cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outpatient follow-up does not prevent emergency department utilization by trauma patients.

Abstract Background Although most trauma centers have a regularly scheduled trauma clinic, research demonstrates that trauma patients do not consistently attend follow-up appointments and often use the emergency department (ED) for outpatient care. Methods A retrospective review of outpatient follow-up of adult patients admitted to the trauma service (January 2014-December 2014) at an urban level I trauma center was conducted ( n = 2134). Results A total of 219 patients (10%) were evaluated in trauma clinic after discharge from the hospital. Twenty-one percent of patients seen in trauma clinic visited the ED within 30 d compared with 12% of those not seen in clinic ( P P = 0.25). Stepwise logistic regression showed that clinic follow-up was not a significant predictor of decreased ED utilization (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.16 [95% confidence interval 0.78-1.72], P = 0.461) and also showed that while ED use was a significant predictor of readmission (adjusted OR 216 [93-500], P P = 0.48). Conclusions Outpatient follow-up in the trauma clinic does not decrease ED utilization or hospital readmissions indicating that interventions aimed at improving access to a conventional outpatient clinic will not impact ED utilization rates. Further study is necessary to determine the best system for providing clinically appropriate and cost-effective outpatient follow-up for trauma patients.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Anion–Quadrupole Interactions in Protein Structures

The edgewise interactions of anions with phenylalanine (Phe) aromatic rings in proteins, known as anion–quadrupole interactions, have been well studied. However, the anion–quadrupole interactions of the tyrosine (Tyr) and tryptophan (Trp) rings have been less well studied, probably because these have been considered weaker than interactions of anions hydrogen bonded to Trp/Tyr side chains. Distinguishing such hydrogen bonding interactions, we comprehensively surveyed the edgewise interactions of certain anions (aspartate, glutamate, and phosphate) with Trp, Tyr, and Phe rings in high-resolution, nonredundant protein single chains and interfaces (protein–protein, DNA/RNA–protein, and membrane–protein). Trp/Tyr anion–quadrupole interactions are common, with Trp showing the highest propensity and average interaction energy for this type of interaction. The energy of an anion–quadrupole interaction (−15.0 to 0.0 kcal/mol, based on quantum mechanical calculations) depends not only on the interaction geometry b...
Evaluation of Ventilation-Induced Lung Inflammation Through Multi-Scale Simulations

Ventilation-induced lung injury is a common problem faced by patients with respiratory problems who require mechanical ventilation (MV). This injury may lead to a greater chance of developing or exacerbating the acute respiratory distress syndrome which further complicates the therapeutic use of MV. The chain of events begins with the MV initiating an immune response that leads to inflammation induced tissue material alteration (stiffening) and eventually the loss of lung resistance. It is clear from this sequence of events that the phenomenon of ventilation induced injury is multi-scale by nature and, hence, requires holistic analysis involving simulations and informatics. An effective approach to this problem is to break it down into several major physical models. Each physical model is developed separately and can be seen as a component in a larger system that comprises the scale of the problem being investigated. In this paper, a multi-scale system consisting of breathing mechanics, tissue deformation, and cellular mechanics models is developed to assess the immune response. To demonstrate the potential of the model, a fluid–solid model is employed for breathing mechanics, a plane-strain elasticity model is applied to assess tissue deformation, and a cellular automata (CA) model is developed to account for immune response. A case study of three lower airways is presented. The CA model shows that this increased the immune response by five times, which correlates with alteration in the tissue microstructure. This alteration in turn is reflected in the material constant value obtained in the tissue mechanics model. However, the changes in strain rates in the airways after inflammation (and hence, lung compliance) were not as significant as the rates of change in immune response. Finally, results from the fluid–solid model demonstrate its potential for airflow characterization caused by tissue deformation that could lead to disease identification.
Implicit and Explicit Racial Attitudes Changed During Black Lives Matter

Lab-based interventions have been ineffective in changing individuals' implicit racial attitudes for more than brief durations, and exposure to high-status Black exemplars like Obama has proven ineffective in shifting societal-level racial attitudes. Antiracist social movements, however, offer a potential societal-level alternative for reducing racial bias. Racial attitudes were examined before and during Black Lives Matter (BLM) and its high points of struggle with 1,369,204 participants from 2009 to 2016. After controlling for changes in participant demographics, overall implicit attitudes were less pro-White during BLM than pre-BLM, became increasingly less pro-White across BLM, and were less pro-White during most periods of high BLM struggle. Considering changes in implicit attitudes by participant race, Whites became less implicitly pro-White during BLM, whereas Blacks showed little change. Regarding explicit attitudes, Whites became less pro-White and Blacks became less pro-Black during BLM, each moving toward an egalitarian "no preference" position.
Timing between cortical slow oscillations and heart rate bursts during sleep predicts perceptual speed, but not offline consolidation

