cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Survival and long-term cardiovascular outcomes after carotid endarterectomy in patients with chronic renal insufficiency.

Background Multiple studies have evaluated the perioperative outcomes of patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA), generally indicating worse survival and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes, although not consistently and with a paucity of long-term data. The present study addresses the perioperative and long-term impact of CRI on CV events and survival after CEA. Methods A cohort of consecutive patients treated with CEA between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2008, was analyzed based on medical records and Social Security Death Index. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was assessed at baseline. Renal function was used to divide patients into 3 groups: normal (GFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ), moderate CRI (GFR, 30–59), and severe CRI (GFR Results A total of 1,342 CEAs (mean age, 71.2 ± 9.2 years; 55.6% male; 35.3% symptomatic) were performed during the study period with a mean clinical follow-up of 57 months (median, 55; range, 0–155 months). Eight hundred sixty-eight (65%) patients had normal renal function, 414 (31%) had moderate CRI, and 60 (4%) had severe CRI (24 on dialysis). The combined 30-day stroke/death rates for the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups were 3.2% and 1.4% (normal renal function), 5.7% and 2.6% (moderate CRI), and 14.3% and 10.3% (severe CRI), respectively, with the differences being significant only for the severe-CRI group. At 5 years, the severe-CRI group experienced significantly more coronary events (36.9% vs. 16.3%, P P P P P = 0.007), cerebrovascular events (HR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.44–6.74; P = 0.004), and mortality (HR, 4.36; 95% CI, 3.00–6.34; P P = 0.002). The need for noncardiac vascular interventions was equally distributed among all the groups. Conclusions Severe but not moderate CRI is associated with poor perioperative outcomes and is an independent predictor of CV events and death at 5 years after CEA. The decision to perform CEA in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with severe CRI should be individualized given the poor reported outcomes.
Mentors at Work

Practitioners and researchers agree on the importance of mentors, even though the spontaneous creation of mentors and proteges is little understood. The mentor‐protege creation process is addressed, and the individual and organisational benefits, and the role of proteges in the relationship, are discussed. Also discussed is the need for mentoring and mentors, explaining how informal, even chance encounters, can grow into strong relationships that benefit both parties and their organisation. Special emphasis is given to the protege′s role and likely road‐blocks to the formation of these important relationships.
Romantic Product Salesmen: A Bygone Occupation

Romantic product salesmen sold what now are popularly known as “sex toys” but in their day were called “marital or sex aids.” They plied their trade in the Bible Belt and served a primarily male clientele. By playing on their clientele’s sexual ignorance and sexist attitudes, romantic product salesmen were able to sell merchandise that ironically, increased rather than decreased their customers’ sexual frustration at outrageously inflated prices. With the spread of X-rated bookstores to the Bible Belt in the mid-1960s, this little-known and secretive occupation vanished from the American cultural landscape.
Preferential oxidation of acetoacetate by the perfused heart.

Abstract It has been well established that heart muscle can oxidize ketone bodies and fatty acids ( Barnes, et , al , 1938 ; Bing, et , al , 1954 ; Ballard, et , al , 1960 ; Shipp, et , al , 1961 ). We wish to report results of experiments which provide direct evidence that acetoacetate is oxidized in preference to glucose by the myocardium.
The category effect in visual search: Practice effects on catch trials

Two experiments involved searching for digit or letter targets in displays of letters. On a catch trial following between-category search (for a digit among letters), a digit other than the target was presented in the display. The occurrence of incorrect target-present responses and slow, correct target-absent responses on this catch-trial decreased as the amount of preceding practice increased. This practice effect was not accompanied by shifts in decision criteria predicted from explanations of the category effect that stress between- and within-category differences in physical resemblance. Also, the effect of practice on catch trials was not accompanied by changes in speed of category-level vs. specific-level identification predicted from level-of-identification explanations of the category effect. An alternative explanation was proposed. It distinguished between attention to attributes shared by members of the target’s category (resulting in the catch-trial effect) and attention to attributes specific to the target (resulting in its elimination as a function of practice).
Application of blue-green and ultraviolet micro-LEDs to biological imaging and detection

This paper reviews authors' laboratory's work on the development of nitride-based blue–green and ultraviolet microscale LED devices with particular classes of imaging and spectroscopic applications in cellular level biology. Starting from neuroscience, we illustrate the utility of blue–green micro-LEDs for voltage-sensitive dye imaging of individual neural cells, as well as their ultraviolet counterparts for photostimulation of neurons. Arrays of micro-LEDs are also shown to be useful in projecting spatiotemporal patterns of photoexcitation to study the visual system development in living animals. As another illustration of the utility of the emerging nitride microdevice technology, we demonstrate the application of UV micro-LED arrays in bio-sensing technology as the core of a real-time fluorescence spectroscopy biowarning system.
A new small signal MESFET and HEMT model compatible with large signal modeling

We present a new, fully symmetric, small signal device model for GaAs MESFETs and HEMTs. This model is compatible with large signal device models since it represents the small signal limit of a device's nonlinear behavior at any given bias point. The model is fully symmetric due to the incorporation of two transcapacitances C/sub m1/ (in parallel with C/sub gs/) and C/sub m2/ (in parallel with C/sub dg/) and by replacing the traditional output conductance g/sub ds/ with a new voltage controlled current source G/sub m2/ with time delay T/sub 2/. Model fits of measured S parameter data to 50 GHz are shown where our new model accurately fits the data and traditional models fail. >
Optical reflectivity of solid and liquid methane: Application to spectroscopy of Titan's hydrocarbon lakes

