr. Beauvais has nothing to disclose. Dr. Faseyitan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Drebing has nothing to disclose. Dr. Medina has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hamilton has nothing to disclose.
Minority race and male sex as risk factors for non-beneficial gastrostomy tube placements after stroke

BACKGROUND Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes are widely used for enteral feeding after stroke; however, PEG tubes placed in patients in whom death is imminent are considered non-beneficial. AIM We sought to determine whether placement of non-beneficial PEG tubes differs by race and sex. DESIGN AND SETTING/PARTICIPANTS In this retrospective cohort study, inpatient admissions for stroke patients who underwent palliative/withdrawal of care, were discharged to hospice, or died during the hospitalization, were identified from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample between 2007 and 2011. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between race and sex with PEG placement. RESULTS Of 36,109 stroke admissions who underwent palliative/withdrawal of care, were discharge to hospice, or experienced in-hospital death, a PEG was placed in 2,258 (6.3%). Among PEG recipients 41.1% were of a race other than white, while only 22.0% of patients without PEG were of a minority race (p<0.001). The proportion of men was higher among those with compared to without a PEG tube (50.0% vs. 39.2%, p<0.001). Minority race was associated with PEG placement compared to whites (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.57-1.96), and men had 1.27 times higher odds of PEG compared to women (95% CI 1.16-1.40). Racial differences were most pronounced among women: ethnic/racial minority women had over 2-fold higher odds of a PEG compared to their white counterparts (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.81-2.41), while male ethnic/racial minority patients had 1.44 increased odds of a PEG when compared to white men (95% CI 1.24-1.67, p-value for interaction <0.001). CONCLUSION Minority race and male sex are risk factors for non-beneficial PEG tube placements after stroke.
Dealing With Deans and Academic Medical Center Leadership: Advice From Leaders

The 2017 Association of Pathology Chairs Annual Meeting included a session for department chairs and other department leaders on "how to deal with deans and academic medical center leadership." The session was focused on discussing ways to foster positive relationships with university, medical school, and health system leaders, and productively address issues and opportunities with them. Presentations and a panel discussion were provided by 4 former pathology chairs who subsequently have served as medical deans and in other leadership positions including university provost, medical center CEO, and health system board chair. There was a strong consensus among the participants on how best to deal with superiors about problems, conflicts, and requests for additional resources and authority. The importance of teamwork and accountability in developing a constructive and collaborative relationship with leaders and peers was discussed in detail. Effectiveness in communication, negotiation, and departmental advocacy were highlighted as important skills. As limited resources and increased regulations have become growing problems for universities and health systems, internal stress and competition have increased. In this rapidly changing environment, advice on how chairs can interact most productively with institutional leaders is becoming increasingly important.
VARIETIES OF EDUCATIONAL TRANSFORMATION: THE POST-SOCIALIST STATES OF CENTRAL/SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE AND THE FORMER SOVIET UNION

The former socialist countries of Central/Southeastern Europe and the Soviet Union share many commonalities, while forming an increasingly diverse region of the world in terms of sociopolitical development. Among the most striking commonalities are the shared socialist past, as well as the sheer scale and signifi cance of the political, economic, and social transformation since the collapse of socialism in 1989. Although all countries of the region have declared their aspiration to embrace the new values of democracy, capitalism, and market economies, the transformation process has been uneven across the region. By 2007, ten countries became new member states of the European Union (EU) ‐ Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, the Slovak Republic, and Slovenia ‐ signaling the emergence of open, liberal societies at least partially rooted in respect for the rule of law, human rights, and economic freedom. In some countries of Southeastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, however, democratic and free-market characteristics have shared the stage with “a high degree of authoritarianism, corporatism, cronyism, and state involvement in economic life” (Freedom House, 2005). This region also includes repressive autocracies, such as Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, in which there is “little or no space for opposition political groupings and independent civic activism” (Freedom House, 2005). Approximately one third of all countries have experienced armed confl icts during the transformation period, resulting in devastating effects in all spheres of life. 1 Given the diversity of these sociopolitical contexts, it is diffi cult to talk about the countries of Central/Southeastern Europe and the former Soviet Union as one homogeneous region. Nevertheless, these countries share several educational characteristics, as refl ected in a number of educational legacies inherited from the socialist regime and a proclaimed aspiration to embrace Western educational values. Among the positive socialist legacies are solid infrastructures for educational provision and administration, fee-free education for all children, nearly universal general education enrolments, and high literacy rates. For all the concerns about its quality and comprehensiveness, the mass provision of socialist education undeniably helped to create a level of social cohesion (Heyneman, 1997, 2000), as well as very real compensatory legitimacy for the regime. During the socialist period, education also established a widely shared
Novel Substrates and Inhibitors of Human Liver Sorbitol Dehydrogenase

