cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid immunonephelometric quantitation of eleven serum proteins by centrifugal fast analyzer.

Software modification of a stock model Aminco Rotochem II has provided an economical, rapid assay method for quantitation of 11 serum proteins employing immunonephelometric measurements at 340 mm. The system makes feasible panel assay groupings that are pathophysiologically interrelated. Provisions allowing the use of three standards, sample and reagent blank(s) are made with resultant data (modified end point) evaluated by logit-log transformation and least-squares regression. Linearity of the data was evaluated by use of a correlation coefficient (r) prior to application of calculated intercept (a) and slope (b) to data derived from unknown sera in the form of Y = e(a+bx) where x = the logit of the observed absorbance. Previously described methodologies were modified to fit assays for IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, C4, α-1-antitrypsin, α-2-macroglobulin, haptoglobin, transferrin, orosomucoid, and low-density lipoprotein. Protein quantitations were obtained following read times varying from 30 to 200 seconds, depending upon the protein analyzed. C3 and C4 assays were compared with a fluoronephelometric technic, each with resultant r values of 0.94. The remaining serum proteins were compared with radial immunodiffusion methods, and r values ranging from 0.89 to 0.98 were observed. Coefficients of variation for replicate samples ranged from 4.5 to 7.8%. The system provided reproducible and clinically accurate results with high throughput for panel studies as well as individual assays. A system maintaining comparability of antibody lots using time of absorbance peak height measurements is described.
Detection and analysis of human avian influenza(H7N9) virus in Lishui

Objective To understand the distribution of avian influenza virus in Lishui,and the subtypes of avian influenza virus,such as H7N9,H5,H7,H9,were detected in people and external enviromental monitoring samples.Methods Influenza A virus and avian influenza virus H7N9,H5,H7,H9 subtypes were detected by fluorescent quantitative PCR.Results Avian influenza H9 virus subtype was detected from 4 poultry feces specimens from external encironment,and other samples were all negative.Conclusion The avian influenza H9 virus subtype was found in external environment,indicating spreading risk in Lishui,but the human avian influenza(H7N9) virus were not found in crowd and poultry.
A educação como formação integral. Um enfoque humanizador

While social phenomenon Education has impacted strongly on the development of mankind, though not always this impact has been of benefit to the population. Currently Education Systems in Latin America have been subjected to a process of reforms that have occasionally met the needs of society. In this sense, the content of this essay discusses the changes proposed in the Educational System for Basic Education Mexico analyzing the proposed changes to the Education Amendments of 2004, 2009 and 2011. He also produced a contrast between the official proposal and approaches novel Sergio Ruiz Tobon Tobon and Magalis Ruiz Iglesias from the perspective of a competency-based education for comprehensive training. The work is part of a socio-political context and the demands of society, of teachers by educational training that covers also certain procedural and cognitive aspect and the related job training and ethics.
The role of sparsity and dynamics in extracting information sparsely encoded in very large data sets

The past few years have seen an exponential growth in data collection capabilities. Unfortunately, the ability to process this vast amount of data has not kept pace with this growth. Taking full advantage of these increased capabilities requires scalable, computationally efficient algorithms to timely and robustly extract actionable information from the very large data sets generated by the sensors. The goal of this tutorial paper is to illustrate the central role that tools originally developed in the context of systems theory, can play in accomplishing this task. Specifically, we show that many of these problems can be recast into an identification form that exhibit a sparse underlying structure. In turn, this sparsity can be exploited to recast the problem into a convex optimization form that can be efficiently solved with first order methods.
Comparison of Conservative Treatment and Thymectomy on Myasthenia Gravis Outcome.

Background A systematic review of the literature was performed to compare long-term outcomes of thymectomy and medical treatment for generalized myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods A Medline search through June 2015 resulted in 71 studies, 27 of which were selected (10,140 patients: 5,275 thymectomies, 4,865 medication). Results The pooled proportion of remission with thymectomy was 0.31 (95% CI, 0.25–0.37), with conservative treatment it was 0.15 (95% CI, 0.12–0.18). The odds ratio (OR) of remission with thymectomy in comparison with medication alone was 2.44 (95% CI, 1.91–3.12) overall and according to medication type and remission definitions. Conclusions Thymectomy is superior to conservative treatment with solely medication on remission in MG.
“We’re a Culture, Not a Costume:” Ethical Analysis of a College Student-Led Organization’s Anti-Racism Campaign

Students Teaching against Racism in Society (STARS) attracted both national and international headlines in October 2011 with their anti-racism campaign entitled “We’re a culture, not a costume.” At the time of the campaign, STARS was composed of ten undergraduate student members at Ohio University (OU). Situated in Athens, Ohio, OU has a history of hosting block parties for Halloween. In order to combat “racist” costumes, STARS initiated a campaign, funded by the Dean of Students in order to foster conversation and to bring awareness to racist, discriminatory, stereotypical, and prejudiced Halloween costumes. This campaign raises many ethical dilemmas. Therefore, this analysis seeks to explore implicit and explicit values and ethical dilemmas inherent within the campaign. Since racial inequalities often lead health disparities, this ethical analysis of STARS’ campaign has implications for both intercultural and health communication scholars. Additionally, future implications and directions of research as well as future considerations for similar campaigns are discussed.
High efficiency power amplifiers for 5G wireless communications

