cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trousseau's syndrome. Devastating coagulopathy in the absence of heparin

Abstract Two patients with Trousseau's syndrome experienced frequently recurring concomitant arterial and venous thrombotic events that resulted in sequential amputation and loss of the lower extremities. Serial examination of the blood in the patients demonstrated that these devastating thrombotic events were preceded by severe disseminated intravascular coagulopathy that occurred within an Interval of a few hours. Warfarin therapy was without effect in preventing the occurrence of these events. Both patients demonstrated the absolute need for intravenous heparin, which effectively prevented the thrombotic events; when it was discontinued, the immediate consequences were disastrous and resulted in death. Techniques for long-term outpatient heparin therapy are discussed.
Il Giro d'Italia e la società italiana

Gianni Silei, ed. (2010) Il Giro d'Italia e la societa italiana(Manduria-Bari-Rome: Piero Lacaita Editore), 250 pp., ISBN 9788889506929. [euro]20.00, soft cover In 2009, the Giro d'Italia celebrate...
Emission spectra, decay times, and polarization ratios of ruthenium(II) complexes containing tridentate ligands

Abstract Luminescence from complexes of the general formula Ru(N-N-N) 2 2+ (N-N-N = tridentate N-heterocyclic ligand) was investigated in the range of 77-2 K. Inversion of the sign of the polarization ratio occurred below 15 K. Results arr interpreted in terms of a thermally equilibrated multiple-state model for the excited manifold.
Super-fast XML wrapper generation in DB2: a demonstration

The XML wrapper is a new feature of the federated database capabilities of DB2/UDB v8. It enables users and applications to issue SQL queries against XML data from a variety of sources, including files and Web services. The XML wrapper assumes hierarchical XML documents modeled as families of virtual relational tables in a federated schema, which can then be queried to extract information from the XML and combine it with data from other sources. Due to the nature of the problem, using the XML wrapper is complex and several difficult steps must be undertaken: (i) The hierarchical schema of the source must be flattened to a relational form, (ii) Each relation of the flattened schema must be registered in DB2 as a NICKNAME - a complex virtual table definition containing several XPaths as specialized options. (iii) Each NICKNAME must be accompanied by a VIEW - again a complex structure involving join conditions. Chocolate is a tool that alleviates all three tasks: Chocolate provides several flattening strategies and an interface allowing users to modify the automatically generated target schema. Once the user is satisfied with the schema, Chocolate automatically generates the corresponding NICKNAME and VIEW definitions.
Targeting DNA repair in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells with the DNA chain terminator, GS-9219

3290 GS-9219 is a novel nucleoside analogue that was designed based on a double-prodrug approach applied to limit plasma exposure to the parent compound, 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)guanine (PMEG), as a means of reducing toxicity. Studies in cell lines and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells demonstrated that after GS-9219 entered cells, the bisphosphoramidate groups were hydrolyzed, generating the first intermediate metabolite, N 6 -cyclopropyl-9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)-2,6-diaminopurine (cpr-PMEDAP). The second, and rate-limiting, metabolic step was the deamination of cpr-PMEDAP to PMEG, which was subsequently phosphorylated by intracellular kinases to the long-lived (>12 hr) active metabolite, PMEG diphosphate (PMEGpp). Successful competition with dGTP for incorporation by DNA polymerases resulted in nascent DNA chain termination due to the lack of a 3’-hydroxyl moiety. Recent studies demonstrated that lymphoid tissues and cells in dogs were enriched with PMEGpp following intravenous GS-9219 administration. Although most CLL cells are not active in DNA replication, they maintain an active excision repair capacity. We hypothesized that the incorporation of PMEGpp into DNA during repair re-synthesis would result in DNA chain termination, inhibition of repair processes, and accumulation of DNA strand breaks that would activate signaling pathways to cell death in CLL cells. Pharmacokinetic studies in CLL cells illustrated that the intracellular metabolism of GS-9219 was proportional to the extracellular concentrations from 3 to 30 μM GS-9219 in a time-dependent manner. After 24 hr incubation with 10 μM GS-9219, the median intracellular concentration of PMEGpp was 3.9 μμ (range, 1.1-8.7 μM; n = 9), a concentration which greatly exceeded that generated by PMEG ( 3 H]thymidine incorporation. Pretreatment with GS-9219 reduced the UV-induced thymidine incorporation in CLL cells. The combination of GS-9219 (10 μμ) with UV (2 J/m 2 ) induced more Annexin-V staining than the sum of using single agents alone (n = 8, p
Oxidant-Induced Cell Death and Nrf2-Dependent Antioxidative Response Are Controlled by Fra-1/AP-1

