cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Podocyte-specific soluble epoxide hydrolase deficiency in mice attenuates acute kidney injury.

Author(s): Bettaieb, Ahmed; Koike, Shinichiro; Chahed, Samah; Zhao, Yi; Bachaalany, Santana; Hashoush, Nader; Graham, James; Fatima, Huma; Havel, Peter J; Gruzdev, Artiom; Zeldin, Darryl C; Hammock, Bruce D; Haj, Fawaz G | Abstract: Podocytes play an important role in maintaining glomerular function, and podocyte injury is a significant component in the pathogenesis of proteinuria. Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is a cytosolic enzyme whose genetic deficiency and pharmacological inhibition have beneficial effects on renal function, but its role in podocytes remains unexplored. The objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of sEH in podocytes to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced kidney injury. We report increased sEH transcript and protein expression in murine podocytes upon LPS challenge. To determine the function of sEH in podocytes in vivo we generated podocyte-specific sEH-deficient (pod-sEHKO) mice. Following LPS challenge, podocyte sEH-deficient mice exhibited lower kidney injury, proteinuria, and blood urea nitrogen concentrations than controls suggestive of preserved renal function. Also, renal mRNA and serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNFα were significantly lower in LPS-treated pod-sEHKO than control mice. Moreover, podocyte sEH deficiency was associated with decreased LPS-induced NF-κB and MAPK activation and attenuated endoplasmic reticulum stress. Furthermore, the protective effects of podocyte sEH deficiency in vivo were recapitulated in E11 murine podocytes treated with a selective sEH pharmacological inhibitor. Altogether, these findings identify sEH in podocytes as a contributor to signaling events in acute renal injury and suggest that sEH inhibition may be of therapeutic value in proteinuria.EnzymesSoluble epoxide hydrolase: EC 3.3.2.10.
Whole-rock geochemistry tracks precessional control of Pleistocene lake salinity at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania: A record of authigenic clays

The paleoclimatic framework of human evolution is central to the study of human origins. Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, has a rich paleontological record, including four hominin species. We analyzed 177 mudstone samples from a lacustrine section, supported by a new high-resolution geochronology, to track changes in paleolake water chemistry. Six peaks in Al 2 O 3 /MgO indicate freshening events occurring over a generally saline and alkaline environmental background. Five of the six events occurred at peak climatic precession, correlating with December insolation at 20°S. The southern monsoon therefore may have been more effective at delivering moisture to East Africa than today. Peak amplitude of geochemical variation preceded the ca. 1.84 Ma eccentricity maximum by ~20 k.y., suggesting that eccentricity modulation was unexpectedly weak in this interval, or that other factors affected the water balance or geochemical record. This study demonstrates that authigenic clay geochemistry determined through whole-rock analyses can preserve a record of astronomically forced environmental change, and documents paleohydrologic changes in tropical Africa at a time when zonal Walker circulation increasingly affected global climate, new stone technologies emerged, and the genus Homo spread beyond Africa.
Significant Impacts of Increasing Aridity on the Arid Soil Microbiome.

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Superfund Research Program [P42 ES004940]; National Science Foundation Microbial Observatory grant [MCB0604300]; Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration and Field Research in Astrobiology; Earth Microbiome Project - WM Keck Foundation; John Templeton Foundation; Argonne National Laboratory
Brazilian Relations with Portuguese Africa in the Context of the Elusive “Luso-Brazilian Community”

The year of 1972 brought the marked aggravation of a series of political-economic conflicts in Brazil's relations with developing countries outside the Western Hemisphere, calling into serious question the continued viability of its efforts of several years to maintain good relations with both Portugal and the nonaligned states (particularly those of Africa). Following successful tours of Latin American countries in 1971, Foreign Minister Mario Gibson Barboza termed 1972 the “Year of Africa” and visited Zaire and eight countries of West Africa to advance Brazil's ambitions as a leader of the LDCs by offering technical assistance, development financing, and increased trade, cooperation in commodity agreements, and cultural exchange based on the African component of Brazilian culture. This tour was intended to promote the image of Brazil as a peacefully multiracial, rapidly developing tropical civilization eager to share with others the solutions to economic growth which it had found.
Milk Proteins Are Predigested Within the Human Mammary Gland

Previous work demonstrates that proteases present in human milk release hundreds of peptides derived from milk proteins. However, the question of whether human milk protein digestion begins within the mammary gland remains incompletely answered. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether proteolytic degradation of human milk proteins into peptides begins within the mammary gland. The secondary objectives were to determine which milk proteases participate in the proteolysis and to predict which released peptides have bioactivity. Lactating mothers (n = 4) expressed their milk directly into a mixture of antiproteases on ice followed by immediate freezing of the milk to limit post-expression protease activity. Samples were analyzed for their peptide profiles via mass spectrometry and database searching. Peptidomics-based protease prediction and bioactivity prediction were each performed with several different approaches. The findings demonstrate that human milk contains more than 1,100 unique peptides derived from milk protein hydrolysis within the mammary gland. These peptides derived from 42 milk proteins and included 306 potential bioactive peptides. Based on the peptidomics data, plasmin was predicted to be the milk protease most active in the hydrolysis of human milk proteins within the mammary gland. Milk proteases actively cleave milk proteins within the mammary gland, initiating the release of functional peptides. Thus, the directly breastfed infant receives partially pre-digested proteins and numerous bioactive peptides.
Milk Poems and Blood Poems: Revolutionary Embodiment and the New Nicaraguan Woman

