cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TNF Alpha-Mediated Disruption of Spermatogenesis in Response to Sertoli Cell Injury in Rodents Is Partially Regulated by MMP2

Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP)-induced Sertoli cell injury in peripubertal rodents results in the stimulation of germ cell apoptosis through an interaction of FAS/FASL between these two cell types. During this peripubertal period, an early spike in the incidence of germ cell apoptosis occurs during the first wave of spermatogenesis and is essential for the development of functional spermatogenesis in adults. Our previous observations revealed that soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha (sTNFA) released by germ cells after MEHP exposure consequently resulted in a robust induction of FASL by Sertoli cells. Metalloproteinases (MPs) are essential for processing the TNFA precursor to its soluble form and its ability to bind to TNFRSF1A. The activity of MPs is regulated by the tissue inhibitors of MPs (TIMPs) family. Herein we report that TIMP2 is predominately expressed in Sertoli cells and that protein levels decrease in a time-dependent manner after MEHP exposure. The secretion of matrix MP 2 (MMP2) in primary rat Sertoli cell-germ cell cocultures is induced after MEHP exposure, and its activity increases in a time-dependent manner. The addition of SB-3CT, a specific gelatinase inhibitor, decreases the activity of MMP2 and significantly reduces MEHP-enhanced sTNFA production in primary cocultures. In vivo challenges with SB-3CT decrease sTNFA and reduce MEHP-induced testicular germ cell apoptosis. In primary cocultures, MEHP exposure causes a 9.46-fold increase in sTNFA, while the addition of recombinant MMP2 protein results in a 5.4-fold increase in sTNFA, suggesting that MEHP-induced MMP2 is in part responsible for the activation of TNFA in the testis. Taken together, these observations indicate the distinct role of specific MPs in response to toxicant-induced Sertoli cell injury, providing further insights into the mechanism by which Sertoli cells control the sensitivity of germ cells to undergo apoptosis.
A phase I study of dasatinib and weekly paclitaxel for metastatic breast cancer

Abstract Background SRC plays an important role in the pathogenesis of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). In preclinical models, paclitaxel and the oral SRC inhibitor dasatinib showed greater antitumor activity than either agent. To determine the maximum tolerated dose of this combination, we conducted a phase I study. Patients and methods Patients with MBC; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of zero to one; normal hepatic, renal and marrow function were eligible. Paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 was given 3 weeks of 4. The starting dasatinib dose was 70 mg and was increased, using a standard 3 + 3 dose-escalation scheme. Results Fifteen patients enrolled (median age 54 years, range 35–74). No dose-limiting toxic effects (DLTs) occurred at dasatinib doses of 70–120 mg. One DLT (grade 3 fatigue) occurred in the dasatinib 150-mg cohort, which was expanded (six patients) with no further DLTs. However, due to cumulative toxic effects (rash, fatigue, diarrhea), the recommended phase II dose is dasatinib 120 mg. Of 13 assessable patients, a partial response was seen in 4 patients (31%), including 2 patients previously treated with taxanes; all received ≥120 mg dasatinib. An additional five patients (29%) had stable disease. Conclusion In combination with weekly paclitaxel, the recommended phase II dose of dasatinib is 120 mg daily and preliminary activity has been seen in patients with MBC.
Wind-induced modulation of seasonal phytoplankton blooms in the North Atlantic derived from satellite observations

We examined the interannual variability in the timing and magnitude of seasonal phytoplankton blooms in the North Atlantic (708N‐108N, 908W‐108E) in relation to variability in wind forcing during the bloom period using satellite data from 1998 through 2004. When averaged over the period extending from 1998 to 2004, seasonal increases in phytoplankton in the subpolar North Atlantic were observed predominantly during the spring, while the increases occurred between autumn and winter in the subtropical region. The major modes of interannual variability in bloom timing and magnitude from empirical orthogonal function analysis exhibited large spatial coherency across the North Atlantic. These patterns of variability can be explained, in large part, by the pattern of interannual variability in bloom-period wind mixing. Although convection is important in the seasonal development of blooms, wind-induced mixing during the bloom period appeared to be the key forcing agent contributing to interannual variability in the intensity of blooms. Increased wind-induced mixing during the bloom period reduced bloom magnitude over the subpolar and northern subtropical regions while enhancing it over the southern subtropical region. Atmospheric variations associated with interannual variability in wind mixing during the bloom period also appeared to affect variability in the timing of bloom onset. The major mode of interannual variability in the timing of North Atlantic blooms indicates a possible link to the North Atlantic Oscillation.
Doughnut in the desert: Late-winter production pulse in southern Lake Michigan

