cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The 1st World Congress on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome

This is the first of two articles covering the 1st World Congress on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome (IRS), which was held in Los Angeles, 21–22 November 2003. Yehuda Handlesman (Tarzana, CA), the conference organizer, noted that it reflects an endeavor to bring an understanding of basic science into the clinical practice of medicine. Contributory causes of insulin resistance include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and many other characteristics and conditions. Handlesman noted that the syndrome has been assigned International Classification of Disease (ICD)-9 code 277.7 as the dysmetabolic syndrome. Many aspects of the IRS are pharmacologically treatable when lifestyle modification is ineffective, and we need tools to determine which approaches are appropriate for particular individuals. Gerald Reaven (Stanford, CA) reviewed the six- to eightfold variation in steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) with continuous octreotide, insulin, and glucose infusion among apparently healthy persons. He attributed the lack of glycemic abnormality of persons with insulin resistance to compensatory hyperinsulinemia, although noting that there is great variation in insulin levels for a given level of insulin sensitivity. Similarly, there is variation in the correlations between obesity and insulin resistance, as well as between maximal aerobic capacity, a measure of physical fitness, and insulin sensitivity. Reaven suggested that adiposity and physical fitness each account for ∼25% of the variability in insulin sensitivity, with genetic factors, which he illustrated with the differences in insulin sensitivity between persons of European and persons of South Asian or Mexican ancestry and with the similarity in insulin sensitivity of related persons in a family, responsible for an additional 50% of this variation. Syndrome X, as Reaven originally termed it, included insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and increased risk of both diabetes and coronary heart disease. Other abnormalities associated with the IRS include glucose intolerance, small LDL particle size, postprandial accumulation of triglyceride-rich …
Suggested hierarchy of criteria for multi-scale ecosystem mapping

Abstract Ecological units of different size suited to the kinds of questions being asked at different levels of management decisions need to be identified and mapped. A set of criteria for sub-dividing a landscape into ecosystems of different size is presented, based on differences in factors important in controlling ecosystem size at varying scales in a hierarchy.
Gerrymandering on Georgia's Mind: The Effects of Redistricting on Vote Choice in the 2006 Midterm Election

Objective. We make use of individual-level survey data from the 2006 midterm election in order to determine the degree to which redistricting affected the vote choice of whites residing in Georgia Congressional Districts 8 and 12. Methods. A multivariate probit model was used to assess the probability of voting for the GOP House candidate among voters represented by the same incumbent before and after redistricting versus voters who had been newly drawn into one of these districts. Results. Despite a national tide that favored the Democratic Party in the 2006 elections, redrawn whites were more likely to vote for the Republican challengers in the districts surveyed. Conclusions. Our findings indicate that redistricting can be used to dampen the incumbency advantage. In addition, the findings of this research also speak to the continuing Republican realignment of white voters in the Deep South and to the recognition that the effects of redistricting are dependent on political context. A large Democratic tide swept across the country in the 2006 midterms. Democratic incumbents had not been so electorally secure since 1982, 12 years before their party lost its House majority in the 1994 elections. When the dust had finally settled, the GOP dropped 30 seats, going from a 15-seat majority to a division of 233 Democrats and 202 Republicans in the 110th Congress. 1 Yet in the midst of a markedly lopsided election in which not a single Democratic incumbent lost, there were two Democrats fighting for dear life to hold onto their districts, Georgia U.S. House Representatives Jim Marshall (GA 8) and John Barrow (GA 12). Representing neighboring districts in southern and middle Georgia, these incumbents had to fend off spirited challenges from ex-Georgia Republican congressmen Mac Collins in
Enhanced Swelling Rate of Poly(ethylene glycol)-Grafted Superporous Hydrogels

Hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafts were introduced into superporous hydrogels (SPHs) to enhance the water absorption rate and swelling kinetics. PEG-grafted SPHs were prepared by copolymerization of acrylic acid and acrylamide monomers in the presence of PEG acrylate accompanied by a gas blowing foaming process to create superporous structures. PEG-grafted SPHs swelled 3 6 times faster than the control SPHs. The equilibrium swelling time was significantly reduced by introduction of hydrophilic PEG grafts and was further shortened by moisture. PEG-grafted SPHs containing 28wt% of moisture reached their equilibrium swelling within 20s. These PEG-grafted SPHs with fast swelling and superabsorbent properties may be useful for bioapplications where fast swelling kinetics is critical.
A Generic Framework for Continuous Motion Pattern Query Evaluation

