cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Central obesity: Redefining normal BMI

Obesity is linked to increased mortality. However, BMI (body mass index), the usual definition of obesity, may not actually be the best measure. Other metrics like WHR (waist-to-hip ratio), which measures central obesity (adipose tissue carried in the abdomen), may be better predictors of morbidity and mortality. Now Sahakyan et al . present data showing that normal-weight U.S. adults with central obesity have poorer long-term survival than those who have normal fat distribution, regardless of BMI. These authors surveyed a nationally representative sample of 30,818 individuals. About half of these had a BMI greater than 18.5 and available WHR information. During a mean follow-up of 14.3 years, there were 3222 deaths; of these, 1404 were due to cardiovascular disease. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that WHR—but not BMI—was associated with a higher risk of mortality. Men of normal weight but with central obesity had a higher risk of death than men with a similar BMI and no central obesity, or men with any other combination of BMI and WHR (HR range 1.22 to 2.42), even when compared with obese men with central obesity. A similar but less pronounced pattern was seen in women, and mortality risk further increased with age in both sexes. Possible mechanisms linking WHR with increased mortality risk include visceral fat accumulation, decreased muscle mass, and decreased leg and buttock adiposity. The risk of central obesity was also apparent when only mortality from cardiovascular causes was considered (even beyond the influence of obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors). Some caution should be exercised regarding these results because comorbidities were self-reported by the participants, and WHR was not measured with the commonly recommended technique (classification according to baseline parameters). Nonetheless, this study identifies people with normal-weight central obesity as a previously underappreciated target population for preventative strategies. K. R. Sahakyan et al ., Normal-weight central obesity: Implications for total and cardiovascular mortality. Ann. Intern. Med. 10.7326/M14-2525 (2015) [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2468805
Rapid Amidoiytic Assay of Protein C in Whole Plasma Using an Activator from the Venom of Agkistrodon Contortrix

A rapid assay for protein C activity in whole plasma using a protein C activator from the venom of Agkistrodon contortrix is described. Plasma samples are incubated with venom activator in the presence and absence of anti-protein C antibody for 8 minutes at 37 degrees C in microtiter plate wells, followed by addition of a chromogenic substrate for activated protein C and measurement of the absorbance at 405 nm after 10-20 minutes incubation at 37 degrees C. The difference in absorbance between plasma assayed in the presence and absence of anti-protein C antibody is used to calculate the protein C activity by reference to a dilution curve of normal plasma. With this assay, mean protein C activity in 33 normal subjects was 87%. Thirty-eight patients receiving warfarin had a mean protein C of 34%. Twenty-four patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation had a mean protein C of 24%. The venom activator appears to preferentially activate gamma-carboxylated protein C, indicating specificity for the physiologically active form of the molecule.
John A. King: 1921–2014

John Arthur (Jack) King, a devoted mammalogist, animal behaviorist, mentor, and friend, died on 22 September 2014 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He and his wife, Joan, moved to Rapid River in 2007, where Jack could continue to enjoy the woods and wildlife to his last day. Jack began life on 21 June 1921, at Detroit, Michigan, the son of Royal E. and Marie (Neuport) King. Early years were spent in Detroit, where he delighted in being outdoors and learning about nature. His interest in animal behavior began early and was fostered by many experiences over his first 2 decades. His home during intermediate and high school years was adjacent to woods, where he could observe, feed, and trap small animals, some of which were taken home for closer study. As pets, Jack had a dog, white rats, guinea pigs, white-footed mice, and a pair of flying squirrels, purchased through the mail. He trapped and studied other mammals, including raccoons and skunks. Young Jack also became fascinated with birds, their calls, and their nests. Experiences during a solo trip, by train, to California with stops at relatives and national parks at age 16 and a drive to Mexico with a close friend, just after high school graduation, further heightened his interest in zoology and natural history. Jack became a member of the American Society of Mammalogists in 1939, at age 18 and later became a life member of the society. He matriculated at the University of Michigan in the fall of 1939, committed to a career as a zoologist. He had chosen Michigan based, in part on a correspondence with Hartley H. T. Jackson, then of the Bureau of the Biological Survey. Jackson recommended William H. Burt as an adviser; Burt served as a mentor and friend for the next 30 … lee.drickamer{at}nau.edu
White Matter Necrosis in Neonates

The neuropathologic and ultrasonographic findings in 22 very low birth weight infants surviving at least 6 days are described from Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI., St. Luke's Roosevelt Medical Center and New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center, NY.
Analyzing impact of communication network topologies on reconfiguration of networked microgrids, impact of communication system on smart grid reliability, security and operation

Smart grids are cyber-physical systems that integrate an information and communication technology (ICT) network with the existing power system infrastructure. As smart grids become more mature, the interdependency between the cyber and physical systems becomes stronger. Because of this, the traditional reliability assessment, power grid operations, and power system security assessment techniques, where the physical layer of the power system is considered in isolation and without considering the impact of the communication network, are not sufficient for providing a comprehensive picture of the system anymore. Hence, an interdependent study is needed where both the physical layer and the communication network are taken into account. The objective of this paper is to provide a survey of some of the latest studies and findings in the literature about the impact of communication imperfections on smart grid reliability and operation. Also, a brief overview of some of the recent cyber security studies related to power grid operation has been presented. Finally, some current research questions and future trends in smart grid communications and cyber security are discussed.
Enlargement of Meckel's cave in patients with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

