cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Basilar Invagination: Case Report and Literature Review.

Background Basilar invagination is a rare clinical condition characterized by upward protrusion of the odontoid process into the intracranial space, leading to bulbomedullary compression. It is often encountered in adults with rheumatoid arthritis. Transoral microscopic or endonasal endoscopic decompression may be pursued, with or without posterior fixation. We present a case of basilar invagination with C1–C2 autofusion and discuss an algorithm for choice of anterior versus posterior approaches. Case Description A 47-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis presented with severe occipital and cervical pain, dysphagia, hoarseness, and arm paresthesias. Findings on magnetic resonance imaging revealed moderate cranial settling with the odontoid indenting the ventral medulla but no posterior compression. Computed tomography demonstrated bony fusion at C1–C2 without lateral sag. Given autofusion of C1–C2 in proper occipitocervical alignment and the absence of posterior compression, the patient underwent endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy without further posterior fusion, with satisfactory resolution of symptoms. Conclusion Endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy offers a safe and effective method for anterior decompression of basilar invagination. Preoperative assessment for existing posterior fusion, absence of posterior compression, and preservation of the anterior C1 ring during operative decompression help stratify the need for lone anterior approach versus a combined anterior and posterior treatment.
The Effect of Simulator Motion Cues on Initial Training of Airline Pilots

Two earlier s tudies conducted in the framework of the Federal Aviation Administration/Volpe Flight Simulator Human Factors Program examining the effect of simulator motion on recurrent training and evaluation of airline pilots have found that in the presence of a state -of -the -art visual systems, motion provided by a six -degree -of -freedom platform -motion system only minimally affected evaluation, and did not benefit training, of pilots that were familiar with the airplane. This paper gives preliminary results of a study on the effect of simulator platform motion on initial training of airline pilots that have never flown the simulated airplane.
Surface Determination by Photometric Ranging

We describe a method for recovering the three dimensional shape of a surface, using multiple images from a single camera, closely related to "light field reconstruction" described by Magda et al. A volume array of switchable illuminators is used to obtain a set of images that are used for the reconstruction. Unlike photometric stereo, where the illumination is assumed to be homogeneous, we exploit the inverse-square-law falloff of intensity with the distance between the illuminator and the surface. By placing illuminators at a variety of distances from the measurement volume, a direct estimate of surface range can be obtained, in addition to surface normal estimates obtained as in photometric stereo. We discuss solution methods and present simulation results for a few simple geometries. Aspects of illuminator design and calibration are also considered.
Parametric and non-parametric confidence intervals of the probability of identifying early disease stage given sensitivity to full disease and specificity with three ordinal diagnostic groups.

In practice, there exist many disease processes with three ordinal disease classes, that is, the non-diseased stage, the early disease stage, and the fully diseased stage. Because early disease stage is likely the best time window for treatment interventions, it is important to have diagnostic tests that have good diagnostic ability to discriminate the early disease stage from the other two stages. In this paper, we present both parametric and non-parametric approaches for confidence interval estimation of probability of detecting early disease stage given the true classification rates for non-diseased group and diseased group, namely, the specificity and the sensitivity to full disease. We analyze a data set on the clinical diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease from the neuropsychological database at the Washington University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center using the proposed approaches. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Review Essay: Social Theory, Post-Post-Positivism and the Question of Interpretation

These four statements concerning the shape and structure of sociological knowledge evidence a shifting trend in epistemology beyond the skepticism of `post-positivism'. Each considers how, in the beginning of the 21st century, sociological knowledge can and should be constructed. The answers are varied, as are the approaches to the problem, revealing that the new, positive, era of social knowledge is not so much a consensus as a set of contentious disagreements about how to interpret social life — and about what, exactly, the status of these interpretations is.
High power light activated semiconductor switches with sub-nanosecond rise times

The authors present a summary of results from experiments with large GaAs, InP, and silicon photoconductive semiconductor switches (PCSSs). Linear and high-gain (lock-on) switching modes are described. Individual PCSSs were used to switch voltages as high as 120 kV and currents as high as 4.2 kA, and risetimes as fast as 200 ps in the linear mode and 600 ps in the initiation of lock-on were produced. The high gain switching mode is important to applications which must be compact or operate at high repetition rates. The highest power switched to date with a pulsed semiconductor laser diode array (100 W) is 40 MW. The potential development of these switches for future applications is also discussed. >
Attentional Modulation of Behavioral Performance and Neuronal Responses in Middle Temporal and Ventral Intraparietal Areas of Macaque Monkey

