cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Phe in the Formation of Well-Ordered Oligomers of Amyloidogenic Hexapeptide (NFGAIL) Observed in Molecular Dynamics Simulations with Explicit Solvent

We observed fast aggregation of partially ordered oligomers in an earlier simulation study of an amyloidogenic hexapeptide NFGAIL. In this work, the nucleation of highly ordered oligomers was further investigated by a combined total of 960 ns molecular dynamics simulations with explicit solvent on NFGAIL and its nonamyloidogenic mutant NAGAIL. In these simulations, four dimer subunits that each was constrained by harmonic forces as a two-strand beta-sheet were used to enhance the rate of formation. It was found that a critical role played by the aromatic residue Phe was to direct the stacking of beta-sheets to form ordered multilayer aggregates. We also found that many molecular arrangements of the peptide satisfied the "cross-beta-structure", a hallmark of amyloid fibrils. The tendency for the peptide to form either parallel or antiparallel beta-sheet was comparable, as was the tendency for the beta-sheets to stack either in parallel or antiparallel orientation. Overall, approximately 85% of the native hexapeptide formed octamers. The fact that only 8% of the octamers were well-ordered species suggests that the dissociation of the disordered oligomers be the rate-limiting step in the formation of highly ordered oligomers. Among the well-ordered subunit pairs, about half was formed by the beta-sheet extension along the main-chain hydrogen-bond direction, whereas the other half was formed by the beta-sheet stacking. Hence, a delicate balance between intersheet and intrasheet interactions appeared to be crucial in the formation of a highly ordered nucleus of amyloid fibrils. The disordered oligomers were mainly stabilized by nonspecific hydrophobic interactions, whereas the well-ordered oligomers were further stabilized by cross-strand hydrogen bonds and favorable side-chain stacking.
Concentrated Housing Code Enforcement in St. Louis

This research employs probit analysis to examine the selection criteria governing nonuniform application of concentrated housing code enforcement in the city of St. Louis. The study has three specific objectives: (1) to identify the goals and geographic selection criteria characteristic of St. Louis' concentrated code enforcement program during the twenty years that it was in effect; (2) to establish whether program goals and selection criteria changed over time and, if so, why;and (3) to provide some judgment on the value of code enforcement as a policy tool to either reverse or slow neighborhood decline. Although fundamentally a case study, the conclusions should be of interest to those concerned with conservation of the housing stock in older cities throughout the country.
The diphtheria bacillus and its toxin: a model system

Friedrich Loeffler's classical paper entitled ‘Untersuchungen uber die Bedeutung der Mikroorganismen fur die Entstehung der Diphtheric beim Menschen, bei der Taube und der Kalbe’ (Studies on the significance of bacteria in causing diphtheria in man, pigeons and calves), was published in 1884. In this paper and those which followed during the next few years, Loeffler described the diphtheria bacillus and its isolation in pure culture, and proved its relationship to the disease diphtheria. While the credit for the discovery of diphtheria toxin must go to Roux & Yersin (1888), Loeffler clearly predicted its existence in his original paper. Because, at autopsy, living ‘virulent’ diphtheria bacilli could only be recovered from experimental animals at the site of injection, Loeffler postulated that the bacteria must have released into the bloodstream a ‘chemical poison’ which caused the characteristic sterile haemorrhagic lesions in remote organs. He even noted early in 1888 that ‘the bacterial poison resembles in its action the poison [now known as abrin] obtained from jaquiriti seeds, which causes inflammation and the production of false membranes when placed on the mucous membranes either of men or animals’ (cited in Loeffler, 1908). Today we know the reason for this astute observation. Both abrin and diphtheria toxin block protein synthesis in sensitive eucaryotic cells (Collier, 1975; Olsnes & Pihl, 1976; Pappenheimer, 1977), albeit by different mechanisms. Almost a quarter of a century after the discovery of the diphtheria bacillus, the British Medical Research Council published a 718-page volume on diphtheria. In the first chapter Loeffler (1908) reviewed the history of the disease and reminisced at some length about his own early work. By 1908 when this book appeared, a good deal was already known about the epidemiology of diphtheria, the bacteriology of the diphtheria bacillus, its mode of spread by healthy adults and the protective effect of antitoxin. However, other than its proteinaceous nature almost nothing was known of the chemistry of diphtheria toxin or its mode of action. The interpretation of many of Loeffler's astute early observations and questions that puzzled him remained obscure and unanswerable until the discovery of lysogenic conversion to toxinogenicity by Freeman (1951) and the realization that the tox structural gene was carried by a bacteriophage (Uchida, Gill & Pappenhcimer, 1971).
Comments on Virginia C. Gathercole's “Some Myths You May Have Heard About First Language Acquisition”: A Reader Reacts …

