cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Whole-Genome Sequence of the Mycoplasma mucosicanis Type Strain.

ABSTRACT Whole-genome sequencing of Mycoplasma mucosicanis type strain 1642 was performed to support efforts to better understand the clinical significance of Mycoplasma infection in canine health. The availability of this sequence will also further the development of highly specific diagnostic tests.
Dynamic Assessment of IELTS Speaking: A Learning-Oriented Approach to Test Preparation

This paper presents the results of a qualitative case study that explored the potential of Dynamic Assessment (DA) to promote language development for students preparing for the International English Testing System (IELTS) speaking exam. Two high-intermediate learners of English from an Intensive English Program (IEP) in the U.S. participated in a three-week mediation program aimed at improving their use of tense-aspect markers in speaking. The transfer tasks conducted at the end of the program indicated that both participants gained better control over the use of past tense as well as perfect and progressive aspects. Their improved ability was demonstrated by the appropriate and independent use of the target forms and frequent attempts to self-correct. The study provides an example of how DA can be integrated into the test preparation context to promote learners’ language skills within their Zone of Proximal Development.
Analysing EHR navigation patterns and digital workflows among physicians during ICU pre-rounds:

Background:Some physicians in intensive care units (ICUs) report that electronic health records (EHRs) can be cumbersome and disruptive to workflow. There are significant gaps in our understanding ...
The impact of fungal allergic sensitization on asthma.

Purpose of review Fungal sensitization may contribute to the development of asthma as well as asthma severity. The purpose of this review is to summarize existing knowledge about the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of fungal sensitization in asthma and highlight unmet needs and target areas for future investigation. Recent findings Fungal sensitization may occur by a normal or aberrant immune response. Allergic sensitization to fungi is mediated by the adaptive immune response driven by TH2 cells and the innate immune response driven by the innate lymphoid cells group 2. Diagnosis of fungal sensitization can be made by either skin prick testing or measurement of fungal-specific serum IgE. Fungal sensitization in asthma has been associated with worse disease severity, including reduced lung function, increased risk of hospitalizations, and life-threatening asthma. A spectrum of disease related to fungal sensitization has been described in asthma including allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis and severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS). The role of antifungals and targeted biologic therapy in asthma with fungal sensitization need further investigation. Summary There is increasing awareness of the contribution of fungal sensitization to asthma severity. However, there are no therapies with proven efficacy. Randomized clinical trials are needed to further investigate the role of biologics.
Asymptotic H–Plateau problem in ℍ3

There are two versions of the asymptotic Plateau problem. The first version asks the existence of a least area plane P in H asymptotic to a given simple closed  in S 1.H /, ie @1PD . In this version, the surface P must be topologically a disk. The other version asks the existence of an area-minimizing surface † in H asymptotic to a given collection of Jordan curves b in S 1.H/, ie @1†D b . In the latter version, there is no a priori topological restriction on the surface †, hence † can have positive genus depending on the given b . Anderson gave positive answers to both versions of the problem three decades ago [1; 2].
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor facilitates the human cytomegalovirus-mediated G1/S block to cell cycle progression.

The tryptophan metabolite, kynurenine, is known to be produced at elevated levels within human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-infected fibroblasts. Kynurenine is an endogenous aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand. Here we show that the AhR is activated following HCMV infection, and pharmacological inhibition of AhR or knockdown of AhR RNA reduced the accumulation of viral RNAs and infectious progeny. RNA-seq analysis of infected cells following AhR knockdown showed that the receptor alters the levels of numerous RNAs, including RNAs related to cell cycle progression. AhR knockdown alleviated the G1/S cell cycle block that is normally instituted in HCMV-infected fibroblasts, consistent with its known ability to regulate cell cycle progression and cell proliferation. In sum, AhR is activated by kynurenine and perhaps other ligands produced during HCMV infection, it profoundly alters the infected-cell transcriptome, and one outcome of its activity is a block to cell cycle progression, providing mechanistic insight to a long-known element of the virus–host cell interaction.
Caenorhabditis elegans: A Unique Animal Model to Study Soil–Nanoparticles–Organism Interactions

Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged in recent times as a plausible metazoan model to study environmental toxicity, particularly caused by engineered nanomaterials. With the increasing applications of gold, silver, titanium, zinc, and many other nanomaterials in food, medicine, cosmetics, and other consumer products, the concern for their safety and impact on environmental quality has also heightened. This chapter includes a short review of current investigations conducted to evaluate the interactions of metallic nanomaterials with the ubiquitous nematode, C. elegans from the molecular to phenotypic levels. Studies broadly show metallic nanoparticles at their environmental concentrations affect the growth, survival, and reproduction negatively in this organism, with some of the aberration in reproduction having transgenerational effects mediated by the germ-line toxicity. The range of toxicity includes effects on the worm’s neuron-related behavioral phenotypes such as movement (body bends and thrashes), egg laying, reduction of progeny, and bag of worms (BOW) phenomenon, which occur as a consequence of the neurological damage. Some studies also indicate potential immunotoxicity and loss of resistance in the worm against common pathogens as a result of exposure. Mechanistic studies though reflect a range of physiological and biochemical changes including alterations in the transcriptional and translational patterns and apoptosis of somatic or germ cells, but oxidative stress coupled with ROS production seem to be the central axis of toxicity generating different aberrant phenotypes.
Acceptance and commitment therapy for fatigue interference in advanced gastrointestinal cancer and caregiver burden: protocol of a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Fatigue interference with activities, mood, and cognition is one of the most prevalent and bothersome concerns of advanced gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients. As fatigue interferes with patient functioning, family caregivers often report feeling burdened by increasing responsibilities. Evidence-based interventions jointly addressing cancer patient fatigue interference and caregiver burden are lacking. In pilot studies, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has shown promise for addressing symptom-related suffering in cancer patients. The current pilot trial seeks to test a novel, dyadic ACT intervention for both advanced GI cancer patients with moderate-to-severe fatigue interference and their family caregivers with significant caregiving burden or distress. A minimum of 40 patient-caregiver dyads will be randomly assigned to either the ACT intervention or an education/support control condition. Dyads in both conditions attend six weekly 50-min telephone sessions. Outcomes are assessed at baseline as well as 2 weeks and 3 months post-intervention. We will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of ACT for improving patient fatigue interference and caregiver burden. Secondary outcomes include patient sleep interference and patient and caregiver engagement in daily activities, psychological flexibility, and quality of life. We will also explore the effects of ACT on patient and caregiver physical and mental health service use. Findings will inform a large-scale trial of intervention efficacy. Results will also lay the groundwork for further novel applications of ACT to symptom interference with functioning and caregiver burden in advanced cancer. ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT04010227 . Registered 8 July 2019.
P95 Process and Outcome Evaluation of the LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed Program Using Microsoft Dynamics 365

Background Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) encourages healthier eating through education and policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes to support access to healthier foods. Collecting and managing data for process and outcome evaluations is challenging for SNAP-Ed implementing agencies (IAs) with variation in direct education and PSE change projects implemented. Several IAs have used the Program Evaluation and Reporting System (PEARS) to gather and manage evaluation data, but this may be cost prohibitive for IAs with smaller budgets. The LSU AgCenter Information Technology (IT) department adapted Microsoft Dynamics 365 to the evaluation needs of the LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed program. Objective To conduct a process evaluation of direct education and PSE change work conducted by the LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed program in Federal Fiscal Year 2019-2020 using the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Application. Study Design, Setting, Participants LSU AgCenter IT staff adapted Dynamics to collect the data necessary to report against priority indicators in the SNAP-Ed evaluation framework. IT staff created separate reporting modules for individual direct education contacts, groups of direct education contacts, community partnerships, community coalitions, and PSE changes. SNAP-Ed frontline staff were trained on the reporting system in a series of hands-on, in-person meetings held prior to March 2020. Measurable Outcomes/Analysis LSU AgCenter staff report direct education contacts, partnerships, coalitions, and PSE changes made in the Microsoft Dynamics application. Data can be disaggregated according to demographic information, location, and implementing staff member, enabling data to be used in performance evaluations and analyses of equity in program access. Results Feedback about the reporting system was overwhelmingly positive. The system collected data necessary for reporting to state and federal funding agencies. Over the course of FY2020, LSU AgCenter established 502 partnerships, made 6,473 direct education contacts, and 118 PSE changes. Conclusion The Microsoft Dynamics 365 Application was easily adapted to the evaluation needs of the LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed program. Process and outcome evaluation data indicated that the LSU AgCenter met its goals for FY2020.
A new probability-embodied model for simulating variable contributing areas and hydrologic processes dominated by surface depressions

Abstract Surface depressions play an important role in overland flow generation, infiltration, and other hydrologic processes. They undergo filling, spilling, and merging during rainfall/snowmelt events, affecting hydrologic connectivity and the size of the contributing area. However, such variability is often ignored or oversimplified in traditional hydrologic models. Consequently, they fail to simulate the threshold-controlled overland flow dynamics. The goal of this study is to improve hydrologic modeling, especially for depression-dominated areas, by capturing the variable contributing area and the threshold behavior of overland flow. To achieve this goal, a new depression-oriented variable contributing area (D-VCA) model is developed to simulate the contributing area, runoff dynamics, and their likelihood of occurrence. Specifically, the D-VCA model integrates the simulation of hydrologic processes with a surface topographic analysis procedure, which is able to (1) determine the probability distribution functions of depression storage and the corresponding contributing area and (2) examine the intrinsic changing patterns of depression storage and contributing area. The model was applied to a depression-dominated watershed in North Dakota and its performance was evaluated by comparing the simulated and observed discharges at two USGS gaging stations. The improved performance of the D-VCA model was demonstrated by comparing different modeling methods including the widely-used lumped depression approach. Modeling results demonstrated the unique capabilities of the D-VCA model in simulating depression-influenced overland flow dynamics and the associated threshold behavior. The new model also provides an improved understanding of the evolution of contributing areas and their influence on overland flow generation across different topographic landscapes.
Detection of DNA sequence variation for genome analysis

