cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF)-1α Suppresses Formation and Progression of Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs)

elevations of serum creatinine occur days later and research into makers of early kidney injury has focused on various proteins with disappointing results. Our animal data revealed that even low dose contrast leads to kidney injury and nephron-specific mRNA can be detected in the urine. We wished to evaluate if nephron-specific mRNA could be detected in patients after endovascular procedures as a new, specific marker for CIKI. Methods: Adults undergoing endovascular procedures requiring contrast were consented. Urine was collected over 24hrs. Urinalysis and mRNA extraction followed. rtPCR using nephron-specific (Nephrin, Podocin, Aquaporin-2) and a non-specific (TBF-Beta) probes. Clinical data was also collected. Results: Avg contrast:116cc. Avg age:69. Significant increases were found only in Nephrin mRNA at 6hrs, and returned to baseline (n 1⁄4 20; P 1⁄4 .03 see graph). Hematuria preceded this at 3hrs (P < .02) after contrast exposure. There was no increase in the serum Cr (it decreased). Conclusions: Consistent with our animal model, Nephrin mRNA and blood are detectable in the urine within hours after contrast exposure, regardless of serum creatinine. Urine mRNA is a potentially sensitive marker for CIN.
Multivariate analysis strategies for processing ToF-SIMS images of biomaterials

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) is a hyperspectral imaging technique. Each pixel in a two-dimensional ToF-SIMS image (or each voxel in a three-dimensional (3-D) ToF-SIMS image) contains a full mass spectrum. Thus, multivariate analysis methods are being increasingly used to process biomaterial ToF-SIMS images so the maximum amount of information can be extracted from the images. This study examines the use of principal component analysis (PCA) and maximum autocorrelation factors (MAF) on four different ToF-SIMS images. These images were selected because they represent significant challenges for biomedical ToF-SIMS image processing (topographical features, low count rates, surface contaminants, etc.). With PCA four different types of scaling methods (auto, root mean, filter, and shift variance scaling) were used. The effect of two preprocessing methods (normalization and mean centering) was also examined for both PCA and MAF. The more computational intense MAF provided the best results for all the images investigated in this study, doing the best job of reducing the number of variables required to describe the image, enhancing image contrast and recovering key spectral features. MAF was particularly good at identifying subtle features that were often lost in PCA and impossible to visualize in single peak images. However, the combination of PCA with either root mean or shift variance scaling provided similar results to MAF. Thus, these combinations offer promising alternatives to MAF for working with large data sets encountered in 3-D imaging. Also, the new method of filter scaling is promising for processing low count rate images with salt and pepper noise. Normalization proved an important tool for deconvoluting chemical effects from topographic and/or matrix effects. Mean centering aided in reducing the dimensionality of the data, but in one case resulted in a loss of information.
Imágenes y visiones apocalípticas en Residencia en la tierra y Canto general: de Revelación a Revolución en la poesía de Pablo Neruda

This essay intends to study and identify a certain type of poetical sentiment and language of biblical origen and resonance deriving from the last book of the New Testament, the Apocalypse. In Neruda's "Residence" we find a world experience in a state of crisis, hostility and ruin; a powerful feeling of exile and alienation of the human being after the fall, and a desperate anguish to be living the last days on earth before the end of the world. It is also mentioned that this apocalyptic sense of "Residence" is reinforced and transformed into the vision of the "Canto General'. In this biblical and marxist epic which narrates the destiny of the Latin American peoples, there can be found a clear millenarian sense, Bible -inspired, that human history offers hope and redemption at the end of life's road. The Latin American world, buffeted by historical catastrophes (colonialism, slavery and imperialism) will find its resolution, its victory, in the fight and defense of the fallen. And thus the acute anguish of the Apocalypse (minus God and redemption) in the "Residence" is transformed into the "Canto General" by the strong revolutionary conviction that justice conquered through fighting by the oppressed people, is the supreme goal of this brutal stage in human history.
Transforming growth factor-beta 1 inhibits enkephalinase (EC 3.4.24.11) gene expression in human endometrial stromal cells and sex skin fibroblasts in culture.

This study was conducted to evaluate the negative regulation of enkephalinase by an endogenously produced peptide, namely transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF beta 1). We found that TGF beta 1 acts in human endometrial stromal cells and sex skin fibroblasts in culture to cause a striking decrease (60% to > 90% in 3-7 days) in the specific activity of enkephalinase (membrane metalloendopeptidase; EC 3.4.24.11) by reducing the levels of enkephalinase mRNA and protein. Platelet-derived growth factor caused a slight reduction in enkephalinase specific activity in endometrial stromal cells; epidermal growth factor caused a slight decrease in enkephalinase specific activity in sex skin fibroblasts. In studies in which TGF beta 1 treatment and [35S]methionine labeling were conducted simultaneously, radiolabeling of enkephalinase was decreased. When proteins were radiolabeled with [35S] methionine before treatment with TGF beta 1, the extent of enkephalinase radiolabeling was similar to that in nontreated cells...
Is State-Mandated Redesign an Effective and Sustainable Solution?