Contrary to expectations of fairly uniform and unstratified waters, sea-viewing wide field-of-view sensor (SeaWiFS) and moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) imagery revealed a spatially complex chlorophyll a pattern, termed the "doughnut," in southern Lake Michigan during March to April. Phosphorus-rich coastal waters and sediments are entrained along gyre convergence zones and moved into deeper waters, stimulating a ring of production. Cross-lake surveys (April 2001 and April 2006) with two separate profiling instruments (vertical Seabird CTD casts, horizontal Acrobat tows) uncovered columnar patterns for Chl a, temperature, and other variables (colored dissolved organic matter, transmissivity) consistent with a spatially complex, rotating gyre structure. Optical plankton counter transects, plankton net tows, and sonar documented that the spatial heterogeneity extends to higher levels of food webs (zooplankton). The horizontal and vertical patterns suggest a previously unrecognized coupling between late-winter storm-induced gyre formation, coastal water plus sediment capture, and deep-water productivity. The pulse may explain how certain zooplankton species characteristic of the Great Lakes can successfully overwinter through what was previously perceived as a very unproductive and resource-stressful period. The magnitude of the winter pulse may be linked to climate change, as higher temperatures and more frequent winter storms suppress coastal ice formation and encourage movement of nutrient-enriched waters and sediments into deeper waters.
Thermal Stresses During Quenching of Short Glass Cylinders

The thermal stresses are calculated during quenching of short glass cylinders for materials used in solid-state laser devices. The stresses are determined numerically, and they are parameterized by the Biot number which characterizes cooling by convection. The solution is compared to the stresses for flat, penny-shaped and for long, rod-shaped cylinders. The validity of the steady-state thermal boundary conditions is discussed.
On the Endurance Limit of Fiberglass Pipes Using Acoustic Emission

This paper proposes a method for determining endurance limits to leakage for fiberglass pipes under internal pressure using acoustic emission signals and static pressure tests. Results are presented from a series of cyclic internal pressure tests performed on fiberglass pipes fabricated according to ASME RTP-1 (1989) recommendations. The specimens were 8 in. (20.32 cm) internal diameter and 5 ft (1.525 m) long. The construction layup consisted of an internal corrosion barrier followed by several layers of continuous filament wound glass. A state of pure hoop stress was imposed via an internal pressure system that allowed free axial movement of the pipe. The purpose of the tests was to evaluate current design procedures and to assess the capabilities of acoustic emission (AE) monitoring to detect damage and to predict the leakage pressure for the pipes. Twenty-four specimens were tested to failure with AE monitoring. The results of these tests are presented, including data on the measured cyclic life of the specimens, comparisons to the static leakage capacity, and the effectiveness of AE in determining damage induced by cyclic loading.
Pathologic Features of Renal Cortical Tumors

Our better understanding of the morphologic spectrum of renal cortical tumors has resulted in a clinically more relevant classification of these tumor types. We now recognize that "granular cell" and "sarcomatoid" renal cell carcinoma are only nonspecific descriptors, and that such features are seen in a variety of types of renal tumors. The authors believe that the recently gained knowledge about molecular-driven antigen expression will play an important role in the characterization, development, and evaluation of targeted therapies in kidney cancer in the coming years.
Proton beam therapy and localised prostate cancer: current status and controversies

Proton therapy is a promising, but costly, treatment for prostate cancer. Theoretical physical advantages exist; yet to date, it has been shown only to be comparably safe and effective when compared with the alternatives and not necessarily superior. If clinically meaningful benefits do exist for patients, more rigorous study will be needed to detect them and society will require this to justify the investment of time and money. New technical advances in proton beam delivery coupled with shortened overall treatment times and declining device costs have the potential to make this a more cost-effective therapy in the years ahead.
Listening Effort and Fatigue in School-Age Children With and Without Hearing Loss

Parents, audiologists, and educators have long speculated that children with hearing loss must expend more effort and, therefore, fatigue more easily than their peers with normal hearing when liste...
Terse messaging and public health in the midst of natural disasters: the case of the Boulder floods

Social media are quickly becoming the channel of choice for disseminating emergency warning messages. However, relatively little data-driven research exists to inform effective message design when ...
Reliability testing of cell assemblies for photovoltaic concentrator modules

Correlation of artificial thermal cycling with field operation through two separate experimental investigations is described. The first is a study of two sets of identical cell assemblies: one used in the field and the other stored. For the degradation mechanism of cracks in the solder attaching the feet of the top contact to the cell, 125 thermal cycles were found to cause the same amount of degradation as 4.7 years of use in the field. The second investigation involves thermal cycling at temperatures simulating field operation but at higher cycling frequencies. By comparing identical parts cycled at different frequencies, the effect of frequency on rate of degradation is determined. A number of thermal cycles at a higher frequency then related to an equivalent number of thermal cycles at the lower frequencies encountered in actual use. >
Neonatal foot deformities and their relationship to developmental dysplasia of the hip: AN 11-YEAR PROSPECTIVE, LONGITUDINAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

