cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of bfp Mutations on Biogenesis of Functional Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Type IV Pili

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli expresses a type IV fimbria known as the bundle-forming pilus (BFP) that is required for autoaggregation and localized adherence (LA) to host cells. A cluster of 14 genes is sufficient to reconstitute BFP biogenesis in a laboratory strain of E. coli. We have undertaken a systematic mutagenesis of the individual genes to determine the effect of each mutation on BFP biogenesis and LA. Here we report the construction and analysis of nonpolar mutations in six genes of the bfp cluster, bfpG, bfpB, bfpC, bfpD, bfpP, and bfpH, as well as the further analysis of a previously described bfpA mutant strain that is unable to express bundlin, the pilin protein. We found that mutations in bfpB, which encodes an outer membrane protein; bfpD, which encodes a putative nucleotide-binding protein; and bfpG and bfpC, which do not have sequence homologues in other type IV pilus systems, do not affect prebundlin expression or processing but block both BFP biogenesis and LA. The mutation in bfpP, the prepilin peptidase gene, does not affect prebundlin expression but blocks signal sequence cleavage of prebundlin, BFP biogenesis, and LA. The mutation in bfpH, which is predicted to encode a lytic transglycosylase, has no effect on prebundlin expression, prebundlin processing, BFP biogenesis, or LA. For each mutant for which altered phenotypes were detected, complementation with a plasmid containing the corresponding wild-type allele restored the wild-type phenotypes. We also found that association of prebundlin or bundlin with sucrose density flotation gradient fractions containing both inner and outer membrane proteins does not require any accessory proteins. These studies indicate that many bfp gene products are required for biogenesis of functional type IV pili but that mutations in the individual genes do not lead to the identification of new phases of pilus assembly.
Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Photoperiodic Response and Stage of Diapause in the Pitcher-Plant Mosquito, Wyeomyia smithii

A wide variety of temperate animals rely on length of day (photoperiodism) to anticipate and prepare for changing seasons by regulating the timing of development, reproduction, dormancy, and migration. Although the molecular basis of circadian rhythms regulating daily activities is well defined, the molecular basis for the photoperiodic regulation of seasonal activities is largely unknown. We use geographic variation in the photoperiodic control of diapause in the pitcher-plant mosquito Wyeomyia smithii to create the first QTL map of photoperiodism in any animal. For critical photoperiod (CPP), we detect QTL that are unique, a QTL that is sex linked, QTL that overlap with QTL for stage of diapause (SOD), and a QTL that interacts epistatically with the circadian rhythm gene, timeless. Results presented here confirm earlier studies concluding that CPP is under directional selection over the climatic gradient of North America and that the evolution of CPP is genetically correlated with SOD. Despite epistasis between timeless and a QTL for CPP, timeless is not located within any detectable QTL, indicating that it plays an ancillary role in the evolution of photoperiodism in W. smithii. Finally, we highlight one region of the genome that includes loci contributing to CPP, SOD, and hormonal regulation of development.
Palette's plunder

The author discusses one of the thornier issues for graphics on the Web-color, or more specifically, Web color palettes. Understanding how browsers render colors is key for creating quality graphics for the Web.
The TolQRA Proteins Are Required for Membrane Insertion of the Major Capsid Protein of the Filamentous Phage f1 during Infection

Infection of Escherichia coli by the filamentous bacteriophage f1 is initiated by interaction of the end of the phage particle containing the gene III protein with the tip of the F conjugative pilus. This is followed by the translocation of the phage DNA into the cytoplasm and the insertion of the major phage capsid protein, pVIII, into the cytoplasmic membrane. DNA transfer requires the chromosomally encoded TolA, TolQ, and TolR cytoplasmic membrane proteins. By using radiolabeled phages, it can be shown that no pVIII is inserted into the cytoplasmic membrane when the bacteria contain null mutations in tolQ, -R and -A. The rate of infection can be varied by using bacteria expressing various mutant TolA proteins. Analysis of the infection process in these strains demonstrates a direct correlation between the rate of infection and the incorporation of infecting bacteriophage pVIII into the cytoplasmic membrane.
Inhibition of cardiac myocyte contraction by 4-hydroxy- trans -2-nonenal