Central and autonomic nervous system activity are coupled during sleep. Cortical slow oscillations (SOs, <1Hz) coincide with brief bursts in heart rate (HR), but the functional consequence of this coupling in cognition remains elusive. We measured SO-HR temporal coupling (i.e., the peak-to-peak interval between downstate of SO event and HR burst) during a daytime nap, and asked whether this SO-HR timing measure was associated with perceptual speed and learning on a texture discrimination task, by testing subjects before and after a nap. The coherence of SO-HR events during sleep strongly correlated with an individual's perceptual speed in the morning and evening test sessions, but not with their change in performance after the nap (i.e., consolidation). We confirmed this result in two additional experimental visits, and also discovered that this association was visit-specific, indicating a reliable state (not trait) marker. Thus, we introduce a novel physiological index that may be a useful marker of state-dependent processing speed of an individual.
Surgical Management of Craniopharyngiomas

Craniopharyngiomas are benign, slowly growing tumors in the area of the hypothalamopituitary axis. According to data from the Japanese Brain Tumor Registry,1 in the 10-year period between 1969 and 1978 these tumors constituted 5.8% of all primary intracranial neoplasms (15,839 cases) (Fig. 1). They are seen fairly evenly at all ages, with some preponderance between the ages of 5 and 10 years (Fig. 2). Despite the advent of sophisticated microsurgical techniques, surgical management of craniopharyngiomas remains one of the most difficult and challenging subjects in neurosurgery. Although a wide variety of operative methods have been described, the optimum surgical approach continues to be a controversial issue. This report deals with our recent experience with the microsurgical treatment of 21 craniopharyngioma cases, and discussion will focus upon the comparison of our operative results by different surgical approaches and on the radicality of tumor resection.
Novel Tripedal Mobile Robot and Considerations for Gait Planning Strategies Based on Kinematics

This paper presents a novel tripedal mobile robot STriDER (Self-excited Tripedal Dynamic Experimental Robot) and considerations for gait planning strategies based on kinematics. To initiate a step, two of the robot’s legs are oriented to push the center of gravity outside the support triangle formed by the three foot contact points, utilizing a unique abductor joint mechanism. As the robot begins to fall forward, the middle leg or swing leg, swings in between the two stance legs and catches the fall. Simultaneously, the body rotates 180 degrees around a body pivot line preventing the legs from tangling up. In the first version of STriDER the concept of passive dynamic locomotion was emphasized; however for the new version, STriDER 2.0, all joints are actively controlled for robustness. Several kinematic constraints are discussed as the robot takes a step including; stability, dynamics, body height, body twisting motion, and the swing leg’s path. These guidelines will lay the foundation for future gait generation developments utilizing both the kinematics and dynamics of the system.
Hypocretin Measurements in the CSF, and Blood and Brain Tissue

After the discovery of narcolepsy genes in dogs (hypocretin receptor 2) and mice (prepro-orexin) (1,2), establishing functional assays for hypocretin/orexin status in human cases became a high priority. It is unlikely that these high-penetrant hypocretin-related genes found in animals are involved in most human narcoleptic cases (this was later confirmed by mutation screenings in human narcoleptic subjects including high-risk cases; 3), but functional loss/impairment of hypocretin neurotransmission might be involved.
An unusual presentation of dystonia and chorea from intraventricular pneumocephalus.

Background Pneumocephalus is a common finding following intracranial procedures, typically asymptomatic and resolves within several days. However, in some cases, pneumocephalus presents with headache, encephalopathy, or symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure. Here, we present a case of iatrogenic tension pneumocephalus following endoscopic sinus surgery, presenting as abnormal involuntary movements resembling a movement disorder with choreiform movements. Case Description A 67-year-old previously healthy male presented with new onset chorea and dystonia associated with headache, encephalopathy, and postural instability 4 days after undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps. Computed tomography showed prominent intraventricular pneumocephalus causing enlargement of the anterior horns of both lateral ventricles with lateral displacement of the basal ganglia nuclei and a bony defect in the skull base. Neurosurgical correction of the cranial defect provided complete symptomatic resolution. Pneumocephalus as a result of an iatrogenic injury of the skull base manifesting as an acute movement disorder is a rare complication of a nasal sinus procedure. We speculate that compression of the caudate nucleus and striatum resulted in decreased pallidothalamic inhibition and thalamocortical disinhibition leading to the development of a hyperkinetic movement disorder. Conclusion This unusual presentation of a common procedure illustrates a neurological emergency that requires prompt recognition and timely correction.
The Code Genie Programming Environment

Computer programming is not easy and many educators and developers have been trying to create a development environment that makes programming easier and more interesting for K12 students. This paper demonstrates one of these efforts by introducing a newly developed educational environment that could help high school students learn computer programming language. Code Genie was designed to integrate art, animation, and code sharing in teaching programming. Using this web-based learning environment, students can learn how to write a program in a JavaScript language, and how to produce artwork from coding, then share it with others. JavaScript was chosen for its popularity, simplicity and because it is a real programming language that is currently used by software developers who create real software products. The Code Genie learning environment and the motivation behind developing it for high school students are discussed in this paper. It was tested during three coding workshops. Student responses to the tool's usefulness and ease of use will be explained.
Affirmation and Majority Students: Does Affirmation Impair Academic Performance in White Males?

