cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trend in Personal Finances and the Vote

This study investigates the relationship between perceived trend in family finances and voting for candidates of the incumbent presidential party. Analysis of CPS/SRC survey data for the 1956-1974 period provides considerable support for the research hypothesis of maximizing economic rationality at the polls. A normal vote analysis supports the authenticity of these findings and reveals relatively strong effects in subpresidential electoral contests. Comparisons are drawn between the aggregate effect of these perceptions on the outcome of congressional elections and that of changes in per capita personal income, the main explanatory variable in leading studies based on aggregate data. The author wishes to acknowledge his gratitude to Stephen V. Stephens for his critical reading of an earlier draft, and to Richard W. Gunde for his assistance in editing the manuscript. This study was made possible by funds received from NIMH (grant #5T22MH00070) while working at the Gerontology Research Institute, Andrus Gerontology Center, University of Southern California. Public Opinion Quarterly ? 1978 by The Trustees of Columbia University Published by Elsevier North-Holland, Inc. 0033-362X/78/0042-003 1/$01 .75 This content downloaded from 157.55.39.55 on Tue, 23 Aug 2016 04:38:12 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
A Passively Stable Hovering Flapping Micro-Air Vehicle

Many insects and some birds can hover in place using flapping wing motion. Although this ability is key to making small scale aircraft, hovering flapping behavior has been difficult to reproduce artificially due to the challenging stability, power, and aeroelastic phenomena involved. A number of ornithopters have been demonstrated, some even as toys, nearly all of these designs, however, cannot hover in place because lift is maintained through airfoils that require forward motion. Two recent projects, DeLaurier’s Mentor Project and the TU Delft’s DelFly (Chapter 14), have demonstrated flapping based hovering flight. In an effort to push the field forward even further, we present here the first passively stable 24 g hoverer capable of hovering flapping flight at a Reynolds number similar to insects (\(Re=8,000\)). The machine takes advantage of the clap and fling effect, in addition to passive wing bending to simplify the design and enhance performance. We hope that this will aid in the future design of smaller machines, and shed light on the mechanisms underlying insect flight.
Assessing the elusive cognitive deficits associated with ventromedial prefrontal damage: A case of a modern-day Phineas Gage

Cognitive deficits following ventromedial prefrontal damage (VM-PFD) have been elusive, with most studies reporting primarily emotional and behavioral changes. The present case illustrates the utility of a process approach to assessing cognitive deficits following VM-PFD. At age 26, C.D. acquired bilateral VM-PFD, more so in the left frontal region, following a penetrating head injury. Despite exemplary premorbid academic and military performances, his subsequent history suggests dramatic occupational and social changes, reminiscent of Phineas Gage. In fact, lesion analysis revealed similar structural damage to that estimated of Gage. C.D.’s scores on the vast majority of neuropsychological measures were average to superior (e.g., Verbal IQ 5 119). However, on several new process measures, particularly those that quantify error rates on multilevel executive function and memory tasks, C.D. exhibited marked impairments. From his pattern of deficits, C.D. appeared to sacrifice accuracy for speed and to adopt liberal response strategies, implicating problems with cognitive inflexibility, impulsivity, and disinhibition. The current findings suggest that VM-PFD may be associated with a wider spectrum of cognitive deficits than previously characterized. ( JINS, 2004, 10, 453‐465.)
Drugs Targeting Epigenetic Histone Acetylation in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells for Restenosis and Atherosclerosis

It is well known that atherosclerosis and restenosis are common cardiovascular diseases and major health care problems. Vascular remodeling and migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are key features of these pathologies. There has been enormous progress in drug development and clinical management of these disorders, with angioplasty and drug eluting stents being standard procedures to treat vascular obstruction. However, despite their benefits, these current treatment modalities are not always efficacious. Furthermore, they can also be associated with postoperative complications and graft failures, some of which can be life threatening. Evaluation of newer mechanisms involved in VSMC proliferation aimed at uncovering additional therapeutic approaches to curb VSMC dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases is clearly warranted. See accompanying article on page 851 Accumulating evidence suggests that several common diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and the vascular complications of diabetes, are governed by a combination of genetic and environmental factors and that epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications in chromatin, form a key link between them.1–3 Epigenetics is the added layer of gene regulation that occurs in chromatin without changes in the actual underlying DNA sequence and plays a major role in dictating cell-specific gene expression patterns and transcriptional outcomes.4,5 Along with DNA methylation, key posttranslational modifications of histone N-terminal tails can alter chromatin structure to form an added layer of gene regulation and modulate gene transcription.5 Therefore, gene transcription depends on chromatin structure, which is very dynamic, depending on a multitude of histone posttranslational modifications that allow for the conversion of inaccessible, compact, or …
Stability analysis of nonlinear multiparameter singularly perturbed systems