There is a pervasive and ongoing perception that leadership preparation is a problem. Important questions remain about the intentions, capacity, and impact of state departments of education engaged in leadership preparation program redesign. In this essay, I take up several issues concerning this state policy work, including whether a one size fits all approach to redesign is appropriate, whether the approaches taken by states have had the intended impact on preparation and leadership practice, and whether state departments of education have the capacity to shoulder the responsibility of translating and implementing policy as well as supporting preparation program redesign.
Mapping Volunteer Activity

The interest and recognition of the importance of volunteers over the last two decades has only highlighted confusion surrounding use of the term volunteer. Quite often in accounts of volunteer activity, terms are used interchangeably, although their content may vary. This article aims at analytically clarifying many of the complexities embedded in volunteer activity. In this endeavor, we use a mapping sentence method, which groups a variety of volunteer characteristics under key interrelated facets. We use a variety of literature-based components of volunteerism and systematically group them into ten facets. Together, they provide clarity and better understanding of the major components of volunteer activity.
Alternate Gate Oxides for Silicon Mosfets Using High- k Dielectrics

High K (dielectric constant) and silicon-compatibility are essential for an alternative gate dielectric for use in silicon MOSFETs. Thermodynamic data were used to comprehensively evaluate the thermodynamic stability of binary oxides and binary nitrides in contact with silicon at 1000 K. Using the Clausius-Mossotti equation and ionic polarizabilities, the K of all known inorganic compounds composed of Si-compatible binary oxides was estimated. A ranked list of alternate gate oxide candidates that are likely to possess both high K and silicon-compatibility is given.
The Militarization of Inner Space

This essay considers the contemporary militarization of U.S. civilian psychology in the context of World War II and Cold War efforts to target the psychic and emotional life of civilians as a battlefield component of `total war.' Selectively tracing the entangled histories of academic social science, the mass media, military technologies, and U.S. government agencies, I suggest that the post-World War II emergence of the U.S. national security state is founded in part on the calculated promotion of civilian insecurity and terror. The militarization of civilian psychology — that is, the psychological re-organization of civil society for the production of violence — becomes historically visible as an administrative imperative of U.S. government. This visibility, I argue, is important in interrogating and intervening in the complex politics and cultures of terrorism today.
Identification of recurring patterns in fractionated atrial electrograms using new transform coefficients

Background Identification of recurrent patterns in complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) has been used to differentiate paroxysmal from persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Detection of the atrial CFAE patterns might therefore be assistive in guiding radiofrequency catheter ablation to drivers of the arrhythmia. In this study a technique for robust detection and classification of recurrent CFAE patterns is described.
Dissociative Recombination of Vibrationally Excited Levels in Oxygen Molecular Ions

In the ionospheres of both Venus and Mars, O 2 + is the most abundant molecular ion, followed at an order of magnitude lower abundance by CO 2 + and NO+.1,2 This result was initially surprising, given that there is relatively little (<0.2%) O2 in either atmosphere. At altitudes above 150 km, O 2 + is formed by the fast exothermic reaction:3 $$ {O^{ + }} + C{O_{2}} \to O_{2}^{ + } + CO, $$ (1) where the O+ reactant comes from dissociative ionization of the CO2 atmosphere.
MaizeGDB update: new tools, data and interface for the maize model organism database

MaizeGDB is a highly curated, community-oriented database and informatics service to researchers focused on the crop plant and model organism Zea mays ssp. mays. Although some form of the maize community database has existed over the last 25 years, there have only been two major releases. In 1991, the original maize genetics database MaizeDB was created. In 2003, the combined contents of MaizeDB and the sequence data from ZmDB were made accessible as a single resource named MaizeGDB. Over the next decade, MaizeGDB became more sequence driven while still maintaining traditional maize genetics datasets. This enabled the project to meet the continued growing and evolving needs of the maize research community, yet the interface and underlying infrastructure remained unchanged. In 2015, the MaizeGDB team completed a multi-year effort to update the MaizeGDB resource by reorganizing existing data, upgrading hardware and infrastructure, creating new tools, incorporating new data types (including diversity data, expression data, gene models, and metabolic pathways), and developing and deploying a modern interface. In addition to coordinating a data resource, the MaizeGDB team coordinates activities and provides technical support to the maize research community. MaizeGDB is accessible online at http://www.maizegdb.org.
The measurement of silver diffusivity in zirconium carbide to study the release behavior of 110mAg in the ZrC TRISO-coated nuclear fuel particle