We present several design techniques to achieve high efficiency and linear power amplifiers in the millimeterwave frequencies. We will first review the performance of power amplifiers in different semiconductor process technologies at millimeter-wave frequencies. We will discuss the design, implementation and performance of stacked-FET power amplifiers, Doherty power amplifiers and linearization techniques to achieve high efficiency and linearity in millimeter-wave frequencies. The presented power amplifiers have applications in the 5G wireless communications.
Theological Aesthetics and Everyday Neoliberalism

Theological aesthetics in the present must turn toward everyday life, especially because of neoliberal capitalism’s comprehensive deformation of the everyday. Karl Rahner’s theology, with its emphasis on Jesus Christ’s (re)configuration of everyday human life, proves dually advantageous for turning theological aesthetics toward the everyday and generating Catholic, theological-aesthetic discursive resistance to neoliberalism’s pernicious everyday aesthetic. This article’s first part explicates what constitutes a Rahnerian theological aesthetic: the embeddedness of Jesus Christ in everyday human life, which is “aesthetic” in its embodiedness. Part two switches focus to neoliberal capitalism, providing a brief account of how it distinctively shapes everyday human life, especially with regard to fragmentation of the self, tacit support for systemic cruelty toward others, and somatic manipulation. Part three suggests how Rahner’s theological aesthetic, with its robust account of embodied aesthesis as expressive of deep spiritual freedom shaped by Christic transformation, proves resistant to everyday neoliberalism, which is an aesthetic shaped by marketization of the human person and punitive behavior toward people deemed “market failures” (who in Christian parlance we would call “the least of these,” Mt 25:45).
Proximal Forearm Arteriovenous Fistula Creation

Fistula first initiative is the recommended guideline for hemodialysis access. The creation of distal radiocephalic fistula often is not an option; additionally, non-maturation of created fistula leads to use of arm vessels which increases the risk of complications. Proximal forearm fistula even though overlooked may be a viable option with reasonably good outcomes and patency. The case describes proximal radiocephalic fistula (pRCF), ulnar-basilic AVF (UBAVF), and transposed radio-basilic fistula (tRBF) of the forearm and techniques and outcomes.
Trade Efficiency and Security: Are They a Trade-off?

This chapter explores whether or not supply chain security comes at the expense of market efficiency; meaning whether or not it is a zero-sum game. If one feels that effectiveness in international trade means seamless, fast transportation and also feels that effective security is the physical inspection of all cargo by government officials at points of entry, then a trade-off is real and it is zero-sum. In other words, increased security will come at the expense of slower and lower levels of trade. However, if effective security is seen as an intelligence-driven and risk-assessing exercise then this trade-off may be blunted. The cycle of regulation is explored from regulation and de-regulation to re-regulation. To make sense of this cycle, and the economics which underlies it, a model called the security-efficiency trade-off is introduced and analyzed.
Improving the current status of school performance reporting

The large amount of tax and tuition dollars spent on both public and private primary and secondary education in the United States is motivating an ever-increasing demand for school performance and accountability information. The information that is needed by constituents depends on the type of school accountability system in place. Although the Government Accounting Standards Board proposed a model for school performance information over a decade ago, there remains considerable variability in the type and quality of information that is provided to by schools. This article describes school performance and accountability information currently provided by both public and private primary and secondary schools. In addition, suggestions are provided on how to make improvements in the information provided by schools and districts to their constituents.
The Molecular and Genetic Characterization of Second Chromosome Balancers in Drosophila melanogaster .

Balancer chromosomes are multiply inverted and rearranged chromosomes used in Drosophila melanogaster for many tasks, such as maintaining mutant alleles in stock and complex stock construction. Balancers were created before molecular characterization of their breakpoints was possible, so the precise locations of many of these breakpoints are unknown. Here, we report or confirm the positions of the 14 euchromatic breakpoints on the 2nd chromosome balancers SM1, SM5, CyO, and SM6a This total includes three breakpoints involved in a complex rearrangement on SM5 that is associated with the duplication of two genomic regions. Unbiased sequencing of several balancers allowed us to identify stocks with incorrectly identified balancers as well as single and double crossover events that had occurred between 2nd chromosome balancers and their homologs. The confirmed crossover events that we recovered were at least 2 Mb from the closest inversion breakpoint, consistent with observations from other balancer chromosomes. Balancer chromosomes differ from one another both by large tracts of sequence diversity generated by recombination and by small differences, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Therefore, we also report loss-of-function mutations carried by these chromosomes and unique SNP and InDel polymorphisms present on only single balancers. These findings provide valuable information about the structure of commonly used 2nd chromosome balancers and extend recent work examining the structure of X and 3rd chromosome balancers. Finally, these observations provide new insights into how the sequences of individual balancers have diverged over time.
RNA-Sequencing and Methylome Analysis

