cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs and Distal Large Bowel Cancer in Whites and African Americans

Despite the belief that the etiology of and risk factors for rectal cancer might differ from those for colon cancer, relatively few studies have examined rectal cancer in relation to use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The authors evaluated the association between NSAIDs and distal large bowel cancer in African Americans and whites, using data from a population-based case-control study of 1,057 incident cases of adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon, rectosigmoid junction, and rectum and 1,019 controls from North Carolina (2001-2006). NSAID use was inversely associated with distal large bowel cancer in whites (odds ratio (OR) = 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46, 0.79). The inverse association was evident for all types of NSAIDs but was slightly stronger with prescription NSAIDs, particularly selective cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.56). Compared with whites, a relatively weak inverse association was found in African Americans (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.55, 1.40), although odds ratio heterogeneity by race could not be confirmed (P = 0.21). In addition, the strength of the association with NSAIDs varied by tumor location, suggesting more potent effects for rectal and rectosigmoid cancers than for sigmoid cancer. The chemopreventive potential of NSAIDs might differ by population and by tumor characteristics.
EFFECT OF THE STRUCTURE OF DISLOCATION BOUNDARIES ON YIELD STRENGTH

Two simple types of dislocation distribution were introduced into zinc crystal specimens and the effect of each on the stress-strain curve was investigated. Quantitative results were obtained for simple edge dislocation arrays and for an array of screw dislocations lying in the slip plane.
Calcium/diacylglycerol-dependent protein kinase and its major 87-kilodalton protein substrate are differentially distributed in rat basal ganglia.

: When brain tissue is subjected to subcellular fractionation, both calcium/diacylglycerol-depenpent protein kinase (protein kinase C) and an 87-kiIodalton (kDa) protein substrate for this enzyme are enriched in the crude nerve terminal fraction. The present study, using chen|iical and surgical lesions of neurons in the rat neostriatum and substantia nigra, has examined whether the 87-kDa protein is colocalized with protein kinase C in identified neurons and nerve terminals. Our results show that, in the basal gaijglia, protein kinase C is highly enriched in local striatal neurons and the striatonigral fibers and terminals. In contrast, the 87-kDa protein appears to be widely and evenly distributed in both neuronal and nonneuronal cells. The 87-kDa protein may therefore mediate functions of protein kinase C not restricted to nerve terminals.
Effects of different ventilation strategies on lung injury in newborn rabbits.

Background The results from experimental and clinical studies have shown that mechanical ventilation (MV) and/or hyperoxia may aggravate a pre-existing lung injury, or even cause lung injury in healthy lungs, despite the fact that it might be the only life-saving intervention available to a patient. The present study was designed to investigate the roles of MV and hyperoxia in the pathogenesis of lung injury. Methods Newborn New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to an unventilated air control group or to one of the 2 × 3 × 3 ventilation strategies using a factorial design. The experimental groups were assigned different fractions of inspired oxygen (FiO2), peak inspiratory pressures (PIP), and respiratory times (RT). The lung wet-to-dry ratio (W/D), lung histopathology scores, and cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed for each group. The apoptosis levels were studied by immunohistochemistry and a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay. Results Different ventilation regimes induced alterations in microvascular permeability, differential histopathological grading, WBC and/or neutrophil and/or lymphocyte influx, and apoptosis levels; moreover, there were significant correlations and interaction effects between these indices. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that different ventilation regimes can induce lung injury and that the interaction effects of the FiO2, the PIP and the RT may play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of lung injury. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012. 47:1103–1112. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How Does the Trajectory of Multimorbidity Vary Across Black, White, and Mexican Americans in Middle and Old Age?

Objectives. This research examines intra- and interpersonal differences in multiple chronic conditions reported by Americans aged 51 and older for a period up to 11 years. It focuses on how changes in multimorbidity vary across White, Black, and Mexican Americans. Methods. Data came from 17,517 respondents of the Health and Retirement Study (1995-2006) with up to 5 repeated observations. Hierarchical linear models were employed to analyze ethnic variations in temporal changes of reported comorbidities. Findings. Middle-aged and older Americans have on average nearly 2 chronic diseases at the baseline, which in- creased to almost 3 conditions in 11 years. White Americans differ from Black and Mexican Americans in terms of level and rate of change of multimorbidity. Mexican Americans demonstrate lower initial levels and slower accumulation of comorbidities relative to Whites. In contrast, Blacks showed an elevated level of multimorbidity throughout the 11-year period of observation, although their rate of change slowed relative to Whites. Discussion. These results suggest that health differences between Black Americans and other ethnic groups including White and Mexican Americans persist in the trajectory of multimorbidity even when population heterogeneity is adjusted. Further research is needed concerning the impact of health disadvantages and differential mortality that may have oc- curred before middle age as well as exploring the role of nativity, the nature of self-reported diseases, and heterogeneity underlying the average trajectory of multimorbidity for ethnic elders.
A new approach to aperture synthesis using frequency diversity imaging

