cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Masking of β(1-3)-Glucan in the Cell Wall of Candida albicans from Detection by Innate Immune Cells Depends on Phosphatidylserine

The virulence of Candida albicans in a mouse model of invasive candidiasis is dependent on the phospholipids phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Disruption of the PS synthase gene CHO1 (i.e., cho1Δ/Δ) eliminates PS and blocks the de novo pathway for PE biosynthesis. In addition, the cho1Δ/Δ mutant's ability to cause invasive disease is severely compromised. The cho1Δ/Δ mutant also exhibits cell wall defects, and in this study, it was determined that loss of PS results in decreased masking of cell wall β(1-3)-glucan from the immune system. In wild-type C. albicans, the outer mannan layer of the wall masks the inner layer of β(1-3)-glucan from exposure and detection by innate immune effector molecules like the C-type signaling lectin Dectin-1, which is found on macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. The cho1Δ/Δ mutant exhibits increases in exposure of β(1-3)-glucan, which leads to greater binding by Dectin-1 in both yeast and hyphal forms. The unmasking of β(1-3)-glucan also results in increased elicitation of TNF-α from macrophages in a Dectin-1-dependent manner. The role of phospholipids in fungal pathogenesis is an emerging field, and this is the first study showing that loss of PS in C. albicans results in decreased masking of β(1-3)-glucan, which may contribute to our understanding of fungus-host interactions.
The Role of Extended Family in Teen Sexual Health

Despite increasing extended family involvement in childrearing, particularly in minority families, few studies investigate their role in talking with teens about sex or how this relates to teens' sexual behavior. This mixed methods study assesses extended family sexuality communication through a survey of 1492 diverse middle school students and interviews with 32 students. Logistic regression shows that participants who report having had sex are more likely to report talking with extended family than those who report not having had sex. Interview themes explored reasons for and content of teen sexuality conversations with extended family. More sexually active teens' reporting communication with extended family is interpreted as extended family members gaining importance in sexuality communication as teens become sexually active.
Variations on Masturbatory Conditioning

Four pedophiles, one sado-masochist, and one rapist were treated by varying different aspects of a single paradigm of masturbatory conditioning. In the basic paradigm, subjects masturbate to ejaculation while speaking their fantasies aloud. Weekly blocks of five trials with a deviant theme are alternated with weekly blocks where the theme is nondeviant. Evaluation sessions to assess levels of response to deviant and nondeviant slide stimuli are typically conducted later in each treatment day. The usual result is an increase in nondeviant arousal with a concomitant decrease in deviant arousal.Variations in the masturbation procedure included shortening the treatment week from 5 days to 2 or 3, alternating themes on a daily rather than weekly basis, and omitting the use of deviant imagery. In the evaluation sessions variations included the preparation of individually tailored audiotaped fantasies precisely expressive of the subjects' interests, the use of videotaped simulations of rape, assault, and consenting intercourse, and obtaining numerous measures of the subjects' cognitive changes during the treatment process. All six subjects showed the effect of decreasing their deviant sexual arousal and increasing their nondeviant arousal. The results were discussed from various viewpoints employing a cognitive-behavioral model.
Role Of Equilibrium Distribution In Reliability Studies

The equilibrium distribution arises as the limiting distribution of the forward recurrence time in a renewal process. The purpose of this article is to study the relationships between the equilibrium distributions (including its higher derivates) and the original distributions. Some stochastic order relations and the relations between their aging properties are investigated and some applications in the field of insurance and financial investments are given. In addition, the relation between the equilibrium distribution of a series system and the series system of equilibrium distribution is investigated. Bivariate equilibrium distribution whose reliability properties are consistent with those of the univariate equilibrium distribution is defined.
DIBS: Dual interval bandwidth scheduling for short-term differentiation

Packet delay and bandwidth are two important metrics for measuring quality of service (QoS) of Internet services. While proportional delay differentiation (PDD) has been studied intensively in the context of differentiated services, few studies were conducted for per-class bandwidth differentiation. In this paper, we design and evaluate an efficient bandwidth differentiation approach. The DIBS (dual interval bandwidth scheduling) approach focuses on the short-term bandwidth differentiation of multiple classes because many Internet transactions take place in a small time frame. It does so based on the normalized instantaneous bandwidth, measured by the use of packet size and packet delay. It also proposes to use a look-back interval and a look-ahead interval to trade off differentiation accuracy and scheduling overhead. We implemented DIBS in the click modular software router. Extensive experiments have demonstrated its feasibility and effectiveness in achieving short-term bandwidth differentiation. Compared with the representative PDD algorithm WTP, DIBS can achieve better bandwidth differentiation when the inter-class packet size distributions are different. Compared with the representative weighted fair queueing algorithm PGPS, DIBS can achieve more accurate or comparable bandwidth differentiation at various workload situations, with better delay differentiation and lower cost.
Anomalies of forearm vascular anatomy encountered during elevation of the radial forearm flap.

