cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laminar and cellular localization of cytochrome oxidase in the cat striate cortex.

Cytochrome oxidase (C.O.) was histochemically localized in the cat striate cortex at the light and electron microscopic levels. The results indicate that the oxidative metabolic activity within the cat striate cortex may vary between (1) different laminae, (2) neurons and glia, (3) different neuron types, (4) dendrite and soma of the same cell, (5) different types of dendrites, (6) different segments of the same dendrite, and (7) different classes of symmetric and asymmetric axon terminals. Maximal laminar C.O. staining was localized within geniculoreceptive layer IV. Darkly reactive neurons include the large (presumed corticotectal) pyramids of layer V, and various classes of large and medium-sized presumed GABAergic nonpyramidal cells sparsely distributed throughout layers II-VI. The small and medium-sized pyramids of layers II, III, V, and VI, as well as many of the smaller presumed GABAergic neurons, were only lightly or moderately reactive. The darkly reactive neurons tended to be those that received convergent or proximally localized asymmetric axosomatic synapses, implying that they are strongly driven by excitatory synaptic input. The darkly reactive nonpyramids resembled those that form GAD+, symmetric axosomatic synapses with pyramidal cells. The dark reactivity of the symmetric synaptic terminals indicates that they mediate strong inhibition of neuronal discharge. The dark reactivity of a class of large asymmetric terminals in layer IV is likely to represent highly active geniculocortical terminals. The predominant distribution of elevated C.O. reactivity in dendrites is correlated with reported sites of (1) convergent excitatory synaptic input, (2) maximal field potentials, (3) highly active ion transport, and (4) Na+, K+-ATPase.
Power, Anger, and Sadistic Rapists: Toward a Differentiated Model of Offender Personality

The extant research on rapists repeatedly indicates that particular offender types can be specified. These include the power, anger, and sadistic assailants. Despite such classifications, limited empirical or anecdotal efforts have undertaken the task of exploring the personality features of each rapist type. This article endeavors to fill this gap in the literature. Using the heuristic analytical lens and the case study method, the high-profile crimes of Gilbert Escobedo (power type), Paul Bernardo (anger type), and Jeffrey Dahmer (sadistic type) are reviewed. As the article discloses, unique personality features were exhibited. Moreover, each rapist type displayed a number of convergent as well as divergent character traits. Given these findings, the article concludes with a series of summary observations relevant for future research on rape and personality as well as prospects for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Staffing Models for the ICU: Open, Closed, MD, NP, or Telemedicine?

Intensive care is an expensive endeavor, estimated to account for more than 4 % of health care expenditure in the USA. The cost of critical care services is expected to increase as the population ages and requires more ICU-level care. Intensivists are physicians specially trained in the care of critically ill patients. A large body of evidence indicates that involvement of intensivists in the care of critically ill patients improves clinical outcome and limits costs. Currently, only about one third of critically ill patients benefit from the care of a dedicated intensivist. This number is expected to increase because the Leapfrog Group, an organization representing a large consortium of health care purchasers, is working to financially reward hospitals with dedicated intensivist staffing. Several different models of critical care delivery exist, and there continues to be debate about the best way to provide care. In addition, a shortage of intensivists has led to a search for the best way to provide off-hours critical care coverage. This article reviews the evidence regarding intensivist-driven care, nighttime coverage, and telemedicine.
Prostaglandin E2 Stimulates Amyloid Precursor Protein Gene Expression: Inhibition by Immunosuppressants

Amyloid plaques that accumulate in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are primarily composed of aggregates of amyloid peptides that are derived from the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Overexpression of APP in cell cultures increases the formation of amyloidogenic peptides and causes neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction in transgenic mice. We now report that activation of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) receptors increases cAMP formation and stimulates overexpression of APP mRNA and holoprotein in primary cultures of cortical astrocytes. Levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein were also increased by PGE 2 treatment, suggesting that these cultured astrocytes resemble reactive astrocytes found in vivo . The stimulation by PGE 2 of APP synthesis was mimicked or blocked by activators or inhibitors, respectively, of protein kinase A. Actinomycin D or cycloheximide also inhibited the increase in APP holoprotein stimulated by PGE 2 . Treatment of astrocytes with 8-Bromo-cAMP or forskolin for 24 hr also stimulated APP overexpression in cultured astrocytes. The immunosuppressants cyclosporin A and FK-506 inhibited the increase in APP mRNA and holoprotein levels caused by PGE 2 or by other treatments that elevated cellular cAMP levels; the inhibitory effect of FK-506 but not of cyclosporin A was attenuated by rapamycin. These results suggest that prostaglandins produced by brain injury or inflammation can activate APP transcription in astrocytes and that immunosuppressants may be used to prevent APP overexpression and possibly the pathophysiological processes underlying AD.
Polymeric Delivery Vehicles for Exogenous Nucleic Acid Delivery

