cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular surgery in children with Marfan syndrome or Loeys-Dietz syndrome

Objective This study was undertaken to assess the frequency and outcome of cardiovascular surgery in children with Marfan or Loeys-Dietz syndrome. Methods A retrospective review from 2 regional Marfan subspecialty clinics was performed. Between 1997 and 2007, 204 children with Marfan syndrome and 17 children with Loeys-Dietz syndrome were followed serially. Of these patients, 35 were identified who had undergone cardiovascular surgery at 18 years of age or less. Demographic, echocardiographic, and surgical data were collected. Results Surgery was performed at a median of 3 years (0–15 years) after diagnosis and a mean age of 11.5 ± 6.2 years. Aortic root replacement was the initial surgery in 30 patients, and mitral valve surgery was the initial surgery in 8 patients, with 3 patients undergoing both. Aortic root replacement was performed using a composite root replacement in 9 patients and valve-sparing techniques in 21 patients (remodeling in 8 patients and reimplantation in 13 patients). Eight patients underwent reoperation at a mean of 4.7 ± 3.0 years after aortic surgery: 3 for aortic insufficiency, 2 for dissection, 2 for valve thrombosis, and 1 for a distal aneurysm. Adverse outcomes included reoperation in 8 patients, aneurysm in 1 patient, and death due to dissection or stroke in 3 patients. Variables associated with an adverse outcome included preoperative aortic insufficiency, valve replacement, and absence of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy. Conclusion Patients with Marfan or Loeys-Dietz syndrome requiring surgery during childhood have a favorable long-term outcome. Those undergoing valve-sparing root replacement or mitral valve repair have a low risk for reoperation. Postoperative angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy confers clinical benefit.
A short history of ionic liquids—from molten salts to neoteric solvents

Ionic liquids, defined here as salts with melting temperatures below 100 °C, evolved from traditional high temperature molten salts. Some materials we would now recognize as ionic liquids were observed as far back as the mid 19th century. The quest for useful molten salts with lower melting temperatures led to inorganic chloroaluminates, to organic chloroaluminates, then to the water and air stable salts now being developed for green chemistry applications.
Dispersion tailoring and soliton propagation in silicon waveguides

The dispersive properties of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) waveguides are studied by using the effective-index method. Extensive calculations indicate that an SOI waveguide can be designed to have its zero-dispersion wavelength near 1.5 microm with reasonable device dimensions. Numerical simulations show that soliton-like pulse propagation is achievable in such a waveguide in the spectral region at approximately 1.55 microm. The concept of path-averaged solitons is used to minimize the impact of linear loss and two-photon absorption.
Histidine Requirement of the Growing Chick

ABSTRACT The histidine requirement of the chick was estimated by the National Research Council (N.R.C.) (1954) to be 0.15% of the ration. In a recent publication (Almquist, 1956) the requirement of the growing chick for this amino acid is given as 0.3%. Tests in our laboratory employing completely synthetic diets also indicate that the requirement for histidine is in the neighborhood of 0.3% of the diet. Three experiments were carried out with the synthetic diet shown in Table 1. The amino acid mixture contained all the essential components at the specified levels listed by N.R.C. plus several nonessential amino acids, as shown in. Table 1. Histidine, arginine and lysine were fed as the hydrochlorides. Methionine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, threonine and valine were used in the racemic dl -form, thus doubling the percent in the diet of all of these with the exception of methionine, the dl -form of which is fully active. The growth . . .
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) attenuates mouse sperm motility and male fecundity

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Numerous studies have shown that N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) can inhibit sperm motility and function but the ability of cannabinoids to inhibit sperm motility is not well understood. We investigated the effects of WIN 55,212-2, a CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonist, and Δ9-tetrahydracannabinol (Δ9-THC) on the ATP levels and motility of murine sperm in vitro. In addition, the effects of acute administration of Δ9-THC on male fecundity were determined. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Effects of Δ9-THC on basal sperm kinematics were determined using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Stop-motion imaging was performed to measure sperm beat frequency. The effect of Δ9-THC on sperm ATP was determined using a luciferase assay. Male fertility was determined by evaluating the size of litters sired by Δ9-THC-treated males. KEY RESULTS Pretreatment of sperm for 15 min with 1 µM Δ9-THC reduced their basal motility and attenuated the ability of bicarbonate to stimulate flagellar beat frequency. Treatment with 5 µM WIN 55,212-2 or 10 µM Δ9-THC for 30 min reduced sperm ATP levels. In sperm lacking CB1 receptors this inhibitory effect of WIN 55,212-2 on ATP was attenuated whereas that of Δ9-THC persisted. Administration of 50 mg·kg−1Δ9-THC to male mice just before mating caused a 20% decrease in embryonic litter size. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Δ9-THC inhibits both basal and bicarbonate-stimulated sperm motility in vitro and reduces male fertility in vivo. High concentrations of WIN 55,212-2 or Δ9-THC inhibit ATP production in sperm; this effect of WIN 55,212-2 is CB1 receptor-dependent whereas that of Δ9-THC is not. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue-8. To view Part I of Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue-7
The impact of hurricanes Katrina and Rita on Louisiana school nurses.