Background Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks have imaging findings consistent with chronically elevated intracranial pressure, such as empty sella. Meckel's cave is a CSF-filled space that houses the trigeminal ganglion at the cranial base. Our objective in this study was to evaluate “dilated” Meckel's cave as a radiologic sign in patients with elevated intracranial pressure spontaneous CSF leaks and compare the dimensions with those from a control cohort. Methods Meckel's cave dimensions were measured in patients with spontaneous CSF leaks and documented elevated intracranial pressure. A control group of subjects who underwent magnetic resonance imagine (MRI) scans for unrelated diagnoses were also evaluated. Subjects were included only if suitable MRIs with T2-weighted sequences in the axial plane were available. Results Sixty-three patients with spontaneous CSF leaks and 91 normal control patients were included in the study. There was significant (p < 0.05) enlargement in all measured dimensions (length and width) for the spontaneous CSF leak group. When evaluating area, spontaneous CSF leak subjects again showed significant enlargement compared with controls (0.81 ± 0.35 cm2 vs 0.52 ± 0.15 cm2; p < 0.0001). Average intracranial pressure measurements were 25.9 ± 9.0 cmH2O. Conclusion Patients with spontaneous CSF leaks have evidence of enlarged Meckel's caves. Evaluation of Meckel's cave dimensions should be included in preoperative imaging assessment as an additional indicator of chronically elevated intracranial pressure.
Mass Casualty Events and Your Hospital

Trauma is the most common cause of mortality in the United States in those <46 years old [1]. Although only a small minority of all survivable and non-survivable trauma are the result of a mass casualty event (MCE), highly publicized disasters such as the Boston Marathon bombings, Asiana Airlines crash, and Hurricane Katrina are reminders that at any moment, in any location, multiple mechanisms are capable of producing large numbers of seriously injured patients. Because of the rarity of such large-scale incidents, one of the major obstacles to successful management of MCE’s is a lack of real world experience by the average provider. Rarity, coupled with the very complex nature of a MCE is why preparation and planning play large roles in the navigation of these events. At the most basic level, a mass casualty event is one in which the number of casualties creates imbalance between the medical needs of the patients and the resources available to treat them. Imbalance makes it impossible to provide optimal care for each patient. Thus, the treatment facility is forced to shift from the fundamental principle of providing the greatest good for the individual, to providing the greatest good for the greatest number [2, 3]. The number of casualties needed for an incident to be considered a mass casualty event will vary by institution capabilities and size. Two or three critically injured patients arriving at the same time could easily overwhelm a small rural hospital, whereas a large urban trauma center may be capable of handling several critically injured patients simultaneously before the available resources are exhausted [4]. Regardless of location, it is the duty of the triage officer to determine toward which patients limited resources are directed.
Polymorphic thiopurine methyltransferase in erythrocytes is indicative of activity in leukemic blasts from children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The activity of thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) exhibits genetic polymorphism, with approximately 1 in 300 individuals inheriting TPMT deficiency as an autosomal recessive trait, and about 11% having intermediate activity (ie, heterozygotes). Patients with TPMT deficiency accumulate excessive concentrations of 6-thioguanine nucleotides (TGNs) and develop severe toxicity when treated with standard dosages of mercaptopurine. High TPMT activity has been associated with lower concentrations of TGNs, yielding a higher risk of treatment failure in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). As the biochemical basis of these pharmacodynamic relationships has not been fully elucidated, we investigated the variability and relationship of TPMT activity in erythrocytes and lymphoblasts from children with ALL. A 58-fold range of erythrocyte TPMT activity was found among 119 patients receiving ALL chemotherapy (0.6 to 34.9 U/mL packed erythrocytes), but relatively low intrapatient variability (coefficient of variation, 13.5%) was observed over 1 year. A 27-fold range in TPMT activity was observed in leukemic blasts obtained from 42 patients at initial diagnosis (3.3 to 88.9 U/1 x 10(9) cells). TPMT activity in leukemic blasts at diagnosis was significantly correlated with TPMT in erythrocytes before therapy (rs = .75, P < .0001, N = 13). These data document extensive interpatient variability of TPMT activity in ALL blasts and establish its linkage to polymorphic TPMT activity in erythrocytes, providing a new mechanism by which erythrocytes serve as prognostic markers of mercaptopurine metabolism and TPMT activity in children with ALL.
Informality and Invisibility: Traditional Technologies as Tools for Collaboration in an Informal Market