Although many studies have demonstrated that neuronal responses are modulated by attention, the significance of this modulation for behavior is poorly understood. We recorded from neurons in the middle temporal (MT) and ventral intraparietal (VIP) areas in the visual cortex of two macaque monkeys while they performed a motion detection task under two conditions of spatial attention. The ability of the animals to detect the motion was reduced when they withdrew attention from the stimulus. Withdrawing attention also reduced neuronal responses to the motion in both the MT and VIP areas. To compare the neuronal and behavioral effects of attention, the amount of attentional modulation was expressed in units of stimulus strength. On average, attention modulated neuronal responses in MT less than needed to account for the attentional effect on behavior. The opposite was observed in VIP, where the average effect of attention on neuronal responses was greater than that needed to account for behavior. Similar results were obtained when the effects of attention on neuronal response and behavioral performance were compared using a parametric function of stimulus strength. Across neurons in both areas, attentional modulation of neuronal responses was more variable than, and uncorrelated with, attentional modulation of behavioral performance. These findings suggest that attention can alter the average relationship between neuronal activity in visual cortex and behavioral performance. Where this relationship is preserved may indicate which cortical regions are most closely associated with the behavior in a given task.
Linear scar reduction using silicone gel sheets in individuals with normal healing

• Objective: To examine the application of silicone gel sheets on linear scars due to surgical procedures. • Method: Ten individuals, with scars less than 1 year old, participated in the study. The Participant and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was used to evaluate scars on seven characteristics rated by visual analogue scales (VAS). Participants applied silicone gel sheets to half of their scar for 6 months, and every 2 weeks POSAS data forms were completed. Linear mixed-effects analysis of variances (ANOVA) were used to determine if significant differences occurred between groups (treated and untreated scar sides) across the 6 months of data collection. To see if differences were found from the initial evaluation to final visit, Mann-Whitney U tests analysed between-group changes (treated and untreated scar sides), while Wilcoxon signed ranks tests compared within-group changes (evaluation of each scar side over time). • Results: No significant differences in VAS ratings were observed when the t...
The Impact of Relationship Education on Adolescents of Diverse Backgrounds

Adolescent-focused marriage education is a relatively uncharted research area. Using a quasi-experimental design, this study examined the effectiveness of an adapted version of the curriculum entitled, Love U2: Increasing Your Relationship Smarts with an economically, geographically, and racially diverse sample of 340 high school stu- dents. Findings suggest that participants showed increases in 5 dimensions of their relationship knowledge, includ- ing their ability to identify unhealthy relationship patterns. Participants also had more realistic beliefs about relationships/marriages and reported lower levels of verbal aggression use at postprogram compared to controls. Moreover, these findings existed across race, household income, and family structure type, with all participating stu- dents benefiting in similar ways. Implications for future programming and research are discussed.
Automated isotopic measurements of micron-sized dust: application to meteoritic presolar silicon carbide

identified SiC AB, X, Y, and Z subgroups were identified, as was a highly unusual grain with an extreme 30 Si enrichment, a modest 29 Si enrichment, and isotopically light C. The stellar source responsible for this grain is likely to have been a supernova. Minor differences in isotopic distributions between the present work and prior data can be partially explained by terrestrial contamination and grain aggregation on sample mounts, though some of the differences are probably intrinsic to the samples. We use the large new SiC database to explore the relationships between three previously identified isotopic subgroups—mainstream, Y, and Z grains—all believed to originate in asymptotic giant branch stars. The isotopic data for Z grains suggest that their parent stars experienced strong CNO-cycle nucleosynthesis during the early asymptotic giant branch phase, consistent with either cool bottom processing in low-mass (M 2.3MJ) parent stars or hot-bottom burning in intermediate-mass stars (M 4MJ). The data provide evidence for a sharp threshold in metallicity, above which SiC grains form with much higher 12 C/ 13 C ratios than below. Above this threshold, the fraction of grains with relatively high 12 C/ 13 C decreases exponentially with increasing 29 Si/ 28 Si ratio. This result indicates a sharp increase in the maximum mass of SiC parent stars with decreasing metallicity, in contrast to expectations from Galactic chemical evolution theory. Copyright © 2003 Elsevier Ltd
The Use of Information and Communication Technologies by Protesters and the Authorities in the Attempts at Colour Revolutions in Belarus 2001–2010

Information and communication technology have played an important role in the tactics of uprisings against non-democratic regimes worldwide. However, there has been little attention paid in studies so far of how authorities in those countries employ such information and communication technology. In this article we examine the evolution of such tactics as employed by one of the most ingrained authoritarian regimes—that of Belarus—during the decade 2001 to 2010. The political opposition's responses to the authorities' countermeasures are also investigated, followed by an analysis of the co-evolution of these opponents' tactics.
Impact of d-amino acid dehydrogenase on virulence factor production by a Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections remain the leading cause of lung dysfunction and mortality for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Many other bacteria inhabit the CF lung, but P. aeruginosa utilizes novel strategies that allow it to colonize this environment as the predominant bacterial pathogen. d-Amino acid dehydrogenase encoded by dadA is highly expressed by P. aeruginosa within the CF lung, and it is required for optimal production of hydrogen cyanide by some CF-adapted isolates. To better understand the increased significance of d-amino acid dehydrogenase in P. aeruginosa physiology, we characterized the contribution of the dad operon to virulence factor production. In this study, we determined that DadA is required for optimal production of pyocyanin, pyoverdine, and rhamnolipid by CF-adapted and non-CF-adapted isolates of P. aeruginosa. In addition, DadA is required for optimal production of alginate, biofilm formation, and virulence of a CF-adapted isolated of P. aeruginosa in an alfalfa seed...
Visual diagnosis: fever and multiple ruptured bullae in a 6-year-old boy.

