cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incidence and Outcome of Breast Biopsy Procedures During Follow-up After Treatment for Breast Cancer.

Importance No comprehensive data are available regarding the frequency of breast biopsies performed during follow-up of treatment for invasive breast cancer. Objective To determine how often patients treated for breast cancer require breast biopsies during follow-up. Design, Setting, and Participants This nationwide population-based cohort study included 41 510 patients 64 years or younger in a commercial insurance database and 80 369 patients 66 years or older in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)–Medicare database. Patients were diagnosed with incident invasive breast cancer (stages I-III) from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2011. Diagnosis and procedural codes were used to identify biopsy rates during follow-up. Data were analyzed from March 3 through October 3, 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures Cumulative incidence and adjusted risk of breast biopsy and subsequent breast cancer treatment were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression. All statistical tests were 2 sided. Results Among the 121 879 patients in the study population, 5- and 10-year overall incidences of breast biopsy were 14.7% and 23.4%, respectively, in the commercial insurance cohort and 11.8% and 14.9%, respectively, in the SEER-Medicare cohort. The 5-year estimated incidence of breast biopsy was higher among women treated with brachytherapy (24.0% in the commercial insurance and 25.0% in the SEER-Medicare cohorts) than among those treated with whole-breast irradiation (16.7% in the commercial insurance and 15.1% in the SEER-Medicare cohorts) and persisted after multivariate adjustment in the commercial insurance (hazard ratio [HR], 1.53; 95% CI, 1.38-1.70;P 85 vs 66-69 years; HR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.36-0.44;P Conclusions and Relevance These data on the need for breast biopsies during follow-up and subsequent treatments from a large cohort of women with commercial insurance and Medicare can be used in the context of therapy-planning discussions and survivorship expectations for patients with breast cancer.
Assessment of Canine Pancreas-Specific Lipase and Outcomes in Dogs with Hemodialysis-Dependent Acute Kidney Injury.

Author(s): Takada, K; Palm, CA; Epstein, SE; Cowgill, LD | Abstract: BackgroundRenal replacement therapies can be life-saving for dogs with severe acute kidney injury (AKI), however, comorbidities including pancreatitis might affect outcome.Hypothesis/objectivesTo investigate the prevalence of pancreas-specific lipase (Spec cPL) measurements consistent with pancreatitis (≥400 μg/L) in dogs undergoing intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) for treatment of AKI and to determine whether there were associations between 30-days outcomes and Spec cPL measurements.AnimalsFifty-three client-owned dogs presented to teaching hospitals between November 2008 and September 2016 that underwent IHD.MethodsRetrospective medical record review from dogs that received IHD for management of AKI and also had a Spec cPL measurement. Association between survival, dialysis-dependency, and Spec cPL measurements was assessed.ResultsForty of 53 (76%) dogs were alive at 30-days and 33/53(62%) had a Spec cPL result ≥400 μg/L. Spec cPL was not significantly different either between surviving (635.5 μg/L, range 29-1,001) and nonsurviving dogs (860 μg/L, range 56-1,001; P = 0.75) or between dialysis-dependent (1,001 μg/L, range 177-1,001) and nondialysis-dependent dogs (520 μg/L, range 29-1,001; P = 0.08). Spec cPL ≥400 μg/L was not significantly associated either with survival (P = 0.74) or dialysis-dependency (P = 0.33).Conclusions and clinical importanceResults revealed a high prevalence of Spec cPL ≥400 μg/L in dogs with AKI treated with IHD. No significant associations between Spec cPL and survival or dialysis-dependency in dogs with AKI at 30 days were identified in the current study, however, the latter could be due to lack of power in this study.
Risk factors associated with self-reported injury history in female youth soccer players

Background: studies that investigate risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries in female youth athletes are limited, especially related to training attributes and position status.Objective:...
Removable partial overdentures with mechanical (precision) attachments.

Mechanical attachments for overdentures have been available in various forms for over a century. The explosive interest in osseointegration and the effort on the part of the profession to avoid the complete denture as a treatment modality has stirred the interest in positive retentive elements for overdentures represented by the mechanical stud and bar attachments. The cited references provide a resource as a trouble-free guide in the selection and use of the various stud and bar attachment systems. The clinical examples show a pattern of application not generally discussed by the manufacturers, illustrating the simplicity of use with the options for all attachments including magnets. The discussion on magnets comes from 9 years of clinical experience. Rare earth magnets provide excellent adjunct retention, and their assembly follows the same protocol and complexity as stud attachment systems. All magnets, at the present state of the art, have a corrosion potential with the exception of the Laser Sealed Units (Golden Dental, Golden, CO). Finally, the mechanics of the attachment overdenture serves as an excellent training field for the osseointegrated prosthesis, be it the classic Branemark (Nobelpharma USA, Chicago, IL) restorative or the implant overdenture concept.
Abstract 288: Nox1 is Required for Smooth Muscle Cell Activation of Matrix-Metalloproteinase-9 and Cell Migration in Response to Thrombin

