cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Production of Xenopus tropicalis egg extracts to identify microtubule-associated RNAs.

Many organisms localize mRNAs to specific subcellular destinations to spatially and temporally control gene expression. Recent studies have demonstrated that the majority of the transcriptome is localized to a nonrandom position in cells and embryos. One approach to identify localized mRNAs is to biochemically purify a cellular structure of interest and to identify all associated transcripts. Using recently developed highthroughput sequencing technologies it is now straightforward to identify all RNAs associated with a subcellular structure. To facilitate transcript identification it is necessary to work with an organism with a fully sequenced genome. One attractive system for the biochemical purification of subcellular structures are egg extracts produced from the frog Xenopus laevis. However, X. laevis currently does not have a fully sequenced genome, which hampers transcript identification. In this article we describe a method to produce egg extracts from a related frog, X. tropicalis, that has a fully sequenced genome. We provide details for microtubule polymerization, purification and transcript isolation. While this article describes a specific method for identification of microtubule-associated transcripts, we believe that it will be easily applied to other subcellular structures and will provide a powerful method for identification of localized RNAs.
The LOCAL Study: Local reactions do not predict local reactions in allergen immunotherapy.

Background Although previous immunotherapy studies have demonstrated that a local reaction does not predict a systemic reaction, no study has investigated whether a local reaction predicts a local reaction. Objective To determine whether a local reaction predicts a local reaction at the next immunotherapy injection. Methods A retrospective analysis of an electronic immunotherapy database over a 12-month period was performed at a single site that did not dose-adjust for local reactions. Total injections, small local reactions (less than or equal to the size of patient's palm), large local reactions (LLRs; larger than the patient's palm), systemic reactions, and whether a local reaction was followed by a local reaction were recorded. Results Between August 2005 and July 2006, 360 patients received a total of 9678 injections. Of all patients, 78.3% had at least 1 local reaction, and 7.5% had an LLR. The total local reaction rate was 16.3% (1574/9678), the small local reaction rate was 15.9% (1536/9678), and the LLR rate was 0.4% (38/9678). Of all local reactions followed by another injection, 27.2% were followed by a local reaction. The sensitivity and positive predictive value for a local reaction predicting a local reaction at the next injection were 26.2% and 27.2%, respectively. In contrast, the specificity for the absence of a local reaction predicting the absence of a subsequent local reaction was 85.5%. For LLRs, only 6.0% were followed by another LLR; the sensitivity, positive predictive value, and specificity were 5.2%, 6.0%, and 99.6%, respectively. Conclusion In a clinic that does not dose-adjust for local reactions, local reactions do not predict local reactions at the next immunotherapy injection.
Cross-Layer Design of Embedded Modulation and Retransmission Diversity for Prioritized Packet Transmission in Wireless Networks

The current and future wireless systems need to support a multitude of services with a wide range of data rates and reliability requirements. The limited battery resource at the mobile terminals coupled with the hostile multipath fading channel makes the problem of providing reliable multimedia services challenging. In this article, we develop a novel method to mechanize a prioritized unicast transmission at the physical layer in response to the disparate quality of service requirements for multimedia traffic (imposed by upper layers) and investigate how the unequal bit error protection offered by multiresolution modulation is capitalized at the data link layer to yield a substantial throughput gain and minimize the packet loss probability of the "more important" packets in an inte-- grated voice/data and delay-sensitive applications (especially in poor and moderate channel conditions). However, there exists a slight throughput penalty in the high signal-to-noise ratio regime due to competitive nature of the "optimal reliable signaling rate" in an unknown time-varying channel.
The financial impact of intraoperative adverse events in abdominal surgery

Background Little evidence currently exists regarding the clinical or financial impact of intraoperative adverse events (iAEs). We sought to study the additional health care charges attributable to the occurrence of an iAE. Methods The administrative and ACS-NSQIP databases at our tertiary academic medical center were linked for all patients undergoing abdominal surgery (January 2007–October 2012). The ICD-9-CM-based Patient Safety Indicator “accidental puncture/laceration” was used to screen the linked database for potential iAEs. All iAEs were confirmed subsequently through standardized review of all flagged medical records. Multivariate analyses controlling for demographics, comorbidities/laboratory values, procedure type, and approach and complexity of surgery were performed to assess the increase in health care charges independently predicted by the occurrence of iAEs. Results Of 9,111 patients, 183 were confirmed to have iAEs. Patients in the iAE group had higher median total charges ($27,169 [IQR, 17,302–44,952] vs $13,312 [IQR, 8,586–22,012]; P P P P P Conclusion In addition to the morbidity incurred by patients, the occurrence of an iAE is associated with major additional health care charges. In an era of value-based health care, understanding and preventing iAEs can lead to major cost savings alongside improvements in patient safety and surgical quality.
Microstructure and optical properties of pulsed-laser-deposited iron oxide films

