cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trophic effects of angiotensin II on neonatal rat cardiac myocytes are mediated by cardiac fibroblasts

Cultured neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts (NF) and myocytes (NM) were used to examine the distribution of angiotensin II (ANG II) receptors and the potential role of NF in mediating the trophic response to ANG II in the heart. In NM preparations cultured for 2-5 days, specific binding to 125I-ANG II was 5 days identified two populations of cells, one with fibroblast-like morphology and high density of ANG II receptors and another with low binding, comparable to NM cultures at day 5 or earlier. Conditioned medium (CM) from untreated NF increased cell surface area and net [3H]leucine (Leu) incorporation 1.4-fold in NM. CM from ANG II-treated NF enhanced [3H]Leu incorporation 2.2-fold in NM. This potentiating effect of ANG II was inhibited by losartan and was absent when ANG II was added directly to NM. In addition, studies using antibodies and bioassay for transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) suggested that TGF-beta 1 does not mediate the trophic effects of ANG II on NM. We conclude that ANG II receptors are localized predominantly on NF and that ANG II can indirectly stimulate hypertrophy of NM by stimulating NF to produce a transferrable factor(s). These data suggest that cardiac fibroblasts may play a critical role in mediating the hypertrophic response to ANG II in the rat heart.
Exploring the cultural intersection of music, sport and physical activity among at-risk youth:

Although sport can serve as a valuable mechanism for social change, this does not imply it can single-handedly solve large-scale problems; rather, sport should be utilized with passionate leadershi...
Abstract 3249: Regulation of interferon regulatory factor-8 (IRF8) during myelopoiesis is a critical checkpoint for the formation of defective myeloid cells in cancer

Aberrant myelopoiesis is commonly observed in patients with solid cancers. This results in the production of myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs) which promote tumor growth and metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying MDSC development have remained poorly understood. The transcription factor IRF8 is integral for overseeing myelopoietic fate; high IRF8 expression during normal myelopoiesis favors monocytic differentiation and directly inhibits granulocytic differentiation. We recently showed that tumor-derived STAT3/5-activating cytokines downregulate the expression of IRF8 in myeloid cells leading to the accumulation of MDSCs in the periphery, which are primarily granulocytic. However it is unclear if MDSC production is a consequence of IRF8 downregulation in the periphery or upstream in the bone marrow during myelopoiesis. To that end, we utilized a novel mouse model expressing an IRF8-EGFP fusion protein which allowed us to investigate changes in IRF8 expression during both orthotopic and spontaneous mammary tumor growth and progression. Our results showed that: 1) the total granulocyte-monocyte progenitor (GMP) fraction, as with the peripheral MDSC population, was responsive to tumor burden and greatly expanded with increasing tumor size, and 2) IRF8 expression within the total GMPs significantly decreased during tumor growth, reflecting the expansion of a newly defined primarily IRF8lo granulocyte progenitor (GP) population, and 3) tumor-induced GPs were hyper-responsive not only to G-CSF, but also M-CSF to generate a ‘biased’ granulocytic MDSC-like phenotype. Expression of IRF8 in other progenitor populations was not affected, suggesting that IRF8lo GMPs/GPs are a key source of the peripheral MDSC response. Lastly, genetically enforced IRF8 expression in myeloid progenitors of the bone marrow constrained aberrant myelopoiesis during tumor growth, resulting in delayed autochthonous tumor growth and reduced spontaneous lung metastasis. Altogether, these data reinforce the notion that modulation of IRF8 in myeloid progenitors is an early consequence of the neoplastic process and a potential target for therapeutic intervention. NIH R01CA140622 NIH T32CA085183 Citation Format: Colleen S. Netherby, Michelle N. Messmer, Scott I. Abrams. Regulation of interferon regulatory factor-8 (IRF8) during myelopoiesis is a critical checkpoint for the formation of defective myeloid cells in cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3249.
Mochicahui Judio Masks: A Type of Mayo Fariseo Mask from Northern Sinaloa, Mexico

ABSTRACTIn the past ten years, museums and private collections in the western United States have been acquiring masks of a rather distinctive type, which combine a hide helmet with a carved and painted wooden face. These masks, which have been variously identified as Yaqui, Mayo, and “from Northern Mexico,” in reality represent a style of mask local to the Mayo Indians of the lower Rio Fuerte in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. At least some of them are made by part-time specialists.
Stem Cell Proteomics

Recent advances in stem cell and proteomic technology carry tremendous potential to impact our understanding of mechanistic underpinnings and fundamental pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. In this chapter, we introduce investigators new to these disciplines to the various types of stem cells relevant to cardiovascular biology and how, when combined with state-of-the-art proteomic analyses, they may be exploited for mechanistic and translational studies related to cardiomyopathies, coronary atherosclerotic disease, and heart failure. Although the potential of these emerging technologies is just beginning to be explored, this chapter aims to illustrate how integration of novel stem cell and proteomic technologies is poised to make significant contributions to future advanced therapies and diagnostics in cardiovascular medicine.
18F FDG PET/CT imaging of primary extradrenal paragangliomas

