cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nomadic Mobility, Migration, and Environmental Pressure in Eurasian Prehistory

This chapter explores the analytical utility in differentiating the practical impacts of mobility from historical processes of migration. Based on an archaeological examination of Holocene mobile pastoralists, the argument is made that mobility is a logistical and social strategy that need not result in cumulative “migratory” shifts of population. Nevertheless, mobility patterns are frequently diverse through time, which can in many cases lead to shifts in population, especially under environmental pressure or cases of resource restriction and isolation. It is in this sense that the ecology of mobility of Eurasian pastoralists holds utility in comparison and juxtaposition with Pleistocene populations who moved into North America.
An improved miniprotein host for fluorogenic supramolecular assembly on the surface of living cells

An improved miniprotein host capable of fluorogenic supramolecular assembly with a sI-Pht guest is reported. This improved host, termed 6.2.22, displays significant enhancements in both the EC50 for complexation and fluorescence activation of the sI-Pht guest, allowing for improved resolution of supramolecular complexation on the surface of living yeast.
Conventional Ethiodized Oil Transarterial Chemoembolization for Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Contemporary Single-Center Review of Clinical Outcomes

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to investigate the outcomes of conventional transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in contemporary clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS. In this single-institution retrospective study, 188 patients underwent conventional TACE for HCC between 2007 and 2013. Medical record and imaging review was used to collect baseline demographic and disease data, tumor response, time to progression (TTP), and progression-free survival (PFS) outcomes, as well as transplant-free survival, calculated from the time of the first conventional TACE treatment. Data were censored in April 2014. RESULTS. The study cohort included 140 men and 48 women (mean age, 60 years; Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer [BCLC] stage 0 = 5%, BCLC stage A = 41%, BCLC stage B = 28%, BCLC stage C = 15%, and BCLC stage D = 11%) with 207 index tumors (mean size, 4.0 cm; 11% with portal vein invasion) treated with a mean of 1.6 selective (79%) or lobar (21%) conventional...
Polyphonic Voice Multiplicity, Numerosity, and Musical Emotion Perception

Three experimental studies suggest that music with more musical voices (higher voice multiplicity ) tends to be perceived more positively. In the first experiment, participants heard brief extracts from polyphonic keyboard works representing conditions of one, two, three, or four concurrent musical voices. Two basic emotions (happiness and sadness) and two social emotions (pride and loneliness) were rated on a continuous scale. Listeners rated excerpts with higher voice multiplicity as sounding more happy, less sad, less lonely, and more proud. Results from a second experiment indicate that this effect might extend to positive and negative emotions more generally. In a third experiment, participants were asked to count (denumerate) the number of musical voices in the same stimuli. Denumeration responses corresponded closely with ratings for both positive and negative emotions, suggesting that a single musical feature or percept might play a role in both. Possible roles for both symbolic and psychoacoustic musical features are discussed.
Electrodeposited CIS-Based Solar Cell Materials

We have been investigating the synthesis of novel materials and device structures based on CuInSe2 or CIS system We are interested in developing CIS for use in thin film photoltaic solar cells used in space power systems. Non-stoichiometric native defects allow CIS to be selectively doped n or p type by controlling the Cu to In ratio. The Cu to In ratio of an electrodeposited CIS thin film is shown to be directly proportional to the deposition voltage. This behavior has allowed us to deposit different semiconductor-type films, pn junctions, and multilayer structures from the same aqueous solution. The affect of annealing in an Argon atmosphere and the addition of a wetting agent to our deposition solutions on the structural and electrical behavior of our films was measured. A dramatic improvement in the crystallinity, which was proportional to the annealing temperature was observed. The addition of a wetting agent to the solution was shown to improve the surface morphology and provide uniformity in the grain size. The electrical characterization of Schottky barriers on the CIS showed a decrease in several orders of magnitude of the carrier density with annealing. The ability to incorporate our CIS-based films in pn junction devices using CdS window layers was demonstrated by the rectifying current versus voltage behavior of these junctions.
Bootstrapping white matter segmentation, Eve++

Multi-atlas labeling has come in wide spread use for whole brain labeling on magnetic resonance imaging. Recent challenges have shown that leading techniques are near (or at) human expert reproducibility for cortical gray matter labels. However, these approaches tend to treat white matter as essentially homogeneous (as white matter exhibits isointense signal on structural MRI). The state-of-the-art for white matter atlas is the single-subject Johns Hopkins Eve atlas. Numerous approaches have attempted to use tractography and/or orientation information to identify homologous white matter structures across subjects. Despite success with large tracts, these approaches have been plagued by difficulties in with subtle differences in course, low signal to noise, and complex structural relationships for smaller tracts. Here, we investigate use of atlas-based labeling to propagate the Eve atlas to unlabeled datasets. We evaluate single atlas labeling and multi-atlas labeling using synthetic atlases derived from the single manually labeled atlas. On 5 representative tracts for 10 subjects, we demonstrate that (1) single atlas labeling generally provides segmentations within 2mm mean surface distance, (2) morphologically constraining DTI labels within structural MRI white matter reduces variability, and (3) multi-atlas labeling did not improve accuracy. These efforts present a preliminary indication that single atlas labels with correction is reasonable, but caution should be applied. To purse multi-atlas labeling and more fully characterize overall performance, more labeled datasets would be necessary.
Nucleation of open framework materials: Navigating the voids

