cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glycosylation-induced Modifications of Intact Basement Membrane

We examined structural changes in bovine kidney tubular basement membrane (TBM) following In vitro nonenzymatic glycosylation (NEG). Isolated TBM was incubated for 2 wks at 37° C in the absence of sugar or in the presence of either glucose or ribitol under conditions which minimized degradation and oxidative damage. NEG and crosslink formation in glycated TBM were confirmed by increased specific fluorescence compared to controls. Morphological analysis using high resolution, low voltage scanning electron microscopy (LV-SEM) revealed a complex three-dimensional meshwork of interconnecting strands with intervening openings. Glycated TBM underwent distinct morphological changes including a 58% increase in the amount of image surface area occupied by openings. This was due to an apparent increase in the number of large openings (diameters >12.5nm), whereas the number of small openings (diameters <12.5nm) remained unchanged. These findings corroborate earlier physiological studies which established that the loss of glomerular permselectivity seen in patients with diabetic nephropathy is due to the formation of large pores in the kidney filtration barrier of which the BM is a major component. We conclude that NEG and crosslink formation among BM components lead to modifications of BM ultrastructure which could play a role in loss of barrier function in diabetic microangiopathy and nephropathy.
Moral development and sporting behavior in sport education: A case study of a preservice teacher with a coaching orientation:

Sport education (SE) is considered to be an excellent medium through which to develop students’ concepts of moral and sporting behavior. Previous research, however, indicates that teachers interpre...
Diagnostic Assessment of Preference Constraints for Simulation Optimization in Water Resources

AbstractSimulation-optimization frameworks, such as multiobjective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs), are increasingly used for real-world water resources problems. Constraints in MOEA optimization c...
Literary Skies After 1800

The British Romantic poet Lord Byron, in three stanzas of a poem entitled “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage,” described an Italian twilight scene with spectacular colors filling the sky. Byron noted that the Moon was visible and that a “Single Star is at her side.” How could we use biographical information, letters, diaries, and other clues to determine that an actual event in 1817 inspired these stanzas? Where in Italy did this occur? On what date did Byron observe this scene? Can we identify the “Single Star” near the Moon? And what is the connection between the remarkable twilight hues observed by Byron in Italy and a volcanic eruption half a world away in Indonesia?
Symptoms: Listen to How Your Stone Is Communicating with You!

We all know someone who had a stone, or you may have had a stone yourself. We hear about that relentless pain that takes someone down to his or her knees, sometimes crying like an infant. Female patients describe that it was easier to give birth to a child than it was to deliver a stone. So why is it that patients get this unrelenting and sometimes unforgiving pain?
The influence of sodium and magnesium ions on the action of deoxyribonuclease II.

The importance of controlling deoxyribonuclease action during the isolation of deoxyribonucleic acid has been taken for granted since the work of McCarty and Avery (1) on pneumococcus transformation. Citrate or eth 1 y enediaminetetraacetate has been widely used to control DNase 1,’ and it is generally assumed that maintenance of a neutral pH effectively eliminates DNase II action (3). The present paper deals with some observations on mouse spleen DNase which indicate that the latter assumption is essentially correct at relatively high salt concentration, but that the action of DNase II becomes significant at neutral pH when the concentration of salt is reduced sufficiently. Previous findings (4) that extracts of mouse spleen exhibited maximal DNase action at pH 5 in 0.005 to 0.01
International Focus Group Research: A Handbook for the Health and Social Sciences

A practical and authoritative guide to conducting focus group discussions in health and social science research, with particular emphasis on using focus groups in developing country settings. Monique M. Hennink describes the procedures and challenges of each stage of international focus group research. This book demonstrates how to balance scientific rigour with the challenges of the research context, and guides readers to make informed research decisions. It includes unique field perspectives and case study examples of research in practice. Topics covered include: planning international field research; developing a fieldwork timetable and budget; seeking research permissions; translating research instruments; training a field team; developing a culturally appropriate discussion guide; participant recruitment strategies; conducting focus groups in another language; managing discussions in outdoor locations; group size and composition issues; transcription and translation of the group discussions; data analysis and reporting focus group research.
Using Crowd-Sourced Data to Study Public Services: Lessons from Urban India

As cities throughout the developing world grow, they often expand more quickly than the infrastructure and service delivery networks that provide residents with basic necessities such as water and public safety. Why do some cities deliver more effective infrastructure and services in the face of rapid growth than others? Why do some households and communities secure better services than others? Answering these questions requires studying the large, politicized bureaucracies charged with providing urban services, especially the relationships between frontline workers, agency managers, and citizens in informal settlements. Researchers investigating public service delivery in cities of the Global South, however, have faced acute data scarcity when addressing these themes. The recent emergence of crowd-sourced data offers researchers new means of addressing such questions. In this paper, we draw on our own research on the politics of urban water delivery in India to highlight new types of analysis that are possible using crowd-sourced data and propose solutions to common pitfalls associated with analyzing it. These insights should be of use for researchers working on a broad range of topics in comparative politics where crowd-sourced data could provide leverage, such as protest politics, conflict processes, public opinion, and law and order.
The Political Philosophy of Science in Historical Perspective: The Road Through Popper and Polanyi to the Present