The formation of D-fructose from sorbitol, first observed in perfused dog liver (Embden and Griesbach, 1914), was shown to be catalyzed by sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH)1 from rat liver homogenates (Blakley, 1951). SDH was later purified to homogeneity from sheep liver (Smith, 1962). Several more recent findings prompted further investigation of structural features of this enzyme and the role of SDH in pathological conditions. First, the discovery of a sequence homology between sheep liver SDH and zinc-containing alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) (Jeffery et al., 1981) led to metal analyses that established SDH as a metalloenzyme with one zinc atom per subunit of the tetramer (Jeffery et al., 1984). In contrast, dimeric mammalian ADHs have two zinc atoms per subunit. Second, sorbitol accumulates in tissues affected by diabetes (Gabbay, 1973; Greene et al., 1987) and in the liver and kidney of copper-deficient male rats as a result of feeding fructose (Fields et al., 1989). The elevated levels of sorbitol can upset osmoregulation and result in cellular pathology (Burg and Kador, 1988). Also, the increased availability of fructose associated with these conditions causes fructosylation and crosslinking of proteins (Walton et al., 1989).
Permeability-related changes revealed at endothelial cell borders in inflamed venules by lectin binding

Plasma leakage in inflammation results from intercellular gaps that form in the endothelium of venules. These gaps and related morphological changes in endothelial cells are not readily seen by light microscopy. In this study we sought to visualize such changes by using the selective binding properties of plant lectins. Acute inflammation was induced in the trachea of pathogen-free F344 rats by injecting substance P intravenously, and 1, 3, or 10 min later the vasculature was perfused with fixative followed by a biotinylated lectin. Lectin binding was localized by avidinbiotin complex-peroxidase histochemistry and viewed in tracheal whole mounts by differential-interference contrast microscopy. The binding patterns of the 20 lectins tested fell into 4 groups. Most of the lectins either bound uniformly to the endothelium of normal and inflamed venules (group 1, e.g., Lycopersicon esculentum lectin) or bound weakly or not at all to venules (group 2, e.g., Maackia amurensis I lectin). The uniform binding of group 1 lectins not only revealed the overall vascular architecture but also made visible intercellular gaps and fingerlike processes at endothelial cell borders in inflamed venules. In postcapillary venules after substance P, the fingerlike processes were present along an average of 32% of the endothelial cell perimeter at 1 min, 25% at 3 min, and 7% at 10 min, compared with a baseline value of 2%. A third group of lectins (group 3, e.g., concanavalin A) bound selectively to focal patches of inflamed venules but bound weakly to normal venules. The fourth group (group 4, e.g., Ricinus communis I lectin) bound preferentially to focal patches in inflamed venules and also bound uniformly to normal venules. The focal binding of group 3 and 4 lectins coincided with sites of plasma leakage marked by extravasation of the particulate tracer monastral blue and was associated with subendothelial components of the vessel wall. We conclude that selected lectins reveal novel features of focal sites of plasma leakage, endothelial gaps, and fingerlike processes at endothelial cell borders in inflamed venules.
Activating PAX gene family paralogs to complement PAX5 leukemia driver mutations

PAX5, one of nine members of the mammalian paired box (PAX) family of transcription factors, plays an important role in B cell development. Approximately one-third of individuals with pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) acquire heterozygous inactivating mutations of PAX5 in malignant cells, and heterozygous germline loss-of-function PAX5 mutations cause autosomal dominant predisposition to ALL. At least in mice, Pax5 is required for pre-B cell maturation, and leukemic remission occurs when Pax5 expression is restored in a Pax5-deficient mouse model of ALL. Together, these observations indicate that PAX5 deficiency reversibly drives leukemogenesis. PAX5 and its two most closely related paralogs, PAX2 and PAX8, which are not mutated in ALL, exhibit overlapping expression and function redundantly during embryonic development. However, PAX5 alone is expressed in lymphocytes, while PAX2 and PAX8 are predominantly specific to kidney and thyroid, respectively. We show that forced expression of PAX2 or PAX8 complements PAX5 loss-of-function mutation in ALL cells as determined by modulation of PAX5 target genes, restoration of immunophenotypic and morphological differentiation, and, ultimately, reduction of replicative potential. Activation of PAX5 paralogs, PAX2 or PAX8, ordinarily silenced in lymphocytes, may therefore represent a novel approach for treating PAX5-deficient ALL. In pursuit of this strategy, we took advantage of the fact that, in kidney, PAX2 is upregulated by extracellular hyperosmolarity. We found that hyperosmolarity, at potentially clinically achievable levels, transcriptionally activates endogenous PAX2 in ALL cells via a mechanism dependent on NFAT5, a transcription factor coordinating response to hyperosmolarity. We also found that hyperosmolarity upregulates residual wild type PAX5 expression in ALL cells and modulates gene expression, including in PAX5-mutant primary ALL cells. These findings specifically demonstrate that osmosensing pathways may represent a new therapeutic target for ALL and more broadly point toward the possibility of using gene paralogs to rescue mutations driving cancer and other diseases.
CROTONOBETAINE IS A PROATHEROGENIC GUT MICROBIOTA METABOLITE OF L-CARNITINE

