cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microphase separation in poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (ABS) studied with paramagnetic spin probes. I. Electron spin resonance spectra

We recently presented electron spin resonance spectra of poly(acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene) (ABS) doped with 10-doxylnonadecane (10DND) and 5-doxyldecane (5DD) as spin probes. The spectra were measured in three types of ABS that differed in their butadiene contents and methods of preparation. Results for the ABS polymers were evaluated by comparison with similar studies on the homopolymers polybutadiene (PB) and polystyrene (PS) and the copolymers poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (SAN) and poly(styrene-co-butadiene) (SB). Only one spectral component was detected for 10DND in PB, PS, SAN, and SB. In contrast, two spectral components differing in their dynamic properties were detected in the ABS samples and were assigned to spin probes located in butadiene-rich domains (the fast component) and SAN-rich domains (the slow component). The presence of two spectral components was taken as an indication of microphase separation. In this study, we present details on the dynamics and microphase separation by simulating spectra of 10DND in ABS, PB, PS, and SAN. The simulations are based on a dynamic model defined by the components of the rotational diffusion tensor and the diffusion tilt angle between the symmetry axis of the rotational diffusion tensor and the direction of the nitrogen 2pz atomic orbital. The jump diffusion model led to good agreement with experimental spectra. In this model, the spin probe has a fixed orientation for a given time and then jumps instantaneously to a new orientation. The temperature variation of the rotational correlation time in PB and PS consisted of two dynamic regimes, with different activation energies. The transition temperature at which the change in dynamics occurs (Ttr) is 380 K for PS and 205 K for PB, essentially the same as the corresponding glass-transition temperatures measured by differential scanning calorimetry. We suggest that Ttr is a better indicator of the glass transition than the temperature at which the total spectral width is 50 G, especially for large probes. The simulation program allowed the determination of the relative intensities of the fast and slow spectral components as a function of temperature; this information was used to clarify the redistribution of the probe above the glass transition of the SAN-rich component in ABS systems. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 424–433, 2002; DOI 10.1002/polb.10110
Comparative endocrinology in the 21st century

Synopsis Hormones coordinate developmental, physiological, and behavioral processes within and between all living organisms. They orchestrate and shape organogenesis from early in development, regulate the acquisition, assimilation, and utilization of nutrients to support growth and metabolism, control gamete production and sexual behavior, mediate organismal responses to environmental change, and allow for communication of information between organisms. Genes that code for hormones; the enzymes that synthesize, metabolize, and transport hormones; and hormone receptors are important targets for natural selection, and variation in their expression and function is a major driving force for the evolution of morphology and life history. Hormones coordinate physiology and behavior of populations of organisms, and thus play key roles in determining the structure of populations, communities, and ecosystems. The field of endocrinology is concerned with the study of hormones and their actions. This field is rooted in the comparative study of hormones in diverse species, which has provided the foundation for the modern fields of evolutionary, environmental, and biomedical endocrinology. Comparative endocrinologists work at the cutting edge of the life sciences. They identify new hormones, hormone receptors and mechanisms of hormone action applicable to diverse species, including humans; study the impact of habitat destruction, pollution, and climatic change on populations of organisms; establish novel model systems for studying hormones and their functions; and develop new genetic strains and husbandry practices for efficient production of animal protein. While the model system approach has dominated biomedical research in recent years, and has provided extraordinary insight into many basic cellular and molecular processes, this approach is limited to investigating a small minority of organisms. Animals exhibit tremendous diversity in form and function, life-history strategies, and responses to the environment. A major challenge for life scientists in the 21st century is to understand how a changing environment impacts all life on earth. A full understanding of the capabilities of organisms to respond to environmental variation, and the resilience of organisms challenged by environmental changes and extremes, is necessary for understanding the impact of pollution and climatic change on the viability of populations. Comparative endocrinologists have a key role to play in these efforts.
The Evolving Strong-Basis-In-Evidence Standard

One of the many questions arising from the Supreme Court’s decision in Ricci v. DeStefano is the nature of the strong-basis-in-evidence standard used by the Court to rectify the perceived tension between Title VII’s disparate treatment and disparate impact provisions. In this article, I demonstrate that the strong-basis-in-evidence standard comprises two related, but separate, legal paradigms. First, since its inception in the Equal Protection, affirmative action context, courts have treated the strong-basis-in-evidence standard as a burden of proof. However, the Supreme Court and the circuit courts have differed as to whether this burden of proof is a burden of production or a burden of persuasion. Based upon my legal analysis and economic models, I submit that the strong-basis-in-evidence standard lodges a burden of persuasion upon defendants. Second, I demonstrate that the Court’s transfer of the strong-basis-in-evidence standard to the Title VII context in Ricci spurred the evolution of the standard from a burden of persuasion to a standard of proof. Principally, the transfer imported the strong-basis-in-evidence standard from the realm of legislative facts in the Fourteenth Amendment, Equal Protection context to the realm of adjudicative facts in the Title VII context. Relying upon the application of probability analysis to adjudicative facts, I show that in the Title VII context the strong-basis-in-evidence standard is a standard of proof falling below the preponderance-of-the-evidence standard. I then demonstrate how this understanding of the strong-basis-in-evidence standard would apply to the propriety of discarding the results of a test showing a disparate impact.
Mobile elements in a single-filament orange Guaymas Basin Beggiatoa ("Candidatus Maribeggiatoa") sp. draft genome: evidence for genetic exchange with cyanobacteria.