The focus of this essay is on the construction of Sandinista womanhood through its autobiographical depiction in a full range of embodied self-expression. It highlights the poetry of six guerilla p...
Flows With Respect to a Functor

Flows with respect to a functor F are introduced as a common generalization of the concepts of F-co-structured sinks and small F-co-structured sources. Appropriate factorization structures for functors are investigated and used to obtain several results that characterize coadjoint functors that have domains with various completeness conditions. When the functor in question is an identity functor, these results reduce to earlier results of Herrlich and Meyer for flows in a category. Functors of the type in question are shown to be nicely behaved with respect to composition. The dual notion of wolfs with respect to a functor is introduced, as is the concept of (co)limit with respect to a functor.
Programmed Cell Death during Xenopus Development: A Spatio-temporal Analysis

Programmed cell death (PCD) is an integral part of many developmental processes. In vertebrates little is yet known on the patterns of PCD and its role during the early phases of development, when embryonic tissue layers migrate and pattern formation takes place. We describe the spatio-temporal patterns of cell death during early Xenopus development, from fertilization to the tadpole stage (stage 35/36). Cell death was analyzed by a whole-mount in situ DNA end-labeling technique (the TUNEL protocol), as well as by serial sections of paraffin-embedded TUNEL-stained embryos. The first cell death was detected during gastrulation, and as development progressed followed highly dynamic and reproducible patterns, strongly suggesting it is an important component of development at these stages. The detection of PCD during neural induction, neural plate patterning, and later during the development of the nervous system highlights the role of PCD throughout neurogenesis. Additionally, high levels of cell death were detected in the developing tail and sensory organs. This is the first detailed description of PCD throughout early development of a vertebrate, and provides the basis for further studies on its role in the patterning and morphogenesis of the embryo.
Neue Richtlinien für die Planung, die Wirtschaftlichkeit und die Verfahrenstechnik von Kläranlagen

Lord Byron behauptete, das „der Mensch die Welt mit Vernichtung uberzieht“. Heute bezeugen viele unserer Berge, Taler und Flusse und sogar die Luft, die wir atmen, in grotesker Weise die Richtigkeit seines Pessimismus.
Incommensurability and the Normative Foundations of Scientific Knowledge

In this paper, I defend the relativity of scientific reasoning and knowledge to scientists’ diverse normative allegiances to historically variable standards of theory assessment. My aim is to justify a position of moderate relativism. This position seeks to accommodate the essential role of evidence, reasons, and reasoning in scientific choice/belief; while also giving sociological and historical factors an essential role in explaining and justifying which reasons and choices prove compelling to some scientists but not others who are equally rational and scientific. My strategy of argument is to take up the main criticisms of this sort of position in the work of post-Kuhnian writers such as Laudan, Lakatos, Siegel, Shapere, Scheffler, Sankey, and others. In particular, I examine the following influential rebuttals of relativism: (1) It is self-refuting; (2) It is refuted by the existence of rational debate in science; (3) It is refuted by the existence of neutral, external, universal standards of theory-assessment in science; (4) It is refuted by the fact that there are typically good scientific reasons for preferring some standards to others, which relativists cannot see because they embrace a misguided holistic paradigm of scientific change; (5) It is refuted by normative naturalism which provides an objective, ahistorical, and empirical method for evaluating the effectiveness of standards of scientific knowledge in attaining the aim or aims of scientific inquiry. I acknowledge the insights of these positions. But, I argue, they fail to rebut moderate relativism, and in particular, the relativity of reason and justification to diverse, historically shaped normative commitments to rival conceptions of scientific knowledge. The enduring philosophical contribution of Kuhn lies not in radical relativism, extreme incommensurability, or virulent anti-realism. Rather, it consists in the promise of a more interdisciplinary model of scientific knowledge and the logic of its growth.
Murine Models of Alcoholism

Most behavioral responses to alcohol are known to be influenced by genetic factors. Human twin and adoption studies consistently show that susceptibility to alcohol abuse is heritable (1). The mode of inheritance is unknown, but is certainly polygenic and multifactorial, with a substantial environmental effect (1,2). Despite much research, the genes and causal pathways determining susceptibility to alcohol abuse and dependence remain relatively unknown. Identifying genes that mediate alcoholism will improve strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately prevention.
#thanksfortheinvite: Examining Attention to Social Exclusion Signals Online