Asymptotic stability of nonlinear multiparameter singularly perturbed systems is analyzed. Sufficient conditions for existence of a Lyapunov function and uniform asymptotic stability are derived. The new feature of these conditions over earlier results is that there is no restriction on the relative magnitudes of the small singular perturbation parameters. Moreover, the class of systems under consideration can be nonlinear in both the slow and fast variables, while earlier results were limited to systems linear in the fast variables.
Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography in hypertensive azotemic patients

Ten intraarterial digital subtraction angiography studies in nine azotemic patients were reviewed to assess the technical adequacy and the effect of contrast load on renal function. All studies were of diagnostic quality. In only two of 10 studies was there a mild transient deterioration in the degree of renal insufficiency. Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography is a reliable method that can be used to evaluate the renal arteries, even in the presence of azotemia.
Gentrification as the appropriation of therapeutic ‘diversity’: A model and case study of the multicultural amenity of contemporary urban renewal

Scholarship on urban renewal readily recognises the conversion of ‘cultural diversity’ from a progressive ethic that once addressed ethnic/racial marginalisation into a trope that services early-stage gentrifiers. Through successive rearticulations of cultural diversity as a middle-class lifestyle amenity by various actors, this paper presents a model and case study of gentrification as an incremental act of cultural displacement of racial/ethnic ‘Otherness’ from the valued social ideal of the immediate post-Civil Rights era. Successive waves of new actors in the inner city can be conceptually linked by their reformulation of the amenity of cultural diversity so as to service their interests.
Support for reusability in Genesis

Genesis is a software-engineering-based programming environment geared to support big software projects. The authors first discuss a reusability-driven development methodology that advocates software development based on reusability considerations. Then, they discuss the tools and techniques provided in Genesis to support this methodology. Techniques are suggested for improving the retrievability, composability, and understandability of software resources. Retrievability is improved by use of ESL (entity specification language) for tying resources through attributes and relations. Composability is improved through a mechanism called functional composition that provides considerably more generality than Unix pipes for composing programs. Understandability is improved by the use of program abstractors. >
Effectiveness of 3-Row Crossflow Heat Exchangers With Alternating Circuitry

Air-cooled heat exchangers with three tube rows are commonly seen in domestic air-conditioning systems. The analytical solutions of heat exchanger effectiveness for three-row plate fin-and-tube heat exchangers with alternating circuitries have been derived and expressed explicitly in terms of heat capacity ratio and number of transfer units in the recent study. These set of exact solutions serve as a basic tool in designing heat exchanger circuitry to its most accurate possible effectiveness. Comparison of plate-fin-tube heat exchanger effectiveness between airside unmixed and mixed for three-row configurations shows that the effectiveness could be different from 0.3 to 2.4% for the NTUs (Number of Thermal Units) range from 1.0 to 3.0. On the other hand, the result of the comparison of effectiveness between identical and alternating circuiting for 3-row crossflow heat exchangers shows that alternating circuiting could have less effectiveness than identical circuiting from 0.4 to 8.8% in the NTUs range from 1.0 to 3.0. Nevertheless, alternating circuit has its benefit for lower NTU cases, result shows that it could have 1.7 to 0.1% advantages over identical flow arrangement for 2-row heat exchangers with NTUs range from 1.0 to 2.0.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Representation of high-dimensional solid-liquid phase diagrams of ionic systems

A generic framework is presented for representation of the solid-liquid phase behavior of multicomponent ionic systems with and without compound formation. Isothermal isobaric phase behavior is represented in form of digraphs. The invariant points in the composition space are identified as vertices of the digraph. These vertices are connected by edges identified from the adjacency matrix, which is constructed by using a set of generic rules based on Gibbs phase rule. These edges form the boundaries of high-dimensional saturation varieties, which are identified from the saturation variety matrix. For graphical representation, the number of independent coordinates is calculated and a suitable set of coordinates is developed. Projections are used to view high-dimensional phase diagrams in their entirety and to simplify the analysis of the phase behavior. Potential applications of this framework include facilitation of experimental development and computer-aided design of crystallization-based separation processes.
Second Thoughts about Silicosis

The decisions that a society makes can lead to workplace and environmental illness and injury. After some years working on the hazards related to exposures to silica and studying interventions to p...
Optimally designed membrane-supported grounded CPW structure for submillimeter-wave applications

In this paper, a novel low loss CPW structure is presented. The line has less than 0.1 dB/mm insertion loss at 230 GHz, which is very small compared to previous CPW structures. The line can be used in millimeter- and submillimeter-wave MMIC applications as high-Q filters, resonators, corporate feed of antenna arrays, where high efficiency is a major issue.
Identification of phosphodiesterase 9A as a cyclic guanosine monophosphate–specific phosphodiesterase in germinal vesicle oocytes: a proposed role in the resumption of meiosis

