cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can Procalcitonin Improve Antibiotic Stewardship for Late-Onset Sepsis Evaluations in Neonates?

Background Procalcitonin (PCT) use is not widespread in the neonatal population during late-onset sepsis evaluations. Minimal data exist on appropriate PCT cutoff levels to treat with antibiotics for neonatal sepsis. New guidelines were implemented in select central Texas neonatal intensive care units for late-onset sepsis (infants older than 72 hours) with recommended PCT cutoff levels for antibiotic administration. Purpose To evaluate antibiotic usage in a local neonatal population following late-onset sepsis workups pre-/postimplementation of a PCT guideline. Methods A retrospective pre-/post-quality improvement project using chart review data was performed over 11 months in 2018. Inclusion criteria were infants older than 72 hours of life having a late-onset sepsis workup. The outcome measure is appropriate antibiotic administration, based on laboratory test results or cultures, for infants pre-/post-PCT guidelines. Results The χ test indicated that the proportion of infants receiving appropriate antibiotics pre-/postinitiation of PCT guidelines did not significantly differ. There is, however, clinical significance with an improvement in the proportion of appropriate antibiotic administration and a decrease in variability. Implications for practice Using PCT may help the practitioner identify sepsis earlier and more effectively, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality among neonates while improving antibiotic stewardship. Implications for research The small sample size in this study and the limited number of neonatal intensive care units limit any inferences. Future research should evaluate the use of PCT in a larger sample across multiple settings.
Untangling the Gordian Knot of Vitamin D Supplementation and Type 2 Diabetes Prevention

Approximately one-third of the adult U.S. population has prediabetes, ∼5–10% of whom will progress to diabetes per year (1,2). Intensive lifestyle changes delay progression to diabetes; however, sustaining lifestyle changes long term is challenging and often insufficient to prevent development of diabetes (3). Simple, inexpensive, and sustainable approaches to complement lifestyle changes are therefore needed to lower diabetes risk in people with prediabetes. Over the last decade, vitamin D has emerged as a potential modifier of the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and vitamin D supplementation has been hypothesized as a promising intervention to lower diabetes risk (4). Observational studies report consistent associations between higher blood 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration and lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes in diverse cohorts (5). Mechanistic studies provide a strong biological basis for an important role of vitamin D in improving pancreatic β-cell function, but there is less evidence on its effects on insulin resistance (6). Until recently, evidence from trials examining the effect of vitamin D supplementation for diabetes prevention was lacking. In 2019, the U.S.-based Vitamin D and Type 2 Diabetes (D2d) study reported that participants with prediabetes assigned to vitamin D supplementation had a 12% decrease in risk of developing diabetes compared with placebo, but the change was not statistically significant (hazard ratio [HR] 0.88 [95% CI 0.75–1.04) (7). The effect size in D2d was nearly identical to those reported by two similar but smaller trials (Tromso \[Norway], HR 0.90 [95% CI 0.69–1.18], and Diabetes Prevention with active Vitamin D [DPVD\] \[Japan\], HR 0.87 [95% CI 0.68–1.09]) (8,9). Prior meta-analyses did not include these recent trials; thus, the field is ripe for updated meta-analyses. In the current issue of Diabetes Care , two meta-analyses on this topic are published (10,11) . Pramono …
Examining the Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance of the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children in a Diverse Sample of Trauma-Exposed Adolescents:

The Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC) is a widely used youth assessment of broad, transdiagnostic symptomatology following trauma. However, its factor structure has not been thoroughly tested in diverse samples. Youth (N = 738) exposed to interpersonal violence, including physical and sexual abuse, completed the TSCC. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test one-, six-, and eight-factor models of the TSCC clinical scales, based on previous literature and the TSCC manual. We examined measurement invariance across boys and girls and Black and non-Black participants, as well as convergent and discriminant validity. An eight-factor structure, consisting of posttraumatic stress, anxiety, depression, anger, overt dissociation, fantasy dissociation, sexual preoccupation, and sexual distress, demonstrated the best fit, with two items removed. Invariance tests supported configural and metric (but not scalar) invariance. This research highlights the need for further testing before differences between gender and racial groups can be accurately compared.
Current Concepts of Periapical Surgery: 2020 Update.

Although conventional endodontic procedures are very successful, failure of the initial treatment can occur. Consideration for surgical treatment versus endodontic retreatment needs to be part of the decision along with thoughts of extraction with implant replacement. Apical surgery can preserve many teeth that remain symptomatic after conventional endodontic treatment especially because endodontic failure can occur after 1 year, usually after a definitive restoration is placed. This article reviews current indications for periapical surgery and discusses factors that can predict successful outcomes.
V-Y Flap for Nasal Reconstruction