Lipid peroxidation, initiated by hydroxyl radicals, results in production of 4-Hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal (HNE) and leads to cardiac injury. However, impact of HNE on ventricular function has not been clearly defined. This study was to examine the direct effect of HNE on cardiac contractile function at cardiac myocyte level. Adult male rat ventricular myocytes were isolated and electrically stimulated to contract at 0.5 Hz. Mechanical and intracellular Ca2+ properties were evaluated using an Ionoptix Myocam system. Contractile properties analyzed included peak shortening (PS), time-PS, time-to-90% relengthening, maximal velocities of shortening and relengthening (+/-dL/dt), change of electrically stimulated intracellular Ca2+ fura-2 fluorescent intensity, and intracellular Ca2+ decay. Our results indicated that short-term incubation of HNE (10(-6) to 10(-4) M) with myocytes depressed PS, +/-dL/dt, and fura-2 fluorescent intensity; shortened time-PS; and elevated resting intracellular Ca2+ levels without affecting time-to-90% relengthening and intracellular Ca2+ decay. Interestingly, the HNE-induced cardiac mechanical effects (with the exception of shortened time-PS) were abolished by either the aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor cyanamide or the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor SB203580. These findings reveal a possible role of HNE in the lipid peroxidation-associated cardiac contractile dysfunction that is likely mediated through HNE metabolism and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation.
Insiders and Outsiders: The Politics of Pressure Group Influence on Bureaucracy

Interest groups and public administration are both universal features of political life, and this article examines their interaction. This interaction is deemed crucial for an understanding of the formation of public policy in the modern state. Four categories of interaction between pressure groups and bureaucracy are developed, and the extent and types of effects of each on policy is examined. The types of interactions discussed range from legitimate and formal interactions in the Scandinavian countries to sporadic and illegitimate group activities in developed and underdeveloped societies.
Composite Look-Up Table Gaussian Pseudo-Random Number Generator

Simulation of digital communication systems for the evaluation of bit error rate (BER) and other performance characteristics can be accelerated if the processing is implemented in programmable gate array (PGA) hardware. These simulations often require one or more Gaussian distributed pseudorandom number sources. Although uniformly distributed pseudorandom number sources can be readily implemented, Gaussian sources are not as easily configured. A typical method is to build a uniform source and transform the distribution to Gaussian. The inversion method accomplishes the transformation by the application of the inverse Gaussian cumulative distribution function (IGCDF). The IGCDF is easily obtained by the use of a look-up table (LUT). However, the memory required for the LUT can become large if it is to accurately represent the IGCDF. In this paper we demonstrate a method that can reduce the size of this LUT while allowing for control of the accuracy.
Stent usage in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms: past, present and future

As endovascular approaches to intracranial aneurysm (IA) treatment continue to evolve, the use of intracranial stents has advanced from an infrequent adjunct to potential curative monotherapy. Early results of endovascular therapy for IAs have clearly underscored large aneurysm size, low coil packing density and wide aneurysm neck as factors limiting successful long term obliteration. Intracranial stents were originally introduced as adjuncts to mitigate these limitations by facilitating tighter coil packing and preventing coil herniation. As evidence of their utility as flow diversion devices and as catalysts for aneurysm neck remodeling surfaced, their potential as standalone therapy was realised and is currently under close scrutiny. Here we review the evolution of stents in the treatment of IAs, from balloon expandable stents, to self-expanding stents, to the exciting advances in monotherapeutic flow diverting stents, amalgamating occlusion rates and reviewing complication rates.
An investigation of moisture and leakage currents in GRP composite hollow cylinders

The applicability of using flat composite plates and hollow core composite cylinders for moisture absorption testing of unidirectional glass/polymer composites used in high voltage composite (non-ceramic) insulators was examined. Two main issues were addressed in this work. First, the effect of specimen geometry (cylinders vs. plates) on moisture absorption by the composites was investigated both numerically and experimentally. Both classical Fickian and non-Fickian diffusions were considered. Subsequently, hollow core cylinders made up of ECR (low seed)-glass fibers and epoxy resin were tested for their high voltage properties under controlled moisture diffusion conditions. The specimens were exposed to warm, moist air and their high voltage properties were ascertained using a modified version of the ANSI test (standard C29.11 Section 7.4.2) for water diffusion electrical testing. It was found that the behavior of the hollow core cylinder and flat plate composite specimens subjected to moisture compared reasonably well experimentally and very well numerically. From the high voltage tests, a direct correlation was found between the amount of moisture that had been absorbed by the specimens and the amount of leakage current that was detected. It was shown that using the thin walled composite cylinders leakage currents could be predicted based on the amount of absorbed moisture in the insulator composites. The predictions can be made based on relatively short term moisture data even if the diffusion process in the composites is anomalous in nature with long times required for full saturation. After additional verifications, considering other composite systems, the hollow core cylinder testing under controlled moisture and high voltage conditions could become a screening test for selecting suitable glass/polymer composites for insulator applications.
Density functional theory: excited states and spin annihilation

Abstract A spin-annihilation technique for a single determinant formed from Kohn-Sham orbitals is described for the calculation of excited state singlet energies. This procedure accurately calculates the 1 1 B u ← 1 1 A g vertical transition for s-trans-1,3-butadiene using the Becke-Lee-Yang Parr (BLYP) functional. For this system, extrapolating from triplet and 50:50 Bu state energies gives poor results at either the UHF or BLYP levels; spin-annihilated Hartree-Fock theory is similarly unsuccessful.
Diet components can suppress inflammation and reduce cancer risk