Research aimed at designing and optimizing open framework materials for commercial applications tend to focus on two critical objectives: identifying synthesis conditions that yield crystals with tailored physicochemical properties, and unlocking the untapped design space to achieve theoretical structures that far outnumber the list of synthetically realized materials. Accomplishing these goals requires detailed knowledge of nucleation in order to cultivate efficient, facile, and economical methods of controlling crystallization. The vast number of open framework materials that can be engineered through the judicious selection of inorganic or organic building units hold the promise for future discovery of materials with unique and superior properties compared to available porous materials. Herein, we review what is known about the nucleation of open framework crystals, highlighting the voids in our understanding of nucleation pathways, and we offer guidelines for advancing crystal engineering in this exciting area of research.
Application of InvA-PCR in leptospirosis detection in Pan′an

Objective:To study the application of InvA-PCR in leptospirosis detection.Methods:Study on specificity and sensitivity of InvA-PCR and LS-PCR were carried out based on comparison of InvA and G1/G2(the primers were recommended by health industry standard),then InvA-PCR and LS-PCR were applied in leptospirosis identification of isolates in 2009 in Pan′an.Results:InvA-PCR had high sensitivity and specificity,and InvA can lead to specific amplification of pathogenic leptospira DNA,while the amplification was not found in other pathogens in this study.The identification result of leptospira isolates in 2009 by InvA-PCR was found to conform to that with serological method.When InvA-PCR was used on mice specimens,the positive rate was 5%,which was the same as the G1/G2.Conclusion:In leptospira detection,InvA-PCR can reveal the virus carrying rate of wild animals correctly and effectively and provide basis for control of leptospirosis.
A power sharing scheme for series connected offshore wind turbines in a medium voltage DC collection grid

This work introduces a new method for connecting offshore wind turbine generators (WTGs) in series when interfaced to a medium voltage DC (MVDC) collection grid. Limiting the series stacking to pairs of WTGs and introducing a power sharing converter (PSC) stage between them allows series connected WTGs to operate at independent power levels in a voltage sourced collection grid. This allows for reduced collection grid losses compared to previously proposed series connected current sourced approaches when operating below nominal power. Simulation results demonstrate system operation during a 1∶2 power unbalance between series connected WTGs. A 100 W, 100 Vdc three-phase lab-scale prototype input rectifer stage demonstrates proper WTG current shaping with >0.97 displacement power factor magnitude, as well as balanced DC link voltages.
Retail pharmacy policy to end the sale of tobacco products: what is the impact on disparity in neighborhood density of tobacco outlets?

Background: Population-level research on the implications of retail pharmacy policies to end the sale of tobacco products is scant, and the impact of such policies on racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities across neighborhoods in access to tobacco products remains unexplored. Methods: We investigated the association between neighborhood sociodemographic characteristics and tobacco retail density in Rhode Island (RI; N = 240 census tracts). We also investigated whether the CVS Health (N = 60) policy to end the sale of tobacco products reduces the disparity in the density of tobacco retail across neighborhoods, and we conducted a prospective policy analysis to determine whether a similar policy change in all pharmacies in RI (N = 135) would reduce the disparity in tobacco retail density. Results: The results revealed statistically significant associations between neighborhood sociodemographic characteristics and tobacco retail outlet density across RI neighborhoods. The results when excluding the CVS Health locations, as well as all pharmacies as tobacco retailers, revealed no change in the pattern for this association. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that while a commendable tobacco control policy, the CVS Health policy appears to have no impact on the neighborhood racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in the density of tobacco retailers in RI. Prospective policy analyses showed no impact on this disparity even if all other pharmacies in the state adopted a similar policy. Impact: Policy efforts aimed at reducing the disparity in access to tobacco products should focus on reducing the density of tobacco outlets in poor and racial/ethnic neighborhoods. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(9); 1305–10. ©2016 AACR.
Young children, sound-producing objects, and the shape bias

