cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adenosine 3',5'-Monophosphate in Glial Tumor Cells Treated with Glucocorticoids

The effect of various steroids on adenosine 39,59-monophosphate in C-6 glial tumor cell cultures was examined. Glucocorticoids increased basal and norepinephrine-stimulated concentrations of cyclic AMP in intact cells 2-fold. Exposure of cells to 2 µM corticosterone for at least 48 hr was required to obtain a maximal effect. The concentration of norepinephrine needed for half-maximal activation and the time course of the cyclic AMP response were unaltered. A 2-fold increase in adenylate cyclase activity of broken cell preparations similarly dependent upon corticosterone concentration and time was observed. The apparent K m for ATP was not changed but the maximum velocity was doubled, suggesting that the steroid induces the synthesis of additional adenylate cyclase. The activity of a second enzyme localized in the surface membrane, (Na + + K + )-ATPase, was unaltered in glucocorticoid-treated cells. Also, no differences in the activities of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases were detected.
A new species of the genus Boltenia (Ascidiacea) from the Red Sea

Between 2003 and 2008 during surveys and collection of ascidians along the Red Sea coast of Israel several specimens of an undescribed species of Boltenia were collected by SCUBA from man-made structures at 1–20 m depth. This is the first species of the genus Boltenia described from the Red Sea. We name the new species Boltenia yossiloya in honor of Professor Yossi Loya, a world renowned researcher of the coral reefs of Eilat.
Metabolism-related microRNAs in maternal breast milk are influenced by premature delivery

BackgroundMaternal breast milk (MBM) is enriched in microRNAs, factors that regulate protein translation throughout the human body. MBM from mothers of term and preterm infants differs in nutrient, hormone, and bioactive-factor composition, but the microRNA differences between these groups have not been compared. We hypothesized that gestational age at delivery influences microRNA in MBM, particularly microRNAs involved in immunologic and metabolic regulation.MethodsMBM from mothers of premature infants (pMBM) obtained 3-4 weeks post delivery was compared with MBM from mothers of term infants obtained at birth (tColostrum) and 3-4 weeks post delivery (tMBM). The microRNA profile in lipid and skim fractions of each sample was evaluated with high-throughput sequencing.ResultsThe expression profiles of nine microRNAs in lipid and skim pMBM differed from those in tMBM. Gene targets of these microRNAs were functionally related to elemental metabolism and lipid biosynthesis. The microRNA profile of tColostrum was also distinct from that of pMBM, but it clustered closely with tMBM. Twenty-one microRNAs correlated with gestational age demonstrated limited relationships with method of delivery, but not other maternal-infant factors.ConclusionPremature delivery results in a unique MBM microRNA profile with metabolic targets. This suggests that preterm milk may have adaptive functions for growth in premature infants.
Topographically driven differences in energy and water constrain climatic control on forest carbon sequestration

National Science Foundation [NSF-0724960, DBI-0735191, DBI-1265383]; NSF's Division of Earth Sciences, Instrumentation and Facilities Program [EAR-1043051]; U.S. Department of Energy's Terrestrial Ecosystem Science Program (DOE ) [DE-SC0006968]; Santa Catalina-Jemez River Basin CZO [NSF-1331408]
E22. Deep Roots of Uniqueness

Obviously, any solution of problem 21.5.(B) can be presented in a form of 21 checkers on a 7 × 7 board (see left 7 × 7 part with 21 black checkers in Fig. 18). It is not obvious that the solution is unique, i.e., by a series of interchanges of rows and columns, any solution of this problem can be brought to match precisely the one I presented in Fig. 18! Of course, such interchanges mean merely renumbering of players of the same teams.
Critical Notice: Peter Ludlow’s Living Words: Meaning Underdetermination and he Dynamic Lexicon, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014

A provocative view has it that word meanings are underdetermined and dynamic, frustrating traditional approaches to theorizing about meaning. Peter Ludlow’s Living Words provides some of the philosophical reasons and motivations for accepting one such view, develops some of its details, and explores some of its ramifications. We critically examine some of the arguments in Living Words, paying particular attention to some of Ludlow’s views about the meanings of predicates, preservation of bivalence and the T-schema, and methods of modulating meaning.
In-Situ Monitoring of Thin-Film Quality Using Evanescent Microwave Local Imaging Probes with Near-Atomic Resolution

Abstract Local probes, such as scanning tunneling (STM), atomic force (AFM), near-field scanning (NSOM), and evanescent microwave (EMM) microscopes are important material characterization tools with very high spatial resolutions capable of operating in many different environments. All these probes are currently laboratory tools with limited real-time manufacturing applications because of their low speed. Of all these probes. EMM has the greatest potential of acquiring higher scanning speed because it does not require an intimate contact with the material surface. Moreover, EMM is capable of characterizing a variety of organic and inorganic materials including metals, semiconductors, and insulators over a wide range of frequencies and length scales. Here we discuss the application of parallel EMMs (PEMM) in monitoring thin-film quality in real-time and in-situ.
The Baltimore Sabotage Cell: German Agents, American Traitors and the U-Boat Deutschland during World War I. By Dwight R. Messimer. (Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 2015. Pp. xi, 254. $35.95.) : Book Review

