cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metasurfaces based on nano-patterned phase-change memory materials

We fabricate nano-patterned films of GeSbTe to make optical metasurfaces of isolated scatterers with the goal of arbitrary electrical reconfigurability, and induce phase changes by heating with a femtosecond pulsed laser.
Blood Pressure, Arterial Load, and Survival After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Reducing the Gradient Is Only Part of the Picture

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has revolutionized the treatment of symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) across a spectrum of older patients whose surgical risk ranges from intermediate to prohibitive. The impressive results achieved in randomized controlled trials1–3 have provided the basis for ongoing or planned investigations in low surgical risk4 and asymptomatic patients.5 Presently, TAVR is offered at >500 medical centers in the United States6 and the annual number of TAVR procedures has surpassed that for isolated surgical aortic valve replacement.6,7 See Article by Lindman et al Increasing confidence in the expanded use of TAVR relates, in part, to the iterative improvements seen in patient selection, imaging, device and delivery system design, anesthetic management, postprocedural care, multidisciplinary team dynamics, and institutional benchmarking against national performance standards. Serial reductions in the major complications of in-hospital death, stroke, perivalvular regurgitation, and heart block have occurred although a more complete longitudinal assessment of prosthetic valve thrombosis, durability, quality of life, and survival is needed. The expectations of patients, families, referring physicians and payers are high—sometimes unrealistically so. On completion of a technically successful procedure, there is usually a collective sigh of relief and the anticipation that the associated reduction in the magnitude of aortic valve obstruction will alone translate into clinical benefit. Experience has shown, however, that several patient-related factors that impact prognosis may not be improved, a reality that accentuates the importance of appropriate case selection. Until recently, …
Abstract 5079: Inhibition of HDAC2, but not HDAC1, abrogates triple negative breast cancer progression and metastasis

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, with higher rates of metastasis and recurrence than other classified subtypes. The decreased survival rates seen in TNBC can be attributed in part to the lack of targeted therapeutics. HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) have emerged as a potential adjuvant therapy for patients with triple negative disease. Previously, our lab has identified Panobinostat, a pan-DAC inhibitor, as a successful therapy for the reversal of the metastatic phenotype in TNBC. However, this therapy lacks specificity and may have increased side effects as a result. In this study, we aim to dissect the necessary HDACs responsible for driving and maintaining the metastatic phenotype of TNBC, with the goal of informing specific HDAC targeted therapies. Here we show that Romidepsin, an HDAC 1 and 2 specific inhibitor, is capable of recapitulating aspects of Panobinostat treatment in TNBC both in vitro and in a patient derived xenograft model in vivo. To parse the necessity and role of HDAC1 and HDAC2 individually, we created knockdown cell lines and analyzed them for changes in gene expression changes and their respective associated biological processes, including proliferation, migration, mammosphere formation, tumor growth and metastasis. We found that HDAC2 knockdown was able to significantly repress migration and proliferation in TNBC cells and their associated gene expression signatures in vitro. Furthermore, HDAC2 knockdown resulted in decreased tumor growth and metastasis an in vivo mouse model. These results illustrate the efficacy of Romidepsin in inhibition of oncogenic processes and implicate HDAC2 as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in TNBC. Citation Format: Hope E. Burks, Steven Elliott, Van T. Hoang, Margarite D. Matossian, Bridgette Collins Burow, Matthew E. Burow. Inhibition of HDAC2, but not HDAC1, abrogates triple negative breast cancer progression and metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5079. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5079
Wild quotients of products of curves

Let k be an algebraically closed field of characteristic $$p>0$$ . Let and be two smooth proper connected curves, each endowed with an automorphism $$\sigma _i:B_i \rightarrow B_i$$ of order p. Let , and let $$\sigma :Y \rightarrow Y$$ be the automorphism . We show that the graph of the resolution of any singularity of is a star-shaped graph with three terminal chains when $$B_2$$ is an ordinary curve of positive genus. The intersection matrix N of the resolution satisfies , and can be completely determined when $$B_1$$ is also ordinary, or when $$\sigma _1$$ has a unique fixed point. The singularity is rational. Wild -quotient singularities of surfaces are expected to have resolution graphs which are trees, with associated intersection matrices N satisfying for some $$r\geqslant 0$$ . We show, for any $$s>0$$ coprime to p, the existence of resolution graphs with one node, $$s+2$$ terminal chains, and with intersection matrix N satisfying .
Pore connectivity and pore size distribution estimates for Wolfcamp and Eagle Ford shale samples from oil, gas and condensate windows using adsorption-desorption measurements