Genotypic analysis using RFLPs has proven to be a powerful tool for both plant geneticists and breeders, but it suffers from some limitations inherent the process. The entire procedure consists of many steps, some of which require sophisticated equipment and well-trained personnel. The analysis of low copy number sequences by Southern hybridization also operates too near the practical limit of detection (i.e., approximately 1 pg of actual target sequence in 5 μg of maize genomic DNA) and therefore can be unreliable. With RFLP studies involving large numbers of samples and many marker loci, the cost and time requirements become unacceptable. U.S. seed companies currently analyze an estimated five to ten million crop genotypes in the field every year; a significant fraction of these field-tested genotypes could instead be determined by RFLP analysis, if this alternative were practical. Although this is a tremendous opportunity to apply technology, existing RFLP processes are inadequate to meet the demands of such a volume of analyses. Using the best available technology in our laboratory, one technician can currently accomplish about 1000 genotypic analyses per year, where a single analysis consists of one genomic DNA preparation probed with 75 marker clones. Low throughput and the prolonged time to complete analyses are both significant obstacles to the wider application of this technology.
Yvan Bienvenue and the Conte Urbain

This article explores the conte urbain as practiced by Yvan Bienvenue, winner of the Governor General's Award for 1997. This new hybrid dramatic form combines the monologue and the traditional oral tale, using a mixture of popular language and poetic speech. Although marked by their dark vision, obscenities, graphic sexuality, and nightmarish violence, these contes urbains carry clear messages about social values and appropriate human behaviour. By using different linguistic registers, he underscores the tensions that arise when everyday language fails to express inner needs and aspirations. Yvan Bienvenue's work reminds us that popular language--with its vulgarity, anglicisms, grammatical incorrectness, and impoverished vocabulary--reflects the failures of contemporary society and the longing for personal happiness. Cet article analyse le conte urbain de Yvan Bienvenue, recipiendaire du prix du Gouverneur General en 1997. Cette nouvelle forme theâtrale est hybride, combinant le monologue et le conte oral traditionnel avec un melange de langues populaire et poetique. Quoiqu'ils soient caracterises par leur vision noire, l'expression obscene, la sexualite crue, et la violence cauchemardesque, ces contes urbains transmettent des messages moralisateurs. Par moyen des differents registres linguistiques, Bienvenue souligne les tensions crees par l'incapacite des gens de bien s'exprimer. Son oeuvre nous rappelle que la langue populaire--avec sa vulgarite, ses anglicismes, ses fautes grammaticales, et son vocabulaire appauvri--reflete l'insatisfaction des gens dans la societe contemporaine et leur quete du bonheur.
The Manifest Unwisdom of the AAUP as a Collective Bargaining Agency: A Dissenting View

This Article addresses the current proposal for the American Association of University Professors to enforce the collective bargaining rights of its individuals. This paper advocates that the AAUP's principle resources and focus has always been centered in academia, and the organization is better equipped to advise other entities employing collective bargaining, rather than affect such change on its own.
Information theoretic bounds on source localization performance

This paper examines the underwater acoustic source localization problem as an unorthodox communication problem. This perspective produces novel bounds on the performance of any source localization algorithm. The search space is divided into a grid whose cell size is determined by operational constraints. The message transmitted by the source is the cell it is located within. The receiver uses pressure observations from a sensor array to receive this message with a minimum probability of error. A necessary condition to choose the correct grid cell with arbitrarily small positive probability of error is that the mutual information between the source location and the estimate of it must equal or exceed the entropy of the grid. This mutual information can be bounded from above using the Gaussian channel approximation. The source channel coding theorem then determines the minimum necessary SNR to achieve a desired range resolution, or equivalently the best possible range resolution for a given SNR, assuming arbitrarily small probability of error. The resulting resolution bound is discussed in comparison to the Cramer-Rao Bound. The resolution bound is computed for typical underwater environments, and Monte-Carlo experiments are presented for these same environments.
Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism: An Evidence-Based Approach to Thromboprophylaxis

Although evidence-based practice guidelines for prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among hospitalized patients have been published, implementation of thromboprophylaxis continues to be inconsistent in the U.S., Canada, and worldwide. Quality Improvement initiatives, including decision support-based strategies, have the potential to improve prophylaxis utilization and reduce the incidence of VTE during hospitalization. The approach to VTE prevention among hospitalized and postoperative patients must consider the patient population and individual risk while integrating the use of mechanical and pharmacological modalities when indicated.
An engineering design course for future educators