In addition to measuring gene expression levels, next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based RNA-sequencing methods (RNA-seq) can also reveal unknown transcripts and splicing isoforms, and provide quantitative measurements of alternatively spliced isoforms. The total RNA complement of a cell or a population of cells, also known as transcriptome, can be analyzed by this technology. RNA-seq greatly extends the possibilities of transcriptome studies to the analysis of gene isoforms, translocation events, nucleotide variations, and posttranscriptional base modifications. Due to its flexibility and the declining cost of massively parallel sequencing, NGS-based RNA-seq is becoming an increasingly attractive tool to investigate the full range of transcripts and to reveal the complex landscape and dynamics of the transcriptome. However, significant challenges remain for RNA-seq to migrate into clinical practice for diagnostic and predictive applications. This chapter discusses the concepts and considerations of RNA-seq and methylome sequencing, and describes the basic approaches and challenges associated with these applications.
Finite-Rate Chemistry Effects in Subsonic and Supersonic Combustion

Finite-rate chemistry effects are revealed in subsonic and supersonic lifted hydrogen flames using narrowband KrF excimer laser (248 nm) induced Raman scattering and fluorescence to measure simultaneously species concentrations (H 2, H 2 O, N 2, O 2, OH) and temperature. The fluorescence measurement of OH concentration is quantitative since it is predissociative and insensitive to collisional quenching. Using these simultaneous measurements, the chemistry of turbulent reaction zones is compared to the limits of fast chemistry (equilibrium), slow chemistry (mixing without reaction), and 1D stretched laminar flamelets. The reaction zone chemistry in turbulent subsonic flames is found to be inconsistent with 1D stretched laminar diffusion flames.
Kinetics of Human Serum Amyloid A

In order to better understand the pathogenetic role of serum amyloid A (SAA) we studied the kinetics of 131I radiolabelled pure SAA, extracted from 400 ml serum of a human volunteer. 50 μCi of 131I SAA and 15 μCi 125I labelled sodium iodide were administered i.v. on two occasions at 6 month intervals. Serum and plasma samples were collected at 10–20 min intervals × 10, then once daily × 10; lymphocytes were separated from monocytes and granulocytes. Counts per minute of 131I and 125I were measured in each sample in the serum, in serum precipitates resulting after addition of a rabbit anti-SAA antibody and of TCA and in various cell subpopulations as well as in the whole urine and TCA precipitated urine from each micturition. The 131I disappearance curves from the plasma and serum precipitates were semilogarithmically plotted; cumulative 131I cpm in plasma, cells and urine at various intervals were determined. Body scanning was performed at 2, 16, and 48 h. The results of the two experiments were very similar. The curve of 131SAA in plasma TCA precipitates indicated the existence of 4 compartments likely due to uptake of 131I SAA by some plasma proteins, circulating cells and other tissues; later release from tissues started at 6 h. The 131I SAA half-life time in these compartments was found to be 35, 170, 255, and 550 min, respectively. Tissue binding of 131I was also suggested by a rising of the 125I:131I ratio with time and by a 26% release of 131I in the urine at 15 h which could not account for its plasma disappearance. Scanning, except for 131I uptake in the spleen at 2 h likely due to blood activity, showed no organ concentration. 92% of the injected 131I was found in the urine but only 6.2% of 131 I SAA was accounted for in urine precicipitates.
Subtle morphometric, behavioral and gene expression effects in larval zebrafish exposed to PFHxA, PFHxS and 6:2 FTOH.

Abstract Recent studies of perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs) have focused on the toxicity of long chain PFASs, such as PFOS or PFOA, which have been demonstrated to cause an array of developmental and behavioral effects. However, less is known about low molecular weight PFASs and alternatives. This study examined the morphometric and behavioral effects in zebrafish following developmental exposures of C6 PFASs: perfluorohexanoic acid, PFHxA, perfluorohexane sulfonate, PFHxS, and 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol, 6:2 FTOH. Embryos were exposed to 0.02–20 μM concentrations of these compounds from the high stage (˜3 h post fertilization, hpf) until 120 hpf. Morphometric and gene expression endpoints were examined at 120 hpf. Genes selected for analysis were previously shown to be altered in zebrafish developmentally exposed to PFOS and PFOA. Additionally, exposed larvae were transferred to clean water and reared until 14 days post fertilization, dpf, when behavioral assays were completed and morphometric endpoints examined. While PFHxA was found to be the most acutely toxic at 120 hpf, few morphometric effects were observed. Gene expression was the most sensitive endpoint with significant increased tgfb1a, bdnf, and ap1s1 expression observed with PFHxA exposure. PFHxS exposure produced morphometric effects in the larvae, specifically increased length and yolk sac area at 2 and 20 μM. This phenotype persisted to the 14 dpf time point, where these larvae additionally displayed decreased distance traveled and crosses through the center of the arena of the behavioral assay. Exposure to 6:2 FTOH caused no morphometric effects at 120 hpf, and this compound was the least acutely toxic. However, expression of both tgfb1a and bdnf were increased by greater than 2 fold change at this time point. Effects also persisted to 14 dpf where a significant increase in distance traveled and velocity were observed in the behavioral assay. This study demonstrates effects on behavioral, morphometric and gene expression endpoints with developmental PFHxA, PFHxS, and 6:2 FTOH exposures in zebrafish.
Perspective: Single polymer mechanics across the force regimes