One of Ian C. Jarvie’s most interesting contributions is his discussion of the thinking of Karl Popper and Michael Polanyi on the nature and workings of the scientific community and their relation to politics (Philosophy of Science 68(4): 545–564, 2001). The self-image these thinkers contributed to still lingers, but their accounts capture a historical moment that has passed and was idealized even when they were written. In this chapter, I examine this tradition and identify the central themes which dominated this literature and ask the question of how this history is relevant today. The answer will perhaps be surprising: despite the fact that the Left of the past held positions that are the opposites of the positions of the present participatory Left, the considerations that motivated the older Left remain.
Research, Race and Profit

Health disparity based on racial categories has been a popular topic for quite some time. Health challenges among American minority populations are no secret. Individuals within Black, Hispanic, and Asian communities are the most disadvantaged regarding well-being. The use of Pharmacology (the branch of medicine focusing on the knowledge and study of drugs) is a tool to alleviate health issues in minority communities. Specifically, heart failure is a major American public health issue. Compared to other races, African Americans suffer disproportionately higher rates of heart failure. Consequently, BiDil was designed to specifically treat African Americans, which made BiDil the first drug categorized as race-based medicine. This chapter will examine significant heart studies before BiDil, BiDil’s path to approval and the racial aftershock felt in the areas of economics, medicalization, and genetics with physician-patient critiques and nutritional solutions.
Bio-Matched Horn: A Novel 1–9 GHz On-Body Antenna for Low-Loss Biomedical Telemetry With Implants

We present the Bio-Matched Horn antenna: a novel 1.773 cm3 on-body antenna for very low-loss communication with wireless implants across the 1–9 GHz bandwidth. To achieve this unique performance, the Bio-Matched Horn is composed of water-filled holes used to mimic the frequency-dependent permittivity of the underlying tissue over its entire bandwidth. The horn shape further allows the proposed antenna to communicate efficiently through the biological tissue for both subcutaneous and deep-tissue wireless implants. Measurement results at 2.4 GHz are in good agreement with simulations and show a transmission loss of 8.01 dB to a 4 mm-deep implant and 19.21 dB to a 2 cm-deep implant. Compared to the previous designs, this is a remarkable improvement by 14.5 and 10.8 dB for subcutaneous and deep-tissue communication, respectively. In this paper, we discuss the operation principle and design of the Bio-Matched Horn, its performance for subcutaneous and deep-tissue implant telemetry, sensitivity to rotational and positional misalignments, and specific absorption rate performance.
A generalized agent based framework for modeling a blockchain system

We describe an agent-based conceptual model of a Blockchain system. Blockchain technology enables distributed, encrypted and secure logging of digital transactions in an add-only ledger record. We model and simulate an expanding Blockchain network, describing the participating agents, the transactions, and the verified add-only public ledger record achieving decentralized consensus. All of the essential details of the functioning of the Blockchain including the behaviors and decisions made by agents deciding to join as well as participate in the market are detailed in the prototype model. The aim of this paper is to illustrate the essential elements and functioning of a Blockchain system, implement a generalized simulation and a measure of Blockchain efficiency from an agent choice and energy cost perspective. Our preliminary results indicate that mining choice (transaction block to verify) coupled with proof of work incentives are critical for energy efficiency.
Exploiting SEU Data Analysis to Extract Fast SET Pulses

A method is presented to enhance single-event transient (SET) measurements by overcoming a common experimental limitation of minimum measurable pulse widths. As technology scales, SETs decrease in width and measurement circuits fundamentally cannot capture every fast transient capable of causing an error. A method has been developed to overcome this limitation by using a latch as a feedback-assisted fast transient capture circuit. Single-event upset (SEU) data are combined with SET data to extend pulsewidth acuity such that pulses faster than the minimum measurable SET pulsewidth are extracted. The method has been applied for a 14-/16-nm bulk FinFET technology node and predictions for logic single-event cross section reveal the impact of fast transients on the radiation response of logic circuits. Results including the extracted fast transients represent upper bound SEU cross sections. For high linear energy transfer (LET) particle irradiation, accounting for fast transients using the developed method results in negligible variation in logic SE cross section. However, for low LET particle irradiation, the method results in an order of magnitude increase in logic SE cross section.
Class of antiretroviral drugs and anemia risk in the current treatment era