This title is the latest work from American military historian Dwight Messimer, who is probably one of the foremost authorities on German U‐boat activities in the First World War. Despite the title...
LOCO: A Location Based Communication Scheme

We present, LOcation based COmmunication (LOCO), a new channel for communication for robots that can act as a fail-safe communication mechanism in contexts of radio failures, given a working localization system. With insights from traditional wireless communication, we formulate a channel model for the location based communication channel where the transmitted data is modulated into a set of discrete locations of a robot. The receiving end employs a localization module to estimate the positions of the robot and to demodulate it into received symbols. We further identify the key factors that control the capacity and error performance of this channel: the symbol grid granularity, variance of the localization noise, the frequency of the localization, and the speed of the robot. In this paper, we also present a set of illustrative examples for LOCO along with pertinent analysis via detailed simulation and real-world data based emulation experiments.
Abstract 20584: Clinical and Echocardiographic Predictors of Clinical Outcomes in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Introduction: Various echocardiographic parameters reporting on right heart function are recommended by consensus documents but the relationship of these parameters with clinical outcomes is not cl...
Adaptive optics stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (AO-STORM) by particle swarm optimization

Stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) can achieve resolutions of better than 20nm imaging single fluorescently labeled cells. However, when optical aberrations induced by larger biological samples degrade the point spread function (PSF), the localization accuracy and number of localizations are both reduced, destroying the resolution of STORM. Adaptive optics (AO) can be used to correct the wavefront, restoring the high resolution of STORM. A challenge for AO-STORM microscopy is the development of robust optimization algorithms which can efficiently correct the wavefront from stochastic raw STORM images. Here we present the implementation of a particle swarm optimization (PSO) approach with a Fourier metric for real-time correction of wavefront aberrations during STORM acquisition. We apply our approach to imaging boutons 100 μm deep inside the central nervous system (CNS) of Drosophila melanogaster larvae achieving a resolution of 146 nm.
Albert Cleage Jr. and the black Madonna and child

The publication of this collection of 15 essays coincides with the 50th anniversary of Albert B. Cleage Jr.'s unveiling of the mural of the black Madonna and Child on Easter Sunday, 12 March 1967, ...
3D memristor-based adjustable deep recurrent neural network with programmable attention mechanism

Temporal Attention Mechanism is one of the oldest and most challenges in neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and neuromorphic computing. The significances of investigation on the temporal attention mechanism is not only to build a more power efficient neuromorphic computing system but also to explore the knowledge of the perception system of human brain. In this paper, for the purpose of investigating the temporal attention mechanism of human brain, we proposed a hypothesis on attention mechanism with a mathematical model, utilized the proposed mathematical model to a conventional recurrent neural network (RNN). Consequently, we constructed a novel adjustable deep recurrent neural network with programmable attention mechanism. In this model, the attention mechanism is realized through programming the weights of the attention matrix. Moreover, a novel hardware implementation combining memristor and monolithic three-dimensional (3D) integration technology is developed and analyzed. Additionally, a novel nonlinear module hardware for traditional RRNs training phase is designed with memristors. At last, the application of the proposed attention-oriented deep RNNs on neural machine translation is discussed.
Workplace Discrimination and Disability

The genesis of this special issue is derived from oneaspect of our own careers. Over the past 15 years wehave collectively provided over 250 days of trainingto over 15,000 employers, rehabilitation professionals,and consumers regarding the effective implementationof the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Likeany busy consultants, we ﬁelded scores of questionsand collected a fair amount of evaluative informationregarding the content. Again and again the same con-cern was expressed. Consumer: What does this meanfor people with my particular impairment? Employer:What does this mean for my particular industry? Both:Are there speciﬁc types of discrimination which I ammore likely to encounter? Beginning in 1992, our ef-fortsweregraduallyredirectedfromtrainingtoresearchin order to provide better answers to these worthwhileand important questions [7,8,10–13].ADA employment provisions, known as Title I, areunique as civil rights statutes go. Their character isanti-discrimination, not afﬁrmative action. Their im-mediate purpose is to combat and minimize workplacediscrimination against Americans with disabilities. Insimple terms, ADA Title I requires that all personnelactions be unrelated to the existence or consequence ofdisability.Even 15 years after the enactment date of ADA, thelaborforceparticipationratebypeoplewithdisabilitiescontinues to languish around 30%, well under the 81%ﬁgure forthe generalpopulationof workingage adults.A variety of well documented factors contribute to thisproblem including ﬁnancial disincentives to work, theuneven availability of employer-sponsored healthcare,an unstable economy, the outsourcing of jobs, the un-even performanceof our special education system, andﬂuctuation in the rate of unemployment. Moreover, inspite of new technologies, disability does affect abil-ity and compromises both the employability and placeability of many Americans [5,6,16,17].In 2003, a cooperative agreement was forged be-tween the Equal Employment Opportunity Commis-sion (EEOC) and Virginia Commonwealth Universitywhich resulted in the inception of the National EEOCADA Research Project (Project). Over 50 rehabili-tation researchers are engaged in an exhaustive data-miningeffortfocuseduponthe IntegratedMission Sys-tem (IMS) – a master database used by the EEOC totrack the ﬁling, investigation, and resolution of allega-tions of workplace discrimination. Some Project in-vestigatorsare exploringtheinterfaceof disabilitywithgender, age, or ethnic status. Others are validating (ornot) extant theories of stigma, predicting EEOC inves-tigatory outcomes, or documenting discrete discrimi-natory behaviors such as disability harassment, failureto accommodate, or unlawful discharge. Like the con-tributorsto this special issue, however,most Project in-vestigatorsutilize IMS data to create disability-speciﬁcproﬁles of employment discrimination. Seven suchstudiesmaybefoundinarecentspecialissueof
Research Lags and Spillovers

