cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endothelium Expression of Bcl-2 Is Essential for Normal and Pathological Ocular Vascularization.

Bcl–2 is an anti-apoptotic protein with important roles in vascular homeostasis and angiogenesis. Mice globally lacking Bcl–2 (Bcl–2 -/-) are small in stature and succumb to renal failure shortly after weaning as a result of renal hypoplasia/cystic dysplasia. We have shown that Bcl–2 -/- mice displayed attenuated retinal vascular development and neovascularization. In vitro studies indicated that in addition to modulating apoptosis, Bcl–2 expression also impacts endothelial and epithelial cell adhesion, migration and extracellular matrix production. However, studies delineating the cell autonomous role Bcl–2 expression plays in the endothelium during vascular development, pruning and remodeling, and neovascularization are lacking. Here we generated mice carrying a conditional Bcl–2 allele (Bcl-2Flox/Flox) and VE-cadherin-cre (Bcl-2EC mice). Bcl-2EC mice were of normal stature and lifespan and displayed some but not all of the retinal vascular defects previously observed in global Bcl–2 deficient mice. Bcl-2EC mice had decreased numbers of endothelial cells, decreased retinal arteries and premature primary branching of the retinal vasculature, but unlike the global knockout mice, spreading of the retinal superficial vascular layer proceeded normally. Choroidal neovascularization was attenuated in Bcl-2EC mice, although retinal neovascularization accompanying oxygen-induced ischemic retinopathy was not. Thus, Bcl–2 expression in the endothelium plays a significant role during postnatal retinal vascularization, and pathological choroidal but not retinal neovascularization, suggesting vascular bed specific Bcl–2 function in the endothelium.
Rutile Promoted Synthesis of Sulfonylamidonitriles from Simple Aldehydes and Sulfonamides

We report the first rutile-promoted synthesis of sulfonylamidonitriles from aldehydes and sulfonamides with NaCN in water. This transformation has proven to work for a variety of aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes with excellent yields. The scope also extends to a variety of substituted sulfonamides. Rutile can be easily recycled and reused without significant reaction erosion. The benign nature of rutile and its natural abundance highlights this transformation as a model green reaction.
A Model Predictive Repetitive Process Control Formulation for Additive Manufacturing Processes

Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes are a class of manufacturing processes in which parts are fabricated in a layer-by-layer fashion. The layer-by-layer fabrication method creates layer-to-layer dynamics. Implementing process control that neglects the layer-to-layer dynamics can lead to process instability. While repetitive process controllers which utilize only layer-to-layer feedback are a viable method, their usefulness is limited in that they are not well-suited for tracking non-periodic layer-domain references. However, since the entire reference signal is typically known a priori in AM process fabrications, a predictive control methodology can be useful for controlling fabrications in which the reference signal is non-periodic. In this paper a model predictive control formulation is extended to two-dimensions and utilized for repetitive process control Simulation results comparing open-loop and controlled fabrications for a Laser Metal Deposition process are given.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Social and Cognitive Influences on the Development of Religious Beliefs and Commitment in Adolescence

It has been proposed that adolescents are likely to change or maintain, expand or abandon their religious beliefs and practices because of pressure from parents or peers, because of cognitive development, or because of existential anxiety. This study proposes a social-cognitive model of change based on the concepts of anchoring and polarization. The sample consisted of 390 early, middle, and late adolescents who filled out a questionnaire assessing family demographics, religious background, beliefs, practices, and experience, existential questioning, and closeness to family and peers. Parents' religious affiliation and practices were positively related to all aspects of religiousness among early and middle adolescents, but only to practices and to decreased likelihood of change in the college-age group. Family closeness was also negatively associated with change. There was some evidence of peer influence on religious doubt and changes of faith. Existential concerns and SAT scores were positively related to change in older subjects only, but existential questioning seemed more likely to accompany change than to cause it.
Multimode charge-transfer dynamics of 4-(dimethylamino)benzonitrile probed with ultraviolet femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy.

4-(Dimethylamino)benzonitrile (DMABN) has been one of the most studied photoinduced charge-transfer (CT) compounds for over 50 years, but due to the complexity of its excited electronic states and the importance of both intramolecular and solvent reorganization, the detailed microscopic mechanism of the CT is still debated. In this work, we have probed the ultrafast intramolecular CT process of DMABN in methanol using broad-band transient absorption spectroscopy from 280 to 620 nm and ultraviolet femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy (FSRS) incorporating a 330 nm Raman pump pulse. Global analysis of the transient absorption kinetics revealed dynamics occurring with three distinct time constants: relaxation from the Franck–Condon La state to the lower locally excited (LE) Lb state in 0.3 ps, internal conversion in 2–2.4 ps that produces a vibrationally hot CT state, and vibrational relaxation within the CT state occurring in 6 ps. The 330 nm FSRS spectra established the dynamics along three vibrational...
Integrated simulation algorithm based on constrained TIN and CSG

In order to organize and manage 3D GIS spatial data effectively, and represent 3D spatial entity integrally, a new simulation modeling algorithm was put forward, which combined data structures of constrained Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) and Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG). In this algorithm, TIN model was used to represent terrain and CSG model was used to represent buildings. The two simulation models were integrated by extracting ground contour lines of buildings as constrained conditions when carrying out triangulating terrains. And the visualization for all parts of the integrated model can be processed synchronously. The results of simulation experiments demonstrate that the algorithm simplifies modeling process and to a certain extent, reduces computing complexity for visualization.
Glycosaminoglycans in follicular fluid from women undergoing in vitro fertilization and their relationship to cumulus expansion, fertilization, and development.