Abstract OBJECTIVES Anemia is common among people living with HIV (PLWH) and has been associated with certain, often older, antiretroviral medications. Information on current antiretroviral therapy (ART) and anemia is limited. The objectives were to compare associations between anemia incidence or hemoglobin change with core ART classes in the current ART era. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING U.S.-based prospective clinical cohort of PLWH aged 18 and above receiving care at 8 sites between 1/2010-3/2018. PARTICIPANTS 16,505 PLWH were included in this study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Anemia risk and hemoglobin change were measured for person-time on a protease inhibitor (PI) or an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI), relative to a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) reference. We also examined PLWH on multiple core classes. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were conducted to measure associations between time-updated ART classes and incident anemia or severe anemia. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine relationships between ART classes and hemoglobin change. RESULTS During a median of 4.9 years of follow-up, 1,040 developed anemia and 488 developed severe anemia during. Compared to NNRTI use, INSTI-based regimens were associated with an increased risk of anemia (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.94-1.47) and severe anemia (aHR1.55 95%CI 1.11-2.17), and a decrease in hemoglobin level. Time on multiple core classes was also associated with increased anemia risk (aHR 1.30, 95%CI 1.06-1.60) and severe anemia risk (aHR 1.35, 95%CI 0.99-1.85), while no associations were found for PI use. CONCLUSION These findings suggest INSTI use may increase the risk of anemia. If confirmed, screening for anemia development in users of INSTIs may be beneficial. Further research into underlying mechanisms is warranted. Strengths and limitations of this study This study utilized a large and geographically diverse population of PLWH in care across the U.S. This study leveraged comprehensive clinical data, including information on diagnoses, medication use, laboratory test results, demographic information, and medical history. This study investigated associations between specific types of ART core regimens and anemia risk. This observational study is subject to residual confounding. This study focused on anemia assessed from hemoglobin lab values taken at regular medical care visits without excluding participants with conditions strongly associated with hemoglobin level through non-traditional HIV mechanisms.
Synergistic activation of MAP kinase (ERK1/2) by erythropoietin and stem cell factor is essential for expanded erythropoiesis

Stem cell factor (SCF) and erythropoietin (EPO) work synergistically to support erythropoiesis, but the mechanism for this synergism is unknown. By using purified human erythroid colony-forming cells (ECFC), we have found that SCF and EPO synergistically activate MAP kinase (MAPK, ERK1/2), which correlates with the cell growth and thus may be responsible for the synergistic effects. Treatment of the cells with PD98059 and wortmannin, inhibitors of MEK and PI-3 kinase, respectively, inhibited the synergistic activation of MAPK and also the cell growth, further supporting this conclusion. Wortmannin only inhibits MAPK activation induced by EPO but not that by SCF, suggesting that SCF and EPO may activate MAPK through different pathways, which would facilitate synergy. Furthermore, EPO, but not SCF, led to activation of STAT5, whereas SCF and wortmannin had no effect on the EPO-induced STAT5 activation, suggesting that STAT5 is not involved in the synergistic action of SCF and EPO. Together, the data suggest that synergistic activation of MAPK by SCF and EPO is essential for expanded erythropoiesis.
Dynein tails: how to hitch a ride on an IFT train

Researchers have sought to understand the function and regulation of the motor protein dynein since its discovery more than 50 years ago1. Dynein-2 is one of the motors that move the intraflagellar transport (IFT) trains ― large protein complexes that are needed for the assembly and function of eukaryotic cilia and flagella. Toropova et al. report the single-particle cryo-EM structure of the human dynein-2 complex2, which unexpectedly reveals two different conformations of the motor subunit tails. One tail forms a zigzag that matches the periodicity of the IFT trains, which reinforces the auto-inhibition of dynein motor activity and the binding of multiple dynein-2 complexes along the train during anterograde transport.
Perivascular and Perineural Pathways Involved in Brain Delivery and Distribution of Drugs after Intranasal Administration.

One of the most challenging aspects of treating disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) is the efficient delivery of drugs to their targets within the brain. Only a small fraction of drugs is able to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) under physiological conditions, and this observation has prompted investigation into the routes of administration that may potentially bypass the BBB and deliver drugs directly to the CNS. One such route is the intranasal (IN) route. Increasing evidence has suggested that intranasally-administered drugs are able to bypass the BBB and access the brain through anatomical pathways connecting the nasal cavity to the CNS. Though the exact mechanisms regulating the delivery of therapeutics following IN administration are not fully understood, current evidence suggests that the perineural and perivascular spaces of the olfactory and trigeminal nerves are involved in brain delivery and cerebral perivascular spaces are involved in widespread brain distribution. Here, we review evidence for these delivery and distribution pathways, and we address questions that should be resolved in order to optimize the IN route of administration as a viable strategy to treat CNS disease states.
The Healthy Cooking Index does not Predict the Carotenoid Content of Home-Cooked Meals