We consider imaging arrays and apertures from the point of view of their performance in the imaging of spatially incoherent source distributions. The concept of coarray is used to provide an interesting insight into the aperture synthesis process using frequency diversity imaging. Simulation results are also provided. The proposed methods are applicable to imaging of coherent distribution of reflectors as well.
Microscopic flow measurements with optically trapped microprobes

The use of optical tweezers to measure micrometer-resolution velocity fields in fluid flow is demonstrated as an extension of a scanning confocal viscosity microscope. This demonstration is achieved by detection of the motion of an optically trapped microsphere in an oscillating laser trap. The technique is validated by comparison with an independent video-based measurement and applied to obtain a two-dimensional map of the flow past a microscopic wedge. Since the velocity is measured simultaneously with the trap relaxation time, the technique requires no fluid-dependent calibration and is independent of the trap stiffness and the particle size.
Validation of the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS) items using geographic information systems

Background:Concurrent validity of Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS) items was evaluated with objective measures of the built environment using geographic information systems (GIS). Methods:A sample of 878 parents of children 10 to 16 years old (mean age 43.5 years, SD = 6.8, 34.8% non-White, 63.8% overweight) completed NEWS and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. GIS was used to develop 1-mile street network buffers around participants’ residences. GIS measures of the built environment within participants’ buffers included percent of commercial and institutional land uses; number of schools and colleges, recreational facilities, parks, transit stops, and trees; land topography; and traffic congestion. Results:Except for trees and traffic, concordance between the NEWS and GIS measures were significant, with weak to moderate effect sizes (r = −0.09 to −0.36, all P ≤ 01). After participants were stratified by physical activity level, stronger concordance was observed among acti...
WOMEN IN GEOGRAPHY: A BRIEF FACTUAL ACCOUNT

(1973). WOMEN IN GEOGRAPHY: A BRIEF FACTUAL ACCOUNT. The Professional Geographer: Vol. 25, No. 2, pp. 151-165.
Analysis of a printed loop antenna using a Fourier series expansion for the loop current

The major problem with printed antennas has been dealing with the Green's function which contains Sommerfeld-type integrals that require a careful numerical treatment. In the present work, the printed wire-loop antenna has been analyzed rigorously through Fourier series expansion of the current distribution. The procedure becomes remarkably simple because of the orthogonality of the expansion functions. A Green's function technique is used in which a set of Pocklington-type integral equations (EFIE) is derived and transformed using the method of moments into a set of simultaneous linear equations for the unknown current coefficients. The input impedance is computed as a function of loop size with the dielectric constant as a parameter. The current distribution for the resonant loop case is also presented. >
Comparison of conoscopic, telescopic, and goniometric methods for measuring angular emissions from medical liquid-crystal displays

Although emissive displays exhibit a quasi-Lambertian emission, the anisotropy of the electro-optic effect that controls light transmission in liquid-crystal displays (LCDs) causes the pixel luminance to vary, sometimes strongly, with the viewing angle. These variations are not identical for all gray levels and can eventually cause gray-scale inversions. We compare methods currently used to measure angular luminance variations in the LCDs: the goniometric method, the telescopic method, and the conoscopic or Fourier-optics method. We show that, although they are the same at the high end of the gray scale, the results of the three methods differ significantly at lower gray levels. In some cases the measured luminance was as much as 38% higher for the conoscopic system, and 26% higher for the telescopic method, than the value obtained with the goniometric approach. This shift in the minimum luminance measurement translates directly into the contrast ratio, affecting the reporting of technical specifications of display systems.
Japan Sea Thermohaline Structure and Circulation. Part II: A Variational P-Vector Method

Abstract The second part of this work investigates the seasonal variabilities of the Japan/East Sea (JES) circulation using the U.S. Navy Generalized Digital Environmental Model (GDEM) climatological temperature and salinity dataset (public domain) on a 0.5° × 0.5° grid. A variational P-vector method was developed to invert the velocity field. The GDEM for the JES was built up on historical (1930–97) 136 509 temperature and 52 572 salinity profiles. The climatological mean and seasonal variability of the current systems are well inverted, especially the Tsushima Warm Current and its bifurcation, the East Korean Warm Current (EKWC), the Japan nearshore branch, the confluence of the EKWC, and the North Korean Cold Current near the Korean coast and flows northeastward along the subpolar front, and a mesoscale anticyclonic eddy in the Ulleng/Tsushima Basin. Furthermore, this method has the capability to invert flow reasonably well across the shallow straits such as the Tsushima/Korea, Tsugaru, and Soya Strait...
Kearney and George: The demagogue and the prophet