Background. The radial forearm flap has gained considerable popularity over the past 10 years. With the increasing number of forearm flaps being used in head and neck reconstruction, it is likely that anomalous forearm vascular anatomy will be encountered by more head and neck surgeons performing this procedure. Methods. We reviewed our experience with 52 forearm flaps ; four different anomalies of forearm vascular anatomy were encountered in four patients. In this article we present each of our cases and discuss the incidence, preoperative diagnosis, and recommended management of these and the more common forearm vascular anomalies. Results. The anomalies encountered in our series include : one case of distal takeoff of the radial artery deep to the pronator teres muscle, two cases of a superficial dorsal antebrachial artery, one case of bilateral hypoplastic ulnar arteries, and one case of high takeoff of the radial artery. Conclusions. There are a number of anomalies of forearm vascular anatomy of clinical significance to the surgeon performing these procedures.
Changing the colour of light in a silicon resonator

As the demand for high bandwidths in microelectronic systems increases, optical interconnect architectures are now being considered that involve schemes commonly used in telecommunications, such as wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) and wavelength conversion1. In such on-chip architectures, the ability to perform wavelength conversion is required. So far wavelength conversion on a silicon chip has only been demonstrated using schemes that are fundamentally all-optical2,3,4,5,6, making their integration on a microelectronic chip challenging. In contrast, we show wavelength conversion obtained by inducing ultrafast electro–optic tuning of a microcavity. It is well known that tuning the parameters of an optical cavity induces filtering of different colours of light7. Here we demonstrate that it can also change the colour of light. This is an effect often observed in other disciplines, for example, in acoustics, where the sound generated by a resonating guitar string can be modified by changing the length of the strings (that is, the resonators)8. Here we show this same tuning effect in optics, enabling compact on-chip electrical wavelength conversion. We demonstrate a change in wavelength of up to 2.5 nm with up to 34% on–off conversion efficiency.
Hexosamines regulate sensitivity of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in β-cells

Hexosamines serve a nutrient-sensing function through enzymatic O-glycosylation of proteins. We previously characterized transgenic (Tg) mice with overexpression of the rate-limiting enzyme in hexo...
A second look: no effect of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism on conflict adaptation in youth with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

The catechol o-methyltransferase gene (COMT) gene is located at chromosome 22q11.2, where the most common human genetic microdeletion occurs. The resultant syndrome (22q11.2DS) confers both a high risk of psychotic disorder (~25 fold) and schizophrenia-related executive dysfunction (e.g. Murphy et al., 1999). Therefore, 22q11.2DS has been a model population in which to study COMT behavioral phenotypes, specifically executive function and clinical psychosis (e.g. Tunbridge et al., 2004). However, in 22q11.2DS, neither allele of the codominant, functional COMT Val108/158Met polymorphism (rs4680) has been reliably associated with clinical psychosis (Murphy et al., 1999; Gothelf et al., 2005; Bassett et al., 2007; Boot et al., 2011) or executive function (Bearden et al., 2004; Glaser et al., 2006; Shashi et al., 2010). We have previously reported an association between the rs4680 Met allele and conflict adaptation (Takarae et al., 2009) but not to flanker interference (Stoddard et al., 2011) within the same task. To resolve this discrepancy, we re-examined the association between rs4860 and impairment in conflict adaptation in the larger sample (Stoddard et al., 2011) using the same method as before (Takarae et al., 2009).
A Review of: “Sophie Body-Gendrot and Pieter Spierenburg. Violence in Europe: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives.”

Sophie Body-Gendrot and Pieter Spierenburg bring together a collection of essays on the social construction of violence in Western Europe. Searching for answers to the existential nature of violenc...
Observational Evaluation of a Convective Quasi-Equilibrium View of Monsoons

Abstract Idealized dynamical theories that employ a convective quasi-equilibrium (QE) treatment for the diabatic effects of moist convection have been used to explain the location, intensity, and intraseasonal evolution of monsoons. This paper examines whether observations of the earth’s regional monsoons are consistent with the assumption of QE. It is shown here that in local summer climatologies based on reanalysis data, maxima of free-tropospheric temperature are, indeed, nearly collocated with maxima of subcloud equivalent potential temperature, θeb, in all monsoon regions except the North and South American monsoons. Free-tropospheric temperatures over North Africa also exhibit a strong remote influence from the South Asian monsoon. Consistent with idealized dynamical theories, peak precipitation falls slightly equatorward of the maxima in θeb and free-tropospheric temperature in regions where QE seems to hold. Vertical structures of temperature and wind reveal two types of monsoon circulations. One ...
Measurement of optical flatness using electronic levels

Conventional measurement methods for large flat mirrors are generally difficult and expensive. In most cases, comparison with a master or a reference flat similar in size is required. Using gravity, as in modern pendulum-type electronic levels, takes advantage of a free reference to precisely measure inclination or surface slopes. We describe using two electronic levels to measure flatness of large mirrors. We provide measurement results on a 1.6-m-diameter flat mirror to an accuracy of 50 nm rms of low-order Zernike aberrations.
A state space modular approach and software for power electronics applications