We introduce a novel query type defined over streaming moving object data, namely, the continuous motion pattern (CMP) queries. A motion pattern is defined as a sequence of distinct spatial predicates, each attached to a temporal constraint. The spatial predicates can be of various types (range, nearest neighbor, etc.) The temporal constraints are relative to the current time instant and are used to specify the order of the spatial predicates on the time axis. A CMP query is continuously reevaluated over streaming spatiotemporal data, producing the moving objects which satisfy the query's motion pattern. We first introduce an easily maintainable indexing scheme for spatiotemporal streams that facilitates the evaluation of the spatial predicates over their temporal constraints. Using this scheme we propose a generic framework for efficiently answering a wide range of CMP queries. The effectiveness of our algorithms in reducing the query computation cost and I/O operations is revealed through a thorough experimental evaluation.
The human protein disulfide isomerase gene family

Enzyme-mediated disulfide bond formation is a highly conserved process affecting over one-third of all eukaryotic proteins. The enzymes primarily responsible for facilitating thiol-disulfide exchange are members of an expanding family of proteins known as protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs). These proteins are part of a larger superfamily of proteins known as the thioredoxin protein family (TRX). As members of the PDI family of proteins, all proteins contain a TRX-like structural domain and are predominantly expressed in the endoplasmic reticulum. Subcellular localization and the presence of a TRX domain, however, comprise the short list of distinguishing features required for gene family classification. To date, the PDI gene family contains 21 members, varying in domain composition, molecular weight, tissue expression, and cellular processing. Given their vital role in protein-folding, loss of PDI activity has been associated with the pathogenesis of numerous disease states, most commonly related to the unfolded protein response (UPR). Over the past decade, UPR has become a very attractive therapeutic target for multiple pathologies including Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver disease, and type-2 diabetes. Understanding the mechanisms of protein-folding, specifically thiol-disulfide exchange, may lead to development of a novel class of therapeutics that would help alleviate a wide range of diseases by targeting the UPR.
Viral Determinants of Resistance Versus Susceptibility

The ability of a plant virus to systemically infect its hosts can be considered the consequence of a series of interactions between the viral genome and its gene products with the host. Once a virus enters the cell, it must be able to express each of its proteins, replicate its genome, move from one cell to another, and then gain access to the host vascular system to move out of the initially infected leaf to other parts of the plant. At each step of this process, there must be a basic level of compatibility between the virus and its host; otherwise, the infection process ends prematurely. (2002) discusses how mismatches between host and virus at different points of the infection process can define the host range of a virus. For example, stringent requirements for cell-to-cell movement in the plant can provide one important barrier that limits the host range of a virus. A virus may be able to replicate in an individual cell, but its cell-to-cell movement protein may be non-functional in that host, thereby limiting its movement into adjacent cells. In this instance, there would be no visible response of the plant to the inoculation of the virus.
Bringing Hope and Change A Study of Youth Probation Officers in Toronto

Although youth probation (in some countries described as youth justice or youth offending work) has been widely discussed in older and more recent criminological literature, less attention has been paid to youth probation officers' accounts of their attitudes and strategies. In this study, the author uses in-depth interviews with 20 youth probation officers in Toronto, examining officers' attitudes toward the youth they work with and how these attitudes are reflected in the strategies that the officers use to achieve their professional goals. Findings reveal that the officers balance their authoritative and supportive roles not only to hold youth accountable, to encourage them to assert control over their lives, and to maintain optimism about the possibility of a nondeviant life, but also to assist the youth in attaining the means and resources necessary to make positive changes. These findings are interpreted within the framework of Canadian youth justice legislation as well as the broader desistance literature.
A Method for Determining β-Galactosidase Activity of Yogurt Cultures in Skim Milk,

A method was developed for determining the specific activity of bacterial beta-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) during growth of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus in skim milk. Individual and mixed strain cultures of S. thermophilus (St 3642, St14485) and L. bulgaricus (Lb11842, Lb880) were examined for growth (OD at 600 nm and viable cell counts), acid production, and beta-galactosidase activity (expressed as a function of recoverable TCA-precipitable cellular protein). Cultures were inoculated into 10% skim milk (2% inoculum) and incubated at 40 degrees C for 12 h. Aliquots were removed at 2-h intervals and diluted with ice cold EDTA, pH 12. The EDTA chelates calcium and solubilizes milk protein, allowing separation of the bacteria by centrifugation. Cells were then washed twice with 20 mM phosphate buffer and disrupted by sonication. Cell debris and intact cells were removed by centrifugation and the cell-free extract evaluated for beta-galactosidase activity using o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside as substrate. Specific activities ranged from 0 to 6 units/mg protein. This simple and reproducible method is applicable for enzyme assays and measurement of cellular components where contamination by milk proteins is a potential problem.
Drinking Patterns and Acculturation in Rural Buganda

Basic sociocultural changes are often reflected in changing drinking patterns. Data from rural Uganda suggests that with increasing acculturation, there is a trend toward informal drinking behavior, a preference for modern beverages, and the elaboration of drinking settings. Modern settings appear to provide important opportunities for access to the national culture. Results indicate that the marginal population, not the least or most acculturated, are the heaviest alcohol users. An application of item-analysis to acculturation scale construction and suggestions for further research are also presented.
Prevalence and Histopathologic Characteristics of Pancreatitis in Cats