ABSTRACT The draft genome sequence of a single orange Beggiatoa (“Candidatus Maribeggiatoa”) filament collected from a microbial mat at a hydrothermal site in Guaymas Basin (Gulf of California, Mexico) shows evidence of extensive genetic exchange with cyanobacteria, in particular for sensory and signal transduction genes. A putative homing endonuclease gene and group I intron within the 23S rRNA gene; several group II catalytic introns; GyrB and DnaE inteins, also encoding homing endonucleases; multiple copies of sequences similar to the fdxN excision elements XisH and XisI (required for heterocyst differentiation in some cyanobacteria); and multiple sequences related to an open reading frame (ORF) (00024_0693) of unknown function all have close non-Beggiatoaceae matches with cyanobacterial sequences. Sequences similar to the uncharacterized ORF and Xis elements are found in other Beggiatoaceae genomes, a variety of cyanobacteria, and a few phylogenetically dispersed pleiomorphic or filamentous bacteria. We speculate that elements shared among filamentous bacterial species may have been exchanged in microbial mats and that some of them may be involved in cell differentiation.
A Parallel Domain Decomposition Technique for Meshless Methods Applications to Large-Scale Heat Transfer Problems

Mesh reduction methods such as the boundary element methods, method of fundamental solutions or the so-called meshless methods all lead to fully populated matrices. This poses serious challenges for large-scale three-dimensional problems due to storage requirements and iterative solution of a large set of non-symmetric equations. Researchers have developed several approaches to address this issue including the class of fast-multipole techniques, use of wavelet transforms, and matrix decomposition. In this paper, we develop a domain- decomposition, or the artificial sub-sectioning technique, along with a region-by-region iteration algorithm particularly tailored for parallel computation to address the coefficient matrix issue. The meshless method we employ is based on expansions using radial basis functions (RBFs). An efficient physically-based procedure provides an effective initial guess of the temperatures along the sub-domain interfaces. The iteration process converges very efficiently, offers substantial savings in memory, and features superior computational efficiency. The meshless iterative domain decomposition technique is ideally suited for parallel computation. We discuss its implementation under MPI standards on a small Windows XP PC cluster. Numerical results reveal the domain decomposition meshless methods produce accurate temperature predictions while requiring a much- reduced effort in problem preparation in comparison to other traditional numerical methods.
Prolactin Concentrations in the Monkey Fetus during the Last Third of Gestation

PRL concentrations were measured in cord plasma obtained at hysterotomy from 26 rhesus monkey fetuses between 111–170 days gestational age (GA). Mean PRL concentrations increased significantly from 23.7 ± 10.1 (X ± SE) ng/ml at 121–130 days GA to 126.9 ± 16.9 ng/ml at 161–170 days GA. A similar significant increase in PRL with age also was observed in samples obtained from 16 fetuses chronically catheterized in utero between 130–155 days GA. Mean PRL levels were 34 – 3.2 ng/ml at 131–140 days GA and rose to 82 ± 9.7 at 150–155 days GA. No difference in PRL concentrations was found between cord blood samples and fetal peripheral blood samples at the ages studied. Maternal PRL levels did not change in samples obtained from chronically catheterized, chair-restrained mothers between 130–155 days GA. A tendency toward an increase in maternal PRL with advancing gestational age was observed in samples collected after hysterotomy. These data indicate that the fetal rhesus monkey demonstrates an increase in plasma...
Positive Selection at the Binding Sites of the Male-Specific Lethal Complex Involved in Dosage Compensation in Drosophila

In many taxa, males and females differ with respect to their sex chromosomes, and dosage compensation mechanisms have evolved to equalize X-linked gene transcription. In Drosophila, the male-specific lethal (MSL) complex binds to hundreds of sites along the male X chromosome and mediates twofold hypertranscription of the single male X. Two recent studies found evidence for lineage-specific adaptive evolution in all five core protein-coding genes of the MSL complex in Drosophila melanogaster. In particular, dramatic positive selection was detected in domains shown to be responsible for their specific targeting to the X chromosome. Here I use population genetics to show that three previously characterized MSL-binding DNA segments on the X themselves underwent adaptive evolution in D. melanogaster, but not in its close relatives D. simulans and D. yakuba. MSL components have been shown to not correctly target the D. melanogaster X chromosome in hybrids between D. melanogaster and D. simulans. My finding supports the idea of selection-driven coevolution among DNA-protein interactions of the dosage compensation machinery and suggests that misregulated dosage compensation could contribute to male hybrid inviability in Drosophila.
Design of DNA-binding peptides based on the leucine zipper motif