Modeling and measuring the productivity consequences of R&D is a tricky business. The challenge in attributing productivity to R&D is to establish which research, conducted by whom, and when, was responsible for a particular productivity increase. In other words, in modeling the effects of research on agricultural productivity the two principal areas of difficulty are in the treatment of knowledge spillovers (i.e., the “by whom” part of the attribution problem) and in identifying the lag structure linking research spending, knowledge stocks, and productivity (i.e., the “when” part).
Three-dimensional numerical simulation of flow in a bileaflet heart valve using overset grids

Publisher Summary This chapter presents three-dimensional, laminar, unsteady solutions for the flow through bileaflet mechanical heart valves under steady flow conditions. The computed flow fields show that the flow is unsteady and asymmetric at a Reynolds number of 750. These results confirm the need for fully 3D simulations for this complex flow. To present the condition the chapter uses a geometric model of a bileaflet MHV as a prosthetic for the aortic heart valve. The primary simplification made in geometric model is that the aortic root contains a single axi-symmetric sinus and not three aortic sinuses. The bileaflets in the model MHV closely resemble the St. Jude Medical (SJM) Standard valve. To simulate this complex geometrical configuration, domain-decomposition method with structured overset (Chimera) grids is used. The method does not require one-to-one matching of grid lines across sub-domain interfaces, thus, permitting a great deal of flexibility. The primary conclusion is that physically realistic simulations of MHV flows require three-dimensional simulations with no assumptions about the symmetry of the flow.
Dupuytren’s Disease of the Thumb and First Web

First web space and thumb contracture represents a unique entity in the spectrum of Dupuytren’s disease. Radial-sided disease, while less common than more ulnar-based contractures (Tubiana et al., Clin Orthop Relat Res 168:222–229, 1982; Mikkelsen, Hand 8:265–271, 1976; Figus et al., J Hand Surg Eur Vol 33:272–279, 2008), can cause thumb deformity in a three-dimensional plane. Two predominant pathologic cords, a radial cord and commissural cord, combine to result in a deformity that concomitantly affects thumb abduction, opposition, and flexion/extension movements. Similar to ulnar-sided contractures, collagenase can effectively be used to enzymatically lyse pathologic cords about the thumb to improve overall hand function by releasing contractures in multiple planes. Technical aspects of injection, manipulation, and post-procedure care for the thumb are described. Appropriate consideration to the details of these differences can help hand surgeons, therapists, and patients optimize outcomes when using collagenase to treat Dupuytren’s disease in the thumb.
Analyses of Characteristics of Changes in Cerebral Activation Status, Depending on Blood Types, in Response to Auditory Stimulation

