cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Apolipoprotein E4 Suppresses Neuronal-Specific Gene Expression in Maturing Neuronal Progenitor Cells Exposed to HIV

The apolipoprotein e4 gene allele and the apolipoprotein E4 protein (ApoE4) are important host susceptibility factors linked to neurocognitive disorders associated with HIV infection or Alzheimer’s disease. Our previous studies showed differential effects of the two most common human ApoE genotypes, APOE3/3 and APOE3/4, on gene expression by differentiating human neuroepithelial progenitor cells continuously exposed to HIV. To investigate the effects of ApoE3 versus ApoE4 isoforms specifically on maturing neurons, we adapted a human neuronal progenitor cell line, hNP1, with ApoE genotype APOE3/3. Differentiating hNP1 cells were exposed for 16 days to HIV- or mock-infected supernatants and to added recombinant ApoE isoforms rApoE3 or rApoE4 to modulate the ApoE phenotype of the cells. Gene expression was investigated using microarray and functional genomics analyses. Added rApoE3 differentially affected 36 genes. Added rApoE4 differentially affected 85 genes; 41 of which were differentially expressed only in HIV or mock-supernatant treated cells, and 80% of which were downregulated. Genes differentially downregulated only by rApoE4 represented multiple neuronal functions related to neurogenesis. Approximately five times more genes were differentially enriched by rApoE4 versus rApoE3 in the Gene Ontology (GO) cellular process analysis, with 4 orders of magnitude greater significance. Half of the top 10 GO processes affected by rApoE4 treatment were neurogenesis-related. The largest differences in gene expression between the two isoforms were observed within the HIV-exposed cultures, suggesting that HIV exposure magnifies ApoE4’s suppressive effect on neuronal gene expression. This study provides evidence for neuronal-specific responses to ApoE4 that could affect neurogenesis and neuronal survival.
Complementary information derived from CRISPR Cas9 mediated gene deletion and suppression

CRISPR-Cas9 provides the means to perform genome editing and facilitates loss-of-function screens. However, we and others demonstrated that expression of the Cas9 endonuclease induces a gene-independent response that correlates with the number of target sequences in the genome. An alternative approach to suppressing gene expression is to block transcription using a catalytically inactive Cas9 (dCas9). Here we directly compare genome editing by CRISPR-Cas9 (cutting, CRISPRc) and gene suppression using KRAB-dCas9 (CRISPRi) in loss-of-function screens to identify cell essential genes. CRISPRc identified 98% of previously defined cell essential genes. After optimizing library construction by analysing transcriptional start sites (TSS), CRISRPi identified 92% of core cell essential genes and did not show a bias to regions involved in copy number alterations. However, bidirectional promoters scored as false positives in CRISRPi. We conclude that CRISPRc and CRISPRi have different off-target effects and combining these approaches provides complementary information in loss-of-function genetic screens.
Transition-metal redox evolution in LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 electrodes at high potentials

Abstract The mixed transition-metal layered compound, LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 (NMC532), is a promising high-energy cathode material. However, the required high-voltage (>4.3 V) cycling is accompanied by a rapid capacity fade associated with a complex redox mechanism that has not been clarified. Here we report soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy of NMC532 electrodes, both pristine and those charged to 4.2, 4.35, or 4.5 V in graphite/NMC532 cells. A quantitative sXAS analysis shows that about 20% of the nickel exists as Ni4+ in the as-synthesized NMC532. The Ni redox reaction contributes only to the experimental capacity obtained below 4.2 V, while Co redox reactions take place throughout the entire electrochemical cycling up to 4.5 V. In contrast to the changing ratio of the well-defined Ni2+, Ni3+ and Ni4+ ions, Co always displays ill-defined intermediate valence states in the charged NMC532 electrodes. This indicates an itinerant electron system in NMC electrodes related to the improved rate performance through Co doping. Additionally, about 20% of Ni2+ is found on the electrode surface at the high potential, which suggests that the electrode surface has either gone through surface reconstruction or reacted with the electrolyte at high voltage.
Approach Considerations in Aircraft with High-Lift Propeller Systems

NASA's research into distributed electric propulsion (DEP) includes the design and development of the X-57 Maxwell aircraft. This aircraft has two distinct types of DEP: wingtip propellers and high-lift propellers. This paper focuses on the unique opportunities and challenges that the high-lift propellers--i.e., the small diameter propellers distributed upstream of the wing leading edge to augment lift at low speeds--bring to the aircraft performance in approach conditions. Recent changes to the regulations related to certifying small aircraft (14 CFR x23) and these new regulations' implications on the certification of aircraft with high-lift propellers are discussed. Recommendations about control systems for high-lift propeller systems are made, and performance estimates for the X-57 aircraft with high-lift propellers operating are presented.
Using Small-Group Instruction to Improve Students' Reading Fluency: An Evaluation of the Existing Research.