Summary form only given. The University of Washington is a member of the National Science Foundation coalition ECSEL (Engineering Coalition of Schools for Excellence in Education and Leadership) which is committed to the dramatic transformation of the undergraduate curriculum and increasing the diversity of engineering students. An integral component of the coalition involves fostering the relationship between engineering design and education. The Introduction to Engineering Design course (ENGR 100) at the University of Washington has proven to be a successful vehicle for connecting the fields of engineering and education. ENGR 100 is a project-based design course in which both faculty and students work in teams. Each section is team-taught by an engineering professor, a graduate teaching assistant and an undergraduate senior peer. The students work in teams to complete a number of design research assignments and reverse engineering. This course satisfies a general education requirement for all students, and is taken by individuals with very diverse career aspirations and goals. The ECSEL team at the University of Washington has focused particular attention on the utility of ENGR 100 as an experience for pre-service teachers. Introduction to Engineering Design (ENGR 100) offers nonengineering majors interested in education the opportunity to participate as students in a hands-on, cooperative learning environment. Students interested in careers in education participate in a reflective seminar covering educational issues and their applicability to K-12 environments.
Acrylamide disrupts elemental composition and water content of rat tibial nerve. I. Myelinated axons.

The mechanism by which acrylamide (ACR) produces distal axonopathy in humans and laboratory animals is unknown. The possibility that this neuropatny involves deregulation of elements and water in rat peripheral nerve has been investigated. Electron probe X-ray microanalysis was used to measure percentages of water and concentrations (mmol element/kg dry or wet wt) of Na, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, and Mg in axoplasm and mitochondrial areas of tibial nerve axons. Results show that when rats were intoxicated with ACR by either the oral (2.8 mm in drinking water, up to 60 days) or the intraperitoneal (ip, 50 mg/kg/day × 5 or 10 days) route, a progressive loss of internodal axoplasmic K, Cl, and Na regulation was observed in subpopulations of myelinated fibers. Elemental deregulation was manifest as a shift in mean elemental content, widening of the corresponding concentration range, and a statistically significant increase in data variance. In internodal axonal regions, elemental composition of mitochondrial areas was not altered by ip ACR intoxication, whereas oral exposure was associated with delayed changes in Na, K, Cl, Ca, and Mg. In swollen axons, axoplasm and mitochondrial areas exhibited complete loss of element and water compartmentalization. This global decompartmentalization of swollen axons was quantitatively similar regardless of the route or length of ACR exposure. The results of this study suggest that a progressive loss of elemental regulation in axoplasm of myelinated tibial nerve fibers might be mechanistically related to ACR neurotoxicity.
Cox-2: Where Are We in 2003? - The Role of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Bone Repair

Prostaglandins are important mediators of bone repair, and cyclooxygenases are required for prostaglandin production. Data from animal studies suggest that both non-specific and specific inhibitors of cyclooxygenases impair fracture healing but that this is due to the inhibition of COX-2 and not COX-1. Although these data raise concerns about the use of COX-2-specific inhibitors as anti-inflammatory or anti-analgesic drugs in patients undergoing bone repair, clinical reports have been inconclusive. Because animal data suggest that the effects of COX-2 inhibitors are both dose-dependent and reversible, in the absence of scientifically sound clinical evidence it is suggested that physicians consider short-term administration or other drugs in the management of these patients.
RAT LIVER AND PLASMA LIPIDS AFTER CARBON TETRACHLORIDE ADMINISTRATION.

Oral administration of CCl4 to rats produced (a) decreased cholesterol, phospholipid, and triglyceride plasma concentrations and elevated triglyceride levels in liver, (6) several hours later, a growing increase in plasma FFA, and (c) still later, increased plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid concentrations and continually rising liver triglyceride. The accumulation of hepatic triglyceride induced by CCl4 was smaller after administration of sympathetic anti-release agents; larger after administering a ganglion-blocking agent; smaller after the animals had been cord-sectioned; reduced by adrenalectomy and (to a much lesser extent) by bilateral splanchnicectomy. Corticoid treatment partially restored the response to CCl4 in adrenalectomized animals. Cord section prevented the plasma FFA increase induced by CCl4, although it did not modify the decrease in plasma phospholipid; both adrenalectomy and hypophysectomy also prevented the CCl4-induced plasma FFA increase. The results are interpreted as indicating that both adrenal corticoids and an intact sympathetic nervous system are necessary for fatty liver induction by CCl4.
Isaacs syndrome: A review

Isaacs syndrome is a peripheral nerve hyperexcitability (PNH) syndrome that presents as continuous motor activity. Clinical findings include cramps, fasciculations, and myokymia. Electrodiagnosis plays a key role in diagnosis by demonstrating after-discharges on nerve conduction studies, and fasciculation potentials, myokymic discharges, neuromyotonic discharges, and other types of abnormal spontaneous activity on needle examination. Etiopathogenesis involves the interaction of genetic, autoimmune, and paraneoplastic factors, which requires a broad-ranging evaluation for underlying causes. Initial treatment is symptomatic, but immune therapy is often needed and can be effective. The purpose of this review is to describe the syndrome and its pathogenesis, assist the reader in evaluating patients with suspected Isaacs syndrome and distinguishing it from other disorders of PNH, and suggest an approach to management, including both symptomatic and immunomodulating therapy.
Complete heart block following replacement of the aortic valve.