In the fall of 2005, the coast of Louisiana was devastated by two hurricanes, Katrina and Rita. Not only did these natural disasters have detrimental effects for those directly in their path, the storms had an impact on the lives of everyone in Louisiana. The professional practice of many Louisiana school nurses was affected by several factors, including a sudden influx of students with no medical records. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted to gain an understanding of school nurses' feelings and experiences related to the hurricanes and their aftermath. Forty-one school nurses participated in the study, and findings revealed significant effects on their personal and professional lives. Themes within each area were identified: uncertainty, hopelessness and helplessness, thankfulness, practice challenges, and practice rewards. Implications for school nursing practice include the need for support during natural disasters and the importance of school nurse involvement in disaster preparedness. Language: en
Differential Phase-Shift Keying in Spatial Diversity Transmitters for Fade Mitigation

We investigate the use of differential phase-shift keying (DPSK) in multiwavelength spatial diversity transmitters for mitigation of atmospheric fading. By selecting the transmitter wavelengths to coincide with the transmission peaks of the delay-line interferometer in the receiver, the only modification required to a standard DPSK receiver is a wider optical filter. We examine the wavelength separation required to minimize penalties from beating between the wavelengths and find that a separation of twice the data rate is sufficient for a four-wavelength system with narrow filtering. We also demonstrate a reduction in scintillation loss for a four-wavelength DPSK system in a fading channel.
Test Enabled Process Tuning for Adaptive Baseband OFDM Processor

As channel conditions in wireless communications improve, the noise performance of the baseband DSP processor can be degraded to save power without compromising bit error rate. The degradation of baseband signal noise is achieved by degrading the noise performance (reducing the wordlength and supply voltage) of the various baseband signal processing modules in specific proportions defined by a locus, that ensures minimum overall power consumption for a given channel. In the presence of intra-die process variations, this locus is determined by the delay/leakage parameters of each baseband module. In our approach, a path oscillation test applied to each module is used to select the "best" locus of choice and an EVM driven feedback loop is used to dynamically modulate the wordlength/power consumption of each module as dictated by this locus to minimize power and modulate baseband SNR across a range of channel conditions.
Modeling Infection Transmission

Understanding what determines patterns of infection spread in populations is important for controlling infection transmission. The science that advances this understanding uses mathematical and computer models that vary from deterministic models of continuous populations to models of dynamically evolving contact networks between individuals. These provide insight, serve as scientific theories, help design studies, and help analyze data. The key to their use lies in assessing the robustness of inferences made using them to violation of their simplifying assumptions. This involves changing model forms from deterministic to stochastic and from compartmental to network, as well as adding realistic detail and changing parameter values. Currently inferences about infection transmission are often made using stratified rate or risk comparisons, logistic regression models, or proportionate hazards models that assume an absence of transmission. Robustness assessment will show many of these inferences to be wrong. A community of epidemiologist modelers is needed for effective robustness assessment.
Wood Stork Nesting in Georgia: 1992-2005

Abstract Wood Storks (Mycteria americana) were first recorded nesting in Georgia in 1965 at Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge (Harris 1995). In 1992, biologists initiated annual aerial surveys of known wading bird rookery sites to document Wood Stork distribution and estimate the number of nesting pairs in Georgia. Additionally, personnel from the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and Savannah River Ecology Laboratory have contributed annual ground-count data for several colonies. Since surveys began, stork nesting has been documented at least once in 43 locations across the Coastal Plain of the state, with an average of 14 active sites per year. The documented nesting effort for storks has increased from four pairs in one wading bird colony in 1965 to a high count of 1,817 pairs in 19 colonies in 2005. A regression of log-transformed nest totals for the 14-year time-series (1992-2005) showed no significant overall trend in nesting pair numbers (P = 0.84) for that period. However, it is possible that...
Competition, inhibition, and critical periods of cortical plasticity

Maturation of cortical inhibition just after eye opening is a necessary precedent for the emergence of competitive, experience-dependent ocular dominance plasticity in the visual cortex. What inhibition is doing in this context, though, is not clear. Here I outline new hypotheses on the roles of somatic and dendritic inhibition in the opening and closure of critical periods, and their roles in the competitive processes therein.
Malaria Genomics and the Developing World

Malaria is a disease caused by parasites from genus Plasmodium, a member of the Apicomplexan family. Apicomplexans are unique in that they are the only fully parasitic large clade on the tree of life. It is thought that every type of mammal, bird, and reptile is parasitized by at least one species of Plasmodium (Morrison 2009). Five Plasmodium species infect humans: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium knowlesi, which until recently was thought to infect only nonhuman primates (Cox-Singh et al. 2008). P. falciparum and P. vivax are the most prevalent species, and P. falciparum is responsible for most cases of severe malaria and death. A key feature of Apicomplexans is that these eukaryotic organisms exist mainly in a haploid state with most having only a brief obligatory diploid phase. Another difference is the apicoplast, a plastid believed to have originated from the phagocytosis of a chloroplast-containing microorganism (Waller and McFadden 2005).
Scientific Foundations of Engineering