1648 Objectives: Catecholamine-secreting tumors that arise from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla and the sympathetic ganglia are referred to as “pheochromocytomas” and “extra-adrenal catecholamine-secreting paragangliomas (PGL)” respectively. The distinction between these entities is an important one because of implications for associated neoplasms, risk for malignancy, imaging, and genetic testing. PGLs are more often familial and have a higher incidence of multiplicity and malignancy. Mutations in succinate dehydrogenase complex predisposes to familial and apparent sporadic PGL. To date no study has looked exclusively at FDG PET feasibility in staging and restaging PGL. In this retrospective study we investigate the staging and restaging of PGL using 18F FDG PET and compare this with 123I-MIBG using SPECT and SPECT/CT. Methods: This is a retrospective review. PET databases at the Mayo Clinic between 2002 and 2006 were screened for the indication “paraganglioma” or “pheochromocytoma”. The clinical notes and pathology records were reviewed. Sixteen patients (4 male and 12 female) diagnosed with primary extra-adrenal PGL were evaluated with FDG PET. Six patients were evaluated for primary staging of disease and 10 patients with a history of PGL were evaluated for restaging of disease. Eleven patients had 123I-MIBG scintigraphy within 2 months of 18F FDG PET scan. Results: Of the 16 primary tumors at presentation, there was one glomus jugulare. Of the remainder, seven tumors were located in the retroperitoneum, two at the aortic bifurcation, two located in the bladder, one in the adnexa and three in the thorax. Mean age at time of presentation was 27 yrs (range 13-44). Twelve of the patients had elevated catecholamine metabolites. Eleven patients underwent genetic testing and eight of these had mutations in SDH genes predisposing to familial PGL. All of the 6 primary tumors were metabolically active on FDG PET. 123I-MIBG was unable to detect the primary tumor in 2 of 5 patients. In 10 patients with history of PGL, recurrent or metastatic disease was detected by MIBG or PET in all cases. In a single case, retroperitoneal recurrence was cold on FDG PET and liver metastasis in the same patient were undetectable. 123I-MIBG was negative in a single case with metastasis and was unable to detect additional metastatic sites in another two patients. Conclusions: 18F FDG PET has efficacy in staging and restaging patients with PGL. As with pheochromocytomas, FDG PET is complimentary with 123I-MIBG. When metabolically active, PET allows more precise staging of primary disease. 18F FDG PET, in association with biochemical testing and 123I-MIBG, should also be considered in screening family members with known SDH mutations.
From Connected Vehicles to Mobile Relays: Enhanced Wireless Infrastructure for Smarter Cities

The increasing number of connected vehicles in densely populated urban areas provides an interesting opportunity to counteract the high wireless data demands in high density and highly mobile scenarios. The idea is to support the macro base station (BS) with a secondary communication tier composed of a set of smart and connected vehicles that are in movement in the urban area. As a first step towards a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of this architecture, this paper considers the case where these vehicles are equipped with femto-mobile Access Points (fmAPs) and constitute a mobile out-of-band relay infrastructure. In particular, three techniques to select an fmAP (if more than one is available) are proposed and the maximal feasible gain in the data rate is characterized as a function of the vehicle density, average vehicle speeds, handoff overhead cost, as well as physical layer parameters. The analytical and simulation results provide a first benchmark characterizing this architecture and the definition of guidelines for its future realistic study and implementation.
Automatic word stress marking and syllabification for Catalan TTS.

Stress and syllabification are essential attributes for several components in text-to speech (TTS) systems. They are responsible for improving grapheme-to-phoneme conversion rules and for enhancing the synthetic intelligibility, since stress and syllable are key units in prosody prediction. This paper presents three linguistically rule-based automatic algorithms for Catalan text-to-speech conversion: a word stress marker, an orthographic syllabification algorithm and a phonological syllabification algorithm. The systems were implemented and tested. The results gave rise to the following word accuracy rates: 100% for the stress marker algorithm, 99.7% for the orthographic syllabification algorithm and 99.8% for the phonological syllabification algorithm.
Opioid Prescribing Patterns by Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents in the United States.

Background: Despite the opioid epidemic in the U.S., little data exist to guide postoperative opioid prescribing in Obstetrics & Gynecology (Ob/Gyn). Objective: To describe Ob/Gyn resident opioid prescription patterns in the U.S. and assess influential factors. Methods: An anonymous survey was emailed to Ob/Gyn residents in the U.S. between January–February 2015. Respondents reported the typical number of discharge narcotic tablets prescribed following six common procedures. Responses to questions addressed potential factors influencing prescription practices and knowledge about opioid abuse in the U.S. Residents who prescribed a number of discharge narcotic tablets in the top quartile were compared to those who never did. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with top quartile prescribers. Results: 267 residents responded. Median number of discharge narcotics prescribed following cesarean section was 30 (IQR 28, 40) and after laparoscopic hysterectomy was 29 (IQR 20, 30). Fa...
Foundational techniques for catalyst design in the upgrading of biomass-derived multifunctional molecules

