cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conrad Berens Lecture. The management of infectious keratitis as we approach the 21st century.

PURPOSE To determine the role of cultures in the management of ulcerative keratitis, and to determine the role and selection of either commercially available monotherapy versus combined fortified antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial keratitis. METHODS The ocular microbiology files at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute for the years 1969-1997 were reviewed; as were outpatient data at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute/Anne Bates Leach Eye Hospital for the 20 years 1978-1997 to arrive at an annual incidence of suspected infectious keratitis. An ulcerative keratitis/management survey of the membership of the Castroviejo Cornea Society in 1995 was also conducted. RESULTS For the period 1969-1997, a total of 5,845 eyes were cultured for suspected infectious keratitis. The incidence of keratitis was 3.1 per 1,000 clinic visits. Forty-nine percent of the cultures were positive--82% bacterial isolates, 16% fungal isolates, and 2% parasites. Pseudomonas aeruginosa represented 20% of the bacterial isolates from 1969 through 1997, increasing to 32% and 39% during the two five-year intervals in the decade 1978-1987, and decreasing to 20% during the period 1993-1997. CONCLUSIONS 1) Perform corneal scrapings in selected patients with suspected infectious keratitis when risk factors are present, when there is a large central infiltrate, or when empirical therapy has failed. 2) In community/hospital based practice continue to culture all cases of suspected infectious keratitis. 3) Use fortified antibiotics for more severe keratitis. 4) Use monotherapy with a fluoroquinolone and/or other commercially available antibiotics for mild or less suspect keratitis. 5) A third alternative is to combine fortified cefazolin with a fluoroguinolone.
TRAPIANTO DI PANCREAS ISOLATO: RISULTATI METABOLICI ED EFFETTI SULLE COMPLICANZE CRONICHE DEL DIABETE

Virtual colonoscopy (VC) is a minimally invasive tool that utilizes modern CT technology for colorectal evaluation. Since its inception in 1994, VC has continued to rapidly evolve and improve as a diagnostic screening tool. Early success using primary two-dimensional (2D) detection in polyp-rich cohorts was followed by disappointing results in low prevalence populations. Subsequent introduction of the three-dimensional (3D) endoluminal display for primary polyp detection and oral contrast tagging has transformed VC into an effective primary screening tool. This state-of-the-art VC technique has already proven to be a viable enterprise when combined with existing optical colonoscopy practice. More widespread implementation of VC screening faces multiple challenges, but these are all greatly overshadowed by the immediate need for increased participation in effective colorectal screening. Given its relatively noninvasive nature and the wide availability of CT, VC holds significant potential for addressing a very important yet preventable public health concern. This review will cover current VC technique, compare the existing multi-center VC trials, discuss issues related to primary VC screening, and briefly update the progress of our VC screening program.
Myocardial dysfunction in silent myocardial ischemia as demonstrated by ambulatory radionuclide left ventricular function studies.

Until recently, it has not been possible to combine both ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring and ambulatory left ventricular function monitoring, but new developments have helped solve this problem. A technique based on the nuclear probe was introduced in the early 1980s to allow continuous recording of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction over a 4 to 6 hour period during ambulatory activities following a single injection of a radioisotope; the device was termed the VEST. In addition to validation studies, left ventricular function during ambulatory activities of various types has been measured with the VEST, and there are now several reports that document reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with coronary artery disease. These episodes meet the criteria for silent ischemia: objective evidence of myocardial ischemia in the absence of angina or anginal equivalents. Thus, patients with coronary artery disease can be followed for hemodynamic evidence of myocardial ischemia (even when they are not aware of the episodes) and results of therapy better monitored than by the ambulatory ECG alone.
Phosphatidates inhibit vasopressin-induced water transport via protein kinase C activation

Phosphatidic acid (PA), best known as an intermediate of phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2) turnover, inhibits vasopressin (AVP)-induced increase in hydraulic conductivity (Lp) in rabbit cortical collecting ducts (CCD) perfused in vitro (Ando, Y., H. R. Jacobson, and M. D. Breyer, J. Clin. Invest. 80: 590, 1987). The present study addresses the mechanism(s) responsible for this action of PA. In control experiments, 10 microU/ml AVP (23 pM) increased Lp of CCDs from a basal of 4.9 +/- 0.4 X 10(-7) cm.atm-1.s-1 to a peak of 171.2 +/- 4.6 X 10(-7) cm.atm-1.s-1. Basolateral pretreatment of the tubule with PA (25 micrograms/ml) suppressed AVP-induced increase in peak Lp by 45.0%. This suppression was not attenuated by 5 microM indomethacin pretreatment. L-alpha-dipalmitoyl(C16) PA (DPPA, 25 micrograms/ml), an arachidonate-free synthetic PA, inhibited peak Lp by 79.0%, whereas another synthetic PA with shorter fatty acid (C12), L-alpha-dilauroyl PA (DLPA, 25 micrograms/ml), had no significant effect on AVP-induced peak Lp. In the presence of 100 nM staurosporine, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, the inhibition by PA and DPPA on AVP-induced peak Lp were abolished. Furthermore, another PKC inhibitor, 100 microM 1-(5-isoquiniline-sulfonyl)-2-methylpiperzine, also reversed the DPPA-induced inhibition of AVP action. In separate experiments using fura-2-loaded isolated perfused CCDs, however, neither PA nor DPPA caused a significant increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i). Taken together, in CCD, PA-induced inhibition of AVP action is primarily mediated by PKC but not by an increased [Ca2+]i or the production of arachidonate metabolites, such as prostaglandins. Thus the PA-induced activation of PKC does not seem to involve the classic pathway for PKC activation, breakdown of PIP2.
Rett’s Syndrome