ABSTRACTReading fluency is necessary for reading comprehension, but approximately 40% of U.S. fourth-grade students have inadequate reading fluency skills. Because small-group (SG) instruction is often used as a first line of intervention for struggling readers, SG instruction targeting deficiencies in text reading fluency ought to be part of every school's intervention toolbox. The authors summarize the existing research on instruction and interventions that specifically targets reading fluency and is implemented by an adult with 3 or more students at once. Key findings revealed that most studies used a single-case design, nearly all studies were rated positively in terms of methodological quality, and the majority of participants significantly improved as a result of receiving SG intervention. Furthermore, of the five studies examining comparable SG and 1-on-1 interventions, 79% of the students performed equally well from both interventions. Implications and several recommendations for future research a...
Patients, not pictures: why complete occlusion may be a complete disaster.

The Pipeline for Uncoilable or Failed Aneurysms (PUFS) trial is a landmark trial in neurointervention, with reverberations that continue to echo years after completion.1 First, it was the initial Premarket Approval (PMA) trial for an endovascular aneurysm device. PMA trials are now the norm. Second, this device led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of aneurysms, with a focus on endoluminal rather than endosaccular aneurysm treatment. Indeed, a large fraction of patients are now treated with flow diversion rather than coils.2 Last, and perhaps inappropriately, PUFS used ‘complete aneurysm occlusion’ as its primary efficacy outcome. This last feature has set a standard that is now being applied by the FDA across the board to subsequent PMA trials of new endovascular aneurysm treatment devices, including both endoluminal and endosaccular devices (WEB-IT, NCT02191618; LVIS Pivotal Trial, NCT01793792). This ‘complete occlusion’ policy shift has been adopted even though there are no compelling data to suggest that complete aneurysm occlusion results in different clinical outcomes compared with near complete aneurysm occlusion. Indeed, available evidence suggests that rates of recurrence, retreatment, and hemorrhage are relatively similar between these two angiographic outcomes.3 4 This mandate for complete occlusion is a particular problem for traditional and well-established endosaccular devices such as detachable coils: subtotal occlusion with endosaccular coils is clearly protective from recurrent hemorrhage. In the pivotal International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT) that conclusively established coiling as superior to clipping for selected patients with ruptured aneurysms, only 66% of endovascularly-treated aneurysms were completely occluded at first angiographic follow-up.5 6 The remainder had subtotal occlusion or neck remnants (26%), incomplete occlusion (8%), or unknown angiographic outcomes (11%). …
Unexplained Variation for Hospitals’ Use of Inpatient Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Facilities After an Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose—Rehabilitation is recommended after a stroke to enhance recovery and improve outcomes, but hospital’s use of inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) or skilled nursing fac...
The State as Context and Competitor in Memory Politics

This chapter presents the Polish state as an emerging memory activist. In the initial post-1989 period, the Polish government was concerned with economic policy and electoral politics, although policies and rhetoric positioning the communist past as a criminal past (lustration) did appear as different political parties occupied the presidency and held parliamentary majorities. The creation of Poland’s official memory organization, the Institute of National Remembrance, and its mission are analyzed. The chapter also addresses the development of Polin, Warsaw’s Museum of Polish Jews. It offers an analysis of the Smolensk plane crash and its role in the creation of the Law and Justice Party’s policies aimed at controlling Poland’s public memory work. In this case, it is the state itself which has been assigned traumatization.
Zonotope-based recursive estimation of the feasible solution set for linear static systems with additive and multiplicative uncertainties

Abstract In this paper, we develop two zonotope-based set-membership estimation algorithms for identification of time-varying parameters in linear static models, where both additive and multiplicative uncertainties are treated explicitly. The two recursive algorithms can be differentiated by their ways of processing the data and required computations. The first algorithm, which is referred to as Cone And Zonotope Intersection (CAZI), requires solving linear programming problems at each iteration. The second algorithm, referred to as the Polyhedron And Zonotope Intersection (PAZI), involves linear programming as well as an optimization subject to linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Both algorithms are capable of providing tight overbounds of the feasible solution set (FSS) in an application to health monitoring of marine engines. Furthermore, PAZI algorithm applied to mini-batches of measurement data leads itself to further analysis of the relation between the estimation results at different iterations. In addition, an example of identifying time-varying parameters is also reported.
Classification and Ordination in the Indian Peaks Area, Colorado Rocky Mountains

The present paper concerns an attempted integration of classification and ordination methods in a study of alpine vegetation of the Indian Peaks area, Colorado Rocky Mountains (Komarkova 1979). Classification, including Braun-Blanquet’s, and ordination techniques have been combined, for example, by van Groenewoud (1965), Lacoste (1976), Kortekaas, van der Maarel & Beeftink (1976), and Feoli-Chiapella & Feoli (1977). The need for integration of syntaxonomy with numerical phytosociology has been recently emphasized by van der Maarel, Orloci & Pignatti (1976) and Noy-Meir & Whittaker (1977).
The Uses of Self and Space: Health Providers' Approaches to Engaging Patients into the HIV Care Continuum.

