cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The process of care model for evaluation and treatment of erectile dysfunction

This paper addresses pertinent issues concerning the role of physicians in the assessment and treatment of men with complaints of erectile dysfunction. With the availability of safe and effective oral drug therapy, the field of erectile dysfunction has expanded rapidly to encompass multiple disciplines and specialties. Recognizing the need for evidence-based standards and guidelines in the management of this common disorder, a multidisciplinary panel of experts was convened to examine existing literature and practice standards. This panel employed a modified Delphi methodology to develop consensus on definition and classification, rational utilization of diagnostic and therapeutic options, and clinical guidelines for the management of erectile dysfunction in a primary care setting. A ‘Process of Care Model for Erectile Dysfunction’ was thus developed, incorporating a step-wise decision making approach, defined in terms of relevant processes, actions and outcomes. According to this method, initial assessment should include a careful clinical history, focused physical examination and selected laboratory tests. Subsequent management should be goal-oriented, taking into account patient and partner needs and preferences. The step-wise treatment algorithm is based on the selection criteria of ease of administration, reversibility, relative invasiveness and cost. In addition, common referral indications for specialized diagnostic testing and treatment are provided. By assisting the primary physician in selecting appropriate assessment tools and treatment interventions, the proposed guidelines are intended to optimize care of the patient with erectile dysfunction. The panel strongly recommends further research into the causes and associated risk factors for erectile dysfunction, prevention and the role of lifestyle modification, and the critical issue of partner-related sexual dysfunction. Considering the strong relationship between sexual dysfunction and overall quality of life, it is incumbent upon physicians to address the sexual needs of their patients in a sensitive and informed manner.
Diseases of Free-Ranging Snow Leopards and Primary Prey Species

Although a wide range of diseases have been reported in captive snow leopards, little is known about those affecting the species in the wild. However, the potential threat from diseases to wild snow leopards must not be underestimated as a consequence of lack of health surveillance throughout the inaccessible terrains they occupy. As a felid, the snow leopard is likely to be susceptible to most infectious agents affecting the domestic cat, and here we provide an overview of those with a risk of lethality for free-ranging snow leopards. In contrast to the health of snow leopards themselves, a great deal is known about the diseases affecting their primary prey species. We present these cases and highlight the importance of livestock as the main source of disease spillover to natural prey species. Further studies are required to understand the impact of infectious agents on intra- and interspecific population dynamics of snow leopards and associated prey.
Tracheostomy in the Morbidly Obese: Difficulties and Challenges.

Purpose This study evaluated the difficulties and challenges associated with open tracheostomy in the morbidly obese patient (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2). Patients and Methods Forty patients met all the inclusion criteria. A retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate indications for tracheostomy, duration of intubation before tracheostomy, history of tracheostomy, duration of operative procedure, duration in the operating room, and all perioperative complications. Results Complications were classified as intraoperative (5%) and postoperative (17.5%). The average BMI was 46 kg/m2 (range, 31.1 to 75.3 kg/m2). The average duration of intubation before tracheostomy was 11 days. Ten patients (25%) previously underwent tracheostomy. The average operating time was 60 minutes (range, 20 to 95 minutes). The average total time in the operating room was 100 minutes (range, 45 to 146 minutes). Conclusion This study shows that although open tracheostomy in the morbidly obese patient is increasing in demand, the procedure can be predictably performed albeit at a much longer duration and a higher perioperative complication rate compared with the traditional tracheostomy.
Robot Creation from Functional Specifications

The design of new robots is often a time-intensive task requiring multi-disciplinary expertise, making it difficult to create custom robots on demand. To help address these issues, this work presents an integrated end-to-end system for rapidly creating printable robots from a Structured English description of desired behavior. Linear temporal logic (LTL) is used to formally represent the functional requirements from a structured task specification, and a modular component library is used to ground the propositions and generate structural specifications; complete mechanical, electrical, and software designs are then automatically synthesized. The ability and versatility of this system are demonstrated by sample robots designed in this manner.
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in a patient with situs inversus totalis: Case report, technical tips and review of the literature.

Abstract Introduction Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) has proven over the years to be one of the most effective bariatric procedures. It is highly technical, and therefore is mostly performed by bariatric and metabolic surgeons. Although Situs Inversus Totalis (SIT) is a very rare congenital condition, surgeons do occasionally have to operate intra-abdominally on those patients, consequently facing some challenges related to the unusual anatomy. Case presentation We describe a rare case of LRYGB for chronic morbid obesity on a 43 year old patient with pre-operative diagnosis of situs inversus totalis without Kartagener’s syndrome, using slight modification from the usual technique based on anatomical correlation without the need to change the surgeon’s position or switching trocar placements as described in previous papers. This could help surgeons in general reduce the potential challenges faced when performing such procedure. Conclusion Situs Inversus Totalis is a rare congenital condition, but surgeons in general do encounter those patients throughout their career. This rare condition should not solely be an indication for an open approach as minimally invasive surgery, whether laparoscopic or robotic, is safe and should still be considered the standard of care approach. Bariatric surgery is one of the most technical intra-abdominal procedures mainly due to the patients’ body habitus, different instrumentations used, and the different anastomoses created. Gastric bypass and bariatric surgery in general can be safely performed on patients with SIT without the need for major adjustment to the surgeon’s position, trocar placement or instruments used.
Structural survey of HIV-1-neutralizing antibodies targeting Env trimer delineates epitope categories and suggests vaccine templates

HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies are desired for their therapeutic potential and as templates for vaccine design. Such antibodies target the HIV-1-envelope (Env) trimer, which is shielded from immune recognition by extraordinary glycosylation and sequence variability. Recognition by broadly neutralizing antibodies thus provides insight into how antibody can bypass these immune-evasion mechanisms. Remarkably, antibodies neutralizing >25% of HIV-1 strains have now been identified that recognize all major exposed surfaces of the prefusion-closed Env trimer. Here we analyzed all 206 broadly neutralizing antibody-HIV-1 Env complexes in the PDB with resolution suitable to define their interaction chemistries. These segregated into 20 antibody classes based on ontogeny and recognition, and into 6 epitope categories (V1V2, glycan-V3, CD4-binding site, silent face center, fusion peptide, and subunit interface) based on recognized Env residues. We measured antibody neutralization on a 208-isolate panel and analyzed features of paratope and B cell ontogeny. The number of protruding loops, CDR H3 length, and level of somatic hypermutation for broadly HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies were significantly higher than for a comparison set of non-HIV-1 antibodies. For epitope, the number of independent sequence segments was higher (P
Fertilizer Effects on Nutrient Elements, TotalPolyphenols and Anti-oxidant Contents of Roselle(Hibiscus sabdariffa) Leaves

More than 300 species of Hibiscus species (Malvacea family) can be found growing in both tropical and subtropical regions of the world [1]. Roselle, Hibiscus sabdariffa L
Chapter 22 Soft computing: Tools for intelligent reservoir characterization and optimum well placement

Abstract An integrated methodology has been developed to identify nonlinear relationships and mapping between 3D seismic data and production log data. This methodology has been applied to a producing field. The method uses conventional techniques such as geostatistical and classical pattern recognition in conjunction with modern techniques such as soft computing (neuro computing, fuzzy logic, genetic computing, and probabilistic reasoning). An important goal of our research is to use clustering techniques to recognize the optimal location of a new well based on 3D seismic data and available production-log data. The classification task was accomplished in three ways; (1) k-mean clustering, (2) fuzzy c-means clustering, and (3) neural network clustering to recognize similarity cubes. Relationships between each cluster and production-log data can be recognized around the well bore and the results used to reconstruct and extrapolate production-log data away from the well bore. This advanced technique for analysis and interpretation of 3D seismic and log data can be used to predict: (1) mapping between production data and seismic data, (2) reservoir connectivity based on multi-attribute analysis, (3) pay zone estimation, and (4) optimum well placement.
Neurobiology of the gorgonian coelenterates, Muricea californica and Lophogorgia chilensis.

Diffuse and synaptic nerve nets are present in the coenenchymal mesoglea and ectoderm of Muricea and Lophogorgia colonies. The nerve nets extend into the polyp column and tentacles maintaining a subectodermalmesogleal position. The density of nerve elements is low in comparison with similar nerve nets found in pennatulids. In the column of the polyp anthocodium, and throughout the oral disk region, neurons cross the mesoglea and enter the polyp endoderm. These neurons presumably connect with the endodermal nerve net which innervates the septal musculature. The trans-mesogleal neurons probably represent the connection between colonial and polyp nervous systems. In the tentacles, longitudinal ectodermal musculature is present with an overlying nerve plexus. These muscles and nerves, as well as tentacular sensory cells, are well represented in the oral side of the tentacles only. Presumed sensory cells form ciliary cone complexes in which one cell possesses an apical cilium. The other cells as well as the centrally located nematocyte contribute microvilli to the cone. The basal portion of the sensory cells is drawn into one or more neurite-like processes which enter the ectodermal nerve plexus. Similar processes form synapses with longitudinal muscle cells and nematocytes. The sensory cells of the ciliary cones presumably include chemoreceptors which can activate or modify nematocyst discharge, local muscle twitches, and tentacle bending.
The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS): current methods and evaluation of 2001 response rates.