] Reflectance spectroscopy of outer solar system bodiesprovides direct observations for interpreting their surfacecompositions. At Titan, the Cassini spacecraft revealeddark patches in the surface reflectance at 2 and 5 mm,interpreted as hydrocarbon lakes forming seasonallythrough a methane cycle. Whereas the composition ofplanetary materials in the solar system has been inferredfrom characteristic absorption bands, identification ofphase states (liquid versus solid) on dynamic planetarysurfaces requires laboratory reflectance ratio measurementsat relevant temperatures. Using visible and near-infraredradiation from the National Synchrotron Light Source(NSLS), reflectance ratios of solid (single crystal) versusliquid CH
Nonlinear system control using neural networks based on trajectory linearization

A nonlinear control technique using neural networks based on trajectory linearization control (TLC) is proposed. Trajectory linearization control is a novel control design method that combines a dynamic inversion and linear time-varying feedback stabilization along a nominal trajectory. In this paper, the TLC design procedure using neural networks model is developed, and the stability and robustness are analyzed. Simulation results are presented to show the feasibility of the proposed method.
Influence of season on dietary composition, intake, and digestion by beef steers grazing mixed-grass prairie in the northern great plains

We used six beef steers (377 +/- 12.7 kg) to evaluate the effect of advancing season on dietary composition, forage intake, and digestion. Six 10-d sample collections were conducted from mid-June to mid-December 1995. Diet quality data demonstrated a linear (P < .01) decline in CP and in vitro OM digestibility (IVOMD), whereas NDF, ADF, acid detergent-insoluble CP (ADICP; percentage of CP), and undegradable intake protein (UIP; percentage of CP) increased linearly (P < .01) with advancing season. Fecal output and ruminal OM fill (percentage of BW) demonstrated linear and cubic responses (P < .10) across the grazing season. Intake of OM (percentage of BW) followed quadratic and cubic (P < .10) patterns across season. Rate (percentage per hour) of in situ NDF disappearance (ISNDFD) decreased and lag time increased linearly (P < .01) with advancing season. Likewise, quadratic (P < .07) and cubic (P < .06) responses were observed for rate and lag time of ISNDFD. The rapidly degraded CP fraction increased (P < .10) linearly, and the rate of in situ CP disappearance (ISCPD) followed a linear and quadratic decrease (P < .10) with advancing season. In summary, these data indicate decreases (P < .10) in dietary CP, IVOMD, ISNDFD, and ISCPD with advancing season. In addition, seasonal increases (P < .10) in forage NDF, ADF, ADICP, UIP (percentage of DM) and fecal output were observed and correspond to the grazing of increasingly mature forage. These data suggest that mixed-grass range forage consumed by cattle in western North Dakota during November and December is deficient in degradable intake protein (DIP). Investigation of protein supplementation (particularly DIP) during these times is warranted.
The Bilevel Reticular Action Model for Path Analysis with Latent Variables

A two-level (hierarchical) model for path analysis with latent variables is described, together with some properties of a computer program written to implement the model. A simple illustrative example is given.
Gross motor and balance impairments in children and adolescents with epilepsy

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of age, seizure type and anticonvulsant medication protocol on balance and motor proficiency in 21 subjects with epilepsy (aged seven to 17 years) who did not have mental retardation or cerebral palsy. The Bruininks-Oseretsky balance subtest and a force platform with computer-controlled feedback of the center of force were used to evaluate balance and goal-oriented motion during static and dynamic motor tasks. These motor proficiency and balance assessments may be useful to 'unmask' deficits in motor performance associated with epilepsy, assist the evaluation of anticonvulsant side-effects, and serve as one guide for developing a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
POLYADENYLATION OF mRNA IN PROKARYOTES

The 3′-ends of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic mRNA are polyadenylated, but the poly(A) tracts of prokaryotic mRNA are generally shorter, ranging from 15 to 60 adenylate residues and associated with only 2–60% of the molecules of a given mRNA species. The sites of polyadenylation of bacterial mRNA are diverse and include the 3′-ends of primary transcripts, the sites of endonucleolytic processing in the 3′ untranslated and intercistronic regions, and sites within the coding regions of mRNA degradation products. The diversity of polyadenylation sites suggests that mRNA polyadenylation in prokaryotes is a relatively indiscriminate process that can occur at all mRNA's 3′-ends and does not require specific consensus sequences as in eukaryotes. Two poly(A) polymerases have been identified in Escherichia coli. They are encoded by unlinked genes, neither of which is essential for growth, suggesting significant functional overlap. Polyadenylation promotes the degradation of a regulatory RNA that inhibits the repli...
Carl L. Nelson: The Interrogator (1910–2007)

During the 1940s–1970s, Carl Nelson was an imposing figure, literally and figuratively, in American academic accounting. With high expectations for his students, he taught several generations of accountants, practitioners, and professors. He made accounting exciting and provocative by encouraging his students to critique GAAP, to explore alternatives to conventional accounting wisdom, and to search for substance in transactions regardless of form. He urged his students to question every thing, regardless of who said or wrote it. As a classroom professor and a reviewer of academic works, he was at times a harsh critic. As an advisor to students, he was generally helpful, if not gracious. Carl Nelson was most assuredly a rare breed in accounting academe. This paper examines his controversial teaching approach and considers his legacy.
A Patient's Guide to Knee and Hip Replacement. Everything You Need to Know. Irwin Silber. New York, Simon and Schuster, 1999. A Fireside Book. $13.00, 252 pp.