A class of transcriptional regulator proteins bind to DNA at dyad-symmetric sites through a motif consisting of (i) a "leucine zipper" sequence that associates into noncovalent, parallel, alpha-helical dimers and (ii) a covalently connected basic region necessary for binding DNA. The basic regions are predicted to be disordered in the absence of DNA and to form alpha helices when bound to DNA. These helices bind in the major groove forming multiple hydrogen-bonded and van der Waals contacts with the nucleotide bases. To test this model, two peptides were designed that were identical to natural leucine zipper proteins only at positions hypothesized to be critical for dimerization and DNA recognition. The peptides form dimers that bind specifically to DNA with their basic regions in alpha-helical conformations.
SUMO-specific protease 2 is essential for modulating p53-Mdm2 in development of trophoblast stem cell niches and lineages.

SUMO-specific protease 2 (SENP2) modifies proteins by removing SUMO from its substrates. Although SUMO-specific proteases are known to reverse sumoylation in many defined systems, their importance in mammalian development and pathogenesis remains largely elusive. Here we report that SENP2 is highly expressed in trophoblast cells that are required for placentation. Targeted disruption of SENP2 in mice reveals its essential role in development of all three trophoblast layers. The mutation causes a deficiency in cell cycle progression. SENP2 has a specific role in the G–S transition, which is required for mitotic and endoreduplication cell cycles in trophoblast proliferation and differentiation, respectively. SENP2 ablation disturbs the p53–Mdm2 pathway, affecting the expansion of trophoblast progenitors and their maturation. Reintroducing SENP2 into the mutants can reduce the sumoylation of Mdm2, diminish the p53 level and promote trophoblast development. Furthermore, downregulation of p53 alleviates the SENP2-null phenotypes and stimulation of p53 causes abnormalities in trophoblast proliferation and differentiation, resembling those of the SENP2 mutants. Our data reveal a key genetic pathway, SENP2–Mdm2–p53, underlying trophoblast lineage development, suggesting its pivotal role in cell cycle progression of mitosis and endoreduplication.
Engaging China While Defending Taiwan: Pivotal Deterrence and Domestic Politics in the Clinton, Bush, and Obama Administrations

This paper examines why, in light of the People’s Republic of China’s rising influence in the post-Cold War era and the early twenty-first century, the Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama administrations have consistently pursued strategic ambiguity as the U.S. Taiwan Strait policy. That approach, based on the notion of pivotal deterrence, has entailed Washington to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself against Chinese coercion and remain militarily prepared to come to Taiwan’s assistance if necessary. On the other hand, it seeks to sustain Beijing’s belief that the United States does not support Taiwanese independence and remains open to the possibility of a peaceful reunification under the “one China” rubric. The U.S. has insisted on a peaceful resolution of the cross-strait conflict. But, the puzzle raised is that a peaceful outcome may also be attained through a “strategic clarity” posture, in which Washington could either utilize its military superiority to buttress its commitment toward Taiwan’s security and independence or simply persuade Taipei into accepting Beijing’s reunification plan. The latter option seems more feasible given China’s recent global ascendancy and the cross-strait detente since 2008. The main argument stresses that while domestic politics matters in the shaping of U.S. Taiwan Strait policy, strategic ambiguity has been chosen and implemented because of American leaders’ interpretation of U.S. national interests regarding China and Taiwan. Those interests rest on (1) engaging China to promote its economic and political liberalization, and (2) hedging against Beijing’s potential aggressive impulse by defending Taiwan’s de-facto autonomy and democracy which could be conducive to the PRC’s political transformation in the future. Hence, the Clinton, Bush, and Obama administrations could neither support China’s unilateral reunification with Taiwan nor the island’s push toward greater formal independence, as they could galvanize Chinese nationalist sentiments and enhance the political legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party. Strategic ambiguity, in short, helps to maintain a healthy balance in the interim and fosters a non-coercive and consensual resolution of the cross-strait tension.
Should Products Liability Be Based on Past or Present Scientific Knowledge

In designing and marketing new products, manufacturers face uncertainty regarding the harmful character of their products. If harm occurs due to a defective design, liability is imposed on manufacturers whenever the design of the product is determined to be unreasonably dangerous. In assessing the reasonableness of a design, courts often -- although the doctrine is not settled -- admit information which was acquired throughout the actual usage of the product -- information that often was not scientifically available at the time of production. The Asbestos litigation is a prominent example of this practice. This paper examines the incentive effects of such hindsight. It demonstrates that the utilization of information that is available ex post but was not available ex ante may lead to adverse incentive effects, (1) in installing safety devices in products, (2) in developing technologies that are less risky, and (3) in investing in research that can identify the risks in advance; yet it unambiguously improves incentives to make safety adjustments subsequent to the distribution of the product. While the overall welfare effect of hindsight in assessing liability is ambiguous, the paper demonstrates that it may reduce the utility of consumers and manufacturers alike.
Evaluation of Theobroma cacao (COCOA) Derived Phenolic Phytochemical Fractions on the In Vitro Inhibition of Carbohydrate Hydrolyzing Enzymes