Home cooking programs are an increasingly popular approach to nutrition education and have the potential to promote diet quality among pediatric cancer survivors. A cornerstone of many programs is the use of fresh fruits and vegetables, which may support increased intake of many food components, including carotenoids, to improve survivor health. However, most dietary carotenoids in the United States currently come from processed vegetables, and it is unclear if the emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables common in cooking education programs is associated with the total carotenoid content of meals. The objective of this analysis is to examine the relationship between fresh produce usage, practices commonly taught in healthy home cooking classes, and the carotenoid content of prepared meals among 40 parents with school-aged children. This is a secondary analysis of an observational study examining the quality of home cooking practices using an evidence-based index of behaviors, the Healthy Cooking Index (HCI). Nutrition-optimizing cooking practices, as quantified by the HCI, were not associated with the carotenoid content of meals (r = -0.24, p = 0.13). Further, total fruit and vegetable content of meals was not associated with total carotenoids (r = 0.14; p = 0.38), indicating heterogeneity in the carotenoid profiles of foods used by this population. High-carotenoid meals tended to use more canned and/or frozen tomato and vegetable products, and carotenoid content was associated with meals with sugar (r = 0.32; p = 0.04), and servings of refined grains (r = 0.49; p < 0.01). Our findings indicate an opportunity to educate pediatric cancer survivors and families on the incorporation of high-carotenoid food products while reducing refined grain and sweetener intake through a tailored home cooking intervention.
THE RECEPTION AND DELIVERY OF THE ORACLE IN REVELATION 13:9–10

T his study will examine how the oracle in Revelation 13:9 10 might have been regarded by the original audience as it was recited by the lector to each of the seven churches. The oral cultural context from which it originated decisively shaped the oracle’s form and content. That oral cultural context will be considered in this analysis. The investigation will be conducted in three steps. First, this essay will argue that in the recitation of Revelation, the assemblies in Asia Minor would have perceived the following: the author’s presence, his authority as a prophet, and the divine presence. Second, it will demonstrate that in hearing the oracle in Revelation 13:9–10, the congregants would have heard John’s voice and accepted the prophet’s words as caring and authoritative. Finally, the poetic nature of the oracle will be examined for its ability to foster a sense of the semantic divine presence. Consequently, when the prophecy was read aloud, it may have nurtured feelings of awe, reverence, and respect for God in the listeners.
Exceptional Circumstances: Immigration, Imports and Climate Change as Emergencies

President Trump has used emergency powers to achieve key parts of his policy agenda, exemplified by his travel ban, funding for the border wall, and tariffs on many imports. This essay examines how the Administration has invoked the need for urgent action in these and other settings, along with the responses of the courts. The essay also consider how these actions could be used as precedents by future presidents, such as declaring a climate change emergency. Finally, the essay discusses the risks of normalizing the use of emergency powers, along with the forces that may impel presidents in that direction.
The Metaphysics of Social Being

This chapter completes the sketch of the social theory that backgrounds the discussion of both personal and political freedom. Social theorists typically think of agency as the catalyst for social change. This work not only follows that tradition but also qualifies philosophical concerns about personal autonomy by arguing that autonomy is collectively exercised through social discourse sparked by the underdetermination of social norms (among other social factors). The result of this discourse is social change (though this discourse is only one source of this change), and also social conflict.
An automated controlled-release device for intravaginal hormone delivery

Abstract Our objective was to develop and validate an electronically controlled hormone-delivery device for reproductive control of cattle. After development and in vitro testing of a prototype device for intravaginal (IVG) hormone release, we aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of inducing luteal regression by automated treatment with PGF2α. The IVG device comprises an outer 3D-printed plastic housing, fluid reservoirs connected to delivery pumps and tubing, a programmable circuit board, and a retention mechanism. For in vitro testing, 4 pumps were programmed to release different target volumes (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mL) in 4 replicates (n = 80). A Bland-Altman plot was constructed to assess the magnitude of disagreement between expected and delivered volumes. Observations fell within acceptable limits of agreement (1.96 standard deviations) >95% of the time, indicating overall good agreement (mean difference = −0.005 mL). To assess in vivo performance of the IVG device, lactating Holstein cows with at least 1 corpus luteum ≥15 mm in diameter were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 treatments: (1) IM-PGF (n = 6): two 25-mg intramuscular doses of PGF2α 24 h apart; (2) DEV-PGF (n = 6): four 25-mg doses of PGF2α released automatically by the IVG device at 10- or 12-h intervals; and (3) DEV-CTL (n = 4): insertion of an empty IVG device (placebo control). Blood samples were collected at 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h after treatment. Data were analyzed by ANOVA with repeated measures. All devices (10/10) remained in situ until removed at 48 h. Progesterone (P4) concentrations from 0 to 72 h were affected by treatment, time, and their interaction. Concentrations of P4 did not differ at time 0 but differed from 24 to 72 h: cows in IM-PGF and DEV-PGF had lesser P4 than cows in DEV-CTL. Conversely, P4 did not differ for IM-PGF and DEV-PGF during the experiment. We conclude that the current IVG hormone-releasing device prototype can be programmed to automatically release PGF2α for successful induction of luteal regression in lactating dairy cows.
Successful Use of Aspirin, Apixaban, and Viscoelastography in a Patient with Severe COVID Disease and Allergy to Porcine Products