We have grown epitaxial iron oxide films on MgO substrates using pulsed laser deposition. In the wavelength range of 0.3-2 /spl mu/m, the refractive index was 2.5/spl plusmn/0.2 and the absorption coefficient was in the range of 5-16 /spl mu/m/sup -1/, with a minimum at a 0.87-/spl mu/m wavelength. Absorption peaks were fitted at 0.33/spl plusmn/0.01 /spl mu/m, 0.54/spl plusmn/0.04 /spl mu/m, and 1.78/spl plusmn/0.15 /spl mu/m wavelengths. The Faraday rotation of the films was 4/spl deg///spl mu/m at 0.645 /spl mu/m and 2.5/spl deg///spl mu/m at 1.55 /spl mu/m. Both the high Faraday rotation and the high absorption, in addition to a significant electrical conductivity, are most probably the result of Fe/sup 2+/ ions present in the /spl gamma/-Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/ films deposited in vacuum.
Elevated Poly-(ADP-Ribose)-Polymerase Activity Sensitizes Retinoblastoma-Deficient Cells to DNA Damage–Induced Necrosis

The retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor is a key regulator of cell cycle checkpoints but also protects against cell death induced by stresses such as DNA damage and death receptor ligation. We report here that cell death of Rb-deficient cells exposed to key genotoxic agents was associated with increased expression of S phase-specific E2F target genes and cell death consistently occurred in the S phase of the cell cycle. Cell cycle arrest induced by serum starvation prevented S phase entry, attenuated DNA damage, and promoted survival, suggesting that Rb-null cells die due to a failure to prevent S phase entry. DNA damage-induced death of Rb-null cells was associated with nucleotide depletion, higher activity of poly-ADP-ribose-polymerase (Parp), and cell death that was primarily necrotic. Knockdown of Parp-1 or chemical inhibition of Parp activity prevented nucleotide depletion and restored the viability of Rb-deficient cells to wild-type levels. Furthermore, chemical inhibition of Parp activity in vivo attenuated the cytotoxic effects of cisplatin against Rb-deficient tumors, arguing that Parp inhibitors should not be used therapeutically in combination with genotoxic drugs against tumors that are inactivated for the Rb tumor suppressor.
Microscopic observations of reductive manganite dissolution under oxic conditions.

At oxic/anoxic transition zones, manganese release from (hydr)oxide minerals into aqueous solution is a dynamic balance between mineral dissolution and Mn2+(aq) oxidation and precipitation, which are processes respectively promoted by organic reductants and molecular oxygen. We employ a flow-through atomic force microscope reactor (AFM-R) to investigate the reductive dissolution of the {010} surface of manganite (γ-MnOOH) across a range of pH values and ascorbic acid concentrations in aqueous solutions equilibrated with atmospheric CO2 and O2. The apparent dissolution rate increases with higher ascorbic acid concentrations and lower pH values. Concurrent changes in surface morphology show that dissolution proceeds at low pH via etching and step retreat, while at high pH dissolution is concurrent with precipitation. The precipitates are characterized ex situ by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and found to be MnIII-oxide. The onset of precipitation is consistent with an analysis of the thermodynamic ...
Case 67: Cardiac Arrest in a Prone Patient

A 28-year-old male (84 kg, 5 ft 11 in.) is admitted to hospital with pelvic fractures. He was run over by a train. His past history is significant for depression. Otherwise he is healthy and has no allergies. On examination he is awake, but in severe pain. No other injuries are found. Examination of this heart and lung reveals nothing abnormal. His chest X-ray is normal. He is taken to the operating room for an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for his multiple pelvic fractures in a prone position. A rapid sequence induction is performed uneventfully with etomidate and succinylcholine. The airway is secured with #8 endotracheal tube. Maintenance of anesthesia is with N2O in oxygen, sevoflurane, and fentanyl. Before the patient is turned prone, a right radial artery line, an internal jugular vein (Arrow-Flex sheath 9Fr, Arrow International, Reading, PA 19605), and a 14-G peripheral line are inserted.
$\sqrt 3 \times \sqrt 3 $ RECONSTRUCTIONS OF Si(111) STUDIED BY SCANNING TUNNELING MICROSCOPY

Many different metals induce R30° reconstructions of the Si(111) surface. Although these surfaces share a common periodicity, they can have very different atomic structures. This paper discusses scanning tunneling microscope results and their relationship to the current understanding of the surface structure in several of these metal/Si(111) systems.
Novel Control of Urokinase Receptor Expression.