Virginia C. Gathercole's recent article in the TESOL Quarterly (Vol. 22, No. 3, September 1988) reviews a wealth of research and raises a number of interesting points. In these respects, the article is a valuable addition to our understanding of first and second language acquisition in the area of theory. However, the implications for teaching that Gathercole draws from her review of the research are disturbing. The first assumption Gathercole questions is the idea that comprehension precedes production. She claims that this "is an explicit element in the Input Hypothesis of Krashen (1982), who argues that we acquire language by understanding language containing structures just beyond our productive capacity-at a level he calls 'i + 1' " (p. 409). In fact, by "i + 1" Krashen refers to an acquirer's ability to comprehend, not produce, language containing structures slightly beyond his or her present stage. Stronger support for the claim that production may precede and facilitate comprehension comes from research in emergent literacy. Clay (1975) and others have pointed to the fact that some students produce written language before they develop reading comprehension. These researchers argue that it is not necessary to delay writing until reading is mastered. In the same way, in both Asher's Total Physical Response (1977) and Terrell's Natural Approach (Krashen & Terrell, 1983), students are not required to produce language at the initial stages. Nevertheless, some students do attempt to produce the target
Bringing in the Experts: How Team Composition and Collaborative Planning Jointly Shape Analytic Effectiveness

This study investigates the separate and joint effects of the inclusion of experts and collaborative planning on the performance of analytic teams. Teams either did or did not include members with expert-level task-relevant cognitive abilities, and either did or did not receive an intervention that fostered collaborative planning. Results support the authors' hypothesis that analytic performance requires both task-appropriate expertise and collaborative planning to identify strategies for optimally using that expertise. Indeed, high expertise in the absence of collaborative planning actually decreased team performance. Teams engaging in collaborative planning were more likely to effectively integrate their information on key aspects of the analytic problem, which significantly enhanced their analytic performance. Furthermore, information integration mediated the effects of the interaction of expertise and collaboration on performance. The implications of the findings for the optimal use of team member ski...
Experimental Transmission of Kaposi's Sarcoma–Associated Herpesvirus (Kshv/Hhv-8) to Scid-Hu Thy/Liv Mice

Kaposi's sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV-8) is a novel human lymphotropic herpesvirus linked to several human neoplasms. To date, no animal model for infection by this virus has been described. We have examined the susceptibility of C.B-17 scid/scid mice implanted with human fetal thymus and liver grafts (SCID-hu Thy/Liv mice) to KSHV infection. KSHV virions were inoculated directly into the implants, and viral DNA and mRNA production was assayed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. This revealed a biphasic infection, with an early phase of lytic replication accompanied and followed by sustained latency. Ultraviolet irradiation of the inoculum abolished all DNA- and mRNA-derived signals, and infection was inhibited by ganciclovir. Viral gene expression was most abundant in CD19+ B lymphocytes, suggesting that this model faithfully mimics the natural tropism of this virus. Short-term coinfection with HIV-1 did not alter the course of KSHV replication, nor did KSHV alter levels of HIV-1 p24 during the acute phase of the infection. Although no disease was evident in infected animals, SCID-hu Thy/Liv mice should allow the detailed study of KSHV tropism, latency, and drug susceptibility.
Dietary energy density and diet variety as predictors of outcome in anorexia nervosa.

Background Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious psychiatric illness associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Successful treatment results in weight restoration, but recidivism is common, and the rate of relapse is estimated to be as high as 50%. Maintenance of a healthy diet is central to the recovery process, but the relation between diet and relapse has not been investigated in AN patients. Objective The objective of the study was to determine whether diet energy density and diet variety in recently weight-restored women with AN predict outcome. Design After gaining weight to a body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)) of > or = 20, 47 hospitalized women completed 4-d food records, from which a mean diet energy density score (DEDS) and a mean diet variety score (DVS) were calculated. Outcome was determined at study end by using modified Morgan-Russell criteria, and it was dichotomized as "treatment success" or "treatment failure." Data were analyzed by using Student's t test. A logistic regression model was constructed to evaluate the effects of DEDS, DVS, and caloric intake on outcome. Results Groups did not differ significantly in mean measures of age, admission and weight-restored BMI, or caloric intake. However, DEDS and DVS were significantly higher in the success group than in the failure group. The success and failure groups were followed for a mean of 240 and 170 d, respectively. In the logistic regression model, DEDS (P = 0.016) and DVS (P = 0.048) but not caloric intake (P = 0.585) significantly predicted outcome. Conclusion In recently weight-restored women with AN, lower DEDS and DVS but not caloric intake were associated with poor outcome.
Design and development of a dual-frequency (Ku/Ka), dual-polarization, wide-angle scanning airborne rain radar antenna system

A compact, dual-frequency (Ku/Ka-band), dual-polarization, wide-angle scanning antenna system has been developed as part of an airborne instrument for measuring rainfall. This system is an upgrade version of a prior single frequency airborne rain radar instrument, and was designed to generate spatially coincident horizontally and vertically polarized beams at both frequencies with 3-dB beamwidths that match within 25 percent, and have low-sidelobe levels over a wide scan angle at each polarization-and-frequency combination. The calculated results, as well as the measured electrical performance over wide-angle scanning, are presented.
AB INITIO INVESTIGATION OF THE STRUCTURE AND ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF THE ENERGETIC SOLIDS TATB AND RDX