There is evidence that, when given simple musical instruments, young children construct pretend play episodes centered on the shape of the objects rather than their sounds. This attention to shape has also been observed when children learn the names of novel objects. Such a “shape bias”, when engaging in pretend play with instruments and during linguistic tasks, may indicate the possibility that shape is a perceptually important attribute across contexts. The aim of this study was to determine whether children favor shape, color, or sound when identifying a novel object.In two studies, 3- to 5-year-olds were shown target objects that were given a novel name and shared one attribute (e.g., shape, sound) with test objects. During one trial, the objects were shaken to produce sound, and during another, the children manipulated the objects in order to produce sounds. In both experiments, children selected based on shape significantly more often (p < .001) than chance rates, indicating a strong bias toward the...
Molecular and Dynamic Mechanism Underlying Drug Resistance in Genotype 3 Hepatitis C NS3/4A Protease.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV), affecting an estimated 150 million people worldwide, is the leading cause of viral hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV is genetically diverse with six genotypes (GTs) and multiple subtypes of different global distribution and prevalence. Recent development of direct-acting antivirals against HCV including NS3/4A protease inhibitors (PIs) has greatly improved treatment outcomes for GT-1. However, all current PIs exhibit significantly lower potency against GT-3. Lack of structural data on GT-3 protease has limited our ability to understand PI failure in GT-3. In this study the molecular basis for reduced potency of current inhibitors against GT-3 NS3/4A protease is elucidated with structure determination, molecular dynamics simulations and inhibition assays. A chimeric GT-1a3a NS3/4A protease amenable to crystallization was engineered to recapitulate decreased sensitivity of GT-3 protease to PIs. High-resolution crystal structures of this GT-1a3a bound to 3 PIs, a...
Retention but Significant Reduction of BCR-ABL Transcript in Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia after Imatinib Therapy.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is effectively treated with imatinib mesylate (IM), a small molecule inhibitor of the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase that is expressed in the entire hematopoietic compartment including stem cells (HSC) and progenitors in CML patients. While IM induces disease remission, it does not appear to eradicate BCR-ABL-positive stem cells. We analyzed the HSC/Progenitors profiles using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and investigated the minimal residual disease (MRD) in HSC and myeloid progenitors from patients with CML chronic phase (CP) after IM-therapy. HSC identified as CD34+CD38–Lin–, were separated to Thy-1+ (HSC/Thy-1+) and Thy-1– (HSC/Thy-1–) cells. HSC/Thy-1+ (CD34+CD38–Thy-1+Lin–), HSC/Thy-1– (CD34+CD38–Thy-1–Lin–), common myeloid progenitors (CMP: CD34+CD38+IL-3Rα+CD45RA–Lin–), granulocyte–macrophage progenitors (GMP: CD34+CD38+IL-3Rα+CD45RA+Lin–), and megakaryocyte–erythroid progenitors (MEP: CD34+CD38+IL-3Rα–CD45RA– Lin–) were isolated by cell sorting and MRD was quantified with real-time polymerase chain reaction detecting BCR-ABL transcripts. FACS analysis revealed higher levels of the HSC/Thy-1– cells and progenitors (CD34+CD38+Lin– cells) in bone marrow from patients with CML CP than in normal bone marrow although the level of long-term HSC in CML CP was similar with normal bone marrow. After the IM-therapy the proportion of progenitor pools (CD34+Lin– cells) within Lin– were remarkably reduced, especially that of HSC/Thy-1– cells and progenitor cells. The proportion of MEP was increased and that of GMP was decreased in bone marrow from patients with CML CP as compared with their normal counterparts. BCR-ABL positive progenitors in bone marrow were eradicated within 12 month in 5 out of 9 patients. BCR-ABL positive cells, however, remained in the stem cell population. They were positive even after achieving undetectable levels of BCR-ABL transcript in total RNA isolated from the bone marrow. The ratio of BCR-ABL to BCR was significantly decreased with the continuation of imatinib, however the retention of BCR-ABL-positive cells was observed in HSC/Thy-1– or HSC/Thy-1+ populations except one out of 9 cases. These results indicated retention but significant reduction of BCR-ABL positive stem cells in CML during IM-therapy. They also implicate that the sorted and purified stem cells are useful for more sensitive quantification of BCR-ABLpositive MRD.
557. Targeted CYBB Minigene Insertion into the CYBB Locus for Correction of X-CGD iPSCs Requires Intronic Elements for Expression

X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD) is an immune deficiency characterized by defective phagocyte production of microbicidal reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in recurring, life-threatening infections and hyper-inflammation. Mutations causing X-CGD span the entire 13 exons or intronic splice sites of the >30-kb CYBB gene encoding gp91phox, resulting in a loss of gp91phox protein expression. We previously tested a TALEN-mediated targeted gene therapy approach to insert a codon-optimized CYBB minigene into the start site of endogenous CYBB. Although targeted insertion into the endogenous start site was achieved in X-CGD patient iPSCs, little or no gp91phox expression or ROS activity was observed upon granulocyte differentiation, suggesting that downstream intronic or regulatory elements may be necessary for efficient gene expression from the CYBB promoter. To test this hypothesis, we tested CRISPR-mediated targeted insertion of a codon-optimized CYBB cDNA consisting of exons 2 through 13 (CYBB2-13) together with a puromycin-resistance gene cassette into exon 2 of the CYBB locus. In iPSCs from X-CGD patients with a CYBB mutation in exon 5, exon 7, or intron 10, the efficiency of targeted insertion of the CYBB2-13 plasmid donor without random inserts in puromycin-selected clones was 50-66%. Upon granulocyte differentiation of CYBB2-13 corrected X-CGD iPSCs, gp91phox expression and ROS production were restored to levels 64-100% (gp91phox) and 68-76% (DHR) of normal healthy donor controls. As expected for expression from the endogenous CYBB promoter, expression of gp91phox was specific to CD13+ granulocytes, and was undetected in undifferentiated iPSCs. This targeted gene therapy approach should allow correction of ~90% of X-CGD patient mutations (those involving mutations in exons 2 through 13), to restore ROS activity while maintaining normal regulation of CYBB expression. Further, these findings demonstrate a key issue for the design of targeted gene insertion to capture expression from an endogenous promoter: for some endogenous promoters, the inclusion of intronic elements is necessary for efficient expression of the insert.
Monitoring Prevalence, Treatment, and Control Of Metabolic Conditions In New York City Adults Using 2013 Primary Care Electronic Health Records: A Surveillance Validation Study

