cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Long Road to Better ACHD Care

The care of adult patients with congenital heart defects in the United States is spotty at best, and needs to improve greatly if the needs of these patients are to be met. The care of American children with congenital heart defects is generally excellent. Pediatric cardiac services are well established and well supported. The care of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) is well established in only a few American centers. While there are an increasing number of clinics, they are generally poorly resourced with relatively few patients. If located in adult cardiology programs, they are usually minor players. If located in pediatric cardiac programs, they are usually minor players as well. Training programs for adult CHD (ACHD) caregivers are few, informal, and poorly funded. To improve the situation, we need perhaps 25 well-resourced and well-established regional ACHD centers in the United States. We need to stop the loss to care of CHD patients at risk of poor outcomes. We need to educate patients and families about the need for lifelong and skilled surveillance and care. We need to effect an orderly transfer from pediatric to adult care. We need to strengthen the human resource infrastructure of ACHD care through the training and hiring of healthcare professionals of a quality equivalent to those working in the pediatric care environment. We need to demonstrate that adult care is high quality care. We need more high-quality ACHD research. The ACHD community needs to establish its credibility with pediatric cardiac providers, adult cardiology groups, with governments, with professional organizations, and with research funding agencies. Accordingly, there is a need for strong political action on behalf of American ACHD patients. This must be led by patients and families. These efforts should be supported by pediatric cardiologists and children's hospitals, as well as by national professional organizations, governments, and health insurance companies. The goal of this political action should be to see that ACHD patients can receive high-quality lifelong surveillance, that we lose fewer patients to care, and that the staff and other services needed are available nationwide.
Draft genome sequence of Halomonas meridiana R1t3 isolated from the surface microbiota of the Caribbean Elkhorn coral Acropora palmata

Members of the gammaproteobacterial genus Halomonas are common in marine environments. Halomonas and other members of the Oceanospirillales have recently been identified as prominent members of the surface microbiota of reef-building corals. Halomonas meridiana strain R1t3 was isolated from the surface mucus layer of the scleractinian coral Acropora palmata in 2005 from the Florida Keys. This strain was chosen for genome sequencing to provide insight into the role of commensal heterotrophic bacteria in the coral holobiont. The draft genome consists of 290 scaffolds, totaling 3.5 Mbp in length and contains 3397 protein-coding genes.
Polyadenylation of ribosomal RNA by Candida albicans also involves the small subunit

Background Candida albicans is a polymorphic fungus causing serious infections in immunocompromised patients. It is capable of shifting from yeast to germinating forms such as hypha and pseudohypha in response to a variety of signals, including mammalian serum. We have previously shown that some of the large 25S components of ribosomal RNA in Candida albicans get polyadenylated, and this process is transiently intensified shortly after serum exposure just prior to the appearance of germination changes.
Protein interaction network underpins concordant prognosis among heterogeneous breast cancer signatures

Characterizing the biomolecular systems' properties underpinning prognosis signatures derived from gene expression profiles remains a key clinical and biological challenge. In breast cancer, while different "poor-prognosis" sets of genes have predicted patient survival outcome equally well in independent cohorts, these prognostic signatures have surprisingly little genetic overlap. We examine 10 such published expression-based signatures that are predictors or distinct breast cancer phenotypes, uncover their mechanistic interconnectivity through a protein-protein interaction network, and introduce a novel cross-"gene expression signature" analysis method using (i) domain knowledge to constrain multiple comparisons in a mechanistically relevant single-gene network interactions and (ii) scale-free permutation re-sampling to statistically control for hubness (SPAN - Single Protein Analysis of Network with constant node degree per protein). At adjusted p-values<5%, 54-genes thus identified have a significantly greater connectivity than those through meticulous permutation re-sampling of the context-constrained network. More importantly, eight of 10 genetically non-overlapping signatures are connected through well-established mechanisms of breast cancer oncogenesis and progression. Gene Ontology enrichment studies demonstrate common markers of cell cycle regulation. Kaplan-Meier analysis of three independent historical gene expression sets confirms this network-signature's inherent ability to identify "poor outcome" in ER(+) patients without the requirement of machine learning. We provide a novel demonstration that genetically distinct prognosis signatures, developed from independent clinical datasets, occupy overlapping prognostic space of breast cancer via shared mechanisms that are mediated by genetically different yet mechanistically comparable interactions among proteins of differentially expressed genes in the signatures. This is the first study employing a networks' approach to aggregate established gene expression signatures in order to develop a phenotype/pathway-based cancer roadmap with the potential for (i) novel drug development applications and for (ii) facilitating the clinical deployment of prognostic gene signatures with improved mechanistic understanding of biological processes and functions associated with gene expression changes. http://www.lussierlab.org/publication/networksignature/
An approach for estimation of software aging in a Web server

