cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Breast cancer brain metastases: evidence for neuronal-like adaptation in a ‘breast-to-brain’ transition?

Brain metastases remain a significant challenge in the treatment of breast cancer patients due to the unique environment posed by the central nervous system. A better understanding of the biology of breast cancer cells that have metastasized to the brain is required to develop improved therapies. A recent Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences article demonstrates that breast cancer cells in the brain microenvironment express γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-related genes, enabling them to utilize GABA as an oncometabolite, thus gaining a proliferative advantage. In this viewpoint, we highlight these findings and their potential impact on the treatment of breast cancer brain metastases.
GRASS AND SUPPLEMENTAL PATCH SELECTION BY A POPULATION OF ROOSEVELT ELK

Examination of processes influencing forage habitat (patch) use is needed to understand factors driving spatial variation in habitat selection (use in relation to availability). I hypothesized that grass abundance was positively associated with use by Roosevelt elk (Cervus elaphus roosevelti) within patches and that elk use of 2 types of patches (clear-cuts and meadows) was supplemental, not complementary. Supplemental use of patches occurs when no single patch provides enough forage (grass in this study) to sustain the population and, hence, grass in one patch substitutes for grass in other patches. Complementary patch use occurs when a resource in one patch is nonsubstitutable with resources in other habitats. Predictions were generated, tested, and upheld for supplemental patch use. Elk use was higher in meadows, which had more grass, than in clear-cuts and elk use of clear-cuts was positively associated with grass biomass. I detected positive relationships among clear-cut size, meadow size, and elk use. Also, elk use of meadows was associated with proximity and size of the next meadow. Spatial variation in patch selection by this population of Roosevelt elk was influenced by grass biomass within patches and attributes among patches. I identified forces influencing patch selection because patch use was supplemental. Consequently, forage attributes within patches were connected to use among patches.
Rapid intranasal delivery of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase in the active form to different brain regions as a model for enzyme therapy in the CNS.

Abstract Background The blood brain barrier (BBB) is critical for maintaining central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis by restricting entry of potentially toxic substances. However, the BBB is a major obstacle in the treatment of neurotoxicity and neurological disorders due to the restrictive nature of the barrier to many medications. Intranasal delivery of active enzymes to the brain has therapeutic potential for the treatment of numerous CNS enzyme deficiency disorders and CNS toxicity caused by chemical threat agents. New method The aim of this work is to provide a sensitive model system for analyzing the rapid delivery of active enzymes into various regions of the brain with therapeutic bioavailability. Results We tested intranasal delivery of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), a relatively large (75 kD) enzyme, in its active form into different regions of the brain. CAT was delivered intranasally to anaesthetized rats and enzyme activity was measured in different regions using a highly specific High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HP-TLC)-radiometry coupled assay. Active enzyme reached all examined areas of the brain within 15 min (the earliest time point tested). In addition, the yield of enzyme activity in the brain was almost doubled in the brains of rats pre-treated with matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Comparison with existing method (s) Intranasal administration of active enzymes in conjunction with MMP-9 to the CNS is both rapid and effective. Conclusion The present results suggest that intranasal enzyme therapy is a promising method for counteracting CNS chemical threat poisoning, as well as for treating CNS enzyme deficiency disorders.
Impact of silicon carbide semiconductor technology in Photovoltaic Energy System

Abstract The increased awareness of the significance of solar energy has led to intensified research in the areas of solar energy harvesting. To increase the cost effectiveness of the generation of solar power, silicon carbide (SiC) power devices are playing a major role in the power electronics technology due to its superior material properties compared to Silicon (Si). The photovoltaic (PV) inverter is a major component in the solar energy conversion system whose performance relies on the efficient design of power electronics. In order to obtain maximum power from the solar panels, the power loss in the energy conversion system must be minimized by proper selection of semiconductor devices and thereby minimizing the number of power electronic components used. The necessity to reduce the overall switch mass and volume have led to the development of advanced high-power, high-temperature semiconductor materials such as SiC. The performance improvements are based on superior material properties of SiC, such as: bandgap of 3.26 eV, critical breakdown field of 2–4 MV/cm, thermal conductivity of 4.9 W/(cm K), and a saturated drift velocity of 2×107 cm/s. The aforementioned properties of SiC highlight the importance of silicon carbide semiconductor technology. Some of the limitations of the technology include higher device cost due to emerging technology, and need for high-temperature packaging techniques. Future research includes methods to reduce manufacturing cost, packaging issues, and also face challenges to increase the performance and reliability of SiC devices. The focus of the paper is to discuss the role of SiC semiconductor based power electronics technology in PV energy conversion system. The comparisons and analysis of various PV inverter system prototypes imply that the application of SiC power semiconductor devices in a PV energy system can help eliminate several issues which are at present due to the material limitations of silicon.
IMPROVING COMMUNICATION ABOUT ANTIBIOTICS—AN EVALUATION OF AN ANTIBIOTIC PRESCRIBING SECTION ON A PAEDIATRIC DRUG CHART

