cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Significance of Histologic Features in Canine Renal Cell Carcinomas: 70 Nephrectomies

The prognostic significance of histologic and clinical features was evaluated in a retrospective study of 70 dogs treated with nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. Dogs presenting with hematuria and cachexia had significantly decreased overall and tumor-specific survival. Mitotic index (MI), nuclear size, nuclear pleomorphism, tumor differentiation, invasiveness, Fuhrman nuclear grade, and clear cell morphology were significantly associated with survival times (overall and tumor specific) in univariate analyses. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was constructed using stepwise selection to evaluate potential histologic predictor variables. This multivariate analysis revealed MI, defined as the number of mitotic figures in ten 400× fields, as the sole independent prognostic variable. Median survival for dogs with an MI >30 was 187 days compared with 1184 days for dogs with an MI of <10. Dogs with an intermediate MI of 10 to 30 had a median survival of 452 days. Canine renal carcinomas were categorized into the following subtypes based on histologic features and histochemical and immunohistochemical staining: (1) clear cell, (2) chromophobe, (3) papillary, and (4) multilocular cystic renal cell carcinomas. Clear cell carcinoma was diagnosed in 6 of 70 (9%) canine tumors and was associated with a significantly decreased median survival time. Papillary carcinomas were identified in 15 of 70 tumors (21%), chromophobe in 6 of 70 (9%), and the multilocular cystic variant of canine renal cell carcinoma in 3 of 70 tumors (4%). These findings facilitate uniform categorization of canine renal cell carcinoma and provide veterinary pathologists with criteria to determine prognostic information.
Relational Anxiety in Interracial Interactions

Most of the research on intergroup anxiety has examined the impact of people's own anxiety on their own outcomes. In contrast, we show that in intergroup interactions, one's partner's anxiety is just as important as one's own anxiety (if not more important). Using a diary study among college roommates, we show that partners' anxiety predicts respondents' anxiety across time on a daily basis, as well as respondents' interest in living together again the next year. We discuss the importance of taking a relational approach to understanding intergroup interactions.
Increased expression and release of functional tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) by T cells from lupus patients with active disease

Abstract Increased expression of TRAIL in membrane-bound and soluble form in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been previously reported. In this study, we characterized the upregulation of T-cell-associated and soluble TRAIL (sTRAIL) in vivo and the modulation of TRAIL expression and soluble protein release in vitro following T cell activation and IFNα exposure. The expression of membrane-bound TRAIL as determined by flow cytometry was higher on CD4 + and CD8 + T cells from lupus patients compared to controls, particularly on activated CD69 + CD8 + T cells. Similarly, sTRAIL levels determined by ELISA were significantly elevated in serum from patients with active SLE and correlated with levels of IFNα. In vitro, both T-cell-associated and sTRAIL were maximally induced by T cell activation plus IFNα in patients and controls. By Western blot analysis, sTRAIL was detected in sera in both the monomeric and multimeric, functional form. Both forms of TRAIL were functional in vitro as determined by Annexin V staining and 51 Cr release assay but the apoptotic activity of membrane TRAIL was 2.5-fold higher compared to that of sTRAIL. These results indicate that IFNα-induced enhancement of TRAIL expression and of TRAIL-mediated apoptosis may amplify the abnormal apoptotic process in SLE.
Office-based laryngopharyngeal biopsy

Traditionally, laryngopharyngeal biopsies have been performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. However, with recent improvements in techniques of obtaining laryngeal anesthesia and with the quality of flexible endoscopes, many of these procedures can be performed under local anesthesia in an office-based setting. This article explores different techniques for performance of office-based laryngopharyngeal biopsies.
Increased resistance to plasmic degradation of fibrin with highly crosslinked alpha-polymer chains formed at high factor XIII concentrations

We have previously demonstrated that increasing factor XIII concentrations above that present in plasma (1 U/mL) results in the formation of very high molecular weight alpha fate polyacrylamide and agarose gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). In this report, we have examined the effect of such crosslinking on plasmic susceptibility of fibrin prepared from purified fibrinogen and from plasma in the presence of factor XIII concentrations between 0 and 10 U/mL. The crosslinking achieved with purified fibrinogen at 1 U/mL factor XIII increased resistance to plasmic degradation by 32% as measured in a radiolabeled clot lysis system. However, further increases in plasmic resistance occurred at factor XIII concentrations of 2 and 10 U/mL, the latter decreasing the lysis rate to 45% of that which occurred in the absence of factor XIII. To achieve the same rate of clot lysis with fibrin formed using 10 U/mL rather than 1 U/mL of factor XIII, an increase in plasmin concentration of up to 4.2-fold was required. Similar results were obtained using clots prepared from plasma in the presence of factor XIII concentrations greater than 1 U/mL. Since the alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor content was the same for fibrin at 1 or 10 U/mL factor XIII, the increasing plasmic resistance could not be attributed to increased binding of the inhibitor. We conclude that fibrin prepared in the presence of factor XIII at concentrations exceeding that in plasma shows increased resistance to plasmic degradation, which is likely explained by the formation of very high molecular weight alpha polymer chains.
Natural Enemy Monitoring and Evaluation