Despite the high prevalence of feline pancreatic disease, no detailed description on the histopathologic nature of this disease is currently available in the literature. In this study we characterize the distribution and histopathologic changes commonly found in feline pancreases, correlate the lesions with age and gastrointestinal GI and extra-gastrointestinal disease, and compare the pancreatic lesions in cats with those in humans. The entire pancreas was removed and examined from 115 cats presented for necropsy irrespective of the cause of death. Histologic sections from left limb, right limb, and body were scored for lesions of acute (AP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) with a scoring system based on similar systems used in human and veterinary literature. The lesions of CP in cats resemble CP in humans, with fibrosis being more prominent than inflammatory changes. Cystic degeneration gradually increased as other lesions of CP were more prominent. A distinct nodular change of zymogen depletion and acinar cell dysplasia not associated with pancreatitis was prominent in 15.6% of the pancreases. Histologically, AP consisted of neutrophilic inflammation associated with interstitial edema and necrosis of mesenteric fat. An overall prevalence of 67%, and 45% in clinically normal animals, was identified. CP was found in 69 (60.0%) pancreases, and 58 (50.4%) had CP only, with a significant correlation between age and occurrence of CP. There was a statistically significant higher prevalence of CP in the left limb in animals with gastrointestinal disease. AP was present in 18 animals (15.7%) of which 7 animals had AP only (6.1%).
Presidents and the Prospective Voter

The economy being the key to presidential popularity, what is the economic intelligence inspiring the approval judgments of American voters? According to one school of thought, the public relies on the current performance of the economy (the retrospective voter), while a rival makes the case for expectations about the future economy (the prospective voter). I conduct a time-series analysis combining consumer surveys and presidential approval polls (1960-1993). The results unequivocally reject the prospective claim and confirm the retrospective one. Depending on the measure used, economic expectations either prove too sensitive to political interventions (change in the White House, wars, and scandals) to shape presidential approval; or else, economic expectations do no more than encapsulate information about the current state of the economy. The research bears out the wisdom and the fairness of the retrospective calculus. To judge a president's performance in office is not a question about things to come b...
The incidence of a normal spinal fluid in acutepoliomyelitis

Summary 1. From June, 1944, through December, 1949, there were admitted to the Geisinger Memorial Hospital 320 cases of acute anterior poliomyelitis. Forty-three or 13.8 per cent of the patients showed no abnormal findings in the spinal fluid although they had the characteristic signs and symptoms of the disease. Five of the patients were nonparalytic at the time of discharge while the other 38 patients showed slight to severe paralysis. At the end of a three months' follow-up, 51.1 per cent had completely recovered, 34.9 per cent had residual weakness, and 14 per cent had severe paralysis. 2. It was observed that 32.6 per cent of these patients had the spinal tap done on the first day of the disease and 74.6 per cent within the first four days. 3. The diagnostic criteria for paralytic and nonparalytic poliomyelitis as formulated by the National Conference on Recommended Practices is the best outline to follow in the diagnosis of this disease at the present time. 4. The diagnosis of acute poliomyelitis should be made from the clinical observations with the aid of the spinal fluid findings by a physician qualified by experience and training to make such a diagnosis.
Geospatial technologies and digital geomorphological mapping: Concepts, issues and research

Geomorphological mapping plays an essential role in understanding Earth surface processes, geochronology, natural resources, natural hazards and landscape evolution. It involves the partitioning of the terrain into conceptual spatial entities based upon criteria that include morphology (form), genetics (process), composition and structure, chronology, environmental system associations (land cover, soils, ecology), as well as spatial topological relationships of surface features (landforms). Historically, the power of human visualization was primarily relied upon for analysis, introducing subjectivity and biases with respect to selection of criteria for terrain segmentation and placement of boundaries. This paper reviews new spatio-temporal data and geocomputational approaches that now permit Earth scientists to go far beyond traditional mapping, permitting quantitative characterization of landscape morphology and the integration of varied landscape thematic information. Numerous conceptual, theoretical, and information-technology issues are at the heart of digital geomorphological mapping (DGM), and scientific progress has not kept pace with new and rapidly evolving geospatial technologies. Consequently, new capabilities exist but numerous issues have not been adequately addressed. Therefore, this paper discusses conceptual foundations and illustrates how geomorphometry and mapping approaches can be used to produce geomorphological information related to the land surface and landforms, process rates, process–form relationships, and geomorphic systems.
Darbepoetin alfa has a longer circulating half-life and greater in vivo potency than recombinant human erythropoietin