This book is based primarily on the personal experiences of the author, who underwent two knee replacements and one hip replacement in a one-year period of time. Silber discusses what he did when his arthritis first became symptomatic and describes some of the useful (and …
Comparative Enzyme Induction and Lindane Metabolism in Rats Pre-treated with Various Organochlorine Pesticides

1. The comparative effect of 7 days pre-treatment with one of seven organo-chlorine pesticides on the metabolism of lindane in vivo and on the metabolism of EPN, p-nitroanisole and methyl orange in vitro was investigated.2. Mirex was the most potent inducer of the oxidative hydrolysis of EPN, the O-demethylation of p-nitroanisole and the azo reduction of methyl orange. Chlordane and DDT were equipotent followed by hexachlorobenzene, toxaphene, pentac and penphene. Enzyme activity of rats pre-treated with the latter three pesticides was not significantly higher than that of controls.3. DDT stimulated significantly greater metabolism of lindane than did pre-treatment with any of the other six pesticides. In general DDT, mirex, chlordane and hexachlorobenzene were the most effective activators of lindane metabolism followed by toxaphene, pentac and penphene. Only pre-treatment with penphene failed to stimulate a significantly higher excretion of radio-labelled lindane metabolites than that excreted by contro...
Mouse betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase deficiency reduces body fat via increasing energy expenditure and impairing lipid synthesis and enhancing glucose oxidation in white adipose tissue.

Betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase (BHMT) catalyzes the synthesis of methionine from homocysteine. In our initial report, we observed a reduced body weight in Bhmt−/− mice. We initiated this study to investigate the potential role of BHMT in energy metabolism. Compared with the controls (Bhmt+/+), Bhmt−/− mice had less fat mass, smaller adipocytes, and better glucose and insulin sensitivities. Compared with the controls, Bhmt−/− mice had increased energy expenditure, with no changes in food intake, fat uptake or absorption, or in locomotor activity. The reduced adiposity in Bhmt−/− mice was not due to hyperthermogenesis. Bhmt−/− mice failed to maintain a normal body temperature upon cold exposure because of limited fuel supplies. In vivo and ex vivo tests showed that Bhmt−/− mice had normal lipolytic function. The rate of 14C-labeled fatty acid incorporated into [14C]triacylglycerol was the same in Bhmt+/+ and Bhmt−/− gonadal fat depots (GWAT), but it was 62% lower in Bhmt−/− inguinal fat depots (IWAT) compared with that of Bhmt+/+ mice. The rate of 14C-labeled fatty acid oxidation was the same in both GWAT and IWAT from Bhmt+/+ and Bhmt−/− mice. At basal level, Bhmt−/− GWAT had the same [14C]glucose oxidation as did the controls. When stimulated with insulin, Bhmt−/− GWAT oxidized 2.4-fold more glucose than did the controls. Compared with the controls, the rate of [14C]glucose oxidation was 2.4- and 1.8-fold higher, respectively, in Bhmt−/− IWAT without or with insulin stimulus. Our results show for the first time a role for BHMT in energy homeostasis.
Somewhat More than Governors Need to Know about Trigonometry

We observed that we can construct a trig table for each natural number d by including precisely those rational angles θ such that cos θ and sin θ algebraic of degree at most d. For d = 1, the table...
Psoas muscle size as a frailty measure for open and transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Abstract Objective To evaluate the use of sarcopenia as a frailty assessment tool for patients with aortic stenosis undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods The study cohort comprised 295 patients who underwent either SAVR (n = 156) or TAVR (n = 139). The mean preoperative Society of Thoracic Surgeons mortality risk score was 4.7%. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were used to calculate gender-standardized total psoas area (TPA), as a validated measure of sarcopenia. Results For the entire cohort, independent predictors of a composite measure of 30-day death, stroke, renal failure, prolonged ventilation, and deep wound infection included preoperative STS major morbidity and mortality risk score (odds ratio [OR], 91.1; P = .02) and TPA (OR, 0.5; P = .024). Two-year survival was 85.7% in patients with sarcopenia, compared with 93.8% in patients without sarcopenia ( P = .02). Independent predictors of late survival included TPA (hazard ratio, 0.47; P = .02). Male sex (OR, 0.52; P = .04) and TPA (OR, 0.6; P = .001) were predictive of high resource utilization. A separate analysis by treatment group found that TPA predicted high resource utilization after SAVR (OR, 0.4; P P = .66). Conclusions CT scan–derived measurement of TPA as an objective frailty assessment tool predicts early morbidity and mortality, high resource utilization, and late survival after treatment for aortic stenosis. The correlation observed between sarcopenia and resource utilization after SAVR versus TAVR suggests that this simple and reproducible risk assessment tool also may help identify those patients who will derive optimal benefit from catheter-based therapy.
Neurogenic vasodilator control of rabbit ear blood flow