Abstract Pore size distribution and pore connectivity are vital parameters governing the hydrocarbon production of subsurface reservoirs. We estimate pore size distribution and pore connectivity of shale samples by processing the low-pressure nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements. Our hypothesis is that the connectivity of shale pore structure can be quantified in terms percolation and fractal parameters. The proposed analysis is performed on 35 samples from various maturity windows of Eagle Ford and Wolfcamp formations. The samples were collected from 100 feet interval in the Eagle Ford gas window, 30 feet interval in the Eagle Ford oil window, and 60 feet interval in the Wolfcamp condensate window. Eagle Ford samples were low-temperature plasma ashed to study the impact of removal of organic matter on the pore size distribution and pore connectivity. The estimated pore size distribution of Wolfcamp samples differ significantly from that of Eagle Ford samples that supports the mineralogical differences between the two formations. Wolfcamp samples exhibit higher fractal dimension indicating higher pore complexity. Eagle Ford samples exhibit better long-range pore connectivity and lower pore complexity compared to Wolfcamp samples despite lower porosity.
Racing for academic glory and patents: Lessons from CRISPR

The much-publicized dispute over patent rights to CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology highlights tensions that have been percolating for almost four decades, since the U.S. Bayh-Dole Act of 1980 invoked patents as a mechanism for promoting commercialization of federally funded research. With the encouragement provided by Bayh-Dole, academic scientists and their research institutions now race in dual competitive domains: the quest for glory in academic research and in the patent sphere. Yet, a robust economic literature ( 1 , 2 ) argues that races are often socially wasteful; the racing parties expend duplicative resources, in terms of both the research itself and the legal fees spent attempting to acquire patents, all in the pursuit of what may be a modest acceleration of invention. For CRISPR, and future races involving broadly useful technologies for which it may set a precedent, the relationship between these competitive domains needs to be parsed carefully. On the basis of legal maneuvers thus far, it appears that the litigants will try for broad rights; public benefit will depend on courts reining them in and, when broad patents slip through, on updating Bayh-Dole's pro-commercialization safeguards with underused features of the Act.
Age Profile of Patients With Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

This observational study evaluates the changes in age profile over time in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
The Future of Nurse Practitioner Practice: A World of Opportunity

Health care is transforming at a rapid pace. Nurses should be leading change and advancing health in this increasingly complex health system. The multiple systemic health care changes occurring secondary to the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act make this an optimal time for full use of nurse practitioners (NPs). This article describes the evolution and future of the NP role, explores the practice in relation to regulation and policy; primary care; acute care; international, global, and cultural issues; and public image, and addresses how NPs must prepare for changing health care environments and consumer demands.
TWO YEAR ACL REINJURY RATE OF 2.5%: OUTCOMES REPORT OF THE MEN IN A SECONDARY ACL INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM (ACL-SPORTS).

Background The Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Specialized Post-Operative Return to Sports (ACL-SPORTS) randomized control trial (RCT) examined an evidence-based secondary ACL injury prevention training program, involving progressive strengthening, agility training, and plyometrics. The RCT examined the benefit of the training program with and without a neuromuscular training technique called perturbation training. Hypothesis/purpose The purpose of this study was to report the return to sport and second ACL injury incidence outcomes of the men in the ACL-SPORTS trial. Study design Secondary analysis of a RCT. Methods Forty cutting and pivoting sport male athletes participated in the ACL-SPORTS trial, return to sport testing, and in follow-up sessions at one and two years after ACL reconstruction. Variables of interest at one and two years were return to sport, return to preinjury level of sport, and second ACL injuries. Mean time to passing return to sport criteria, the number of athletes returning to sport and preinjury level of sport and the incidence proportion of second ACL injuries were calculated. Results Athletes passed return to sport criteria 232 ± 99 days after ACLR. One year after ACL reconstruction 95% had returned to sport, 78% at their preinjury level. Two years after ACL reconstruction all athletes had returned to sport, 95% at their preinjury level and only one athlete had a second ACL injury. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that men in the ACL-SPORTS trial had much higher return to sport rates and much lower second ACL injury rates than those reported in the literature. Level of evidence 1b.
Prevalence estimates for chronic urticaria in the United States: A sex- and age-adjusted population analysis.

Background Disease burden in chronic urticaria (CU) is poorly understood. Objective To estimate standardized overall and sex-, age-, and race-specific prevalence estimates for CU among adults in the United States. Methods A cross-sectional analysis with electronic health records data for a demographically heterogeneous population-based sample of >55 million patients across all 4 census regions. Results The overall CU prevalence was 0.23%, or 230 CU cases/100,000 adults. The adjusted prevalence in women was 310 (95% confidence interval [CI] 307-312) cases/100,000 adults, more than twice that of men (146 [95% CI 143-148] cases/100,000 adults, P Limitations Use of administrative data has the potential to underestimate burden. Conclusion There are >500,000 people estimated to have CU in the United States, most of whom are women or adults ≥40 years of age.
Clinical features of Streptococcus pyogenes keratitis: Case series.