A state-space modeling and simulation program applicable to any DC-DC power converter is presented. From a circuit description, this program automatically generates state-space equation corresponding to each switching interval. The focus is on a methodology for yielding the state-space equations. The state-space program consists of two parts. In the first part, state-space functions derived from nodal analysis and the unit source approach are generated from circuit descriptions. The circuit is described by a set of element cards defining the circuit topology. By specifying the on and off conditions of the switches, a set of state-space equations for each topological mode can be obtained by solving the node equation of the corresponding circuit topology. In the second part, a piecewise-linear, discrete-time modeling technique is used to perform the DC-DC power converter analysis. The time-domain simulation is performed in a time-efficient manner by using a state-transition matrix. >
Theoretical bounds of orthogonal design transmit diversity

In this paper, we derive tight upper bounds on the error probability of orthogonal design transmit diversity, also known as space-time block codes, operating over independent and correlated flat Rayleigh fading channels. The analysis is based on the probability density function of the effective signal-to-noise ratio at the space-time combiner output. This analytic framework supports various complex orthogonal designs with arbitrary signal cardinalities and array configurations.
Science Signaling Podcast: 3 May 2011

This Podcast features a conversation with the senior author of a Research Article published in the May 3 issue of Science Signaling . Thomas Mitchell discusses his group’s identification of the mechanism through which monophosphoryl lipid A (MLA) stimulates the immune system without triggering inflammation. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and MLA both bind to and activate Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), but only LPS stimulates a toxic inflammatory response. Embry et al . now show that whereas LPS triggers two pathways downstream of TLR4, MLA triggers only one of these and does not lead to activation of the inflammasome.
Optical Coherence Tomography Longitudinal Evaluation of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Glaucoma

Objectives To longitudinally evaluate optical coherence tomography (OCT) peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements and to compare these measurements across time with clinical status and automated perimetry. Methods Retrospective evaluation of 64 eyes (37 patients) of glaucoma suspects or patients with glaucoma participating in a prospective longitudinal study. All participants underwent comprehensive clinical assessment, visual field (VF) testing, and OCT every 6 months. Field progression was defined as a reproducible decline of at least 2 dB in VF mean deviation from baseline. Progression of OCT was defined as reproducible mean retinal nerve fiber layer thinning of at least 20 μm. Results Each patient had a median of 5 usable OCT scans at median follow-up of 4.7 years. The difference in the linear regression slopes of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness between glaucoma suspects and patients with glaucoma was nonsignificant for all variables; however, Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis demonstrated a higher progression rate by OCT vs VF. Sixty-six percent of eyes were stable throughout follow-up, whereas 22% progressed by OCT alone, 9% by VF mean deviation alone, and 3% by VF and OCT. Conclusions A greater likelihood of glaucomatous progression was identified by OCT vs automated perimetry. This might reflect OCT hypersensitivity or true damage identified by OCT before detection by conventional methods.
Será a insuficiência renal uma contra-indicação relativa para as biópsias broncoscópicas?

Resumo Em 1977, Cunningham e col. demonstraram que, nos doentes uremicos sujeitos a broncofibroscopia com biopsias, 45 % tiveram hemorragias. Actualmente, nao ha trabalhos publicados que avaliem este risco. Os autores resolveram avaliar os processos de todas as broncofibroscopias realizadas entre 1997 e 2002 no Hospital de Bellvue, Nova Iorque, registando os resultados da ureia, da creatinina, do hemograma, do estudo da coagulacao, do tipo de biopsias executadas da pre-medicacao e das complicacoes. Os doentes eram incluidos nos trabalhos desde que tivessem a ureia superior ou igual a 30 mg/dl e/ou a creatinina superior ou igual a 2,0 mg/dl. Perante estes criterios foram incluidos no estudo 72 doentes. Vinte e cinco doentes dos 72(35 %) foram submetidos a biopsias. Sete dos 25 (28 %) foram hemodializados e 18 dos 25(72 %) nao foram hemodializados. Todos os doentes hemodializados foram submetidos a broncofibroscopia 24 horas depois da hemodialise e foram submetidos a uma perfusao de desmopressina pre-broncofibroscopia, e um doente com coagulopatia recebeu plaquetas e plasma fresco. Os doentes hemodializados submetidos a biopsias tinham valores de ureia que oscilavam entre 31-65 mg/ /dl e valores de creatinina que oscilavam entre 5,2-18,7 mg/dl, e o unico doente deste grupo que fez puncao aspirativa transbronquica tinha uma ureia de 32 mg/dl e uma creatinina de 4,3 mg/dl. Em doze dos 18 doentes nao submetidos a hemodialise e submetidos a biopsias, os valores de ureia oscilavam entre 20-69 mg/dl e os valores de creatinina entre 0,9-2,5 mg/dl. Deste grupo, os quatro doentes que foram submetidos a puncao aspirativa transbronquica tinham valores de ureia entre 20-62 mg/dl e valores de creatinina entre 1,1-4,5 mg/dl. Os dois doentes sujeitos a biopsias e puncao aspirativa transbronquica tinham valores de ureia de 30 e 35 mg/dl e valores de de 1,4 e 1,5 mg/dl. Um dos 25 doentes nao hemodializados teve uma complicacao major, hemorragia macica que obrigou a intervencao. Um outro deste mesmo grupo teve apenas uma hemorragia minor. Nao houve complicacoes nos doentes hemodializados. Estes resultados sugerem que nao ha tantas complicacoes como seria de esperar nos doentes com insuficiencia renal, como demonstrou Cullingam e col. em 1977. Mostram que nao ha complicacoes nos doentes hemodializados e sujeitos a uma perfusao de desmopressina antes de ser efectuada a broncofibroscopia. Estes dados obrigam a realizacao de novos estudos para avaliar de facto se as biopsias broncoscopicas sao uma contra-indicacao relativa na insuficiencia renal.
Potential novel treatments for bipolar depression