Providing an overview of the foundations of engineering from a fundamental scientific and physical perspective, this book reinforces the basic scientific and mathematical principles which underpin a range of engineering disciplines and applications. It covers the basics of physics, including quantum physics, as well as some key topics in chemistry, making it a valuable resource for both students and professionals looking to gain a more coherent and interdisciplinary understanding of engineering systems. Throughout, the focus is on common features of physical systems (such as mechanical and electronic resonance), showing how the same underlying principles apply to different disciplines. Problems are provided at the end of each chapter including conceptual questions and examples to demonstrate the practical application of fundamental scientific principles. These include real-world examples, which are solvable using computational packages such as MATLAB.
S0-state model of the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II

The S0 → S1 transition of the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) of photosystem II is one of the least understood steps in the Kok cycle of water splitting. We introduce a quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) model of the S0 state that is consistent with extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction data. In conjunction with the QM/MM model of the S1 state, we address the proton-coupled electron-transfer (PCET) process that occurs during the S0 → S1 transition, where oxidation of a Mn center and deprotonation of a μ-oxo bridge lead to a significant rearrangement in the OEC. A hydrogen bonding network, linking the D1-D61 residue to a Mn-bound water molecule, is proposed to facilitate the PCET mechanism.
A Continuous Method to Quantify Stress-Strain Behavior of Biologic Materials

Mathematical models of biologic structures such as the knee, spine, and hand provide opportunities to better understand complex interactions and to simulate treatment outcomes. Accurate estimates of the material properties of biologic soft tissues are critical to the fidelity of biomechanical models. Biologic soft tissues have a nonlinear mechanical behavior characterized by an exponential toe region, described with σ = A(eBe −1) followed by a linear elastic region [1]. This has been used to describe the stress-strain properties of many soft tissues [2–4]. Using these traditional models, the two curves are independently fit to a separate set of data points. Thus, it is possible that the two portions of the modeled stress-strain curves do not necessarily exhibit both C0 and C1 continuity, and would not accurately represent a real material.© 2011 ASME
Screening Childhood Cancer Survivors for Breast Cancer

The development of second primary solid tumors, especially breast neoplasms, is increased among patients who have survived childhood or adolescent malignancies. With the increased long-term survival of patients with pediatric cancer, questions regarding breast cancer screening in this group have been raised. At this time, there are no established guidelines for breast cancer surveillance in this high-risk population. The objective of this review is to summarize the incidence, list additional risk factors for the development of breast cancer, and discuss the benefits of early detection of second primary breast cancers in pediatric cancer survivors. We have devised an algorithm for breast cancer screening in survivors of childhood malignancy. Implications of treatment with radiation and chemotherapy and the influence on prognosis of genetic abnormalities such as p53 mutations are debated.
A neural mechanism improving visual acuity by contrast enhancement, a study of foveal vision.

Analysis of synaptic connections between neurons in the retina (Sjostrand, 1958, 1974, 1989, 1990, 1998a,b,d) has revealed a pattern of connections between rods, cones and bipolar cells that shapes neural interaction to generate spatial brightness contrast enhancement, explaining the Mach band phenomenon (Mach, 1865). Using the Mach band effect at boundaries between fields of different brightness it was revealed that the phenomenon applies to foveal vision. The contrast enhancing distortion of brightness was confined to zones, the width of which approached visual resolution. The distortion also applied to boundaries between fields of different colors when differing in brightness. The distortion involved an achromatic component. The quality of vision deteriorated with decreasing illumination at the same rate enhancement of contrast faded. Spatial brightness contrast enhancement is therefore a major factor contributing to visual acuity and fading of enhancement explains the deterioration of the perceived image at low illumination.
Allogene Keratinozytenkulturen als Hautersatz in der klinischen Anwendung

Nach der von H. Green beschriebenen Methode wurden Epithelschichten aus Einzelzellsuspensionen gezuchtet. Allogene Keratinozytenkulturen wurden bei 10 Patienten mit Verbrennungswunden, traumatischen Lasionen und Ulcera cruris transplantiert. Zwei Transplantate gingen durch Infektionen verloren. Immunhistochemische Untersuchungen zeigten keine Abstosungsreaktionen. Allogene Keratinozytenkulturen konnen erfolgreich zur Hautdeckung eingesetzt werden.
Antagonism of RNase L is required for murine coronavirus replication in Kupffer cells and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells but not in hepatocytes