Evaluation is a basic part of all biological control work. Evaluation serves two broad purposes. First, it is the tool through which scientists obtain the biological information needed to separate effective biological control agents or methods from ineffective ones, so that further efforts can be focused on the most effective options. Evaluation methodology is especially critical when biological control is only partially effective, or when the biological effects of several partially effective methods or agents need to be compared. In such cases, the effect of the natural enemy may not be as dramatic as agents (or practices) that provide complete control of the pest. Second, economic evaluations of biological control projects are needed to provide economic planners with data on value returned for funds invested so that further investments can be made in activities with greatest likelihood of productive results.
Beyond the Bridge Metaphor: Rethinking the Place of the Literacy Narrative in the Basic Writing Curriculum.

Critical analysis of the literacy narrative assignment within the context of the other genres in a basic writing course complicates understandings of the political import of the assignment. While several advocates of the literacy narrative have argued that it has the power of what Jean-Francois Lyotard has called petits recits, the authors argue that the relationship of the literacy narrative to other genres can also diminish the value of the literacy narrative and create what Lyotard has termed a “differend.” While still arguing for the value of the literacy narrative, authors present a narrative about curricular reform that demonstrates how students can learn to recognize how this genre circulates within the power/knowledge of academic writing. This critical reading of the literacy narrative genre leads the authors to call for a reconceptualization of the assignment as a productive “conflict” that can be utilized to reshape the entire curriculum of the course while still cultivating the skills of argumentation and analysis outlined in the course outcomes.
Deconstructing the “July Effect” in Operative Outcomes: A National Study

This study analyzes the relationship between hospital teaching status, failure to rescue, and time of year in select gastrointestinal operations. Procedure codes for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, colectomy, and pancreatectomy were queried from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2004-2011). Failure to rescue was defined as inpatient mortality when ≥1 complication. A total of 2,777,267 laparoscopic cholecystectomies, 2,519,903 colectomies, and 129,619 pancreatectomies were performed. Teaching hospitals had increased overall rates of failure to rescue compared to non-teaching hospitals, 10.0 vs. 9.5 % (p = 0.0187), particularly between May and August. There was greater inter-month variability in non-teaching hospitals amongst individual operations. On multivariable analysis, July was not predictive of increased odds of failure to rescue. Teaching status, hospital characteristics, and patient demographics were associated with increased odds of failure to rescue. Although teaching hospitals have a higher overall failure to rescue rate amongst the selected gastrointestinal operations, odds of failure to rescue are not increased in the month of July. Non-teaching hospitals tend to exhibit more monthly variation in failure to rescue rates, and hospital/patient demographics are predictive of failure to rescue. Further investigation targeted at identifying drivers of temporal variation is warranted to optimize patient outcomes.
Berlusconi on Berlusconi? An analysis of digital terrestrial television coverage on commercial broadcast news in Italy

This article examines how Italian commercial broadcast news on Mediaset’s three terrestrial channels has covered the transition to digital terrestrial television. Mediaset is the largest commercial broadcaster in the country and is owned by former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. By drawing on critical discourse analysis of broadcast news, it is argued that linguistic elements such as pronouns, choice of words, and metaphors, together with tendentious editing and framing of interviews, were part of a strategy of positive representation of the broadcaster’s interests in the transition and negative representation of media policies opposing such interests. In particular, the analysis brings to the surface the ideological usage of interviews. Interviews in this case did not function as an act of control over the powerful, but as a way to illuminate the broadcaster’s strategic interests while obfuscating the reasons behind attempts to regulate the transition to digital television and open the market to compet...
The use of alcian blue in vivo. I. Physiologic considerations.

Alcian Blue1, a phthalocyanin dye which is used to stain acid mucopolysaccharide substrates in fixed histologic preparations, can be delivered in vivo to rabbits, in high doses, in the range of pH 7.4, provided precautions are taken to keep the dye in solution and free of particulate matter. Used in this way, the dye has a short half-life in the plasma, shows no appreciable binding to serum proteins, is not excreted in the bile and only a trace of the dye appears in the urine. Dyes related and unrelated to Alcian Blue have been evaluated in vivo and their unique properties have been described. Alcian Blue delivered in vivo either stains or colors glomerular basement membrane (Parsons and McManus, 1964; Grant and Becker, 1967).
Integrating Professional Ethics into the Technical Writing Course

As communication teachers attempting to bridge the gap between school and industry, we need to give students a true understanding of what it means to be a professional. We may be spending too much ...
A Probabilistic Collocation Method Based Approach for Optimal Strategic Air Traffic Flow Management under Weather Uncertainties

This paper suggests an effective approach to design optimal strategic air traffic management strategies under weather uncertainty. The approach is based on the multivariate probabilistic collocation method, which constructs a good low-order polynomial approximation of the original system mapping over likely parameter values, from which optimal management strategies can be derived. We illustrate the optimal management design procedure through an example of designing Minutesin-trail (MINIT) and routing strategies for two correlated weather zones. The performance analysis shows this approach is promising for the real-time design of strategic air traffic management strategies due to its correctness and efficiency.
An extensible framework for capturing solvent effects in computer generated kinetic models.