Ear blood flow subserves thermoregulation in the rabbit. The purpose of this study was to determine if the increase in rabbit ear blood flow, in response to increases in internal temperature (Ti) of approximately 2 degrees C (38.0-40.0 degrees C), is due to an active vasodilation or a withdrawal of adrenergic vasoconstrictor activity. New Zealand White rabbits were chronically instrumented with a pulse Doppler flow probe on the central ear artery of the left and right ear for the measurement of ear blood flow velocity (EBF, kHz). Catheters were also positioned in one occipital artery for selective administration of an alpha 1-adrenergic antagonist to one ear, while the contralateral ear served as a control. During hyperthermia (H) (increase in rectal temperature) alpha 1-adrenergic blockade had no effect on the maximum EBF (5.95 +/- 0.87 before vs. 6.11 +/- 1.04 kHz after). However, alpha 1-adrenergic blockade increased resting EBF during normothermia from 0.18 +/- 0.04 to 1.23 +/- 0.27 kHz (P less than 0.05), suggesting that a decrease in alpha 1-adrenergic tone may account for approximately 20% of the increase in EBF during heating. The second protocol was designed to determine if blockade of the auricular nerve would alter EBF response to H. During maximum EBF during H, saline or procainamide was injected in the tissue surrounding the auricular nerve. Injection of procainamide decreased EBF from 5.99 +/- 0.87 to 0.48 +/- 0.19 kHz, while injection of saline had no effect on EBF of the contralateral ear (4.33 +/- 1.16 before vs. 3.97 +/- 1.04 kHz after).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Short-Term Quality-of-Life Changes after Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery Rated with SNOT-22.

Objective Little data exist on short-term quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes, specifically sinonasal measures, after endoscopic pituitary surgery. Design Prospective case series assessed sinonasal QOL before and after the transnasal endoscopic approach to the sella with resection of nasal cavity and sinus tissues. Setting/Participants/Main Outcome Measures A total of 39 adults scheduled to undergo resection for a pituitary mass preoperatively completed the Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22). Rating various QOL issues, testing repeated postoperatively at 1 month by 37 patients and 3 months by 35 patients, was analyzed (paired Student t test). Results SNOT-22 scores (5-point scale; total: 110) averaged 23.4 preoperatively and 27.6 at 1 month but had significantly improved to 16.2 at 3 months (p = 0.03). Emotional well-being parameters (e.g., sadness, frustration, concentration, productivity, fatigue) significantly improved 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). Physiologic parameters (e.g., olfaction, obstruction, postnasal drainage) that had worsened at 1 month (< 0.05) then normalized at 3 months. Conclusion Total ratings for sinonasal QOL shows that SNOT scores were comparable between preoperative and 1-month testing but were improved significantly at 3 months. Individual questions showed marked improvement in emotional well-being and temporary physiologic changes after surgery. Our findings give surgeons information about what patients can expect immediately after transnasal endoscopic pituitary surgery.
A Geometrical Approach to Probability

(1964). A Geometrical Approach to Probability. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 37, No. 5, pp. 287-296.
Study of Liftoff Mechanism of Nonpremixed Jet Flame near Unity Schmidt Number

Nonpremixed jet flames of dimethyl ether (DME) were studied both experimentally and theoretically to investigate flame liftoff near unity Schmidt number. It was found experimentally that although the DME nonpremixed flames have a Schmidt number larger than unity it cannot be lifted directly by increasing the flow rate. Lifted flames can only be established by igniting the mixture in a narrow region downstream of the jet at low flow rates. The results also show that the liftoff flow rate is less than that of the blowout limit of the attached flame. Theoretically, the self-similar Landau-Squire solution for a round jet is revisited and the combined effects of stretch and flame curvature on triple flame propagation speed were considered. It was found that the critical Schmidt number for liftoff shifts around unity. The critical Schmidt number is less than unity for fuel Le numbers larger than 0.5 and larger than unity for Le numbers less than 0.5.
Surveillance on Individuals Exposed Hydrophobia in Huizhou City From 2006 to 2007

Objective To investigate the status of individuals injured by animals in Huizhou,find out the related factors,and provide the scientific evidence for hydrophobia control. Method The data of the individuals of hydrophobic exposure in Huizhou during the period of 2006～2007 were collected to conduct statistical analysis. Results The hydrophobic exposure rate was slightly higher in males than that in females in Huizhou from 2006 to 2007.The annual average exposure rate was 23.4/10,000,and the peak time of hydrophobic exposure was from June to August.Most of injuries were distributed in single site of extremities,and the wounds of 93.2% exposed individuals were treated.The dominating animal was dog,and which one dog attacked several individuals also occurred during the two years. Conclusions The annual rate of hydrophobic exposure in Huizhou is 22.7/10,000 in 2006 and 24.1/10,000 in 2007 respectively.The preventive inoculation can effectively control hydrophobia occurrence,and the government should connect the relative departments including health,public security,and animal husbandry to pay more attention and strengthen the managing-immunizing-destroying policy,meanwhile the effective intervention including health propaganda,wound treatment and preventive inoculation should be enhanced.
192 AN UNUSUAL RADIOGRAPHIC PRESENTATION OF IDIOPATHIC CHRONIC EOSINOPHILIC PNEUMONIA