From the turbulent seventies in California emerged two very different men with two widely divergent solutions to the problems of troubled times. Through violent invective Dennis Kearney won an immediate popular following for a vague political program directed against surface evils. Henry George, with less understanding of mass audiences, won acceptance for his thoughtful economic analysis more slowly. But by 1886 George had learned much about popular speaking, while Kearney's hollow rantings had lost their appeal. George's long‐range influence was in part the result of his new‐found skill with mass audiences.
The Geography of Violence in the Sierra Leone Civil War

When is guerrilla warfare the more rational choice for rebels in civil wars and when is terrorism? Why are some civil wars accompanied by widespread sexual violence when others are not? Recent literature within the study of civil wars (Weinstein 2007; Kalyvas 2006) has sought to explain under what circumstances discriminate versus indiscriminate violence occurs in civil wars. But discriminate and indiscriminate violence can take on different forms, which will have different consequences both during the conflict and on the post-conflict environment. Each form of violence discussed here is now the subject of a vast and often growing literature that seeks to explain why the use of that form of violence is rational, but the use of these forms of violence is rarely discussed in any comparative sense. This project seeks to fill this gap. Using an original dataset of village level violent events in Sierra Leone, this project tests a series of hypotheses from the guerrilla warfare, terrorism and sexual violence literatures, in a comparative perspective. Specifically, this paper demonstrates how violence varies across Sierra Leone and over time, and how the forms of violence used in certain areas is connected to both the political geography (which party to the conflict controls the territory) and the physical geography (terrain) of the country. Preliminary analyses indicate that guerrilla violence is more likely to take place in areas under rebel control, whereas sexual violence is most likely to take place in areas of contested territory. Guerrilla violence is also more likely to take place within urban areas and terrorism is more likely to take place in mountainous regions.
Disease ecology across soil boundaries: effects of below-ground fungi on above-ground host–parasite interactions

Host-parasite interactions are subject to strong trait-mediated indirect effects from other species. However, it remains unexplored whether such indirect effects may occur across soil boundaries and connect spatially isolated organisms. Here, we demonstrate that, by changing plant (milkweed Asclepias sp.) traits, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) significantly affect interactions between a herbivore (the monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus) and its protozoan parasite (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha), which represents an interaction across four biological kingdoms. In our experiment, AMF affected parasite virulence, host resistance and host tolerance to the parasite. These effects were dependent on both the density of AMF and the identity of milkweed species: AMF indirectly increased disease in monarchs reared on some species, while alleviating disease in monarchs reared on other species. The species-specificity was driven largely by the effects of AMF on both plant primary (phosphorus) and secondary (cardenolides; toxins in milkweeds) traits. Our study demonstrates that trait-mediated indirect effects in disease ecology are extensive, such that below-ground interactions between AMF and plant roots can alter host-parasite interactions above ground. In general, soil biota may play an underappreciated role in the ecology of many terrestrial host-parasite systems.
Preliminary investigation of the relation between lunchroom peer acceptance and peer victimization

Abstract Less structured school settings such as lunchrooms and playgrounds occasion more frequent instances of peer victimization than structured classroom settings (Fite et al., 2013; Vaillancourt et al., 2010) but, also provide students with the opportunity for social exchanges that can further their social development (Boulton, 1999; Low et al., 2010). We hypothesized that lunchroom-specific peer acceptance would predict children's level of peer victimization even when controlling for classroom-based social preference scores. Peers completed measures of acceptance, and children, teachers, and peers completed measures assessing peer victimization. As expected, lunchroom-specific peer acceptance differed significantly for rejected versus preferred/average children and for victims versus non-victims. Results also revealed that lunchroom-specific acceptance predicted concurrent levels of peer victimization when controlling for class-wide social preference scores. Findings suggest that children's acceptance by lunch mates is a potentially important parameter to consider when assessing or intervening with children who experience difficulties with peer relationships.
Sources of Minority Underrepresentation in Corporate Employment

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a context for understanding the attainments of minorities and, in particular, the career prospects of minority individuals in large corporations. The account I will provide emphasizes the limitations on what corporations can do to increase minority employment in high occupational positions but also suggests strategies that business organizations should follow to promote equity. Further, I note what minority individuals must themselves do in order to be situated favorably with respect to corporate careers.
Understanding therapeutic pathways and comorbidities in psoriasis

Psoriasis is now recognized as an immunologically mediated systemic disease that may be expressed in cutaneous and joint symptoms. Medications that were once thought to control psoriasis by reducing keratinocyte proliferation are now known to act on immunologic pathways. In recent years, the emerging understanding of immunologic pathways in psoriasis has resulted in the use of biologic medications (eg, inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor) to treat psoriasis. More recently, other pathophysiologic pathways have been identified that have the potential to expand the therapeutic armamentarium. Other avenues of research within the past decade have demonstrated that a range of health risks and comorbid inflammatory diseases are associated with psoriasis, and they have the potential to increase morbidity and mortality and adversely affect quality of life.
Non-heme mechanisms for T1 shortening: pathologic, CT, and MR elucidation.