This paper explores how actors in local markets in the Global South adapt traditional communication technologies to successfully collaborate to sustain the markets and their business practices. Drawing on ethnographic observations at a local technology goods market in Bangalore, India, the study details the use of a landline telephone intercom system as the primary tool for business communication in the market. Through analyzing how the intercom system relates to informality and physical space, the paper argues that it bridges the formal with the informal, and helps facilitate informal business practices while also allowing them to remain hidden from the formal regulatory gaze of the state.
Defect Detection via Instrumented Impact in Thick-Sectioned Laminate Composites

The application of impact-based nondestructive inspection to thick-sectioned laminate composite parts, although widely reported, is still hampered by a number of challenges. In this article, microphone-recorded impact response variations are associated with delaminations within a variety of test specimens, building in complexity from metal to composite simulant and finally toward the application of the method to hard armor protective inserts. Defective and defect-free states are verified a priori by both operator quality inspections and X-ray computed tomography. Potential delamination-discriminating metrics are determined by signal processing of vibroacoustic data. Prior reported “tap test” metrics that focus on impact force-time histories are shown to be insufficient for thick-sections laminates. The empirical results reported herein, additionally supported by simulations, suggest that large defects may be detectible via a frequency content analysis. Method limitations, potential confounds, and the extension to the case of smaller defects is discussed.
Moral Learning, Rationality, and the Unreliability of Affect

ABSTRACTJames Woodward and John Allman [2007, 2008] and Peter Railton [2014, 2016] argue that our moral intuitions are products of sophisticated rational learning systems. I investigate the implications that this discovery has for intuition-based philosophical methodologies. Instead of vindicating the conservative use of intuitions in philosophy, I argue that what I call the rational learning strategy fails to show philosophers are justified in appealing to their moral intuitions in philosophical arguments without giving reasons why those intuitions are trustworthy. Despite the fact that our intuitions are outputs of surprisingly sophisticated learning mechanisms, we do not have reason to unreflectively trust them when offering arguments in moral philosophy.
Reproducible Research for Computing in Science & Engineering

The editors of the new track for reproducible research outline the parameters for future peer review, submission, and access, highlighting the magazine’s previous work in this field and some of the challenges still to come.
Employee Classification in the Sharing Economy

Workers in the sharing economy are overwhelmingly classified as independent contractors. Under existing rules, at least some of them qualify as employees. However, their employers have limited incentives to reclassify them due to arbitration agreements containing class action waivers, which cut off the threat of aggregate claims. Existing rules can also be somewhat misaligned with the sharing economy. Courts are expected to assess the level of control companies exercise over workers, but their task is complicated when control is exercised through software. Formerly reliable proxies for independent contractor status – such as ownership of equipment, and flexibly scheduling – may no longer be as meaningful as they once were. As the sharing economy matures and plays a more fixed role within the landscape of employment opportunities, courts and regulators may need to adjust their approach. Such adjustments will be necessary both to ensure that sharing companies do not secure a competitive advantage from their avoidance of employment rules, and to extend a baseline level of protections to affected workers.
Carbon nanotube-supported catalysts prepared by a modified photo-Fenton process for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis

Abstract We demonstrate the use of a green catalyst precursor and oxidant in a modified photo-Fenton process for synthesis of efficient Fischer–Tropsch catalysts. The process yields small, stable, and well-dispersed catalyst nanoparticles (Fe or Co) on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that do not require calcination due to the absence of foreign components (nitrate, chloride, or acetate) that must be removed during postsynthesis treatment. The synthesized catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N 2 physisorption , H 2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2 TPR), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy. Results showed high catalyst dispersion and smaller catalyst particles with narrow particle-size distributions in comparison to catalysts synthesized by incipient wetness impregnation (IWI). Performance of CNT-supported catalysts (CO conversion, C5+ selectivity, and catalyst lifetime) prepared by the photo-Fenton process was evaluated during Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) and compared with that of CNT- and SiO 2 -supported catalysts synthesized via IWI. In general, a CNT-based Fe or Co catalyst, prepared by the photo-Fenton process, shows a higher performance at a lower FTS reaction temperature (200 °C for Co and 250 °C for Fe) and a decreased potential for catalyst sintering in comparison with that of conventional catalysts (synthesized via IWI). In particular, a Co catalyst obtained from the photo-Fenton process shows high CO conversion (∼80%) and outstanding selectivity for liquid hydrocarbons (C5+; ∼70%). The process demonstrates a new synthesis route for exploiting outstanding material properties of CNTs in catalysis.
Fast-Neutron Spectrum and Dose-Rate Measurements in Water and Aluminum-Water Laminations

The fast-neutron spectrum and dose rate were measured at various distances from a point fission-neutron source in water and in two aluminum and water mixtures using seven threshold reaction detecto...
Estimation of the increased risk of human infertility from alterations in semen characteristics

Although many toxicants lower sperm counts in exposed men, there is no means of estimating the resulting increase in infertility. A mathematical model was developed to provide such estimates, using sperm counts (i.e., concentration) as an indicator of fertility potential. Continuous functions were fit to published distributions of sperm counts of men from fertile and infertile couples. A distribution of sperm counts for the overall population was constructed from these two functions. Equations were derived for calculating the infertility risk for a man with a given sperm count and the incidence of infertility in an exposed population. The increase in infertility was calculated for a proportional reduction of all sperm counts within a population and for a group of workers exposed to dibromochloropropane.
Avoiding Treatment Failures in Social Anxiety Disorder