Objectives.Our objectives were to describe the methodology of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), examine recent response rates, determine characteristics associated with respo...
Abstract 5361: Spatial genome organization as a framework for somatic alterations in human cancer

Genomic material within the nucleus is folded into successive layers in order to package and organize the long string of linear DNA. This hierarchical level of folding is closely associated with transcriptional regulation and DNA replication. Recent chromosome conformation studies have revealed that mammalian chromosomes are structured into tissue-invariant topologically associating domains (TADs) where the DNA within a given domain interacts more frequently together than with regions in other domains. Genes within the same TADs represent similar expression and histone-modification profiles. Therefore, regions separating different TADs (boundaries) have important roles in reinforcing the stability of these domain-wide features. Indeed, TAD boundary disruptions in human genetic disorders or human cancers lead to misregulation of certain genes, due to de novo enhancer exposure to promoters. Here, to understand effects and distributions of somatic structural variations across TADs, we utilized single nucleotide variations and genomic rearrangements from 2658 high-coverage whole genome sequencing data across various cancer types with paired normal samples. Our analysis revealed that deletions between repressed and active TADs result in up-regulation of genes on the repressed end of the deletions, whereas active domain genes remain unaffected. Interestingly, we further identified a strong correlation between the mutational distributions in human cancers and the spatial organization of the genome. Transcriptionally active TADs contain less mutation burden compared to inactive TADs, as a result regional mutation rates are drastically different around the boundaries delineating epigenetically distinct domains. However, mutation rates remain similar around the boundaries for samples with the DNA mismatch repair deficiency. Taken together, our analyses reveal new insights about genome architecture, aberrant gene expression and mutational distributions in human cancers. Citation Format: Kadir C. Akdemir, Andrew Futreal. Spatial genome organization as a framework for somatic alterations in human cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5361.
Toward 7T breast MRI clinical study: safety assessment using simulation of heterogeneous breast models in RF exposure

Purpose To facilitate assessment of RF power deposition and temperature rise within the breast, we present a method to seamlessly join heterogeneous breast models with standard whole-body models and demonstrate simulations at 7 T. Methods Finite-difference time-domain electromagnetic and bioheat simulations are performed to analyze the specific absorption rate (SAR) and temperature rise distributions in 36 Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) categorized breast models fused to 2 female whole-body models while transmitting from a 7T breast volume coil. The breast models are uncompressed in the prone position and feature heterogeneous tissue contents; fusion with human models uses affine transformation and the level-set method. Results The fusion method produces a continuous transient from the chest region to the posterior portion of breast models while preserving the original volume and shape of breast models. Simulation results of both Ella and Hanako models indicate that the maximum local SAR, partial body SAR, and local tissue temperature rise are positively correlated with both breast density and the highest BI-RADS density classification. Additionally, maximum local tissue temperature rise is positively correlated with maximum 10-g SAR values. Conclusion Fibroglandular tissue content plays an important role in the distribution of SAR and temperature rise within breast tissue. The combined body-breast models preserve the integrity of breast models while concurrently exhibiting the loading of whole-body human models. The procedures presented in this simulation study facilitate safety assessments for breast MRI across the population at both clinical and ultrahigh field strengths.
Evaluating evaluation: Interactional positioning and embodied narration in police interviews

Abstract This study examines a participant’s narrative in a focus group interview dealing with the evaluation of criminal justice policy – the impact of community policing training. However, rather than look at the narrative solely in the speech of the interviewee, I analyze the integration of speech and embodied conduct like gesture, gaze, and posture in the production and negotiation of professional identities. I demonstrate the applied merits of a multimodal approach to criminal justice evaluation in the mapping between denotational text and interactional positioning, a mapping that inheres in embodied stance and broader sociocultural context.
Construction of a high-density linkage map and QTL detection of downy mildew resistance in Vitis aestivalis-derived ‘Norton’

A major QTL for downy mildew resistance was detected on chromosome 18 (Rpv27) in Vitis aestivalis-derived ‘Norton’ based on a high-resolution linkage map with SNP and SSR markers as well as 2 years of field and laboratory phenotyping data. Grapevine downy mildew caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola is one of the most widespread and destructive diseases, particularly in humid viticultural areas where it damages green tissues and defoliates vines. Traditional Vitis vinifera wine grape cultivars are susceptible to downy mildew whereas several North American and a few Asian cultivars possess various levels of resistance to this disease. To identify genetic determinants of downy mildew resistance in V. aestivalis-derived ‘Norton,’ a mapping population with 182 genotypes was developed from a cross between ‘Norton’ and V. vinifera ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ from which a consensus map was constructed via 411 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Using genotyping-by-sequencing, 3825 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were also generated. Of these, 1665 SNP and 407 SSR markers were clustered into 19 linkage groups in 159 genotypes, spanning a genetic distance of 2203.5 cM. Disease progression in response to P. viticola was studied in this population for 2 years under both laboratory and field conditions, and strong correlations were observed among data sets (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.57–0.79). A quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis indicated a resistance locus on chromosome 18, here named Rpv27, explaining 33.8% of the total phenotypic variation. Flanking markers closely linked with the trait can be further used for marker-assisted selection in the development of new cultivars with resistance to downy mildew.
Reclaiming post-disaster narratives of loss in Indonesia

