cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
African Merchants of the Gold Coast, 1860–1905—Dynamics of Indigenous Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship in Africa can be analyzed from a number of perspectives. One approach, undoubtedly the most popular among economic anthropologists and sociologists, has been to conduct group surveys of the attitudes and behavior of small-scale traders and market-stall operators against the background of specific urban or rural settings. These studies have emphasized the importance of religion, ethnic group affiliation, family or clan structure, specialization, and the development of long-distance trading networks through migration or diaspora. Another type of study pioneered by Polly Hill, and since taken up by other field economists and historians, has been to analyze the individual innovation, cooperative effort, and adaptation of traditional institutions involved in the development of export crop agriculture (groundnuts, cocoa, coffee) by small farmers in Africa.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) reduces chronic hyperalgesia induced by muscle inflammation

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) reduces pain through central mechanisms involving spinal cord and brainstem sites. Since TENS acts through central mechanisms, we hypothesized that TENS will reduce chronic bilateral hyperalgesia produced by unilateral inflammation when applied either ipsilateral or contralateral to the site of muscle inflammation. Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with carrageenan in the left gastrocnemius muscle belly. Mechanical withdrawal threshold was tested bilaterally before and 2 weeks after carrageenan injection. After testing withdrawal thresholds at 2 weeks, rats received TENS treatment either ipsilateral or contralateral to the site of inflammation. In each of these groups, rats were randomized to control (no TENS), low frequency (4 Hz), or high frequency (100 Hz) TENS treatment. TENS was applied for 20 min at sensory intensity under light halothane anesthesia. Mechanical withdrawal thresholds were re-assessed after TENS or 'no TENS' treatment. Unilateral injection of carrageenan to the gastrocnemius muscle significantly reduced the mechanical withdrawal threshold (mechanical hyperalgesia) bilaterally 2 weeks later. Either low or high frequency TENS applied to the gastrocnemius muscle ipsilateral to the site of inflammation significantly reversed mechanical hyperalgesia, both ipsilateral and contralateral to the site of inflammation. Low or high frequency TENS applied to the gastrocnemius muscle contralateral to the site of inflammation also significantly reduced mechanical hyperalgesia, both ipsilateral and contralateral to the site of inflammation. Since ipsilateral or contralateral TENS treatments were effective in reducing chronic bilateral hyperalgesia in this animal model, we suggest that TENS act through modulating descending influences from supraspinal sites such as rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM).
Crystallographic and magnetic properties of CoCrPt/Cr films produced by pulsed laser deposition

The crystallographic structure and magnetic properties of CoCrPt(30 nm)/Cr(50 nm) films fabricated by pulsed laser deposition have been studied at various substrate temperatures and ion bombardment energies. Cr(002) texture is developed at 350–500° C where increased coercivity is observed from the Co-alloy layers, while Cr(110) texture is formed at 300° C. The average grain size of the Cr layers gradually increases with substrate temperature from ~10 nm to ~20 nm, which is comparable to that of sputtered films. A Cr(002) X-ray peak is not observed from films grown at 400° C with Ar ion bombardment (> 50 eV). The coercivity and squareness of the magnetic hysteresis loops decrease as the beam energy increases, which may be attributed to the absence of Cr(002) texture.
Effect of Clickers "versus" Online Homework on Students' Long-Term Retention of General Chemistry Course Material

This study reports the effects of student response systems (clickers) versus online homework on students' long-term retention of General Chemistry I course material. Long-term content retention was measured by a comprehensive yearlong American Chemical Society (ACS) GC97 exam administered seven months after students had completed the General Chemistry I course. The analysis indicated that while students who used clickers or online homework systems earned a little over 2% higher than the non-clicker, non-online homework (lecture-only) group on ACS GC97 exam average scores, this difference was not statistically significant. Interestingly, the data also revealed that more students were retained both in clicker and online homework classes than lecture-only classes. This work suggests that treatments that enhance student's feedback may increase student retention in the course sequence with no loss in learning.
Social-Cognitive Mechanisms in the Development of Conduct Disorder and Depression

CONTENTS INTRODucnON 559 Mental Processes in Social Behavior 560 SOCIAL-INFORMA nON-PROCESSING THEORY . ... . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 560 Application to Single Behavioral Events 562 Application to Child Psychopathology 563 Critique ..... ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 571 KNOWLEDGE STRUCTURES THAT GUIDE PROCESSING 573 Relation to Aggressive Behavior 575 Relation to Depression .. ... 577 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY OF CONDUCT DISORDER AND DEPRESSION '''''''''''' 578 CONCLUSION 580
Importance of the N Terminus of Rous Sarcoma Virus Protease for Structure and Enzymatic Function