Epidemiology studies indicate that diet or specific dietary components can reduce the risk for cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. An underlying cause of these diseases is chronic inflammation. Dietary components that are beneficial against disease seem to have multiple mechanisms of action and many also have a common mechanism of reducing inflammation, often via the NFκB pathway. Thus, a plant based diet can contain many components that reduce inflammation and can reduce the risk for developing all three of these chronic diseases. We summarize dietary components that have been shown to reduce cancer risk and two studies that show that dietary walnut can reduce cancer growth and development. Part of the mechanism for the anticancer benefit of walnut was by suppressing the activation of NFκB. In this brief review, we focus on reduction of cancer risk by dietary components and the relationship to suppression of inflammation. However, it should be remembered that most dietary components have multiple beneficial mechanisms of action that can be additive and that suppression of chronic inflammation should reduce the risk for all three chronic diseases.
High temperature experiments using programmable transistor array

Temperature and radiation tolerant electronics, as well as long life survivability are the key capabilities required for future NASA missions. Current approaches to electronics for extreme environments focus on component level robustness and hardening. Compensation techniques such as bias cancellation circuitry have also been employed. However, current technology can only ensure very limited lifetime in extreme environments. This paper presents a novel approach, based on evolvable hardware technology, which allows adaptive in-situ circuit redesign/reconfiguration during operation in extreme environments. This technology complements material/device advancements and increases the mission capability to survive harsh environments. The approach is demonstrated on a mixed-signal programmable chip, which recovers functionality until 280/spl deg/C. We show in this paper the functionality recovery at high temperatures for a variety of circuits, including rectifiers, amplifiers and filters.
Emergence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA 300 clone as a cause of health care-associated infections among patients with prosthetic joint infections.

Background Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has emerged as an important cause of staphylococcal infections, but there have been little data on whether CA-MRSA causes health care-associated infections. Methods A case-control study was performed to identify risk factors for prosthetic joint infections (PJI). Antibiograms of isolates associated with PJI were reviewed. Molecular typing of available MRSA isolates was done using pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Nares cultures of health care workers who provided care to those orthopedic patients were obtained. Results Over a 13-month period (January 2003-January 2004), 9.5% of patients with prosthetic hip (THA) or knee (TKA) joint surgery developed PJI (7 TKA and 2 THA). The mean time to development of PJI was 20 days. Five infections were caused by CA-MRSA and 3 by methicillin-susceptible S aureus ; one was culture negative. All CA-MRSA isolates had identical antibiograms (resistant to β-lactams and erythromycin; susceptible to clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, rifampin, gentamicin, levofloxacin, and vancomycin). Molecular typing of 2 available CA-MRSA isolates revealed that these were the USA300 clone; these isolates were PVL+ and carried SCCmec IV. CA-MRSA was not recovered from nares cultures from 31 health care workers. In multivariate analysis, TKA (OR, 8.1; 95% CI: 1.3-48.1) and surgery time >180 minutes (OR, 7.4; 95% CI: 1.4-39.6) were associated with PJI. Conclusion We have demonstrated that the CA-MRSA USA300 clone is no longer just a cause of community-aquired infections but has also emerged as a cause of health care-associated infections, causing PJI at our institution.
Endogenous IGF-I regulates IGF binding protein production in human intestinal smooth muscle cells.

Human intestinal smooth muscle in culture produces insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3, IGFBP-4, and IGFBP-5, which modulate the effects of IGF-I. This study examin...
Climate Change and African Americans in the USA

Climate change is one of the most challenging geophysical science and policy issues in modern times. The combined anthropogenic and natural forcing on the climate has profound impacts on the major spheres of the Earth system. Scholarly analysis has also revealed a cascading array of effects on the socioeconomic and political fabric. One of the more subtle effects of climate change is how it may affect certain sub-groups of people. Herein, we draw upon the literature to present the case for why African Americans are particularly vulnerable to climate change. While the focus is on one specific racial group, it is important to note that many of these findings may apply to an array of under-represented or underserved groups.
Sigmoidovaginostomy: a new method of obtaining satisfactory vaginal depth

Summary A new method has been described for anastomosing a short segment of sigmoid to the vaginal vault by an oblique end-to-end anastomosis for the purpose of gaining added length and lubrication of the vaginal canal. This method is particularly applicable to . patients with loss of vaginal depth after treatment of genital malignant lesions, who in addition have complications such as fi stula ulceration, stricture, or recurrence of the malignant lesion-disorders that require transection of bowel. The cases of 7 patients in whom such an operation was performed with no postoperative complication from the additional operative procedure have been presented. The postoperative vaginal depth has ranged from average to excessive. The additional depth has relieved dyspareunia, and 5 of 7 patients report intercourse to be satisfactory and normal without the use of lubricants.
Transitions ( 1 s 2 p ) P 0 3 − ( 2 p 2 ) P e 3 in He and ( 2 s 2 p ) P 0 3 − ( 2 p 2 ) P e 3 in H −