Currently available therapeutics for bipolar disorder (BD)—and bipolar depression in particular—are scarce and often ineffective. This is particularly troubling because the long-term course of bipolar depression comprises recurrent depressive episodes and persistent residual symptoms. Glutamate and its cognate receptors have consistently been implicated in the pathophysiology of mood disorders, as well as in the development of novel therapeutics for these disorders. Since the rapid and robust antidepressant effects of the glutamatergic modulator ketamine were first observed, similar agents have been studied in both major depressive disorder (MDD) and BD. This chapter reviews the clinical and preclinical evidence supporting the use of novel glutamate receptor modulators for the treatment of bipolar depression. We also discuss other promising, non-glutamatergic targets for potential rapid antidepressant effects in mood disorders, including the cholinergic system, the melatonergic system, the glucocorticoid system, the arachidonic acid (AA) cascade, and oxidative stress and bioenergetics. The chapter discusses several specific agents, including N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), scopolamine, biperiden, agomelatine, riluzole, ketamine, memantine, creatine, metyrapone, ketoconazole, mifepristone, and celecoxib. Non-pharmacological somatic treatments are not reviewed.
Some Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Becoming Female

Cross-cultural data on child development and the socialization of boys and girls have been used to argue for and against most of the major hypotheses concerning the origins of sex differences. Margaret Mead’s Sex and Temperament (1950) is the most famous example of the use of cross-cultural data to celebrate the power of cultural differences. She demonstrated the potential of culture and social organization to mold and shape the sexes into behavioral styles, subsistence roles, and temperamental types. From this perspective, cross-cultural data show how differently girls and boys can be shaped in different societies.
Increased QT Interval Variability in 3 Recently Concussed Athletes: An Exploratory Observation

Context: The QT interval variability index (QTVI) is a noninvasive measure of beat-to-beat fluctuations of the QT interval as seen from a single electrocardiographic lead. It represents the relationship between the respective variabilities of the QT and R-R intervals. Recently, the QTVI was demonstrated to be an index of vagal cardiac autonomic modulation in resting conditions. Objective: To determine whether QTVI varied in athletes at 48 hours, 1 week, and 2 weeks after a concussive head injury. Design: Case series. Setting: Testing facility. Patients or Other Participants: Three athletes with recent concussions and 3 uninjured athletes with similar demographic factors. Main Outcome Measure(s): Continuous 3-lead electrocardiograms were obtained in a seated, resting position over 2 successive weeks. Separate, unpaired t tests were performed to determine whether group-visit differences were present in the QTVI at 48 hours, 1 week, or 2 weeks. Results: No demographic differences were present between groups....
Subtask 5.10 - Testing of an Advanced Dry Cooling Technology for Power Plants

The University of North Dakota’s Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) is developing a market-focused dry cooling technology that is intended to address the key shortcomings of conventional dry cooling technologies: high capital cost and degraded cooling performance during daytime temperature peaks. The unique aspect of desiccant dry cooling (DDC) is the use of a hygroscopic working fluid—a liquid desiccant—as a heat-transfer medium between a power plant’s steam condenser and the atmosphere. This configuration enables a number of beneficial features for large-scale heat dissipation to the atmosphere, without the consumptive use of cooling water. The overall goal of this project was to accurately define the performance and cost characteristics of DDC to determine if further development of the concept is warranted. A balanced approach of modeling grounded in applied experimentation was pursued to substantiate DDC-modeling efforts and outline the potential for this technology to cool full-scale power plants. The resulting analysis shows that DDC can be a lower-cost dry cooling alternative to an air-cooled condenser (ACC) and can even be competitive with conventional wet recirculating cooling under certain circumstances. This project has also highlighted the key technological steps that must be taken in order to transfer DDC into the marketplace.more » To address these issues and to offer an extended demonstration of DDC technology, a next-stage project should include the opportunity for outdoor ambient testing of a small DDC cooling cell. This subtask was funded through the EERC–U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Program on Research and Development for Fossil Energy-Related Resources Cooperative Agreement No. DE-FC26-08NT43291. Nonfederal funding was provided by the Wyoming State Legislature under an award made through the Wyoming Clean Coal Technologies Research Program.« less
Observations on the Morphology and Behavior of the Filbert Rust Mite, Aculus comatus (Prostigmata: Eriophyoidea) in Oregon