Smooth muscle cell (SMC) degradation of the extracellular matrix and migration to the intima are fundamental processes in the vascular response to injury. NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in development of vascular disease, however, the specific contribution of Nox1 and Nox4, the primary catalytic subunits of NADPH oxidase in SMC, is poorly understood. We hypothesized that Nox1-derived ROS mediate thrombin-dependent activation of matrix-metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and migration of SMC. Studies were performed in SMC cultured from the aorta of Nox1 null and littermate control mice. Thrombin (2 U/ml) increased superoxide levels in control SMC, as measured by dihydroethidium, and this response was inhibited by the flavoenzyme inhibitor diphenylene iodonium (DPI, 10 μM). In contrast, thrombin failed to increase ROS in Nox1 null SMC. Previous studies have identified Src and mitogen activated protein kinases as key redox-dependent regulatory proteins in thrombin stimulated responses. Five minutes following thrombin stimulation, both Src and ERK1/2 phosphorylation were significantly decreased in Nox1 null SMC as compared to normal SMC (0.5±0.1 vs. 2.0 ± 0.4 for Src and 0.1 ± 0.1 vs. 2.9 ± 0.1 for ERK1/2, p
Genomics: From Phage to Human

The first genome, that of RNA bacteriophage MS2, was sequenced in 1976, in a truly heroic feat of direct determination of an RNA sequence [225]. This was followed by the genome of bacteriophage ϕX174, the first triumph of the new, rapid sequencing methods developed in the laboratories of Walter Gilbert and Fred Sanger [553,743]. These are some of the smallest known genomes with only four and ten genes, respectively. Then, in 1982, the last paper published by Sanger before he retired, announced the first relatively large genome to be sequenced, that of bacteriophage λ, probably the most famous model system of classic molecular biology [742]. Phage λ has 48,502 bases of genomic DNA and ~70 known and predicted protein-coding genes and 23 RNA-coding genes. At 70 characters per line and 43 lines per page, this sequence alone would take over 16 pages of this book. However, the listing of the λ protein-coding genes (Table 1.1) fits into just two pages and definitely conveys more information. These days, it may be hard to imagine all the excitement felt by molecular biologists 20 years ago when the λ genome was finally finished.
Modeling the past online: Interactive visualisation of uncertainty and phasing

This research and educational project aimed to create an interactive website featuring virtual 3-D walkthroughs of three buildings from the ancient city of Marion in Polis Chrysochous, Cyprus. The earliest structure dates from the Cypro-Geometric period (10th–9th century bce) and the latest was destroyed in 312 bce in the early Hellenistic period. The project builds on models presented at EuroMed 2012 and aims to complement a long-term exhibition on Cyprus and presentation on the web. In a joint Computer Science and Art and Archaeology seminar at Princeton University in the spring of 2014, three groups of students created reconstructions and populated them with 3-D scanned objects. Each group proposed a visual metaphor that conveys un-certainty and phasing in these 3-D visualizations and created an online concept for manipulating the models. Scholars and the public can experiment with and learn from these visual recreations that are consistent with archaeological data.
Photography as a Platform for Transitional Justice: Peru’s Case

This chapter discusses the Peruvian photographic exhibition Yuyanapaq: Para Recordar (To Remember) as one of the first post-conflict public and official efforts created by Peru’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It argues that photography is a platform for transitional justice that facilitates, extends, and even challenges the work of official institutions. The Yuyanapaq photographs, first encoded as news in a variety of print outlets, have traversed the purpose for which they were initially made, becoming a tool that shapes collective remembrance as part of a larger historical, cultural, political, technological, and economic framework. In doing so, Yuyanapaq exemplifies how photojournalistic work can be repurposed within a transitional justice framework and be used as a political project for truth and reconciliation.
522. Impact of a Multicomponent Intervention Bundle on Healthcare Facility-Onset Clostridium difficile Rates

Background Clostridium difficile is the most common cause of healthcare-associated infections in US hospitals. The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) surveillance system tracks C. difficile infections (CDI), one of the measures used by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to determine a hospital’s total Hospital-Acquired Conditions (HAC) score and ranking among other hospitals. This is then used to calculate Value-Based Purchasing pay-for-performance incentive payments, which may lead to significant reductions in a facility’s reimbursement if rates are too high. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention bundle in reducing our healthcare facility-onset (HO) CDI rates.
Seasonal temperatures and hydrological conditions improve the prediction of West Nile virus infection rates in Culex mosquitoes and human case counts in New York and Connecticut