Precision calculations of the energies of the $({2p}^{2})^{3}P^{e}$ states of He and ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ are carried out with a Hylleraas-type wave function and are the lowest variational results yet obtained. The associated wave functions are used to calculate the mass polarization of the state. With the reduced mass correction, the wave numbers of the transitions $(1s2p)^{3}P^{0}\ensuremath{-}({2p}^{2})^{3}P^{e}$ in He and $(2s2p)^{3}P^{0}\ensuremath{-}({2p}^{2})^{3}P^{e}$ in ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ are found to be 312 222 and 3783 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, respectively. This former value is in disagreement with the experiment of Kruger (1930) who obtained 312 118 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. The discrepency between the experimental and theoretical values of 100 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ is large enough to encourage renewed experimental observation.
Variants affecting results of red cell triiodothyronine uptake test.

Since the reports of Hamolsky and coworkers on the use of uptake of triiodothyronine by red cells as a test for thyroid function, its use has become increasingly widespread." There have been some doubts regarding its value, however, because of a lack of reproducibility, its relatively poor differentiation between, the normal and the abnormal, or because of other reasons. On performing this test exactly as described, we too have noted these faults. We propose to explain the mechanisms of these faults, and to indicate possible means of avoiding them.
The Functional Role of PRC2 in Early T-cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ETP-ALL) – Mechanisms and Opportunities

Early T-Cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ETP-ALL) is a relatively newly identified subset of T-lineage ALL. There are conflicting results regarding prognosis, and the genetic basis of this condition is variable. Here, we summarize the current status of the field and discuss the role of mutations in the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 frequently identified in ETP-ALL patients.
Numerical and experimental analysis of spallation phenomena

The spallation phenomenon was studied through numerical analysis using a coupled Lagrangian particle tracking code and a hypersonic aerothermodynamics computational fluid dynamics solver. The results show that carbon emission from spalled particles results in a significant modification of the gas composition of the post-shock layer. Results from a test campaign at the NASA Langley HYMETS facility are presented. Using an automated image processing of short exposure images, two-dimensional velocity vectors of the spalled particles were calculated. In a 30-s test at 100 W/cm2 of cold-wall heat flux, more than 722 particles were detected, with an average velocity of 110 m/s.
Ostrich ballets and fish floats: the ephemeral art of festivals

During the Renaissance and Baroque periods temporary festival monuments, architectural works, fireworks, and table pieces were designed for the time of celebrations and were destroyed or torn down at the ceremony’s end. Memories of these works live on in the books and prints published as historic accounts, souvenirs, and reports for those at a distance who were unable to attend. Now held in library and archival collections, these works on paper are indispensable sources for researchers who seek to describe and to interpret the transitory and disposable, yet extraordinary, art of festivals.
Grounding design of electric power plants and transformer substations in high soil resistivity area

This paper discusses current grounding design issues of present electric power plants, transformer substations in high soil resistivity area, by incorporating the actual engineering data of a 220KV substation, analyzes the impact degree of grounding design parameters to earth potential, contact potential, and step potential. It also can be used as a reference point for peers to discuss in engineering design.
The impact of gamma rays on x-ray detectors during SPECT/CT

2736 Objectives During the computerized tomography (CT) scanning portion of any single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging study there are two radiation sources. The first is the x-ray tube and the second is the patient. Both x-ray and gamma ray are electromagnetic radiation and both have similar chemical and physical characteristics. The abstract will discuss the impact of gamma rays on x-ray detectors during SPECT/CT and the possibility of gamma-generated noise on CT images. Methods A SPECT/CT study was performed on each of three water phantoms filled with water and different radioisotopes with various energies (Tc99m, Ga67 and I131-mIBG). Each SPECT/CT study was performed using the proper collimator for each isotope, and involved both a low-dose and higher-dose CT scan. Results After reviewing the images for each isotope with low dose and higher dose CT, no noise was found in any of these images. These results suggest that any scattered radiation emitted from the phantom was eliminated and excluded by CT detectors. Conclusions Although theoretically unlikely for gamma rays to affect CT acquisition, this study was performed to test the possibility that gamma rays can cause increased noise on CT images. After reviewing the images for the three phantoms, no obvious noise was found. The number of x-ray photons are very high compared with gamma photons. Even when gamma photons are detected by the x-ray detector, it will not change anything obvious on the images.
Identification of a new-to-science cyanobacterium, Toxifilum mysidocida gen. nov. & sp. nov. (Cyanobacteria, Cyanophyceae)