A number of recent studies have reported the phenomenon of "software aging", characterized by progressive performance degradation or a sudden hang/crash of a software system due to exhaustion of operating system resources, fragmentation and accumulation of errors. To counteract this phenomenon, a proactive technique called "software rejuvenation" has been proposed. This essentially involves stopping the running software, cleaning its internal state and then restarting it. Software rejuvenation, being preventive in nature, begs the question as to when to schedule it. Periodic rejuvenation, while straightforward to implement, may not yield the best results. A better approach is based on actual measurement of system resource usage and activity that detects and estimates resource exhaustion times. Estimating the resource exhaustion times makes it possible for software rejuvenation to be initiated or better planned so that the system availability is maximized in the face of time-varying workload and system behavior. We propose a methodology based on time series analysis to detect and estimate resource exhaustion times due to software aging in a Web server while subjecting it to an artificial workload. We first collect and log data on several system resource usage and activity parameters on a Web server. Time-series ARMA models are then constructed from the data to detect aging and estimate resource exhaustion times. The results are then compared with previous measurement-based models and found to be more efficient and computationally less intensive. These models can be used to develop proactive management techniques like software rejuvenation which are triggered by actual measurements.
Evaluation of a rapid enzyme immunoassay system for serologic diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

Abstract A 5 -min qualitative membrane enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA) from Remel ( Mycoplasma pneumoniae immunoglobulin G (IgG)/IgM Antibody Test System) was evaluated for its ability to detect IgG and IgG at levels indicating active or recent infection. Specimens from 131 patients were evaluated using an immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA) to determine IgG and IgM titers and the membrane EIA. An enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) performed by a reference laboratory was used for discrepancy resolution. There were 34 IgM positive specimens (titer ⩾ 1:16), 19 IgG positive specimens (titer ⩾ 1:64), and 78 negative specimens. Compared with IFA and/or ELISA, the membrane EIA was 97% sensitive for the detection of IgM and 79% sensitive for the detection of IgG. Of the 78 specimens called negative, 17 specimens had IgG titers (⩽1:32) or an ELISA result indicating prior exposure, and the membrane EIA called seven of 17 (41%) positive. For the detection of both IgG and IgM, the membrane EIA had a sensitivity of 91 %, specificity of 91%, and positive and negative predictive values of 87 and 93%, respectively. The Remel membrane EIA is a rapid and reliable assay for the diagnosis of active or recent M. pneumoniae respiratory tract infections.
Effects of elevated CO2 on the tolerance of photosynthesis to acute heat stress in C3, C4, and CAM species

Determining the effect of elevated CO(2) on the tolerance of photosynthesis to acute heat stress (AHS) is necessary for predicting plant responses to global warming because photosynthesis is heat sensitive and AHS and atmospheric CO(2) will increase in the future. Few studies have examined this effect, and past results were variable, which may be related to methodological variation among studies. In this study, we grew 11 species that included cool and warm season and C(3), C(4), and CAM species at current or elevated (370 or 700 ppm) CO(2) and at species-specific optimal growth temperatures and at 30°C (if optimal ≠ 30°C). We then assessed thermotolerance of net photosynthesis (P(n)), stomatal conductance (g(st)), leaf internal [CO(2)], and photosystem II (PSII) and post-PSII electron transport during AHS. Thermotolerance of P(n) in elevated (vs. ambient) CO(2) increased in C(3), but decreased in C(4) (especially) and CAM (high growth temperature only), species. In contrast, elevated CO(2) decreased electron transport in 10 of 11 species. High CO(2) decreased g(st) in five of nine species, but stomatal limitations to P(n) increased during AHS in only two cool-season C(3) species. Thus, benefits of elevated CO(2) to photosynthesis at normal temperatures may be partly offset by negative effects during AHS, especially for C(4) species, so effects of elevated CO(2) on acute heat tolerance may contribute to future changes in plant productivity, distribution, and diversity.
RAKE receiver finger assignment for ultra-wideband radio

In this paper, finger estimation for RAKE reception in ultrawideband (UWB) radio is considered. The effects of pulse shaping and pulse position modulation (PPM) for the performance of finger estimation, and for the BER performance of the RAKE receiver are evaluated. New algorithms for finger assignment are developed. The proposed algorithms use different selection criteria for assigning the RAKE fingers. The performance of the proposed algorithms and new selection criteria are evaluated through computer simulations. Significant gains are observed compared to the conventional finger assignment algorithms.
Exposure to violence and trauma: questionnaire for adolescents

Violence has become a major part of life in many schools, homes and communities in the USA. It is especially devastating to children and adolescents who are vulnerable because of emotional, social ...
Use of spin traps in intact animals undergoing myocardial ischemia/reperfusion: A new approach to assessing the role of oxygen radicals in myocardial "stunning"