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a new designated section for antibiotic prescribing on a drug chart. Method A before and after study to determine the impact of a redesigned drug chart with a designated antimicrobial prescribing section. Four ward areas (Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU), Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Liver Unit and General Surgery) that contributed to 42.9% of antibiotic prescribing in previous audits were selected for investigation. Data were collected on one day during June and September 2013 (pre-redesigned drug chart) and January 2014 (post new drug chart) and included allergy status, route of administration, documentation of indication and the presence of a stop/review date. The data were reviewed by an antimicrobial pharmacist and data were collated using Microsoft Excel 2007 and analysed using descriptive statistics. Results Seventy-six prescribed antibiotics were audited on one day in Jun 2013 and Sept 2013 and 70 prescribed antibiotics were audited between 26th and 30th Jan 2014. In January, 60 patients were prescribed seventy antibiotics. Twenty six antibiotics were prescribed on Paediatric Admissions Unit (PAU), 32 on Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), three on Liver Unit and nine on General Surgery. All sixty patients had documentation of allergy status and nature of allergy documented. Overall, 41/70 (58.6%) prescribed antibiotics had a documented stop/ review date, compared with 12/25 (48%) for the Jun 2013 audit and 12/36 (33.3%) for the Sept 2013 audit. Of those prescribed IV antibiotics, 58/59 (98.3%) had a documented stop/review date and 3/11 (27.3%) oral antibiotics had a documented stop/review date. It was found that PAU had a review/stop date for 16/26 (61.5%), PICU 24/32 (75%), Liver Unit 0/3(0%) and General Surgery 2/9 (22.2 %) for the patients on antibiotics. Sixty nine of the seventy prescriptions reviewed (98.6%) had documented indication, compared with 15/25 (60%) for the Jun 2013 audit and 20/36 (55.6%) for the Sept 2013 audit. Conclusion A designated antibiotic section on a drug chart can have a positive impact on antimicrobial prescribing. The documentation of indication has improved and as well as stop/review date, which has led to better communication of prescriber9s intention. Further work needs to be done to improve prescribing on the surgical and liver wards. This study demonstrated that an improvement in antimicrobial stewardship can be achieved by designing a drug chart that supports good prescribing practice. This supports the national approach to good antibiotic prescribing.1
Quantitative Methods for Mosquito Larval Surveys

The quantitative determination of mosquito larval abundance is a primary requirement of both mosquito control and research programs. The somewhat limited amount of information that has been published on this subject is scattered and, in no case has it been related to similar information available for other groups of insects. The present paper is an evaluation of the present status of our knowledge on this subject.
Experiments to Determine Effects of Mass Releases of Stethorus Picipes on the Level of Infestation of the Avocado Brown Mite

Studies on the effects of mass releases of S. picipes Casey on populations of O. punicae (Hirst) were conducted in 3 avocado orchards in southern California. Multiple releases were made in 16-tree plots in each orchard at a rate totaling 400 to 500 adult beetles per tree. Releases were started when the avocado brown mite population averaged about 10 active stages per leaf in 2 of the orchards and nearly 50 per leaf in the third. In each orchard there was an earlier buildup of the S. Picipes population, a lower peak population of O. punicae , and a lower percentage of heavily bronzed leaves in the release plots compared with check plots receiving no predator releases.
Three-Dimensional Simulation on Mist Cooling in Power Machine Exhaust System in Motive Military Target

For the gas-liquid mixed flow during the water spraying into the exhaust system, the mathematical model was proposed based on the gas-particle two-phase flow theory.The k-e model was used to describe the gas phase and the stochastic trajectory model was used to express the particle phase.The coupling interaction between the gas phase and the particle phase was considered in the three-dimensional simulation analysis.The water droplets' moving trajectories in the flue and the information of the velocity field and the temperature field during the water spraying into the exhaust system were obtained.The predicted results are in good agreement with the results in the references.
A Quantitative Relationship Study Between the Structure and Toxicity of the Etheric Compounds

With the DRAGON5.4 software and HyerChem7,531 structural parameters and 12 quantum chemistry parameters for 25 sorts of etheric compounds are calculated.36 structural descriptors are chosen by using the variable selection method of weighted deviation.A quantitative relationship study between the structure and toxicity(pC) of 25 sorts of etheric compounds is set up with stepwise regress pC=2.650+0.089 Ss-0.970 X3A+0.412 X4A+0.945 X2-0.026 ENH.The equation has the correlation coefficient R of 0.996 and the standard derivations S of 0.04021.Furthermore,the two-sided t-test is used to validate the significance of the 5 descriptors.The statistically significant(0.05)correlation coefficients of descriptors show that the 5 descriptors have important impacton the pC values.Furthermore,leave-one-out cross validation is performed to confirm the good stability and powerful prediction of this model.The physical meaning and the influence of the 5 prameters on pC of etheric compounds are investigated.The two parameters,X2(2.1X2AV-4.3X2A)and Ss are the key factors affecting the toxicity of etheric compounds.Quantum chemistry parameter ENH can not be ignoreed.
Need for emergency treatment in subclavian vein effort thrombosis