1. Nathan D. Tofteland, MD* 2. Robert R. Wittler, MD† 1. *Fourth-year Medical-Pediatrics Resident. 2. †Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Disease, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Wichita, KS. A 6-year-old previously healthy boy presents to an urgent care clinic with the complaint of fever and several tender, erythematous, circular lesions on his skin. The child had been doing well until 2 days ago, when he developed the abrupt onset of subjective fever, frontal headache, nausea, and vomiting. Yesterday, he began complaining of pain over his left elbow. The skin over the elbow became progressively erythematous, with a small papule appearing that increased in size and started to blister. Overnight, the lesion ruptured and the parents noted several similar lesions starting to appear, one on the right shoulder and two others on the left chest. These lesions progressed similarly, all having ruptured by the time of presentation to the clinic. Review of systems reveals decreased activity and mild fatigue. His appetite has been normal, with good intake of food and liquids. His urine output has not decreased, and his stool pattern has not changed. The rest of the review of systems is negative. The boy's past medical history is unremarkable. He was born at term following an uncomplicated pregnancy. He had had no prior hospitalizations or surgeries, and apart from some occasional doses of acetaminophen during this febrile illness, he took no medications. His immunizations are up to date. The family history reveals no significant medical problems. No similar symptoms are present in family or social contacts. He has not traveled recently and has no exposure to animals. Physical examination reveals a pleasant boy who is alert and cooperative but minimizes movement of his left arm. Vital signs include a temperature of 39.0°C, heart rate of 139 beats/min, respiratory …
Research of Population Forecast Based on the Model of Adaptive Wavelet PNN

In view of complex nonlinear system modeling and time-varying process signal processing problem,this paper proposed an adaptive wavelet PNN model based on wavelet transform and process neural network.The model had three layers,the input layer accomplished continuous signal input,The hidden layer was composed of procedure neurons,used wavelet function as incentive function,and accomplishes input signal aggregation in space and transfered the input signals to the output layer.The output layer accomplishes output signal aggregation in both space and time,and fulfills system output.The learning algorithm is given,and the effectiveness of the model and algorithm is proved by population forecast as an example.
"In the same boat": considerations on the partnership between healthcare providers and manufacturers of health IT products and medical devices.

Objectives To assess the current culture of cooperation between healthcare providers (HCPs) and the healthcare industry (HCI) in the domain of Health-IT and Engineering (HITE) and identify possible strategies for improvement. Methods Based on reports in the literature and personal experience, major challenges were identified, the current ways of cooperation defined and their relation to each other analyzed. Results Four main challenges were identified for both sides involving: products and functionality, integration of IT-Systems with each other and with medical devices, usability, visions and strategic management. None of the four defined cooperation categories cover all aspects of the challenges, but cooperation in small, dedicated groups appeared to provide the most advantages. An increased participation of HCPs in standardization activities is crucial either directly or indirectly via professional or scientific organizations. Conclusions Cooperation between provider management (hospitals, clinics or systems) and manufacturers of health IT products will be the key factor for success of the HCI while providing substantial benefits for providers. Both sides should invest heavily in such efforts.
Applying Risk Assessment To Secure The Containerized Supply Chain

Over the past decades, container transport has been booming with an annual average growth of 9.3% increasing its modal share from 6.3% in 1980 to over 25% currently. The world's largest container ports now handle over 20 million 20-ft-equivalent units (TEUs) per annum and have shown spectacular growth over the past years, with the main pivot of growth being the Far East. The global flow of containers represents the lifeblood of mod- ern economies, without which we would not be able to enjoy the way of life that we have. This unfortunately is exactly one of the criteria terrorists are known to apply when selecting their targets, rendering the global container- ized supply chain a potentially attractive target. However, which threats to the maritime domain are most important and how should resources be directed to reduce risks from these threats? Risk analysis (with risk being defined as a function of three components: threat, vulnerability, and consequence) provides a framework for prioritizing threats to the maritime sector. For this purpose we need to: 1. Assess the threats to determine what it is we are guarding ourselves against.
Distinct Roles of SOM and VIP Interneurons during Cortical Up States