Introduction: Electronic health records (EHRs) can potentially extend chronic disease surveillance, but few EHR-based initiatives tracking population-based metrics have been validated for accuracy. We designed a new EHR-based population health surveillance system for New York City (NYC) known as NYC Macroscope. This report is the third in a 3-part series describing the development and validation of that system. The first report describes governance and technical infrastructure underlying the NYC Macroscope. The second report describes validation methods and presents validation results for estimates of obesity, smoking, depression and influenza vaccination. In this third paper we present validation findings for metabolic indicators (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes). Methods: We compared EHR-based estimates to those from a gold standard surveillance source – the 2013-2014 NYC Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NYC HANES) – overall and stratified by sex and age group, using the two one-sided test of equivalence and other validation criteria. Results: EHR-based hypertension prevalence estimates were highly concordant with NYC HANES estimates. Diabetes prevalence estimates were highly concordant when measuring diagnosed diabetes but less so when incorporating laboratory results. Hypercholesterolemia prevalence estimates were less concordant overall. Measures to assess treatment and control of the 3 metabolic conditions performed poorly. Discussion: While indicator performance was variable, findings here confirm that a carefully constructed EHR-based surveillance system can generate prevalence estimates comparable to those from gold-standard examination surveys for certain metabolic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Conclusions: Standardized EHR metrics have potential utility for surveillance at lower annual costs than surveys, especially as representativeness of contributing clinical practices to EHR-based surveillance systems increases.
Unconventional large linear magnetoresistance in Cu2−xTe

We report a large linear magnetoresistance in Cu2−xTe, reaching Δρ/ρ(0) = 250% at 2 K in a 9 T field, for samples with x = 0.13 to 0.22. These results are comparable to those for Ag2X materials, though for Cu2−xTe the carrier densities are considerably larger. Examining the magnitudes and the crossover from quadratic to high-field linear behavior, we show that models based on classical transport behavior best explain the observed results. The effects are traced to the misdirection of currents in high mobility transport channels, likely due to behavior at grain boundaries such as topological surface states or a high mobility interface phase. The resistivity also exhibits a T2 dependence in the temperature range where the large linear MR appears, an indicator of electron-electron interaction effects within the high mobility states. Thus this is an example of a system in which electron-electron interactions dominate the low-temperature linear magnetoresistance.We report a large linear magnetoresistance in Cu2−xTe, reaching Δρ/ρ(0) = 250% at 2 K in a 9 T field, for samples with x = 0.13 to 0.22. These results are comparable to those for Ag2X materials, though for Cu2−xTe the carrier densities are considerably larger. Examining the magnitudes and the crossover from quadratic to high-field linear behavior, we show that models based on classical transport behavior best explain the observed results. The effects are traced to the misdirection of currents in high mobility transport channels, likely due to behavior at grain boundaries such as topological surface states or a high mobility interface phase. The resistivity also exhibits a T2 dependence in the temperature range where the large linear MR appears, an indicator of electron-electron interaction effects within the high mobility states. Thus this is an example of a system in which electron-electron interactions dominate the low-temperature linear magnetoresistance.
Neuron lasers: Calcium imaging of spontaneous neuronal activities

Optical recording of calcium transients during spontaneous neuronal activities was first demonstrated via “neuron lasers” with a significantly improved sensitivity. This work provides a novel approach for monitoring neuronal network dynamics and on-chip neurophotonic applications.
Standing Rock Doesn’t Stand Alone: The Health Care Battle Across Native America

The article discusses the author's views about access to health care for Native Americans as of 2017, and it mentions how various members of the Standing Rock Sioux Indian tribe protested the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Tribal health care and the treatment of medical conditions such as hypothermia and cardiac arrest are examined. The 1954 U.S. Menominee Termination Act is assessed, as well as America's Indian Health Service.
Experimental evaluation of the extended Dytlewski-style dead time correction formalism for neutron multiplicity counting