Paul1 was a 24-year-old white male. He was of medium build, attractive, and cooperative during the interview. He was well articulated but spoke very softly and avoided eye contact with the interviewer. The main reason for which Paul sought help was for debilitating and pervasive social anxiety that he had been experiencing since middle school. Paul reported that he desired companionship but avoided any social contact with other people for fear of being criticized or rejected. He even felt restraint when interacting with his parents and other relatives.
Measuring DNA Content by Flow Cytometry in Fission Yeast

Flow cytometry is an essential tool to monitor DNA content and determine cell cycle distribution. Its utility reflects the relative ease of sample preparation and the stochiometric nature of the most popular DNA-binding dyes (propidium iodide and Sytox Green). Mammalian precedents using flow cytometry for replication and cell biology studies are attractive examples for S. pombe researchers. However, the study of DNA replication with multicolor analysis has lagged behind that in mammalian cells. We present basic and advanced protocols for analysis of DNA replication in fission yeast by flow cytometry including whole cell, nuclear "ghosts," and two-color imaging with BrdU.
Is ROCOF measureable

Rate of change of frequency is one of the parameters that a phasor measurement unit is expected to measure. Difficulty has been reported with the measurement, and whether or not it can even be measured in the real world has been questioned. Using a fitting algorithm, we show that with what seem like reasonable levels of harmonic distortion and noise on the signal, ROCOF is a parameter that might be measured with accuracy close to the levels specified in the relevant standard. However, our results from a power system that suggest that under some short-term conditions, phase noise on the signal may render the measurement result meaningless.
Venom-gland transcriptomics and venom proteomics of the giant Florida blue centipede, Scolopendra viridis.

Abstract The limited number of centipede venom characterizations have revealed a rich diversity of toxins, and recent work has suggested centipede toxins may be more rapidly diversifying than previously considered. Additionally, many identified challenges in venomics research, including assembly and annotation methods, toxin quantification, and the ability to provide biological or technical replicates, have yet to be addressed in centipede venom characterizations. We performed high-throughput, quantifiable transcriptomic and proteomic methods on two individual Scolopendra viridis centipedes from North Florida. We identified 39 toxins that were proteomically confirmed, and 481 nontoxins that were expressed in the venom gland of S. viridis. The most abundant toxins expressed in the venom of S. viridis belonged to calcium and potassium ion-channel toxins, venom allergens, metalloproteases, and β-pore forming toxins. We compared our results to the previously characterized S. viridis from Morelos, Mexico, and found only five proteomically confirmed toxins in common to both localities, suggesting either extreme toxin divergence within S. viridis, or that these populations may represent entirely different species. By using multiple assembly and annotation methods, we generated a comprehensive and quantitative reference transcriptome and proteome of a Scolopendromorpha centipede species, while overcoming some of the challenges present in venomics research.
Specific heat in strongly hole-doped iron-based superconductors

We compute specific heat $C(T)$ in a strongly hole-doped Fe-based superconductor, like ${\mathrm{KFe}}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$, which has only hole pockets. We model the electronic structure by a three-orbital/three-pocket model with two smaller hole pockets made out of ${d}_{xz}$ and ${d}_{yz}$ orbitals and a larger pocket made out of ${d}_{xy}$ orbital. We use as an input the experimental fact that the mass of ${d}_{xy}$ fermion is several times heavier than that of ${d}_{xz}/{d}_{yz}$ fermions. We argue that the heavy ${d}_{xy}$ band gives the largest contribution to the specific heat in the normal state, but the superconducting gap on the ${d}_{xy}$ pocket is much smaller than that on ${d}_{xz}/{d}_{yz}$ pockets. We argue that in this situation the jump of $C(T)$ at ${T}_{c}$ is determined by ${d}_{xz}/{d}_{yz}$ fermions, and the ratio $({C}_{s}\ensuremath{-}{C}_{n})/{C}_{n}$ is a fraction of that in a one-band BCS superconductor. At $Tl{T}_{c},C(T)$ remains relatively flat down to some ${T}^{*}$, below which it rapidly drops. This behavior is consistent with the data for ${\mathrm{KFe}}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ and related materials. We use one-parameter model for the interactions and fix this only parameter by matching the experimental ratio of the gaps on the two ${d}_{xz}/{d}_{yz}$ pockets. We argue that the resulting parameter-free model reproduces quantitatively the data on $C(T)$ for ${\mathrm{KFe}}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$. We further argue that the very existence of a finite ${T}^{*}l{T}_{c}$ favors ${s}^{+\ensuremath{-}}$ gap structure over $d$-wave, because in the latter case ${T}^{*}$ would almost vanish.
Investigation of iron reduction by green tea polyphenols