In this section we feature some of the latest and most striking new findings in physiology, interpreting the term “physiology” in its broadest sense. In each instance, an effort will be made to place the new findings in perspective. Heinz Valtin Editor, trendsetters The best-known function
Parent–Child Synchrony in Children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Associations with Treatment Outcomes

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), characterized by angry/irritable mood, and argumentative/defiant behavior, is associated with significant negative outcomes in childhood and beyond. Researchers posit that these behaviors arise from poor parenting and/or an incompatibility between characteristics of the child and the child’s parents, resulting in strained interaction styles. The present study examines parent–child synchrony, the inverse of parent–child incompatibility as a predictor of children’s emotional lability, aggression, and overall functioning following psychosocial treatment. Participants were 75 treatment-seeking families with children diagnosed with ODD (46 boys). Families received one of two empirically supported treatments for ODD (Parent Management Training or Collaborative and Proactive Solutions). Findings indicated that pre-treatment parent–child synchrony was associated with decreased emotional lability and aggression following both treatments, as well as improvement in overall functioning, irrespective of treatment condition. These results reflect the importance of parent–child relations at the onset of treatment in predicting response to treatment and suggest potential treatment targets within parent–child relationships.
IES Arrow-Dot Longitudinal Comparisons of Personality Development in Preschool Children:

19 preschool children were administered the IES Arrow-Dot test at the beginning and end of the school year and results compared with those based on a similar sample gathered the previous year. Trends for declining Impulsivity and Superego development were corroborated. Baselines for Impulsivity and Superego showed variation. Baselines and trends of rising Ego scores were supported. Results suggested suport for developmental trends of personality integration in preschool children.
Seasonal Abundance of Adult Culicoides Spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in a Salt Marsh in Florida, USA

New Jersey light traps and emergence traps were used to determine species composition and seasonal prevalence of adult biting-midge populations at Yankeetown, Florida, USA. Twenty-one species of Culicoides were collected in light traps. Culicoides mississippiensis (57%) and C.furens (36%) were the prevalent species in these collections. Culicoides barbosai was the next most abundant species. These 3 species and C. floridensis and C. melleus were the only man-biting species collected. Only C. furens (73%) and C. mississippiensis (27%) were collected in the emergence traps. Analysis of the overall distribution of C. mississippiensis by plant cover (based on mean number flies/trap/day) revealed that 58% were in Spartina , 22% in Juncus , and 20% in Distichlis ; for C.furens , 20% were in Spartina , 12% in Juncus , and 68% in Distichlis . Some C. mississippiensis were present throughout the year, but this species was most abundant during the spring from mid-March through May and in the fall from mid-September through November. Most of the C. mississippiensis collected in emergence traps in the spring were from Spartina areas, and in the fall most specimens were from Juncus and Distichlis areas. Culicoides furens was present in light-trap collections from early April through early November. The largest peak usually occurred in September. Most of the specimens collected in emergence traps from June through October were from Distichlis areas.
Modulation of breast cancer cell viability by a cannabinoid receptor 2 agonist, JWH-015, is calcium dependent

Introduction Cannabinoid compounds, both nonspecific as well as agonists selective for either cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) or cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), have been shown to modulate the tumor microenvironment by inducing apoptosis in tumor cells in several model systems. The mechanism of this modulation remains only partially delineated, and activity induced via the CB1 and CB2 receptors may be distinct despite significant sequence homology and structural similarity of ligands.
Clonal Propagation of Orchids

This chapter will deal with methods of clonal propagation for members of the two major morphological groups of orchids. The first group, sympodials, includes such genera as Cymbidium, Cattleya, Dendrobium, and Oncidium. They are characterized by a multi-branchingrhizome that can supply an abundance of axillary shoots for use as explants. They were among the first orchids to be successfully propagated, and techniques for their in vitro initiation (i.e., establishment) and subsequent proliferation are well established (1-8). The second group, monopodials, include Phaluenopsis and Vanda, and are characterized by a single, unbranched axis of growth that possesses few readily available axillary shoots for use as explants. Significantly different in their morphologies, the two groups require different approaches to explant selection and subsequent culturing. The successful large scale micropropagation of monopodials is, in fact, a relatively recent achievement (9): the culmination of a wide variety of studies using different media compositions and supplements (10-18).
Biomarker analysis of liver cells exposed to surfactant-wrapped and oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have great potential in industrial, consumer, and mechanical applications, based partly on their unique structural, optical and electronic properties. CNTs are commonly oxidized or treated with surfactants to facilitate aqueous solution processing, and these CNT surface modifications also increase possible human and ecological exposures to nanoparticle-contaminated waters. To determine the exposure outcomes of oxidized and surfactant-wrapped multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on biochemical processes, metabolomics-based profiling of human liver cells (C3A) was utilized. Cells were exposed to 0, 10, or 100ng/mL of MWCNTs for 24 and 48h; MWCNT particle size distribution, charge, and aggregation were monitored concurrently during exposures. Following MWCNT exposure, cellular metabolites were extracted, lyophilized, and buffered for (1)H NMR analysis. Acquired spectra were subjected to both multivariate and univariate analysis to determine the consequences of nanotube exposure on the metabolite profile of C3A cells. Resulting scores plots illustrated temporal and dose-dependent metabolite responses to all MWCNTs tested. Loadings plots coupled with t-test filtered spectra identified metabolites of interest. XPS analysis revealed the presence of hydroxyl and carboxyl functionalities on both MWCNTs surfaces. Metal content analysis by ICP-AES indicated that the total mass concentration of the potentially toxic impurities in the exposure experiments were extremely low (i.e. [Ni]≤2×10(-10)g/mL). Preliminary data suggested that MWCNT exposure causes perturbations in biochemical processes involved in cellular oxidation as well as fluxes in amino acid metabolism and fatty acid synthesis. Dose-response trajectories were apparent and spectral peaks related to both dose and MWCNT dispersion methodologies were determined. Correlations of the significant changes in metabolites will help to identify potential biomarkers associated with carbonaceous nanoparticle exposure.
Generalized anisotropic polynomial chaos approach for expedited statistical analysis of nonlinear radio-frequency (RF) circuits