Abstract Objective Experiments on human erythropoietin (EPO) demonstrated that there is a direct relationship between the sialic acid–containing carbohydrate content of EPO, its circulating half-life, and in vivo bioactivity. This led to the hypothesis that an EPO analogue engineered to contain additional oligosaccharide chains would have enhanced biological activity. Darbepoetin alfa, a hyperglycosylated recombinant human EPO (rHuEPO) analogue with two extra carbohydrate chains, was designed and developed to test this hypothesis. Materials and Methods Comparative pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies and biochemical analyses of darbepoetin alfa and rHuEPO were performed to define the consequences of the increased carbohydrate content. Results Due to its increased sialic acid–containing carbohydrate content, darbepoetin alfa has a higher molecular weight, a greater negative charge, and a ∼fourfold lower EPO receptor binding activity than rHuEPO. It also has a threefold longer circulating half-life than rHuEPO in rats and dogs. In spite of its lower receptor binding, and perhaps counterintuitively, darbepoetin alfa is significantly more potent in vivo than rHuEPO. Due to the pharmacokinetic differences, the relative potency of the two molecules varies as a function of the dosing frequency. Darbepoetin alfa is 3.6-fold more potent than rHuEPO in increasing the hematocrit of normal mice when each is administered thrice weekly, but when the administration frequency is reduced to once weekly, darbepoetin alfa is ∼13-fold to 14-fold more potent than rHuEPO. Conclusions Increasing the sialic acid–containing carbohydrate content beyond the maximum found in EPO leads to a molecule with a longer circulating half-life and thereby an increased in vivo potency that can be administered less frequently.
New Cyclization and Cycloaddition Reactions in Organic Synthesis

An account of our recent studies on the rhodium-catalyzed carbo- cyclizations, cycloadditions and cyclohydrocarbonylations is presented. Silicon- initiated cascade carbocyclizations, including carbonylative carbocyclizations, provide powerful methods for the rapid construction of heterocyclic as well as carbocyclic compounds in one step. Efficient (2 + 2 + 2 + 1) cycloaddition process also furnishes an easy access to fused tricyclic systems. Cyclohydrocarbonylation reactions provide useful and efficient methods for the synthesis of a variety of nitrogen-heterocycles of medicinal interests.
Taking a SecondLook ™ at a Time-Efficient Self-Review Resource

Interactive review tools are highly valued by today’s students. The SecondLook™ Histology resource was developed for students at the University of Michigan to test their knowledge and skills in analyzing micrographic histology images. Originally conceived as a series of PowerPoint files, it has also been converted to mobile applications.
New cross-proposal entrepreneurship and innovation in educational programs in third level (tertiary) education

Capitalism has promoted and requires the growing knowledge of entrepreneurs, creative people who have the ability to solve problems in the form of innovation. The types of enterprises they create can be social, public and private. By creating an enterprising company new products and new production methods can be introduced, new markets are open, new sources of raw materials and inputs are developed and new market structures in an industry are created. Entrepreneurship can be taught, the question is how to do it. Teaching entrepreneurship should go beyond the business plan. It proposes a form that overcomes the mistakes found by the author in two research studies in 2008 and 2014 in the programs of management in Bogota.
A Method to Achieve Targeted Repetition Rates for All-Fiber Mode-Locked Lasers

We demonstrate a method to achieve any targeted repetition rate for all-fiber frequency combs through coherent optical frequency-domain reflectometry. This method has applications in microwave generation, dual-comb systems, and future comb-based fieldable electro-optic systems. Work of the U.S. government, not subject to copyright.
Etiology of pigmented scars in the bronchial mucosa.

Pigmented scars in the bronchial mucosa were found in 17 subjects in a series of 100 consecutive necropsies of adults. The average age of the 100 patients was 65 yr.; 84 yr. was the average age for patients with pigmented scars. Ten cases almost certainly represent healed perforations of lymph nodes into the bronchial tree; the seven residual cases had scars which might have derived from the same etiology. In the ten cases assumed to be residuals after perforation, Histoplasma capsulatum was demonstrated in seven in adjacent components of the primary complex (lung or lymph nodes or both). The calcium particles from healed histoplasmotic lymph nodes apparently find their way into the bronchus quite frequently and are the usual source of broncholiths, at least in this endemic geographic area.
Assessment plan for student academic achievement: one college's perspective.

The general public has become increasingly concerned about the accomplishments of education. Accrediting bodies are holding institutions of higher education accountable for educational services and are demanding a variety of assessment activities. This article presents the plan for assessment of student achievement at the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 102(6): 529–534, 2012)
Analysis of monitoring status of lead,cadmium and mercury in food in Guilin from 2007 to 2011

Objective To detect and analyze the contents of lead,cadmium,mercury in agricultural products samples,so as to understand the heavy metal pollution status of agricultural products for sale in Guilin. Methods According to Guangxi food contaminants monitoring manual and GB / T5009. 12-2003,GB / T5009. 15-2003,GB500. 17-2003,the detection results were compared with the national standard( GB2760-2005). Results There were 215 eligible samples,the qualified rate was 73. 1%,the pollution rate of total heavy metals was 26. 9%. Root vegetables had the heaviest metal pollution. Preserved eggs, pork liver,pork kidney and rice were found triple contamination of lead,cadmium,mercury. Conclusion Heavy metal pollution become increasingly serious in recent years,so the agricultural department and environment protection administration should pay more attention to strengthen the pesticide safety and technical guidance,and control the pesticide pollution to the environment. Environmental monitoring department should carry out the soil heavy metal background monitoring in Guilin,so as to master the soil background values of heavy metals,and ensure the safety of agricultural products.
LEG ULCERATION AND THE CHOLESTEROL EMBOLUS

