cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Iodide-Passivated Colloidal PbS Nanocrystals Leading to Highly Efficient Polymer:Nanocrystal Hybrid Solar Cells

Current state-of-the-art hybrid polymer:lead chalcogenide nanocrystal solar cells require postdeposition, thin film chemical treatments to remove insulating organic ligands from the nanocrystal surface, which is a kinetically hindered process. This is compounded by the fact that it can be especially difficult to obtain colloidally stable suspensions of PbS nanocrystals ligand exchanged with small ligands, and many atomic ligands require dispersion in solvents that are incompatible with polymer solubility. Herein, we report a novel one-step colloidal ligand exchange process for PbS nanocrystals employing lead iodide (PbI2) or ammonium iodide (NH4I) as surface ligands along with n-butylamine that allow the ligand-exchanged nanocrystals to be suspended in solvents compatible with polymer dissolution. While ligand exchange is shown to be near quantitative for both iodide sources, when compared to NH4I-exchanged PbS nanocrystals, the PbI2-exchanged PbS nanocrystals not only exhibit better colloidal stability b...
Anagogic Love between Neoplatonic Philosophers and Their Disciples in Late Antiquity

Through a novel set of texts drawn from Plato, Porphyry, Plotinus, Ps. Julian, Proclus, Hermeias, Synesius and Damascius, I explore how anagogic erōs in master-disciple relationships in Neoplatonism contributed to the attainment of self-knowledge and to the transmission of knowledge, authority and inspired insights within and outside the diadochia . I view anagogic erōs as one of the most important channels of non-discursive pedagogy and argue for the mediating power of anagogic erōs in the attainment of the main goal of the Platonist: reorienting desire ( erōs ) from sensible to intelligible beauty and changing one’s ontological status to become like god and attain union with the divine. After considering the problematic nature of Socratic erōs , its skeptics and detractors, I discuss the dynamics of philosopher-disciple relationships and the experience of anagogic erōs in the following: the attack on Porphyry and defense by Plotinus following Porphyry’s recital of an ecstatic poem on Hieros Gamos ( Vita Plotini 15), the concealment of anagogic erōs behind the authoritative facade of an oracle ( VP 22-23), the intensely devotional private letters of Ps. Julian to the aged Iamblichus and of Synesius to his female master Hypatia; the identification of anagogic erōs with theurgic ascent in Syrianus’s school according to Proclus and Hermeias and the experiences of anagogic erōs outside the diadochia in Damascius’ Philosophical History . I conclude that the true and correct practice of philosophy had much, if not everything to do with the anagogic erōs between the true philosopher, the bacchant and the philosopher in training, aspiring to become transformed from thyrsus-bearer into bacchant. The privileged and exalted status given to the divine lover ensured the transmission of the philosophical tradition in all its richness, preserving both its discursive and non-discursive aspects as a system of thought, as a way of life and as a way of being and loving.
Intravitreal silicon-based quantum dots as neuroprotective factors in a model of retinal photoreceptor degeneration.

PURPOSE To study the intravitreal application of silicon quantum dots (QDs) and their capabilities to deliver electrical stimulation to the retinal cells and to assess the potential effect on retinal electrophysiology and anatomy. METHODS A Royal College of Surgeon rat model of retinal degeneration was used in this study. A total of 32 eyes were used, divided in four groups of 8 eyes each; the first group received the silicon-based QD, the second group received an inactive gold-based QD, the third group received a sham injection, and the fourth group was used as a control. An electroretinogram (ERG) was done at baseline and thereafter every week for 9 weeks. At the end of the follow-up, eyes were collected for further pathologic analysis and nuclei cell counts. RESULTS Eyes within the silicon-based QD group showed a definite but transient increase in the waves of the ERG, especially in the rod response compared with the sham and control groups (P < 0.05). The pathologic examination demonstrated a higher nuclei count in the QD group, consistent with a higher cell survival rate than that in the sham and control groups in which cells degenerated as expected. CONCLUSIONS Intravitreal injection of silicon-based QD seems to be safe and well tolerated, with no evident toxic reaction and demonstrates a beneficial effect by prolonging cell survival rate and improving ERG patterns in a well-established model of retinal degeneration. (ClinicalTrials.gov numbers NCT00407602, NCT01490827.).
Calcium-induced strain in the monomer promotes dimerization in neural cadherin