Detailed kinetic models provide useful mechanistic insight into a chemical system. Manual construction of such models is laborious and error-prone, which has led to the development of automated methods for exploring chemical pathways. These methods rely on fast, high-throughput estimation of species thermochemistry and kinetic parameters. In this paper, we present a methodology for extending automatic mechanism generation to solution phase systems which requires estimation of solvent effects on reaction rates and equilibria. The linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) method of Abraham and co-workers is combined with Mintz correlations to estimate ΔGsolv°(T) in over 30 solvents using solute descriptors estimated from group additivity. Simple corrections are found to be adequate for the treatment of radical sites, as suggested by comparison with known experimental data. The performance of scaled particle theory expressions for enthalpic–entropic decomposition of ΔGsolv°(T) is also presented along with ...
What and When do Students Learn? Fully Data-Driven Joint Estimation of Cognitive and Student Models.

We present the Topical Hidden Markov Model method, which infers jointly a cognitive and student model from longitudinal observations of student performance. Its cognitive diagnostic component specifies which items use which skills. Its knowledge tracing component specifies how to infer students’ knowledge of these skills from their observed performance. Unlike prior work, it uses no expert engineered domain knowledge — yet predicts future student performance in an algebra tutor as accurately as a published expert model.
Evaluating life-sustaining treatments for demented persons.

Decisions to employ, withhold, or withdraw life-sustaining treatments from demented individuals should be centered on the patients’ personal needs rather than on physiological abnormalities. To accomplish this, physicians and families need a trusting communication and flexible, comprehensive, and positive approaches to treatment goals and technologies. This article critiques and proposes approaches to such treatment planning.
SU-D-BRC-05: Effects of Motion and Variable RBE in a Lung Patient Treated with Passively Scattered Protons

Purpose: To evaluate effects of motion and variable relative biological effectiveness (RBE) in a lung cancer patient treated with passively scattered proton therapy using dose volume histograms associated with patient dose computed using three different methods. Methods: A proton treatment plan of a lung cancer patient optimized using clinical treatment planning system (TPS) was used to construct a detailed Monte Carlo (MC) model of the beam delivery system and the patient specific aperture and compensator. A phase space file containing all particles transported through the beam line was collected at the distal surface of the range compensator and subsequently transported through two different patient models. The first model was based on the average CT used by the TPS and the second model included all 10 phases of the corresponding 4DCT. The physical dose and proton linear energy transfer (LET) were computed in each voxel of two models and used to compute constant and variable RBE MC dose on average CT and 4D CT. The MC computed doses were compared to the TPS dose using dose volume histograms for relevant structures. Results: The results show significant differences in doses to the target and critical structures suggesting the need for more accurate proton dose computation methods. In particular, the 4D dose shows reduced coverage of the target and higher dose to the spinal cord, while variable RBE dose shows higher lung dose. Conclusion: The methodology developed in this pilot study is currently used for the analysis of a cohort of ∼90 lung patients from a clinical trial comparing proton and photon therapy for lung cancer. The results from this study will help us in determining the clinical significance of more accurate dose computation models in proton therapy.
A unified framework for lp analysis and synthesis of Linear Switched Systems

In this paper, we develop a new framework to analyze stability and stabilizability of Linear Switched Systems (LSS) as well as their gain computations. Our approach is based on a combination of state space operator descriptions and the Youla parametrization and provides a unified way for analysis and synthesis of LSS, and in fact of Linear Time Varying (LTV) systems, in any lp induced norm sense. By specializing to the l∞ case, we show how Linear Programming (LP) can be used to test stability, stabilizability and to synthesize stabilizing controllers that guarantee a near optimal closed-loop gain.
A pressing matter

It began some 400 years ago with a simple question: can water be compressed? At that time it was clear that gases were compressible, but liquids presented a greater experimental challenge. Francis Bacon and the Accademia del Cimento in Florence were the first to attempt an answer, by filling a metal sphere with water and sealing it with solder. Although able to indent the sphere by striking it with a hammer, the Florentines concluded that the volume lost was equal to that of the beads of water that forced their way through the insufficiently strong seal. Thus, they deduced that water is incompressible. A century later, however, John Canton overturned this finding with a more precise experiment, and the experimental science of high-pressure physics was set in motion.
Effects of even-order nonlinear terms on predistortion linearization