An important and frequently overlooked cause of leg ulcers are cholesterol emboli. A 79-year-old woman with a non-healing leg ulcer is described. The diagnosis of cholesterol embolism was made with the aid of a deep biopsy of the ulcer and serial sectioning of the specimen. This report serves to illustrate the importance of considering cholesterol embolism when evaluating a chronic leg ulcer, and the diagnostic value of proper biopsy techniques.
From Multiple Breakdowns to Stabilization of Democracy: Argentina

As we saw in Chapter 4, the breakdown rate of competitive regimes declined dramatically in Latin America in the third wave of democratization. Why did competitive regimes break down so readily before the third wave? And what accounts for the vastly lower breakdown rate in the third wave? In this chapter we rely on a qualitative case study to explore these questions and provide intensive testing of our theory. The intensive testing focuses on Argentina, which experienced chronic instability during the first and the second waves of democratization but has enjoyed a stable democratic regime since 1983, notwithstanding considerable governmental instability from December 2001 to May 2003 and some signs of democratic erosion since 2011. The two questions we ask about Argentina mirror the theoretical questions that animate this book. What explains the chronic breakdowns of competitive regimes until 1976 despite some favorable conditions? And what explains the dramatic change to democratic survival in the period since 1983 despite some severe social and economic dislocations that almost surely would have produced a breakdown prior to the third wave? From 1930 until 1983, Argentina frequently cycled between authoritarian and competitive regimes. The proximate key to understanding the high instability of the five competitive regimes that broke down is that the pro-democracy coalition was chronically weak because of the almost complete absence of actors with a normative preference for democracy. When actors became disappointed with the results of competitive regimes, they defected to the authoritarian coalition for short-term gain. All major actors were indifferent or hostile to democracy. Radical actors had major responsibility for the breakdowns of 1951 and 1976 and secondary responsibility for the other three breakdowns. An unfriendly regional environment contributed to the breakdowns of 1930, 1951, 1966, and 1976. The authoritarian coalitions were also consistently fragile.
Refugee Girls and Boys and the Dilemmas of (Un)Sustainable Return to South Sudan

This chapter discusses the repatriation, reintegration, and renewed forced displacement experienced by the young population of South Sudan in response to the successive episodes of political violence that continue to ravage their country. It focuses on the role played by displaced young girls and boys as they find themselves differentially situated vis-a-vis the various determinants of conflict-induced mobility. The research revealed that, even before the most recent resurgence of conflict, intergenerational tensions were deepening owing to many displaced youngsters’ aspirations to a “modern”—often meaning urban—way of life perceived as incompatible with traditional livelihoods and social relations. Recent events highlight the need to revisit the traditional notions of repatriation as a durable solution, and to address more adequately gendered and intergenerational differences regarding reintegration needs and aspirations.
Emerging Trends in Seedbanking for Food and Agriculture: An International Perspective

ABSTRACTSeeds are vulnerable to a variety of threats resulting in extinction. Collection of seeds and saving them in secure facilities—seedbanks—to be shared for breeding disease-resistant varieties is the best solution. Working in the spirit of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, the Global Crop Diversity Trust, the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, and the Food and Agriculture Organization played a vital role in establishing over 1,700 seedbanks worldwide. Svalbard Global Seed Vault, known as Doomsday Vault, is an example of a global backup system for the planet's plant genetic resources.
Wound care and complications of mastectomy

Abstract Mastectomy complications include infection, lymphedema, pain, deep venous thrombosis, and seroma. The chapter discusses the prevention and management of these complications.
Clinicopathologic and gene expression analysis of initial biopsies from patients with eosinophilic esophagitis refractory to therapy