Objective To identify a cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)–specific phosphodiesterase (PDE) in nonhuman primate germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes and establish a proposed effect on oocyte maturation through preliminary experiments in mouse GV oocytes. Design Controlled nonhuman primate and rodent experiments. Setting Academic research institution. Animal(s) Rhesus macaques and B6/129F1 mice. Intervention(s) Stimulation of Rhesus macaques with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to collect GV oocytes and cumulus for gene expression analysis, and stimulation of female mice with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin to collect GV oocytes. Main Outcome Measure(s) Expression of PDE transcript in primate GV oocytes and cumulus cells, measurement of fluorescence polarization of phosphodiesterase 3A (PDE3A) activity, and analysis of spontaneous resumption of meiosis in mouse GV oocytes. Result(s) Of five PDE transcripts detected in Rhesus GV oocytes, only PDE9A was cGMP-specific. The fluorescence polarization assays indicated cGMP has an inhibitory effect on PDE3A while the phosphodiesterase 9A (PDE9) inhibitor, BAY73-6691, does not. Similarly, BAY73-6691 had little effect on preventing spontaneous maturation in oocytes, but did augment the inhibitory effects of cGMP. Inclusion of 0 μM (control), 10 μM, 100 μM, and 1 mM BAY73-6691 statistically significantly increased the proportion of mouse oocytes maintaining GV arrest in the presence of the cGMP analog 8-Br-cGMP at 100 μM (8.8%, 11.4%, 18.8%, and 28%), 500 μM (21.1%, 38.1%, 74.5%, and 66.5%), and 1 mM (57.8%, 74.5%, 93.9%, and 94.0%), respectively. Conclusion(s) Phosphodiesterase 9A (PDE9A) is a cGMP-specific hydrolyzing enzyme present in primate oocytes, and PDE9 antagonists augment the inhibitory effect of cGMP during spontaneous in vitro maturation of GV mouse oocytes.
Genetic and Physical Interactions between Gα Subunits and Components of the Gβγ Dimer of Heterotrimeric G Proteins in Neurospora crassa

Heterotrimeric G proteins are critical regulators of growth and asexual and sexual development in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. Three Gα subunits (GNA-1, GNA-2, and GNA-3), one Gβ subunit (GNB-1), and one Gγ subunit (GNG-1) have been functionally characterized, but genetic epistasis relationships between Gβ and Gα subunit genes have not been determined. Physical association between GNB-1 and FLAG-tagged GNG-1 has been previously demonstrated by coimmunoprecipitation, but knowledge of the Gα binding partners for the Gβγ dimer is currently lacking. In this study, the three N. crassa Gα subunits are analyzed for genetic epistasis with gnb-1 and for physical interaction with the Gβγ dimer. We created double mutants lacking one Gα gene and gnb-1 and introduced constitutively active, GTPase-deficient alleles for each Gα gene into the Δgnb-1 background. Genetic analysis revealed that gna-3 is epistatic to gnb-1 with regard to negative control of submerged conidiation. gnb-1 is epistatic to gna-2 and gna-3 for aerial hyphal height, while gnb-1 appears to act upstream of gna-1 and gna-2 during aerial conidiation. None of the activated Gα alleles restored female fertility to Δgnb-1 mutants, and the gna-3(Q208L) allele inhibited formation of female reproductive structures, consistent with a need for Gα proteins to cycle through the inactive GDP-bound form for these processes. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments using extracts from the gng-1-FLAG strain demonstrated that the three Gα proteins interact with the Gβγ dimer. The finding that the Gβγ dimer interacts with all three Gα proteins is supported by epistasis between gnb-1 and gna-1, gna-2, and gna-3 for at least one function.
The Value of the Right to Vote

We conducted a mixed lab and field experiment during a naturally occurring election. We offered subjects the opportunity to relinquish their voting rights for money. Significantly more participants refused to sell their rights than later participated in the election. Subjects were more willing to accept money for abstention from voting, than for giving up the right to vote itself. In a second experiment we gave subjects an incentive to submit a vote. Before and after the election we measured participants 'knowledge about the parties' and their positions. Even though they would not have voted without the incentive, the participants improved their knowledge suggesting that they valued their vote. Our findings show that people derive strong utility from their democratic rights and status as a voter independently of participation in the election. Based on our results we develop a new concept of rights utility and conclude that low turnout does not translate into democratic apathy and should not be used to justify quorum rules and restrict direct participatory rights.
Infrared Imaging Study Of Print Head Temperatures Occurring During Resistive Ribbon Thermal Transfer Printing

An infrared imaging system has been used to measure the thermal response of the print head electrodes during resistive ribbon thermal transfer printing. This has proved to be an effective method for fast, non-contact, high spatial resolution temperature measurements, providing valuable information on the thermal stress upon the head materials and on the amount of energy flowing into the head during printing.
First case of infectious endocarditis caused by Parvimonas micra.