Power amplifier (PA) is an essential component in communication systems and is nonlinear in nature. Digital baseband predistortion is an emerging cost effective approach to linearize a PA. To study PA nonlinear characteristics arid to construct a predistorter, accurate nonlinear models are often necessary. Polynomials have been used extensively for modeling the behavior of the PA or the predistorter and for bandpass communication signals, attention has been paid mainly to odd-order nonlinear terms. In this paper, we reveal the benefit of including even-order nonlinear terms in baseband modeling of the PA and in enhancing predistortion performance.
A New Design Method for VLSI Signal Processors

This paper presents a new method of designing digital signal processors for very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuit implementation with residue number systems (RNS), as opposed to the binary number systems traditionally used. In an RNS, a number is represented by its residues, modulo a set of relatively prime integers. The basic operations of modulo addition and multiplication are simpler in RNS because they can be executed independently in each residue class. Consequently, a desired linear function can be executed in a set of parallel channels on a chip, where each channel performs the same calculation modulo the integer used in that channel. Complexity is thus reduced by two mechanisms. Interconnections between parallel channels are eliminated and all operations are performed modulo the small integer used in each parallel channel of the RNS structure. The square law of circuit complexity applied to this set of small integers results in small, simple circuits. Speed of computation is increased because carry propagation delays are avoided. Further, the RNS design is combined with systolic arrays in such a way that the desired function becomes a parallel set of nearest neighbor-connected identical cells, each of which is minimally complex. The regularity minimizes interconnections and design time -- only one master VLSI macrocell that can be optimized and replicated under computer-aided design (CAD) control is needed.
Managing risk-adjusted resource allocation for project time-cost tradeoffs

In the traditional project crashing problem (also known as the time-cost tradeoff problem) associated with a project network, the decision variables are assumed to be continuous, representing the amount of reduction in the duration of the tasks in the project, and the objective is to find the least expensive set of time reductions (“crashing” times) to complete the project within a given time limit (to avoid penalties). We will study a variant of this problem with a combinatorial probabilistic version, where the objective is to find the set of “crashing” choices that minimizes the time reduction cost and the expected penalty risk from tardiness. We show this problem is NP-hard, so we propose efficient heuristics that can provide approximate solutions to this problem. We also extend this problem so that resource assignments can be adjusted following project status reviews several times before reaching the project deadline.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Nurse's Perception of the Relationship-Based Care Environment Scale

Abstract A review of the literature, together with a qualitative preliminary study (Testa & Emery, 2015), was the framework for development of a theoretical representation of the Nurse's Perception of the Relationship-Based Care Environment. This representation was the framework for item development of the Nurse's Perception of Relationship Based Care Environment scale. Psychometric analysis resulted in a five-component solution consistent with the theoretical representation. The 56-item scale as a whole and each of its components were found to be valid and reliable. The scale will allow for the assessment of nurses' relationships in the current health care environment.
A decomposition approach for solving critical clique detection problems

The problem of detecting critical elements in a network involves the identification of a subset of elements (nodes, arcs, paths, cliques, etc.) whose deletion minimizes a connectivity measure over the induced network. This problem has attracted significant attention in recent years because of its applications in several fields such as telecommunications, social network analysis, and epidemic control. In this paper we examine the problem of detecting critical cliques (CCP). We first introduce a mathematical formulation for the CCP as an integer linear program. Additionally, we propose a two-stage decomposition strategy that first identifies a candidate clique partition and then uses this partition to reformulate and solve the problem as a generalized critical node problem (GCNP). To generate candidate clique partitions we test two heuristic approaches and solve the resulting (GCNP) using a commercial optimizer. We test our approach in a testbed of 13 instances ranging from 25 to 100 nodes.
A Stacked Dual-Frequency Microstrip Patch Antenna for Simultaneous Shear and Pressure Displacement Sensing

This paper presents a simultaneous shear and pressure displacement sensor based on the microstrip patch antenna technology. The antenna sensor consists of a dual-frequency patch antenna, a superstrate, and a rectangular director. The two fundamental resonant frequencies of the patch antenna are influenced by the lateral and vertical positions of the director with respect to its radiation patch. Therefore, the shear and pressure displacements of the director can be determined simultaneously from two fundamental antenna resonant frequencies. The antenna sensor was designed, fabricated, and tested to characterize its sensing performance. An algorithm was developed to inversely determine the shear and pressure displacements from the measured antenna frequencies. We validated that the typical measurement uncertainties of the antenna sensor is ±0.3 mm for the shear displacement and ±0.15 mm for the pressure displacement. The presented shear/pressure displacement sensor is intended for monitoring the interaction between the human body and assistive medical devices (e.g., prosthetic liners, diabetic shoes, seat cushions, and so on).
Representations of the Void, or, The Language of Silence in the Fiction on the Strategic Bombing of Germany