BACKGROUND Effort thrombosis of the subclavian vein is often inadequately treated--and most of the time treatment is late. Physicians are unfamiliar with this syndrome and its treatment. STUDY DESIGN In 65 patients with this syndrome, three major categories were recognized. The acute group (less than one week) comprised 14 patients subdivided into first time occurrence, recurrent episode, or occurrence after previous surgery for thoracic outlet. The subacute group (between one and two weeks) comprised four patients with the same subdivisions as the acute group. The chronic group (greater than two weeks) comprised 47 patients. Acute and subacute cases were treated with direct lytic therapy (urokinase) followed by operation. An anterior subclavicular approach was used to remove the first rib, subclavius, and anterior scalene muscles and to have safe access to the vein. Patients in the chronic stage required vein patch angioplasty of the strictured segment. RESULTS In acute cases (first time occurrence) decompression of the vein only at the thoracic outlet was effective in 100 percent of cases (eight patients). Vein patch angioplasty was needed in recurrent, subacute, and chronic cases. This procedure was 100 percent effective if stenosis was less than 2 cm long. Longer-segment obstructions had only a 37.5 percent (three of eight) success rate. Fourteen patients were considered inoperable. CONCLUSIONS It is recommended that effort thrombosis of the subclavian vein be treated acutely with thrombolytic agents followed by operation. This aims to prevent chronic fibrous obliteration of the subclavian vein, which is a consistent complication in patients who have had delayed treatment for more than two weeks. If operable, chronic stage patients always require vein patch angioplasty.
Failure of antibiotics in cellulitis trials: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives The objectives of the study are to quantify trial-to-trial variability in antibiotic failure rates, in randomized clinical trials of cellulitis treatment and to provide a point estimate for the treatment failure rate across trials. Methods We conducted a structured search for clinical trials evaluating antibiotic treatment of cellulitis, indexed in PubMed by August 2015. We included studies published in English and excluded studies conducted wholly outside of developed countries because the pathophysiology of cellulitis is likely to be different in such settings. Two authors reviewed all abstracts identified for possible inclusion. Of studies identified initially, 5% met the selection criteria. Two reviewers extracted data independently, and data were pooled using the Freeman-Tukey transformation under a random-effects model. Our primary outcome was the summary estimate of treatment failure across intent-to-treat and clinically evaluable participants. Results We included 19 articles reporting data from 20 studies, for a total of 3935 patients. Treatment failure was reported in 6% to 37% of participants in the 9 trials reporting intent-to-treat results, with a summary point estimate of 18% failing treatment (95% confidence interval, 15%-21%). In the 15 articles evaluating clinically evaluable participants, treatment failure rates ranged from 3% to 42%, and overall, 12% (95% confidence interval, 10%-14%) were designated treatment failures. Conclusions Treatment failure rates vary widely across cellulitis trials, from 6% to 37%. This may be due to confusion of cellulitis with its mimics and perhaps problems with construct validity of the diagnosis of cellulitis. Such factors bias trials toward equivalence and, in routine clinical care, impair quality and antibiotic stewardship. Objective diagnostic tools are needed.
Pediatric quality of life in long-term survivors of childhood cancer treated with anthracyclines.

Background Anthracyclines are a common class of drugs used to treat pediatric cancer. While much attention is given to their cardiotoxicity, little is known about the relationship between the use of anthracyclines and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) outcomes. This study examines the association of anthracycline cardiotoxicity risk status and Pediatric Quality-of-Life (PedsQL) InventoryTM scores in childhood cancer Methods Pediatric cancer survivors aged 8–21 who were at least 5 years posttreatment were recruited from a Cancer Survivor Clinic. Participants completed the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales and a health behavior survey. Linear regression was used to evaluate the association between PedsQL scores and anthracycline cardiotoxicity risk status and to assess whether self-reported physical activity modified the association. Results Eighty survivors participated and were characterized by cardiotoxicity risk status (high: 12; moderate: 23, low: 24, no risk: 21) as defined by the Children's Oncology Group (COG). Measures in all PedsQL domains tended to be slightly lower for survivors exposed to anthracyclines as compared to the unexposed. The largest difference in unadjusted mean scores was for social functioning (96.0% for unexposed vs. 91.3% for exposed, P = 0.0068). There was also an inverse dose–response relation between adjusted PedsQL scores and increasing anthracycline cardiotoxicity risk; this association was not modified by physical activity level. Conclusion These data indicate that regular psychosocial assessments, such as those currently recommended by the COG, may be especially important for survivors treated with anthracyclines.
Globally asymptotically stable distributed control for distance and bearing based multi-agent formations

We present a continuous, distributed control scheme for formation control of multi-agent systems based on local position measurements. The desired formation is defined in terms of both inter-agent distances and bearing angles. If the sensing topology among agents satisfy certain sufficient conditions, it is shown that the control globally stabilizes the agents to any feasible desired formation. Simulations for up to 32 agents starting from random positions on the plane verifies that agents can successfully converge to the desired formation with no knowledge of the global coordinate frame.
Assessing the Content of YouTube Videos in Educating Patients Regarding Common Imaging Examinations

