cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional Outcomes After Hip Fracture in Independent Community-Dwelling Patients.

Objectives To determine predictors of new activities of daily living (ADLs) disability and worsened mobility disability and secondarily increased daily care hours received, in previously independent hip fracture patients. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Academic hospital with ambulatory follow-up. Participants Community-dwelling adults 65 years or older independent in ADLs undergoing hip fracture surgery in 2015 (n = 184). Measurements Baseline, 3- and 6-month ADLs, mobility, and daily care hours received were ascertained by telephone survey and chart review. Comorbidities, medications, and characteristics of hospitalization were extracted from patient charts. Models for each outcome used logistic regression with a backward elimination strategy, adjusting a priori for age, sex, and race. Results Predictors of new ADL disability at 3 months were dementia (odds ratio [OR] = 11.81; P = .001) and in-hospital delirium (OR = 4.20; P = .002), and at 6 months were age (OR = 1.04; P = .014), dementia (OR = 9.91; P = .001), in-hospital delirium (OR = 3.00; P = .031) and preadmission opiates (OR = 7.72; P = .003). Predictors of worsened mobility at 3 months were in-hospital delirium (OR = 4.48; P = .001) and number of medications (OR = 1.13; P = .003), and at 6 months were age (OR = 1.06; P = .001), preadmission opiates (OR = 7.23; P = .005), in-hospital delirium (OR = 3.10; P = .019), and number of medications (OR = 1.13; P = .013). Predictors of increased daily care hours received at 3 and 6 months were age (3 months: OR = 1.07; P = .014; 6 months: OR = 1.06; P = .017) and number of medications (3 months: OR = 1.13; P = .004; 6 months: OR = 1.22; P = .013). The proportion of patients with ADL disability and care hours received did not change from 3 to 6 months, yet there were significant improvements in mobility. Conclusion Age, dementia, in-hospital delirium, number of medications, and preadmission opiate use were predictors of poor outcomes in independent older adults following hip fracture. Further investigation is needed to identify factors associated with improved mobility measures from 3 to 6 months to ultimately optimize recovery.
A Framework for the Future

The concluding chapter of Marginality and Global LGBT Communities: Conflicts, Civil Rights and Controversy summarizes the significance of the work by emphasizing that the failure to extend equitable civil and political rights to LGBT individuals as well as efforts to reverse gains in such rights will continue to be associated with bias, stigma, and discrimination experienced within this community. The remainder of this chapter will look ahead to the future fight for LGBT rights on individual, local, national, and international fronts. The volume ends with a question. Are we as a society ready to ensure freedom for us all?
Monthly Injectable Antiretroviral Therapy — Version 1.0 of a New Treatment Approach

Combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is one of the most important advances in medicine in the past quarter century. The availab...
Academic Integrity Assurance Methods and Tools for Laboratory Settings

Academic Integrity Assurance (AIA) is a continuing concern for every aspect and at all levels of education. An iterative approach is required to maintain effective countermeasures to ensure an institution’s reputation. Students will continue to invent new ways to challenge the assurance process. This paper explores the uses of various technologies and tools to maintain AIA in engineering classes and labs.The course Introduction to Logic Design at Florida Atlantic University offers three to five classes with two hundred to three fifty hundred students per semester. Teaching assistants enter online the lab grades and on the student’s grading sheet as a backup, presenting several challenges with AIA.Examples of using technology to maintain AIA: The grading sheet security features include: security paper, holographic barcode security label, and watermarks. Students are required to upload lab images within one hour of lab grade entry. The professor reviews these images to confirm each student lab is unique. Any grade entry conflicts are verified by accessing the data logs. Verifying lab reports metadata tracking information. Using a spectrum analyzer while proctoring exams to observe the radio spectrum bands of cell phones, WiFi and Bluetooth devices.These methods and tools help ensure AIA.
The Group EcoWellness Model of Change: A Conceptual Framework for Facilitating Groups in Nature

Group counselors who facilitate groups in and around natural environments may benefit from a clear conceptual model that delineates the underlying theorized elements of therapeutic change in such s...
Prospective patient-reported symptom profiles associated with pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia relapse