Abstract Purpose To characterize the risk factors, clinical presentations, management, outcomes, and microbiological properties of Streptococcus pyogenes keratitis. Methods Eight culture-proven cases (eight eyes) of S. pyogenes keratitis were diagnosed and treated between 2008 and 2018 at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Medical records were available for six patients, and these were reviewed to identify demographic information, systemic and ocular history, clinical presentations, antibiotic sensitivity, treatments, and outcomes of S. pyogenes isolates. Results Of the six charts reviewed, the median patient age was 67 years and all patients were female. Four patients had a history of cataract extraction more than one year prior to presentation, one had a history of improper contact lens use, and one had basement membrane dystrophy. Two patients, who also happened to have the most serious medical comorbidities, presented with corneal perforation on initial examination. The median follow-up length was 90.5 days. Visual outcomes varied greatly between patients. Three patients had visual acuity ranging from 20/30 to 20/70, while the two patients with corneal perforation had a final visual acuity of light perception, and one patient was lost to follow-up. Five of six isolates were susceptible to fluoroquinolones and all isolates were susceptible to cefazolin. Conclusions S. pyogenes represented an uncommon ocular pathogen at UPMC eye clinic. However, if left untreated, this infection resulted in severe ocular morbidity. The majority of patients had a benign ocular history, suggesting that S. pyogenes can infect healthy corneas in immunocompetent patients. The majority of isolates were susceptible to cefazolin and fluoroquinolones.
Knowledge assessment: game for assessment of symptoms of child physical abuse

Using serious games as a form of training and education has been a growing trend. While there has been research into the adaptation of games for training, assessment of user knowledge as a whole for the purpose of creating tailored training content has not been closely examined. In this paper, we propose a general framework for creating an assessment game and show how Knowledge Assessment can be used to guide the focus of subsequent training modules. Using our framework, we address the frustration and anxiety expressed by medical and nursing professionals about their lack of training regarding indicators of child physical abuse (CPA) in the United States. We develop the Computer Simulated Interactive Child Abuse Screening Tool (CSI-CAST), which contains scenarios in a serious game and uses assistive AI technologies to assess a group of users and discover features that are important in indicating the users' collective knowledge identifying CPA. A user study is conducted to show that CSI-CAST is easy to use and it functions to discover specific training needs.
Seeking a Sense of Belonging: Social and Cultural Integration of International Students with American College Students

International students studying at higher education institutions in the United States experience challenges as they adjust to new environments. Social connectedness to American college students could mitigate such challenges and assist international students with social and cultural integration. This study, using qualitative data from interviews, examined international students’ experiences and their sense of belonging on an American college campus, including the factors that contribute to or deter from it.
Pandemic and mental adjustment disorders. Therapy options

The article considers the main triggers of adjustment and anxiety disorders in the time of pandemic that brings significant changes in all life dimensions with the high uncertainty level. The article highlights a role of coronavirus infodemic in the development of anxiety disorders. The main targets for cognitive, emotional and behavioral interventions are suggested. Recommendations for anxiety adjustment disorders psychopharmacotherapy with the use of tranquillizers as treatment of choice are given. Prevention measures for medical doctors working in conditions of pandemic are proposed.
Effect of Regional Analgesia Techniques on Opioid Consumption and Length of Stay After Thoracic Surgery.

BackgroundWe examined how intercostal nerve block (ICNB) with standard bupivacaine and ICNB with extended-release liposomal bupivacaine, compared with thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA), were associ...
Providing Culturally Competent Care for COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit Delirium: A Case Report and Review

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, its high transmissibility required infected individuals to be placed in negative pressure isolation rooms when admitted to intensive care units (ICU). Studies have shown that limited social support can increase the risk of developing delirium during ICU stays. Minimal research exists on COVID-19-associated ICU delirium as hospitals and government organizations focus on combating equipment shortages and case surges. Here, we present the case of a 64-year-old Filipino male with COVID-19 ICU delirium status post-intubation and ventilation. His hospital course was complicated by the medical staff's assumption that the patient spoke Spanish and improved after being assigned a Tagalog-speaking nurse who facilitated family communication. This case highlights the importance of cultural competency and communication in the management of COVID-19 associated ICU delirium. In particular, Filipino cultural practices and their intersection with healthcare in the larger context of providing culturally competent care are highlighted. The use of culturally competent care serves to assure the use of appropriate services and reduces the occurrence of medical errors due to misunderstandings caused by differences in language or culture. Familial involvement is critical for ICU delirium; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has required healthcare providers to think beyond conventional means. The use of technology to virtually communicate with family also serves as a helpful tool to treat signs of delirium. As seen in this case, a lack of understanding of the Filipino culture resulted in assumptions on the part of the healthcare provider which led to the prolongation of delirium in a COVID-19 ICU patient, but the correct utilization of cultural competence helped the patient recover successfully.
The prospects for applying magnetic smart materials combined with shape memory alloys to produce correctable and deployable space telescopes