Abstract Purpose To assess the content of currently available YouTube videos seeking to educate patients regarding commonly performed imaging examinations. Methods After initial testing of possible search terms, the first two pages of YouTube search results for "CT scan," "MRI," "ultrasound patient," "PET scan," and "mammogram" were reviewed to identify educational patient videos created by health organizations. Sixty-three included videos were viewed and assessed for a range of features. Results Average views per video were highest for MRI (293,362) and mammography (151,664). Twenty-seven percent of videos used a nontraditional format (eg, animation, song, humor). All videos (100.0%) depicted a patient undergoing the examination, 84.1% a technologist, and 20.6% a radiologist; 69.8% mentioned examination lengths, 65.1% potential pain/discomfort, 41.3% potential radiation, 36.5% a radiology report/results, 27.0% the radiologist's role in interpretation, and 13.3% laboratory work. For CT, 68.8% mentioned intravenous contrast and 37.5% mentioned contrast safety. For MRI, 93.8% mentioned claustrophobia, 87.5% noise, 75.0% need to sit still, 68.8% metal safety, 50.0% intravenous contrast, and 0.0% contrast safety. For ultrasound, 85.7% mentioned use of gel. For PET, 92.3% mentioned radiotracer injection, 61.5% fasting, and 46.2% diabetic precautions. For mammography, unrobing, avoiding deodorant, and possible additional images were all mentioned by 63.6%; dense breasts were mentioned by 0.0%. Conclusions Educational patient videos on YouTube regarding common imaging examinations received high public interest and may provide a valuable patient resource. Videos most consistently provided information detailing the examination experience and less consistently provided safety information or described the presence and role of the radiologist.
Microbiota—myeloid cell crosstalk beyond the gut

The gut microbiota is a complex and dynamic microbial ecosystem that plays a fundamental role in host physiology. Locally, the gut commensal microbes/host symbiotic relationship is vital for barrier fortification, nutrient absorption, resistance against intestinal pathogens, and the development and maintenance of the mucosal immune system. It is now clear that the effects of the indigenous intestinal flora extend beyond the gut, ranging from shaping systemic immune responses to metabolic and behavioral functions. However, the underlying mechanisms of the gut microbiota/systemic immune system interactions remain largely unknown. Myeloid cells respond to microbial signals, including those derived from commensals, and initiate innate and adaptive immune responses. In this review, we focus on the impact of the gut microbiota on myeloid cells at extraintestinal sites. In particular, we discuss how commensal-derived signals affect steady-state myelopoiesis and cellular function and how that influences the response to infection and cancer therapy.
Existence of solutions for semilinear problems with prescribed number of zeros on exterior domains

Abstract In this paper we prove the existence of an infinite number of radial solutions of Δ u + K ( r ) f ( u ) = 0 on the exterior of the ball of radius R centered at the origin in R N such that lim r → ∞ ⁡ u ( r ) = 0 with prescribed number of zeros where f : R → R is odd and there exists a β > 0 with f 0 on ( 0 , β ) , f > 0 on ( β , ∞ ) with f superlinear for large u, and K ( r ) ∼ r − α with 0 α N .
Tuberous Sclerosis and Infantile Spasms

Forehead plaques, smooth patches of slightly raised skin with a reddish or yellowish discoloration, can be the earliest skin manifestation of tuberous sclerosis (TS) according to the authors who describe 2 patients seen at Bath and Bristol, UK., presenting with infantile spasms at 3 and 5 months of age.
Palm Print Recognition: A New Algorithm For Corner Detection Using Palm Anatomy Features

This paper describes an automated approach to palm print recognition. Particular emphasis has been given to the alignment method, for which a new corner finding algorithm has been developed. The corner finding algorithm proposed in this paper is a simple and fast way to process corners and has been particularly developed to detect the fingertip and trough corners of a palm. Based on three key corners, a consistent Region of Interest (ROI) is extracted for each palm. A feature vector is computed for each ROI and a similarity measure is computed from for similar and dissimilar palms. It is seen that that the similarity measure is markedly variable for similar and dissimilar palms.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Leads to Improvements in Activity Limitations.

Purpose The purposes of this study were to identify the number of participants who enter cardiac rehabilitation with an activity limitation and assess whether a cardiac rehabilitation program leads to improvements in activity, demonstrated through changes in gait speed and the 5-times-sit-to-stand test (FTSST). Methods This study utilized a 1-group pretest-posttest design. Gait speed and FTSST were measured at the start and end of cardiac rehabilitation. Paired sample t tests were performed to assess changes pre- and postrehabilitation. Subgroup analysis was done on patients who presented with an activity limitation on admission (gait speed 12 seconds) to determine whether this subgroup experienced greater changes. Results On admission, 60.2% of participants presented with an activity limitation using FTSST as the criterion. At the completion of cardiac rehabilitation, participants demonstrated improvements in gait speed and FTSST, but improvements were less than the minimal detectable change (MDC) for the outcome measures. Those who presented with an activity limitation on admission had greater improvements and surpassed the MDC. Even after cardiac rehabilitation, more than 30% of participants still had an activity limitation. Conclusions Patients entering cardiac rehabilitation present with activity limitations and most, but not all, will make gains through a standard course of cardiac rehabilitation. Clinicians and researchers should consider how cardiac rehabilitation programs can be modified to assess the presence of activity limitation and maximize improvements in function to enhance participation in society.
Alcohol Use Disorder in Older Adults: Challenges in Assessment and Treatment