The nasal tip is a complex zone for reconstruction. Numerous flap reconstructions have been proposed. In addition to the technique presented here, only the Gillies-Millard bishop's miter flap and the paramedian forehead flap should be considered. The bilobed flap should be discontinued. The double-opposing V-Y flap for nasal tip reconstruction described here is an excellent method for reconstruction of limited defects of the nasal tip. These are mirror-image cutaneous flaps which require careful, skillful technique to preserve the delicate nerves and vessels. This challenging technique should only be attempted by qualified surgeons. Triangular cutaneous flaps are marked on either side of the defect, oriented transversely. The flaps are elevated and advanced with careful, gentle dissection. Ligamentous structures are cut while preserving the neurovascular supply. No cautery is used. The procedure is performed in an operating room with local anesthesia and with the patient under IV sedation. A patient who underwent this reconstruction is shown preoperatively, early postoperatively, and late postoperatively. The results demonstrate no tip distortion with imperceptible scars. The steps to undertake this procedure are outlined in detail. Rules for nasal tip reconstruction are proposed.
Baseball and the News

A debate over “the overgenerous publicity given baseball by the newspapers” and the call for curtailing coverage of the sport was part of an early twentieth-century campaign against the “free publi...
A view on radar and communication systems coexistence and dual functionality in the era of spectrum sensing

Abstract In this paper, we discuss the state of radio frequency (RF) coexistence and how it benefits from dynamic spectrum sensing. We categorize coexistence of radar and communications in terms of their cooperation and non-cooperation in using the spectrum as well as their roles as primary, secondary, and dual users of the frequency bands. We describe the ways the radar can alter its parameters in response to the sensed spectrum through the completion of the cognitive perception-action cycle. The paper takes a broad view of the field and puts in context coordination of the two RF services through co-design, dual function, signal as well as system of opportunities. We present possible future research directions which will enable further innovations and progress in spectrum sharing and RF interference avoidance and mitigation.
Design and Impact of a Novel Otolaryngology Virtual Sub-Internship in the Time of COVID-19

Objective: To discuss the design and impact of a novel otolaryngology virtual sub-internship created as a substitute for the visiting electives that were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A two-week virtual elective was designed and registered with the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) program. The virtual elective consisted of two blocks held during the first two weeks of August and again during the first two weeks of September. A total of 12 medical students enrolled, 5 in August and 7 in September. Surveys were distributed at the beginning and end of the rotation to obtain feedback and assess impact. Results: Over the course of the rotation students participated in a total of approximately 60–70 hours of virtual interactive sessions including clinical and surgical lectures, resident Q&A panels, hospital and home virtual tours, alumni information sessions, faculty “Meet & Greets” and structural/organizational program overviews. Each visiting student delivered an end-of-rotation presentation to the department on a clinical topic or research interest of their choice. Post-rotation survey data suggests the virtual rotation was an important and meaningful opportunity for visiting students to better understand the program structure and culture. Students reported that the rotation was influential in the creation of their rank lists and should continue to be offered even after in-person sub-internships resume. Conclusion: Although there is no substitute for an in-person visiting sub-internship, a well-designed virtual elective can be an interactive, worthwhile and impactful alternative during these challenging times.
TIMES GO BY AT TAMBO COLORADO

Without a notion of time there would be no history. However; time is an elusive concept; time is not immediately observable. In the absence of written or pictorial sources that either describe or represent past events, historians and archaeologists alike are reduced to the observation or detection of what they construe to be the signs, traces, or residues of past events. The present article looks at a range of traces or residues at the Inca site of Tambo Colorado and their interpretation as events, and explores ways in which a coherent story about the construction and occupation of the site could possibly be written.
Time of Semester as a Factor in Participants’ Obedience to Instructions to Perform an Aversive Task

Students repeatedly chose between brief reinforcement (cartoon viewing) followed by a long time-out and extended reinforcement followed by a brief time-out. They infrequently chose the former schedule, which they rated as “unpleasant.” Then they were instructed to choose only this subjectively aversive schedule. When participants were informed that leaving would not interfere with the research and that most participants had left, the proportion of participants who withdrew rose across weeks of the semester, with later sign-ups quitting at more than twice the rate of early sign-ups. When normative information was omitted, the withdrawal rate was negligible. The timeof-semester trend for withdrawals broadens previous findings showing performance deficiencies on repetitive, aversive tasks in participants who sign
Action Research in Education

(1954). Action Research in Education. The Journal of Educational Research: Vol. 47, No. 5, pp. 375-380.
Nearest q -flat to m points

Recently, Bradley and Mangasarian studied the problem of finding the nearest plane to m given points in ℝn in the least square sense. They showed that the problem reduces to finding the least eigenvalue and associated eigenvector of a certain n×n symmetric positive-semidefinite matrix. We extend this result to the general problem of finding the nearest q-flat to m points, with 0≤q≤n−1.
It takes two… but why? Blame an ancient hook-up

Sex seems to be everywhere people look--on billboards, TV and in every corner of the Internet. It is pervasive in nature too. Almost all animals, plants and fungi partake in it. Despite this, sex has mystified biologists from the time of Darwin to the present day. Sex is a puzzle because it makes far more sense to produce clones. An asexual organism can produce many more offspring than a sexual one, which must find a partner and only passes on half of its DNA. This twofold cost of sex means that, in theory, asexuals should quickly replace sexuals in a population. Here, Havird wades into this contentious area
X-ray characterization of graphite intercalation compounds

Abstract The understanding of electronic and lattice properties of graphite intercalation compounds depends critically on the model describing the structural properties. We report here results showing that well-staged as-grown samples do not exhibit the expected in-plane intercalant density, and that careful analysis of the 00l x-ray diffractograms reveals important information on the in-plane occupation probability.
Abstract 392: The role of post surgical inflammation in tumor progression in breast cancer