AbstractSelf-affirmation is a promising brief intervention for reducing the academic achievement gap between majority and stigmatized groups (e.g., underrepresented minorities, women in STEM fields...
Executive Functioning and Activity in Children: a Multimethod Examination of Working Memory, Inhibition, and Hyperactivity

Two primary methods of quantifying executive functioning include self- or other-reports (i.e., questionnaire-based EF) and cognitive test performance (i.e., task-based EF). Despite their lack of concordance with one another and relatively inconsistent associations with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, both approaches have been utilized in attempts to advance our understanding of the role of EF in symptoms of ADHD. The current study is the first to incorporate a direct assessment of behavior (i.e., actigraphy) to further clarify the relation between EF and hyperactivity using a multi-method approach in a sample of children with a range of ADHD symptoms. Fifty-two children between the ages of 8 and 12 completed a testing session during which performance on working memory and inhibition computerized tasks, as well as actigraphy data, were collected. Additionally, parent reports of hyperactivity/impulsivity, working memory, and inhibition were obtained. As expected, questionnaire-based measures of working memory and inhibition were strongly associated with parent-reported hyperactivity/impulsivity, whereas only the latter was associated significantly with mechanically assessed movement. In contrast, task-based working memory performance was more strongly associated with parent-reported hyperactivity/impulsivity relative to task-based inhibition. Further, both task-based working memory and task-based inhibition were similarly associated with mechanically-assessed movement. Finally, compared to questionnaire-based EF, both measures of task-based EF accounted for more variance in objectively-assessed movement. Collectively, these results highlight the measurement issues in the present literature, the importance of careful task and questionnaire design, and the value that alternative approaches (e.g., actigraphy) may provide with respect to advancing our understanding of EF.
Immigration in the Era of Trump: Jarring Social, Political, and Legal Realities

In 2020, immigration is proving to be an election year issue. The Trump reelection campaign is strategically leveraging it as a political narrative to win votes while further polarizing an already fractured nation along ideological and partisan lines. Indeed, a review of related public opinion surveys may prove illuminating on this score. According to recent data from the Public Religion Research Institute (“PRRI”), immigration ranks among the Republican party’s top three priorities. A closer examination reveals a higher propensity for xenophobic views, particularly in comparison to colleagues across the political aisle. For instance, a strong majority of Republicans — a whopping 60% — perceive immigrants as increasing crime in local communities, compared to only 22% of Democrats who hold such beliefs. Additionally, an astounding 63% of Republicans believe that immigrants are invading our country and replacing our cultural and ethnic background (37% “mostly agree” with this sentiment and 26% “completely agree”). In contrast, 79% of Democrats reject such anti-immigrant bias. Similarly, on the topic of assimilation, 66% of Republicans believe that recent immigrants do not make an effort to learn English while only 27% of Democrats share this viewpoint. From Trump declaring a public emergency to construct “the wall” at our southern border6 to escalating acts of violence against members of marginalized communities, the above-referenced stereotypes and tropes about real or perceived foreigners have disrupted and damaged innocent lives. Those impacted have been afforded little relief over the course of the last three years with Republicans controlling at least two of the three branches of government, testing the fabric of our liberal democracy. Indeed, this interdisciplinary essay argues that this xenophobia has translated into jarring social, political, and legal realities for immigrant populations and socially oppressed groups in the era of Trump. It has also adversely impacted the nation as a whole. To that end, the second section examines the contemporary social, political, and racial climate confronting socially oppressed groups including members of the Muslim, Black, Latinx, and Jewish communities. In doing so, it seeks to illuminate the manner in which ideologies of oppression — anti-Black racism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, xenophobia — often overlap and intersect culminating in violence against minorities. The third section examines how the current climate has impacted the law. Specifically, it identifies two related categories: (a) laws that the Trump Administration has passed that are grounded in xenophobia but dressed in pre-textual garb; and (b) those proposed as a corrective, response, and/or act of resistance to the first category. The essay ends with some conclusory observations
An Experimentally Evaluated Thermodynamic Approach to Estimate Growth of Photoheterotrophic Purple Non-sulfur Bacteria.