The glycosaminogly cans (GAGs) chondroitin sulfate (CS) and heparan sulfate (HS) were assayed in fluid from 178 individual follicles obtained from women after human menopausal gonadotropin ovulation induction for subsequent in vitro fertilization. CS and HS concentrations ranged from 0 to 3.9 and 0 to 18.6mg/ml, respectively. The percentage of oocytes fertilized was significantly higher when CS concentrations ranged from 0.3 to 0.8mg/ml ( P P
Ultrafast scene detection and recognition with limited visual information

ABSTRACTHumans can detect target colour pictures of scenes depicting concepts like picnic or harbour in sequences of six or 12 pictures presented as briefly as 13 ms, even when the target is named after the sequence. Such rapid detection suggests that feedforward processing alone enabled detection without recurrent cortical feedback. There is debate about whether coarse, global, low spatial frequencies (LSFs) provide predictive information to high cortical levels through the rapid magnocellular (M) projection of the visual path, enabling top-down prediction of possible object identities. To test the “Fast M” hypothesis, we compared detection of a named target across five stimulus conditions: unaltered colour, blurred colour, greyscale, thresholded monochrome, and LSF pictures. The pictures were presented for 13–80 ms in six-picture rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) sequences. Blurred, monochrome, and LSF pictures were detected less accurately than normal colour or greyscale pictures. When the target...
Macular pigment optical density: repeatability, intereye correlation, and effect of ocular dominance.

PURPOSE To evaluate short-term repeatability, intereye correlation, and effect of ocular dominance on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) measurements obtained using the QuantifEye Heterochromatic Flicker Photometer. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 72 study participants were enrolled in this prospective, cross-sectional study. Participants underwent a comprehensive ocular evaluation, including visual acuity, evaluation of ocular dominance, slit lamp examination, intraocular pressure measurement, and optic nerve head and macula analysis using optical coherence tomography and fundus photography. All study participants after initial training underwent MPOD measurement twice in both eyes in a randomized sequence. The repeatability was tested using Altman and Bland plots for first measurements with the second measurements for right eye and left eye and additionally by grouping eyes as a function of ocular dominance. The Pearson correlation coefficient was performed to assess the intereye correlation of MPOD values. RESULTS The mean age of study participants was 35.5 years (range 22-68 years). The mean MPOD measurements for OD (right eye) and OS (left eye) were 0.47 and 0.48, respectively, which followed a normal distribution (Shapiro-Wilk test, P=0.6 and 0.2). The 95% limits of agreement of Altman and Bland plots for the first and second measurements were -0.12 to +0.11 and -0.13 to +0.12 for OD and OS, respectively. The correlation coefficient of mean MPOD measurements of OD and OS was r statistic =0.94 (Pearson correlation coefficient P<0.0001; r (2) 0.89). The 95% limits of agreement of Altman and Bland plots when evaluated by laterality of eye or by ocular dominance were narrow, with limits of agreement ranging from -0.13 to +0.12. CONCLUSION The MPOD measurements obtained using the QuantifEye show good short-term repeatability. There is excellent intereye correlation, indicating that the MPOD values of one eye data can predict the fellow eye value with 89% accuracy. The ocular dominance had no bearing on the outcome of this psychophysical test in ocular healthy eyes.
Fang Lizhi, physicist and dissident

The Most Wanted Man in China: My Journey from Scientist to Enemy of the State by Fang Lizhi is a revealing portrait of a courageous scholar.
Pediatric Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor of the ­central nervous system is a relatively recently described malignant neoplasm afflicting predominantly infants and young children. This aggressive neoplasm shares many common characteristics on routine histopathology and imaging with the primitive neuroectodermal tumor/medulloblastoma which is the most common malignant central nervous system neoplasm seen in children. Differentiation is made by immunohistochemical analysis. The outcome in atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor remains worse than medulloblastoma, despite recent improvements. In this manuscript clinical and radiological features of atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor were reviewed. Patient outcomes and current treatment options were discussed.
All‐Printed, Stretchable Zn‐Ag2O Rechargeable Battery via Hyperelastic Binder for Self‐Powering Wearable Electronics

While several stretchable batteries utilizing either deterministic or random composite architectures have been described, none have been fabricated using inexpensive printing technologies. In this study, the authors printed a highly stretchable, zinc-silver oxide (Zn-Ag2O) battery by incorporating polystyrene-block-polyisoprene-block-polystyrene (SIS) as a hyperelastic binder for custom-made printable inks. The remarkable mechanical properties of the SIS binder lead to an all-printed, stretchable Zn-Ag2O rechargeable battery with a ≈2.5 mA h cm−2 reversible capacity density even after multiple iterations of 100% stretching. This battery offers the highest reversible capacity and discharge current density for intrinsically stretchable batteries reported to date. The electrochemical and mechanical properties are characterized under different strain conditions. The new stress-enduring printable inks pave ways for further developing stretchable electronics for the wide range of wearable applications.
Relationship between sensorimotor peripheral nerve function and indicators of cardiovascular autonomic function in older adults from the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study.