All retrovirus proteases (PRs) are homodimers, and dimerization is essential for enzymatic function. The dimer is held together largely by a short four-stranded antiparallel beta sheet composed of the four or five N-terminal amino acid residues and a similar stretch of residues from the C terminus. We have found that the enzymatic and structural properties of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) PR are exquisitely sensitive to mutations at the N terminus. Deletion of one or three residues, addition of one residue, or substitution of alanine for the N-terminal leucine reduced enzymatic activity on peptide and protein substrates 100- to 1,000-fold. The purified mutant proteins remained monomeric up to a concentration of about 2 mg/ml, as determined by dynamic light scattering. At higher concentrations, dimerization was observed, but the dimer lacked or was deficient in enzymatic activity and thus was inferred to be structurally distinct from a wild-type dimer. The mutant protein lacking three N-terminal residues (DeltaLAM), a form of PR occurring naturally in virions, was examined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and found to be folded at concentrations where it was monomeric. This result stands in contrast to the report that a similarly engineered monomeric PR of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 is unstructured. Heteronuclear single quantum coherence spectra of the mutant at concentrations where either monomers or dimers prevail were nearly identical. However, these spectra differed from that of the dimeric wild-type RSV PR. These results imply that the chemical environment of many of the amide protons differed and thus that the three-dimensional structure of the DeltaLAM PR mutant is different from that of the wild-type PR. The structure of this mutant protein may serve as a model for the structure of the PR domain of the Gag polyprotein and may thus give clues to the initiation of proteolytic maturation in retroviruses.
Childhood mania, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder: a critical review of diagnostic dilemmas

Objectives: Significant debate exists on whether early onset bipolar disorder is mistakenly attributed to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or conduct disorder (CD), or whether ADHD and CD are frequently misdiagnosed as mania. We review the literature on the extent to which these disorders can be reliably differentiated, and describe the diagnostic confusion that may be the result of features common to both classes of disorders. Methods: The review focuses on research studies that have examined whether overlapping symptoms of bipolar disorder, ADHD, and CD contribute to misdiagnosis of the two classes of disorders, the prevalence of early onset bipolar disorder with comorbid ADHD or CD, and theories regarding the origins of this comorbidity. Results: Reliable and accurate diagnoses can be made despite the symptom overlap of bipolar disorder with ADHD and CD. Children with bipolar disorder and ADHD may have a distinct familial subtype of bipolar disorder. Some findings suggest that manic symptoms may represent `noise' that indicates the general severity of psychopathology in a child or adolescent. Conclusions: Further prospective studies may confirm whether early onset bipolarity can be successfully differentiated from ADHD or CD, whether all three types of disorders can be recognized in comorbid cases, or whether comorbid cases represent a distinct subtype of bipolar disorder.
Misperceptions regarding protective barrier method use for safer sex among African-American women who have sex with women

Background Barrier methods for HIV and sexually transmissible infection (STI) prevention among women who have sex with women (WSW) are available, although their effectiveness has not been systematically investigated. These methods are infrequently used by WSW. As part of a larger study on STI risk perceptions and safer sex among African-American WSW, we discovered several misperceptions regarding barrier methods that may be associated with their limited use. Methods: Participants were recruited from the Jefferson County Health Department STI Clinic and through word of mouth in Birmingham, Alabama, for focus group discussions exploring perceptions of STI risk and safer sex. Results: Seven focus groups with 29 participants were conducted (age range: 19–43 years). Several misperceptions regarding barrier methods were identified, notably the conflation of dental dams and female condoms. Descriptions of the use of barrier methods were qualified with phrases suggesting their hypothetical, rather than actual, use. Additional evidence that barrier methods are not actually used came from beliefs that dental dams and female condoms are available in major grocery stores or department store chains. Conclusions: Those providing sexual health services to WSW should be cautious in assuming that WSW have accurate information regarding barrier methods for safer sex. Sexual health services provided to WSW should include an accurate description of what barrier methods are, how to distinguish them from barrier methods more commonly used during heterosexual sex (female and male condoms), and how to use them correctly. Future studies are needed to address how effectively these measures reduce transmission of STIs among WSW.
First Record of the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) as a Host to the Sea Turtle Barnacle (Chelonibia testudinaria)

Abstract Chelonibia testudinaria (Sea Turtle Barnacle) and other closely related barnacle species of the genus Chelonibia are known to utilize a variety of organisms for their attachment substrate. These include the calcified exoskeleton of marine crustaceans and chelicerids, the epidermis of manatees, and the carapace regions of all extant sea turtle species. Here, we present the first records of an Alligator mississippiensis (American Alligator; Alligatoridae) as a host for C. testudinaria.
The FIRST-VLA Survey

The VLA FIRST survey now encompasses 5000 sq. deg., mostly in the north Galactic Cap. The First survey generates images of the sky at 1400 MHz with a sensitivity to point sources down to 1 mJy with positions accurate to 1 arcsec (90% confidence). The survey finds approximately 85 discrete sources per sq. degree. Detailed information about the FIRST survey can be obtained at http://sundog.stsci.edu. At the level of the POSS 1, 15% of FIRST sources have optical counterparts. While these are primarily galaxies, there are significant numbers of quasars and stars detected in the survey. This presentation will highlight some of the research being pursued by the FIRST science team.
Photodetectors for the 0.1 to 1.0 μm Spectral Region