Abstract The tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) coated particle fuel has been developed and used for high temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs). It provides a unique robustness of the first barrier for the fission products. The TRISO fuel particle has typically consisted of a UO2 or UCO kernel, surrounded by successive layers of porous carbon, dense inner pyrocarbon, silicon carbide, and dense outer pyrocarbon. During operation, however, the SiC layer has been known to release radioactive silver 110mAg which makes maintenance more difficult and thus costly. Zirconium carbide has been considered as a promising alternative to the SiC fission product barrier. ZrC exhibits high temperature stability and possibly possesses superior Pd resistance, while the retention properties especially for silver have not been adequately studied. To help elucidate the diffusive behavior of silver in the ZrC coating of the TRISO-coated particle, a new diffusion experimental technique, called the encapsulating source method, has been developed by constructing a constant source diffusion couple between ZrC and Ag gas originated from Zr–Ag solid solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDS), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and optical methods were used to analyze the diffusion couple annealed at 1500 °C. The resultant diffusion coefficient of Ag in single-crystalline ZrC0.84 at 1500 °C was experimentally determined to be about 2.8 (±1.2) × 10−17 m2/s.
The Endothelium and Control of Coronary Arterial Tone

Endothelial cell products are physiologically diverse. Vasoactivities include both dilation and constriction, and—very important in the context of ischemic heart disease—endothelial factors are known to inhibit platelet aggregation. Disruption of vascular endothelium therefore may be a prime event in thrombogenesis and in the initiation and development of stenotic or occlusive coronary lesions.
Dynamics of Luteinizing Hormone Release after Intravenous Administration of Crude Stalk-Median Eminence Extract or Synthetic Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone

SummaryThe comparative ability of crude acidic extracts of stalk-median eminence (SME) and of synthetic Gn-RH to induce the release of LH in ewes was examined. Intravenous injections of 4 SME equiv...
Performance Testing of Various Nozzle Designs for Water Electrolysis Thruster

The purpose of this research is to develop new nozzles for the HYDROS thruster to improve the current flight performance. This research consists of a base line test of the factory nozzle, as well as testing of three additional nozzles with different characteristics. Experiments were conducted with different plenum pressures to ensure the thruster is throttleable. Thrust data was collected through measuring the impulse bit of each firing using a torsional balance thrust stand. Analysis of the thruster performance included calculations of thrust, specific impulse, and coefficient of thrust. Experimental results of all four nozzles will show how the nozzle length and expansion ratio affect thrust performance for a short duration engine.
Survey on occupational hazards and the prevention measures in key industries of MianYang City

[Objective]To understand the major occupational hazards in key industries of MianYang City,and provide reference for developing occupational disease control measures.[Methods]A series of field surveys was conducted in 80 key enterprises of MianYang City in 2011,and the survey information had been modeled and analyzed.[Results] A total of 80 key enterprises were investigated in Mianyang City,all were identified with occupational hazards which mainly existed in traditional industries of coal,metallurgy,machinery,chemical industry,mining and emerging industries such as automobile manufacturing.The main occupational hazards were various types of dust,chemical toxicants and physical factors.The detection rate of occupational hazards was 21.3%,and its compliance rate was 80.1%.Twenty one enterprises(26.3%) had occupational disease management agency and organization.[Conclusion]The occupational hazards are very serious in key industries of MianYang City,the related government departments should strengthen the prevention of occupational diseases from the levels of system,finance,publicity,etc.Meanwhile,the related departments should collaborate and take on the important task of occupational diseases prevention,prevent occupational hazards from the source,and strictly perform pre-evaluation and control effect evaluation of occupational diseases.
Medical and Behavioral Correlates of Depression History in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Depression is commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the life span. We sought to identify medical and behavioral problems associated with a history of a parent-reported diagnosis of depression in a large sample of school-aged children and adolescents with ASD. METHODS: A sample of 1272 participants (aged 6–17 years; mean [SD]: 9.56 [2.79] years) from the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network consortium were divided into “ever-depressed” (n = 89) and “nondepressed” (n = 1183) groups on the basis of caregiver endorsement of children’s current or previous diagnoses of depression. RESULTS: In total, 7.0% of children with ASD (4.8% of those aged 6–12 years and 20.2% of those aged 13–17 years) were reported to have a history of a depression diagnosis. Positive depression history was associated with greater chronological age, higher IQ, and Asperger disorder diagnosis. After controlling for age, IQ, and within-spectrum categorical diagnosis, the ever-depressed group exhibited significantly greater rates of seizure disorders (odds ratio = 2.64) and gastrointestinal problems (odds ratio = 2.59) and trend-level differences in aggression, somatic complaints, and social impairments. The groups did not differ in autism severity, repetitive behaviors, sleep problems, eating problems, self-injurious behavior, or current intervention use. CONCLUSIONS: Co-occurring depression is a particularly common problem in higher-functioning older children within the Autism Treatment Network. Our findings indicate that children with ASD and a history of a depression diagnosis are more likely to also have co-occurring medical problems, although the presence and direction of causality is unclear.
Epistemology, Ethics, and Moral Education: A Methodological Justification for a Moral Curriculum Based on Jewish Social Values