Numerous studies have indirectly, suggested that oxygen-derived free radicals play an important path-ogenetic role in the prolonged depression of contractile function observed in myocardium reperfused after reversible ischemia (myocardial “stunning”). In order to provide direct evidence for the oxy-radical hypothesis of stunning, we administered the spin trap, α-phenyl N-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN), to open-chest dogs undergoing a 15-min coronary artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. Plasma of local coronary venous blood was analyzed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. EPR signals characteristic of radical adducts of PBN appeared during ischemia and increased dramatically in the first few minutes after reperfusion. After this initial burst, the production of adducts abated but did not cease, persisting up to 3 h after reflow. The production of PBN adducts after reperfusion was inversely related to collateral flow during ischemia. PBN itself enhanced recovery of contractile function. in...
Evolution of long water waves in variable channels

This paper applies two theoretical wave models, namely the generalized channel Boussinesq (gcB) and the channel Korteweg–de Vries (cKdV) models (Teng & Wu 1992) to investigate the evolution, transmission and reflection of long water waves propagating in a convergent–divergent channel of arbitrary cross-section. A new simplified version of the gcB model is introduced based on neglecting the higher-order derivatives of channel variations. This simplification preserves the mass conservation property of the original gcB model, yet greatly facilitates applications and clarifies the effect of channel cross-section. A critical comparative study between the gcB and cKdV models is then pursued for predicting the evolution of long waves in variable channels. Regarding the integral properties, the gcB model is shown to conserve mass exactly whereas the cKdV model, being limited to unidirectional waves only, violates the mass conservation law by a significant margin and bears no waves which are reflected due to changes in channel cross-sectional area. Although theoretically both models imply adiabatic invariance for the wave energy, the gcB model exhibits numerically a greater accuracy than the cKdV model in conserving wave energy. In general, the gcB model is found to have excellent conservation properties and can be applied to predict both transmitted and reflected waves simultaneously. It also broadly agrees well with the experiments. A result of basic interest is that in spite of the weakness in conserving total mass and energy, the cKdV model is found to predict the transmitted waves in good agreement with the gcB model and with the experimental data available
THE EFFECT OF ENDOCRINE GLAND EXTIRPATIONS ON THE SIZE OF NUCLEOLI IN RAT HYPOTHALAMIC NEURONS.

With the object of investigating the so-called “feed-back” mechanism whereby hormones from the various endocrine glands presumably influence the hypothalamus in its regulation of the hypophyseal tropic hormones, the effect of hypophysectomy, ovariectomy, thyroidectomy, adrenalectomy and adrenal medullectomy on the nucleolar size of neurons in 16 hypothalamic nuclei was studied. A total of forty-five female albino rats was used. The nucleoli were measured under oil by means of a Cooke AEI image splitting eyepiece. For every rat 50 nucleoli in each of the 16 hypothalamic nuclei was measured, a total of 36,000 measurements. Hypophysectomy was found to affect all of the nuclei either after a short period (5 days) or after 60 days. Ovariectomy (20 days) caused nucleolar size changes in six nuclei, thyroidectomy (30 days) in eight, adrenalectomy (14 days) in all of the nuclei and adrenal medullectomy (30 days) in all of the nuclei. The results indicate that the absence of the various hormones does affect the activity of hypothalamic neurons as determined by nucleolar size changes. The use of the present methods also appears to “localize” centers for specific activities in the hypothalamus in some instances (e.g. ovariectomy) but not in others (e.g. adrenalectomy).
Flux quantization in periodic networks containing tiles with irrational ratio of areas

We report measurements of the superconducting-normal transition boundary T/sub c/(H) of two-dimensional periodic networks with two different space-group symmetries in a magnetic field. Each network is a mixture of squares and equilateral triangles. In both cases, we observe maxima in T/sub c/(H) with one major period, which does not correspond to the area of either the square or the triangle. We interpret the results in terms of flux configurations whose energies are sensitive to the geometry of a given network.
Structure-aided prediction of mammalian transcription factor complexes in conserved non-coding elements.

Mapping the DNA-binding preferences of transcription factor (TF) complexes is critical for deciphering the functions of cis-regulatory elements. Here, we developed a computational method that compares co-occurring motif spacings in conserved versus unconserved regions of the human genome to detect evolutionarily constrained binding sites of rigid TF complexes. Structural data were used to estimate TF complex physical plausibility, explore overlapping motif arrangements seldom tackled by non-structure-aware methods, and generate and analyse three-dimensional models of the predicted complexes bound to DNA. Using this approach, we predicted 422 physically realistic TF complex motifs at 18% false discovery rate, the majority of which (326, 77%) contain some sequence overlap between binding sites. The set of mostly novel complexes is enriched in known composite motifs, predictive of binding site configurations in TF–TF–DNA crystal structures, and supported by ChIP-seq datasets. Structural modelling revealed three cooperativity mechanisms: direct protein–protein interactions, potentially indirect interactions and ‘through-DNA’ interactions. Indeed, 38% of the predicted complexes were found to contain four or more bases in which TF pairs appear to synergize through overlapping binding to the same DNA base pairs in opposite grooves or strands. Our TF complex and associated binding site predictions are available as a web resource at http://bejerano.stanford.edu/complex.
Spatial perspectives in state-and-transition models: a missing link to land management?