Aculus comatus (Nalepa), a rust mite previously unknown in North America, was discovered in an Oregon filbert orchard in 1971. A study of its behavior in the laboratory and in the field revealed the presence of an overwintering, or deutogyne, stage. Development and seasonal behavior of the species was determined, along with structure of various feeding and locomotory mechanisms. A theory of how cheliceral insertion and ingestion are accomplished is presented in light of observations on muscles on the longitudinal apodemes flanking the motivator of the chelicerae, motivator pulsation, position of the oral and auxiliary stylets, and attitude of the idiosoma during feeding. The featherclaw was found to be provided with a depressor muscle, and ventral idiosomal setae were observed to provide a degree of support for the elongate opisthosoma during locomotion. It is suggested that late summer population decline of A. comatus in 1972 was the result not only of loss through protogyne dissemination and predation, but also through increased water stress in the host engendered by a hot dry growing season. Concomitant loss of turgor and “leathering” of leaf surfaces may have created a physical barrier to feeding by A. comatus.
A Note on Topological Continuity

(II) For every B c Y, f( B) cfl(B). Both of these conditions involve the closure operator. Recently, a student in an undergraduate topology class asked whether or not there exists a set condition equivalent to continuity which involves the interior operator, denoted here by "int". In Bourbaki [1], one may find as an exercise that the function f from X into Y is continuous if and only if the following is true:
Some Distribution Records of Mammals from Hudson Bay

In August, 1953, I was privileged to visit several islands in Hudson Bay. Below, I wish to report a few occurrences that fill in some of the gaps in the known distribution of land mammals of that area. The collared lemming ( Dicrostonyx hudsonius ) has been known from the Belcher Islands, Christie Island (in the Nastapoka Islands), and Digges Island, Port LaPerriere (Anderson and Rand, Jour. Mamm., 26: 303, 1945). I took specimens …
The Double Flybys of the Cassini Mission: Navigation Challenges and Lessons Learned

Since 2004, the Cassini spacecraft has flown by Titan and other Saturn moons numerous times, successfully accomplishing its 100th targeted encounter of Titan in March 2014. The navigation of Cassini is challenging, even more so with "double flybys," two encounters separated by at most a few days. Because of this tight spacing, there is not enough time for a maneuver in between. Additionally, maneuvers prior to a double flyby only target one of the two encounters. This paper discusses the challenges faced by the Cassini Navigation Team with each double flyby, as well as lessons learned during operational support of each dual encounter. The strengths and weaknesses of the targeting strategies considered for each double flyby are also detailed, by comparing downstream ?V costs and changes to the non-targeted flyby conditions.
Physical Examination Status of Food and Public Places Practitioners in Zhongshan City in 2007

[Objective] To investigate the distribution of hepatitis B virus,intestinal infectious disease,activity tuberculosis,dermatoses and syphilis in food and public places practitioner,so as to provide scientific evidence for preventing and controlling such diseases.[Methods] The food and the public places practitioners were conducted related diseases examination,and then the results were conducted descriptive statistical analysis.[Results] The qualification rate of physical examination for practitioners was 94.88%,the qualification rate of women and public practitioner were significantly higher than that of man and food practitioner;detection rate of hepatitis B virus,intestinal infectious disease,activity tuberculosis,dermatoses and syphilis was 4.79%,0.01%,0.02%,0.20% and 0.34% respectively,HBsAg positive rate was 7.85%,the constituent ratio of hepatitis B virus was 92.55%.[Conclusion]Hepatitis B is still the focus of Disease Control and Prevention in the future,tuberculosis and syphilis need attention,intestinal infectious disease and dermatoses should not be ignored.
Establishment of a multiple real-time PCR method for detection of pathogens in infant food

Objective To establish a multiple real-time PCR method for detection of three kinds of pathogens in infant food.Methods Primers and probes were designed based on the conservative sequence of 16S-23SrDNA of Enterobacter sakazakii and nuc gene of Staphylococcus aureus and cerA gene of Bacillus cereus,and the reaction conditions of multiple PCR were optimized.Results Enterobacter sakazakii and Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus generated fluorescent signals only.The infant food samples were detected by real-time PCR and GB4789method.The results of Guobiao and PCR method for determining 194milk and rice flour samples were coincidental.The detection could be finished in 8hours.Conclusion The detection of real-time PCR method was of sensitivity and specificity,and can be applied to rapid diagnosis of Enterobacter sakazakii,Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus in infant food and can be applied to detection for bulk samples.
Metabolic emergencies in clinical oncology

As antineoplastic therapy improves, patients with cancer will have the potential for prolonged survival. Tumor products may produce metabolic complications, such as hypercalcemia, hyponatremia, and hypoglycemia, and these conditions must be promptly recognized so that treatment can be initiated before severe or life-threatening symptoms occur. Tumor-lysis syndrome is a metabolic complication that occurs most frequently when effective treatment for rapidly proliferating tumors is initiated. It is a syndrome that can be prevented or ameliorated with appropriate anticipatory treatment. Recognition of metabolic emergencies common to cancer patients will improve quality of life and improve survival, allowing patients to benefit from definitive cancer treatment.
Lower Sphincter of the Opossum Esophagus in Pseudopregnancy