Abstract Herein is described the structure–property relationships between polymers and their ability to interact with nucleic acids such as oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs, and plasmid DNAs for delivery into cells in culture and in mammals. Polymer structure, composition, length, and dispersity have a strong influence on the ability for it to bind, condense, and complex nucleic acids, and to allow the composite material to function as a delivery agent. Numerous structural features are illustrated, and their effects on nucleic acid delivery into cultured cells are described. The features necessary for systemic delivery of nucleic acids in mammals are outlined, and examples of polymer delivery systems and their functions are illustrated. Finally, a few examples of polymer-based delivery of nucleic acids in humans are presented.
A monoallelic-to-biallelic T-cell transcriptional switch regulates GATA3 abundance

Protein abundance must be precisely regulated throughout life, and nowhere is the stringency of this requirement more evident than during T-cell development: A twofold increase in the abundance of transcription factor GATA3 results in thymic lymphoma, while reduced GATA3 leads to diminished T-cell production. GATA3 haploinsufficiency also causes human HDR (hypoparathyroidism, deafness, and renal dysplasia) syndrome, often accompanied by immunodeficiency. Here we show that loss of one Gata3 allele leads to diminished expansion (and compromised development) of immature T cells as well as aberrant induction of myeloid transcription factor PU.1. This effect is at least in part mediated transcriptionally: We discovered that Gata3 is monoallelically expressed in a parent of origin-independent manner in hematopoietic stem cells and early T-cell progenitors. Curiously, half of the developing cells switch to biallelic Gata3 transcription abruptly at midthymopoiesis. We show that the monoallelic-to-biallelic transcriptional switch is stably maintained and therefore is not a stochastic phenomenon. This unique mechanism, if adopted by other regulatory genes, may provide new biological insights into the rather prevalent phenomenon of monoallelic expression of autosomal genes as well as into the variably penetrant pathophysiological spectrum of phenotypes observed in many human syndromes that are due to haploinsufficiency of the affected gene.
Analysis of Folded Plate Structures

A method of analysis of folded plate structures that seems to offer advantages for the structural designer is presented. Influence coefficients are derived for the determination of the longitudinal edge displacements and transverse moments. The plate stresses can then be found from the edge displacements. This solution can also be easily simplified to give a membrane analysis. The method is extended to include the analysis of prestressed folded plates with both straight and curves tendons. The assumptions usually made in the analysis of prestressed beams are used. Sample problems have been solved to illustrate the application of the method.
Characteristics of interferon induced in vitro and in vivo by a TRIC agent.

SummaryA TRIG agent (LB-1), a member of the psittacosis-LGV-trachoma group, can induce the production in vivo and in vitro of a material with antiviral activity similar to virus-induced interferon. The interferon induced in cell culture by LB-1 had a molecular weight of about 50,000 and hence appeared to differ significantly from virus-induced interferon prepared in cell culture or in vivo.Addendum: The peak of TRIC-induced interferon production in serum of mice is late (6-13 hours), similar to that of virus(3), brucella(3), or statalon(lO), but distinct from the early (2 hour) peak appearing after endotoxin(4).
Notes on the Orthocentric Tetrahedron

(1934). Notes on the Orthocentric Tetrahedron. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 41, No. 8, pp. 499-502.
Spectral considerations for outdoor lighting: Consequences for sky glow:

It is well known that the magnitude of sky glow on a clear night depends upon the aerosol content in the atmosphere and the spectral power distribution (amount and spectrum). Sources with a greater proportion of short-wavelength radiation produce more backscattered radiation, but as aerosol density increases, the differential effect of spectrum becomes smaller. Sky glow magnitude also depends upon the operating characteristics of the detector and will be greater when the spectrum of the backscattered radiation is tuned to the spectral band-pass characteristics of the detector. The human visual system is most often used to assess sky glow magnitude, but its spectral response is not limited to a single, univariate detector. Rather, the retina is composed of many neural channels, each with its own spectral and absolute sensitivities to optical radiation. Since we can use a different neural channel to see an individual star than we do to gain an overall impression of sky brightness, changes to the spectral po...
Effect of Dietary Starch Source and Concentration on Equine Fecal Microbiota.