Abstract In the context of HIV prevention, the provider–patient relationship has been found to profoundly impact HIV screening, patient initiation into HIV care, and adherence to medication followi...
Primary and secondary transcriptional effects of traffic-related air pollution in human lung and coronary artery cells

Air pollution induces adverse respiratory and cardiovascular effects, yet the intitial mechanisms driving the exposure-outcome pathways remain unclear. Fully differentiated primary human bronchical epithelial (NHBE) cells were exposed to aerosol diesel exhaust (DE) at 300 µg/m3 or filtered air (FA) for 1 hour in an electrostatic particle deposition chamber (NACIVT) under physiological conditions. We used freshly generated, aged, diluted DE as a model for urban air polltion. Following exposure, cells were incubated for 3 or 24 hours. To investigate secondary effects of circulating mediators released by the lung, we exposed primary human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) to conditioned media from the NHBE studies for 4 hours. mRNA samples were multiplexed using the Fluidigm-based qPCR assay for genes related to inflammation, oxidative stress and barrier function. Compared with FA, DE exposed NHBE cells showed significant upregulation in the expressin of 9 genes (GCLc, HIF1α, ICAM1, COX2, ZO-1, MMP2, IL-6, CCL2, and SLPI, all FDR Our data reveal transcriptional changes in primary human cells that may underlie early pathophysiological effects of inhaled pollutants. More importantly, we provide evidence that pollutant effects intiated in the airway epithelium can induce secondary effects in coronary artery cells, suggesting that the epithelium plays an initial role in inflammatory processes and barrier dysfunction outside of the lung.
A 40-year review of food–energy–water nexus literature and its application to the urban scale

Abstract Essential for society to function, the production and consumption of food, energy, and water (FEW) are deeply intertwined, leading to calls for a nexus approach to understand and manage the complex tradeoffs and cascading effects. What research exists to date on this FEW nexus? How have scholars conceptualized these interactions at the urban scale? What are some promising approaches? Where are the research gaps? To answer these questions, we conducted a quantitative review of the academic literature on the FEW nexus (1399 publications) over more than four decades (1973–2017), followed by in-depth analysis of the most influential papers using an evaluation matrix that examined four components: 1) modeling approach; 2) scale; 3) nexus ‘trigger’; and 4) governance and policy. Scholars in the fields of environmental science predominated, while social science domains were under-represented. Most papers used quantitative rather than qualitative approaches, especially integrated assessment and systems dynamics modeling although spatial scale was generally recognized, explicit consideration of multi-scalar interactions was limited. Issues of institutional structure, governance, equity, resource access, and behavior were also underdeveloped. Bibliometric analysis of this literature revealed six distinct research communities, including a nascent urban FEW community. We replicated the analysis for this urban group, finding it to be just emerging (80% of papers have been published since 2010) and dominated by scholars in industrial ecology. These scholars focus on quantifying FEW flows of the urban metabolism in isolation rather than as a nexus, largely ignoring the political and socio-economic factors shaping these flows. We propose the urban FEW metabolism as a boundary object to draw in diverse scholarly and practitioner communities. This will advance research on complex FEW systems in four key areas: (1) integration of heterogeneous models and approaches; (2) scalar linkages between urban consumption and trans-boundary resource flows; (3) how actors and institutions shape resource access, distribution and use; and (4) co-production of knowledge with stakeholders.
Bi-material topology optimization for energy dissipation with inertia and material rate effects under finite deformations

Abstract In this study, a bi-material topology optimization framework is developed for maximizing plastic energy dissipation under a combination of material rate effects, inertia effects, and large deformations. In the developed framework, rate effects are considered by employing a finite deformation viscoplastic model and finite element analysis is carried out using F-bar elements for spatial discretization and the Hilber-Hughes-Taylor algorithm for time integration. A bi-material interpolation strategy is proposed within the density-based design parameterization and used to combine material phases with different phenomenological behavior. Consistent design sensitivities are obtained using a time-dependent adjoint method. Design examples reveal that a much higher percentage of the total energy can be dissipated as plastic work when a soft energy dissipating elasto-viscoplastic phase is combined in an optimized way with a stiffness providing hyperelastic phase than when the energy dissipating phase is considered alone. Moreover, isolating the influence of material rate effects from inertia effects provides insight into how optimized designs can exploit these phenomena.
A Comparison of Hiking Communities on the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails

AbstractRecent research has examined the long-distance hiking community on the Appalachian Trail (AT) and attempted to understand members of this leisure subculture in terms of their sociality and ...
Statistical thinking for adding more sensors in a monitoring application