As there has recently been growing interest in the correlation between blood type and personality in various fields, including educational organizations, corporations, culture related businesses, etc., numerous studies have been performed, and the results of such studies have been increasingly applied to the aforementioned organizations. In particular, a book authored by Park Hee-Yeon (2006), titled “Blood Type Reveals the Personality”, showed that there is a correlation between blood type and temperament, or physical constitutions, which have been proved by results of many investigations and experiments conducted thus far. Based on such facts, it was considered that blood types are likely to affect the brain waves indicative of the status of human cerebral activities, and the purpose of this study was to analyze the patterns of variation of the cerebral activation status, depending on blood types, in response to external stimulation. The results of this study would provide the basis for classification of subjects, which is necessary for the selection of effective auditory stimulant sound sources in the process of neurofeedback therapy/training, inducing the users to modify their own brain waves for healing, and would also present the measures for the selection of efficient visual and auditory stimuli.
Consequences of early postnatal lipopolysaccharide exposure on developing lungs in mice.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease of infants that is characterized by interrupted lung development. Postnatal sepsis causes BPD, yet the contributory mechanisms are unclear...
Hassles with medication management perceived by caregivers of adults who have intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Background Medication management is undertaken by caregivers of people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. Objective The objectives were to measure the medication management hassles reported by caregivers of adults who have intellectual or developmental disabilities and to describe associations between characteristics of caregivers, medication regimens, and the person with intellectual or developmental disability and the scale score. Setting Web-based survey conducted in the United States. Method A newsletter announcement with a link to the survey was sent to members of a disability advocacy organization. Caregivers were age 18 years and older who manage medications for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The survey questions were used to obtain characteristics of the caregiver, the medication regimen they managed, and the care-recipient. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Michigan Medicine (HUM00091002). Main outcome measure The Family Caregiver Medication Administration Hassles Scale (caregiver scale). Results Forty-two caregivers responded, with 41 being female with a mean age of 56.7 years. The mean caregiver scale score was 28.9 (possible range 0–120). Highest scores (greatest hassles) were significantly associated with a greater level of support required by the care-recipient, stronger caregiver beliefs of the necessity of medication and concern about using medications, lack of previous caregiver health-care training, and being an employed caregiver rather than family member. Conclusion Medication management can contribute to caregiver stress. Pharmacists should ensure that caregivers are counseled about medication that they manage, be accessible for questions, and examine medication regimens to reduce polypharmacy and complexity of regimens.
Ancillary Techniques in Cytologic Specimens Obtained from Solid Lesions of the Pancreas: A Review

Advanced methods of molecular characterization have elucidated the genetic, epigenetic, and proteomic alterations associated with the broad spectrum of pancreatic disease, particularly neoplasia. Next-generation sequencing, in particular, has revealed the genomic diversity among pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine and acinar tumors, solid pseudopapillary neoplasm, and other pancreatico-biliary neoplasms. Differentiating these entities from one another by morphologic analysis alone may be challenging, especially when examining the small quantities of diagnostic material inherent to cytologic specimens. In order to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of pancreatic cytomorphology, multiple diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive ancillary tests have been and continue to be developed. Although a great number of such tests have been developed for evaluation of specimens collected from cystic lesions and strictures, ancillary techniques also play a significant role in the evaluation of cytologic specimens obtained from solid lesions of the pancreas. Furthermore, while some tests have been developed to differentiate diagnostic entities from one another, others have been developed to simply identify dysplasia and malignancy. Ancillary studies are particularly important in the subset of cases for which cytomorphologic analysis provides a result that is equivocal or insufficient to guide clinical management. Selection of appropriate ancillary testing modalities requires familiarity with both their methodology and the molecular basis of the pancreatic diseases for which testing is being performed.
Why Johnny can't count

This last point came to my attention several years ago. My eldest son, then in early grade school, had to write the word for 40 ten times. When he asked for my help, I applied reason instead of memory to the problem. The next day, on his return from school, he addressed several remarks toward me, indicating that I labour without honour. Had I misspelled "atheletic" or "seperate" I would have felt guilty; but no, I failed my son because the verbal numerical system violates reason. Returning to the problems of counting, the logical progression through the sixties, seventies, eighties, and nineties comes only after we have counted through the earlier confusion. We say, in both English and
Rethinking special education for a new century

Talk about unappreciated. How about taking several months, assembling some of the best minds in the country, include lots of practical examples about districts, schools, and even individual student...
Previous thoracic aortic repair is not associated with adverse outcomes after thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

Abstract Background As many as 20% of patients who have undergone previous thoracic aortic repair will require reintervention, which could entail thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). A paucity of data is available on mortality and the incidence of spinal cord ischemia (SCI) and other postoperative complications associated with TEVAR after previous aortic repairs exclusive to the thoracic aorta. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of previous thoracic aortic repair on the 30-day mortality and SCI outcomes for patients after TEVAR. Methods The Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative database was queried for all cases of TEVAR from 2012 to 2018. Patients were excluded if they had undergone previous abdominal aortic repair, the TEVAR had extended beyond aortic zone 5, or SCI data were missing. The 3 cohorts compared were TEVAR with previous ascending aortic or aortic arch repair (group 1), TEVAR with previous descending thoracic aortic repair (group 2), and TEVAR without previous repair (group 3). The primary outcomes of interest were 30-day mortality and SCI. The secondary outcomes included stroke, myocardial infarction, cardiac complications, respiratory complications, postoperative length of stay, and reintervention. The patient variables were compared using χ2 tests, analysis of variance, or Kruskal-Wallis tests, as appropriate. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of 30-day mortality and SCI. Results A total of 4010 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 470 in group 1, 132 in group 2, and 3408 in group 3. The 30-day mortality was 4% (19 of 470) in group 1, 6% (8 of 132) in group 2, and 6% (213 of 3408) in group 3 (P = .17). The incidence of SCI was 3% (14 of 470) in group 1, 3% (4 of 132) in group 2, and 3.8% (128 of 3408) in group 3 (P = .65). Stroke, reintervention, myocardial infarction, and cardiac complications were not significantly different among the 3 groups. The incidence of respiratory complications was greatest for group 3 (11%; 360 of 3408) compared with groups 1 (9%; 44 of 470) and 2 (4%; 5 of 132; P = .034). Similarly, the postoperative length of stay was longest for group 3 (9.6 ± 19.4 days vs 8.2 ± 18.3 days for group 1 and 5.9 ± 8.6 days for group 2; P = .038). The independent predictors of 30-day mortality for all TEVAR patients included units of packed red blood cells transfused intraoperatively, urgent or emergent repairs, older age, increasing serum creatinine level, inability to perform self-care, total procedure time, occlusion of the left subclavian artery intraoperatively, distal endograft landing zone 5, and diabetes. The predictors of SCI included the total procedure time, urgent and emergent repairs, and increasing serum creatinine level. Conclusions TEVAR after previous thoracic aortic repair was not associated with an increased risk of SCI or 30-day mortality compared with TEVAR without previous aortic repair.
A Spectrally-Partitioned Crossbar Switch with Three Drops Per Cross-Point Controlled with a Driver

