cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the central nervous system innervation of the rat spleen using viral transneuronal tracing

Splenic immune function is modulated by sympathetic innervation, which in turn is controlled by inputs from supraspinal regions. In the present study, the characterization of central circuits involved in the control of splenic function was accomplished by injecting pseudorabies virus (PRV), a retrograde transynaptic tracer, into the spleen and conducting a temporal analysis of the progression of the infection from 60 hours to 110 hours postinoculation. In addition, central noradrenergic cell groups involved in splenic innervation were characterized by dual immunohistochemical detection of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and PRV. Infection in the CNS first appeared in the spinal cord. Splenic sympathetic preganglionic neurons, identified in rats injected with Fluoro-Gold i.p. prior to PRV inoculation of the spleen, were located in T(3)-T(12) bilaterally; numerous infected interneurons were also found in the thoracic spinal cord (T(1)-T(13)). Infected neurons in the brain were first observed in the A5 region, ventromedial medulla, rostral ventrolateral medulla, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, Barrington's nucleus, and caudal raphe. At intermediate survival times, the number of infected cells increased in previously infected areas, and infected neurons also appeared in lateral hypothalamus, A7 region, locus coeruleus, subcoeruleus region, nucleus of the solitary tract, and C3 cell group. At longer postinoculation intervals, infected neurons were found in additional hypothalamic areas, Edinger-Westphal nucleus, periaqueductal gray, pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus, caudal ventrolateral medulla, and area postrema. These results demonstrate that the sympathetic outflow to the spleen is controlled by a complex multisynaptic pathway that involves several brainstem and forebrain nuclei.
A gain-of-function mutation in IAA18 alters Arabidopsis embryonic apical patterning

Lateral organ emergence in plant embryos and meristems depends on spatially coordinated auxin transport and auxin response. Here, we report the gain-of-function iaa18-1 mutation in Arabidopsis , which stabilizes the Aux/IAA protein IAA18 and causes aberrant cotyledon placement in embryos. IAA18 was expressed in the apical domain of globular stage embryos, and in the shoot apical meristem and adaxial domain of cotyledons of heart stage embryos. Mutant globular embryos had asymmetric PIN1:GFP expression in the apical domain, indicating that IAA18-1 disrupts auxin transport. Genetic interactions among iaa18-1 , loss-of-function mutations in ARF (Auxin response factor) genes and ARF -overexpressing constructs suggest that IAA18-1 inhibits activity of MP/ARF5 and other ARF proteins in the apical domain. The iaa18-1 mutation also increased the frequency of rootless seedlings in mutant backgrounds in which auxin regulation of basal pole development was affected. These results indicate that apical patterning requires Aux/IAA protein turnover, and that apical domain auxin response also influences root formation.
The Politics of Privatization in American Education

The long-sustained effort of conservatives and their think tanks and media outlets to win support for school choice, market forces, and privatization schemes in education is paying off. But it is encountering steady resistance from the public education establishment and its supporting teachers’ unions. Actions, reactions, strategies, and the unfolding political struggle between these adversaries are the subjects of this brief overview of this topic.
Theoretical Study of Weakly Bound Dimers between Hydrogen Fluoride and Some Polar Molecules

Weakly bound linear and bent dimers, FH---X (where X = CO, OC, CNH, NCH, N 2 O and ON 2 ), are investigated using the DFT B3LYP and ab initio MP2 methods with the same basis sets (6-31 1++G(3df,2pd)). The strengths of the H---C or H---N H-bonds in dimers FH---CO, FH---CNH, and FH---N 2 O are compared with those of the H---O or H---N H-bonds in dimers FH---OC, FH---NCH, and FH---ON 2 . The results obtained for the H-bond distances, the elongation effect of the HF bond, the red shift of the HF stretching frequency, and the energy difference between the dimer and the charge transfer reveal that the H-bonds of the first group of dimers are stronger than those of the second. The Gibbs energies calculated for the six dimer formations indicate that the weakly bound dimers are unstable at room temperature (T = 298 K) (FH---X's → FH + X's, ΔG < 0).
Decentralized algorithms for sensor registration