Cyanobacteria occupy many niches within terrestrial, planktonic, and benthic habitats. The diversity of habitats colonized, similarity of morphology, and phenotypic plasticity all contribute to the difficulty of cyanobacterial identification. An unknown marine filamentous cyanobacterium was isolated from an aquatic animal rearing facility having mysid mortality events. The cyanobacterium originated from Corpus Christi Bay, TX. Filaments are rarely solitary, benthic mat forming, unbranched, and narrowing at the ends. Cells are 2.1 x 3.1 μm (width x length). Thylakoids are peripherally arranged on the outer third of the cell; cyanophycin granules and polyphosphate bodies are present. Molecular phylogenetic analysis in addition to morphology (transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy) and chemical composition all confirm it as a new genus and species we name Toxifilum mysidocida. At least one identified Leptolyngbya appears (based on genetic evidence and TEM) to belong to this new genus. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Histograms and Plots

SAS has some very powerful graphing procedures that are well worth exploring and utilizing. In this chapter we introduce some of that capability by presenting syntax for histograms and plots.
Identification of Activity Enhancement Residue of Human FVIII and Novel Factor VIII Variant for Human Gene Therapy

Gene therapy for Hemophilia A using the recombinant Adeno-associated virus (rAAV) offers an alternative to FVIII protein infusions; However, due to limitations associated with rAAV and the FVIII protein itself, the end result is transgene expression below therapeutic limits. One approach to improving the therapeutic value of rAAV gene therapy for HA is to engineer a more active FVIII protein through genetic modifications. Preliminary testing revealed that canine FVIII Light Chain (kLC) enhances human FVIII coagulation activity. Through the process of engineering, evaluation, positive and negative selection of kLC, key amino acids in canine factor VIII were identified. These amino acids were incorporated into human factor VIII and a new version of human factor VIII, hFVIII.JF12, was engineered. The hFVIII.JF12 is a human FVIII B-domain deleted construct containing 12 amino acid changes in the light chain that work together to enhance coagulation activity. In vitro , hFVIII.JF12 resulted in a 4.3 fold increase in clotting activity, but no increase in protein production. CD4KO/HA mice injected with rAAV vector carrying the hFVIII.JF12 gene produced an average 4.6 fold increase in clotting activity compared to those injected with hFVIIIBDD. An ELISA revealed no significant difference in protein production between these two groups of injected mice. In order to determine the mechanism of enhancement, the hFVIIIBDD and hFVIII.JF12 proteins were purified and functional properties analyzed. Results demonstrated that the hFVIII.JF12 protein produced a specific activity of 39,153.69 Units/m. This is a 6.28 fold increase over hFVIIIBDD specific activity, which was 6,237.92 Units/mg. Measurement of conversion from FX to FXa revealed that the hFVIII.JF12 protein generated a higher amount of FXa at a quicker rate. The hFVIII.JF12 construct is novel because it enhances FVIII activity both in vitro and in vivo through modifications to the light chain based on the kLC. This will be beneficial in the context of both gene and protein therapy because the protein is more specifically active. This research is also innovative because it demonstrates a novel method of enhancing transgene expression of FVIII delivered by an AAV vector through modifications to the gene itself. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Appendix: Miscellaneous Electrocardiographic Abnormalities

Many incidental EKG abnormalities may be seen when screening patients before medication initiation or monitoring patients on psychotropic medications. These EKG findings may sometimes need immediate attention or referral to a medical provider for additional workup. To perform this triage, it is important to understand some principles of EKG interpretation.
Upstreaming and Normalizing Advance Care Planning Conversations—A Public Health Approach

As a society, we simply don’t talk about this universal experience called dying and death; in fact, we ignore it until we have to face it. Thus, it is often in a crisis experience when we have to make decisions while we are laden with uncertainty and intense emotions. Sixty percent of people say making sure their family is not burdened by tough decisions is extremely important, yet 56% of them have not held a conversation about its context. Instead of waiting to make end-of-life decisions, let us begin to think about what matters most while we are living, what we value most, and how we translate these values into conversations about what is important. As a public health concern, if we can upstream the advance care planning discussion into usual health promotion activities, perhaps, as a society, we can begin to normalize and reshape how we make decisions about the last chapters of our lives.
Impact of volumetric muscle loss injury on persistent motoneuron axotomy

Introduction Volumetric muscle loss (VML) occurs following significant traumatic injury or surgical removal of skeletal muscle, resulting in nonrecoverable loss of tissue and long-term dysfunction. Perhaps less recognized is that VML injuries inherently disrupt the neuromuscular unit, resulting in fiber denervation and presumptive motor unit rearrangement, expansion, and/or loss. To characterize neural dysfunction we quantified motoneuron axotomy, in efforts to understand how this relates to the temporal coordination of neuromuscular and morphological alterations due to injury. Methods In an established rat tibialis anterior (TA) VML injury model, we examined the motoneuron, skeletal muscle, and maximal isometric torque at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days postinjury. Results Significant axotomy of 57-79% of all TA muscle motoneurons was observed through 21 days postinjury, which was coupled with a 45-90% TA maximal torque deficit. Discussion A ∼20% partial ablation of the TA muscle causes disproportionate damage across the motor unit acutely postinjury. Muscle Nerve 57: 799-807, 2018.
CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION Pressure ulcers