Abstract Background Age-related peripheral nervous system (PNS) impairments are highly prevalent in older adults. Although sensorimotor and cardiovascular autonomic function have been shown to be related in persons with diabetes, the nature of the relationship in general community-dwelling older adult populations is unknown. Methods Health, Aging and Body Composition participants (n = 2399, age = 76.5 ± 2.9 years, 52% women, 38% black) underwent peripheral nerve testing at the 2000/01 clinic visit. Nerve conduction amplitude and velocity were measured at the peroneal motor nerve. Sensory nerve function was assessed with vibration detection threshold and monofilament (1.4-g/10-g) testing at the big toe. Symptoms of lower-extremity peripheral neuropathy were collected by self-report. Cardiovascular autonomic function indicators included postural hypotension, resting heart rate (HR), as well as HR response to and recovery from submaximal exercise testing (400 m walk). Multivariable modeling adjusted for demographic/lifestyle factors, medication use and comorbid conditions. Results In fully adjusted models, poor motor nerve conduction velocity ( Conclusions Motor nerve function and indicators of cardiovascular autonomic function remained significantly related even after considering many potentially shared risk factors. Future studies should investigate common underlying processes for developing multiple PNS impairments in older adults.
Case 1: Acute Psychosis in a 16-year-old Girl with an Ovarian Teratoma.

1. Thuthu Aung, MD* 2. Neha Ahuja, MD* 3. Joan Graziano, MD* 4. Melissa Grageda, MD* 1. *Department of Pediatrics, Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, NY A 16-year-old girl presents to the psychiatric emergency department with acute worsening aggression, auditory hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts for the past 10 days. Her medical history is significant for a resected right ovarian teratoma 7 years earlier. Due to escalating combativeness in the emergency department, the psychiatrist administers antipsychotics and anxiolytics, including haloperidol, chlorpromazine, and lorazepam. She is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of acute psychosis and depression. A few hours later, her neurologic examination findings worsen, with fluctuating mental status and profuse drooling. She is tachycardic (heart rate, 110 beats/min) and hypertensive (blood pressure, 136/81 mm Hg). Her temperature is 98.6oF (37.0oC), respirations are 17 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation is 97%. The rest of her physical examination findings are normal. She is transferred to the medical unit for further evaluation. Head computed tomography, drug screening, and video electroencephalography results are normal. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis reveals an elevated opening pressure of 31 cm H2O (normal, <25 cm H …
Thermotolerance of Escherichia coli O157:H7 ATCC 43894, Escherichia coli B, and an rpoS-Deficient Mutant of Escherichia coliO157:H7 ATCC 43895 Following Exposure to 1.5% Acetic Acid

On a beef carcass, Escherichia coli may sequentially encounter acid- and heat-intervention steps. This study tested whether acid stress (1.5% [vol/vol] acetic acid, pH 4.0, 37 degrees C, 15 min) would enhance subsequent heat resistance of E. coli. Initially, cells (E. coli O157:H7 ATCC 43894, nonpathogenic E. coli B [strain FRIK-124], and rpoS-deficient mutant 813-6 [derived from E. coli O157:H7 ATCC 43895]) were acid stressed and transferred to 54 degrees C trypticase soy broth (TSB), and survivors were immediately enumerated after at least three intervals of 12, 2, and 6 min, respectively, by plating. The ATCC 43894 and 813-6 strains survived the acid stress but strain FRIK-124 did not. Acid-stressed ATCC 43894 had significantly lower D values than the non-acid-stressed controls. Strain 813-6 had significantly lower D values than strain ATCC 43894, with no significant difference between acid-stressed and non-acid-stressed cells. In a second experiment, cooling of cells prior to plating resulted in an increased D value for acid-stressed ATCC 43894 cells, such that it was not significantly different from the D value for non-acid-stressed controls. Using this protocol, there was no significant difference in D values between acid-stressed and non-acid-stressed ATCC 43894 cells in prewarmed TSB (54, 58, and 62 degrees C), in prewarmed ground beef slurry (GBS; 58 degrees C), or in TSB and GBS inoculated at 5 degrees C and heated to 58 degrees C. The acid stress tested does not enhance subsequent heat resistance of E. coli.
Climbing the Volcano of Electrocatalytic Activity while Avoiding Catalyst Corrosion: Ni3P, a Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalyst Stable in Both Acid and Alkali