Abstract The production of fuels and chemicals from renewable lignocellulosic biomass resources has been a major research focus in the last few decades. The most efficient method for synthesizing value-added chemical products from sustainable feedstocks is direct catalytic conversion, however, the multifunctional and highly oxygenated biomass-derived substrates are significantly different from petroleum-based feedstocks. Thus, systematic development of new catalytic materials is required to take advantage of the only substantial source of renewable carbon. In this review, we discuss the foundational methodologies that enable rational catalyst design through the investigation of surface-adsorbate interactions and the elucidation of descriptors for selectivity control. Molecular spectroscopies, efficient and predictive computational modeling, rigorous kinetic investigations, and highly controlled materials synthesis have generated fundamental insights leading to general catalyst design principles in biomass upgrading processes. The application of each technique in biomass research is discussed in the context of several case studies, with a focus on the unique insights available from each technique. Moreover, the interplay among multiple techniques, particularly between experimental and computational methods, is also highlighted. Despite the impressive progress made in the biomass field, major roadblocks still exist due to the complexity in the composition and structure of both substrates and catalysts. We share our perspectives regarding future needs in selective catalytic conversions of multifunctional substrates and methods for accelerating catalyst development.
Identifying cycle time factors and its relative impact on tools in semi-conductor fab using statistical inferences

This paper discusses a methodology using multiple linear regression as a tool to statistically identify, understand, and infer the factors affecting the wait time component of the tool set in a semi-conductor fab. The regression model is based on least-square estimators. This model can recognize the significant factors affecting the wait times of lots in front of the tool set, and their effect and magnitude. Results from the analysis can be used to set priorities and focus on high magnitude factors. It can also be used to study the interactions between the factors on the wait times.
A Proposal of Standardized Nomenclature in the Study of Crystallization in Biological Systems, e.g. Urolithiasis

Scientific reports on chemical equilibria and dynamics of crystallization related to urolithiasis vary greatly in the terminology that they apply to similar processes. As an example, one may see reports of crystal growth rate or crystallization rate in which both rates are derived similarly from the disappearance of some critical ion (e.g. oxalate) from solution over a given period of time. Do these rates refer to the change in dimensions of a single crystal, to the change in mass of the single crystal, or to the total mass transfer rate (from solute to solids) onto crystals in the mother liquor? In many instances the latter is meant and is reported as “crystal growth” or “crystal growth rate”. Is there a definition of this concept already in existence? Yes, and it exists in conjunction wich chemical and chemical engineering disciplines. It is the separation intensity factor R, or more widely in industrial parlance, the rate of make, expressed as mM ⋅ min-1 2. The rate of make is in no way a fundamental crystallization parameter but in fact varies with nucleation rate, growth rate, total available super- saturation, crystal size, and the total crystal surface area available for growth. For non-flow batch systems, R is equal to the rate of change of solids concentration, dMT/dt, and is the variable measured when solids rather than liquor concentrations are observed. Do other fairly standard terms exist that can be applied to studies of crystallization in urine? Yes. Table 1 lists these and we would propose their adoption by other workers in the realm of urolithiasis or any other study of crystallization in biological systems3.
Nación y socialdemocracia en Galicia: PSG-PSdG

Gallicia’s ability –or inability to be assigned equivalent competences to those of the other two historical nationalities sanctioned by the 1978 Constitution was a key issue in the process of creating the State of the Autonomous Regions. The pressure of very relevant sectors of the large Galician parties against the reduction of said competences brought about the first great hindrance against what some might consider as the development of a federal system. In this respect, the transfer to the PSOE of leading individuals from the PSG –an organization integrated in the Federation of Socialist Parties, with a strong nationalist commitment, was crucial. They took over a PSOE that urgently needed leading personnel. They provoked a 'transition within the transition' in Galician socialism, restructuring a good part of its organizational scheme and, above all, a radical opposition to accepting –massive mobilizations included– a Statute considered 'second level'.
Suppression of active CREB induces apoptosis and inhibition of cell growth in human non-small-cell Lung cancer cells