Summary 1. State-and-transition models (STMs) synthesize and communicate knowledge about the alternative states of an ecosystem and causes of state transitions. Data supported narrative descriptions within STMs are used to select or justify management actions. State transitions are characteristically heterogeneous in space and time, but spatial heterogeneity is seldom described in STMs, thereby limiting their utility. 2. We conducted a review that indicates how spatially explicit data can be used to improve STMs. We first identified three spatial scales at which spatial patterns and processes are manifest: patches, sites and landscapes. We then identified three classes of spatial processes that govern heterogeneity in state transitions at each scale and that can be considered in empirical studies, STM narratives and management interpretations. 3. First, spatial variations in land-use driver history (e.g. grazing use) can explain differences in the occurrence of state transitions within land areas that are otherwise uniform. Secondly, spatial dependence in response to drivers imposed by variations in soils, landforms and climate can explain how the likelihood of state transition varies along relatively static environmental gradients. Thirdly, state transition processes can be contagious, under control of vegetation-environment feedbacks, such that the spatiotemporal evolution of state transitions is predictable. 4. We suggest a strategy for considering each of the three spatial processes in the development of STM narratives. We illustrate how spatial data can be employed for describing early warning indicators of state transition, identifying areas that are most susceptible to state transitions, and designing and implementing monitoring schemes. 5. Synthesis and applications. State-and-transition models are increasingly important tools for guiding land-management activities. However, failure to adequately represent spatial processes in STMs can limit their ability to identify the initiation, risk and causes of state transitions and, therefore, the appropriate management responses. We suggest that multi-scaled studies targeted to different kinds of ecosystems can be used to uncover evidence of spatial processes. Such evidence should be included in STM narratives and can lead to novel interpretations of land change and improved management.
A knowledge-based control paradigm for real-time systems

The authors examine the application of knowledge-based symbolic control to the management of execution and configuration of a complex numerical control system. Symbolic processing is used to implement inference of system state and internal communication for inference and control. The flavor system provides an object-oriented programming environment in which the inference engine and knowledge base for the symbolic controller are realized. System communication is accomplished by asynchronous message passing using a mailbox facility. The particular target application considered is a software-intensive radio, which is envisioned as being digitally implemented. Symbolic processing is used to internally control the radio down to the module level. Testing is via computer emulation (Monte Carlo). >
Desensitization-resistant and -sensitive GPCR-mediated inhibition of GABA release occurs by Ca2+-dependent and -independent mechanisms at a hypothalamic synapse

Whereas the activation of Gαi/o-coupled receptors commonly results in postsynaptic responses that show acute desensitization, the presynaptic inhibition of transmitter release caused by many Gαi/o-coupled receptors is maintained during agonist exposure. However, an exception has been noted where GABAB receptor (GABABR)-mediated inhibition of inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) recorded in mouse proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons exhibit acute desensitization in ∼25% of experiments. To determine whether differential effector coupling confers sensitivity to desensitization, voltage-clamp recordings were made from POMC neurons to compare the mechanism by which μ-opioid receptors (MORs) and GABABRs inhibit transmitter release. Neither MOR- nor GABABR-mediated inhibition of release relied on the activation of presynaptic K(+) channels. Both receptors maintained the ability to inhibit release in the absence of external Ca(2+) or in the presence of ionomycin-induced Ca(2+) influx, indicating that inhibition of release can occur through a Ca(2+)-independent mechanism. Replacing Ca(2+) with Sr(2+) to disrupt G-protein-mediated inhibition of release occurring directly at the release machinery did not alter MOR- or GABAB -mediated inhibition of IPSCs, suggesting that reductions in evoked release can occur through the inhibition of Ca(2+) channels. Additionally, both receptors inhibited evoked IPSCs in the presence of selective blockers of N- or P/Q-type Ca(2+) channels. Altogether, the results show that MORs and GABABRs can inhibit transmitter release through the inhibition of calcium influx and by direct actions at the release machinery. Furthermore, since both the desensitizing and nondesensitizing presynaptic receptors are similarly coupled, differential effector coupling is unlikely responsible for differential desensitization of the inhibition of release.
High-Resolution Quantitative Immunogold Analysis of Membrane Receptors at Retinal Ribbon Synapses