Coagulation abnormalities are frequently described in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Common thromboprophylaxis and anticoagulation treatment strategies ...
Meaning and purpose in Huntington’s disease: a longitudinal study of its impact on quality of life

Objective Previous work in Huntington's disease (HD) has shown that a sense of meaning and purpose (MP however, it was unknown whether HD-validated patient-reported outcomes (PROs) influence this association and how M&P impacts PROs in the future. Our study was designed to examine if HD-validated PROs moderate the relationship between M&P and PAW and to evaluate if baseline M&P predicts 12- and 24-month changes in HD-validated PROs. Methods This was a longitudinal, multicenter study to develop several PROs (e.g., specific for the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social domains) for people with HD (HDQLIFE). The sample consisted of 322 people with HD (n = 50 prodromal, n = 171 early-stage manifest, and n = 101 late-stage manifest HD). A single, multivariate linear mixed-effects model was performed with PAW as the outcome predicted by main effects for M&P and several moderators (i.e., an HD-validated PRO) and interactions between M&P and a given PRO. Linear-mixed models were also used to assess if baseline M&P predicted HD-validated PROs at 12 and 24 months. Results Higher M&P was positively associated with higher PAW regardless of the magnitude of symptom burden, as represented by HD-validated PROs, and independent of disease stage. In our primary analysis, baseline M&P predicted increased PAW and decreased depression, anxiety, anger, emotional/behavioral disruptions, and cognitive decline at 12 and 24 months across all disease stages. Interpretation These findings parallel those seen in the oncology population and have implications for adapting and developing psychotherapeutic and palliative HD interventions.
Sphingomyelinase decreases transepithelial anion secretion in airway epithelial cells in part by inhibiting CFTR-mediated apical conductance

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is an anion channel whose dysfunction causes cystic fibrosis (CF). The loss of CFTR function in pulmonary epithelial cells causes surface dehydration, mucus build-up, inflammation, and bacterial infections that lead to lung failure. Little has been done to evaluate the effects of lipid perturbation on CFTR activity, despite CFTR residing in the plasma membrane. This work focuses on the acute effects of sphingomyelinase (SMase), a bacterial virulence factor secreted by CF relevant airway bacteria which degrades sphingomyelin into ceramide and phosphocholine, on the electrical circuitry of pulmonary epithelial monolayers. We report that basolateral SMase decreases CFTR-mediated transepithelial anion secretion in both primary bronchial and tracheal epithelial cells from explant tissue, with current CFTR modulators unable to rescue this effect. Focusing on primary cells, we took a holistic ion homeostasis approach to determine a cause for reduced anion secretion following SMase treatment. Using impedance analysis, we determined that basolateral SMase inhibits apical and basolateral conductance in non-CF primary cells without affecting paracellular permeability. In CF primary airway cells, correction with clinically relevant CFTR modulators did not prevent SMase-mediated inhibition of CFTR currents. Furthermore, SMase was found to inhibit only apical conductance in these cells. Future work should determine the mechanism for SMase-mediated inhibition of CFTR currents, and further explore the clinical relevance of SMase and sphingolipid imbalances.
Calorific Content of Certain Bacteria and Fungi

Calorific contents of dried cells of several representative species of bacteria (gram-negative rods and gram-positive rods and cocci), two species of yeasts, and a filamentous fungus were determined by bomb calorimetry. The grand mean was 5,383 cal per g of ash-free dry weight. This value was then used to determine quantity of energy assimilated (E(a)) during growth. Subsequently, E(a) was employed in the equation: Y(kcal) = Y/(E(a) + E(d)), where Y(kcal) is the yield of cells per kilocalorie of energy taken from a culture medium, Y is the yield per mole of substrate utilized, E(a) is Y times caloric content of the cells, and E(d) is the energy expended by oxidative dissimilation. An estimate of E(d) was obtained for a number of experiments by multiplying the moles of oxygen consumed per mole of substrate utilized during growth by the average quantity of energy utilized to reduce a mole of oxygen with electrons from organic compounds (106 kcal). From previous studies in our laboratories, a value for Y(kcal) of 0.118 g/kcal was predicted. The mean value for data from five studies of aerobic growth of prototrophic heterotrophs was found to be 0.111.
Losing weights: Failure to recognize and act on weight loss documented in an electronic health record.