Cadherins are cell adhesion proteins that are important for tissue formation and integrity. Cell-cell adhesion occurs through the formation of the strand-crossover dimer between identical cadherins on the surface of neighboring cells. The strand-crossover dimer forms exclusively between their EC1 domains via swapping of the βA sheet by undocking the conserved tryptophan 2, W2, from its own hydrophobic pocket and docking it into the hydrophobic pocket of its adhesive partner. An interesting aspect of the system is the fact that critical noncovalent interactions in the monomer re-form in the dimer. Thus, as these noncovalent interactions are conserved, what drives the formation of dimer? Moreover, why is dimer formation calcium-dependent? Thus, to probe the structural and energetic effects of calcium on the noncovalent interactions that are necessary for dimer formation, we performed spectroscopic, stability, and assembly studies of wild-type and two mutants, W2A and E89A, of neural (N-) cadherin. We find that while the ionic interaction involving E89 has a minimal effect on the general stability of the closed conformation of the βA sheet, the hydrophobic interaction involving W2 is the source of the calcium requirement for adhesive dimer formation. The binding of calcium creates strain in the W2-hydrophbic pocket interaction through direct connection of E11 at the C-terminus of the βA sheet to calcium. To overcome this unfavorable condition in the monomer, N-cadherin forms a dimer. Taken together, our data provide a thermodynamic basis for the calcium dependence of strand-crossover dimer formation in N-cadherin.
Observations on the c-type cytochromes of the extreme thermophile, Thermus thermophilus HB8: cytochrome c552 is located in the periplasmic space

Abstract We have shown that cytochrome c 552 of Thermus thermophilus HB8, isolated previously by Hon-nami and Oshima ( K. Hon-nami and T. Oshima (1977) J. Biochem. (Tokyo) 82 , 769–776), resides in the periplasmic space of this gramnegative organism. As much as 90% of this protein was released from cells having the outer membrane disrupted by lysozyme. By contrast less than 1% of the cytoplasmic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glutamate dehydrogenase were released by this treatment. It was further observed that the two other c -type cytochromes, c 549 and c 549,555 (split alpha band) are membrane bound proteins. The amount of each of the c -cytochromes present in the bacteria was shown to depend strongly on the carbon source in the culture medium.
A Rubric for Evaluating Student Analyses of Business Cases

This article presents a rubric for evaluating student performance on written case assignments that require qualitative analysis. This rubric is designed for three purposes. First, it informs studen...
On the Path to SunShot. Emerging Issues and Challenges in Integrating Solar with the Distribution System

This report analyzes distribution-integration challenges, solutions, and research needs in the context of distributed generation from PV (DGPV) deployment to date and the much higher levels of deployment expected with achievement of the U.S. Department of Energy's SunShot targets. Recent analyses have improved estimates of the DGPV hosting capacities of distribution systems. This report uses these results to statistically estimate the minimum DGPV hosting capacity for the contiguous United States using traditional inverters of approximately 170 GW without distribution system modifications. This hosting capacity roughly doubles if advanced inverters are used to manage local voltage and additional minor, low-cost changes could further increase these levels substantially. Key to achieving these deployment levels at minimum cost is siting DGPV based on local hosting capacities, suggesting opportunities for regulatory, incentive, and interconnection innovation. Already, pre-computed hosting capacity is beginning to expedite DGPV interconnection requests and installations in select regions; however, realizing SunShot-scale deployment will require further improvements to DGPV interconnection processes, standards and codes, and compensation mechanisms so they embrace the contributions of DGPV to system-wide operations. SunShot-scale DGPV deployment will also require unprecedented coordination of the distribution and transmission systems. This includes harnessing DGPV's ability to relieve congestion and reduce systemmore » losses by generating closer to loads; minimizing system operating costs and reserve deployments through improved DGPV visibility; developing communication and control architectures that incorporate DGPV into system operations; providing frequency response, transient stability, and synthesized inertia with DGPV in the event of large-scale system disturbances; and potentially managing reactive power requirements due to large-scale deployment of advanced inverter functions. Finally, additional local and system-level value could be provided by integrating DGPV with energy storage and 'virtual storage,' which exploits improved management of electric vehicle charging, building energy systems, and other large loads. Together, continued innovation across this rich distribution landscape can enable the very-high deployment levels envisioned by SunShot.« less
Lecture by Albert Folsom, Pastor, Universalist Church: Hingham, Mass., August 27, 1837

Ministers like Folsom tried to rally respectable opinion against abolitionism by tainting it with the advocacy of women’s rights. By printing such attacks, The Liberator kept readers informed about the cultural debates raging around them.
Leukoreduced Packed Red Cells: Do They Have a Role in Decreasing the Incidence of Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia?.