The chapter advocates an integrative approach to moral education based on Jewish social values using of practical reasoning, which it argues can serve to reduce the gap between moral knowledge and habits. The curriculum (whose target audience is high school freshmen) seeks to address how to create an educational program which not only provides an intellectual framework for ethical deliberation but also imparts the necessary tools for moral training to instill in students both the knowledge and the will to live a morally motivated life of human flourishing. The curriculum attempts to do so by establishing the “rules of the game” for ethical behavior using the standards of classroom behavior as the starting point for moral education.
Sharing Experience Learned Firsthand (SELF): Self-disclosure of lived experience in mental health services and supports.

Objective Self-disclosure of lived experiences with mental health challenges is a central method for challenging stigma and promoting empowerment. Individuals are encouraged to share their stories yet little is known about the process of self-disclosure in this context. This article presents the results of an investigation of the role of lived experience in professional training and work. Method A mixed methods design was used in a sequential exploratory manner. A purposive sample of 35 individuals participated in interviews and focus groups. Based on their reports and a literature review, an anonymous online survey (N = 117) was developed and distributed through consumer networks and the SAMHSA funded Consumer Technical Assistance Centers. The qualitative data was subjected to thematic analysis. The survey data were statistically analyzed for differences in levels of disclosure and factors regarding risks, benefits, and guidance regarding self-disclosure. Results Participants valued their lived experience as a resource through which they could assist others and service delivery. Lived experience was foundational to building relationships with individuals in recovery. Disclosure was dependent on social context and perceptions of safety. Individuals expressed concerns regarding exclusion and discrimination. Conclusions and implications for practice Project participants maintained that their lived experience was their greatest strengths in helping others. At the same time, decisions about disclosure were made in complex social contexts featuring power differentials. Sharing lived experience is essential to peer-delivered services and further exploration is needed to support service development. (PsycINFO Database Record
Clinical significance of cation channel antibodies in motor neuron disease.

Introduction Antibodies against cation channels, including voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex, voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC), and ganglionic acetylcholine receptor (gAChR), are detected in subgroups of autoimmune disorders, and rarely occur in motor neuron disease (MND). Methods This investigation was a case-control study of 28 MND patients positive for cation channel antibodies in comparison with 56 age/gender/onset/diagnostic-category-matched MND patients without such antibodies. Results One or more cation channel antibodies were detected in 6.9% of MND patients, mostly at low titers. The rate of MND progression determined by the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale-revised (ALSFRS-R) and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was statistically indistinguishable between the antibody-positive and control groups. Incidence rates of cancer and coexisting autoimmune disorders were similar between both groups, based on non-comprehensive screening. Conclusion Cation channel antibodies in MND patients do not appear to affect disease progression. Routine testing for paraneoplastic antibodies is probably of limited usefulness in most MND patients. Muscle Nerve 54: 228-231, 2016.
Explicit Equations over a One-Letter Alphabet

We restrict the underlying alphabet to one letter, denoted by a. Languages over {a} have interesting properties, some of which we derive. Then, we use them to show that any system of explicit equations over the alphabet {a} where the operators are union, unrestricted concatenation, and star have solutions that are expressible as regular expressions in terms of the constant languages only. Most importantly, we provide a complete solution of the problem, including a parametric representation of all solutions if there is more than one. We also study the case (in Section 7.7) where complementation is added to this catalog of operators and show that such equations need not have context-free solutions even if the constants are single letters.
Dirichlet and Related Processes

The Dirichlet process plays a dominant role as a prior in Bayesian nonparametrics leading to the development of a wide variety of inferential procedures. In this chapter we give a comprehensive account of the Dirichlet process and its immediate variants—the Dirichlet invariant and mixture of Dirichlet processes. Starting with its formal definition and alternative representations which include the seminal Sethuraman representation, we proceed to discuss in depth many of its properties including the most important one, the conjugacy property, which makes posterior computations easy by simply updating its parameter. Its marginal distribution is characterized as the generalized Polya urn scheme, also known as the Chinese restaurant process, and is shown to provide a tool to sample the Dirichlet process easily. We identify a major limitation that with probability one, it selects a random discrete distribution. However, it is shown in the next chapter that the discreteness proves to be a useful feature in formulating a variety of Dirichlet mixture models. Next, we present the Dirichlet invariant and symmetrized Dirichlet prior processes which are found to be appropriate when the unknown distribution function is known a priori to be is structured such as being invariant under a finite group of transformations or being symmetric.To address the inadequacy of the Dirichlet process in dealing with certain types of data such as bioassay or right censored data, a mixture of Dirichlet processes is developed by treating the parameter of the Dirichlet process as random having a certain parametric distribution. This is described next along with its various properties. The mixtures of Dirichlet processes are shown to be extremely useful in developing various hierarchical and mixture models, some of which are presented in this chapter and others in the next chapter. A major hurdle in implementation of these models is that the posterior distributions needed to proceed with the Bayesian analysis are often found to be intractable making it necessary to generate them via simulation. Consequently, various computational procedures based on Monte Carlo Markov chain developed in the literature using Gibbs sampler, blocked Gibbs samples, slice and retrospective sampling are described here sparingly and relevant steps of algorithms proposed by the respective authors are included here for ease of understanding. Finally, other extensions of the Dirichlet process such as multinomial Dirichlet process, multivariate and generalized Dirichlet processes are briefly outlined.
Factor XI Deficient Mice Have Reduced Platelet Accumulation and Fibrin Deposition after Laser Injury.