Background: Involuntary weight loss is associated with higher mortality. When this weight loss is unrecognized, opportunities for timely diagnosis of significant conditions may be missed. Objective: To use electronic health record (EHR) data to estimate the frequency of unrecognized involuntary weight loss and its implications. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the weights recorded in an EHR of 100,000 adult patients seen in outpatient clinics over a five-year period using a novel data visualization and review tool. We reviewed charts of a random sample of 170 patients experiencing weight loss periods. Our outcomes included determinations of whether weight loss 1) was voluntary vs. involuntary; 2) was recognized and documented; and 3) possible explanations identifiable at the index visit or within the subsequent two years. Results: Of 170 randomly-selected weight loss periods reviewed, 22 (13%) were involuntary, 36 (21%) were voluntary and 112 (66%) were indeterminate. Sixty-six (39%) weight loss periods were recognized by clinician at the index visits and an additional 3 (1%) at the next PCP visits. Possible explanations for weight loss emerged in the subsequent two years including medical conditions in 60 (45%), psycho-social conditions in 19 (14%), erroneous data entry in 9 (7%), voluntary weight loss in 8 (6%), and postpartum weight loss in 6 (4%). No possible explanations were found in 32 (24%). Conclusions: Periods of weight loss were common, often involuntary and frequently not recognized or documented. Many patients with involuntary weight loss had potential explanations that emerged within the subsequent two years.
Molecular methods for the detection of Mycoplasma and ureaplasma infections in humans: a paper from the 2011 William Beaumont Hospital Symposium on molecular pathology

Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma species are well-known human pathogens responsible for a broad array of inflammatory conditions involving the respiratory and urogenital tracts of neonates, children, and adults. Greater attention is being given to these organisms in diagnostic microbiology, largely as a result of improved methods for their laboratory detection, made possible by powerful molecular-based techniques that can be used for primary detection in clinical specimens. For slow-growing species, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma genitalium, molecular-based detection is the only practical means for rapid microbiological diagnosis. Most molecular-based methods used for detection and characterization of conventional bacteria have been applied to these organisms. A complete genome sequence is available for one or more strains of all of the important human pathogens in the Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma genera. Information gained from genome analyses and improvements in efficiency of DNA sequencing are expected to significantly advance the field of molecular detection and genotyping during the next few years. This review provides a summary and critical review of methods suitable for detection and characterization of mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas of humans, with emphasis on molecular genotypic techniques.
Replacement of the liquid vitreus with sodium hyaluronate in monkeys. II. Long-term evaluation.

Abstract Highly purified, large molecular weight fractions of Na-hyaluronate (Healon) dissolved in physiological buffer solution in 1% concentration form viscous pastes. When 1 ml of this paste was implanted into the vitreous space of 82 owl monkey (Aotus trivirgatus) eyes, no pathological changes could be observed months or years (up to 9 years) after implantation. Implantations were made as many as seven times into the same eye without observable pathological changes in the eye. Subcortical lenticular opacities occurred in 4% of all implantations and pigmented chorioretinal lesions occurred in 8% of all implantations. The chorioretinal lesions developed in some cases after injection of balanced salt solution (BSS). This pathology was studied with electronmicroscopy. No correlation could be found between the Na-hyaluronate implantation and the development of these lesions. This pathology is believed to be caused by the surgical trauma during the exchange of half of the total volume of the liquid vitreus with balanced salt solution. During this process a mechanical dislocation between the retinal pigment epithelium and the neuroretina can occur which triggers pigment cell proliferation and subsequent pathological changes. No evidence was found of any immunogenic reaction caused by the implantation of Na-hyaluronate. The increase in vitreous protein resulting from implantation of Na-HA was three times that found after implantation of either BSS or Healon. Neither Healon nor Na-HA caused significant changes in IOP.
Analytical expressions for drainable and fillable porosity of phreatic aquifers under vertical fluxes from evapotranspiration and recharge

[1] In shallow unconfined aquifers, the response of the water table (WT) to input and output water fluxes is controlled by two distinct storage parameters, drainable and fillable porosity, which are applicable for WT drawdown and rise, respectively. However, only the drainable porosity estimated from the hydrostatic soil moisture profile is in common use. In this study, we show that under conditions of evapotranspiration and/or recharge from or to a shallow water table, drainable and fillable porosity have different values. Separate analytical expressions are developed for drainable and fillable porosity accounting for dynamic soil moisture conditions through the assumption of successive steady state fluxes in the unsaturated zone. The equations are expressed in terms of soil hydraulic parameters and matric suction at the soil surface. Parametric evapotranspiration and recharge functions are used to estimate the suction at the soil surface. The final expressions are independent of evapotranspiration or recharge function, thus allowing the use of any appropriate function to estimate the storage parameters. It is shown that the occurrence of unsaturated zone fluxes can result in significantly different values of drainable and fillable porosity, even when hysteresis is neglected. Application of the two parameters in a Boussinesq-type groundwater model resulted in significantly improved estimates of field-measured water table dynamics compared to the hydrostatic, single-parameter model.
Matrix Metalloproteinase Induction by Relaxin Causes Cartilage Matrix Degradation in Target Synovial Joints