Social media provides users with public and persistent transcripts of conversations between their friends. Although often unintentional, these records can be interpreted as social exclusion signals. This study randomly assigned 163 participants to one of two conditions where they were exposed to hypothetical written scenarios describing conversations between their friends in which they were excluded or included. Results suggest that individuals in the excluded condition experienced more negative and less positive affect than those in the included condition. Further, we found that network monitoring---a multidimensional construct assessing individual differences in cognitive resources dedicated towards understanding one's social network---affected individuals' emotional responses to the stimuli. Specifically, network social awareness and advantage were significant predictors of negative affect in the excluded condition. Results are discussed in terms of theoretical and practical implications.
Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in hepatopancreaticobiliary cancer: Contemporary efficacy.

e21637Background: Hepatopancreaticobiliary cancers (HPBC) are increasing in incidence worldwide with most incurable at diagnosis. Local HPBC progression invariably results in malignant biliary obst...
Oil and Gas Developments in Ohio in 1961

Eighty-eight more wells were completed this year than in 1960 and another new high was established in sub-Trenton tests. However, again this year a deline is noted in gas well completions. Exploratory tests totaled 86, of which 25 were successful and 61 failures. Highlighting the exploratory drilling is the testing of the deeper sediments. A new sub-Trenton oil field has been discovered in Morrow County and subsequent producers in Canaan and Cardington Townships have encouraged testing the general area. Six basement tests were drilled, one of which in Adams Township, Guernsey County, totaled 8,602 ft., setting a new depth record for the state. Continued activity in exploring these deeper sediments is anticipated in the coming year.
Possible applications of normative lower to upper limb ratios of tissue dielectric constant to lower extremity edema.

BACKGROUND Lower extremity edema occurs in many conditions including congestive heart failure, lymphedema, diabetes-related, kidney and liver disease, chronic venous insufficiency with venous hypertension. Clinical edema assessment methods are often subjective and variable. Our goals were to introduce a simple noninvasive measurement procedure potentially useful to characterize lower extremity edema by providing normative values from which edema thresholds might emerge. METHODS Tissue dielectric constant (TDC) values, as indices of skin-to-fat tissue water, were measured on foot dorsum, lower medial leg and anterior forearm of 88 adults (44 female) with ages ranging from 19-77 years with BMI ranging from 18.3-40.6 kg/m2. From these direct measurements lower-to-upper extremity TDC ratios (foot/arm and leg/arm) were determined for each gender. Possible edema threshold ratios were calculated as the mean lower-to-upper ratio to which was added two standard deviations of the overall ratio thereby providing initial thresholds for future testing. RESULTS Results showed that at each anatomical site absolute TDC values for males significantly exceed those of females (P<0.001). Male vs. female TDC values were 33.0±5.4 vs. 27.7±4.0 for the forearm, 34.8±6.5 vs. 27.5±4.6 for the leg, and 32.5±6.5 vs. 28.7±5.1 for the foot. In contrast, the foot/arm and leg/arm ratios were similar between genders ranging 0.990±0.144 to 1.063±0.170. Corresponding lower extremity to upper extremity threshold ratios ranged from 1.278 for foot/arm to 1.403 for leg/arm. The composite ratios considering both gender ration (N.=88) yielded a composite threshold foot/arm ratio of 1.387 and a leg/arm threshold ratio of 1.324. CONCLUSIONS This assessment method together with the normative ratios and calculated thresholds may aid in rapid detection of lower extremity edema in patients and possibly as a way to quantitatively track changes in edema status with time or treatment. However, the suitability of these thresholds is subject to future validation in persons with clearly defined lower extremity edema for which this report's findings serve as an initial quantitative starting point.
Commissioning of CMS zero degree calorimeter using LHC beam

This paper reports on the commissioning and first running experience of the CMS Zero Degree Calorimeters during December 2009. All channels worked correctly. The ZDCs were timed into the data acquisition system using beam splash events. These data also allowed us to make a first estimate of channel-by-channel variations in gain.
Reconciliation of Differences in Apparent Diffusion Coefficients Measured for Self-Exchange Electron Transfer between Molecules Anchored to Mesoporous Titanium Dioxide Thin Films.

Redox-active sites present at large concentrations as part of a solid support or dissolved as molecules in fluid solutions undergo reversible self-exchange electron-transfer reactions. These proces...
Genetic granular cognitive fuzzy neural networks and human brains for pattern recognition

With ever-improving information technologies and high performance computational power, recent techniques in granular computing, soft computing and cognitive science have allowed an increasing understanding of normal and abnormal brain functions, especially in the research of human's pattern recognition by means of computational intelligence. It is well understood that normal brains have high intelligence to recognize different geometrical patterns, but a systematic framework of biological neural network has not yet be established. In this paper, we propose the genetic granular cognitive fuzzy neural networks (GGCFNN) in order to efficiently testify artificial neural networks' learning capability on human's pattern recognition in term of symmetric and similar geometry patterns. In contrast to other information systems, the GGCFNN is a highly hybrid intelligent system integrating the techniques of genetic algorithms, granular computing, and fuzzy neural networks with cognitive science for pattern recognition. Our ability to simulate biological neural networks makes it possible a more comprehensive quantitative analysis on the pattern recognition of human brains, and our preliminary experiment results would shed lights on the future research of cognitive science and brain informatics.
Assessing Perceptions of Broad Consent Concerning Biological Specimen Collection in a Cohort of Young Sexual Minority Men.