Abstract Tissue factor exposure at sites of vascular injury results in the generation of factor Xa and thrombin. A current model of blood coagulation suggests that the amount of thrombin generated through this pathway is limited by the inhibition of the factor VIIa-tissue factor complex by tissue factor pathway inhibitor in the presence of factor Xa. The initial thrombin activates a number of hemostatic proteins including factor XI. Factor XIa then activates factor IX leading to generation of the tenase complex to maintain the thrombin flux. While in vitro studies support this hypothesis the importance of factor XI for thrombus formation in vivo remains unclear. We have examined thrombus formation upon laser injury to the arterioles (30–50 μm diameter) of the cremaster muscle in living mice lacking factor XI using digital multi-channel fluorescence intravital microscopy. Platelets were labeled with Alexa 488 conjugated murine CD41 Fab fragments by systemic infusion of the antibody. Maximum platelet accumulation in factor XI null mice (median of 35 thrombi in 4 mice) is only 25% of that of wild type mice (median of 40 thrombi in 4 mice) after injury (p
Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease in Primary Care.

Abstract Introduction TBL enables a group of learners to engage in independent preparation through prereadings, check their knowledge with readiness assessments, and both share and build on their p...
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Melanoma Brain Metastases: A Comprehensive Clinical Case Series.

Background Melanoma has high propensity to metastasize to the brain. With recent gains in improving patient survival, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) may offer an effective and less neurotoxic alternative to whole-brain radiation. In the study, we report on the safety and efficacy of SRS in treating melanoma brain metastases in 87 patients. Methods This retrospective multicenter study examined 87 patients with 309 metastases who underwent single-dose or multifractionated SRS for treatment of intracranial metastases from malignant melanoma. Results A total of 87 patients with a median age of 62 years (26–85) were treated from 2007–2014. Eighty patients (92%) also had extracranial metastases at time of treatment, and 69 patients (79%) had uncontrolled systemic disease. Seventy-nine patients (91%) underwent single-dose fractions, 7 (8%) underwent 3 fractions, and 1 (1%) was treated in 5 fractions. The mean tumor volume (GTV) treated was 1.92 cc. Five patients developed symptoms of acute phase toxicity, and 4 developed late phase toxicity. None had radionecrosis. The median survival was 6 months. The Kaplan-Meier 1-year survival rate was 31%, and the 1-year local control rate was 91%. The 1-year survival rate for BRAF-positive patients was 42%, and for BRAF-negative patients it was 27%. Forty-two patients (48%) had distant intracranial recurrences, and 1-year distant control rate was 32%. Conclusions SRS is a safe and effective treatment option for intracranial metastases from malignant melanoma. This paper serves as a reference for what is achievable in the absence of highly effective systemic therapy.
ASSESSMENT PRACTICES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KILIMANJARO REGION, TANZANIA; A GAP BETWEEN THEORY AND PRACTICE

Assessment as a process of determining the extent to which teaching and learning objectives have been achieved, is popular and used by teachers at different levels. However, the adoption of new approaches in teaching and learning such as learner centered approach based on social constructivism, possess a big challenge to teachers to align assessment practices with the theory. Many teachers belief that assessment is solely dictated by the teacher and the learner has nothing contribute in the process of setting and the administration of assessments. The theory of constructivism emphasizes on the role of learner in both learning and assessment procedures and the need for authentic assessment which incorporates diversity of objectives from both cognitive psychomotor and affective domains. This study focused on the assessment practices in secondary schools in Kilimanjaro and to determine how they align with the learner centered approaches. This study also assessed the attitudes of teachers and students and challenges encountered in assessment practices. The researcher adopted mixed research methods for data collection and analysis. This study sampled 580 students, 115 teachers, 6 heads of secondary schools, one education inspectors and one National Examination Council of Tanzania (NECTA) official. Data collection instruments were questionnaires, in-depth interview guides and document analysis guide. The findings indicated that there was a gap between theory and practice in assessment. A good number of teachers use teacher centered approach in both teaching and assessment procedures. It was also found that teachers and students had negative attitude towards the assessment procedures of learner centered approach, with several challenges. The researcher recommends the need for in- service training to empower teachers on how to set authentic assessment tests and exams which are more realistic in assessing students in secondary schools in Tanzania. Article visualizations:
CRT-100.88 Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting For Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: Evidence From Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Clinical Trials & Observational Studies For Early & Long Term Outcomes

Goal of this study was to synthesize the evidence comparing short as well as long term outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with the coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) in patients with unprotected left main (UPLM) coronary artery stenosis. Increasing number of patients with
Inhibiting Alternative Non Homologus Endjoining (NHEJ) Pathways: Therapeutic Targets in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML).