Solid energetic substances have long played an important technological role as explosives and also as fuels. Much of the research on the solid phases has been concentrated on ground-state properties, and also on the chemistry of the molecules comprising the solid. In addition significant understanding of the detonation properties has been obtained by semiempirical continuum mechanical modeling. Traditional solid-state studies of this important class of materials have mostly been ignored. This may be due to the apparent success of the semiempirical models in describing the detonation properties. Recent interest in more fundamental questions relating to the basic properties of these systems as materials, coupled with a desire to probe fundamental questions relating to the initiation of the chemical reactions leading to combustion/detonation is generating significant interest in the basic solid-state properties of such energetic systems. This interest includes both vibrational and electronic excitations of the solid. The principal concern here is with the electronic states. In this paper, the basic solid-state properties of RDX and TATB are considered. The properties considered include the density and binding energy of the solid, the electronic density of states, and the x-ray structure factors. Computations are performed here at the Hartree-Fock level, using two methods, the LOPAS model developed in our laboratory, and CRYSTAL92. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Collaborative Group Memory: Processes, Performance, and Techniques for Improvement

Groups are often asked to perform important tasks that require them to remember and report accurate information. A review of research on memory processes in groups suggests that collaboration enhances select performance outcomes. Collaboration allows group members to pool their memories and correct one another’s memory errors. Nonetheless, there are opportunities for improvement in the memory performance of collaborative groups. Collaborative groups typically do not recall as much information as the same number of individuals working alone and sometimes fail to correct the memory errors of their members. In this article, we integrate research findings to present an account of collaborative group memory processes and performance. We present a cognitive-social-motivational framework for viewing collaborative group memory processes, emphasize the value of collaboration on memory tasks, and suggest ways in which collaborative group memory performance may be improved. Collaborative Group Memory: Processes, Performance, and Techniques for
A phylogenomic reconstruction of the protein world based on a genomic census of protein fold architecture: Research Articles

The protein world has a hierarchical and redundant organization that can be specified in terms of evolutionary units of molecular structure, the protein domains. The Structural Classification of Proteins (SCOP) has unified domains into a comparatively small set of folding architectures, the protein fold families and superfamilies, and these have been further grouped into protein folds. In this study, we reconstruct the evolution of the protein world using information embedded in a structural genomic census of fold architectures defined by a phylogenomic analysis of 185 completely sequenced genomes using advanced hidden Markov models and 776 folds described in SCOP release 1.67. Our study confirms the existence of defined evolutionary patterns of architectural diversification and explores how phylogenomic trees generated from folds relate to those reconstructed from fold superfamilies. Evolutionary patterns help us propose a general conceptual model that describes the growth of architectures in the protein world. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 12: 27–40, 2006This paper was submitted as an invited paper resulting from the “Understanding Complex Systems” conference held at the University of Illinois–Urbana Champaign, May 2005
OSV Activity Forecast

OSVs have important economic and environmental impacts on coastal communities in the Gulf Coast region, and these impacts depend on the quantity and spatial distribution of vessel activity which in turn depends on the type and geographic distribution of exploration and development. The purpose of this final chapter is to bring together the calibration data and the analytic framework to describe the results of a predictive model of OSV activity. Port activity is described according to offshore activity expected to arise from current and new lease sales categorized according to water depth, planning area, and vessel class. Between 53,000 and 118,000 OSV trips per year are estimated to support offshore activity in the Gulf of Mexico from 2012 to 2017. Port Fourchon is the most important port for both shallow and deepwater support. Offshore oil and gas development in shallow water is broadly distributed across shorebases, while in the deepwater, support is concentrated in Port Fourchon. The chapter concludes with a discussion of alternative leasing policies.
Reduction of Moisture Sensitivity in Natural Fibres

When natural fibres are applied as reinforcement in polymer composites the moisture sensitivity, causing fibre swell and ultimately rotting through fungi attack, can be a very serious problem. A number of methods have been developed dealing with this problem that change the chemical and / or physical composition of the fibre, resulting in reduced moisture sensitivity. To this category belong acetylation and hydrothermal treatment. For acetylation, acetic anhydride is used as a chemical that reacts with reactive OH-groups of the lignocellulose material, increasing hydrophobicity. In hydrothermal treatment no chemicals are used, only water and energy. The main focus of this paper is on hydrothermal treatment, the Duralin® process in particular, of bast fibres such as flax, jute and hemp. Acetylation is reviewed briefly. A survey is given of the structure and composition of bast fibres and the moisture adsorption and desorption mechanisms in these fibres. The Duralin® process involves three steps, hydrothermolysis, drying and curing. The raw material for the Duralin® process applied to flax is green rippled flax straw. This eliminates the need for the traditional dew-retting, a risky process where the freshly harvested flax stems lay on the field for about four weeks. The Duralin® process reduces moisture absorption and biological degradation, the fibre yield is higher than after dew-retting and the shives can be used as a filler material in polymers and for making a water proof particle board. The main causes for reduced water uptake after Duralin treatment will be reviewed. Duralin® fibres have equal or higher tensile strength and higher flexural modulus than fibres extracted from dew-retted flax. Compounds reinforced with these fibres have apart from decreased moisture sensitivity a better mechanical performance. Both the amount and the release rate of decomposition products resulting from compounding with polypropylene are significantly less for Duralin® fibres than for dew-retted or green fibres. Duralin® fibres are on a weight basis competitive with glass fibres.
Development and progress in sleep medicine as a new discipline