Key pointThis article illustrates the use of statistical thinking to assess the impact of adding another sensor in a monitoring application, such as detecting an illegal diversion of nuclear materi...
Strategic orientations, developmental culture, and big data capability

Abstract Prior research articulated the importance of developing a big data analytics capability but did not show how to cultivate this development. Drawing on the literature on this topic, this study develops the concept of Big Data capability, which enhances our understanding of Big Data practice beyond that captured in previous literature on the concept of big data analytics capability. This study further highlights the strategic implications of the concept by testing its relationship to three strategic orientations and one aspect of organizational culture. Findings show that customer, entrepreneurial, and technology orientations, and developmental culture are important contributors to the development of Big Data capability.
Connecting quantum systems through optimized photonics (Conference Presentation)

At the core of most quantum technologies, including quantum networks and quantum simulators, is the development of homogeneous, long lived qubits with excellent optical interfaces, and the development of high efficiency and robust optical interconnects for such qubits. To achieve this goal, we have been studying color centers in diamond (SiV, SnV) and silicon carbide (VSi in 4H SiC), in combination with novel fabrication techniques, and relying on the powerful and fast photonics inverse design approach that we have developed. Our inverse design approach offers a powerful tool to implement classical and quantum photonic circuits with superior properties, including robustness to errors in fabrication and temperature, compact footprints, novel functionalities, and high efficiencies. We illustrate this with a number of demonstrated devices in silicon, diamond, and silicon carbide.
Special issue "iFN-independent ISG expression and its role in antiviral cell-intrinsic innate immunity"

Over the last few decades, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that numerous Interferon(IFN) stimulate genes (ISGs) can be directly upregulated following virus infection independent ofIFN signaling [...].
Cultivating resiliency in patients with neurofibromatosis 2 who are deafened or have severe hearing loss: a live‑video randomized control trial

Patients with NF2 who are deaf or have significant hearing loss face numerous and unique challenges which lead to poor quality of life, and thus may benefit from resiliency programs. We performed secondary data analyses on a single blind, randomized controlled trial of an 8 week mind–body resiliency program (the Relaxation Response and Resiliency program for Deaf NF2; d3RP-NF2) versus a health education control (Health Enhancement Program for Deaf NF2;dHEP-NF2) which showed improvement in quality of life (Funes in JAMA 2019, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-019-03182-3). Here we report on improvements in resiliency factors (i.e. optimism, gratitude, perceived social support, mindfulness, and perceived coping abilities) assessed at baseline, post-test and 6-month follow-up. Both programs were delivered via Skype using Communication Access Real-Time Translation. Patients who were randomized to the d3RP-NF2 program exhibited significant improvements from baseline to post-program in gratitude (Mdifference = 4.04, 95% CI 1.58–6.50; p = 0.002), perceived social support (Mdifference = 16.36, 95% CI 9.20–23.51; p < 0.001), mindfulness (Mdifference = 4.02, 95% CI 1.10–6.94; p = 0.008), perceived coping (Mdifference = 15.25, 95% CI 10.21–20.28; p < 0.001), and a non-significant trend of improvement in optimism (Mdifference = 1.15, 95% CI −0.14–12.44; p = 0.079). These improvements were all maintained through the 6-month follow up. Improvements in perceived coping (Mdifference = 12.34, 95% CI 4.75–19.93; p = 0.002), social support (Mdifference = 13.11, 95% CI 2.19–24.03; p = 0.02), and gratitude (Mdifference = 4.59, 95% CI 0.83–8.36; p = 0.018) were over and above the changes observed in those randomized to dHEP-NF2. The d3RP-NF2 sustainably improves multiple dimensions of resiliency. Promoting resiliency may be of utmost importance for this uderserved population.
Development and patterning of rib primordia are dependent on associated musculature

The importance of skeletal muscle for rib development and patterning in the mouse embryo has not been resolved, largely because different experimental approaches have yielded disparate results. In this study, we utilize both gene knockouts and muscle cell ablation approaches to re-visit the extent to which rib growth and patterning are dependent on developing musculature. Consistent with previous studies, we show that rib formation is highly dependent on the MYOD family of myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs), and demonstrate that the extent of rib formation is gene-, allele-, and dosage-dependent. In the absence of Myf5 and MyoD, one allele of Mrf4 is sufficient for extensive rib growth, although patterning is abnormal. Under conditions of limiting MRF dosage, MyoD is identified as a positive regulator of rib patterning, presumably due to improved intercostal muscle development. In contrast to previous muscle ablation studies, we show that diphtheria toxin subunit A (DTA)-mediated ablation of muscle progenitors or differentiated muscle, using MyoDiCre or HSA-Cre drivers, respectively, profoundly disrupts rib development. Further, a comparison of three independently derived Rosa26-based DTA knockin alleles demonstrates that the degree of rib perturbations in MyoDiCre/+/DTA embryos is markedly dependent on the DTA allele used, and may in part explain discrepancies with previous findings. The results support the conclusion that the extent and quality of rib formation is largely dependent on the dosage of Myf5 and Mrf4, and that both early myotome-sclerotome interactions, as well as later muscle-rib interactions, are important for proper rib growth and patterning.
The Wild Garden: landscaping southern California in the early twentieth century