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Introduction The process of chronic inflammation inducing malignant transformation is well known and recognized in several disease states, including ulcerative colitis (colorectal carcinoma), chronic wounds (squamous cell carcinoma), and hepatitis B infection (hepatocellular carcinoma) as common examples. Recent evidence suggests that this process may be relevant in other tumor types and may be influenced by inflammation arising secondary to interventional procedures. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential role of inflammatory mediators resulting from the post-surgical healing process on tumor proliferation and progression to metastasis in breast cancer. Methods We used MMTV-PyV MT female mice (transgenic mice expressing the middle T antigen of the polyomavirus under the control of the MMTV promoter/enhancer) as a mouse model of human epidermal breast cancer. Mice underwent a surgical punch biopsy (2 mm) in the center of the tumor, or underwent the same procedure (transient anesthesia) without biopsy. Mice were paired according to the tumor size at the time of biopsy. Mice were then euthanized 8 days after biopsy, and lungs were harvested and histologically examined for the presence of micrometastases. To further evaluate the effect of inflammation in the development of metastases, a separate subset of mice were treated with ibuprofen versus vehicle (placebo control) for three days after biopsy. Results No substantial difference in the primary tumor growth was observed after biopsy between the various groups. However, a greater number of metastases were found in the lungs of mice that underwent biopsy relative to the number in mice that did not receive biopsy. The number of metastases was reduced in the set of mice receiving ibuprofen treatment following the biopsy procedure (9.3 vs. 25 p<0.05). Conclusion Our study provides evidence to suggest that inflammatory mediators arising secondary to the healing process may stimulate tumor proliferation and metastasis. These findings may hold significance for the timing of breast cancer treatment following diagnostic needle biopsy, as well as for the potential impact of excisional biopsy on the outcome of patients with breast cancer. Further research into the mechanisms of this interaction may help to increase our understanding of breast cancer biology and may yield new strategies (e.g. anti-inflammatory medication) to optimize treatment and outcome. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 392. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-392
Temporal and spatial variability in stable isotope compositions of a freshwater mussel: implications for biomonitoring and ecological studies

Stable isotopes can be used to elucidate ecological relationships in community and trophic studies. Findings are calibrated against baselines, e.g. from a producer or primary consumer, assumed to act as a reference to the isotopic context created by spatio-temporal attributes such as geography, climate, nutrient, and energy sources. The ability of an organism to accurately represent a community base depends on how, and over what time-scale, it assimilates ambient materials. Freshwater mussels have served as references for trophic studies of freshwater communities and as indicators of change in nutrient pollution load or source. Their suitability as reference animals has not yet been fully explored, however. We conducted a series of studies examining the suitability of freshwater mussels as isotopic baselines, using their ability to reflect variation in ambient nutrient loads as a case scenario. (1) We analyzed bivalve foot tissue δ15N and δ13C from 22 stream reaches in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, USA to show that compositions varied substantially among locations. Site mean bivalve δ13C values correlated with site ambient particulate organic matter (POM) δ13C values, and site mean bivalve δ15N values correlated with site ambient water dissolved δ15N-NO3 values. (2) Similarity of results among sample types demonstrated that the minimally invasive hemolymph sample is a suitable substitute for foot tissue in δ15N analyses, and that small sample sizes generate means representative of a larger population. Both findings can help minimize the impact of sampling on imperiled freshwater mussel populations. (3) In a bivalve transplantation study we showed that hemolymph δ15N compositions responded to a shift in ambient dissolved δ15N-NO3, although slowly. The tissue turnover time for bivalve hemolymph was 113 days. We conclude that bivalves serve best as biomonitors of chronic, rather than acute, fluctuations in stream nutrient loads, and provide initial evidence of their suitability as time-integrated isotopic baselines for community studies.
Function of lateral cilia in suspension feeding of lophophorates (Brachiopoda, Phoronida, Ectoprocta)

Suspension feeding by the brachiopod Laqueus californianus (Koch), the phoronid Phoronis vancouverensis Pixell, the ectoprocts Bugula sp., Membranipora villosa Hincks, and Schizoporella unicornis (Johnston), and actinotrocha and cyphonautes larvae was observed. Lophophorates retain particles on the upstream side of the band of lateral cilia, even after particles have moved lateral to the frontal surface. This suggests that these animals utilize an induced local reversal of beat of the lateral cilia for concentration and capture of suspended food particles. Retention of particles can cease while the current past the tentacles continues. Movement of particles down the frontal surface of the tentacles of L. californianus and the ectoproct species confirms previous observations that mucus strands are not used in particle capture. Possible functions of latero-frontal cilia or bristles are considered. Distribution of the feeding mechanism among phyla, clearance rates, and the lack of fusion of tentacles in brachiopods are discussed. The impingement mechanism previously suggested for lophophorates cannot account for the movements of particles observed here.
High resolution low energy electron diffraction characterization of reconstructed Au(001) surfaces