The sleep and respiratory patterns associated with this disorder have been studied in 11 females aged 2 through 15 years at the Methodist Hospital, Houston, Tx.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome and Oral Polio Virus Vaccine

An unexpected rise in the number of patients hospitalized with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) was concomitant with a nationwide oral polio virus vaccine (OPV) campaign in Finland in 1985 and is reported from Clinical Neurosciences Institute of Occupational Health; Department of Neurology, University of Helsinki; Department of Virology, National Public Health Institute; and National Board of Health, Helsinki, Finland.
Wideband Microwave Camera for Real-Time 3-D Imaging

This paper presents a microwave camera design operating in the 20–30 GHz frequency range and capable of producing 3-D images at video frame rate (i.e., real-time), using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technique. This microwave camera has the potential to provide real-time inspection and diagnosis capabilities in the nondestructive testing, biomedical and security applications, to name a few. The camera utilizes an array composed of a novel array element with built-in dual receivers at its radiating end. The dual receiver design has two significant features particularly important for SAR imaging, namely, it provides for nonuniform spatial sampling, and allows the use of antennas whose sizes are greater than half of the operating wavelength. The camera operates in the monostatic mode where each antenna in the array is used as the transmitting and receiving antenna. A major advantage of this real-time camera design is the simplicity of the microwave circuitry, which reduces the overall size, power consumption, and, cost and renders it portable. The detail design of this wideband microwave 3-D real-time camera is provided along with several images of diverse and complex targets to demonstrate its capabilities and functionality.
Genetic Engineering and Manufacturing of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

The marketing approval of genetically engineered hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) as the first-line therapy for the treatment of severe combined immunodeficiency due to adenosine deaminase deficiency (ADA-SCID) is a tribute to the substantial progress that has been made regarding HSC engineering in the past decade. Reproducible manufacturing of high-quality, clinical-grade, genetically engineered HSCs is the foundation for broadening the application of this technology. Herein, the current state-of-the-art manufacturing platforms to genetically engineer HSCs as well as the challenges pertaining to production standardization and product characterization are addressed in the context of primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) and other monogenic disorders.
Effects of Coloration on Parasitism, Predation, and Field Survivorship of the Tobacco Hornworm, Manduca sexta (L.)

Studies were conducted to determine the effect of pigmentation on the field survivorship of larvae of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta (L.). Larvae of the white-mutant tobacco hornworm were foun...
Feature Assimilation in Structural Health Monitoring Applications

Next generation structural health monitoring (SHM) technology for early detection and mitigation of adverse structural effects holds the potential to aid in the proactive maintenance of various civil structures. SHM techniques eliminate the need for a priori knowledge of damage, and thus the need for access to the damaged portion of the structure. The underlying principle behind SHM is measuring changes in the system vibration response, which would ultimately indicate changes in the physical properties due to structural damage. A challenge to the successful application of SHM to civil structures is the selection of suitable vibration response features (damage indicators), that are highly sensitive to the presence and extent of damage, while having low sensitivity to ambient noise. Since it is not feasible (nor possible) to damage an in-service structure for research purposes, a scaled arch model made of PVC is utilized for laboratory testing in this study. The vibration response is measured both for the undamaged arch and then for the damaged arch once cracks are introduced to the system. The effect of noise on the vibration measurements is also studied.
The Effect of Housing on Individuals with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) is an illness reaction provoked by exposure to chemical and other irritants at levels well below those tolerated by individuals without this disorder. Individuals with MCS react to many of the products found in the average work place and home. Due in part to unsafe working conditions and a general sense of malaise, many of those with MCS find it difficult to work or are unable to work and forced to receive their income from other sources such as public aid or Social Security disability. Safe, affordable housing is the primary issue for people with MCS and few financial resources. In the present study, data on 289 individuals with MCS were analyzed. The participants were divided into two separate groups, those who reported living in safe housing and those who reported living in unsafe housing. Individuals with MCS and safe housing were more likely to be significantly older, better educated, and married, and were more likely to have a physician, and higher pre-MCS income levels compared to those with MCS and unsafe housing. Individuals with MCS and safe housing were significantly less disabled on two outcome measures. Measures of depression, optimism, stress, support, coping and disability were significantly related. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Evidence for a second pathway in the action mechanism of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD): Significance of Ah-receptor mediated activation of protein kinase under cell-free conditions