This article explores the function and meaning of the void in novels on the strategic bombing of Germany written by Hubert Fichte, Kurt Vonnegut, and Louis-Ferdinand Celine. Instead of directly narrating the catastrophic event, the selected novels omit it, thereby producing a formal void. This paper claims that the narrative voiding of the traumatic event relates to two intersecting phenomena: (1) the psychic void in acute trauma, and (2) the difficulty of representing warfare—air raids in this case.
Adrenal Gland Imaging

The normal anatomy, physiology, and embryology of the adrenal glands is discussed. We then describe the use of ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging for normal adrenal imaging followed by a discussion of anomalies of adrenal shape, position, and size (including adrenal hyperplasia). Imaging characteristics of adrenal masses are presented including adrenal hemorrhage, medullary neoplasms (neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroma, pheochromocytoma), adrenocortical neoplasms (adenoma, carcinoma), and other adrenal masses (leiomyoma, myolipoma). Finally adrenal cysts and abscesses are then described.
Effect of light on oxygen-induced retinopathy in the mouse.

Purpose To examine the effect lf light on retinal neovascularization and vasculogenesis in a reproducible and quantifiable model of oxygen-induced proliferative retinopathy in the mouse. Methods C57Bl/6J mice were reared in room air, 68% oxygen, or 75% oxygen and were exposed to darkness, low cyclical light (200-350 lux), or high-intensity continuous light (3000-4500 lux). The entire retinal vascular pattern was visualized in fluorescein-dextran perfused flat-mount preparations. Proliferative retinopathy was quantified by counting neovascular nuclei in 6 microns cross-sections of whole eyes. Results Light exposure did not exacerbate the proliferative retinopathy that was seen after 68% oxygen exposure, which induced a meager proliferative response, nor after 75% oxygen exposure, which induced an exuberant proliferative response. In room air, retinas from all three illumination groups had normal vascular patterns. Conclusions In this model of oxygen-induced retinopathy, under the conditions tested, light neither exacerbated the hyperoxia-induced neovascularization nor affected normal retinal vascular development.
Connexins and Atrial Fibrillation in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The purpose of the study is to summarize the potential interactions between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), atrial fibrillation (AF), and connexins. OSA is highly prevalent in patients with cardiovascular disease, and is associated with increased risk for end-organ substantial morbidities linked to autonomic nervous system imbalance and increased oxidative stress and inflammation, ultimately leading to reduced life expectancy. Epidemiological studies indicate that OSA is associated with increased incidence and progression of coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, as well as arrhythmias, particularly AF. Conversely, AF is very common among subjects referred for suspected OSA, and the prevalence of AF increases with OSA severity. The interrelationships between AF and OSA along with the well-known epidemiological links between these two conditions and obesity may reflect shared pathophysiological pathways, which may depend on the intercellular diffusion of signaling molecules into either the extracellular space or require cell-to-cell contact. Connexin signaling is accomplished via direct exchanges of cytosolic molecules between adjacent cells at gap membrane junctions for cell-to-cell coupling. The role of connexins in AF is now quite well established, but the impact of OSA on cardiac connexins has only recently begun to be investigated. Understanding the biology and regulatory mechanisms of connexins in OSA at the transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels will undoubtedly require major efforts to decipher the breadth and complexity of connexin functions in OSA-induced AF. The risk of end-organ morbidities has initiated the search for circulating mechanistic biomarker signatures and the implementation of biomarker-based algorithms for precision-based diagnosis and risk assessment. Here, we summarize recent findings in OSA as they relate to AF risk, and also review potential mechanisms linking OSA, AF, and connexins.
Climate change implications for irrigation and groundwater in the Republican River Basin, USA

This study investigates the influence of climate change on groundwater availability, and thereby, irrigation across political boundaries within the US High Plains aquifer. A regression model is developed to predict changes in irrigation according to predicted changes in precipitation and temperature from a downscaled dataset of 32 general circulation models (GCMs). Precipitation recharge changes are calculated with precipitation-recharge curves developed for prognostic representations of precipitation across the Nebraska-Colorado-Kansas area and within the Republican River Basin focal landscape. Irrigation-recharge changes are scaled with changes in irrigation. The groundwater responses to climate forcings are then simulated under new pumping and recharge rates using a MODFLOW groundwater flow model. Results show that groundwater pumping and recharge both will increase and that the effects of groundwater pumping will overshadow those from natural fluctuations. Groundwater levels will decline more in areas with irrigation-driven decreasing trends in the baseline. The methodologies and predictions of this study can inform long-term water planning and the design of management strategies that help avoid and resolve water-related conflicts, enabling irrigation sustainability.
Dis Eased: Critical Consciousness in School Leadership for Social Justice

Dis ease refers to the state of being that leads one to investigate the easy assumptions and life norms that frame both conscious choice and unconscious behavior. Whereas disease reflects a medical...
Does sexual humor work on mars, but not on Venus? An exploration of consumer acceptance of sexually humorous advertising

AbstractIn this article, three studies demonstrate that the sexually humorous advertising’s efficacy is more complicated than conventional wisdom’s ‘works for males, but not for females’. Our findi...
Different Types of Wounds

There are many different types of wounds which we come across in our day to day practice. We need to take biopsy in so many patients. There are some medicines responsible for ulcers, some autoimmune conditions and some systemic diseases associated with skin ulcerations. In some ulcers it is difficult to know why they are not healing and sometimes out of many local wound dressing materials, some dressing material works wonders. These rare types of skin ulcers need expertise to diagnose and treat.
Food reactions during avoidance: Focus on peanut.