In a prospective study over 11 years we assessed the relationship between neonatal deformities of the foot and the presence of ultrasonographic developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 2006, 614 infants with deformities of the foot were referred for clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation. There were 436 cases of postural talipes equinovarus deformity (TEV), 60 of fixed congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), 93 of congenital talipes calcaneovalgus (CTCV) and 25 of metatarsus adductus. The overall risk of ultrasonographic dysplasia or instability was 1:27 in postural TEV, 1:8.6 in CTEV, 1:5.2 in CTCV and 1:25 in metatarsus adductus. The risk of type-IV instability of the hip or irreducible dislocation was 1:436 (0.2%) in postural TEV, 1:15.4 (6.5%) in CTCV and 1:25 (4%) in metatarsus adductus. There were no cases of hip instability (type IV) or of irreducible dislocation in the CTEV group. Routine screening for DDH in cases of postural TEV and CTEV is no longer advocated. The former is poorly defined, leading to the over-diagnosis of a possibly spurious condition. Ultrasonographic imaging and surveillance of hips in infants with CTCV and possibly those with metatarsus adductus should continue.
Large Eddy Simulation of the transition from sheet to cloud cavitation over a wedge

Abstract LES of sheet to cloud cavitation over a wedge is performed at Reynolds number R e = 200 , 000 (based on the wedge height and free stream velocity) and cavitation number σ = 2.1 . The attached sheet cavity grows upto a critical length, after which it breaks into a cloud cavity which is highly three–dimensional and vortical in nature. The mean and RMS void fraction profiles obtained inside the cavity are compared to experiment and good agreement is observed. The frequency of the shedding process is obtained from point spectra at several locations and the obtained frequency is found to agree with the experiment. It is observed that the mean pressure at the wedge apex does not fall below vapor pressure; however cavitation occurs there due to the unsteady pressure falling below vapor pressure. The maximum mean void fraction occurs in the sheet cavity and is about 0.5, while the cloud region has even lesser amount of void fraction. The velocity fluctuations immediately downstream of the cavity show comparable streamwise and spanwise values, while the spanwise values are smaller in comparison inside the cavity region. The probability density function of void fraction examined at several locations inside the cavity show that the mean value obtained from time averaged data is very different from the most probable value of void fraction, indicating the considerable unsteadiness of the flow. The pressure waves produced upon cloud collapse are found to display both cyclic behavior and small scale transient behavior downstream of the wedge. The LES results agree better with experiment than unsteady RANS in predicting this highly unsteady flow.
Evaluation of confounding effects in ROC studies.

SUMMARY diagnosis of disease. It is often true that the result of the test, although dichotomous, is based on the dichotomization of a continuous variable say, X-herein referred to as the separator variable. Let us assume without loss of generality that smaller values of X are associated with the diseased population, often called the population of the cases. Conversely, larger values of the separator are assumed to be associated with the control or nondiseased population. A test result is classified by choosing a cut-off X = x against which the observation of the separator is compared. A test result is positive if the value of the separator does not exceed the cut- off; otherwise, the result is classified as negative. Most diagnostic tests are imperfect instruments in the sense that healthy individuals will occasionally be classified wrongly as being ill, while some individuals who are really ill may fail to be detected as such. Therefore, there is the ensuing conditional probability of the correct classification of a randomly selected case, called the sensitivity of the test,
The president's fiscal year 2007 initiative for human immunodeficiency virus counseling and testing expansion in the United States: a scenario analysis of its coverage, impact, and cost-effectiveness.

INTRODUCTION: When adjusted for inflation, the federal investment in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention in the United States has been trending downward for several years. However, for fiscal year 2007, President Bush has proposed to Congress a $93 million increase in HIV prevention efforts focused on HIV counseling and rapid testing in high-risk communities. OBJECTIVE: Here, we estimate the coverage level of an investment of $93 million for rapid testing and counseling services, estimate the number of HIV infections that might be expected to be prevented by this initiative, and calculate the cost-per-infection-prevented. METHODS: Standard methods of scenario and cost-effectiveness analysis were employed, and a 1-year time horizon was used. Calculations were done assuming both a societal perspective and a payor perspective. RESULTS: Assuming full societal perspective costs, about 1.4 million clients could be reached, but if the payor's perspective is used (and clients are assumed to absorb the costs of their time spent and transportation), then coverage could expand to 2.9 million clients. Depending on the perspective used, it is estimated that between 13,014 and 26,984 persons living with HIV could newly learn their serostatus, and that between 1,223 and 2,537 HIV infections could be prevented as a function of the initiative. Under both societal and payor perspectives, the gross cost per infection averted is less than the medical care costs for one case of HIV disease. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the president's proposed $93 million initiative for HIV counseling and rapid testing in the United States would have favorable public health benefits and be cost saving to society (even if it does not address all unmet HIV prevention needs in the United States). However, future research should seek to determine whether rapid counseling and testing are the optimal use of a new $93 million investment in HIV prevention.
The life history of Porphyropsis coccinea Var. Dawsonii in culture

Young blades of Porphyropsis coccinea var. dawsonii formed monospores either by the production of a concave wall separating a small monosporangium from a larger mother cell or by the release of entire cell contents. Spores could develop into either filaments or monostromatic disks from which upright blades were subsequently produced. This filamentous stage, hitherto unreported, differs from the Conchocelis phases reported for Bangia and Porphyra in that pit connections and fertile cell rows are lacking. The life history was completed under each illumination condition employed and no evidence for the photoperiodic control of growth and development was obtained.
Reverse Osmosis Biofilm Dispersal by Osmotic Back-Flushing: Cleaning via Substratum Perforation