Abstract Pressure ulcers are localized areas of tissue necrosis that result from unrelieved pressure. They are graded or staged according to the degree of tissue damage observed. The main etiologic factors include pressure, shearing forces, friction, and moisture. The clinical course may be complicated by several conditions including infection, sepsis, osteomyelitis, fistulas, and carcinoma. Preventive measures in persons at risk can significantly reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers. Successful management should address the four etiologic factors as well as the general condition of the patient. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;38:517-36.) Learning Objective: At the conclusion of this learning activity, participants should be able to discuss the classification, etiology, complications, prevention, as well as the management of pressure ulcers.
Effects of Background Variables of Early Childhood Teachers on Their Concerns About Inclusion: The Mediation Role of Confidence in Teaching

This study examines concerns of early childhood teachers about inclusive education (IE) in infant through 3rd-grade classrooms in the United States and the associated role of teachers’ background v...
Platelet inhibition and anticoagulation in endovascular neurosurgery

Abstract Achieving an appropriate level of platelet inhibition and anticoagulation is crucial to avoid complications of thrombosis, embolism, and hemorrhage in neuroendovascular procedures. Numerous newer platelet inhibitors and anticoagulants have been released, recently. Additionally, many new laboratory and point-of-care (POC) tests are available on the market to determine the amount of platelet inhibition and anticoagulation. This chapter reviews the most commonly used platelet inhibitors, anticoagulants, and platelet function and anticoagulation tests for neuroendovascular procedures. We also discuss the use of these medications in the most common clinical scenarios.
Comparative Structure of the Respiratory Tract: Airway Architecture in Humans and Animals

The mammalian respiratory system is a structurally complex arrangement of organs designed principally for the intake of oxygen and the elimination of carbon dioxide (i.e., respiration). Though its main function is gas exchange, the respiratory system is composed of specialized tissues and cells that have other important functions such as the production of proteins and lipids, the activation and inactivation of hormones, and the metabolism of xenobiotic compounds entering the body through inhalation or other routes. Another important function of the respiratory system is defense against inhaled infectious (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi) and non-infectious agents (e.g., respirable dusts and gaseous air pollutants). The respiratory tract comprises the largest mucosal surface of the body with an internal surface area that is 25 times greater than the external surface of the body covered by skin. In contrast to the other mucosa-lined organs of the body (e.g., alimentary and reproductive), that are only periodically exposed to the external environment, the respiratory organs are constantly being exposed to large amounts of inhaled air. An adult human at rest takes in 10,000-15,000 L of ambient air through the nasal passages each day. Therefore the respiratory tract serves as an important interface between the environment and the host and plays a crucial role in maintaining the immune status of the body.
The Effectiveness of Intervention Programs: Changing Perspectives of Parents Against the Final Results of Learning in Kindergarten

. The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of parenting seminars to change the perspective of the parents towards the end results of learning in kindergarten. This research was conducted with quantitative methods with this type of survey research. Questionnaire in this tudy was made in the form of open ended questions. Overall it was concluded that at the time of pre test 37% still expect read write count (calistung) programs conducted in kindergartens. While 63% of respondents change of perspective, they no longer prioritize read write count (calistung) or cognitive aspects as the final results of the study children in kindergarten. parental perspective changes include the establishment of character, social skills, and creative.
Cross-section sensitivity of the D-T fusion probability and the D-T and T-T reaction rates

The cross-section sensitivity of the fusion probability has been calculated for various conditions of incident deuteron energy and plasma electron temperature. The fusion probability is most sensitive to the D-T cross section at the higher energies (approximately greater than 50 keV), and, based on the reported errors in the cross section, the errors in the calculated fusion probabilities should be approximately less than 10 percent. The cross-section sensitivities of the D-T reaction rate in a D-T plasma and the T-T reaction rate in a tritium plasma have also been calculated for various assumed values of the plasma ion temperature.
Gemstones Formed in Pegmatites: Gem Pegmatites of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Of all the rock types encountered on Earth, none is more gemologically important for its variety and quantity of gemstones than the igneous bodies known as pegmatites. More gemstones are found in pegmatites than in any other type of deposit. Pegmatites yield huge quantities of tourmaline, beryl (aquamarine and morganite), chrysoberyl, kunzite, and topaz, as well as a host of much rarer gems and minerals. Important descriptions of pegmatites are found in Sinkankas (1981) and Schneiderhohn (1961).
Serial patient-derived orthotopic xenografting of adenoid cystic carcinomas recapitulates stable expression of phenotypic alterations and innervation