P. micra is an anaerobic Gram-positive cocci, and a known commensal organism of the human oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. Although it has been classically described in association with endodontic disease and peritonsillar infection, recent reports have highlighted the role of P. micra as the primary pathogen in the setting of invasive infections. In its most recent taxonomic classification, P. micra has never been reported causing infectious endocarditis in humans. Here, we describe a 71 year-old man who developed severe native valve endocarditis complicated by aortic valvular destruction and perivalvular abscess, requiring emergent surgical intervention. Molecular sequencing enabled identification of P. micra.
Spider Thread and Bacterial Survival

Products from insects or other arthropods that are used by man are very few in number. Here Dr. Druett describes the collection and use of fine silk from spiders.
Scalable Wideband Principal Component Analysis via Microwave Photonics

Microwave photonics (MWP) provides advantages in bandwidth performance and fan-in scalability that are far superior to electronic counterparts. Processing of many channels at high bandwidths is not easily achievable in any electronic implementation. We consider an MWP system that iteratively performs principal component analysis (PCA) on partially correlated, eight-channel, and 13-GBd signals. The system that is presented is able to adapt to oscillations in interchannel correlations and follow changing principal components. Wideband multidimensional techniques are relevant to > 10-GHz radio systems and could bring solutions for intelligent radio communications and information sensing.
Liquid Piston Compression with Droplet Heat Transfer

Wind turbines and other unsteady power producing systems can benefit substantially by integrating inexpensive and easily sited pneumatic energy storage to provide a more continuous energy supply. However, pneumatic storage systems are typically inefficient since the compression work also generates thermal energy, which is generally lost to the ambient when pressurized air is stored over a long period of time. To improve this efficiency, a droplet spray heat transfer concept is investigated to establish a near-isothermal high-efficiency compression process. In particular, the use of small water droplets and high mass loading can allow for a large interfacial surface area for heat transfer. Issues associated with this liquid
Comments on the hypothesis of implicit serial-position cues

It has been suggested by Breckenridge, Hakes, & Young (1965) that in the absence of explicit positional cues, Ss tend to supply their own during the learning of a serial list. The evidence offered in support of this statement was evaluated and it was concluded that the question of “what is learned” in serial learning cannot be answered by a mere comparison of serial-position curves.
A comparison of hospital-integrated and freestanding ambulatory-surgery programs. Their uses of selected procedures.

For a variety of good reasons, the use of ambulatory surgery in the U.S. grew significantly during the 1980s. Both hospital-integrated and freestanding outpatient programs were developed, although a general lack of research on ambulatory surgery has not confirmed either approach's impact. Using the programs of Syracuse, New York, the author compares the two programs' volumes of procedures performed and each program's standing within the entire ambulatory-surgery community.
The Deadly Parallel

(1939). The Deadly Parallel. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 46, No. 5, pp. 280-280.
Resource Allocation for Lagrangian Tracking

AbstractAccurate estimation of the transport probabilities among regions in the ocean provides valuable information for understanding plankton transport, the spread of pollutants, and the movement of water masses. Individual-based particle-tracking models simulate a large ensemble of Lagrangian particles and are a common method to estimate these transport probabilities. Simulating a large ensemble of Lagrangian particles is computationally expensive, and appropriately allocating resources can reduce the cost of this method. Two universal questions in the design of studies that use Lagrangian particle tracking are how many particles to release and how to distribute particle releases. A method is presented for tailoring the number and the release location of particles to most effectively achieve the objectives of a study. The method detailed here is a sequential analysis procedure that seeks to minimize the number of particles that are required to satisfy a predefined metric of result quality. The study ass...
Intertextuality, Apocalypticism, and Covenant: The Rhetorical Force of the New Jerusalem in Rev 21:9-22:5

The culminating text of the Christian canon, Rev 21-22, is a key text for the church’s articulation of its eschatological hope. This paper argues that in Rev 21:9-22:5 John draws on the prophetic theme of covenant renewal and the attendant conception of the identity and character of God’s covenant people to reinforce in a new context that same conception of the identity of God’s people, though reimagined in light of the life and resurrection of the Lamb. The author is making a claim on his audience’s identity as the locus of the fulfilment of the prophetic hope of covenant renewal. Using the tools of rhetorical analysis and intertextuality, I thus argue that the New Jerusalem image is not an articulation of the future dwelling place of God’s people; rather, the New Jerusalem image is a call to discipleship anchored in the prophetic hope of covenant renewal.
Implicitly Coupled Electromechanical and Electromagnetic Transient Analysis Using a Frequency-Dependent Network Equivalent

This paper presents an improved solution of the implicitly coupled electromechanical and electromagnetic transient analysis problem using a frequency-dependent network equivalent (FDNE). In previous work, the fundamental frequency equivalent was used as the network equivalent of the external system. While simple, this fundamental frequency equivalent is only accurate for a single frequency, the fundamental frequency. This may lead to an inaccurate equivalent of the transient stability (TS) network. This paper extends previous work by using an FDNE derived from the vector-fitting technique. The FDNE is able to resolve the transient behavior over a wider frequency spectrum leading to a more accurate representation of the TS network. Results demonstrating the accuracy of the proposed scheme are presented on a 3-bus test system and the IEEE 118-bus system.
Pilot Implementation of a Leadership Framework in the National Library of Medicine Associate Fellowship Program