Abstract Over the past few decades, neutron multiplicity counting has played an integral role in Special Nuclear Material (SNM) characterization pertaining to nuclear safeguards. Current neutron multiplicity analysis techniques use singles, doubles, and triples count rates because a methodology to extract and dead time correct higher order count rates (i.e. quads and pents) was not fully developed. This limitation is overcome by the recent extension of a popular dead time correction method developed by Dytlewski. This extended dead time correction algorithm, named Dytlewski–Croft–Favalli(DCF), is detailed in reference Croft and Favalli (2017), which gives an extensive explanation of the theory and implications of this new development. Dead time corrected results can then be used to assay SNM by inverting a set of extended point model equations which as well have only recently been formulated. The current paper discusses and presents the experimental evaluation of practical feasibility of the DCF dead time correction algorithm to demonstrate its performance and applicability in nuclear safeguards applications. In order to test the validity and effectiveness of the dead time correction for quads and pents, 252Cf and SNM sources were measured in high efficiency neutron multiplicity counters at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and the count rates were extracted up to the fifth order and corrected for dead time. In order to assess the DCF dead time correction, the corrected data is compared to traditional dead time correction treatment within INCC. The DCF dead time correction is found to provide adequate dead time treatment for broad range of count rates available in practical applications.
Komentarz do artykułu „Dla kogo i o czym? Muzeum Polin, historiografia Żydów a Żydzi jako «sprawa polska»” Kamila Kijka [Commentary on the article “For whom and about what? The Polin Museum, Jewish historiography and Jews as a 'Polish cause'” by Kamil Kijek]

Commentary on the article For whom and about what? The Polin Museum, Jewish historiography and Jews as a “Polish cause” by Kamil Kijek The text is a short commentary on the article For whom and about what? The Polin Museum, Jewish historiography and Jews as a “Polish cause” by Kamil Kijek, reconstructing and deconstructing the author’s argument. Komentarz do artykulu Dla kogo i o czym? Muzeum Polin, historiografia Żydow a Żydzi jako "sprawa polska” Kamila Kijka Tekst jest krotkim komentarzem do artykulu Dla kogo i o czym? Muzeum Polin, historiografia Żydow a Żydzi jako „sprawa polska” Kamila Kijka, rekonstruującym i dekonstruującym argumenty autora.
Using Language-Specific and Bilingual Measures to Explore Lexical–Grammatical Links in Young Latino Dual-Language Learners

Purpose This study examined the nature of the relation between language-specific vocabulary and conceptual lexical–semantic skills with grammatical abilities within and across languages in preschoo...
Densification of Thermally Treated Energy Cane and Napier Grass

Densification of thermally treated energy crops by torrefaction is required to increase the bulk density and to reduce the handling, transport, and storage cost for bioenergy applications. In this study, we investigated the densification characteristics of thermally treated energy cane and napier grass grown on marginal lands at various applied forces and binder levels. The addition of starch (0, 10, and 15%) and lignosulfonate (0, 5, and 10%) was examined to enhance the strength and durability of raw and torrefied briquettes, respectively. Although the use of starch binder relatively increased the bulk density, it did not improve the hardness and durability of untreated energy crop briquettes. The addition of 10% lignosulfonate binder increased the torrefied briquette density of up to 11% for energy cane and up to 38% for napier grass and decreased the compression energy by up to 35% for both samples. Moreover, the hardness (compressive resistance) was tripled, and the durability was relatively improved for both torrefied briquettes. The increase in applied force not only increased the bulk density but also increased the specific energy required for densification. However, there was no substantial change in hardness and durability when the compression force was increased from 15 to 20 kN for all samples. In overall, densification of thermally treated energy crops is required, and the quality of the briquettes can be improved by the use of appropriate binders for efficient handling, transport, and storage.
Seminal fluid metabolome and epididymal changes after antibiotic treatment in mice.

Paternal environment can induce detrimental developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) effects in resulting offspring and even future descendants. Such paternal-induced DOHaD effects might originate from alterations in a possible seminal fluid microbiome (SFM) and composite metabolome. Seminal vesicles secrete a slightly basic product enriched with fructose and other carbohydrates, providing an ideal habitat for microorganisms. Past studies confirm the existence of a SFM that is influenced by genetic and nutritional status. Herein, we sought to determine whether treatment of male mice with a combination of antibiotics designed to target SFM induces metabolic alterations in seminal vesicle gland secretions (seminal fluid) and histopathological changes in testes and epididymides. Adult (10- to 12-week-old) National Institutes of Health (NIH) Swiss males (n = 10 per group) were treated with Clindamycin 0.06 mg/kg day, Unasyn (ampicillin/sulbactam) 40 mg/kg day and Baytril (enrofloxacin) 50 mg/kg day designed to target the primary bacteria within the SFM or saline vehicle alone. Fourteen-day antibiotic treatment of males induced metabolomic changes in seminal vesicles with inosine, xanthine and l-glutamic acid decreased but d-fructose increased in glandular secretions. While spermatogenesis was not affected in treated males, increased number of epididymal tubules showed cribriform growth in this group (7 antibiotic-treated males: 3 saline control males; P = 0.01). Antibiotic-treated males showed more severe cribriform cysts. Current findings suggest antibiotic treatment of male mice results in seminal fluid metabolome and epididymal histopathological alterations. It remains to be determined whether such changes compromise male reproductive function or lead to DOHaD effects in resulting offspring.
The National Intelligence Service – Murder and Mayhem: A historical account