In this paper we investigate a problem arising in decentralized registration of sensors. The application we consider involves a heterogeneous collection of sensors - some sensors have on-board global positioning system (GPS) capabilities while others do not. All sensors have wireless communications capability but the wireless communication has limited effective range. Sensors can communicate only with other sensors that are within a fixed distance of each other. Sensors with GPS capability are self-registering. Sensors without GPS capability are less expensive and smaller but they must compute estimates of their location using estimates of the distances between themselves and other sensors within their radio range. GPS-less sensors may be several radio hops away from GPS-capable sensors so registration must be inferred transitively. Our approach to solving this registration problem involves minimizing a global potential or penalty function by using only local information, determined by the radio range, available to each sensor. The algorithm we derive is a special case of a more general methodology we have developed called "emergence engineering".
Berries in the Prevention of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Worldwide esophageal cancer is the eighth most commonly diagnosed cancer, with squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma representing the two major histological types. In the United States, rates of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) have increased over 500% in the last 30 years resulting in EAC being identified as the fastest increasing of all cancer types. Esophageal adenocarcinoma represents the major type of esophageal cancer in the western world today, while rates of squamous cell carcinoma, which is tightly linked to tobacco use, have been steadily declining. The precise reasons for the rapid increase in EAC and the only known precursor lesion, Barrett’s esophagus (BE), are still being unraveled. Persistent, symptomatic, reflux of gastric and duodenal contents, known as gastroesophageal disease (GERD), have long been known to correlate with the development of Barrett’s esophagus and EAC. Other risk factors for EAC include obesity, animal-based diets, tobacco use, and excess alcohol intake. Conversely, plant-based diets have generally been associated with a reduction of risk for EAC, thereby supporting evaluations of fruits, vegetables, or plant constituents as potential inhibitors of EAC or BE. Esophageal cancer mortality statistics nearly parallel the incidence statistics reflecting the insidious nature of this disease, one in which the 5-year survival rates consistently remain under 20%. Clearly, new treatment and preventive strategies are needed to combat the increase of this deadly malignancy. This chapter will cover the epidemiology of BE and EAC, berries as potential inhibitors of EAC or BE, and specific issues posing challenges to chemoprevention against EAC.
Restoring function after spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND– By affecting young people during the most productive period of their lives, spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating problem for modern society. A decade ago, treating SCI seemed frustrating and hopeless because of the tremendous morbidity and mortality, life-shattering impact, and limited therapeutic options associated with the condition. Today, however, an understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, the development of neuroprotective interventions, and progress toward regenerative interventions are increasing hope for functional restoration. REVIEW SUMMARY– This study addresses the present understanding of SCI, including the etiology, pathophysiology, treatment, and scientific advances. The discussion of treatment options includes a critical review of high-dose methylprednisolone and GM-1 ganglioside therapy. The concept that limited rebuilding can provide a disproportionate improvement in quality of life is emphasized throughout. CONCLUSIONS– New surgical procedures, pharmacologic treatments, and functional neuromuscular stimulation methods have evolved over the last decades that can improve functional outcomes after spinal cord injury, but limiting secondary injury remains the primary goal. Tissue replacement strategies, including the use of embryonic stem cells, become an important tool and can restore function in animal models. Controlled clinical trials are now required to confirm these observations. The ultimate goal is to harness the body’s own potential to replace lost central nervous system cells by activation of endogenous progenitor cell repair mechanisms.
Interactive computer video multimedia

This paper adds to the growing amount of material on digital television; a new way of presenting video. A leap is made from the traditional 2D video to a more realistic 3D video. The 2D and 3D models are compared. It is shown that 3D video offers more realism and freedom of movement. It also shows how it can be used to improve existing biometric systems. It shows how distributive processing using the Message Passing Interface can be used to synchronize several video cameras to give the end user the freedom to select different view sites while the video is playing.
Bacteriocin from Actinomyces odontolyticus with Temperature-Dependent Killing Properties

A strain of Actinomyces odontolyticus, originally isolated from human dental plaque, produced a non-dialyzable, trypsin-sensitive substance that was bactericidal for certain strains of bifidobacteria at 42 degrees C but not at 37 degrees C. Detectable quantities of the bacteriocin were not produced in liquid media. Experimentally useful yields were obtained by extraction from pour plate cultures of producer cells. At 42 degrees C, exponential killing did not occur until indicator cells had doubled at least once. At 37 degrees C, the bacteriocin effected a transient bacteriostasis. Partially purified concentrates were obtained by diethylaminoethyl-cellulose chromatography, and such material was not inactivated by ribonuclease, deoxyribonuclease, or lipase. Pronase, trypsin, and exposure to 100 degrees C for 20 min completely abolished activity. Inhibitory activity was considerably reduced by exposure to a pH of either 3 or 11. Treatment of producer cells with curing agents did not induce a high frequency of non-bacteriocinogenic cells. The odontolyticin was adsorbed by susceptible, as well as resistant, bacteria.
The importance of adhering to details of the Total Design Method (TDM) for mail surveys

The empirical effects of adherence to details of the Total Design Method approach to the design of mail surveys is discussed.
A switched-capacitor N-path signal generator

An application of the well-known N-Path technique to signal generation is presented. The realization has the inherent advantage of the N-Path system in regard to frequency stability and tunability. The method is suitable for the generation of any type of complex signals. Signal frequency multiplication can also be performed through this method. Practical results of a 32-path system using time-multiplexed paths for the generation of a sinusoidal signal are included. The peak amplitude and the frequency of the sinusoid are digitally programmable.
SEDIMENT FORMATION IN ASEPTICALLY PROCESSED AND PACKAGED MILK