The use of broad consent to store human biospecimens to be used in future research studies has increased over the years. However, it is currently unknown how young sexual minority men (YSMM) perceive broad consent in these specific types of studies. Therefore, in this study we aimed to determine the extent to which YSMM are comfortable with providing broad consent concerning their identifiable biological specimens to a variety of entities, including external researchers and pharmaceutical companies and to examine the relationship between mistrust based on racial/ethnic identity or sexual orientation and attitudes toward broad consent. YSMM (N = 239) ages 24–27 years were recruited from a prospective cohort study in New York City in 2018 to complete a survey assessing attitudes about the use of broad consent concerning biospecimens for secondary research. We found that YSMM were most willing to provide broad consent to the researcher from the study they were enrolled in (85.3%), other researchers within the same university (82.4%), and researchers at other universities (74.5%). Participants were least willing to provide broad consent to government organizations (64.4%) and pharmaceutical companies (53.8%). Further, we found that medical mistrust based on racial/ethnic identity or sexual orientation was associated with attitudes toward the use of broad consent. Research institutions should consider modifying consent procedures around the use of broad consent in order to maximize recruitment and retention, especially among minority populations.
Genetics of Osteosarcoma

Primary malignant tumors of bone are rare and constitute one of the more uncommon types of neoplasms. Only about 1,500 new bone sarcomas are reported in the United States each year. Yet, because of the effects of radical surgery and chemotherapy, the very existence of these tumors leads to a significant reduction in the quality of life in children and adolescents. Notwithstanding their rarity, primary tumors are important for understanding cancer and its treatment.
Contribution of QSART to the diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy.

Introduction: We evaluated incorporation of the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART) into the diagnostic criteria for small fiber neuropathy (SFN) as an addition to quantitative sensory testing (QST) and intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) testing. Methods: One hundred one patients with clinically suspected SFN underwent QSART, QST, and skin biopsy. The diagnostic yield of existing SFN criteria in these patients was compared with criteria incorporating QSART. The new combined diagnostic criteria were evaluated. Results: SFN was diagnosed in 38 of the 101 patients (38%) using current criteria. Addition of QSART existing SFN criteria resulted in an increased diagnostic yield to 67 patients (66%). Applying new SFN criteria requiring abnormality in at least 2 assessments among QSART, QST, and IENFD resulted in a diagnosis of SFN in 57 patients (56%). Conclusion: Assessment of both somatic and peripheral autonomic small nerve fibers enhances diagnostic criteria for SFN. Muscle Nerve 48: 883–888, 2013
High-Resolution Characterizations of Grain Boundary Damage and Stress Corrosion Cracks in Cold-Rolled Alloy 690

Unidirectional cold rolling has been shown to promote intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) in alloy 690 tested in PWR primary water. High-resolution scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have been employed to investigate the microstructural reasons for this enhanced susceptibility in two stages, first examining grain boundary damage produced by cold rolling and second by characterization of stress corrosion crack tips. The degree of permanent grain boundary damage from cold rolling was found to depend directly on the initial IG precipitate distribution. Cold rolling to high levels of reduction was discovered to produce small IG voids and cracked carbides in alloys with a high density of grain boundary carbides. For the same degree of cold rolling, alloys with few IG carbides exhibited much less permanent damage. Although this difference in grain boundary damage appears to correlate with measured SCC growth rates, crack tip examinations reveal no interaction between the preexisting voids and cracked carbides with the propagation. In many cases, these features appeared to blunt propagation of IGSCC cracks. High-resolution characterizations are described for cold-rolled alloy 690 CRDM tubing and plate materials to gain insights into IGSCC mechanisms.
Mechanism of dihydroneopterin aldolase. NMR, equilibrium and transient kinetic studies of the Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli enzymes.