AP-1 (Jun/Fos) transcription factors play key roles in various biological processes, including cell death. Here we report a novel role for Fra-1 in oxidant-induced cell death controlled by modulating antioxidant gene expression. Fra-1-deficient (Fra-1(Δ/Δ)) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and primary lung fibroblasts (PLFs) were remarkably resistant to H(2)O(2)- and diquat-induced cell death, compared to their wild-type (Fra-1(+/+)) counterparts. Fra-1 deficiency ablated oxidant-induced mitochondrion-dependent apoptosis. Fra-1(Δ/Δ) cells had elevated basal levels of antioxidant enzymes and intracellular glutathione (GSH), which were further stimulated by oxidants. Loss of Fra-1 led to an increased half-life of transcription factor Nrf2 and increased recruitment of this protein to the promoters of antioxidant genes and increased their expression. Depletion of intracellular GSH or RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of Nqo1, Hmox1, and Nrf2 restored oxidant-induced cell death in Fra-1(Δ/Δ) cells. Thus, Fra-1 appears to increase susceptibility to oxidants and promotes cell death by attenuating Nrf2-driven antioxidant responses.
Loss of awareness in Alzheimer’s disease (AD): Considerations of lack of insight and legal liabilities in the United States

Background: Clinicians and researchers have commonly observed deficits in awareness in patient’s suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The most frequently noted deficits involve a patient’s inability to recognize their own cognitive limitations. This abnormality of awareness in AD is referred to as anosognosia. The presence of anosognosia may have significant implications as a person becomes less aware of how their performance of common daily activities has deteriorated. This lack of awareness not only places the individual and society at risk. The US legal system has addressed these issues in past cases, which have set precedence for determining legal responsibility. Objective(s): In this study the Cole Anosognosia Scale for Alzheimer’s disease (CAS-AD) is used to explore the patients’ insight towards their personal driving skills. Identifying anosognosia patients makes it easier for the clinician to advise caregiver’s, as well as to make them understand the importance of limiting certain patient activities (driving).Methods: The CAS-AD and Driver’s Awareness Scale was used for the study. The CAS-AD measure a patient’s knowledge of their own cognitive deficits and behavioral changes based on generally observed symptoms of AD. The responses are compared to a set of responses reported by their caregiver. The Driver’s Awareness Scale also uses a format that compares the patient’s responses to 10 driving questions to the response of the patient’s caregiver. 48 Mild to Moderate AD patients and their caregivers participated in the study. The subjects were divided into two groups: those with anosognosia and those without. A statistical analysis was performed to determine if there was a significant difference between patients with and without anosognosia in regards to insight towards driving behavior. Conclusions: Significantly less insight towards driving behavior was found in patients with anosognosia compared to those without ( 0.05, t -2.408, p 0.019). The study shows the importance of identifying an AD patient with anosognosia in a clinical setting. Convincing a patient or a caregiver of restricting the patient’s driving (and other behaviors) is potentially easier when the clinician is supported by the results of an objective test and by explaining the potential legal liability associated with the restricted behaviors.
Phonological Competition within the Word: Evidence from the Phoneme Similarity Effect in Spoken Production.

Theories of spoken production have not specifically addressed whether the phonemes of a word compete with each other for selection during phonological encoding (e.g., whether /t/ competes with /k/ in cat). Spoken production theories were evaluated and found to fall into three classes, theories positing (1) no competition, (2) competition among phonemes within the same syllable position, and (3) competition among all phonemes in a word. These predictions were tested by examining the effect of within-word phoneme similarity on oral reading reaction times using mixed-effects regression. Subjects took longer to begin uttering words containing similar phonemes than with dissimilar phonemes. This was true for consonant pairs in the onset, in the onset and coda, and in the onset and suffix. The results are most compatible with theories allowing all phonemes in a word to compete with each other. The possible relationship between these results and cross-linguistic patterns are also discussed.
Discourse Features of African American Students' Writings

Research has confirmed that the communication style' of African Americans depicts an interpersonal (communal, holistic) emphasis (Cooper, 1981; Norment, 1990; Smitherman, 1977). Cooper (1981) observed that African American students tended to use the first person "I" and "we" significantly more than the third person and the expression "I feel" significantly more than "I think" in written compositions they produced. Research on learning and cognitive styles also supports a holistic African American learning style. This research reflects a relational (rather than an analytical) style to be characteristic of African Americans. The relational style is defined as having a preference for a whole-to-parts order2 (rather than a parts-to-whole order) of analysis of information, a perceptual vigilance for person social cues over object cues, and a preference for contextually "rich" over contextually "sterile" abstract learning and problem-solving structures3 (cited in Bell, 1994). Writing, the written production of language, is a complex cultural linguistic process. When writers shape their discourse, they are making choices by applying certain expected sets of rhetorical, linguistical, cultural, and grammatical criteria to their writing. The attitudes a writer has acquired, consciously or unconsciously, about rhetoric, communication, written discourse, and even specific syn-
Use of hot water treatment to control codling moths in harvested California 'Bing' sweet cherries