It has been demonstrated that neutrophils activate macrophages via the heparin binding protein, thus possibly contributing to the incidence of heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). It would follow that the incidence of thrombocytopenia and its sequelae may be reduced by using leukoreduced blood in patients undergoing cardiac bypass surgery. We had a unique opportunity to study this hypothesis at our institution. Due to a policy change all patients undergoing cardiac bypass surgery received LR blood intra-operatively prior to April 2005. Subsequent to this period non-LR blood was utilized in all patients. A retrospective chart review of 197 non-LR and 316 LR patients was done. The platelet count on admission, the first five days post- op, the day of discharge, the percent drop in platelet count post-op and heparin antibody (HA) test were obtained. Thrombocytopenia was defined as an overall drop in platelet count by > 50%. The CABG and the non-CABG patients were looked at separately. The results are as follows: In both the LR and non-LR populations there is only a 0.6% difference in the number of patients with a > 50% platelet drop. The relative risk is 1.01 with the 95% confidence interval of (0.88, 1.15). This is a relatively narrow confidence interval reflective of the relatively large sample size. Heparin antibody testing was not done on all the patients. Only those with persistent or profound thrombocytopenia had the test ordered. Overall heparin antibody positivity in both cohorts was not statistically different. The LR arm had a slightly higher positivity rate overall. The risk ratio is 1.25 indicating that the non-LR arm is 25% more likely to have a positive antibody test compared to the LR arm. The higher positivity rate in non-CABG patients may be due to the more complex nature of the surgery relative to CABG surgery. The non-CABG group has a higher percent of heparin antibody positivity in the LR arm. This inconsistency may be secondary to the smaller sample size of this group. In both the CABG or non-CABG groups, there was no statistically significant difference in the percent platelet drop or heparin antibody positivity. One can conclude that leukoreduction of red blood cell products during cardiac surgery does not significantly impact on thrombocytopenia or the development of HIT.
Magnetic Cytoskeleton Affinity (MICA) Purification for Fast Purification of Cargo-Attached Molecular Motors

We have developed Magnetic Cytoskeleton Affinity (MiCA) purification method that is capable of isolating cargo attached molecular motors. We apply MiCA purification to the isolation of kinesin and compare with conventional microtubule affinity purification, which uses centrifugation to separate microtubules from the unbound or eluting kinesin. We show that MiCA purification generates purified kinesin yield comparable to that of the conventional microtubule affinity purification, and reduces the purification time from 1.5 hours to 0.5 hour, a 3 times improvement in speed. Using magnetic separation, we are now able to isolate quantum dot attached kinesin, which sediment together with microtubules upon centrifugation during conventional purification due to the dense quantum dot. This technique uses charge-charge interaction of the negatively charged microtubule and the positively charged magnetic beads to immobilize microtubule onto magnetic beads. Even though we have currently tested this MiCA purification technique only on cargo-attached kinesin, we foresee that the same protocol can be adjusted to purify cargo-attached dynein and other microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). It also has the potential to purify cargo-attached myosin using the negatively charged actin instead of microtubule.
Higher locus coeruleus MRI contrast is associated with lower parasympathetic influence over heart rate variability

The locus coeruleus (LC) is a key node of the sympathetic nervous system and suppresses parasympathetic activity that would otherwise increase heart rate variability. In the current study, we examined whether LC-MRI contrast reflecting neuromelanin accumulation in the LC was associated with high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV), a measure reflecting parasympathetic influences on the heart. Recent evidence indicates that neuromelanin, a byproduct of catecholamine metabolism, accumulates in the LC through young and mid adulthood, suggesting that LC-MRI contrast may be a useful biomarker of individual differences in habitual LC activation. We found that, across younger and older adults, greater LC-MRI contrast was negatively associated with HF-HRV during fear conditioning and spatial detection tasks. This correlation was not accounted for by individual differences in age or anxiety. These findings indicate that individual differences in LC structure relate to key cardiovascular parameters.
Trends in the Surface and Catalytic Chemistry of Transition-Metal Ceramics in the Deoxygenation of a Woody Biomass Pyrolysis Model Compound

The general surface chemical reactivity, surface reaction site nature, and van der Waals dispersion interaction capability of 10 transition metal ceramics were investigated in the catalytic reaction of guaiacol deoxygenation—a model compound for aromatics in woody biomass pyrolysis oil. A computational surface science approach has been applied to investigate Ti and Ni oxide, carbide, nitride, sulfide, and phosphide to ascertain the effect of element selection on surface and catalytic chemistry. The results indicated that systematic trends in surface chemistry are present in the transition-metal ceramics and that transition-metal phosphides present special balanced reactivity toward O, C, and H that results in their appreciable catalytic activity in deoxygenation reactions. The remaining ceramics were found to exhibit either too low or too high of reactivity toward oxygen, carbon, or hydrogen, which resulted in insurmountable thermodynamic and kinetic barriers for C–O bond cleavage or hydrogenation and the...
Invasive follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer harboring the NRAS mutation Q61K and presenting with bone metastasis-A case report.