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the properties of electromagnetic radiation detectors for the wavelength region extending from 0.1 to 1.0 μm. A detector is defined as any device that converts incoming electromagnetic energy into an electrical signal that can be processed and measured to provide a quantitative indication of the incident energy or photon flux. For each class of detectors considered, the fundamental operating principles, physical configurations, noise properties and other limitations, and state-of-the-art performance capabilities have been discussed. It is necessary to consider exactly how the electrical output from a detector is processed by the post electronics in order to fully understand the properties and capabilities of that detector; however, attention has primarily been focused upon the properties of the detector itself. The classes of detectors considered are photoemissive detectors, semiconductor junction detectors, photoconductors, and photoionization chamber devices. All of these detectors are photon detectors—that is, they respond to the rate at which photons are absorbed. The discussion of photoconductivity is limited to intrinsic excitation, as this excitation mode is generally useful for wavelengths near 1.0 pm.
Foreword to the Special Issue on the 13th Specialist Meeting on Microwave Radiometry and Remote Sensing of the Environment (MicroRad 2014)

The papers in this special section were presented at the 13th Specialist Meeting on Microwave Radiometry and Remote Sensing of the Environment (MicroRad 2014).
Risk factors associated with legal interventions

Current research regarding injuries caused during interactions between police officers and civilians is conducted intermittently or on a very narrow sample frame which provides very little clinical information about the injuries suffered or the adverse outcomes. The aim of this study is to identify comorbid risk factors and describe acute outcomes of medically treated traumatic injuries occurring as a result of contact with law enforcement personnel. For this retrospective study, patients injured as a result of contact with law enforcement personnel were identified using ICD-9 external cause of injury codes from medical record databases of patients treated in all hospitals and trauma units in Illinois between 2000 and 2009. A total of 836 cases injured as a result of contact with law enforcement personnel were identified. These patients were more likely to suffer from substance abuse, depression, schizophrenia, and paralytic disorders compared to the reference cases. Persons injured as a result of contact with law enforcement personnel were predominately injured from being man-handled, unarmed blows, firearms or being struck by a blunt object. Although the injury severity did not differ from the comparison group, these patients had longer lengths of hospitalization, a greater proportion of injuries to the back and spine, and a greater proportion required extended care in an intermediate care facility (not a jail) following discharge. Although medical record data do not explain the detailed circumstances of the face-to-face encounters between law enforcement personnel and civilians, the data provide valuable information regarding who may be at risk of injury and the clinical features of injuries that are suffered following a legal intervention. Similar data systems should be considered to augment existing data systems.
Production Management Research for Farm Decision Making—The Livestock Enterprises

FARMERS and extension specialists are increasingly concerned about the effect of various processes, techniques, and practices on a particular enterprise. This increase in the relative importance of "how to produce" decisions stems from the continued rapid influx of new production systems. While process or "enterprise production management" problems have become more important, research emphasis and procedures often have not been adequate. Farmers, farm suppliers, and educators seek more definitive answers than have historically been available. Many studies of enterprise costs have been made, ignoring the process. The greatest need, however, is for the study of alternative processes for a given enterprise. Further, the investigation of processes can be more effective. Some criteria for effective enterprise production management research with illustrations follow.
Syringe Shield Use Survey

The opinions of technologists on the use of syringe shields were surveyed. The majority of respondents felt that syringe shields significantly reduced radiation exposure and should be used. Of five general categories of syringe shields, the thin wall lead or tungsten and leaded glass window shield was used most frequently. The 100% leaded glass shields were used half as often (almost as consistently as the thin wall type) and received the highest ratings for a variety of syringe shield characteristics. Lead shield or wrapping with no viewing window was used the least and received the poorest ratings.
Highly Efficient Fabrication of Polymer Nanofiber Assembly by Centrifugal Jet Spinning: Process and Characterization