Preharvest gibberellic acid-treated California ‘Bing’ sweet cherries ( Prunus avium L.) were treated with hot water baths (46–58 ◦ C for 0.25–18 min), followed by hydrocooling. The fruit were then stored to simulate either air shipment or sea shipment to overseas markets, both followed by 15 h of shelf life at 20 ◦ C. In separate experiments, cherries were also infested with codling moth larvae and subjected to similar hot water bath heating. The quality attributes showed different sensitivity to the combinations of temperature and time used for hot water bath treatment. Pitting was more common in fruit treated at lower temperatures for longer times, while stem browning was more common in fruit treated at high temperatures. Berry browning, stem color, and pitting were the quality attributes most affected by heat treatment. Browning of cherry stem color was a crucial factor in determining whether a combination of temperature and time for hot water bath treatment was successful. All cherries stored at 0 ◦ C for 14 days to simulate sea shipment were of unacceptable quality after shelf life. Hot water bath treatments that provided 100% codling moth mortality and maintained overall acceptable fruit quality were very limited and included treatments at 50 ◦ C for 10 min and at 54 ◦ C for 6 min. Delaying the hot water bath treatment after fruit harvest, even if the cherries were kept at 0 ◦ C, resulted in a greater loss in fruit quality compared with those treated on the harvest day. Using hot water baths as a quarantine treatment for codling moths (Cydia pomonella) on sweet cherries may be feasible if fruit are air shipped at 5 ◦ C for 2 days, but not suitable if
Synaptic Changes in Alzheimer's Disease: Increased Amyloid-β and Gliosis in Surviving Terminals Is Accompanied by Decreased PSD-95 Fluorescence

In an effort to examine changes that precede synapse loss, we have measured amyloid-β and a series of damage markers in the synaptic compartment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cases. Because localization of events to the terminal region in neurons is problematic with conventional methods, we prepared synaptosomes from samples of cryopreserved human association cortex, and immunolabeled terminals with a procedure for intracellular antigens. Fluorescence was quantified using flow cytometry. The viability dye calcein AM was unchanged in AD terminals compared to controls, and the fraction of large synaptosome particles did not change, although a striking loss of large terminals was observed in some AD cases. The percent positive fraction for a series of pre- and postsynaptic markers was not affected by AD in this cohort. However, the amyloid-β-positive fraction increased from 16 to 27% (P < 0.02) in terminals from AD cortex. The expression level on a per-terminal basis is indicated in this assay by fluorescence (relative fluorescence units). The fluorescence of presynaptic markers did not change in AD terminals, but PSD-95 fluorescence was decreased by 19% (P < 0.03). Amyloid-β fluorescence was increased by 132% (P < 0.01), and glial fibrillary acidic protein labeling by 31% (P < 0.01). These results suggest that synapse-associated amyloid-β is prominent in regions relatively unaffected by AD lesions, and that amyloid accumulation in surviving terminals is accompanied by gliosis and alteration in the postsynaptic structure.
Joint Optimization of Control Performance and Network Resource Utilization in Homogeneous Power Networks

A framework that jointly optimizes the control and communication networks of network-controlled interactive power electronics networks is described in this paper. The joint optimization framework includes two coupled blocks, one whose focus is to ensure optimal performance of the power network within its stability bounds and the other whose thrust is on optimizing the information flow in a communication network. These two networks have contrasting requirements because, on the one hand, time delays are detrimental to the stability and performance of the control system, while on the other hand, allowing higher time delays leads to efficient utilization of the communication network's resources. The proposed framework leads to an optimal compromise between these two noncooperative networks. Three different implementation approaches for the integrated control-communication framework are investigated, namely, centralized, distributed, and clustered. A case illustration of a homogeneous power network is provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the joint control-communication framework and compare the performance of the three implementation approaches.
Intracellular actions of 5‐hydroxytryptamine on the bivalve myocardium. I. Adenylate and guanylate cyclases

The effects of the neurotransmitters 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) and acetylcholine (ACh) on the adenylate and guanylate cyclase activities in the ventricles of two species of bivalve molluscs, Mercenaria mercenaria and Macrocallista nimbosa, were examined. 5HT increased molluscan adenylate cyclase activity and intracellular cyclic AMP; ACh had no effect. Neither of these agents significantly altered ventricular cyclic GMP. A positive correlation between the excitatory action of 5HT and the simultaneous increase in intracellular cyclic AMP strongly suggests that this nucleotide mediates 5HT excitation. This proposal is further supported by experiments on ventricles of Modiolus demissus granosissimus that are depressed by 5HT and exhibit very low levels of adenyl cyclase activity. However, classical pharmacological evidence is lacking; cyclic AMP, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors have no effect on the mechanical activity of isolated bivalve ventricles.
Genes, Fears, Phobias, and Phobic Disorders