Sediment formation in aseptically processed and packaged milk was investigated by determining initial sediment amount and sediment rate. Milkfat levels were 0.5, 1.5 and 3.2%. Processing temperature was 143°C and mean residence times in the holding tube were 0.75, 7.32, and 18.6 s. Overall heat transfer coefficients for the tubular heaters during processing were determined to provide an indirect measurement of the extent of fouling. At time intervals of 30–45 min a few packages were aseptically filled and stored at 4, 23 and 35°C for a 26 wk period. Initial sediment (≤ 1 wk) increased linearly with processing time for all process conditions. Sedimentation rates increased linearly with storage temperature. Fat level and increased thermal treatment due to increasing holding time had no significant effect on sediment formation. The formation of particles during storage was examined as both a physical diffusion type settling process and as a particle forming chemical reaction followed by settling.
FINITE CYCLIC TAME EXTENSIONS OF kp((t))

Let p be a prime number and let ℚ/ℤ′ be the elements in ℚ/ℤ of order prime to p. Let , where c is a prime power of p. We use characters and valuation theory to prove that Δ is a parameter space for the cyclic tame extensions of the formal Laurent series field kp((t)) of degree prime to p. Furthermore, we construct the cyclic tame extension corresponding to a given triple in Δ. The structure of finite cyclic tame extensions of the p-adic number fields was thoroughly investigated by A. A. Albert in 1935. Here we get the same result as consequence of our main theorem.
Understanding Synesthesia and Impact for Learning

8 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 10 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM 11 PURPOSE 11 THEORETICAL RATIONALE 12 BACKGROUND AND NEED 12 CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE 13 INTRODUCTION 13 REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESEARCH 13 Understanding Synesthesia 13 Understanding the General Features of Synesthesia 15 Different forms of Synesthesia 19 Effects of Color 25 Reading and Music 28 Effect on One’s Life 30 Interview of a Professional in the Field 31 Summary 32 Synesthesia: Impact on Learning 7 CHAPTER 3 METHOD 34 INTRODUCTION 34 SAMPLE AND SITE 34 ETHICAL STANDARDS 34 DATA ANALYSIS APPROACH 35 CHAPTER 4 FINDINGS 36 MAJOR FINDINGS 36 OVERALL THEMES 43 Strategies Used 44 CHAPTER 5 DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS 46 SUMMARY OF MAJOR FINDINGS 46 COMPARISON OF FINDINGS TO PREVIOUS RESEARCH 46 LIMITATIONS/GAPS IN THE STUDY 47 OVERALL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY 47 ABOUT THE AUTHOR 49 REFERENCES 50 Understanding Synesthesia 8
SAE AS4893 Generic Open Architecture (GOA) framework

The generic open architecture (GOA) framework is a Society of Automotive (SAE) Avionics Systems Division standard, SAE AS4893. The GOA framework was developed as a framework for discussing open systems architecture and for identifying critical components and interfaces. The GOA framework is being used as a framework within the avionics community for developing a preferred set of interface standards catalog. This paper provides an overview of the GOA framework and other activities on-going within the SAE AS5C GOA subcommittee.
Finite-Amplitude Wave Activity and Diffusive Flux of Potential Vorticity in Eddy–Mean Flow Interaction

Abstract An exact diagnostic formalism for finite-amplitude eddy–mean flow interaction is developed for barotropic and quasigeostrophic baroclinic flows on the beta plane. Based on the advection–diffusion–reaction equation for potential vorticity (PV), the formalism quantifies both advective and diffusive contributions to the mean flow modification by eddies, of which the latter is the focus of the present article. The present theory adopts a hybrid Eulerian–Lagrangian-mean description of the flow and defines finite-amplitude wave activity in terms of the areal displacement of PV contours from zonal symmetry. Unlike previous formalisms, wave activity is readily calculable from data and the local Eliassen–Palm relation does not involve cubic or higher-order terms in eddy amplitude. This leads to a natural finite-amplitude extension to the local nonacceleration theorem, as well as the global stability theorems, in the inviscid and unforced limit. The formalism incorporates mixing with effective diffusivity ...
Long-Term Outcome of Neonatal Seizures

Neonates with seizures prospectively diagnosed in a population-based setting in Newfoundland, Canada, between 1990 and 1995, were followed to a median age of 10 years.
Population Coding of Visual Space: Comparison of Spatial Representations in Dorsal and Ventral Pathways

Although the representation of space is as fundamental to visual processing as the representation of shape, it has received relatively little attention from neurophysiological investigations. In this study we characterize representations of space within visual cortex, and examine how they differ in a first direct comparison between dorsal and ventral subdivisions of the visual pathways. Neural activities were recorded in anterior inferotemporal cortex (AIT) and lateral intraparietal cortex (LIP) of awake behaving monkeys, structures associated with the ventral and dorsal visual pathways respectively, as a stimulus was presented at different locations within the visual field. In spatially selective cells, we find greater modulation of cell responses in LIP with changes in stimulus position. Further, using a novel population-based statistical approach (namely, multidimensional scaling), we recover the spatial map implicit within activities of neural populations, allowing us to quantitatively compare the geometry of neural space with physical space. We show that a population of spatially selective LIP neurons, despite having large receptive fields, is able to almost perfectly reconstruct stimulus locations within a low-dimensional representation. In contrast, a population of AIT neurons, despite each cell being spatially selective, provide less accurate low-dimensional reconstructions of stimulus locations. They produce instead only a topologically (categorically) correct rendition of space, which nevertheless might be critical for object and scene recognition. Furthermore, we found that the spatial representation recovered from population activity shows greater translation invariance in LIP than in AIT. We suggest that LIP spatial representations may be dimensionally isomorphic with 3D physical space, while in AIT spatial representations may reflect a more categorical representation of space (e.g., “next to” or “above”).
Acute promyelocytic leukemia: What is the new standard of care?