We report microcrystalline Ni3P as a noble-metal-free electrocatalyst for the H2 evolution reaction (HER) with high activity just below those of Ni5P4 and Pt, the two most efficient HER catalysts known. Ni3P has previously been dismissed for the HER, owing to its anticipated corrosion and its low activity when formed as an impurity in amorphous alloys. We observe higher activity of single-phase Ni3P crystallites than for other nickel phosphides (except Ni5P4) in acid, high corrosion tolerance in acid, and zero corrosion in alkali. We compare its electrocatalytic performance, corrosion stability, and intrinsic turnover rate to those of different transition-metal phosphides. Electrochemical studies reveal that poisoning of surface Ni sites does not block the HER, indicating P as the active site. Using density functional theory (DFT), we analyze the thermodynamic stability of Ni3P and compare it to experiments. DFT calculations predict that surface reconstruction of Ni3P (001) strongly favors P enrichment of...
A 68-Year-Old Man With Dyspnea on Exertion and Cough

A 68-year-old man with a history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia well controlled on ibrutinib, hypertension, obesity, and a remote history of smoking (10 pack-years) presented with increasing dyspnea on exertion and cough. He had previously finished two courses of oral antibiotics for his symptoms without significant improvement. On presentation, he had no fevers or sputum production.
Studies on a lipoic acid-activating system

Summary of Fractionation of 8. faecalis &&-act FrSdi0ll Diluted extract. PP PS PP-1. PS-2. PS-28 PS-2B PS-2B (heated). ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... - . . - -- - VOlllllW Protein ml. mg. 500 10,250 40 440 550 3,900 30 111 63 227 31 139 31 130 31 63 - - -- - Activity units )W mg. of protein o.s5* 18.0 2.4 21.0 18.5 27.3 28.0 57.0 RWWXy per cent 100 92 106 27t 49 44 42 40 * This value varied from 0.65 to 1.7 in different preparations. t The recovery in some instances was as high as 50 per cent. were added slowly with stirring 2.5 ml. of 50 per cent TCA. The precipi- tate was collected by centrifugation and suspended in 7.5 ml. of deionized water. The suspension was adjusted to pH 4.7 with 0.1 N potassium hy- droxide and then centrifuged. The supernatant fluid was dialyzed for 4 hours with stirring against deionized water. The recovery of Fraction PS-2B activity was 34 per cent (8.4 mg. of protein, specific activity 96).
Withholding information from an anxiety-prone patient?

Withholding information from patients during an informed consent process is ethically unacceptable. Patients may restrict the amount of information they wish to receive or designate someone else to receive the information for them.
Selective axonal translation of prenylated Cdc42 mRNA isoform supports axon growth

The small Rho-family GTPase CDC42 has long been known to have a role in cell motility and axon growth. The eukaryotic Cdc42 gene is alternatively spliced yielding mRNAs with two different 39UTRs and distinct C-termini, which have CaaX and CCaX motifs for post-translational prenylation or palmitoylation, respectively. Palmitoylated CDC42 protein has been shown to contribute to dendrite maturation, while the prenylated CDC42 protein contributes to axon specification. Here, we show that the mRNA encoding prenylated CDC42 protein preferentially localizes into axons of cultured sensory neurons. We show that prenylated CDC42 promotes axon growth in cultured sensory neurons, but palmitoylated CDC42 does not affect axon growth. The growth promotion by prenylated CDC42 requires axonal localization of its mRNA and an intact C-terminal CaaX motif for post-translational modification of the encoded protein by prenylation. Prenylated CDC42 protein localizes to the periphery of growth cones, but this subcellular localization requires axonal targeting of its mRNA. Together, these data show that alternative splicing of the Cdc42 gene product generates an axon growth-promoting, locally synthesized prenylated CDC42 protein.
A Survey for Mold Contaminated Marihuana in the Forensic Laboratory

The incidence with which wet or moldy marihuana samples are received by the forensic drug chemist appears to be steadily increasing in recent years. There are at least four factors that contribute to this: 1) the premature packaging of plant material which is moist and green; 2) the long lag time between harvest and delivery of marihuana to the ultimate user; 3) the storage and transport of the plant material wrapped in plastic or other non-porous containers which retain moisture and are conducive to mold growth; and 4) the frequency with which smuggling into the U.S. is associated with water — either via boat or air-drop into coastal areas.
Dar al-Islam: A Quantitative Analysis of ISIS’s French-Language Magazine