It has become widely accepted that we may be biologically “prepared” to associate fear more easily with some stimuli (e.g., heights) than with other stimuli (e.g., electric outlets). The current literature on the topic of the genetics of fears and phobias is surveyed with an eye toward answering the question “What might be heritable?” For ordinary fears among the general population, heredity appears to contribute mainly to a trait of general fearfulness and may be a major reason for the strong intercorrelation among different fears. Surprisingly, the available evidence suggests little environmental transmission from parent to offspring, although adoption data have yet to be reported on this issue. Although the results of two small twin series are consistent with some genetic influence on clinically significant phobias, it is still not clear what might be genetically transmitted in these disorders. There is a strong possibility that phobic disorders may be genetically heterogeneous.
High-Voltage capacitance measurement system for SiC power MOSFETs

Adequate modeling of a power Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) is dependent on accurate characterization of the inter-electrode capacitances. With the advent of high-voltage silicon carbide (SiC) power MOSFETs, it has become important to develop a measurement system that can perform and record high-voltage capacitance versus voltage measurements on these devices. This paper describes a measurement apparatus that safely and accurately allows high voltage capacitance-voltage (CV) measurements to be performed. The measurements are based on conventional LCR (Inductance (L), Capacitance (C), and Resistance (R)) meter CV techniques but with added circuitry to interface the LCR meter to high voltage bias sources. The effects of the added circuitry are studied theoretically, and the CV measurement accuracy is verified with experimentation. High voltage capacitance voltage measurements are presented for both silicon and SiC power MOSFETs.
Sparse canonical correlation analysis applied to fMRI and genetic data fusion

Fusion of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and genetic information is becoming increasingly important in biomarker discovery. These studies can contain vastly different types of information occupying different measurement spaces and in order to draw significant inferences and make meaningful predictions about genetic influence on brain activity; methodologies need to be developed that can accommodate the acute differences in data structures. One powerful, and occasionally overlooked, method of data fusion is canonical correlation analysis (CCA). Since the data modalities in question potentially contain millions of variables in each measurement, conventional CCA is not suitable for this task. This paper explores applying a sparse CCA algorithm to fMRI and genetic data fusion.
Lower bounds for the stable marriage problem and its variants

An instance of the stable marriage problem of size n involves n men and n women. Each participant ranks all members of the opposite sex in order of preference. A stable marriage is a complete matching M=((m/sub 1/, w/sub i1/), (m/sub 2/, w/sub i2/), . . ., (m/sub n/, w/sub in/)) such that no unmatched man and woman prefer each other to their partners in M. A pair (m/sub i/, w/sub j/) is stable if it is contained in some stable marriage. The problem of determining whether an arbitrary pair is stable in a given problem instance is studied. It is shown that the problem has a lower bound of Omega (n/sup 2/) in the worst case. As corollaries of the results, the lower bound of Omega (n/sup 2/) is established for several related stable marriage problems, including that of finding a stable marriage for any given problem instance. >
The Application of Counter Techniques to Precision Frequency Measurements

Principles of precision frequency measurement by use of electronic counters are discussed and limitations of frequency range extensions by the heterodyne method are outlined. A completely new frequency meter for use up to 42 mc/s is described which has the advantages of direct read-out, simple operation, and an accuracy of ± 1 part in 107 ± 1 c/s. Consideration is given to means of extending the frequency range into the V.H.F. and U.H.F. bands. A typical converter for the range 40 - 150 mc/s is described.
Biological control of the western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) using the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae.

A series of field trials evaluated the efficacy of the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser All strain for control of western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, larvae. Separate trials examined the effects of nematode application rate and timing on corn rootworm control in 1991. In the rate trial, S. carpocapsae (0, 104, 105, 106, and 107 nematodes per 30.5 row-cm) was applied as the insect population entered the second instar. Nematode treatment significantly reduced corn root injury and adult emergence. High application rates (106 and 107 nematodes per 30.5 row-cm) significantly outperformed low rates (104 and 105 nematodes per 30.5 row-cm). Nematode treatment (500,000 S. carpocapsae per 30.5 row-cm) reduced root injury and adult emergence slightly in the timing trial; later applications (second, third instar) were numerically, but not significantly, more effective than early (egg, first instar) ones. In 1992, a factorial trial combined four application dates (egg; first, second, third instar) and five rates (0, 104, 105, 106, 107 S. carpocapsae per 30.5 row-cm). Later applications (second, and particularly, third instar) were significantly more effective than early (egg, first instar) ones. Root injury and adult emergence in control and low rate (104 and 105 nematodes per 30.5 row-cm) plots significantly exceeded that in high rate (106 and 107 nematodes per 30.5 row-cm) plots. Commercially acceptable root protection (root injury ratings below 3.0) was provided by 106 nematodes per 30.5 cm of row applied to third instars, and by 107 nematodes per 30.5 cm of row applied to second and third instars.
Low-Value Trees as Alternative Substrates in Greenhouse Production of Three Annual Species 1