To seek a possible role of estrogen and progesterone in the development of changes in esophageal function during pregnancy, we produced a state of pseudopregnancy by administration of hormones to a suitable animal model. Twenty-two female opossums, weighing an average of 2.5 kg, were divided into two groups. The treated group received intramuscular injections of 100 μg of estradiol valerate daily from day 1 to day 12 and 15 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate from day 7 to day 12. The control group received no injections. Both groups underwent manometry on days 1, 7, and 12. Lower esophageal sphincter pressure decreased (P
The Challenges Educators Face to Improve Student Achievement

This conceptual analysis explores the available research on the challenges that face our educational leaders to improve student achievement. This analysis captures the impact of student attendance and examines its relationship to academic performance. The success or lack of success that students experience in the classroom is impacted by variables not controlled by the teacher in the classroom. The opportunity for students to manage their attendance is often times out of their control as well. Therefore, the consequential result is that those families that face challenges with meeting this requirement therefore, impact the student’s ability to achieve. The role of the parent is multifaceted and therefore extends even to that of the student prior to them even attending school. The results would indicate that this is also a challenge for the lower income families.
Creating and Assessing Student Perception of an Examination Mastery Score Report for a Pharmacotherapy Course

Objective. To compare student-perceived utility of two types of score reports.Methods. Assessment standards were followed to create a new examination score report for pharmacotherapy coursework. Student examination scores were returned using the traditional score report, the utility of which students rated along 9 dimensions. A mastery score report was also distributed, and students rated it on the same 9 dimensions. The ratings were compared to determine which the students perceived as more useful.Results. The students rated the mastery score report significantly better on each of the 9 dimensions and in aggregate.Conclusion. Pharmacy students perceived the mastery score report as more useful in helping them improve their achievement of educational outcomes.
Pruritus Reduction with Systemic Anti-lymphoma Treatments in Patients with Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma: A Narrative Review.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are a heterogeneous and relatively rare group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas arising from neoplastic skin-homing memory T cells. There is no known cure for CTCL, and current treatments focus on achieving and maintaining remission, controlling symptoms, limiting toxicities and maintaining or improving quality of life. Patients with CTCL often suffer from pruritus (itching), which can be debilitating and can have a significant impact on physical well-being and quality of life. Although progress has been made towards understanding the mechanisms of pruritus, the pathophysiology of CTCL-related pruritus remains unclear. Currently, there is neither a step-wise treatment algorithm for CTCL nor a standardized approach to treating pruritus in patients with CTCL. Treatments which specifically target pruritus have been reported with varying effectiveness. However, systemic treatments that target CTCL have the potential to alleviate pruritus by treating the underlying disease. Several systemic CTCL treatments have reported anti-pruritic properties, some in both objective responders and nonresponders, but the lack of a standardized method to measure and report pruritus makes it difficult to compare the effectiveness of systemic treatments. In this review, we provide an overview of approved and investigational systemic CTCL treatments that report anti-pruritic properties. For each study, the methods used to measure and report pruritus, as well as the study design are examined so that the clinical benefits of each systemic treatment can be more readily evaluated. Funding: Financial support for medical editorial assistance and article processing charge were provided by Celgene Corporation.
MEDICAL EDUCATION FOR INTERNATIONAL HEALTH: The Arizona Experience

SUMMARY At the University of Arizona we have learned that a systematic approach to educating North Americans for international health roles makes sense. We have focused on an intensive problem-based orientation course for senior medical students and residents about to embark on a field experience. We have shared with and greatly benefited from the International Health Medical Education Consortium (IHMEC). The lessons learned at Arizona focus on the importance of long-term commitment and mentoring and on the direct relationship between health care careers internationally and among our own domestic underserved populations.
Factors related to the spontaneous regression of cancer

The goal of the present editorial is to remind us of a very rare phenomenon in medicine, which is the spontaneous regression of cancer.
Use of sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma of the head and neck.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLN) is a well-accepted procedure for truncal and extremity melanoma (T&E). However, its role in melanoma of the head and neck (H&N) remains controversial. Complex lymphatic and vascular drainage make SLN more challenging in this region. This study was done to evaluate the results of SLN for H&N versus T&E melanoma. Three hundred sixteen patients who underwent SLN for melanoma using a double indicator technique were identified from a prospective database. Records were analyzed retrospectively. Statistical analysis was performed using chi2, t test, or Mann-Whitney U test to evaluate the results, as appropriate. H&N was found in 87 cases (27.5%). The mean age was 63.2 and 53.2 years for H&N and T&E melanoma (P 0.5). There was a trend suggesting a higher mean number of sentinel lymph nodes found (3.1 versus 2.7, P = 0.1) in H&N melanoma. The total number of lymph nodes found in dissection specimens (20.9 versus 21.9, P = 0.45), the total number of positive lymph nodes (3.5 versus 1.6, P = 0.32), the incidence of any recurrence (19.5% versus 12.7%, P = 0.2), and time to recurrence (14.2 versus 20.6 months, P = 0.18) were similar between H&N and T&E melanoma. SLN mapping of H&N lesions is more difficult than at other sites. However, rates of nodal positivity are similar to melanoma of the trunk and extremities. Therefore, despite being more demanding, SLN is useful in diagnosis and treatment of melanomas of the head and neck.
Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805 Should be Treated as a Native of North America, Not Europe