Abstract 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD) when administered directly to a nuclear-free subcellular homogenate of guinea pig adipose tissue, caused a significant rise in protein kinase activities within 1–10 min. Such a rapid response was not expected, based on the classic transcriptional mechanism of action for TCDD, i.e. TCDD first binds with its cytosolic Ah-receptor, translocates into the nucleus, dimerizes with “arnt” (a nuclear transcription factor), and activates genes containing “xenobiotic-responsive element” (XRE). The above actions of TCDD on protein kinases were clearly blocked by two specific Ah-receptor blockers, even under cell- and nucleus-free conditions. TCDD-induced increases in protein phosphorylation occurred mainly in cytosolic preparations (i.e. 100,000 g supernatant) devoid of nucleus, microsomes and plasma membranes and were still observed in the presence of inhibitors of protein phosphatases. Furthermore, TCDD caused a rise in protein tyrosine kinase activity in a purified Ah-receptor preparation, as well as in an isolated heat shock protein 90 complex preparation containing the Ah-receptor. This activation took place in the presence of actinomycin D and cycloheximide, indicating a portion of TCDD's action that is unrelated to de novo protein synthesis in this process. We have also obtained evidence indicating that this action of TCDD triggers the protein kinase mediated growth factor signal transduction pathway, such as stimulation of mitogen activated protein kinase 2 and tyrosine kinase activity. These results clearly support the view that the basic action pathway for such a TCDD-induced activation of protein kinases is distinctly different from its conventional action pathway involving changes in gene transcription in the nucleus.
Extensive somatosensory and motor corticospinal sprouting occurs following a central dorsal column lesion in monkeys.

The corticospinal tract (CST) forms the major descending pathway mediating voluntary hand movements in primates, and originates from ∼nine cortical subdivisions in the macaque. While the terminals of spared motor CST axons are known to sprout locally within the cord in response to spinal injury, little is known about the response of the other CST subcomponents. We previously reported that following a cervical dorsal root lesion (DRL), the primary somatosensory (S1) CST terminal projection retracts to 60% of its original terminal domain, while the primary motor (M1) projection remains robust (Darian-Smith et al., J. Neurosci., 2013). In contrast, when a dorsal column lesion (DCL) is added to the DRL, the S1 CST, in addition to the M1 CST, extends its terminal projections bilaterally and caudally, well beyond normal range (Darian-Smith et al., J. Neurosci., 2014). Are these dramatic responses linked entirely to the inclusion of a CNS injury (i.e., DCL), or do the two components summate or interact? We addressed this directly, by comparing data from monkeys that received a unilateral DCL alone, with those that received either a DRL or a combined DRL/DCL. Approximately 4 months post-lesion, the S1 hand region was mapped electrophysiologically, and anterograde tracers were injected bilaterally into the region deprived of normal input, to assess spinal terminal labeling. Using multifactorial analyses, we show that following a DCL alone (i.e., cuneate fasciculus lesion), the S1 and M1 CSTs also sprout significantly and bilaterally beyond normal range, with a termination pattern suggesting some interaction between the peripheral and central lesions.
Martin Luther: The Man Who Rediscovered God and Changed the World. By Eric Metaxas. (New York, NY: Viking Press, 2017. Pp. 470. $30.00.)

The very title of this book should warn the reader that it is going to be a sweeping and largely uncritical endorsement for Martin Luther. It should also alert the reader that it is going to overre...
Companion Animals in Childhood and Emerging Adulthood: The Relation to Emerging Adult Development

The purpose of the current study was to gain additional understanding of the developmental significance of companion animals for human development. Participants were 202 undergraduate students at a public university. Companion animal ownership, bonding (i.e., high and low reported bonding), and affection (i.e., high and low reported affection) in childhood and emerging adulthood were explored in relation to psychosocial functioning during emerging adulthood (i.e., empathy, autonomy, self- esteem, helping disposition, loneliness, and social anxiety). The majority of participants reported having companion animals during childhood, and to a slightly lesser degree, during emerging adulthood, with a dog overwhelmingly being the most important companion animal. Companion animal ownership and type of companion animal were not associated with psychosocial functioning. However, companion animal bond during childhood and companion animal affection during emerging adulthood were associated with emerging adult psychosocial functioning.
Hypocretin and the Regulation of Sleep-Wake Transitions