2625 Genes that are regulated by cyclicAMP response element binding (CREB) protein suppress apoptosis, induce cell proliferation, and mediate inflammation, angiogenesis and tumor metastasis. It was not known whether CREB is involved in lung cancer. We hypothesized that constitutively active CREB is an important target in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and that its inhibition should block cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in NSCLC cells. We found that the NSCLC cell lines we examined overexpressed constitutively active CREB, two of its upstream kinases, phospho- ribosomal s6-kinase (Rsk), phospho-extracellular signal kinase(Erk1/2) and cell survival genes such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL. Ectopic expression of a dominant-repressor CREB (KCREB), mutant CREB (CREB133, Ser133Ala), and small interfering (si) RNA against CREB (siCREB) suppressed the cell proliferation of NSCLC (H1734) cells. Furthermore, treatment of H1734 cells with a Protein Kinase C inhibitor (Ro-31-8220) inhibited CREB activation by abrogating phospho-Erks and phospho-Rsk. Consequently, the expression of anti-apoptotic genes such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL was suppressed. There was decreased cell proliferation because the cell cycle was arrested in the G2/M phase; this resulted in apoptosis, as indicated by upstream caspase-9 and downstream caspase-3 activation, poly (ADP-ribose)polymerase cleavage and terminal transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining in H1734 cells. In summary, suppression of CREB by KCREB, CREB133, siCREB, or Ro-31-8220 induced apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Thus, our results indicate that CREB plays an important role in NSCLC cell survival and its suppression inhibits NSCLC cell growth. Thus, agents that suppress CREB activation could have potential therapeutic value for NSCLC.
Patriotism, Pressure, and Place: Civic Agency in Base Country

This article focuses on how civic agency is taught or not taught by a social studies teacher to the children of soldiers in a largely conservative community and, as a result, how it was learned or ...
Adaptive Radar-Based Human Activity Recognition With L1-Norm Linear Discriminant Analysis

We present a novel radar-based indoor human gross motor activity classifier, which employs L1-norm linear discriminant analysis (L1-LDA) to identify low-rank subspaces whereon micro-Doppler signatures from distinct motions are most differentiable. Both nonadaptive and adaptive implementations of the proposed classifier are presented, with the latter providing refinement and adaptation to the specific activity patterns of the human subject of interest. In contrast to standard LDA, L1-LDA exhibits resistance against outliers that may lie among the training data, e.g., due to mislabeling. We use real-data from four motion classes to experimentally compare the performance of the proposed methods with standard (L2-norm-based) LDA. The results corroborate that the proposed methods markedly outperform LDA when the training datasets are corrupted with mislabeling, while they provide similar performance under nominal training data.
Nonword Repetition Across Two Dialects of English: Effects of Specific Language Impairment and Nonmainstream Form Density.

Purpose Nonword repetition (NWR) has been proposed as a culturally and linguistically fair measure of children's language abilities that is useful for the identification of specific language impairment (SLI). However, Moyle, Heilmann, and Finneran (2014) suggested that the density of a child's nonmainstream forms also influences NWR in ways that could complicate its use. Using speakers of either African American English (AAE) or Southern White English (SWE), we asked if NWR performance differed in children with SLI and same dialect-speaking typically developing (TD) children and if nonmainstream form density impacted their scores. Method The participants were 106 kindergartners (AAE: SLI n = 35; TD n = 35; SWE: SLI n = 18; TD n = 18; groups matched for age and IQ) who performed the NWR task of Dollaghan and Campbell (1998). Nonmainstream form density measures were gathered from listener judgments of conversational samples. Results NWR performance differed between those with and without SLI, but the differ...
Pulmonary Manifestations of Primary Sjögren's Syndrome: Underlying Immunological Mechanisms, Clinical Presentation, and Management

Pulmonary involvement in primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is an understudied entity with important clinical implications. Its prevalence has been reported in up to 20% of pSS patients. Pulmonary manifestations of pSS are diverse with involvement of airway and/or lung parenchyma. Histopathology of lung lesions suggests a predominance of submucosal mononuclear cell infiltration consisting predominantly of CD4+ T cells. Current understanding of the pathophysiology of lung disease in pSS suggests a similar process driving the pulmonary process as those in the salivary glands, with epithelial cells playing a critical role in the initiation, maintenance, and symptomatology of the disease. Clinical manifestations of lung involvement in pSS are as varied as the underlying pathology and can be vague and non-specific, thus delaying diagnosis. Management options depend on the underlying pathology but are generally limited due to lack of systematic randomized controlled trials. This review helps summarize our current understanding of lung involvement in pSS.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Sensorimotor Mechanisms of Inter-Leg Coordination in Gait Using the Variable Stiffness Treadmill: Physiological Insights for Improved Robot-Assisted Gait Therapy

Rehabilitation robotics is an emerging field in which gait training has been largely automated allowing more intensive, repetitive motions which are important for facilitating recovery. However, there is no clear evidence that robot-assisted gait training is superior to conventional therapy. A limitation of current approaches to gait therapy is that they do not consider mechanisms of inter-leg coordination and how the sensory feedback from one leg affects the motion of the other leg. Instead they impose motion on the impaired limb. Recent research suggests that utilizing the coupling between limbs in stroke rehabilitation therapies could lead to improved functional outcome. Therefore, a fundamental understanding of underlying sensorimotor mechanisms of inter-leg coordination may facilitate improved interventions in gait therapy. This paper systematically explores and analyzes a sensorimotor mechanism of inter-leg coordination that is stimulated through sudden unilateral low-stiffness perturbations to the walking surface. The potential contribution of each sensory modality to the perception and response of the perturbation will be investigated. Additionally, the neural pathway that relays the sensory signal into the motor output will be described in order to fully characterize this sensorimotor mechanism of inter-leg coordination. This work provides physiological understanding of inter-leg coordination that will benefit robot-assisted gait therapies.
Regional Variation in the Association of Poverty and Heart Failure Mortality in the 3135 Counties of the United States.