Cet article retrace quelques affaire montrant que differentes pratiques relevant du crime organise font partie des methodes utilisees par les services secrets americains (Central Intelligence Agency, CIA)
The Failing SHHF Rat Heart

The SHHF/Mccfa cp (SHHF) rat is a reliable genetic model of congestive heart failure secondary to essential hypertension. These animals are closely related to the SHR (spontaneously hypertensive rat), but unlike the SHR, all animals, male and female, develop fatal congestive heart failure, most in the second year of life. SHHF rats are now being widely used by the pharmaceutical industry to evaluate potential therapeutic agents for preventing the maladaptive ultrastructural and biochemical remodeling associated with cardiac hypertrophy and the progression to failure. SHHF rats have also proved to be useful for mechanistic studies of the contractile and signaling abnormalities associated with heart failure. The failing SHHF rat heart is hypertrophied, dilated, fibrotic, and exhibits a pronounced decline in fractional shortening in vivo as measured by M-mode echocardiography. The response to s-adrenoceptor stimulation is markedly blunted; there is evidence to suggest a decline in excitation-contraction coupling gain; and there is a decline in maximal Ca2+ activated force per cross sectional area. Isolated perfused failing SHHF hearts exhibit a predisposition to develop mechanical alternans, a negative force-frequency response and altered electromechanical restitution. Comparable abnormalities are seen in human heart failure, making the SHHF rat an ideal small animal model for investigating the natural history of cardiac hypertrophy, the transition to failure, and the unique properties of the failing myocardium.
Purification and physical analysis of Bacillus anthracis plasmids pXO1 and pXO2

Virulent strains of Bacillus anthracis contain two large plasmids. pXO1 encodes the three component protein exotoxin and pXO2 is necessary for synthesis of the poly-D-glutamic acid capsule. A procedure for the isolation of these plasmids which yields high quantities of pure DNA is described. Restriction endonuclease analysis of these plasmids shows that they are not related. pXO1 is 174 kilobase pairs and pXO2 is 95 kilobase pairs. From their bouyant densities and melting temperatures we also determined their GC contents. pXO1 contains 31.1% GC base pairs and pXO2 is 31.4% GC. Both of these values are close to the GC content of B. anthracis genomic DNA which is 32.2%.
Primary open-angle glaucoma is not associated with photoreceptor loss.

Purpose. To determine if photoreceptors die in primary open-angle glaucoma. Methods. Retinas were examined in a masked fashion from nine standard locations of 14 eyes with documented open-angle glaucoma and from nine age-matched control eyes. The number and density of photoreceptors, as well as the area and height of the outer nuclear layer, were calculated with an automated image analysis system. The number of photoreceptors per 0.1 mim of retina was determined. Results. No significant difference was seen between control and glaucomatous eyes in comparisons of photoreceptor density, outer nuclear layer height, or photoreceptors per 0.1 mm of retinal length in nine retinal zones. There was no detectable association betwxeen photoreceptor number and severity of glaucoma (defined as mild, moderate, or severe), visual field, and opec nerve fiber loss. In eyes in which damage predominated in the upper or lower visual field, no corresponding difference in photoreceptor number in upper compared to lower retinal zones was observed. Conclusion. Photoreceptors are not lost in substantial numbers in primary open-angle glaucoma
Binding of A Bacillus Thuringiensis Delta Endotoxin to the Midgut of the Tobacco Hornworm (Manduca Sexta)

Upon sporulation the gram-positive bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.), produces parasporal crystals. These crystals contain insecticidal proteins, called delta-endotoxins. Since more than thirty years B.t. preparations have been successfully used as biological insecticides. However their limited field stability and the rather narrow insecticidal spectrum of B.t. strains used in commercial formulations were important limitations to a more extensive use. With the successful expression of a B.t. delta endotoxin-gene in a tobacco plant (Vaeck et al., 1987), the possibility to apply B.t. delta-endotoxins in a totally new strategy for plant protection was demonstrated. This resulted in a new interest for the toxin from molecular biologists and biochemists.
Erratum to "Ankle brachial index and cognitive function among Hispanics/Latinos: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos." [Atherosclerosis 271 (April 2018) 61-69].