PURPOSE To further elucidate the nonparamagnetic effects of T1-relaxation mechanisms in MR imaging. PATIENTS AND METHODS In 12 patients with lesions having hyperintense signal on T1-weighted spin-echo MR, findings were correlated with autopsy/surgical biopsy in seven cases and/or noncontrast CT scans in 10 cases. RESULTS Eight of the 10 CT scans demonstrated hyperattenuation in the lesions, indicating mineralization, which correlated with the areas of hyperintense signal on MR. Histologic characterization of the mineralization was accomplished in three cases using four stains; hematoxylineosin, alizarin red S, von Kassa stains for calcium and Perls9 iron. The areas of mineralization were homogeneously strongly positive with the calcium stains and only focally weakly positive with the Perls9 iron stain. The mineralization was further characterized in all three cases as containing calcium and phosphorus using energy-dispersive x-ray analysis. Four of the 12 cases had either no correlating CT scans (two cases) or the CT showed no hyperattenuating properties to the lesions (two cases). In all four of these cases, microscopic examination showed that the gyriform configuration of the cortical hyperintense signal on T1-weighted images correlated with linear zones of nonhemorrhagic laminar necrosis (cerebral infarction). No mineralization, except for an occasional ferruginated neuron, could be demonstrated with the four histologic stains. Specimen MR imaging of formalin-fixed brain sections in one case demonstrated in vitro the gyriform hyperintense signal seen in vivo. CONCLUSION Our studies describe and pathologically characterize two associations with T1 shortening in neuroimaging unrelated to the presence of heme: 1) calcification and 2) laminar necrosis in cerebral infarction.
Factors important to the distribution of colour morphs of Littorina Mariae Sacchi & Rastelli in a non-tidal area

Abstract This study deals with the distribution of shell colour morphs of the marine snail Littorina mariae, in a non-tidal area in western Sweden. Factors important to this distribution and frequency differences between spring and autumn were examined. I looked forinteractions among four factors: species of algae (Fucus), algal morphology, shell colour, and snail age. All possible three-way interactions were significant, but there was no four-way interaction among factors. This means that the colour morphs were unevenly distributed. The factors affecting the distribution were species and morphology of the Fucus plants, and snail age. Colour frequencies were the same for adults and juveniles in both spring and autumn. The proportion of yellow snails was higher and the proportion of brown snails was lower in autumn than in spring on F. serratus. Yellow snails, in autumn and regardless of age, sat mainly on F. serratus with little stem and F. uesiculosus with much stem. Brown adults were found mainly on F. ...
An Anatomy Lesson

Stage A 52-year-old man had a seven-month history of fatigue, weight loss, and pain in the lower abdomen and low back. Three months earlier, he had undergone a barium enema and upper endoscopy after he was found to have a hematocrit of 29 percent with a mean corpuscular volume of 76 cubic micrometers. Both studies were negative, and a trial of oral iron therapy failed to correct the anemia. His examination and laboratory data at the time of referral revealed no abnormalities other than a swollen left testicle, a condition that had appeared during the same period. Response The combination . . .
Symptomatic treatment and H. pylori eradication therapy for nonulcer dyspepsia.

Bismuth subcitrate, histamine H2-receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors could be recommended for short-term relief of symptoms. Eradication of H. pylori would slightly decrease this patient's chance of having persistent symptoms over the next three to 12 months.
Racial Disparities in Diabetes Hospitalization of Rural Medicare Beneficiaries in 8 Southeastern States

This study examined racial variability in diabetes hospitalizations attributable to contextual, organizational, and ecological factors controlling for patient variabilities treated at rural health ...
Wave optics analysis of observation volumes in two-photon fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy

Information recovery in fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy requires accurate models both for the physical dynamics observed and for the effective size and shape of the sample region from which fluorescence signals are measured. In both one- and two-photon fluctuation spectroscopy, the so called observation volume is assumed to be well approximated by a three dimensional Gaussian (3DG) function. Here, we present wave optics computations that provide an accurate representation of the true profile for the fluorescence measurement with two-photon excitation. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) curves are computed for these true profiles for a variety of optical configurations, and we demonstrate that under most illumination conditions the 3DG based FCS models do provide reasonable approximations to the measured FCS curves.
Digital-microfluidic biochips for quantitative analysis: Bridging the Gap between microfluidics and microbiology