West Nile virus (WNV; Flaviviridae: Flavivirus) is a widely distributed arthropod-borne virus that has negatively affected human health and animal populations. WNV infection rates of mosquitoes and human cases have been shown to be correlated with climate. However, previous studies have been conducted at a variety of spatial and temporal scales, and the scale-dependence of these relationships has been understudied. We tested the hypothesis that climate variables are important to understand these relationships at all spatial scales. We analyzed the influence of climate on WNV infection rate of mosquitoes and number of human cases in New York and Connecticut using Random Forests, a machine learning technique. During model development, 66 climate-related variables based on temperature, precipitation and soil moisture were tested for predictive skill. We also included 20-21 non-climatic variables to account for known environmental effects (e.g., land cover and human population), surveillance related information (e.g., relative mosquito abundance), and to assess the potential explanatory power of other relevant factors (e.g., presence of wastewater treatment plants). Random forest models were used to identify the most important climate variables for explaining spatial-temporal variation in mosquito infection rates (abbreviated as MLE). The results of the cross-validation support our hypothesis that climate variables improve the predictive skill for MLE at county- and trap-scales and for human cases at the county-scale. Of the climate-related variables selected, mean minimum temperature from July-September was selected in all analyses, and soil moisture was selected for the mosquito county-scale analysis. Models demonstrated predictive skill, but still over- and under-estimated WNV MLE and numbers of human cases. Models at fine spatial scales had lower absolute errors but had greater errors relative to the mean infection rates.
Levels and determinants of HIV testing uptake among Ghanaian men.

The uptake of HIV testing has always been found to be lower among men compared with women in many developing countries. The aim of this study was to ascertain the level and determinants of HIV test...
Abstract #2829: NF-kb inhibition by quinacrine induces apoptosis in human colon carcinoma cell lines (cc) and sensitizes them to agents that target the TRAIL receptors.

Colon cancer continues to be a major cause in cancer-related deaths in USA. Although advancement in chemotherapy with 5-Fluorouracil in combination with Leucovorin (FUra/LV) and other agents has increased the survival rate to 22 months, curative therapy is still unknown. We previously demonstrated Fas-dependent component in thymidylate synthase (TS)-dependent cell death in cc. Fas is frequently downregulated in human colorectal cancer and is upregulated following treatment with IFN-gamma, which synergistically sensitizes cells to Fas-induced and to FUra/LV-induced cytotoxicity. We have shown that FUra/LV combined with IFN-gamma is synergistically active in a xenograft model and is in Phase II trial. Further, enhancement of therapeutic activity has been demonstrated by employing agents that target the TRAIL death receptors. NF-kB is frequently constitutively activated in human cancers, and can attenuate the cytotoxic activity of both FUra/LV as well as Fas- and TRAIL-induced apoptosis. We evaluated the agent quinacrine as an inhibitor of constitutive NF-kB activation or as an inhibitor of induced NF-kB activation following treatment with rhTRAIL or lexatumumab (a cytolytic agonist TRAIL-R2 (DR5) specific antibody), with the goal of further enhancing therapeutic response. HT29 and RKO colon carcinoma cell lines express constitutively active NF-kB and are sensitive to quinacrine whereas HCT8 cells have significantly lower amounts of constitutive NF-kB expression and are comparatively resistant to quinacrine-induced cell death. Importantly, HT29 cells transfected with the super repressor IkB-mutant also demonstrated resistance to quinacrine-induced cell death. At IC50 concentrations, quinacrine inhibited constitutively activated NF-kB as well as TNF-inducible NF-kB activation in HT29 and RKO cell lines. Since NF-kB can upregulate the expression of additional survival factors including members of the Bcl-2 and IAP families as well as FLICE inhibitory protein (FLIP). RKO and HT29 cells were treated with 1-10uM quinacrine for 24 hr and were examined for changes in levels of expression of these proteins. While there was no significant change observed in the levels of c-IAP1, c-IAP2 or XIAP, there was a dose dependent decrease in the other survival factors at 24 hr. Importantly, quinacrine also downregulated expression of phospho-Akt as well as Akt kinase activity in these cells. Pretreatment with quinacrine for 2hr followed by 24 hr exposure to lexatumumab or to TRAIL increased the cytotoxic activity of these agents. Our data also demonstrate that the effect of quinacrine is independent of p53 and that activated NF-kB may be a novel therapeutic target, which can be downregulated by quinacrine and further sensitizes the cellular response of colorectal cancers to agents that target the TRAIL receptors. Supported by NCI awards CA 32613 and CA 108929. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 2829.
Controversies in the Management of Early-stage Serous Endometrial Cancer.

Background/aim Early-stage uterine serous carcinoma (USC) has one of the highest recurrence rates and mortality among early-stage uterine epithelial cancers. Research into the clinical management of USC has begun to progress, guided by surgical and pathological advances. This article summarizes the available literature regarding diagnosis, management, and possible future uses of molecular analysis of women with early-stage USC. Materials and methods PubMed was searched for all pertinent English language research articles published from January 1, 2006 through March 1, 2020 which included a study population of women diagnosed with stage 1 USC. Due to the scarcity of prospective or large-scale data, studies were not limited by design or numbers of patients. Studies performed at earlier dates were incorporated to provide context. Results A total of 86 studies were included in the review. Multiple well-designed studies have confirmed the safety of a minimally invasive surgical approach for surgical management of USC. The role of sentinel node biopsy has been validated with both prospective and retrospective multi-center data. Stage I USC is associated with a highly variable risk of recurrence, even following completion of adjuvant chemoradiation. This aggressive phenotype has been linked to high numbers of somatic copy number alterations, tumor protein 53, and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase mutations, which have been shown to be predictive of prognosis. Conclusion Early-stage USC demonstrates a lack of predictable recurrence patterns, with reports noting distant recurrence in patients with disease confined to polyps. Unless no residual tumor is found on hysterectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy should be discussed and individualized by stage and treatment goals.
Lipoxygenase inhibitor ML351 dysregulated an innate inflammatory response leading to impaired cardiac repair in acute heart failure.