L -Carnitine, a nutrient in red meat, accelerates atherosclerosis in a gut microbiota-dependent pathway by the formation of trimethylamine- N -oxide (TMAO). We now show that a novel compound, crotonobetaine (crotono), identified in a metabolomics study, is a product of L -carnitine gut microbial
In-Situ Microspectrophotometry of Coal Macerals

Fluorescence microspectrophotometry involves the study of coal at high magnification under ultraviolet radiation. For practical reasons we are generally restricted to analysis of that portion of the electromagnetic spectrum detectable with human vision. Although analyses are carried out over a relatively narrow spectral range, the organic petrologist has the distinct advantage of being able to perceive the materials response to excitation in a qualitative manner. The quantitative capabilities of fluorescence spectroscopy are therefore used to supplement an initial qualitative assessment. The major problem encountered in the study of coal under fluorescence excitation is that most of the constituents of coal do not fluorescence, or at least do not fluorescence with enough intensity to be analyzed quantitatively, although a rough qualitative assessment can usually be made. For this reason considerable developmental effort has been directed over the past thirty years toward increasing the range and sensitivity of quantitative fluorescence analysis.
Medical Management Versus Surgical Bypass for Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease: A Systematic Review

Introduction Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is a major cause of stroke worldwide. The optimal management of patients with symptomatic ICAD is controversial. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to compare medical management versus surgical bypass for the treatment of symptomatic ICAD. Methods A literature review was performed to identify studies reporting outcomes of patients with ICAD who were managed medically or surgically with either direct or indirect bypass. Baseline, treatment, and outcomes data were analyzed. Complications included ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, and cerebrovascular death. Secondary analyses of the surgically treated cohort were performed to compare the outcomes of direct versus indirect bypass. Results The pooled analysis was derived from 18 studies, comprising a total of 2160 patients with ICAD, including 1790 managed medically and 370 treated with surgical bypass. The rates of ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, and cerebrovascular death were 16%, 1%, and 4.5% in the medical cohort, respectively, versus 8%, 0.6%, and 1.9% in the surgical cohort, respectively. Among patients with ICAD who underwent bypass surgery, the rates of ischemic stroke and cerebrovascular death were 7% and 1.9% in the direct bypass group, respectively, versus 19% and 2.1% in the indirect bypass group, respectively. Conclusions Direct or indirect bypass surgery is a reasonable treatment option for appropriately selected patients with ICAD. Careful preoperative evaluation of hemodynamic parameters and the relevant donor and recipient vessels is crucial to maximizing the success of bypass for ICAD. Further studies remain necessary to clarify the roles of medical versus surgical management for ICAD.
Cognition and Quality of Life in Symptomatic Carotid Occlusion

Abstract Purpose: Carotid occlusion may result in stroke, TIA, and cognitive reductions. Whether cognition predicts quality of life (QOL) for patients with carotid occlusion is unknown. Depression is also known to affect QOL. We examined whether cognition and depression predicted QOL in patients with carotid occlusive disease who have not had revascularization. Methods: Patients with unilateral carotid occlusion and history of TIA or a remote history of minor stroke were included. Patients underwent exam of memory, language, motor, and executive function skills and completed depression and QOL questionnaires (Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression [CES-D], Stroke Specific QOL [SSQOL]). Deficits from remote stroke were assessed with the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Z-scores for cognitive tests were averaged (Cog-Z). The SSQOL scores were averaged across subgroup domains. Analyses of patients with all depression levels were followed by subgroup analyses for patients with minimal depression. Correlation findings were used to select the variables in a regression model to predict SSQOL. Results: Among 37 patients with all depression levels, QOL was predicted by deficits from remote stroke and depression (F(3, 36) = 21.15, P Conclusions: In patients with carotid occlusive disease without major stroke and without revascularization, cognitive and depression scores independently predicted QOL. These data demonstrate the clinical relevance of cognitive and mood decline among patients with carotid occlusion.
Medical Students’ Perceived Appropriate Responsibility for Patients During Third-Year Clinical Clerkships Is Directly Associated with Patient Length of Stay