Abstract The green synthesis of iron nanoparticles (Fe-NP) using plant extracts that are rich in polyphenols has become increasingly popular in recent years and a wide variety of plants have been used to this end. Although the reactivity of these Fe-NPs towards different contaminants has been shown, the exact composition of the nanoparticles remains controversial. Early studies claimed the formation of zero-valent iron, while others reported iron oxides such as magnetite and ferric oxyhydroxides and a variety of characterization techniques have been applied on solids recovered from the suspensions. This study reports on characterization conducted on original suspension produced from ferric iron reacted with three stoichiometries of green tea solution, utilizing X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) and Mossbauer spectroscopy. In addition, the suspensions were fractionated using nanofiltration and a host of techniques were applied to characterize the solid and the liquid fractions. Approximately 15% of the original Fe remained in solution, both as Fe(II) and Fe(III), while the remaining Fe formed nanoparticles that consist of primarily ferrous and ferric tannates, which have substantial reductive capacity for hexavalent chromium. Iron oxides were observed by Mossbauer spectroscopy only for the highest ratio of iron to green tea solution.
Both the classical and alternative non-homologous end joining pathways contribute to the fusion of drastically shortened telomeres induced by TRF2 overexpression

The double-stranded telomeric binding protein TRF2 is expressed in many human cancers at elevated levels. Moreover, experimental overexpression of TRF2 in human cells causes replication stalling in telomeric tracts, which leads to drastic telomere shortening and fusion of deprotected chromosome ends. To understand which end joining pathway is involved in mediating these chromosome fusions, we overexpressed TRF2 in human HCT116 cell lines that were deficient for the DNA Ligase 4 (Lig4)-dependent classical non-homologous end joining (C-NHEJ) or the DNA Ligase 3 (Lig3)-dependent alternative non-homologous end joining (A-NHEJ) pathway. Surprisingly, abrogation of either Lig4 or nuclear Lig3 significantly reduced inter-chromosomal fusion of drastically shortened telomeres, suggesting that both the C-NHEJ and A-NHEJ pathways are involved in mediating this type of fusion. Fusion between deprotected sister chromatids, however, only required the Lig3-dependent A-NHEJ pathway. Interestingly, a previous study reported similar end joining pathway requirements for the fusion of critically shortened telomeres during a telomere attrition-based cellular crisis. We speculate that, as in cellular crisis, the same repair pathway(s) may drive clonal and genomic evolution in human cancers containing elevated TRF2 levels.
Femoro-peroneal PTFE Bypass with Adjunctive AV Fistula/Patch

Severe lower extremity arterial insufficiency is manifested by rest pain, ischemic ulceration or gangrene. Patients with these problems are faced with a major amputation if revascularization is unsuccessful or not possible. Although autogenous vein provides better patency rates than prosthetic grafts, vein is not always available.
Observed Data Techniques-Normal Approximation

Let Y denote the data which can be scalar, vector valued or matrix valued and suppose that $$Y\sim f(Y|\theta )$$ , where f(•\•) is a density function indexed by a parameter θ (scalar or vector).
Game-Theoretic Mixed $H_2/H_{\infty}$ Control with Sparsity Constraint for Multi-agent Networked Control Systems

Multi-agent networked control systems (NCSs) are often subject to model uncertainty and are limited by large communication cost, associated with feedback of data between the system nodes. To provide robustness against model uncertainty and to reduce the communication cost, this paper investigates the mixed $H_2/H_{\infty}$ control problem for NCS under the sparsity constraint. First, proximal alternating linearized minimization (PALM) is employed to solve the centralized social optimization where the agents have the same optimization objective. Next, we investigate a sparsity-constrained noncooperative game, which accommodates different control-performance criteria of different agents, and propose a best-response dynamics algorithm based on PALM that converges to an approximate Generalized Nash Equilibrium (GNE) of this game. A special case of this game, where the agents have the same $H_2$ objective, produces a partially-distributed social optimization solution. We validate the proposed algorithms using a network with unstable node dynamics and demonstrate the superiority of the proposed PALM-based method to a previously investigated sparsity-constrained mixed $H_2/H_{\infty}$ controller.
Sound Localization in Preweanling Mice Was More Severely Affected by Deleting the Kcna1 Gene Compared to Deleting Kcna2 , and a Curious Inverted-U Course of Development That Appeared to Exceed Adult Performance Was Observed in All Groups