Despite improvements in frontline pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, relapse remains a concern. Research in adult cancer patients suggests that patient-reported symptoms may predict survival, but the relationship between symptoms and relapse for pediatric ALL has received little attention. Pediatric patients with ALL (age 2–18 years) and/or their primary caregivers completed symptom surveys at the end of induction, start of delayed intensification (DI), start of maintenance cycle 1 (MC1), and start of maintenance cycle 2 (MC2). Symptom clusters for co-occurring fatigue, pain, sleep disruptions, and nausea were defined using latent profile analysis. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between symptom clusters, individual symptoms, and subsequent relapse were calculated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for clinical and demographic factors. Eligible patients (n = 208) were followed an average of 2.6 years for the incidence of relapse (n = 22). Associations between relapse and symptoms were identified for fatigue at DI (HR = 1.83, 95%CI 1.23–2.73) and MC1 (HR = 2.14, 95%CI 1.62–2.84), pain at DI (HR = 1.80, 95%CI 1.19–2.72), nausea at the end of induction (HR = 1.19, 95%CI 1.01–1.39), and sleep disturbances at the end of induction (HR = 2.00, 95%CI 1.11–3.62), DI (HR = 1.73, 95%CI 1.01–2.96), and MC1 (HR = 2.19, 95%CI 1.10–4.35). Symptom clusters comprised of individuals with a higher average symptom burden at DI were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with relapse. Patient-reported symptoms may provide prognostic information to aid in the identification of pediatric ALL patients at increased risk of relapse.
Experimental Comparison of Fiducial Markers for Pose Estimation

Accurate localization is crucial for the autonomous navigation and control of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). In most applications, localization is provided from a Global Navigation Satellite System like GPS and Galileo or more recently from Visual Odometry, Visual-Inertial Odometry, and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping methods. In many cases though, especially when precise maneuvers are required, fiducial markers are used. Fiducial markers are able to provide accurate localization data and have been used in many applications where reliable pose measurements are needed for specific objects or locations. This paper presents an experimental comparison of four different open-source fiducial markers that are widely used in UAS applications (ARTag, AprilTag, ArUco, and STag). The fiducial markers are evaluated based on their localization capabilities as well as their computational efficiency. To facilitate the comparison, a ROS package for the STag marker is developed and publicly released.
A Critical Analysis of Computed Tomography Washout in Lipid-Poor Adrenal Incidentalomas

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) with washout has emerged as an option to distinguish lipid-poor adenomas from non-adenomas. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of CT washout in characterizing indeterminate lipid-poor adrenal incidentalomas. From an Institutional Review Board-approved database, patients with adrenal incidentalomas who had adrenal protocol CT scans with a 15-min washout between 2003 and 2019 were identified. Non-contrast CT attenuation and washout patterns of different tumor types were compared. Overall, 156 patients with 175 adrenal lesions were included. Average tumor size was 3.0 cm, non-contrast CT density was 24.7 Hounsfield units (HU), and absolute washout was 52.6%. In 102 lesions (58.3%), CT washout was ≥ 60%; 94 (92.2%) of these were benign adrenocortical adenomas, 7 (6.9%) were pheochromocytomas, and 1 (0.9%) was an adrenal hematoma. Furthermore, in 73 tumors (41.7%), CT washout was 60% absolute CT washout for detecting an adrenal adenoma was 67.6%, 77.8%, 92.2%, 38.4%, and 69.7%, respectively. CT washout should be incorporated into the management algorithm of indeterminate adrenal incidentalomas with a high non-contrast CT attenuation to ‘rule-in’ benign tumors. For small tumors with mild elevation of plasma metanephrines, it should be kept in mind that adenomas and pheochromocytomas may have similar imaging and washout characteristics.
Trainee Experience in Simulation-Based Education of Open Vascular Surgery.

Background Simulation continues to be an important adjunct to vascular surgery training, yet the optimal implementation of simulation to complement conventional surgical training continues to evolve. This study aims to find areas for improvement in current simulation-based training of open vascular skills by characterizing the experience of vascular trainees attending a national simulation-based course. Method This was a survey study conducted at the simulation course of the Annual UCLA/SVS Symposium: A Comprehensive Review and Update of What's New in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, a national vascular surgery meeting. The survey consisted of 17 questions and was administered on paper or electronically via the Audience Response System, before the start of the course. The survey assessed the participants' experience in formal training, simulation training, and comfort with open surgical procedures. Results Between 2013 and 2018, the survey was completed by 150 participants of which 65% were vascular fellows. Only 48% of the participants had formal training in suturing and surgical instruments. Most participants had formal training in basic vascular techniques and advanced vascular operations. In 71%, simulation was incorporated into basic technique training and 60% in open surgical training. Simulation training was most commonly utilized in learning anastomotic techniques and open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Simulation skills were deemed translatable to the operating room by 59% of participants. Most participants were comfortable performing open vascular procedures. However, 68% of participants were uncomfortable performing an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Conclusions There continues to be a significant portion of trainees who do not undergo a simulation-based education. Current simulation training is being targeted to meet trainee needs in open vascular surgery, specifically open aneurysm repair. Nonetheless, trainees continue to have doubts regarding applicability of simulation-based skills to the operating theater. Further studies investigating access to simulation education as well as its translatability are needed.
Partners in care

This festschrift contribution, written for my colleague and mentor John Graham, reflects on geneticist-genetic counselor interactions in clinical care, samples of alternative models of care for pediatric and general genetic counselors, and avenues for expanding access to genetic healthcare services utilizing genetic counselors.
Universal Design for Learning and Instruction: Perspectives of Students with Disabilities in Higher Education.