In this article the evolution of sleep medicine as a new medical specialty is described from an American perspective. The development of sleep medicine has mainly taken place during the last 10 years. Three topics are discussed which have mainly influenced sleep medicine to become an independent discipline. These are science of sleep medicine, the role of professional organizations, and the financing of health care. Clinical studies have helped define the role of various therapies. Professional organizations in the US, and central in this effort has been the American Sleep Disorders Association (ASDA), successfully developed standards for the accreditation of sleep laboratories and the certification of sleep specialists. Accordingly, the standard of patient care has increased and, although the cost for the diagnostics had to be reduced, this standard was maintained successfully. The challenge for the future is to train more sleep specialists and to make diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders available in a more efficient and a less costly way.
The Unfolding Model of Volunteer Motivation

Unlike other theories, the unfolding model of volunteer motivation proposes that the decision to volunteer is both a function of an individual’s situation (i.e., life experiences, social networks, ...
Protein-protein interaction analysis for functional characterization of helicases

Helicases are enzymes involved in nucleic acid metabolism, playing major roles in replication, transcription, and repair. Defining helicases oligomerization state and transient and persistent protein interactions is essential for understanding of their function. In this article we review current methods for the protein-protein interaction analysis, and discuss examples of its application to the study of helicases: Pif1 and DDX3. Proteomics methods are our main focus - affinity pull-downs and chemical cross-linking followed by mass spectrometry. We review advantages and limitations of these methods and provide general guidelines for their implementation in the functional analysis of helicases.
The role of gap junctional intercellular communication in neoplasia

Gap junctions are comprised of proteinaceous, plasma membrane channels that link the interiors of adjacent cells and permit cells to directly exchange small (< 1,000 Daltons) molecules and ions. This exchange, termed gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC), appears to be involved in growth regulation. Growth controlling factors may pass between cells through the junctions. The loss of gap junctions or impairment of their permeability has been observed in many neoplastic cells and cells treated with growth promoting carcinogens and other agents. The loss of GJIC appears to be an important event in the conversion of a normal cell into a neoplastic one. On the other hand, the restoration of GJIC in neoplastic cells by transfection with gap junction protein (connexin) cyclic deoxyribonucleic acids (cDNAs) or by stimulating endogenous connexin gene expression has led to the reversal of the neoplastic phenotype. The biology of gap junctions and their role in growth regulation and neoplasia are reviewed.
Reconciling Gender and Rationality

While ineffective tactics have beleaguered the Nonhuman Animal rights movement, the reign of sexism and pornographic exploitation is equally disastrous to liberation efforts. The Nonhuman Animal rights movement comprises primarily of women (Gaarder, 2011, p.11),1 and yet it continues to operate according to patriarchal norms. Just as industry-friendly welfare reform deflects movement resources from recruiting potentially thousands (if not millions) of new vegans, patriarchy-friendly tactics that bank on degrading women reduce the potential of the movement’s female majority. If the millions who consider themselves “animal lovers” were to step back from the irrationality of welfare reform and single-issue campaigning and commit to political veganism, real change would be at advocates’ fingertips. If the millions of women were to escape the irrationality of patriarchy and become full citizens both in society and social movements, it is likely that systems of oppression would crumble. In other words, the movement’s greatest source of people power is currently immobilized, as female activists are so often stripped or silenced. The movement must liberate its women before it can liberate other animals.
Confocal fluorescence microscopy with the tandem scanning light microscope

Applications of the tandem scanning confocal microscope (TSM) to fluorescence microscopy and its ability to resolve fluorescent biological structures are described. The TSM, in conjunction with a cooled charge-coupled device (cooled CCD) and conventional epifluorescence light source and filter sets, provided high-resolution, confocal data, so that different fluorescent cellular components were distinguished in three dimensions within the same cell. One of the unique features of the TSM is the ability to image fluorochromes excited by ultraviolet light (e.g. Hoechst, DAPI) in addition to fluorescein and rhodamine. Since the illumination is dim, photobleaching is insignificant and prolonged viewing of living specimens is possible. Series of optical sections taken in the Z-axis with the TSM were reproduced as stereo images and three-dimensional reconstructions. These data show that the TSM is potentially a powerful tool in fluorescence microscopy for determining three-dimensional relationships of complex structures within cells labeled with multiple fluorochromes.
Goal-driven sensor configuration in a navigation system