The submillisecond acuity for detecting rapid spatial and temporal fluctuations in acoustic stimuli observed in humans and laboratory animals depends in part on select groups of auditory neurons that preserve synchrony from the ears to the binaural nuclei in the brainstem. These fibers have specialized synapses and axons that use a low-threshold voltage-activated outward current, IKL, conducted through Kv1 potassium ion channels. These are in turn coupled with HCN channels that express a mixed cation inward mixed current, IH, to support precise synchronized firing. The behavioral evidence is that their respective Kcna1 or HCN1 genes are absent in adult mice; the results are weak startle reflexes, slow responding to noise offsets, and poor sound localization. The present behavioral experiments were motivated by an in vitro study reporting increased IKL in an auditory nucleus in Kcna2−/− mice lacking the Kv1.2 subunit, suggesting that Kcna2−/− mice might perform better than Kcna2+/+ mice. Because Kcna2−/− mice have only a 17–18-day lifespan, we compared both preweanling Kcna2−/− vs. Kcna2+/+ mice and Kcna1−/− vs. Kcna1+/+ mice at P12-P17/18; then, the remaining mice were tested at P23/P25. Both null mutant strains had a stunted physique, but the Kcna1−/− mice had severe behavioral deficits while those in Kcna2−/− mice were relatively few and minor. The in vitro increase of IKL could have resulted from Kv1.1 subunits substituting for Kv1.2 units and the loss of the inhibitory “managerial” effect of Kv1.2 on Kv1.1. However, any increased neuronal synchronicity that accompanies increased IKL may not have been enough to affect behavior. All mice performed unusually well on the early spatial tests, but then, they fell towards adult levels. This unexpected effect may reflect a shift from summated independent monaural pathways to integrated binaural processing, as has been suggested for similar observations for human infants.
High‐Resolution 13C and 43Ca Solid‐State NMR and Computational Studies of the Ethylene Glycol Solvate of Atorvastatin Calcium

We report 43 Ca and 13 C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic studies of the ethylene glycol solvate of atorvastatin calcium. The 13 C and 43 Ca chemical shift and 43 Ca quadrupolar coupling tensor parameters are reported. The results are interpreted in terms of the reported X-ray diffraction crystal structure of the solvate and are compared with the NMR parameters of atorvastatin calcium trihydrate, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Lipitor®. Hartree-Fock and density functional theory calculations of the NMR parameters based on a cluster model derived from the optimized X-ray diffraction crystal structure of the ethylene glycol solvate of atorvastatin calcium are in reasonable agreement with the experimental 43 Ca and 13 C NMR measurables.
Association between perfluoroalkyl acids and liver function: Data on sex differences in adolescents

The data herein presented show multivariate linear regressions performed to examine the association between individual serum perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) [perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS); linear form of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA); perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS); perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)], and biomarkers of liver function (Sex Differences in the association between perfluoroalkyl compounds and liver function in US adolescents: analyses of NHANES 2013-2016). Data relate to male and female adolescents (ages 12-19 years) who participated to the 2013-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The outcome of interest was represented by changes in biomarkers of liver function, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Serum measurement values of ALT, AST and GGT were natural log-transformed. Data represent multivariate regression analyses with the single PFAA as β coefficients (and 95%CI), adjusted by age, race/ethnicity, body weight, education, income-to-poverty ratio, and exposure to smoking. Single PFAAs were used as continuous natural log-transformed predicted variables in males and females. Analyses were performed also with individuals PFAAs categorized via sex-specific weighted quartile, with cutoffs based on the weighted distribution of the single PFAA in the study population. Because the dependent variables (ALT, AST and GGT) were log-transformed, data were re-transformed by exponentiation of the β coefficients, and presented as percent differences estimated by comparing each of the upper three quartiles to the lowest quartile using the formula 100*(eβ -1). Together, these data can serve as a basis to analyze associations between liver function and PFAA exposure taking into account sex differences in adolescent populations.
Rare-Earth Catalyzed C−H Bond Alumination of Terminal Alkynes

Organoaluminum reagents' application in catalytic C-H bond functionalization is limited by competitive side reactions, such as carboalumination and hydroalumination. Herein, rare-earth tetramethylaluminate complexes are shown to catalyze the exclusive C-H bond metalation of terminal alkynes with the commodity reagents trimethyl-, triethyl-, and triisobutylaluminum. Kinetic experiments probing alkyl-group exchange between rare-earth aluminates and trialkylaluminum, C-H bond metalation of alkynes, and catalytic conversions reveal distinct pathways of catalytic aluminations with triethylaluminum versus trimethylaluminum. Most significantly, kinetic data point to reversible formation of a unique [Ln](AlR4 )2 ⋅AlR3 adduct, followed by turnover-limiting alkyne metalation. That is, C-H bond activation occurs from a more associated organometallic species, rather than the expected coordinatively unsaturated species. These mechanistic conclusions allude to a new general strategy for catalytic C-H bond alumination that make use of highly electrophilic metal catalysts.
Patient Education and Engagement Through Multimedia: A Prospective Pilot Study on Health Literacy in Patients with Cerebral Aneurysms