Universal design in the setting of education is a framework of instruction that aims to be inclusive of different learning preferences and learners, and helps to reduce barriers for students with disabilities. The principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Universal Design for Instruction (UDI) were used as the framework for this study. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the perspectives of university students with disabilities on teaching methods and strategies conducive to their learning, and evaluate how their perspectives align with UDL/UDI. The findings of this study revealed that there are barriers to learning for students with disabilities. Students with and without disabilities reported having a variety of learning preferences, and rated UDL/UDI principles as useful in improving their learning. The students gave several perspectives that supported the principles of universal design in higher education to enhance the learning of students who have disabilities.
Surface Energy of Solids

The methods of fracture mechanics treated here are designed to define, calculate, and measure the surface energy of a solid, which generally depends on how the surface and material were manufactured, and on many other factors. Some new examples of the derivation of self-similar singular solutions to some non-linear partial differential equation systems of hyperbolic and elliptic type are given (Section 1.6 and 1.7). The work with the energy flow rate expressed by the invariant contour integral is shown for most important practical situations (Sections 1.3 – 1.10).
A 3D microstructure based resistor network model for the electrical resistivity of unidirectional carbon composites

Abstract Continuous carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) exhibit high anisotropy in electrical resistivity. Fiber conductivity and fiber volume fraction governs the resistivity along the fiber direction while the role of fiber undulation and spacing need to be explored when determining electrical properties perpendicular to the fiber direction. A 3D resistor network model is formulated to predict the electrical conductivity of unidirectional (UD) single layer CFRP as a function of the electrical material properties and microstructural parameters such as fiber spacing and waviness. The sensitivity study reveals that fiber waviness is the key factor determining the electrical resistivity of UD CFRP in the transverse direction. Predictions using the proposed model are in good agreement to reported experimental data.
Descriptive and Computational Complexity

Computational complexity began with the natural physical notions of time and space. Given a property, S, an important issue is the complexity of checking whether or not an input satisfies S. For a long time, complexity referred to the time or space used in the computation. A mathematician might ask, "What is the complexity of expressing the property S" It should not be surprising that these two questions that of checking and that of expressing are related. It is startling how closely tied they are when the second question refers to expressing the property in first-order logic. Many complexity classes originally defined in terms of time or space resources have precise definitions as classes in first-order logic. In 1974 Fagin gave a characterization of nondeterministic polynomial time as the set of properties expressible in second-order existential logic. We will begin with this result and then survey some more recent work relating first-order expressibility to computational complexity. Some of the results arising from this approach include characterizing polynomial time as the set of properties expressible in first-order logic phs a least fixed point operator, and showing that the set of first-order inductive definitions for finite structures is closed under complementation. We will end with an unexpected result that was derived using this approach: For all s(n) greater than or equal to log n, nondeterministic space s(n) is closed under complementation.
Microbial transformation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in pristine and petroleum-contaminated sediments.

To determine rates of microbial transformation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in freshwater sediments, 14C-labeled PAH were incubated with samples from both pristine and petroleum-contaminated streams. Evolved 14CO2 was trapped in KOH, unaltered PAH and polar metabolic intermediate fractions were quantitated after sediment extraction and column chromatography, and bound cellular 14C was measured in sediment residues. Large fractions of 14C were incorporated into microbial cellular material; therefore, measurement of rates of 14CO2 evolution alone would seriously underestimate transformation rates of [14C]naphthalene and [14C]anthracene. PAH compound turnover times in petroleum-contaminated sediment increased from 7.1 h for naphthalene to 400 h for anthracene, 10,000 h for benz(a)anthracene, and more than 30,000 h for benz(a)pyrene. Turnover times in uncontaminated stream sediment were 10 to 400 times greater than in contaminated samples, while absolute rates of PAH transformation (micrograms of PAH per gram of sediment per hour) were 3,000 to 125,000 times greater in contaminated sediment. The data indicate that four- and five-ring PAH compounds, several of which are carcinogenic, may persist even in sediments that have received chronic PAH inputs and that support microbial populations capable of transforming two- and three-ring PAH compounds.
Failure of plume theory to explain midplate volcanism in the southern Austral islands

It has long been recognized that the properties of the Cook–Austral chain (Fig. 1) of volcanoes in the South Pacific are difficult to reconcile with the theory that volcanic activity in plate interiors is produced by the drift of tectonic plates over narrow, stationary plumes1 of hot mantle material upwelling from depth. Radiometric dates2,3 from many island samples are younger or older than would be predicted if a single plume currently located at volcanically active Macdonald seamount4 was responsible for all of the volcanoes. Indeed, only the southernmost part of the Austral volcanic line has hitherto appeared to be consistent with plume activity, and then only within the past 6 million years (Myr)5,6. Here we report radiometric dates that demonstrate that these southern Austral volcanoes are actually composed of three distinct volcanic chains with a range of ages spanning 34 Myr and with inconsistent age progressions. Gravity anomalies and seafloor fabric suggest that the volume and location of volcanism in this region is controlled by stress in the lithosphere rather than the locus of narrow plumes rising from the deep Earth.
Conic Methods for Unconstrained Minimization and Tensor Methods for Nonlinear Equations