I review theoretical and experimental results on the force-extension response of single polymers, with a focus on scaling pictures of low-force elastic regimes, and recent measurements of synthetic and biological chains that explore those regimes. The mechanical response of single polymers is an old theoretical problem whose exploration was instigated by the curious thermomechanical behavior of rubber. Up until the 1990s, the main utility of those calculations was to explain bulk material mechanics. However, in that decade, it became possible to directly test the calculations through high-precision single-chain stretching experiments (i.e., force spectroscopy). I present five major single-chain elasticity models, including scaling results based on blob-chain models, along with analytic results based on linear response theory, and those based on freely jointed chain or worm-like chain structure. Each model is discussed in terms of the regime of force for which it holds, along with the status of its rigorous assessment with experiment. Finally, I show how the experiments can provide new insight into polymer structure itself, with particular emphasis on polyelectrolytes.
Interference of Human Spermatosoal Motility and Spermatozoal Agglutination by Candida Albicans

AbstractHuman spermatozoa were exposed to concentrations of 102 to IQ7 organisms per mL Candida albicans. A subsequent striking decrease in spermatozoal motility and significant agglutination were observed. The possible role of mycotic genital tract infections in human infertility is considered.
Evaluating the effectiveness of implementation intentions in a pedometer worksite intervention.

BACKGROUND Pedometer-based worksite interventions have been found to be successful in increasing physical activity (PA) but adherence is challenging. OBJECTIVE To examine the use of Implementation Intentions (II), a self-regulatory skill, with self-monitoring with a pedometer to initiate behavior change as well as post-intervention adherence in a worksite wellness intervention. METHODS University employees (N = 54) participated in an 8-week pedometer-based intervention. A 2-arm randomized trial was used to compare the effectiveness of 1) only pedometers (PED) (n = 28) and 2) pedometers and II (PED+II) (n = 26) on PA. RESULTS Significant differences were observed between time points (p < .0001) but not between groups. Post-hoc pairwise comparisons between the time points revealed difference between Baseline and Week 4 (mean difference: 2446.9 steps/ day; p < 0.001), Week 4 and 12 (mean difference: 2956.3 steps/ day; p < 0.001), and Week 8 and 12 (mean difference: 2228.8 steps/ day; p = 0.005). CONCLUSION The PED+II group had higher step increases during the intervention indicating that the behavioral strategy was effective. However, participants in both groups had a significant decrease in steps from the end of the intervention to the delayed-post assessment highlighting the challenge to maintain behavioral changes post-intervention.
Personalized Learning for Adults: An Emerging Andragogy

Recent research has revealed benefits to using technology to personalize and adapt a learning experience to the learner’s preferences, habits, and developing expertise (Cardona et al. in 2013 IEEE Colombian conference on communications and computing (COLCOM), pp. 1–6, 2013; Johnson and Samora in Glob Educ J 2016; Murray and Perez in Informing Sci: Int J Emerg Transdiscipline 18, 2015; Yang et al. in Educ Technol Soc 16, 2013). Personalized learning can give each learner the opportunity to learn effectively and efficiently based on his or her own assets of skills, knowledge, and abilities, supporting a student-centered pedagogy. It also can provide the opportunity for wide-scale access to quality learning and teaching where public or open education has fallen short due to limited resources (Dockterman in npj Sci Learn 3:15, 2018). While there are a number of studies of personalized learning design and implementation, most of these studies were conducted in K-12 classroom environments, where the approach to teaching and learning is different than the approach for adult learners in workplace or informal learning environments. Adult learners have various types and amounts of reasons, access, time, motivation, and resources for learning, which would affect the way a tailored or individualized experience would be designed for them as compared to children (Knowles et al. in The adult learner, 2012). This chapter will review existing research on personalized learning and will define andragogy, which is teaching and learning designed for adult learners. Recommendations for designing personalized learning experiences and technologies will be explored, such as designing proper diagnostics, scaffolds, and features for higher-order thinking skills development. Based on this literature review and outline of recommended practices, the author will delineate next steps and considerations for future research on personalized learning for adults.
Hand Function Following Simulated Fusion of Thumb Metacarpophalangeal and Interphalangeal Joints