Peat and perlite have served as industry standards in greenhouse substrates for over 50 years. The continued availability of peat, paralleled with its inert characteristics, as well as its ability to stay generally pathogen-free have all contributed to its success in the horticulture industry. Expanded perlite has long been used as an amendment in container mediums to provide air space to container substrates without adding to bulk density or affecting substrate pH and EC. However, due to increased restrictions on the harvesting of peat, as well as fl uctuations in fuel prices necessary for shipping, the future availability of peat is a largely unknown factor in greenhouse production. Additionally, growers consider perlite to be a general nuisance due to the lung and eye irritation problems. Because of these problems, researchers have focused on identifying and evaluating possible alternatives to standard substrates. These studies evaluated three possible substrate alternatives for use in greenhouse production, including fresh sweetgum (SG), hickory (H), and eastern redcedar (RC), in addition to WholeTree (WT) substrate. Three greenhouse annual crops (petunia, impatiens, and vinca) were planted in varying ratios of these species mixed with peat. Plants grown with SG and H as amendments did not perform as well as a traditional peat:perlite mix with respect to fl ower number, growth indices, and plant dry weight. However, plants grown in RC tended to be equivalent to those grown in a traditional mix. Data showed that greenhouse producers could amend their standard greenhouse substrate with up to 50% eastern redcedar with little to no differences in plant growth.
Diffusion of Gases and Liquids in Glassy and Semi-Crystalline Polymers

The diffusion of small molecules in polymers above the glass transition temperature appears to be dominated by those factors which affect the Rouse segment mobility, e.g. the diffusion coefficient is strongly concentration dependent in accord with predictions of free-volume theories. The major complication arises due to dispersed homogeneities such as crystallinity. The effect of such inhomogeneities are not well described by simple two phase models. We shall review previous attempts to deal with crystallinity in rubbery polymers. While rubbery polymers respond rapidly to changes in their condition this is not the case with glassy polymers. Diffusion in such polymers is often dominated by finite rate relaxation effects which produce a whole range of anomolous behavior. We will discuss some recent attempts to describe the coupling of mass transport with relaxation behavior whose origin can be mechanical or structural.
Molecular form and subclass of serum IgA in patients with IgA nephropathy

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is considered to be the most common primary glomerulonephritis throughout the world. Elucidation of the origin of the IgA deposited in the glomerular mesangia may help determine whether IgAN is a disease of the secretory or the systemic IgA system. It is now generally accepted that the IgA found deposited in the glomeruli is almost exclusively of the IgA1 subclass [1], as is the IgA within circulating immune complexes in the sera of some IgAN patients [2]. However, the data in regard to the molecular form of IgA are not so absolute. The objective of this research was therefore to determine which form of IgA is elevated in the serum of IgAN patients, and to examine the relationship of molecular form with the state of the disease.
Stratification of recovery from concussion using an objective multi-factorial approach to neurocognitive and motor performance assessment

Objective To characterise neurologic impairment and recovery associated with concussion in youths and young adults using the Cleveland Clinic Concussion application (C3 app). Design Retrospective observational study Setting Concussion clinic at an academic medical centre Participants 181 student-athletes aged 14–20 diagnosed with concussion by a Cleveland Clinic physician were included. Intervention C3 data were collected pre-season and at least once post-injury. At least one clinical examination by a physician was obtained to characterise clinical impairments. Individuals were stratified into two groups based on recovery time: typical Outcome measures The following modules of the C3 app were administered across groups: 1) Graded symptom checklist (GSC); 2) Standardised Assessment of Concussion (SAC); 3) Trail Making Test; 4) Simple and Choice Reaction Time; 5) Processing Speed Test; 6) Biomechanical quantification of balance during the BESS. Main results At baseline, both groups performed similarly on all modules. However, significant differences were evident at 21 days post-injury in the protracted recovery group with worse performance in: simple and choice reaction time (p Conclusions An approach that utilises objective and quantitative measures to characterise multiple aspects of neurocognitive and motor function are more sensitive than traditional measures of concussion assessment. These new outcomes provide value in the stratification of patients and their potential time to recovery. Competing interests JLA and SML have authored intellectual property associated with the mobile application presented in this study. The remaining authors declare no competing interest. None.
Self consistent models of deformed neutron stars in the framework of general relativity

Generally, over the last 75 years, since the publication of the well known papers from from R. C. Tolman (Tolman 1939) and J. R. Oppenheimer and G. M. Volkoff (Oppenheimer and Volkoff 1939), standard models of non-rotating neutron stars are modeled with the assumption that they are perfect spheres. This assumption of perfect spherical symmetry is not correct if the matter inside of neutron stars is described by a non-isotropic equation of state (EoS). Particular classes of neutron stars such as Magnetars and neutron stars that contain color superconducting quark matter cores are expected to be deformed making them oblong spheroids. In this paper, we examine the deformity of these non-spherical neutron stars by deriving the stellar structure equations in the framework of general relativity. Using a non-isotropic model for the equation of state, these stellar structure equations are solved numerically in two dimensions. We then calculate stellar properties such as masses and radii along with pressure and energy-density profiles and investigate any changes from conventional spherical models.
Influence of Pruning at Transplant Time on Growth and Establishment of Liquidambar styraciflua L., Sweet Gum