This paper presents a systematic approach to configure the sensor suite and measurement preprocessing functionality in a navigation system. The sensors and the user platform will be abstracted and represented with generic models. Various types of resources on the platform including processing capability, power consumption and payload capability are included in the platform model. Navigation performance will be optimized to meet the goals of specific missions, subject to the constraints on the onboard resources. A non-linear programming process is adopted to solve the constrained optimization problem.
Best’s Disease

Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD) due to to abnormal processing of photoreceptor outer segments and lipofuscin accumulation in RPE cells.
Ustroje kościołów ewangelicko‑reformowanych w Rzeczypospolitej Obojga Narodów na przełomie XVI i XVII wieku

The polity of the Reformed Church in the Commonwealth of Two Nations from the mid 16th to the mid 17th centuries The article looks at the polity of the three Reformed Churches in the Commonwealth of the Two Nations in the context of the Second Reformation. The author argues that the three churches began with initially very different ecclesiastical polities. The Czech Brethren Church ( Jednota Braci Czeskich ) in Greater Poland had an Episcopal structure with the bishops (called “seniors”) making all the decisions for the church. The Lesser Polish Brethren ( Jednota Malopolska ) began as a highly decentralized church, resembling a de facto congregationalism. Finally, the Lithuanian Brethren ( Jednota Litewska ) was from the onset a church with a classical Presbyterian polity. With the passage of time and due to many factors all three churches began to resemble each other more and more and moving towards the Presbyterian polity. It was embraced by the Lesser Poland Reformed from the 1590s onwards, and the Brethren Church after 1608. This process – paralleled by a liturgical and organizational uniformity – culminated in the Synod of Wlodawa (1634) when the Reformed of all three provinces settled on a Presbyterian polity for all three churches, with minor local variations. While all the churches retained the functions of superintendents or seniors, the mere fact of their existence or competence is not enough to suggest an Episcopal polity for any of three churches.
1.7 Carbon and Diamond

This chapter focuses on the use of carbon materials in biomedical applications. Specifically, the use of pyrolytic carbon, diamond-like carbon (DLC), microcrystalline diamond, nanocrystalline diamond, and ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) in medical applications is described. Pyrolytic carbon is a form of turbostratic carbon formed from pyrolysis of hydrocarbons or fullerene gases. DLC is an amorphous carbon material, which contains sp3-hybridized carbon atoms; in addition, it may contain a variable amount of hydrogen. Microcrystalline, nanocrystalline, and UNCD are composed of sp3-hybridized carbon crystals with microscale or nanoscale grain sizes. The structure, mechanical properties, biological properties, production processes, and biomedical applications of these carbon materials are addressed in detail. While the focus is placed on the use of these carbon materials in thin films and coatings, attention is also given to the general properties of carbon and its applications as a biomaterial.
Age differences in fatigue, decrements in energy, and sleep disturbance in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy

Objective The number of older adults with cancer is increasing. Given the limited amount of research and the inconsistent findings regarding age differences in common physical symptoms associated with cancer and its treatments, the purposes of this study, in a sample of oncology outpatients receiving chemotherapy (CTX), were to evaluate for age differences in demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as in occurrence rates of and severity ratings for fatigue, decrements in energy, and sleep disturbance. In addition, using regression analysis techniques, within and across age groups, demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the severity of each symptom were evaluated.
Effects of phosphorylation of human thymidylate synthase by casein kinase 2 on ligand binding

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004 1026 Thymidylate synthase (TS) is an essential enzyme for DNA synthesis and cell growth that has been studied extensively as a target for the chemotherapy of breast, head/neck, and colon cancers. Previous investigations revealed that the serine/threonine protein kinase, CK2, can mediate in vitro phosphorylation of human TS (hTS) and that phosphorylation of hTS is dependent upon protein structure. In addition, metabolic labeling studies with a CK2 activator and inhibitor indicated that CK2 plays a role in the in situ phosphorylation of hTS in tumor cell lines. TS is inactivated by binding to substrate analogs, such as 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridylate (FdUMP), a metabolite of 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine. We analyzed the role of CK2 phosphorylation in the binding of FdUMP to hTS. We observed that phosphorylated hTS binds FdUMP, albeit with lower affinity than the unphosphorylated protein. We also analyzed the effect of ligation with FdUMP on phosphorylation of hTS and on murine TS (mTS). We observed that ligation with FdUMP inhibited phosphorylation of both TSs. The data indicate that phosphorylation of hTS and ligation with FdUMP are interdependent and that CK2-mediated phosphorylation of hTS could lead to resistance to pro-drugs of FdUMP. To identify the site(s) of phosphorylation, we utilized an Internet accessible server, PhosoBase and the three-dimensional structure of hTS. Our analyses led to the prediction that serine residues at positions 66 and 124 are most likely to be phosphorylated by CK2. We have created S/A and S/D mutants of hTS, with replacements at one or both sites. We are examining the site of phosphorylation and the effect of serine substitution on ligand binding and protein structure.
Abstract 187: Electrocardiographic Heart Rate-corrected Qt Interval And Risk Of Stroke In The REasons For Geographic And Racial Differences In Stroke (REGARDS) Study