Author(s): Tarraf, Wassim; Criqui, Michael H; Allison, Matthew A; Wright, Clinton B; Fornage, Myriam; Daviglus, Martha; Kaplan, Robert C; Davis, Sonia; Conceicao, Alan S; Gonzalez, Hector M | Abstract: In the above article, Fig. 1 was repeated and the correct Fig. 2 was omitted. Please find below the correct Fig. 2. The Publisher apologises for this error. [Figure presented]
Assay development and marker validation for marker assisted selection of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum race 1 in watermelon

Fusarium wilt, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON), of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a fungal pathogen that causes significant yield losses in the US watermelon industry. FON damages watermelon through invasion of the root system and remains a difficult pathogen to manage due to its long-lasting survival spores which persist in the soil. Chemical control options for this pathogen are lacking, making development of genetic resistance the best option. There are four known races of FON (0, 1, 2, and 3) which are distinguished based on their pathogenicity of differential cultivars. Most modern cultivar releases have FON race 1 (FON-1) resistance, which has been mapped on the end of chromosome 1. Application of marker assisted selection (MAS) would improve the efficiency of FON-1 resistance breeding. In order to identify markers for selection in the FON-1 region, the QTL-seq method was utilized on an F2 population segregating for FON-1 resistance. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in the region were developed into Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP™) assays and tested for trait association on the segregating F2:3 population. Marker validation was done using an F2 population from a cross between FON-1 susceptible “New Hampshire Midget” and FON-1-resistant “Calhoun Gray.” Further validation on a panel of susceptible and resistant cultivars and Plant Introductions identified SNP marker UGA1_502161 as a useful marker for selection of FON-1 resistance from Calhoun Gray.
99mTc-Tilmanocept Versus 99mTc-Sulfur Colloid in Lymphoscintigraphy: Sentinel Lymph Node Identification and Patient-Reported Pain

Lymphoscintigraphy plays a vital role in sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification in oncologic breast surgery. The effectiveness of SLN localization and the degree of patient pain were compared between filtered 99mTc-sulfur colloid (99mTc-SC) and 99mTc-tilmanocept. Methods: A retrospective review of patients undergoing lymphoscintigraphy for breast cancer using 99mTc-SC (June 1, 2010, to December 31, 2011) or 99mTc-tilmanocept (June 1, 2013, to January 31, 2014) was performed. SLN appearance time and uptake, SLN pathology, proportion of positive SLNs removed, and pain scores were compared for each radiopharmaceutical using the χ2 test, Fisher exact test, and unequal variance t test, as appropriate. Results: In total, 76 patients, with 86 evaluated axillae, underwent lymphoscintigraphy: 29 with 99mTc-SC and 47 with 99mTc-tilmanocept. The mean SLN appearance time was 11.0 min for 99mTc-SC and 19.3 min for 99mTc-tilmanocept (P = 0.003). There was no difference in the mean transit uptake percentage: 2.2% for 99mTc-SC and 1.9% for 99mTc-tilmanocept (P = 0.55). 99mTc-tilmanocept identified a greater proportion of intraoperative blue nodes than did 99mTc-SC (P = 0.03). There was no significant difference between 99mTc-SC and 99mTc-tilmanocept in the number of SLNs removed, number of patients with positive SLNs, or pain score. Conclusion:99mTc-SC use in lymphoscintigraphy is an acceptable alternative to 99mTc-tilmanocept for SLN detection in breast cancer, on the basis of the similarity in intraoperative SLN identification and pain scores.
Do All Roads Lead to 2-Phenylethanol in Populus?

Plants emit scented volatile compounds to attract pollinators, or alternatively, as direct or indirect plant defense mechanisms. Direct defense involves compounds that are toxic, whereas an indirect defense uses volatiles to attract parasitoids of insect herbivores ([Unsicker et al., 2009][1]; [Maag
Impact of Adrenal Hormone Supplementation on Bone Geometry in Growing Teens With Anorexia Nervosa.

Abstract Purpose Adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) have decreased dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and estrogen concentrations that may contribute to skeletal deficits. We sought to determine whether DHEA + estrogen replacement (ERT) prevented bone loss in young adolescents with AN. Methods We recruited females with AN (n = 70, ages 11–18 years) into a 12-month, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Participants were randomized to oral micronized DHEA 50 mg + 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol/.1 mg levonorgestrel daily (n = 35) or placebo (n = 35). Outcomes included serial measures of bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (total body, hip, spine) and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT; tibia). Magnetic resonance imaging of T1-weighted images of the left knee determined physeal status (open/closed). Results Sixty-two subjects completed the trial. Physeal closure status was the strongest predictor of aBMD changes. Among girls with open physes, those who received DHEA + ERT showed a decline in BMD Z-scores compared with those receiving placebo, whereas there was no effect in those with at least one closed physis. Treatment did not affect any pQCT measures, regardless of physeal closure status. Conclusions Combined DHEA + ERT did not significantly improve dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or pQCT BMD measurements in young adolescent girls with AN, in contrast to an earlier trial showing benefit in older adolescents and young women. In girls with open physes, the mean change in the placebo arm was greater than that of the DHEA + ERT group. We conclude that DHEA + ERT is ineffective for preserving bone health in growing young adolescents with AN at the dose and route of administration described in this report.
Association of a Lean Surgical Plan of the Day With Reduced Operating Room Time for Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction.