In this paper, a generalized anisotropic polynomial chaos approach for the fast statistical analysis of nonlinear radio-frequency (RF) circuits is proposed. This approach relies on a high dimensional model representation (HDMR) formulation in order to determine the maximum degree of the PC expansion along each random dimension separately. The resultant anisotropic multidimensional PC expansion of the circuit response is significantly sparse compared to the conventional isotropic expansion, thereby requiring substantially smaller time and memory cost for construction without significant loss of accuracy. The validity of the proposed methodology is demonstrated using a RF low noise amplifier example.
Competency-based goals for sleep and chronobiology in undergraduate medical education.

Study Objectives: Sleep and circadian rhythms are biologic processes operative in health and disease, but as yet there is no articulated curriculum for undergraduate medical education. Design: A multidisciplinary expert-opinion approach was utilized to assess and define education objectives and the potential for implementation. Setting: N/A Patients or Participants: National Institutes of Health Sleep Academic Awardees Interventions: N/A Results: Four competencies with examples of instruction objectives were identified relating to sleep processes and sleep need, the impact of sleep and sleep disorders on human illness, the sleep history, and the application of sleep physiology and pathophysiology to patient care. Various strategies and tools are currently available for implementation and assessment of learning objectives for these knowledge and skills. Conclusion: The core competencies can be designed to improve physician knowledge and skills in recognizing and intervening in sleep problems and disorders. Learning objectives can be immediately incorporated into most medical school curricula. At the same time, these competencies serve as an important bridge across multiple medical content areas and disciplines and between undergraduate and postgraduate training.
Density Dependent Rayleigh Linewidth of Depolarized Doubly Scattered Light

There is considerable theoretical and experimental interest in the double scattering mechanism of fluids near their critical point [1,2,3] and of macromolecules in solution [4,5]. Recently, Sorensen et al [4] reported the Rayleigh linewidth measurement of light, doubly scattered from optically isotropic Rayleigh-Gans particles in Brownian motion. Their results show a depolarized correlation spectrum independent of particle number density and scattering angle, and a correlation time, slightly greater than the correlation time for singly scattered light at 180°. Recently, Bertolotti studied the double scattering process with Mie spheres, using two separate cells [6]. In his work he considered the spatial coherence properties of the scattered field and its effects on the second- order correlation function. So far, these investigators have treated the double scattering phenomena by means of the Van Hove space-time density correlation function, applied successively to two statistically independent scattering events. This approach is based on the assumption that the total phase fluctuation of doubly scattered light is caused by both the first and second scatterers in Brownian motion. In addition, this interpretation assumes that the complex degree of coherence can be factorized into spatial and temporal parts.
Chapter 73 – Drosophila Models of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a debilitating movement disorder with no prevention, no cure, and few options for symptom management. Rapid and relevant information is required, and the model organism Drosophila melanogaster can contribute significantly to our understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying HSP pathology. We review HSP models based on fly orthologs of spastin, atlastin, reticulon-like 1, spichthyin, spartin, Kinesin heavy chain, swiss cheese, and unexamined causative loci. The relevance of these models to HSP is highlighted by their progressive neurodegeneration with distally increasing severity and impaired locomotor behaviors. Subcellularly, they implicate defects in synapse formation, microtubule regulation, endoplasmic reticulum morphogenesis, membrane trafficking, and axon transport. Much remains to be discovered from these models, including the relationship between these mechanisms. In addition, insights gained from the unique amenability of Drosophila to high-throughput genetic and in vivo pharmacological screens promise to advance our knowledge further and recommend potential therapeutic options.
Relatively Conscious: The Enduring Rage of Baldwin and the Education of a White Southern Baptist Queer

Delivered in Paris at the 2016 International James Baldwin Conference just two weeks before the killing of 49 individuals at a LGBT nightclub in Orlando, Florida on 26 June 2016, “Relatively Conscious” explores, through the eyes of an LGBT American and the words of James Baldwin, how separate and unequal life remains for so many within the United States. Written in the tradition of memoir, it recounts how, just as Paris saved Baldwin from himself, the writer’s life was transformedupon the discovery of Baldwin.
Social Skills and Psychological Adjustment