Some patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) do not respond to therapy. The clinicopathologic characteristics and gene expression profile at time of presentation could help predict response to therapy. Refractory EoE was defined as persistence of symptoms and biopsies with histologic features of EoE after 6 months of therapy with proton pump inhibitors and topical corticosteroids. Initial biopsies from refractory EoE patients (n=21), responder to therapy (n=8), patients who relapsed (n=6), and reflux controls (n=24) were studied. RNA was isolated from a subset of cases, and gene expression analysis of 285 genes involved in inflammation was performed using NanoString technology. There was no difference in the presenting symptoms among groups. The number of eosinophils/high-power field among nonresponders was higher (66±15) than responders (39±8; P<.0001) and similar to patients who relapsed (62±11). Six genes were expressed by at least 4-fold compared with reflux at a false discovery rate < 0.05, including overexpression of ALOX15, CCL26, FCER2, RTNLB, and RNASE2, and underexpression of DSG1. EoE patients refractory to therapy or who relapsed showed a trend toward higher ALOX15 expression compared with patients with good response to therapy (364.4- and 425-fold change, P=.097 and P=.07). RTNLB was significantly overexpressed in patients who were refractory to therapy versus those who responded favorably (10-fold versus 3-fold; P<.01). In conclusion, the number of eosinophils/high-power field in the initial biopsy inversely correlates with therapy response. Overexpression of RTNLB in refractory-to-therapy patients and overexpression of ALOX15 and CCL26 suggest that they are critical in the EoE pathogenesis.
Ketorolac use may increase risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Abstract Background Ketorolac (Toradol), a commonly used nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in the postoperative period, has been associated with increased risk of anastomotic leak after colon resection. The effect of postoperative NSAID and ketorolac use on postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is unknown. Methods Retrospective review of consecutive PDs at a high-volume pancreas center from 2012 to 2015. POPF was identified and graded using International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula criteria. Demographics, operative variables and 30-d postoperative NSAID use, dosage, and timing (early = postoperative day [POD] 0-5, late > POD 5) were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify predictors of POPF. Results Four hundred twenty-three PDs were analyzed (mean age 66 y, 47% female), and 60% received NSAIDs postoperatively. Ketorolac (median POD 0-5 cumulative dose = 90 mg, interquartile range 60-165) was used in 35.7% (n = 151). POPF occurred in 90 patients (21.3%). Early (POD 0-5) ketorolac use was associated with increased POPF, especially grade A (odds ratio [OR] 2.16, P = 0.036). Each 25 mg incremental increase in ketorolac use was associated with a 10% increase in the incidence of POPF (OR 1.10, P = 0.021), whereas a cumulative dose of >150 mg was associated with a 44% increased risk of POPF (OR 1.44, 95% confidence interval 1.03-2.01, P = 0.035). A multivariate regression model identified estimated blood loss, soft gland, pancreatic duct diameter, body mass index, and cumulative ketorolac dose >150 mg as independent predictors of POPF (P Conclusions Increasing doses of ketorolac in the early postoperative period are associated with increased risk of POPF, whereas a cumulative dose of >150 mg is an independent predictor of POPF after PD.
Molecular and functional characterization of the Gulf toadfish serotonin transporter SLC6A4.

ABSTRACT The serotonin transporter (SERT) functions in the uptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) from the extracellular milieu and is the molecular target of the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a common group of anti-depressants. The current study comprehensively assesses the sequence, tissue distribution, transport kinetics and physiological function of a teleost SERT. The 2022 bp toadfish SERT sequence encodes a protein of 673 amino acids, which shows 83% similarity to zebrafish SERT and groups with SERT of other teleosts in phylogenetic analysis. SERT mRNA is ubiquitous in tissues and is expressed at high levels in the heart and, within the brain, in the cerebellum. SERT cRNA expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes demonstrates a K m value of 2.08±0.45 μmol l –1 , similar to previously reported K m values for zebrafish and human SERT. Acute systemic blockade of SERT by intraperitoneal administration of the SSRI fluoxetine (FLX) produces a dose-dependent increase in plasma 5-HT, indicating effective inhibition of 5-HT uptake from the circulation. As teleosts lack platelets, which are important 5-HT sequestration sites in mammals, the FLX-induced increase in plasma 5-HT suggests that toadfish tissues may normally be responsible for maintaining low 5-HT concentrations in the bloodstream.
Improved lower extremity pedaling mechanics in individuals with stroke under maximal workloads

ABSTRACTBackground Individuals with stroke present with motor control deficits resulting in the abnormal activation and timing of agonist and antagonist muscles and inefficient movement patterns. The analysis of pedaling biomechanics provides a window into understanding motor control deficits, which vary as a function of workload. Understanding the relationship between workload and motor control is critical when considering exercise prescription during stroke rehabilitation.Objectives To characterize pedaling kinematics and motor control processes under conditions in which workload was systematically increased to an eventual patient-specific maximum.Methods A cohort study was conducted in which 18 individuals with chronic stroke underwent a maximal exertion cardiopulmonary exercise test on a stationary cycle ergometer, during which pedaling torque was continuously recorded. Measures of force production, pedaling symmetry, and pedaling smoothness were obtained.Results Mean Torque increased significantly (p...
Satellite Views of the Arctic Ocean Freshwater Balance