Starch from corn is less susceptible to equine small intestinal digestion than starch from oats, and starch that reaches the hindgut can be utilized by the microbiota. The objective of the current study was to examine the effects of starch source on equine fecal microbiota. Thirty horses were assigned to treatments: control (hay only), HC (high corn), HO (high oats), LC (low corn), LO (low oats), and LW (low pelleted wheat middlings). Horses received an all-forage diet (2 wk; d -14 to d -1) before the treatment diets (2 wk; d 1 to 14). Starch was introduced gradually so that horses received 50% of the assigned starch amount (high = 2 g starch/kg BW; low = 1 g starch/kg BW) by d 4 and 100% by d 11. Fecal samples were obtained at the end of the forage-only period (S0; d -2), and on d 6 (S1) and d 13 (S2) of the treatment period. Cellulolytics, lactobacilli, Group D Gram-positive cocci (GPC), lactate-utilizers and amylolytics were enumerated. Enumeration data were log transformed and analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. There were sample day × treatment interactions (P 0.05). All treatments except LO resulted in increased amylolytics and decreased cellulolytics, but the changes were larger in horses fed corn and wheat middlings (P < 0.05). Feeding oats resulted in increased lactobacilli and decreased GPC (P < 0.05), while corn had the opposite effects. LW had increased lactobacilli and GPC (P < 0.05). The predominant amylolytic isolates from HC, LC and LW on S2 were identified by 16S RNA gene sequencing as Enterococcus faecalis, but other species were found in oat fed horses. These results demonstrate that starch source can have a differential effect on the equine fecal microbiota.
Study on the Supply Chain Management of Agriculture Product under E-commerce Environment

Based on introducing the status of agriculture product logistics in China,the supply chain integration model of agriculture product under the E-commerce environment was constructed and the corresponding countermeasures were put forward.
The Role of Nutrition in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder of defective energy production. This is the result of ineffective cellular utihzation of glucose — the major substrate for energy production. Abnormal glucose utihzation (metabohsm) causes secondary effects upon lipid and amino acid metabolism. These substances also serve as fuel for energy production.
Mental workload classification with concurrent electroencephalography and functional near-infrared spectroscopy

A brain-computer interface that measures the mental workload level of operators has applications in human-computer interactions (HCI) for reducing human error and improving work efficiency. In this...
Regulatory Actions on Dioxins and Related Compounds

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been involved with polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) for more than 10 years, and, more recently, with polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). This paper briefly tracks the regulatory activities in the area of herbicides, industrial wastes, abandoned dumpsites, and controlled combustion.
High pressure synthesis of a hexagonal close-packed phase of the high-entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi

High-entropy alloys, near-equiatomic solid solutions of five or more elements, represent a new strategy for the design of materials with properties superior to those of conventional alloys. However, their phase space remains constrained, with transition metal high-entropy alloys exhibiting only face- or body-centered cubic structures. Here, we report the high-pressure synthesis of a hexagonal close-packed phase of the prototypical high-entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi. This martensitic transformation begins at 14 GPa and is attributed to suppression of the local magnetic moments, destabilizing the initial fcc structure. Similar to fcc-to-hcp transformations in Al and the noble gases, the transformation is sluggish, occurring over a range of >40 GPa. However, the behaviour of CrMnFeCoNi is unique in that the hcp phase is retained following decompression to ambient pressure, yielding metastable fcc-hcp mixtures. This demonstrates a means of tuning the structures and properties of high-entropy alloys in a manner not achievable by conventional processing techniques. High-entropy alloys represent a new strategy for the design of materials with properties superior to those of conventional alloys, but are largely limited to simple phases of cubic symmetry. By applying high pressures on CrMnFeCoNi, here authors demonstrate synthesis of a hexagonal close-packed phase.
Effects of alternate-day fasting or daily calorie restriction on body composition, fat distribution, and circulating adipokines: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

Summary Background & aims Indirect comparisons suggest that alternate-day fasting (ADF) may produce greater improvements in body composition, fat distribution, and/or the adipokine profile compared to daily calorie restriction (CR), but this has not been tested directly. In a pre-planned secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, we compared changes in the VAT:SAT ratio, FFM:total mass ratio, and the adipokine profile between ADF and CR. Methods Overweight and obese participants ( n = 100) were randomized to 1) ADF (alternating every 24-h between consuming 25% or 125% of energy needs); 2) CR (consuming 75% of needs every day); or 3) control (consuming 100% of needs every day) for 24 wk. Results The VAT:SAT ratio did not change in any group. The FFM:total mass ratio increased in both ADF (0.03 ± 0.00) and CR (0.03 ± 0.01) compared to the control group ( P P Conclusion ADF and CR similarly improve the FFM:total mass ratio and reduce leptin after a 24-wk intervention. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov , number NCT00960505 .
INPATIENT COST OF ULTRASOUND-ASSISTED CATHETER-DIRECTED THROMBOLYSIS IN PATIENTS WITH SUBMASSIVE PULMONARY EMBOLUS: A SINGLE CENTER REGISTRY ANALYSIS

Submassive pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with high risk of morbidity and mortality. Ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis (USAT) improves right ventricular function and hemodynamics without increasing the risk of life-threatening hemorrhage. However, improvement in these
Prebiotic Potential of Herbal Medicines Used in Digestive Health and Disease.