In this paper I examine discursive and practical approaches to heritage preservation that follow the destruction of cultural heritage as a result of a natural disaster. Referring to post-tsunami re...
Herbal Weight Loss Supplements: From Dubious Efficacy to Direct Toxicity

Abstract The United States and Mexico are currently among the most obese nations in the world, and weight loss supplements containing herbs are a popular commercial item on both sides of the international border. However, for certain products, there is a dearth of information regarding their efficacy and safety. Of the plethora of supposed “natural” products for weight loss aggressively advertised on the Internet and other media, this chapter focuses on three popular products available on the US–Mexico border that are touted as being effective and safe for weight loss: yellow oleander seed (“Codo de Fraile”), candlenut tree seeds (“Nuez de la India”), and Mexican hawthorn root (“Raiz de tejocote”). The seeds of yellow oleander and candlenut tree are potentially dangerous, causing serious health problems and death (predominantly in women), in various countries around the world. Mexican hawthorn root is supposed to help reduce weight, as well as treat a wide array of other ailments, but the various claims mentioned on the Internet are not backed by any known scientific evidence for efficacy or safety. Certain ads for this product misleadingly advertise the root is used, but then only show the dried fruit as the main ingredient. This only leads to confusion for the unwary consumer. For the abovementioned reasons, the public should be aware not to self-medicate with certain herbal supplements that are purported to be safe and effective for weight loss.
School and preparedness officials' perspectives on social distancing practices to reduce influenza transmission during a pandemic: Considerations to guide future work.

Abstract The objective of this qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of school and preparedness officials on the feasibility of implementing a range of social distancing practices to reduce influenza transmission during a pandemic. In the summer of 2017, we conducted 36 focus groups by teleconference and webinar lasting 90 min with school and preparedness stakeholders from across the United States. We identified and characterized 11 themes arising from the focus group protocol's domains as well as unanticipated emergent themes. These themes were: the need for effective stakeholder communication, the importance of partnering for buy-in, the role of social distancing in heightening anxiety, ensuring student safety, how practices work in combination, challenges with enforcement, lack of funding for school nurses, differing views about schools' role in protecting public health, the need for education and community engagement to ensure consistent implementation, the need for collaborative decision-making, and tension between standardizing public health guidance and adapting to local contexts. Addressing several crosscutting considerations can increase the likelihood that social distancing practices will be feasible and acceptable to school stakeholders.
Accounting for Noncompliance in Survey Experiments

Political scientists commonly use survey experiments–often conducted online–to study the attitudes of the mass public. In these experiments, compensation is usually small and researcher control is limited, which introduces the potential for low respondent effort and attention. This lack of engagement may result in noncompliance with experimental protocols, threatening causal inferences. However, in reviewing the literature, we find that despite the discipline’s general familiarity with experimental noncompliance, researchers rarely consider it when analyzing survey experiments. This oversight is important because it may unknowingly prevent researchers from estimating their causal quantities of greatest substantive interest. We urge scholars to address this particular manifestation of an otherwise familiar problem and suggest two strategies for formally measuring noncompliance in survey experiments: recording vignette screen time latency and repurposing manipulation checks. We demonstrate and discuss the substantive consequences of these recommendations by revisiting several published survey experiments.
Efficient Inference and Filtering for Multivariate Jump-Diffusions

This paper develops estimators of the transition density, filters, and parameters of multivariate jump-diffusions with latent components. The drift, volatility, jump intensity, and jump magnitude are allowed to be general functions of the state. Our density and filter estimators converge at the canonical square-root rate, implying computational efficiency. Our parameter estimators have the same asymptotic properties as true maximum likelihood estimators, implying statistical efficiency. Numerical experiments highlight the superior performance of our estimators.
Prevention of Fungal Disease

Invasive fungal infections are an important problem in the management of both solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. This chapter summarizes the evidence and recommendations for preventing invasive fungal infections in transplant recipients. A summary of recommendations are presented in Table 64.1.
Computational insight into hydrogen persulfide and a new additive model for chemical and biological simulations