We present the theory and realization of a spectrally-partitioned 4×4 crossbar switch, with three microring resonators per cross-point having disjoint resonance regions within a free spectral range. This demonstration of the switch includes a driver. We describe an associated energy efficient, non-blocking wavelength assignment algorithm.
CheXphotogenic: Generalization of Deep Learning Models for Chest X-ray Interpretation to Photos of Chest X-rays.

The use of smartphones to take photographs of chest x-rays represents an appealing solution for scaled deployment of deep learning models for chest x-ray interpretation. However, the performance of chest x-ray algorithms on photos of chest x-rays has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we measured the diagnostic performance for 8 different chest x-ray models when applied to photos of chest x-rays. All models were developed by different groups and submitted to the CheXpert challenge, and re-applied to smartphone photos of x-rays in the CheXphoto dataset without further tuning. We found that several models had a drop in performance when applied to photos of chest x-rays, but even with this drop, some models still performed comparably to radiologists. Further investigation could be directed towards understanding how different model training procedures may affect model generalization to photos of chest x-rays.
Intrinsic STING expression inversely associates with survival in ovarian cancer patients

Objectives: The DNA sensing cGAS-STING signaling pathway plays a dual role of anti-tumor immunity and tumorigenesis. Chemoradiotherapy and PARPi induce DNA damage leading to activation of the cGAS-STING pathway, robust anti-tumor responses and improved clinical outcomes. Chronic activation of STING signaling creates an immunosuppressive TME and promotes metastases. Studies show that ovarian cancer cells have defective STING signaling. Current therapeutic strategies are focused on harnessing the beneficial effects of PARPi, IC blockade and STING agonists. However, the role for intrinsic ovarian tumor cGAS-STING levels in treatment responses and patient survival is unknown. The goal of this study is to determine the effect of tumor-specific cGAS-STING expression on survival in ovarian cancer patients. Methods: Using the Roswell Park Cancer Registry (RPCR), TMAs were generated from 488 patients treated for ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer from 1991-2012. TMAs were stained for cGAS, STING and CD8 by IHC. cGAS and STING were scored based on the staining intensity (0-3) and the percent of positive cells (0-3) with a maximum combined score of 6 (0=no expression, 6=strong staining in >50% of cells). Additionally, the OS, PFS and cGAS-STING expression in 558 ovarian cancer patients from TCGA were analyzed. Clinico-pathologic data (age, demographics, histopathology, stage, tumor grade, treatment response, recurrence and survival) were retrieved from the electronic health records. Results: TCGA ovarian cancer patients with tumors expressing cGAShighSTINGhigh compared to cGASlowSTINGlow had OS of 38.4 months vs. 31.18 months (p=0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between gene and protein expression for cGAS (r=0.39, p=0.01) and STING (r=0.62, p Conclusions: TCGA dataset revealed cGAShighSTINGhigh expressing tumors correlated with improved OS. By contrast, high grade ovarian tumors with intrinsically high levels of STING correlate with increased CD8+ TILs and decreased PFS.
Towards Designs of Workplace Stress Management Mobile Apps for Frontline Health Workers during COVID-19 and Beyond: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND In recent years, mobile apps have been developed to prevent burnout, promote anxiety management, and provide health education to workers in various workplace settings. However, there remains a paucity of such apps for Frontline Health Workers (FHWs), even though FHWs are the most susceptible to stress due to the nature of their jobs. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to provide suggestions for designing stress management apps to address workplace stressors of FHWs based on the understanding of their needs from FHWs' own perspectives and theories of stress. METHODS A mixed-methods qualitative study was conducted. Using a variety of search strings, we first collected 41 relevant online news articles published between December 2019 and May 2020 through Google search engine. We then conducted a cross-sectional survey with 20 FHWs. Two researchers independently conducted qualitative analysis of all the collected data using a deductive followed by an inductive approach. RESULTS Prevailing uncertainty and fear of contracting the infection was causing stress among FHWs. Moral injury associated with seeing patients die from lack of care and lack of experience in handling various circumstances were other sources of stress. FHWs mentioned four coping strategies. Quick coping strategies such as walking away from stressful situations, entertainment, exercise, etc. were the most common ways to mitigate the impact of stress at work. Peer support and counseling services were other popular methods. Building resilience and driving oneself forward using internal motivation were also meaningful ways of overcoming stressful situations. Time constraints and limited management support prevented FHWs from engaging in stress management activities. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified stressors, coping strategies, and challenges of applying coping strategies that can guide the design of stress management apps for FHWs. Given that the pandemic is ongoing and healthcare crisis continue, FHWs remain a vulnerable population in need of attention. CLINICALTRIAL
Fully covered metal biliary stents: A review of the literature

Fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) represent the latest advancement of metal biliary stents used to endoscopically treat a variety of obstructive biliary pathology. A large stent diameter and synthetic covering over the tubular mesh prolong stent patency and reduce risk for tissue hyperplasia and tumor ingrowth. Additionally, FCSEMS can be easily removed. All these features address issues faced by plastic and uncovered metal stents. The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively review the application of FCSEMS in benign and malignant biliary strictures, biliary leak, and post-sphincterotomy bleeding.
Living with Uncertainty: The Moral Significance of Ignorance

Every choice we make is set against a background of massive ignorance about our past, our future, our circumstances, and ourselves. Philosophers are divided on the moral significance of such ignorance. Some say that it has a direct impact on how we ought to behave - the question of what our moral obligations are; others deny this, claiming that it only affects how we ought to be judged in light of the behaviour in which we choose to engage - the question of what responsibility we bear for our choices. Michael Zimmerman claims that our ignorance has an important bearing on both questions, and offers an account of moral obligation and moral responsibility that is sharply at odds with the prevailing wisdom. His book will be of interest to a wide range of readers in ethics.
Diagnosis of Otitis Media

Otitis media with effusion (OME) and acute otitis media (AOM) are exceedingly common diseases, especially in the pediatric population. Treatment for OME and AOM are predicated on accurate diagnosis. Increasing effort is being made to be clarify diagnostic criteria to be certain of diagnosis of AOM before prescribing antibiotic therapy so as to reduce antibiotic burden and decrease healthcare expenditure. Despite this, there is no gold standard for the diagnosis of AOM or OME. It is a clinical diagnosis with evolving symptoms based on disease state and progression. The purpose of this section is to detail the diagnostic modalities available and demonstrate how they might be used to guide therapeutic intervention.
EFFECTS OF PROTEIN, LIPIDS, AND SURFACTANTS ON THE ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF SYNTHETIC STEROIDS.

Three 4-azacholestanes and two A-norcholestanes were inactivated by 10 and 20% bovine serum and by 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0% sheep blood. The five compounds exhibited hemolytic properties when tested with 2% sheep blood and 2% human blood. These cholestanes inhibited Streptococcus pyogenes and were completely inactivated by 0.1% lecithin. Tween 80 was comparable to lecithin in causing the inactivation of steroids; 1% polyethylene glycol-4000 was inert; 1% Tween 20 and 1.0% Span 20 caused the inactivation of 3β,4-dimethyl-4-aza-5α-cholestane (ND-307). The sodium salts of four fatty acids, oleate, stearate, deoxycholate, and lauryl sulfate (0.1 to 1.0 mg/ml), effectively interfered with the action of ND-307. The steroids appear to have some properties similar to those of antimicrobial surfactants of the cationic type but have certain distinct features.
Pharmacodynamic assays to facilitate preclinical and clinical development of pre-mRNA splicing modulatory drug candidates.

The spliceosome has recently emerged as a new target for cancer chemotherapy and novel antitumor spliceosome targeted agents are under development. Here, we describe two types of novel pharmacodynamic assays that facilitate drug discovery and development of this intriguing class of innovative therapeutics; the first assay is useful for preclinical optimization of small-molecule agents that target the SF3B1 spliceosomal protein in animals, the second assay is an ex vivo validated, gel-based assay for the measurement of drug exposure in human leukocytes. The first assay utilizes a highly specific bioluminescent splicing reporter, based on the skipping of exons 4–11 of a Luc-MDM2 construct, which specifically yields active luciferase when treated with small-molecule spliceosome modulators. We demonstrate that this reporter can be used to monitor alternative splicing in whole cells in vitro. We describe here that cell lines carrying the reporter can be used in vivo for the efficient pharmacodynamic analysis of agents during drug optimization and development. We also demonstrate dose- and time-dependent on-target activity of sudemycin D6 (SD6), which leads to dramatic tumor regression. The second assay relies on the treatment of freshly drawn human blood with SD6 ex vivo treatment. Changes in alternative splicing are determined by RT-PCR using genes previously identified in in vitro experiments. The Luc-MDM2 alternative splicing bioluminescent reporter and the splicing changes observed in human leukocytes should allow for the more facile translation of novel splicing modulators into clinical application.
Genetic and biochemical analyses of yeast TATA-binding protein mutants