The reconstruction of Au(001) surfaces was characterized by using high resolution low energy electron diffraction through an accurate measurement of the Bragg positions of the diffraction beams. The reconstruction hexagonal overlayer was determined to have in-plane contractions of ∼ 3.6% and ∼ 19% along two orthogonal directions of the square lattice of the underlayer. These contractions result in a (28 × 5) superlattice. The step density and direction were estimated from the angular profiles of integer order beams. This finite terrace width and step direction select the preferred growth of one of the orientational reconstruction domains. From the measurement of angular profiles and relative intensities of superlattice beams, the alignment of the 28-fold reconstruction direction with the step edges was deduced.
COLOR DOPPLER ULTRASOUND ASSESSMENT OF URETHRAL ARTERY LOCATION: POTENTIAL IMPLICATION FOR TECHNIQUE OF VISUAL INTERNAL URETHROTOMY

AbstractPurpose: We assessed the location of urethral arteries in patients with urethral stricture using color Doppler ultrasound.Materials and Methods: We performed 41 color ultrasound studies of the urethra in 33 patients 17 to 76 years old. The linear array transducer was placed on the ventral surface of the penis and perineum to image the urethra and periurethral structures. In addition of evaluating the extent of stricture disease, color Doppler ultrasound determined the location of the urethral arteries at the segment with stricture.Results: The number and site of the urethral arteries vary among individuals. Contrary to the common belief that these arteries are located at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions, we have found that in the bulbous urethra the arteries are at the 1 to 2 o'clock positions in 14% of cases, 3 to 4 in 22%, 5 to 6 in 17%, 7 to 8 in 18%, 9 to 10 in 18% and 11 to 12 in 11%. The arteries may be close to the surface of the urethral lumen, especially in patients who have undergone previo...
An Improved Model for the Turbulent PBL

Second order turbulence models of the Mellor and Yamada type have been widely used to simulate the PBL. It is however known that these models have several deficiencies. For example, they all predict a critical Richardson number which is about four times smaller than the Large Eddy Simulation (LES) data, they are unable to match the surface data, and they predict a boundary layer height lower than expected. In the present model, we show that these difficulties are all overcome by a single new physical input: the use of the most complete expression for both the pressure-velocity and the pressure-temperature correlations presently available. Each of the new terms represents a physical process that, was not accounted for by previous models. The new model is presented in three different levels according to Mellor and Yamada's terminology, with new, ready-to-use expressions for the turbulent, moments. We show that the new model reproduces several experimental and LES data better than previous models. As far as the PBL is concerned, we show that the model reproduces both the Kansas data as analyzed by Businger et al. in the context of Monin-Obukhov similarity theory for smaller Richardson numbers, as well as the LES and laboratory data up to Richardson numbers of order unity. We also show that the model yields a higher PBL height than the previous models.
A unique mouse strain expressing Cre recombinase for tissue-specific analysis of gene function in palate and kidney development.

Mammalian palate development is a multistep process, involving initial bilateral downward outgrowth of the palatal shelves from the oral side of the maxillary processes, followed by stage-specific palatal shelf elevation to the horizontal position above the developing tongue and subsequent fusion of the bilateral palatal shelves at the midline to form the intact roof of the oral cavity. While mutations in many genes have been associated with cleft palate pathogenesis, the molecular mechanisms regulating palatal shelf growth, patterning, and elevation are not well understood. Genetic studies of the molecular mechanisms controlling palate development in mutant mouse models are often complicated by early embryonic lethality or gross craniofacial malformation. We report here the development of a mouse strain for tissue-specific analysis of gene function in palate development. We inserted an IresCre bicistronic expression cassette into the 3′ untranslated region of the mouse Osr2 gene through gene targeting. We show, upon crossing to the R26R reporter mice, that Cre expression from the Osr2IresCre knockin allele activated β-galactosidase expression specifically throughout the developing palatal mesenchyme from the onset of palatal shelf outgrowth. In addition, the Osr2IresCre mice display exclusive Cre-mediated recombination in the glomeruli tissues derived from the metanephric mesenchyme and complete absence of Cre activity in other epithelial and mesenchymal tissues in the developing metanephric kidney. These data indicate that the Osr2IresCre knockin mice provide a unique tool for tissue-specific studies of the molecular mechanisms regulating palate and kidney development. genesis 45:618–624, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Alzheimer's disease disrupts rich club organization in brain connectivity networks

Diffusion imaging and brain connectivity analyses can monitor white matter deterioration, revealing how neural pathways break down in aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here we tested how AD disrupts the 'rich club' effect - a network property found in the normal brain - where high-degree nodes in the connectivity network are more heavily interconnected with each other than expected by chance. We analyzed 3-Tesla whole-brain diffusion-weighted images (DWI) from 66 subjects (22 AD/44 normal elderly). We performed whole-brain tractography based on the orientation distribution functions. Connectivity matrices were compiled, representing the proportion of detected fibers interconnecting 68 cortical regions. As expected, AD patients had a lower nodal degree (average number of connections) in cortical regions implicated in the disease. Unexpectedly, the normalized rich club coefficient was higher in AD. AD disrupts cortical networks by removing connections; when these networks are thresholded, organizational properties are disrupted leading to additional new biomarkers of AD.
Apolipoprotein E Attenuates β‐Amyloid‐Induced Astrocyte Activation