Theobroma cacao (cocoa) contains a wide variety of phenolic phytochemicals, including proanthocyanidins (PACs), and their bioactivities have been reported in various reports. The present study investigates the carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzyme inhibitory activity of cocoa. Defatted cocoa powder was extracted in 100 mL acetone solution (acetone: water: hydrochloric acid, 70:29.9:0.01) for 2 h at room temperature. The acetone extract was subjected to LH-20 column chromatography using two different methods to recover fractions of different polarities. The extract and resulting fractions were evaluated for the total phenolic content, PAC content and in vitro inhibitory activity against carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes. COAE-PAC had higher total phenolic content and PACs than COAE-LMW; however, COAE-LMW resulted to higher inhibitory activity against carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes. Our findings suggest that cocoa acetone extracts have potential to manage post-prandial hyperglycemia via inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolysis enzymes and that this effect is not PAC dependent. Practical Applciation Type 2 diabetes prevention is a major hurdle of our society. Various research findings suggest that natural product ingredients in combination with lifestyle changes can prevent the progression of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. To effectively design natural product ingredients for the prevention of prediabetes progression to type 2 diabetes requires thorough evaluation of the mechanism of action and potential bioactives. Proanthocyanidins (PACs) present in cocoa have been linked to various health benefits of cocoa. Recent findings suggest that cocoa can potentially prevent type 2 diabetes via inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes. This work identifies whether this inhibitory activity is PAC or lower molecular weight phenolic dependent. Ultimately, this work contributes a small piece in the deeper evaluation of cocoa for the management of type 2 diabetes.
Smith-Magenis Syndrome: Report of One Case

Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a multiple congenital anomalies/mental retardation syndrome characterized by an interstitial deletion on the short arm of chromosome 17 involving the band p11.2. A 3-year-old girl was referred for evaluation of moderate psychomotor retardation and several behavioral problems including self-injuring behavior, hyperactivity, and sleep disturbance. Visual and hearing impairment, and brain abnormalities including ventriculomegaly and hypoplastic right transverse sinus, were detected. Routine cytogenetic study showed an apparent mosaicism of an interstitial deletion over the chromosomal region 17p11.2 in 65% metaphases. However, the microdeletion was found in all metaphases by fluorescence in situ hybridization study with the probe D17S29 (for Smith-Magenis critical region on 17p11.2). Her sleep disorder improved after the use of melatonin.
The influence of puff characteristics, nicotine dependence, and rate of nicotine metabolism on daily nicotine exposure in African American smokers.

Background: African American (AA) smokers experience greater tobacco-related disease burden than Whites, despite smoking fewer cigarettes per day (CPD). Understanding factors that influence daily nicotine intake in AA smokers is an important step towards decreasing tobacco-related health disparities. One factor of interest is smoking topography, or the study of puffing behavior. Aims: 1) To create a model using puff characteristics, nicotine dependence, and nicotine metabolism to predict daily nicotine exposure, and 2) to compare puff characteristics and nicotine intake from two cigarettes smoked at different times to ensure the reliability of the puff characteristics included in our model. Methods: 60 AA smokers smoked their preferred brand of cigarette at two time points through a topography device. Plasma nicotine, expired CO, and changes in subjective measures were measured before and after each cigarette. Total nicotine equivalents (TNE) was measured from 24-hour urine collected during ad lib smoking. Results: In a model predicting daily nicotine exposure, total puff volume, CPD, sex, and menthol status were significant predictors, (R2= .44, p < .001). Total puff volume was significantly greater and inter-puff intervals were significantly shorter after ad lib smoking compared to the first cigarette of the day, but puffing behaviors for both cigarettes were highly correlated (r range= .69-.89, p <.001) within-subjects. Conclusion: This is the first study, to our knowledge, to show that puff characteristics of individual cigarettes are predictive of daily nicotine intake. Impact: These findings enhance our understanding of the relationship between smoking behavior and nicotine intake in AA smokers.
Latent Herpesvirus hominis from trigeminal and sacral dorsal root ganglia of Cebus monkeys.