Background: There is poor understanding regarding functional limitation of thumb strength and dexterity following thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and interphalangeal (IP) arthrodesis. The purpose of this investigation was to quantitatively evaluate the functional limitations of MCP and IP joint fusion using an orthosis to simulate fusion. Methods: Thirty-two healthy volunteers underwent simulated MCP and IP thumb arthrodesis using custom-molded orthoses. Each volunteer was independently assessed for hand and thumb function using the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function test, lateral pinch strength, tip pinch strength, and Grooved Pegboard test. Comparisons between the 3 groups in all functional tests were carried out. Results: The mean lateral pinch strength was significantly greater in the unsplinted group (8.3 kg) compared with the MCP- (6.3 kg) and IP-splinted (5.7 kg) groups. Mean tip pinch strength was also significantly higher in the unsplinted group than in MCP- and IP-splinted thumbs (4.6 kg vs 4.1 and 3.9 kg). There was no difference in the Jebsen-Taylor or Grooved Pegboard test between the 3 groups. Conclusion: Our study suggests that with a fused MCP joint the lateral and tip pinch strength will decrease by 24% and 10%, respectively, compared with a healthy nonsplinted thumb. A fused IP joint will decrease lateral and tip pinch by 31% and 16%, respectively. This information does not take into account an arthritic thumb. We found that the Jebsen-Taylor test and Grooved Pegboard test were not affected by simulated thumb MCP and IP fusion.
Single Mothers as Bricoleurs: Crafting Embryos and Kin:

Single mothers by choice who delay having a child without a partner can choose to conceive with donor sperm and eggs. When they do, however, they face twin paradoxes: (a) advances in assisted repro...
Chapter 3 – An Overview of Chemical Reaction Analysis

This chapter is a survey of chemical reaction engineering basics: chemical species, reaction rates, representations of chemical reactions, chemical stoichiometry, thermodynamics, energy regularity for biotransformations, multiple reactions, conversion, yield, selectivity and yield factor, mass and energy balances, ideal chemical reactors, and economics of reaction engineering. Basic concepts are introduced, for example, elementary reaction, approximate reaction, coupled reaction, concentrations, specific reaction rate, Roels formula, transitional state, activation energy, chemical equilibrium, Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy. Also, included are how reaction rates are related between different substrates, different products; why there is only one independent variable in every reaction; what yield factors are, and how all are linked through stoichiometry. You should understand why A → B or S → P is used commonly in a reaction engineering text, instead of more realistic or real-life examples after reading this chapter. The understanding of how chemical reactions are approximated and represented, for example, is the key in understanding the representation of metabolic pathways in microbiology.
COVID-19 pandemic: Early effects on pediatric rehabilitation medicine training.

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic hastened the need for graduate medical education (GME) innovation, resulting in the creation of multiple pediatric rehabilitation medicine (PRM) e-learning initiatives. There has been a paucity of data regarding trainee perceptions regarding quickly developed new methods of learning during the pandemic. This study explored PRM trainee perceptions of e-learning and effects of the pandemic on education. Methods Questionnaire study with data collected via REDCap. Results Greater than half of PRM trainees (56.6%, 30/53) responded. Most respondents reported that the virtual lectures series (79.3%), journal club (78.9%), and virtual arts initiatives (75.0%) were valuable to their education. Common benefits noted included access to subject experts, networking, lecture recording, and location flexibility. Common concerns included lack of protected time, virtual platform fatigue, and decreased engagement. Most respondents were not redeployed. Relative to before the pandemic, less satisfaction with clinical education (70.0%) and greater satisfaction with non-clinical education (60.0%) was reported. The majority of graduating trainees felt positively (83.3%) and 16.7% were neutral regarding confidence to graduate. Conclusion Trainees perceived national e-learning as valuable to their education, especially due to the access to expert leaders around the nation. Future work should explore ways to overcome barriers and optimize benefits of GME and PRM e-learning.
Student Retention: Fostering Peer Relationships Through a Brief Experimental Intervention:

Social integration (i.e., feeling a sense of belonging, involvement, support, or connectedness) is an important factor in university student retention, especially among students of color from under...
The effects of short time hyperoxia on glutamate concentration and glutamate transporters expressions in brain of neonatal rats.

Abstract Preterm infants often suffer from impaired postnatal brain development, and glutamate excitotoxicity is identified as a pivotal mechanism of hyperoxia-induced neurological abnormality. We aimed to investigate the effect of short time hyperoxia on glutamate homeostasis and glutamate transporters expressions in immature brain. Six-day-old (P6) rat pups were exposed to 80% oxygen for 24 hours (the hyperoxia group) or placed in atmospheric air (the control group). The concentrations of glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in immature cerebrum and cerebellum at P7, P14 and P21 were determined by ELISA. The mRNA levels of glutamate transporters including excitatory amino acid transporter 1 (EAAT1), EAAT2, EAAT3, vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) and VGLUT2 in brain were determined by qPCR. Glutamate accumulation was induced by hyperoxia both in immature cerebrum and cerebellum at P7 but got gradually attenuated at P14 and P21, as evidenced by the changes of glutamate and GABA concentrations. Hyperoxia also induced sustained glutamatic oxidative stress in both cerebrum and cerebellum, as GSH (reduced glutathione) levels in the hyperoxia group were constantly higher than the control group at three examined time-points. Furthermore, at P7, the expressions of all glutamate transporters decreased in both cerebrum and cerebellum except that of EAAT1. At P21, VGLUT2 in cerebrum and EAAT1, EAAT3 and VGLUT2 in cerebellum still displayed significant decrease in expression levels upon hyperoxia stimulation. Taken together, our results indicate that hyperoxia induces glutamate accumulation in brain of rat pups, which is associated with increased oxidative stress and decreased expressions of glutamate transporters.
Return-to-Play for Athletes With Long QT Syndrome or Genetic Heart Diseases Predisposing to Sudden Death