A common feature of Alzheimer's disease pathology is an abundance of activated glia, indicative of an inflammatory reaction in the brain. The relationship between glial activation and neurodegeneration is not known, although several cytokines and inflammatory mediators produced by activated glia have the potential to initiate or exacerbate the progression of neuropathology. As beta-amyloid (A beta) is one of several stimuli that can activate glia, it is important to determine how A beta-induced glial activation is influenced by other proteins present in the plaque, such as apolipoprotein E (apoE). We examined the effect of native preparations of apoE on activation of rat cortical astrocyte cultures by A beta1-42. The apoE source was conditioned medium from human embryonic kidney 293 cells stably transfected with human apoE3 or apoE4 cDNA. By morphological criteria, apoE inhibited A beta-induced astrocyte activation in three experimental paradigms: apoE pretreatment blocked subsequent A beta-induced activation, A beta aged in the presence of apoE did not activate astrocytes, and apoE addition to activated astrocytes transiently reversed the activated phenotype. No apoE isoform selectivity was observed. The effect of apoE appears to be specific to A beta, as apoE did not attenuate cyclic AMP-induced astrocyte activation. These data suggest that apoE may modulate the ability of A beta to induce inflammatory responses in the brain.
Cell cycle variations in ADP-ribosylation of HeLa nuclear proteins

Changes in ADP-ribosylation of nuclear proteins during the HeLa cell cycle were determined. Portions of synchronized cultures were withdrawn at intervals and cells were permeabilized by resuspension in hypotonic buffer containing detergents. Nuclear proteins were radioactively labeled by incubating samples with [32P]NAD. Modified species were resolved using one-dimensional and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Measurements of the incorporation of [32P]NAD by permeabilized cells showed that ADP-ribosylation is a significant modification throughout the cell cycle. A twofold increase was detected during S phase. Autoradiograms of one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels revealed that many nuclear nonhistones are modified, though the major acceptors of 32P were the histones and a 116,000-Da species (poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase). The same modified proteins were present through the cell cycle, but densitometry of autoradiograms demonstrated a general increase in the level of incorporation in S phase. Autoradiograms of two-dimensional gels of nuclear proteins labeled with [32P]NAD were consistent with these results. Although nonhistones of isolated metaphase chromosomes show a substantial reduction in ADP-ribosylation, histone modification is essentially unchanged in metaphase.
Logarithmic corrections to the mean-field theory of tricritical points

The logarithmic corrections to the mean-field theory of symmetrical tricritical points in three dimensions are derived using a graphical method. The free energy, equation of state, and other thermodynamic quantities are obtained in the disordered and ordered phases. The difference in thermodynamic potential between the ordered and disordered states takes the form $G={\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\frac{3}{2}}{L}^{\frac{1}{2}}(r)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}g(Q{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\frac{\ensuremath{-}1}{2}}{L}^{\frac{1}{2}\ensuremath{-}p}(r),\ensuremath{\zeta}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\frac{\ensuremath{-}5}{4}}{L}^{\frac{\ensuremath{-}1}{4}}(r))$, where the fields $\ensuremath{\mu}$ and $Q$ are measured normal and tangential to the critical line, respectively, $\ensuremath{\zeta}$ is the field which couples to the order parameter, $r$ is the inverse susceptibility, and $L(r)\ensuremath{\sim}\mathrm{ln}r$. The exponent $p$ depends on the number of components of the order parameter. This form for the free energy differs from that found by Wegner and Riedel.
9,16-dihydroxy-10-oxo-hexadecanoic acid, a novel component in citrus cutin

Abstract When grapefruit cutin was treated with [3H]NaBH4 and subsequently depolymerized with LiA1H4, a radioactive component which was more polar than 1,7,16-trihydroxyhexadecane was released. This component was identified by mass specttrometry as 1,7,8,16-tetrahydroxyhexadecane. Mass spectrometry of the tetraols derived from NaBD4 reduction folllowed by LiAlD4 depolymerization and from NaBH4 reduction followed by LiA1D4 depolymerization indicated that these tetraols were derived from a dihydroxy C16 acid which contained a carbonyl group at C-10 or C-16. Periodate cleavage and permanganate oxidation of the labeled tetraol showed that the 3H was located at C-10. Thus the cutin monomer from which the tetraol was generated was identified as 9,16-dihydroxy-10-oxo-hexadecanoate. This identity was confirmed by NMR analysis of the C16 tetraol obtained by LiA1H4 reduction of Citrus cutin which had been treated with NaBD4. This dihydroxyoxo-C16 acid was found to be a minor component of the fruit peel cutin from grapefruit (4.2%), lime (0.1%), lemon (1.2%) and orange (0.3%). 9,10,16-Trihydroxyhexadecanoic acid was also identified as a minor component (0.1–1.9%) in these cutins.
Recovery of swallowing after dysphagic stroke: an analysis of prognostic factors.