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) receive excitatory glutamatergic input from bipolar cells. Synaptic excitation of RGCs is mediated postsynaptically by NMDA receptors (NMDARs) and AMPA receptors (AMPARs). Physiological data have indicated that glutamate receptors at RGCs are expressed not only in postsynaptic but also in perisynaptic or extrasynaptic membrane compartments. However, precise anatomical locations for glutamate receptors at RGC synapses have not been determined. Although a high-resolution quantitative analysis of glutamate receptors at central synapses is widely employed, this approach has had only limited success in the retina. We developed a postembedding immunogold method for analysis of membrane receptors, making it possible to estimate the number, density and variability of these receptors at retinal ribbon synapses. Here we describe the tools, reagents, and the practical steps that are needed for: 1) successful preparation of retinal fixation, 2) freeze-substitution, 3) postembedding immunogold electron microscope (EM) immunocytochemistry and, 4) quantitative visualization of glutamate receptors at ribbon synapses.
Mean deformation metrics for quantifying 3D cell–matrix interactions without requiring information about matrix material properties

Mechanobiology relates cellular processes to mechanical signals, such as determining the effect of variations in matrix stiffness with cell tractions. Cell traction recorded via traction force microscopy (TFM) commonly takes place on materials such as polyacrylamide- and polyethylene glycol-based gels. Such experiments remain limited in physiological relevance because cells natively migrate within complex tissue microenvironments that are spatially heterogeneous and hierarchical. Yet, TFM requires determination of the matrix constitutive law (stress-strain relationship), which is not always readily available. In addition, the currently achievable displacement resolution limits the accuracy of TFM for relatively small cells. To overcome these limitations, and increase the physiological relevance of in vitro experimental design, we present a new approach and a set of associated biomechanical signatures that are based purely on measurements of the matrix's displacements without requiring any knowledge of its constitutive laws. We show that our mean deformation metrics (MDM) approach can provide significant biophysical information without the need to explicitly determine cell tractions. In the process of demonstrating the use of our MDM approach, we succeeded in expanding the capability of our displacement measurement technique such that it can now measure the 3D deformations around relatively small cells (∼10 micrometers), such as neutrophils. Furthermore, we also report previously unseen deformation patterns generated by motile neutrophils in 3D collagen gels.
Star Wars: Response to Simonson, Winer/Fader, and Kozinets

In de Langhe, Fernbach, and Lichtenstein (2016), we argue that consumers trust average user ratings as indicators of objective product performance much more than they should. This simple idea has provoked passionate commentaries from eminent researchers across three subdisciplines of marketing: experimental consumer research, modeling, and qualitative consumer research. Simonson challenges the premise of our research, asking whether objective performance even matters. We think it does and explain why in our response. Winer and Fader argue that our results are neither insightful nor important. We believe that their reaction is due to a fundamental misunderstanding of our goals, and we show that their criticisms do not hold up to scrutiny. Finally, Kozinets points out how narrow a slice of consumer experience our article covers. We agree, and build on his observations to reflect on some big-picture issues about the nature of research and the interaction between the subdisciplines.
The Bicycle Kodak

In 1897 Eastman Kodak Company of Rochester, New York, introduced a camera for use on bicycles called the Bicycle Kodak. The Bicycle Kodak marks a significant historical point in the industrial age, representative of a growing democratization of environmental experience and perception. The development of the bicycle and photography (the kodak), independently and in their interrelationship, radically altered our landscape perception and experience. Both inventions are experiential and perceptual extensions. ("Media", in McLuhan's terminology.) The spatial extension of travel has an additional temporal extension in photography. The bicycle is responsible for extending the physical territory of many persons as an individualized, self-propelled, controlled and modulated mode of transportation. It also introduced a new set of environmental experiences in the individual control of speed and motion. Photography was also a territorial extension in capturing images of the world and bringing them to people. This process changes their perception of that world. People began to "see" photographically and experience places vicariously through the photographic medium. The Kodak extended photography to all, and in turn helped democratize the photographic eye. The bicycle and photography changed our relationship to, and experience of, places. The Bicycle Kodak is an artifact. It can be taken as a metaphor for the symbiotic relationship between travel and photography.
Thermal Properties of Materials

In previous chapters, we described how a material’s properties change with temperature. We found in many cases that mechanical and physical properties depend on the temperature at which the material serves or on the temperature to which the material may be subjected during processing. An appreciation of the thermal properties of materials is helpful in understanding mechanical failure of materials such as ceramics, coatings, and fibres when the temperature changes; in designing processes in which materials must be heated; or in selecting materials to transfer heat rapidly — as for electronic devices. In this chapter, we discuss the heat capacity, thermal expansion properties, and thermal conductivity of materials in order to gain this appreciation.
Facility distance and child mortality: a multi-country study of health facility access, service utilization, and child health outcomes