S-Sulfhydration of cysteine to the Cys-SSH persulfide is an oxidative post-translational modification that plays an important regulatory role in many physiological systems. Though hydrogen persulfide (H2S2) has recently been established as a signaling and cellular sulfhydration reagent, the chemistry and chemical biology of persulfides remain poorly explored. We first report an extensive high-level ab initio quantum chemical investigation of (H2S2)n, (H2S2)m·H2O, and (H2O)m·H2S2 clusters (n = 1-3 and m = 1, 2) and of H2S2 complexes with 19 compounds that model the side chains of naturally-occurring amino acids. The high polarizability of S necessitates the use of large, very diffuse, basis sets for proper description of H2S2 and its complexes. H2S2 possesses a skewed equilibrium geometry, with nonpolar trans and more polar cis conformers 6 and 8 kcal mol-1 higher in energy, respectively; the skewed conformation is preserved in all neutral and cationic complexes while a cis geometry prevails in some anionic complexes. H2S2 is found to be a better H-bond donor and a poorer acceptor than H2S, and that in complexes with H2O, alcohols and amines, H2S2 is a better H-bond donor. Radical delocalization on both S atoms stabilizes the perthiyl (HSS˙) over the thiyl (HS˙) radical and results in a ∼20 kcal mol-1 lower S-H homolytic bond dissociation in H2S2, making it a potential antioxidant. A simple additive model is optimized for H2S2 and used together with the TIP3P model and the CHARMM36 all-atom force field (FF) to investigate the structure and thermodynamic properties of liquid H2S2 and the solubility of H2S2 in water, and to model H2S2-protein interactions (for which new FF parameters are further developed). Very weak H-bonding characterizes liquid H2S2 and it is found immiscible in liquid water with a trend in H-bonding strengths between H2S2 and H2O in the order O-HO ≫ S-HO > O-HS. This work does not only provide a thorough description of the structure and energetics of H2S2 and its various complexes, but also yields a reliable FF for investigating H2S2 in chemistry and biology.
A Novel Reversible Four Bit One’s Complement Quantum Gate (OCQG-4B)

The emerging field of Quantum Computing is still in its infancy stage. Much research has been done to develop application specific quantum gates for combinational and arithmetic logic. Still, there are shortcomings in this inventory of designs. In this paper, a Toffoli representation is provided for quantum implementation in both simulation as well as execution on an IBM quantum computer. Quantum metrics are provided for analysis of the proposed quantum gate design. The work presented here is an attempt to fill a single deficiency in this repertoire with the proposal of a Four Bit, One’s Complement, Quantum Gate (OCQG-4B). This quantum gate design is both novel and reversible.
Characteristics and expectations

Abstract Winkler used a sports analogy to emphasize the importance of persistence as a characteristic needed for engineering PhD holders to be successful. This chapter reports responses of engineering PhD holders to two interview questions: (1) Within your work environment, what is expected of you as an engineering PhD, and (2) What are the most important knowledge, skills, norms, attributes, ideas, questions, or perspectives that an engineering PhD should possess? After completing and analyzing all interviews, the research team compiled 88 characteristics (Appendix 2) and 92 expectations (Appendix 3) that respondents identified regarding ideal attributes of engineering PhD holders. The concept of persistence came up as both a characteristic and expectation. The first question focused primarily on expectations, which highlighted academia or industry’s expectations of respondents’ personal roles and responsibilities as engineering PhD holders during a typical work day (e.g., interactions or work hours). The second question aligned with characteristics, which referred more broadly to the knowledge, skills, and professional or personal attributes of any engineering PhD holder. Although expectations and characteristics are closely related, expectations were performed in a specific context while characteristics transcended a specific work environment and were more general.
Outcomes of voice therapy in children with benign vocal fold lesions.

Abstract Objective This study aims to examine the effect of voice therapy on dysphonia on children with benign vocal fold lesions, as measured by perceptual evaluation using the Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) and acoustic and aerodynamic measures (jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio, phonation threshold pressure, mean airflow during voicing, subglottic pressure during comfortable phonation). Study design Prospective disease-specific outcomes database. Methods Subjects identified in the database consisted of 28 children (14 male, 14 female) between the ages of three and eighteen. Pre- and post-therapy perceptual, acoustic and aerodynamic measures were compared using two-sided paired t-test. Results There was a statistically significant difference in perceptual ratings of voice quality (p Conclusions Children with dysphonia secondary to benign vocal fold lesions showed positive change in perceptual ratings of voice quality and in phonation threshold pressure after voice therapy.
PERK/eIF2a/CHOP signal pathway involved in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis in neonatal rats