Abstract The hypocretins are two alternatively spliced neuropeptides Hcrt-1 and Hcrt-2 (also called orexin-a and orexin-b) that are synthesized exclusively in the hypothalamus. Since their near-simultaneous discovery by groups led by Gregor Sutcliffe and Masashi Yanagisawa, these peptides have been found to regulate sleep-to-wake transitions and overall arousal. Here, we review existing data describing the role of these neurotransmitters in the regulation of vigilance states and their interactions with wake-promoting neural circuits. Finally, we discuss the implications of this work for the clinic and examine computational approaches using hypocretin as a model system to dissect fundamental components of sleep and wakefulness.
Time: The Measure of Connectivity

The narrative begins with human interaction and information exchange. Human interaction has moved from face to face to wired communication and, more recently, to wireless and asynchronous connection in an ever-expanding network of friends. Platforms for this communication are now commercialized because connections are measured in terms of time. This chapter outlines the six distinctive features of information itself that standardize, or commoditize, these connections in terms of time. Defining attention as cognitive bandwidth hours, or uninterrupted hours of mental effort, time is a building block for attention.
Investigation of the variability of local ice strength by exposure to the spectrum of infrared radiation of various lengths

The object of research is the interaction of the infrared radiation spectrum with ice. The work is aimed at determining this interaction in order to ensure the safe passage of the route by ice-class vessels independently or as part of a caravan during the winter navigation period, in the freezing waters of non-Arctic seas and rivers, as planned and without delays. To solve this problem, in the course of the study, similarity coefficients equal to those calculated were used, and temperature intervals were determined corresponding to the selected discrete intervals of ice thickness. The processing of laboratory test data was reduced to statistical analysis, the purpose of which was to determine the statistical characteristics of the studied quantities. As well as the establishment of correlation between the studied values and the assessment of the strength characteristics of low-supply ice. This is due to the aim of establishing regressive relationships between the strength limits of ice and its temperature, salinity, and density. To solve a similar problem, various scientific groups conducted field studies and tests with the Dikson icebreaker (Russia) for cutting ice with a jet of temperature-activated water or laser radiation with a power of 30 to 200 kW, which is transmitted via an optical fiber cable. Compared with the considered methods, which have disadvantages in the following: – mobility of devices; – weight of devices; – uninterrupted supply of the emitter with a sufficiently large power for an indefinite time; – formation of boiling water, which is formed during laser cutting of ice, which, in turn, at negative outside air temperatures, leads to a rapid coalescence of the section, which becomes much stronger; – laser-cut pieces of ice within the channel will go under the vessel. In the presence of shallow depths, this may stop the movement of the vessel or create a risk of damage to the hull. Thanks to the research results, it is possible to create an experimental self-propelled automated installation for the destruction of ice in freezing waters and on approach channels to the port, which allows: – soften the ice at the first stage of work; – at the second – cut it; – at the third – turn it into water.
Breaking hearts and taking names: A case of sarcoidosis related effusive-constrictive pericarditis

Abstract Introduction Pericardial involvement of sarcoidosis is a rare cause for acute heart failure, and usually occurs as a result of the development of a pericardial effusion leading to cardiac tamponade. Even rarer still, is the manifestation of constrictive pericarditis. We report a case of sarcoidosis with lung, pleural, and pericardial involvement with effusive-constrictive pericarditis leading to cardiac tamponade. Case presentation A 34-year-old Caucasian man presented for evaluation of a history of worsening exertional dyspnea, edema, and weight loss. A high-resolution chest computed tomography showed diffuse pulmonary nodules with upper lobe predominance and in a perilymphatic distribution; large right pleural effusion; and large pericardial effusion with pericardial thickening. A transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated early tamponade physiology for which a pericardial drain was placed. After removal of the drain he developed cardiogenic shock from cardiac tamponade attributed to the reaccumulation of a pericardial effusion and urgent pericardial window was performed. Serial echocardiography was concerning for organization and localization of the pericardial fluid. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a significant reduction in pericardial slippage between the parietal and visceral layers around the heart collectively suggestive of constrictive pericarditis. Confirmation of effusive-constrictive pericarditis was noted on right heart catheterization. He then underwent pericardiectomy, which on histopathologic evaluation demonstrated non-necrotizing granulomas, thus confirming pericardial involvement of sarcoidosis. Conclusions We report a case demonstrating unique manifestations of sarcoidosis; effusive-constrictive pericarditis presenting with acute congestive heart failure.
Weaving Our Sovereignties Together: Maximizing Ea for Filipinx and Hawaiians

In 2015, I conducted four interviews with Hawaiian independence activists who traveled to the Philippines between 2009 and 2015. I trace how Kānaka Maoli weave our sovereignties together, as well a...
Membrane binding and rearrangement by chikungunya virus capping enzyme nsP1