Background Access to health facilities remains limited in many resource-poor settings, and women and their children often have to travel far to seek care. However, data on distance are scarce, and it is unclear whether distance is associated with worse child health outcomes. We estimate the relationships between distance to facility, service utilization and child mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Methods Population-representative data are pooled from 29 demographic and health surveys across 21 low- and middle-income countries. Multivariable logistic models and meta-analysis regressions are used to estimate associations between facility distance, child mortality, and health care utilization in the pooled sample as well as for each survey. Results Compared with children who live within 1 km of a facility, children living within 2 km, 3 km, and 5 km of a facility have a 7.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.927 - 1.251], 16.3% (95% CI: 1.020 - 1.327) and 25% (95% CI: 1.087 - 1.439) higher odds of neonatal mortality, respectively; children living farther than 10 km have a 26.6% (95% CI: 1.108 - 1.445) higher odds of neonatal mortality. Women living farther than 10 km from a facility have a 55.3% lower odds of in-facility delivery compared with women who live within 1 km [odds ratio (OR): 0.447; 95% CI: 0.394 - 0.508]. Conclusions Even relatively small distances from health facilities are associated with substantial mortality penalties for children. Policies that reduce travel distances and travel times are likely to increase utilization of health services and reduce neonatal mortality.
Regulation of transcervical permeability by two distinct P2 purinergic receptor mechanisms

Micromolar concentrations of ATP stimulate biphasic change in transepithelial conductance across CaSki cultures, an acute increase (phase I response) followed by a slower decrease (phase II respons...
Simultaneous determination of urinary pregnanolone, pregnanediol, and pregnanetriol by gas-liquid chromatography.

A gas-liquid chromatographic procedure for the simultaneous determination of pregnanolone, pregnanediol, and pregnanetriol in pregnancy urine is described. The method includes β-glucuronidase hydrolysis, extraction, acetylation, and gas chromatography of the acetylated extracts. Quantitation is accomplished by the use of an internal standard technique. The reliability of the method has been evaluated from a study of the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility. All of these data are presented and discussed. The method permits the analyses of 10 to 12 samples per day with the results obtained the following day.
Causal Inference: A Statistical Paradigm for Inferring Causality

Inferring causation is one important aim of many research studies across a wide range of disciplines. In this chapter, we will introduce the concept of potential outcomes for its application to causal inference as well as the basic concepts, models, and assumptions in causal inference. An overview of statistical methods for causal inference will be discussed.
The Inhabited Threshold. The Limits of Dialectics in Julio Cano Lasso’s House

Julio Cano’s house-office in La Florida is studied in this text as a clear realization of a conception of the domestic phenomenon as a threshold that sequentially articulates the transit between public and private space. It also serves to illustrate the character of limit that architecture has as a discipline and as a mechanism of spatial production. Julio Cano Lasso’s design tactic used in this building is based on the establishment of rites of passage and the limits of dialectics that link to the history of domestic architecture ranging from the traditional Japanese house to Wright’s Usonian houses. The exemplary character of the building resides in a lay out that shows quite literally a stratification which acts as a regulator of the relationship between the exterior and the interior of the house. This condition, simultaneously, subtly modulates both the degree of privacy of each room and the conditions of permeability among them.
Abstract 3259: Giant obscurins: Novel tumor and metastasis suppressors in breast cancer

Obscurins, encoded by the single OBSCN gene, are giant cytoskeletal proteins containing tandem adhesion and signaling domains, including an active RhoGEF motif that directly binds and activates RhoA. The OBSCN gene is highly mutated in breast cancer resulting in a 2-fold reduction of its mRNA levels. Consistent with this, obscurin proteins are nearly lost from breast cancer cell lines and human biopsies, independently of their hormonal status or molecular differentiation. Loss of giant obscurins from breast epithelial cells confers them with a survival and growth advantage, following exposure to current chemotherapies. Moreover, obscurin-depleted breast epithelial cells fail to form adhesion junctions, undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and generate primary and secondary mammospheres bearing markers of cancer-initiating cells. In line with these phenotypic alterations, obscurin-deficient cells display markedly increased motility as a sheet in 2-dimensional (2D) substrata and individually in confined spaces, and invasion in 3D matrices. More importantly, loss of giant obscurins from breast epithelial cells promotes primary tumor formation and lung colonization in vivo. Obscurin depletion leads to >50% reduction in RhoA activity, as well as decreased phosphorylation of RhoA effectors, including myosin light chain phosphatase, myosin light chain, lim kinase, and cofilin, in both attached and suspended cells. These molecular alterations manifest as decreased actomyosin contractility, allowing suspended cells to escape detachment-induced apoptosis. Moreover, ∼40% of obscurin-depleted cells extend microtentacles, tubulin-based projections that mediate the attachment of circulating tumor cells to endothelium, an advantage that persists even after paclitaxel exposure. Collectively, our findings reveal that loss of giant obscurins from breast epithelium results in disruption of cell-cell contacts and acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype that leads to enhanced tumorigenesis, migration and invasiveness in vitro and in vivo by affecting RhoA-mediated processes. Moreover, our data suggest that loss of obscurins may represent a substantial selective advantage for breast epithelial cells during metastasis, and that treatment with paclitaxel may exacerbate this advantage by preferentially allowing obscurin-deficient, stem-like cells to attach to the endothelium of distant sites, a first step towards colonizing metastatic tumors. Citation Format: Aikaterini Kontrogianni-Konstantopoulos, Marey Shriver, Nicole Perry, Kimberly Stroka, Michele Vitole, David Huso, Stuart Martin, Konstantinos Konstantopoulos. Giant obscurins: Novel tumor and metastasis suppressors in breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3259. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3259
The Efficacy of the WaveOne Reciprocating File System versus the ProTaper Retreatment System in Endodontic Retreatment of Two Different Obturating Techniques.