Abstract Background Within the last 5 years, cardiac society guidelines have begun to acknowledge shared decision making (SDM) for the athlete with sudden cardiac death–predisposing genetic heart diseases (GHDs), such as long QT syndrome (LQTS), and the possibility for that athlete’s return to play. Previously, international guidelines embraced a de facto disqualification for all such athletes including athletes with solely a positive genetic test in Europe. Objectives This study sought to examine the prevalence and outcomes of athletes with sudden cardiac death–predisposing GHDs, particularly LQTS, after their return to play. Methods A retrospective review of the electronic medical record was performed on all athletes with GHD, with a primary analysis for those with LQTS, who were evaluated, risk stratified, and treated in Mayo Clinic’s Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic by a single genetic cardiologist between July 1, 2000, and July 31, 2020. Results There were 672 athletes with GHD overall including 494 athletes with LQTS (231 female athletes [46.8%]; mean age at diagnosis 14.8 ± 10.5 years; mean follow-up 4.2 ± 4.8 years) who were given return-to-play approval. Overall, 79 of 494 athletes with LQTS (16.0%) were symptomatic before diagnosis, and 58 (11.7%) had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. In 2,056 combined years of follow-up, there was no GHD–sports associated mortality. Instead, 29 patients (5.9%) had ≥1 nonlethal, LQTS-associated breakthrough cardiac event. Of those, 15 (3.0%) were athletes at the time of the breakthrough cardiac event, with 3 (0.6%) experiencing a sports-related breakthrough cardiac event, and 12 (2.4%) a non–sports-related event. Overall, the event rate was 1.16 nonlethal events per 100 athlete-years of follow-up. Conclusions This 20-year single center experience challenges the status quo of disqualification for all athletes with LQTS and provides additional observational evidence, albeit from a single center, in support of the more contemporary SDM approaches to this complex issue.
Effects of space radiation on the endovasculature: implications for future human deep space exploration

Abstract Space programs with human planetary exploration involve potential health risks to the flight crew that might have severe implications in the success of their missions. During such missions outside the Earth’s magnetic field, astronauts are exposed to two sources of cosmic radiation: solar particle events (SPE) and galactic cosmic rays (GCR), which pose a significant health risk. Among the affected tissues is the vascular network; indeed astronauts have been found to be at significant risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), indicating that space-relevant irradiation induces a sustained vascular endothelial cell dysfunction. While avoidance of radiation is the best protective strategy, current technologies do not fully protect space travelers. Therefore radiation-induced effects to the vasculature need to be understood so that the risks faced by astronauts can be assessed and countermeasures against adverse biological effects of space radiation designed, for the success of long-term space missions. This chapter will highlight the effects of space radiation on vascular endothelial cells and radiological countermeasures that can abrogate these effects for astronauts.
Early clinical experience with a dedicated portable computed tomography scanner in a biplane neuroangiography suite: assessment of feasibility and utility in neurointerventional practice.

The ability to have on-site access to cross-sectional imaging in a biplane neuroangiography suite has tremendous potential for enhancing current neurointerventional practice. Although a few prototypical multimodality suites have been created, several problems/limitations have prevented widespread implementation. Recently`, a portable CT scanner has been developed, which may overcome previous shortcomings. We review our recent clinical experience with this new modality, exploring numerous adjunctive diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Forty-one patients underwent periprocedural CT using the Tomoscan M/EG portable CT (Philips). The portable CT scanner is kept at the “head-end” of the biplane neuroangiography suite, being moved into position as needed before, after; or during a procedure. A pivoting angiographic table permits excellent z-plane mobility for rapid gantry to fluoroscopy positioning. Five mm slices at five mm increments were obtained. High quality images were obtained in all cases. The portable CT scanner could be quickly positioned and activated within five min. Total scanning time for a typical case, including initial positioning and set-up was 10-12 min. Twelve of 41 cases were performed adjunctively during diagnostic angiography; 29/41 were performed in an interventional setting. Twenty of 29 scan evaluated baseline or post-therapeutic status of the brain (e.g., Guglielmi detachable coil aneurysm obliteration, arteriovenous malformation (AVM) embolisation, local thrombolysis); 9/29 provided cross-sectional guidance to various interventions (direct puncture embolisation, percutaneous vertebroplasty, spinal biopsy, discography). Use of the portable CT scanner permitted rapidly accessible high quality cross sectional imaging within the biplane neuroangiography suite, which augmented diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making, and therapeutic intervention.
Characterization of the Atractyloside-sensitive Adenine Nucleotide Transport System in Rat Liver Mitochondria