The National Library of Medicine Associate Fellowship Program is a nearly fifty year-old fellowship program for recent library science graduates interested in developing a leadership role in health sciences libraries. The program has used a number of informal methods of leadership development including the use of behavioral assessments, mentoring, and meeting with senior leadership. In 2015, the Associate Fellowship Program Coordinator introduced the “Five Practices of Exemplary Leaders” leadership model developed by Kouzes and Posner (2007) and began a pilot program of a series of leadership exercises to formally reinforce the leadership development aspect of the program. The model was selected after reviewing a number of leadership models because of its clarity, and the presumed adaptability of the practices to professionals early in their careers. The model uses the practices: Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart. The program used the participating cohort members to explore the effectiveness of the leadership exercises and to shape the program going forward. The leadership framework and exercises were successfully revised based on comments from the cohort.
Establishing Genotypic Cutoff Values To Measure Antimicrobial Resistance in Salmonella

ABSTRACT Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has transformed our understanding of antimicrobial resistance, helping us to better identify and track the genetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic resistance. Previous studies have demonstrated high correlations between phenotypic resistance and the presence of known resistance determinants. However, there has never been a large-scale assessment of how well resistance genotypes correspond to specific MICs. We performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing and WGS of 1,738 nontyphoidal Salmonella strains to correlate over 20,000 MICs with resistance determinants. Using these data, we established what we term genotypic cutoff values (GCVs) for 13 antimicrobials against Salmonella. For the drugs we tested, we define a GCV as the highest MIC of isolates in a population devoid of known acquired resistance mechanisms. This definition of GCV is distinct from epidemiological cutoff values (ECVs or ECOFFs), which currently differentiate wild-type from non-wild-type strains based on MIC distributions alone without regard to genetic information. Due to the large number of isolates involved, we observed distinct MIC distributions for isolates with different resistance gene alleles, including for ciprofloxacin and tetracycline, suggesting the potential to predict MICs based on WGS data alone.
Section VI – Discussion

To everything Turn, Turn, Turn, There is a Season, Turn, Turn, Turn And a Time for every purpose under Heaven.
Targeting the Achilles' shield of triple-negative breast carcinoma by androgen blockade.

e12562Background: Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) account for 15-20% of breast carcinomas and are defined by their lack of ER/PR expression, along with the absence of HER2 overexpression or gene amplification. The lack of recognized targets coupled with its aggressive biology makes this subset of breast cancer a subject of intensive effort for new molecular target identification. Several phase III clinical trials have shown a clear benefit in overall survival with androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer patients with intermediate- and high-risk disease. In preclinical data, a subset of AR positive, TNBC are dependent on androgen receptor signaling for growth although the degree of dependency is substantially less than that observed in prostate cancer. The differential requirements for androgen signaling between prostate cancers and breast cancers that express AR remain poorly understood. Methods: We developed new technology that makes possible the profiling of cancer cell line response to t...
Protective and Promotive Effects of Latino Early Adolescents' Cultural Assets Against Multiple Types of Discrimination.

Given adversity associated with discrimination, it is important to identify culturally relevant factors that may protect against its harmful effects. Using latent variable interactions, this study examined the moderating effects of cultural assets on the association between multiple types of discrimination and adolescents' adjustment. Participants included 174 seventh- and eighth-grade Latino adolescents (51% girls); majority were of Mexican origin. Peer discrimination was associated with higher internalizing symptoms, whereas cultural assets predicted higher academic motivation above and beyond racial–ethnic discrimination, demonstrating a promotive effect. Adolescents' Latino cultural assets also protected against higher levels of externalizing symptoms in the context of high peer discrimination and foreigner objectification. The discussion focuses on the conceptual and applied implications of these findings.
Adipokines and Prostate Cancer

Adipokines (adipocytokines) have been suggested to play a role in the well-established association of obesity and prostate cancer. Adipokines are secreted by adipose tissue and dysregulated in obese individuals. Given their association with multiple pathways, it has been hypothesized that adipokines mediate the association between obesity and prostate cancer risk and aggressiveness. Mechanistic studies have provided good evidence of the role of leptin in prostate cancer cellular proliferation. In clinical studies, circulating levels of many adipokines have been associated with risk of prostate cancer, however many of these have been met with mixed results or suffered from small sample sizes, so there remains significant opportunities for more research in the area. In contrast, there has been evidence that inherited genetic variation in adipokines and their receptors may increase prostate cancer risk, with strong evidence particularly for LEP and TNFa. However, more studies in this area are needed as well. Although there is room for more research to understand the role of adipokines in clinical prostate cancer management, it is reasonable to hypothesize that adipokines can help manage the association between obesity and prostate cancer. With growing rates of obesity, in turn the impact of adipokines on prostate cancer risk and progression will increase. Thus, understanding adipokines in relation to prostate cancer may provide therapeutic and preventative measures to reduce the risk and progression of prostate cancer.
Thermus Thermophilus as a Model System for the Study of Ribosomal Antibiotic Resistance