Abstract Introduction: The prebiotic potential of herbal medicines has been scarcely studied. Methods: The authors therefore used anaerobic human fecal cultivation to investigate whether three herbal medicines commonly used in gastrointestinal health and disease in Ayurveda alter the growth and abundance of specific bacterial species. Results: Profiling of cultures supplemented with Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ulmus rubra, or triphala formulation by 16S rDNA sequencing revealed profound changes in diverse taxa in human gut microbiota. Principal coordinate analysis highlights that each herbal medicine drives the formation of unique microbial communities. The relative abundance of approximately one-third of the 299 species profiled was altered by all 3 medicines, whereas additional species displayed herb-specific alterations. Herb supplementation increased the abundance of many bacteria known to promote human health, including Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., and Bacteroides spp. Herb supplementation resul...
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Cardiovascular Disease: a Meta-Analysis of Recent Cardiac Outcome Trials

The aim of this study is to examine the cardioprotective properties of Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, a class of antihyperglycemic therapy, via meta-analysis of four recently published cardiovascular outcomes trials. Meta-analysis was performed pooling data from the ELIXA, LEADER, SUSTAIN-6 and EXSCEL trials. A random effects model was used to generate risk ratio with 95% confidence interval for cardiovascular and safety outcomes. A total of 33,457 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Based on the study, GLP-1R agonists significantly reduced all-cause mortality (RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.82 to 0.96) and cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.80 to 0.97) when compared to placebo. When long-acting agents were analyzed alone, reduction in major adverse cardiac events (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.81 to 0.97) and non-fatal strokes (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.76 to 0.99) also showed significance. Overall, GLP-1R agonists appear to have cardioprotective properties likely via modification of metabolic parameters such as glycemic control, weight loss, and improvement in blood pressure. Additional studies are warranted to compare cardiovascular outcomes among the different agents.
Effects of Legislation Regulating Abortion in Arizona.

Abstract Introduction Abortion is a common and safe procedure in the United States, the regulation of which varies by state. Since 2011, hundreds of state-level abortion restrictions have been enacted by legislatures across the country. This study describes the effects of two such regulations enacted in 2011 in Arizona, (A.R.S.) 36-2153 and 36-2155, that imposed a 24-hour waiting period requiring two separate in-person clinic visits before obtaining an abortion and banned advanced practice clinicians such as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurse midwives from inducing medication abortions by prescribing mifepristone. Materials and Methods We conducted a pre–post study to describe the effect of Arizona's scope of practice law on abortion provision by county. Using publicly available data, we compared patterns of abortion provision in 2009 and 2010 (before the laws) with 2012 and 2013. Our primary objective was to compare the proportion of abortions performed with medication by prescription of mifepristone (versus abortions performed surgically, known as aspiration abortions) before and after the laws were enacted. Our secondary objectives were to report the number of counties that lost an abortion provider and the change in the proportion of abortions performed before 14 weeks' gestation of pregnancy after the enactment of the laws. Results After enactment of the laws, the proportion of Arizona's 15 counties with abortion clinics decreased from 33% to 13%. Over this time, the proportion of abortions performed with medication in Arizona decreased by 17.4% (95% CI, 16.6%–18.3%; p = .0002), from 47.6% to 30.2%. Similarly, the proportion of abortions performed before 14 weeks' gestation in Arizona decreased by 3.3% (95% CI, 2.8%–3.8%; p = .0002) after the enactment of these laws. Discussion The proportion of abortions performed with medication and the proportion of abortion performed before 14 weeks’ gestation in Arizona were negatively affected by the enactment of these laws. These findings are not explained by national temporal trends in abortion, because the proportion of abortions performed with medication increased and early abortions remained stable over the same time period in the United States as a whole. Conclusions Proponents of laws restricting the provision of abortion such as these claim to improve the safety of abortion, but they actually seem to decrease access to abortion, as defined by the number of counties with abortion providers, and subsequently lead to delays in abortion. These data should inform future policies by providing an example of how such laws affect women seeking abortion.
Behavioral Formulation of Clinical Cases

The basic premise of this text is that maximally effective clinical intervention is dependent upon an accurate understanding of the factors that cause and maintain disordered behavior. Despite the presentation of this clinical position over two decades ago (Wolpe, 1958), professional obsession with treatment technology has predominated.
Interactive activities for learning discrete mathematics concepts: tutorial presentation