Background Improving the comprehension and communication of patient education materials could augment patient participation in shared clinical decision making. Inadequate healthcare-oriented educational resources for patients with a newly diagnosed complex disease, such as a cerebral aneurysm, can lead to an insufficient understanding of their ailment. As such, we hypothesized that a PowerPoint-style educational intervention with grade-conscious (i.e., sixth grade level) written material accompanied by visual graphics would help improve patient health literacy and satisfaction. Methods A randomized prospective pilot study was conducted during a 1-year period in 2018. Preclinic encounter knowledge assessment surveys were administered to 52 patients with brain aneurysms (newly diagnosed or during follow-up) presenting for their neurosurgery outpatient clinic visit. The patients were assigned to 1 of 2 cohorts, with 26 each in the educational intervention group and control group, using a quasi-randomization method of alternating the assigned group for each successive patient. At the conclusion of their clinic encounter, all the patients completed a postclinic encounter knowledge assessment and satisfaction survey. Differences in covariates such as gender distribution, age, and family history of aneurysms were analyzed between the control and intervention groups. Results The overall study cohort had a high baseline knowledge about cerebral aneurysms with an average preclinic encounter score of 5.37 on the 7-question survey. The educational intervention resulted in an upward trend in the patient knowledge scores. No statistically significant difference was detected in the patient satisfaction scores between the intervention and control groups. However, most of the patients receiving the educational intervention reported that the educational material was easy to understand (95.7%), helpful (86.9%), and relevant (87%) to their clinic visit. Conclusion Overall, in the present prospective study, the use of a multimedia-based educational intervention resulted in an upward trend in knowledge without a statistically significant difference in patient satisfaction scores compared with the control patients. To better measure the effectiveness of multimedia-based patient education interventions, future studies should account for the patients' baseline education level, preexisting educational resources available to study patients, socioeconomic factors, and emotional state.
Vaping and e-cigarette use. Mysterious lung manifestations and an epidemic

Electronic (e)-cigarette use and the practice of vaping has rapidly expanded both in adult smokers and previously nicotine naive youths. Research has focused on harm reduction in adults using e-cigarettes to stop or reduce traditional cigarette use, but the short and long-term safety of these products has not been established. Vaping has more recently been associated with a growing list of pulmonary complications with the most urgent being the e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) epidemic. This review details the inhalant toxicology of vaping products, the described lung diseases associated with vaping with a focus on EVALI, and the predicted long-term consequences of e-cigarette use, including increased asthma severity.
An Educational Intervention to Improve Staff Collaboration and Enhance Knowledge of Fall Risk Factors and Prevention Guidelines

Abstract Background Magnet®-designated hospitals are seeking to reduce the frequency of falls that lead to injury, which is considered a hospital-acquired condition. Patients with cancer are at high risk to fall, due to multiple factors. Synthesis of the literature supports team efforts and shared learning sessions for patient-care staff as part of the fall prevention process. The purpose was to improve collaboration between Registered Nurses (RNs) and Senior Nurse Aides (SNAs), as well as to enhance their knowledge of fall risk factors and evidence-based prevention guidelines for pediatric oncology patients. Methods An evidence-based practice project was implemented using a quality improvement pilot based on the Magnet® framework. Oncology RNs and SNAs at a large pediatric hospital were invited to attend one of five educational sessions. Pre-and post-session learning was assessed based on an adapted fall risk knowledge assessment tool. Findings Thirty participants attended an educational session with 27 (25 RNs and 2 SNAs) matched pre- and post-session assessments. Median post-session assessment scores were statistically significantly higher than pre-session scores (Z = −3.11, p = 0.001). Overall knowledge scores increased for 63% of participants. Discussion An educational intervention focused on pediatric oncology nursing enhanced knowledge of patient-care roles and fall prevention efforts, leading to improved fall outcomes. Application to practice Ensuring that RNs and SNAs fully embrace their shared role in harm prevention is vital when considering the complexity of delivering nursing care in our current healthcare environment.
Insurance coverage and care affordability in cancer survivors in 2016-2019.

1520Background: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) led to improvements in insurance coverage and care affordability in cancer patients. However, the uninsured rate for the general US reached its nadir i...
Targeting MicroRNA-192-5p, a Downstream Effector of NOXs (NADPH Oxidases), Reverses Endothelial DHFR (Dihydrofolate Reductase) Deficiency to Attenuate Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation.

We have shown that endothelial-specific DHFR (dihydrofolate reductase) deficiency underlies eNOS (endothelial NO synthase) uncoupling and formation of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Here, we examined a novel role of microRNA-192-5p in mediating NOX (NADPH oxidase)-dependent DHFR deficiency and AAA formation. microRNA-192-5p is predicted to target DHFR. Intriguingly, homo sapiens-microRNA-192-5p expression was substantially upregulated in human patients with AAA. In human aortic endothelial cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), homo sapiens-microRNA-192-5p expression was significantly upregulated. This was accompanied by a marked downregulation in DHFR mRNA and protein expression, which was restored by homo sapiens-microRNA-192-5p-specific inhibitor. Of note, microRNA-192-5p expression was markedly upregulated in Ang II (angiotensin II)-infused hph-1 (hyperphenylalaninemia 1) mice, which was attenuated in hph-1-NOX1, hph-1-NOX2, hph-1-neutrophil cytosol factor 1, and hph-1-NOX4 double mutant mice where AAA incidence was also abrogated, indicating a downstream effector role of microRNA-192-5p following NOX activation. In vivo treatment with mus musculus-microRNA-192-5p inhibitor attenuated expansion of abdominal aortas in Ang II-infused hph-1 mice as defined by ultrasound and postmortem inspection. It also reversed features of vascular remodeling including matrix degradation, adventitial hypertrophy, and formation of intraluminal thrombi. These animals had restored DHFR mRNA and protein expression, attenuated superoxide production, recoupled eNOS, and preserved NO bioavailability. In conclusion, our data for the first time demonstrate a critical role of microRNA-192-5p in mediating NOX-dependent DHFR deficiency and AAA formation, inhibition of which is robustly effective in attenuating development of AAA. Since the mouse and human microRNA-192-5p sequences are identical, the microRNA-192-5p inhibitors may be readily translatable into novel therapeutics for the treatment of AAA.
In-hospital outcomes of transapical versus surgical aortic valve replacement: from the U.S. national inpatient sample