During cortical network activity, recurrent synaptic excitation among pyramidal neurons is approximately balanced by synaptic inhibition, which is provided by a vast diversity of inhibitory interneurons. The relative contributions of different interneuron subtypes to inhibitory tone during cortical network activity is not well understood. We previously showed that many of the major interneuron subtypes in mouse barrel cortex are highly active during Up states (Neske et al., 2015); while fast-spiking (FS), parvalbumin (PV)-positive cells were the most active interneuron subtype, many non-fast-spiking (NFS), PV-negative interneurons were as active or more active than neighboring pyramidal cells. This suggests that the NFS cells could play a role in maintaining or modulating Up states. Here, using optogenetic techniques, we further dissected the functional roles during Up states of two major NFS, PV-negative interneuron subtypes: somatostatin (SOM)-positive cells and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-positive cells. We found that while pyramidal cell excitability during Up states significantly increased when SOM cells were optogenetically silenced, VIP cells did not influence pyramidal cell excitability either upon optogenetic silencing or activation. VIP cells failed to contribute to Up states despite their ability to inhibit SOM cells strongly. We suggest that the contribution of VIP cells to the excitability of pyramidal cells may vary with cortical state.
SUBSURFACE PROCESSES OF NONAQUEOUS PHASE CONTAMINANTS

The processes affecting the fate and transport of nonaqueous phase liquids in the subsurface are reviewed. The processes examined include bulk phase infiltration through the vadose zone, the mobility of a discontinuous nonaqueous phase residual and partitioning between these phases and the subsurface water. Experiments on the infiltration of nonwetting immiscible hydrocarbon phases in water-wetted sands and sandy soils suggest that the residual water excludes the nonaqueous phase from the fine pores of the medium and reduces capillary suction. As a result, a sharp front model of nonaqueous phase infiltration is shown to adequately predict infiltration rates using the water conductivity in sand and the correlation of Brooks and Corey (1964) to predict the phase conductivity and capillary rise heights to parameterize the effective capillary suction. Estimates of the rate of mass transfer between the infiltrating nonaqueous phase and the residual soil water suggest that local equilibrium between phases is approximately satisfied for hydrophilic compounds. Estimates of the size of discontinuous residual ganglia of nonaqueous phase liquid indicated, however, that significant mass transfer resistances exist between the nonaqueous residual and infiltrating recharge water. A preliminary model of the approach to equilibrium between the nonaqueous phase ganglia and recharge water is postulated.
Transient plasma effects on the autoignition of DME/O2/Ar and C3H8/O2/Ar mixtures

Abstract The effects of transient plasma discharge on the autoignition characteristics of dimethyl ether and propane mixtures with oxygen and argon were investigated computationally in a zero-dimensional constant pressure environment. A simple model of hydrocarbon decomposition by electron collisions was superimposed on detailed chemical kinetic models that describe the low temperature oxidation of dimethyl ether and propane. The results suggest that the effectiveness of plasma discharges in promoting autoignition is very high at low temperatures. However, in the negative temperature coefficient region, the plasma discharge was determined to be less effective in promoting autoignition, as a result of complexity of the neutral state chemistry. The degree of effectiveness was quantified and was determined to differ significantly for different mixtures. An explanation for these differences is presented based on what is currently known about low temperature hydrocarbon kinetics.
Rapid High-throughput Species Identification of Botanical Material Using Direct Analysis in Real Time High Resolution Mass Spectrometry

We demonstrate that direct analysis in real time-high resolution mass spectrometry can be used to produce mass spectral profiles of botanical material, and that these chemical fingerprints can be used for plant species identification. The mass spectral data can be acquired rapidly and in a high throughput manner without the need for sample extraction, derivatization or pH adjustment steps. The use of this technique bypasses challenges presented by more conventional techniques including lengthy chromatography analysis times and resource intensive methods. The high throughput capabilities of the direct analysis in real time-high resolution mass spectrometry protocol, coupled with multivariate statistical analysis processing of the data, provide not only class characterization of plants, but also yield species and varietal information. Here, the technique is demonstrated with two psychoactive plant products, Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom) and Datura (Jimsonweed), which were subjected to direct analysis in real time-high resolution mass spectrometry followed by statistical analysis processing of the mass spectral data. The application of these tools in tandem enabled the plant materials to be rapidly identified at the level of variety and species.
DESIGN OF HURRICANE FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS ON THE UPPER TEXAS COAST

One of the recurring natural phenomena that causes enormous damages in the destruction of property and loss of lives on the upper Texas Gulf coast is the tropical hurricane. The terrific wind velocities, overflowing tide surges and tremendous waves that accompany these disturbances are overwhelming in their devastating effects on manmade structures. In 1955> the Congress of the United States directed that a comprehensive study be made of hurricanes on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts and of means for protecting coastal areas from their destructive effects. Under this authorization, the Corps of Engineers has made extensive studies of hurricane behavior and frequency and of means of preventing loss of human lives and damages to property. The Weather Bureau cooperated fully in the studies of hurricane characteristics and phenomena. This paper concerns the studies and the design of protective, structures at Texas City on the upper Texas coast. The location of Texas City with respect to the Gulf of Mexico is shown on figure 1.
Providing prenatal care to pregnant women with overweight or obesity: Differences in provider communication and ratings of the patient-provider relationship by patient body weight