Social interactions are an everyday occurrence for individuals of all ages. Indeed, their ubiquity and assumed importance to psychological adjustment have created serious challenges for those attempting to define and understand the nature of social competence. For many, social competence is essentially synonymous with competence in general (e.g., Goldfried & D’Zurilla, 1973; Trower, 1982). This encompassing view of social competence was used to challenge the prevailing disease models of psychopathology and helped give rise to the modern skill training approaches (Ford & Urban, 1998). Social behavior patterns were deemed problematic to the extent they resulted in dysfunction and not because of their presumed links to any form of psychopathology. Since maladaptive patterns were presumed to result from faulty learning, it was also assumed that they could be “corrected” through new learning experiences. With its widened purview, the social competence construct has stimulated an enormous body of related empirical research and therapeutic application. On the downside, however, this very broad view of competence has brought much confusion and a lack of consensus to those attempting to operationally define the construct (see Chapter 2 of this volume). Commenting on its widespread use and connections to so many clinical problems, McFall (1982) questioned whether it was even possible for the construct “to retain any specificity or meaning or utility” (p. 2).
Pediatric Psychopharmacology: a Primer for the Treatment of Common Mental Health Conditions

The purpose of the review is to provide an overview of psychopharmacologic agents commonly used in pediatric practice. Stimulants, alpha-2-agonists, and SSRIs have empirically supported efficacy and have safety profiles that allow them to be prescribed and managed in the pediatric primary care setting. Pediatric primary care providers, independently or in collaboration, are integral components of a functioning pediatric mental health system of care.
Impact of Institutional and Student Characteristics on Texas Community Colleges under the State’s Performance Funding Model

ABSTRACTThe study examined how institutional and student characteristics may influence the earning of student success points by state-supported community colleges under the Texas performance funding system that was fully implemented in the 2016–2017 biennium. Texas has historically funded community colleges based on an enrollment formula; however, the funding system was revised in 2013 by setting aside 10% of the enrollment-based formula funding appropriations to be earned back through a performance funding system based on student success points earned. The quantitative study used a correlation design with three hierarchical multiple regression analyses to examine the relationships between the student outcomes measures for public community colleges and institutional and student characteristics. The data examined were collected by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and made available to the public through an interactive website tool. Findings showed that although several student and institutiona...
Problem Definition and Formulation

Of the models utilized to date to describe the hysteretic constitutive relation for a simple system, one of Che most versatile and tractable for dynamic applications is the modified Bouc model [19]. The original model was modified by Wen [127] in order that the smoothness of the transition between the pre-yield and post-yield regions of the force-deflection curve could be controlled. The constitutive relation for the modified Bouc hysteresis model can be stated for the SDOF oscillator in Figure 1.1 as $$Q(x(\tau ),\,\dot x(\tau ),\,0 < \,\tau \, < \,t;\,t) = M(2\zeta \omega \dot x\, + \,a{\omega ^2}x\, + \,(1 - a){\omega ^2}z)$$ (2.1) where z is an evolutionary variable described by the first order differential equation $$\dot z\, = \, - \,\gamma |\dot x|\,|z{|^{(n - 1)}}z\, - \,\beta \dot x|z{|^{n\,}} + \,A\dot x$$ (2.2) and ω is the undamped natural frequency of the oscillator when α = 1. The parameters α, β, γ, n and A are shape parameters of the hysteresis loops which can also be functions of time. The quantities $$Ma{\omega ^2}x\,and\,M(1 - a){\omega ^2}z$$ in Equation 2.1 are the linear and hysteretic portions of the total restoring force, respectively, and M(2ζωx) is the force associated with viscous dissipation. Baber and Wen [6] have shown that the hysteretic restoring force for the SDOF oscillator can be effectively modeled by Equations 2.1 and 2.2. Their report provided insight into the effect of each of the shape parameters on the hysteretic constitutive relation. These effects shall be discussed here for completeness.
Progress in Primary Biliary Cholangitis.

Primary biliary cholangitis remains an incurable disease. The first medical treatment for this disease was ursodeoxycholic acid, which was approved in 1997 after it was shown to delay the progressi...
Reciprocal cross-species induction of outer membrane vesicle biogenesis via secreted factors

Delivery of cargo to target cells is fundamental to bacterial competitiveness. One important but poorly understood system, ubiquitous among Gram-negative organisms, involves packaging cargo into outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). These biological nanoparticles are involved in processes ranging from toxin delivery to cell-cell communication. Despite this, we know comparatively little about how OMVs are formed. Building upon the discovery that the Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal (PQS) stimulates OMV biogenesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we proposed a model where PQS interacts with the outer membrane to induce curvature and ultimately OMV formation. Though this model is well supported in P. aeruginosa, it remained unclear whether other organisms produce similar compounds. Here we describe the development of a tightly controlled experimental system to test the interaction of bacterially-produced factors with target cells. Using this system, we show that multiple species respond to PQS by increasing OMV formation, that PQS accumulates in the induced vesicles, and that other bacteria secrete OMV-promoting factors. Analysis of induced vesicles indicates that recipient-mediated mechanisms exist to control vesicle size and that relatedness to the producer organism can dictate susceptibility to OMV-inducing compounds. This work provides evidence that small molecule induced OMV biogenesis is a widely conserved process and that cross-talk between systems may influence OMV production in neighboring bacteria.
Abdominal Nerve Entrapment