Abstract Introduction This ex vivo study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of retreating GuttaCore (Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK) and warm vertically condensed gutta-percha in moderately curved canals with 2 different systems: ProTaper Universal Retreatment (Dentsply Tulsa Dental) and WaveOne (Dentsply Tulsa Dental). Methods Eighty mesial roots of mandibular molars were used in this study. The mesiobuccal canals in each sample were prepared to length with the WaveOne Primary file (Dentsply Tulsa Dental). The canals were obturated with either a warm vertical approach or with GuttaCore and divided into 4 retreatment groups with the same mean root curvature: warm vertical retreated with ProTaper, warm vertical retreated with WaveOne, GuttaCore retreated with ProTaper, and GuttaCore retreated with WaveOne. The warm vertical groups were obturated using a continuous-wave technique of gutta-percha compaction, and the GuttaCore groups were obturated according to the manufacturer's instructions. After allowing sealer to set, each specimen was retreated with either the ProTaper Universal Retreatment files D1, D2, or D3 or with the WaveOne Primary file to the predetermined working length. The time taken to reach the working length was recorded. Instrument fatigue and failure were also evaluated. Results The post hoc 2-sample t tests showed that the overall mean total time taken to reach the working length for the warm vertical groups was significantly greater than that observed for the GuttaCore groups (mean = 87.11 vs 60.16 seconds, respectively), and the overall mean total time taken to reach the working length for WaveOne was significantly greater than that observed for ProTaper (99.09 vs 48.18 seconds, respectively). Two-way analysis of variance showed a significant main effect for both the type of experiment groups (F1,76 = 15.32, P = .0002) and the type of retreatments (F1,76 = 54.67, P Conclusions The WaveOne Primary file underwent more separations and was unable to remove gutta-percha as efficiently as the ProTaper Universal Retreatment files. Also, canals obturated with GuttaCore were retreated more efficiently and with fewer file separations than the canals obturated using continuous wave of warm gutta-percha.
Eyelid: Conjunctival müller's muscle resection (CMMR)

In patients presenting with ptosis, a complete exam, including eyelid measurements before and after instillation of 2.5 % phenylephrine, is integral in determining the optimal surgical procedure. Muller’s muscle is a sympathetically innervated smooth muscle capable of elevating the upper eyelid 2–3 mm under certain physiological conditions. Instillation of phenylephrine drops in the superior fornix will stimulate Muller’s muscle in many patients; those with mild to moderate ptosis who respond following instillation of phenylephrine may be suitable candidates for a conjunctival Muller’s muscle resection (CMMR). Patients should be educated about the risks and benefits of the procedure, including alternatives.
Fesoterodine for the Treatment of Nocturnal Urgency in Patients with Overactive Bladder Syndrome: An Analysis of Responders and Nonresponders

Purpose: A recent study demonstrated improvement in nocturnal urgency in patients with overactive bladder when treated with fesoterodine. In the current study we aimed to determine which bladder diary parameters predict the response to fesoterodine in these patients.Materials and Methods: Patients with nocturnal urgency completed a 2-week, single-blind placebo run-in followed by 1:1 double-blind randomization to 12 weeks of fesoterodine or placebo. We analyzed bladder diary parameter changes from baseline to week 12, including the actual number of night voids (total number of nocturia episodes), maximum voided volume, nocturnal bladder capacity, Nocturnal Bladder Capacity Index (NBCi) (actual number of night voids – nocturnal urine volume/maximum voided volume – 1), nocturnal urine volume, the nocturia index (nocturnal urine volume/maximum voided volume) and the nocturnal polyuria index (nocturnal urine volume/24-hour volume). Additionally, we analyzed OAB-q (Overactive Bladder Questionnaire) changes.Resu...
Computational Near-eye Displays: Engineering the Interface between our Visual System and the Digital World

Virtual reality is a new medium that provides unprecedented user experiences. Eventually, VR/AR systems will redefine communication, entertainment, education, collaborative work, simulation, training, telesurgery, and basic vision research. In all of these applications, the primary interface between the user and the digital world is the near-eye display. While today’s VR systems struggle to provide natural and comfortable viewing experiences, next-generation computational near-eye displays have the potential to provide visual experiences that are better than the real world. In this talk, we explore the frontiers of VR systems engineering.
Depression predicting death after myocardial infarction