Standard methods for nonlinear equations and unconstrained minimization base each iteration on a linear or quadratic model of the objective function, respectively. Recently, methods using two generalizations of the standard models have been proposed for these problems. Conic methods for unconstrained minimization use a model that is the ratio of a quadratic function divided by the square of a linear function. Tensor methods for nonlinear equations augment the standard linear model with a simple second order term. This paper surveys the research to date on methods for unconstrained minimization and nonlinear equations that use conic and tensor models. It begins with a brief summary of the standard methods, so that the paper is essentially selfcontained.
Transumbilical laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery in urology

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery has seen a dramatic rise in the urological community. With the advent of new techniques and instrumentation, laparoendoscopic single-site surgery has become more accessible for a wide variety of applications. The majority have been carried out through a transumbilical incision in order to effectively hide the scar within the umbilicus. Here, we review the history and clinical applications for transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery within urology. The current scope is broad, and great strides have been made, but the overall benefit appears to be predominantly cosmetic. Diffusion of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery techniques from tertiary referral centers to the community urologist remains unknown. This review demonstrates the feasibility of transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery as shown in the urological literature.
Educational policy centres: new priorities for the new era

This essay explores the notion of the educational policy centre as a ‘design studio’. A critical pragmatic philosophy is introduced as both a means for understanding the controversies over what educational policy and policy centres ought to be, as well as providing better norms for doing educational policy. Drawing on postmodern cultural theory and post‐liberal political theory, a vision of a new age educational policy centre is set forth and the benefits charted. It is concluded that only by abandoning the economic model of policy centre operations and embracing the postmodern, post‐liberal view will policy professionals and policy subjects come to co‐operate within a public space for the purposes of reconstructing the issues facing schools now and in the future.
The interaction of small molecules with spin-labelled erythrocyte membranes

Abstract The spectra of non-covalent spin labels have been examined in the presence of erythrocyte membranes and their separated lipid and protein components. Evidence has been obtained for the perturbations induced in the membrane structure by a range of extraneous molecules. The perturbations are detected either as changes in the spectra of the bound spin label, or as changes in the partition of the spin label into the membrane. A comparison of the perturbations detected by different spin labels provides preliminary evidence for the localisation of the perturbing agents in the membrane. With steroid spin labels it is possible to detect the onset of irreversible structural breakdown in the membrane at high concentrations of perturbing agents. This results in the exposure of new protein binding sites for the steroid spin labels which are not accessible in the intact membrane. The interpretation of the spin label experiments is supported in detail by directly comparable studies of the nuclear magnetic relaxation of the same perturbing agents in erythrocyte membranes.
Re-evaluating the effect of wind on recruitment in Gulf of Maine Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) using an environmentally-explicit stock recruitment model

A previous study documented a correlation between Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) recruitment in the Gulf of Maine and an annual index of the north component of May winds. This correlation was supported by modeling studies that indicated strong recruitment of Gulf of Maine Atlantic Cod results from high retention of spring-spawned larvae in years when winds were predominately out of the north, which favor downwelling. We re-evaluated this relationship using updated recruitment estimates and found that the correlation decreased between recruitment and wind. The original relationship was largely driven by two recruitment estimates, one of which (2005 year-class) was highly uncertain because it was near the terminal year of the assessment. With additional data, the updated assessment estimated lower recruitment for the 2005 year-class, which consequently lowered the correlation between recruitment and wind. We then investigated whether an environmentally-explicit stock recruit function that incorporated an annual wind index was supported by either the original or updated assessment output. Although incorporation of the annual wind index produced a better fitting model, the uncertainty in the estimated parameters and the implied unexploited conditions were not appropriate for providing management advice. These results suggest the need for caution in the development of environmentally-explicit stock recruitment relationships, in particular when basing relationships and hypotheses on recruitment estimates from the terminal years of stock assessment models. More broadly, this study highlights a number of sources of uncertainty that should be considered when analyzes are performed on the output of stock assessment models.
Faculty Instructional Attitudes, Interest, and Intention: Predictors of Web 2.0 Use in Online Courses