Distribution of energy during the growth and formation of useful chemicals by microorganisms can define the overall performance of a biotechnological system. However, to date, this distribution has not been used to reliably predict growth characteristics of phototrophic microorganisms. The presented research addresses this application by estimating the photon-associated Gibbs energy delivered for the photoheterotrophic growth of purple non-sulfur bacteria and production of dihydrogen. The approach is successfully evaluated with the data from a fed-batch growth of Rhodopseudomonas palustris nifA* fixing N2 gas in phototrophic conditions and a reliable prediction of growth characteristics is demonstrated. Additionally, literature-available experimental data is collected and used for evaluation of the presented thermodynamic approach to predict photoheterotrophic growth yields. A proposed thermodynamic framework with modification to account for the phototrophic growth can be used to predict growth rates in broader environmental niches and to assess the possibility for the development of novel biotechnological applications in light-induced biological systems.
Relationship of Topographic Distribution of Geographic Atrophy to Visual Acuity in Nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose To investigate the topographic distribution of geographic atrophy (GA) and to identify an anatomic endpoint that correlates with visual acuity (VA) in eyes with GA. Design Retrospective analysis of a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial. Participants The Age-Related Eye Disease Study participants with GA secondary to nonexudative age-related macular degeneration. Methods We manually delineated GA on 1654 fundus photographs of 365 eyes. We measured GA areas in 9 subfields on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grid and correlated them with VA via a mixed-effects model. We determined the optimal diameter for the central zone by varying the diameter from 0 to 10 mm until the highest r2 between GA area in the central zone and VA was achieved. We estimated the VA decline rate over 8 years using a linear mixed model. Main Outcome Measures Geographic atrophy area in macular subfields and VA. Results The percentage of area affected by GA declined as a function of retinal eccentricity. GA area was higher in the temporal than the nasal region (1.30 ± 1.75 mm2 vs. 1.10 ± 1.62 mm2; P = 0.005) and in the superior than the inferior region (1.26 ± 1.73 mm2 vs. 1.03 ± 1.53 mm2; P Conclusions The prevalence of GA varies significantly across different macular regions. Although total GA area was associated poorly with VA, GA area in the central 1-mm diameter zone was correlated significantly with VA and may serve as a surrogate endpoint in clinical trials.
Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy reveals heat stress-induced changes in hemoglobin concentration in chicken breast.

Heat stress (HS) is devastating to the poultry industry due to its adverse effects on animal well-being and performance. The effects of heat stress are typically measured using a portable i-STAT blood analyzer that quantifies circulatory hemoglobin concentration and other blood chemistry parameters. Here, we used diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) as a novel non-invasive method to directly determine changes in hematological parameters in the breast tissues of live heat-stressed broilers. Three-week-old male broilers were randomly subjected to two environmental conditions (thermoneutral, TN, 24 °C vs. cyclic heat stress, HS, 35 °C, 12 h/day). Optical spectra were acquired using DRS to monitor breast hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and vascular oxygen saturation (sO2) at three time points: at baseline prior to heat stress, 2 days, and 21 days after initiation of HS. While i-STAT did not demonstrate a discernible change due to HS in circulatory hemoglobin, DRS found a significant decrease in breast Hb and sO2 after exposure to chronic HS. The decrease in sO2 was found to be due to a decrease in oxygenated hemoglobin concentration, indicating a large increase in oxygen consumption in heat-stressed broilers. Our results demonstrate that DRS could potentially be used to study the effects of HS directly in specific organs of interest, such as the breast and thigh, to improve meat quality.
Reimagining safe drinking water on the basis of twenty-first-century science

Twentieth-century approaches to protecting drinking water supplies cannot keep pace with the ever-expanding set of chemicals that humans emit into the environment. However, with recent advances in bioassays, the measurement of complex chemical mixtures, and artificial intelligence, we are on the cusp of developing a radically different approach to keeping our drinking water safe. In contrast to the reactive and piecemeal status quo approach, this new approach is proactive and evaluates drinking water quality more holistically by focusing on complex mixtures instead of a small set of regulated, well-known chemicals that have been studied for decades. A growing set of chemicals is emitted into the environment, making the protection of drinking water supplies challenging. This Perspective discusses a more holistic approach to the evaluation of drinking water quality that focuses on complex mixtures instead of a small set of regulated, well-known chemicals.
Utilizing Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI) to Analyze Interstitial Fluid Flow and Transport in Glioblastoma and the Surrounding Parenchyma in Human Patients

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the deadliest and most common brain tumor in adults, with poor survival and response to aggressive therapy. Limited access of drugs to tumor cells is one reason for such grim clinical outcomes. A driving force for therapeutic delivery is interstitial fluid flow (IFF), both within the tumor and in the surrounding brain parenchyma. However, convective and diffusive transport mechanisms are understudied. In this study, we examined the application of a novel image analysis method to measure fluid flow and diffusion in GBM patients. Methods: Here, we applied an imaging methodology that had been previously tested and validated in vitro, in silico, and in preclinical models of disease to archival patient data from the Ivy Glioblastoma Atlas Project (GAP) dataset. The analysis required the use of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), which is readily available in the database. The analysis results, which consisted of IFF flow velocity and diffusion coefficients, were then compared to patient outcomes such as survival. Results: We characterized IFF and diffusion patterns in patients. We found strong correlations between flow rates measured within tumors and in the surrounding parenchymal space, where we hypothesized that velocities would be higher. Analyzing overall magnitudes indicated a significant correlation with both age and survival in this patient cohort. Additionally, we found that neither tumor size nor resection significantly altered the velocity magnitude. Lastly, we mapped the flow pathways in patient tumors and found a variability in the degree of directionality that we hypothesize may lead to information concerning treatment, invasive spread, and progression in future studies. Conclusions: An analysis of standard DCE-MRI in patients with GBM offers more information regarding IFF and transport within and around the tumor, shows that IFF is still detected post-resection, and indicates that velocity magnitudes correlate with patient prognosis.
TH-CD-303-07: Evaluation of Four Data-Driven Respiratory Motion-Compensation Methods for Four-Dimensional Cone-Beam CT Registration and Reconstruction