Abstract Introduction The follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer (FVPTC) can be noninvasive or invasive. The invasive form of FVPTC commonly harbors BRAF mutations whereas RAS mutations are more often associated with noninvasive FVPTC and a favorable clinical outcome. Case report A 47-year-old man presented with a metastasis to his right iliac bone as the initial manifestation of a 1.6 cm invasive FVPTC. After total thyroidectomy, the patient underwent additional treatment, including thyroid hormone suppressive treatment to non-detectable TSH levels, repeated courses of radioiodine treatment, external beam radiation, and treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib. Despite these therapeutic efforts, the disease progressed with growth of the iliac mass and additional metastatic spread to cervical and lumbar vertebrae causing increasing pain and disability. The patient succumbed to the disease four years after presentation. Retrospective next-generation sequencing of the primary tumor using a pan-cancer targeted mutation and gene fusion panel revealed NRAS Q61K mutation and no other oncogenic alterations. Discussion The study challenges the concept that thyroid neoplasms with isolated RAS mutations are often associated with favorable clinical behavior and may be candidates for conservative management. Conclusion An isolated RAS mutation in invasive FVPTC may be associated with an aggressive clinical behavior.
Abstract 3914: KLF4-dependent perivascular plasticity enhances pre-metastatic niche formation and metastasis

Metastasis causes most cancer deaths, and new therapies that are based on a deeper understanding of this process are required to improve patient survival. Metastatic tumor cell colonization and growth is facilitated by a pre-metastatic niche microenvironment composed of hematopoietic cells, stromal cells, and extracellular matrix that support tumor survival and growth. Perivascular cells, including vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) and pericytes, are a key cell population involved in new vessel formation critical to primary tumor development. Given the well-described plasticity of perivascular cells, we sought to determine whether perivascular cells regulate tumor cell survival and proliferation at metastatic sites. Using perivascular cell-specific and pericyte-specific lineage tracing models, we demonstrated that perivascular cells lose traditional vSMC/pericyte marker expression in response to tumor-secreted factors, and exhibit increased proliferation, migration and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. Expression of the pluripotency gene Klf4 is increased and is critical for this phenotypic transition to a less differentiated state characterized by increased proliferation and ECM production. Genetic inactivation of Klf4 specifically in perivascular cells decreases pre-metastatic perivascular cell proliferation and consequently integrin-fibronectin dependent tumor metastasis. Our data reveal a previously unidentified role for perivascular cells in pre-metastatic niche formation, and suggest that modulation of stromal cell plasticity may provide a novel strategy for limiting metastasis. Citation Format: Meera Murgai, Wei Ju, Matthew Eason, Jessica Kline, Rosandra N. Kaplan. KLF4-dependent perivascular plasticity enhances pre-metastatic niche formation 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 3914. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3914
Impact of the Tumor Microenvironment on Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes: Focus on Breast Cancer:

Immunotherapy is revolutionizing cancer care across disciplines. The original success of immune checkpoint blockade in melanoma has already been translated to Food and Drug Administration–approved therapies in a number of other cancers, and a large number of clinical trials are underway in many other disease types, including breast cancer. Here, we review the basic requirements for a successful antitumor immune response, with a focus on the metabolic and physical barriers encountered by lymphocytes entering breast tumors. We also review recent clinical trials of immunotherapy in breast cancer and provide a number of interesting questions that will need to be answered for successful breast cancer immunotherapy.
The Intersubjective Dialectic

Such is the man of Sartre as a description of the structure of the for-itself reveals him. He is eternally destined to projects that fail. He is a gap in being, an emptiness conscious of its own vacuity, and constantly striving to attain the status of in-itself without losing that of for-itself. This attempt to become an in-itself-for-itself simultaneously is what Sartre calls our basic project. Such a being would be what all men have always called by the name of “God;” i.e., a being who is simultaneously conscious being and yet perfect causa sui. “God … represents the permanent limit in terms of which man makes known to himself what he is. To be man means to reach toward being God.”1 This fundamental attempt of man to make himself in-itself-for-itself (or God), is destined necessarily to frustration, because by their nature these two types of being are mutually incompatible. By definition, “God” is a contradictory notion.
Key challenges and prospects for optical standoff trace detection of explosives

Abstract Sophisticated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) challenge the capabilities of current sensors, particularly in areas away from static checkpoints. This security gap could be filled by standoff chemical sensors that detect IEDs based on external trace explosive residues. Unfortunately, previous efforts have not led to widely deployed capabilities. Crucially, the physical morphology of trace explosive residues and chemical “clutter” present unique challenges to the operational performance of standoff sensors. In this review, an overview of standoff trace explosive detection systems is provided in the context of these unique challenges. Tradespace analysis is performed for two popular standoff detection methods: longwave infrared hyperspectral imaging and deep-UV Raman spectroscopy. The tradespace analysis method described in this review incorporates realistic trace explosive residues and background clutter into the technology development process. The review predicts system performance and areas where additional research is needed for these two technologies to optimize performance.
Circadian clocks of both plants and pollinators influence flower seeking behavior of the pollinator hawkmoth Manduca sexta