Abstract By means of an improved Millipore filtration technique, a very rapid, atractyloside-sensitive exchange of adenine nucleotides between intact rat liver mitochondria and the medium has been studied. The uptake of ADP or ATP has a rapid phase with a half-time of the order of 6 sec at 0°, followed by a slower phase resulting in a plateau level of 8 to 10 nmoles of exchangeable nucleotide per mg of mitochondrial protein. The uptake system has a very high affinity for ADP (Km l 30 µm) and is highly specific for adenine nucleotides (ADP g ATP >> AMP). Other purine and pyrimidine nucleotides are inactive and, in addition, fail to inhibit the uptake of 14C-ADP. The uptake of adenine nucleotide occurs by an obligatory exchange diffusion process, i.e. the entrance of 1 molecule of external nucleotide was found to be coupled to the exit of 1 molecule of internal nucleotide, resulting in a constant internal pool size, even when external ADP concentration was varied over a wide range. Adenine nucleotide uptake is insensitive to thiol reagents and to uncouplers and inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation; however, it may be completely inhibited by very low levels of atractyloside (Ki = 1 µm). Maximum atractyloside inhibition requires Mg++ when ADP is the external nucleotide but not when ATP is present. However, Mg++ is not required for the uptake of either ADP or ATP in the absence of atractyloside. The internal pool of labeled nucleotides consists of a mixture of ATP, ADP, and AMP; its composition is about the same after equilibration with either 14C-ADP or 14C-ATP. Since rat liver mitochondria stripped of their outer membranes showed atractyloside-sensitive adenine nucleotide uptake very similar to that of the intact mitochondria, it is concluded that the atractyloside-sensitive sites are in the inner membrane. The data support the general conclusion that the nucleotide exchange process is brought about by a catalytic carrier in the membrane acting between external and internal nucleotide pools, rather than by stoichiometric binding of the nucleotide to a large number of mitochondrial sites.
Sulfur mustard-increased proteolysis following in vitro and in vivo exposures.

The pathologic mechanisms underlying sulfur mustard (HD)-induced skin vesication are as yet undefined. Papirmeister et al. (1985) postulate enhanced proteolytic activity as a proximate cause of HD-induced cutaneous injury. Using a chromogenic peptide substrate assay, we previously reported that in vitro exposure of cell cultures to HD enhances proteolytic activity. We have continued our investigation of HD-increased proteolytic activity in vitro and have expanded our studies to include an in vivo animal model for HD exposure. In vitro exposure of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) to HD demonstrated that the increase in proteolytic activity is both time- and temperature-dependent. Using a panel of 10 protease substrates, we established that, the HD-increased proteolysis was markedly different from that generated by plasminogen activator. The hairless guinea pig is an animal model used for the study of HD-induced dermal pathology. When control and HD-exposed PBL and hairless guinea pig skin where examined, similarities in their protease substrate reactivities were observed. HD-exposed hairless guinea pig skin biopsies demonstrated increased proteolytic activity that was time-dependent. The HD-increased proteolytic response was similar in both in vitro and in vivo studies and may be useful for elucidating both the mechanism of HD-induced vesication and potential treatment compounds.
Local manipulation of nuclear spin in a semiconductor quantum well

The shaping of nuclear spin polarization profiles and the induction of nuclear resonances are demonstrated within a parabolic quantum well using an externally applied gate voltage. Voltage control of the electron and hole wave functions results in nanometer-scale sheets of polarized nuclei positioned along the growth direction of the well. Applying rf voltages across the gates induces resonant spin transitions of selected isotopes. This depolarizing effect depends strongly on the separation of electrons and holes, suggesting that a highly localized mechanism accounts for the observed behavior.
Putting the Public Back into Governance: The Challenges of Citizen Participation and Its Future

The past two decades have seen a proliferation of large- and small-scale experiments in participatory governance. This article takes stock of claims about the potential of citizen participation to advance three values of democratic governance: effectiveness, legitimacy, and social justice. Increasing constraints on the public sector in many societies, combined with increasing demand for individual engagement and the affordances of digital technology, have paved the way for participatory innovations aimed at effective governance. Deepening legitimation deficits of representative government create opportunities for legitimacy-enhancing forms of citizen participation, but so far, the effect of participation on legitimacy is unclear. Efforts to increase social justice through citizen participation face the greatest obstacles. The article concludes by highlighting three challenges to creating successful participatory governance: the absence of systematic leadership, the lack of popular or elite consensus on the place of direct citizen participation, and the limited scope and powers of participatory innovations.
Synthesis and magnetic properties of binuclear copper(II) complexes of 2,6-bis-(N-2-pyridylformidolyl)-4-methylphenol