Mouse hepatitis virus strain A59 infection of mice is a useful tool for studying virus-host interaction during hepatitis development. The NS2 H126R mutant is attenuated in liver replication due to loss of phosphodiesterase activity, which the wild-type virus uses to block the 2 ’ ,5 ’ -oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS)-ribonuclease L (RNase L) antiviral pathway. The activation of RNase L by NS2 H126R is cell-type dependent and correlates with high basal expression levels of OAS, as found in myeloid cells. We tested the hypothesis that resident liver macrophages, Kupffer cells (KC), are the most likely cell type to restrict NS2 H126R and prevent hepatitis. As found previously, A59 and NS2 H126R replicate similarly in hepatocytes and neither activates RNase L, as assessed by an rRNA degradation assay. In contrast, in KCs, A59 exhibited a 100-fold higher titer than NS2 H126R and NS2 H126R induced rRNA degradation. Interestingly, in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC), the cells that form a barrier between blood and liver parenchymal cells, NS2 H126R activates RNase L, which limits viral replication. Similar growth kinetics were observed for both viruses in KC and LSEC from RNase L -/- mice, demonstrating that both use RNase L to limit NS2 H126R replication. Depletion of KC by gadolinium(III) chloride or LSEC by cyclophosphamide partially restores liver replication of NS2 H126R , leading to hepatitis. Thus, during MHV infection, hepatitis, which damages the parenchyma, is prevented by RNase L activity in both KC and LSEC but not in hepatocytes. This may be explained by the undetectable levels of RNase L as well as OASs expressed in hepatocytes. IMPORTANCE Mouse hepatitis virus infection of mice provides a useful tool for studying virus-host interactions during hepatitis development. The NS2 H126R mutant is attenuated in liver replication due to loss of phosphodiesterase activity, with which the wild-type virus blocks the potent OAS-RNase L antiviral pathway. RNase L activation by NS2 H126R is cell-type dependent and correlates with high basal expression levels of OAS, as found in myeloid cells. We showed that hepatocytes that comprise the liver parenchyma do not activate RNase L when infected with NS2 H126R nor do they restrict replication. However, both Kupffer cells (KC), liver resident macrophages and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) which line the sinusoids activate RNase L in response to NS2 H126R . These data suggest that KC and LSEC prevent viral spread into the parenchyma, preventing hepatitis. Furthermore, hepatocytes express undetectable levels of OASs and RNase L, which likely explains the lack of RNase L activation during NS2 H126R infection.
FRI0556 Does Leaving Poverty Reduce Newly Accumulated Damage in SLE

Background Several studies indicate that persons with SLE in poverty experience increased levels of accumulated damage compared to the non-poor. However, it is unknown as to whether leaving poverty reduces the amount of newly accumulated damage and over what time frame. Objectives Describe impact of permanently leaving poverty on newly accumulated damage and the duration of time until the effects of poverty are attenuated. Methods We used the UCSF Lupus Outcomes Study (LOS), a national longitudinal sample of persons with SLE interviewed annually. The survey collects data to assess whether individuals are ≤125% of the US Federal poverty level as well as a validated self-report battery of accumulated damage, the Brief Index of Lupus Damage (BILD) 1 . We used linear regression to analyze the impact of having left poverty permanently versus having remained in poverty or never having been in poverty and effect of # of years out of poverty on change in BILD between the 2009 and 2014, with and without adjustment for covariates. Covariates are listed in the footnote to Table 1, below. Results 2009 LOS interviews included 750 persons with SLE, of whom 587 were interviewed through 2014. Of the 587, 461 (80%) were never in poverty between 2009 and 2014, 51 (9%) remained poor throughout, and 67 (12%) left poverty permanently. In 2009 mean BILD was 1.95 (std dev, 2.00), range 0–13; by 2014, mean BILD increase was 1.44 (std dev 1.71), range 0–13, a clinically meaningful increment in damage. Table 1 summarizes change in BILD as a function of having left poverty and for how long and shows that persons who left poverty experience similar levels of accumulated damage as those never in poverty; this occurs by 2–3 years after leaving poverty. Conclusions Leaving poverty is associated with reduced levels of newly accumulated damage as soon as 2–3 years later, even when taking into account disease, demographics, medical care, and health behaviors. These results indicate that clinicians should be attentive to the burdens associated with poverty and that public policies to alleviate poverty not specifically geared to persons with SLE may contribute to the reduction of new damage in SLE. References Yazdany J, et al. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2011 Aug;63(8):1170–7. doi: 10.1002/acr.20503. Acknowledgement Robert Wood Johnson Investigator Award in Health Policy and NIAMS P60-AR-053308 and 5R01AR56476 Disclosure of Interest E. Yelin Grant/research support from: NIAMS (NIH) and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, L. Trupin Grant/research support from: NIAMS (NIH) and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, J. Yazdany Grant/research support from: NIAMS (NIH) and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Visual Tracking and Object Recognition