The California Wild Garden opened in Exposition Park in Los Angeles in 1916. Planned by the English horticulturist Theodore Payne (1872–1963), it featured hundreds of Californian plants. Payne clai...
Advances in the selection of patients with prostate cancer for active surveillance

Early identification and management of prostate cancer completely changed with the discovery of prostate-specific antigen. However, improved detection has also led to overdiagnosis and consequently overtreatment of patients with low-risk disease. Strategies for the management of patients using active surveillance — the monitoring of clinically insignificant disease until intervention is warranted — were developed in response to this issue. The success of this approach is critically dependent on the accurate selection of patients who are predicted to be at the lowest risk of prostate cancer mortality. The Epstein criteria for clinically insignificant prostate cancer were first published in 1994 and have been repeatedly validated for risk-stratification and selection for active surveillance over the past few decades. Current active surveillance programmes use modified criteria with 30–50% of patients receiving treatment at 10 years. Nonetheless, tools for prostate cancer diagnosis have continued to evolve with improvements in biopsy format and targeting, advances in imaging technologies such as multiparametric MRI, and the identification of serum-, tissue- and urine-based biomarkers. These advances have the potential to further improve the identification of men with low-risk disease who can be appropriately managed using active surveillance. Accurate selection of patients with low-risk prostate cancer for active surveillance relies upon conventional clinical staging and grading criteria. New approaches in imaging as well as novel serum-, urine- and tissue-based biomarkers have been developed to reduce initial misclassification and predict risk of disease progression.
Clinical Implications of Exosomes: Targeted Drug Delivery for Cancer Treatment

Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles generated by cells for intercellular communication. Due to their composition, significant research has been conducted to transform these particles into specific delivery systems for various disease states. In this review, we discuss the common isolation and loading methods of exosomes, some of the major roles of exosomes in the tumor microenvironment, as well as discuss recent applications of exosomes as drug delivery vessels and the resulting clinical implications.
GABAergic basal forebrain projections to the periaqueductal gray promote food consumption, reward and predation

Behaviors central to the procurement and consumption of food are among those most fundamental to survival, but their inappropriate expression can lead to overeating and obesity. Nevertheless, we have a poor understanding of circuits that promote feeding independent of physiological demand. Here we demonstrate that activation of basal forebrain (BF) GABAergic neurons results in consumption of food as well as non-food items in well-fed mice, and performance of fictive eating in the absence of ingestible materials. In addition, stimulation of these cells disrupts defensive threat responses and elicits reward-like motivational effects. Finally, BF GABAergic activity triggers skilled predatory attacks of live prey and prey-like objects, but not social targets. These effects were entirely recapitulated by selective stimulation of BF GABAergic projections to the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Our results outline a potent circuit mechanism for increased feeding through recruitment of distinct but synergistic behaviors, and add to growing evidence that PAG is an important integrator of feeding-related activity.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm—Do women present differently than men?

Abstract Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) occur predominately in men. Accordingly, much of the literature describing this major disease process comes from studies and observation of male patients. However, while women are less likely to develop AAA, those women who do are known to have comparatively worse outcomes than their male counterparts. While such differences have prompted consideration of different management strategies between the sexes, no such formal recommendations have yet been proposed in society guidelines. This chapter reviews existing literature on the population of women with AAA and explores key differences in epidemiological trends, risk factors, pathogenesis, disease progression, screening initiatives, and clinical presentation between men and women regarding AAA disease.
Chief Resident Indirect Supervision in Training Safety Study: Is a Chief Resident General Surgery Service Safe for Patients?