Abstract The presistent increase of 12/15 lipoxygenase enzyme activity is correlated with uncontrolled inflammation, leading to organ dysfunction. ML351, a potent 12/15 lipoxygenase (12/15LOX) inhibitor, was reported to reduce infarct size and inflammation in a murine ischemic stroke model. In the presented work, we have applied three complementary experimental approaches, in-vitro, ex-vivo, and in-vivo, to determine whether pharmacological inhibition of 12/15LOX could dampen the inflammatory response in adult mice after Kdo2-Lipid A (KLA) as an endotoxin stimulator or post myocardial infarction (MI). Male C57BL/6 (8–12 weeks) mice were subjected to permanent coronary ligation thereby inducing acute heart failure (MI-d1 and MI-d5) for in-vivo studies. 12/15LOX antagonist ML351 (50 mg/kg) was subcutaneously injected 2 h post-MI, while MI-controls received saline. For ex-vivo experiments, ML351 (25 mg/kg) was injected as bolus after 5 min of inflammatory stimulus (KLA 1 μg/g) injection. Peritoneal macrophages (PMɸ) were harvested after 4 h post KLA. For in-vitro studies, PMɸ were treated with KLA (100 ng/mL), ML351 (10 µM), or KLA + ML351 for 4 h, and inflammatory response was evaluated. In-vivo, 5LOX expression was reduced after ML351 administration, inducing a compensatory increase of 12LOX that sensitized PMɸ toward a proinflammatory state. This was marked by higher inflammatory cytokines and dysregulation of the splenocardiac axis post-MI. ML351 treatment increased CD11b+ and Ly6Chigh populations in spleen and Ly6G+ population in heart, with a decrease in F4/80+ macrophage population at MI-d1. In-vitro results indicated that ML351 suppressed initiation of inflammation while ex-vivo results suggested ML351 overactivated inflammation consequently delaying the resolution process. Collectively, in-vitro, ex-vivo, and in-vivo results indicated that pharmacological blockade of lipoxygenases using ML351 impaired initiation of inflammation thereby dysregulated acute immune response in cardiac repair.
Aortic Anatomy and the Pathophysiology of Acute Aortic Syndromes

The ability to manage acute aortic syndromes or catastrophes begins with a detailed understanding of the anatomy and pathophysiology of the thoracic aorta. This chapter reviews the embryology, anatomy, histology and pathophysiology of the normal and diseased thoracic aorta. We begin with explanations of the embryologic origin of the aorta and its thoracic branches. The histology of the aortic wall is then detailed. Next, the various forms of thoracic aortic disease are outlined with an emphasis on their histology and pathophysiology, and finally, several important inherited forms of thoracic aortic disease are outlined.
Effect of AlN and Al2O3 Additions on the Phase Relationships and Morphology of SiC Part II: Microstructural Observations

Additions of AlN and Al2O3 to β-SiC hot pressed at 2100°C strongly effect the β- to α-SiC phase transformation and the resultant α-SiC polytypes which are formed. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to investigate the microstructural changes occurring in SiC due to these additions and to correlate these observations to their mechanical properties. The results suggest that Al2O3 additions stabilize the formation of the 6H-polytype of α-SiC which grows rapidly into an elongated plate-like morphology, while AlN additions stabilize the 2H-polytype of α-SiC resulting in fine equiaxed 2H-SiC: AlN solid solution grains. It is speculated that the elongated growth of 6H-SiC with Al2O3 additions can be controlled through the simultaneous addition of AlN. The formation of 2H-SiC : AlN solid solution grains inhibits the growth of the 6H-SiC grains since AlN(2H) will not go into solid solution in the SiC(6H) structure, effectively pinning the growth of the 6H-SiC grains.
Closed lock: A survey of 400 cases

Abstract Four hundred consecutive classic closed lock cases were examined. Of these, 301 were treated Mandibular range of motion was restored by condylar distraction during jaw opening, anterior, and lateral movements. Mandibular appliances were used to prevent complete closure during healing. Of the 45 males and 355 females examined, almost all reported jaw restrictions, but 38% reported little or no pain. Secondary disorders of temporomandibular joint inflammation, muscle spasm, trigger points, and cervical dysfunction were seen on patients with temporomandibular joint pain. Of the 301 conservatively treated patients, 209 were successfully treated, 55 were moderately successful, and 37 failed. Occlusal factors did not appear as primary etiologic factors. Because all locks were preceded by clicking, treatment is recommended for clicking temporomandibular joint's that lock however briefly, to prevent future locking. Conservative closed lock treatment is successful in many cases.
Dynamic Modeling of Segmented IPMC Actuator