Digital-microfluidics technology has shown considerable promise for advancing sample preparation and point-of-care diagnostics; therefore, it has the potential to transform microbiology and biochemistry research. Over the past decade, a number of microfluidics design-automation techniques have been developed for on-chip droplet manipulation. However, these methods overlook the myriad complexities of biomolecular protocols and they have yet to make a significant impact in biochemistry/microbiology research. A paradigm shift in biochip design automation and a “phase transition” in research are clearly needed to bridge this gap between microfluidics and microbiology. In this paper, we explain how researchers from design-automation and embedded systems can play a key role in this transition. We present a new synthesis flow that uses realistic models of biomolecular protocols and cyberphysical adaptation to address real-world microbiology applications. We also present a list of metrics that can be used for the assessment of designautomation techniques for microbiology applications.
Thermal techniques for reshaping the cornea

The shape of the cornea of the eye can be modified to correct permanently for near-sightedness or far-sightedness. Heat energy can be delivered to the cornea for this purpose in order to elevate the collagen in mid-cornea to its shrinkage temperature of about 60 °C. When a suitable pattern of shrinkage is created in the peripheral cornea, the central cornea may steepen or flatten in response, and this change in curvature may serve as a refractive correction. This paper reviews the following methods for heating the cornea for this purpose: conduction, radio-frequency, laser, and microwave.
Management of a Tibial Plafond Lung Cancer Metastasis Using an Intramedullary Hindfoot Fusion Nail.

Metastatic disease to the tibial plafond is rare with few reports in the literature. No consensus exists regarding surgical reconstruction of large structural defects of the ankle due to these lesi...
Effect of precursor materials on the performance of the NiFe2O4-based spinel layer for SOFC cathode-side contact application

Abstract Simulated cathode/contact/interconnect cells are used to investigate the effects of different precursors on the microstructure and performance of the thermally-converted NiFe 2 O 4 -based spinel contact layer. The precursor materials include a mixture of NiO and Fe 2 O 3 powders (NiO + Fe 2 O 3 ), a mixture of pure Ni and Fe powders (Ni + Fe), an Fe-Ni alloy (Invar 36) powder, and an Fe-Ni-Co alloy (Kovar) powder. The isothermal area specific resistance (ASR) of the test cells is evaluated at 800 °C in air for 1000 h, which shows significant variation depending on the contact precursors. The cells with the metallic precursors exhibit much reduced ASRs compared to the one with the mixed oxides, due to the unique reactive sintering of the spinel layer with the metallic precursors. Furthermore, the cell ASR values with the alloy precursors are lower than that with the Ni + Fe mixture. While the cell ASR with the Invar 36 precursor decreases gradually with time, the Kovar precursor leads to the lowest ASR. Thermal cycling does not negatively affect the cell ASR performance with the Kovar-derived contact layer. Cross-sectional observation of the tested cells is conducted to assess the compatibility of the contact layer with adjacent components as well as its effectiveness in blocking Cr migration from the interconnect to the cathode.
Excess-electron surface states of helium clusters.

Bound states of an excess electron attached to the surface of helium clusters $^{4}\mathrm{He}_{n}$ and liquid helium are calculated. The binding energy increases smoothly from 0.04 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ for $n=5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{5} \mathrm{to} 5.57$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ for bulk liquid helium. The splittings of the first two excited states of the excess electron on a liquid-helium surface are reproduced to within 1% of the experimental values. We expect similar accuracies for the cluster states.
THE EFFECT OF SURFACE FINISH ON THE DEFORMATION CHARACTERISTICS OF 1015 STEEL AT 25°C

ABSTRACT Burst rupture tests performed on preflawed spheriodized 1015 steel discs pressurrized with hydrogen and oxygen gas have shown that hydrogen lowers the failure pressure, decreases fatigue life, promotes failure in a leak-before-burst mode, and changes the microscopic fracture mode. Burst tests with unflawed samples of various surface finishes, ranging from 240 grit to .05 μ alumina polish, indicate that surface roughness plays a major role in determining whether samples tested in hydrogen failed by a leak or in a burst mode, rough surfaces promoting the failure by leaking. However, no surface effect was seen on the failure mode of samples tested in oxygen.
Real time network policy checking using header space analysis

Network state may change rapidly in response to customer demands, load conditions or configuration changes. But the network must also ensure correctness conditions such as isolating tenants from each other and from critical services. Existing policy checkers cannot verify compliance in real time because of the need to collect "state" from the entire network and the time it takes to analyze this state. SDNs provide an opportunity in this respect as they provide a logically centralized view from which every proposed change can be checked for compliance with policy. But there remains the need for a fast compliance checker. Our paper introduces a real time policy checking tool called NetPlumber based on Header Space Analysis (HSA) [8]. Unlike HSA, however, NetPlumber incrementally checks for compliance of state changes, using a novel set of conceptual tools that maintain a dependency graph between rules. While NetPlumber is a natural fit for SDNs, its abstract intermediate form is conceptually applicable to conventional networks as well. We have tested NetPlumber on Google's SDN, the Stanford backbone and Internet 2. With NetPlumber, checking the compliance of a typical rule update against a single policy on these networks takes 50-500µs on average.
Leishmania phosphatase PP5 is a regulator of HSP83 phosphorylation and essential for parasite pathogenicity