Background There is significant geographical variation in heart failure (HF) mortality across the United States. County socioeconomic factors that influence these outcomes are unknown. We studied t...
Towards dynamic tension-compression asymmetry and relative deformation mechanisms in magnesium

Abstract We present the first results of high-rate tension followed by compressive loading on a textured AZ31 alloy using a novel split-Hopkinson-pressure-bar (SHPB). The traditional-SHPB was modified in order to apply tension followed by compression along the rolling direction within few millisecond differences and a strain-rate of 103 s−1. The initial and post-deformed microstructure was examined by electron backscatter diffraction. The results reveal a reduced tension–compression asymmetry along with a shallower than the traditional sigmoidal-curve, indicating a significant influence of forward tensile loading on the subsequent compression behavior, manifested by the role of adiabatic-heating along with some unique deformation behavior.
Impact of routine surveillance imaging on detecting recurrence in human papillomavirus associated oropharyngeal cancer.

Abstract Objectives This study examines the utility of surveillance imaging in detecting locoregional failures (LRF), distant failures (DF) and second primary tumors (SPT) in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) after definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods and materials An institutional database identified 225 patients with biopsy proven, non- metastatic HPV+ OPC treated with definitive CRT between 2004 and 2015, whose initial post-treatment imaging was negative for disease recurrence (DR). Two groups were defined: patients with Results Median follow up was 40.8 months. 30% of patients had ≥T3 disease and 90% had ≥ N2 disease (AJCC 7th edition). Twenty one failures (9.3%) were observed, 7 LRF and 15 DF. Six LRF occurred within 24 months and 14 DF occurred within 36 months of treatment completion. Regression analysis showed Group 2 had increased risk of DR compared to Group1 (HR 10.3; p = 0.002) albeit with more advanced disease at baseline. Five SPT were found (2 lung, 2 esophagus, and 1 oropharynx) between 4.5 and 159 months post-CRT. Conclusion Surveillance imaging seems most useful in the first 2-3 years post treatment, and is particularly important in detecting DF. Surveillance scans for SPT has a low yield, but should be considered for those meeting lung cancer screening guidelines.
Development of an Economical SCADA System for Solar Water Pumping in Iran

In this paper, we developed a cost-effective SCADA system for a solar water pumping system in Iran. The SCADA is based on IoT versions and is comprised of a raspberry pi zero W, Arduino nano, camera, SIM 5320A 3G module, voltage, current, and light sensors. We used Node-RED to design a graphical user interface and published it securely to the worldwide internet. This allows a user to connect to the server via an IP address and monitor and control the system. The implementation of the project resulted in an open-source server and cost around CAD$ 162.38.
Armed Conflict, Women and Climate Change: by Jody M. Prescott, New York, Routledge, 2019, 258 pp., £34.99 (paperback), ISBN 978-1-138-20535-2

In October 2000, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325), which provides various mandates as to the recognition, participation, and treatment of women in conflict se...
Role of arthroplasty in the Jehovah’s Witness population

Total joint arthroplasties aim to improve quality of life from joint-related pain. Jehovah’s Witnesses refuse blood products due to their religious beliefs. Surgeons may be reluctant to perform arthroplasty procedures on these patients for fear of uncontrolled bleeding. However, we hypothesize that through preoperative optimization, arthroplasty can be performed safely. We retrospectively reviewed 184 total joint arthroplasties in Jehovah’s Witnesses between 2011 and 2019. Each patient was enrolled in the institutions’ Bloodless Medicine program. Hemoglobin levels were recorded through standard laboratory testing while in the hospital. Primary outcomes were changes in preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin measures, short-term outcomes measures, and complications. A total of 103 total knee arthroplasties (8 revisions) and 81 total hip arthroplasties (5 revisions) were performed. Hemoglobin drift was 2.5 ± 1.0 for primary TKA and 2.6 ± 1.3 for primary THA (p = 0.570). Hemoglobin drift was 1.9 ± 0.9 for revision TKA and 1.9 ± 0.2 for revision THA (p = 0.990). Only 2.7% of patients met the transfusion requirement of 7 g/dL. The major complication rate for the cohort was 1.6% systemic and 4.9% local, respectively, with no mortalities. The overall readmission rate was 2.7%. To our knowledge, this is the largest reported sample of Jehovah’s Witness patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty. Postoperative hemoglobin values did not prompt additional intervention in the overwhelming majority of patients, and complication rates were acceptable. Our data suggest that primary arthroplasty is safe in the Jehovah's Witness population. Additionally, we show preliminary evidence that revision arthroplasty is safe in Jehovah’s Witness patients.
Delayed diagnosis of gastric tube cap foreign body aspiration disguised as status asthmaticus