Dihydroneopterin aldolase (DHNA) catalyzes both the cleavage of 7,8-dihydro-d-neopterin (DHNP) to form 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin (HP) and glycolaldehyde and the epimerization of DHNP to form 7,8-dihydro-l-monapterin (DHMP). Whether the epimerization reaction uses the same reaction intermediate as the aldol reaction or the deprotonation and reprotonation of C2′ of DHNP has been investigated by NMR analysis of the reaction products in a D2O solvent. No deuteration of C2′ was observed for the newly formed DHMP. This result strongly suggests that the epimerization reaction uses the same reaction intermediate as the aldol reaction. In contrast with an earlier observation, the DHNA-catalyzed reaction is reversible, which also supports a nonstereospecific retroaldol/aldol mechanism for the epimerization reaction. The binding and catalytic properties of DHNAs from both Staphylococcus aureus (SaDHNA) and Escherichia coli (EcDHNA) were determined by equilibrium binding and transient kinetic studies. A complete set of kinetic constants for both the aldol and epimerization reactions according to a unified kinetic mechanism was determined for both SaDHNA and EcDHNA. The results show that the two enzymes have significantly different binding and catalytic properties, in accordance with the significant sequence differences between them.
Appendicovesicostomy and ileovesicostomy

Name of Procedure: Continent Catheterizable Channel (Appendicovesicostomy and Monti Procedure)
Relative risk of extinction of passerine birds on continents and islands.

Greater numbers and higher proportions of recent species extinctions have been on islands rather than on continents. In contrast, predictions of massive future extinctions stem from the current clearing of continental, tropical forests1. For instance, since 1600, 97 out of 108 bird extinctions have been on islands2. However, 452 of the total 1,111 species currently considered to be threatened are continental3. Island flora and fauna are uniquely vulnerable to the human introduction of previously absent predators, diseases and other menaces4, whereas species on continents are not so ecologically naive. So could predictions of future continental extinctions based on island histories be exaggerated1? Most threatened species have small geographic ranges5, and the ranges of island species are inevitably smaller than those of continental species. For a given range size, how do the proportions of threatened island and continental species compare? Here we compile the ranges of thepasserine (perching) birds of the Americas. Corrected for range size, continental species are more—not less—likely to be threatened. We use this unexpected vulnerability of continental species with small ranges to produce a map showing where species losses might occur in the long term.
Residential landscape aesthetics and water conservation best management practices: Homeowner perceptions and preferences

Abstract Up to 70% of residential water use goes to maintaining landscape plantings. With increasing water scarcity, changing the landscape preferences and choices of individual homeowners provides a crucial opportunity for water conservation. Using three demonstration landscapes varying in water conservation best management practices (BMPs), we surveyed attendees of a University of California Cooperative Extension educational event to determine preferences for the demonstration landscapes according to aesthetics as well as other preference criteria. The survey examined aesthetic preferences for BMPs at both the whole landscape level and the landscape component (turf, paving, non-turf vegetation) level whereas other preference criteria were examined only at the whole landscape level. Preference for the landscape with an intermediate amount of BMPs was the highest at the whole landscape level for nearly all criteria. Surprisingly, at the component level, homeowners exhibited preference for the more water conserving components. This indicates that BMPs are aesthetically appealing individually but when BMPs exist for every component in the landscape, the landscape is less preferred.
Autumnal populations of arthropods on aster and goldenrod in the Delta of Mississippi.

During the period 30 September to 22 October 1986, 8054 arthropods were captured by sweepnet on flowering Aster pilosus (aster) and Solidaqo altissima (goldenrod). The principal species captured were two Miridae (Heteroptera): the tarnished plant bug (TPB), Lygus lineolaris (22%), and Taylorilygus pallidulus (TPAL) (22 %). Phytophages, most of which were mirids, represented 77 % of the assemblage. TPB was twice as abundant as TPAL on aster; the opposite was true on goldenrod. These two mirid species represented 74 % of the phytophages on goldenrod, but only 44 % on aster. Spiders represented 71 % of the predator/parasite component. Significantly more predators occurred on aster than on goldenrod. The most abundant predator was a spider, Misumenops sp. (Thomisidae). Differences between the compostion of the arthropod communities on aster and goldenrod may be due to differences in plant architecture and its effect on predator success. Very high densities of TPB on autumnal aster and goldenrod may lead to hi...
Neither Irrationalist Nor Apologist: Revisiting Faith and Reason in Kierkegaard

One of the most hotly contested debates in Kierkegaard studies concerns his sense of the relationship between faith and reason. Often caricatured as a proponent of irrational fideism, scholarship in recent decades has tried to present a more nuanced account of Kierkegaard’s position. Two likely interpretive options have emerged: supra-rationalism and anti-rationalism. On the former view, Kierkegaard believes that while the achievement of faith is beyond the capabilities of reason, there are still ways that reason can aid the maintenance of faith once reason’s limits are recognized. On the latter view, faith is a constant struggle against rationalizing justification, and thus, any attempt to use reason to assist in the maintenance of faith is a mistake. Interestingly, a comparison with Pascal can help one arbitrate between these two responses to the dubious irrationalist reading of Kierkegaard.
Depression and Anxiety in Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury Patients Are Associated With Reduced Motor Outcome After Surgical Intervention for Restoration of Elbow Flexion.