Pruning of container-grown sweet gum trees by heading 20, 30, and 50% of the top at transplant time produced no significant positive influence on growth and establishment when compared to nonpruned trees. Total growth of plants pruned 30 and 50% was restricted. Heading impaired the natural excurrent (conical) form of sweet gum. However the lost leader of some trees was replaced by a clearly dominant, upright lateral branch. Results of fall and spring transplanting were similar. Supplemental irrigation during prolonged dry periods produced significantly larger, more desirable landscape trees.
Modular multi-organ-on-chips platform with physicochemical sensor integration

Organs-on-chips systems are microfluidic three-dimensional miniature human organoid models designed to reproduce the key biological and physiological parameters of their in vivo counterparts. They have recently emerged as a viable platform for personalized medicine and drug screening. While a wide variety of human organ-on-a-chip models have been created, there are limited reports on the inclusion of sensors, which are critical in continually measuring the microenvironmental parameters and the dynamic responses of the organoids to pharmaceutical compounds over extended periods of time. In addition, automated capability is strongly desired for long-term monitoring. Here, we report the development of a fully integrated multi-organ-on-chips platform in conjunction with modular physical, biochemical, and optical sensing units, which together is operated in a continuous and automated manner [1]. We believe that, this novel platform technology has opened a new avenue for integrating biomimetic organoids with the potential to achieve large-scale automation in drug screening processes.
Early Stable Sinus Rhythm Associated With Greater Success 5 Years After Surgical Ablation.

Background An important challenge in surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is the scarcity of publications on credible predictors of long-term success in procedures performed with ablation tools that produce consistently reliable transmural lesions. We examined factors associated with 1-year success and no atrial arrhythmia (AA) recurrence during 1 to 5 years after surgical ablation for AF. Methods The study prospectively monitored 743 surgical ablation patients with complete rhythm follow-up at 12 months after the operation. No detected AA was defined as no known recurrence of AA, no cardioversions, and no catheter ablations at all available follow-up assessments. Results Patients were a mean age of 64.7 years, and 32% were women. Patients with no detected AA during the first year after surgical ablation were more likely to maintain sinus rhythm without recurrence during 1 to 5 years (74% vs 28%, p p p p = 0.043), whereas older age (OR, 1.03; p p = 0.043) were associated with greater risk for AA recurrence. Conclusions Most patients with no detected AA throughout the first 12 months after surgical ablation continued to be recurrence free for 5 years. Younger age, shorter preoperative AF duration, and greater surgeon experience may be associated with more persistent surgical correction of AF.
The Relationship Between Age and Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients Undergoing Pancreatic Resection

Severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) predicts adverse outcomes in patients undergoing pancreatectomy, but the impact of milder CKD is unknown. Additionally, some authors have suggested that, due to physiologic changes of aging, CKD is over-diagnosed in patients above age 65. Patients undergoing pancreatectomy for malignancy from 2005 to 2014 were identified from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and major complication, defined as myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, stroke, venous thromboembolism, respiratory failure, deep surgical site infection, pneumonia, acute kidney injury, coma > 24 h, or re-operation occurring within 30 days of surgery. The mean age of 16,173 participants was 66 (range 18–90). Median preoperative creatinine was 0.80 mg/dL (0.10–11.0), and median preoperative eGFR was 86.36 mL/min/1.73m2 (2.98–182.2). Mortality and major complication occurred in 3 and 23% of patients, respectively. In adjusted analyses, CKD stages 2 (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–1.40), 3a (aOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.24–1.82), 3b (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.19–2.06), and 4 (aOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.25–3.76) were associated with increased major complication, and CKD stage 4 was associated with increased mortality (aOR 2.68, 95% CI 1.10–6.56). Age did not influence the relationship between CKD and either outcome. CKD of any stage was associated with an increased risk of postoperative major complication, and severe CKD was associated with increased mortality among patients undergoing pancreatectomy for malignancy. These associations were not diminished in elderly patients. Our findings could inform preoperative counseling and decision-making.
Estrogen receptors in breast tumors of african american patients.

It is now fairly well recognized that African American women (AAW) develop aggressive breast tumors and experience highermortality rate thanwomen in other population [1–10]. The highermortality rate inAApopulation has been assumed to be due to, in part, late stage of disease at diagnosis, low socioeconomic status, and limited access to medical facilities and services [11–20]. When the above factors were controlled the high mortality rate appears to be due to differences in tumor biology observed in AAW [21]. Several studies have established that breast tumors in AAW are poorly differentiated with increased frequency of nuclear atypia, higher mitotic activity, higher S-phase fraction, and tumor necrosis [22–27]. Another characteristic of breast tumors in AAW is the frequency of expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR); the presence of these indicate a good prognosis and response to anti-estrogen and other therapies. Several reports have shown that the presence of ER and PR in AA patient tumors is lower compared to breast cancer patients in other populations. Reports show that less than 50% of patients are positive for ER whereas in other population, more than 65% are positive for ER after adjusting for menopausal state and age [28–32]. The ER positivity in tumors was traditionally determined based on immunohistochemical assessment of the presence of the major ER protein, ERalpha (ER ), using monoclonal antibodies. However, it is now well established that breast tumor samples express a number of splice variants of ER in addition to wild-type ER and the second structurally and functionally related but genetically distinct receptor, ER , and a number of its splice variants. Because estrogen signaling through ERs is known to drive the progression of majority of breast tumors, we thought that the qualitative and quantitative differences in the molecular composition of ER isoforms in AAW could, in part, account for the aggressive tumor biology and lower overall survival observed in this
Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) and the Conflict in Peru