Abstract Background Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models have significantly enhanced cancer research, and often serve as a robust model. However, enhanced growth rate and altered pathological phenotype with serial passages have repeatedly been shown in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) PDX tumors, which is a major concern. Methods We evaluated the fidelity of ACCs in their natural habitat by performing ACC orthotopic xenotransplantation (PDOX) in salivary glands. Findings Our PDOX model enabled solid tumors to integrate within the local epithelial, stromal and neuronal environment. Over serial passages, PDOX tumors maintained their stereotypic MYB-NFIB translocation, and FGFR2 and ATM point mutations. Tumor growth rate and histopathology were retained, including ACCs hallmark presentations of cribriform, tubular, solid areas and innervation. We also demonstrate that the PDOX model retains its capacity as a tool for drug testing. Interpretation Unlike the precedent PDX model, our data shows that the PDOX is a superior model for future cancer biology and therapy research. Fund This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) grants DE022557, DE027034, and DE027551.
BaTiO3-based modulators for integrated optical interconnects

Silicon based photonic integrated circuits (Si-PIC) are becoming a key contender for data center related transceivers. Available Si-PIC platforms use fast and well-integrated modulators based on the plasma-dispersion effect. However, they intrinsically suffer from high-loss and coupled amplitude and phase modulation. Using the Pockels effect enables highly efficient, low-loss phase shifters without residual amplitude modulation. Hybrid barium titanite (BaTiO3) Siphotonics technology with a strong Pockels effect on large-scale silicon substrates has emerged as a platform to implement such devices. The platform enables scalable, integrated Si-BaTiO3 devices with large Pockels coefficients for electro-optic modulation. Based on this platform, various electro-optic devices such as low-power tuning elements, monolithically integrated Si-BaTiO3 modulators, and ultra-compact plasmonic BaTiO3 modulators have been demonstrated.
(Mis)understanding the Hijab: the spirit and strength of Somali girls

ABSTRACTSomali girls who veil are often misrepresented as being oppressed by a patriarchal culture. Research gathered from a critical ethnographic study with sixth grade Somali girls sheds light on...
Assessing Dual-Polarization Radar Estimates of Extreme Rainfall during Hurricane Harvey

AbstractHurricane Harvey hit the Texas Gulf Coast as a major hurricane on 25 August 2017 before exiting the state as a tropical storm on 29 August 2017. Left in its wake was historic flooding, with...
Abstract 46: Whole Genome Sequence Analysis Of Blood Pressure Phenotypes In The Trans-omics For Precision Medicine And Centers For Common Disease Genomics Programs

Background: Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have made important strides in localizing genomic regions associated with blood pressure (BP) phenotypes, the causal mechanisms underlyin...
Revised method with low usage amount of arsenic trioxide for testing urinary iodine by As(III)-Ce4+ catalytic spectrophotometry using ammonium persulfate digestion

Objective To introduce a newly revised method for determination of urinary iodine with low usage amount of arsenic trioxide and by As(Ⅲ)-Ce4+ spectrophotometry using ammonium persulfate digestion.Methods The newly revised method include:improved detection steps of 0.0-300.0 μ4g/L range urinary iodine,and increased detection steps of 300.0-1200.0 μg/L range urinary iodine,usage amount of arsenious acid solution was only a quarter of usage amount of the current standard method.The new modification for the national standard method was introduced and the method was evaluated on standard curve linearity and linear range,sample detection limit,precision and accuracy.Results The linear correlation coefficients d the 0.0-300 μg/L range and 300.0-1200.0 μg/L range calibration curve[C =a + b × lgA,C:iodine concentration,A:measuring absorbance] were -0.9995--1.0000,-0.9994--1.0000,respectively.The detection limit for iodine was 2.0 μg/L(0.25 ml of urine was tested).The relative standard deviations were 0.9％ (0.6/70.3)-3.3％(1.2/35.6) when measuring 12 urine samples with iodine conc entration of 35.6-265.5 μg/L,and 0.4％ (2.0/517.3)-2.2％ (7.2/330.1) when measuring 12 urine samples with iodine concentration of 330.0-1112.0 μg/L.The average recovery was 99.4％ with a range of 93.8％ (93.8/100)-103.9％(103.9/100) when measuring 15 urine samples with iodine concentration of 33.7-203.0 μg/L,and was 98.2％ with a range of 91.2％(501.8/550)-102.9％(411.7/400) when measuring 15 urine samples with iodine concentration of 330.0-783.0 μg/L.At different test temperature,the test results of five urinary iodine national standard materials with iodine concentration of 73.0,88.0,175.0,206.0,212.0 μg/L were all within the given value range and the relative deviation range was-2.8％(-5.9/212)-3.9％(6.9/175),and the test results of two urinary iodine national standard materials with iodine concentration of 556.0 and 883.0 μg/L were all within the given value range and the relative deviation range was-0.7％ (-7.0/883)-1.5％(8.1/556).Conclusions This newly modified method greatly reduces the amount of arsenic in liquid waste,reduces pollution,saving reagents,can directly access to urine samples with high iodine for digestion and determination,and this method is easier to be performed with better precision and accuracy,which is suitable to almost all routine laboratory test for measuring urinary iodine. Key words: Iodine; Urine; Standard revision; Spectrophotometry; Arsenic
Landscape management and polyculture in the ancient gardens and fields at Joya de Cerén, El Salvador