Abstract Higher educational institutions face mounting challenges to the way they operate, including a growing population of demographically diverse students who demand flexibility in course delivery, timing, and content. Web 2.0 applications can be important components in implementing the required change. Implementation, however, requires faculty understanding and endorsement of the pedagogical use of Web 2.0 applications. This study tested predictors of the integration of Web 2.0 into formal online learning environments. Surveys of online instructors from ten community colleges measured attitudes toward learner self-direction, instructional technology, and innovation; external facilitators and constraints; Web 2.0 knowledge and interest; and intended and actual use of Web 2.0. Structural equation modeling was used to test hypothesized relationships. Interest in Web 2.0 applications was partially predicted by prior knowledge of the technologies, and interest predicted intended use. Other hypothesized relationships were not statistically significant. The findings highlight areas for professional development, instructional design and institutional changes, and possibilities for future research.
What Forces Are Responsible for the Stickiness of Spider Cribellar Threads

The surface of spider cribellar prey capture thread is formed of thousands of fine silk fibrils. The stickiness of this thread is often attributed to the ability of these frbrils to catch on irregular surfaces. However, 14-month-old cribellar threads of Hyptiotes cauatus (Uloboridae) were significantly less sticky than freshly spun threads. Slight changes in cribellar thread dimensions failed to fully explain this reduced stickiness, demonstrating that an auxiliary force contributes to the stickiness of cribellar threads. Because this force does not appear to rely on the snag- ging of fibrils, it may enhance the ability of cribellar threads to hold prey with smooth surfaces. O 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc. The purpose of this study is to determine if the stickiness of spider cribellar prey capture thread is due solely to its physical features or if it results from a combination of physical and chemical fea- tures. If thread stickiness decreases with age and this change is not explained fully by changes in thread dimensions, then reduced stickiness must be attributed to the evaporation, breakdown, or con- tamination of material that contributes to thread stickiness. This would indicate that forces other than the thread's ability to snag a prey's sur- face irregularities contribute to its prey holding properties. early radiation of the Araneomorphae. Despite the significance of cribellar thread and its continued production by 22 araneomorph families, the mech- anism of its operation is still not fully understood. The structure of cribellar threads has been well documented (Comstock, '40; Friedrich and Langer, '69; Kullmann, '75; Kullmann and Stern, '81; Lehmensick and Kullmann,'57 ; Opell,'79,'89a, '90; Peters, '83,'84,'86; Peters and Kovoor,'88), and Opell ('89a) has shown that the size and shape of the cribellum influences the dimensions and sur- face area of the cribellar threads it produces. How- ever, the interaction between cribellar thread and prey is not fully understood (Eberhard,'80; Peters, '86), the principal question being whether the stick- iness of this thread results from its physical prop- erties or from a combination of its physical and chemical properties. Peters ('84,'86) suggested that electrostatic charges may contribute to the sticki- ness of cribellar threads and help maintain the con- figuration of frbrils around axial fibers, although no evidence is available to support this hypothesis. The traditional and most obvious explanation is that an insect's setae and surface irregularities become snagged on the cloud of fibrils that form the cribellar thread's surface (e.g., Kaestner, '68; Opell, '79). Although this mechanism no doubt con- tributes to the operation of cribellar thread, it does not explain its ability to adhere to smooth surfaces such as glass, steel needles, or graphite (Eberhard, '80; Kullmann, '75;Peters,'86). Light and electron
Classwide Consultation in Preschools: A Case Study of Comprehensive Supports.

Classwide supports were used to increase children's early literacy skills for Head Start morning and afternoon classrooms within a preschool Response to Intervention (RtI) model. Support included interventions to improve child outcomes for letter naming fluency (LNF) and teachers' instructional and managerial variables. Targeted activities included circle (a group instructional activity) and center times (also instructional time with children's choices about activities). Support for teachers included adding a “letter of the week” activity with active responding and other literacy activities and providing direct feedback to teachers about classroom managerial interactions. Results show positive classwide improvements for LNF, an increase in the prevalence of instruction, and improvements in positive and instructional managerial methods. Social validity appraisal indicated that the support methods were highly acceptable. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Towards a New Learning: The Scholar Social Knowledge Workspace, in Theory and Practice

This article describes the thinking behind the development of Scholar, a ‘social knowledge’ technology developed as part of a series of research and development projects at the University of Illinois. Seven pedagogical openings are identified in this article, possibilities for the creation of innovative learning environments afforded by a new generation of educational technologies: ubiquitous learning, active knowledge production, multimodal knowledge representations, recursive feedback, collaborative intelligence, metacognitive reflection and differentiated learning. The article explores these ideas in general terms, and also describes the ways in which the Scholar environment attempts to translate these ideas into practice.
THE EFFECTS OF FAMILY AND COMMUNITY VIOLENCE EXPOSURE AMONG YOUTH: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND POLICY