We have taken a combined genetic and biochemical approach to study TATA-binding protein (TBP) structure-function relationships. Using site-directed mutagenesis coupled with a screen for conditional lethal growth, we have isolated a number of temperature-sensitive TBP alleles in the region of amino acid positions 188, 189, and 190. Conditional growth is not a result of increased TBP turnover as most of the mutant proteins are stable in vivo as evidenced by immunoblot detection of TBP steady-state levels. DNA binding assays reveal that mutations at position 188 do not affect DNA binding activity of these mutants, even at high temperatures. Utilizing whole cell extracts which contain mutant TBPs in in vitro transcription experiments, we confirm that TBP is required for transcription by all three nuclear polymerases. However, certain of our TBP mutants are only compromised for RNA polymerase II transcription.
The Continuous Tabu Search as an Optimizer for 2D-to-3D Biomedical Image Registration

Both stochastic and direct optimization of similarity metrics have been used in biomedical image registration. This paper proposes an adapted tabu search for registration of 2D ultrasound scans to 3D volumes. Accuracy and efficiency compare favorably with other methods.
Elevated dopamine concentration in light-adapted zebrafish retinas is correlated with increased dopamine synthesis and metabolism.

Probing zebrafish (Danio rerio) retinal cryostat sections, collected either 8 h into the light or dark cycle, with an antibody against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) identified a single population of immunopositive cells in the inner retina. However, the observed labeling patterns were not identical in both sets of tissues - label intensity was brighter in light-adapted tissue. This difference was quantified by probing western blots of retinal homogenates with the same TH antibody, which showed that TH expression increased by 42% in light-adapted tissue. High-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection revealed that the concentrations of both dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) are also elevated in light-adapted zebrafish retinal tissue. Dopamine levels increased by 14% and DOPAC levels increased by 25% when measured in retinal homogenates harvested during the light cycle. These results indicate that dopamine levels in zebrafish retina are significantly increased in light-adapted tissue. The increase in dopamine content is correlated with an increase in both TH and DOPAC, suggesting that changes in dopamine concentration are due to light-adaptive changes in the synthesis, release and metabolism of dopamine. Dopamine concentration is elevated in lighted-adapted zebrafish retinas. This increase is correlated with an increase in both tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and DOPAC (3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid), suggesting that changes in dopamine concentration are due to light-adaptive changes in the synthesis, release and metabolism of dopamine. This is applicable to studies examining retinal mutants, the role of dopamine in disease or visual system development.
Parenteral pamidronate prevents thyroid hormone‐induced bone loss in rats

Pamidronate (APD) is a bisphosphonate that prevents bone loss from a variety of causes. We studied the role of APD in preventing thyroid hormone-induced bone loss. A total of 32 rats were assigned to one of four treatment groups: (1) −APD/triiodothyronine (−T3), (2) −APD/+T3, (3) +APD/−T3, or (4) +APD/+T3. In the first of two studies, the rats received APD for the first week and T3 for the second week, and then their blood was analyzed for alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. Alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in hyperthyroid rats (−APD/+T3, 3.9 ± 0.25 μcat/liter and 23 ± 1.6 nM, respectively) than in control animals (2.53 ± 0.28 μkat/liter and 18.3 ± 1.4 nM, respectively). Hyperthyroid rats pretreated with APD (+APD/+T3) had levels of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin no different from controls. In a second study, rats were divided into the same four groups, except they received APD/placebo and T3/placebo concomitantly for 3 weeks. At the end of the study, bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur, spine, and whole body was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and the calcium content of the femora was measured directly. In hyperthyroid rats (−APD/+T3) BMD was significantly lower than in controls in the spine (0.201 ± 0.004 versus 0.214 ± 0.002 g/cm2, p < 0.05) and femur (0.204 ± 0.003 versus 0.218 ± 0.002, p < 0.05). In hyperthyroid rats pretreated with APD (+APD/+T3) BMD of the spine, femur, and total body was significantly higher than in controls (p < 0.001). Similar differences among groups were seen in femur calcium content. We conclude that hyperthyroid rats have an increased rate of bone turnover and bone loss that can be prevented by coadministration of a bisphosphonate.
Mechanical Reliability, Surgical Complications, and Patient and Partner Satisfaction of the Modern Three-Piece Inflatable Penile Prosthesis