Alphavirus genome replication is carried out by the viral replication complex inside modified membrane structures called spherules. The viral nonstructural protein 1 (nsP1) is the only membrane-associated protein that anchors the replication complex to the cellular membranes. Although an internal amphipathic helix of nsP1 is critical for membrane association, the mechanism of nsP1 interaction with membranes and subsequent membrane reorganization is not well understood. We studied the membrane interaction of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) nsP1 and show that both the CHIKV nsP1 protein and the amphipathic peptide specifically bind to negatively charged phospholipid vesicles. Using cryo-electron microscopy, we further show that nsP1 forms a contiguous coat on lipid vesicles and induces structural reorganization, while the amphipathic peptide alone failed to deform the membrane bilayer. This suggests that although amphipathic helix of nsP1 is required for initial membrane binding, the remaining cytoplasmic domain of nsP1 is involved in the subsequent membrane reorganization.
Chapter 11 – Section 1983 Actions in Law Enforcement

Publisher Summary This chapter examines Section 1983 actions that arise out of common functions that the police perform regularly. In reviewing these cases, officers should consider their state's statutes and their agency's policies and practices. The chapter examines seven areas in policing that can increase the liability potential for officers—false arrest, false imprisonment, pursuits, failure to protect, searches, racial profiling, and special response teams. These seven categories represent critical dimensions of police work and the potential for liability exposure. With the exceptions of failure to protect and police pursuits, each category is based on incidents controlled by court decisions emerging from the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. When officers conduct searches and seizures, allegations of unreasonable conduct will emerge, providing an avenue of civil litigation. Officers should be aware of the current status of the law and be familiar with their agency's policies and procedures. When practical, and as circumstances dictate, officers should obtain a warrant for arrests, searches, and seizures. Properly executing warrants is also important. Officers should be aware of circumstances that do not require a warrant. They should also adhere to the law, department policies, and training when performing these duties. Compliance with the law, acting reasonably and in accordance with probable cause, and properly using their authority will not totally protect officers from civil lawsuits. It will, however, be useful in defending a civil lawsuit from claims that the officer violated a citizen's constitutional rights and help to support the qualified immunity defense.
MPFL GRAFT TENSIONING TO TREAT PATELLAR INSTABILITY RELATED TO PATELLA ALTA: DYNAMIC SIMULATION:

Background:Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is a popular treatment for lateral patellar instability. For knees with patella alta, however, tibial tuberosity distalization is the...
Different patterns of functional network reorganization across the variants of primary progressive aphasia: a graph-theoretic analysis

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative syndrome with three main variants (nonfluent, logopenic, semantic) that are identified primarily based on language deficit profiles and are associated with neurotopographically distinct atrophic patterns. We used a graph-theoretic analytic approach to examine changes in functional network properties measured with resting-state fMRI in all three PPA variants compared with age-matched healthy controls. All three variants showed a more segregated network organization than controls. To better understand the changes underlying the increased segregation, we examined the distribution of functional "hubs". We found that while all variants lost hubs in the left superior frontal and parietal regions, new hubs were recruited in different areas across the variants. In particular, both logopenic and semantic variants recruited significant numbers of hubs in the right hemisphere. Importantly, these functional characteristics could not be fully explained by local volume changes. These findings indicate that patterns of functional connectivity can serve as further evidence to distinguish the PPA variants, and provide a basis for longitudinal studies and for investigating treatment effects. This study also highlights the utility of graph-theoretic approaches in understanding the brain's functional reorganization in response to neurodegenerative disease.
Digital Negotiations: Navigating Parental Permission and Adolescent Assent for On-Line Survey Participation.

Current Federal Regulations require that prior to conducting research with children, parental permission must be obtained (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (US DHHS) 2018, 45 CFR 46 Sec...
The Effect of Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Redefinition Model on Students’ Writing Skills

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effects of Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Redefinition (SAMR) Model on Danao National High School Grade 12 students’ writing skills. Specifically, it sought to determine if SAMR Model could enhance the writing skills of students. Approach/Methodology/Design: The study only covered the writing skills which include ideas, organization, word choice, sentence fluency and convention (grammar and mechanics). The written outputs, specifically the rationale, significance of the study and scope and delimitation from the students’ Practical Research 2 subject were the bases for the experimentation. The study utilized quasi-experimental method to determine the effectiveness of Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Redefinition Model as the basis for technology integration on enhancing the students’ writing skills. This study used the researcher-made pre-test and post-test questionnaire and raters were chosen to evaluate students’ outputs. Findings: It was found out that the level of the writing skills of the control and experimental groups did not change on their pre-test and post-test. Both groups showed an increase on their post-test results. The results of the experimental group indicated that SAMR Model has improved students’ writing skills Practical Implications: The utilization of this model on writing activities or subjects will likely create a new field of interest and widen students’ perspectives on the different means or medium of writing. However, this tool would really take much time, effort and technological skills on the part of the facilitator to make it as effective as possible. Originality/value: This study proposed Action Program to Improve Writing Instruction in Danao National High School.
Current Perspectives on Management of Type 2 Diabetes in Youth