Compared with other segments of the population, adolescents and, in particular, African Americans are disproportionately exposed to family and community violence. Research has consistently documented that exposure to such violence is often associated with psychological difficulties, poor educational and behavioral outcomes, and juvenile justice problems. Despite these compelling findings, many youth are not routinely assessed for such violence exposure and its ramifications by the educational, child welfare, social service, and juvenile justice systems with which they frequently interact. This article examines the prevalence of violence exposure within the family and community and its associated consequences among youth. Subsequently, the article proposes several practice and policy recommendations aimed at reducing the far-reaching effects of such violence exposure among youth.
Expression of the cytoplasmic domain of β1 integrin induces apoptosis in adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVM) via the involvement of caspase-8 and mitochondrial death pathway

Stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) induces cardiac myocyte apoptosis. Integrins, a family of cell-surface receptors, play an important role in the regulation of cardiac myocyte apoptosis and ventricular remodeling. Cleavage of extracellular domain of beta1 integrin, also called integrin shedding, is observed during cardiac hypertrophy and progression to early heart failure. Here we show that stimulation of beta-AR induces beta1 integrin fragmentation in mouse heart. To examine the role of intracellular domain of beta1 integrin in cardiac myocyte apoptosis, a chimeric receptor consisting of the cytoplasmic tail domain of beta(1A) integrin and the extracellular/transmembrane domain of the interleukin-2 receptor (TAC-beta1) was expressed in adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVM) using adenoviruses. TAC-beta1 increased the percentage of apoptotic ARVM as measured by TUNEL-staining assay. TAC-beta1-induced apoptosis was found to be associated with increased cytosolic cytochrome c and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. TAC-beta1 increased caspase-8 activity. Z-IETD-FMK, a specific caspase-8 inhibitor, significantly inhibited TAC-beta1-induced apoptosis. TAC-beta1 expression also increased cleavage of Bid, a pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family protein. These data suggest that shedding of beta1 integrin may be a mechanism of induction of apoptosis during beta-AR-stimulated cardiac remodeling.
An immunological method for the determination of the d and l configurations of monosaccharides

Abstract An immunological method is described by which the d and l configuration of monosaccharides can be determined. The method utilizes agar diffusion, specificity of anti-carbohydrate antibodies and inhibition of the antigen-antibody reaction by the d or l forms of monosaccharides. The method has been applied to the differentiation of configuration of isomers of glucose, fucose, and galactose. The configuration of galactose in two different polysaccharides has also been determined.
Are confusional arousals pathological

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the extent that confusional arousals (CAs) are associated with mental disorders and psychotropic medications. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted with a representative sample of 19,136 noninstitutionalized individuals of the US general population aged 18 years or older. The study was performed using the Sleep-EVAL expert system and investigated sleeping habits; health; and sleep, mental, and medical conditions ( DSM-IV-TR , ICSD-II , ICD-10 ). Results: A total of 15.2% (95% confidence interval 14.6%–15.8%) (n = 2,421) of the sample reported episodes of CAs in the previous year; 8.6% had complete or partial amnesia of the episodes and 14.8% had CAs and nocturnal wandering episodes. Eighty-four percent of CAs were associated with sleep/mental disorders or psychotropic drugs. Sleep disorders were present for 70.8% of CAs. Individuals with a circadian rhythm sleep disorder or a long sleep duration (≥9 hours) were at higher risk of CAs. Mental disorders were observed in 37.4% of CAs. The highest odds were observed in individuals with bipolar disorders or panic disorder. Use of psychotropic medication was reported by 31.3% of CAs: mainly antidepressant medications. After eliminating possible causes and associated conditions, only 0.9% of the sample had CA disorder. Conclusions: CAs are highly prevalent in the general population. They are often reported allegedly as a consequence of the treatment of sleep disorders. For the majority of subjects experiencing CAs, no medications were used, but among those who were using medications, antidepressants were most common. Sleep and/or mental disorders were important factors for CAs independent of the use of any medication.
The evolution of polyandry I : intragenomic conflict and genetic incompatibility

Why do females across a wide range of taxa mate with more than one male? We suggest that a better understanding of polyandry may be gained by considering the implications of intragenomic conflict for female reproductive success. Here, we revisit the literature on cellular endosymbionts, transposable elements, segregation distorters, maternal-effect lethals and genomically imprinted genes to show that each of these selfish genetic elements can modify maternal and paternal haplotypes in ways that render them incompatible within the developing embryo. We propose that the cumulative threat to female reproductive success of genetic incompatibility arising from intragenomic conflict may be an important force driving the evolution of polyandry. By mating with more than one male, females can potentially exploit post-copulatory mechanisms for minimizing the risk and/or cost of fertilization by genetically incompatible sperm. This hypothesis differs fundamentally from other genetic benefit models of polyandry in that the fitness consequences of intragenomic conflict depend on an interaction between parental genomes and are thus non-additive. Reciprocal evolutionary change between selfish genetic elements and their suppressors, combined with the capacity of these elements for horizontal transfer between species, is likely to ensure the persistence of genetic incompatibility as a threat to female reproductive success.
Recent laboratory tests of a hard x-ray solar flare polarimeter