The freshwater balance of the Arctic Ocean involves atmospheric moisture and its movement; precipitation onto and evaporation from the land and ocean surface; runoff from rivers into the ocean; the growth, movement and melt of sea ice; and the movement of freshwater within the ocean itself. Satellite observations have contributed to a surprisingly large portion of these topics, some quite directly and others rather indirectly. Satellites generally cannot see into sea ice or the ocean, so we are left to deduce what we can about the variables we wish to estimate from signals from the surface. On the other hand the atmosphere is seen throughout its depth by satellites, so we can even get some vertical resolution of where water resides in the atmosphere. In this chapter we treat only the Arctic Ocean and its surrounding seas, and not the ocean’s drainage basin. For the most part, the satellite data record becomes quite valuable around 1979, and it keeps getting better with more sensors, better coverage, and better production of data sets applicable to the large-scale interests of this book.
Synoptic operative reporting for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy: A multi institutional pilot study evaluating completeness and surgeon perceptions

Abstract Background Synoptic operative reports (SOR) are more accurate than dictated operative reports (DOR) in a few single institution experiences. We sought to examine the completeness of SOR for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in a multi institutional pilot study. Methods Six institutions participated in SOR submission via a web-based survey. One institution collected DOR and case matched historical dictated operative reports (HOR) for subset analysis. A checklist evaluated completeness of all reports. A post-survey assessed participant opinions. Results 40 PD SORs were 98.5% complete and 35 LC SORs were 99.7% complete. Single institution subset analysis respective percent complete were: 11 PD SORs 99%, DORs 70% and HORs 74% and 14 LC SORs 99.7%, DORs 76%, and HORs 75%. Post-survey results yielded 10 PD and 24 LC responses. An overwhelming majority agreed that SOR were easy to use and would prefer to use SOR compared to DOR. Conclusion SOR are more complete than both study associated DOR and HOR. The majority of surgeons indicated their preference for SOR and their willingness to use them.
Identification and characterization of brush-border membrane-bound neutral metalloendopeptidases from rat small intestine.

Neutral metalloendopeptidase enzymes were identified and partially characterized in the brushborder membranes of rat small intestinal mucosal cells using insulin B chain and glutaryl-trial anine-4-methoxy-β-naphthylamide as substrates. Three different molecular species of endopeptidase were identified by disc gel electrophoresis. These enzymes were shown to be distinct from pancreatic endopeptidases on the basis of the following; enrichment in the brush-border membrane fraction, site of hydrolysis of peptide substrates, sensitivity to specific proteinase inhibitors, and the presence of brush-border membrane-associated endopeptidase activity in mucosal cells of Thiry—Vella loops. Hydrolysis of the substrates was shown to be a two-step process involving initial cleavage by endopeptidase with secondary hydrolysis of the peptide products by brush-border membrane aminopeptidase N. Hydrolysis of both substrates was maximum at a neutral pH and was strongly inhibited by metal chelating agents, phosphoramidone, and amastatin. Intestinal perfusion studies using glutaryl-trialanine-4-methoxy-β-naphthylamide suggest that these enzymes play a physiologic role in protein digestion. It was concluded that neutral endopeptidases are integral components of the intestinal brushborder membrane and work in concert with aminopeptidase N to hydrolyze dietary protein. This process may be of nutritional importance in normal subjects and those with diminished exocrine pancreatic function.
Limited Liability for Nuclear Accidents: Duke Power Co. v. Carolina Environmental Study Group, Inc.

The US Supreme Court decided in Duke Power Co. v. Carolina Environmental Study Group, Inc. that the Price-Anderson Act is constitutional. The $560 million limit is felt, however, to be too low in view of potential damage estimates made by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and by the recently demonstrated potential for accidents during the Three Mile Island incident. By placing the burden of damages above the limit on the potential victims, Congress avoided political responsibility and created a randomly selected group to bear the burden of an accident. Congress is urged to re-examine its policy and put all the risk on either the nuclear industry on the Federal government. 155 references.
A Visit to “The Clearing” and “Warrior Falls”: In Search of Brave and Beyond Spaces for Religious Education

AbstractThis article seeks to address the question: “How can religious educators learn from those who have been marginalized and whose voices are not usually heard because of the hegemony of whiten...
Robust Optical Spatial Localization Using a Single Image Sensor

A novel 3-D spatial localization method using a single camera with temporal-difference image processing is proposed. The proposed active localization method uses a ring of light-emitting diodes embedded on the target. The diameter and the central location of the ring's image on the image sensor are used to estimate the target location using a Volterra series expansion of the target coordinates. No knowledge of the camera hardware parameters is needed. Instead, Volterra series parameters are obtained through a prior training that needs to be performed only once. The proposed method can be implemented with low computational complexity and storage. The performance of the proposed method is compared against an earlier method that relies on prior knowledge of the camera hardware parameters. The proposed method demonstrates excellent performance even when the target is located far away from the axial direction of the camera lens. The proposed method can be applied in low-power outdoor unmanned aerial vehicle localization and indoor robotic navigation.
ECJ at 20: toward a general metaheuristics toolkit