ABSTRACT Physa acuta (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia: Physidae) is a freshwater snail commonly found in North American rivers, streams and ponds. Despite its widespread distribution across the United States, it is generally regarded as an invasive species. As a result, P. acuta receives no attention during conservation management inventories. However, data suggest that P. acuta may be a native to North America rather than to Europe, where it was first described. First, the fossil record in Europe lacks P. acuta, whereas North America is home to numerous fossils of members of the acuta species group. Second, breeding studies among P. acuta and North American taxa from the acuta species group show no evidence of pre- or postzygotic isolation. Third, investigations of reproductive anatomy between P. acuta and other nominal species of the acuta species group are indistinguishable, leading investigators to synonymize taxa. Finally, phylogenetic data do not support the distinction of P. acuta from its North America...
The Significance of Surface Complementarity on the Free Energy of Membrane Protein Assembly in Membranes

The dimerization interface of the 18-TM helix ClC-ec1 Cl-/H+ antiporter is formed by four alpha helices (H, I, P and Q) that are lined entirely by non-polar residues (leucines and isoleucines). The resultant surface fits well with its protein partner, presenting ClC-ec1 as an interesting model system to study the effect of shape complementarity on the stability of protein association. Recently, we established single-molecule fluorescence microscopy methods allowing for the measurement of the equilibrium dimerization reaction of ClC-ec1 in 2:1 POPE/POPG lipid bilayers. Here, we investigate the effect that cavities, engineered via subtractive substitutions to ALA, have on the free energy of dimerization in the lipid bilayer. We first engineered ClC constructs with large cavities by mutating entire helix surfaces to ALA, 4-5 residues at a time. Each of these constructs were stable and folded upon purification in detergent, and demonstrated comparable functional Cl- transport after reconstitution in membranes. However, while all-ALA helix I, P and Q are almost entirely dimeric as determined by size exclusion chromatography in detergent, all-ALA helix H shifts to a monomeric form. Further investigation of the residues on helix H indicates that L194A alone is responsible for the shift to the monomeric state. Cysteine accessibility and functional reconstitution experiments show that L194A is folded and functional in both monomeric and dimeric states. Measurement of the ΔΔG of dimerization in 2:1 POPE/POPG shows that L194A shifts stability by 2 kcal/mole, similar to the effect of a bulky I422W substitution at the interface. We conclude that L194 is an energetic hotspot on the dimerization interface, but the reason for this shift in stability remains unknown. Examination of the structure shows that L194 is positioned along the symmetry interface of the subunit fold suggesting that it may be involved in defining the shape of the dimerization interface, and thus mutation may alter shape complementarity by increasing dynamics of those helices.
Brief Report: Clustered Forward Chaining with Embedded Mastery Probes to Teach Recipe Following.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a clustered forward chaining (CFC) procedure to teach a 23-year-old male with autism to follow written recipes. CFC incorporates elements of forward chaining (FC) and total task chaining (TTC) by teaching a small number of steps (i.e., units) using TTC, introducing new units sequentially (akin to FC), and prompting through untrained steps. Results indicated that CFC was effective for teaching the participant to follow written recipes. Results maintained with therapist support for 3–5 weeks for all recipes, and maintained when therapist support was removed.
HDL Glycoprotein Composition and Site-Specific Glycosylation Differentiates Between Clinical Groups and Affects IL-6 Secretion in Lipopolysaccharide -Stimulated Monocytes

The goal of this pilot study was to determine whether HDL glycoprotein composition affects HDL's immunomodulatory function. HDL were purified from healthy controls (n = 13), subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS) (n = 13), and diabetic hemodialysis (HD) patients (n = 24). Concentrations of HDL-bound serum amyloid A (SAA), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC-III), α-1-antitrypsin (A1AT), and α-2-HS-glycoprotein (A2HSG); and the site-specific glycovariations of ApoC-III, A1AT, and A2HSG were measured. Secretion of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocytes was used as a prototypical assay of HDL's immunomodulatory capacity. HDL from HD patients were enriched in SAA, LBP, ApoC-III, di-sialylated ApoC-III (ApoC-III2) and desialylated A2HSG. HDL that increased IL-6 secretion were enriched in ApoC-III, di-sialylated glycans at multiple A1AT glycosylation sites and desialylated A2HSG, and depleted in mono-sialylated ApoC-III (ApoC-III1). Subgroup analysis on HD patients who experienced an infectious hospitalization event within 60 days (HD+) (n = 12), vs. those with no event (HD-) (n = 12) showed that HDL from HD+ patients were enriched in SAA but had lower levels of sialylation across glycoproteins. Our results demonstrate that HDL glycoprotein composition, including the site-specific glycosylation, differentiate between clinical groups, correlate with HDL's immunomodulatory capacity, and may be predictive of HDL's ability to protect from infection.
Parental drug use and permanency for young children in foster care: A competing risks analysis of reunification, guardianship, and adoption