We report on the development of a Compton scatter polarimeter for measuring the linear polarization of hard X-rays (50 - 300 keV) from solar flares. Such measurements would be useful for studying the directivity (or beaming) of the electrons that are accelerated in solar flares. We initially used a simple prototype polarimeter to successfully demonstrate the reliability of our Monte Carlo simulation code and to demonstrate our ability to generate a polarized photon source in the lab. We have recently fabricated a science model based on a modular design concept that places a self-contained polarimeter module on the front-end of a 5-inch position- sensitive PMT (PSPMT). The PSPMT is used to determine the Compton interaction location within an annular array of small plastic scintillator elements. Some of the photons that scatter within the plastic scintillator array are subsequently absorbed by a small centrally-located array of CsI(Tl) crystals that is read out by an independent multi-anode PMT. The independence of the two PMT readout schemes provides appropriate timing information for event triggering. We are currently testing this new polarimeter design in the laboratory to evaluate the performance characteristics of this design. Here we present the initial results from these laboratory tests. The modular nature of this design lends itself toward its accommodation on a balloon or spacecraft platform. A small array of such modules can provide a minimum detectable polarization (MDP) of less than 1% in the integrated 50 - 300 keV energy range for X-class solar flares.
Invited review: Ruminant ecology and evolution: Perspectives useful to ruminant livestock research and production

Abstract The article reviews ruminant ecology and evolution and shows insights they offer into livestock research. The first ruminants evolved about 50million years ago and were small ( 0.9 across wild and domestic ruminant species. This proportionality suggests that physical and metabolic factors regulate intake simultaneously, not mutually exclusively as often presumed. Studying the omasum in wild species suggests it functions primarily in particle separation and retention and only secondarily in absorption and other roles. Studies on the African Serengeti show that multiple species, when grazed together, feed such that they use grasslands more completely. They support the use of mixed-species grazing systems in production agriculture. When under metabolic stress, wild species will not rebreed, but rather will extend lactation (to nourish their current offspring). This bolsters the suggestion that lactation length be extended in dairy operations. Cooperation between animal scientists and ecologists could generate more valuable insight.
Burgeoning Directions for the Prevention of Youth Violence

Despite focused efforts toward the prevention of youth violence within the United States, it continues to adversely affect the lives of children and families within our communities and society at large. The articles in this issue address risk and protective factors that affect violence among urban youth to inform prevention and treatment. Pathways to youth violence are complex and may begin early. Prevention efforts in school, family, and community settings that address risk and protective factors within a socially, culturally, and ecologically valid context early in human development are crucial. While challenges remain for the prevention of youth violence, research suggests opportunities to improve our efforts. Federal agency initiatives in partnership with communities are currently underway to increase the knowledge base and advance prevention of youth violence among diverse populations.
Chemiluminescence by peripheral blood phagocytes from channel catfish: Function of opson in and temperature

The ability of the peripherial blood phagocytes from channel catfish, ictaluruspunctatus, to produce chemiluminescence (CL) following ingestion of the enteric pathogen Edwardsiellaictaluri was evaluated under a variety of opsonic and temperature conditions. The CL response was influenced by the concentration of immune serum used to opsonize the bacteria as well as the presence of nonspecific, heat labile opsonins. Peak light emissions were diminished and the time to peak response was increased with a reduction in temperature. Temperature-mediated changes in CL activity was accompanied by a corresponding change in intracellular killing. The addition of the metabolic inhibitors superoxide dismutase or sodium azide resulted in a reduction in CL and intracellular killing.
Nonmetro residence and impaired vision among elderly Americans.

PURPOSE: Nonmetro and metro elderly people are contrasted in their risk of having (relative to lacking) an impairment in distance vision and in near vision. METHODS: Using the 1995-1996 panel (Wave 2) of the Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) Survey, the prevalence of 5 eye-threatening conditions (cardiovascular disease, cataract, diabetes, glaucoma, and hypertension), a variety of medical treatments for these conditions, the number of talks/visits with doctors in the 2 years before Wave 2, and several relevant demographic characteristics of the 6,817 respondents were controlled. FINDINGS: Nonmetro and metro elders have the same risk of impairment in distance vision. After controlling for other factors, nonmetro elders have a higher risk than their metro peers of an uncorrected impairment in near vision (probably presbyopia). CONCLUSIONS: Nonmetro elders may confront more impediments to updating their corrective lenses for presbyopia. Implications for public health policy are discussed. Language: en
Toped: enabling end-user programmers to validate data

Inputs to spreadsheets and web forms often contain typos or other errors. However, existing tools require end-user programmers (EUPs) to write regular expressions or even scripts to validate data, which is slow and error-prone. We present a new technique enabling EUPs to describe data as a series of constrained parts. We incorporate our technique in a prototype tool called Toped, which generates validation code for Excel and web forms. Our technique enables EUPs to validate data more quickly and accurately than with existing techniques, finding 90% of invalid inputs in a lab study.
Electron-impact induced fragmentation of 2-substituted pyridines and picolines