Source Citation Frasure-Smith N, Lesperance F, Talajic M. Depression following myocardial infarction. JAMA. 1993 Oct 20;270:1819-25.
Modeling Safety Effects of Horizontal Curve Design on Injury Severity of Single-Motorcycle Crashes with Mixed-Effects Logistic Model

Horizontal curves have been of great interest to transportation researchers because of expected safety hazards for motorcyclists. The impacts of horizontal curve design on motorcycle crash injuries are not well documented in previous studies. The current study aimed to investigate and to quantify the effects of horizontal curve design and associated factors on the injury severity of single-motorcycle crashes with consideration of the issue of unobserved heterogeneity. A mixed-effects logistic model was developed on the basis of 2,168 single-motorcycle crashes, which were collected on 8,597 horizontal curves in Florida for a period of 11 years (2005 to 2015). Four normally distributed random parameters (moderate curves, reverse curves, older riders, and male riders) were identified. The modeling results showed that sharp curves (radius <1,500 ft) compared with flat curves (radius ≥4,000 ft) tended to increase significantly the probability of severe injury (fatal or incapacitating injury) by 7.7%. In total,...
Identification of Brucella genus and eight Brucella species by Luminex bead-based suspension array

Abstract Globally, unpasteurized milk products are vehicles for the transmission of brucellosis, a zoonosis responsible for cases of foodborne illness in the United States and elsewhere. Existing PCR assays to detect Brucella species are restricted by the resolution of band sizes on a gel or the number of fluorescent channels in a single real-time system. The Luminex bead-based suspension array is performed in a 96-well plate allowing for high throughput screening of up to 100 targets in one sample with easily discernible results. We have developed an array using the Bio-Plex 200 to differentiate the most common Brucella species: B. abortus, B. melitensis, B. suis, B. suis bv5, B. canis, B. ovis, B. pinnipedia, and B. neotomae, as well as Brucella genus. All probes showed high specificity, with no cross-reaction with non-Brucella strains. We could detect pure DNA from B. abortus, B. melitensis, and genus-level Brucella at concentrations of ≤5 fg/μL. Pure DNA from all other species tested positive at concentrations well below 500 fg/μL and we positively identified B. neotomae in six artificially contaminated cheese and milk products. An intra-laboratory verification further demonstrated the assay's accuracy and robustness in the rapid screening (3–4 h including PCR) of DNA.
cis-Cyclo­hexane-1,3-di­carb­oxy­lic acid–N,N′-(pen­tane-1,5-di­yl)bis­(pyridine-4-carboxamide)–water (1/1/2)

The title cocrystal, C8H12O4·C17H20N4O2·2H2O, shows O—H⋯N hydrogen bonded supra­molecular chain motifs of cis-1,3-cyclo­hexa­nedi­carb­oxy­lic acid (H2cdc) mol­ecules alternating with N,N′-(pentane-1,5-di­yl)bis­(pyridine-4-carboxamide)­pentane (bpcpe) mol­ecules. These chain motifs are aggregated by C—H⋯O inter­actions into supra­molecular layers and slabs, which are stacked into the three-dimensional crystal structure by means of O—H⋯O inter­actions mediated by the water mol­ecules of crystallization.
The Medical Database as a Tool for Improving Maternal/Infant Continuity of Care

Analysis of the Sinai Health System's integrated medical database revealed a serious discontinuity of care, frequently observed in underserved communities, for mothers who delivered at the hospital but failed to return on a timely basis for postpartum visits for themselves and newborn visits for their babies. Since the Sinai Health System (SHS) is a fully integrated health system including community-based primary care, a process improvement project to improve rates of return was initiated. Prior to hospital discharge, a staff member visited each new mother and baby to schedule clinic follow-up appointments. Appointment compliance was monitored using the SHS integrated medical database. Results after the first year showed marked improvement. Eighty percent of mothers returned for postpartum care within 4 months of delivery compared to 46 at baseline. Eighty eight percent of newborns were seen in the clinics within the four month timeframe compared to a baseline of 59%. The integrated medical database not only allowed for identification of this problem but was an essential tool at each point in the intervention.
Evaluation of Neurologic Injury Following Regional Anesthesia

Modern anesthesia is a highly predictable undertaking with a very low failure rate. The ability to produce successful anesthesia is a less important characteristic of excellent anesthetic practice than the ability to recognize and treat adverse perioperative events. Recognition of myocardial ischemia or prompt treatment of catastrophic bleeding are examples of the situations requiring careful diagnosis and calm, decisive action. This same approach should prevail when the adverse event is a neurologic complication of regional anesthesia, only there is an added difficulty. At few other times in the practice of anesthesia will a practitioner be so directly confronted with responsibility for an adverse outcome as with a complication from neural blockade, because in a sense the “smoking gun” is clearly in our hands. Additional opprobrium may stem from the common misconceptions that complication rates should be zero in the practice of anesthesiology, and that the complication would not have occurred if only a general anesthetic had been performed.