In this chapter, Mealy and Austad detail the origins and evolution of the ethnocultural conflict in Peru which continues today. Identification of the involved groups is traced to the caste system formed following Spanish conquest that is based on quantity of European versus indigenous heritage. Values unique to the indigenous culture are discussed as they were manipulated by both sides of the conflict and eventually played a role in uprising against the guerilla movements. Recognition of the current volatility in Peru provides an impetus for the solutions offered. Exploration of escalating conflict emphasizes the role of revolutionary movements which focused on class distinction rather than ethnicity while duplicating prejudice against those with darker skin who were seen as in need of protection. The authors describe the wide use of propaganda to attract both the educated and peasant groups of mixed and indigenous lineage to the movement, as well as forced recruitment of children by both sides of the conflict. Existent values of the Quechua indigenous culture are examined as they explain the shift in perception of the guerilla movement from savior to oppressor. The ensuing conflicts and eventual support of the state military are given credit for many victories. New leadership in Peru with a focus on counterterrorism is recognized as reducing conflict further; however, mention of two remaining revolutionary groups acknowledge continuing tension. Mealy and Austad recount the consequences of conflict for the indigenous people, particularly women and children, which remain largely unaddressed. Formation of a commission to resolve both the causes and effects of war is viewed as a positive step; however, the authors note a lack of execution on the part of the state. Through examining indigenous values of reconciliation and justice, the authors reveal a promising avenue for restoring peace. Lessons learned from the conflicts in Peru are discussed and specific suggestions for changes at the government level are offered.
The effect of fungicides on soybean in Iowa applied alone or in combination with insecticides at two application growth stages on disease severity and yield

vi CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION AND LITERATURE REVIEW 1 THESIS ORGANIZATION 1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1 LITERATURE REVIEW 4 LITERATURE CITED 11 CHAPTER 2. EFFECTS OF FOLIAR FUNGICIDES ON SEPTORIA BROWN SPOT AND SOYBEAN YIELD 18 ABSTRACT 18 INTRODUCTION 19 MATERIALS AND METHODS 21 RESULTS 26 DISCUSSION 33 LITERATURE CITED 37 FIGURES AND TABLES 4740 CHAPTER 3. CONTROL OF LATE-SEASON ANTHRACNOSE STEM BLIGHT: IS IT NECESSARY IN IOWA? 76 18 INTRODUCTION 19 MATERIALS AND METHODS 21 RESULTS 26 DISCUSSION 33 LITERATURE CITED 37 FIGURES AND TABLES 4740 CHAPTER 3. CONTROL OF LATE-SEASON ANTHRACNOSE STEM BLIGHT: IS IT NECESSARY IN IOWA? 76 ABSTRACT 76 INTRODUCTION 77 MATERIALS AND METHODS 78 RESULTS 80 DISCUSSION 82 TABLES. 87 CHAPTER 4. COMPARISON OF ON-FARM AND SMALL PLOT FUNGICIDE RESEARCH IN IOWA 96 76 INTRODUCTION 77 MATERIALS AND METHODS 78 RESULTS 80 DISCUSSION 82 TABLES. 87 CHAPTER 4. COMPARISON OF ON-FARM AND SMALL PLOT FUNGICIDE RESEARCH IN IOWA 96 ABSTRACT 96 INTRODUCTION 97 MATERIALS AND METHODS 100 RESULTS 101 96 INTRODUCTION 97 MATERIALS AND METHODS 100 RESULTS 101
How Have Scientists Explained the Amino Acid Chirality

In this chapter several of the models that purport to ­describe how amino acids are produced are discussed. Specifically, the means by which circularly polarized light could create chiral amino acids, both on Earth and in outer space, are detailed. Next, several models that rely on the weak interaction to select chirality are described. And, finally, the possibility that chiral selection might have occurred on solid surfaces is mentioned. In each case, the experimental documentation for the hypothetical model is presented. The chapter then discusses amplification mechanisms, notably, autocatalysis, which could operate either in outer space or on Earth. Finally, experiments that have demonstrated amplification toward homochirality are discussed.
ESTIMATING THE IMPACT OF MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL GAMES ON LOCAL AIR POLLUTION