Abstract Objective Peanut allergy has historically been difficult to manage, with most cases persisting into adulthood. Novel therapies for peanut allergy treatment are on the horizon, yet allergists must maintain a robust understanding of the risks and benefits of the current standard of therapy, avoidance diet. Data Sources A comprehensive literature search using PubMed of reviews and clinical articles was performed. Study Selections Articles discussing peanut or other food-related allergic reactions, accidental exposures or anaphylaxis pertinent to avoidance diet or comparative to oral immunotherapy trials were selected. Results Peanut remains a leading allergen associated with accidental ingestions responsible for food-related reactions, both mild and severe. Fatal reactions, however, are rare and measures such as anaphylaxis plans can significantly decrease the risk of accidental anaphylaxis. Patients may over estimate situations thought to increase risk for reactions to peanut, such as inhalation or contact through skin. In oral immunotherapy trials, the rate of anaphylaxis secondary to treatment was significantly higher than avoidance practices. Conclusion Clinicians should continue to discuss avoidance as a viable option for long-term peanut allergy management and empower patients to differentiate relevant situations in which accidental reactions might occur.
Failure of LV Lead Placement for Biventricular Pacing: His Bundle Pacing for CRT

His bundle pacing has the advantage of restoring physiologic ventricular activation, rather than mimicking it as is the case with biventricular pacing. Engaging intact His-Purkinje fibers distal to conduction disease reestablishes multisite simultaneous endo-to-epicardial activation, resulting in normal torsional contraction and optimal cardiac output.
Significant Changes in the Diagnosis, Injury Severity and Treatment for Anterior Shoulder Instability Over Time in a U.S. Population.

Purpose To report the annual incidence of anterior shoulder instability (ASI) diagnosis, injury severity, and surgical stabilization in a U.S. population. Methods An established U.S. geographic database was used to identify patients < 40 years old with diagnoses of ASI from 1994-2016. Medical records were reviewed to obtain patient demographics, histories, imaging results, and surgical details. Age- and sex-specific incidence rates were calculated and adjusted to the 2010 U.S. population. Poisson regression was performed to examine trends by timeline, sex and age. Results The study population consisted of 652 patients with ASI and a mean age of 21.5 years (range, 3.6-39.5). Comparing 2015-2016 to 1994-1999, we found an increase in the number of dislocations (from 1.0-1.9; P = 0.016) and total instability events (from 2.3-3.4; P = 0.041) per patient prior to presentation to a physician. There was a trend in increased diagnosis of bony Bankart and/or Hill-Sachs on MRI over time, with these lesions documented in 96% of patients undergoing MRI in 2015-2018 compared to 52.9% in 1994-1999 (P < .001). The use of arthroscopic procedures increased and peaked in 2005-2009 (90% of surgical cases performed). The proportion of open Latarjet procedures increased from 2010-2014 (14%) and 2015-2018 (31%). Conclusions The age- and sex- adjusted incidence of ASI diagnosis in a U.S. population from 1994-2016 is comparable to that demonstrated in Canadian and European populations. This study demonstrates an increasing number of instability events prior to surgical evaluation, which may correlate with patients' more commonly presenting with bone loss and requiring more aggressive surgical treatment or that ASI is being more frequently cared for and documented by present-day orthopedic surgeons. Level of Evidence Level III, cross-sectional study.
Computational Fluid Dynamics and Morphometric Changes in OSA

Consideration of basic fluid dynamics principles can provide useful trend-wise insight into the relationships between anatomy, volumetric flow rate, and required breathing force, but considerations including the effects of viscosity are necessary to understand magnitude details. Computational fluid dynamics is a reliable and easy-to-use tool that can provide insight into the viscous relationships between anatomy, volumetric flow rate, and required breathing force. The mathematical and physics bases of the computational fluid dynamics technique are presented with simple examples to provide insight into fluid flow behavior and modern investigative methods. Tips for effective use of modern computational fluid dynamics tools are provided to help the reader conduct efficient and accurate simulations. Continued use of computational tools could provide more preparatory insight into what morphological surgical changes may be necessary for a given improvement in breathing.
#ImNotAChickFlick: Neoliberalism and Post-feminism in Veere Di Wedding (My Friend’s Wedding, 2018):

Released in 2018, Shashanka Ghosh’s Veere Di Wedding (VDW; My Friend’s Wedding), dubbed as India’s answer to Sex and the City, evoked mixed responses. While many reviews of the film denounced it fo...
Reductions in Management Distress Following a Randomized Distress Intervention Are Associated With Improved Diabetes Behavioral and Glycemic Outcomes Over Time.