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is one of the most exciting stories of modern medicine. Once a disease that was highly lethal, the majority of patients are now cured with the advent of molecularly targeted therapy with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO). In many patients, chemotherapy can be omitted completely, particularly in patients with low- or intermediate-risk disease (white blood cell count ≤ 10,000/μl). Recent data show overall survival exceeding 90% with ATRA and ATO-based induction and consolidation strategies. In the uncommon patient in whom relapse does occur, most can still be cured with ATO and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation. Remaining challenges in APL management include the rapid identification and treatment of newly diagnosed patients to decrease the early death rate, optimizing treatment strategies in high-risk patients (white blood cell count>10,000/μl), and the role of maintenance therapy in lower risk patients.
CRANIAL ENDOCAST OF THE CRETACEOUS THEROPOD DINOSAUR ACROCANTHOSAURUS ATOKENSIS

Abstract Acrocanthosaurus atokensis, a large carcharodontosaurid theropod, is known from several specimens collected in the 1990s, as well as the two original specimens collected in the 1940s. The holotype, OMNH 10146, contains a well-preserved and complete braincase that was scanned at the High Resolution X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) Facility at The University of Texas at Austin. The resulting images were manipulated using graphics and volume rendering programs to produce a complete digital endocast of the endocranial cavity. The images reveal all of the cranial nerves except for the vestibulocochlear nerve. Also visible are: (1) the pituitary fossa; (2) the fenestra ovalis; (3) the entrance of the internal carotid arteries; (4) all three semicircular canals; and (5) several smaller arteries and veins. This complete endocast allows for: (1) the description of the previously undescribed endocranial cavity of Acrocanthosaurus; (2) determination of skull orientation using the semicircular canals; and (3) ...
Intervento sulla crisi dopo la morte di una persona amata

Lutto e il termine associato con le reazioni cognitive, emotive e comportamentali alla morte di una persona amata, come il proprio genitore, un coniuge, un figlio o un amico intimo; il lutto e un evento comune per tutta la popolazione, in generale, e piu frequente per gli anziani. E comune, per le persone di piu di ottant’anni, aver vissuto la perdita del proprio coniuge, la quale—a seguito di tanti anni di matrimonio —costituisce un’esperienza di vita molto impegnativa e difficile. Molti anziani vivono, nel tempo, ulteriori esperienze di lutto, relative alla perdita di fratelli e sorelle e di amici intimi.
Edrophonium effectively antagonizes neuromuscular block at the laryngeal adductors induced by rapacuronium, rocuronium and cisatracurium, but not mivacurium.

Purpose To examine the efficacy of antagonism of rapacuronium-, mivacurium-, rocuronium- and cisatracurium-induced neuromuscular block at the laryngeal adductors (LA).
Magnetic Pattern Recognition Using Injection-Locked Spin-Torque Nano-Oscillators

In this paper, we propose an efficient methodology for detecting magnetic field and thereby magnetic patterns using an injection-locked spin-torque nano-oscillator (STNO) array. We demonstrate the methodology with the implementation of a physical STNO model based on the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert–Slonczewski equation, which is benchmarked with experimental data. Based on our simulations, we provide an analysis of how the STNO, as a field-controlled oscillator, together with injection locking, can be used to sense magnetic fields and thereby magnetic patterns. The output can be sensed using simple CMOS peripheral circuitry.
SURVEY ON THE HUMAN RESOURCES OF DISINFECTION TECHNICAL PERSONNEL IN TIANJIN CENTERS FOR DISEASE PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Objective To understand the present allocation of disinfection technical personnel in Tianjin CDC and provide the reference for disinfection team construction. Methods A census was used and the general descriptive analysis was made. Results There were 50 disinfection professional and technical staff in 19 CDC institutions of Tianjin city and district,which accounted for 3.55% of the total disease preventive and control staff.The average age was 41.08 years and staff with 35 years or younger accounted for 32%.Staff with undergraduate degree accounted for 50% and who with junior titles accounted for 50%.Nobody had the title of senior in district CDC. Conclusion The number of disinfection specialized technical personnel of Tianjin CDCs is scarce and the education degree is low.The comprehensive human quality is lower than that of other technology sectors.
Embeddings and Factor Maps