Taking responsibility for patients is fundamental to medical education. Supplying opportunities for patient continuity contrasts with the competing goal of decreasing hospital lengths of stay (LOS). The objective of this study was to investigate whether medical students’ perceived appropriate responsibility was influenced by patient LOS and to elucidate other factors associated with responsibility. This was a retrospective analysis of responses of Harvard Medical School students on end-of-clerkship evaluations to the question: “How appropriate was the responsibility you were given for patients?” based on a Likert scale (1 = Excellent; 5 = Poor). Responses were aggregated for the core clerkships from each Principal Clinical Experience site and compared with the average LOS records obtained from affiliated teaching hospitals. Spearman correlation matrices were constructed to investigate factors correlated with students’ perceived appropriate responsibility and LOS; p < 0.05 defined significance. Findings indicated that students’ perceived appropriate level of given patient responsibility significantly correlated with LOS (r = −0.56, p < 0.05). Likewise, students’ perceived responsibility for patients was additionally correlated with faculty accessibility, teaching quality, and overall clerkship rating (all p < 0.05). Students’ perceived appropriate responsibility for patients varied across clerkships but was directly associated with LOS. Clerkships characterized by longer LOS correlated with increased students’ perceived patient responsibility during their training. Clerkship programs are encouraged to provide longitudinal patient experience for third-year medical students to improve levels of patient care responsibilities progressively.
A Sport-specific Analysis of the Epidemiology of Hip Injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association Athletes From 2009 to 2014.

Purpose To describe the injury rates, mechanisms, time loss, and rates of surgery for hip/groin injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes across 25 collegiate sports during the 2009/10 to 2013/14 academic years. Methods Data from the 2009/10 to 2013/14 academic years were obtained from the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program (ISP). Rates of hip/groin injuries, mechanism of injury, time lost from competition, and surgical treatment were calculated. Differences between sex-comparable sports were quantified using rate ratios and injury proportion ratios. A sport-specific biomechanical classification system, which included cutting, impingement, overhead/asymmetric, endurance, and flexibility sports, was applied for subgroup analysis. Results In total, 1,984 hip injuries were reported in 25 NCAA sports, including 9 male and female sports, 3 male-only sports, and 4 female-only sports between the years 2009/10 and 2013/14, resulting in an overall hip injury rate of 53.1/100,000 athletic exposures (AEs). In sex-comparable sports, (basketball, cross-country, lacrosse, ice hockey, indoor track, outdoor track, soccer, swimming, and tennis), men were more commonly affected than women (59.53 vs 42.27 per 100,000 AEs respectively; rate ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-1.55). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the highest rate of hip injuries per 100,000 AEs occurred in impingement sports (96.9). Endurance sports had the highest proportion of injured athletes with time lost >14 days (9.5%). For impingement-type sports, the most common mechanism of injury was no apparent contact (48.2%). The rate of athletes undergoing surgery per 100,000 AEs was highest in impingement-type sports (2.0). Conclusions We have identified that impingement-type sports are most frequently associated with hip injuries. Additionally, this study demonstrates that hip injuries sustained in athletes who played impingement-type sports had a significantly higher rate of surgical intervention than other sport classifications. Level of Evidence Level III, prognostic study.
Driving simulator performance in the acute post-injury phase following a mild traumatic brain injury among young drivers

While mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can lead to cognitive and functional impairments, little is known about how mTBI may affect driving, especially among young drivers who are at an increased risk of mTBI and motor vehicle collisions compared to other age groups. The objective of this multisite, pilot study was to examine the feasibility of assessing driving performance acutely post-injury (i.e., mTBI sustained < 2 weeks at assessment) among young drivers with and without mTBIs (N=42; nmTBI= 21; ncontrol=21) using high-fidelity driving simulators. Driving performance was hypothesized to be significantly degraded, especially under conditions of high cognitive load, among drivers with mTBI compared to matched controls. Neurocognitive measures used in clinical assessment of mTBI (i.e., Cogstate Brief Battery) were hypothesized to correlate with driving simulator performance metrics. Risk management protocols were successful (i.e., no participants withdrew due to simulator sickness) and no significant increase in post-concussion symptoms was found from pre-assessment to immediately following driving assessment. Group differences on key driving variables did not emerge; however, drivers with mTBI showed a differential pattern of driving under high cognitive load. Neurocognitive correlates of simulated driving performance suggested processing speed, attention, and working memory are important functions for driving. Implications and future directions discussed.
ADMM Based LQR for Voltage Regulation Using Distributed Energy Resources

This paper proposes a method to effectively utilize renewable energy resources to improve the voltage profile of the power distribution system. An algorithm based on the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) is used which calculates the effectiveness of particular DER to control voltage at a particular node of interest. The primary control loop generates a reactive power reference using voltage deviations and reactive power injection obtained from the identified transfer functions and the secondary control loop is $d-q$ frame-based reactive power control of respective DERs. The effectiveness of the algorithm in voltage control and reduction of tap operation of voltage regulators is validated using IEEE 123 bus test distribution feeder integrated with three 3 phase DERs.