Background: Prolongation of heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc) is a well established predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Little is known, however, about the relationship between this simple electrocardiographic (ECG) marker and risk of stroke. Methods: A total of 27,411 participants aged > 45 years without prior stroke from the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study were included in this analysis. QTc was calculated using Framingham formula (QTcFram). Stroke cases were identified and adjudicated during an up to 7 years of follow-up (median 2.7 years). Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratios for incident stroke associated with prolonged QTcFram interval (vs. normal) and per 1 standard deviation (SD) increase, separately, in a series of incremental models. Results: The risk of incident stroke in the study participants with baseline prolonged QTcFram was almost 3 times the risk in those with normal QTcFram [HR (95% CI): 2.88 (2.12, 3.92), p Conclusions: QTc prolongation is associated with a significantly increased risk of incident stroke independently from known stroke risk factors. In light of our results, examining the risk of stroke associated with QT-prolonging drugs may be warranted.
Ante-bellum bank accounting -- A case study -- The New Orleans Savings Bank in the 1830s

This is a case study of the history, operating practices and financial reporting system of an antebellum-era financial institution. The New Orleans Savings Bank, which served the people of Louisiana from 1827 to 1842, was founded as a philanthropic endeavor and is an example of altruistic capitalism — as it was practiced in the nineteenth century. This institution is of particular interest to accounting historians because it maintained a relatively sophisticated accounting system which was, in many respects, similar to financial reporting systems in use today.
Molecular testing for thyroid nodules: Review and current state

Thyroid nodules affect nearly two-thirds of the world population. Fine-needle biopsy with cytologic evaluation remains the diagnostic test of choice to distinguish benign from malignant thyroid nodules yet fails to discriminate as benign or malignant in up to one-third of cases. This review discusses the limitation of current cytopathologic evaluation, the development of thyroid molecular testing, and the strengths and limitations of commercially available tests. Initial cytomolecular testing sought to identify specific gene mutations associated with thyroid cancer. Although the presence of a mutation was strongly associated with cancer, the likelihood of identifying a mutation was low; therefore, the test had low sensitivity. Subsequent tests developed have sought to improve the accuracy of cytomolecular testing for thyroid fine-needle aspirations, both to reassure patients and providers when malignancy may be absent and to confirm the malignancy when present. The development of cytomolecular testing for thyroid nodules has informed and improved current understanding of thyroid nodule formation and progression. When used appropriately and with clear understanding of the advantages and disadvantages, cytomolecular testing has the potential to improve patient care in the setting of indeterminate thyroid nodules by helping to guide both the need for and the extent of thyroid surgery. Cancer 2018;124:888-98. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Exacerbation of lymphomatoid papulosis during treatment with danazol

A patient who experienced exacerbation of a previously diagnosed condition of lymphomatoid papulosis during infertility treatment with danazol is reported. The condition worsened over the first month of treatment with medication and resolved completely upon discontinuation of the medication.
Comparing various parallelizing approaches for tribology simulations

Different parallelization methods vary in their system requirements, programming styles, efficiency of exploring parallelism, and the application characteristics they can handle. For different situations, they can exhibit totally different performance gains. This chapter compares OpenMP, MPI, and Strings for parallelizing a complicated tribology problem. The problem size and computing infrastructure is changed to assess the impact of this on various parallelization methods. All of them exhibit good performance improvements and it exhibits the necessity and importance of applying parallelization in this field.
Electrocardiographic left atrial abnormality and silent vascular brain injury: The Northern Manhattan Study.

Hypothesis We hypothesized that P wave terminal Force in the V1 lead (PTFV1) would be associated with leukoaraiosis and subclinical infarcts, especially cortical infarcts, in a population-based, multi-ethnic cohort. Methods PTFV1 was collected manually from baseline electrocardiograms of clinically stroke-free Northern Manhattan Study participants. Investigators read brain MRIs for superficial infarcts, deep infarcts, and white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV). WMHV was adjusted for head size and log transformed, achieving a normal distribution. Logistic regression models investigated the association of PTFV1 with cortical and with all subclinical infarcts. Linear regression models examined logWMHV. Models were adjusted for demographics and risk factors. Results Among 1174 participants with PTFV1 measurements, the mean age at MRI was 70 ± 9 years. Participants were 14.4% white, 17.6% black, and 65.8% Hispanic. Mean PTFV1 was 3587.35 ± 2315.62 μV-ms. Of the 170 subclinical infarcts, 40 were cortical. PTFV1 ≥ 5000 μV-ms was associated with WMHV in a fully adjusted model (mean difference in logWMHV 0.15, 95% confidence interval 0.01–0.28). PTFV1 exhibited a trend toward an association with cortical infarcts (unadjusted OR per SD change logPTFV1 1.30, 95% CI 0.94–1.81), but not with all subclinical infarcts. Conclusion Electrocardiographic evidence of left atrial abnormality was associated with leukoaraiosis.
Novel aerosol extinction coefficients and lidar ratios over the ocean from CALIPSO–CloudSat: evaluation and global statistics