In this chapter we will examine some questions about embeddings and factor maps. An embedding is a continuous, invertible, shift commuting map from one subshift of finite type into another. A factor map is a continuous, shift commuting map from one subshift of finite type onto another. We will concentrate on two-sided subshifts of finite type and then see how these results carry over to one-sided subshifts of finite type.
Public Health Impacts of Organophosphates and Carbamates

Publisher Summary The public health importance of the continued application of pesticides in integrated pest management, and the control of outbreaks and vector-borne disease is overshadowed by the concern for human exposure and health effects, particularly in small children. In an effort to portray the positive and negative impacts of organophosphates (OPs) and carbamates (CMs) in public health, two subtopics are reviewed in this chapter: uses of OPs and CMs in the control of vector-borne diseases, and children's exposures to OPs and CMs. The public health impacts of OPs and CMs embody the frontline public health response for prevention and control of outbreaks of vector-borne diseases. Their applications have made possible for society to enjoy a wide range of foods in large quantities at low costs. No only is the use of these chemicals preventing disease, but it is also promoting the mutation of vectors such that new diseases and re-emergence of diseases once nearly eradicated are at epidemic levels in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Also, while they are used to protect public health from disease, they have also been associated with undesirable chronic health effects in adult populations and developmental effects in children. On one hand their use provides diverse, low-cost food, on the other it also taints breast milk and foods commonly consumed by children. With the implementation of the Food Quality and Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA), regulatory and public health agencies will be charged with maintaining a delicate balance of the use of OPs and CMs in the broader pesticide category.
ADHD and Motor Vehicle Skills and Risks

The motor vehicle skills, risks, and accidents in 25 young adults with ADHD were compared with 23 non-ADHD adult control subjects, aged 17 to 30 years, at the Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, MA.
Biomaterials and Nanotherapeutics for Enhancing Skin Wound Healing.

Wound healing is an intricate process that requires complex coordination between many cells and an appropriate extracellular microenvironment. Chronic wounds often suffer from high protease activity, persistent infection, excess inflammation, and hypoxia. While there has been intense investigation to find new methods to improve cutaneous wound care; the management of chronic wounds, burns, and skin wound infection remain challenging clinical problems. Ideally, advanced wound dressings can provide enhanced healing and bridge the gaps in the healing processes that prevent chronic wounds from healing. These technologies have great potential for improving outcomes in patients with poorly healing wounds but face significant barriers in addressing the heterogeneity and clinical complexity of chronic or severe wounds. Active wound dressings aim to enhance the natural healing process and work to counter many aspects that plague poorly healing wounds including excessive inflammation, ischemia, scarring and wound infection. This review paper discusses recent advances in the development of biomaterials and nanoparticle therapeutics to enhance wound healing. In particular, this review focuses on the novel cutaneous wound treatments that have undergone significant preclinical development or currently used in clinical practice.
Quantity and Quality of Economic Evaluations in U.S. Nursing Research, 1997-2015: A Systematic Review.

Background: The United States has a complex healthcare system that is undergoing substantial reformations. There is a need for high-quality, economic evaluations of nursing practice. An updated review of completed economic evaluations relevant to the field of nursing within the U.S. healthcare system is timely and needed. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and describe the quantity and quality of economic evaluations in nursing-relevant research performed in the United States between 1997 and 2015. Methods: Four databases were searched. Titles, abstracts, and full-text content were reviewed to identify studies that analyzed both costs and outcomes, relevant to nursing, performed in the United States, and used the quality-adjusted life year to measure effectiveness. For included studies, data were extracted from full-text articles using criteria from U.S. Public Health Service’s Panel on Cost-Effectiveness in Health and Medicine. Results: Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Most (n = 25, 89%) were published in the last decade of the analysis, from 2006 to 2015. Assessment of quality, based on selected items from the panel guidelines, found that the evaluations did not consistently use the recommended societal perspective, use multiple resource utilization categories, use constant dollars, discount future costs and outcomes, use a lifetime horizon, or include an indication of uncertainty in results. The only resource utilization category consistently included across studies was healthcare resources. Discussion: Only 28 nursing-related studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified as meeting robust health economic evaluation methodological criteria, and most did not include all important guideline items. Despite increases in absolute numbers of published studies over the past decade, economic evaluation has been underutilized in U.S. nursing-relevant research in the past two decades.
On Peakon and Kink-peakon Solutions to a (2 + 1) Dimensional Generalized Camassa-Holm Equation

In this paper, we study a (2 + 1)-dimensional generalized Camassa-Holm (2dgCH) equation with both quadratic and cubic nonlinearity. We derive a peaked soliton (peakon) solution, double-peakon solutions, and kink-peakon solutions. In particular, weak kink - peakon solution is the first time to address in the 2 + 1-dimensional integrable system.
Assessment of Online Patient Education Materials from Major Dermatologic Associations.