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common, under-recognized, and under-treated health concern in older adults. Its prevalence is expected to reach unprecedented levels as the U.S. population ages; consequently, it is poised to place a significant burden on the healthcare system. Given the growing body of evidence regarding the patterns of use in this age group and the serious consequences of its misuse, it is critical that nurses and other healthcare providers assess for AUD in order to identify older adults in need of treatment. Yet, differences in symptom presentation, problems in isolating the symptoms of AUD from other healthcare complaints associated with aging, as well as the denial and fear of stigma that is especially pervasive in this age group, are major barriers to its identification and subsequent treatment. Furthermore, the lack of consistent use of evidence-based, age-specific screening instruments to identify those at risk is another significant obstacle to successful treatment. Healthcare providers in primary care are especially well-positioned to perform a systematic assessment utilizing appropriate instruments to identify AUD and initiate age-specific interventions, including the use of alcohol screening and brief interventions (ASBIs). The use of ASBIs, along with other targeted interventions such as mutual help groups (MHGs), such as Alcoholics Anonymous, can be key in encouraging insight, dismantling denial, and supporting treatment success, lifelong recovery, and overall quality of life in this vulnerable group.
Can Fibroblasts Be Reprogrammed into Macrophages

Previous work showed that B cell precursors can be reprogrammed into functional macrophages by the enforced expression of the bZip transcription factor C/EBPalpha. The efficient activation of myelomonocytic genes, such as Mac-1, required the co-operation with endogenous PU.1 (Xie et al. 2004), reflecting the fact that many myelomonocytic genes are regulated by a combination of the two transcription factors. We therefore asked: Is C/EBPa and PU.1 sufficient to convert non-hematopoietic cells into macrophages? To test this, NIH-3T3 cells were co-infected with PU.1-GFP and C/EBPa-hCD4 retrovirusesor control vectors encoding the indicators GFP and hCD4 only. Uninfected cells in the retrovirus treated cultures served as additional controls. Our results showed that ~25% of the PU.1 only infected cells express Mac-1 and that this percentage could be increased ~3 fold by co-expression with C/EBPa. In addition, most cells also expressed CD45 and some expressed F4/80 antigen. The PU.1 infected and the double infected cells, but not the C/EBPa only infected cells, also expressed a number of other myelomonocytic genes as detected by RT-PCR. These included CSF-1R (M-CSFR), GM-CSF Ralpha, Lysozyme, CD32, PYK2 as well as endogenous PU.1. The PU.1 induced reprogramming of fibroblasts required the DNA binding and transcription activation domains, but not the PEST domain of the transcription factor. To test whether the reprogrammed cells have functional macrophage properties, we generated two stable cell lines co-expressing C/EBPa and PU.1 delta PEST (wild type PU.1 is toxic in long-term cultures). These cells were morphologically altered, ingested carboxylated particles, and expressed functional Fc-gamma receptors but were unable to phagocytize antibody coated red blood cells. Remarkably, the two cells lines acquired CSF-1 dependence for growth. In accordance with this finding they exhibited a 10–15 fold reduction of CSF-1 production compared to NIH3T3 cells. The response observed was not restricted to fibroblast cell lines since both embryonic and adult fibroblasts could also be partially reprogrammed by co-infection with PU.1 and C/EBPa in that they expressed Mac-1, CD45, F4/80 and IA MHC antigens. In conclusion, enforced expression of PU.1 and C/EBPa converts fibroblasts into macrophage like cells, indicating that the combination of these two transcription factors is sufficient to regulate the majority of genes that define the myelomonocytic phenotype.
Correlation of the Largest Craters, Stratigraphic Impact Signatures, and Extinction Events Over the Past 250 Myr

Abstract The six largest known impact craters of the last 250 Myr (≥70 km in diameter), which are capable of causing significant environmental damage, coincide with four times of recognized extinction events at 36 (with 2 craters), 66, and 145 Myr ago, and possibly with two provisional extinction events at 168 and 215 Myr ago. These impact cratering events are accompanied by layers in the geologic record interpreted as impact ejecta. Chance occurrences of impacts and extinctions can be rejected at confidence levels of 99.96% (for 4 impact/extinctions) to 99.99% (for 6 impact/extinctions). These results argue that several extinction events over the last 250 Myr may be related to the effects of large-body impacts.
Ternary Gold Hydrides: Routes to Stable and Potentially Superconducting Compounds.