Our long-term goal is to understand the mechanisms by which relaxin and estrogen potentially contribute to joint diseases, particularly those afflicting the fibrocartilaginous temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Previously, we showed that relaxin produces a dose-dependent induction of tissue-degrading enzymes of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family, specifically MMP-1 (collagenase-1), MMP-3 (stromelysin-1), MMP-9 (92-kDa gelatinase), and MMP-13 (collagenase-3) in cell isolates and tissue explants from TMJ fibrocartilage. The induction of these MMPs is accompanied by loss of collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which was blocked by a pan-MMP inhibitor. We also found the targeted in vivo loss of collagen and GAGs in TMJ discs of ovariectomized rabbits treated with beta-estradiol, relaxin, or both hormones together. Progesterone attenuated the induction of MMPs and matrix loss by relaxin and estrogen. The modulation of matrix composition in TMJ fibrocartilage by these hormones was similar to that observed in the pubic symphysis and differed from that of the knee meniscus. The two target tissues showing the greatest modulation of MMPs and matrix loss, namely, the TMJ disc and pubic symphysis, had similar expression profiles of the estrogen receptors alpha and beta, relaxin-1 receptor (RXFP1, LGR7), and insulin-like peptide 3 receptor (RXFP2, LGR8) and these profiles differed from those in cells from the knee meniscus. These findings suggest a novel model for targeted tissue turnover of cartilage of specific joints through hormone-mediated induction of select MMPs.
Educational attainment and obesity: a systematic review

Although previous systematic reviews considered the relationship between socioeconomic status and obesity, almost 200 peer-reviewed articles have been published since the last review on that topic, and this paper focuses specifically on education, which has different implications. The authors systematically review the peer-reviewed literature from around the world considering the association between educational attainment and obesity. Databases from public health and medicine, education, psychology, economics, and other social sciences were searched, and articles published in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish were included. This paper includes 289 articles that report on 410 populations in 91 countries. The relationship between educational attainment and obesity was modified by both gender and the country's economic development level: an inverse association was more common in studies of higher-income countries and a positive association was more common in lower-income countries, with stronger social patterning among women. Relatively few studies reported on lower-income countries, controlled for a comprehensive set of potential confounding variables and/or attempted to assess causality through the use of quasi-experimental designs. Future research should address these gaps to understand if the relationship between educational attainment and obesity may be causal, thus supporting education policy as a tool for obesity prevention.
A quasilinear parabolic system arising in modelling of catalytic reactors

A system of four quasilinear parabolic equations arising in modelling of catalytic reactors is studied; the system is coupled in a nonstandard way. We prove that the system has unique global solution. The asymptotic behavior (as t → ∞) is studied.
Sin, Suffering, and the Need for the Theological Virtues

This article examines the account of the relationship between sin and suffering provided by J. L. A. Garcia in "Sin and Suffering in a Catholic Understanding of Medical Ethics," in this issue. Garcia draws on the (Roman) Catholic tradition and particularly on the thought of Thomas Aquinas, who remains an important resource for Catholic theology. Nevertheless, his interpretation of Thomas is open to criticism, both in terms of omissions and in terms of positive claims. Garcia includes those elements of Thomas that are purely philosophical, such as natural law and acquired virtue, but neglects the theological and infused virtues, the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, and the beatitudes. These omissions distort his account of the Christian life so that he underplays both the radical problem posed by sin (and suffering), and the radical character of the ultimate solution: redemption in Christ through the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Modeling pore size distribution in cellulose rolled stationary phases.

Rolled stationary phases are fabrics (i.e., nonparticulate phases) that rapidly separate proteins from salts on the basis of size exclusion. Pore size and pore size distributions in the stationary phase determine how different size molecules distribute between the stationary and mobile phases in liquid chromatography columns. The potential for size exclusion chromatography by fabrics is not initially obvious because their interlaced structures are atypical for size exclusion supports. A simple logistic model fits the pore size distribution of a rolled stationary phase when pore sizes were measured using PEG, Dextran, D2O, glucose, and NaCl probes. When the fabric is treated with cellulase enzymes, the water-accessible pores uniformly decrease and peak retention is lower. The logistic function model captures this result and enables comparison of pore size distribution curves between enzyme-treated and untreated fabrics in rolled stationary phase columns.
Periodic boundary motion in thermal turbulence

A free-floating plate is introduced in a Benard convection cell with an open surface. It partially covers the cell and distorts the local heat flux, inducing a coherent flow that in turn moves the plate. Remarkably, the plate can be driven to a periodic motion even under the action of a turbulent fluid. The period of the oscillation depends on the coverage ratio, and on the Rayleigh number of the convective system. The plate oscillatory behavior observed in this experiment may be related to a geological model, in which continents drift in a quasiperiodic fashion. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
CRT-169 Radial Versus Femoral Approach to High Speed Rotational Coronary Atherectomy

Transradial approach to coronary interventions is associated with improved patient outcomes. However, there is scarcity of studies evaluating the feasibility of radial approach to high-speed rotational coronary atherectomy (HSRCA) due to various technical reasons. Thus further studies are needed to
Effects of the opiates on the paraventricular nucleus in genetically polydipsic mice.