Leishmania parasites are responsible for important neglected diseases in humans and animals, ranging from self-healing cutaneous lesions to fatal visceral manifestations. During the infectious cycle, Leishmania differentiates from the extracellular flagellated promastigote to the intracellular pathogenic amastigote. Parasite differentiation is triggered by changes in environmental cues, mainly pH and temperature. In general, extracellular signals are translated into stage-specific gene expression by a cascade of reversible protein phosphorylation regulated by protein kinases and phosphatases. Though protein kinases have been actively studied as potential anti-parasitic drug targets, our understanding of the biology of protein phosphatases in Leishmania is poor. We have previously reported the principal analysis of a novel protein phosphatase 5 (PP5) in Leishmania species. Here, we assessed the role of PP5 in parasite pathogenicity, where we uncovered, using transgenic PP5 over-expressing and PP5 null-mutant parasites, its importance in metacyclogeneisis, maintaining HSP83 phosphorylation homeostasis and virulence. All together, our results indicate the importance of PP5 in regulating parasite stress and adaptation during differentiation, making this protein an attractive potential target for therapeutic intervention.
Global Benefits Versus Local Concerns: The Need for a Bird's Eye View of Nuclear Energy

We had a brief but shattering experience in 1973 during the embargo on Middle East oil. The effect of this experience confirmed the wisdom-indeed the necessity-of identifying and exploiting alternative energy sources-particularly for the long term. The most promising new source identified to date is nuclear-generated energy. -Justice Powell (joined by Justices Rehnquist, Marshall and Blackmun) (1984)'
Colorectal cancer resection rates in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a population-based study

Background and objective Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to analyse the trends in rates of resection for IBD-related CRC in the USA. Methods We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1995 to 2012. Temporal trends in age-adjusted rates of resection for CRC in the setting of IBD were analysed using multivariate Joinpoint regression models. The primary outcome was surgical resection of CRC in the setting of IBD. Results We included 3 597 168 IBD discharges in the present study, of which 275 479 underwent CRC resection between 1995 and 2012. The annual CRC resection rates among IBD population decreased significantly from 1995 to 2012. This decrease was significant in all age groups with an annual decrease of 393 (P 75 years, respectively. The annual IBD-CRC resection rate per 100 000 IBD discharges for proximal CRC decreased by 149 (P 75 years, between 1995 and 2012. On multivariate Poisson regression analysis, after adjustment for age and sex, CRC resections decreased by 3.9% each year from 1995 to 2012. Conclusions CRC resection rates among IBD patients have continued to decrease annually from 1995 to 2012. There is a population-level decrease in resection of both proximal and distal CRC reflecting a decreasing incidence of IBD-related CRC incidence in the USA.
Reversal of Cardiac Allograft Dysfunction with Medical Therapy

Background Acute cellular rejection (ACR) among heart transplant recipients is common with up to 20% to 40% of patients developing an episode in the first year. Yet, stability is the norm after the first year. Late graft dysfunction is less common and can result in the need for re-transplantation. We present a case in which medical therapy was used in lieu and resulted in resolution of graft dysfunction. Case report A 48 year old man who underwent orthotopic heart transplant in July 2014 had an uncomplicated early transplant course with negative endomyocardial biopsy (EMBx) for allograft rejection through 21 months. At that time he presented with dyspnea, lower extremity swelling and excess sinus tachycardia (140 bpm). Given new heart failure symptoms, rejection evaluation was completed, including EMBx. Pathology revealed International Society for Heart and Lunt Transplantation (ISHLT) grade 2R ACR. Staining for antibody mediated rejection was negative. An echocardiogram (TTE) revealed a decline in allograft function from 70% to 40% with restrictive filling pattern. Treatment with anti-thymocyte globulin, high dose prednisone taper, plasmapheresis and bortezomib was given. Despite treatment the patient returned for heart failure hospitalization 3 months later. Right heart catheterization (RHC) showed pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of 24 mmHg, mean right atrial pressure of 12 mmHg and cardiac index of 1.9 L/min/m^2. Due to reluctance on the part of the patient to immediately consider re-transplantation, intravenous milrinone and titration of guideline-directed medical therapy was completed. Fortunately, the graft ejection fraction normalized on subsequent TTE and he was successfully weaned off milrinone over 5 months. Repeat RHC showed normal filling pressures and normal cardiac index. Conclusions Patients who develop graft dysfunction with cellular rejection may continue to experience residual graft dysfunction after treatment. Continued medical therapy with standard heart failure regimen and inotropes helped support this patient during decompensation. This case suggests the possibility of late allograft recovery with medical support and avoidance of re-transplantation. Further research is needed regarding effective medical management of graft dysfunction.
Column flotation studies of Alabama oil shale