We have demonstrated the application of osmotic back-flushing (OBF) for the removal of biofilms from reverse osmosis (RO) membranes and proposed a new biofilm dispersal mechanism. OBF was conducted in a laboratory-scale RO test cell by introducing a sequence of hypersaline solution (1.5 M NaCl) flushes into the feedwater, while still maintaining the applied hydraulic pressure (13.8 bar). OBF resulted in significant biofilm detachment, leaving a thin, perforated bacterial film (24 μm thickness) with vertical cavities ranging from 15 to 50 μm in diameter. Application of OBF led to significant reductionin the biovolume (70–79%) and substantial removal of total organic carbon and proteins (78 and 66%, respectively), resulting in 63% permeate water flux recovery. Our findings demonstrate the potential of this chemical-free RO membrane cleaning method while highlighting the possible challenges of the technique.
Accurate prediction of binding thermodynamics for DNA on surfaces.

For DNA mounted on surfaces for microarrays, microbeads, and nanoparticles, the nature of the random attachment of oligonucleotide probes to an amorphous surface gives rise to a locally inhomogeneous probe density. These fluctuations of the probe surface density are inherent to all common surface or bead platforms, regardless of whether they exploit either an attachment of presynthesized probes or probes synthesized in situ on the surface. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the crucial role of the probe surface density fluctuations in the performance of DNA arrays. We account for the density fluctuations with a disordered two-dimensional surface model and derive the corresponding array hybridization isotherm that includes a counterion screened electrostatic repulsion between the assayed DNA and probe array. The calculated melting curves are in excellent agreement with published experimental results for arrays with both presynthesized and in situ synthesized oligonucleotide probes. The approach develo...
Implementing Best-Value Procurement for Design–Bid–Build Highway Projects

State departments of transportation (DOTs) have typically used low-bid procurement to deliver design–bid–build (DBB) highway projects. Although low-bid procurement has provided predictable results for state DOTs, it does not always result in the best performance during and after construction. Thus, state DOTs are increasingly using alternative methods such as best-value procurement to ensure project quality and enhance project performance. In essence, best-value procurement incorporates price with other factors to achieve specific project goals. Compared with low-bid procurement, best-value procurement offers several advantages that can include opportunities to improve project quality, promote innovation, and enhance project performance. To date, with a few exceptions, state DOTs have only used best-value procurement for design–build projects. This study explores the procedures and existing practices for implementing best-value procurement in DBB project delivery. Data were collected from a literature rev...
Increased expression of heat shock protein-70 protects A549 cells against hyperoxia

Acute and chronic lung injury secondary to hyperoxia remains an important complication in critically ill patients, and, consequently, there is interest in developing strategies to protect the lung against hyperoxia. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) confer protection against a broad array of cytotoxic agents. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that increased expression of the 70-kDa HSP (HSP70) would protect cultured human respiratory epithelium against hyperoxia. Recombinant A549 cells were generated in which human HSP70 was increased by stable transfection with a plasmid containing human HSP70 cDNA under control of the cytomegalovirus promoter (A549-HSP70 cells). A549-HSP70 cells exposed to hyperoxia had greater acute survival rates and clonogenic capacity compared with wild-type A549 cells and with control cells stably transfected with the empty expression plasmid. Hyperoxia-mediated lipid peroxidation and ATP depletion were also attenuated in A549-HSP70 cells exposed to hyperoxia. Increased expression of HSP70 did not detectably alter mRNA levels of the intracellular antioxidants manganese superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Collectively, these data demonstrate a specific in vitro protective role for HSP70 against hyperoxia and suggest that potential mechanisms of protection involve attenuation of hyperoxia-mediated lipid peroxidation and ATP depletion.
Müller Cell Ca2+ Waves Evoked by Purinergic Receptor Agonists in Slices of Rat Retina

We have measured agonist evoked Ca2+ waves in Muller cells in situ within freshly isolated retinal slices. Using an eye cup dye loading procedure we were able to preferentially fill Muller glial ce...
Application of compound chaotic mapping in speech encryption algorithm

Using the Devaney chaos theory,designd a compound chaos mapping as the encryption function,and have proven that the track is non-periodic for the initial value of finite decimal.It designs an encryption algorithm successively according to this, and realizes the encryption for sound documents.Afterward the simulation experiment has been carried on,it realized the key sensitivity analysis,the statistical analysis,as well as the correlation analysis of definite text and secret text.The experimental result proves that this system has the good cryptology performance,produces the large key space,meanwhile,it has good avalanche effect,resists exhaustion and the statistical analysis effectively.
Research progress on health risk assessment

Health risk assessment( HRA) has become an important component part of hygiene. This paper outlines the metallic elements existing in the environment and harmful to human health. It introduces the basic concepts,hygienic significance and development history of HRA. The paper expounds the 4 steps of health risk assessment which include data collection and assessment,poisonous assessment,exposure assessment and health risk characterization. It also introduces the application of the health risk assessment in China and discusses the existing problems on the basis of achievements researches of health risk assessment around the world.
A Novel Method for Expediting the Development of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and an Evaluation Across Several Populations:

Item response theory (IRT) models provide an appropriate alternative to the classical ordinal confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) during the development of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Current literature has identified the assessment of IRT model fit as both challenging and underdeveloped. This study evaluates the performance of Ordinal Bayesian Instrument Development (OBID), a Bayesian IRT model with a probit link function approach, through applications in two breast cancer-related instrument development studies. The primary focus is to investigate an appropriate method for comparing Bayesian IRT models in PROMs development. An exact Bayesian leave-one-out cross-validation (LOO-CV) approach is implemented to assess prior selection for the item discrimination parameter in the IRT model and subject content experts’ bias (in a statistical sense and not to be confused with psychometric bias as in differential item functioning) toward the estimation of item-to-domain correlations. Results support...
Profiles of Patricia Tries

A PATRICIA trie is a trie in which non-branching paths are compressed. The external profile $$B_{n,k}$$ , defined to be the number of leaves at level k of a PATRICIA trie on n nodes, is an important “summarizing” parameter, in terms of which several other parameters of interest can be formulated. Here we derive precise asymptotics for the expected value and variance of $$B_{n,k}$$ , as well as a central limit theorem with error bound on the characteristic function, for PATRICIA tries on n infinite binary strings generated by a memoryless source with bias $$p > 1/2$$ for $$k\sim \alpha \log n$$ with $$\alpha \in (1/\log (1/q) + \varepsilon , 1/\log (1/p) - \varepsilon )$$ for any fixed $$\varepsilon > 0$$ . In this range, $$ {\mathbb {E}}[B_{n,k}] = \varTheta ( {\mathrm {Var}}[B_{n,k}])$$ , and both are of the form $$\varTheta (n^{\beta (\alpha )}/\sqrt{\log n})$$ , where the $$\varTheta $$ hides bounded, periodic functions in $$\log n$$ whose Fourier series we explicitly determine. The compression property leads to extra terms in the Poisson functional equations for the profile which are not seen in tries or digital search trees, resulting in Mellin transforms which are only implicitly given in terms of the moments of $$B_{m,j}$$ for various m and j. Thus, the proofs require information about the profile outside the main range of interest. Our derivations rely on analytic techniques, including Mellin transforms, analytic de-Poissonization, the saddle point method, and careful bounding of complex functions.
One Small Step, a Giant Leap: D-PETE Within Minority Serving Institutions

ABSTRACTMany articles over the years have bemoaned the lack of diversity in doctorate-granting Physical Education Teacher Education (D-PETE) programs without attainable solutions towards significant increases in student and faculty diversity. The purpose of this article is to emphasize the potential significance of implementing D-PETE programs at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). To that end, we discuss the impact MSIs have on the success of students of color and the impact MSI D-PETE programs would have on the diversification of PETE faculty and student bodies. In this article, we suggest ways to reframe the diversity narrative and offer solutions that are not currently utilized. The implementation of D-PETE programs at MSIs can enhance the broader PETE ecosystem, diversifying it like never before.
Redefinition of the Eleodes Eschscholtz Subgenera Tricheleodes Blaisdell and Pseudeleodes Blaisdell, with the Description of a New Species (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The Eleodes Eschscholtz, 1829 subgenera Tricheleodes Blaisdell, 1909 and Pseudeleodes Blaisdell, 1909 are reviewed and redefined, based largely on female ovipositors. Eleodes hirsuta LeConte, 1861 is designated as the type species of Tricheleodes, which is redefined to contain only that species. Eleodes barbatus Wickham, 1918 is placed as incertae sedis within Eleodes. Pseudeleodes is expanded to include Trichoderulus Blaisdell, 1923 syn. nov., as well as the following species: Eleodes caudiferus LeConte, 1858, E. leechi Tanner, 1961, E. longipilosus Horn, 1891, E. pilosus Horn, 1870, E. spoliatus Blaisdell, 1933, and E. tribulus Thomas, 2005, all comb. nov.; and Eleodes inornatus Johnston sp. nov. Eleodes granosus LeConte, 1866 is recognized as a single valid species, which includes Eleodes inyoensis Tanner, 1961 syn. nov. and Eleodes granosa pilifera Boddy, 1957 syn. nov. Eleodes caudiferus LeConte is similarly identified as a single valid species, which includes E. caudifera forma glabra Blaisdell, 1909 syn. nov., E. caudifera forma scabra Blasidell, 1909 syn. nov., and E. caudifera forma sublaevis Blaisdell, 1909 syn. nov. Eleodes pilosus Horn is found to be a single species including E. obesus Doyen, 1985 as a syn. nov. A key is presented for the species belonging to the subgenus Pseudeleodes. The new classification is reconciled with the cumulative preceding taxonomic perspective according to Blaisdell (1909) through Triplehorn and coauthors (2015), by representing both taxonomies and aligning their respective concepts with Region Connection Calculus (RCC-5) articulations. The resulting, logically consistent alignment is inferred and visualized using the Euler/X multi-taxonomy alignment toolkit.
Call or Question: a Rehabilitation of Conscience as Dialogical

It is by way of the call that one is enabled to wake up to responsibility. What is the illocutionary mood of the ‘call’ of conscience, though? Is this transcendental enabler of responsibility an imposing demand or an invitational question? Both Levinas and Heidegger emphasize the impositional character of the call(er) in conscience. The call seems to be the very essence of imperatives. I develop an apology for questioning by way of appeal to crumbs scattered throughout Jewish traditions as well as throughout the works of Levinas and Heidegger. Perhaps we are invited to be rather than told to be.
PSMA PET: Transformational Change in Prostate Cancer Management?