In a search for gold hydrides, an initial discouraging result of no theoretical stability in any binary AuHn at P < 300 GPa was overcome by introducing alkali atoms as reductants. A set of AAuH2 compounds, A = Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs, is examined; of these, certain K, Rb, and Cs compounds are predicted to be thermodynamically stable. All contain AuH2– molecular units and are semiconducting at P = 1 atm, and some form metallic and superconducting symmetrically bonded AuHAu sheets under compression. To induce metallicity by bringing the Au atoms closer together under ambient conditions, we examined alkaline earth ion substitution for two A, i.e., materials of composition AE(AuH2)2. For AE = Ba and Sr, the materials are already marginally metallic at P = 1 atm and the combination of high and low phonon frequencies and good electron–phonon coupling leads to reasonably high calculated superconducting transition temperatures for these materials.
Healthy Foods for Healthy Aging: The Case for Protein

Food choices that older adults make based on the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) vary greatly by gender, education level, and race to some degree. Achieving healthy aging often means they must change their ideas about food selection. Encouraging the increased intake of milk and milk products and seafood is based on research that supports multiple benefits from the nutrients and, especially in the case of dairy, bioactive content of these products. Research supporting a high-protein intake for older adults includes preserving function and avoiding frailty and other diseases and emphasizes the need to reconsider the Recommended Dietary Allowance for protein. While cardiovascular and diabetes risk may be slightly increased in individuals, eggs are a wise food choice for older adults because of the high quality of their protein and the bioavailability of lutein and zeaxanthin. A high-protein Mediterranean diet would be a good choice. Healthy eating is one step toward helping older adults have their last years be more about life than about disease.
Hospice Services and Grief Support Groups

Hospice provides medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support for people with a life-limiting illness or injury. Approximately 45% of all deaths in the United States are in hospice. After the patient dies, hospices are mandated to provide bereavement services for a year after the death to family and friend caregivers of the deceased. We describe bereavement in caregivers who lose a loved one in hospice, including the occurrence of bereavement-related mental health disorders. We also review current data on bereavement services offered in hospice, including grief support groups, and their use and outcomes. Recommendations for next steps in hospice bereavement care provision and related research are outlined.
Apoptosis as a Mechanism of Developmental Neurotoxicity

Abstract Apoptosis is a tightly controlled physiological process in which individual cells die without damaging neighboring healthy cells. Apoptosis is crucial for normal neurodevelopment, and altered patterns of apoptotic cell death of neurons and glial cells during development are associated with functional deficits. Experimental and clinical evidence has established that neurological insults, including chemical exposures, can induce aberrant apoptosis in the developing nervous system. This chapter will discuss chemical-induced apoptosis as a mechanism of developmental neurotoxicity. The goals are as follows: (1) provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis and its role in the normally developing nervous system, (2) discuss the evidence implicating inappropriate apoptosis in adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, and (3) illustrate mechanisms by which neurotoxic chemicals modulate apoptosis using pediatric anesthesia, developmental exposures to polychlorinated biphenyls, and zinc dyshomeostasis as examples.
Chemical vapor deposition and phase stability of pyrite on SiO2

Semiconducting pyrite (cubic-FeS2) is of great interest for photovoltaics, energy-storage and catalysis applications due its remarkable optical, electrochemical and catalytic properties in combination with its high abundance, low raw material cost and environmental benignancy. In addition, recent theoretical studies indicate that it is possible to synthesize two-dimensional (2D) FeS2 with atomic thickness, and 2D FeS2 possesses highly tunable electronic and magnetic properties that do not exist in its bulk form, enabling its application in nanoelectronics. Herein, we report the first growth of single-phase FeS2 on SiO2 substrates at temperatures between 300 °C and 600 °C by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The temperature-dependent growth studies suggest that air-stable FeS2 crystals with 2D morphologies grow at 450 °C and above while smaller irregular-shaped FeS2 with low crystallinity and poor stability form at lower temperatures. We also demonstrate the patterned growth of 2D hexagonal crystals on SiO2 substrates using graphene as a template at 600 °C. Raman spectroscopy measurements in conjunction with ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm that the growth up to 600 °C does not include any other phase than FeS2. Moreover, we show that laser-induced local phase transformations from FeS2 (pyrite phase) and FeS (troilite phase) can be monitored in-situ by the changes in Raman spectra. Our method paves the way toward scalable synthesis of phase-pure FeS2 crystals on SiO2 substrates, which is fully compatible with semiconductor processing. This method can be also further developed and adopted for the synthesis of atomically thin 2D FeS2 layers and their heterostructures with graphene that may bring enhanced or novel properties.
Enhancing C2–C3 Production from CO2 on Copper Electrocatalysts via a Potential-Dependent Mesostructure