Ribosomes are the intracellular ribonucleoprotein machines responsible for the translation of mRNA sequence into protein sequence. As an essential cell component, the ribosome is the target of numerous antibiotics that bind to critical functional sites to impair protein synthesis. Mutations causing resistance to antibiotics arise in antibiotic binding sites, and an understanding of the basis of resistance will be an essential component of efforts to develop new antibiotics by rational drug design. We have identified a number of antibiotic-resistance mutations in ribosomal genes of the thermophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus. This species offers two primary advantages for examining the structural basis of antibiotic-resistance, in particular, its potential for genetic manipulation and the suitability of its ribosomes for analysis by X-ray crystallography. Mutations we have identified in this organism are in many instances identical to those found in other bacterial species, including important pathogens, a result of the extreme conservation of ribosome functional sites. Here I summarize the advantages of this organism as a model system to study antibiotic-resistance mechanisms at the molecular level.
AUTOIMMUNE LIVER DISEASES: Recurrence After Liver Transplantation

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) is now an effective therapeutic option for end-stage liver disease secondary to autoimmune liver diseases. The recurrence of the primary disorder in the grafted liver is a major concern. As the authors' experience with OLTx increases and with long-term follow-up of these patients, recurrence of disease in the grafted liver is increasingly being recognized. Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) have all been reported to recur.
Modifications of connective tissue matrices by an enzyme extracted from cartilage. A histochemical, autoradiographic, and electronmicroscopic investigation.

The degradative properties of an enzyme extracted from bovine costal cartilage were studied histochemically, autoradiographically, and electronmicroscopically. Previous work had indicated that this enzyme catalyzes the degradation of proteinpolysaccharide, light fraction (PP-L) from bovine costal cartilage to a proteinpolysaccharide with a lower protein content than the original substrate. Attempts were therefore made to ascertain if this protease was species specific and if proteinpolysaccharides other than those present in cartilage were susceptible to enzyme digestion. To this end, the effect of the enzyme on human fetal cartilage and jaws and the epiphyseal plates of neonatal and postnatal rats was studied. Furthermore, 35S-H2SO4 was injected into pregnant rats, the fetuses were removed and sections of them were digested with the enzyme and then autoradiographed. In the histochemical experiments Alcian Blue with MgCl2 was used for the staining of tissue polyanions and Bromphenol Blue for the detection of free basic groups. Finally, the limbs of 20 day-old rats were utilized in electronmicroscopic studies. Within the limitations of the techniques utilized the results obtained elucidated the following characteristics of the action of the enzyme on the tissues: 1. the products resulting from the action of this protease are more soluble than the proteinpolysaccharides originally present in the tissues, 2. the extent to which the enzyme affects the tissue depends directly on the state of maturation of the tissue and, therefore, on the state of aggregation of the matrix, and 3. the enzyme is not species or tissue specific. Autoradiograms of sections incubated with the enzyme also indicate an enhanced solubility of proteinpolysaccharides. The effects of the enzyme on ultrathin sections were manifested in an increased affinity for phosphotungstic acid staining of the extrafibrillar matrix and of particles in the lacunae of degenerating chondrocytes. The latter showed a distribution similar to that of particles seen in semithin sections stained with Azure A.
Serial CTC/cfDNA assessment for the identification of pathogenic mutations in patients with breast cancer.

e23070Background: Serial liquid biopsy assessment provides a unique platform for detecting existing and / or emergent resistance mutations; it may be particularly beneficial when patients begin to ...
General Gaussian estimation

Abstract This article proposes a general Gaussian estimation approach for situations where the implementation of maximum likelihood estimation is difficult. The primary task is to construct a Gaussian estimation function by putting exact expressions of the mean vector and the variance–covariance matrix of the response vector into the log-likelihood function of the multivariate normal distribution. A Gaussian estimator is derived by maximizing the Gaussian estimation function. This construction can induce an optimality condition that the true parameter vector is the unique maximizer of the expected value of the Gaussian estimation function. The optimality condition is equally important to that given by the Kullback–Leibler information number in the maximum likelihood approach. It is a major condition in the derivation of nice theoretical properties such as consistency and asymptotic normality. The general Gaussian estimation approach can significantly reduce the computational burden when the log-likelihood function of a statistical model contains intractable high-dimensional integrals. By applying it to the Poisson-lognormal model, a special case of generalized linear mixed effect models, a closed-form (i.e., without intractable integrals) estimation approach for fixed effect parameters and variance components is derived. The simulation study shows that the resulting estimator is precise, reliable, and computationally efficient.
Ultrafast Carrier Dynamics in Self-Assembled Lai- xSrxMnO3/SrTiÖ3 Heterostructures