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in children and adolescents is on the rise, and the increase in prevalence of this disorder parallels the modern epidemic of childhood obesity worldwide. T2DM affects primarily post-pubertal adolescents from ethnic/racial minorities and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Youth with T2DM often have additional cardiovascular risk factors at diagnosis. T2DM in youth is more progressive in comparison to adult onset T2DM and shows lower rates of response to pharmacotherapy and more rapid development of diabetes-related complications. Lifestyle modifications and metformin are recommended as the first-line treatment for youth with T2DM in the absence of significant hyperglycemia. Assessment of pancreatic autoimmunity is recommended in all youth who appear to have T2DM. Pharmacotherapeutic options for youth with T2DM are limited at this time. Liraglutide, a GLP-1 agonist, was recently approved for T2DM in adolescents 10 years of age and older. Several clinical trials are currently underway with youth with T2DM with medications that are approved for T2DM in adults. Bariatric surgery is associated with excellent rates of remission of T2DM in adolescents with severe obesity and should be considered in selected adolescents.
COVID-19 and employee psychological safety: Exploring the role of signaling theory

[...]lack of adequate protection and perceived organizational support may have a negative effect on employee well-being and even lead to posttraumatic stress symptoms. Because a pandemic poses an extreme threat to employee perceptions of organizational physical and psychological safety, using theory-based approaches to understand how organizations can reduce employee stress associated with changes spurred by COVID-19 is critical. Recently, almost every individual in the world has experienced a major change in their status quo (e.g., travel restrictions, retail shutdown, a demographically undiscerning and internationally connected health threat), which is frequently associated with increases in fear and distress and decreases in physical and psychological well-being. Because it is common for frontline workers to experience negative emotions linked to coping with stressors associated with COVID-19 (e.g., high workload, potentially hazardous working environment, unclear infection control policies, coworker negative emotions), applying leadership principles and supervisor behaviors inspired by signaling theory may help increase positive emotions among employees, which can be an extremely useful tool to inspire hope and to maintain employee trust in the organization (Kim & Niederdeppe, 2013). [...]simple signals that are followed through by organizational action and supervisor behaviors can increase the availability of job resources and decrease the amount of demands, resulting in a positive additive effect on health, safety, and well-being when larger scale changes such as training and survey analysis are not practical. * Corresponding author.
A Case Study to Quantify Variability in Building Load Profiles

Recent technology development and penetration of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), advanced building control systems, and the internet-of-things (IoT) in the built environment are providing detailed information on building operation, performance, and user’s comfort and behavior. Building owners can obtain a wide range of energy consumption details at various levels of time granularity to augment their decisions as they manage the building operation and interact with the grid. AMI data are providing a new level of detail and visibility that may enhance building services and assets in the smart grid domain and make buildings inch closer to becoming a grid-interactive energy efficient buildings (GEB). While utility-installed AMI typically records energy consumption at a 15, 30, or 60-minute resolution, building-owner-installed metering can record energy consumption at one-minute or sub-minute time scales, providing information about how much the energy consumption varies from one sub-minute to the other (i.e. variability) at a finer time resolutions than typically available from AMI. This paper examines one-minute building load profile data sets and presents a framework to study, define, extract, quantify and analyze variability in buildings’ load profiles. The discussion of variability and its analysis is based on a case study of an actual sub-minute time-resolution data set, collected in 2019, for two buildings in a Midwest state in the USA. The result shows that for the case studies, the level of variability in an end-use category is not simply proportional to its consumption. Furthermore, distinct and predictable daily variability patterns emerge in end-use load categories. This information is useful for a host of applications including prediction, forecasting, and modeling.
The Digital Dilemma: Perspectives From Otolaryngology Residency Applicants on Social Media.

Objective:To evaluate the impact of otolaryngology programs’ social media on residency candidates in the 2020 to 2021 application cycle.Methods:An anonymous survey was distributed via Otomatch, Hea...
2021 Annual Report of DataDerm™: The Database of The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

Abstract The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) launched DataDerm™ in 2016 as the clinical data registry platform of AAD. DataDerm has evolved to be the largest database containing information about dermatology patients in the world. As of December 31, 2020, DataDerm contained data from 11.3 million unique patients and 40.0 million unique patient visits, with 782 practices representing 2,290 clinicians actively participating in DataDerm. This article is the second in a series of annual reports about the status of DataDerm. While last year’s 2020 first annual report presented the history of DataDerm as well as the rationale for creation, maintenance, and expansion of DataDerm, this year’s 2021 annual report presents the progress DataDerm has made over the past year along with its current status and future plans.
Transportation, Land Use, and Air Quality Programs