"Tell me and I'll forget. Teach me and I'll remember. Involve me and I'll learn." Interactive activities, with physical objects, instructional applets, or computer-based languages and tools, engage students in the learning process. They help students understand relevant discrete mathematics concepts, and connect topics in discrete mathematics with computer science. Everyday objects, such as, cards, coins, dice, paper, string, dominos, straws, etc. will be used to reinforce fundamental discrete mathematics concepts -- especially concepts students find challenging to learn. Computer applets, covering a broad spectrum of discrete mathematics topics, will be introduced with participants working in groups to understand various ways in which they can be utilized to enhance discrete math courses. In addition, various approaches to using computerbased languages and tools to reinforce and connect with fundamental computer science concepts will be introduced. These include logic education software, theorem provers, and logic based and functional programming languages with there supporting environments.One focus of the workshop will be incorporating interactive activities into all aspects of the course, including, lectures, recitations, homework and open or closed laboratories, and tutorial/help sessions. Approaches to developing and introducing a laboratory component of the course will be discussed. In addition, participants will work in groups to continue the development of new interactive activities.The workshop objectives are too provide the participants with a number of examples, and sources for additional ones, which demonstrate interactive activities to enhance and reinforce student learning of discrete mathematics concepts, and to develop a collection of material, examples and hands-on activities, that will be placed in an online repository for use by the computer science and mathematics education communities.
ECG-based driver inattention identification during naturalistic driving using Mel-frequency cepstrum 2-D transform and convolutional neural networks

Abstract Driver distraction is a major cause of road accidents which can lead to severe physical injuries and death. Statistics indicate the need of a reliable driver distraction system which can monitor the driver׳s distraction in real time and alert the driver before a mishap happens. Early detection of driver distraction can help decrease the costs of roadway disasters. There has been large research efforts towards analyzing driving behavior or monitoring driver distraction using camera-based techniques. However, camera-based systems pose challenges such as privacy and latency in the signs of distraction. Physiological signals such as Electrocardiogram (ECG) and heart rate related measures have been extensively used to monitor human state at a physiological level and developed systems which alert divers well in advance. In this paper, we introduce an ECG based driver distraction detection system using Mel-frequency cepstrum representation and convolutional neural networks (CNN). The proposed model operates by feeding a two dimensional Mel-frequency cepstrum representation of ECG data as input to deep convolutional neural networks. We present a recipe to extract Mel frequency filter bank coefficients in time and frequency domains. The deep CNN is structured to automatically learn reliable discriminative patterns in the 2D spectro-temporal space as features thus replacing the traditional ad hoc hand-crafted features when working with the recorded time-series dataset. The classification accuracy of the proposed prediction algorithm was evaluated for ECG signals recorded from 10 subjects. The subjects aged 24 to 45, actively participated in the naturalistic driving experiment during the ECG recordings. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves a significant classification accuracy for across the subjects.
Development of a Bayesian network model for optimal site selection of electric vehicle charging station

Abstract Fast charging sites play a crucial role for public acceptance of electric vehicle (EV). Selection of the most sustainable site positively contributes to the life cycle of electric vehicle charging station (EVCS), which requires considering some conflicting criteria. Previous researches mainly focused on utilizing optimization models to deal with EVCS site selection that only accounts for quantitative factors, while this paper proposes a Bayesian Network (BN) model that considers not only quantitative factors but also qualitative (subjective) ones. Based on academic literature and expert judgments, the assessment index for EVCS site selection was mainly made from sustainability point of view, which contains of economic, environmental, and social criteria with a total of eleven sub-criteria. BNs are powerful tools for handling risk assessment and decision making under uncertainty. The developed BN model is validated through sensitivity analysis approach. Finally, different propagation analyses have been performed to make special types of reasoning. This paper provides a new research perspective by considering uncertainty, qualitative and quantitative factors into the site selection assessment, and presents the mainstream penetration of BN as a powerful decision making tool in the context of electrical energy management.
Investigating drivers' mandatory lane change behavior on the weaving section of freeway with managed lanes: A driving simulator study

Abstract Managed lanes (MLs) system has been widely implemented on freeways to mitigate congestion and improve efficiency. MLs are usually designed as concurrent with general-purpose lanes (GPLs), and separated by a barrier or painted stripe with several at-grade ingresses and egresses. However, these kinds of designs may result in weaving segments between ingress (egress) and on-ramp (off-ramp). For example, vehicles from on-ramp must cross multiple GPLs to get access to the ML. This study aims to investigate the safety effects of weaving length, traffic condition, and driver characteristics on drivers’ mandatory lane change behavior based on a driving simulator study. Mixed factorial design with two within-subject factors (traffic volume: off-peak and peak; speed harmonization (SH): SH and Non-SH) and one between-subject factor (weaving length per lane change ( L LC ): 600 feet, 1000 feet, and 1400 feet) were employed in this study. Fifty-four licensed drivers were recruited to conduct this driving simulator experiment. Based on the experimental data, three lane change decision metrics (i.e., lane change merging gap, duration, and patience time), three lane change execution metrics (i.e., maximum longitudinal deceleration, lateral acceleration, and steering wheel angle), and two surrogate-safety metrics (i.e., number of conflicts and time exposed time-to-collision) were analyzed. Results indicated that for the ingress of MLs (entrance weaving segment), 1000 feet L LC would be recommended if the space is limited, otherwise 1400 feet L LC is preferable. For the egress of MLs (exit weaving segment), however, only 1000 feet L LC was recommended since 1400 feet L LC was found to be significantly more dangerous than 600 and 1000 feet L LC . Moreover, peak traffic condition could significantly increase the difficulty of lane change behavior on the weaving segments, and speed harmonization could significantly improve the lane change safety on the entrance weaving segments.
Heart failure and adverse heart failure outcomes among persons living with HIV in a US tertiary medical center.