Abstract BCR-ABL fusion tyrosine kinase in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), induces high levels of ROS that generate DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). We previously showed that CML cells repair DSBs by aberrant non homologous end-joining (NHEJ) that is characterized by large DNA deletions. The generation of DNA deletions represents a mechanism by which genomic alterations may be acquired in the progression of chronic phase CML to blast crisis. Recently, we demonstrated that a “back-up” or alternative NHEJ pathway is involved in aberrant repair of DSBs in CML. Proteins in this pathway include, DNA ligase IIIα, XRCC1 and poly(-ADP) ribose polymerase (PARP). We have identified that NHEJ proteins, DNA ligase IIIα and WRN are overexpressed in CML. This increased expression appears to be dependent on the presence of BCR-ABL. “Knockdown” of these proteins leads to an accumulation of unrepaired DSBs, demonstrating their essential involvement in DSB repair in CML cells. The goal of the current study is to evaluate the effect of inhibiting “back-up” DNA repair proteins in proliferation and apoptosis of BCR-ABL-positive CML compared with standard Imatinib therapy. To evaluate whether “back-up” repair proteins may be therapeutic targets, we used siRNA down-regulation and small molecule inhibition of DNA ligase IIIα and PARP in BCR-ABL positive cell lines. Importantly, we have recently identified small molecule inhibitors of DNA Ligases by computer aided drug design (CADD). Inhibition of DNA ligases and PARP result in a significant increase in apoptosis of CML cells (K562, Kasumi 4, MEG01 and KU812 and P210 MO7e), comparable with the cell death observed with imatinib treatment. Importantly, CML cell lines resistant to imatinib treatment demonstrate similar apoptotic levels in response to “back-up” repair protein inhibition. These inhibitors are in the process of being tested in CML xenografts and mouse models for therapeutic efficacy in vivo. Our data suggest that the survival of CML cells is at least in part maintained by repair of DSBs using “Back-up” NHEJ. The main proteins involved in this pathway, which include DNA ligase IIIα, XRCCI, DNA Ligase I, PARP and WRN have the potential to be novel therapeutic targets in CML patients that have acquired resistance to imatinib.
Heterogeneous Epoxide Carbonylation by Cooperative Ion-Pair Catalysis in Co(CO)4–-Incorporated Cr-MIL-101

Despite the commercial desirability of epoxide carbonylation to β-lactones, the reliance of this process on homogeneous catalysts makes its industrial application challenging. Here we report the preparation and use of a Co(CO)4–-incorporated Cr-MIL-101 (Co(CO)4⊂Cr-MIL-101, Cr-MIL-101 = Cr3O(BDC)3F, H2BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid) heterogeneous catalyst for the ring-expansion carbonylation of epoxides, whose activity, selectivity, and substrate scope are on par with those of the reported homogeneous catalysts. We ascribe the observed performance to the unique cooperativity between the postsynthetically introduced Co(CO)4– and the site-isolated Lewis acidic Cr(III) centers in the metal–organic framework (MOF). The heterogeneous nature of Co(CO)4⊂Cr-MIL-101 allows the first demonstration of gas-phase continuous-flow production of β-lactones from epoxides, attesting to the potential applicability of the heterogeneous epoxide carbonylation strategy.
Extra! Extracellular Effector Delivery into Host Cells via the Type 3 Secretion System.

The type three secretion system (T3SS) is critical for the virulence of diverse bacterial pathogens. Pathogens use the T3SS to deliver effector proteins into host cells and manipulate host signaling pathways. The prevailing mechanism is that effectors translocate from inside the T3SS directly into the host cell. Recent studies reveal an alternative mechanism of effector translocation, in which an effector protein located outside the bacterial cell relies on the T3SS for delivery into host cells. Tejeda-Dominguez et al. (F. Tejeda-Dominguez, J. Huerta-Cantillo, L. Chavez-Duenas, and F. Navarro-Garcia, mBio 8:e00184-17, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.00184-17) demonstrate that the EspC effector of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli is translocated by binding to the outside of the T3SS and subsequently gains access to the host cell cytoplasm through the T3SS pore embedded within the host cell membrane. This work reveals a novel mechanism of translocation that is likely relevant for a variety of other pathogens that use the T3SS as part of their virulence arsenal.
Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome): part II. Prognosis, management, and future directions.