Background Dysphagia is a major complication of stroke, but factors influencing its recovery are incompletely understood. The goal of this study was to identify important prognostic variables affecting swallowing recovery after acute ischemic stroke. Methods We retrospectively reviewed our patient database to identify acute ischemic stroke patients who developed dysphagia after stroke but were free of other confounding conditions affecting swallowing. Of the 1774 patients screened, 323 met the study criteria. We assessed the effect of age, sex, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, level of consciousness (LOC), facial weakness, dysarthria, neglect, bihemispheric infarcts, right hemispheric infarcts, brainstem infarcts, intubation, aspiration, acute stroke therapies, occurrence of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation, seizures, pneumonia, and length of hospitalization (LOH) on persistence of dysphagia at hospital discharge in a logistic regression analysis. Results The mean age and NIHSS scores (mean ± standard deviation) were 75.9 ± 13.6 years and 13.5 ± 6.9, respectively; 58.5% were women. In a multivariate analysis, aspiration detected on a clinical swallowing evaluation (odds ratio [OR] 21.83; 95% confidence interval [CI] 8.16-58.42; P P P = .0123), dysarthria (OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.57-7.35; P = .0019), intubation (OR 2.86; 95% CI 1.10-7.39; P = .0301), NIHSS score ≥12 (OR 2.51; 95% CI 1.19-5.23; P = .0157) were significant predictors of persistent dysphagia. The area under the curve and Somer's D xy statistics of the model were 0.8918 and 0.78, respectively, indicating good calibration and discriminative power. Conclusions Prognostic factors affecting swallowing recovery identified in this study can help advance dysphagia research methodologies and the clinical care of stroke patients.
Scaling of Ablative Laser-Fusion Implosions

A theoretical model is presented describing the spatial structure and scaling laws of laser-driven ablative implosions. The effect of inhibited electron thermal transport is explicitly included. Simple expressions describe the ablation rate and pressure as a function of laser intensity and wavelength. The analytic results are supported by extensive comparisons with numerical hydrodynamic simulations.
Measuring state-specific rumination: Development of the Rumination About an Interpersonal Offense Scale.

The tendency to ruminate has been consistently linked to psychological disturbances, such as increased stress, anger, and fear in response to provocations. However, existing measures of rumination focus on the disposition to ruminate rather than on rumination about a specific situation. This limits the ability to explore rumination about a specific situation and makes the assessment of change as a result of time, contextual factors, or psychological interventions difficult. Across three samples, including a clinical sample, the reliability and validity of the Rumination About an Interpersonal Offense scale (RIO) was examined. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses provided support for a unidimensional structure. Internal consistency and test-retest reliabilities were adequate. Convergent and discriminant validity were also supported.
Immediate postpartum etonogestrel implant: a contraception option with long-term continuation☆

Abstract Objective To determine 3-year continuation rates of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant when inserted immediately postpartum and to identify factors associated with discontinuation. Study Design A retrospective cohort of 262 women who had the contraceptive implant inserted immediately postpartum between January 2008 and March 2009 was collected from electronic medical records. Continuation rates at 1, 2 and 3 years were estimated. Adverse effects leading to removal of the implant were recorded. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were performed to determine factors associated with early discontinuation. Results Large subsets of the study patients were adolescent (28.2%) and multigravid (71.8%) and presented for fewer than six prenatal visits (38.5%). Follow-up rates were over 70% at each of the 3 years. Adolescents and women with fewer than six prenatal visits had the highest continuation rates at 1 year, 94.5% and 94.1%, respectively. The cumulative implant continuation rate after 3 years was 66.3%. Multivariable analysis indicated that having six or more prenatal care visits was the only independent predictor of early discontinuation, with a hazard ratio of 3.1 (p=0.04) and 1.8 (p= Conclusion The contraceptive implant has high continuation over its 3-year lifespan when inserted immediately postpartum. Continuation rates were highest among populations most vulnerable to rapid repeat and unintended pregnancies. Implications The etonogestrel implant, when placed immediately postpartum for contraception, can have high continuation rates of use for up to 3 years duration.
901-91 Diastolic Dysfunction During Demand Ischemia is due to a Reversible Rigor Force and is not a Calcium (Ca2+) Activated Tension