•Drug removals are a barrier to reunification and guardianship.•Children ages 0–3 with drug removals face a unique disadvantage for permanency.•Likelihood of permanency exits depends both on child age and drug removal status.
Analysis of non-sinusoidal wave generation during electric vehicle charging and their impacts on the power system

Interconnection of EVs could impact adversely the power system operation including power quality and safety of the power grid since the present electric power distribution network may not be designed to support the expected proliferation of EV along with other nonlinear loads and resources that are expected to occur in the future. Numerous studies on the effects of charging EVs using the existing local distribution grid has been reported in the literature, but most works on EVs impact on the distribution network are focused on the fundamental current and voltage waveforms (i.e., 60 Hz) to derive the associated impacts to the electric grid delivery system. In this paper we present our initial work that broadens the above analysis to include current harmonic distortion (iTHD) and the associated voltage harmonic distortion (vTHD) injected into the grid from EV battery charger.
Interictal epileptiform activity outside the seizure onset zone impacts cognition

See Kleen and Kirsch (doi:10.1093/awx178) for a scientific commentary on this article.Cognitive deficits are common among epilepsy patients. In these patients, interictal epileptiform discharges, also termed spikes, are seen routinely on electroencephalography and believed to be associated with transient cognitive impairments. In this study, we investigated the effect of spikes on memory encoding and retrieval, taking into account the spatial distribution of spikes in relation to the seizure onset zone as well as anatomical regions of the brain. Sixty-seven patients with medication refractory epilepsy undergoing continuous intracranial electroencephalography monitoring engaged in a delayed free recall task to test short-term memory. In this task, subjects were asked to memorize and recall lists of common nouns. We quantified the effect of each spike on the probability of successful recall using a generalized logistic mixed model. We found that in patients with left lateralized seizure onset zones, spikes outside the seizure onset zone impacted memory encoding, whereas those within the seizure onset zone did not. In addition, spikes in the left inferior temporal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, and fusiform gyrus during memory encoding reduced odds of recall by as much as 15% per spike. Spikes also reduced the odds of word retrieval, an effect that was stronger with spikes outside of the seizure onset zone. These results suggest that seizure onset regions are dysfunctional at baseline, and support the idea that interictal spikes disrupt cognitive processes related to the underlying tissue.
Servants of Heaven: the place of virtue in the Confucian cosmos

Understanding Heaven and its governance or decree is essential to the Confucian ethos. Yet recent scholarship displays deep disagreements on how Heaven (tian 天) and its decree (ming 命) are to be understood. Contrary to some recent scholars, in this paper I argue that the conception of Heaven and its decree within the Analects and the Mencius is quite consistent and unified, and so is its ethical status. I argue that Heaven is the physical heavens, understood as a divine agency that brings into being and orders every particular thing that exists. I further argue that Heaven is a beneficent force that humans should strive to harmonize with, and that Heaven’s beneficent character is reflected in its decree, the content of its governing agency. In particular, the moral standard Heaven sets for human activity is part of a coherent order it establishes for the world and actively works to realize, in part through the actions of its chosen servants. Like the ancient sage kings, Confucius and Mencius regard themselves as partners with Heaven in carrying out its designs, conspiring with Heaven to fulfill its decree and put into effect its pattern of benevolent governance.
REACTIVE FLOW LAGRANGE ANALYSIS IN RX-26-AF

A series of Lagrange gauge records, taken in RX-26-AF are analyzed. The explosive is initiated at 27 Kb sustained shock pressure. The resulting reaction runs through approximately 1.5 cm of the PBX, while pressure and velocity measurements are taken at various Lagrange coordinates. Using the equation of state for reactant, and product gases, in the J.W.L. form, a reactive flow Lagrange analysis (RFLA) is used to calculate the reaction progress coordinate. The results show an interesting two-stage reaction possibly associated with the different reaction rates of HMX and TATB. Problems with consistency and error are discussed.
Mapping Lives Across Borders

The number of archives collecting refugee life stories is growing rapidly. Most of these collections are accessible online, they often contain video interviews conducted by caseworkers, and many of...
The Impact of Cost Conversations on the Patient-Physician Relationship.

Previous research has suggested that fear of harm to the patient–physician relationship is an important barrier to conversations about cost of care. However, few experimental studies have investiga...
Entrustable Professional Activities as a Novel Framework for Pharmacy Education

Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) are units of measure for a particular profession that describe the professional's unique abilities and work. EPAs can be used in two ways: as a link between individual competencies for mastery and overall professional responsibilities in practice; and as a mechanism for faculty to assess the student's progression using levels of decreasing supervision. Currently used in medical education, implementation and utilization of EPAs within pharmacy education has potential benefits and challenges. This article will describe, highlight benefits of, and share mitigation strategies for implementing EPAs within pharmacy education.