This disturbance affects the abdominal cutaneous nerves as they pass through the rectus abdominis muscle sheath, producing pain that may simulate surgical or genitourinary disease. The nerve angulates sharply as it enters the rectus muscle and is tethered posteriorly. At this point, it is vulnerable to entrapment. The disturbance is generally below the level of the umbilicus.
1029-LBP: Immune responses to Collagen IV and Fibronectin in Renal Transplant Recipients with Transplant Glomerulopathy

Aim Antibodies (Abs) to donor HLA (DSA) has been associated with transplant glomerulopathy (TG) following kidney transplantation (KTx). Immune responses to tissue restricted self-antigens (self-Ags) have been proposed to play a role in chronic rejection. In this study we determined the role of kidney restricted self tissue antigens collagen-IV (Col-IV) and fibronectin (FN) in the development of chronic rejection following KTx in TG patients. Methods Biopsy proven 26 KTx TG patients, 10 stable KTx and 14 normal controls were enrolled in this study. Antibodies to self-Ags, Col-IV and FN were determined by ELISA. DSA was determined by solid phase assay and frequency of CD4+ T cells secreting IFN- γ , IL-17 or IL-10 by ELISPOT. Results Development of Abs to self-Ags following KTx increased the risk for TG with an odds ratio of 22 (p γ (TG: 867 ± 241 pg/mL, stable: 407 ± 178 pg/mL, p = 0.02) and IL-17 (TG: 918 ± 197 pg/mL, stable: 327 ± 142 pg/mL, p = 0.009) with reduction in IL-10 (TG: 184 ± 78 pg/mL, stable: 668 ± 184 pg/mL, p = 0.001). Conclusions In conclusion, the development of Abs to self-Ags is an independent risk factor and having both DSA and Abs to self-Ags increases the risk for TG. The increased frequency of self-Ag specific IFN- γ and IL-17 cells with reduction in IL-10 demonstrate tolerance breakdown to self-Ags which we propose play a role in the pathogenesis of TG.
Grafting strategies for the synthesis of active DNase I polymer biohybrids

Abstract Protein polymer hybrids play an increasingly important role in therapeutics and biocatalysis. Synthesis of these biohybrids can be achieved by either the grafting-from or grafting-to strategy and are generally thought to be interchangeable. Therefore, when choosing between these two strategies the decision is usually based on polymer accessibility and purification preference. However, in this study, we demonstrated that the choice of the polymer ligation strategy played a significant role in the stability and bioactivity of the final hybrid. Our goal was to prepare a thermally stable DNase I polymer hybrid by utilizing either synthetic strategies. We found that the grafting-from strategy using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) or atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) yielded DNase I biohybrids with no activity. Control reactions were used to demonstrate inherent protein deactivation caused by the grafting-from conditions for either ATRP or RAFT polymerization. The grafting-to method yielded active and thermally stable DNase I biohybrids.
Establishing vegetation on a constructed fen in a post-mined landscape in Alberta’s oil sands region: A four-year evaluation after species introduction

Abstract Oil sands mining in Alberta has disturbed large areas of peatland, the dominant regional ecosystem type, and no formal strategies exist to reconstruct the landscape. Peatland reclamation is challenging, but approaches are now being tested to determine the feasibility of rebuilding these valuable ecosystems. To evaluate our design concept, a pilot reclamation fen and associated watershed was constructed in an oil sands mine near Fort McMurray, Alberta. We implemented a large-scale multifactorial field experiment to test the introduction of bryophytes and vascular plants by moss layer transfer (MLT), seeds, and nursery grown seedlings under wood-strand mulch and with a Typha latifolia removal treatment. Four years after planting, the MLT and Juncus balticus seedling treatment supported the highest bryophyte and vascular plant cover and species richness. Removal reduced T. latifolia cover but was not necessary in areas where seedlings or MLT were introduced as it may have been competitively excluded by the planted species. The most successful fen species to establish was Carex aquatilis that spread quickly but also reduced the cover and species richness of bryophytes and other vascular plants. Water level influenced species distributions, with near surface water tables supporting higher cover of T. latifolia and lower bryophyte and other vascular plant cover and species richness. Our research demonstrates that it is possible to establish and maintain fen bryophytes and vascular plants and limit T. latifolia invasion in a constructed fen. To prioritize fen plant species richness and bryophyte cover, future projects should design for lower water levels, select species tolerant of expected abiotic conditions, and introduce nurse plants such as J. balticus. This research is the first of its kind to evaluate a range of species introduction approaches and demonstrates that it is possible to establish fen plants in the post-mined landscape of Alberta.
HYSCORE Insights into the Distribution of the Unpaired Spin Density in an Engineered CuA Site in Azurin and Its His120Gly Variant.