The incidence of postoperative complete heart block in a series of 124 cases of replacement of the aortic valve by a ball valve prosthesis was 12.9% (16 of 124). In all but one case, complete heart block was treated by pacing the heart with an artificial pacemaker. The complete heart block was temporary in seven cases and persistent in nine. Six of the patients with acute persistent complete heart block died within ten days of operation, and one patient died on the forty-ninth postoperative day. Two patients are alive, both with implanted pacemakers. Five of the seven patients who resumed their preoperative rhythm survived. Among the 16 patients with some form of complete heart block postoperatively, nine died (56.2%). The basis for surgical induction of complete heart block when placing a ball valve prosthesis in the aortic orifice lies in the proximity of the bundle of His and its left branch to the aortic valve. In particular, the inferior aspect of the noncoronary cusp is closely related to major cond...
Reducing propagule supply and coastal invasions via ships: effects of emerging strategies

Ships' ballast water is a leading mechanism for the transport and introduction of nonindigenous species to ports worldwide. Two management strategies are being advanced to reduce propagule supply and invasions from overseas shipping. Ballast water exchange (BWE) is now required by several nations and is expected to be replaced by discharge standards (maximum organismal concentrations), negotiated as a treaty within the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Here, we provide the first forecast and comparison of changes to propagule supply at a national scale, resulting from these alternate management strategies. For unmanaged ballast water, sampled ships (n = 354) arriving to the US typically contained zooplankton concentrations 50 000 organisms m−3. Only 3.8% of these arrivals meet the IMO standards. BWE substantially reduces zooplankton concentrations, but we estimate that ≤ 17.2% of BWE ships will meet IMO standards. Although most overseas arrivals discharged < 1500 m3 of ballast water, discharges are reported as high as 103 000 m3, and total inocula ≥ 106 remain possible, even under the more stringent IMO strategy.
A parametric model for oriented, navigable surfaces in virtual environments

This paper introduces a parametric model of oriented, navigable surfaces in virtual environments. An oriented, navigable surface in 3D space is modeled as a ribbon which has a central axis and can be twisted around the central axis. The axis is represented with a cubic spline curve and is approximately arc-length parameterized. The profile of the ribbon along the axis is described by a slant function. With the representation of the ribbon axis and the ribbon profile, a point on the ribbon surface can be expressed as a function of two parameters: the arc length along the axis and the offset from the axis. The parametric model of a ribbon naturally forms a local ribbon coordinate system which provides a frame of reference for behavior code. In order to provide an uniform, continuous frame of reference for an agent to navigate through connected ribbons, we unite the ribbons to form a ribbon called a path.
A Preamplifer for an Electrocardiograph Monitoring System

An approach to a simple, dependable ECG preamplifier designed primarily for use in the operating room is presented. The 60-cps interference is analyzed and a method of reducing this intereference by utilizing the isolation offered by transformer coupling is described. A prototype unit is constructed and tested, and operational characteristics of this unit are presented.
Myeloid colony-stimulating factors as regulators of macrophage polarization.

The scope of functional heterogeneity in macrophages has been defined by two polarized end states known as M1 and M2, which exhibit the pro-inflammatory activities necessary for host defense and the tissue repair activities required for tissue repair respectively. Macrophage populations in different tissue locations exist in distinct phenotypic states across this M1/M2 spectrum and the development and abundance of individual subsets result from the local and systemic action of myeloid colony stimulating factors (CSFs) including M-CSF and GM-CSF. These factors have relatively non-overlapping roles in the differentiation and maintenance of specific macrophage subsets. Furthermore there is now evidence that CSFs may also regulate macrophage phenotype during challenge. Cell culture studies from multiple laboratories demonstrate that macrophages developed in the presence of GM-CSF exhibit amplified response to M1 polarizing stimuli while M-CSF potentiates responses to M2 stimuli. As a consequence these factors can be important determinants of the magnitude and duration of both acute and chronic inflammatory pathology and may, therefore, be potential targets for therapeutic manipulation in specific human disease settings.
Post-shock synchronized pacing in isolated rabbit left ventricle: evaluation of a novel defibrillation strategy.