ECJ is now 20 years old. Begun as a genetic programming and evolutionary computation library in Java, it has since established itself as historically one of the most popular EC toolkits worldwide. In 2016 we received a National Science Foundation grant to improve ECJ in many ways with an eye toward making it a useful toolkit not just for EC but for the broader metaheuristics community. This paper is a report on our efforts to this end. We discuss new metaheuristics frameworks and representations added to ECJ and the design challenges that they raise for a general-purpose framework, as well as testing facilities and other support tools. We conclude with our future directions for the library.
Spatial Ensemble Learning for Heterogeneous Geographic Data with Class Ambiguity

Class ambiguity refers to the phenomenon whereby similar features correspond to different classes at different locations. Given heterogeneous geographic data with class ambiguity, the spatial ensemble learning (SEL) problem aims to find a decomposition of the geographic area into disjoint zones such that class ambiguity is minimized and a local classifier can be learned in each zone. The problem is important for applications such as land cover mapping from heterogeneous earth observation data with spectral confusion. However, the problem is challenging due to its high computational cost. Related work in ensemble learning either assumes an identical sample distribution (e.g., bagging, boosting, random forest) or decomposes multi-modular input data in the feature vector space (e.g., mixture of experts, multimodal ensemble) and thus cannot effectively minimize class ambiguity. In contrast, we propose a spatial ensemble framework that explicitly partitions input data in geographic space. Our approach first preprocesses data into homogeneous spatial patches and uses a greedy heuristic to allocate pairs of patches with high class ambiguity into different zones. We further extend our spatial ensemble learning framework with spatial dependency between nearby zones based on the spatial autocorrelation effect. Both theoretical analysis and experimental evaluations on two real world wetland mapping datasets show the feasibility of the proposed approach.
Radiologic, genetic, and endocrine findings in isolated congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis patients

Abstract Background Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis (CNPAS) is a rare cause of upper airway obstruction in neonates. It can occur either associated with a solitary median maxillary central incisor (SMMCI) in 40–75% of cases or as an isolated morphogenic variant. Brain MRI is routinely performed in patients with CNPAS with a SCMMI due to the concomitant risks of intracranial midline defects of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA), holoprosencephaly, or associated endocrine dysfunction. However, the role of routine brain imaging and endocrinologic evaluation in patients with isolated CNPAS is not frequently studied given the assumption that isolated CNPAS is unlikely to be associated with any intracranial findings. Objectives To evaluate intracranial findings on dual brain MRI imaging in isolated CNPAS patients and to determine if any radiologic, endocrinologic, or genetic abnormalities existed in these patients. Methods We performed a single-institution retrospective review and case series of patients with isolated CNPAS from 2006 to 2019. Findings from dual brain MRI imaging, cytogenetic and karyotype testing, and formal endocrinologic testing were analyzed for each patient and compared to reported findings in isolated CNPAS patients within the literature. Results From 2006 to 2019, 16/29 patients were identified at our institution with isolated CNPAS. Inpatient otolaryngologic consultation, CT, and brain MRI imaging was obtained after a mean postnatal age of 3.21 days, 13.5 days, and 35.91 days, respectively. Dual brain MRI imaging was obtained in 12/16 (75%) patients. In our patients, abnormal MRI findings included hypothalamic hamartoma, pars intermedius cyst, and grades 1 and 4 germinal matrix hemorrhages. No holoprosencephaly was found in any patient. Genetic testing was performed on 10/16 (62.5%) patients. Karyotyping was normal in all patients and microarray testing was abnormal in 2/10 patients that represented a 2p16.3 deletion in one patient and a 7q36 deletion causing an unbalanced translocation mutation of the Sonic Hedgehog gene in the second patient. In the latter patient, a hypothalamic hamartoma and panhypopituitarism was found. Endocrine evaluation was performed in 5 patients and was normal in 3/5 patients. Conclusions Our case series of isolated CNPAS patients identified multiple abnormalities on radiologic, genetic, and endocrine testing; one of which that involved a defect of the HPA with panhypopituitarism resulting from a hypothalamic hamartoma. Based upon our findings, dedicated brain MRI imaging, endocrinologic, and genetic testing, should likely be considered for any newly diagnosed, isolated CNPAS patient given the uncommon but potential risk for associated intracranial abnormalities.
Regulating Vaping - Policies, Possibilities, and Perils.

Regulating Vaping Federal and state governments have implemented numerous policies to combat the growth of vaping. But policies should protect young people without diminishing adult smokers’ abilit...
Coagulopathy in COVID-19: Manifestations and management.

COVID-19-associated coagulopathy is common in patients with COVID-19, causing high rates of thrombotic complications that increase the morbidity and mortality. Markedly elevated levels of D-dimer with normal fibrinogen levels are the hallmark laboratory findings and correlate with severity of illness and risk of thrombosis. Aggressive VTE prophylaxis is paramount for all patients with COVID-19. Patients with very high D-dimer levels (6 times the upper limit of normal, greater than 3,000 ng/mL) have the greatest risk of thrombosis and may benefit from active screening and more intensive VTE prophylaxis.