Importance Inefficiency in the operating room (OR) is detrimental to the patient, the hospital, and the surgeon. Head and neck procedures requiring microvascular reconstruction are complex, lengthy operations in which prolonged operative time is associated with higher complication rates and increased costs. Objective To use Lean methodology to identify potential OR efficiency improvement opportunities for head and neck surgical cases involving free tissue transfer, to implement an intervention, the free flap plan of the day, and to evaluate OR times after implementation. Design, Setting, and Participants Phase 1: In 2015, with the assistance of the Lean Promotion Office at our institution, a tertiary academic medical center, we identified efficiency-improvement opportunities for 10 patients undergoing free flap reconstruction. Phase 2: A single intervention, the free flap plan of the day, was implemented on February 1, 2016. A retrospective medical record review of head and neck free flap reconstructions beginning 2 years before the implementation of the intervention and ending 2 years after the intervention was performed from February 1, 2014 until February 1, 2018 to analyze OR times, cost, and complications. Mean OR times were compared using thettest. Main Outcomes and Measures In-room-to-incision time and total OR time. Results Phase 1: The surgical procedures of 10 patients undergoing free flap reconstruction were observed by Lean specialists, and a time study with a process map was completed. Using this framework, major opportunities for decreasing intraoperative time waste were identified. Multiple communication breakdowns were seen to drive intraoperative time waste; therefore, a free flap plan of the day was created to improve communication between team members. Phase 2: 200 patients were included in the study and were categorized into 2 groups, no plan group (n = 104) and plan group (n = 96), based on whether the plan of the day was used or not. The age and sex distributions of the study participants were not collected. Mean in-room-to-incision time was 54.3 minutes for the no plan group and 47.2 minutes for the plan group (difference, 7.1 minutes; 95% CI, 3.8-10.4 minutes). Mean total OR time was 524.1 minutes for the no plan group and 467.4 minutes for the plan group (difference, 56.7 minutes; 95% CI, 23.6-89.6 minutes). Conclusions and Relevance Lean methodology was used to identify efficiency-improvement opportunities for head and neck free flap reconstruction procedures and to design a focused intervention. A free flap plan of the day was used in this study to improve communication between the OR team and was found to improve efficiency and be associated with reduced OR times.
Sentinel pelvic lymph node dissection by natural orifices transvaginal endoscopic surgery approach after indocyanine green dye detection in early endometrial cancer of posthysterectomy patient

There was a case of 57-year-old female who was done the natural orifices transvaginal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for benign disease. However, her biopsy result was Grade 1 endometrioid adenocarcinoma, and she was incidentally diagnosed as endometrial cancer. She was uneventful apart from that finding. She underwent the sentinel pelvic lymph node dissection with indocyanine green-guided NOTES approach for complete staging. This technique may be helpful to maximize the complete staging in early endometrial cancer as well as it can minimize the morbidity-related lymphadenectomy. In conclusion, in spite of a new technique for NOTEs, it can be safe and cost-effective for patients.
Controlled Ovarian Stimulation Protocols for IVF: From First IVF Baby in the United States and Beyond

The history of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fascinating one and is one of the greatest triumphs of medicine against natural limitations on human reproduction. Although the first IVF baby was conceived during a natural menstrual cycle, controlled ovarian stimulation is now fully integrated in the modern approach to IVF. Various concepts in reproductive physiology and a brief history of controlled ovarian stimulation and IVF in the world and in the United States are reviewed in this chapter.
Surveillance Imaging After Curative Intent Therapy for Lung Cancer.

Abstract • Brief description of lung cancer history, screening, and prognosis. • Discussion of curative intent treatment modalities including various types of systemic therapies, radiotherapy, and surgical resection. • Review of the complications associated with common treatment modalities. • Brief overview in defining treatment response to definitive therapy. • In depth review of the current clinical evidence and practices as well as upcoming modalities for surveillance imaging after curative intent lung cancer treatment.
Financial Satisfaction and Homeownership

This study investigates the relationship between homeownership and financial satisfaction. Using samples of non-retired individuals ages 25–64, this study examines three questions. First, what is the relationship between homeownership and financial satisfaction? Second, among homeowners, what is the relationship between holding a mortgage and financial satisfaction? Third, among mortgage holders, what is the relationship between having missed mortgage payments and financial satisfaction? Through the use of ordinary least squares regressions on non-pooled, cross-sectional data from the 2009, 2012, and 2015 waves of the U.S. State-by-State National Financial Capability Study, this study finds that homeownership is positively associated with financial satisfaction; among homeowners, having a mortgage is negatively associated with financial satisfaction; and among mortgage holders, having missed a mortgage payment is positively associated with financial satisfaction. The positive association between having missed a mortgage payment and financial satisfaction is counterintuitive and warrants further investigation. Potential factors contributing to this unexpected relationship between having missed a mortgage payment and financial satisfaction—including measurement issues and endogeneity—are discussed. Policy makers may wish to consider the nuanced ways in which homeownership (positive) and having a mortgage (negative) are associated with financial satisfaction when developing policies which promote homeownership.