Abstract In this paper, we will discuss the closely related problems of visual tracking and object recognition. The solution involves adaptive and robust control in conjunction with multiscale methods from signal processing, and shape recognition theory from computer vision. We should note that the problem of visual tracking differs from standard tracking problems in that the feedback signal is measured using imaging sensors. In particular, it has to be extracted via computer vision algorithms and interpreted by a reasoning algorithm before being used in the control loop. Recognition will be accomplished using a novel invariant theoretic approach to shape analysis.
Light, sleep and circadian rhythms in older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) can cause sleep and behavioral problems that are problematic for ADRD patients and their family caregivers. Light therapy has shown promise as a nonpharmacological treatment, and preliminary studies demonstrate that timed light exposure can consolidate and improve nighttime sleep efficiency, increase daytime wakefulness and reduce evening agitation without the adverse effects of pharmacological solutions. Compliance with light treatment and the accurate measurement of light exposures during treatment, however, have presented barriers for the adoption of light therapy for ADRD. Recent research showing that the circadian system is maximally sensitive to short-wavelength light opens the way for the potential application of lower, more-targeted light intensities to maximize compliance and individualize light dose/timing in therapeutic settings.
MILES: m ulticlass i mbalanced l earning in e nsembles through s elective sampling

Imbalanced learning is the problem of learning from datasets when the class proportions are highly imbalanced. Imbalanced datasets are increasingly seen in many domains and pose a challenge to traditional classification techniques. Learning from imbalanced multiclass data (three or more classes) creates additional complexities. Studies suggest that ensemble learners can be trained to emphasize different segments of data pertaining to different classes and thereby produce more accurate results than regular imbalance learning techniques. Thus, we propose a new approach to building ensembles of classifiers for multiclass imbalanced datasets, called Multiclass Imbalance Learning in Ensembles through Selective Sampling (MILES). Each member of MILES is trained with the data selectively sampled from the bands around cluster centroids in a way that diversity is aggressively encouraged within the ensemble. Resampling techniques are utilized to balance the distribution of the data that comes from each cluster. We performed several experiments applying our approach to different datasets demonstrating improved performance for recognizing minority class examples and balancing the G-mean and Mean Area Under the Curve (MAUC). We further applied MILES to classify prolonged emergency department (ED) stays with consistently higher performance as compared to existing methods.
Media Exposure or Pressure? The Mediating Role of Nonmediated Norms in Young Adults’ Body Esteem

ABSTRACTThis study explores how media use, sociocultural, and individual differences factors influence college students’ body esteem. Two hundred seventy-four college students participated in this online survey. Women reported lower body esteem than men. The influence of sociocultural pressure on body esteem was slightly more pronounced among men compared to women. Magazine reading and TV viewing had little bearing on body esteem. Sociocultural pressure was the most influential factor that contributed to both men and women’s low body esteem. Specifically, the most salient predictor of low body esteem for both men and women was influence from family and friends. Not only did peer and family pressure have a direct impact, they also mediated the impact of media pressure on body esteem. This study offers a prime location in which to integrate studies of media influence and interpersonal communication. Limitations and directions for future research are also outlined.
The Alabama Age-Related Macular Degeneration Grading System for donor eyes.

Purpose To develop a systematic method for identifying and grading age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) in human donor eyes, postmortem fundus appearance was compared with histopathologic assessment in eyes with a spectrum of age-related macular change. Methods Eyes without grossly visible, late ARMD were obtained from 8 cancer patients and 26 donors older than 50 years. Postmortem fundus appearance was graded for drusen and pigmentary change, using stereo color photographs. Eyes were processed and sectioned at 1 microm for histopathologic evaluation of macular retinal pigment epithelium-Bruch's membrane complex. The histologic diagnosis was compared with gross fundus appearance, clinical ophthalmic histories (n = 25), and clinical fundus photographs that were graded using the Wisconsin Age-related Maculopathy Grading System (n = 5). Results Ten eyes met histopathologic criteria for early ARMD. A similar proportion of eyes (27%-32%) was identified as affected by ARMD by other published histopathologic criteria. By choosing eyes with at least one druse larger than 125 microm in diameter or an area of pigment-clumping 500 microm in diameter that was visible in the postmortem fundus, ARMD cases were identified with 90% sensitivity and 95% specificity. Conclusions The Alabama ARMD Grading System permits rational and standardized use of donor eyes in studies that are directed toward understanding the pathogenesis of ARMD.
Behavioral Syndromes in Epilepsy

There has been considerable controversy about the association of a specific syndrome of behavior and temporal lobe elilepsy, and this chapter addresses that issue from both a conceptual and an empirical perspective. Previous literature relating to this controversy is reviewed, with particular attention to conceptual and methodological implications for studies to more definitively answer unresolved questions. A study in which an attempt was made to empirically identify behaviorally homogeneous subgroups of patients with epilepsy is presented. Subgroups of a general epilepsy population were derived using cluster analysis procedures and a theoretically derived approach to group definition, and resulting subgroups are compared on seizure, neurological, demographic, behavioral/psychiatric/personality, and past history variables.
Reduction of Arm Fat by Liposuction