See the associated article on page [230][1]. In the world of business, the words disruptive or transformative are typically used to denote schemes that affect commerce or the market at a fundamental level. Medical imaging has also experienced such events after the discovery of x-rays by Wilhelm
Probing the swelling-dependent mechanical and transport properties of polyacrylamide hydrogels through AFM-based dynamic nanoindentation

Hydrogels are composed of a crosslinked polymer network and water. The constitutive behaviors of hydrogels have been modeled based on Flory–Huggins theory. Within this model, the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters are assumed to be of constant values and are typically characterized through swelling tests. Since most hydrogels can absorb a large amount of solvent from the dry state to the swollen state, and the network size and solvent concentration of the hydrogels change significantly, the assumption of constant values of the thermodynamic and kinetic properties as the network swells is questionable. In this work, we have experimentally shown that even for the simple neutral polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels, their mechanical responses cannot be fully described by the Flory–Huggins theory with constant thermodynamic parameters: N (number of chains per unit volume of dry polymers) and χ (polymer–solvent interaction parameter). For a more complete and precise characterization of the hydrogels, we measure the evolving properties of the gels as the network swells. Here, we use dynamic indentation to measure the poroelastic properties (shear modulus G, Poisson's ratio ν and diffusivity D) of the hydrogels under a wide range of swelling ratios. We also use linear perturbation to build the link between G, ν and N, χ, and plot the thermodynamic parameters in the Flory–Huggins theory as a function of the hydrogel swelling ratio. Consequently, the validity of the hydrogel models based on Flory–Huggins theory can be quantitatively examined.
Glucan Binding Protein C of Streptococcus mutans Mediates both Sucrose-Independent and Sucrose-Dependent Adherence

The high-resolution structure of glucan binding protein C (GbpC) at 1.14 A, a sucrose-dependent virulence factor of the dental caries pathogen Streptococcus mutans, has been determined. GbpC shares not only structural similarities with the V regions of AgI/II and SspB but also functional adherence to salivary agglutinin (SAG) and its scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domains (SRCRs). This is not only a newly identified function for GbpC but also an additional fail-safe binding mechanism for S. mutans Despite the structural similarities with S. mutans antigen I/II (AgI/II) and SspB of Streptococcus gordonii, GbpC remains unique among these surface proteins in its propensity to adhere to dextran/glucans. The complex crystal structure of GbpC with dextrose (β-d-glucose; Protein Data Bank ligand BGC) highlights exclusive structural features that facilitate this interaction with dextran. Targeted deletion mutant studies on GbpC's divergent loop region in the vicinity of a highly conserved calcium binding site confirm its role in biofilm formation. Finally, we present a model for adherence to dextran. The structure of GbpC highlights how artfully microbes have engineered the lectin-like folds to broaden their functional adherence repertoire.
Clinician adoption patterns and patient outcome results in use of evidence-based nursing plans of care.

Delivery of safe, effective and appropriate health care is an imperative facing health care organizations globally. While many initiatives have been launched in a number of countries to address this need from a medical perspective, a similar focus for generating evidence-based nursing knowledge has been missing [1]. This paper reports on a collaborative evidence-based practice (EBP) research initiative that adds nursing knowledge into computerized care protocols. Here, a brief overview of the study’s aims, purpose and methodology is presented as well as results of data analysis and lessons learned. The research team examined nurses’ adoption patterns of EBP recommendations with respect to activity tolerance using four-month patient data collected from a pilot hospital. Study findings indicate a need for more focus on the system design and implementation process with the next rollout phase to promote evidence-based nursing practice.
Automated argumentation for collaboration among cyber-physical system actors at the edge of the Internet of Things

Abstract The force of automation is paving the path for cyber-enabled systems to transform every facet of human life. Decisions and actions emanating from systems with common objectives must be made coherent with respect to target objectives. Automated argumentation is a collaboration tool for groups of agents with potentially conflicting impulses. The process of argumentation identifies contradictions and ameliorates coherence among disparate actions. It is a fully distributed approach with applications in edge computing for the Internet of Things. After review of basic tenets of using argumentation for untangling opposing positions, a case study of cyber-enabled vehicles changing traffic lanes illustrates interactions that rely on argumentation. A NetLogo simulation implements the methodology described in this work. The approach presented here is also a clarion call for collaborations needed in other similarly diverse and distributed scenarios.
Mind the gaps: prescription coverage and HIV incidence among patients receiving pre-exposure prophylaxis from a large federally qualified health center in Los Angeles, California : Mind the Gaps: Cobertura de recetas e incidencia de VIH entre pacientes recibiendo profilaxis pre-exposición de un centro de salud grande y federalmente calificado en Los Ángeles, CA.