Numerous air pollution control programs have recently been initiated or are pending which will be closely related to transportation and land management activities. These programs result from the environmentally oriented legislation of the early 1970’s, and subsequent court decisions. A brief summary of certain provisions of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1970 is presented, accompanied by a description of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations concerning indirect sources, air quality maintenance areas, and prevention of significant air quality deterioration. Development of the air quality quidelines pursuant to the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1970 is also considered, as well as the Illinois response to these guidelines. It is concluded that the air quality problems confronting the United States are very complex and that substantial cooperation among all levels of government and among all interested parties will have to be generated if the national ambient air quality standards are to be achieved and maintained.
Analysis Of The Retinoblastoma Protein In Aortic Valve Calcification

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) shares several features with osteogenesis. This pathological process is similar to normal development of bone, phenotypically and transcriptionally. Because the retinoblastoma protein (Rb) pathway is critical to bone development, we hypothesized that the Rb pathway also regulates development and progression of CAVD. To test this hypothesis we generated a mouse model with cre-mediated knockout of Rb in the heart valves. These mice were maintained for a year on high fat diet to induce valve disease. Experimental animals (RbFlox/Flox;Tie2Cre) showed significantly more aortic valve regurgitation, a manifestation of CAVD in mice, assessed by echocardiography, compared with control animals(RbFlox/+;Tie2Cre). To investigate the molecular mechanism behind this, we infected cultured porcine aortic valve interstitial cells (pAVICs) with lentivirus-expressed shRNA constructs targeting Rb mRNA. Knockdown of the Rb transcript was confirmed by qRT-PCR (p<0.005) and we consistently o...
A splice site mutation of the beta-spectrin gene causing exon skipping in hereditary elliptocytosis associated with a truncated beta-spectrin chain.

We studied a French kindred with hereditary elliptocytosis associated with a spectrin variant (spectrin LePuy) containing a beta-spectrin chain that is truncated at its C terminus (Dhermy, D., Lecomte, M., Garbarz, M., Bournier, O., Galand, C., Gautero, H., Feo, C., Alloisio, N., Delaunay, J., and Boivin, P. (1982) J. Clin. Invest. 70, 707-715). The structure of the 3‘ end of the beta-spectrin gene, the region encoding the C terminus of beta-spectrin, was determined. Nucleotide sequencing of amplified genomic DNA revealed a mutation at position +4 (A—-G) of the 5‘ donor consensus splice site of the intron following the third-to-last exon (exon X) in one beta-spectrin allele of a heterozygous patient. Agarose gel electrophoresis of polymerase chain reaction-amplified cDNA revealed an extra band of lower molecular weight, suggesting that the shortened beta-spectrin chain of spectrin LePuy arises from aberrant mRNA splicing. Nucleotide sequencing of the shorter cDNA amplification product revealed that the sequences encoding exon X were absent. Southern blotting of cDNA amplification products confirmed this result. The skipping of exon X causes a shift in the normal reading frame resulting in the encoding of a new amino acid sequence at the C terminus of the mutant beta-spectrin chain. A new in-frame stop codon is encountered following a single residue of this novel sequence.
Isolation and characterization of the normal canine β-galactosidase gene and its mutation in a dog model of GM1-gangliosidosis

The acid β-galactosidase cDNA of Portuguese Water dogs was isolated and sequenced. The entire coding region of the gene consists of 2004 nucleotides encoding a protein of 668 amino acids. Its encoding sequence indicates approximately 86.5% identity at the nucleotide level and about 81% identity at the amino acid level with the encoding region of the human acid β-galactosidase gene. The deduced amino acid sequence contains a 24-amino-acid putative signal sequence, six possible glycosylation sites, and seven cysteine residues. A homozygous recessive mutation, causing canine GM1-gangliosidosis, was identified at nucleotide G200→A in exon 2 resulting in an Arg60→His (mutation R60H) amino acid substitution. The mutation creates a new restriction enzyme site for Pml1. Genotyping 115 dog samples for this acid β-galactosidase gene alteration readily distinguished affected homozygous recessives (n=5), heterozygous carriers (n=50) and normal homozygotes (n=60). DNA mutation analysis provided a method more specific than enzyme assay of β-galactosidase for determination of carriers.
Rat testis during 2,5-hexanedione intoxication and recovery. II. Dynamics of pyrrole reactivity, tubulin content, and microtubule assembly.