Centrifugal jet spinning (CJS) is a highly efficient, low-cost, and versatile method for fabricating polymer nanofiber assemblies, especially in comparison to electrospinning. The process uses centrifugal forces coupled with the viscoelastic properties and the mass transfer characteristics of spinning solutions to promote the controlled thinning of a polymer solution filament into nanofibers. In this study, three different spinning stages (jet initiation, jet extension, and fiber formation) were analyzed in terms of the roles of fluid viscoelasticity, centrifugal forces, and solvent mass transfer. Four different polymer solution systems were used, which enables a wide range of fluid viscoelasticity properties and solvent mass transfer properties, and polymer fibers were fabricated under different rotational speeds for these polymer solutions. The key dimensionless groups that determine the product morphology (beads, beads-on-fiber, and continuous fiber) and the radius of the fiber (when fibers are formed)...
Clinical Observation on Catgut Embedding Therapy in Treatment of the Foot-drop in 60 Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Objective:To explore the effect of catgut embedding therapy in treatment of the foot-drop in spastic cerebral palsy. Method: 60 cases of hospitalized children with cerebral palsy were randomly divided into experimental group(n=30) and control group(n=30).On the basis of rehabilitation, the control group were treated with acupuncture 5 times a week. The experimental group were treated with catgut embedding therapy 1 time a week. A course of treatment was 3 months. Pre and post treatment, the total score of C D E in GMFM, muscle strength and ankle dorsiflexion curvature were compared respectively. Result:On the total score of C D E in GMFM,before the treatment,there was no significant difference between two groups(P0.05).After treatment,there was a significant difference between two groups(P0.01).And on muscle strength and ankle dorsiflexion curvature,there was a significant difference between two groups(P0.05).Conclusion:Catgut embedding therapy can improve cerebral palsy spasticity,increase muscle strength, correct the footdrop, and then improve the gross motor ability.
What Can Determine the Length of an Open Nonendoscopic Thyroidectomy Incision

Objectives Surgeons are now utilizing small incisions when performing thyroidectomy. This study evaluated the association between patient weight, nodule size, and maximum thyroid diameter and the length of an open thyroidectomy incision. Study Design Retrospective analysis of 32 consecutive patients. Subjects and Methods Patient demographics, clinical exam, ultrasound findings, operative findings, and pathology were recorded. Results Of the 32 patients (81% women), 27 underwent a hemithyroidectomy. The mean patient weight was 194 lbs. The mean clinical nodule diameter was 3.46 cm, and the mean maximum thyroid diameter was 5.91 cm. The mean incision size was 5.13 cm. Independently, patient weight, maximum thyroid diameter, and maximum nodule diameter were shown in regression models to be statistically significant predictors of incision size. In stepwise regression analysis that included all three listed variables, maximum thyroid diameter was the most significant predictor of incision size (p Conclusions Surgeons may determine the length of the incision using clinical and radiologic parameters, but most probably use their subconscious clinical judgment and the challenge of utilizing a very small incision for this operation. This study has shown that maximum thyroid diameter is the most significant determinant for the incision but that nodule size and patient weight are also significant factors. This study is evidence-based medicine level III.
Injectable porous nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan/tripolyphosphate scaffolds with improved compressive strength for bone regeneration

In this study we have fabricated porous injectable spherical scaffolds using chitosan biopolymer, sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA). TPP was primarily used as an ionic crosslinker to crosslink nHA/chitosan droplets. We hypothesized that incorporating nHA into chitosan could support osteoconduction by emulating the mineralized cortical bone structure, and improve the Ultimate Compressive Strength (UCS) of the scaffolds. We prepared chitosan solutions with 0.5%, 1% and 2% (w/v) nHA concentration and used simple coacervation and lyophilization techniques to obtain spherical scaffolds. Lyophilized spherical scaffolds had a mean diameter of 1.33mm (n=25). Further, portion from each group lyophilized scaffolds were soaked and dried to obtain Lyophilized Soaked and Dried (LSD) scaffolds. LSD scaffolds had a mean diameter of 0.93mm (n=25) which is promising property for the injectability. Scanning Electron Microscopy images showed porous surface morphology and interconnected pore structures inside the scaffolds. Lyophilized and LSD scaffolds had surface pores <10 and 2μm, respectively. 2% nHA/chitosan LSD scaffolds exhibited UCS of 8.59MPa compared to UCS of 2% nHA/chitosan lyophilized scaffolds at 3.93MPa. Standardize UCS values were 79.98MPa and 357MPa for 2% nHA/chitosan lyophilized and LSD particles respectively. One-way ANOVA results showed a significant increase (p<0.001) in UCS of 1% and 2% nHA/chitosan lyophilized scaffolds compared to 0% and 0.5% nHA/chitosan lyophilized scaffolds. Moreover, 2% nHA LSD scaffolds had significantly increased (p<0.005) their mean UCS by 120% compared to 2% nHA lyophilized scaffolds. In a drawback, all scaffolds have lost their mechanical properties by 95% on the 2nd day when fully immersed in phosphate buffered saline. Additionally live and dead cell assay showed no cytotoxicity and excellent osteoblast attachment to both lyophilized and LSD scaffolds at the end of 14th day of in vitro studies. 2% nHA/chitosan scaffolds showed higher osteoblast attachment than 0% nHA/chitosan scaffolds.
Epigenetic and Genetic Factors that Regulate Gene Expression in Toxoplasma gondii