Both mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary syndrome (SS) have a chronic, relapsing course, with patients frequently undergoing multiple, consecutive therapies. Treatment is aimed at the clearance of skin disease, the minimization of recurrence, the prevention of disease progression, and the preservation of quality of life. Other important considerations are symptom severity, including pruritus and patient age/comorbidities. In general, for limited patch and plaque disease, patients have excellent prognosis on ≥1 topical formulations, including topical corticosteroids and nitrogen mustard, with widespread patch/plaque disease often requiring phototherapy. In refractory early stage MF, transformed MF, and folliculotropic MF, a combination of skin-directed therapy plus low-dose immunomodulators (eg, interferon or bexarotene) may be effective. Patients with advanced and erythrodermic MF/SS can have profound immunosuppression, with treatments targeting tumor cells aimed for immune reconstitution. Biologic agents or targeted therapies either alone or in combination—including immunomodulators and histone-deacetylase inhibitors—are tried first, with more immunosuppressive therapies, such as alemtuzumab or chemotherapy, being generally reserved for refractory or rapidly progressive disease or extensive lymph node and metastatic involvement. Recently, an increased understanding of the pathogenesis of MF and SS with identification of important molecular markers has led to the development of new targeted therapies that are currently being explored in clinical trials in advanced MF and SS.
From the top-down: Transformational leadership considerations for health care organizations

Nurse leaders can positively influence critical issues in healthcare by engaging in transformational leadership (TL) practices. High in humility, extraversion, self-efficacy, and emotional intelligence, transformational leaders focus on followers as individuals and inspire high goal attainment. Organizations can increase TL behaviors through top-down training strategies. This paper evaluates salient TL characteristics and considerations for organizations wishing to create positive organization-wide change.
NLScore: a novel quantitative algorithm based on 3 dimensional structural determinants to predict the probability of nuclear localization in proteins containing classical nuclear localization signals

The presence of a nuclear localization signal (NLS) in proteins can be inferred by the presence of a stretch of basic amino acids (KRKK). These NLSs are termed classical NLS (cNLS). However, only a fraction of proteins containing the cNLS pattern are transported into the nucleus by binding to importin α. Hence, there must exist, additional structural determinants that guide the appropriate interaction between putative NLSs containing cargo and importin α. Using 52 protein structures containing cNLS obtained from RCSB PDB, we assembled a training set and a validation set such that both sets were comprised of a combination of proteins with proven nuclear localization and ones that were non-nuclear. We modeled the interface between cargoes containing cNLS and importin α. We conducted rigid body docking and produced induced-fit modes by allowing both side chain and the backbone to be flexible. The output of these studies and additional determinants such as energy of interaction, atomic contacts, hydrophilic interaction, cationic interaction, and penetration of the cargo protein were used to derive a 26 parameter quantitative structure activity relationship based regression equation. This was further optimized by a step-wise backward elimination approach to derive a 15 parameter score. This NLScore was not only able to correctly classify confirmed nuclear and non-nuclear localized proteins but it was able to perform better than currently implemented algorithms like NucPred, Euk-mPLoc 2.0, cNls Mapper, and NLStradamus. Leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV) showed that NLScore correctly predicted 78.6% and 81.6% of non-nuclear and nuclear proteins respectively. Graphical abstract NLScore: a novel quantitative algorithm based on 3 dimensional structural determinants to predict the probability of nuclear localization in proteins.
College Binge Drinking Associated with Decreased Frontal Activation to Negative Emotional Distractors during Inhibitory Control.

The transition to college is associated with an increase in heavy episodic alcohol use, or binge drinking, during a time when the prefrontal cortex and prefrontal-limbic circuitry continue to mature. Traits associated with this immaturity, including impulsivity in emotional contexts, may contribute to risky and heavy episodic alcohol consumption. The current study used blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) multiband functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess brain activation during a task that required participants to ignore background images with positive, negative, or neutral emotional valence while performing an inhibitory control task (Go-NoGo). Subjects were 23 college freshmen (7 male, 18-20 years) who engaged in a range of drinking behavior (past three months’ binge episodes range = 0-19, mean = 4.6, total drinks consumed range = 0-104, mean = 32.0). Brain activation on inhibitory trials (NoGo) was contrasted between negative and neutral conditions and between positive and neutral conditions using non-parametric testing (5000 permutations) and cluster-based thresholding (z = 2.3), p ≤ 0.05 corrected. Results showed that a higher recent incidence of binge drinking was significantly associated with decreased activation of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC), and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), brain regions strongly implicated in executive functioning, during negative relative to neutral inhibitory trials. No significant associations between binge drinking and brain activation were observed for positive relative to neutral images. While task performance was not significantly associated with binge drinking in this sample, subjects with heavier recent binge drinking showed decreased recruitment of executive control regions under negative versus neutral distractor conditions. These findings suggest that in young adults with heavier recent binge drinking, processing of negative emotional images interferes more with inhibitory control neurocircuitry than in young adults who do not binge drink often. This pattern of altered frontal lobe activation associated with binge drinking may serve as an early marker of risk for future self-regulation deficits that could lead to problematic alcohol use. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the impact of emotion on cognitive control and associated brain functioning in binge drinking behaviors among young adults.
Sizing methodology for combined renewable energy systems