Professional sporting events attract millions of fans to urban areas each year as they cheer on their favorite teams. While benefits, such as increased tax revenues and economic development, are often cited as reasons to host a professional sports franchise, the public and private costs receive much less attention. This paper uses air quality readings from the Environmental Protection Agency and Major League Baseball schedules to estimate the impact of Major League Baseball games on local air pollution. The results suggest that attendance at a Major League Baseball game has a statistically significant but negligible impact on local air pollution. (JEL Q53, R11)
Assessment of Post-Earthquake Fire Behavior of a Steel MRF Building in a Low Seismic Region

Building-level response to post-earthquake fire hazards in steel buildings has been assessed using primarily two-dimensional analyses of the lateral force resisting system. This approach may not adequately consider potential vulnerabilities in the gravity framing system. For this reason, three-dimensional (3D) finite element models of a 10-story case study building with perimeter moment resisting frames were developed to analyze post-earthquake fire events and better understand building response. Earthquakes are simulated using ground motion time histories, while Eurocode parametric time–temperature curves are used to represent compartment fires. Incremental dynamic analysis and incremental fire analysis procedures capture a range of hazard intensities. Findings show that the structural response due to earthquake and fire hazards are somewhat decoupled from one another. Regardless of the level of plastic hinging present in the moment framing system due to a seismic event, gravity column failure is the initiating failure mode in a fire event.
A state of stochastic cancer stemness through the CDK1-SOX2 axis

The concept of cancer stemness has undergone a paradigm shift during the last decade where there is wider acceptance of the idea that stemness in cancer is a more dynamic and plastic phenomenon than previously thought. However, we have yet to understand the mechanisms on how this stochastic plasticity arises and is maintained. Recently, we have shown that CDK1 plays a critical role in stochastic stemness and tumor initiation potential through regulating SOX2 phosphorylation in multiple cancer types. The phosphorylation of SOX2 affects its nuclear localization, thereby determining the transcriptional fate of its downstream targets. We have also validated the significance of these findings using clinical samples by demonstrating that CDK1high tumor samples displayed upregulation of MYC target genes, which were reported to overlap with SOX2 targets. In the current article, we further discuss the possibility of a closed, feed-forward loop between SOX2 and CDK1 through a long non-coding RNA, CCAT1, which would explain the sustained activation of this loop. Despite the extensive investigation of the cancer stemness as a cause of drug resistance, its role in immune evasion still requires further understanding, and hence, in this article, we further discuss the possibility of this CDK1-SOX2 axis contributing to immune resistance through modulating cell-to-cell interaction directly or indirectly in the tumor microenvironment.
Optogenetic analysis of neuromuscular transmission in the colon of ChAT-ChR2-YFP BAC transgenic mice.

Electrical stimulation of interganglionic connectives has been used widely to study synaptic transmission in the enteric nervous system. However, electrical stimulation will activate many types of ...
The Global Impact of the U.S.-China Trade War: Firm-Level Evidence

This paper documents the impact of the U.S-China trade war on firms worldwide and disentangles the transmission channels involved. Based on a quarterly and up-to-date panel of thousands of listed firms in 40 countries, I establish that firms with export exposure to China have had a decline in revenue, profits and capital stocks since the trade war began, while export exposure to the U.S. has been beneficial. Export exposure to China has been particularly damaging to producers of intermediates and capital goods, signaling a slowdown in Chinese demand for goods that form part of supply chains or that are more sensitive to the business cycle and to policy uncertainty. There are signs that firms across the world have been able to substitute Chinese exports to the U.S. in industries targeted by U.S. tariffs but no signs that they have benefited from Chinese tariffs. These impacts have been highly heterogeneous across geographic regions as well as across firms of different sizes.
Does the Reflux Symptom Index Predict Increased Pharyngeal Events on HEMII-pH Testing and Correlate with General Quality of Life?

Summary Objectives To determine the ability of the reflux symptom index (RSI) to predict objective impedance and pH-probe testing, and to examine the relationship between disease-specific and general health status in patients diagnosed with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Methods Adults presenting to a tertiary care academic center with a primary voice complaint completed the RSI and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 10-item global health instrument (PROMIS). An RSI score ≥13 was considered abnormal. Objective testing for LPR was performed using hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance catheter with dual pH (HEMII-pH) testing; a positive test was defined as more than one pharyngeal impedance events over 24 hours. Spearman rho analyses were applied, and the sensitivity and specificity of the RSI to detect HEMII-pH findings were determined. Results One hundred four patients underwent HEMII-pH testing. Mean scores were 16.7 (95%CI 15.1–18.3) for RSI. Sixty-three (60.6%) patients were diagnosed with LPR by HEMII-pH testing. RSI scores were moderately correlated with PROMIS physical (Spearman rho 0.43, P Conclusions There is moderate sensitivity and lack of specificity of the RSI for detecting increased pharyngeal reflux events. Reflux-specific and general health status instruments are correlated. Further investigation could assess the diagnostic ability of RSI compared proximal reflux events on HEMII-pH, as well as whether health status instruments can be used to detect clinically meaningful change in the LPR population.