The inbred mice, STR/N, are known to possess extreme polydipsia with no known abnormality in vasopressin system and the kidney function. Our previous studies indicate that the opiate antagonists given intracerebroventricularly strongly attenuated spontaneous drinking. To determine the site(s) of action, the present study was undertaken. Microinjections of naltrexone methobromide and a selective κ-receptor antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI), into the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) greatly attenuated drinking of the STR/N for 0.5 to 16 h after injections, while in the two control groups, non-polydipsic STR/1N and Swiss/Webster strains, drinking was not affected by the injections. Food intake was not much altered in all groups. Studies of PVN neurons in vitro (n = > 160for each group) showed that basal firing rates and patterns were similar in the STR/N and the control groups. Morphine added to the medium inhibited some but excited none in all strains tested. The threshold for the inhibitory action was higher in the polydipsic STR/N mice (10−8 M), compared to that in the control, S/W mice (10−9 M). Further, a proportion of neurons inhibited by morphine in the PVN was significantly smaller (P < 0.01) in the STR/N (41.7%), compared to that in the control (64.9%). Dynorphin had very similar effect to that of morphine, but the proportion of cells inhibited was 25.4% in the STR/N, and 70.4% in the S/W. Prior applications of naloxone to the medium prevented the action of both morphine and dynorphin. Under the synaptic blockade (in a low Ca2+ and high Mg2+ medium) the inhibitory effect of the opiates persisted. We concluded that the PVN is at least one of the possible sites where the opiates are acting to cause the polydipsia in the STR/N mice.
Brahms, Rhythm, and the Renaissance

Johannes Brahms’s deep engagement with the past contributed to his compositional style in many ways. This article considers Brahms techniques that look back to and expand on those of Renaissance composers, in particular metric conflict and cadences, voice displacement, changes in proportion, rhythmic augmentation and diminution, and the hocket. Examples are taken from Brahms’s Academic Festival Overture, Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Piano Quartet in A Major, and Symphony No. 3 in F Major.
Work in progress - building community among first year engineering students

ldquoEngineering Workshopsrdquo is a peer mentoring program we are developing that seeks to improve retention of first year students by drawing them into the engineering school community while they are still taking prerequisite calculus and physics courses. The goals of these workshops are: (1) to provide a facilitated opportunity for prospective engineering students to meet and form a support system; (2) to introduce first year students to the engineering school and its teamwork culture; and (3) to give them a motivational peek at how the math and physics they are studying is used in engineering. Workshops meet weekly for at least two hours in the engineering building. Each is facilitated by a pair of upperclass engineering students. In the first four terms, weekly attendance has averaged 30 in all sessions (roughly 25% of prospective majors). Student responses in end-of-term surveys have been consistently positive, citing the benefits of meeting other engineering students and working in small groups.
A cluster-based power-efficient MAC scheme for event-driven sensing applications

In developing an architecture for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) that is extensible to hundreds of thousands of heterogeneous nodes, fundamental advances in energy efficient communication protocols must occur. In this paper, we first propose an energy-efficient and robust intra-cluster communication bit-map assisted (BMA) MAC protocol for large-scale cluster-based WSNs and then derive energy models for BMA, conventional TDMA, and energy efficient TDMA (E-TDMA) using two different approaches. We use simulation to validate these analytical models. BMA is intended for event-driven sensing applications, that is, sensor nodes forward data to the cluster head only if significant events are observed. It has low complexity and utilizes a dynamic scheduling scheme. Clustering is a promising distributing technique used in large-scale WSNs, and when combined with an appropriate MAC scheme, high energy efficiency can be achieved. The results indicate that BMA can improve the performance of wireless sensor networks by reducing energy expenditure and packet latency. The performance of BMA as an intra-cluster MAC scheme relative to E-TDMA depends on the sensor node traffic offer load and several other key system parameters. For most sensor-based applications, the values of these parameters can be constrained such that BMA provides enhanced performance.
Thoracoscopic resection of an anterior mediastinal tumor

The therapeutic role of thoracoscopy has expanded with advances in endoscopic surgical instrumentation and laser technology. We report a complete thoracoscopic resection of an encapsulated (stage I) thymoma with lymphocytic predominance in an elderly woman without myasthenia gravis. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course and was discharged on the third postoperative day. Median sternotomy with its attendant morbidity was avoided. Thoracoscopic resection of thymic neoplasms may be a useful approach in carefully selected patients.
Symmetric sign pattern matrices that require unique inertia

Abstract A sign pattern matrix is a matrix whose entries are from the set {+,−,0} . The purpose of this paper is to characterize symmetric sign patterns that require unique inertia, that is, all the real symmetric matrices with the given sign pattern must have the same inertia. Further, some constructions to obtain sign patterns that require unique inertia are provided. Sign patterns corresponding to some special graphs are also considered. Finally, extensions to complex sign patterns are mentioned.