In this work we develop a process to size the renewable energy system that can power a microgrid community. We begin by collecting the community's varying load, location dependent data, and commercially available generation types. According to rules of thumb and relevant physics equations, we then recommended the quantity and configuration of each generation component. Finally, we combine the design suggestions into a hybrid energy system that is simulated and analyzed in TRNSYS. Hence we have created a sizing methodology that determines the best configuration and type of generation components for a microgrid to achieve net-zero energy.
PAR16: COST OF TREATING ASTHMA IN A MANAGED CARE POPULATION

OBJECTIVES: Asthma is a common medical condition that is increasing in prevalence. The purpose of this study was to examine costs associated with treating asthma patients within a managed care organization (MCO). METHODS: Data for this study were obtained from a managed care organization located in the Western region of the US. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they met one of the following criteria: a diagnosis of asthma (ICD-9 code of 493.xx); two or more prescriptions used to control asthma (e.g., inhaled corticosteroid, leukotriene modifier, mast cell stabilizer, xanthine derivative, or a long acting beta agonist); or one prescription for an asthma controller and one or more prescriptions for a short acting beta-agonist. Patients also had to be full year members of the MCO. Patients with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive lung disease were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 351,140 persons were continuously enrolled in the MCO during 1999. A total of 8,051 persons were identified as having asthma (2.3% of the MCO enrollees), with 43% being male. Persons under 18 years of age comprised 28.8% of persons with asthma. Median pharmacy costs were $472, median medical costs were $483, and median total health care costs were $1199 for this population. CONCLUSIONS: Asthma appears to affect a significant number of enrollees within this MCO, with persons less than 18 years of age representing almost 29% of the treated patients. Health care costs in persons with asthma appears to be substantial.
Half-sib family selection improves container nursery and landscape performance of Sycamore

Abstract Seven groups of seedlings from each of seven single parent (half-sib) families of sycamore, Platanus occidentalis L., were grown to a marketable size in 9.1 liter (#3) containers to test r...
The Impact of Computing Interpregnancy Intervals Without Accounting for Intervening Pregnancy Events.

BACKGROUND Short interpregnancy intervals (IPI) are associated with poor birth outcomes. Often, only livebirths are considered to estimate IPI. The objective of our work is to explore whether the associations between demographic, behavioural, and pregnancy variables and IPI change when events other than livebirth are included. METHODS We used data from the 2006-10 and 2011-13 period of the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG). We defined IPI using the conception date of the index pregnancy and the event date of the previous one ending in (i) livebirth; (ii) stillbirth; (iii) miscarriage; (iv) abortion; or (v) any of these events. Risk ratios (RR) were estimated for short IPI (<18 months), and demographic, pregnancy, and behavioural variables using log-linear models. RESULTS When intervening events are included, the association between short IPI and its predictors vary by definition, especially for unintended versus intended pregnancies (only livebirth risk ratio [RR] 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2, 1.5) versus livebirth and miscarriage RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.0, 1.3) and women older than 30 vs. younger than 20 at resolution of the previous pregnancy (only livebirth RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.0, 1.5 versus livebirth and miscarriage RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.2, 1.6). CONCLUSIONS Including miscarriage as an intervening event in the calculation of IPI changes the association between several risk factors and short IPI. However, the association between short IPI and preterm birth does not vary when different IPI calculations are used.
The Bounded Independence of American Courts

President Donald Trump's rhetoric and behavior have given rise to numerous doubts about his willingness to adhere to basic norms of the American constitutional and political system. Some have even worried that his evident disrespect for the American judiciary might lead him to defy an adverse judicial ruling and reject the significance of constitutional and legal checks on the presidency. Such worries reflect the real vulnerability of courts to political backlash and the political bounds of effective judicial independence. Even so, there is good reason to think that Trump's bark is worse than his bite when it comes to the courts. While Trump himself might not be very invested in the integrity and authority of the federal courts, political elites in both political parties are heavily invested in the preservation of a judiciary capable of articulating and enforcing limits on government power. The president would quickly find himself politically isolated were he to launch a serious assault on the courts.
Examining Cybersecurity of Cyberphysical Systems for Critical Infrastructures Through Work Domain Analysis.

Objective:The aim of this study was to apply work domain analysis for cybersecurity assessment and design of supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.Background:Adoption of informat...