The desirability of making deployable mirrors for space telescopes has been known for years. Yet, once the wave lengths are longer than the short wave radio, progress has been slow. Therefore, we are exploring a new technology based on using a magnetic smart material film deposited on a shape-memory alloy (SMA) sheet. Our preliminary result is that when we apply an about 0.1-0.35 T in-plane magnetic field, we can produce greater than micron deflections in the SMA. Furthermore, we have shown the SMA can return to shape to within 1 micron. We will present an update on how long these deflections can be maintained and our progress toward making the SMA surface smooth enough to produce specular reflection. In addition, we assess the brightness and shininess of the NiTi piece before and after heating that is needed to produce a return to shape.
A Panel of Biomarkers Associates With Increased Risk for Cardiovascular Events in Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

OBJECTIVE The increase in cardiovascular events (CVEs) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is not fully explained by traditional risk factors. We previously identified four biomarkers (proinflammatory high-density lipoprotein, leptin, soluble TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK), and homocysteine) that we combined with age and diabetes to create the predictors of risk for elevated flares, damage progression, and increased cardiovascular diseasein patients with SLE (PREDICTS) risk profile. PREDICTS more accurately identified patients with SLE at risk for progression of subclinical atherosclerosis than any individual variable. We examined whether PREDICTS can also identify patients with SLE at risk for future CVEs. METHODS A total of 342 patients with SLE and 155 matched control subjects participated in this longitudinal prospective study. A high PREDICTS score was defined as three or more predictors or diabetes + one or more predictor. The biomarkers were measured at baseline using published methods. All major adverse CVEs (MACEs) were confirmed by medical record review. RESULTS During 116 months of follow-up, 5% of patients with SLE died, 12% had a cerebrovascular event, and 5% had a cardiac event. Overall, 20% of patients with lupus experienced any new MACE compared with 5% of control subjects (P < 0.0001). More patients with SLE with a new MACE had high PREDICTS score at baseline (77%) versus patients with no new events (34%) (P < 0.0001). High baseline PREDICTS score also associated with cerebrovascular (P < 0.0001) and cardiac events (P < 0.0001) in SLE. Using Cox regression, a baseline high PREDICTS score associated with a 3.7-fold increased hazard ratio (HR) for a new MACE (P < 0.0001) in SLE. Hypertension (HR = 2.1; P = 0.006) was also a risk. CONCLUSION A high PREDICTS score and hypertension confer increased risk for new MACEs in patients with SLE.
Conformity and reactions to deviance in the time of COVID-19

We have seen massive global behavioral change as billions of people radically altered their ways of life in response to COVID-19. Here, we review how research on conformity and deviance can inform ...
COVID-19 associated retinopathy

Purpose : Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has escalated to a global pandemic with increasing reports of ophthalmic disease. We report ophthalmic observations of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and correlate retinal disease findings with clinical and laboratory data. Methods : Retrospective review of COVID-19 patients who underwent ophthalmic exam during hospitalization within Emory Healthcare between April-July 2020. Results : Thirty-seven patients were examined with 23 (62%) females and a mean age of 54 years. 35 patients were admitted to the ICU. Ophthalmic manifestations included conjunctival injection in 12 eyes (17%), chemosis in 8 (11%) and retinopathy in 20 eyes (27%) with bilateral retinopathy in 6 patients (16%). No difference in baseline comorbidities or COVID-19 complication development was observed between patients with and without retinopathy. However, patients with retinopathy required ICU care for 1 week longer than those without retinopathy (27.6 vs 19.9 days p=0.19). The mean sequential organ failure assessment score at ICU admission was 6.18. All patients with retinopathy required both mechanical ventilation and vasopressors, while in patients without retinopathy, 15 (65%) and 12 (52%) required mechanical ventilation and vasopressors respectively (p=0.015, p=0.002). 6 patients with retinopathy required extracorporal membrane oxygenation compared to 1 without retinopathy (p=0.0070). While the mean peak D-Dimer was elevated at 18477, in the entire cohort, the peak D-Dimer was higher in patients with retinopathy (28,971 vs 12,575, p=0.0298). The fibrinogen nadir during hospitalization was on average 338 for the entire cohort, and reduced in patients with retinopathy (262 vs 381, p=0.029). Peak D-dimer analyses with a threshold of 16,508 showed an odds ratio of 16.7 (95% CI 3.11-89.3) for retinopathy. Fibrinogen nadir with a threshold of 367 showed odds ratio of 0.06 (95% CI 0.01-0.53) with 0.75 concordance. Conclusions : Retinopathy was the most common ophthalmic manifestation in a critically ill COVID-19 population, exceeding 25% of patients. Elevated D-dimers and a lower fibrinogen nadir in patients with retinopathy suggest a pathogenic relationship between coagulation pathways and retinal microangiopathy.
Demographic, Operational, and Healthcare Utilization Factors Associated with Emergency Department Patient Satisfaction.