Introduction: A failed near-threshold defibrillation shock is followed by an isoelectric window (IEW) and rapid repetitive responses that reinitiate ventricular fibrillation (VF). We hypothesized that properly timed (synchronized) postshock pacing stimuli (SyncP) may capture the recovered tissues during the repetitive responses and prevent postshock reinitiation of VF, resulting in improved defibrillation efficacy. Methods and Results: We explored the effect of postshock SyncP on defibrillation efficacy in isolated rabbit hearts (n = 12). Optical recording-guided real-time detection and electrical stimulation (5 mA) of recovered tissues in anterior/posterior left ventricle (LV) were performed following IEW. The IEW duration was found to be 69 ± 13 ms. With the same shock strength, successful and failed defibrillation episodes were associated with 50% and 15% of the myocardium, respectively, captured by the SyncP (P < 0.001). Electrical stimulation from the posterior LV resulted in 75% of episodes capturing myocardium, as compared with anterior LV stimulation (55%; P < 0.01) and higher successful defibrillation rate (14%, posterior vs. 3%, anterior LV). The overall success in terminating VF by postshock SyncP was approximately 10%. The causes for failed myocardium capture by postshock SyncP included lack of IEW after low-strength shock (42.9%), incorrect locations of reference site (25.7%) and pacing electrodes (17.9%), and others, such as wave breakthroughs (13.5%). Conclusion: Postshock SyncP was feasible and the larger the myocardium captured area, the more likely was the successful defibrillation. Postshock SyncP delivered to the posterior LV was more effective than anterior LV to terminate VF.
Volatile fluid overpressure in layered intrusions and the formation of potholes

Potholes that develop in layered intrusions show morphologic similarities with sedimentary features known as pockmarks. By analogy with pockmark formation theory, it is suggested that the cumulate section below the pothole region develops significant overpressures as solidifying intercumulus liquid separates a volatile‐rich fluid phase. A fluid overpressure develops as fluid separates from the intercumulus liquid faster than the fluid can escape from the crystal pile. The increase in pore pressure expresses itself as a dome‐shaped swelling on the chamber floor and in the uppermost part of the crystal pile, which eventually fractures and results in the violent escape of fluid. The combination of fluidization of the cumulates and incongruent melting, caused by the depression of liquidus temperature as a result of volatile elements added to less evolved liquid and crystal assemblages, leads to the formation of the pothole. Excess sulphide precipitation should accompany the fluid‐liquid mixing event as S‐bear...
Order Effects: A Study of the Possible Influence of Presentation Order on User Judgments of Document Relevance.

Studies concerned with the evaluation of information systems have typically relied on judgments of relevance as the fundamental measure in determining system performance. In most cases, subjects are asked to assign a relevance score using some category rating scale (1–4, 1–11, or simply relevant/non-relevant) to each document in a set retrieved in response to some information need or query. While the extensive studies of relevance conducted in the 1960s indicated that relevance judgments are influenced by a range of variables, little attention has been paid to the possible effects of the order in which the stimuli are presented to judges. This effect of “stimulus order” has been found to exist in measuring variables in other fields (Stevens 1975, Gescheider 1985). Questioning possible “presentable order effects” is particularly appropriate in that systems are being developed and evaluated in information science which present documents in some systematic way (e.g., with the documents considered by the system to be most relevant presented first). This article describes an effort to study whether the order of document presentation to judges influences the relevance scores assigned to those documents. A query and set of documents with relevance judgments were available from a previous study. Subjects were randomly assigned one of two orders (one ranked high to low, the other low to high) of fifteen document descriptions. They were then asked to assign a score to each document description to match their judgment of relevance in relation to the stated information query. Both a category rating (1–7) and open-ended, magnitude estimation scaling procedure were tested, and it was found that the judgments were influenced by the order of document presentation. © 1988 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Engineered Biosynthesis of Macrolide Derivatives Bearing the Non-Natural Deoxysugars 4-Epi-D-Mycaminose and 3-N-Monomethylamino-3-Deoxy-D-Fucose

Previous pathway engineering work demonstrated that the desosamine biosynthetic pathway in Streptomyces venezuelae could be converted to an efficient mycaminose biosynthesizing pathway by replacement of DesI with the hexose 3,4-ketoisomerase Tyl1a. In this work, FdtA, a ketoisomerase homologous to Tyl1a which catalyzes conversion of the Tyl1a substrate to the C-4 epimer of the Tyl1a product, was used to replace DesI. The ability of desosamine pathway enzymes DesV, DesVI, DesVII, and DesVIII to accept substrates with inverted C-4 stereochemistry in the mutant expressing FdtA resulted in formation of macrolide derivatives bearing 4-epi-d-mycaminose, a sugar heretofore unobserved in Nature. Interestingly, minor glycosylated macrolides bearing another non-natural sugar, 3-N-monomethylamino-3-deoxy-d-fucose, were also produced by this mutant. An explanation for the formation of these unexpected new compounds is presented, and the implications of this work for combinatorial biosynthesis of new antibiotics are d...
Abstract 1907: Mechanisms mediated by CXCL12 signaling through CXCR4 and CXCR7 in breast cancer