The electrochemical conversion of CO2 to hydrocarbons and alcohols for use as a renewable energy storage medium is a promising approach to CO2 utilization and energy sustainability. Herein, we demonstrate that the selectivity of an electrochemically reduced Cu(OH)2 nanowire catalyst toward C2–C3 compounds (ethylene, ethanol, and n-propanol) is systemically modified by surface morphology, which is governed by the electrolysis potential. The total Faradaic efficiency of CO2 reduction to C2–C3 compounds is found to be 38% at a moderate potential of −0.81 V vs RHE, and stable electrocatalytic performance is observed for 40 h of CO2 electrolysis. Electro- and physicochemical analyses indicate that the Cu(OH)2 nanowires are completely reduced to metallic Cu, forming a mesostructured catalyst after a few minutes of electrolysis. The shift in product selectivity is strongly correlated with this change in mesoscale catalyst morphology, offering additional dimensionality and multiple length scales for catalyst desi...
Abstract 3673: Metabolism Of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) By The Polyol Pathway Enzyme - Aldose Reductase Decreases AGE Accumulation In Diabetes

Diabetes is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Diabetes induces endothelial dysfunction and nephropathy, and accelerates atherogenesis. Metabolic changes in diabetes include activation of the polyol pathway and protein kinase C and the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The relationships between these pathways are; however, unclear. Increased formation and accumulation of AGEs, in particular, has been linked to the stimulation of inflammatory pathways and the development of secondary diabetic complications. Herein, we report that aldose reductase (AR) metabolizes AGE precursors in the heart and in endothelial cells. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) cultured in high (25 mM) glucose were found to accumulate intracellular AGEs resulting in increased glycation of the heat shock protein (HSP27). In vitro several aldo-keto reductases catalyzed the reduction of AGE precursors although highest catalytic efficiency was observed with AR. Methylglyoxal (MG)-treated HUVEC or hearts perfused with MG generated a reduced product which was identified as acetol by GC/MS analysis. Acetol formation and the generation of AGEs in HUVEC were prevented by treatment with AR inhibitors sorbinil (48±3%; P
The Effect of Income and Prices on Protection and Rent Seeking in the U.S., 1950–1986

Houthakker and Magee (1969) explored the effects of income and prices on trade. This paper explores the effects of income and prices on U.S. tariffs and rent seeking. Houthakker and Magee predicted secular declines in the U.S. trade balance with income growth. Would the secular increase in imports relative to exports generate growing U.S. protectionism through time? Not necessarily: Protection can go either up or down in response to income growth, depending on the cause of the growth in income. This paper shows that if labor, the factor benefitting from protection, grows relatively faster than capital, then protection would increase. However, we find that capital grew faster than labor from 1950 to 1986 so that U.S. protection declined because of income growth.
Progress Curves and the Prediction of Significant Market Events

Progress curves have been used to model the evolution of a wide range of human activities – from manufacturing to cancer surgery. In each case, the time to complete a given challenging task is found to decrease with successive repetitions, and follows an approximate power law. Recently, it was also employed in connection with the prediction of the escalation of fatal attacks by insurgent groups, with the insurgency “progressing” by continually adapting, while the opposing force tried to counter-adapt. In the present work, we provide the first application of progress curves to financial market events, in order to gain insight into the dynamics underlying significant changes in economic markets, such as stock indices and the currency exchange rate and also examine their use for eventual prediction of such extreme market events.
Cigarette and Smokeless Tobacco Perception Differences of Rural Male Youth.

Objectives Compare cigarette and smokeless tobacco (ST) perceptions within a youth population where ST use is common. Methods Male baseball players (N = 594) at 36 rural high schools in California rated separately 20 potential risks or benefits associated with cigarettes or ST, along with global harm ratings. Informed by principal components analysis, 3 composite categories were created: oral/rule-breaking risks (eg, mouth cancer, getting in trouble), systemic risks (eg, heart attack), and benefits (eg, relaxation). Standardized composite scores and harm ratings were compared by product and by tobacco use status. Results Cigarettes were perceived as likely to impart oral/rule-breaking risks and systemic risks, unlikely to cause benefits, and as very harmful overall. ST was perceived similarly as cigarettes regarding oral/rule-breaking risks, but less likely to cause systemic risks, and more beneficial. Most participants rated cigarettes as more harmful than ST. Similar patterns existed in all tobacco use groups, including non-users and dual-users. Conclusions In this population, cigarettes were perceived as very harmful. ST was perceived similarly to cigarettes only for some risks and as less harmful overall. Communication for rural adolescents should consider multifaceted aspects of ST risk.
End-of-Life Culture Change Practices in U.S. Nursing Homes in 2016/2017