We conducted a records-based cohort study of patients who initiated pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at a large federally qualified health center in Los Angeles, CA to characterize patterns of PrEP use, identify correlates of PrEP discontinuation, and calculate HIV incidence. Of 3121 individuals initiating PrEP between 2014 and 2017, 42% (n = 1314) were active (i.e., had a current PrEP prescription) in April 2018. HIV incidence was 0.1/100 person-years among active PrEP patients, compared to 2.1/100 person-years among patients who discontinued. Compared to patients accessing PrEP through government programs with no prescription copay, risk of discontinuation was higher among those with private insurance (ARR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.2, 1.7), or no insurance (ARR = 4.5, 95% CI 3.2, 6.4). Sixty-three percent of active PrEP patients had gaps between PrEP prescriptions, averaging one gap per year (median length = 65 days). Increasing access to free or low-cost PrEP can improve PrEP continuity.
Prey partitioning between sympatric canid species revealed by DNA metabarcoding

Abstract The recovery of apex predators relies on restoring the full suite of trophic interactions within the ecosystem. Diet analysis with DNA metabarcoding technology can help deliver insights into these trophic interactions with fine-grained resolution. The recovery of wolves in Washington state offers an excellent case to study the trophic cascade impacts of the apex predators on the ecosystem and explore prey partitioning between sympatric canid species. We used DNA metabarcoding technology on scats to characterize the diet composition and its spatiotemporal variations of wolves and coyotes and quantified the diet niche overlap between these two canid species in northeastern Washington. In total, 19 different prey taxa were detected. Frequency of occurrence data showed that wolves primarily preyed upon deer (Odocoileus sp.) (47.47%) and moose (Alces alces) (42.42%). Coyotes also consumed moose (30.10%) and deer (21.36%), but snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) were the most common prey (61.17%) in their diet. There were significant spatial variations in the wolf diet composition (p = 0.001) with wolves in the Dirty Shirt pack range consuming more moose (71.43%). Coyotes showed significant spatial and temporal dietary variations (season: p = 0.037; pack: p = 0.003; pack:season p = 0.043). Our data suggested that coyotes use ungulate carrion subsidies from wolves as food resources. DNA metabarcoding with fecal DNA provides an excellent noninvasive tool to characterize diet profile at the fine-grained level and can be applied to other carnivore species to help understand the impacts of recovery of apex predators on the local ecosystems.
High-Throughput Screens of PAM-Flexible Cas9 Variants for Gene Knockout and Transcriptional Modulation

Summary A key limitation of the widely used CRISPR enzyme S. pyogenes Cas9 is the strict requirement of an NGG protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM) at the target site. This constraint can be limiting for genome editing applications that require precise Cas9 positioning. Recently, two Cas9 variants with a relaxed PAM requirement (NG) have been developed (xCas9 and Cas9-NG), but their activity has been measured at only a small number of endogenous sites. Here, we devise a high-throughput Cas9 pooled competition screen to compare the performance of Cas9 variants at thousands of genomic loci for gene knockout, transcriptional activation, and inhibition. We show that PAM flexibility comes at a substantial cost of decreased DNA targeting and cleavage. Of the PAM-flexible variants, we find that Cas9-NG outperforms xCas9 regardless of genome engineering modality or PAM. Finally, we combine xCas9 mutations with those of Cas9-NG, creating a stronger transcriptional modulator than existing PAM-flexible Cas9 variants.
Sugammadex versus neostigmine for reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade: A randomized, double-blinded study of thoracic surgical patients evaluating hypoxic episodes in the early postoperative period.

Abstract Study objective This objective of this study was to determine if reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex versus neostigmine results in a decreased number of hypoxic episodes in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing thoracic surgery with single lung ventilation. Design Single-center, randomized, double-blind, two-arm clinical trial. Setting Operating room and postanesthesia care unit. Patients 92 subjects aged ≥18, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status II-IV, and undergoing a thoracic operation necessitating single lung ventilation. Interventions Subjects received either 2 mg/kg sugammadex or 50 μg/kg neostigmine with 8 μg/kg glycopyrrolate for reversal of moderate neuromuscular blockade. Measurements For the first 90 min postoperatively, all episodes of hypoxia were recorded. Neuromuscular monitoring was performed with acceleromyography (TOF-Watch® SX) and the train of four (TOF) was recorded at 2, 5, 10, and 15 min after administration of the neuromuscular reversal agent. Main results Subjects who received neostigmine had a median of 1 episode (interquartile range IQR: 0–2.2) of hypoxia versus subjects who received sugammadex who had a median of 0 episodes (IQR: 0–1) (p = 0.009). The mean time to recovery of TOF ≥ 0.9 was significantly faster with sugammadex at 10 min (95% confidence interval CI: 5–15) compared with neostigmine at 40 min (95% CI: 15–53) (p Conclusions In thoracic surgical patients necessitating single lung ventilation, sugammadex provides faster reversal of moderate neuromuscular blockade and results in a decreased number of postoperative hypoxic episodes compared with neostigmine.
Management of Metastatic Pure Teratoma in Chemotherapy Naive Patients With Testicular Primaries.