Purpose: To develop and compare four 4D-CBCT reconstruction methods that correct for respiratory motion and enhance image quality. Methods: Four motion-compensation workflows were developed employing a combination of deformable image registration (DIR) and image reconstruction. Groupwise registration was used to simultaneously register all frames of a base Four-Dimensional Cone-Beam CT (4D-CBCT) FDK reconstruction to a reference frame, providing a 4D transformation. This 4D transformation expresses a respiratory motion model and was used to apply a deformation during the backprojection operation to create a motion-compensated reconstruction. Two variables were assessed: reference image of registration (fixed or mean frame) and inclusion or exclusion of the motion-compensated reconstruction step. Fixed frame registration refers to using an actual frame from the 4D image (end of inhalation) as the target image. Mean frame registration refers to using a per iteration-estimated average frame image instead. Image quality was assessed in one clinical case through tissue boundary sharpness, noise, and presence of view-aliasing artifact. Results: Diaphragm edge sharpness (DES) was defined as the slope of the intensity gradient along the lung-diaphragm boundary. DES relative to the base 4D-CBCT reconstruction improved by 26.8% using fixed-frame registration alone; 15.5% using fixed-frame with motion-compensated reconstruction; decreased by 2.9% using mean-frame registration alone; and improved by 12.2% using mean-frame with motion-compensated reconstruction. Noise was reduced in soft tissue by 8.7% and 75.8% for the fixed-frame registration and registration with motion-compensation methods, respectively, and by 8.8% and 77.7% for the corresponding mean-frame methods. Reductions in undersampling artifacts were visible for all four methods relative to the base reconstruction while retaining higher frequency spatial details (i.e. blood vessels). Conclusion: A data-driven approach combining groupwise registration and motion-compensation has the potential to improve 4D-CBCT image quality. Adding motion compensation after groupwise registration reduced sharpness somewhat but resulted in reduced noise and structural artifacts. This work was supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R01CA166119. The authors have no conflicts of interest.
Trade‐off in the effects of the apolipoprotein E polymorphism on the ages at onset of CVD and cancer influences human lifespan

Summary Progress in unraveling the genetic origins of healthy aging is tempered, in part, by a lack of replication of effects, which is often considered a signature of false-positive findings. We convincingly demonstrate that the lack of genetic effects on an aging-related trait can be because of trade-offs in the gene action. We focus on the well-studied apolipoprotein E (APOE) e2/3/4 polymorphism and on lifespan and ages at onset of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cancer, using data on 3924 participants of the Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort. Kaplan–Meier estimates show that the e4 allele carriers live shorter lives than the non-e4 allele carriers (log rank = 0.016). The adverse effect was attributed to the poor survival of the e4 homozygotes, whereas the effect of the common e3/4 genotype was insignificant. The e3/4 genotype, however, was antagonistically associated with onsets of those diseases predisposing to an earlier onset of CVD and a later onset of cancer compared to the non-e4 allele genotypes. This trade-off explains the lack of a significant effect of the e3/4 genotype on survival; adjustment for it in the Cox regression model makes the detrimental effect of the e4 allele highly significant (P = 0.002). This trade-off is likely caused by the lipid-metabolism-related (for CVD) and nonrelated (for cancer) mechanisms. An evolutionary rationale suggests that genetic trade-offs should not be an exception in studies of aging-related traits. Deeper insights into biological mechanisms mediating gene action are critical for understanding the genetic regulation of a healthy lifespan and for personalizing medical care.
Mulch and Hexazinone Herbicide Shorten the Time Longleaf Pine Seedlings are in the Grass Stage and Increase Height Growth

Herbaceous plant control with mulchor hexazinone herbicide influenced planted longleafpine (Pinus palustris Mill.) seedling totalheight on a silt loam site in central Louisiana. Thesite had been sheared and windrowed in 1991 and rotarymowed before three treatments were established in arandomized complete block design: (1) Untreatedcheck: no herbaceous plant control after planting;(2) Five mulches: on each plot, five randomlyassigned mulches were placed around seedlings; themulches were either a mat of cotton, hemlock andpolyester, pine straw, woven polypropylene, orperforated polyethylene; and (3) Hexazinone: theherbicide hexazinone at 1.12 kg active ingredient/hawas annually sprayed in the first two growing seasonsover the rows of unshielded seedlings. The longleafseedlings were planted in February 1993.
P-glycoprotein functions as an immunomodulator in healthy human primary nasal epithelial cells.