Abstract Foreign body aspiration (FBA) can be difficult to differentiate from asthma exacerbation in a child. Typical presentation includes witnessed aspiration and symptoms of respiratory distress, cough, and abnormal breath sounds. However, it is not uncommon for patients to have an atypical presentation, making the diagnosis of FBA less obvious. The suspicion for FBA should be raised if a patient is being treated for acute asthma exacerbation and does not show clinical improvement following escalation of therapy and ventilator support. If FBA is suspected, an otolaryngologist or critical care specialist will perform a direct bronchoscopy to confirm the diagnosis and remove the aspirated object. Early diagnosis and treatment of FBA is important, as a delayed diagnosis can result in various complications, including pneumonia, respiratory arrest, atelectasis, and even death. While rare, gastric tube cap aspiration can occur in a PEG tube-dependent patient with new onset, dyspnea after a witnessed seizure. It is important to keep a broad differential and have a high index of suspicion for FBA when evaluating a patient with difficulty in breathing.
Predictors of smell recovery in a nationwide prospective cohort of patients with COVID-19.

Abstract Objective To determine which factors (demographic, symptoms, comorbidities, and treatments) are associated with recovery of smell in patients with COVID-19 associated olfactory loss. Study design Prospective, longitudinal questionnaires. Setting National survey. Methods A longitudinal web-based nationwide survey of adults with COVID-19 associated smell and taste loss was launched April 10, 2020. After completing an initial entry survey, participants received detailed follow-up questionnaires 14 days, and 1, 3 and 6 months later. Results As of June 25, 2021, 798 participants met study inclusion criteria and completed 6-month questionnaires. Of demographic characteristics only age Conclusions Age
Engineering Synthetic Microbial Consortia for Consolidated Bioprocessing of Ligonocellulosic Biomass into Valuable Fuels and Chemicals

Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) is considered to be a breakthrough process configuration for cost-effective lignocellulosic biofuel production. In contrast to the conventional single species oriented paradigm, an alternative approach based on synthetic microbial consortia for enabling CBP has recently received fast increasing attention. Inspired in part by natural communities, this approach features the division of required biochemical functions into different consortium members for single-step conversion of lignocellulose to desired products. In this chapter, we review progress to date in engineering such consortia, which include bicultures of saccharification and fermentation specialists, and other synthetic communities. Tools and methods are also emerging to facilitate the development of stable and robust consortia. Latest trends include utilization of design motifs with intrinsic ecological stability (e.g., mutualistic interactions) and usage of “omics” tools to investigate complex interactions between consortium members. While further efforts are needed, we envision that synthetic microbial consortia will become increasingly important.
Architecture and synchronization of multimedia data for presentational applications

The new generation of multimedia documents requires novel editing capabilities and complex multimedia authoring and presentation systems. In the paper, a model for structuring multimedia documents is proposed. The model defines a computing architecture and a document architecture. The computing architecture captures the structure of the script of the document, while the document architecture captures the structure of the information contained in the document. The main contribution of the model is that it establishes the relationship between the information structure and the presentation structure of a multimedia document.
Controlling guided waves in telecom waveguides using one dimensional phased antenna arrays

We theoretically demonstrate a few novel small-footprint and broadband integrated photonic devices based on optical waveguides patterned with phased antenna arrays. These devices include waveguide mode converters, polarization rotators, perfect absorbers, and optical power diodes.
Lanczos-Based Exponential Filtering for Discrete Ill-Posed Problems

We describe regularizing iterative methods for the solution of large ill-conditioned linear systems of equations that arise from the discretization of linear ill-posed problems. The regularization is specified by a filter function of Gaussian type. A parameter μ determines the amount of regularization applied. The iterative methods are based on a truncated Lanczos decomposition and the filter function is approximated by a linear combination of Lanczos polynomials. A suitable value of the regularization parameter is determined by an L-curve criterion. Computed examples that illustrate the performance of the methods are presented.
Management of chronic severe pain: cerebral neuromodulatory and neuroablative approaches

Two approaches are utilized when targeting the brain to treat pain. The first, a non-destructive approach, uses either electrical stimulation of brain targets thought to modulate the process of pain perception, or pharmacological agents are introduced into ventricular spaces to target pain modulating receptors. Electrical stimulation targets include; the thalamic nuclei, the periventricular and periaqueductal grey (PVG and PAG) matter or the motor cortex. Currently, the pharmacological agent of choice for intracerebroventricular injection is morphine. In general, electrical stimulation is used for nonmalignant type pain, and pharmacological modulation for malignant type pain. The second, a destructive approach, is usually employed with the goal of interrupting the signals that lead to pain perception at various levels. Neuroablation is usually performed on cellular complexes such as “nuclei, or gyri” or on tracts with the aim of disrupting the sensory and limbic pathways involved in the emotional processes associated with pain. Specific cerebral neuroablation targets include; the thalamic medial group of nuclei, the cingulated gyrus, and the trigeminal nucleus and tract. There are fewer reports in the literature detailing the brain, when compared to the spine, as a target to treat pain, and further research is required.
Cationic Polypeptides Are Required for Anti-HIV-1 Activity of Human Vaginal Fluid