Abstract Charles River CD rats (200 g) were intoxicated with 1 % 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD) in the drinking water for 5 weeks followed by a 17-week recovery period. Pyrrole reactivity of testis proteins increased early during intoxication and then returned toward normal during recovery. Testis tubulin content first increased as germ cells were lost and then fell over time while atrophy was maintained. Purified testis tubulin demonstrated a decreased nucleation time for microtubule assembly at 2 weeks, maintained this alteration throughout intoxication, and then returned to normal assembly kinetics during recovery. The assembly abnormality was accompanied by the presence of a unique crosslinked tubulin species. These findings support the hypothesis that alterations in Sertoli cell microtubules result in germ cell loss following 2,5-HD exposure.
The evolution of an idea: Charting the early public relations ideology of Edward L. Bernays

Purpose – The aim of this work is to explore Edward L. Bernays' early evolution in thought concerning the rationale for public relations and to briefly discuss how these emergent ideological concepts have proven foundational for contemporary public relations.Design/methodology/approach – Bernays' ideological development in the decade after the First World War is traced through: his very early tactical work; his exposure to significant writings concerning the use of persuasion to manage the masses; and his own writings.Findings – Bernays, widely considered a pioneer in the field of public relations, exhibited a somewhat halting evolution in thought concerning the role of the new public relations professional. From 1920 through 1927, he normally described the public relations counsel as using propaganda to move masses toward the acceptance of good causes. However, by the end of the decade, his concept of the public relations person shifted toward emphasizing using propaganda as a pro‐social mechanism to con...
Identification of A2a Adenosine Receptor Domains Involved in Selective Coupling to GS ANALYSIS OF CHIMERIC A1/A2a ADENOSINE RECEPTORS

Responses to adenosine are governed by selective activation of distinct G proteins by adenosine receptor (AR) subtypes. The A2aAR couples via Gs to adenylyl cyclase stimulation while the A1AR couples to Gi to inhibit adenylyl cyclase. To determine regions of the A2aAR that selectively couple to Gs, chimeric A1/A2aARs were expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells and ligand binding and adenylyl cyclase activity analyzed. Replacement of the third intracellular loop of the A2aAR with that of the A1AR reduced maximal adenylyl cyclase stimulation and decreased agonist potency. Restricted chimeras indicated that the NH2-terminal portion of intracellular loop 3 was predominantly responsible for this impairment. Reciprocal chimeras composed primarily of A1AR sequence with limited A2aAR sequence substitution stimulated adenylyl cyclase and thus supported these findings. A lysine and glutamic acid residue were identified as necessary for efficient A2aAR-Gs coupling. Analysis of chimeric receptors in which sequence of intracellular loop 2 was substituted indicated that the nature of amino acids in this domain may indirectly modulate A2aAR-Gs coupling. Replacement of the cytoplasmic tail of the A2aAR with the A1AR tail did not affect adenylyl cyclase stimulation. Thus, selective activation of Gs is predominantly dictated by the NH2-terminal segment of the third intracellular loop of the A2aAR.
A HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE EAST: FROM ANTIQUITY TO THE PRESENT DAY

Book Reviewed: A History of the Middle East: From Antiquity to the Present Day / Georges Corm, Translated by Hala Khawam, (Garnet Publishing Ltd., 2010,) 229 pp.
The off-shell axial anomaly via the transition

Abstract The γ ∗ π 0 → γ form factor, including the extension off the pion mass-shell, is obtained from a generalized impulse approximation within a QCD-based model field theory known to provide an excellent description of the pion charge form factor. This approach implements dressing of the vertices and propagators consistent with dynamical chiral symmetry breaking, gauge invariance, quark confinement and perturbative QCD. Nonperturbative behavior at the real photon vertex is found to generate a logarithmic correction to the large spacelike-q2 behavior.
Scaling laws predict global microbial diversity

Scaling laws underpin unifying theories of biodiversity and are among the most predictively powerful relationships in biology. However, scaling laws developed for plants and animals often go untested or fail to hold for microorganisms. As a result, it is unclear whether scaling laws of biodiversity will span evolutionarily distant domains of life that encompass all modes of metabolism and scales of abundance. Using a global-scale compilation of ∼35,000 sites and ∼5.6⋅106 species, including the largest ever inventory of high-throughput molecular data and one of the largest compilations of plant and animal community data, we show similar rates of scaling in commonness and rarity across microorganisms and macroscopic plants and animals. We document a universal dominance scaling law that holds across 30 orders of magnitude, an unprecedented expanse that predicts the abundance of dominant ocean bacteria. In combining this scaling law with the lognormal model of biodiversity, we predict that Earth is home to upward of 1 trillion (1012) microbial species. Microbial biodiversity seems greater than ever anticipated yet predictable from the smallest to the largest microbiome.
Reversing induced discrimination: Mechanism design and experiment

Research has shown that the higher penalties for discrimination under the Civil Rights Act of 1991 appear to have induced hiring discrimination. This occurs because employers use the proxy of protected group membership to identify high litigation risk employees in the absence of reliable indicators of true risk. This paper develops and tests a mechanism to reverse the induced discrimination. The mechanism creates a reliable signal of litigation risk to replace the imperfect proxy of protected group membership. This allows employers to reduce litigation risk without discriminating against protected groups. Experimental results indicate that the mechanism behaves as theory predicts. Accordingly, use of the mechanism could restore race/gender-blind hiring.