BACKGROUND Depression has been associated with poor outcomes in neurosurgical patients, including increased pain, poorer functional recovery, delayed return to work, and decreased patient satisfaction. No reports exist regarding an association of psychiatric diagnoses with outcomes after brachial plexus reconstruction. As outcomes and patient satisfaction become increasingly important to payers and physician reimbursement, assessing modifiable preoperative risk factors for their association with poor outcome and patient satisfaction is imperative. OBJECTIVE To analyze patients undergoing brachial plexus reconstruction to assess the relationship of depression/anxiety with functional outcome. METHODS Data were collected retrospectively on all patients who underwent brachial plexus reconstruction to restore elbow flexion between 2005 and 2013. Elbow flexion, graded via the Medical Research Council scale, was assessed at latest follow-up. Multiple variables, including the presence of Axis I psychiatric diagnoses, were assessed for their association with the dichotomous outcome of Medical Research Council scale score ≥3 (antigravity) vs <3 elbow flexion. Standard statistical methods were used. RESULTS Thirty-seven patients met inclusion criteria. The median postsurgical follow-up time was 21 months. Operations included neurolysis (n = 3), nerve graft repair (n = 6), and nerve transfer (n = 28). Depression was present in 10 of 37 patients (27%). Of variables tested, only depression was associated with poor elbow flexion outcome (odds ratio: 6.038; P = .04). CONCLUSION Preoperative depression is common after brachial plexus injury. The presence of depression is associated with reduced elbow flexion recovery after reconstruction. Our data suggest assessment and treatment of preoperative mental health is important in designing a comprehensive postoperative management plan to optimize outcomes and patient satisfaction. ABBREVIATIONS MRC, Medical Research CouncilTBI, traumatic brain injury.
Pharmacotherapy for the treatment of asthma: current treatment options and future directions.

Background Asthma is a prevalent disease characterized by chronic inflammatory changes of the airway and marked by airway hyperresponsiveness, edema, and excess mucus production. Management of the disease has focused upon reversing the early airway changes and limiting the late effects of airway remodeling. Several classes of medications are available for the effective treatment and long-term control of asthma and novel therapeutic options are in development that hold promise in improving patient outcome. Methods A review of updated guidelines and current literature was conducted to identify available pharmacologic treatments of asthma and determine future directions in development of novel therapeutic options. Results Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective medications in long-term asthma control with adjunct medications such as β2-agonists, which can provide symptomatic relief. Other classes of asthma control medications including anticholinergics, cromolyns, and leukotriene receptor modifiers can also be used to develop an effective management strategy based on asthma severity. Conclusion Several classes of medications are available for the effective management of asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids play a central role in control of inflammation and several other adjuncts are available to tailor therapy to the patient's symptoms. New therapeutic options that target downstream inflammatory mediators can provide increased efficacy while limiting side effects.
Microbial contamination in allografted wound beds in patients with burns

Microbial wound contamination has been recognized as a cause of autograft skin graft failure. Human cadaver allograft is believed to decrease or control microbial wound contamination, and by its adherence to the wound bed, to indicate a sufficiently low microbial count to allow successful application of autograft. Suboptimal "take" of more fragile cultured skin grafts after removal of adherent allograft led us to reexamine the microbial population of these wound beds. Immediately before autografts were placed, wound beds beneath adherent allograft were biopsied for quantitative microbiologic analysis. Eighty tissue biopsy specimens from 21 patients were examined. No patients had signs of infection or sepsis at the time of biopsy. Fifty-seven percent of all patients had positive cultures beneath adherent allograft skin. Twenty-one percent of all cultures revealed "infected" wound beds (greater than 100,000 colonies per gram), and 30% of all wounds were "colonized" (less than 100,000 colonies per gram). These data suggest that take and vascularization of allograft does not guarantee that a wound bed is free of microbial contamination.
Evaluation of a Multidisciplinary, Simulation-based Hospital Residency Program

Abstract A community hospital and a university recently collaborated to implement a pilot residency program for multiple disciplines utilizing patient simulation. This evaluation describes the experiences of new graduate RNs and doctors of pharmacy with the simulation-based residency program and makes recommendations for improving the program. The results were overwhelmingly supportive of the program and, more specifically, the use of simulation as an orientation technique.
Juvenile Homicide Victimization: Differences and Similarities by Gender

Despite the growth in juvenile homicide over the last several decades, there is a limited body of literature devoted to its study. Most of this research has focused on juveniles who kill as opposed to juveniles who are killed. Even less is known about potential gender patterns as they relate to juvenile homicide victimization. The proposed study attempts to address this gap in the literature by examining potential gender differences related to individual, suspect, and offense characteristics as they relate to juvenile homicide victimization. Specifically, the authors propose that victim gender affects who (demographics), how (offender and weapon), when (month, day, and time), and why (motive) juveniles are killed. Official data pertaining to 360 homicide incidents from 1986 to 1997 (involving 289 male and 71 female juvenile homicide victims [JHVs]) drawn from the Dallas Police Department’s homicide files are used to explore this claim. Findings presented suggest that there are important contextual differences related to juvenile homicide victimization that are largely gendered in nature. Implications from these findings as well as limitations and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Influences on Gender-Role Attitudes during the Transition to Adulthood☆☆☆