SummaryFive Cebus albifrons monkeys were infected intravaginally with Herpesvirus hominis type 2. The resulting infection clinically, virologically, and serologically resembled that seen in humans. After the acute infection had ceased, one monkey shed virus spontaneously on two occasions while two others shed following adrenalin administration. Herpesvirus was recovered from the second and third sacral dorsal root ganglia of two monkeys by cocultivation. Despite a variety of techniques, we could not recover virus from any other tissues. In addition, we recovered herpesvirus from co-cultivated trigeminal ganglia of an ocularly infected monkey.
Abstract 5481: Mitochondrial DNA copy number and lung cancer risk among Chinese female non-smokers

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Objectives It has been speculated that mitochondrial DNA copy number is involved in carcinogenesis of several cancers. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the role of mitochondrial DNA copy number in the development of lung cancer among Chinese female non-smoker. Methods A subset of lung cancer cases (N=95) and healthy controls (N=96) were randomly selected from an original lung cancer case-control study conducted in Taiyuan City, China. mtDNA content was determined with Quantitative Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Cases and controls were blindly assayed consecutively. Each sample was done in triplicate. Unconditional logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals after adjusting for age, education level and annual personal income. Spearman correlation coefficient was applied to determine correlation between mtDNA copy number and age or indoor air pollution index. Results Lung cancer cases had a significantly lower median mtDNA copy number of 4.5 as opposed to 7.2 in the controls (p<0.0001). There was an inverse relationship seen between mtDNA copy number and risk of lung cancer. Risk of lung cancer decreased in a dose-response manner with mtDNA copy number (Ptrend=0.0409) in the crude analysis. Those women in the highest quartile of mtDNA have a seventy percent lower risk of lung cancer as opposed to those women in the lowest quartile (aOR=0.3, 95%CI: 0.1-0.7). A significant negative correlation was observed between mtDNA copy number and indoor air pollution index which was developed based on individual's exposure to passive smoking, solid fuel use for heating and cooking, frequency of opening windows and exhaust hood use in the kitchen (p=0.0026). There was not a significant correlation between mtDNA copy number and age (p=0.6672), however a significant inverse relationship seen between mtDNA copy number and risk of lung cancer in those women over the age of 57.1. Conclusion Although the exploratory study showed that mtDNA copy number was negatively associated with indoor air pollution exposure and risk of lung cancer, the small sample size of the study and random selection of the subset from original study has limited the power and generalization of pilot study. Further large sample size studies are needed to verify the findings. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5481. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5481
Neutrophil mobilization into peritoneal fluid.

Rats were injected intraperitoneally with various solutions, and the local cellular responses were studied using quantitative methods. Contrary to reports in the literature, pure saline did not evoke a local neutrophilia after it was injected intraperitoneally. Under similar conditions, bacterial lipopolysaccharides proved to be highly effective. Trace doses were most effective; larger doses caused a marked diminution of the response. Furthermore, a variety of nonbacterial substances were impotent when tested under comparable conditions.
The role of visual analytics in asthma phenotyping and biomarker discovery

The exponential growth of biomedical data related to diseases such as asthma far exceeds our cognitive abilities to comprehend it for tasks such as biomarker discovery, pathway identification, and molecular-based phenotyping. This chapter discusses the cognitive and task-based reasons for why methods from visual analytics can help in analyzing such large and complex asthma data, and demonstrates how one such approach called network visualization and analysis can be used to reveal important translational insights related to asthma. The demonstration of the method helps to identify the strengths and limitations of network analysis, in addition to areas for future research that can enhance the use of networks to analyze vast and complex biomedical datasets related to diseases such as asthma.
Brain-Machine Interfaces: From Macro- to Microcircuits

Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) establish unidirectional and bidirectional communication channels between the brain and assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, limb prostheses and computers. BMI technologies can also link areas within the brain and even individual brains. BMI approach holds promise to provide effective treatment for a range of neurological conditions. Moreover, BMIs can be utilized to augment brain function in healthy individuals. Here we consider three broadly defined BMI types: motor, sensory and cognitive. For these BMI types, both noninvasive and invasive methods have been employed for neural recordings and stimulation. While original BMIs were implemented at the level of brain macrocircuits, a recent trend was to develop BMIs that utilize neuronal microcircuits.
Internet Gateway Design for Defense Data Network Access

The research work performed on Internet Gateways in the Computer Engineering Research Laboratory at the University of Arizona is described in this paper. The research is sponsored by the U.S. Army Information Systems Command. The design of two Gateways for access to the Defense Data Network is presented. The IP Gateway has been demonstrated and links two Sytek LocalNet 20 Broadband networks via the DDN. The TCP/IP Gateway is currently being built so that it can be used to access the DDN from generic networks. The functions of these Gateways are presented and their implementations are discussed.
Memantine-induced chorea and dystonia

Memantine is an uncompetitive N -methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist and probably also has an indirect dopaminergic action at high concentrations. We describe a person with Alzheimer9s disease who developed chorea and dystonia after inadvertently doubling of her daily dose by taking extended-release (XR) memantine twice daily, rather than once daily (planned dose memantine XR, 21 mg once daily), after the drug was switched from immediate release (IR, 10 mg twice daily). Memantine is rarely associated with movement disorders, but this case emphasises the need for awareness of potential problems when switching from memantine IR to XR.
Perioperative Outcomes of Open versus Endovascular Repair for Ruptured Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms.