Interactions between chemokines and their receptors are involved in organ-specific homing and propagation of metastatic breast cancer (BrCa) cells. BrCa cells express higher levels of CXCR4 and CXCR7 mRNA and cell surface protein, than normal human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs). Recent studies show CXCR7 is highly expressed by activated endothelial cells (i.e., neovasculature), fetal liver cells, and many tumors, but not by non-transformed (or normal) human tissues. Unlike other chemokine receptors, activation of CXCR7 does not cause Ca2+ mobilization/flux or cell migration. However, CXCR7 activation by its ligands provides signals for growth, survival, and adhesion. CXCR4, CXCR7, and CXCL12 mRNAs and proteins are differentially expressed by BrCa cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and breast tumor, than compared to HMEC or benign mammary tissue, respectively. Using selective G protein inhibitors, CXCR4/CXCR7-specific siRNAs as well as Amnis ImageStream, real time PCR, and active matrix metalloproteinase assays, we tested the hypothesis that CXCR7 and its interactions with CXCR4 and CXCL12 promote BrCa cell collagenase expression, alter NF-κB and ERK1/2 localization to the nucleus, and correlates with cell cycle. CXCL12-induced CXCR4 mRNA upregulation required Gβγ protein and/or JAK/STAT signal transduction; CXCL12 expression was negatively regulated by the presence of CXCR4. CXCL12-mediated CXCR7 mRNA expression in a pertussis toxin-sensitive manner. Lastly, CXCL12-dependent MMP-1 and MMP-13 mRNA expression was Gα protein-, Gβ protein-, and Gγ protein-dependent presumably through CXCR4, while elevated expression of CXCR7 suppressed these effects. Together, this study suggests that differential and cell cycle-dependent CXCR7 and CXCR4 expression plays a critical role in enhancing BrCa cell invasion and survival cell signals, which were CXCL12-dependent, but often G protein-independent. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1907.
SMI2-MEDIATED SEQUENTIAL RADICAL CYCLIZATION/ANIONIC CAPTURE OF ARYL IODIDES ON SOLID SUPPORT

Abstract Aryl radicals were generated by SmI 2 on solid support, cyclized on to CC bond, and reduced to their organosamarium anionic species followed by electrophilic capture. However, the capture reaction was substrate-dependant in solution and on solid support. In some examples, results from solid phase reactions were equal or better to the corresponding solution reactions.
P450BM-3: absolute configuration of the primary metabolites of palmitic acid

P450BM-3, a catalytically self-sufficient, soluble bacterial P450, contains on the same polypeptide a heme domain and a reductase domain. P450BM-3 catalyzes the oxidation of short- and long-chain, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The three-dimensional structure of the heme domain both in the absence and in the presence of fatty acid substrates has been determined; however, the fatty acid in the substrate-bound form is not adequately close to the heme iron to permit a prediction regarding the stereoselectivity of oxidation. In the case of long-chain fatty acids, the products can also serve as substrate and be metabolized several times. In the current study, we have determined the absolute configuration of the three primary products of palmitic acid hydroxylation (15-, 14-, and 13-OH palmitic acid). While the 15- and 14-hydroxy compounds are produced in a highly stereoselective manner (98% R, 2% S), the 13-hydroxy is a mixture of 72% R and 28% S. We have also examined the binding of these three hydroxy acids to P450BM-3 and shown that only two of them (14-OH and 13-OH palmitic acid) can bind to and be further metabolized by P450BM-3. The results indicate that in contrast to the flexibility of palmitoleic acid bound to the oxidized enzyme, palmitic acid is rigidly bound in the active site during catalytic turnover.
Fusiform venous aneurysm of the neck in children: A report of four cases

Abstract Four children with fusiform venous aneurysms in the neck are described. Two had aneurysms of the internal jugular vein and two had aneurysms of the superficial communicating veins. The diagnosis can be suspected when a venous hum is heard over a neck mass that expands with the Valsalva maneuver. The preoperative diagnosis is confirmed by arteriography or venography. Three of the aneurysms were removed for cosmetic reasons and one is being followed.
Defective hepatic autophagy in obesity promotes ER stress and causes insulin resistance.

Summary Autophagy is a homeostatic process involved in the bulk degradation of cytoplasmic components, including damaged organelles and proteins. In both genetic and dietary models of obesity, we observed a severe downregulation of autophagy, particularly in Atg7 expression levels in liver. Suppression of Atg7 both in vitro and in vivo resulted in defective insulin signaling and elevated ER stress. In contrast, restoration of the Atg7 expression in liver resulted in dampened ER stress, enhanced hepatic insulin action, and systemic glucose tolerance in obese mice. The beneficial action of Atg7 restoration in obese mice could be completely prevented by blocking a downstream mediator, Atg5, supporting its dependence on autophagy in regulating insulin action. Our data demonstrate that autophagy is an important regulator of organelle function and insulin signaling and that loss of autophagy is a critical component of defective insulin action seen in obesity.
Electrochemical study of nickel-based alloys in high temperature water chemistry

Abstract The electrochemical behavior of nickel-based alloys was investigated using a potentiodynamic technique in sulfate and/or chloride environments at 316 °C. It is found that in the co-existence of 8000 ppm sulfate anions the pitting resistance of Alloy 690 to chloride attack at pH 4 was up to 8000 ppm. Whereas, a concentration of 4000 ppm chloride anions is enough to generate pit on 8% Cr alloy, which is designed to simulate the grain boundary composition in sensitized condition, and on Alloy 600. The polarization curves of nickel-based alloys in alkaline electrolytes (pH 25 = 14) were similar to those in neutral environments (pH 25 = 6.5). Nevertheless, the first passive current density at pH 14 was one order of magnitude higher than that in neutral solutions, suggesting the preferential dissolution of Cr, With knowing the heat capacity, the entropy, and the chemical potential of interest species, the redox equilibrium lines for Cr, Ni, and Fe were derived at 316 °C.
Correction of autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome by bone marrow transplantation