Mucosal surfaces of the vagina are the portals for heterosexual transmission of HIV-1 and therefore play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of primary infection. In the search for direct biological evidence for the role of human vaginal fluid in innate host defense, we characterized the anti-HIV-1 function of cationic polypeptides within minimally manipulated vaginal fluid. In the current study we revealed that vaginal fluid confers intrinsic anti-HIV-1 properties against both X4 and R5 strains of HIV-1 and could protect against HIV-1 infection and reduce proviral genome integration in organotypic cultures of human cervicovaginal tissue. The majority of this activity was contained in the cationic polypeptide fraction, and the depletion of cationic polypeptides using a selective cation exchange resin ablated most of the intrinsic activity against HIV-1. By adding the cationic polypeptide fraction to depleted vaginal fluid, we were able to restore activity against HIV-1. Using a proteomic approach, we identified 18 cationic polypeptides within vaginal fluid, nearly all of which are either known antimicrobials or have other purported roles in host defense. Interestingly, physiologic concentrations of 13 of the cationic polypeptides were not active alone against HIV-1, yet in concert they partially restored the anti-HIV-1 activity of cation-depleted vaginal fluid. These results suggest that synergism between cationic polypeptides is complex, and full anti-HIV-1 activity probably involves the aggregate of the cationic peptides and proteins in vaginal fluid.
Adipocyte biology and adipocytokines.

Adipose tissue synthesizes and secretes a variety of substances, such as hormones, cytokines, and other peptides (called adipocytokines). Adipocytokines (eg, leptin, adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6) have endocrine, autocrine, and paracrine effects on the brain, liver, skeletal muscles, and adipose tissue itself. They play an important role in the regulation of energy homeostasis and intermediary metabolism. Adipose tissue disorders (obesity and lipodystrophy) are associated with altered secretion of adipocytokines, which may underlie the metabolic complications (insulin resistance and dyslipidemia) that are associated with these disorders. Measurement of serum adipocytokine levels may be helpful in the diagnosis of adipose tissue disorders. In the future, adipocytokines may be beneficial in treating metabolic complications that are associated with these disorders.
Pulmonary Vein Clamping During Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Enhancement of Operative Field Visualization and Myocardial Hypothermia

In certain diagnostic entities temporary occlusion of the pulmonary veins during cardiopulmonary bypass essentially eliminates the left ventricular return of blood. This, in turn, improves visualization of the operative field and enhances myocardial hypothermia by preventing rewarming of the left ventricle to the perfusate temperature. Two methods of easily accomplishing pulmonary vein clamping are described.
Grief reactions and effective negotiation

In the event of death, society has in place a wide range of rituals and supports designed to help mourners deal with their grief. It may be that assigning blame and seeking legal recourse has become a significant ritual for those who have sustained other types of losses and, in some situations, loss through death as well. However, unlike societal death rituals, which guide the mourners, no guidelines exist to help negotiators address the impact of grief on their clients. Thus, in this article, insights gleaned from studies of grief, loss, and separation have been examined in an effort to develop an awareness of the impact of grief reactions on the parties to negotiation.
Exact solution of a one-dimensional Ising model in a random magnetic field

Analytic results for the free energy, magnetic structure factor, and Edwards-Anderson order parameter of a one-dimensional ferromagnetic Ising model in a random magnetic field are obtained. The structure factor consists of both Lorentzian and Lorentzian-squared terms at all temperatures ($T$) greater than zero; the Lorentzian-squared terms vanish at $T=0$. The calculated correlation length agrees with predictions of the Imry-Ma domain argument.
Spinal cord injuries in Arkansas due to violence: 1980-1989

In some areas of the US the incidence of violence-related spinal cord injuries (SCIs) is double or triple that of 10 years ago. The purpose of this study was to determine if this trend is evident in Arkansas, a small rural state. For the study period 15.3% of traumatic SCIs identified in Arkansas were violence-related. The overall incidence rate of traumatic SCIs in Arkansas declined from 41.11 per million in 1980 to 33.18 per million in 1989. However, the rate of violence-related SCIs rose from 3.5 per million in 1980 to 5.14 in 1989. The incidence of violence-related SCIs in Arkansas did not increase dramatically during the 1980s. However, the incidence of women with violence-related SCIs nearly tripled. With the dramatic rise in violence-related SCIs in women and the decrease in violence-related SCIs in men, the gender gap has been virtually eliminated in violence-related SCIs.
Effect of aromatic compounds, humic acids and lignins on growth of the earthworm eisenia foetida