Optically excited carrier dynamics are observed for self-assembled Lai-xSrxMnO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures using pump-probe reflectivity.
Watershed-scale mapping of fractional snow cover under conifer forest canopy using lidar

Abstract The distribution of snow cover is critical for predicting ecohydrological processes and underpins mountain water supplies in ranges like the Sierra Nevada in the Western United States. Many key water supply areas are covered by montane forests, which have substantial effects on the amount and timing of snowmelt. In-situ observations of snow-forest interactions have limited spatial coverage and remote sensing using optical sensors (e.g. MODIS) cannot observe snow cover below the canopy. In this study, we developed and verified a lidar-based method to detect snow cover under canopy, investigated how fractional snow covered area (fSCA) varies with topography in open versus under canopy areas and developed a correction factor that could be used to improve satellite-derived fSCA products. We developed our new method using three snow-on lidar overflights and verified it with in-situ distributed temperature sensor (DTS) observations at Sagehen Creek watershed in the Sierra Nevada, California, USA. DTS validation of lidar classifications showed excellent agreement at 85–96%, including high agreement and large number of returns in under canopy locations. The lidar-derived fSCA observations generally showed earlier snow disappearance under the canopy than in open positions, which is consistent with relatively warm temperatures and greater longwave radiation. However, in contrast to expectations, areas with high solar exposure (i.e. high southwestness) exhibited higher fSCA under the canopy. Results indicated that the k factor (the ratio of under canopy fSCA to open fSCA) varied systematically with southwestness and elevation. Using this factor to correct the study domain fSCA indicated that the typical assumption that k = 1 could lead to an up to ~0.05 bias (in fSCA units) towards overestimation. However, within 10 and 100-m individual pixels the fSCA overprediction bias can be 25–30% for higher fSCA values. Although uncertainty would be reduced using higher snow-on lidar point densities, our method shows promise to improve the typical assumption that snow disappearance is identical in under the canopy and in the open (k = 1). Future applications of our lidar-based method at different sites with varying climate, topography and vegetation structure has the dual potential to expand understanding of snow-forest interactions in complex terrain and improve operational fSCA products.
Residential Racial Isolation and Spatial Patterning of Hypertension in Durham, North Carolina.

Introduction Neighborhood characteristics such as racial segregation may be associated with hypertension, but studies have not examined these relationships using spatial models appropriate for geographically patterned health outcomes. The objectives of our study were to 1) evaluate the geographic heterogeneity of hypertension; 2) describe whether and how patient-level risk factors and racial isolation relate to geographic heterogeneity in hypertension; and 3) examine cross-sectional associations of hypertension with racial isolation. Methods We obtained electronic health records from the Duke Medicine Enterprise Data Warehouse for 2007-2011. We linked patient data with data on racial isolation determined by census block of residence. We constructed a local spatial index of racial isolation for non-Hispanic black patients; the index is scaled from 0 to 1, with 1 indicating complete isolation. We used aspatial and spatial Bayesian models to assess spatial variation in hypertension and estimate associations with racial isolation. Results Racial isolation ranged from 0 (no isolation) to 1 (completely isolated). A 0.20-unit increase in racial isolation was associated with 1.06 (95% credible interval, 1.03-1.10) and 1.11 (95% credible interval, 1.07-1.16) increased odds of hypertension among non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white patients, respectively. Across Durham, census block-level odds of hypertension ranged from 0.62 to 1.88 among non-Hispanic black patients and from 0.32 to 2.41 among non-Hispanic white patients. Compared with spatial models that included patient age and sex, residual heterogeneity in spatial models that included age, sex, and block-level racial isolation was 33% lower for non-Hispanic black patients and 20% lower for non-Hispanic white patients. Conclusion Racial isolation of non-Hispanic black patients was associated with increased odds of hypertension among both non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white patients. Further research is needed to identify latent spatially patterned factors contributing to hypertension.
Nonvascularized Bone Grafts for Reconstruction of Segmental Mandibular Defects: Is Length of Graft a Factor of Success?