While liposuction of the abdomen, flanks, and hips remains the most popular areas for contouring, the upper arm is a significant esthetic concern for most women. A properly contoured arm enhances the fit of blouses and dresses. Tapered upper arms are viewed as a sign of youth and vigor. Despite vigorous activity and weight training, fatty deposits and lax skin may remain in the posterior triceps aspect of the arm extending to the axilla. This upper arm deformity progresses with age into what is known as “butcher” arms.
Barriers to Measles and Pertussis Immunization: The Knowledge and Attitudes of Pennsylvania Primary Care Physicians

Objectives To understand the causes of low childhood immunization rates, physicians were interviewed about their knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported immunization practices. Methods Trained interviewers conducted a standardized telephone survey of physicians. A random sample of Pennsylvania family physicians, pediatricians, and general practitioners younger than 65 years of age who were in office-based practices was selected from the combined listings of the American Medical Association and American Osteopathic Association. Physicians seeing ≥5 patients per week under age 6 years, seeing a total of ≥15 patients per week, and having ≥50% primary care patients were eligible. Of 383 eligible physicians, 70% (268) responded. The questionnaire was designed using the Health Belief Model, immunization barriers, and input from practitioners in primary care, pediatric infectious disease, maternal/child health, and preventive medicine. Results Respondents were more likely to refer to public vaccine clinics those children without insurance (P 90%) respondents thought that vaccine efficacy was high and that the likelihood of serious side effects was low. However, only 37% gave estimates that corresponded with the literature regarding the likelihood of an infant with pertussis to need hospitalization. Many respondents used invalid vaccine contraindications; for instance, 37% would not administer MMR to a boy whose mother was pregnant. Many respondents (21%) would not administer four vaccines simultaneously. Conclusions If the Healthy People 2000 goal to eliminate indigenous cases of measles is to be achieved, free vaccine supplies and increased provider education are needed.
Random vibrations of discrete and continuous systems

The topic of random vibrations of discrete and continuous systems is treated in four papers as follows. 1. Correlation and Spectral Analysis A Brief Outline 2. Measurement of Characteristics of Stationary Random Processes 3. Random Vibration of Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Systems with Associated Effect of Cross-Correlations 4. Wide-Band Random Vibration of Continuous Structures with Associated Effect of Cross-Correlations
The plasticity of melanoma cells and associated clinical implications

The molecular signature of aggressive cutaneous and uveal melanoma cells is consistent with an undifferentiated cell with a genetic profile similar to that of embryonic cells. The associated plastic phenotype may explain how aggressive melanoma cells can mimic endothelial cells, participate in neovascularization of tissues, and form a fluid-conducting meshwork through a process called vasculogenic mimicry. Although elucidation of the biological steps of melanoma vasculogenic mimicry should lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, the clinical management of cutaneous and uveal melanoma (as well as many other types of cancers), would benefit from the identification of valid predictors of disease progression and metastatic potential. In this regard, recent studies aimed at characterizing the molecular signature of melanoma tumor cells has resulted in a classification scheme for malignant cutaneous melanoma, as well as a molecular profile for uveal melanoma, which may contribute to improving the diagnosis and treatment of this and possibly other cancers.
Mechanical unfolding of alpha- and beta-helical protein motifs

Alpha-helices and beta-sheets are the two most common secondary structure motifs in proteins. Beta-helical structures merge features of the two motifs, containing two or three beta-sheet faces connected by loops or turns in a single protein. Beta-helical structures form the basis of proteins with diverse mechanical functions such as bacterial adhesins, phage cell-puncture devices, antifreeze proteins, and extracellular matrices. Alpha-helices are commonly found in cellular and extracellular matrix components, whereas beta-helices such as curli fibrils are more common as bacterial and biofilm matrix components. It is currently not known whether it may be advantageous to use one helical motif over the other for different structural and mechanical functions. To better understand the mechanical implications of using different helix motifs in networks, here we use Steered Molecular Dynamics (SMD) simulations to mechanically unfold multiple alpha- and beta-helical proteins at constant velocity at the single molecule scale. We focus on the energy dissipated during unfolding as a means of comparison between proteins and work normalized by protein characteristics (initial and final length, # H-bonds, # residues, etc.). We find that although alpha-helices such as keratin and beta-helices CsgA and CsgB can require similar amounts of work to unfold, the normalized work per hydrogen bond, initial end to end length, and number of residues is greater for beta-helices at the same pulling rate. To explain this, we analyze the orientation of the backbone alpha carbons and backbone hydrogen bonds during unfolding. We find that the larger width and shorter height of beta-helices results in smaller angles between the protein backbone and the pulling direction during unfolding. As subsequent strands are separated from the beta-helix core, the angle between the backbone and the pulling direction diminishes. This marks a transition where beta-sheet hydrogen bonds become loaded predominantly in a collective shearing mode, which requires a larger rupture force. This finding underlines the importance of geometry in optimizing resistance to mechanical unfolding in proteins. The helix radius is identified here as an important parameter that governs how much sacrificial energy dissipation capacity can be stored in protein networks, where beta-helices offer unique properties.
What Should Become of the Territories? Teaching the Problematic Past and Present of the "Unincorporated" Territory.