Objective To examine the association of women’s body weight with provider communication during prenatal care.
Structure of an HIF-1α-pVHL Complex: Hydroxyproline Recognition in Signaling

The ubiquitination of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) by the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor (pVHL) plays a central role in the cellular response to changes in oxygen availability. pVHL binds to HIF only when a conserved proline in HIF is hydroxylated, a modification that is oxygen-dependent. The 1.85 angstrom structure of a 20-residue HIF-1alpha peptide-pVHL-ElonginB-ElonginC complex shows that HIF-1alpha binds to pVHL in an extended beta strand-like conformation. The hydroxyproline inserts into a gap in the pVHL hydrophobic core, at a site that is a hotspot for tumorigenic mutations, with its 4-hydroxyl group recognized by buried serine and histidine residues. Although the beta sheet-like interactions contribute to the stability of the complex, the hydroxyproline contacts are central to the strict specificity characteristic of signaling.
Isolation of Legionella Pneumophila From Well-Maintained Emergency Showers and Eyewash Stations

ISOLATION OF LEGIONELLA PNEUMOPHILA FROM WELL-MAINTAINED EMERGENCY SHOWERS AND EYEWASH STATIONS By Jessica Mae Myers, B.S. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2006. Major Director: Dr. R. Leonard Vance Associate Professor, Epidemiology and Community Health Legionella pneumophila is a gram-negative bacterium responsible for Legionnaire's disease, and is commonly transmitted via aerosolized water. Legionella colonization of emergency eyewash and shower stations may pose an exposure hazard to users of these stations. There is little information about the role of these stations as significant reservoirs for Legionella. Samples were collected from 67 stations in an industrial facility. At the time of this study, the stations within this facility were under a routine maintenance program that included at least monthly flushing. This study also included the analysis for other bacterial organisms to determine an association between the presence and concentration of other bacteria and Legionella. All samples resulted in no detection of Legionella, yet 12 of the samples contained large counts of other bacteria. Thus, this study supports that properly maintained emergency eyewash and shower stations do not appear to be a significant source for aerosol transmission of Legionella. Chapter
Overcoming the Golden Rule: Sympathy and Empathy

The Golden Rule enjoins us to treat others as we would like to be treated. But inherent in the Rule is an assumption of similarity: that others are like ourselves and therefore want to be treated s...
Considering the Nature of Change

Music education scholar and researcher Peter Webster (2017) offers a scenario in which a doctor, an engineer, and a music educator living in the year 1917 enter a time machine and are transported to their workplaces 100 years into the future. The doctor and the engineer are taken aback by the advances in their respective disciplines and realize that if they want to continue practicing their professions, they each will need to be retrained. On the other hand, apart from a few new technological devices like televisions, computers, and smartphones, the music educator concludes that music teaching hasn’t changed very much in 100 years and promptly decides to apply for a teaching position.
The Visible Universe

For an astronomer, there are really two forms of matter; visible and invisible. Visible matter emits electromagnetic radiation, which travels through space and is detected with telescopes. Invisible matter does not produce detectable amounts of radiation. The presence of invisible, or dark matter, can only be inferred through its gravitational effect. The study of visible matter enables us to infer the distribution of the dark matter whose gravity was responsible for the formation of the first stars and galaxies. In this chapter we explore the visible matter as seen in stars, galaxies and gas.
OPERATING EXPERIENCE WITH TVA'S 20-MW AFBC PILOT PLANT

TVA has constructed a 20-MW Atmospheric Fluidized Bed Combustion (AFBC) Pilot Plant at the Shawnee Steam Plant Reservation near Paducah, Kentucky. The plant design features flexibility for testing various mechanical subsystems for optimization of parameters for utility performance and reliability. The unit was first operated in May 1982 and test operation is in progress and planned to be carried out through 1986 under joint Electric Power Research Institute/TVA sponsorship. This paper summarizes the operational and performance results to date. Key system/equipment problems and successes will be highlighted. Performance of the unit, including emissions and boiler performances, will be documented.
The Wider Dimensions of Management Uncertainty in World Fisheries

Natural variability of fish stocks is only one of many possible sources of uncertainty in fishery management, and in given circumstances, it may not even be the most consequential. Failure to recognize and accommodate these other sources, including intellectual, political, legal, and administrative ones, poses grave threats to effective resource use.
Platelet von Willebrand factor: an important determinant of the bleeding time in type I von Willebrand's disease