In this study, we described the analytical framework for deriving the dynamic model of the segmented IPMC. For the electromechanical property of the IPMC, a simple RC model is used and the finite-element approach is used for dynamic modeling of the mechanical portion of the segmented IPMC. The proposed modeling approach can be used for designing various controllers for effective underwater propulsion and other robotics applications where soft and complex motion are required. The proposed segmented IPMC can be a possible solution because each segment of the IPMC can be bent individually. The state space equation developed using a large deflection beam model was simulated for different input voltages, and simulation results show that the proposed model can be effectively used for estimating the motion of the segmented IPMC in various applications.
Inhibition of amplification of Chlamydia trachomatis plasmid DNA by the ligase chain reaction associated with female urines

Objective To determine the rate of inhibition of ligase chain reaction (LCR) amplification of Chlamydia trachomatis plasmid DNA in urines from pregnant and non-pregnant women, to correlate inhibitors with urinary substances through urinalysis, and to explore methods of removing inhibitors from urine. Methods First-void urines (FVUs) from 287 non-pregnant and 101 pregnant women (15-40 years of age) in Hamilton, Canada were tested for urinary factors by urinalysis and for C. trachomatis by LCR. A sample of each urine was ‘spiked' with a positive control containing approximately one infectious unit of C. trachomatis L 2 serovar. Results Complete inhibition of DNA amplification was observed in nine of 287 (3.1%) urines from non-pregnant women and in one of 101 (1%) who were pregnant. Partial inhibition (> 20% reduction in signal) was observed in an additional five of 388 (1.3%) urines. Nine urines contained C. trachomatis plasmid DNA, but none of these contained inhibitors of LCR. By multivariate analysis, the only substances in urine which were significantly and independently related to LCR inhibition were nitrites. Holding the urines at 4°C or −70°C overnight reduced the numbers which were inhibitory by approximately 50%. Diluting the urines 1:10 or extracting with phenol/chloroform removed all inhibition and retained amplifiable DNA. Conclusions We conclude that urinary inhibitors of C. trachomatis DNA amplification by LCR are minimal and appear to be related to the presence of nitrites. We anticipate that most would disappear in transit or during processing and that a positive control for every urine is not warranted, considering the added cost and work associated with duplicate testing.
Lumbar microdiscectomy under epidural anesthesia: a comparison study.

Abstract Background context Lumbar microdiscectomy is most commonly performed under general anesthesia, which can be associated with several perioperative morbidities including nausea, vomiting, atelectasis, pulmonary aspiration, and prolonged post-anesthesia recovery. It is possible that fewer complications may occur if the procedure is performed under epidural anesthesia. Purpose To investigate the safety and efficacy of epidural anesthesia in elective lumbar microdiscectomies. Study design A prospective study evaluating the relative morbidities associated with epidural anesthesia and general anesthesia for lumbar microdiscectomy. Patient sample Forty-three patients scheduled for primary lumbar microdiscectomy. Two cohorts were formed and were studied separately; one observational of all the 43 patients, and a second cohort of 17 patients who agreed to enter in the randomized trial. Outcome measures The clinical outcome was determined by the presence of postoperative pain, the absence of anesthesia-related complications, and the overall postoperative recovery. Methods This was a prospective study. With institutional review board approval, 43 consecutive patients were enrolled in the study. However, only 17 patients agreed to be randomized to receive either general or epidural anesthesia for the procedure; the remaining 26 patients selected the type of anesthesia of their preference. Recorded data for all patients included: age; total surgical time; occurrence of nausea, vomiting, atelectasis, or cardiopulmonary complication; ability to arise out of bed on the day of surgery; and the total number of inpatient hospital days. Postoperative pain and satisfaction were assessed only in the randomized cohort. Results There were a total of 43 patients, with a mean age of 38.1 years. The patients undergoing epidural anesthesia were marginally older than those undergoing general anesthesia. The epidural and general anesthetic groups were not different with respect to surgical time, pain assessed with a linear visual analogue scale, hospital stay, or the likelihood of arising out of bed on the day of surgery. There were no major cardiopulmonary complications in either group. Patients with epidural anesthesia had significantly less nausea and vomiting. Conclusions Epidural anesthesia as an alternative to general anesthesia has shown less postoperative nausea and vomiting in lumbar microdiscectomy. Nevertheless, given the small number of patients, this study should be considered as preliminary, showing small differences in minor potential complications.
Eye Pain After Traumatic Orbital Fracture

A young woman presented to the emergency department several hours after being assaulted. She had been struck in the face with a fist and lost consciousness for several seconds. On arrival, she complained of diplopia and severe pain of her left eye but denied blurred vision or changes in perception of color. Physical examination revealed chemosis of the left eye, without enophthalmos or proptosis. The extraocular movements were minimally restricted in both superior and inferior planes, and the patient noted diplopia with these vertical eye movements. The patient reported considerable eye pain at rest that was not notably altered by extraocular movements. Palpation of the eye evoked severe pain, which she described as deep and throbbing in quality. Findings from formal visual acuity testing, fundoscopic examination, and ocular pressure testing, performed by the ophthalmology service, were normal. Computed tomographic (CT) imaging of the orbits was performed (Figure). What is your diagnosis? A
How Do Thermophilic Proteins and Proteomes Withstand High Temperature