Abstract As it passes through its life-cycle and different hosts, Toxoplasma gondii must sense and respond to changes in its environment. T. gondii life cycle transitions and cell cycle changes are accompanied by major changes in gene expression and the parasite transcriptome. While many of the components of the general transcription machinery are conserved, few classic transcription factors were identified until the ApiAP2 APETELA plant-like transcription family was discovered. Gene expression, including bradyzoite differentiation, is also controlled by epigenetic factors. This chapter reviews current efforts to understand the role of ApiAP2 in transcriptional regulation and the importance of epigenetic factors and post-transcriptional mechanisms of gene regulation in Toxoplasma.
Compassion and Pity

Ethics against Adaptation Feeling for others is ubiquitous in everyday life. We cringe when we see someone mildly injured, become teary when we hear of someone's joy or suffering, experience a sort of terror when we read about barbarous events that occurred in the distant past. As many writers have noted, it is not intuitively obvious why this should be the case. The straightforward evolutionary function of emotion is egoistic. Fear, for example, leads me to flee situations (e.g., being eaten by a predator) that would threaten my ability to reproduce. My feelings for others, however, sometimes actually work against this function. For example, I may become so concerned about someone else being eaten by a predator that I do not flee, but stay and help him or her – perhaps getting myself eaten in the process. The “selfish gene” idea helps explain this for kin. If I save relatives, then I am preserving some shared genetic material. But what about when someone risks their life for strangers? The fact of feeling for strangers is perhaps not as difficult to account for in evolutionary terms as it might initially seem. In order to understand why, we need to return to a point stressed earlier: The biological mechanisms produced by evolution merely approximate functions; they are not identical with functions. In some ways, the point is obvious within evolutionary theory.
Personnel Development Practices in Early Childhood Intervention

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the evidence that is informing and guiding personnel preparation (preservice) and continuing education (in-service) practices for those providing early intervention (children aged 0–3) or preschool special education (children aged 3–5) to eligible infants and young children and their families under the IDEA. The term professional development (PD) will be used in addition to preservice and in-service, primarily when used by authors whose work is cited. The term early childhood intervention (ECI) will be used to refer to the system of specialized services and interventions provided to a child as delineated on his Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Plan (IEP). These services and interventions are delivered in a variety of places, including inclusive early childhood community settings such as child care and other toddler and preschool programs that meet the IDEA requirements of least restrictive settings or natural environment, delivered by qualified personnel under the IDEA as listed on a child’s IFSP/IEP as developed in collaboration with family members, and delivered by personnel who meet state requirements to provide services under IDEA.
Hormones and the Sex Ducts and Sex Accessory Structures of Reptiles

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the reproductive ducts of male and oviparous female reptiles. Sperm ducts consist of the rete testis, efferent ductules, epididymis, and vas deferens. An accessory organ, the renal sex segment, is present in squamate reptiles. The entire sperm duct system is under androgen control. Male sex hormones stimulate epididymal secretions that may be involved in sperm maturation. Oviducts may be subdivided into the infundibulum, uterine tube, isthmus, uterus, and vagina. The isthmus and uterine tube regions are absent in squamate reptiles. Female sex hormones stimulate the development of tubuloalveolar glands in the walls of the uterine tube and uterus. Progesterone reduces contractility of the uterus, and AVT, a neurohypophysial hormone, together with PGF2a promote uterine contractions. Oviposition is accomplished by interactions of the above hormones tempered by adrenergic innervation. Sperm may be stored in the epididymis of the male or in the tubuloalveolar glands of the female for long periods of time. Such storage is influenced by estrogenic hormones and has implications for strategies of life history and evolutionary ecology.
Reysen ’s Creation and its Creators

Roland Barthes once wrote how ‘a writer can only imitate a gesture that is always anterior, never original [; his] only power is to mix writings, to counter the ones with the others, in such a way as never to rest on any one of them.’1 Barthes’ imitating writer is aptly reflected in the invention of Reysen. Reysen was far from an authentic piece, and the involvement of its alleged author Jan Struys in its writing was rather ephemeral to boot. The book’s creation instead resulted from the combined efforts (beside those of the printers and their personnel2) of two publishers, two engravers, a mapmaker, the two authors of the letters included in the book, two patrons, a ghostwriter, and the seafaring sail-maker. This capitalist venture is described in this chapter, while its success in delivering a profitable product is topic of the next.
Demonstration of the Traffic Aware Planner: The Software Application for the NASA TASAR Concept

NASA has been developing and testing the Traffic Aware Strategic Aircrew Requests (TASAR) concept for aircraft operations featuring a NASA-developed cockpit automation tool, the Traffic Aware Planner (TAP), which computes traffic/hazard-compatible route changes to improve flight efficiency. The TAP technology is anticipated to save fuel and flight time and thereby provide immediate and pervasive benefits to the aircraft operator, as well as improving flight schedule compliance, passenger comfort, and pilot and controller work-load. Previous work has indicated the potential for significant benefits for TASAR-equipped aircraft, and a flight trial of the TAP software application in the National Airspace System has demonstrated its technical viability. As part of ongoing software research, development, and testing of the TAP software, we developed the capability to run the current build of the TAP software using the NASA Airspace and Traffic Operations Simulator (ATOS) with preloaded flight scenarios. Our dem...
Transesophageal Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography Improves Right Ventricular Systolic Function Assessment in the Perioperative Setting