OBJECTIVE To compare the outcomes of transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TA-TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) using a large US population sample. METHODS The U.S. National Inpatient Sample was queried for all patients who underwent TA-TAVR or SAVR during the years 2016-2017. The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital stroke, pericardiocentesis, pacemaker insertion, mechanical ventilation, vascular complications, major bleeding, acute kidney injury, length of stay, and cost of hospitalization. Outcomes were modeled using multi-variable logistic regression for binary outcomes and generalized linear models for continuous outcomes. RESULTS A total of 1560 TA-TAVR and 44,280 SAVR patients were included. Patients who underwent TA-TAVR were older and frailer. Compared to SAVR, TA-TAVR correlated with a higher mortality (4.5% vs. 2.7%, effect size (SMD) = 0.1) and higher periprocedural complications. Following multivariable analysis, both TA-TAVR and SAVR had a similar adjusted risk for in-hospital mortality. TA-TAVR correlated with lower odds of bleeding with (adjusted OR (aOR) = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.18-0.38;P < 0.001), and a shorter length of stay (adjusted mean ratio (aMR) = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.69-0.84; P < 0.001), but higher cost (aMR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.10-1.28; P < 0.001). No significant differences in other study outcomes. In subgroup analysis, TA-TAVR in patients with chronic lung disease had higher odds for mortality (aOR = 3.11; 95%CI: 1.37-7.08; P = 0.007). CONCLUSION The risk-adjusted analysis showed that TA-TAVR has no advantage over SAVR except for patients with chronic lung disease where TA-TAVR has higher mortality.
Evaluation of risk stratification using gene expression assays in patients with breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

To evaluate the association of various gene expression assays with pathologic complete response (pCR) in the setting of neoadjuvant chemotherapy among patients with breast cancer The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for women diagnosed between 2010 and 2017 with stage I-III breast cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and either 21-gene recurrence score (RS) or 70-gene signature (GS). Logistic multivariable analysis (MVA) was performed to identify variables associated with pCR. A total of 3009 patients met our inclusion criteria. The median follow up was 48.0 months (interquartile range 32.2–66.7 months). On logistic MVA for all patients, those with a high risk from GS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.49–8.13, p = 0.006) or with RS ≥ 31 (aOR 1.99, 95% CI 1.41–2.82, p < 0.001) were more likely to have pCR. When compared to RS ≥ 31, a high risk from GS was not associated with pCR (aOR 1.01, 95% CI 0.75–1.37, p = 0.94). However, among those with favorable hormone receptor status, similar findings were noted, except that those with a high risk group from GS were less likely to have pCR compared to those with RS ≥ 31 (aOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43–0.96, p = 0.03). When analyses were repeated using a high risk group from RS defined as RS ≥ 26 among those with favorable hormone receptor status, RS ≥ 26 was not associated with pCR when compared to the high risk from GS (aOR 0.74, 0.50–1.07, p = 0.12). To our knowledge, this is the largest study using a nationwide oncology database suggesting that high recurrence risk groups in both assays were associated with pCR. Among those with favorable hormone receptor status, RS ≥ 31 may be a more selective prognostic marker for pCR.
Mechanism of asymmetric production of L-aromatic amino acids from the corresponding hydantoins by Flavobacterium sp.

The mechanism of asymmetric production of l-aroniatic amino acids from the corresponding hydantoins by Flavobacterium sp. AJ-3912 was examined by investigating the properties of the enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of 5-substituted hydantoins corresponding to aromatic amino acids (A AH). The enzymatic hydrolysis of AAH by Flavobacterium sp. AJ-3912 consisted of the following two successive reactions; a hydrolytic ring opening reaction of dl-AAH to l- and d-form N-carbamyl aromatic amino acids (NCA), involving an enzyme (hydantoin hydrolase), followed by a hydrolytic cleaving reaction of the l-form NCA to l-aromatic amino acids involving another enzyme (N-carbamyl-l-aromatic amino acid hydrolase, abbreviated as l-NCA hydrolase). The ring opening reaction involving hydantoin hydrolase was not stereospecific, but the NCA cleaving reaction involving l-NCA hydrolase was completely l-specific. The pathway for the conversion of the by-produced d-form NCA to l-aromatic amino acids was as follows; conversion of ...