Most plant-pollinator interactions occur during specific periods during the day. To facilitate these interactions, many flowers are known to display their attractive qualities, such as scent emission and petal opening, in a daily rhythmic fashion. However, less is known about how the internal timing mechanisms (the circadian clocks) of plants and animals influence their daily interactions. We examine the role of the circadian clock in modulating the interaction between Petunia and one of its pollinators, the hawkmoth Manduca sexta. We find that desynchronization of the Petunia circadian clock affects moth visitation preference for Petunia flowers. Similarly, moths with circadian time aligned to plants show stronger flower-foraging activities than moths that lack this alignment. Moth locomotor activity is circadian clock-regulated, although it is also strongly repressed by light. Moths show a time-dependent burst increase in flight activity during subjective night. In addition, moth antennal responsiveness to the floral scent compounds exhibits a 24-hour rhythm in both continuous light and dark conditions. This study highlights the importance of the circadian clocks in both plants and animals as a crucial factor in initiating specialized plant-pollinator relationships.
Understanding Christian Conversion as a Post-Relational Ontological (Re)turn to Relations

Since 1950, when Nepal opened its doors to Christianity, people have been converting in rapid pace. Anthropologists have theorized for decades that in the process of converting from any religion to Christianity, persons experience a relational rupture. By combining the set theory of Hiebert and post-relational ontological turn theory of Holbraad and Pedersen, I explore how the anthropological approach must change its starting point in order to understand how and why conversion happens. As we understand the motivations for conversion, we can see that relational rupture does not exist for Christian converts because of the core emphasis on relationality found within Christianity. Through ethnographic research, I was able to effectively show how conversion to Christianity should be considered a post-relational ontological re(turn) to relations.
Minicells as a Damage Disposal Mechanism in Escherichia coli

Many bacteria produce small, spherical minicells that lack chromosomal DNA and therefore are unable to proliferate. Although minicells have been used extensively by researchers as a molecular tool, nothing is known about why bacteria produce them. Here, we show that minicells help Escherichia coli cells to rid themselves of damaged proteins induced by antibiotic stress. By comparing the survival and growth rates of wild-type strains with the E. coliΔminC mutant, which produces excess minicells, we found that the mutant was more resistant to streptomycin. To determine the effects of producing minicells at the single-cell level, we also tracked the growth of ΔminC lineages by microscopy. We were able to show that the mutant increased the production of minicells in response to a higher level of the antibiotic. When we compared two sister cells, in which one produced minicells and the other did not, the daughters of the former had a shorter doubling time at this higher antibiotic level. Additionally, we found that minicells were more likely produced at the mother's old pole, which is known to accumulate more aggregates. More importantly, by using a fluorescent IbpA chaperone to tag damage aggregates, we found that polar aggregates were contained by and ejected with the minicells produced by the mother bacterium. These results demonstrate for the first time the benefit to bacteria for producing minicells.IMPORTANCE Bacteria have the ability to produce minicells, or small spherical versions of themselves that lack chromosomal DNA and are unable to replicate. A minicell can constitute as much as 20% of the cell's volume. Although molecular biology and biotechnology have used minicells as laboratory tools for several decades, it is still puzzling that bacteria should produce such costly but potentially nonfunctional structures. Here, we show that bacteria gain a benefit by producing minicells and using them as a mechanism to eliminate damaged or oxidated proteins. The elimination allows the bacteria to tolerate higher levels of stress, such as increasing levels of streptomycin. If this mechanism extends from streptomycin to other antibiotics, minicell production could be an overlooked pathway that bacteria are using to resist antimicrobials.
An end-to-end scalable copyright detection system for online video sharing platforms

Combating copyright infringing multimedia content has arisen as a critical undertaking in online video sharing platforms, such as YouTube and Twitch. In contrast to the traditional copyright detection problem that studies the static content (e.g., music, films, digital documents), the proposed system focuses on a much more challenging problem: detecting copyright infringements in live video streams. This is motivated by the observation that a large amount of copyright-infringing videos bypass the detector while many legal videos are taken down by mistake. In this paper, we present an end-to-end system that is dedicated to combating the copyright infringements in live video streams. The system to be demonstrated consists of 1) a web front-end for user interaction and customized video query, 2) a scalable and real-time video crawling system that can collect video metadata, live chat messages, and visual content of the live video streams on video sharing platforms, and 3) a novel supervised copyright detection engine that leverages the live chat messages of the audience to detect the copyright infringement of live videos.
Tuning Nanoparticle Electrodynamics by an Optical-Matter-Based Laser Beam Shaper.