We studied 17 patients with moderate to mild type I von Willebrand's disease (vWd) and correlated the bleeding time with the plasma von Willebrand factor antigen (vWf Ag), the plasma vWf activity (ristocetin cofactor), the platelet vWf Ag, and the platelet vWf activity. We found an excellent correlation between the bleeding time and the platelet vWf activity and, to a lesser extent, between the bleeding time and the platelet vWf Ag. The length of the bleeding time was inversely proportional to the level of the platelet vWf (P less than .001) or, to a lesser extent, the platelet vWf Ag (P less than .05). The plasma vWf Ag and activity did not correlate significantly with the bleeding time. These studies indicate that the platelet vWf is one of the important bleeding time factors in type I vWd and that the platelet vWf plays an important role in the early steps of hemostasis.
Chlamydia Trachomatis: Biology of the Agent

The genus Chlamydia is composed of two species of morphologically and developmentally related prokaryotic microorganisms. The chlamydiae are obligate intracellular microbes capable of replication only within the confines of a membrane- bound vesicle (inclusion) in the cytoplasm of susceptible eukaryotic host cells.
Kidney Transplantation in Children and Adolescents: Surgical Aspects

Pediatric kidney transplantation has become highly successful in the modern era and is the treatment of choice for children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Achieving successful surgical outcomes requires a methodical and multidisciplinary approach, beginning with a thorough preoperative evaluation. There are various anatomical and physiological considerations unique to children with chronic kidney disease that necessitates a nuanced surgical approach. In the preoperative phase, addressing underlying urological abnormalities and native kidney disease can be crucial to maximizing graft longevity and survival. Additionally, an individualized approach to surgical technique and fluid management during the operation is critical in preventing technical complications. Lastly, the risk of vascular and urologic complications is higher in the pediatric transplant population. A prompt diagnostic evaluation of early graft dysfunction is crucial to ensuring successful outcomes.
“Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery”: The Decriminalization of a Marriage-Endorsing Directive

Statutes that made adultery a crime were present in 43 U.S. states in 1955, but in only 22 of these states in 2015. State-level data on the 43 states are analyzed in an effort to identify independent variables that explain why, during the 1955–2015 period, such statutes were repealed or retained. The odds that a state would decriminalize adultery were substantially raised by an increase in knowledge utilization (measured by median number of years of school completed). Three other independent variables also had material, albeit smaller, effects: The odds that a state would decriminalize adultery were lowered by an increase in the labor force participation rate of females, by an increase in social disruption (measured by the share of the population that resided in a different county than a year earlier), and by an increase in population density (measured by the share of the population that lived in an urbanized area having at least 100,000 inhabitants). Lastly, the odds that a state would decriminalize adultery were raised slightly by an increase in the labor force participation rate of males. For four-fifths of the 43 states in which adultery was illegal in 1955, the foregoing independent variables accurately predicted whether, more than half a century later, adultery would or would not be a crime.
Evaluation of Carnosine Intervention in the Thy1-aSyn Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Abstract Parkinson disease (PD) is a leading neurodegenerative disease, with multifaceted interacting mechanisms. The Thy1-aSyn mouse model of PD exhibits many features of PD patients, including sensorimotor and olfactory dysfunction and protein aggregation. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the dipeptide carnosine, which has anti-aggregating and metal-chelating properties, would provide beneficial effects on the motor and olfactory deficits observed in Thy1-aSyn mice. After 2 months of daily treatment with either intranasal (2 mg/day) or oral (10 mM in drinking water) carnosine, Thy1-aSyn mice and wild-type BDF1 mice were assessed for sensorimotor (challenging beam traversal test and spontaneous activity) and olfactory (buried pellet test) function. In addition, the olfactory epithelium was evaluated immunohistochemically for expression of alpha-synuclein (aSyn) and the carnosine transporter Pept2. Olfactory function was unaffected by carnosine treatment via either administration route. In contrast, intranasal carnosine prevented the normal decline in gait function seen in the challenging beam test in the Thy1-aSyn mice. Moreover, carnosine-treated Thy1-aSyn mice exhibited decreased aSyn immunostaining in the olfactory epithelium compared to vehicle-treated Thy1-aSyn mice, and the carnosine transporter Pept2 was immunolocalized to the apical surface of the olfactory epithelium. These findings demonstrate that intranasal carnosine shows promise in slowing the progression of motor deficits and aSyn deposition in PD.
Involvement of p53 in senescence arrest and caspase 3 activity in the cell death response to methotrexate in the breast tumor cell