Background Exercise-induced angina (demand ischemia (D1)) causes an acute increase in LV diastolic chamber stiffness (↑DCS), via a mechanism that may involve i) diastolic persistence of excessive cytosolic Ca 2+ (particularly from incomplete resequestration by an energy limited sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)) with continued cross-bridge cycling, or ii) rigor force from ATP depletion. Aim To determine the nature of the tension underlying ↑DCS in DI. Methods and Results A) Diastolic anginal physiology was created in isolated isovolumic (balloon-in-LV) blood perfused rabbit hearts. Tachyardia (T: 7 Hz) imposed during restricted coronary blood flow (30% of baseline) increased DCS (ie isovolumic LVEOP) 7–9 mmHg after 15 ± 1 min (n = 381, increased lactate production (pre-T vs post-T: 0.12 ± 0.03 vs 0.45 ± 0.03 μM/min/gL Vww, p l 0.001) without increasing oxygen extraction. ↑DCS was reversible on reperfusion, similar to patients with angina. B) During the state of ↑DCS, brief intracoronary (ic) infusion of saline (S, n = 7) was compared to 50 mM ammonium chloride (NH 4 C1, n = 7) and to 14 mM Ca 2 + (n = 6). Function was similar during low-flow ischemia pre-T (LV systolic pressure (LVSP)/LVEDP S = 67/18 vs NH 4 CI 58/17 vs Ca 2 + 67/17 mmHg, NS) and post-T (S = 38/25 vs NH 4 C1 39/26 vs Ca 2 + 43/24 mmHg, NS). i) NH 4 CI exerted a biphasic effect on LVSP over 2.5 min (LVSP maximum increase to 70 ± 4, P l 0.001, followed by decrease to minimum 52 ± 2mmHg, p l 0.001) commensurate with an action as an intracellular alkalinising and then acidifying agent, to alternately increase and decrease myofilament Ca 2+ sensitivity. However LVEDP remained unaffected suggesting ↑DCS was not Ca 2+ dependent. ii) Ca 2+ increased LVSP (S vs Ca 2+ 57 ± 3 vs 97 ± 5 mmHg, p l 0.001). decreased DCS (LVEOP S vs Ca 2+ 25 ± 1 vs 21 ± 1 mmHg, p i 0.001). and increased relaxation rate (–dP/dt/P 13 ± 1 vs 10 ± l/s, p l 0.005). Hence Ca 2+ resequestration capacity during a state of ↑DCS was intact and capable of acceleration, consistent with a functional and responsive SR. C) To further investigate the nature of ↑DCS we applied a method novel to the isolated heart with a quick (0.5s) stretch-release (QSR) of 25% of intraventricular balloon volume in three groups of hearts with ↑DCS i) classic rigor with zero-flow ischemia ii) ic infusion of 5 mM caffeine and 5 mMCa 2+ (producing Ca 2+ activated ↑DCS) and iii) in D1. QSR instantly lysed increased diastolic tension during zero-flow ischemia (LVEDP pre-vs post-QSR 27 ± 1 vs 17 ± 1 mmHg, p l 0.001), and also in D1 (27 ± 2 to 15 ± 1 mmHg, p l 0.001). By contrast, LVEDP was unaffected by QSR during Ca 2+ activated ↑DCS (28 ± 1 to 26 ± 1 mmHg, NS). Hence, ↑DCS in D1 behaved as a rigor tension with QSR. Conclusion In D1, neither does ↑ DCS behave as a Ca 2+ activated tension nor is subcellular Ca 2+ reuptake disabled. Rather, ↑DCS displays properties of a rigor force which may produce ischemic diastolic dysfunction in D1.
Historical Colonization of South Puget Sound Prairies by Douglas-Fir at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

Abstract Native Americans used fire to maintain prairies in western Washington, but few prairies remain due to land-use conversion and forest encroachment. We describe the process of forest encroachment on former western Washington prairies. We used 1853–1871 General Land Office Survey data to describe the historical prairie and associated timbered area conditions at six Joint Base Lewis-McChord sites (JBLM). We described modern stands growing in these same areas with stem density, Reineke stand density index (Reineke 1933), and site index. After harvesting selected trees we measured decadal tree-ring increments and analyzed trauma rings on 242 Douglas-fir stumps to reconstruct stand development. We plotted individual tree stem diameter growth curves to illustrate patterns of establishment. Douglas-fir density increased in waves from 1878–1938 associated with low-intensity fires with fire return intervals of 10 to 91 years. Historical tree density, which ranged from < 1 to 49 trees ha-1 has increased to 1...
Design of a blade stiffened composite panel by a genetic algorithm

Genetic algorithms (GAs) readily handle discrete problems, and can be made to generate many optima, as is presently illustrated for the case of design for minimum-weight stiffened panels with buckling constraints. The GA discrete design procedure proved superior to extant alternatives for both stiffened panels with cutouts and without cutouts. High computational costs are, however, associated with this discrete design approach at the current level of its development.
The magnetic phase diagram of La2−xSrxCuQ4+y observed via111In PAC

We report perturbed angular correlation studies of111In diffused into La2−xSrxCuO4+y. We determine the Neel temperature, TN, as a function of x for y ≈ 0 and provide an empirical calibration of the charge defect concentration via the PAC linewidth.
Effect of antibiotics and ribonuclease on polypeptide and protein biosynthesis in different strains of Bacillus Brevis

The effect of chloramphenicol, puromycin, and ribonuclease (EC 2.7.7.16) on polypeptide and protein biosynthesis was tested in growing cultures and in cell-free systems of three different strains of Bacillus brevis. With all three strains of the organism, the peptide-synthesizing ability was completely or severely inhibited under conditions which caused total or marked blockage of protein formation. The results support our previous conclusion, based on studies with ribosomal and soluble cellular components, that gramicidins, tyrocidines, and gramicidin S molecules are all synthesized by a pathway which resembles that of protein biogenesis.
A Self-Coupling diazotizing reagent for nitrite

Abstract 8-Amino-1-naphthol-5-sulfonic acid is proposed as a self-coupling diazotizing reagent for the determination of nitrite.
Cumulant-based channel estimation algorithm for modulation classification in frequency-selective fading channels

Due to the lack of sufficient channel state information, modulation classification in frequency-selective fading channels is a challenging task. This is mainly because the complexity of the pre-processing stage, where the required channel state information for (optimal) likelihood-based classification is estimated, can be relatively high. For this reason, we propose in this paper a low-complexity cumulant-based channel estimation algorithm that enables the reliable classification of digital amplitude-phase modulated signals in frequency-selective fading channels. Numerical results are presented which show that the proposed algorithm outperforms a commonly used channel estimation algorithm for modulation classification, especially at low signal-to-noise ratio values. Using the proposed algorithm, it is also shown that the performance of a practical modulation classification method can approach that of a clairvoyant classifier assumed to have perfect channel knowledge.
Antigenic specificity of two antibodies directed against the thymic hormone serum thymic factor (FTS).