Abstract We use longitudinal data for a nationally representative sample of U.S. youth to study intergenerational and intragenerational influences on the gender-role attitudes of young women and men. We find that during the period between 1979 and 1987 young women had more egalitarian attitudes than young men but that the gender-role attitudes of both sexes were similarly influenced by family background. Although there was considerable stability in gender-role attitudes during the transition to adulthood, both sexes experienced change in an egalitarian direction with age. Young men experienced more change than young women, making their attitudes more similar to those of young women over time. Gender-role attitudes were also influenced by particular experiences and role changes during the transition to adulthood, including the continuation of education, movement into and out of the labor force, entry into marriage, and becoming a parent.
Current Opinion on Inhibitor Treatment Options

Inhibitor development in patients with hemophilia complicates hemostatic management. Currently, high doses of factor concentrates are used to override low-titer, low-responding inhibitors during acute bleeding episodes. Bypassing agents, such as the activated prothrombin complex concentrate (aPCC), Factor Eight Inhibitor Bypassing Activity, Anti-Inhibitor Coagulant Complex, Vapor Heated (FEIBA; Baxter AG, Vienna, Austria), and activated recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa; NovoSeven, Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark), are commonly used to treat acute bleeding episodes in patients with high-titer, high-responding inhibitors, whereas long-term therapeutic options include inhibitor eradication using immune tolerance induction. Neither FEIBA nor rFVIIa can be monitored with a laboratory assay, making it difficult to establish optimal dosages. Comparative studies evaluating the efficacy of FEIBA and rFVIIa for bleed control have been sparse, prompting investigators to initiate crossover comparison studies to assess the efficacy and cost of aPCC and rFVIIa in the treatment of joint hemorrhages. Both the cost of therapy and the outcome of therapy will need to be considered in the development of future hemostatic agents for patients with inhibitors.
Singular eigenfunction analysis of transport problems with spatially dependent cross sections — An overview

Abstract A substantial amount of recent work has been done in applying singular eigenfunctions to transport problems whose cross sections vary continuously with position. In this article we survey the methodology and results so far obtained, and we briefly discuss some of the many open questions.
INTEGRATED OPTICAL FAST ELECTROOPTIC D-A CONVERTER DESIGN.

The design details of an integrated optical fast D–A converter are presented. Nine directional couplers with identical electrode lengths are utilized in the design of an 8-bit two’s complement, bipolar system. This D–A converter compares very favorably with respect to Mach-Zehnder systems as far as size, flexibility, and bipolar capabilities are concerned. Fast D–A conversion and analog switching may be particularly desirable for optical interconnection and computing networks.
Simultaneous and sensitive detection of six serotypes of botulinum neurotoxin using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based protein antibody microarrays

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), produced by Clostridium botulinum, are a group of seven (A–G) immunologically distinct proteins and cause the paralytic disease botulism. These toxins are the most poisonous substances known to humans and are potential bioweapon agents. Therefore, it is necessary to develop highly sensitive assays for the detection of BoNTs in both clinical and environmental samples. In the current study, we have developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based protein antibody microarray for the sensitive and simultaneous detection of BoNT serotypes A, B, C, D, E, and F. With engineered high-affinity antibodies, the BoNT assays have sensitivities in buffer ranging from 1.3 fM (0.2 pg/ml) to 14.7 fM (2.2 pg/ml). Using clinical and food matrices (serum and milk), the microarray is capable of detecting BoNT serotypes A to F to similar levels as in standard buffer. Cross-reactivity between assays for individual serotype was also analyzed. These simultaneous, rapid, and sensitive assays have the potential to measure botulinum toxins in a high-throughput manner in complex clinical, food, and environmental samples.
The immune system: our mobile brain?

Abstract In a recent commentary ( Nature 309, 400; 1984) John Maddox suggested that the study of psychological effects on immunologic functions — ‘psychoimmunology' — was somewhat premature. Specifically, he argued that while the concept of a link between the central nervous system and the immune system was easily accepted, there was a paucity of data of a mechanistic nature to explain the evidence that the ‘mind' can control immune responses. He doubted, therefore, whether enough is known to sustain the hope that psychoimmunology was explainable. Much evidence to the contrary was apparent in the proceedings of three recent meetings on the subject which has been variously termed neuroimmunomodulation, psychoimmunology and neuroimmunoendocrinology.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction for HIV-infected youth: a pilot study.