Spatially modulated optical fields provide the perspective of tuning nanoparticle (NP) dynamics in a colloidal suspension. Here, it is shown that the lateral interferometric optical field created by a chain of optically bound Au NPs (i.e., optical matter) can tailor the electrodynamic interactions among more Au NPs. The free-standing NP chain, which is assembled and confined by an auxiliary optical line, shapes the main trapping beam and guides the self-organization of Au NPs under an optimized polarization direction. We find that the NP chain can largely enhance the anisotropic optical binding interaction of two nearby NPs but suppress the anisotropic interaction of multiple NPs, leading to isotropic self-organization. The dynamics and structural transitions of the NPs are well-reproduced in a simulation by using a coupled finite-difference time-domain (FDTD)-Langevin dynamics approach. Our work provides a new dual-beam optical trapping and in situ laser beam shaping approach to study and control interpa...
Using HBO’s The Wire to Foster Critical Cosmopolitanism in Preservice English Teachers

ABSTRACTHBO’s The Wire (2002–2008) is often regarded as one of the best television shows ever aired. Through reiterative viewings and a critical content analysis of the show, Iargue that The Wire s...
Surgical device exchange provides improved clinical outcomes compared to medical therapy in treating continuous-flow left ventricular assist device thrombosis.

The purpose of this study is to compare clinical outcomes of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients with device thrombosis who underwent device exchange (DE) or medical therapy (MT) alone. Consecutive patients undergoing LVAD implant between July 2008 and December 2017 were included. Device thrombosis was diagnosed with comprehensive assessments including ramp test, laboratory data, device parameters, and clinical presentations. First, MT was initiated in all patients. After MT, DE was considered if device thrombosis was refractory to initial MT, and it caused end-organ impairment and/or hemodynamic instability. Among 319 consecutive LVAD patients, 43 patients (13.5%) were diagnosed with device thrombosis. DE was performed in 28 patients (DE group); device explant was performed in 1 patient. MT was continued in 14 patients (MT group). In-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the DE group than the MT group (3.6% [1/28] vs. 28.6% [4/14], P = .0184). One-year survival was significantly better in the DE group (74.0% vs. 30.1%; log-rank = .001), and freedom from cerebrovascular accident (CVA) at 1 year was greater in the DE group (87.1% vs. 47.7%; log-rank = .004). DE was associated with improved 1-year survival and fewer CVAs. Surgical intervention, if feasible, is recommended for LVAD device thrombosis.
Unexpected Share Repurchase Announcements

Open-market stock repurchase announcements are generally perceived by the stock market as a signal of firm undervaluation. Our study shows that repurchase announcements that were preceded by SEOs o...
Components of an Effective Professional Development Strategy: The Professional Practice Model, Peer Feedback, Mentorship, Sponsorship, and Succession Planning.

Abstract Objectives To review components of an effective professional development strategy in the oncology setting that includes mentorship, sponsorship, and succession planning. Data Sources OvidSP, practice standards, professional guidelines, and websites. Conclusions There are compelling reasons why oncology nurses in all settings are required to remain current in their area of practice and use strategies that take advantage of available opportunities for professional development. Benefits include enhanced autonomy, strengthened individual competence, greater engagement, and enriched organizational cultures that can positively impact patient care. Implications for Nursing Practice Creating an environment that supports professional development is dependent on nurse leaders and the organizational commitment to the value of lifelong learning. Professional development can be enabled through many structures, including mentorship, sponsorship, and succession planning.
BReast CAncer ( BRCA ) gene mutations as an emerging biomarker for the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies

BReast CAncer (BRCA) genes 1 and 2 were discovered in the 1990's by Hall et al. and Wooster et al. respectively. BRCA genes have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of various gastrointestinal (GI) cancers beyond known risk of breast, ovary and prostate cancers. Studies have demonstrated the role of BRCA genes in the DNA repair pathway and modalities to exploit this pathway are being currently explored. Using the concept of synthetic lethality, poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) have significant activity in BRCA deficient cells. Targeted therapy is gaining popularity worldwide and BRCA genes have received much attention since the development and approval of PARPis. Multiple studies have also identified the predictive value of BRCA genes related to platinum and other DNA-damaging cytotoxic agents. BRCA deficient cells are about 5-fold more sensitive to platinum-based agents and almost 1,000-fold more with PARPis. Genomic instability has been established as the hallmark of BRCA deficient tumors and the specific roles of BRCA genes in DNA damage repair is increasingly clear. Herein, we discuss the risks and incidence of individual GI cancers seen with BRCA mutations, highlight tumor biology and provide a comprehensive review of the available preclinical and clinical data and upcoming trials related to this topic. The "POLO" trial in metastatic pancreas cancer establishes a "proof of principle" regarding treatment of BRCA-related cancer and PARPi. In pancreatic cancer routine germline genetic testing is now recommended in most major guidelines. Newer studies are emerging, which will expand the concept of BRCAness and ways to effectively detect this phenotype in GI cancers and impact clinical practice.
The effects of resistance training on muscular strength and hypertrophy in elderly cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Background One of the most life-threatening comorbidities in elderly cancer patients is cancer cachexia, which is characterized by the ongoing loss of skeletal muscular strength and mass and is also associated with aging. There is a lack of recommendations for optimal resistance training (RT) for those patients. The purpose of this study was to systematically review and quantify the effects of RT on muscular strength and hypertrophy in elderly cancer patients. Methods Five electronic databases were searched (until January 2020) for studies that met the following criteria: (i) cancer patients aged ≥60 years; (ii) structured and supervised RT intervention for ≥6 weeks; and (iii) measured muscular strength and/or hypertrophy. Results Thirteen studies (717 participants, average age 66 years) met the inclusion criteria. RT significantly increased muscular strength (mean effect size = 0.87, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.43–1.32, p Conclusion The results suggest that RT improves muscular strength but does not significantly induce muscle hypertrophy in elderly cancer patients.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a devastating, yet preventable public health concern that span the physical, neurological, behavioral, cognitive, and social domains. Following heavy prenatal alcohol exposure, permanent structural and functional changes in the brain are documented in children with FASDs and alcohol-related changes in brain structure, neurochemistry, and resulting behavior have been documented using animal model systems. Importantly, research using these animal model systems has recently identified promising interventions that may lead to prevention or treatment of FASDs. Given that women continue to drink alcohol during pregnancy, identification of safe and effective treatments is among the most important challenges.
PIN Diode Switching Speed for MRI Applications