Objective By establishing multivariate necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) model in newborn rats to study the expression of the related molecules protein kinase R-like ER kinase(PERK), pho-protein kinase R-like ER kinase(p-PERK), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha(eIF2a), pho-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha (p-eIF2a), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein(CHOP) in the PERK/eIF2a/CHOP signaling pathway to explore the pathogenesis of NEC, and in order to provide a theoretical basis for clinical prevention and treatment of NEC. Methods One hundred and fifty neonatal Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into 3 groups according to random number table.NEC group: fed with formula, experienced hypoxia and cold stress, and lipopolysaccharide(LPS) fed via orogastric gavage to induce NEC model.Salubrinal(SAL) group: establishing NEC model and intraperitoneal injection of SAL (1 mg/kg). Control group: the same amount of 9 g/L saline was injected intraperitoneally.Ten rats selected from each group randomly were decapitated at 0, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively, and intestinal tissues were obtained, intestinal general situation and made pathology scores observed.Expressions of PERK, p-PERK, eIF2a, p-eIF2a, CHOP proteins were detected by Western blot technique and the expression levels of CHOP mRNA gene were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results The control group had no NEC.The incidence of NEC in NEC group was 90%(9/10 cases). The incidence of NEC in SAL group was 40%(4/10 cases). The p-PERK and p-eIF2a protein expressions in NEC and SAL groups were increased with the modeling time.The p-PERK and p-eIF2a protein expressions of NEC and SAL groups were up-regulated compared with the control group(p-PERK: 1.528±0.264, 1.402±0.233 vs.0.303±0.036; p-eIF2a: 0.969±0.076, 1.173±0.066 vs.0.209±0.045; P<0.05). The p-eIF2a protein expressions of SAL group were higher than those of the NEC group (P<0.05). The CHOP protein and CHOP mRNA expressions in the NEC and the SAL groups were increased with the modeling time.The CHOP protein and CHOP mRNA expressions of NEC and SAL groups were up-regulated than those of the control group (CHOP protein: 1.456±0.223, 0.929±0.064 vs.0.165±0.026; CHOP mRNA: 0.343±0.035, 0.198±0.044 vs.0.017±0.010; P<0.05). The CHOP protein and CHOP mRNA expressions of SAL group were lower than that in the NEC group (P<0.05). Conclusions The PERK/eIF2a/CHOP signal pathway may participate in NEC, and salubrinal probably by inhibiting p-eIF2a dephosphorylation, and inhibiting CHOP gene and protein expression to work. Key words: Necrotizing enterocolitis; Endoplasmic reticulum stress; PERK/eIF2a signaling pathway; CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein
A Structural Competency Curriculum for Primary Care Providers to Address the Opioid Use Disorder, HIV, and Hepatitis C Syndemic.

The interrelated epidemics of opioid use disorder (OUD) and HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have been identified as one of the most pressing syndemics facing the United States today. Research studies and interventions have begun to address the structural factors that promote the inter-relations between these conditions and a number of training programs to improve structural awareness have targeted physician trainees (e.g., residents and medical students). However, a significant limitation in these programs is the failure to include practicing primary care providers (PCPs). Over the past five years, there have been increasing calls for PCPs to develop structural competency as a way to provide a more integrated and patient-centered approach to prevention and care in the syndemic. This paper applies Metzel and Hansen’s (2014) framework for improved structural competency to describe an educational curriculum that can be delivered to practicing PCPs. Skill 1 involves reviewing the historical precedents (particularly stigma) that created the siloed systems of care for OUD, HIV, and HCV and examines how recent biomedical advances allow for greater care integration. To help clinicians develop a more multidisciplinary understanding of structure (Skill 2), trainees will discuss ways to assess structural vulnerability. Next, providers will review case studies to better understand how structural foundations are usually seen as cultural representations (Skill 3). Developing structural interventions (Skill 4) involves identifying ways to create a more integrated system of care that can overcome clinical inertia. Finally, the training will emphasize cultural humility (Skill 5) through empathetic and non-judgmental patient interactions. Demonstrating understanding of the structural barriers that patients face is expected to enhance patient trust and increase retention in care. The immediate objective is to pilot test the feasibility of the curriculum in a small sample of primary care sites and develop metrics for future evaluation. While the short-term goal is to test the model among practicing PCPs, the long-term goal is to implement the training practice-wide to ensure structural competence throughout the clinical setting.
Ion Solvation Engineering: How to Manipulate the Multiplicity of the Coordination Environment of Multivalent Ions

Free energy analysis of solvation structures of free divalent cations, their ion pairs, and neutral aggregates in low dielectric solvents reveals the multiplicity of thermodynamically stable cation solvation configurations and identifies the micro- and macroscopic factors responsible for this phenomenon. Specifically, we show the role of ion-solvent interactions and solvent mixtures in determining the cation solvation free energy landscapes. We show that it is the entropic contribution of solvent degrees of freedom that is responsible for the solvation multiplicity, and the mutual balance between enthalpic and entropic forces or their concerted contributions is what ultimately defines the most stable ion solvation configuration and creates new ones. We show general consequences of ion solvation multiplicity on thermodynamics of complex electrolytes, specifically in the context of homogeneous or interfacial charge transfer. Identified factors and their interplay provide a pathway to formulation of solvation design rules that can be used to control bulk solvation, interfacial chemistry, and charge transfer. Our findings also suggest experimentally testable predictions.
Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement Through a Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Circuit.