Abstract. Aerosol extinction coefficients ( σa ) and lidar ratios (LRs) are retrieved over the ocean from CALIPSO's Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) attenuated backscatter profiles by solving the lidar equation constrained with aerosol optical depths (AODs) derived by applying the Synergized Optical Depth of Aerosols (SODA) algorithm to ocean surface returns measured by CALIOP and CloudSat's Cloud Profiling Radar. σa and LR are retrieved for two independent scenarios that require somewhat different assumptions: (a) a single homogeneous atmospheric layer (1L) for which the LR is constant with height and (b) a vertically homogeneous layer with a constant LR overlying a marine boundary layer with a homogenous LR fixed at 25 sr (two-layer method, 2L). These new retrievals differ from the standard CALIPSO version 4.1 (V4) product, as the CALIOP–SODA method does not rely on an aerosol classification scheme to select LR. CALIOP–SODA σa and LR are evaluated using airborne high-spectral-resolution lidar (HSRL) observations over the northwest Atlantic. CALIOP–SODA LR (1L and 2L) positively correlates with its HSRL counterpart (linear correlation coefficient r>0.67 ), with a negative bias smaller than 17.4 % and a good agreement for σa ( r≥ 0.78) with a small negative bias ( ≤ | - 9.2 % | ). Furthermore, a global comparison of optical depths derived by CALIOP–SODA and CALIPSO V4 reveals substantial discrepancies over regions dominated by dust and smoke (0.24), whereas Aqua's Moderate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and SODA AOD regional differences are within 0.06. Global maps of CALIOP–SODA LR feature high values over littoral zones, consistent with expectations of continental aerosol transport offshore. In addition, seasonal transitions associated with biomass burning from June to October over the southeast Atlantic are well reproduced by CALIOP–SODA LR.
SMART coils for intracranial aneurysm embolization: Follow-up outcomes.

Abstract The SMART coil (Penumbra Inc., Alameda, CA, USA) is a new microcoil designed to enhance deliverability. Although prior studies have described its perioperative safety and efficacy, the follow-up outcomes after embolization of intracranial aneurysms using SMART coils have not been reported. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective cohort study is to assess the angiographic outcomes at interim follow-up after aneurysm embolization with SMART coils. We reviewed data from consecutive patients with intracranial aneurysms who underwent endovascular treatment using SMART coils between June 2016 and August 2017. Baseline data and follow-up angiographic outcomes using the modified Raymond-Roy classification (MRRC) were recorded. The study cohort comprised 33 patients with 34 aneurysms who underwent SMART coil embolization and had sufficient follow-up data. The mean age was 57 years, and 82% were female. The mean aneurysm maximum diameter and neck width were 6.1 ± 2.2 mm and 3.2 ± 1.2 mm, respectively, and 14.7% of aneurysms were ruptured. The overall complication rate was 12%. Initial mean coil packing density was 26%, and the initial MRRC was I, II, IIIa, and IIIb in 24%, 26%, 35%, and 15%, respectively. At last follow-up (mean duration 7.7 ± 3.2 months), the MRRC was I, II, IIIa, and IIIb in 62%, 26%, 3%, and 9%, respectively. The retreatment rate was 14.7%. The SMART coil is efficacious for the treatment of appropriately selected aneurysms, with an acceptable risk profile. The majority of residual aneurysms after the initial embolization procedure will progress to complete or near-complete occlusion at interim follow-up.
Recent advances in understanding the role of the basal ganglia

The basal ganglia are a complex subcortical structure that is principally involved in the selection and implementation of purposeful actions in response to external and internal cues. The basal ganglia set the pattern for facilitation of voluntary movements and simultaneous inhibition of competing or interfering movements. In addition, the basal ganglia are involved in the control of a wide variety of non-motor behaviors, spanning emotions, language, decision making, procedural learning, and working memory. This review presents a comparative overview of classic and contemporary models of basal ganglia organization and functional importance, including their increased integration with cortical and cerebellar structures.
Mars 2020 Rover Influence on Wind Measurements at Low Reynolds Number

The Mars 2020 rover is the new vehicle dedicated to the Martian surface investigation. This vehicle will transport Mars Environmental Dynamic Analyzer, the new meteorological station, including two...
Peroneal Tendon Lengthening as an Adjunct Procedure to Aid in the Reduction of the Lateral Malleolus in Diabetic Ankle Fractures: 2 Case Reports