Abstract Context The nursing home (NH) culture change (CC) movement, which emphasizes person-centered care, is particularly relevant to meeting the unique needs of residents near the end of life. Objectives We aimed to evaluate the NH-reported adoption of person-centered end-of-life culture change (EOL-CC) practices and identify NH characteristics associated with greater adoption. Methods We used NH and state policy data for 1358 NHs completing a nationally representative 2016/17 NH Culture Change Survey. An 18-point EOL-CC score was created by summarizing responses from six survey items related to practices for residents who were dying/had died. NHs were divided into quartiles reflecting their EOL-CC score, and multivariable ordered logistic regression was used to identify NH characteristics associated with having higher (quartile) scores. Results The mean EOL-CC score was 13.7 (SD = 3.0). Correlates of higher scores differed from those previously found for non-EOL-CC practices. Higher NH leadership scores and nonprofit status were consistently associated with higher EOL-CC scores. For example, a three-point leadership score increase was associated with higher odds of an NH performing in the top EOL-CC quartile (odds ratio [OR] = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.82–2.30), whereas for-profit status was associated with lower odds (OR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.49–0.90). The availability of palliative care consults was associated with a greater likelihood of EOL-CC scores above the median (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.10–1.93), but not in the top or bottom quartile. Conclusion NH-reported adoption of EOL-CC practices varies, and the presence of palliative care consults in NHs explains only some of this variation. Findings support the importance of evaluating EOL-CC practices separately from other culture change practices.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) describes a family of inherited disorders whose common feature is impaired cortisol synthesis. Cortisol is produced from cholesterol in the adrenal glands through a series of enzymatic reactions. A genetic mutation of the gene encoding one of these enzymes can lead to CAH. In some forms of CAH, a build up of steroid precursors to the defective enzyme leads to an overproduction of androgens, sex steroids, causing to virilization of a female foetus affected with CAH. Most cases of CAH are owed to a defect in the enzyme, 21-hydroxylase. This family of disorders is treatable with oral glucocorticoids. Key Concepts: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia describes a group of autosomal recessive genetic defects in the enzymes of steroidogenesis. The adrenal glands produce steroids including glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids and sex steroids (androgens). Deficiency of 21-hydroxylase causes more than 90% of cases of CAH and is characterised by glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficiency associated with virilization in females. There are two forms of CAH: the classical form, which includes the salt-wasting and the simple virilizing forms and the nonclassical form, which is associated with milder symptoms. The main goals of medical therapy for CAH are to replace deficient cortisol with a suitable glucocorticoid, deficient aldosterone with mineralocorticoid replacement and sodium supplements, and to prevent excessive androgen secretion. Prenatal dexamethasone treatment can prevent genital ambiguity in an affected female foetus with classical CAH. The presence of cell-free foetal DNA in maternal plasma has opened up new possibilities for noninvasive prenatal testing of 21-hydroxylase deficiency and other genetic steroid disorders. Keywords: 21-hydroxylase; ambiguous genitalia; cortisol; glucocorticoid; prenatal diagnosis and treatment
Multiphosphorylated synthetic peptides as antigens and immunogens in Alzheimer’s disease paired helical filaments

The major histopathological abnormalities that characterize the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) include excess of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), and senile plaques [1]. The NFT are composed of paired helical filaments (PHF) that likely develop from hyperphosphorylated forms of the low molecular weight microtubule-associated protein, known as [2]. A major prerequisite for evaluating therapeutic and/or prevention strategies in AD would be the availability of valid biological markers of AD. However, currently there is no diagnostic biochemical test that can be used reliably to stage the cognitive status of AD patients. In this regard, it is significant that levels are increased in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of AD patients and that the CSF levels correlate with clinical measures of dementia severity [3]. In our current study we used highly purified synthetic peptides, as well as single and double phosphorylated analogues to identify the binding sites on a large panel of frequently used or newly developed mAbs. In addition, we used these phosphopeptides to generate PHF-specific mAbs.
A facile regioselective synthesis of sphingosine 1-phosphate and ceramide 1-phosphate

Abstract A novel regioselective synthesis of d -erythro-sphingosine 1-phosphate and d -erythro-ceramide 1-phosphate is described. The synthesis is based upon (1) in situ oxidative phosphorylation of the primary hydroxyl group in N-Boc- d -erythro-sphingosine utilizing trimethyl phosphite and carbon tetrabromide in pyridine, (2) chemoselective deprotection of the 1-O-phosphate and/or 2-amino groups with trimethylsilyl bromide or chloride, and (3) introduction of the fatty acid moiety into sphingosine 1-phosphate dimethyl ester via base-catalyzed N-acylation.
Preoperative indications for total shoulder arthroplasty predict adverse postoperative complications.

Background Although studies have shown improved pain, function, and patient satisfaction after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), preoperative factors predicting poor outcomes are unexplored. Comparison of postoperative complications between osteoarthritis (OA), cuff arthropathy (CA), and fracture patients is important for identifying at-risk patients. Methods Primary TSAs from 2014 to 2016 with preoperative OA, CA, and proximal humerus fractures as indications were queried from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Short-interval postoperative complications were compared using multivariate binary logistic regression, and postoperative time to discharge between groups was analyzed using univariate analysis of variance with Tukey comparison. Statistical significance was defined as P Results Of 9684 TSA cases, the primary indication was OA in 6571 patients, CA in 725 patients, and fractures in 646 patients. Compared with fractures, OA patients had statistically significant lower risk of dislocation, readmission, return to operating room, nonhome discharge, surgical site infection, perioperative bleeding requiring transfusion, and pulmonary embolism (all P Conclusion Proximal humerus fracture is a risk factor for increased postoperative complications compared with OA and CA. With new outcomes-based reimbursement models, nonroutine discharge and increased discharge time should be considered in arthroplasty planning.