Background Open aneurysm repair (OAR) remains the gold standard for treating ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). The aim of our study is to compare the 30-day postoperative outcomes among patients with ruptured TAAA undergoing OAR versus endovascular aneurysm repair. Methods Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2006–2015), we identified patients who underwent OAR and endovascular repair for a ruptured TAAA. Postoperative outcomes of interest included mortality, renal failure, stroke, and cardiopulmonary complications. The independent impact of repair type on each of the aforementioned outcomes was examined after robust risk adjustment. Results A total of 206 ruptured TAAA repairs were performed [OAR 144 (70%) versus endovascular 62 (30%)]. The majority of patients were male (53 %) and white (77%). The comorbidities were similar between the 2 groups. On average, the operative time of OAR was approximately 3 hr longer than endovascular repair (P < 0.001). The mortality was similar between the 2 groups (OAR 38% versus endovascular 26%, P = 0.09). Compared with endovascular repair, OAR was associated with higher rates of renal and pulmonary complications (32% vs. 13%, P = 0.004; 58% vs. 37%, P = 0.007, respectively). After adjusting for high-risk patient characteristics, endovascular repair, in comparison with OAR, was associated with a 66% reduction of pulmonary injury and 70% reduction in renal failure (odds ratio [OR] 0.34, 95% CI 0.16–0.73, P = 0.005; OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.11–0.82, P = 0.02). Conclusions Our study reflects the contemporary outcomes following the repair of ruptured TAAA. Despite similar mortality, the endovascular approach was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of renal failure and pulmonary injury.
Effect of time to initiation of postoperative radiation therapy on survival in surgically managed head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to determine the effects of National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline–adherent initiation of postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) and different time-to-PORT intervals on the overall survival (OS) of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS The National Cancer Data Base was reviewed for the period of 2006-2014, and patients with HNSCC undergoing surgery and PORT were identified. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates, Cox regression analysis, and propensity score matching were used to determine the effects of initiating PORT within 6 weeks of surgery and different time-to-PORT intervals on survival. RESULTS This study included 41,291 patients. After adjustments for covariates, starting PORT >6 weeks postoperatively was associated with decreased OS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.13; 99% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.19). This finding remained in the propensity score–matched subset (hazard ratio, 1.21; 99% CI, 1.15-1.28). In comparison with starting PORT 5 to 6 weeks postoperatively, initiating PORT earlier was not associated with improved survival (aHR for ≤ 4 weeks, 0.93; 99% CI, 0.85-1.02; aHR for 4-5 weeks, 0.92; 99% CI, 0.84-1.01). Increasing durations of delay beyond 7 weeks were associated with small, progressive survival decrements (aHR, 1.09, 1.10, and 1.12 for 7-8, 8-10, and >10 weeks, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Nonadherence to NCCN guidelines for initiating PORT within 6 weeks of surgery was associated with decreased survival. There was no survival benefit to initiating PORT earlier within the recommended 6-week timeframe. Increasing durations of delay beyond 7 weeks were associated with small, progressive survival decrements. Cancer 2017;123:4841-50. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Effect of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Amoxicillin on Bacterial Growth in the Presence of Dissolved Organic Carbon

The impact of emerging contaminants in the presence of active pharmaceutical pollutants plays an important role in the persistence and activity of environmental bacteria. This manuscript focuses on the impact of amoxicillin functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles on bacterial growth, in the presence of dissolved organic carbon (humic acid). The impact of these emerging contaminants individually and collectively on the growth profiles of model gram positive and negative bacteria was tracked for 24 h. Results indicate exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of amoxicillin bound iron oxide nanoparticles, in the presence of humic acid, increase bacterial growth in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Accelerated bacterial growth was associated with an increase in iron ions, which have been shown to influence upregulation of cellular metabolism. Though iron oxide nanoparticles are often regarded as benign, this work demonstrates the distinguishable impact of amoxicillin bound iron oxide nanoparticles in the presence of dissolved organic carbon. The results indicate differential impacts of combined contaminants on bacterial growth, having potential implications for environmental and human health.
Emotion Regulation Predicts Everyday Emotion Experience and Social Function in Schizophrenia

While recent evidence has pointed to disturbances in emotion regulation strategy use in schizophrenia, few studies have examined how these regulation strategies relate to emotionality and social behavior in daily life. Using ecological momentary assessment (EMA), we investigated the relationship between emotion regulation, emotional experience and social interaction in the daily lives of individuals with schizophrenia. Participants (N=30) used mobile phones to complete online questionnaires reporting their daily emotional experience and social interaction. Participants also completed self-report measures of habitual emotion regulation. Hierarchical linear modeling revealed that self-reported use of cognitive reappraisal and savoring of emotional experiences were related to greater positive emotion in daily life. In contrast, self-reported suppression was related to greater negative emotion, reduced positive emotion and reduced social interaction in daily life. These findings suggest that individual differences in habitual emotion regulation strategy usage have important relationships to every day emotional and social experiences in schizophrenia.
Unsteady pressure fluctuations measured on a hammerhead space vehicle and comparison with Coe and Nute's 1962 data:

A detailed survey of pressure fluctuations was conducted on a replica of the generic, “hammerhead” shaped space vehicle tested more than half century ago by Coe and Nute (1962). A large number of c...
A 125mV 2ns-access-time 16Kb SRAM design based on a 6T hybrid TFET-FinFET cell

This paper proposes a robust and energy-efficient hybrid TFET-FinFET 6T SRAM cell which takes advantage of the higher ON/OFF current ratio of TFETs compared to that of FinFETs to reliably hold and access data at ultra-low supply voltages. More precisely, in the proposed hybrid cell, to achieve low static currents along with high noise margins, TFETs are used for cross-coupled inverters, and to speed up the access time, high-performance FinFETs are utilized for access transistors. The paper also presents a dual-V t 6T SRAM, in which low-power (high-V t ) and high-performance (low-V t ) FinFETs are used for cross-coupled inverters and access transistors, respectively. For both SRAM cells, the V dd boost read-assist technique is employed to improve the read stability. Characteristics of both SRAMs are analyzed using HSPICE simulations for technologies with the gate length of 20 nm for a 128\times 128 SRAM array. Simulation results reveal that the lowest operating V dd for the dual-V t cell is 225 mV, whereas that of the hybrid cell is 125 mV. Moreover, to further decrease the access delay of the hybrid cell for 125 mV ≤ V dd ≤ 225 mV, negative Gnd read-assist technique and a boosted voltage for the row decoder are used. Finally, the paper presents a 125mV 2ns-access-time 16Kb SRAM array based on the proposed hybrid TFET-FinFET SRAM cell.
Using Diagrams to Reason About Biological Mechanisms

In developing mechanistic explanations for biological phenomena, researchers have their choice of several different types of diagrams. First, a mechanism diagram spatially represents a proposed mechanism, typically using simple shapes for its parts and arrows for their operations. Beyond this representational role, such diagrams can provide a platform for further reasoning. Published diagrams in circadian biology show how question marks support reasoning about the proposed molecular mechanisms by flagging where there are knowledge gaps or uncertainties. Second, an annotated mechanism diagram can support computational modeling of the dynamics of a proposed mechanism. Each variable and parameter needed for the model is added to the diagram adjacent to the appropriate part or operation. Anchoring the model in this way helps with its construction, revision, and interpretation. Third, a network diagram fosters a different approach to mechanistic reasoning. Layout algorithms are applied to data generated by high-throughput experiments to reveal modules that correspond to mechanisms. We present examples in which network diagrams enable viewers to advance hypotheses about previously unknown mechanisms or unknown parts and operations of known mechanisms as well as to develop new understanding about how a given mechanism is situated in a larger environment.
A Subjective Personal Introspective Essay on the Evolution of Business Schools, the Fate of Marketing Education, and Aspirations toward a Great Society:

This essay pursues an approach that I call Subjective Personal Introspection (SPI) to comment on my own impressions concerning my experiences over the past fifty-plus years at one of our leading gr...
Materials Management and Pollution Prevention

Proper anesthesia equipment management is essential for safe and productive surgical missions. Phases of equipment management include (1) pre-trip planning, device procurement, and transportation to the site of operation; (2) equipment maintenance and cleaning for responsible reuse; and (3) waste segregation, disposal, and minimization of incineration. At home institutions, little attention is generally given to resource conservation and pollution prevention. Practitioners must be mindful to avoid exporting wasteful pollution-causing practices, while still maintaining high levels of care. Mission work is not only rewarding on a humanitarian level, but also affords an important opportunity to obtain awareness of waste reduction and pollution prevention strategies that can be employed abroad and at home.
The effect of deletion of a conserved 11 nucleotide sequence on mouse hepatitis virus RNA replication

A conserved 11 nt sequence present at near the 3’ end of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) genomic RNA binds to host proteins and is important for MHV RNA replication (Yu and Leibowitz, 1995). To better understand the role of this 11 nt sequence in positive-strand MHV RNA replication, we examined whether positive-strand MHV DI RNAs from negative-strand DI RNA transcripts lacking the 11 nt sequence were synthesized in MHV-infected cells. Positive-strand DI RNAs did not accumulate efficiently, indicating that the conserved 11 nt sequence was necessary for positive-strand MHV RNA synthesis.
Properties of the Light-dependent Membrane Conductances in Invertebrate Photoreceptors