Abstract The synthesis and magnetic characterization of two binuclear copper(II) complexes bridged by the binucleating ligand 2,6-bis-(N-2-pyridylformidoyl)-4- methylphenol (HL) and an additional ionic exogenous ligand is reported. The complexes are [Cu 2 LOH](ClO 4 ) 2 and [Cu 2 LCl]Cl 2 ·2H 2 O. The magnetic susceptibility of these complexes was measured over the 6–300 K temperature region and each of the complexes exhibits antiferromagnetic intradimer coupling. The hydrated chloride bridged complex shows additional weak interdimer magnetic interaction resulting from hydrogen bonding in the crystal lattice. The magnetic parameters are: [Cu 2 - LOH](ClO 4 ) 2 ??? g = 2.16, J = −160 cm −1 ; [Cu 2 - LCl]Cl 2 ·2H 2 O ??? g = 2.09, J = −42 cm −1 , zJ′ = −1.1 cm −1 .
Thin-layer approximation for three-dimensional supersonic corner flows

The thin-layer approximation is extended to an axial corner that is formed by the intersection of two perpendicular plates, one of which has an inclination angle with respect to the free stream. A computer code developed by Hung and MacCormack (1978) is modified for the thin-layer approximation, and a case with Mach 5.9 and a wedge angle of 6 deg is computed. In addition, it is shown that it is not necessary to solve the complete Navier-Stokes equations for a three-dimensional high-Reynolds-number corner flow.
Design of pole placement controllers for systems described by two-dimensional models

Abstract The class of two-dimensional systems addressed in this paper are either discrete in nature or they are discretized approximations of distributed parameter systems in two dimensions. For such systems we show how to parametrize feedback controllers which can place the closed-loop poles in a desired region inside the unit bicircle. The method is based on new stability and fractional representation results. In addition to a numerical example, a physical distributed parameter system illustrates the application of the theory developed. The latter example also demonstrates how one can use multi-rate sampling in two dimensions to design more practical controllers without introducing errors due to coarse discretization.
High-performance liquid chromatographic separation of racemic and diastereomeric mixture of 2,4-pentadienoate—iron tricarbonyl derivatives

Abstract β-Cyclodextrin chiral stationary phase facilitates the chiral separation of teh (±)-methyl-5-formyl-2,4-pentadienoate—iron tricarbonyl( 1 ) racemic mixture. The separation of oxazolidine derivatives 2 and 3 diastereomers were achieved with a C 18 column but the compounds underwent in-column hydrolysis to give (−) and (+)- 1 , respectively. This hydrolysis was exploited for the determination of 2 a nd 3 by the β-cyclodextrin column, namely 2 and 3 were initially and completely hydrolyzed to give (−)- and (+)- 1 and this racemic mixture was then separated by this chiral column.
Fiscal Policy and Private Sector Saving Behavior in Developing Economies

Tax or debt financing of a given rate of government expenditures would, according to the well-known Ricardian equivalence proposition, have equivalent effects on aggregate demand. Among the sources of a deviation from equivalence is the possibility that the government and the private sector have different planning horizons. The paper finds no empirical support for differing planning horizons across sectors in a group of 16 developing economies and, therefore, rules out such differences as a source of deviation from equivalence.
Clinical features of the arthritis of mixed connective tissue disease

Seventeen of 19 patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) had arthritis as a significant initial feature of their disease; 8 were given an initial diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 4 received chrysotherapy. RA-like hand deformities were present in 35% and contractures and/or persistent loss of joint motion in 47%. Joint radiographs showed abnormalities in 41% and included erosions and/or cysts in 30%. The arthritis of MCTD may be both erosive and deforming and this disease should be considered in patients presenting as RA with unusual features.
Constructivism and the Environment: A Cognitive-Integrative Perspective for Social Work Practice

The cognitive-integrative (C-I) perspective approach to clinical social work practice is based on the notion that individuals adapt by searching for and constructing meanings that will enhance their sense of security and continuity and serve their goals. The meanings that people construct are a function of their experienced-based cognitive systems for understanding and the nature of the information available to them. These two dimensions provide the foci for social work interventions. To help clients develop more adaptive meanings, social workers can assist in generating more favorable informational cues and/or in developing more flexible systems for understanding. While the C-I perspectiee adheres to a constructivist position, it also acknowledges the influence of meanings that are socially constructed or that inhere in the physical environment on personal renditions of meaning.
Using probabilistic model as feature descriptor on a smartphone device for autonomous navigation of unmanned ground vehicles

There has been significant research on the development of feature descriptors in the past few years. Most of them do not emphasize real-time applications. This paper presents the development of an affine invariant feature descriptor for low resource applications such as UAV and UGV that are equipped with an embedded system with a small microprocessor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a smart phone device. UAV and UGV have proven suitable for many promising applications such as unknown environment exploration, search and rescue operations. These applications required on board image processing for obstacle detection, avoidance and navigation. All these real-time vision applications require a camera to grab images and match features using a feature descriptor. A good feature descriptor will uniquely describe a feature point thus allowing it to be correctly identified and matched with its corresponding feature point in another image. A few feature description algorithms are available for a resource limited system. They either require too much of the device’s resource or too much simplification on the algorithm, which results in reduction in performance. This research is aimed at meeting the needs of these systems without sacrificing accuracy. This paper introduces a new feature descriptor called PRObabilistic model (PRO) for UGV navigation applications. It is a compact and efficient binary descriptor that is hardware-friendly and easy for implementation.