AbstractThis study is a content analysis of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)’s French-language magazine Dar al-Islam. The first seven issues of the magazine are quantitatively examined and broken down into the number of articles, images, and terms used as a means of determining how ISIS targets French-speaking individuals. This study find that ISIS focuses on religious terminology and justifications to rationalize its existence and its fight. Also, despite being a French-language magazine, a majority of the focus is on Middle Eastern groups, not Western groups. Overall, the magazine is similar, but not a carbon copy to ISIS’s English-language magazine, Dabiq.
DNA methylation detection using UV nano bowtie antenna enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Methylation in DNA is a controlling factor in gene expression, embryonic development, and has been found to be important in infections and cancer. From a basic biology point of view, great heterogeneity has been found in methylation levels within tissues, so questions arises as to how and why. We show that methylated-DNA (m-DNA) can be distinguished from non-methylated (n-DNA) with nano-bowtie- and resonance- enhanced Raman spectra. By tuning the bowtie antenna to the resonance wavelength, both gains can be realized. Two additional Raman peaks in the 1200 – 1700 cm-1 band appear with methylation: one at 1239 cm -1 and the other at 1639 cm -1 ; a weak peak near 1000 cm-1 also appears with methylation. We also find that the two spectral features, although the latter with slight modification, can be used to distinguish the methylation state even when the DNA is denatured, as we show when we induce crystallization of the salts in the solution with increased excitation power, or allow it to happen naturally via solvent evaporation, and the DNA is trapped within the salt crystals. A comparison between liquid/solution to dried/denatured state m-DNA shows a general broadening of the larger lines and a transfer of spectral weight from the ~1470 cm -1 vibration to two higher energy lines. The applicability of the resonance-Raman in these spectra is shown by demonstrating that the Raman spectral characteristics hardly change as the Raman resonance in excitation wavelength is approached. Finally, we comment on real signal gain in this double-resonance system.
EEG-based communication and control: speed-accuracy relationships.

People can learn to control mu (8-12 Hz) or beta (18-25 Hz) rhythm amplitude in the EEG recorded over sensorimotor cortex and use it to move a cursor to a target on a video screen. In our current EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI) system, cursor movement is a linear function of mu or beta rhythm amplitude. In order to maximize the participant's control over the direction of cursor movement, the intercept in this equation is kept equal to the mean amplitude of recent performance. Selection of the optimal slope, or gain, which determines the magnitude of the individual cursor movements, is a more difficult problem. This study examined the relationship between gain and accuracy in a 1-dimensional EEG-based cursor movement task in which individuals select among 2 or more choices by holding the cursor at the desired choice for a fixed period of time (i.e., the dwell time). With 4 targets arranged in a vertical column on the screen, large gains favored the end targets whereas smaller gains favored the central targets. In addition, manipulating gain and dwell time within participants produces results that are in agreement with simulations based on a simple theoretical model of performance. Optimal performance occurs when correct selection of targets is uniform across position. Thus, it is desirable to remove any trend in the function relating accuracy to target position. We evaluated a controller that is designed to minimize the linear and quadratic trends in the accuracy with which participants hit the 4 targets. These results indicate that gain should be adjusted to the individual participants, and suggest that continual online gain adaptation could increase the speed and accuracy of EEG-based cursor control.
A Sibling Suicide: One Sister's Ethical Dilemma.

My brother, who I adored, took his own life in 2016. I had recently enrolled in an MSW program and was attending part-time. I was by no means a therapist, though I had worked in the mental health f...
Congenital absence of coronary ostia in a single/common coronary system

Coronary ostial atresia seen with pulmonary atresia and coronary-cameral fistulae or, more rarely, in isolation manifested as left main coronary artery atresia, is well described. We describe the clinical course and post-mortem findings in a neonate who suffered a fatal cardiac arrest and was found to have congenital absence of both coronary ostia in a single/common coronary system.
On top-down architectural lighting design

One key problem of architectural lighting design is to specify goals that relate to aesthetics. Since visibility is an important criterion for many visual tasks and objects, heuristics from industrial lighting and visual inspection can be used to describe the appearance of objects relevant to architectural lighting design, and to derive corresponding light sources. This has the potential to bring computation time in the range of near-interactive rates. A combination of two constraining inputs, which are the specification of desired material appearance and the selection of highlights and shadows can be successfully used in determining light sources.
Evaluating claims for an early peopling of the Americas: experimental design and the Cerutti Mastodon site

In a 2017 article, Holen and colleagues reported evidence for a 130 000-year-old archaeological site in California. Acceptance of the site would overturn current understanding of global human migrations. The authors here consider Holen et al.’s conclusions through critical evaluation of their replicative experiments. Drawing on best practice in experimental archaeology, and paying particular attention to the authors’ chain of inference, Magnani et al. suggest that to argue convincingly for an early human presence at the Cerutti Mastodon site, Holen et al. must improve their analogical foundations, test alternative hypotheses, increase experimental control and quantify their results.
Cystoisospora belli infections in humans: the past 100 years.