Abstract We present a novel technique for performing endovascular procedures by obtaining vascular access directly through a venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) circuit. This technique is demonstrated in a lung transplant recipient, supported on VV ECMO, whose course was complicated by an extensive right femoral vein and inferior vena cava (IVC) deep vein thrombosis. The patient was successfully managed by the placement of an IVC filter using the VV ECMO circuit as a point of access to the circulatory system prior to cessation of VV ECMO support and decannulation.
Kinetics of γH2AX and phospho-histone H3 following pulse treatment of TK6 cells provides insights into clastogenic activity.

The desire for in vitro genotoxicity assays to provide higher information content, especially regarding chemicals' predominant genotoxic mode of action, has led to the development of a novel multiplexed assay available under the tradename MultiFlow ®. We report here on an experimental design variation that provides further insight into clastogens' genotoxic activity. First, the standard MultiFlow DNA Damage Assay - p53, γH2AX, Phospho-histone H3 was used with human TK6 lymphoblastoid cells that were exposed for 24 continuous hr to each of 50 reference clastogens. This initial analysis correctly identified 48/50 compounds as clastogenic. These 48 compounds were then evaluated using a short-term, "pulse" treatment protocol whereby cells were exposed to test chemical for 4 hr, a centrifugation/washout step was performed, and cells were allowed to recover for 20 hr. MultiFlow analyses were accomplished at 4 and 24 hr. The γH2AX and phospho-histone H3 biomarkers were found to exhibit distinct differences in terms of their persistence across chemical classes. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis identified three groups. Examination of the compounds within these groups showed one cluster primarily consisting of alkylators that directly target DNA. The other two groups were dominated by non-DNA alkylators, and included anti-metabolites, oxidative stress inducers, and chemicals that inhibit DNA processing enzymes. These results are encouraging, as they suggest that a simple follow-up test for in vitro clastogens provides mechanistic insights into their genotoxic activity. This type of information will contribute to improved decision-making and help guide further testing.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Infants Diagnosed with Congenital Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations: 18-year Statewide Experience

Purpose: Congenital cerebral arteriovenous malformations (CAVMs) such as vein of Galen malformations are a rare cause of high output cardiac failure in infants. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the baseline characteristics and outcomes of CAVMs in infant hospitalizations using a large statewide population-based inpatient database. Methods: Authors conducted a retrospective analysis of the Texas Public Use Inpatient Data File from 1/1999-12/2016. All discharges less than one year of age with the diagnosis of CAVM were identified by ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. Primary admission data were included, …
Byr2: Byr2 protein kinase (S. pombe)

Byr2 is a member of the growing family of MAP kinase kinase kinases, proteins that phosphorylate and activate MAP kinase kinases. Byr2 is required for sexual differentiation in Schizosaccharomyce pombe(S. pombe). Genetic and molecular studies have demonstrated that the kinase functions downstream of both Ras1 (a Ras oncoprotein homologue) and Gpa1 which is a homologue of mammalian heterotrimeric G protein α subunits, and upstream of Byr1, which is an S. pombe MAP kinase kinase Mek homologue. Ras1 and Byr2 interact physically, suggesting that Byr2 is an effector of Ras1 signaling in S. pombe. With regard to the domain structure, the N-terminal region is believed to constitute a regulatory domain, because expression of a truncated mutant (lacking 389–606) inhibits the sexual response in S. pombe. Deletion of 1–320 results in a hyperactive mutant. The sequence QRPPSE (207–212) is conserved in the N-terminal region of S. cerevisiae Ste11, which is structurally and functionally related to Byr2. Substitution of P209 (and its equivalent in Ste11) results in hyperactivation. Byr2 is most closely related both structurally and functionally to Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) Ste11. It is also related to S. cerevisiae Bck1, Mek kinase from mouse, and NPK1 from tobacco.
Henry Kissinger and the Limits of Realpolitik

(2011). Henry Kissinger and the Limits of Realpolitik. Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 111-113.
Using metrics to drive quality improvements and value - company wide

Only a biography of the author was made available for publication as part of the conference proceedings.
Supply-Modulated Radar Transmitters With Amplitude-Modulated Pulses

This paper introduces an efficient radar transmitter with improved spectral confinement, enabled by a pulse waveform that contains both amplitude and frequency modulation. The theoretical behavior of the Class-B power amplifier (PA) under a Gaussian envelope is compared to that of a Class-A PA. Experimental validation is performed on a 4-W 10-GHz GaN monolithic microwave integrated circuit PA, biased in Class B with a power-added efficiency (PAE) of 50%. When driven with a Gaussian-like pulse envelope with a 5-MHz linear frequency modulation (LFM), the PA demonstrates a 31% average efficiency over the pulse duration. To improve the efficiency, a simple resonant supply modulator with a peak efficiency of 92% is used for the pulse Gaussian amplitude modulation, supplemented by pre-distortion on the PA input, while the LFM is provided through the PA input. This case results in a five-point improvement in system efficiency with an average ${\rm PAE}=40\hbox{\%}$ over the pulse duration for the PA alone, and with simultaneous 40-dB reduction in spectral emissions relative to a rectangular pulse with the same energy.
Chapter 10 Motivational and attentional components of personality