The fragmentation patterns obtained upon electron impact on 2-nitro-, 2-chloro, and 2-aminopyridines, as well as those of the corresponding 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-picolines were examined. There was considerable departure from those patterns reported for the corresponding benzenoid derivatives. Although the molecular ion from 2-nitro-3-picoline did not show fragment ions attributable to an “ortho-effect” (unlike o-nitrotoluene), those from 2-chloro- and 2-amino-3-picolines did show a loss of HCl and NH3, respectively. Quite unexpectedly the ions from 2-chloro- and 2-amino-6-picolines also lost HCl and NH3. Such meta-eliminations for the 2-substituted-6-picolines are postulated to be preceeded by either hydrogen or methyl migration. The mass spectra of 2-pyridone, 2-pyridthione and their respective 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-methyl analogs were also studied. The primary fragmentations of the 2-pyridones were as expected from those reported in the literature. The ions from 3- and 6-methyl-2-pyridones lost water also, the former being another example of an “ortho-effect” observed in this series. Of the thiones, the fragmentations of 3-methyl-2-pyridthione proved most unique since its molecular ion showed besides the loss of HS, the pronounced elimination of H2S, the latter presumably due to an “ortho-effect.” Figures are presented to illustrate the patterns and metastable ions are indicated when found for the transitions discussed.
Control of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit by Modification of 2003 Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America Guideline for Preventing Transmission of Resistant Pathogens

Abstract BACKGROUND: Invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection as a cause of death in hospitalized infants is rare and has not previously occurred in Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH) neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In August 2003, however two infants developed MRSA pneumonia and subsequently died. Anterior nares cultures during this outbreak found two additional infants colonized. In the first 7 months of 2003, the rate of MRSA among Staphylococcus aureus in ACH NICU was 75% (21/28). As part of control measures, we reviewed and modified the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) guideline for resistant pathogens published in 2003 for implementation. METHODS: After review of the guideline by the Hospital Infection Control Committee, the following interventions were selected: 1) cohorts of colonized/infected infants were established, 2) alcohol gel hand disinfectant was introduced, 3) admission surveillance cultures of the anterior nares were performed, 4) point prevalence surveys were conducted, and 5) an antibiotic susceptibility pattern, DNA sequence analysis of the staphylococcal protein A gene (SPA), and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were reviewed to determine the similarity of MRSA isolates. RESULTS: Antibiotic Susceptibility pattern, SPA, and PFGE revealed that one pattern was responsible for this cluster of invasive disease in the initial group of infants. A point prevalence survey conducted in September of current high-risk NICU patients found four infants (hospitalized 25–197 days) colonized with MRSA; none matched the outbreak isolate. Because of the concern of unrecognized MRSA from other hospitals, admission cultures were collected between October and December. Three newly admitted infants were colonized with MRSA – two 25-week-premature newborns (day of life 58 and 10) and one 38-week-premature newborn (day of life 1) from separate facilities. Another point prevalence survey in December found two infants colonized (admission culture negative); none matched the outbreak isolate. The rate of MRSA among Staphylococcus aureus had declined to 45% (18/40) by January 2004. CONCLUSION: Even though it is labor-intensive and costly to implement (microbiology laboratory charges totaled $19,903.02), this SHEA guideline was a crucial component for control of MRSA in our NICU.
High-performance liquid chromatography-thermospray mass spectrometry of gibberellins

Abstract Seven tetracyclic monocarboxylic acid gibberellins (GA1, GA3, GA4, GA5 GA7, GA9 and GA30 and the methyl ester derivatives GA1, GA3, GA4, GA7 and GA9 were analyzed using combined high-performance liquid chromatography-thermospray mass spectrometry or direct injection thermospray mass spectrometry. The seven free acid GAs were resolved using a 25-min water-acetonitrile (0.1 M ammonium acetate) gradient mobile phase and a 5 μ, 150 mm × 4.6 mm, ODS column. Positive-ion thermospray mass spectra of these compounds typically showed intense [M + NH4]+ ions and few, if any, fragment ions. In the negative-ion mode (filament on) the free acid GAs showed [M - H]− or [M + HCO2]− ions as the base peaks. Negative-ion spectra of the methyl ester GAs showed the [M + HCO2]− ions, however, the base peaks were [M]−· or [M + HCO2H]− ions attributed to electron capture processes. Thermos tandem mass spectra were obtained for GA1, GA3 and GA30 from the collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) of their [M + NH4]+ ions. The CAD mass spectra show differences which allow the differentiation of the isomers GA3 and GA30 without the chromatographic separation. The daughter ions resulting from fragmentation processes corresponded to varying losses of CO, CO2, ammonia and water.