This report describes a child with a severe phenotype of autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) who developed progressive disease requiring stem cell transplantation. This severe form of ALPS was associated with a novel Fas gene splice site mutation that resulted in functional deletion of exons 8 and 9. While this child shared many clinical features with previously described ALPS cases, including massive lymphadenopathy and circulating alphabeta+ CD3+CD4-CD8-T cells, his disease progressed despite immunosuppressive therapy to a clinically aggressive oligoclonal lymphoproliferation which resembled a diffuse large cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. After partial remission was achieved with cytotoxic therapy the patient underwent BMT from an unrelated donor. This is the first reported case of ALPS in which BMT was successfully attempted for correction of a Fas deficiency.
Fractal Function Estimation via Wavelet Shrinkage

In scientific studies objects are often very rough. Mathematically these rough objects are modelled by fractal functions, and the fractal dimension is usually used to measure their roughness. This paper investigates fractal function estimation by wavelet shrinkage. It is shown that wavelet shrinkage can estimate fractal functions with their fractal dimensions virtually preserved.
Can the checklist for autism in toddlers differentiate young children with autism from those with developmental delays

ABSTRACT Objective The Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT) has been demonstrated to be sensitive to the presence of autism in otherwise normally developing 18-month-old children. However, its ability to differentiate autism from other significant developmental delays is unknown. This study examined this question. Method The CHAT was applied to a group of 44 children aged 2 and 3 years, rigorously diagnosed with autism or with other developmental problems. Results By the original CHAT authors’ criteria, the sensitivity and specificity of the CHAT were 65% and 100%, respectively. Slightly altering the criteria resulted in a sensitivity of 85% in the current group of children with developmental disabilities while maintaining specificity of 100%. Conclusions The current study is the first to demonstrate that the CHAT successfully discriminates 2-year-old children with autism from those with other developmental disorders. In addition, the increased sensitivity of the Denver Criteria in children with developmental disabilities may improve its usefulness as a screening tool for community-based early-diagnostic teams and general practitioners.
Paleoecology of secondary tierers from Western Pangean tropical marine environments during the aftermath of the end-Permian mass extinction

Abstract Skeletobionts that colonized organic hard parts during the early and late aftermath of the end-Permian mass extinction had been undescribed previously. Evaluation of more than 7400 skeletonized benthic invertebrates and taphonomic processes reveal a general pattern of increasing diversity and abundances of skeletozoans through the Early Triassic in tropical marine environments on the coast of western Pangea (present-day western U.S.A.). Griesbachian age skeletobiont assemblages are dominated by episkeletozoans, while Spathian ones are dominated by endoskeletozoans. Bivalves were the primary hard substrate for the skeletozoans in all examined strata, most likely because they were the most abundant skeletonized benthic invertebrate. Microconchids are hypothesized to have behaved opportunistically during the immediate aftermath of the end-Permian mass extinction, and they had a strongly preferred association with Claraia . This and future studies of Early Triassic skeletobionts will contribute to further understanding arguably one of the most evolutionary significant intervals in Earth's history.
Outcomes of reoperative aortic valve replacement after previous sternotomy

Objective Increasingly, patients with previous sternotomy require aortic valve replacement. We compared outcomes of reoperative aortic valve replacement after previous sternotomy and primary aortic valve replacement by surgical era. Effect of initial cardiac operation on reoperative aortic valve replacement was also investigated. Methods Between January 1996 and December 2007, a total of 1603 patients undergoing elective aortic valve replacement were entered prospectively into our clinical database. Patients were divided into eras A (1996–1999), B (2000–2003), and C (2004–2007). A total of 191 patients (12%) had previous sternotomy for coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 88), coronary artery bypass grafting with aortic valve replacement (n = 16), aortic valve replacement with or without other aortic procedure (n = 70), and other cardiac procedures (n = 17). Mean ages were 66.5 ± 13.1 years in reoperative group and 65.5 ± 14.9 years in primary group. Results Mortality in reoperative group decreased significantly with time (A 15.4% vs B 15.1% vs C 2.0%, P = .004) and was equivalent to primary group in era C (3.5% vs 2.0%, P = .65). Major complications also significantly decreased with time in reoperative group (A 25.6% vs B 17.0% vs C 6.1%, P = .006). Importantly, patients had more comorbidities with time and increased preoperative risk in era C. There were no differences in outcome by initial cardiac operation in reoperative group. Conclusions Reoperative aortic valve replacement now carries similar morbidity and mortality to primary replacement. Risk of reoperation is not affected by primary operation.