Abstract Serum thymic factor (facteur thymique serique, FTS) induces in vitro differentiation of T-cell precursors into more mature cells with T-cell characteristics. As isolated from porcine serum, FTS is the nonapeptide GIp-Ala-Lys-Ser-Gln-Gly-Gly-Ser-Asn. We have described two radioimmunoassays that detect FTS but not other thymic hormones [Ohga et al., (1982) J. Immun. Methods, in press]. One assay is based on a monoclonal antibody from a hybridoma derived by fusion of mouse myeloma cells and spleen cells from a mouse immunized with an FTS-mouse IgG conjugate. The second assay is based on the antiserum from a rabbit immunized with FTS bound to F(ab')2 fragments of rabbit IgG. The detailed antigenic specificity of these anti-FTS antibodies was determined by measuring the ability of FTS and 12 synthetic FTS peptide analogues to compete with a radioiodinated FTS analogue in these radioimmunoassays. The mouse monoclonal antibody and the rabbit antiserum showed similar structural requirements for binding of the FTS peptides. Since FTS had been attached to the carrier proteins through the ϵ-amino group of Lys-3, both antibodies were relatively insensitive to omission of 1 or 2 N-terminal residues, replacement of Glp-1 with either Ala or Tyr-Ala, or substitution of Lys-3 with Ala. In contrast, binding of FTS to the antibodies was substantially decreased by omission of 3 or 4 N-terminal residues, omission of 2 or 3 C-terminal residues, or replacement of Gly-7 or Asn-9 with Ala. Relative to the mouse monoclonal antibody, the rabbit antiserum was more sensitive to the omission of 4 N-terminal residues and much more sensitive to replacement of Gln-5, Gly-6, or Asn-9 by Ala. Both antibodies were relatively specific for molecules ending in -Xxx-Xxx-Gly-Gly-Ser-Asn-OH, which corresponds to the biologically active region of FTS.
Learning With Analogies, Cases, and Computers

Two important educational goals are helping students master new concepts, principles, and skills, and helping them become effective thinkers and learners on their own. The books to be reviewed here are relevant to both of these goals. Mental Leaps, by Keith Holyoak and Paul Thagard offers a number of implications for educators in the discussion of the cognitive functions of analogy. The second book, Engines for Education by Roger Schank and Chip Cleary, is more directly aimed at educators in its proposals about effective uses of educational software. After summarizing the two books, I will consider their implications and value for educators attempting to facilitate conceptual change and the development of thinking skills in students.
Alterations in the developmental potential of embryonal carcinoma cells in mixed aggregates of nullipotent and pluripotent cells

Pluripotent embryonal carcinoma cells can be triggered to differentiate in vitro by allowing them to form multicellular aggregates. Nullipotent embryonal carcinoma cells form aggregates, but further development is blocked. Pluripotent and nullipotent embryonal carcinoma cell lines were co-cultured to form mixed aggregates in order to determine whether a developmental signal produced by the pluripotent cell could induce the nullipotent cells to differentiate. Unlike pure pluripotent cell aggregates, aggregates from cultures initiated with a 1:1 mixture of pluripotent (PSA-1) and nullipotent (F9) cells formed endoderm but failed to differentiate further. The nullipotent cells did not produce a detectable soluble inhibitor of differentiation. A hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase-deficient subclone of the nullipotent cell line was used so that the fate of both nullipotent and pluripotent cells could be followed in autoradiographs of histological sections of aggregates labeled with 3H-hypoxanthine. Seven day old aggregates of pure pluripotent cell cultures contained endoderm, ectoderm and embryonal carcinoma cells. On the other hand, in 7 day old mixed cell aggregates, almost all the pluripotent cells became endoderm located on the outer surface of the aggregate. The nullipotent cells in the mixed aggregates assumed an internal position and remained embryonal carcinoma cells. Following the efficiency of plating of pluripotential cells in pure and mixed aggregates as a function of time showed that viable pluripotent embryonal carcinoma cells were lost at a 10 fold greater rate in mixed cell aggregates than in pure pluripotent cell aggregates. We conclude that nullipotent embryonal carcinoma cells in mixed aggregates with pluripotent cells exert a limitation on the ability of these pluripotent cells to differentiate.
Reconciling the Manichaean Heresy in Mikhail Bulgakov's THE MASTER AND MARGARITA

In The Master and Margarita, Mikhail Bulgakov uses one thematic thread—the Manichaean heresy—to unify the novel. To greatly oversimplify, Mani, a medieval philosopher, believed in the balance of li...