Introduction: The primary aim of this study was to determine which objectively-measured patient demographics, emergency department (ED) operational characteristics, and healthcare utilization frequencies (care factors) were associated with patient satisfaction ratings obtained from phone surveys conducted by a third-party vendor for patients discharged from our ED. Methods: This is a retrospective, observational analysis of data obtained between September 2011 and August 2012 from all English- and Spanish-speaking patients discharged from our ED who were contacted by a third-party patient satisfaction vendor to complete a standardized nine-item telephone survey by a trained phone surveyor. We linked data from completed surveys to the patient’s electronic medical record to abstract additional demographic, ED operational, and healthcare utilization data. We used univariate ordinal logistic regression, followed by two multivariate models, to identify significant predictors of patient satisfaction. Results: We included 20,940 patients for analysis. The overall patient satisfaction ratings were as follows: 1=471 (2%); 2=558 (3%); 3=2,014 (10%), 4=5,347 (26%); 5=12,550 (60%). Factors associated with higher satisfaction included race/ethnicity (Non-Hispanic Black; Hispanic patients), age (patients ≥65), insurance (Medicare), mode of arrival (arrived by bus or on foot), and having a medication ordered in the ED. Patients who felt their medical condition did not improve, those treated in our ED behavioral health area, and those experiencing longer wait times had reduced satisfaction. Conclusion: These findings provide a basis for development and evaluation of targeted interventions that could be used to improve patient satisfaction in our ED.
Compelling Arbitration and the Judicial Review of Arbitral Awards

I will discuss the enforceability of agreements to arbitrate commercial disputes. This will be supplemented, as necessary, by a more abbreviated discussion of the enforceability of arbitral awards and of foreign judgments confirming foreign awards. I intend to focus on the law likely to prevail in a state or federal court sitting in Florida in cases where the arbitration is to occur outside this State. Normally, the place of arbitration is designated in the arbitral agreement or by mutual agreement of the parties after a dispute arises. On occasion, an arbitral association (e.g., American Arbitration Association, International Chamber of Commerce) is given the responsibility for designating the place of the arbitration.
Lectures on tensor categories and modular functors

Introduction Braided tensor categories Ribbon categories Modular tensor categories 3-dimensional topological quantum field theory Modular functor Moduli spaces and complex modular functor Wess-Zumino-Witten model Bibliography Index Index of notation.
Giving What to Whom? Thoughts on Feminist Knowledge Production

This research note is part of the thematic section, Limits to Giving Back, in the special issue titled “Giving Back in Field Research,” published as Volume 10, Issue 2 in the Journal of Research Practice.
Hallux valgus and first ray mobility. A prospective study.

To The Editor: I read with great interest “Hallux Valgus and First Ray Mobility. A Prospective Study” (2007;89:1887-98), by Coughlin and Jones. I would like to congratulate the authors on a comprehensive study addressing very timely questions. However, I am a bit puzzled at the conclusions. In the final sentences, the authors conclude that there is “little clinical evidence to substantiate…that increased mobility at the first metatarsocuneiform joint can lead to hallux valgus.” However, earlier in the paper, the authors state, “We believe that the metatarsocuneiform joint is the key to the development and the progression of a hallux valgus deformity.” Are not these two statements at odds with each other? The authors acknowledge the role of the metatarsocuneiform joint …
Intelligent Web agents that learn to retrieve and extract information

We describe systems that use machine learning methods to retrieve and/or extract textual information from the Web. In particular, we present our Wisconsin Adaptive Web Assistant (WAWA), which constructs a Web agent by accepting user preferences in form of instructions and adapting the agent's behavior as it encounters new information. Our approach enables WAWA to rapidly build instructable and self-adaptive Web agents for both the information retrieval (IR) and information extraction (IE) tasks. WAWA uses two neural networks, which provide adaptive capabilities for its agents. User-provided instructions are compiled into these neural networks and are modified via training examples. Users can create these training examples by rating pages that WAWA retrieves, but more importantly our system uses techniques from reinforcement learning to internally create its own examples. Users can also provide additional instruction throughout the life of an agent. Empirical results on several domains show the advantages of our approach.
Introduction to Heat Exchangers

Heat exchangers are devices for transferring heat from a hot flowing stream to a cold flowing stream. There are three broad types of exchangers: the recuperator, or the through-the-wall nonstoring exchanger; the direct-contact nonstoring exchanger; the regenerator, accumulator, or heat storage exchanger. The type chosen in any situation depends in large part on the nature of the transferring phases, whether gas—gas, gas—liquid, gas—solid, liquid—liquid, liquid—solid, or solid—solid, and on the mutual solubility of the phases involved.
An Engineered Metal Sensor Tunes the Kinetics of Synaptic Transmission