Youth with HIV infection experience stress from many sources, including their health, stigma associated with HIV, and economic concerns. 1 Stress experienced by HIV-positive adolescents can have serious negative consequences on their physical and psychosocial health. Exposure to stress is associated with HIV progression, 2,3 and stress frequently results in maladaptive behavioral responses—poor HIV medication adherence, selfmedication through substance use, risky sexual behavior, and other high-risk behaviors. 4 In adults with HIV, stress reduction programs have been shown to improve behavioral, psychological, and immunologic domains. 5 Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) as developed by Kabat-Zinn 6 is a structured 8- to 10-week program designed to cultivate focused, nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment. 6 Mindfulness-based stress reduction has been used and studied since 1979 in adult populations with heterogeneous chronic illnesses. Weekly MBSR classes provide instruction in mindfulness techniques, such as mindful meditation, mindful yoga, and the body scan, to enhance participants’ appreciation for moment-to-moment awareness instead of attendingtoworriesaboutthefutureorpast.AlthoughMBSRhasbeen studied widely in adults, we are aware of few published studies of MBSR for youth 7-9 and none in HIV-positive youth. We are interested in investigating the potential benefit of MBSR for urban HIV-infected youth. As a first step, we conducted a pilot study to investigate the feasibility (through enrollment and attendance) and acceptability (through participant interview)ofMBSRinanurbanHIV-infectedyouthpopulation.If MBSR is feasible and acceptable in this population, we will plan a larger randomized trial to evaluate MBSR’s effect on psychological and physical well-being and quality of life.
Theta EEG activity and memory processes in rats

Abstract Rodent EEG theta activity recorded in the 30 min period after ECS treatment has previously been correlated with passive avoidance retention. In the present experiment rats were trained and tested in an appetitive maze, thereby avoiding the possible confounding of footshock-produced EEG arousal. Our results produced the same relationship between theta and retention, but since ECS was given 7 days after training, we conclude that theta activity is not related only to memory consolidation. Patterns of theta during reinstatement were also found to be more similar to the pattern recorded late in learning when the reinstatment took place in the original start box. The data support the notion of cue-dependent amnesia, and the hypothesis that ECS acts by inhibiting the memory which is active at the time of ECS.
The bottle and I

Collecting antique bottles is rapidly becoming one of the nation’s leading hobbies. A dentist describes his collection of interesting bottles and related advertising almanacs and trade cards.
Positive Changes Among Very Low Birth Weight Infant Apgar Scores That are Associated With the Neonatal Resuscitation Program in Illinois

OBJECTIVE: The American Academy of Pediatrics and American Heart Association sponsored Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) was started in Illinois 1987 to standardize knowledge and skills for successful resuscitation to decrease newborn morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated the hypothesis that the statewide NRP in Illinois hospitals was associated with positive outcomes in the Apgar scores among very low birth weight newborns. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective design was used to compare the (a) different rates of lower (0–6) and higher (7–10) 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores and (b) positive change from a lower 1-minute to a higher 5-minute Apgar score before and after NRP was started. Analyses included maternal characteristics, birth weight groups (grams: 500–749, 750–999, 1000–1249, 1250–1499), and hospital levels (I, II, III). RESULTS: A significantly higher proportion of infants had a higher 1-minute and a higher 5-minute Apgar score after NRP, overall, for Level II and II+ hospitals and for each weight group. Logistic regression indicated that newborns with low 1-minute Apgar scores were 81% more likely to have a higher 5-minute Apgar score after NRP. CONCLUSION: Significant improvement in Apgar score occurred after NRP. Empirical support is demonstrated for the clinical effectiveness of NRP instruction in Illinois hospitals.
THERAPEUTIC EFFECTIVENESS OF ORALLY ADMINISTERED ETHINYL ESTRADIOL

IT HAS BECOME increasingly more evident during the past 5 years that treatment of the menopause syndrome with estrogens is a form of substitution therapy, the need for which is perpetuated by the very administration of the hormone. Once the patient has been relieved of the distressing menopause symptoms, we have to face the problem of maintaining the therapeutic effect. Discontinuation of therapy is almost invariably followed by a recurrence of symptoms. The patient consequently requires a constant supply of estrogens to meet her physiologic needs. To be ideal, maintenance therapy should be easily administered by the patient herself, preferably orally. In addition, because of the probability that the hormone would have to be taken for many months or years, its administration should be completely devoid of any unpleasant reactions or potential harm.
Cathodic Protection as an Equivalent Electrical Circuit

Corrosion and cathodic protection are electrochemical processes involving electrical current and an exchange of charged ions. As such, basic electrical laws can be applied and electrical models can be developed. Through the use of these models, the basic theory of cathodic protection and applied field testing techniques will be presented. From this, model design and monitoring information is available to the corrosion engineer, which adds a quantitative dimension to corrosion control.
Transport properties of the quark-gluon plasma from lattice QCD

Abstract I review the progress made in extracting transport properties of the quark-gluon plasma from lattice QCD simulations. The information on shear and bulk viscosity, the “low-energy constants” of hydrodynamics, is encoded in the retarded correlators of T μ ν , the energy-momentum tensor. Euclidean correlators, computable on the lattice, are related to the retarded correlators by an integral transform. The most promising strategy to extract shear and bulk viscosity is to study the shear and sound channel correlators where the hydrodynamic modes dominate. I present preliminary results from a comprehensive study of the gluonic plasma between 0.95 T c and 4.0 T c .