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the motivational and attentional components of personality. It discusses some potential links between biological and cognitive approaches. Cognitive science models specify the information-processing functions of separable systems related to attention, perception, and memory. The models and methods developed within cognitive science prove particularly helpful in facilitating such integration. The chapter provides an overview of biological approaches to personality. It examines the construct of attention within cognitive science and reviews various studies relating motivational and attentional processes to the dimension of trait anxiety. It also explores various ways in which such motivated-attentional processes may contribute to more complex personality processes involving appraisals, attributions, and representational development. The value of a componential approach to approach to human personality is discussed in the chapter. This approach views personality in terms of distinct motivational processes, component attentional operations, and different types of cognitive processes.
Managing Change in Copy Cataloging Procedure at the University of San Diego

In fall 2013, the librarians in Technical Services at the University of San Diego's Copley Library decided to revise the department's copy cataloging procedures in order to make more efficient use of staff time and provide better customer service to the university's faculty and students. This article describes the strategies the librarians used to make the transition as seamless as possible for all stakeholders: cataloging staff, other library employees, and patrons. It also offers some advice for those considering similar projects in their own institutions.
Base excision repair in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA.

Abstract Base excision repair mechanisms have been analyzed in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. We measured the size and position of the newly incorporated DNA repair patch in various DNA substrates containing single oxidative lesions. Repair of 8-oxoguanine and of thymine glycol is almost exclusively via the base excision repair (BER) pathway with little or no involvement of nucleotide excision repair (NER). The repair mode is generally via the single-nucleotide replacement pathway with little incorporation into longer patches. Extension of these studies suggests that DNA polymerase β plays a critical role not only in the short-patch repair process but also in the long-patch, PCNA-dependent pathway. Mitochondria are targets for heavy load of oxidative DNA damage. They have efficient BER repair capacity, but cannot repair most bulky lesions normally repaired by NER. In vitro experiments performed using rat and human mitochondrial extracts suggest that the repair incorporation during the removal of uracil in DNA occurs via the short-patch repair BEr pathway. Oxidative DNA damage accumulates with age in mitochondrial DNA, but this cannot be explained by an attenuation of DNA repair. In contrast, we observe that mitochondrial incision of 8-oxoG increases with age in rodents.
Suprathermal-electron generation, transport, and deposition in CO 2 -laser-irradiated targets

In CO2 laser interaction with matter most of the absorbed energy is initially channeled into a hot electron distribution. In many cases, resonance absorption is thought to be the dominant mechanism producing this distribution. Stimulated scattering may also play an important role.
Falls and fractures: a systematic approach to screening and prevention

Falls are one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in older adults. Every year, an estimated 30-40% of patients over the age of 65 will fall at least once. Falls lead to moderate to severe injuries, fear of falling, loss of independence and death in a third of those patients. Falls account for 87 % of all fractures in the elderly. These fractures are almost always due to low impact injuries in osteoporotic bones. Several organizations have recommended screening older patients to identify those with a high risk of falling and, or fractures. The present review provides a brief summary and update of the relevant literature, summarizing screening tools and interventions to prevent falls and fractures. The major risk factors identified are impaired balance and gait, polypharmacy, and history of previous falls. Other risk factors include advancing age, female gender, visual impairments, cognitive decline especially attention and executive dysfunction, and environmental factors. Recommendations for the clinician to screen and prevent falls in older patients are also summarized.
Stop Asking Students to “Strongly Agree”: Let's Directly Measure Cocurricular Learning

Julie M. Tucker challenges the common use of self–reported data to measure out–of–classroom learning and recommends that we ask students to demonstrate what they have learned from their cocurricula...
Phosphoprotein extraction from the dentine/cementum complex of human tooth roots.

Abstract Root shards were placed in dialysis tubing and demineralized to completion in either 10% disodium EDTA, pH 7.4, 0.6 M HCl, 0.1 M HCl, 0.5 M acetic or 75 mM–25 mM lactic-acetic acids. The demineralized shards were then re-extracted with 0.05 M tris-HCl, 1.0 M NaCl. DEAE chromatography revealed that the major peak of the 0.6 M HCl and EDTA extracts contained organic phosphorus, whereas much less organic phosphorus was found in the major peak of the 0.1 M HCl extract. Analysis of the re-extracts gave a pattern opposite to that obtained from the initial extractions. Measurements of protein and organic phosphorus released during extraction and re-extraction confirmed these results. Staining of SDS-PAGE gels for phosphoprotein with Stains-All resulted in a blue smear in fractions containing organic phosphorus. Thus the extraction of phosphoproteins from human tooth roots differed depending upon the demineralizing conditions. This ability to remove phosphoprotein differentially will allow further investigation of the role of phosphoprotein in mineralization and remineralization.