Eastern US oil shale contains approximately 10 to 12 gallons of oil per ton and 7 to 10% pyritic sulfur. Physical beneficiation of these low grade shales using froth flotation provides a high grade material that makes extraction of oil more economically attractive. The Alabama oil shale used in the present study contained 16.46% organic carbon and 14.5 gallons of oil per ton as determined by Fischer assay. Liberation size of the kerogen was estimated at 10 µm. ‘Ken-Flote’ column flotation technology provided a high grade concentrate containing as much as 60% organic carbon. However, carbon recovery was about 60%. Carbon recovery was improved to 75–85% while maintaining concentrate grades in excess of 40% carbon by providing longer retention time in the column, which facilitated effective bubble-particle collision and attachment.
Stated and revealed preferences in companion animal choice

Humans often say they prefer certain attributes and trait levels and yet choose options inconsistent with those preferences, a phenomenon known as the stated-revealed preference gap. In this article, we compare preferences and choices in the decision to adopt a dog, a social-choice problem that is largely one-sided. We used existing and newly gathered field data about the dog adoption process to study how people make their choices of companion animals and how those choices can be improved. We found that in the real-world choice of dogs within an animal shelter, individuals generally showed a large amount of overlap between their stated preferences and their ratings of the traits of their chosen dog. However, there was little relationship between an adopter's perceptions of their chosen dog's behavioral traits and third-party in-shelter behavior evaluations of the same dogs, suggesting that it is difficult to predict which dogs will satisfy an adopter's preferences. We also tested which commonly collected factors impact how quickly dogs are adopted from animal shelters. Overall, this work provides insight into the process of combining experimentally collected data and big data to elucidate choice behavior.
What are normal radiographic spine and shoulder balance parameters among adolescent patients

Retrospective. To define normal values and distributions for sagittal, coronal, and shoulder balance among healthy adolescents, both for traditional radiographs and biplanar radiography. Our understanding of spine balance, especially in the sagittal plane, has expanded rapidly in recent years. Additionally, there has been growing use of simultaneous biplanar radiography which requires slightly different patient positioning. However, the normal ranges of several commonly used parameters have not yet been defined, either in traditional or biplanar radiography. Radiographs were retrospectively reviewed of 273 patients aged 10–18 years seen in spine clinics at two high-volume centers and not diagnosed with any spine pathology. One center utilized traditional radiography and the other biplanar radiography. Coronal, sagittal, and shoulder balance were measured for each patient. Intra-observer reliability and normal values with distributions were reported for each parameter. Intra-observer reliability was excellent (intra-class correlation coefficients ≥ 0.98). Each parameter was normally distributed at each institution based on Kolmogorov–Smirnov testing. Sagittal balance was more negative at the institution using traditional radiographs (− 3.4 ± 4.2 vs. 0.3 ± 2.2, p < 0.001). Coronal balance was statistically, but not clinically, significantly more negative at this institution (− 0.6 ± 1.4 vs. − 0.2 ± 1.0, p = 0.007). Shoulder balance was not different between institutions. The “normal” ranges (mean ± 2 standard deviations, i.e., expected to include 95% of patients) were − 2.8 to 2.0 cm for coronal balance, − 9.0 to 6.1 cm for sagittal balance, and − 1.5–2.4 cm for shoulder balance. In adolescents without known spine pathology, the mean coronal, sagittal, and shoulder balance is near neutral, but each parameter varies over a large range; so the average patient deviates from neutral by 1.0 ± 0.7 cm, 3.1 ± 2.6 cm, and 0.9 ± 0.7 cm, respectively. The most important difference between biplanar and traditional radiographs was a significantly more negative sagittal balance in the biplanar group which may be attributable to arm positioning. Level III.
Review of Cases of E-Cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) and Brief Review of the Literature

Since the appearance of the E-Cigarette in the early 2000s, its industry, popularity, and prevalence have risen dramatically. In the past, E-Cigarette use with the vaping of nicotine or cannabis products had been associated with a few reported cases of lung injury. However, in 2019, thousands of cases of E-Cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) were reported in the United States. Evidence linked this outbreak with vaping of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). We report two confirmed cases of EVALI and their associated clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features. This report supports the growing body of information regarding EVALI. It also discusses various substances, particularly vitamin E acetate, which has been suggested as a causative agent.
Improved Algorithms for Learning Equilibria in Simulation-Based Games

We tackle a fundamental problem in empirical game-theoretic analysis (EGTA), that of learning equilibria of simulation-based games. Such games cannot be described in analytical form; instead, a black-box simulator can be queried to obtain noisy samples of utilities. Our first theorem establishes that uniform approximations of simulation-based games are equilibrium preserving. We then design algorithms that uniformly approximate simulation-based games with finite-sample guarantees. Our first algorithm, global sampling (GS), extends previous work that constructs confidence intervals assuming bounded utilities with confidence intervals that are sensitive to variance. The second, progressive sample with pruning (PSP), samples progressively, ceasing the sampling process (i.e., pruning strategies) as soon as it determines that the corresponding utilities have been sufficiently well estimated for equilibrium computation. We experiment with our algorithms using both GAMUT, a state-of-the-art game generator, and Gambit, a state-of-the-art game solver. For a broad swath of games, we show that GS using our variance-sensitive bounds outperforms previous work, and that PSP can significantly outperform GS. Here "outperform" means achieving the same guarantees with far fewer samples.
Cytokine profiling: variation in immune modulation with preterm birth vs. uncomplicated term birth identifies pivotal signals in pathogenesis of preterm birth.