Background Persons living with HIV (PLHIV) have an increased risk of heart failure (HF). However, little is known about outcomes among PLHIV with HF. The study aim was to compare HF outcomes among PLHIV with HF versus individuals without HIV with HF. Methods Our cohort included 2,308 individuals admitted with decompensated HF. We compared baseline characteristics, 30-day HF readmission, and cardiovascular (CV) and all-cause mortality. Within PLHIV, we assessed outcomes stratified between CD4 count and viral load (VL), and tested the association between traditional and HIV-specific parameters with 30-day HF readmission. Results There were 374 (16%) PLHIV with HF. Among PLHIV, 92% were on antiretroviral therapy and 63% had a VL Conclusions PLHIV with a low CD4 count or detectable VL have an increased 30-day HF readmission rate as well as increased CV and all-cause mortality. In contrast, PLHIV with a higher CD4 count and undetectable VL have similar HF outcomes to uninfected controls.
Regional and gender differences in tobacco use among American Indian youth

Tobacco use is among the top preventable causes of death in the United States, and American Indian (AI) adolescents tend to use tobacco at higher rates compared to the general population. To examin...
Cellular Mechanisms of Aortic Aneurysm Formation

Aortic aneurysms are a common vascular disease in Western populations that can involve virtually any portion of the aorta. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are much more common than thoracic aortic aneur...
Expectations, Coping, Cultural and Environmental Factors

Ethnicity and culture play a very important role in how patients are being treated for their chronic pain conditions. They impact the experience of pain, the threshold to complain, and the decisions by health care providers to treat.
Endoluminal Management of Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a functional disorder of the stomach defined as delayed gastric emptying without a clear mechanical obstruction. Despite the increasing prevalence of gastroparesis, the available treatment options remain limited and generally ineffective. For the most severe cases, procedural approaches to this problem are becoming progressively more focused on minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques that are comparable to more invasive surgical procedures. Endoscopic treatment ranges from nutritional support to pyloric-directed therapies including the application of botulinum toxin, dilation, and stenting. More recently, the gastric per oral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) or per oral pyloromyotomy (POP) has demonstrated promising results. As a newer technique, it has demonstrated promising results in terms of safety and subjective and objective clinical improvement. As further long-term data and studies are completed, endoluminal treatment options may shift the treatment paradigm and outcomes for patients with gastroparesis.
An artificial nucleoside that simultaneously detects and combats drug resistance to doxorubicin.

OBJECTIVES Doxorubicin is a DNA-damaging agent used to treat hematological cancers. Unfortunately, drug resistance can occur by defective DNA repair activity coupled with the ability of DNA polymerases to misreplicate unrepaired DNA lesions. This study demonstrates that the efficacy of doxorubicin can be improved by using an artificial nucleoside to efficiently and selectively inhibit this activity. METHODS In vitro studies using acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines define the mechanism of cell death caused by combining an artificial nucleoside with doxorubicin. RESULTS Flow cytometry experiments demonstrate that combining an artificial nucleoside with doxorubicin potentiates the cell killing effects of the drug by increasing apoptosis. The potentiation effect correlates with expression of TdT, a specialized DNA polymerase overexpressed in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Cell cycle experiments demonstrate that this combination blocks cells at S-phase prior to inducing apoptosis. Finally, the unique chemical composition of the nucleoside analog was used to visualize the replication of damaged DNA in TdT-positive cells. This represents a potential diagnostic tool to easily identify doxorubicin-resistant cancer cells. CONCLUSION Studies demonstrate that a novel artificial nucleoside improves the therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin, thereby reducing the risk of potential side effects caused by the DNA-damaging agent.
Gender differences in voice onset time perception