A comparative study of the 1H and 14N hyperfine interactions between the CuA site in an engineered CuA center in azurin (WT-CuAAz) and its His120Gly variant (H120G-CuAAz) using the two-dimensional ESEEM technique, HYSCORE, is reported. HYSCORE spectroscopy has clarified conflicting results in previous electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) studies and found clear differences between the two CuA azurins. Specifically, a hyperfine coupling AN⊥ of 15.3 MHz was determined for the first time from the frequencies of double-quantum transitions of 14N histidine nitrogens coordinated to CuA in WT-CuAAz. In contrast, such coupling was not observed in the spectra of H120G-CuAAz, indicating at least a several megahertz increase in AN⊥ for the coordinated nitrogen in this variant. In addition, 14N HYSCORE spectra of WT-CuAAz show interaction with only one type of weakly coupled nitrogen assigned to the remote Ne atom of coordinated imidazole residues based on the quadrupole...
GENOME-WIDE ANALYSES OF CLINICAL FEATURES OF SCHIZOPHRENIA IN THE PSYCHIATRIC GENOMICS CONSORTIUM

Background Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a clinically heterogeneous disorder. Individual patients may vary with respect to onset, course of illness, response to treatment, outcome, and the particular pattern of symptoms endorsed. Proposed revisions to DSM-5 included dimensional measurement of several different symptom domains. We sought to determine whether common genetic variants influence clinical heterogeneity including symptom severity, Age-Of-Onset (AOO), smoking behaviors, and suicide attempt. Methods The Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) study of SZ comprised 8,000 cases of European ancestry with available clinical phenotype data; >12,000 cases with available information on age-of-onset of illness; and >5,000 cases with data on smoking behaviors or suicide attempt(s). Symptoms averaged over the course of illness were assessed using the OPCRIT, PANSS, LDPS, SCAN, SCID, and CASH. Factor analyses of each constituent PGC study identified positive, negative, manic, and depressive symptom dimensions. Results We examined the relationship between clinical features and aggregate polygenic risk scores constructed from the results of the primary PGC-SCZ GWAS, and estimate SNP-based heritabilities from genome-wide summary-statistics methods. Of particular interest, we replicated our previous finding that polygenic risk explains at least some of the variance in negative symptoms, a core illness dimension, and demonstrate that AOO is influenced by the aggregate effects of common genetic variation. We observed and subsequently replicated the significant genetic correlation of SCZ with smoking behaviors; comparing smoking behaviors among SCZ cases to the general population, we observe positive genetic correlations for both smoking initiation and smoking quantity. Discussion By compiling detailed clinical information from over 20 constituent studies of the PGC, we have demonstrated a polygenic basis for clinical features of SCZ including AOO, negative symptom severity, and smoking behaviors. The efforts described herein underscore the importance of both detailed phenotyping and the collaborative efforts of large-scale research consortia.
Molecular dynamic simulations to evaluate dissociation of hydrate structure II in the presence of inhibitors: A mechanistic study

Abstract The present work aims to investigate stability and decomposition of hydrate structure II of methane, propane, and isobutane systems at various temperatures, pressures, and compositions in the absence and/or presence of inhibitor molecules. To assess the stability of gas hydrates, a comprehensive knowledge of the structural, thermodynamic, and dynamic properties of the hydrates is needed. The structure II of gas hydrates is embedded in a molecular dynamic (MD) approach and the simulations are carried out under constant temperature-constant volume (NVT) and constant temperature-constant pressure (NPT) conditions by employing the consistent valence force field (CVFF). In this work, first, the mean square displacement (MSD) and diffusion coefficient are evaluated to demonstrate the movement of host molecules. The radial displacement function is then utilized to display the characteristic configurations of structure II under different process and thermodynamic conditions. In addition, other vital properties including lattice parameter and potential energy are determined. The effect of inhibitors on stability and/or decomposition of hydrate structure II is investigated. The achieved results are in good agreement with previous theoretical and experimental outputs, confirming reliability and appropriateness of the simulation method. The inhibition capability of different inhibitors based on the simulation results has the following order: methanol > ethanol > glycerol. The findings of this study can help for better understanding of hydrate dissociation in molecular scale as well as for proper selection and design of effective inhibitors for hydrates with different structures and characteristics.
Suspected Anaphylactic Reaction to Ketamine in 3 Yucatan Swine ( Sus scrofa)

This case series describes the clinical courses of 3 juvenile Yucatan miniature swine (Sus scrofa) that experienced a suspected anaphylactic reaction to ketamine hydrochloride during premedication for protocol-related surgery. All 3 swine rapidly developed diffuse erythema shortly after injection with ketamine-containing drug combinations. Clinical signs ranged from tachycardia and erythema alone to tachycardia and erythema followed by respiratory and cardiac arrest. Ketamine was considered the most likely cause of these reactions because it was the only agent in the premedication sedation combination that was used in all 3 swine. Subsequent intradermal skin testing confirmed this suspicion. With supportive care measures and standard medical interventions for anaphylaxis, all 3 animals recovered well and went on to be successful experimental subjects when an alternative anesthetic regimen that did not contain ketamine was used. To our knowledge, this report is the first description of a suspected adverse ketamine reaction of this type in swine despite the widespread use of the drug in this species. Ketamine anaphylaxis is rare in people, but the few cases described presented with symptoms similar to the clinical signs seen in the pigs in this report. In addition to highlighting a potential adverse drug reaction to ketamine in swine, this case series demonstrates the value of emergency preparedness for even the most routine of procedures.
Interstitial Ectopic Pregnancy and Laparoscopic Removal of the Interstitial Portion of the Tube: the New Frontier?