Background P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent efflux pump that confers chemotherapeutic resistance in cancer cells. Recent studies suggest that P-gp may also function as an immunomodulator through regulation of cytokine transport. Sinonasal epithelial cells have been recognized as drivers of local innate and adaptive immunity and are known to overexpress P-gp in the setting of inflammation. The objective of this study is to therefore determine whether P-gp participates in the regulation of cytokine secretion in sinonasal epithelial cells. Methods Primary nasal epithelial cell cultures (PNECCs) were cultivated from 5 healthy patients. Membranous P-gp was quantified through quantitative fluorescent immunohistochemistry (Q-FIHC) and confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sensitivity to inhibition was determined using a rhodamine 123 accumulation assay. Baseline and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated cytokine secretion of interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) were quantified by ELISA and compared to LPS stimulated secretion in the setting of P-gp–specific inhibition. Differences in P-gp expression and cytokine secretion were compared using 2-tailed Student t tests with post hoc testing using the Bonferroni procedure. Results Membranous P-gp is detectable in PNECCs and upregulated following LPS exposure. P-gp is sensitive to inhibition by both PSC 833 and verapamil in a dose-dependent fashion. LPS stimulated secretion of normalized IL-6 (mean, 95% confidence interval [CI]) (79.67, 42.26–117.07), GM-CSF (39.92, 7.90–71.94), and TSLP (6.65, 5.35–7.96) was significantly reduced following P-gp inhibition (37.60, 11.54–63.65, p = 0.023; 7.64, 2.25–13.03, p = 0.044; and 5.13, 4.44–5.82, p = 0.038; respectively). Conclusion P-gp is functionally active in PNECCs. P-gp participates in modulation of epithelial secretion of LPS stimulated IL-6, GM-CSF, and TSLP.
Role of surface groups in affecting the chromatographic performance of certain types of fused-silica glass capillary column : III. The deactivation and coating of certain specially prepared high-molecular-weight, high-viscosity non-polar and polar stationary phases on untreated fused-silica surfaces in a single step

Abstract High-molecular-weight, high-viscosity, non-polar, silanol-terminated polydimethylsiloxane polymers with and without phenyl substitution when applied in a single step to untreated fused-silica glass capillary tubing efficiently deactivated and wetted these surfaces. Upon heating, there is evidence that hydrogen bonding occurred between the silanol moieties of the polymer and those of the fused-silica surface. This formed a covalent linkage between the polymer and the glass. Concomitant condensation of the polymer occurs, effecting crosslinking of the SiOSi type. Successful single-step deactivation and uniform wetting was also noted with a wide variety of high-molecular-weight, high-viscosity, Polar cyanopropyl silicone polymers with vinyl or tolyl groups. In many instances, however, difficulties were encountered in the cross-linking of these polymers in the presence of free radical generators. Under certain experimental conditions, the mechanisms that give rise to the surface deactivation of untreated fused-silica glass in the presence of certain other non-polar and polar polymers with various chemical compositions are unknown at this time.
Synthesis and evaluation of activated carbon composite photocatalysts for surface enhanced raman scattering : Photocatalytic layer coating

Finding a manner to effectively filter water to the purest standards is an ongoing battle for various sectors of science. We present a set of experiments that will report the preparation of the photocatalytic component of our composite particle via sol-gel coatings with titanium n-butoxide with subsequent heat treatment at 500°C for three hours in Argon. Our ultimate goal is to create a particle with regenerative capabilities along with a surface enhanced Raman scattering effect. Characterization techniques were performed using SEM-EDS, and XRD.
Exploring systems engineering patterns in government acquisition of complex information systems

In this paper, the authors describe an innovative means of identifying patterns present in systems engineering activity when government organization acquire and build complex information systems. The research uses a Bayesian belief network to model causal relationships present in government acquisitions to create a systems engineering relative effectiveness index model that can be used to identify and analyze systems engineering patterns; and subsequently forecast possible areas of performance risks within projects and organizations.
Does the electromagnetic mass of an electron depend on where it is

The question of whether the electromagnetic mass of the electron depends upon its electromagnetic environment is discussed in connection with previous theoretical and experimental work. When the quantization of the field in other than free space is properly understood, it is evident that the true electromagnetic mass of the electron is unaltered.
Fructose feeding and intermittent hypoxia affect ventilatory responsiveness to hypoxia and hypercapnia in rats.