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate a long-debated question in the field of whether the success of reconstructing mandibular defects with nonvascularized bone grafts (NVBGs) is dependent on the length of the graft. Materials and Methods The inclusion criteria were patients who had received NVBGs, such as anterior or posterior iliac crest and costochondral grafts, to reconstruct segmental defects of the mandible between 2008 and 2017 at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Case Western Reserve University. Patients with a history of irradiation of the head and neck and patients with inadequate follow-up were excluded from this study. Data such as defect length, patient age, comorbidities, length of follow-up, location of defect, etiology of defect, and postoperative course were collected. Success was judged by radiographic and clinical evidence of bone continuity and stability at a minimum of 4 months postoperatively. Failures were considered loss of all or part of the graft, resulting in a residual continuity defect requiring further bone grafting. Results We identified 61 potential cases, of which 29 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean age of the patients at the time of grafting was 55 years (range, 17 to 81 years), with a mean follow-up length of 18 months. The length of defects ranged from 2 to 22 cm. The grafts were 6 cm or less in length in 7 defects and greater than 6 cm in length in 22 defects. All cases were grafted at a minimum of 6 months after resection, and bone morphogenetic protein was used in 25 cases (86%). Failure occurred in 1 patient in the group with grafts of 6 cm or less and 2 patients in the group with grafts greater than 6 cm, corresponding to success rates of 86% and 91%, respectively. Eight patients experienced minor complications such as wound dehiscence or infection, which resolved with local measures and antibiotics. Conclusions The results of our study show that NVBGs are a viable, safe, and effective treatment option for segmental mandibular defects over 6 cm in length in non-irradiated patients.
Effect of environmental conditions on injury rates at a Colorado ski resort.

Objective To determine the effect of daily environmental conditions on skiing and snowboarding-related injury rates. Methods Injury information was collected from a mountainside clinic at a large Colorado ski resort for the 2012/2013 through 2016/2017 seasons. Daily environmental conditions including snowfall, snow base depth, temperature, open terrain and participant visits were obtained from historical resort records. Snowpack and visibility information were obtained for the 2013/2014 through 2014/2015 seasons and included in a subanalysis. Negative binomial regression was used to estimate injury rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% CIs. Results The overall injury rate among skiers and snowboarders was 1.37 per 1000 participant visits during 2012/2013 through 2016/2017. After adjustment for other environmental covariates, injury rates were 22% higher (IRR=1.22, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.29) on days with Conclusions Environmental conditions, particularly snowfall and snowpack, have a significant impact on injury rates. Injury prevention efforts should consider environmental factors to decrease injury rates in skiers and snowboarders.
Performance of the transoral circular stapler for oesophagogastrectomy after induction therapy.

Objectives Patients undergoing oesophageal anastomosis may be at an increased risk for leak after induction therapy for oesophageal cancer, with intrathoracic leaks having significant morbidity. The outcomes of utilizing transoral circular stapler for the creation of a thoracic anastomosis have not been well studied in this patient population. Methods Patients with oesophageal cancer undergoing induction chemotherapy/radiation followed by Ivor Lewis oesophagogastrectomy were evaluated. All thoracic anastomoses were constructed with transoral circular stapler. Primary outcomes evaluated were the rates of anastomotic leak and stricture. Results Over 7 years, 87 consecutive patients were evaluated, among whom 69 (79%) were male. The median age was 63 years, median body mass index (BMI) was 27 kg/m2 and median age-adjusted comorbidity index was 5. Median operative blood loss was 400 ml and median operative time was 300 min. Major complications (grade ≥3) were seen in 19 (22%), including anastomotic leak in 2 (2.3%), both successfully treated with temporary covered metal stent. The median duration of hospital stay was 10 days, and 1 (1.2%) death was reported at 90 days due to cancer recurrence. Stricture occurred in 8 (9.2%), and median time to dilation was 109 days and median number of dilations was 1. Univariable analysis found BMI to be significantly higher in patients with an anastomotic leak versus those without (43 vs 27 kg/m2, P = 0.002). No variables were found to be predictive of anastomotic stricture. Conclusions The use of the transoral circular stapler for thoracic anastomosis results in a consistent formation of the anastomosis, with low leak and stricture rates in the setting of induction chemotherapy/radiation. Leaks that do occur appear to be amenable to stent therapy.
Worse than the Disease? The Rash of Lomatium Dissectum.

Influenza is a respiratory illness responsible for epidemic outbreaks of disease, and accounts for 500,000 to 1,000,000 emergency department (ED) visits in the United States each year.1 Because of the high prevalence of disease and its potential morbidity, emergency physicians must be facile in its diagnosis and treatment. In addition, some treatments for influenza, such as neuraminidase inhibitors, are associated with a higher risk of symptoms, such as gastrointestinal and central nervous system effects, which themselves can prompt ED visits.2 While front-line physicians have become adept at recognizing and managing both the symptoms of influenza and side effects of well-studied medical treatments, a further diagnostic challenge includes side effects of compounds or therapies recommended for influenza that are not well studied in Western medicine. Here, we present a report novel to the peer-reviewed medical literature of an adverse event due to the use of an herbal remedy for influenza.
Effects of Pharmacotherapy Treatment on Patient-Reported Outcomes in a Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia Cohort

Study Objective:We aimed to evaluate the association between patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and treatment regimen/standardized dose (STD), a measure of drug burden, in patients with narcolepsy ty...
The Possible Role of Vitamin D in Suppressing Cytokine Storm and Associated Mortality in COVID-19 Patients

The authors have withdrawn this manuscript because they have noticed idiosyncrasies in the reporting of 25(OH)D data across different countries. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited until after this issue is addressed. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.