Substantial progress has been made in understanding the ionic basis of the receptor potential in invertebrate photoreceptors. In receptors that depolarize in response to light, the receptor potential is generated primarily by an increase in conductance to Na+. The permeability of this conductance for K+ is approximately half that of Na+. In Limulus, light also modulates a voltage-dependent K+ conductance. This modulation appears to be mediated by a light-induced rise in intracellular Ca2+. The second messenger involved in activating the Na+ conductance is not known, though there has been much recent work in this area. The channels that carry the light-activated Na current have been studied using the patch-clamp technique. Results have been obtained in both cell-attached and excised patches.
Abstract 16390: Advanced Atrial Tissue Fibrosis Quantified Using Late-Gadolinium Enhanced Cardiac MRI Predicts Trans-Esophageal Echo Abnormalities in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) leads to spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) and thrombus formation commonly seen in the left atrial appendage (LAA) on trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE). We hypothesized that advanced atrial fibrosis, quantified using LGE-MRI,increases the risk of TEE abnormalities. Methods: This study included patients undergoing TEE prior to catheter ablation. Baseline characteristics including the CHADS2 score, anti-coagulation status and mitral regurgitation (MR) were collected. Late-gadolinium enhanced cardiac MRI (LGE-MRI) was obtained in all patients and quantification of atrial tissue fibrosis was obtained. Patients were staged as follows: Utah Stage I (atrial tissue fibrosis 35%). Results: 178 patients were included and a therapeutic INR was present in 111 (62.4%). LAA thrombus was found in 11 patients (6.2%) while left atrial SEC was identified in 18 patients (10.1%). TEE abnormalities were significantly more prevalent in Utah stages III and IV compared to Utah stages I and II: 6 of 56 patients (32.0%) vs 5 of 118 patients (13.7%); p<0.05 for LAA thrombus and 9 of 55 patients (43.2%) vs 9 of 118 patients (8.3%); p<0.05 for LA-SEC. Logistic regression analysis showed that atrial fibrosis (Odds Ratio 2.7; p=0.03) and CHADS2 score (Odds Ratio 4.9; p=0.02) were significant multivariate predictors of LAA thrombus. For LA-SEC, atrial fibrosis (OR 2.2; p=0.01) was the only significant predictor. Conclusions: Atrial tissue fibrosis is an independent predictor of both LAA thrombus and SEC on TEE. It provides incremental risk stratification to the commonly used CHADS2 score. ![Graphic][1] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
To stroll or to sprint? Humans consider time and effort

![Graphic][1] If you ever run late to the bus, you might decide to break into a sprint to catch it at the expense of entering with damp armpits, glowing cheeks and gasping for air. Had you had plenty of time, you could have strolled aboard and saved yourself the effort. Erik Summerside and
Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Red on Perceived Attractiveness:

We conducted meta-analyses of studies that test the red-romance hypothesis, which is that the color red enhances heterosexual attraction in romantic contexts. For men rating women, we found a small, statistically significant effect ( d = 0.26 [0.12, 0.40], p = .0004, N = 2,961), with substantial heterogeneity, Q(44) = 172.5, pQ < .0001, I2 = 89% [82, 94], and equivocal results regarding the possibility of upward bias in the estimate. For women rating men, we found a very small effect ( d = 0.13 [0.01, 0.25], p = .03, N = 2,739), with substantial heterogeneity, Q(35) = 73.0, pQ = .0002, I2 = 53% [33, 80], and evidence of upward bias in the estimate. Moderator analyses suggest effect sizes may have declined over time (both genders), may be largest when an original shade of red is used (men only), and may be smaller in preregistered studies (women only). We present contrasting interpretations and suggestions for future research.
Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Disparities in Web-Based Patient Portal Usage Among Kidney and Liver Transplant Recipients: Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Kidney and liver transplant recipients must manage a complex care regimen after kidney transplant. Although the use of Web-based patient portals is known to improve patient-provider communication and health outcomes in chronic disease populations by helping patients manage posttransplant care, disparities in access to and use of portals have been reported. Little is known about portal usage and disparities among kidney and liver transplant recipients. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine patient racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics associated with portal usage among kidney and liver transplant recipients. Methods: The study included all adult kidney and liver transplant recipients (n=710) at a large academic transplant center in the Southeastern United States between March 2014 and November 2016. Electronic medical record data were linked with Cerner portal usage data. Patient portal use was defined as any portal activity (vs no activity) recorded in the Cerner Web-based portal, including viewing of health records, lab results, medication lists, and the use of secure messaging. Multivariable log-binomial regression was used to determine the patient demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic characteristics associated with portal usage, stratified by organ. Results: Among 710 transplant recipients (n=455 kidney, n=255 liver), 55.4% (252/455) of kidney recipients and 48.2% (123/255) of liver recipients used the patient portal. Black patients were less likely to use the portal versus white patients among both kidney (57% black vs 74% white) and liver (28% black vs 55% white) transplant recipients. In adjusted multivariable analyses, kidney transplant recipients were more likely to use the portal if they had higher education; among liver recipients, patients who were white versus black and had higher education were more likely to use the portal. Conclusions: Despite studies showing that patient portals have the potential to benefit transplant recipients as a tool for health management, racial and socioeconomic disparities should be considered before widespread implementation. Transplant centers should include portal training and support to all patients to encourage use, given its potential to improve outcomes.