It has been known for a while that a gender difference in voice onset time (VOT) production exists such that males typically produce shorter VOTs than females (Swarts, 1992; Robb et al., 2005). However, potential gender differences in VOT perception have not been systematically investigated. This study addresses this question and asks if male and female listeners of English exhibit a different crossover point in a VOT continuum between a voiceless and voiced sound. 11-step VOT continua between /t/ and /d/ (VOT ranges from 70 ms to 5 ms) were created and a set of identification tasks were performed. Results show female listeners switch from a /t/-percept to a /d/-percept at an earlier VOT step (i.e., with a longer VOT) than male listeners do. That is, when female listeners start to categorize a token as a /d/-sound, male listeners still categorize the same token as a /t/-sound. This difference in the perceptual pattern between males and females mirrors their difference in production. VOTs for /t/ are typically shorter for male than female speakers, and male listeners categorize shorter VOT tokens as /t/ more often than female listeners do. This finding highlights the role of social factors like gender in the production-perception link.
The treatment of periprosthetic joint infection: safety and efficacy of two stage versus one stage exchange arthroplasty

Introduction: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains one of the most dreaded and challenging complications in adult reconstruction. While primary total joint arthroplasty is one of the most s...
Deconstructing the Rose Metaphor and Cultivating Trees of Rebellion in Sandra Cisneros’s "The House on Mango Street"

In Sandra Cisneros’s The House on Mango Street, deciphering two key motifs—the rose and trees—is fundamental to unpacking the central tension of the book: the protagonist’s desire to leave Mango Street and return in writing. While the tree motif is well-studied, that of the rose has eluded critical attention. This article shows how Cisneros unveils the centuries of patriarchal oppression distilled in the image of the rose and, in turn, offers new metaphors for women seeking to escape traditional constraints.
Novel genetic tools to model functional enzyme restoration in succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADHD)

SSADHD is a rare inborn metabolic disorder caused by the functional impairment of SSADH (encoded by the aldh5a1 gene), an enzyme essential for breaking down the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). In SSADHD, pathologic accumulation of GABA results in broad spectrum encephalopathy including developmental delay, ataxia, seizures and a risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Proof-of-concept systemic SSADH restoration via enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) or aldh5a1 gene transfer increased survival of SSADH knockout mice, suggesting that SSADH restoration might be a viable cure for SSADHD. However, before testing SSADH restoration therapy in patients, we must consider its safety and feasibility in context of the unique SSADHD pathophysiology. Specifically, a profound use-dependent down-regulation of GABA(A) receptors in SSADHD indicates a risk that sudden SSADH restoration might diminish GABAergic tone and provoke seizures. Such risk may be mitigated by gradual, rather than abrupt, SSADH restoration, or by restoration that is confined to critical cell types and brain regions. We therefore describe early work to construct a novel SSADHD mouse model that allows 9on-demand9 SSADH restoration for the systematic investigation of the rate, timing and cell-specific parameters of SSADH-restoring therapies. We aim to understand the clinical readiness of specific SSADH restoration protocols on brain physiology for purposes of accelerating the bench to bed-side development of ERT or gene therapy for SSADHD patients.
Qualified Immunity: A Legal, Practical, and Moral Failure

Accountability is an absolute necessity for meaningful criminal justice reform, and any attempt to provide greater accountability must confront the doctrine of qualified immunity. This judicial doctrine, invented by the Supreme Court in the 1960s, protects state and local officials from liability, even when they act unlawfully, so long as their actions do not violate “clearly established law.” In practice, this legal standard is a huge hurdle for civil rights plaintiffs because it generally requires them to identify not just a clear legal rule but a prior case with functionally identical facts. Qualified immunity is one of the most obviously unjustified legal doctrines in our nation’s history. Although it is nominally an interpretation of our primary federal civil rights statute, that statute says nothing about any immunities, qualified or otherwise. And the common-law background against which it was passed also contained nothing like the across-the-board immunity for public officials that characterizes the doctrine today. Qualified immunity has also been disastrous as a matter of policy. Victims of egregious misconduct are often left without any legal remedy simply because there does not happen to be a prior case on the books involving the exact same sort of misconduct. By undermining public accountability at a structural level, the doctrine also hurts the law enforcement community by denying police the degree of public trust and confidence they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. The most straightforward and sensible solution to this problem is complete abolition of qualified immunity. This could be appropriately accomplished either through the Supreme Court reversing its own precedent or through congressional legislation clarifying that our civil rights laws do not include any such defense to liability. Notably, even if qualified immunity is abrogated, municipalities would still have the option to indemnify state agents under appropriate circumstances. But there are also alternatives to total abolition that would eliminate qualified immunity in the typical case while still preserving a modified kind of immunity in a few safe harbors.
Delirium Among Adults Undergoing Solid Organ Transplantation