We hypothesized that, in male rats, 10% fructose in drinking water would depress ventilatory responsiveness to acute hypoxia (10% O2 in N2) and hypercapnia (5% CO2 in O2) that would be depressed fu...
Participation in a summer sport-based youth development program for disadvantaged youth: Getting the parent perspective

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of low-income youth participation in a summer sport-based positive youth development (PYD) program on individual, parent, family, and community level outcomes. Specific mechanisms that contribute to program outcomes also were explored. Ten parents of youth participating in a summer sport-based PYD program were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Parents identified key outcomes at the individual, parent, family and community level, such as youth biopsychosocial development and positive changes in affect, parents' peace of mind due to child involvement, improved family interactions, youth involvement in prosocial activities, and community interaction/support. Key mechanisms contributing to these outcomes point to the importance of program characteristics such as the qualities and roles of counselors, incorporation of lessons for sport and life, opportunities for peer/family interactions, program structure, and the provision of resources. Findings provide qualitative evidence of the value of sport-based PYD summer programs, as well as point to important mechanisms that may guide program design in this emergent field of practice.
Aggregate statistical measures and metapopulation dynamics.

There are two main types of metapopulation models. Spatially implicit models are analytically tractable but neglect spatial heterogeneities. Spatially explicit models are more realistic but too complex. In this paper, I build a bridge between both approximations. I derive a new metapopulation model using a well-known technique in population genetics. Spatial heterogeneities are captured by an aggregate statistical measure of spatial correlation. When this correlation is zero, i.e., space is homogeneous, the model becomes the well-known Levins' model. As spatial correlation increases, equilibrium patch occupancy decreases from what would be expected under the spatially homogeneous assumption. I proceed by testing how well spatial complexities from a spatially explicit simulation can be encapsulated by such an aggregate statistical measure.
Mainstream and sidestream cigarette smoke exposure increases retinol in guinea pig lungs

We have studied in guinea pigs the effects of cigarette smoke exposure on vitamin A (retinol) levels in plasma, lung, lung lavage, and liver. Smoke was generated from 1R3F cigarettes in a smoke exposure instrument designed by University of Kentucky Tobacco and Health Research Institute. Three-week-old male guinea pigs were exposed to mainstream, sidestream, or sham smoke, generated twice daily from three cigarettes for 6 weeks. In addition, some animals were kept as room controls for some time. After 6 weeks of smoke exposure, some animals were allowed to recover for 6 weeks without smoke. After 6 weeks of smoking, the plasma retinol levels were lower in both smoke exposed groups when compared to the values in the sham group. Furthermore, in comparison to the sham group, the mainstream and sidestream smoke exposed groups showed a 7.6- and 8.3-fold increase in the levels of lung retinol, respectively. After the 6-week recovery period, plasma retinol of both smoke-exposed groups reached the control levels. In contrast, withdrawal of smoking did not show such an effect on the lung retinol level in both mainstream or sidestream groups. Electronmicroscopy of the lungs showed deleterious alterations in the morphology of the lungs in both mainstream and sidestream groups. Although the mechanism(s) involved in the elevation of retinol content of the lung due to smoke exposure remains to be elucidated, it is of interest that elevation of retinol content and alteration of lung morphology occurred not only in the mainstream smoke exposed but also in the sidestream group.
Computing corresponding values of the Neumann and Dirichlet boundary values for incompressible Stokes flow

We consider the Stokes equation for a flow through a partially obstructed channel and determine the relationship between Dirichlet boundary values (velocities) and Neumann boundary values (forces) for the FEM discrete form. For the steady state case we find a linear relationship. For the transient case the relationship depends on the time stepping procedure and includes the relationship at prior states. We resolve the issue for trapezoid and Adams‐Bashford-2 time stepping. Since Stokes flow may be considered as the startup phase of Navier‐ Stokes flow, we give particular attention to a flow with a startup function.
Linear transport theory of magnetoconductance in metallic multilayers: A real-space approach.

The linear transport behavior of metallic multilayers is studied by using the real-space Kubo formula, for a model Hamiltonian consisting of zero-range spin-dependent impurity-scattering potentials. The resulting theory allows a direct comparison with the Boltzmann equation approach in the quasiclassical limit, which is expected to be a good approximation for most magnetic multilayers. Furthermore, the regimes for which quantum corrections might be needed are explicitly indicated. It is explicitly shown that: (i) periodicity is not required as a mechanism for giant magnetoresistance, and (ii) the two main geometries, current in the plane of the layers and perpendicular to the plane of the layers, exhibit very different size effects, the latter yielding the so-called series resistor model.
Maximizing pressure recovery using lobed nozzles in a supersonic ejector

Abstract Novel designs for supersonic ejectors in refrigeration applications focus on the reduction of the primary fluid flow rates required (entrainment ratio), as well as, increasing the total pressure recovery. This work improves the performance by enhanced mixing through flow instability by adding lobes to the circular nozzle design, combined with the profiling of the mixing channel. The objective was to determine the impact of the aspect ratio and total perimeter of the lobes on system pressure recovery and entrainment ratio. Using the conditions and geometry from the Eames [1] profiled mixing channel as the baseline and integrating a lobed nozzle, an improved pressure recovery of 6.4 from 4.0 with a perimeter value of 30 mm was achieved. Increasing the perimeter beyond this value drives the frictional losses along the wall surfaces to dominate the process and the recovered pressure reduces back to the circular nozzle.
Possible nosocomial transmission of group B streptococci in a newborn nursery.