We present a case of a 40-year-old lady with 9 weeks of amenorrhea diagnosed with an interstitial pregnancy and multiple uterine fibroids. She underwent laparoscopic salpingectomy including the interstitial part of fallopian tube with products of conception without myomectomy and cornuostomy. Intra-operative blood loss was minimal. She was followed up post-operatively with weekly serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (serum beta-hCG), which down-trended optimally at day 23 of surgery. Histopathology confirmed ectopic pregnancy with underlying salpingitis isthmica nodosa. Patient recovered well. J Med Cases. 2020;11(8):229-233 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3317
Conditional granting in Parent-child interaction at mealtimes

Abstract Forestalling, disputing, and postponing the main activity of eating during mealtimes comprise a routine activity for young children and present a constant challenge for parents. Indeed, securing child compliance during moments of conflict has become a notable theme in the literature on parent-child interaction. Based on a larger corpus of 35 video-recorded family meals that involves a three-year-old child and her parents, this conversation analytic study details one practice—that of conditional granting—utilized by the parents to maneuver the thorny position of responding to the child's requests for alternative food and activities. Findings contribute to the literature on parent-child interactions and that on responses to requests.
Educational and Personal Opportunity Costs of Medical Student Preparation for the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 Exam: A Single-Center Study.

Purpose To assess the degree to which medical students choose to disengage from their regular preclinical curriculum and extracurricular activities in order to focus on United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 exam preparation, as well as learner-perceived effects of Step 1 preparation on their physical, social, and mental health. Method Online survey of medical students who have taken the USMLE Step 1 exam at a single large Midwestern academic medical center. Results The response rate was 54%. Students often reported absenteeism from a variety of preclinical curricular activities, including lectures (44%) and didactics focusing on medical ethics (37%), clinical skills (28%), and encounters with actual and standardized patients (9%) in order to study for USMLE Step 1. Many students also forewent extracurricular opportunities including research (53%), elective patient care opportunities (45%), community service (39%), and healthcare advocacy experiences (38%) in order to study for USMLE Step 1. Majorities of students identified Step 1 preparation as a cause of burnout (79%) or significant anxiety or depression (61%), for which nearly a third sought mental healthcare; students also reported Step 1 preparation as a cause of engaging in dangerous behaviors such as illicit prescription stimulant use as well as driving or providing patient care while impaired by fatigue. In narrative comments, students frequently described Step 1 to be a barrier to their development into effective clinicians, the traditional medical school curriculum to be a barrier to performance on Step 1, or both. Conclusions Medical students often prioritize Step 1 exam preparation over engaging with the standard preclinical curriculum, extracurricular opportunities, and activities to promote wellbeing. These findings have implications for the emphasis residency program directors place on single high-stakes standardized exams in the resident recruitment process.
Experiences of menopause during incarceration.

Objective Despite increasing representation of older women in US jail and prison facilities, their menopause experiences and access to related care remain uncharacterized. Our objective is to explore the menopause experiences of women incarcerated in jail and prison facilities. Methods We conducted a pilot study of four semi-structured in-depth interviews with women in the community who experienced menopause symptoms while incarcerated in either a prison or jail facility. Results Preliminary findings suggest critical gaps in access to menopause-related resources and medical care. Participants described that lifestyle and medical interventions for menopause in prison were inaccessible, and that untreated symptoms contributed to significant distress. Participants reported feeling as though medical staff did not believe their concerns and were dismissive of their complaints. In some cases, menopause symptoms and symptom management exacerbated the ways in which institutional barriers reproduce criminalization within the carceral system. Conclusions Individuals going through the menopause transition while experiencing incarceration have significant unmet needs and poor access to relieving lifestyle changes or medical interventions. Policy and practice changes should address menopause-related needs of individuals experiencing incarceration. Video Summary:http://links.lww.com/MENO/A730.
Synthesis of Gal-beta-(1-->4)-GlcNac-beta-(1-->6)-[Gal-beta-(1-->3]-GalNAc-alpha- OBn oligosaccharides bearing O-methyl or O-sulfo groups at C-3 of the Gal residue: specific acceptors for Gal: 3-O-sulfotransferases.

Our recent studies have revealed the existence of two distinct Gal: 3-O-sulfotransferases capable of acting on the C-3 position of galactose in a Core 2 branched structure, e.g., Galβ1→4GlcNAcβ1→6(Galβ1→3)GalNacα1→OBenzyl as acceptor to give 3-O-sulfoGalβ1→4GlcNAcβ1→3(Galβ1→3)GalNAcα1→OB 20 and Galβ1→4GlcNAcβ1→6(3-O-sulfoGalβ1→3)GalNAcα1→OB 23. We herein report the synthesis of these two compounds and also that of other modified analogs that are highly specific acceptors for the two sulfotransferases. Appropriately protected 1-thio-glycosides 7, 8, and 10 were employed as glycosyl donors for the synthesis of our target compounds.