Cystoisospora belli is a coccidian parasite of humans, with a direct fecal–oral transmission cycle. It is globally distributed, but mainly found in tropical and subtropical areas. Many cases of C. belli infections have been reported in patients with HIV, and in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy for organ transplants or those treated for tumours worldwide. Unsporulated or partially sporulated oocysts of C. belli are excreted in feces. When sporulated oocysts in contaminated water or food are ingested, asexual and sexual stages of C. belli are confined to the epithelium of intestines, bile ducts and gallbladder. Monozoic tissue cysts are present in extra-intestinal organs (lamina propria of the small and large intestine, lymph nodes, spleen, and liver) of immunosuppressed humans. However, a paratenic host has not been demonstrated. Cystoisospora belli infections can be persistent, lasting for months, and relapses are common; the mechanism of relapse is unknown. Recently, the endogenous stages of C. belli were re-examined and attention was drawn to cases of misidentification of non-protozoal structures in the gallbladder of patients as C. belli. Here, we review all aspects of the biology of C. belli, including morphology, endogenous stages, prevalence, epidemiology, symptoms, diagnosis and control.
Abstract 151: Organized 3D Neo-Angiogenic and Neo-Lymphangiogenic Vascular Networks for Cardiac Regeneration

Introduction: Cardiovascular tissue engineering has been an area of intense investigation. The major challenge to these approaches has been the inability to vascularize and perfuse the in vitro eng...
Host-vaginal microbiota interactions in the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis.

Purpose of review The cause of bacterial vaginosis, the most common cause of vaginal discharge in women, remains controversial. We recently published an updated conceptual model on bacterial vaginosis pathogenesis, focusing on the roles of Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella bivia as early colonizers and Atopobium vaginae and other bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria (BVAB) as secondary colonizers in this infection. In this article, we extend the description of our model to include a discussion on the role of host-vaginal microbiota interactions in bacterial vaginosis pathogenesis. Recent findings Although G. vaginalis and P. bivia are highly abundant in women with bacterial vaginosis, neither induce a robust inflammatory response from vaginal epithelial cells. These early colonizers may be evading the immune system while establishing the bacterial vaginosis biofilm. Secondary colonizers, including A. vaginae, Sneathia spp., and potentially other BVAB are more potent stimulators of the host-immune response to bacterial vaginosis and likely contribute to its signs and symptoms as well as its adverse outcomes. Summary Elucidating the cause of bacterial vaginosis has important implications for diagnosis and treatment. Our current bacterial vaginosis pathogenesis model provides a framework for key elements that should be considered when designing and testing novel bacterial vaginosis diagnostics and therapeutics.
Modeling Dynamic Processes with Panel Data: An Application of Continuous Time Models to Prevention Research.

Many interventions are characterized by repeated observations on the same individuals (e.g., baseline, mid-intervention, two to three post-intervention observations), which offer the opportunity to...
A new pachyrhizodontid fish (Actinopterygii: Teleostei) from the Tarrant Formation (Cenomanian) of the Upper Cretaceous Eagle Ford Group in Texas, USA

Abstract SMU 76938 is a nearly complete skeleton of a fossil bony fish, about 1.2 m in total length, housed in Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, USA. It was collected from the Tarrant Formation (middle Cenomanian) of the Upper Cretaceous Eagle Ford Group in Tarrant County, Texas, an area where it was near the East Texas Embayment of the Western Interior Seaway during the Late Cretaceous. Our phylogenetic analysis indicates that it is a pachyrhizodontid crossognathiform fish, and comparisons with previously reported pachyrhizodontids suggest that the fossil fish belongs to a new genus and species within Pachyrhizodontidae, Polcynichthys lloydhilli gen. et sp. nov.. With a fusiform body, a large symmetrical caudal fin, and a mouth with numerous small conical teeth suited for grasping, the new taxon is interpreted to be a fast swimming, open-ocean predator that likely pursued smaller squid, crustaceans, and other fishes. Vertebral growth rings suggest that the individual was possibly about 14 years old at the time of its death, and our vertebra-based theoretical growth model indicates that the species could have reached up to about 1.8 m TL and lived up to 37 years old in age.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Management in Older Adults with Dementia

Given that the population of older adults is growing rapidly, and that incidence of both diabetes and cognitive impairment rises with age, clinicians face the unique challenge of managing both conditions in older adults. However, there is a paucity of research and clinical guidance on how to manage this population with these co-existing complex conditions. Successful diabetes management requires active patient participation in diet and exercise adherence, home glucose monitoring, and daily self-care such as foot care. Thus, it is easy to imagine why individuals with cognitive impairment have difficulty managing their diabetes. This chapter will delineate the impact of interactions between cognitive dysfunction and diabetes (primarily type 2) and its effect on pathophysiology, clinical presentations, and treatment strategies.
Building and Strengthening Native Communities through the Institute for American Indian Research at the University of New Mexico

Native peoples and nations are in great need to create healthy and sustainable communities. The need to empower and build capacity to take on pressing challenges and concerns is paramount for Native peoples in the twenty-first century. Currently, Native peoples are developing dynamic and creative plans to build their communities based on Native values, principles, and ways. This article examines the Institute for American Indian Research at the University of New Mexico and how the institute works to strengthen and empower Native peoples and communities through programming, service-oriented scholarship, and advocacy. The paper is a historical narrative on the institute and its work within and outside the university with Native peoples and communities.
External beam radiation and brachytherapy boost at different facilities is associated with increased treatment delays in cervical cancer