Objective: Patients increasingly use the internet to find medical information regarding their conditions and treatments. Physicians often supplement visits with written education materials. Online patient education materials from major dermatologic associations should be written at appropriate reading levels to optimize utility for patients. The purpose of this study is to assess online patient education materials from major dermatologic associations and determine if they are written at the fourth to sixth grade level recommended by the American Medical Association and National Institutes of Health. Design: This is a descriptive and correlational design. Setting: Academic institution. Participants/measurements: Patient education materials from eight major dermatology websites were downloaded and assessed using 10 readability scales. A one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s Honestly Statistically Different post hoc analysis were performed to determine the difference in readability levels between websites. Results: Two hundred and sixty patient education materials were assessed. Collectively, patient education materials were written at a mean grade level of 11.13, with 65.8 percent of articles written above a tenth grade level and no articles written at the American Medical Association/National Institutes of Health recommended grade levels. Analysis of variance demonstrated a significant difference between websites for each reading scale (p<0.001), which was confirmed with Tukey’s Honestly Statistically Different post hoc analysis. Conclusion: Online patient education materials from major dermatologic association websites are written well above recommended reading levels. Associations should consider revising patient education materials to allow more effective patient comprehension. (J ClinAesthet Dermatol. 2016;9(9):23–28.)
Examining gemcitabine and docetaxel for recurrent NMIBC.

322Background: BCG relapsing/unresponsive patients who are poor surgical candidates or prefer bladder preservation vs. radical cystectomy (RC) may be offered intravesical therapies. Often in the literature, a “recurrence” after these therapies includes low-grade (LG) lesions, though stage progression and RC may be more meaningful outcomes for therapeutic efficacy. Including LG endpoints may make 2nd line therapies appear less efficacious. 2nd line intravesical Gemcitabine (GEM) with Docetaxel (DOCE) has been offered at Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH). Our objective was to evaluate JHH experience with GEM/DOCE, and to address whether LG vs high-grade (HG) recurrence endpoints influenced outcomes. Methods: 33 patients who received full induction courses of GEM/DOCE since 2011, per the protocol adapted from Michael O’Donnell at U. Iowa, were identified in the IRB-approved JHH NMIBC database. Multivariable logistic regression determined factors associated with recurrence. Cox proportional hazard models evaluated...
Unintended consequences of 21st century technology for agricultural pest management

Courtier‐Orgogozo et al [1] argue that public debate and better governance are needed to properly control the use of gene editing for controlling pests in agriculture. They are correct in their assessment that this “could lead to multiple and uncoordinated releases of gene drives into the wild, which is likely to cause unpredictable ecological disturbances with far‐reaching consequences”. However, the context of technology's dark side with regard to agricultural pests includes not just altering genes, but also manipulating the external environment. For centuries, pests, which include weeds, have been able to elude or resist even …
The Basicranial Axis in the Rock Hyrax, Procavia capensis (Pallas, 1766) (Mammalia, Afrotheria, Hyracoidea): Novel Structure of the Frontal Bone

The composition of the basicranial axis has been reported in the comparative literature in numerous extant and extinct mammals. The primary components are unpaired endochondral bones: the ethmoid, presphenoid, basisphenoid, and basioccipital. Ventral to these are several dermal elements: included are the unpaired vomer, which is widely present, and three bones with more limited distributions, the paired palatines, the paired pterygoids, and the unpaired parasphenoid. Here, we describe novel dermal structures on the dorsal aspect of the basicranial axis in the rock hyrax, Procavia capensis. This taxon has a medial process of the paired frontal bones that meets on the midline and overlies the presphenoid at its juncture with the ethmoid; we term this the presphenoid process of the frontal. Ventral to the presphenoid process is a second smaller process that is off the midline and presents a facet contacting a boss on the presphenoid; we term this the presphenoid facet of the frontal. Occupying the notch between these two structures is the ethmoidal nerve. We sampled the taxonomically diverse collections of the Section of Mammals, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and the literature. We found additional instances of interfrontal contact dorsal to the ethmoid and presphenoid in the artiodactyl Neotragus and in various platyrrhine and catarrhine primates resembling the presphenoid process of the frontal of P. capensis. However, we did not find a presphenoid facet of the frontal in Neotragus and the primates, which, therefore, thus far is unique to P. capensis. Additionally, we report the presence of a midline suture on the ventral surface of the presphenoid of neonatal P. capensis, which, to our knowledge, is also unique to this mammal.
Hypoxia induces CXCR4 overexpression in pancreatic cancer cells