4629 It has recently been reported (Devarajan et al, Oncogene, 21:8443, 2002) that breast tumors frequently fail to express caspase 3, an executioner caspase strongly implicated in the final stages of apoptotic cell death. In view of the fact that the antifolate drug, methotrexate, is utilized in the standard CMF regimen for the treatment of breast cancer, studies were performed to evaluate the promotion of apoptosis in breast tumor cells differing in caspase 3 activity as well as functional p53 status. We were further interested in whether senescence arrest might represent an alternative response in cells which failed to undergo apoptosis. In p53 wild-type MCF-7 breast tumor cells that do not express functional caspase 3, death of approximately 40% of the cell population was observed immediately after acute exposure to 10 μM methotrexate (the IC90 value for a 2 hour drug exposure). Cell death appeared to occur via a pathway other than apoptosis based on the absence of DNA fragmentation or alterations in cell morphology. Cell death was succeeded by growth arrest for at least 72 hours - where arrest was characterized by a marked reduction of the G2/M population, an increase in the cell population in G1 and expression of the senescence marker, beta galactosidase. The primary response to methotrexate in MCF-7/E6 cells with attenuated p53 function was also growth arrest - but lacking characteristics of senescence. In contrast, MCF-7 cells which expressed caspase 3 demonstrated a gradual and continuous loss of viable cells and unequivocal morphological evidence of apoptosis. Apoptosis was also detected after exposure to methotrexate in p53 mutant MDA-MB231 breast tumor cells. Methotrexate induced both p53 and p21 waf1/cip1 in MCF-7 cells within 6 hours; however, no significant strand breakage was evident before 18 hours, suggesting that the induction of p53 could reflect a response to cellular stresses other than DNA damage such as nucleotide depletion. Overall, these studies suggest that the nature of the cellular response to methotrexate depends, in large part, on p53 and caspase function. Apoptosis appears to be independent of p53 while the senescence phenotype can apparently be induced in the breast tumor cell through p53 (and possibly p21 waf1/cip1) in the absence of direct DNA damage. Our current work is focused on the question of whether senescence arrest is permissive for recovery of proliferative function.
Supercomputing Improves Predictions of Fluid Flow in Rock

Reports on the use of supercomputers in the field of geology. The effort to collect and analyze data for a range of geologic materials is time consuming and leaves researchers with only static images of the dynamic process of fluid flow. From 2014 to 2018, researchers led by computational scientist James McClure of Virginia Tech used the 27-petaflop Cray XK7 Titan supercomputer at the US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to advance the team’s computational code for modeling fluid flow in complex, porous geometries. Guided by synchrotron data, McClure’s team models the complex geometries of rocks, then simulates fluid flow based on fundamental physics principles. By combining modeling and simulation with in situ (or real-time) analysis, the team can predict the properties important to large-scale modeling of reservoirs.
Dynamics of DNA Methylation Patterns in Human Cells

Abstract Cytosine modifications of DNA in human cells give rise to methylation patterns that are dynamic in nature and heterogeneous from cell to cell. DNA methylation has been proposed to play important roles in many biological processes, such as gene regulation, host defense, development, and cancer. Appreciation of the dynamic nature and potential variations of DNA methylation patterns is essential for identifying genomic regions with nonrandom DNA methylation marks and interpreting their functions in human cells. A scheme for understanding the dynamics of DNA methylation patterns in human cells is formulated here based on the current knowledge of proteins and pathways involved in the generation and maintenance of DNA methylation patterns.
Cytological appearance of pancreatic cystosis on fine‐needle aspiration

A 22-year-old Caucasian male with cystic fibrosis and recently diagnosed insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and was found to have multiple cystic lesions in the pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound evaluation revealed multiple macro- and microcystic components without mural nodules. One of the cysts in the body of the pancreas was in clear direct communication with the nondilated main pancreatic duct. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of two cysts was performed and showed foamy macrophages and rare ductal as well as acinar cells. Cell blocks showed nonpolarizable pink crystalloid material and small nonlaminated concretions consistent with inspissated secretions. Special stains for chymotrypsin and trypsin highlighted the acinar cells. Periodic acid Schiff, with and without diastase, was negative. Biopsy of the cyst wall showed ductal epithelial cells with underlying fibrotic stroma. This is the first description of the FNA appearance of pancreatic cystosis. We discuss the cytological differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the pancreas and the biochemical as well as imaging findings used to arrive at the diagnosis.
The clinical drug candidate ebselen attenuates inflammation and promotes microbiome recovery after antibiotic treatment for Clostridium difficile infection

Summary Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is an enteric bacterial disease that is increasing in prevalence worldwide. C. difficile capitalizes on gut inflammation and microbiome dysbiosis to establish infection, with symptoms ranging from watery diarrhea to toxic megacolon. We recently reported that the safe in human clinical drug candidate ebselen (NCT03013400, NCT01452607, NCT00762671, NCT02603081) has biochemical, cell-based and in vivo efficacy against the bacterial toxins of C. difficile. Here, we show that ebselen treatment reduces recurrence rates and decreases colitis in a hamster relapse model of CDI. Furthermore, ebselen treatment does not alter microbiome diversity but promotes its recovery back to that of healthy controls after antibiotic-induced dysbiosis in both healthy and C. difficile-infected mice. This increased microbiome recovery upon ebselen treatment correlates with a decrease in host-derived inflammatory markers suggesting that the anti-inflammatory properties of ebselen, combined with its anti-toxin function, help to mitigate the major clinical challenges of CDI, including recurrence, microbial dysbiosis, and colitis.
Closed-Form Approximations for Spread Option Prices and Greeks