Introduction Due to variation in facility expertise and capabilities, patients commonly complete external beam radiation therapy at one facility and brachytherapy boost at another. We evaluated the association of external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy at the same facility versus different facilities with treatment delays and survival. Methods Patients receiving definitive external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy for non-metastatic cervical cancer from 2004 to 2015 were identified in the National Cancer Database. Treatment delays were classified based on published thresholds: a course of >56 days was considered delayed, >65 days moderately delayed, and >77 days severely delayed. Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression were used to evaluate the association of same facility versus different facilities with treatment delays and predictors of same facility versus different facility treatment. Results We identified 23 911 patients meeting the inclusion criteria at a median follow-up of 39.7 months (IQR 21.0–72.6 months), with 17 391 patients (72.7%) receiving same facility treatment and 6520 patients (27.3%) receiving different facility treatment. Any treatment delay was found in 49.3% of same facility treatments versus 51.9% of different facility treatments (p Conclusions Delivery of external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy at different facilities was associated with treatment delays and worse survival. Our findings underscore the importance of care coordination in cervical cancer management.
Evaluation of latent fingermark color contrast as aging parameter under different environmental conditions: A preliminary study

This research expands previous studies in which color contrast between ridges and furrows of powder-enhanced latent fingermarks was explored as a possible aging parameter. The main goal is to test the sensitivity of the technique across a predetermined set of factors. In this case, experiment factors have included two donors who deposited sebaceous- and eccrine-rich fingermarks onto ceramic tile and polystyrene plastic. These were developed with either black carbon or titanium dioxide powder (TiO2 ) over eight time periods (0-72 days) and aged under three light conditions (direct light, shade, and darkness). The mean intensity (MI) and intensity amplitude (IA) metrics of color were collected from each image for statistical analyses. Results show that color contrast is affected significantly by substrate, secretion, and powder types, with an interaction effect between the substrate and powder type on both MI and IA metrics. The degree of light exposure did not have a noticeable impact on distinguishing aging patterns of fingermarks by neither powder methods. Different aging patterns were detected between sebaceous-rich and their eccrine-rich counterparts for all light conditions using regression analysis. All eccrine-rich fingermarks exhibited little (or minimal) change in IA over time, whereas sebaceous-rich samples showed varied patterns, from significant decreases to slight increases. These findings confirm and expand previous observations on the potential use of MI and IA as metrics to study latent fingermark degradation patterns that could eventually be used to estimate the age of a fingermark.
Embryonic heart rate correlates with maternal temperature and developmental stage in viviparous snakes.

Interactions between the environment and maternal and embryonic physiology can have critical ramifications for early-life phenotypes and survival in a range of species. A major component of the environment-maternal-embryonic nexus is the regulation of embryonic heart rate, which can have important ramifications for developmental phenology, but remains relatively unexplored in viviparous reptiles. The goal of this study was to test for a relationship between embryonic heart rate and maternal body temperature in two species of viviparous garter snakes. The embryonic heart rates of Thamnophis elegans and T. sirtalis were assessed using a field-portable ultrasound. For both T. elegans and T. sirtalis, embryonic heart rate was strongly correlated to maternal temperature. Interestingly, there was also a strong correlation between embryonic and maternal heart rate that was most likely mediated by a common response to maternal body temperature, in spite of the effects of handling during ultrasound on maternal heart rate. Furthermore, embryos at earlier developmental stages had lower heart rates. To our knowledge, this study is the first to explore embryonic heart rate in viviparous reptiles, providing a foundation for future work using ultrasonography to test ecological and evolutionary hypotheses related to developmental dynamics in free-ranging viviparous species.
Low temperature synthesis of metastable tetragonal yttria doped hafnia T-(Y-HfO2) nanoparticles through mechanochemical processing and annealing

Abstract For polymorphic binary metal oxides, such as HfO2, the availability of metastable phases with distinct physical and chemical properties opens a wide field of new applications. Hafnia (HfO2) is used as a thermal barrier coating in high temperature structural materials and as an electronic material (gate oxide) in the metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). Its diverse functionality may be further tailored by phase selection and stabilization. The tetragonal polymorph with its high dielectric constant and wide bandgap is important in MOSFET applications. However, the temperature required to stabilize the metastable tetragonal phase is around 1700-1800 °C, making it difficult to synthesize large tetragonal nanoparticles or even bulk materials. In this project, tetragonal HfO2 (T-HfO2) nanoparticles were produced at relative low temperature (1100 °C) by employing mechanochemical processing with the addition of yttrium. Structural characterization using XRD, and HRTEM analysis revealed that the as-milled powders are a mixture of T-HfO2, residual monoclinic HfO2 (M − HfO2) and an amorphous component. Subsequent annealing transforms residual M − HfO2 and any remaining amorphous material into T-HfO2 as well. A viable route for stabilizing thermodynamically unfavored phases in the HfO2 system is described.
Committee Chair Ideology and Political Appointee Review