OBJECTIVE There has been concern expressed amongst the medical educational community regarding the readiness of general surgery residents in the United States to be competent practicing attendings upon graduation and that limited autonomy may be a contributing factor to this unpreparedness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an RRC-accredited general surgery residency chief resident acute care surgery service with indirect supervision of cases in terms of safety and outcomes compared to traditional general surgeon cases with direct supervision. The study focused on common general surgical procedures, specifically cholecystectomies, appendectomies, and inguinal and ventral hernia repairs. DESIGN A retrospective review was conducted of patient data from August 2016 to June 2018 to review all patients 16 years old and older who had received one of the following procedures: appendectomy, cholecystectomy, inguinal hernia repair, or ventral hernia repair. Patient characteristics, procedure type, procedure time, estimated blood loss, complications, length of hospital stay, 30-day readmission, 30-day ED visit, need for reoperation, and mortality were compared between attending direct supervision and chief resident indirect supervision surgery services. SETTING A single institution associated with a community based-university associated hybrid general surgery residency was included in this study. PARTICIPANTS Patients aged 16 years or older who underwent one of the operations of interest and were discharged between the dates of August 2016 and June 2018. The operations were performed by, or indirectly supervised by, attendings who were both private surgeons and also covered the chief resident service. RESULTS A total of 1000 cases were reviewed, with a total of 960 included in the final data after exclusions applied. Of the 960 cases included, 68.4% were traditional attending surgeon cases with direct supervision and 31.6% were chief resident service cases with indirect supervision. A total of 161 appendectomies, 396 cholecystectomies, 201 inguinal hernias and 202 ventral hernias were included. Overall, patients in the chief resident service were more often minorities (27.7 vs. 9.4%, p CONCLUSIONS This study's data suggest that a chief resident acute care surgery service with indirect supervision of cases is safe in this community with regards to appendectomies, cholecystectomies and hernia repairs.
Sympathoinhibition and vasodilation contribute to the acute hypotensive response of the superoxide dismutase mimic, MnTnBuOE-2-PyP5+, in hypertensive animals

Abstract The pathogenesis of hypertension has been linked to excessive levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly superoxide (O2•−), in multiple tissues and organ systems. Overexpression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) to scavenge O2•− has been shown to decrease blood pressure in hypertensive animals. We have previously shown that MnTnBuOE-2-PyP5+ (BuOE), a manganese porphyrin SOD mimic currently in clinical trials as a normal tissue protector for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, can scavenge O2•− and acutely decrease normotensive blood pressures. Herein, we hypothesized that BuOE decreases hypertensive blood pressures. Using angiotensin II (AngII)-hypertensive mice, we demonstrate that BuOE administered both intraperitoneally and intravenously (IV) acutely decreases elevated blood pressure. Further investigation using renal sympathetic nerve recordings in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) reveals that immediately following IV injection of BuOE, blood pressure and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) decrease. BuOE also induces dose-dependent vasodilation of femoral arteries from AngII-hypertensive mice, a response that is mediated, at least in part, by nitric oxide, as demonstrated by ex vivo video myography. We confirmed this vasodilation in vivo using doppler imaging of the superior mesenteric artery in AngII-hypertensive mice. Together, these data demonstrate that BuOE acutely decreases RSNA and induces vasodilation, which likely contribute to its ability to rapidly decrease hypertensive blood pressure.
IQ Correlates with High Eminence.

Indicators of eminence derived from word and citation counts in primary biographical articles in encyclopedias published at the turn of the century, in 1935, and 1974 correlate positively. 33 overall with IQ estimates made from biographical sources on a select sample of 282 philosophers, scientists, non-fiction and fiction writers, musicians, artists, religious leaders, statesmen, revolutionaries, and soldiers. These results are striking since the sample is restricted to the higher end of the eminence distribution; the mean estimated IQ for the total group is 158.9. Indicators of eminence for some fields-philosophers, musicians, and artists--vary from one period to the next. Individuals also shift in estimated eminence during the three time periods examined.
Apolipoprotein E Genotype is Associated with Temporal and Hippocampal Atrophy Rates in Healthy Elderly Adults: A Tensor-Based Morphometry Study

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) e4 genotype is a strong risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Conversely, the presence of the e2 allele has been shown to mitigate cognitive decline. Tensor-based morphometry (TBM), a novel computational approach for visualizing longitudinal progression of brain atrophy, was used to determine whether cognitively intact elderly participants with the e4 allele demonstrate greater volume reduction than those with the e2 allele. Healthy “younger elderly” volunteers, aged 55–75, were recruited from the community and hospital staff. They were evaluated with a baseline and follow-up MRI scan (mean scan interval = 4.72 years, s.d. = 0.55) and completed ApoE genotyping. Twenty-seven participants were included in the study of which 16 had the e4 allele (all heterozygous e3e4 genotype) and 11 had the e2e3 genotype. The two groups did not differ significantly on any demographic characteristics and all subjects were cognitively “normal” at both baseline and follow-up time points. TBM was used to create 3D maps of local brain tissue atrophy rates for individual participants; these spatially detailed 3D maps were compared between the two ApoE groups. Regional analyses were performed and the e4 group demonstrated significantly greater annual atrophy rates in the temporal lobes (p = 0.048) and hippocampus (p = 0.016); greater volume loss was observed in the right hippocampus than the left. TBM appears to be useful in tracking longitudinal progression of brain atrophy in cognitively asymptomatic adults. Possession of the e4 allele is associated with greater temporal and hippocampal volume reduction well before the onset of cognitive deficits.
Risk Stratification and Patient Management