Background Perioperative evaluation of right ventricular (RV) systolic function is important to follow intraoperative changes, but it is often not possible to assess with transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) imaging, because of surgical field constraints. Echocardiographic RV quantification is most commonly performed using tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), but it is not clear whether this method works with transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) imaging. This study was performed to evaluate the relationship between TTE and TEE TAPSE distances measured with M-mode imaging and in comparison with speckle-tracking TTE and TEE measurements. Methods Prospective observational TTE and TEE imaging was performed during elective cardiac surgical procedures in 100 subjects. Speckle-tracking echocardiographic TAPSE distances were determined and compared with the TTE M-mode TAPSE standard. Both an experienced and an inexperienced user of the speckle-tracking echocardiographic software evaluated the images, to enable interobserver assessment in 84 subjects. Results The comparison between TTE M-mode TAPSE and TEE M-mode TAPSE demonstrated significant variability, with a Spearman correlation of 0.5 and a mean variance in measurement of 6.5 mm. There was equivalence within data pairs and correlations between TTE M-mode TAPSE and both speckle-tracking TTE and speckle-tracking TEE TAPSE, with Spearman correlations of 0.65 and 0.65, respectively. The average variance in measurement was 0.6 mm for speckle-tracking TTE TAPSE and 1.5 mm for speckle-tracking TEE TAPSE. Conclusions Using TTE M-mode TAPSE as a control, TEE M-mode TAPSE results are not accurate and should not be used clinically to evaluate RV systolic function. The relationship between speckle-tracking echocardiographic TAPSE and TTE M-mode TAPSE suggests that in the perioperative setting, speckle-tracking TEE TAPSE might be used to quantitatively evaluate RV systolic function in the absence of TTE imaging.
Abstract 343: Inactivation of the P2Y2 Receptor Gene Reduces Atherosclerosis

Rationale: Nucleotides acting via P2Y2 nucleotide receptors (P2Y2R) regulate both migration of vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial recruitment of monocyte/macrophage in vivo. Objective: We aimed to determine whether inactivation of the P2Y2R gene protects against neointima hyperplasia and atherosclerosis. Method and results: We performed femoral artery cuff injury in wild-type and P2Y2R-/- mice and examined neointima formation 14 days after injury, the time corresponding to peak SMC accumulation in this model. Wild-type mice exhibited a 190% increase in cellular proliferation ( P <0.001) in the arterial wall as assessed by BrdU incorporation, and a 150% increase in neointima formation ( P =0.010) compared to wild-type mice. There was no significant difference in the medial area between wild type and P2Y2R-/- mice. To assess the contribution of P2Y2R to atherosclerosis, we first generated P2Y2R-/-/ApoE-/- mice by mating ApoE-/- mice with P2Y2R-/- mice. We then examined the development of atherosclerotic lesions 30 weeks after mice were fed with standard chow diet, the time corresponding to widespread atherosclerotic lesions in the ApoE-/- mouse model. P2Y2R-/-/ApoE-/- andApoE-/- exhibited no differencesin blood pressure, number of circulating leukocytes, differentialcounts, or total blood cholesterol. The surface covered by atheroscleroticlesions in the entire aorta was significantly reduced in P2Y2R-/-/ApoE-/- mice as compared to ApoE-/-. The total intimal lesion area in the aortic sinus was significantlyless in P2Y2R-/-/ApoE-/- mice than in ApoE-/- mice. Mac-3 staining revealed a significant reduction in the percentage of total plaque area occupiedby macrophages in P2Y2R-/-/ApoE-/- mice compared with Apo E -/- mice. Conclusion: These findings suggest that unraveling the molecular mechanisms associated with P2Y2R may lead to potential drug targets for the treatment of coronary syndromes and percutaneous coronary interventions.
Identifying and scheduling loop chains using directives

Exposing opportunities for parallelization while explicitly managing data locality is the primary challenge to porting and optimizing existing computational science simulation codes to improve performance and accuracy. OpenMP provides many mechanisms for expressing parallelism, but it primarily remains the programmer's responsibility to group computations to improve data locality. The loopchain abstraction, where data access patterns are included with the specification of parallel loops, provides compilers with sufficient information to automate the parallelism versus data locality tradeoff. In this paper, we present a loop chain pragma and an extension to the omp for to enable the specification of loop chains and high-level specifications of schedules on loop chains. We show example usage of the extensions, describe their implementation, and show preliminary performance results for some simple examples.
Examining Relationships between Physical Environments and Behaviors of Residents with Dementia in a Retrofit Special Care Unit