Pulmonary eosinophilic diseases are a heterogeneous group of infiltrative lung diseases characterized by abnormally increased numbers of eosinophils within the lung parenchyma and sometimes blood eosinophilia. The typical radiographic finding is a photographic negative of pulmonary edema. We report a case with an unusual chest x-ray. A 48-year-old man with a history of mild chronic asthma for 8 years presented with progressively worsening shortness of breath and dry cough. He had no significant past medical history and was a lifetime non-smoker. On initial examination, he was oriented with no cyanosis or clubbing and was not in acute distress. He was afebrile with stable vitals and a respiratory rate of 18/min. Chest auscultation was significant for diffuse bilateral wheezing. Heart sounds were audible with no murmurs or gallop. No extremity edema, skin rashes or lymphadenopathy were noted. Laboratory values revealed a white cell count of 4.4 k/cmm (4.5-10.5 k/cmm) with normal hematocrit and platelets. Abnormally elevated eosinophil count of 28% (0-8%) was noted. Rest of the lab values were normal. Chest x-ray showed a slight fullness in the left suprahilar region and left upper lobe. CT scan of the chest confirmed a 2.3 × 1.6 cm irregular soft tissue mass in the medial left upper lobe. PET scan revealed an intense uptake in the left upper lobe lung lesion. Pulmonary function test showed a mild ventilator defect. A bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage showed neutrophilia with greater than 40% eosinophils. Transbronchial biopsy as well as CT guided FNAC of the left upper lung mass showed numerous tissue eosinophils with Charcot laden crystals. Later lab test showed an elevated IgE of 2362 IU/mL (0-158 IU/mL) but precipitin antibody test and the skin test for Aspergillus was negative. The specific IgG and IgE to Aspergillus was also negative. The sputum culture was negative for fungal, mycobacterial, and bacterial cultures. Four weeks of empiric prednisone therapy were initiated as patient refused an open lung biopsy. The lung mass disappeared and symptoms improved with the treatment. ICEP is a rare disorder with nonspecific symptoms. It is important to exclude other causes of eosinophilic pneumonias. Awareness of wide spectrum of clinical manifestation and prompt treatment would cure the symptoms and avoid unnecessary invasive tests and interventions.
Occult traumatic rupture of the uterus followed by spontaneous rupture in subsequent pregnancy; a case report.

Abstract All efforts and objectives in obstetrics are aimed primarily at the protection of the mother and the baby. With the recognition of obstetrics as a science and art basic principles of the mechanism of labor were the first to be studied. Disproportion, relative or absolute, with the classical picture of prolonged labor and risk of rupture is seldom seen today with the availability of modern obstetrical care. The answer to the problem of disproportion has been cesarean section. Rupture of the uterus is not always associated with the problem of disproportion. Malpresentations managed by version and extraction have proved to be the greatest single cause of traumatic rupture of the uterus. Donnelly reports 39 cases of ruptured uteri in 101,127 deliveries and of these 12 were traumatic ruptures, and 8 were caused by version and extraction. Rupture of the uterus may be classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and rupture of the scar of previous cesarean sections. The case reported represents a combination of an occult traumatic rupture of the uterus followed by a spontaneous rupture in a subsequent pregnancy. The purpose of this case report is to point out that an occult rupture of the uterus can and does occur, but is probably reported as a spontaneous rupture in a following pregnancy. A diagnostic sign in the immediate puerperium, namely, shoulder pain due to pneumoperitoneum, if recognized, can establish a diagnosis of rupture of the uterus.
Resolution of Up to Eighteen Chlorophyll-Protein Complexes from Vascular Plant Thylakoids Using a New Green Gel System

The complexity of the thylakoid membrane frequently necessitates its separation into component parts before meaningful analysis may be carried out. Thylakoid fractionation, typically via disruption of the bilayer with detergents, and subsequent manipulations required for various analytical techniques, always raises the question of the extent to which the solubilized experimental material is representative of the in vivo state. We report here on the application of a new native green gel system to five higher plant species. This system resolves as many as eighteen chlorophyll-protein complexes with very little release of free pigment and with a degree of preservation of subunit-subunit interactions that has not been obtainable with previous systems, suggesting that this system yields a more accurate picture of the native condition of the membrane. The system was originallydeveloped for use with Chlamydomonas thylakoids, from which up to twenty chlorophyll-protein complexes may be resolved (Allen and Staehelin, these Proceedings).
Concrete, the Gigaphase Ceramic: Its Key Role in Environmentally-Friendly Technology