4472 Aims: Recent experimental evidence suggests that hypoxia plays a key role in cancer progression by altering the pattern of gene expression, one of which is upregulating proteins believed to be involved in the metastatic process. CXCR4 is a chemokine receptor that has recently been implicated to play a pivotal role in cancer growth and metastasis. For a variety of solid tumors, it is believed that hypoxia induces the overexpression of CXCR4, which may account for the aggressive behavior observed in these tumors. However, whether hypoxia induces CXCR4 overexpression in pancreatic cancer cells is not known. Methods: The MDA-MB-231 (positive control), and two human pancreatic cancer cell lines (CRL 1469 and CRL 1918) were cultured. These cell lines were then subjected to hypoxia for 2, 4, 6, 12 or 24 hours. Protein was extracted for western blots. CXCR4 was detected and quantified by normalizing it against actin. Results: Hypoxia, as expected, optimally stimulated CXCR4 expression in MDA-MB-231 at 24 hours. CXCR4 over-expression for both CRL 1918 and CRL 1469 pancreatic cancer cell lines were observed when exposed to the hypoxic environment. At 6 hours of hypoxia, there was a 2.5 fold and a 2.7 fold increase in CXCR4 expressions for CRL 1469 and CRL 1918 pancreatic cancer cells, respectively. Conclusion: Hypoxia stimulates CXCR4 expression in two human pancreatic cancer cell lines, the CRL 1469 and CRL 1918, which may explain the aggressive behavior observed for pancreatic cancer. These findings may facilitate the development of novel therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer treatment.
The Reproductive Scientist Development Program and Related Programs

In comparison with several major specialties—internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and others—historically basic, translational, and clinical research in obstetrics and gynecology has been severely lacking. This is evident in terms of NIH-funded grants for both research and training (Longo 1992). In an effort to correct this deficiency, in 1988 the Reproductive Scientist Development Program (RSDP) was initiated as a joint venture of the NIH and several professional societies in the specialty. The goal of this program was to support young obstetrician-gynecologists for 2 or 3 years of basic science education in cell and molecular biology, working under a world-class scientific mentor. This experience, followed by a 3-year period to establish their laboratory research program as a junior faculty in one of the departments of obstetrics and gynecology, was conceived to help prepare them for a productive career in academic medicine.
Free radical copolymerization of styrene and C60

C60 reacts with free radicals produced by AIBN thermal decomposition and/or propagating polystyrene radicals to form adducts or polymers with significantly modified optical properties. C60 competes...
Variety of Organometallic and Metal-Containing Polymers

The National Research Council has noted that the major impediment to progress in many areas including computers and biomedical science is the lack of suitable materials. Both the NSF and NRC have highlighted this need for new materials whose properities meet specific specifications. One area singled out for special attention has been organometallic polymers. This review will emphasize particular aspects of such metal-containing polymers including general synthetic routes, potential and actual applications and problems.
Feelings of Family Caregivers

In recent years, more attention has been given to caregiving for persons with disabilities and/or chronic illness. Research has been conducted on different aspects of caregiving and the impact the acts of caregiving have on the person providing care. While there are many facets of family caregiving that could be investigated, this chapter will focus upon the feelings of family caregivers, what we currently know about the feelings caregivers experience, the direction of future research, and the implications for improving the quality of life for caregivers and the recipients of caregiving services.
ZnO-CuO Nanocomposites with Improved Photocatalytic Activity for Environmental and Energy Applications

A hydrothermal technique has been applied to synthesize ZnO–CuO nanocomposites that show very high photocatalytic efficiency under specific conditions. The structural, optical, and molecular vibrational properties of the nanocomposite samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. High-resolution SEM and Rietveld analysis of the XRD data confirm the nanocomposite structure of ZnO–CuO with different ratios of ZnO and CuO phase contents. Raman spectra of the nanocomposites consist of optical vibrational modes of both ZnO and CuO. The unique photoluminescence spectra exhibited characteristic peaks in the visible range, confirming enhanced absorbance in the visible region of the solar spectrum. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized samples was studied using degradation of methylene blue dye under UV–Vis illumination, revealing photocatalytic efficiency of 56% for the best nanocomposite sample. We also have studied the growth mechanism of the nanocomposite samples, the role of the nanocomposite as a photocatalytic material for wastewater decontamination based on its unique band structure, and the efficiency of the nanocomposite catalysts under different conditions.
Cytoskeletal Tropomyosin as a Biomarker in Clostridium difficile Infection.

Background: Current diagnostics of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) heavily relies on detection of the disease-causing organism. The objective of this study was to investigate a cytoskeletal protein, tropomyosin (Tpm), as a CDI biomarker. Methods: Fecal Tpm was tested by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in a 12-month prospective study. Remnant diarrheal clinical specimens and relevant clinical data were collected. The CDI positive (CDI + , n = 230) and CDI negative (CDI - , n = 228) groups were composed of samples testing positive or negative by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (Xpert ® C. difficile /Epi, Cepheid), respectively. The other enteric pathogen (OEP) group (n = 52) was composed of specimens tested for the presence of other enteric pathogens or parasites by routine testing methods. Extracted fecal Tpm was detected by Western blot and the results were correlated with CDI based on clinical and microbiology laboratory data. Results: A total of 510 stool specimens were tested. Tpm is not stable in stool, suggesting the utility of fresh specimens. In the CDI + group, specificity and sensitivity of Tpm detection in correlation with a CDI were 93.2% and 53.7%, respectively, when only “true CDI” and “not CDI” were analyzed (110 samples). For CDI + samples, 23% did not satisfy CDI clinical signs. Tpm positives in the CDI - group (8.3%) had inflammatory bowel diseases. Conclusion: Tpm has a potential role as a CDI biomarker in combination with C. difficile PCR and an appropriate clinical evaluation. However, non-muscle Tpm, as a biomarker for CDI, suffers from a low sensitivity in our study. Therefore further investigation using larger cohorts is needed. J Clin Med Res. 2019;11(2):98-105 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr3696
Substance craving changes in university students receiving heart rate variability biofeedback: A longitudinal multilevel modeling approach.