Author(s): Denney, Jeffrey M; Nelson, Edward; Wadhwa, Pathick; Waters, Thaddeus; Mathew, Leny; Goldenberg, Robert L; Culhane, Jennifer F | Abstract: ObjectivesTo assess deviations in longitudinally measured cytokines with preterm birth (PTB).MethodsProspective longitudinal study targeting 80 subjects. Phlebotomy specimens for broad panel of cytokine analysis were obtained at three time (T)nintervals: first trimester (T1: 8-14nweeks' gestation), second trimester (T2: 18-22nweeks' gestation), and third trimester (T3: 28-32nweeks' gestation). Important demographics and outcomes were tracked. Data were stratified and the target groups were analyzed as follows: "Uncomplicated" (deliveredn≥37nweeks) or "Preterm Birth" (l37nweeks). Generalized Linear Modeling determined rate of change T1-T3 by outcome.ResultsComplete data replete with phlebotomy at all three visits were obtained on 80 women. Birth outcomes were as follows: 11 Uncomplicated Term Birth (UTB), 28 PTB, 4 low birth weight (LBW), 16 OB complications (OBC), 11 current infections (IFN), and 10 mixed complications (MC=2 or more of the above). 28 PTB were compared to 11 uncomplicated term deliveries. In both groups, T helper type 1 (TH1) cytokine (IL-1β), pleiotrophic pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-6), and counter-regulatory cytokine (IL-10) responses decreased over gestation, but rates of change in IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 were significantly different. Stratification of women by smoking status additionally demonstrated significant variance in immune status over the course of pregnancy.ConclusionsWomen delivering PTB demonstrated significant differences in cytokine trajectory over pregnancy; these data further validate key role played by immune regulation in directing pregnancy outcome. Likewise, smoking impacts longitudinal trajectory of cytokines over pregnancy.
The 2012 Agreement on the Exploitation of Transboundary Hydrocarbon Resources in the Gulf Of Mexico: Confirmation of the Rule or Emergence of a New Practice?

This Article explores the international law applicable to the exploitation of hydrocarbon resources that straddle the boundaries between States (transboundary fields) and its applicability to the U.S. and Mexico maritime boundary in the Gulf of Mexico. After a detailed examination of the different sources of international law including treaties, customary norms, judicial decisions, and bilateral practice, the Article concludes that the United States and Mexico have deviated in some regards from the standard international legal practices that other States have adopted to exploit transboundary hydrocarbon resources. The two most notable deviations are in allowing either nation to unilaterally exploit the shared resource, if no unitization agreement can be achieved, and the absence of an effective third party dispute settlement mechanism under some circumstances. Concretely, the Article analyzes how the latest instrument signed by these two nations for the exploitation of these resources, the 2012 Agreement on the Exploitation of Transboundary Hydrocarbon Resources, modifies international practice in several aspects and has the potential of complicating the efficient exploitation of the resources for the benefit of both nations. In reaching its conclusion the Article reviews the ratification processes of the agreement, the legal implications on the way both States perceive the use of these resources, and the effects that the 2014 reform in the energy sector in Mexico has on the binational treaty regime.
Forensic and reliability analyses of fixed dental prostheses

This article describes the protocol for determining the cause of failure for retrieved failed implant supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) in a clinical study of three-unit bridges. The results of loading of flexure bars of different veneer compositions at different stress rates were presented for two veneer materials (leucite reinforced and fluorapatite glass-ceramic veneers) and a Y-TZP core zirconia ceramic used in the clinical study. From these results, the strengths of the fast loading conditions were used to determine the fracture toughness of these materials. Fractal dimension measurements of the flexure bars and selected FDPs of the same materials demonstrated that the values were the same for both the bars and the FDPs. This allowed the use of fracture toughness values from the flexure bars to determine the strengths of the FDPs. The failure analysis of clinically obtained FDP replicates to determine the size of the fracture initiating cracks was then performed. Using the information from the flexure bars and the size of the fracture initiating cracks for the failed FDPs, the strengths of the FDPs were determined. The clinical failures were determined to be most likely the result of repeated crack growth due to initial overload and continuous use after initial cracking.