Introduction Patients diagnosed with stage II nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT) often receive chemotherapy as primary treatment which exposes patients to immediate and long-term risks of chemotherapy. These risks can be avoided by proceeding to primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) when a high suspicion of pure metastatic teratoma in the retroperitoneum (RP) exists. We propose that all stage II NSGCT patients with pure testicular teratoma, normal serum tumor markers, and with RP cystic metastases on imaging can safely be treated with primary RPLND. Methods We identified 14 patients found to have 100% teratoma in orchiectomy specimens, negative serum tumor markers, and with metastatic cystic RP disease. Disease recurrence was also evaluated to establish efficacy of treatment. Results All 14 patients were chemotherapy naive and found to have pure metastatic teratoma. All patients were IGCCCG good risk with stage IIA (21.4%), IIB (35.7%), and IIC (42.9%) disease. Median RP mass size was 4.9 cm (1.8 to 24 cm). All patients underwent a RPLND finding 100% teratoma in the RP. Median follow-up was 6.9 years. One patient (7.1%) who received a right modified template RPLND relapsed in the left RP 10.2 years later who underwent treatment and has been disease free for over 5.5 years. Conclusions Primary surgical treatment in this cohort of pure metastatic teratoma resulted in good clinical outcomes and the ability to avoid unnecessary induction chemotherapy. It is important that contrary to previous suppositions, patients with pure teratoma of the testis can independently metastasize with teratoma only, without metastatic carcinoma.
The Noise MANual

The name Elliott Berger has appeared on the covers of the 4th, 5th, and 6th editions of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Noise Manual since 1986. As principle editor for the 4th and 5th editions and co-editor of the 6th edition (2020), Elliott's contributions extend beyond the written words, but to the personal connections that attracted premier authors to contribute chapters. The 4th edition was one of AIHA's best selling texts with over 13 000 copies in print, and the 800 page 5th edition (2000) was selected by the AIHA Publications Committee as “Outstanding 2000 Technical Committee Publications,” and as “Top-Selling Technical Committee Publication for the years 2000 and 2001. The chapters have reached readers from multiple disciplines beyond the AIHA industrial hygiene membership, including occupational health and safety, medicine, nursing, audiology, engineering and public health. The chapters are used in college courses and research labs globally to train future professionals in hearing conservation. This accomplishment is noteworthy in terms of the dedication, expertise, precision and perseverance that Elliott exhibited over the past 34 + years. We're honored to give tribute to the “Noise MANual.” Conflict of Interest Statement: The presenters are co-editors of the 6th Edition of the Noise Manual.
Signet-Ring Cell Colon Cancer in a Teenager: A Case Report.

The majority of colon cancers are diagnosed in the older population, though recent trends have demonstrated an increase in younger patients. Most colon cancers are considered adenocarcinoma. There are multiple histologic subtypes with varying prognoses. Mucinous types such as signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) are more aggressive with poor outcomes. SRCC frequently presents with metastatic disease which contributes to its poor prognosis. It is most commonly diagnosed around age 40. SRCC of colonic origin is very rare and comprises only 1% of colorectal cancers. Rarer still is presentation in the teenaged patient, especially in the absence of any risk factors. We present a case of an 18-year-old male with colonic SRCC. The patient presented initially with vague abdominal discomfort and three weeks later was found to have a near-obstructing right-sided colon mass. He was taken to the operating room and found to have diffuse carcinomatosis. The patient underwent palliative loop ileostomy with plans for subsequent chemotherapy.
Multifocal serous retinopathy with pemigatinib therapy for metastatic colon adenocarcinoma.

Pemigatinib is an inhibitor of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), recently approved for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. FGFR retinopathy is a newly recognized entity, with only two other FGFR inhibitors reported to cause serous retinopathy. Herein, we describe the first published report of a multifocal serous retinopathy secondary to pemigatinib. A 67-year-old male with stage 4A metastatic colon adenocarcinoma undergoing systemic therapy with pemigatinib was found to have developed bilateral multifocal serous retinopathy. Fundus autofluorescence showed corresponding multifocal hypoautofluorescent foci, whereas fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography were unremarkable. Subretinal fluid resolved rapidly after discontinuation of pemigatinib. Multifocal serous retinopathy appears to be a class effect of FGFR inhibitors. FGFR retinopathy clinically resembles MEK retinopathy—both feature multifocal subretinal fluid, low visual significance, and quick resolution. However, given that FGFR inhibitors have a broader molecular range than MEK inhibitors, further characterization of FGFR retinopathy is necessary to generate management guidelines.
Abstract P078: Gender And Racial Disparities In Aspirin Use For Primary Prevention: Temporal Trends From The National Health And Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2011-2018

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) disproportionately affects racial minorities in the US. Aspirin is recommended for primary prevention in persons at high CVD risk. Prior evidence revealed...