OBJECTIVE To explore associations between reductions in diabetes distress (DD) and improvements in glycemic outcomes among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in the context of a DD randomized clinical trial. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Adults with T1D (N = 301) participated in a two-arm trial aimed at reducing DD (DD-focused OnTrack group vs. education-oriented KnowIt group). Mean age was 45.1 years; mean baseline HbA1c was 8.8% (73 mmol/mol). Individuals were assessed at baseline and 9 months later on DD, self-care, HbA1c, and frequency of hypoglycemia. Structural equation models evaluated hypothesized pathways among changes in DD, self-care, and glycemic outcomes in the total sample and by intervention group. RESULTS Reductions in DD were significantly and independently associated with better self-care, including fewer missed insulin boluses, more frequent insulin adjustment, improved problem-solving skills, more blood glucose monitoring, and greater adoption of continuous glucose monitoring (all P CONCLUSIONS In the context of an intervention to reduce DD for adults with T1D, results indicate that reductions in DD do not affect glycemic outcomes directly but through improvements in self-care behavior. Findings support the importance of integrating disease management with DD interventions to maximize improvements in glycemic outcomes.
Effects of Experimental Sleep Restriction on Ambulatory and Sleep Blood Pressure in Healthy Young Adults: A Randomized Crossover Study.

Although insufficient sleep is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, evidence of a causal relationship is lacking. We investigated the effects of prolonged sleep restriction on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and other cardiovascular measures in 20 healthy young participants (aged 23.4±4.8 years, 9 females), who underwent a randomized, controlled, crossover, 16-day inpatient study consisting of 4 days of acclimation, 9 days of sleep restriction (4 hours of sleep/night) or control sleep (9 hours), and 3 days of recovery. Subjects consumed a weight maintenance diet with controlled nutrient composition throughout. A 24-hour BP (primary outcome) and cardiovascular biomarkers were measured repeatedly. Polysomnographic monitoring was continuous. Comparing sleep restriction versus control sleep, 24-hour mean BP was higher (adjusted mean difference, day 12: 2.1 mm Hg [95% CI, 0.6-3.6], corrected P=0.016), endothelial function was attenuated (P<0.001), and plasma norepinephrine increased (P=0.011). Despite increased deep sleep, BP was elevated while asleep during sleep restriction and recovery. Post hoc analysis revealed that 24-hour BP, wakefulness, and sleep BP increased during experimental and recovery phases of sleep restriction only in women, in whom 24-hour and sleep systolic BP increased by 8.0 (5.1-10.8) and 11.3 (5.9-16.7) mm Hg, respectively (both P<0.001). Shortened sleep causes persistent elevation in 24-hour and sleep-time BP. Pressor effects are evident despite closely controlled food intake and weight, suggesting that they are primarily driven by the shortened sleep duration. BP increases are especially striking and sustained in women, possibly suggesting lack of adaptation to sleep loss and thus greater vulnerability to its adverse cardiovascular effects.
On the Structural Basis of Group 1 Influenza Fusion Inhibition by Arbidol

Influenza virus infection continues to be a major healthcare issue and the combination of the strain-specificity of vaccines with the increased circulation of therapeutic resistant strains drives the need for new approaches for the prevention and treatment of infection. Arbidol is a broad-spectrum antiviral with demonstrated activity against both group 1 and 2 influenza hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes. While the Arbidol binding site has been determined for group 2 HAs, it remains unidentified for group 1 HAs. Further, based on differences between group 1 and group 2 HAs, it is unknown whether or not Arbidol binds in a group-specific manner. Here, integrative modeling techniques combining cryo-electron tomography with x-ray crystallography and homology modeling enabled the construction of an all-atom model of the 2009 H1N1 influenza viral coat. Using the petascale supercomputer Blue Waters, we have performed explicitly solvated, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of this model, which contains over 160 million atoms and spans ~120 nm in diameter. From the subcellular scale simulations, individual HA trajectories have been extracted and analyzed with the construction of a Markov state model. Doing so allows us to investigate the structural dynamics and conformational transitions of the HA glycoprotein in the context of the crowded viral surface. From our Markov state model, we present the first evidence of a druggable pocket in a group 1 HA that is able to accommodate Arbidol. This druggable site is located in an analogous position to the known group 2 Arbidol binding site, suggesting that the binding of Arbidol to influenza HA is not group specific. The structural insights obtained here provide a structural basis for the mechanism of action for this drug in a group 1 HA, and thus will facilitate the development of the next generation of influenza therapeutics.
National Culture Impacts Internalization Benefits in Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions

We examine how cultural distance between bidder and target countries impacts internalization benefits in cross-border mergers and acquisitions. We expect to find internalization benefits when differences in national culture are great. This is plausible if contracting (e.g. licensing and franchising) is less expensive in culturally similar climates. If this is true, an increasing difference between two countries' cultures is likely to make contracting more costly and the purchase of a foreign company more attractive. The benefits from internalization, therefore, should increase with cultural distance. Cultural differences have previously been proxied by religion (La Porta, Lopez-de-Silanes, Shleifer and Vishny (1999)), language (Stulz and Williamson (2003)), and law (Licht, Goldschmidt and Schwartz (2005)). The most recent literature, however, has recognized the value of Hofstede's cultural dimensions (Benou, Gleason, and Madura (2007), and Licht et al. (2005)). In his seminal work, Hofstede found four distinct cultural dimensions: Power Distance Index (PDI), Individualism (IDV), Masculinity (MAS), and Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI). These cultural dimensions allow us to measure the similarity between national cultures. Our results suggest that shareholders are initially concerned about the acquisition in culturally distant countries, which outweighs any potential benefits from internalization. However, in the long-run we observe a significant reversal of these findings. In the second and third year following the announcement, greater cultural distance has a positive impact on the operating performance of bidder's with high intangibles, suggesting that significant internalization benefits from technological know-how are realized when cultural distance is great. Long-run calendar-time returns further support this finding. Our results add to the existing literature by highlighting the importance of cultural distance when examining internalization benefits.
The Combination Of 2-DG and Metformin Inhibits The mTORC1 Pathway and Suppresses Aggressive B Cell Lymphoma Growth and Survival

mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1) plays a central role in integrating nutrient and growth factor inputs to control cell growth in all eukaryotes and is commonly deregulated in human cancers. Inhibition of mTORC1 is a promising strategy in lymphoma therapy. However, only a few drugs, such as rapamycin and its analogs (rapalogs), have been approved for treatment in a limited number of cancer types, due to their incomplete and nonspecific inhibition of mTORC1 as well as their limited effects toward the 4EBP1 pathway. 4EBP1 pathway regulates protein translation which is considered to be crucial in cancer cell survival and proliferation. In this study, we used the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) together with the mitochondrial respiratory inhibitor metformin to treat aggressive B cell lymphoma cells in vitro and in vivo . We found that the combined treatment inhibited mTORC1 and its major downstream targets, including 4EBP1. As a result, combined treatment significantly inhibited tumor cell growth and survival by the inhibition of 5’ cap-dependent translation involving lymphoma associated oncogenes such as MCL-1, BCL-XL and Cyclin D1. Moreover, the combination of 2-DG and metformin suppressed tumor growth in B cell lymphoma xenograft mouse models. Although the combined treatment dramatically decreased cellular ATP levels, mTORC1 inhibition was independent of AMPK activity but instead resulted from inhibitory effects on Rag-GTPases, which are upstream activators of mTORC1. Given that both 2-DG and metformin have been used in clinical diagnosis or treatment for decades, the combination of the two drugs hold promise as a new strategy to treat aggressive B cell lymphoma. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Effectiveness and residual effects of seven insecticides on Dalbulus maidis (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) and Peregrinus maidis (Homoptera: Delphacidae).

Effectiveness and residual effects of seven insecticides, methomyl, carbaryl, malathion, diazinon, oxydemeton-methyl, acephate, and dimethoate, on Dalbulus maidis (DeLong and Wolcott) and Peregrinu...
Regulation of Ribosomal Protein Synthesis in Escherichia coli

The kinetics of synthesis of ribosomal, nonribosomal, and total protein, and of ribosomal ribonucleic acid (RNA), were measured in Escherichia coli during a shift-up involving a doubling of specific growth rate. The increase in ribosomal protein synthesis was not accompanied by a corresponding decrease in non-ribosomal protein synthesis. Thus, the average rate of protein synthesis per ribosome increased after the shift. The increase did not occur by an increase in polypeptide chain growth rates. The average growth periods of ribosomal and nonribosomal proteins did not change after a shift, and were constant in cells in balanced growth over a wide range of specific growth rates. The average growth period for ribosomal protein was twice that for nonribosomal protein. The fraction of ribosomes in polyribosomes was found to increase after the shift, accounting for the increase in ribosomal protein synthesis and in protein synthesis per ribosome. These results show that ribosomal protein synthesis is regulated by control of initiation of either transcription or translation of ribosomal protein messenger RNA, by some means other than availability of free ribosomes. If the messenger for ribosomal protein is ribosomal RNA, the conclusions can be extended to apply to regulation of ribosomal RNA synthesis. In support of this, it is shown that ribosomal RNA and ribosomal protein synthesis are closely coordinated during a shift.