This article explores the ways in which social studies classrooms can explore the history and status of U.S. territories as “unincorporated.” We focus on the “Insular Cases” and in particular Downe...
The post-progressive liberalism of Carl Becker

This essay uses Carl Becker’s writings of the 1930s and 1940s as a tool for re-thinking the so-called “making of modern liberalism”. It first examines Becker’s Heavenly City of the Eighteenth Centu...
Radio Frequency Dielectric Characterization and Processing of Polymers Containing Nanomaterial Susceptors

This paper presents radio frequency (RF) methods for processing preceramic polymers and their dielectric characterization throughout the curing process. Nanomaterial fillers are dispersed in the polymers to act as susceptors and make the material more responsive to RF energy. Conventional methods to produce ceramics such as silicon carbide (SiC) rely on sintering at very high temperatures using conventional heating. Potential benefits of volumetric heating using RF energy over slow conventional heating methods include rapid and more uniform curing. Polycarbosilanes are preceramic polymers that can be used to produce SiC, however, they have low conductivity making them challenging to heat with RF energy. Adding nanomaterial fillers such as multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to the polymer changes its dielectric properties so that they can absorb RF energy efficiently and, as a result, heat rapidly [1]–[3].
A Rare Case of Sclerosing Stromal Tumor of the Ovary Presenting in Pregnancy: A Diagnostic Dilemma on Presentation.

Sclerosing stromal tumor (SST) is a rare benign neoplasm of the ovary. There are only a few cases of sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary during pregnancy that have been reported in the literature. The presenting symptoms are nonspecific, including pelvic pain or menstrual irregularities. We describe a case of a young 22-year-old pregnant woman who presented with pelvic pain in the second trimester. On imaging she was found to have a 12 cm left adnexal mass with solid features on MRI. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy and removal of the mass that was attached to the left ovary via a stalk with preservation of the left ovary. The frozen section diagnosis was “sex cord stromal tumor, favor benign”. The final pathology confirmed the diagnosis of the sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary where characteristic features of SST including a heterogenous, pseudolobular growth pattern with hypercellular and hypocellular areas were identified along with prominent luteinized stromal cells attributed to pregnancy. In this case report and review of literature, we emphasize consideration of this rare ovarian tumor in the differential diagnosis for a young pregnant woman who presents with pelvic pain.
8.15 – Sulfur Oxides

Sulfur oxides comprise both gaseous and particulate chemical species. The significant sulfur oxides in terms of the potential for public health consequences are gaseous sulfur dioxide (SO2), produced primarily from combustion sources, and the secondarily derived particulate acidic sulfates, sulfuric acid and ammonium bisulfate. Short-term (24 h average) exposure to SO2 is associated with respiratory symptoms in asthmatic children, and an association between such exposure and emergency room visits or hospitalization for certain respiratory diseases, specifically asthma and especially in children and older adults. Effects with longer-term exposures are more equivocal. However, while ambient exposure to SO2 has been associated with increased mortality and morbidity, it is often unclear whether the SO2 was the causal factor or was a surrogate exposure index for other pollutants in the sulfur oxide gas/particle complex, such as acid sulfates. The exact role of acidity versus SO2 in pollutant-associated health effects is not resolved. Extensive controlled studies with sulfate particles have shown that there are no significant biological responses at ambient concentrations, although exposures above ambient have shown effects on respiratory tract defense mechanisms. Furthermore, epidemiological studies are inconsistent in their outcomes related to sulfates.
Chapter 2 – Linear Elastodynamics