We attempt to understand the origin of enhanced stability in thermophilic proteins by analyzing thermodynamic data for 116 proteins, the largest data set achieved to date. We compute changes in entropy and enthalpy at the convergence temperature where different driving forces are maximally decoupled, in contrast to the majority of previous studies that were performed at the melting temperature. We find, on average, that the gain in enthalpy upon folding is lower in thermophiles than in mesophiles, whereas the loss in entropy upon folding is higher in mesophiles than in thermophiles. This implies that entropic stabilization may be responsible for the high melting temperature, and hints at residual structure or compactness of the denatured state in thermophiles. We find a similar trend by analyzing a homologous set of proteins classified based only on the optimum growth temperature of the organisms from which they were extracted. We find that the folding free energy at the temperature of maximal stability is significantly more favorable in thermophiles than in mesophiles, whereas the maximal stability temperature itself is similar between these two classes. Furthermore, we extend the thermodynamic analysis to model the entire proteome. The results explain the high optimal growth temperature in thermophilic organisms and are in excellent quantitative agreement with full thermal growth rate data obtained in a dozen thermophilic and mesophilic organisms.
Second Language Listening Comprehension: A Schema-Theoretic Perspective

process of second language (L2) acquisition. Although current theories of second language acquisition differ in specifics, all take into account the role of comprehension in the processing, storage, and retrieval of linguistic input, and its influence on the development of a learner's second language.1 However, despite this general agreement on the importance of L2 comprehension, little fundamental research has been conducted.
Solid-State 2-D NMR Correlation of Structure and Motion in Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals

Abstract Two-dimensional Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is used to characterize polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in the solid-state. The wideline separation (WISE) pulse sequence is used to correlate structure and mobility in a PDLC. The PDLC is 40% E7 as 0.4 μ droplets in an Epon 828 matrix. The WISE pulse sequence generates 1H wideline spectra in one dimension for each high resolution solid state 13C resonance in the other dimension. For each 13C resonance, the width of the 1H line shape reflects the mobility of the protons in the vicinity of the respective 13C. Spin diffusion is incorporated into the WISE pulse sequence to determine the relative spatial positions of components with different mobilities. The aliphatic portions of E7 exhibit extremely narrow 1H line widths of a few hundred hertz. Therefore, the aliphatic pendant groups of E7 undergo pseudo-random isotropic motions with rates above 1 MHz. The aromatic portions of E7 exhibit pronounced spinning sidebands in the 1H d...
Gender differences in child care and work: An interdisciplinary perspective

Abstract During the past several decades, women have increased their labor-force participation while remaining primarily responsible for the care of children. Men have not correspondingly increased their home activity, and women's earnings have not reached parity with men's. A primary reason that women have failed to gain equality in the labor market may be the remaining inequalities in provision of child rearing. We consider the constraints on child rearing faced by men and review literature on animal behavior to elucidate the conditions that facilitate parental investment by males. Some factors appear to have congruent effects, in general, on paternal behavior in many species: the benefit to young of male help, the male capacity for providing help, and paternity certainty. We discuss the role of these factors in slowing the achievement of gender equality and the potential efficacy of social policy in changing existing behavior patterns.
Seeing Diversity in Difference Experiences in an Ultra-Orthodox Jewish College

The authors were involved in establishing a college-level educational institute to serve charaidi (ultra-Orthodox Jewish) women in Jerusalem. To meet the needs of this community, cultural and social norms had to be incorporated into the curriculum and administration of the college. While preserving the distinctive cultural difference of this community, a more widely accepted level of academic excellence was introduced, as was the notion of diversity. The article examines the cultural requirements of the host community and explores difference and diversity as social constructs. It looks at alternative approaches to diversity and at the difficulties associated with diversity training. The organizational structure of the college (where curriculum, administration and degreegranting are performed by different agencies) allows articulation between externally accredited academic excellence and internal subject matter sensitivity. The article concludes with some tentative observations and an agenda for future res...
Validation of a single item to assess daytime sleepiness for the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study.

Context-Daytime sleepiness in kidney transplant recipients has emerged as a potential predictor of impaired adherence to the immunosuppressive medication regimen. Thus there is a need to assess daytime sleepiness in clinical practice and transplant registries.Objective-To evaluate the validity of a single-item measure of daytime sleepiness integrated in the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study (STCS), using the American Educational Research Association framework.Methods-Using a cross-sectional design, we enrolled a convenience sample of 926 home-dwelling kidney transplant recipients (median age, 59.69 years; 25%-75% quartile [Q25-Q75], 50.27-59.69), 63% men; median time since transplant 9.42 years (Q25-Q75, 4.93-15.85). Daytime sleepiness was assessed by using a single item from the STCS and the 8 items of the validated Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the cutoff for the STCS daytime sleepiness item against the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score.Results-Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a score greater than 4 on the STCS daytime sleepiness item is recommended to detect daytime sleepiness. Content validity was high as all expert reviews were unanimous. Concurrent validity was moderate (Spearman ϱ, 0.531; P< .001) and convergent validity with depression and poor sleep quality although low, was significant (ϱ, 0.235; P<.001 and ϱ, 0.318, P=.002, respectively). For the group difference validity: kidney transplant recipients with moderate, severe, and extremely severe depressive symptom scores had 3.4, 4.3, and 5.9 times higher odds of having daytime sleepiness, respectively, as compared with recipients without depressive symptoms.Conclusion-The accumulated evidence provided evidence for the validity of the STCS daytime sleepiness item as a simple screening scale for daytime sleepiness.
Continued periodic emergence of follicular waves in non-bred progesterone-treated heifers