To summarize the research on postoperative delirium among patients undergoing solid organ transplantation in efforts to improve recognition, evaluation, and management, as well as highlight areas for future research. Delirium is a common complication in patients with organ failure before and after undergoing solid organ transplant (range: 4.7–47%). However, it is frequently unrecognized and underdiagnosed—even among those closely monitored after major surgery—given that its manifestation is often variable and inconsistent. Delirium has multifactorial etiologies comprising of a complex mix of predisposing recipient, donor, and transplant factors, as well as intraoperative and perioperative factors. Evidence suggests that delirium risk increases with presence of a greater number of such risk factors and can lead to adverse outcomes such as increased hospital length of stay, time in the ICU, time on mechanical ventilators, graft dysfunction, graft loss, and mortality. Though no trials have been conducted among transplant populations specifically, delirium has been shown to be preventable among hospitalized older adults generally. Multicomponent, primary prevention strategies designed to target multiple risk factors of delirium, such as cognitive impairment, sleep deprivation, immobility, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and dehydration, have been identified as most effective. Whether these approaches translate to improvements in quality of life and long-term health outcomes among patients with organ failure before and after transplantation is yet to be determined. Delirium is an important, common, yet potentially preventable complication among patients with organ failure. Future studies are needed to test the efficacy of multicomponent, primary prevention strategies on long-term health outcomes among these vulnerable populations.
African American Women in United States Congress

This focus of this paper is the African American women of the United States Congress. Forty-one African American women have served in the Congress--two in the Senate and the rest in the House. Since the first black woman, Shirley Chisholm, came to Congress in 1969, the number of women has steadily increased to the 21 now serving in the 115th Congress. How did they get to Congress? How have they made their presence known? This paper will answer these questions through a discussion of the background of the women, the makeup of their districts, the roles they have played in Congress and how they have made their influences felt.
Post-anaerobic treatability and residual biogas potential of digestate

Anaerobic digestion is a well-established method of stabilizing various organic wastes. However, effective and low-cost methods need to be developed and applied for digestate management to realize the full benefits of anaerobic digestion. The post-treatment of the digestate does not only reduce the greenhouse gas emissions due to storage or land application of digestates but also leads to an increase in the recovery of methane. The objective of this study was to quantify anaerobic treatability and biogas formation from the digestates of three full-scale anaerobic digesters fed with fruit processing and brewery wastewater and animal manure and food waste. Biochemical methane potential assays were conducted to determine the residual biogas production and yields achievable in the digestate samples investigated. The methane yields for the digestates investigated ranged between 0.055 and 0.147 l CH4/g VS which agree well with the relevant values from the literature. Anaerobic treatability assessment of digestates indicated chemical oxygen demand (COD), total solids (TS), and volatile solids (VS) removals of up to 62, 35, and 41%, respectively. Very low removals were observed for nitrogen and phosphorus as expected. The total potential energy yield and electricity production based on anaerobic digestion of the digestates of the three full-scale digesters are calculated as 35.3 GJ/day and 3.4 MWh, respectively. Moreover, a significant reduction in the greenhouse gas production will be achieved by anaerobically digesting the digestates of the three full-scale anaerobic digesters investigated in this study. If these findings are projected for all 127 biogas systems in Michigan, the significance of digestate treatment and valorization becomes clearer.
Immigrant believers from Muslim backgrounds and factors that facilitate a positive Christian identity

Ministry to Muslims has increasingly focused attention on the retention and discipleship of believers from Muslim backgrounds within the Christian community, and is often framed as issues pertainin...
The Quality of United States Schools

The general objective of this chapter is to suggest dimensions along which United States schools may be compared with those of other nations. We begin by focusing first upon American schools. But even at the outset, we find it essential to glance briefly at other countries, if only to provide the background minimally necessary for any comparative description. As we become more accustomed to the criteria used in conducting the inquiry, we return to describe more thoroughly how international systems stand in regard to one another. Throughout, the emphasis is, of course, upon psychological considerations.
Co-operativity and enzymatic activity in polymer-activated enzymes. A one-dimensional piggy-back binding model and its application to the DNA-dependent ATPase of DNA gyrase.

Abstract The binding of a ligand to a one-dimensional lattice in the presence of a second (“rider”) ligand, which binds only to the first ligand (piggy-back binding), is studied. A model derived from this study is used to analyze the effects of co-operativity on the reaction rates of enzymes activated by polymeric cofactors that provide multiple binding sites for the enzyme. It is found that in the presence of strong co-operativity, the steady-state reaction rates of polymer-activated enzymes can be very different from the Michaelis-Menten paradigm. By adjusting the co-operativity parameters and the binding constants of the ligands, the model can generate apparent auto-catalytic enhancement by substrates at low substrate concentrations and apparent substrate inhibition at high substrate concentrations. The model is shown to be able to explain the differences in the rates of ATP hydrolysis by DNA gyrase in the presence of long versus short DNA molecules and in the presence of long DNA molecules at different gyrase to DNA ratios.