Abstract The Late Classic Maya village of Joya de Ceren’s extraordinary preservation by the Loma Caldera eruption circa 660 CE allows for a unique opportunity to study ancient Mesoamerican landscape management and agricultural practices. Various fruit trees, annual and root crops, fiber producers and other useful plants were cultivated within the village center, creating productive house-lot gardens. Extensive agricultural outfields of maize, manioc, squash, common beans, and numerous weedy species also have been documented through intensive paleoethnobotanical recovery methods and demonstrate the practice of multi-cropped or polyculture farming during Prehispanic times. The assorted array of economically useful species reveals the diversity of foodstuffs readily accessible to the inhabitants on a daily basis that were not simply the annual crops planted within the outfields. The long history of paleoethnobotanical research at this exceptionally preserved site provides the opportunity to not only understand what plant species the ancient inhabitants of this village utilized in their daily lives but also how the villagers perceived, managed, and manipulated their landscape in order to ensure a diverse and nutritional diet.
Design of Nonlinear Absorbers via Doped ENZ Metastructures

Replacing the dielectric spacer layer in a Salisbury screen with a nonlinear doped ENZ slab, we theoretically demonstrate the possibility of obtaining a tailorable nonlinear absorber.
Descubriendo los Recursos Culturales de Estudiantes Indígenas Latinoamericanos a través de la Literatura

While educators and researchers make notable progress for Spanish speaking students in the United States, Latin American indigenous students are a growing, yet overlooked population with rich cultu...
Allocating Undecided Voters in Pre-election Polling

Is there a way to make pre-election polls more accurate? This paper seeks to test some of the most popular methods of allocating ‘undecided’ voters, based on the underlying theory that the allocation of undecided voters will improve the public’s expectations of election results and a pollster’s claims about accuracy. Polling literature states the most popular methods to incorporate undecided voters include asking a “leaner” question that follows a ballot test question, or allocating the undecided proportionally to their vote preference. Both methods were used in this study, along with a third option in which an even-allocation, or essentially no allocation of undecided voters, took place. The study incorporates n=54 pre-election polls conducted in 20 different states, between October 26 and November 4, 2018, which were used to compare the three allocation methods. This includes an Absolute Error test (deviation between poll results and election results, Mosteller et al., 1949), a Statistical Accuracy test (absolute error compared with the poll’s margin of error, Kimball, 2017), and a Predictive Accuracy test (did the poll predict the actual election winner?). The study found no significant difference between the accuracy of the polls that included an allocation of undecided voters as compared to those that did not (χ2 (2, N=161)=.200, p=.905), suggesting that allocating undecided voters does not detract from, nor add to the reliability and validity of a pre-election poll. Keywords: undecided voter, pre-election polling, poll accuracy, allocation of undecided voter, political communication.
Against the American Grain: Willa Cather's History Troubles

��� During a brief scene in Willa Cather’s 1922 novel One of Ours, her ardent young protagonist, Claude Wheeler, asks a neighboring miller for permission to marry his daughter. Mr. Royce would like to warn Claude away from the marriage and so spare him the disappointment of his own domestic life, yet the elder man cannot shape his past into meaningful words: “He found himself absolutely unable to touch upon the vast body of experience he wished to communicate to Claude. It lay in his chest like a physical misery, and the desire to speak struggled there.” 1 Musing in silence, Mr. Royce widens the gap across which words fail to convey experience: “The dead might as well try to speak to the living,” he thinks, “as the old to the young” (One 1059). This painful inability to draw the past into the present indicates a predicament that is shared by many of Cather’s characters, but falls outside the usual lines of thinking about her novels. Debate about whether Cather’s fictional treatment of history either constructs or contests idealistic visions of the past has directed readings of her work primarily along these two tracks. Lost to this binary view of Cather’s engagement with history, I want to suggest, is a serious consideration of her rendering of the past as a vast, untouchable “body of experience” that is no less significant because it cannot be fully rendered. Cather ’s first critics compiled a “case against” her by citing nostalgic sentiments in her fiction as evidence of her antimodernity, the product of “her unwillingness to face the harshness of our world.” 2 Some readers, most prominently Alfred Kazin and Walter Benn Michaels, developed the perception of this retreat into Cather’s broader practice of “nativism”—the use of historical subjects to reclaim or invent an American origin—that they saw as definitive of US literary modernism. 3 Recent critics continue to find that Cather fails the historical subjects that her fiction invokes, whether these readers further parse the mechanisms of Cather’s nativism or reveal her more complex historicism. For instance, Sarah Wilson’s compelling argument for the discovery of Cather’s “historicist critique of nostalgia” in the “fractured” form of The Professor’s House (1925) concludes with the charge that this design nevertheless prohibits a sustained