The Ca 2+ sensor synaptotagmin-1 (syt-1) regulates neurotransmitter release by interacting with anionic phospholipids. Here we test the idea that the intrinsic kinetics of syt–membrane interactions determine, in part, the time course of synaptic transmission. To tune the kinetics of this interaction, we grafted structural elements from the slowest isoform, syt-7, onto the fastest isoform, syt-1, resulting in a chimera with intermediate kinetic properties. Moreover, the chimera coupled a physiologically irrelevant metal, Sr 2+ , to membrane fusion in vitro . When substituted for syt-1 in mouse hippocampal neurons, the chimera slowed the kinetics of synaptic transmission. Neurons expressing the chimera also evinced rapid and efficient Sr 2+ triggered release, in contrast to the weak response of neurons expressing syt-1. These findings reveal presynaptic sensor–membrane interactions as a major factor regulating the speed of the release machinery. Finally, the chimera failed to clamp the elevated spontaneous fusion rate exhibited by syt-1 KO neurons, indicating that the metal binding loops of syt-1 regulate the two modes of release by distinct mechanisms. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In calcium, synaptotagmin-1 triggers neurotransmitter release by interacting with membranes. Here, we demonstrate that intrinsic properties of this interaction control the time course of synaptic transmission. We engineered a “chimera” using synaptotagmin-1 and elements of a slower isoform, synaptotagmin-7. When expressed in neurons, the chimera slowed the rate of neurotransmitter release. Furthermore, unlike native synaptotagmin-1, the chimera was able to function robustly in the presence of strontium–a metal not present in cells. We exploited this ability to show that a key function of synaptotagmin-1 is to penetrate cell membranes. This work sheds light on fundamental mechanisms of neurotransmitter release.
Switching behavior of mobile users: do users' relational investments and demographics matter?

Mobile user switching has become a critical issue facing mobile service providers. This study examines the switching behavior of mobile users who are not under any contractual obligations to stay with a provider. Drawing upon the literature on relationship marketing and switching costs, we examine if the relational investments made by mobile users in a user-provider relationship and demographics influence their switching behavior. Based on data on over 30,590 mobile users, we examine our research questions. Statistical analysis supports significant associations between mobile users' service usage, service bundling and their switching behavior. Support was also found for the influence of age and gender on mobile user switching.
Optimized movement trajectories and joint stiffness in unperturbed, inertially loaded movements

An attempt is made to integrate theoretically the mechanical, electromyographic, and psychophysical lines of inquiry into the control of movement by investigating the significance of joint stiffness in the reduction of effort. Attention is focused on single-joint, unperturbed movements of specified duration performed from one specified position to another in the presence of an inertial load. A theoretical measure of the sense of effort is formulated in the light of psychophysical observations and mechanical considerations. This measure is such that it is increased by reciprocal changes in the central drives to opposing sets of muscles, as well as by enhancement of joint stiffness. Mathematical analysis of the interplay of these factors reveals that, in any given condition, the minimization of this measure of effort necessitates a particular value of joint stiffness and a particular trajectory of movement. The predicted stiffness and trajectory are shown to be in quantitative agreement with available observations. In addition, the conditions in which a higher value of stiffness is predicted to be advantageous for reducing the effort are shown to be the conditions that are known to promote greater coactivation of the agonist and antagonist muscles. It is concluded that the seemingly wasteful coactivation may serve to optimize the stiffness. The stiffness, therefore, need not be viewed simply as a means of resisting imposed perturbations, but as a means of reducing the alterations in the central drives necessary for the performance of movement, thereby reducing the effort.
1-Stage delayed bulboprostatic anastomotic repair of posterior urethral rupture: 60 patients with 1-year followup.

Purpose: The long-term results of delayed 1-stage bulboprostatic anastomotic urethroplasty for posterior urethral ruptures are evaluated.Materials and Methods: A total of 63, 1-stage delayed repairs of complete posterior urethral ruptures in 60 men with at least 1-year followup were reviewed. Two ruptures were due to gunshot wounds and 58 were secondary to a pelvic fracture. There were 58 repairs done by the perineal approach and 5 required an abdominal perineal approach.Results: Surgical complications included 2 (3%) rectal injuries, 3 (5%) repeat strictures that required reoperation and 20 (32%) repeat strictures that required dilation or visual internal urethrotomy. By 1 year after surgery all patients had a patent urethra and did not require further treatment. At 1 year 43 (72%) patients voided normally, 5 (8.3%) were areflexic and performed self-catheterization, 5 (8.3%) had urge incontinence and 5 (8.3%) had mild stress incontinence requiring no treatment. Moderate stress incontinence responded to i...
RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF THE GROUP EMBEDDED FIGURES TEST FOR A GRADE SCHOOL SAMPLE

Data on validity of the Group Embedded Figures Test for 22 sixth grade students (9 boys and 13 girls) were obtained. 50 wk. later all subjects were individually screened on the Portable Rod-and-Frame Test and after a period of 2 more weeks, when they were retested on the embedded figures, data on reliability were obtained. Long-term coefficients of stability of .80 and .71 for the 9 boys and 13 girls, respectively, were obtained. Coefficients of internal consistency ranged from .83 to .98 for boys and girls. Coefficients reflecting both construct and concurrent validity were -.60 and .00 for boys and girls, respectively. Customary sex differences with respect to field-dependence--independence were not observed for these small samples.
Prognostic Significance of Increased Left Ventricular Mass Index to Mortality and Sudden Death in Patients With Stable Coronary Heart Disease (from the Heart and Soul Study)