The hypothesis was tested that continued periodic emergence of anovulatory follicular waves in pregnant heifers is associated with continued progesterone production. Daily transrectal ultrasonic examinations were used to monitor the diameter profiles of dominant follicles in 19 bred heifers and six non-bred progesterone-treated heifers; 15 of the 19 bred heifers became pregnant and were assigned to a pregnant-control group. Beginning on Day 10 (ovulation = Day 0), non-bred heifers were given a daily injection of 150 mg of progesterone in corn oil vehicle and bred heifers were given corn oil vehicle only. Treatment continued until approximately Day 100, except for non-pregnant heifers, in which treatment was discontinued at reovulation. In the non-bred progesterone-treated group, development of the dominant follicle for Waves 1–10 in relation to side of ovulation and development of successive dominant follicles in relation to side of the previous dominant follicle occurred with equal frequency (not significantly different) in the same and opposite ovaries. In both the pregnant-control and non-bred progesterone-treated groups, the maximum diameter of the dominant follicle of Wave 2 (means ± SEM, 12.7 ± 0.4 mm and 10.1 ± 0.4 mm, respectively) was smaller (P < 0.05) than for Wave 1 (15.1 ± 0.3 mm and 14.8 ± 0.5 mm). The maximum diameter of the dominant follicle of Wave 2 in the non-bred progesterone-treated group (10.1 ± 0.4 mm) was smaller (P < 0.05) than in the pregnant-control group (12.7 ± 0.4 mm). Similarly, the day-to-day profile of the dominant follicle of Wave 2 was less pronounced in the progesterone-treated group (P < 0.003). The dominant follicle of Waves 3–10 (pregnant-control group) and Waves 4, 5, 7 and 9 (non-bred progester-one-treated group) also was smaller (P < 0.05) than for Wave 1. The interval between successive waves was not different between pregnant-control (mean 8.9 ± 0.2 days) and non-bred progesterone-treated (9.6 ± 0.3 days) groups. The hypothesis that the continued periodic emergence of anovulatory follicular waves in pregnant heifers was associated with continued production of progesterone was supported by the continued periodic emergence of waves in the non-bred progesterone-treated heifers.
A general Monte Carlo/simulated annealing algorithm for resonance assignment in NMR of uniformly labeled biopolymers

We describe a general computational approach to site-specific resonance assignments in multidimensional NMR studies of uniformly 15N,13C-labeled biopolymers, based on a simple Monte Carlo/simulated annealing (MCSA) algorithm contained in the program MCASSIGN2. Input to MCASSIGN2 includes lists of multidimensional signals in the NMR spectra with their possible residue-type assignments (which need not be unique), the biopolymer sequence, and a table that describes the connections that relate one signal list to another. As output, MCASSIGN2 produces a high-scoring sequential assignment of the multidimensional signals, using a score function that rewards good connections (i.e., agreement between relevant sets of chemical shifts in different signal lists) and penalizes bad connections, unassigned signals, and assignment gaps. Examination of a set of high-scoring assignments from a large number of independent runs allows one to determine whether a unique assignment exists for the entire sequence or parts thereof. We demonstrate the MCSA algorithm using two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) solid state NMR spectra of several model protein samples (α-spectrin SH3 domain and protein G/B1 microcrystals, HET-s218–289 fibrils), obtained with magic-angle spinning and standard polarization transfer techniques. The MCSA algorithm and MCASSIGN2 program can accommodate arbitrary combinations of NMR spectra with arbitrary dimensionality, and can therefore be applied in many areas of solid state and solution NMR.
Reciprocal Influences of Attentional Focus on Postural and Suprapostural Task Performance

The authors examined the influence that attentional focus on either a postural or a suprapostural task had on the performance of each task. Participants (N = 32) stood on an inflated rubber disk and held a pole horizontally. All participants performed under 4 attentional focus conditions: external (disk) or internal (feet) focus on the postural task, and external (pole) or internal (hands) focus on the suprapostural task. Compared with internal focuses, external focuses on either task resulted in similar and reduced postural sway. Response frequency on each task increased when participants focused on the respective task. Finally, an external focus on either task produced higher frequencies of responding on the suprapostural task. The authors conclude that suprapostural task goals have a stronger influence on postural control than vice versa, reflecting the propensity of the motor system to optimize control processes on the basis of the desired movement effect.
An analysis of the offset dependence of artifact suppression pulse sequences