It is well-documented that individuals with longstanding diabetes mellitus are at risk for specific metabolic abnormalities; this includes but is not limited to increased glycation of collagenous soft-tissue structures. It is also apparent that such changes can manifest as thickening and increased stiffness of tendinous structures. What remains unknown are the biomechanical ramifications of these changes and how they should affect the surgical management of lower extremity injuries. Previous research suggests that the Achilles tendon demonstrates increased stiffness in the presence of diabetes. It is therefore reasonable to presume that increased collagen glycation and the resultant tendon stiffness can also lead to decreased extensibility and shortening of the peroneus longus and brevis tendons. The significance of this leads us to the conclusion that glycation of the peroneal tendons can create a deforming force in displaced lateral malleolar fractures because of the adjacent position of the peroneal tendons relative to the lateral malleolus. Complications stemming from this can lead to increased difficulty in reducing fibular fractures and subsequent shortening of the fibula. For the purpose of this article, we present 2 cases, 1 using open reduction with internal fixation and the other with external fixation. We will demonstrate that, in both reduction methods, lengthening of the peroneal tendons can be a useful adjunct procedure to aid in restoration of fibular length in diabetic ankle fractures.
Conclusions from the Tech Industry

This chapter presents the results of several tests conducted to compare and contrast the diversity communication strategies employed by Microsoft and Google as well as their impact on the users’ stances vis-a-vis diversity. In addition, the chapter discusses the development of an organizational legitimacy model that can be applied in the context of diversity communication in the tech sector.
Intelligence without representation – Merleau-ponty's critique of mental representation the relevance of phenomenology to scientific explanation

Existential phenomenologists hold that the two most basic forms of intelligent behavior, learning, and skillful action, can be described and explained without recourse to mind or brain representations. This claim is expressed in two central notions in Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology of Perception: the intentional arc and the tendency to achieve a maximal grip. The intentional arc names the tight connection between body and world, such that, as the active body acquires skills, those skills are “stored”, not as representations in the mind, but as dispositions to respond to the solicitations of situations in the world. A phenomenology of skill acquisition confirms that, as one acquires expertise, the acquired know-how is experienced as finer and finer discriminations of situations paired with the appropriate response to each. Maximal grip names the body's tendency to refine its responses so as to bring the current situation closer to an optimal gestalt. Thus, successful learning and action do not require propositional mental representations. They do not require semantically interpretable brain representations either.
Discovery of Novel Proteomic Biomarkers for the Prediction of Kidney Recovery from Dialysis-Dependent AKI Patients

Background: Acute kidney injury requiring dialysis (AKI-D) is associated with prolonged hospitalization, mortality, and progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) among survivors. Previous studies have examined only select urine or serum biomarkers for predicting kidney recovery from AKI. Methods: Serum samples collected on day 8 of randomized renal replacement therapy from 72 patients enrolled in the Veteran9s Affairs/National Institutes of Health Acute Renal Failure Trial Network study were analyzed by the SOMAscan proteomic platform to profile 1305 proteins in each sample. Of these patients, 38 recovered kidney function and dialysis was discontinued, while another 34 patients remained on dialysis by day 28. Results: Differential serum levels of 119 proteins, with 53 higher and 66 lower, were detected in samples from patients who discontinued dialysis compared to patients who remained on dialysis by day 28. Patients were classified into tertiles based on SOMAscan protein measurements for the 25 proteins most differentially expressed. The association of serum levels of each protein with kidney recovery was further evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Higher serum levels of CXCL11, CXCL2/CXCL3, CD86, Wnt-7a, BTK, c-Myc, TIMP-3, CCL5, ghrelin, PDGF-C, survivin, CA2, IL-9, EGF, and neuregulin-1, and lower levels of soluble CXCL16, IL1RL1, stanniocalcin-1, IL-6, and FGF23 when classified in tertiles, were significantly associated with better kidney recovery. This significant association persisted for each of these proteins after adjusting for potential confounding risk factors including age, gender, cardiovascular SOFA score, congestive heart failure, diabetes, modality of intensive dialysis treatment, cause of AKI, baseline serum creatinine, day-8 urine volume, and estimated 60-day mortality risk. Conclusions: These results suggest concerted changes between survival-related proteins and immune-regulatory chemokines in regulating angiogenesis, endothelial and epithelial remodeling, and kidney cell regeneration, illustrating potential mechanisms of kidney recovery. Thus, this study identifies potential novel predictive biomarkers of kidney recovery in AKI-D patients.
A Design Procedure for Hybrid Rotor PMSM to Achieve Wide Constant Power Speed Ratio

Interior permanent magnet (IPM) machines are more commonly used in applications where constant power vs. speed operation is required. However, achieving IPM rotor design for a wide constant power speed ratio (CPSR) requires an iterative design process, thus driving design cycle time and cost higher. In this work, a design methodology is proposed to achieve wide CPSR using combinations of different types of pre-designed rotor cross-sections, i.e., hybrid rotor machines. The design constraints developed in this work are broadly applicable to any synchronous AC machine that allows for a relative offset between PM and reluctance torque components as an additional design degree of freedom.