Publisher Summary This chapter explores that cement and concrete constitute the largest volume manufactured materials in the world: therefore, it is a significant source of carbon dioxide. This is the result of decarbonation of limestone in the kiln during manufacturing and use of fossil fuel in the kiln. Recent advances have led to the development of new families of high-performance cementitious materials, including very high-strength materials. Some of these materials cross the boundaries of what have been defined as traditional cementitious materials, and the term “Chemically Bonded Ceramics (CBCs)” has been used to classify these new materials. CBCs are ceramic-like materials formed as the result of chemical reactions occurring at or near ambient temperatures. Nanoscale structures that are ubiquitous in nature and have been utilized in industry for decades have received a great deal of attention in materials science. Yet the increasing impact of both the worldwide manufacturing of some 1000 million tons of cement, and the creation of several hundred million tons of fly ash have been ignored. This chapter discusses new science connected to the cement industry, including that which could point the way to non-CO2 generating cementitious reactions.
Rare Cardiomyopathy Phenotypes Associated with Mutations in Myosin Light Chains

We report here on two rare phenotypes of dilated (DCM) and restrictive (RCM) cardiomyopathy linked to mutations in myosin light chains. The D94A (Aspartic acid→Alanine)-DCM mutation was found in the regulatory (RLC), and E143K (Glutamic acid→Lysine)-RCM in the essential (ELC) light chains. 5 mo-old D94A mice showed increased LV diameter but only D94A-males (M) displayed lower ejection fraction (35±0.6%) compared with WT-RLC-M (63±8%). Invasive hemodynamic evaluation showed lower cardiac output in and higher Ea (arterial elastance, mmHg/µl) in D94A-M mice. X-ray studies on papillary muscles from D94A-mice showed reduced I1,1/I1,0 (equatorial reflections’ ratio at SL=2.3µm: 0.30±0.02) vs. WT-RLC (0.46±0.07) indicating repositioning of D94A-cross-bridges farther away from actin. Contractile force measurements in skinned muscle fibers revealed a decreased Ca-sensitivity in D94A-RLC vs. WT-RLC, confirming X-ray results and indicating that higher [Ca2+] is needed for activation by D94A-cross-bridges. The E143K-RCM hearts did not show hypertrophic morphology compared with WT-ELC hearts. However, a severe RCM phenotype was observed in Masson's trichrome stained heart sections from E143K-ELC mice with profound fibrosis and sarcomere irregularities (Z-line streaming and M-line vanishing) in 11 mo-old E143K mice by transmission electron microscopy. RT-qPCR revealed upregulation of ANF, BNP and collagen-type1&3, but α-MHC gene expression was downregulated. In vivo examination of E143K-hearts showed higher end-diastolic-pressure and Tau (relaxation time) and lower dP/dtmin (relaxation velocity), indicating diastolic dysfunction in the mutant vs. WT-ELC mice. In addition, we noted slightly elevated contractile force, lower Ca2+-sensitivity and reduced myofibrillar-ATPase activity in E143K vs. WT-ELC mice. Higher maximal force was paralleled by decreased lattice spacing in E143K vs. WT-ELC fibers in X-ray experiments. In conclusion, both mutations in RLC and ELC cause disruption of sarcomere structure followed by impairment of cardiac function. Supported by NIH-HL108343 (DSC) and AHA-15PRE23020006 (CCY).
"I still feel like i am not normal": a review of the role of stigma and stigmatization among female survivors of child sexual abuse, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence

Child sexual abuse (CSA), sexual assault (SA), and intimate partner violence (IPV) occur within social contexts that shape how survivors judge themselves and are evaluated by others. Because these are gendered sexual and intimate crimes that violate social norms about what is appropriate and acceptable, survivors may experience stigma that includes victim-blaming messages from the broader society as well as specific stigmatizing reactions from others in response to disclosure; this stigmatization can be internalized among survivors as self-blame, shame, and anticipatory stigma. Stigma and stigmatization play an important role in shaping survivors' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as they recover; their risk of revictimization; and their help-seeking and attainment process. In this review, we synthesize recent CSA, SA, and IPV research ( N = 123) that examines female survivors' self-blame, shame, internalized stigma, and anticipatory stigma as well as negative social reactions in response to survivors' disclosure. We highlight critical findings as well as implications for research, practice, and policy, and we note gaps in our current knowledge.
Evaluation and Treatment of Circadian Rhythm Disorders in Parkinson's Disease (PD): Practice Patterns (P04.148)

OBJECTIVE: To assess the current treatment practices of clinicians caring for PD patients with complaints suggestive of a circadian rhythm sleep disorder (CRSD). BACKGROUND: Circadian dysfunction in PD patients may contribute to complaints of insomnia and daytime fatigue. Studies show treatment for CRSD may improve sleep, mood, and motor function in PD. Clinicians treating PD patients may be inadequately trained in the assessment and management of CRSD. DESIGN/METHODS: American Academy of Neurology members were randomly selected to complete an anonymous online survey assessing sleep management in PD patients. Results were collected and analyzed using chi square analyses. Trainees9 responses were excluded from analyses. RESULTS: There were 174 responses. Of these, 42% were movement disorder (MD) specialists, 28.2% general neurologists, 16.7% sleep specialists, 5.7% other specialists and 7.5% trainees. Participants included those who primarily practiced in an academic hospital (47.1%), community based hospital (14.9%), and those in private practice (urban 29.4%; rural 8.6%). Over 50% of those surveyed saw >20 PD patients/month; most noted sleep complaints in at least 25% of PD patients. Sleep specialists were more likely than others to use sleep diaries (p CONCLUSIONS: Although sleep diaries are the recommended method for assessing CRSD, they are sub-optimally utilized by practitioners. Scheduled phototherapy is effective in treating CRSD, but is infrequently prescribed in PD patients with CRSD. Educational programs could bridge this knowledge gap. Disclosure: Dr. Qureshi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lucido has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lyo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shanker has nothing to disclose.
Dentin on the nanoscale: Hierarchical organization, mechanical behavior and bioinspired engineering