Data are limited about the significance of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy or mass in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), particularly in the setting of normal ejection fraction (EF). The association of LV mass index with all-cause mortality and sudden death in a cohort with CHD was evaluated. Using transthoracic echocardiography, LV mass normalized to body surface area was measured in 1,016 subjects with stable CHD. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association of LV mass index and LV hypertrophy (LV mass index >95 g/m(2) in women and >115 in men) with time to death and time to sudden or arrhythmic death. Mean LV mass index was 101 +/- 27 g/m(2) in men and 88 +/- 23 in women. During a mean follow-up of 3.55 years, there were 146 deaths and 34 sudden or arrhythmic deaths. Total mortality was higher in subjects with LV hypertrophy (25% vs 11%, p or =55% (mortality hazard ratio 1.8, p = 0.02; sudden and arrhythmic death hazard ratio 3.1, p = 0.02). Analyzed as a continuous variable, every 20-unit increase in LV mass index increased the adjusted hazard of death by 22% (p = 0.001) and adjusted hazard of sudden or arrhythmic death by 40% (p = 0.004). In conclusion, in patients with stable CHD, increased LV mass index was independently associated with all-cause mortality and sudden or arrhythmic death, even in subjects with normal EF.
Validating indicators of interdisciplinarity: linking bibliometric measures to studies of engineering research labs

This article examines the extent to which specific features of interdisciplinary research are accurately reflected in selected bibliometric measures of scholarly publications over time. To test the validity of these measures, we compare knowledge of research processes and impact based on ethnographic studies of a well-established researcher's laboratory, together with personal interview data, against bibliometric indicators of cognitive integration, diffusion, and impact represented in the entire portfolio of papers produced by this researcher over time.
Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in children: A systematic review

Summary Objective To investigate diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) of different tests for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) compared to polysomnography (PSG) in children. Methods We performed a systematic review according to DTA criteria published by the Cochrane Collaboration. Studies that compared any possible diagnostic test with PSG for diagnosing OSA were considered. Study quality assessment was conducted in each selected study and DTA measures recalculated by hand whenever possible. Excellent DTA was defined as positive likelihood ratio (PLR) > 10 and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) Results We identified 1064 potentially relevant studies, of which 33 met inclusion criteria. Study quality was generally low; 5 studies fulfilled all quality criteria and 11 studies included >100 subjects. Included studies compared 40 different tests to PSG. Only 13 studies used the currently accepted definition for OSA (i.e., apnea hypopnea index ≥1). In these studies, PLR ranged from 1.017 to ∞, NLR from 0 to 1.089. Sleep lab-based polygraphy, urinary biomarkers, and rhinomanometry (one study each) showed excellent DTA. Conclusion There is limited evidence concerning diagnostic alternatives to PSG for identifying OSA in children. However, polygraphy, urinary biomarkers, and rhinomanometry may be valid tests if their apparently high DTA is confirmed by subsequent studies.
Effect of hypoxia on erythroblasts from avian fetal liver: adenosine triphosphate levels and hemoglobin synthesis.

Extract: A system for the isolation and functional evaluation of fetal liver erythroblasts is described. Isolated erythroblasts were pre-pared from 14-day embryonic avian livers and incubated at various oxygen tensions (0, 5, 12, and 95%). The concentration of ATP in erythroblasts remained constant for at least 4 hr at 37°, but was rapidly reduced by incubation in nitrogen. Protein synthesis as measured by L-[14C]leucine incorporation into cell protein occurred at a linear rate in 5%, 12%, and 95% oxygen, whereas little protein synthesis occurred at 0% oxygen. The effect of hypoxia on the type of hemoglobin synthesized was studied in this system by isolating the hemoglobin A, hemoglobin D, and hemoglobin H fractions and determining the incorporation of L-[14C]leucine. The major fraction, hemoglobin A, contained most of the radioactivity; smaller amounts were present in hemoglobin D and hemoglobin H, respectively. The relative proportion of each hemoglobin synthesized was not altered by oxygen from 5% to 95%. These results argue against a direct effect of oxygen on the type of hemoglobin synthesized at this stage of development. Speculation: Early in fetal development nonerythropoietin mechanisms for the regulation of erythropoiesis may exist. The hypoxic stimulus to erythropoiesis is mediated through erythropoietin in definitive erythroblasts, but may have a direct effect in primitive erythroblasts.
Enzymic degradation of deoxyribose derivates for determination of isotope

Abstract A method for the degradation of deoxyribose applicable to the study of deoxyribose and DNA metabolism by tracer techniques is presented. The method utilizes a combination of E. coli extract and muscle extract to degrade DR-5-P to acetaldehyde and lactate which are degraded further to give each carbon as a single fraction. There appears to be no contamination with endogenous products and very little cross-over between different carbons of the deoxyribose. Comparison of data from enzymic and partial chemical degradation of deoxyribose confirms the validity of this fermentation procedure for determination of the distribution of tracer in deoxyribose.
An easy to assemble microfluidic perfusion device with a magnetic clamp