Abstract Objectives. The modern three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) has undergone multiple revisions since its introduction in 1973. We reviewed devices placed since the last major revision by American Medical Systems (AMS) in 1987. Methods. A retrospective chart review was refined with data from an independent patient and partner survey. Results. Two hundred twelve consecutive penile prosthetic devices placed by a single surgeon over an 8-year period are reviewed. One hundred sixty-nine of the devices were three-piece inflatables with 146 being primary implants. The average device has been in place 36.5 months (range 9 to 102). The infection rate in 146 primary three-piece devices was 2.1%. The infection rate in 46 secondary implants or revisions was 6.5%, excluding seven salvage attempts. Mechanical failure in 122 primary AMS devices placed was 4.1%. Mechanical failure in 24 Mentor devices was 4.2% if one discounts connector failures that were revised in 1990. A surgical complication and revision rate of 1.4% was noted in the 146 primary implants. An independent telephone survey achieved a 57% and 24% response rate in patients and partners with three-piece devices placed. In the group of 86 patients with a primary three-piece device placed and complete follow-up, the probability of having a normally functioning device placed in a single operative procedure was 90.6% at 3 years. On a 1 to 10 scale looking at all primary devices, secondary devices, revisions, and infections, the average and median satisfaction rate was as follows: 8.2, 8.5; 8.4, 9.0; 7.7, 7.75 for the Ultrex patients, CX 700 and Mentor patients, and all partners, respectively. Conclusions. The modern three-piece IPP is an excellent surgical option offering a very safe, reliable return to sexual activity for our patients.
Taxonomies in Biology, Phonetics, Phonology, and Speech Motor Control

This article begins with a review explaining the different purposes of biological taxonomies. Taxonomic units are often dependent on the purpose for which the taxonomy has been constructed. Biologi...
Functional analysis of site-directed glycosylation mutants of the human equilibrative nucleoside transporter-2.

Abstract Protein glycosylation is important for nucleoside transport, and this has been demonstrated for the human equilibrative nucleoside transporter-1 (hENT1). It is not known whether glycosylation affects the functions of hENT2 or where hENT2 is glycosylated. We address these questions using N-glycosylation mutants (N48D, N57D, and N48/57D) and demonstrate that hENT2 is glycosylated at Asn48 and Asn57. Our results show that although the apparent affinities for [ 3 H ]uridine and [ 3 H ]cytidine of the mutants were indistinguishable from those of the wild-type protein, N-glycosylation was required for efficient targeting of hENT2 to the plasma membrane. All mutants had a two- to threefold increase in IC50 for dipyridamole. N57D and N48/57D, but not N48D, also had a twofold increase in IC50 for NBMPR. We conclude that the relative insensitivity of hENT2 to inhibitors is primarily due to its primary structure and not to glycosylation. Glycosylation modulates hENT1 function, but is not required for hENT2.
Multinational Corporations and Learning Resources — Reduction of Content to the Lowest Common Denominator

Abstract: In an essay format, the author proposes critical issues needing examination when considering the impacts (either positive or negative) of multinational corporations providing services and products in the educational technology field. Motives are questioned (is profit first?) as well as abilities to make resources available that meet the unique needs of various social and learning groups. Questions are raised about the transborder flow of tele‐communications‐based information, threats to the nation‐state concept of world order, and the challenges brought because of the potentials for the new, powerful informational and educational technologies. Though raising critical issues, the author is optimistic that multinational corporations are playing, and will continue to play, supportive roles in me world's comprehensive library/ information service and educational systems.
Development of cardiac safety translational tools for QT prolongation and torsade de pointes

Objective: A regulatory science priority at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to promote the development of new innovative tools such as reliable and validated computational (in silico) models. This FDA Critical Path Initiative project involved the development of predictive clinical computational models for decision-support in CDER evaluations of QT/QTc interval prolongation and proarrhythmic potential for non-antiarrhythmic drugs. Methods: Several classification models were built using predictive technologies of quantitative structure–activity relationship analysis using clinical in-house and public data on induction of QT prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP) in humans. Specific models were geared toward prediction of high-risk drugs with attention to outcomes from thorough QT studies and TdP risk based on clinical in-house data. Models used were independent of non-clinical data or known molecular mechanisms. The positive predictive performance of the in silico models was validated using cro...
What is your diagnosis? Hemorrhagic effusion in a dog

A 2-year-old spayed female, German Shepherd dog was presented to the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a history of intermittent lethargy. On physical examination, lung sounds were increased. The dog had a mild fever (103.7 degrees F) and mild tachycardia (120 bpm). Thoracic ultrasound revealed a sternal mass and pericardial effusion, both of which were aspirated. On cytologic examination, the pericardial fluid contained a large amount of blood and was interpreted as a hemorrhagic effusion. Nucleated cells consisted mainly of macrophages containing phagocytized RBCs and hemosiderin and many clusters of reactive mesothelial cells. The majority of mesothelial cells contained variable amounts of rod-shaped brown pigment granules that were suspected to be iron. The granules were positive for Prussian blue and carbol-fuschin, indicative of iron potentially mixed with lipofuscin. The granules stained negatively with Melan A, rhodamine, Hall's, and periodic acid-Schiff. The iron within the mesothelial cells was likely secondary to hemorrhage, based on the erythrophagia and accumulation of hemosiderin in macrophages. Iron deposition and phagocytic activity in mesothelial cells has been reported previously in humans and rats, but not in dogs.