Abstract Objective Knowledge of the structural organization and mechanical properties of dentin has expanded considerably during the past two decades, especially on a nanometer scale. In this paper, we review the recent literature on the nanostructural and nanomechanical properties of dentin, with special emphasis in its hierarchical organization. Methods We give particular attention to the recent literature concerning the structural and mechanical influence of collagen intrafibrillar and extrafibrillar mineral in healthy and remineralized tissues. The multilevel hierarchical structure of collagen, and the participation of non-collagenous proteins and proteoglycans in healthy and diseased dentin are also discussed. Furthermore, we provide a forward-looking perspective of emerging topics in biomaterials sciences, such as bioinspired materials design and fabrication, 3D bioprinting and microfabrication, and briefly discuss recent developments on the emerging field of organs-on-a-chip. Results The existing literature suggests that both the inorganic and organic nanostructural components of the dentin matrix play a critical role in various mechanisms that influence tissue properties. Significance An in-depth understanding of such nanostructural and nanomechanical mechanisms can have a direct impact in our ability to evaluate and predict the efficacy of dental materials. This knowledge will pave the way for the development of improved dental materials and treatment strategies. Conclusions Development of future dental materials should take into consideration the intricate hierarchical organization of dentin, and pay particular attention to their complex interaction with the dentin matrix on a nanometer scale.
Achievement of Body Mass Index Specific Weight Gain Recommendations: Impact on Preterm Birth in Twin Pregnancies.

Objective To determine whether achievement of body mass index specific weight gain recommendations is associated with reduced preterm birth or neonatal morbidity among twin gestations. Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study of twin gestations delivered at the Medical University of South Carolina from 2000 to 2010. In total, 588 women in all prepregnancy body mass index categories who delivered ≥24 weeks' gestation were included. Women were grouped as achieved or underachieved based on total weight gain and gestational age at delivery. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between the groups. Results Body mass index specific weight gain goals were achieved by 59.9% of women. The achieved group had a 1.5-fold reduction in the rate of preterm birth Conclusion Achievement of body mass index specific weight gain goals improves preterm birth rates, neonatal birthweights, and composite neonatal outcomes in women carrying twins.
P221 Home parenteral nutritional support in paediatric chronic intestinal failure – a single asian centre experience

Background Parenteral nutrition (PN) is the mainstay of treatment in children with chronic intestinal failure. We review our experience in home parenteral nutrition and describe outcomes of long term home PN therapy. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted by retrieving clinical records of patients with primary digestive diseases who were on home parenteral nutrition between July 2014 to July 2016. Results 13 patients (4 boys, 9 girls) received PN for more than 2 months. Out of these, 8 patients required PN therapy for more than 6 months. Main indications for long-term PN included chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction syndrome (CIPOS, 38%), short bowel syndrome (SBS, 54%) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, 8%). Median age for initiation of PN was 1.7 years. Median duration of PN therapy was 1.4 years. 6 patients (46%), all with SBS, were successfully weaned off PN. One of the major complications of long term PN was central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). Incidence of CLABSI was 5.3 per 1000 catheter days. After implementation of use of Taurolidine-citrate solution (TCS), a catheter-lock solution, incidence of CLABSI improved with a pre and post-TCS CLABSI rate ratio of 0.17 (95% CI 0.04–0.52, p Conclusions PN is a safe and crucial modality of treatment in children with chronic intestinal failure. SBS forms the largest subgroup in our paediatric intestinal failure population. However, patients in this subgroup were also more likely to be weaned off PN. Incidence of CLABSI can be effectively controlled with introduction of TCS. Incidence of IFALD can also be reduced with SMOF and other new lipids.
YAP1 and COX2 coordinately regulate urothelial cancer stem-like cells

Overcoming acquired drug resistance remains a core challenge in the clinical management of human cancer, including in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB). Cancer stem-like cells (CSC) have been implicated in the emergence of drug resistance but mechanisms and intervention points are not completely understood. Here we report that the pro-inflammatory COX2/PGE2 pathway and the YAP1 growth regulatory pathway cooperate to recruit the stem cell factor SOX2 in expanding and sustaining the accumulation of urothelial CSC. Mechanistically, COX2/PGE2 signaling induced promoter methylation of let-7, resulting in its downregulation and subsequent SOX2 upregulation. YAP1 induced SOX2 expression more directly by binding its enhancer region. In UCB clinical specimens, positive correlations in the expression of SOX2, COX2, and YAP1 were observed, with co-expression COX2 and YAP1 particularly commonly observed. Additional investigations suggested that activation of the COX2/PGE2 and YAP1 pathways also promoted acquired resistance to EGFR inhibitors in basal-type UCB. In a mouse xenograft model of UCB, dual inhibition of COX2 and YAP1 elicited a long-lasting therapeutic response by limiting CSC expansion after chemotherapy and EGFR inhibition. Our findings provide a preclinical rationale to target these pathways concurrently with systemic chemotherapy as a strategy to improve the clinical management of UCB.
Overlapping molecular signaling of IRX-2 and Ta1 resulting in synergistic biological activity.