This paper presents the results of an investigation of PIN diode switching speed using a variety of PIN diode types that include high speed receive switching devices as well as high power transmitting PIN diodes. A short introduction on the PIN diode simulation model will be provided and then simulations of a common MRI transmit/receive switch will be used to compare the different device switching speeds. The results show that thick I-region diodes are shown to exhibit extremely low resistance values at high currents, providing low insertion loss at the high RF powers in transmitting, active detune and block switching applications as well as robust blocking/detuning functions, but at a slower switching rate compared with thinner devices.
FLEXSORB ®SE A Proven Reliable Acid Gas Enrichment Solvent

Publisher Summary ExxonMobil's FLEXSORB SE or SE PLUS solvents are in use in a wide variety of acid gas enrichment unit designs around the world. These units include both ExxonMobil affiliates and licensees. These plants range in size from 3 to more than 1000 tons per day sulfur capacity. CO2 slip ranges from 73–94%. Multiple independent project analyses have repeatedly demonstrated the advantages of FLEXSORB SE and SE PLUS over competing MDEA-based solvents. FLEXSORB SE has advantages in better H2S selectivity and lower circulation rates. This property allows FLEXSORB SE to achieve higher H2S cleanup in the AGE treated gas and higher H2S concentration in the enriched acid gas. These advantages result in substantial investment savings for new units, debottleneck capacity for retrofit applications, and operating cost savings for either type.
Correlation Between the Polarized Light Absorption and the X-Ray Structure of Single Crystals of the Reaction Center from Rhodobacter Sphaeroides R-26

The crystallization and X-ray diffraction analysis of the reaction center from the bacterium Rb. sphaeroides R-26 has revealed the three-dimensional structure of the protein and bound cofactors to atomic resolution (Allen et al., 1986; Allen et al., 1987; Yeates et al., 1987; Yeates et al., 1988; Allen et al., 1988; Komiya et al., 1988; Chang et al., 1991; El-Kabbani et al., 1991). With this information available, it is of interest to ask how the spectroscopic properties of the reaction center correlate with the structural features. Ultimately this correlation will allow an elucidation of the molecular details that control the spectral features and relate to the primary photochemical events carried out by the reaction center. Polarized light absorption is one technique for correlating the spectroscopic features with its molecular structure (Breton, 1985). In order to make the correlation more precise, it is distinctly advantageous to carry out the spectroscopic experiments directly on the crystalline samples used in the X-ray diffraction analyses. In this way the clearest link between the structure of the complex and its photochemical properties will emerge.
APP processing enzymes (secretases) as therapeutic targets: insights from the use of transgenics (Tgs) and transfected cells.

Secretases degrade amyloid precursor protein (APP) releasing fragments (β-peptides Aβ, Aβx) that assemble to form hallmark extracellular deposits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) correlating with disease severity. As such, secretases supply targets for therapeutic intervention and form the focus of this overview. Progress in elucidating secretases and their modes of catalysis come from exploiting the use of transgenics or transfected cells. In addition to Aβx, secretases also release C-terminal fragments with putative signaling properties (amyloid intracellular domain, AICD) similar in concept to those available for conversion of the Notch-r to release the nuclear transactivator NICD. The review considers lingering questions on APP fragmentation by secretase action, ancillary proteins such as presenilins (PS1/2), nicastrin, XII, or proteases (caspases), and the influence of familial mutations (mAPP, mPS) in terms of fibrillogenesis.
The National Institutes of Health and clinical research: a progress report

The development of clinical investigators remains a thorny national problem. The National Institutes of Health has instituted new granting programs to support clinical research that have already stimulated 450 new applications for support; private foundations have also joined the effort.
A Review of “The House of Wisdom: How Arabic Science Saved Ancient Knowledge and Gave Us the Renaissance”