We have built and characterized a magnetic clamp for reversible sealing of PDMS microfluidic chips against cover glasses with cell cultures and a microfluidic chip for experiments on shear stress response of endothelial cells. The magnetic clamp exerts a reproducible uniform pressure on the microfluidic chip, achieving fast and reliable sealing for liquid pressures up to 40 kPa inside the chip with <10% deformations of microchannels and minimal variations of the substrate shear stress in perfusion flow. The microfluidic chip has 8 test regions with the substrate shear stress varying by a factor of 2 between each region, thus covering a 128-fold range from low venous to arterial. The perfusion is driven by differential pressure, which makes it possible to create pulsatile flows mimicking pulsing in the vasculature. The setup is tested by 15–40 hours perfusions over endothelial monolayers with shear stress in the range of 0.07–9 dyn/cm2. Excellent cell viability at all shear stresses and alignment of cells along the flow at high shear stresses are repeatedly observed. A scratch wound healing assay under a shear flow is demonstrated and cell migration velocities are measured. Transfection of cells with a fluorescent protein is performed, and migrating fluorescent cells are imaged at a high resolution under shear flow in real time. The magnetic clamp can be closed with minimal mechanical perturbation to cells on the substrate and used with a variety of microfluidic chips for experiments with adherent and non-adherent cells.
Duane Syndrome in the Setting of Chromosomal Duplications

Purpose To describe the clinical findings in 3 patients with Duane syndrome and 3 different chromosomal duplications that may indicate the location of genes involved in the pathogenesis of this ocular motility disorder. Design Observational case series. Methods setting: Clinical practice. patient or study population: Three patients with Duane syndrome and chromosomal duplications from the clinical practice of 1 of the authors. observation procedures: Chart review and retrieval of clinical data and results of pertinent clinical tests, in this case chromosomal studies. main outcome measure: Reporting of details of clinical findings and duplicated chromosomal regions. Results Two patients had unilateral type I Duane syndrome and 1 had bilateral type I Duane syndrome. Two had cognitive delay, and all 3 had other systemic abnormalities, including a variety of congenital malformations. The chromosomal abnormalities that were detected using microarray analysis were 2q13(RP11-20G1,RP11-461N11) × 3, 10q24.2q26.3(101,532,585-135,284, 169) × 3, 20q13.12(44,796,613-44,945, 818) × 3, and 22q11.1q11.22(RP11-701M12, RP11-71G19) × 3. Conclusions Patients with Duane syndrome and associated congenital malformations or developmental delay should be evaluated for the presence of underlying chromosomal duplications. The regions of chromosomes 2, 10, and 22 that we report may harbor genes involved in the pathogenesis of Duane syndrome.
Tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), a natural modulator of macrophage activity: further studies.

Tuftsin, Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg, that activates macrophage functions, binds to specific receptors on these cells. The receptor capacity to bind tuftsin is diminished by prior treatment of the cells with dithiothreitol. Adherent mouse peritoneal macrophages bind tuftsin to a far less extent than non-adherent macrophages. Michaelis constant (Km) of tuftsin for phagocytic stimulation of macrophages is 111 ηM. The half maximal binding concentration of tuftsin by these cells is 117 ηM. These are similar values and indicate that full occupancy of the receptors by tuftsin is a necessary prerequisite for maximal phagocytosis.
Nuclear import of Ran is mediated by the transport factor NTF2

Abstract A concentration gradient of the GTP-bound form of the GTPase Ran across nuclear pores is essential for the transport of many proteins and nucleic acids between the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments of eukaryotic cells [1–4]. The mechanisms responsible for the dynamics and maintenance of this Ran gradient have been unclear. We now show that Ran shuttles between the nucleosol and cytosol, and that cytosolic Ran accumulates rapidly in the nucleus in a saturable manner that is dependent on temperature and on the guanine-nucleotide exchange factor RCC1. Nuclear import in digitonin-permeabilized cells in the absence of added factors was minimal. The addition of energy and nuclear transport factor 2 (NTF2) [5] was sufficient for the accumulation of Ran in the nucleus. An NTF2 mutant that cannot bind Ran [6] was unable to facilitate Ran import. A GTP-bound form of a Ran mutant that cannot bind NTF2 was not a substrate for import. A dominant-negative importin- β mutant inhibited nuclear import of Ran, whereas addition of transportin, which accumulates in the nucleus, enhanced NTF2-dependent Ran import. We conclude that NTF2 functions as a transport receptor for Ran, permitting rapid entry into the nucleus where GTP-GDP exchange mediated by RCC1 [7] converts Ran into its GTP-bound state. The Ran–GTP can associate with nuclear Ran-binding proteins, thereby creating a Ran gradient across nuclear pores.