Within a six-day period in March, 1974, three infants born at a hospital in central Arkansas developed meningitis caused by group B, type III streptococci. Three factors suggested nosocomial transmission of the organism in the nursery (1) the three infants were born in a six-day period, (2) four weeks after their infants' births, none of the parents had positive cultures for group B streptococci, and (3) 31% of infants born in the hospital in March were colonized with group B, type III streptococci, while in April, after control measures in the nursery were instituted, only 2% of infants were colonized with this type (p
Radical approach in the treatment of neurofibroma

The infiltrating character of plexiform and diffuse neurofibroma poses a difficult surgical challenge. The conventional approach of multiple partial resections of the tumor, and the soft character of the remaining tumor with additional changes in the surrounding tissue leave poor cosmetic results. In addition, the frequent rebound growth of the tumor after each partial resection creates a serious functional problem.The case presented here illustrates a classical clinical appearance and evolution of neurofibroma in the oculo-adnexal region in generalized neurofibromatosis (von Recklinghausen's disease). The conventional surgical approach consisting of repeated partial resections of the tumor resulted in a rebound growth to the stage of a total hemifacial disfigurement. The radical surgical approach applied then, and the subsequent plastic restorations, have not only eliminated the tumor but also restored the normal contour of the face. This case illustrates that the patient could have benefited from a radi...
Structurally Dynamic Conjugated Polymers

Conjugated polymers (CPs) have become essential to a diverse array of fields, ranging from biosensing to photovoltaics to optoelectronic materials. Given their widespread use, there is a growing need for variants whose functions may be modulated via exogenous stimuli. Alteration of CP structure could effect the desired changes and may be actuated in response to (1) chemical, (2) electrochemical, (3) photochemical, or (4) thermal impetuses. In this Perspective, we present a review of CPs reported to respond to chemical, electrochemical, and photochemical stimuli along with our own efforts using thermal stimuli. A particular emphasis has been directed toward structurally dynamic CPs that exhibit changes in their electronic properties, which could enable access to new classes of smart and other functional materials. During the course of our discussion, we consider the advantages and disadvantages inherent to each of the aforementioned methods, along with the potential applications of the polymers derived the...
Religion of Reason Revised: David Koigen on the Jewish Ethos

Whereas some of the critics of Hermann Cohen's strictly rational foundation of religious consciousness promoted a turn to subjectivism, others endorsed an ethicotheology while seeking to revise the "Religion of Reason." Among the latter was the Ukrainian-born social philosopher David Koigen (1877–1933), author of Der moralische Gott. Eine Abhandlung uber die Beziehungen zwischen Kultur und Religion/The Moral God: An essay on the relations between culture and religion (Berlin: Judischer Verlag, 1922). This article examines Koigen's reevaluation of Jewish monotheism as a culture-forming religion ( Kulturreligion ) grounded in a religious ethos which integrates the rational will, ethics and emotion.
Real-time molecular beacon NASBA reveals hblC expression from Bacillus spp. in milk.

Abstract Nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) was applied in combination with a fluorescein-conjugated molecular beacon specific for a sequence flanked by transcript-specific primers in order to monitor hblC enterotoxin gene expression in real-time from milk separately contaminated with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus circulans. Maximal enterotoxin expression was noted following 16, 15, and 16 h, respectively, when grown in artificially contaminated nonfat dried milk incubated aerobically at 32 °C, corresponding to 1.6 × 105, 5 × 107, and 9.8 × 104 cfu/ml, for B. amyloliquefaciens, B. cereus, and B. circulans, respectively. This RNA amplification assay allows for simultaneous detection and confirmation of target transcripts in a closed tube format and may be performed in a high DNA background. The development of a rapid, sensitive, real-time method to quantitate the expression of virulence genes in pathogenic spore-formers is useful in shelf life determination of foods and other quality assurance measures.
Steric effects on the enantiodiscrimination of diproline chiral stationary phases in the resolution of racemic compounds

Eight diproline chiral stationary phases with different end-capping groups were prepared and evaluated for the enantio-selective resolution of 41 racemic analytes. The end-capping group on the N-terminal of the peptide proved to be important as the chiral separation efficiency was decreased significantly without it. In general, increasing steric bulkiness near the N-terminal of diproline increases the enantioselectivity. Electronic structures of the end-capping groups are also important. One stationary phase with an adamantanecarbonyl capping group was found to provide both higher average separation and resolution factors than our previous leader. Three other stationary phases with 2-methylpropanoyl, cyclopropanecarbonyl and cyclobutanecarbonyl end capping groups were found to provide comparable average separation factor but higher resolution factors than our previous leader.