Abstract Thirty eight low molecular weight aromatic compounds, two humic acids, and five lignins were tested for their effects on the growth and survival of the earthworm Eisenia foetida with activated sludge as food source. Benzenoid molecules with two methoxyl or methyl groups were generally more toxic than analogous molecules substituted with one or two hydroxyl groups instead. Placing a carboxyl group or groups on a molecule of relatively high toxicity tended to reduce its toxicity or to result in a totally innocuous substance. Tannins and molecules which could be easily polymerized to form tannin-like substances were generally non-inhibitory to growth, as were humic acids and lignins.
Microbial Telesensing: Probing the Environment for Friends, Foes, and Food

Bacterial-sensing circuits may be triggered by molecules originating from the environment (e.g., nutrients and chemoattractants). Bacteria also actively probe the environment for information by releasing molecular probes to measure conditions beyond the cell surface: a process known as telesensing. Perceiving the environment beyond is achieved by sensing environmentally induced changes in those probes, as occurs when a siderophore chelates an iron atom or a quorum-sensing signal is inactivated by a specific enzyme or adsorbent. This information, captured by chemical and physical changes induced in specifically produced molecules transiting through the environment, enables bacteria to mount a contextually appropriate response.
Tropical Cyclone Activity in the Northwest Pacific in Relation to the El Niño/Southern Oscillation Phenomenon

Abstract The interannual variations in tropical cyclone activity in the northwest Pacific (NWPAC) and their relationships with the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon were studied using the method of spectral analyses. Time series of a Southern Oscillation Index (SOI, defined as the sea-level pressure difference between Easter Island and Darwin) and tropical cyclone activity in the entire (NWPAC) ocean basin as well as in different regions of the NWPAC were analyzed. Two spectral peaks are apparent in all these time series. One corresponds to the generally accepted Southern Oscillation with a period of ∼3 to 3.5 years and another at the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) frequency. Cross-spectral analyses between the SOI and tropical cyclone activity show significant coherence in these two spectral peaks. The dominant peak is at the Southern Oscillation frequency with the SOI leading typhoon activity by almost a year. At the QBO frequency, the two series are almost in phase. Cyclone activity in t...
Amphotericin B Susceptibility Testing of Yeasts with a Bactec Radiometric System

Abstract The effect of amphotericin B on CO2 production was studied using a Bactec 225. A radiometric procedure for yeast susceptibility testing that requires 3 h of incubation was developed. A total of 48 yeast isolates was tested in this system and the results were correlated to tube dilution studies. The drug concentration causing at least a 44% decrease in CO2 production correlated to the tube dilution minimal inhibitory concentration in 85% of isolates tested and was within one tube dilution of the minimal inhibitory concentration in over 95% of yeasts tested.
Chelation‐Driven Rearrangement of Primary Alkyl Aminopalladation Products to Stable Trisubstituted Alkyl–Palladium Complexes

The formation of highly substituted carbon centers using catalysis has been a widely sought after goal, but complexes of highly substituted carbon atoms with transition metals are rare, and the factors that affect the relative stability of complexes with differentially substituted carbon atoms are poorly understood. In this study, a set of equilibrating alkyl–palladium complexes were subtly tuned to form either a primary or trisubstituted alkyl complex as the more thermodynamically favored state, depending on either the substrate or reaction conditions. An X-ray crystal structure of the trisubstituted alkyl–palladium complex is presented and compared with the corresponding primary alkyl complex. The mechanism for rearrangement and the factors that drive the change in stability are discussed.
National Ignition Facility alignment and wavefront control

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is a stadium-sized facility containing a 192-beam, 1.8-Megajoule, 500-Terawatt, ultraviolet laser system. High-energy-density and inertial confinement fusion physics experiments require the ability to precisely align and focus pulses with single beam energy up to 20KJ in a few nanoseconds onto mm-sized targets. NIF's alignment control system now regularly provides automatic alignment of the four commissioned beams prior to every NIF shot in approximately 45min., and speed improvements are being implemented. NIF utilizes adaptive optics for wavefront control, which significantly improves the ability to tightly focus each laser beam onto a target. Multiple sources of both static and dynamic aberration are corrected. This presentation provides an overview of the NIF Automatic Alignment and Wavefront Control Systems including the accuracy and target spot size performance achieved.
Distress in Fatally and Chronically Ill Children: Methodological Note

This report concerns the important empirical question of measuring distress experienced by a child while coming to terms with his or her own life-threatening illness. Nineteen fatally and chronically ill outpatient children were assessed in seven areas of personality functioning with seven different measurement methods. Inspection of the multitrait-multimethod correlation matrix indicates: that there are important differences in measures of distress that are thought to be roughly the same; and that, in general, the most common empirical methods are poorly fitted to the task of understanding the distress of fatally or chronically ill children.
Synthesis of 1-thioaldosides having an amino group at the aglycon terminal

Abstract A number of 1-thio-β- d -aldosides were prepared, directly or indirectly, from acetylated 1-halides of d -galactose, d -glucose, and 2-amino-2-deoxy- d -glucose. These aldosides have an amino group at the terminal position of the aglycon, in the form of 6-aminohexyl, 6-aminohexanoyl, or p-aminophenyl groups.