Abstract Background Previously published findings from a study of university students living in substance use disorder (SUD) recovery housing showed an eight-session heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) intervention significantly reduced craving. That study, however, uncovered pronounced inter-participant variability in craving change patterns through the course of HRVB that warranted further exploration. The purpose of the current investigation was to examine how within- and between-person factors may have differentially influenced craving changes. Methods A longitudinal multilevel modeling approach was used with time at level-1 nested within persons at level-2. Multilevel models of change were estimated to model craving trajectories and predictor relationships over time as a function of age, sex, length of abstinence, daily HRVB practice, anxiety, depression, and stress. Results A quadratic pattern of craving reductions was found, indicating that craving reductions accelerated over time for some participants. Daily HRVB practice of >12 min and older age significantly enhanced craving reductions over time. Increases in depressive symptoms attenuated the effects of HRVB on craving. The other predictors were not significantly associated with craving in this study. The true R2 for the final model indicated that 20.5% of the variance in craving was explained by older age, daily HRVB >12 min, and within-person changes in depression. Conclusions HRVB shows promise as an accessible, scalable, and cost-effective complementary anti-craving intervention. Healthcare providers may help persons recovering from SUD to better manage substance craving by the routine and strategic use of HRVB practice.
Bedazzled biomaterials: Crystallized drugs prevent implant fibrosis

Crystallized anti-inflammatory drug formulations incorporated into biomaterial devices reduce fibrotic response when implanted in animal models.
Arrestin-mediated signaling at GPCRs

Abstract The arrestins are multifunctional adapter proteins that regulate G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling. There are four isoforms of arrestin: arrestins 1 and 4 are expressed exclusively in the visual system and are primarily associated with the visual receptors rhodopsin and cone opsins, whereas arrestin-2 and 3, better known as β-arrestin1 and 2, respectively, are expressed ubiquitously and bind to most GPCRs. The name “arrestin” was derived from its ability to inhibit rhodopsin signaling, but over the past decades, roles have been discovered for the arrestins in promoting signaling and regulating receptor trafficking through their action as scaffolding proteins. More recent studies have completely reversed the paradigm of arrestins as desensitizers of G protein signaling, showing that in certain situations they can actually promote G protein signaling. While there is still controversy as to the exact role that the arrestins play in signaling by GPCRs, novel paradigms for their activity continue to be discovered. Here we review the importance of these multifunctional adapters in promoting signaling by GPCRs.
Posterior Cervical Positioning

Surgical positioning for patients undergoing various posterior cervical spinal surgeries is a complicated set up that is both vital to a successful surgery and to prevent complications. This positioning involves a comprehensive evaluation by the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and neuromonitoring teams throughout the perioperative and postoperative periods. This chapter provides a step-by-step guide and pictures for room setup, patient positioning, and potential complications with ways to prevent and treat if they do occur.
Quantifying Mobility in the ICU: Comparison of Electronic Health Record Documentation and Accelerometer-Based Sensors to Clinician-Annotated Video.

To compare the accuracy of electronic health record clinician documentation and accelerometer-based sensors with a gold standard dataset derived from clinician-annotated video to quantify early mobility activities in adult ICU patients. Design Prospective, observational study. Setting Medical ICU at an academic hospital. Patients Adult ICU patients (n = 30) were each continuously monitored over a median of 24.4 hours, yielding 711.5 hours of video, electronic health record, and sensor data. Interventions None. Measurements and main results Electronic health record documentation estimated ambulation (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.78-0.95), sitting out-of-bed (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.72-0.93), and turning events (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.75-0.94) with excellent agreement but underestimated the number of standing, transferring, and pregait activities performed per patient. The accelerometer-based sensor had excellent agreement with video annotation for estimating duration of time spent supine (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.99; CI, 0.97-0.99) and sitting/standing upright (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.92; CI, 0.82-0.96) but overestimated ambulation time. Conclusions Our results show that electronic health record documentation and sensor-based technologies accurately capture distinct but complimentary metrics for ICU mobility measurement. Innovations in artifact detection, standardization of clinically relevant mobility definitions, and electronic health record documentation enhancements may enable further use of these technologies to drive critical care research and technology leveraged data-driven ICU models of care.
Light on the Prairie: Solomon D. Butcher, Photographer of Nebraska's Pioneer Days

Review of: "Light on the Prairie: Solomon D. Butcher, Photographer of Nebraska's Pioneer Days," by Nancy Plain.