Beginning with Black and Scholes, it has been mathematically very convenient to model asset returns as logarithmic diffusions when developing pricing models for derivatives. But doing so causes a lot of trouble for instruments such as spread options, whose payoffs are a function of the arithmetic difference between two such assets, because the distribution of the price difference is not lognormal or any other familiar distribution. One could simply assume the difference is lognormal and obtain a simple model, but that would lead to an internal inconsistency with the models used for the component securities. Alternatively, one must develop numerical or approximation techniques to deal with this problem. In this article, the authors advance the technology by devising analytic formulas for spread option values, as well as their greeks, based on an approximation to the exercise boundary for one asset9s price, conditional on the other price. The result is much more efficient and accurate valuation than with previous approaches
A human monoclonal antibody against the distal carboxyl terminus of ADAMTS13 modulates its susceptibility to an inhibitor in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

BACKGROUND Immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) is a potentially fatal thrombotic microangiopathy, resulting from a severe deficiency of plasma ADAMTS-13 (A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase with ThromboSpondin type 1 motif, member 13) activity. IgG-type autoantibodies are primarily responsible for the inhibition of plasma ADAMTS-13 activity. However, the mechanism underlying autoantibody-mediated inhibition is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present study is to determine the role of IgG autoantibodies against various carboxyl-terminal domains of ADAMTS-13 in regulating ADAMTS-13 activity and its inhibition. METHOD Various human monoclonal antibodies isolated by phage display, recombinant protein expression and purification, and biochemical analyses were employed for the study. RESULTS Our results demonstrate for the first time that a human monoclonal antibody fragment, the single chain fragment of the variable region (scFv) isolated from a patient with acute iTTP that binds the distal carboxyl-terminus of ADAMTS-13, is able to activate ADAMTS-13 and increase the proteolytic cleavage of a FRETS-VWF73 substrate; moreover, binding of such a human monoclonal antibody against the carboxyl-terminus of ADAMTS-13 to plasma ADAMTS-13 appears to modulate inhibition by another human monoclonal antibody (i.e., scFv4-20), also isolated from an iTTP patient, that targets the spacer domain of ADAMTS-13. These results provide new insights into our understanding of the pathogenesis of iTTP.
Infrastructure: How to Define It and Why the Definition Matters

In past government budget policy discussions, the term “infrastructure” has been used to describe spending that mostly pertains to transportation, particularly roads and highways. It has also been used to refer to spending on water projects, environmental improvements, energy, broadband, public lands, and public housing. Critics are correct in noting that some of the spending proposed as part of the American Job’s Plan, such as spending for home care workers, should not be considered infrastructure. But the plan also includes some things that many people might not consider to be infrastructure that they should, such as communications networks and the electricity grid. After discussing the role and importance of infrastructure, this policy brief explores alternative definitions of infrastructure, noting how they differ and what they share in common. Then it considers how using a nontraditional definition can lead to unnecessary expansion of the federal government’s role. Following that, it summarizes some important principles about infrastructure policy, emphasizing the advantages of private ownership and of relying on user fees to fund infrastructure.
Abstract 264: High Serum Lp(a) Levels Are Associated With Subclinical 3-Vessel and Left Main Coronary Disease, Severe Stenoses and Plaque Volume in Apparently Healthy African Americans

Background: Serum Lp(a) is a CAD risk factor in European Americans (EA). Levels are 2-3 fold higher in African Americans (AA) but associations with CAD are inconsistent, including coronary calcium. The relationship of race-specific levels of Lp(a) with the extent and severity of subclinical total coronary plaque (TCP) has not been described. Methods: We screened 418 apparently healthy individuals for risk factors and coronary plaque using advanced CTA. TCP volumes (mm3) were quantified using a validated automated method. Lp(a) was measured by ELISA. The association of Lp(a) with plaque was investigated by race. Multivariable modeling was performed with adjustment for traditional CAD risk factors, including LDL-C, and intrafamilial correlations. Results: Mean age was 51±11 years; 57% female; 34% AA. Lp(a) was higher in AA than in EA (median 38 [18,65] vs 17 [10,33], p Conclusion: High Lp(a) is strongly associated with coronary plaque extent, severity, and volume in apparently healthy AA. High levels of Lp(a) may be particularly important in the pathogenesis of CAD in AA.
On the Behavior of Ferritic Steels Subjected to Load Controlled Cycling at Elevated Temperatures

The results of a study of the behavior of ferritic steels cycled in the creep range under load control as opposed to strain control are presented. In most of the tests the tendency to ratchet was more pronounced than the tendency to fail by fatigue, but the underlying cause of this behavior is not understood. No evidence for creep-fatigue interaction was found. The importance of ratchetting as a design parameter is stressed.