Since its beginnings in the early 1970s, clinical nuclear cardiology has evolved substantially, gaining both technical sophistication and enhanced imaging capabilities. Importantly, in parallel to these developments, an extensive literature supporting the clinical and cost-effectiveness of this modality has developed. Today, state-of-the-art nuclear cardiology allows for the objective measurement of both myocardial function and relative regional myocardial perfusion at rest and stress, providing accurate risk assessment in a wider variety of patient subsets. This chapter will highlight stress myocardial perfusion single-photon emission CT (SPECT), which currently comprises approximately 95 % of the procedures performed in this field.
Natural Language Understanding

From the Publisher: In addition, this title offers coverage of two entirely new subject areas. First, the text features a new chapter on statistically-based methods using large corpora. Second, it includes an appendix on speech recognition and spoken language understanding. Also, the information on semantics that was covered in the first edition has been largely expanded in this edition to include an emphasis on compositional interpretation.
To Market, To Market — 2007

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses 27 new molecular entities (NMEs) which were in manufactured in the year 2007. The anticancer sector has garnered competition for Merck's Gardasil® vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) with the introduction of GlaxoSmithKline's Cervarix® for the prevention of HPV-induced cervical cancer and infections. The anti-infective arena contributed four NMEs, a mixed composition drug, and three vaccines Selzentry™ (maraviroc), Isentress™ (raltegravir), Geninax® (garenoxacin), and Altabax™ (retapamulin). The CNS field was represented by the entry of three new drugs Vyvanse™ (lisdexamfetamine), Exelon® Patch, and Lyrica® (pregabalin). The cardiovascular domain welcomed two NMEs Tekturna® (aliskiren) and Letairis™ (ambrisentan). In the respiratory area, two new drugs emerged. Veramyst™ (fluticasone furoate) and Brovana™ (arformoterol). Concerning endocrine diseases, diabetes patients received two new options Galvus® (vildagliptin) and Janumet™. The CNS field was represented by the entry of three new drugs and new indications for existing drugs. Joining other marketed amphetamine and methylphenidate formulations for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Vyvanse™ (lisdexamfetamine) is a prodrug of D-amphetamine that boasts reduced abuse potential with an extended-release benefit. The cardiovascular domain welcomed two NMEs Tekturna® (aliskiren) and Ambrisentan (Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension). In the respiratory area, two new drugs emerged Veramyst™ (fluticasone furoate) and Brovana™ (arformoterol). Concerning endocrine diseases, diabetes patients received Galvus® (vildagliptin). The metabolic section saw the introduction of the only new biologic product of the year. Solirist (eculizumab) is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the C5 protein of the complement system whose cleavage is instrumental to the destructive inflammatory cascade culminating in hemolytic anemia.
In their own words: Content analysis of pathways to recovery among individuals with the lived experience of homelessness and alcohol use disorders.

Abstract Background Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are more prevalent among homeless individuals than in the general population, and homeless individuals are disproportionately affected by alcohol-related morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, abstinence-based approaches are neither desirable to nor highly effective for most members of this population. Recent research has indicated that homeless people aspire to clinically significant recovery goals beyond alcohol abstinence, including alcohol harm reduction and quality-of-life improvement. However, no research has documented this population's preferred pathways toward self-defined recovery. Considering principles of patient-centred care, a richer understanding of this population's desired pathways to recovery may help providers better engage and support them. Methods Participants ( N =50) had lived experience of homelessness and AUDs and participated in semi-structured interviews regarding histories of homelessness, alcohol use, and abstinence-based treatment as well as suggestions for improving alcohol treatment. Conventional content analysis was used to ascertain participants' perceptions of abstinence-based treatment and mutual-help modalities, while it additionally revealed alternative pathways to recovery. Results Most participants reported involvement in abstinence-based modalities for reasons other than the goal of achieving long-term abstinence from alcohol (e.g., having shelter in winter months, "taking a break" from alcohol use, being among "like-minded people"). In contrast, most participants preferred alternative pathways to recovery, including fulfilling basic needs (e.g., obtaining housing), using harm reduction approaches (e.g., switching from higher to lower alcohol content beverages), engaging in meaningful activities (e.g., art, outings, spiritual/cultural activities), and making positive social connections. Conclusions Most people with the lived experience of homelessness and AUDs we interviewed were uninterested in abstinence-based modalities as a means of attaining long-term alcohol abstinence. These individuals do, however, have creative ideas about alternative pathways to recovery that treatment providers may support to reduce alcohol-related harm and enhance quality of life.
Men in Mourning Depictions of Masculinity in Young and Older Widowers in Contemporary Film