Jim al-Khalili's The House of Wisdom is the most recent example (and the second entitled House of Wisdom) of post-9/11 popular works that have tried to argue against the clash of civilizations rhet...
PCAC, the Dalitz-pair process and the «Primakoff effect» in the photoproduction of A 1 0 on proton

We apply the PCAC condition to the Dalitz-pair process and compare its consequences with the ordinary phenomenological Lagrangian method, and Adler’s perturbation method in which the triangular diagram is essential for the π0γγ vertex. Next the Primakoff effect in the photoproduction of the axial-vector meson A10 on proton is calculated explicitly. We estimate the coupling strength of the A10γγ vertex from the hyperfine splitting in the hydrogen atom, but it turns out to be an order of magnitude smaller than the value determined from the π0γγ vertex indirectly through PCAC.
Preoperative evaluation of giant cell tumors of the radius with magnetic resonance angiography

We report three clinical cases of giant cell tumor of the distal radius in which reconstructions were performed with vascularized fibular grafts. Magnetic resonance angiography, a newer and noninvasive technique, was used in addition to preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. All patients had routine digital subtraction arteriography, with which magnetic resonance angiography compared favorably, demonstrating the carpal arch anatomy and other major vessels at the tumor site. In two patients the trifurcation vessels of both legs were also studied with magnetic resonance angiography before fibular harvest. In one case, the fibula graft was successfully harvested on the basis of the magnetic resonance angiographic findings. In the other case, digital subtraction arteriography had been done to evaluate suspected peripheral vascular disease. In that case magnetic resonance angiography correlated well with the digital subtraction arteriographic study, showing bilateral anterior tibial artery occlusions and patent posterior tibial and peroneal arteries. Magnetic resonance angiography has the potential to replace conventional angiography in preoperative evaluation of upper-extremity tumors.
A Geographical Perspective of the Transhipment Function

When point-to-point markets cannot support direct service in the container trade, shipping lines need to make decisions about transhipment locations. Where to tranship is, at the start, a geographical question. This paper reviews a few of the geographer's descriptive, analytical and conceptual tools, which can be usefully applied to the transhipment phenomenon. The map, to begin with, draws out certain obvious locational relationships. Network analysis, using graph theoretical models, can suggest efficient ways of building and serving a transport network. The geographer's concepts of site, situation, and strategic location provide a general framework for comparative analysis of transhipment locations. The case of Freeport, a developing transhipment centre in the Bahamas, will be used to illustrate the application of these geographical tools.
Implications of the Employment Equity Act for the higher education sector

This article discusses the impact of the 1998 Employment Equity Act on the higher education sector of South Africa. An introduction to the background and development of affirmative action and employment equity is provided. The author then discusses the specialized constraints and challenges faced by higher education employers, separating them from traditional business employers, such as companies and factories. It is argued that these crucial challenges B specialized higher education legislation and policy developments, the "pool" issue, funding and rationalization, universities as a unique workplace, and the individual legacies of universities B define the space in which the Employment Equity Act may be interpreted in the higher education sector. South African Journal of Higher Education Vol.17(2) 2003: 79-86
The role of lymphoid organs in the pathogenesis of HIV infection.

Following primary human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, HIV disease is characterized by a prolonged period, usually lasting several years, of clinical latency. During this period viremia is generally very low or undetectable, the number of infected cells (i.e. viral burden) in the blood are very low, and the levels of viral replication in these cells are barely detectable. These findings have been interpreted as a reflection of a phase of inactive HIV disease during which time HIV replicates very slowly or its replicating ability is kept under control by effective HIV specific immune responses. However, during this period a general deterioration of immune function and progressive depletion of CD4+ T cells occur; the inevitable outcome is clinically apparent disease. In the present article, we describe a model of disease development in which HIV infection is both active and progressive in the lymphoid organs during the clinically latent period of HIV infection when there are few, if any, signs of disease activity in peripheral blood.
Unraveling the molecular mechanisms of alcohol dependence

Alcohol dependence (AD) is a common, chronic, relapsing disorder. Compelling epidemiological evidence indicates that >50% of the risk for becoming alcoholic stems from genetic susceptibility and genetic studies have identified several risk genes. Alcohol intake alters gene expression patterns, thereby producing long-lasting cellular and molecular adaptations that might explain the development and maintenance of AD. The heterogeneous nature of AD indicates a complex etiology involving mechanisms related to motivational behavior, reward and learning, adaptations in signaling pathways owing to interactions between alcohol and target molecules, and chromatin remodeling. Emerging methodologies present opportunities to determine how alcohol might disrupt the synergistic actions of molecular systems and to assess gene-environment interactions for elucidating the behavioral and physiological dysfunctions underlying AD.