Although the majority of research on the political appointee appointment centers on the entire confirmation process, little attention is given to the internal division of confirmation. I argue a granular division is necessary, and the committee review process reflects the strategic consideration from the committee chair. She prefers to select appointees in the proximity of her ideology. Using campaign contribution data, I match ideology estimates of nearly 8,000 political appointees and committee chairs from 1987 to 2011. I find the greater ideological distance between the political appointee and committee chair leads to a lower rate of gaining a favorable report. Also, among those appointees with favorable reports, a political appointee with closer ideology distance has a smoother review process than another appointee with a wider ideology distance. These empirical results provide systematic empirical evidence of the impact of ideology proximity in the committee review process.
Efficacy of Ceftiofur Sodium (NAXCEL ®) as Therapy for Experimentally Induced Bacterial Foot Rot

The objective of this dose finding-efficacy study was to evaluate the efficacy of 0.5 and 1.0 mg of ceftiofur sodium per pound body weight given IM once daily for three consecutive days for treatment of acute bacterial foot rot in cattle when compared to similar treated placebo controls. An established model that produces lesions virtually identical to naturally occurring acute foot rot was utilized for this study. The study was initiated and completed during April 1992.
Factors affecting quality of working life among caregivers in care facilities for the elderly

OBJECTIVE: The shortage of caregivers in care facilities has become a problem in Japan. Building a comfortable workplace and improving the quality of working life (QWL) of caregivers are essential. However, the factors of QWL that should be prioritized remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the major factors currently affecting the QWL of caregivers in care facilities for the elderly and recognize the priorities that should be addressed. METHODS: A questionnaire survey targeting administrators and caregivers working in care facilities for the elderly was conducted from October to December in 2018. In total, 1,000 care facilities located throughout Japan were selected via random sampling. Eight caregivers who differed by sex, age, and years of experience were selected from each facility (a total of 8,000 caregivers). A logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between QWL and the factors affecting it. RESULTS: Ultimately, data from 504 facilities and 3,478 caregivers were included in the analysis. Human relationships (OR: 3.92, 95% CI: 3.09-4.97) had the highest odds ratio in terms of caregivers' QWL, followed by the number of workers (OR: 3.69, 95% CI: 2.56-5.32), communication (OR: 3.42, 95% CI: 2.66-4.40), support from the facility (OR: 3.37, 95% CI: 2.69-4.23), working hours or time off (OR: 3.20, 95% CI: 2.53-4.04), and discretion of responsibility level (OR: 3.09, 95% CI: 2.46-3.88). In contrast, salary (OR: 2.81, 95% CI: 2.19-3.61) was associated with QWL but the association was lower than that of human relationships and the other factors. Lower back pain among caregivers was also associated with QWL. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study show that improvement in human relationships is the primary factor for improved QWL among caregivers in care facilities. Thus, it should be prioritized. Secondary factors that affect QWL are the number of workers, communication, support from the facility, working hours or time off, and discretion of responsibility level. Considering the reasons for caregivers' dissatisfaction, improving their QWL requires promoting the exchange of information with superiors and colleagues. It also involves consulting with persons in charge about working hours, time off, and mental health. Salary is related to QWL but is less important than the aforementioned factors. The prevention of lower back pain, however, contributes to improving QWL.
Meta-Analysis on Nicotine's Modulation of HIV-Associated Dementia.

HIV-Associated Dementia (HAD) is a significant comorbidity that many HIV-patients face. Our study utilized QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to identify and analyze molecular profiles and pathways underlying nicotine’s impact on HAD pathology. The Qiagen Knowledge Base (QKB) defines HAD as “Dementia associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (disorder).” Although much remains unknown about HAD pathology, the curated research findings from the QKB shows 5 upregulated molecules that are associated with HAD + : CCL2 (Chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 2), L-glutamic acid, GLS (Glutaminase), POLG (DNA polymerase subunit gamma), and POLB (DNA polymerase subunit beta). The current study focused on these 5 HAD pathology molecules as the phenotype of interest. The Pathway Explorer tool of IPA was used to connect nicotine-associated molecules with the 5 HAD associated molecules (HAD pathology molecules) by connecting 29 overlapping molecules (including transcription regulators, cytokines, kinases, and other enzymes/proteins). The Molecule-Activity-Predictor (MAP) tool predicted nicotine-induced activation of the HAD pathology molecules indicating the exacerbation of HAD. However, alternative pathways with more holistic representations of molecular relationships revealed the potential of nicotine as a neuroprotective treatment. It was found that concurrent with nicotine treatment the individual inactivation of several of the intermediary molecules in the holistic pathways caused the downregulation of the HAD pathology molecules. These findings reveal that nicotine may have therapeutic properties for HAD when given alongside specific inhibitory drugs for one or more of the identified intermediary molecules.