With the recent approvals of immune therapies such as checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor cell therapy, the development of immune modulators for cancer therapy has been given new li...
The association of hospital visits with executive functioning among childhood cancer survivors.

133Background: Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk of executive dysfunction related to treatment. In addition to the direct effect of treatment, hospital visits may also impact develop...
The Study of Interatomic Potentials by Planar Channeling Experiments

A model is described which permits experimental data on the energy losses of ions transmitted through planar channels in thin monocrystalline targets to be used to study interatomic potentials in the separation region near 1 A. The method depends upon the empirical observation that the rate of energy loss of such ions is a linear function of their transverse oscillation frequency in traversing the channel. The techniques are illustrated by application to some recent data on the channeling of several ions in gold, silver, and silicon.
Nanomechanical Properties of ALD Hafnium Oxide (HfO 2 ) on Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) and Strained Silicon-on-Insulator (sSOI) Films

Hafnium oxide is used as replacement for silicon oxide as a gate insulator in field-effect transistors [1]. HfO2 is used as a high-κ dielectric in DRAM capacitors and in advanced metal-oxide-semiconductor FET devices and in optical coatings [2]. Thin films of hafnium oxide (HfO2) were deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) and benchmarked against strained-silicon-on-insulator (sSOI). Both types of films have been tested for surface morphology, crystal structure and nanomechanical properties. The nanomechanical properties have been tested using a nanoindenter from Keysight equipped with a three sided Berkovich diamond tip. The crystalline structure has been verified using X-ray diffraction. The surface morphology has been examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the film thickness was verified using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) as indicated by the cross-sectional FE-SEM image as shown in Figure 1. We will discuss the structural and mechanical properties of the films citing the superiority of the ALD technique that is particularly used in the fabrication of the films that are presented in this study. References Intel (11 November 2007). "Intel's Fundamental Advance in Transistor Design Extends Moore's Law, Computing Performance".Zhu, C. Tang, L. R. C. Fonseca, and R. Ramprasad 47, 7399 (2012). Figure 1
Bhopal’s Ecological Gothic: Disaster, Precarity, and the Biopolitical Uncanny: by Pramod K. Nayar, Lanham, MA: Lexington Books, 2017, 182 pp., $90 (hardcover), ISBN 978-1-4985-4045-2

In the last decade, ecocriticism has become a major research area within the field of postcolonial studies. The Union Carbide gas leak in Bhopal in 1984 has played a pivotal, if understated, role i...
Types of Sedentary Behavior and Risk of Cardiovascular Events and Mortality in Blacks: The Jackson Heart Study

Background Previous cross‐sectional studies have shown conflicting results regarding the effects of television viewing and occupational sitting on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The pur...
Spontaneous Remission in a Patient With Acute Myeloid Leukemia Leading to Undetectable Minimal Residual Disease

Although rare, spontaneous remission (SR) of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been reported in the literature, the underlying mechanisms driving remission remain unknown. However, it is most commonly associated with a preceding severe infection. We present a case of a 40-year-old man with no past medical history who presented to our hospital with severe left hip pain and fevers and was found to have AML. Chemotherapy was delayed because the patient required extensive debridement and fasciotomy of his left hip and a prolonged course of antibiotics. After his acute illness had stabilized, a repeat bone marrow biopsy was performed which showed no abnormal myeloid blasts and resolution of his original cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities. At the time of this writing, our patient remains in remission with undetectable minimal residual disease (MRD), now 14 months from his initial diagnosis of AML.
Orbital energy mismatch engenders high-spin ground states in heterobimetallic complexes

The spin state in heterobimetallic complexes heavily influences both reactivity and magnetism. Exerting control over spin states in main group-based heterobimetallics requires a different approach as the orbital interactions can differ substantially from that of classic coordination complexes. By deliberately engendering an energetic mismatch within the two metals in a bimetallic complex we can mimic the electronic structure of lanthanides. Towards this end, we report a new family of complexes, [Ph,MeTpMSnPh3] where M = Mn (3), Fe (4), Co (5), Ni (6), Zn (7), featuring unsupported bonding between a transition metal and Sn which represent an unusual high spin electronic structure. Analysis of the frontier orbitals reveal the desired orbital mismatch with Sn 5s/5p primarily interacting with 4s/4p M orbitals yielding localized, non-bonding d orbitals. This approach offers a mechanism to design and control spin states in bimetallic complexes.
Nearest-Particle Systems

Nearest-particle systems are one-dimensional spin systems in which the flip rates depend on η in a certain way which we will now describe. Configurations η ∈ X = {0,1}Z1 will be given an occupancy interpretation: η(x) = 1 means that there is a particle at x, and η( x) = 0 means that x is vacant. For x ∈ Z1 and η ∈ X, let lx (η) and rx (η) be the distances from x to the nearest particle to the left and right respectively: $$ \begin{array}{*{20}c} {lx(\eta ) = x - \max \{ y x:\eta (y) = 1\} - x.} \\ \end{array} $$