This study evaluates the portrayal of sixteen recently widowed male characters in US mainstream film (2002–2011) through ethnographic content analysis. The depicted expectations for bereaved men in film largely fall in line with hegemonic norms. Characteristics of age, race, gender, and profession suggest a sustained preference for young, middle-class, and white depictions of characters. Young men were generally depicted as reserved with emotions and assertive. Films depicted older men as isolated, begrudgingly allowing family and acquaintances into their lives. Grief spurs men at any age into action-based plots of thrill and adventure though in reality widowers retain much of the same commonplace existence they had prior to a partner’s death. Understanding the gendered representation of grief can help to recognize the social construction of death and loss. These portrayals contribute to hegemonic norms of masculinity within mainstream media and to cultural understandings and expectations of grief, limiti...
Group music interventions for dementia-associated anxiety: A systematic review

Abstract Objective This systematic review examines the few published studies using group music interventions to reduce dementia-associated anxiety, the delivery of such interventions, and proposes changes to nursing curriculum for the future. Design Literature review. Methods All quantitative studies from 1989 to 2014 were searched in CINAHL and PubMed databases. Only published articles written in English were included. Studies excluded were reviews, non-human subjects, reports, expert opinions, subject age less than 65, papers that were theoretical or philosophical in nature, individual music interventions, case studies, studies without quantification of changes to anxiety, and those consisting of less than three subjects. Components of each study are analyzed and compared to examine the risk for bias. Results Eight articles met the inclusion criteria for review. Subject dementia severity ranged from mild to severe among studies reviewed. Intervention delivery and group sizes varied among studies. Seven reported decreases to anxiety after a group music intervention. Conclusions Group music interventions to treat dementia-associated anxiety is a promising treatment. However, the small number of studies and the large variety in methods and definitions limit our ability to draw conclusions. It appears that group size, age of persons with dementia and standardization of the best times for treatment to effect anxiety decreases all deserve further investigation. In addition, few studies have been conducted in the United States. In sum, while credit is due to the nurses and music therapists who pioneered the idea in nursing care, consideration of patient safety and improvements in music intervention delivery training from a healthcare perspective are needed. Finally, more research investigating resident safety and the growth of nursing roles within various types of facilities where anxiety is highest, is necessary.
Perceptions of deviant stereotypes by alcoholism, mental health, and school personnel in New Zealand and the United States.

The present study examines the ideologies regarding deviance held by alcoholism workers (AW), mental health service providers (MH), and school personnel (SP) in the United States (U.S.) and New Zealand (N.Z.). The two countries subscribe to different sociopolitical systems. The U.S. can be viewed as an individualistic/capitalistic society; N.Z. can be characterized as a social welfare state. It was anticipated that sociopolitical differences would result in differing ideologies regarding deviant persons. It was also anticipated that each group of service providers would, because of their training histories, evidence different ideologies, for example, that the AW sample would differ significantly from the MH sample. No specific predictions concerning these differences were attempted.
Effect of durophagy on drilling predation: a case study of Cenozoic molluscs from North America

Drilling predation represents one of the most widely studied biotic interactions preserved in the fossil record, and complete and incomplete drill holes have been commonly used to explore spatial and temporal patterns of this phenomenon. While such patterns are generally viewed solely in terms of the interactions between predator and prey, they might also be affected by extrinsic ecological factors. Recent experiments have demonstrated that in the presence of a secondary predator (crab), the incomplete drilling frequency increases indicating increasing abandonment of the prey, and drilling frequency decreases implying a decrease in successful attacks. Here, we tested whether the effect of secondary predators on drilling frequencies can be detected in the fossil record. Using fossil molluscs from six Plio-Pleistocene localities, we found that repair scar frequencies, a proxy for activity of durophagous predators, correlate directly with incomplete drill hole frequencies and inversely with complete drill ho...
Effective tuning of ligand incorporation and mechanical properties in visible light photopolymerized poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogels dictates cell adhesion and proliferation

Cell behavior is guided by the complex interplay of matrix mechanical properties as well as soluble and immobilized biochemical signals. The development of synthetic scaffolds that incorporate key functionalities of the native extracellular matrix (ECM) for support of cell proliferation and tissue regeneration requires that stiffness and immobilized concentrations of ECM signals within these biomaterials be tuned and optimized prior to in vitro and in vivo studies. A detailed experimental sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify the key polymerization conditions that result in significant changes in both elastic modulus and immobilized YRGDS within visible light photopolymerized poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogels. Among the polymerization conditions investigated, single as well as simultaneous variations in N-vinylpyrrolidinone and precursor concentrations of acryl-PEG3400-YRGDS resulted in a broad range of the hydrogel elastic modulus (81–1178 kPa) and YRGDS surface concentration (0.04–1.72 pmol cm−2). Increasing the YRGDS surface concentration enhanced fibroblast cell adhesion and proliferation for a given stiffness, while increases in the hydrogel elastic modulus caused decreases in cell adhesion and increases in proliferation. The identification of key polymerization conditions is critical for the tuning and optimization of biomaterial properties and the controlled study of cell–substrate interactions.