Specialized Care Units (SCUs) in nursing home facilities offer care for individuals with late-stage dementia primarily when care in the home no longer supports physical and sociobehavioral needs. Prior research has primarily examined new facilities; however, due to market demand and financial constraints, many SCUs are retrofits of existing nursing homes. The purpose was to determine the capacity of the physical environment to enhance person-centered care (PCC) and identify potential design opportunities to help patients adapt to and cope with dementia progression to maintain quality of life (QoL). Grounded in empirical knowledge and best practices for SCU design, an instrumental case study of a retrofit SCU in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States examined relationships between the physical environment and the behavior of residents and staff. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through a spatial inventory, staff e-survey, and behavioral observations in the unit's public spaces. Data indicate that even (less than ideal) retrofit SCU designs have the potential to support PCC goals significantly, and some physical conditions found to undermine PCC goals could be remedied by simple (low-cost) design interventions, suggesting staff may lack awareness of the capacity for the SCU physical environment to improve residents' QoL. By linking design features from empirical studies and best practices with observed behaviors in a retrofit SCU, the primary contribution of our exploratory study is a framework of roles design features play in adaptation–coping and maladjustment–stress for people managing progressive dementia conditions. This framework suggests directions for future research and evolving methods to better understand the impacts of environmental designs on users' QoL over the course of progressive illnesses, like dementia.
Sensory system development influences the ontogeny of hippocampal associative coding and trace eyeblink conditioning

Until recently, it was believed that hippocampal development was the primary rate-limiting factor in the developmental emergence of hippocampal forms of learning, such as trace eyeblink conditioning (EBC). Indeed, hippocampal neuronal activity shows an age-related increase in both complexity and task responsiveness during trace EBC. However, recent work from our laboratory suggests that sensory system development may also play a role. Training with the earlier-developing somatosensory system results in an earlier emergence of trace EBC in rats, suggesting that the development of sensory input to the hippocampus may influence the development of trace EBC. The goal of the current study was to examine the activity of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells during acquisition of trace EBC with an early-developing somatosensory CS. Rat pups were trained with a vibration CS on postnatal days (P) 17-19, P21-23, and P24-26 while CA1 pyramidal cell activity was recorded. Results indicated that CA1 neurons show an age-related increase in responsiveness to trial events. Although the magnitude of neuronal responding showed age-related increases in activity, all three age groups demonstrated learning-related increases in firing rate magnitude and peaks in firing rate were evident both at CS onset and offset. These findings suggest that the ontogeny of trace eyeblink conditioning is related to both hippocampal and sensory system development.
Liver X receptors link lipid metabolism and inflammation

The response of immune cells to pathogens is often associated with changes in the flux through basic metabolic pathways. Indeed, in many cases changes in metabolism appear to be necessary for a robust immune response. The Liver X receptors (LXRs) are members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily that regulate gene networks controlling cholesterol and lipid metabolism. In immune cells, particularly in macrophages, LXRs also inhibit proinflammatory gene expression. This Review will highlight recent studies that connect LXR-dependent control of lipid metabolism to regulation of the immune response.
Systematic Genomic Screen for Tyrosine Kinase Mutations in CLL.

Genomic screens have identified activating somatic mutations in tyrosine kinases in a spectrum of acute and chronic hematologic malignancies. These mutations lead to increased cellular proliferation and/or impairment of apoptosis. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a common chronic leukemia of adults that is thought to result at least in part from failure of apoptosis. Recent data suggest that CLL cell turnover is higher than previously thought and may correlate with disease progression, suggesting that somatic mutations that activate signal transduction may contribute to CLL pathogenesis and/or progression. The purpose of this study was to look systematically for activating mutations in protein tyrosine kinases in CLL using high-throughput DNA resequencing. 95 CLL patients were selected to encompass the range of prognostic groups defined by somatic hypermutation of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene, ZAP-70 status and FISH cytogenetics. DNA was isolated from Ficoll separated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and germline DNA was obtained from buccal swabs and/or saliva samples. 70 tyrosine kinases were selected for resequencing based on their involvement in lymphocyte biology, known altered gene expression in CLL, or location at a site of chromosomal gain, loss or mutation in CLL. All coding exons of ZAP-70 were included. Nested M13 tailed primers were designed to amplify and sequence the exons encoding the activation loops and JM domains. Bidirectional sequence analysis was performed using Mutation Surveyor version 2.28 (SoftGenetics). Candidate mutations were reamplified and sequenced from the original CLL DNA sample for verification; in parallel, the same exon was amplified and resequenced from the paired germline sample to assess whether non-synonymous mutations not known to be SNPs were present in the germline. A total of 178 exons were sequenced per sample. Analysis of 6.21 megabases of sequence data identified nine novel non-synonymous alterations in seven different genes; at least seven of these nine alterations are present in the germline, with the other two presently undergoing analysis. Although these non-synonymous alleles may have functional relevance to the pathogenesis of CLL, these data indicate that a significant proportion of non-synonymous alleles identified in high-throughput genomic screens are non-synonymous polymorphisms. These findings further suggest that the rate of acquired somatic mutation in the tyrosine kinome in CLL is low, and demonstrate the importance of matched germline DNA to allow assessment of candidate non-synonymous mutations in human cancer samples.
THU0600 Cumulative adverse childhood experiences are associated with poor outcomes in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus

Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) such as abuse, neglect and household challenges are associated with poorer adult health status and onset of rheumatic diseases. There has been no research associating ACE with outcomes among adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Objectives To characterize relationships of ACE and health outcomes of disease activity, damage, quality of life and depression in SLE patients. Methods Data were derived from the California Lupus Epidemiology Study (CLUES), a population based, multi-ethnic cohort of patients with SLE. Participants completed self-report measures of SLE activity (Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire; SLAQ), damage (Brief Index of Lupus Damage; BILD), quality of life (SF-36), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ8) and sociodemographics. They completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) survey, a validated 10-item scale covering 3 domains (abuse, neglect and household challenges prior to age 18). We compared demographics and SLE outcomes by ACE score and domains using ANOVA. Results The 166 CLUES participants were mostly women (89%) and were racially/ethnically diverse (31% non-Hispanic White, 22% Hispanic, 15% African American, 31% Asian American). Mean age was 44±14; mean age at diagnosis 28±12. The median ACE score was 1; 30 (18%) had a score of 4 or higher. ACE scores ≥4 were more common in Hispanic (27%) and African American (32%) participants (p=0.01) compared to other races/ethnic groups, and in participants with poverty level incomes (61% vs 13%, p Conclusions Adverse childhood experiences are reported frequently in individuals with SLE; accumulation of adverse experiences is associated with poor SLE outcomes. Higher scores in each domain, especially childhood neglect or abuse, were associated with poorer health measures in adulthood. Further research regarding ACE patterns and SLE outcomes is warranted. Disclosure of Interest None declared
Attenuated Methodological Naturalism

My aim in this chapter is to develop and defend attenuated methodological naturalism, which holds that we should allow metaphysical theories to be defeasible in light of scientific claims, but we should not immediately assess those metaphysical theories as being false given defeater instances—instead, we should suspend judgment to the theory. The upshot being that even though neo-Aristotelianism is a problematic theory, we should not reject it as being false, but should instead allow for the possibility of exploring other metaphysical theories.
Measurements of Intestinal Permeability Using Low Molecular Weight Polyethylene Glycols (PEG 400): II. Application to normal and abnormal permeability states in man and animals

A new approach to the measurement of intestinal permeability using low molecular weight polyethylene glycols (PEG 400) has been applied to the study of normal and abnormal permeability states in man and animals. Successful assessments of gastric, jejunal, ileal, and colonic permeability suggest that the technique has application to any area of the gastrointestinal tract. The method has shown that bile acids alter mucosal permeability in the stomach and colon and that celiac sprue is associated with decreased intestinal permeability. These examples illustrate the potential of the technique for studying the function of diseased intestine in man.
Advances in the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease.

Abstract Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenic disorder that afflicts approximately 100,000 Americans and millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by hemolytic anemia, vaso-occlusive crises, relentless end-organ injury, and premature death. Currently, red blood cell transfusion and hydroxyurea are the major disease-modifying therapies available for SCD. Hematopoetic stem cell transplant is curative, but barriers to treatment are substantial and include a lack of suitable donors, immunologic transplant rejection, long-term adverse effects, prognostic uncertainty, and poor end-organ function, which is especially problematic for older patients. Gene therapy to correct the βs point mutation is under investigation as another curative modality. Deeper insights into the pathophysiology of SCD have led to the development of novel agents that target cellular adhesion, inflammation, oxidant injury, platelets and/or coagulation, vascular tone, and hemoglobin polymerization. These agents are in preclinical and clinical trials. One such agent, L-glutamine, decreases red blood cell oxidant injury and is recently US Food and Drug Administration approved to prevent acute pain episodes of SCD in patients 5 years of age or older. The purpose of this review is to describe the currently established therapies, barriers to curative therapies, and novel therapeutic agents that can target sickle cell hemoglobin polymerization and/or its downstream sequelae. A PubMed search was conducted for articles published up to May 15, 2018, using the search terms sickle cell disease, novel treatments, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and gene therapy. Studies cited include case series, retrospective studies, prospective clinical trials, meta-analyses, online abstracts, and original reviews.
Reaction of 1,2-indanedione with 3,5-dimethoxyaniline

Abstract 1,2-Indanediones are a new class of fluorogenic reagents for amino acid visualization. In order to better understand the mechanism of formation of the resulting fluorescent products, we have examined the reactions of 1,2-indanediones with amino compounds. Treatment of 1,2-indanedione with 3,5-dimethoxyaniline in benzene afforded several products. The initial mode of addition occurred through attack of nitrogen at the C-2 position of the 1,2-indanedione generating an enamine which underwent subsequent reactions.