Publisher Summary A review of linear elastodynamics is presented in this chapter. For problems in classical elastodynamics the conservation of energy provides a convenient way of approaching solutions; however—because there are no dissipative processes—it is seldom necessary to introduce the energy conservation equations explicitly into the problem formulation. On the other hand, in fracture problems that are the focus of this chapter, dissipation is inherent in the problem. Typically integral transform methods and Green's function methods are used in obtaining solutions to specific boundary value problems. For propagating cracks, further complication of moving boundary conditions must be addressed. The construction of wavefronts and rays is useful in understanding and interpreting the development of stress fields in elastodynamic problems.
Interactions Between FGF23 and Genotype in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Background Higher serum intact fibroblast growth factor 23 (iFGF23) was associated with disease progression in participants with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in the HALT-PKD Studies. PKD mutation is also an important determinant of progression. We hypothesized that serum levels of iFGF23 and vitamin D metabolites (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25[OH]D]) differ according to ADPKD mutation and differentially predict clinical end points according to genotype (significant interaction between genotype and mineral metabolites). Methods A total of 864 individuals with ADPKD who participated in the HALT-PKD Study A or B and had measurements of mineral metabolites (1,25[OH]2D, 25[OH]D, iFGF23) were categorized by PKD mutation (PKD1 truncating, PKD1 nontruncating, PKD2, or no mutation detected [NMD]). The association of the interactions of genotype × iFGF23, genotype × 1,25(OH)2D, and genotype × 25(OH)D with (1) annualized change in eGFR; (2) mean annualized percentage change in height-corrected total kidney volume (Study A only); and (3) time to a composite of 50% reduction in eGFR, ESKD, or death were evaluated using linear regression and Cox proportional hazards regression. Results Median (interquartile range) iFGF23 differed (PKD1 truncating, 55.8 [40.7–76.8]; PKD1 nontruncating, 49.9 [37.7–71.0]; PKD2, 49.0 [33.8–70.5]; NMD, 50.3 [39.7–67.4] pg/ml; P=0.03) and mean±SD 1,25(OH)2D differed (PKD1 truncating, 32.8±12.8; PKD1 nontruncating, 33.4±12.5; PKD2, 34.1±13.1; NMD, 38.0±14.6 pg/ml; P=0.02) according to PKD genotype. There was a significant interaction between iFGF23 and genotype (P=0.02) for the composite end point in fully adjusted models, but no significant interaction between 1,25(OH)2D or 25(OH)D and genotype for clinical end points. Conclusions ADPKD genotype interacts significantly with FGF23 to influence clinical end points. Whereas the worst outcomes were in individuals with a PKD1-truncating or -nontruncating mutation and the highest iFGF23 tertile, risk of the composite end point differed according to iFGF23 the most in the PKD1-nontruncating and PKD2 groups.
Spontaneous Regression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: When the Immune System Stands Up to Cancer

Spontaneous regression of cancer is rare and has been observed mostly in immunogenic cancers like melanoma. A few cases of spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been reported, but the mechanisms of regression have not been elucidated. Here, we report a patient with advanced HCC who experienced spontaneous regression of her tumor and present evidence for a putative immune-mediated mechanism for tumor regression.
High-throughput, sliding-window algorithm for assessing chemical complementarity between immune receptor CDR3 domains and cancer mutant peptides: TRG-PIK3CA interactions and breast cancer

Physicochemical assessments of a vast accumulation of adaptive immune receptor (IR) recombinations have led to correlations of those properties with sub-divisions of various diseases. In the cancer setting, such assessments, particularly for the complementarity determining region-3 (CDR3) immune receptor domain, have been used to establish chemical complementarity matches to mutant amino acids (AA). These matches, in some cases, over very large numbers of tumor samples, have correlated with survival and gene expression distinctions. For example, in melanoma, electrostatic charge based, T-cell receptor CDR3-DNAH9 mutant AA complementarity represents better survival over multiple datasets that represent tumor tissue, T-cell receptor CDR3s. In this report, the complementarity approach has been expanded to include a more comprehensive representation of the interaction of T-cell receptor CDR3s and mutant AAs by incorporating the impact of the wild-type AAs surrounding the mutant AA. This "sliding window" approach was benchmarked against two large datasets of empirically determined CDR3-epitope pairs; showed more significant patient subdivisions; revealed a novel, TRG CDR3-mutant PIK3CA linkage in breast cancer; and was particularly suited to use with big data collections using only modest and widely-available processors. Thus, the algorithm should support more rapid and convenient indications (or prescreens) of CDR3-mutant peptide interactions for more focused studies and more efficient development of patient immunology-related prognostic tools and therapies.
Transient akathisia after the SARS-Cov-2 vaccine

We describe a case of transient akathisia after the second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Movement disorder symptoms such as parkinsonism have been described after other vaccinations and acute COVID-19 infection. This suggests a potential vulnerability of the extrapyramidal system to the immune response against even a component of the virus.
Gene 33/Mig6/ERRFI1, an Adapter Protein with Complex Functions in Cell Biology and Human Diseases

Gene 33 (also named Mig6, RALT, and ERRFI1) is an adapter/scaffold protein with a calculated molecular weight of about 50 kD. It contains multiple domains known to mediate protein–protein interaction, suggesting that it has the potential to interact with many cellular partners and have multiple cellular functions. The research over the last two decades has confirmed that it indeed regulates multiple cell signaling pathways and is involved in many pathophysiological processes. Gene 33 has long been viewed as an exclusively cytosolic protein. However, recent evidence suggests that it also has nuclear and chromatin-associated functions. These new findings highlight a significantly broader functional spectrum of this protein. In this review, we will discuss the function and regulation of Gene 33, as well as its association with human pathophysiological conditions in light of the recent research progress on this protein.
The New Dharma: A Select Bibliography of Secular Buddhism

In 1997, Stephen Batchelor published his ideas about a new form of Buddhism free of religion in the book Buddhism Without Beliefs. This concept of Buddhism would later be known as Secular Buddhism....