Abstract A numerical analysis of the offset dependence of two artifact suppression sequences is presented. These sequences are the Patt sequence (S. L. Patt, J. Magn. Reson. 49, 161 (1982)) and the RIDE sequence discussed here. The results show that both sequences have severe bandwidth limitations. However, within their respective bandwidths, both sequences work well. If one employs composite pulse versions of these sequences, then the bandwidths for both sequences increase and they have nearly identical performance characteristics. The practical application of both of these sequences is discussed.
Secretion of Activin A in Recurrent Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma

Abstract Objectives. Activin A is a dimeric protein, composed of two β-A subunits, that belongs to the TGF-β family of growth factors. Most primary epithelial ovarian tumors (96%) synthesize and secrete activin protein in vitro and preliminary studies show that serum levels of activin are frequently elevated in women with epithelial ovarian cancer. Our objectives were to expand on studies of serum activin A levels in women with epithelial ovarian cancer and to determine whether levels of activin A correlate with the clinical course of disease. Method. Preoperative serum activin A levels were measured in 41 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. In addition, serum activin A levels were measured in all available postoperative samples from the subset of these patients ( n = 26) who had an elevated preoperative serum activin A level. Medical record information was used to compare each patient's serum levels of activin A to the clinical course of disease. Results. Seventy-two percent of the stage III and IV patients (26/36), and none (0/5) of the stage I patients, had an elevated preoperative serum activin level. In postoperative samples, activin A levels were increased with persistent or recurrent ( n = 9) stage III or IV ovarian cancer. Activin A levels dropped postoperatively and remained at or below the control level in patients in remission. Conclusion. Serum activin A levels correlate with recurrent or persistent disease in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.
Regression model for prediction of IR images

This paper develops a framework for predicting IR images of a target, in a partially observed thermal state, using known geometry and past IR images. The thermal states of the target are represented via scalar temperature fields. The prediction task becomes that of estimating the unobserved parts of the field, using the observed parts and the past patterns. The estimation is performed using regression models for relating the temperature variables, at different points on the target's surface, across different thermal states. A linear regression model is applied and some preliminary experimental results are presented using a laboratory target and a hand-held IR camera. Extensions to piecewise-linear and nonlinear models are proposed.
Multiple keratins of cultured human epidermal cells are translated from different mRNA molecules.

Abstract The keratins of human epidermis consist of several distinct proteins of different molecular weight that can be separated by gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecylsulfate. These proteins are very similar in structure, as determined by amino acid composition, polypeptide mapping and immunological reactivity. At least five such keratins are found in cultured human epidermal cells. We have examined the mode of synthesis of these keratins by isolating the poly(A) + mRNA from the cultured cells and translating it in a reticulocyte system. All the keratins characteristic of the cultured cells were synthesized in vitro from the mRNA; they were identified by their molecular weight and by polypeptide mapping. No evidence was found for any precursor of substantially greater molecular weight. A study of the kinetics of synthesis showed that all the keratins were labeled within 2 min after the addition of 35 S-methionine to a translation system preincubated with epidermal mRNA, and the relative intensities of labeling did not change upon further incubation. It was therefore improbable that one keratin could be the precursor of another. The mRNAs of the large keratins could be completely separated from those of the small keratins by gel electrophoresis under either native or denaturing conditions. Within the group of small mRNAs, each had a different mobility although resolution was incomplete. Upon translation, the mRNA fractions yielded different groups of keratins corresponding in molecular weight to their counterparts in the cells. Consequently, most if not all keratins of different size are translated from different messages. The approximate sizes of the mRNA molecules for different keratins were determined from their mobility under denaturing conditions. The size of the mRNA was not always proportional to the size of the encoded keratin, demonstrating the existence of noncoding segments of different length in the different mRNA molecules.
Simplified cellular automaton model for city traffic

The authors systematically investigate the effect of blockage sites in a cellular automata model for traffic flow. Different scheduling schemes for the blockage sites are considered. None of them returns a linear relationship between the fraction of green time and the throughput. The authors use this information for a fast implementation of traffic in Dallas.
Time for change in United States donor heart allocation policy.

In this issue of JACC: Heat Failure , Schulze et al. [(1)][1] report on the impact of the 2006 United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) donor heart allocation policy change on patients waiting for heart transplant and post-transplant patient outcomes in the United States. This policy change
C–H activation of benzene by platinum(II) complexes with cyclometalated phosphine ligands

The bulky phosphine ligands di- tert -butyl(1-naphthyl)phosphine ( 1 ) or di- tert -butyl( N -indolyl)phosphine ( 2 ) react at room temperature with [( μ -SMe 2 )PtMe 2 ] 2 . Coordination of the phosphine and C–H bond activation at an sp 2 carbon of the ligand with the release of methane takes place to form the PC cyclometalated products [(PC)PtMe(SMe 2 )] ( 3 or 4 , respectively). The cyclometalated complexes 3 and 4 have both been characterized by X-ray crystallography. Complexes 3 and 4 were each observed to undergo intermolecular activation of arene C–H bonds. Upon thermolysis in benzene, complexes 3 and 4 react to eliminate methane and yield isolable platinum(II)–phenyl complexes.